Structural Guidelines Released for Part 9 Buildings
APEGBC has released two documents relating to the design and construction of housing and other small buildings classified under part 9 of the 2006 BC Building Code (BCBC). The first is a guide for local authorities, homeowners and developers. The second, intended for professional engineers, is the Guidelines for Professional Structural Engineering Services for Part 9 Buildings in British Columbia.
The intent of the Guidelines for Professional Structural Engineering Services for Part 9 Buildings in British Columbia is to establish standards of practice that members should follow to fulfill their professional obligations with regards to design requirements for Part 9 buildings.
The Association’s Seismic Risk Task Force had previously voiced concerns regarding lateral stability design requirements for buildings under Part 9 of the BCBC due to wind and earthquake loading. One of the specific issues of concern related to the increasing use of large open areas in single-family homes with vast expanses of glass and few supporting walls to provide the necessary rigidity. Due to the BCBC not explicitly requiring that Part 9 buildings be designed for lateral loads, the Association’s Division of Structural Engineers (DSE)* recommended that APEGBC provide guidance in this area for members as well as stakeholders (homeowners, municipalities and developers).
Accordingly, the DSE prepared the Guidelines for Professional Structural Engineering Services for Part 9 Buildings in British Columbia for members of APEGBC carrying out such work. The Building Codes Committee and the Consulting Practice Committee also provided their input on the guidelines. The Guideline has gone through legal review and has been approved by Council for members’ use.
The Guidelines for Professional Structural Engineering Services for Part 9 Buildings in British Columbia, as well as the Structural Design Issues for Housing and Small Buildings in British Columbia guide for municipalities, homeowners and developers are available on the APEGBC website at www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/ppdocs.html.
*The DSE was dissolved in December 2007 to form the Structural Engineers Association of British Columbia)