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BC Update: No.49 - Citation of updated structural design standard

15 December 2006: The Department is proposing to reference the updated structural design Standard AS/NZS 1170 Structural Design Actions in the Verification Method B1/VM1 for Building Code Clause B1 Structure, replacing the existing loading Standard NZS 4203.

The Department is seeking your comments by 16 March 2007.

The new Standard includes recent information on hazards, such as wind and earthquakes.  It updates New Zealand structural design criteria – in some parts of the country, design load levels will be higher, in others, lower.  The new Standards aims to better match design with updated understanding of risks.  (Note: There are no changes for houses designed to NZS 3604.)

The new Standard:

  • toughens the requirements for buildings of higher importance, such as hospitals, that need to continue working after disasters – helping disaster recovery
  • adjusts earthquake design levels for New Zealand buildings (while keeping the risk to building users the same throughout the country) – leading to buildings that are safer and better matched to local conditions
  • increases design load levels for some buildings where people gather – improving public safety
  • revises loadings for wind and snow – allowing for safer buildings
  • requires stronger traffic barriers in buildings (for example, parking buildings) – protecting building users.

The Department’s proposal requires a chartered professional engineer to sign off designs based on the new Standard.  The proposal recognises the skills and experience that only these professionals have.

The proposal is part of the Department’s work to update structural design Standards.  Future work will deal with concrete, steel and masonry.

Details of the proposal are available on the Department’s website. Hard copies of the consultation document can be requested by phoning 0800 242 243. 

Public consultation closes on 16 March 2007.  Submissions can be posted or delivered to:

Consultation Feedback – Compliance Document B1 Structure
Department of Building and Housing
Building Controls
PO Box 10-729
Wellington
New Zealand

or emailed to comments@dbh.govt.nz. 
Please put ‘Consultation Feedback – Compliance Document B1 Structure’ in the subject line

or faxed to (04) 494 0290.