Chasing
A chase is a groove or channel cut into an existing layer or substrate to accommodate services such as pipes or cables. Chasing is the act of cutting a chase and is usually undertaken in solid wall or solid floor construction.
The width of the chase will depend on the type and number of the services to be enclosed but typically is not usually wider than 100mm. It is not normal practice to cut chases for large size services such as rainwater or sewage pipes.
Chases can be cut into brick, plaster and concrete-block walls. They can also be cut into the screeds of concrete floors if no provision for pipes or cables was made at the design stage or if an unforeseen requirement has arisen.
Once the required pipe or cable is secured into the chase it can be concealed by plaster, cement mortar or other surface finish. Some services such as power cables, must be housed in protective tubing to separate them from plaster or other enveloping materials.
The process of creating a chase is likely to be undertaken by an electrician, or a plumber if a pipe is being installed in an existing structure.
In the case of stud, dry-wall and other hollow constructions, it may be possible to route services inside the void in the partition or wall, but this is not regarded as chasing.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from construction and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.