GUC – German University in Cairo
Architecture and Urban Design
ARCH 702 Legislation, Professional Practice and Contracts Fall 2017 Instructor: Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Building Codes and Regulations
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Introduction Building Codes & Regulations and: Public welfare Important for design
Compliance with them is essential Violation of them cause: -
injury to building users legal liability revocation of license ………. Jail!!!
Building Code History - World 1700 or 1800 B.C. Code of Hammurabi: "builders responsible for a structural collapse resulting in loss of life would loose their lives." Ancient Athens officials could condemn unsafe buildings
27 AD Rome: Amphitheater collapse results in laws about public buildings
Building Code History - World 1189 London: The Assize ( )محكمةof Buildings enacted Required firewalls 3’thick and 16’ tall 1630 Boston: “no man shall build his chimney with wood nor cover his roof with thatch.”
The Modern Building Code Complex document Protecting: -
building occupants, firefighters and emergency personnel, the building itself, and the community
From: - fire - structural collapse - health and safety hazards
The Purpose of Building Codes Provide minimum standards To safeguard life, limb, health, property and public welfare By regulating the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings within this jurisdiction.
3. Adoption Even if there is no code, architects are expected to use reasonable care in protecting health and welfare.
4. Coverage • Specific design and construction requirements, based on the occupancy, building height, floor area, availability of fire-fighting capacity, and other factors • Required fire resistance of structural elements, floor, ceilings, and fire and party walls • Restrictions on building height • Requirements for compartmentation (fire areas) • Fire protection systems • Flame-spread ratings for finishes
4. Coverage • Egress requirements, such as stairs, corridors, and doors • Access and egress requirements for disabled persons • Light, ventilation, and other indoor environment requirements • Requirements for energy conservation • Structural requirements for building components • Materials performance and specifications • Requirements for building services systems
5. Approaches Code provisions may be written in one of two ways: – Prescriptive requirements: methods and materials that must be used in the building (ex. Wall thickness) … Preferred by building officials …Easier to administer and enforce. – Performance requirements: Desired results (ex. Wall that withstand a certain amount of wind load) … Preferred by architects … Flexible
6. Standards • Standards by reference • Provide consistent approaches to products and processes. • Manufacturing and Performance guidelines developed by committees of those involved with materials.
7. Enforcement • Done by • Central agency • Building Department
• Activities • Review drawings • Issue building permits • Periodically inspect the project for conformance • Maintain public records
Jurisdiction السلطة القضائية • Once the building is occupied, the fire marshal assumes authority for continued safety. • To compensate for confusion caused by jurisdictional overlaps, the most conservative advice is to design according to the most restrictive requirements or to document any permit deviations.
Multiple permits A project may require several permits as it proceeds. Building permit: to begin construction Other permits: to close in a structure or to begin using plumbing or electricity Certificate of Occupancy: Before building may be occupied
Variances and appeals – Administrative (non judicial process) --- community boards – Seeking relief from requirements through variances, exceptions, and other mechanisms. – Variance applies only to the situation at hand; it does not create a precedent for subsequent projects.
Judicial relief – Through courts المحاكم – Once administrative appeals are exhausted, judicial relief can be sought. • Penalties Stop construction for noncompliance Civil liabilities Revocation of the license to practice architecture Fine Jail sentence !!!
8. Other Building Regulations Fire prevention codes and ordinances Housing codes and ordinances Health codes and ordinances (e.g. for restaurants and social clubs) Licensing requirements (e.g. for hospitals, nursing homes, dry cleaners, and day care centers)
Codes in Design Practice • The Architect's duty – An architect failing to design in compliance with the code or regulation may be subject to an allegation of negligence.
Codes in Design Practice • Using building codes in practice – The architect is challenged to fulfill the code's requirements while considering the best interests of the client's economic and functional needs.
Codes in Design Practice • Code search – To identify applicable codes, regulations, and standards for the project. – Code provision should be perceived as "ingredients" and not an "optional" layer of information for design. – Normally they allow multiple solutions
Codes in Design Practice • Schematic design – Codes provide fundamental design
parameters (site placement, building size, height, and interior layout) as well as design
and construction details.
Codes in Design Practice • Construction documents – It is essential that all code requirements be
checked and incorporated into the project as the project progresses through design
development into construction documents.
Egyptian Building Codes قانون البناء المصرى
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