BC Update: No.5 - Structural engineering Practice Advisories published

24 Dec 2004: The Department of Building and Housing has initiated a series of Practice Advisories aimed at the various sectors of the building industry.

They are intended to remind that compliance with building standards is critical to the objective of the Building Code. The first six Practice Advisories have now been issued, covering certain structural engineering issues.

Concerns have been raised, notably by John Scarry in his open letter, around the need to improve areas of structural engineering practice.

Investigations by the Building Industry Authority, now the Department of Building and Housing, and Institution of Professional Engineers (IPENZ) confirmed concerns that some aspects of the design and construction of structural elements may not always have been carried out to an acceptable standard.

The safety of structures is vital to all communities and the Department has reviewed areas of concern. The structural Practice Advisories are aimed at maintaining and, where necessary, improving the quality and consistency of design, building consent review, construction and inspection.

These advisories cover:

• bending of steel reinforcement
• structural concepts and load paths
• cold-worked wire mesh
• connection design and detailing
• precast floor assemblies
• general design and construction practice.

The advisories can be downloaded from the Department website. Hard copy versions will be printed in early 2005 and further advice will be provided on how these can be obtained.

The Department has worked closely with SESOC (the structural technical interest group of IPENZ) in the development of these advisories. We encourage all those in the industry to do what they can to improve structural performance in their particular area. Structural engineers, building officials and those involved in the construction process should take special note of these Practice Advisories.

Dr Andrew Cleland, Chief Executive IPENZ, said the advisories would assist in minimising the number of mistakes and would contribute to the goal of getting building design right first time.

'Peer reviewed advice in a concise form will benefit structural engineers but even the best advice cannot abrogate the responsibilities of the engineer to choose the most appropriate practice for a particular situation' he said.

Barry Davidson, President of SESOC, urges all SESOC members to support the content and spirit of the notes.

Dr David Hopkins, Senior Technical Adviser for the Department, said the Department is working actively to influence industry behaviour and practice.

'We are seeking to provide guidance for all steps in the process of creating Code-compliant buildings,' he said.

The Department will issue further Practice Advisories from time to time in response to emerging concerns on any aspect affecting the compliance of buildings with the Building Code.