International Codes
Following are some of the major International Building Codes have been discussed.
(1) General Building Codes
Each cover all aspects of building designing and construction. These codes use by structural designers to make safe and economical their structure while follow the criteria, data required the structural designing and bylaws of the countries they want to design and construct that structure. The following three (3) Codes are the International codes generally follows in different countries in the world for Civil Engineering Structure Designing. Almost every countries has its own building codes which is derived and modified these International Codes according to their countries geography, earthquakes and some other factor and parameters. These Codes specify the requirements of the governmental bodies for minimum design loads on structures and mininmum standards for construction.
(a) Uniform Building Code (UBC-97)
This is an international building code last updated in 1997 that’s why it is called UBC-97. This code is generally applied in USA and Asian Countries. It can be use anywhere in the world if it meets the criteria, data required by the designer and comply with the national and local governments bylaws. So every countries derived and modified these International Codes according to their countries geography, earthquakes and some other factor and parameters. They cannot apply these codes blindly.
(b) International Building Code (IBC-2000)
This code was established in 2000, that’s why it is called IBC-2000. This code is also applicable in different countries throughout the world if it meet the criteria, data required and the local government acceptance. So every countries derived and modified these International Codes according to their countries geography, earthquakes and some other factors and parameters. They cannot apply these codes blindly.
(c) Eurocode
This is an international building code. It is normally applicable in European countries, but it can also be apply in any countries if it meet the criteria, data required and the local government acceptance. So every countries derived and modified these International Codes according to their countries geography, earthquakes and some other factors and parameters. They cannot apply these codes blindly.
National Codes
Almost every country has its own building codes which is derived and modified these International Codes according to their country geography, earthquakes and some other factors and parameters. They cannot apply these codes blindly. So these derived and modified codes for the specific countries is called National Codes. I want to mention some examples of National Codes.
(a) Building Code of Pakistan (BCP)
BCP code is for Pakistan only and it is derived from UBC-97 because the data and information required for Pakistani Structure Designer was available in UBC-97. Especially the date required regarding earthquakes, so first of all Pakistan publish their Code in 2007 which is called “BCP-SP-07”. So they make little changes in the UBC-97 and publish their own code called BCP.
(B) Indian Standards Code (IS)
IS is the Indian codes for constructions and it is normally applicable in India only unless you make it checked all the criteria to use in any other countries. IS is further divided in many codes normally used for Structural Reinforced Concrete is IS-456-2000, National Building Code (NBC), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
(2) Design Codes or Building Codes for Specific Materials
These codes the cover design and Construction of structures using specific materials. These are the general guideline codes for specific materials. Design codes provides detailed technical standards and are used to established the actual structure design. The ultimate responsibility lies on Structural Engineer that how to apply these standards and his/her efficiency to Design any structure. These Codes include but not limited to:
- ACI: American Concrete Institute (Used for RCC structural materials, elements and structures all over the world for design of specific materials guidelines)
- AISC: American Institute of Steel Construction ( Manual for Steel Construction structures uses all over the world for general design guidelines)
- AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (Used for Road designing and Construction all over the world but it should comply with country geography and other parameters).
- AREA: American Railway Engineering Association (Manual for Railway Engineering).
- AFPA: American Forest and Paper Association ( National Design Association for Wood Construction).
- ASTM: American Society for Testing Materials ( general guideline and standards procedures for Testing materials use during Construction)
References
(1) Hibbeler, R.C. (2011), Structural Analysis. (8th Ed).
(2) Nilson et al.,(2003), Design of Concrete Structures. (13th Ed).
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