Post on 08-Apr-2018
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Updating of Bangladesh National
Building Code 1993
INCEPTION REPORTFEBRUARY 2010
Submitted to
Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI)
Bureau of Research Testing and Consultancy (BRTC),
Bangladesh University of Engineering and
Technology (BUET)
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intended for use in the rural areas. The use of well designed and economic bamboo
structures is expected to be attractive to the rural people. The Steel Concrete composite
structures are expected to be widely used in the industries. In urban areas this type of
structure is expected to find application in high rise construction.
Contrary to the presentation of Geotechnical engineering in BNBC 1993 wherein it has been
treated as Foundation having limited scope, in the Updated code the Geotechnicalengineering has been re-named as Soils and Foundations as revealed during review of
most of the codes. The scope of the proposed Soils and Foundations chapter has been
made wider by including topics such as ground improvement, geo-textiles, soil
reinforcement, slope stability, foundation on problematic soils and sanitary landfills,
dewatering, evaluation of liquefaction potential of soils. The new scope of the Soils and
Foundations chapter is in line with the codes reviewed and requirements of the
Geotechnical professionals of the country.
Depletion of energy resources and environmental changes is a major concern worldwide.
Bangladesh is no exception to it. Keeping these aspects in mind, changes and modifications
have been suggested in BNBC 1993 for use of energy saving appliances, non-conventional
fuels etc. in buildings. It has also been proposed that the Updated BNBC will contain
chapters addressing the issues of energy conservation, rainwater harvesting and distribution
mechanisms in the buildings. These are discussed in details below.
In Part 3, General Building Requirements, Control an Regulation new Chapter-4 Energy
Efficiency and Passive Energy Design Features has been proposed giving minimum code
requirements for achieving the efficiency, targeting solar energy use in buildings of 10% to
20% by 2020.
To reduce energy consumption in buildings provisions for use of variable refrigeration
system in HVAC applications, Variable Voltage, Variable frequency drives in elevator
applications has been proposed in Chapter-3 Air Conditioning, Heating and Ventilation of
Part-8 Building Services. Energy conservation in lighting using energy saving lamps,
Fluorescent lamps and GLS lamps has also been proposed in Chapter-2, Electrical
Installation of the same part.
To augment water supply in Buildings, Chapter-8, Rainwater Management in Part-8
Building Services has been included in the Updated Code containing specific guidelines for
harvesting, storage and distribution of rainwater.
To make the fire fighting services available to people residing in the congested urban areas,
rural areas and remote areas, special provisions have been proposed in the Chapter Specific
Requirements for Rural Areas and Remote Areas of Part-4 Fire Protection of the Updated
Code.
Chapter-4 Administration, Permit and Inspection and Chapter-5 Legal Proceedings of
Part-2 Planning, Environment, Administration and Legislation have been included for
control and enforcement of the provisions of the Updated Code in all activities related to the
building planning and construction at all levels. It is proposed that the sections will
demarcate the administrative and legal issues more clearly for smooth management of the
building construction activities.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary ii
Introduction 11.1 General 1
1.2 Background 2
1.3 Objectives 3
1.4 Scope of Services 4
1.5 Scope of the Report 5
Work Plan 72.1 Methodology 7
2.1.1 Inputs 7
2.1.2 Process 9
2.1.3 Outputs 9
2.1.4 Review 10
2.1.5 Final Output 10
2.2 Organization and Management 10
2.2.1 Organization 10
2.2.2 Management 15
2.3 Work Schedule 17
2.4 Personnel Deployment Schedule 18
Planning, Environment, Administration and Legislation 243.1 Terms of Reference of the Group 24
3.2 Terms of Reference of Individual Consultants 24
3.3 List of Collected Documents/Information 26
3.4 List of Documents to be Collected 26
3.5 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 26
3.5.1 Planning 26
3.5.2 Environment 27
3.5.3 Administration and Legislation 27
3.6 Preliminary Review of BNBC 1993 29
3.7 Tentative Structure of the Updated Code 29
Architecture 314.1 General 31
4.2 Terms of Reference of the Group 31
4.3 Terms of Reference of Individual Consultants 32
4.3 Collection of Relevant Documents 33
4.3.1 Introduction 33
4.3.2 Documents Already Collected 33
4.3.3 Documents to be Collected 34
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4.4 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 34
4.4.1 Introduction 34
4.4.2 Preliminary Review of International Building Code (IBC_2009) 34
4.4.3 Preliminary Review of National Building Code of India (2005) 37
4.4.4 Preliminary Review of Building Code of China 37
4.5 Preliminary Review of BNBC-1993 384.6 Tentative Structure of the Updated Code 40
Materials, Structure, Construction and Seismic Provisions 415.1 Terms of Reference of the Subgroups 41
5.1.1 Subgroup: Materials 41
5.1.2 Subgroup: Structure 42
5.1.3 Subgroup: Construction 42
5.1.4 Subgroup: Earthquake Engineering 43
5.2 Terms of Reference of Individual Consultants 44
5.2.1 Subgroup: Materials 44
5.2.2 Subgroup: Structure 45
5.2.3 Subgroup: Construction 47
5.2.4 Subgroup: Earthquake Engineering 48
5.3 List of Collected Documents 49
5.4 List of documents to be collected 50
5.5 Preliminary Review of Documents and Tentative Structure of the
Code for Materials Subgroup 51
5.5.1 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 51
5.5.2 Preliminary Review of BNBC 1993 52
5.5.3 Tentative Structure of Relevant Part of the Code 53
5.6 Preliminary Review of Documents and Tentative Structure
of the Code for Structural Engineering 53
5.6.1 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 53
5.6.2 Preliminary Review of BNBC 1993 58
5.6.3 Tentative Structure of relevant part of the code 59
5.7 Preliminary review of documents and tentative
structure of the code for Construction practices 61
5.7.1 Preliminary review of the collected documents 61
5.7.2 Review of the BNBC 1993 63
5.7.3 Tentative structure of relevant part of the code 63
5.8 Preliminary review of documents and tentative structure for Seismic provisions 64
5.8.1 General 645.8.2 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 64
5.8.3 Review of BNBC 1993 66
5.8.4 Tentative Structure of the Relevant Part of the Code 67
Geotechnical Engineering 696.1 Terms of Reference of the Group 69
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6.2 Terms of Reference of Individual Consultants 69
6.3 List of Collected Documents 69
6.4 List of Documents to be Collected 70
6.5 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 70
6.6 Preliminary Review of BNBC 1993 71
6.7 Tentative Structure of the Relevant Part of the Code 73
Building Services 747.1 Fire Protection 74
7.1.1 Terms of Reference 74
7.1.2 List of Collected Materials 74
7.1.3 List of Documents to be Collected 75
7.1.4 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 75
7.1.5 Review of the BNBC 1993 76
7.1.6 Tentative Structure of Relevant Part of the Code 76
7.2 HVAC, Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks 76
7.2.1 General 76
7.2.2 Terms of Reference of the Consultant 77
7.2.3 List of Collected Documents : 77
7.2.4 List of Documents to be Collected 77
7.2.5 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 78
7.2.6 Preliminary Review of BNBC 1993 78
7.2.7 Tentative Structure of Relevant Part 80
7.3 Electrical Engineering 81
7.3.1 Terms of Reference of the Subgroup 81
7.3.2 List of Collected Documents 82
7.3.3 List of Documents to be Collected 82
7.3.4 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 83
7.3.5 Review of BNBC 1993 83
7.3.6 Tentative Structure of Relevant Part of the Code 87
7.4 Fuel and Gas Supply 88
7.4.1 Terms of Reference of the Consultant 88
7.4.2 List of Collected Documents 88
7.4.3 List of Documents to be Collected 88
7.4.4 Preliminary Review of Collected documents 89
7.4.5 Review of BNBC 1993 89
7.4.6 Tentative Structure 89
7.5 Water Supply and Sanitation 897.5.1 Terms of Reference of the Sub-group 89
7.5.2 Terms of Reference of Individual Consultants 90
7.5.3 List of Collected Documents 90
7.5.4 List of Documents to be Collected 90
7.5.5 Preliminary Review of Collected Documents 90
7.5.6 Preliminary Review of BNBC 1993 91
7.5.7 Tentative Structure of Relevant Part of the Code 94
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7.6 Information Technology 94
7.6.1 Terms of Reference of the Consultant 94
7.6.2 Collection of Documents 95
7.6.3 Tentative Structure of Relevant Part of the Code 95
Tentative Structure and Table of Contents of the Updated Code 968.1 Tentative Structure of the Updated Code 96
8.2 Summary Table of Contents of the Updated Code 96
8.3 Tentative Table of Contents of the Updated Code 99
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INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
In order to provide safe and healthy habitat, all activities related to building construction
such as planning, design and construction needs to be regulated properly. Technological
and socio-economic developments in recent times have led to remarkable increase in
demand for more and more sophistication in buildings resulting in ever increasing
complexity. Buildings are products of a multi-disciplinary profession involving specialized
professional inputs from disciplines like Architecture, Fire prevention, Materials science,
Structural engineering, Geotechnical engineering Construction technology, Electrical
engineering, Mechanical engineering, Acoustics, Sanitation and plumbing technology,
Chemical engineering, Law, etc. It is therefore imperative that a uniform standard of practice
covering all aspects of planning, design and construction of buildings, including the service
facilities provided in it such as electrical, mechanical, sanitary and other services, be
followed to ensure safety, minimization of wastage in construction and optimum return for
the user. In the Building code each of the above aspects are addressed adequately by
professionals specializing in the relevant disciplines to ensure safety and comfort of the
users of the buildings.
In order to regulate the technical details of building construction and to maintain the
standard of construction the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) was first published
in 1993. It is a 1000 page detailed document specifying safe and acceptable practices in all
aspects of building design and construction. However, since its publication, significant
changes and developments have taken place in both building technology and material
properties requiring the use of the present state of the art knowledge and practices in
building planning, design and construction. To keep pace with the changed circumstances,
it is a routine practice to update codes. Sixteen years have elapsed since publication of the
code. Therefore time is, appropriate for updating of the Bangladesh National Building Code.
After introduction of the BNBC in 1993, the technology of building construction in
Bangladesh remained almost the same for quite some time as was in practice before its
publication. The lack of legal provisions in enforcing its use has been the main reasonbehind it. In the meantime growing demand for home, scarcity of land and the upward trend
in the land prices in the urban areas brought in the culture of construction of moderate to
high rise structures and changed the prevailing culture of planning, design and construction
of buildings in the private sector. Gradually, the urban dwellers began to accept the concept
of living in high rise apartment building and investment in the housing sector turned out to
be a profitable business. As a result building construction activities were taken up by real-
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estate developers following which new trends developed in building planning and
construction. Some real-estate developers engaged professional people such as Architects,
Planners, Engineers to make their buildings more attractive to the buyers and the code
started finding its use among the professionals. However, some owners and developers
retained the habit of the old method of construction giving rise to unplanned growth of
structures in the urban areas. During this time some high rise structures failed to perform
satisfactorily due to structural failure / fire hazard which caused alarm among the urban
dwellers as well as the policy makers. The policy makers, therefore felt the urgency of
updating the BNBC 1993 to make its contents time worthy and also to bring it under strict
legal coverage to make its provisions binding to all involved in the planning, design,
construction and use.
1.2 BACKGROUND
At the onset of a new decade in the second millennium, the Government of Bangladesh hastaken up the task of updating the acts, regulations and the code related to building
construction. The building construction sector was first brought into a legal framework
through enactment of Building Construction Act 1952. By the power given by the Act, the
Government of Bangladesh has promulgated regulations which were amended from time to
time. In 2006 the Building Construction Act was amended to include a new Section 18A
empowering the Government to promulgate the Building Code as a legally binding
document.
Since its publication, BNBC 1993 has been referred to and consulted by the professionals
and designers in the field of building design and construction. After the endowment of legal
status, importance of the BNBC 1993 has further enhanced. However, unlike other building
codes available in the world, the Bangladesh National Building Code has not yet been
formally reviewed and updated since it was drafted in 1993. Neither any feedback of the
professionals regarding the document has been taken into formal consideration. In the last
sixteen years, new materials have been introduced, new scientific methods have emerged,
new technologies have evolved and both design of structures and construction practices
have gone through enormous changes. Researchers, engineers and academics in Bangladesh
have also conducted new studies which enrich our knowledge about planning, design,
construction and sustainability of buildings.
Ministry of Housing and Public Works formed a steering committee with the responsibility of
Updating BNBC 1993 by a G.O. having circular no. Section 8/IM-5/93(part) 812 (28) date:
15.09.2008. The Steering Committee comprises representatives from relevant government
agencies, universities and professional societies. The Housing and Building Research
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Institute (HBRI) has been entrusted with the task of providing secretarial service to the
Steering Committee and managing the implementation of the project.
In response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) from HBRI, Bureau of Research, Testing and
Consultancy (BRTC) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
submitted Technical and Financial Proposals for updating BNBC 1993. Consequently an
agreement (Appendix A) was signed between HBRI and BRTC, BUET on 15th December 2009.
According to the agreement BRTC, BUET has to review and update the Bangladesh National
Building Code 1993, the Building Construction Act 1952 and the Administrative
arrangement and implementing provisions within 12 months. BRTC, BUET has deputed
leading experts in all relevant fields from both inside and outside of BUET. Finally the
updated code and act will be available both in printed form and soft copy in CDs and on
website.
1.3 OBJECTIVESThe main objective of the project is to revise and update the provisions of Bangladesh
National Building Code to keep pace with present needs. The Building Code is now
implemented under cover of the Act of 1952. More than half a century has however elapsed
since promulgation of the Act and a significant degree of progress has been achieved in
building construction sector during this period. This calls for review and
amendment/updating of the Act itself. Besides, in order to ensure compliance of the
Building Code by all concerned and effective enforcement of the Act, an effective and
achievable Administrative Arrangement must be worked out at all levels. Thus the work will
comprise the following three components:
Review, revision and updating of the Bangladesh National Building Code 1993 to
bring it at par with the present state-of-the-art paying due consideration to local
needs and practices.
Review of the Act with the latest amendments and preparation of draft of an
amended/updated version of the Act for consideration of enactment by competent
authority.
Review of present administrative arrangement for implementing the provisions of the
Act at various levels; rural, union, upazila, district and metropolitan, for both private
and government developments. Recommendation of an effective yet achievable
administrative arrangement to ensure compliance of the Building Construction Act at
all levels.
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1.4 SCOPE OF SERVICES
The project will yield three distinct outputs as described above in separate submissions. To
achieve this goal, the following tasks will be performed by the Consultant:
Collection and review of codes and standards of neighbouring as well as otherdeveloped countries;
Review of Internationally recognized Building Standards and Codes;
Review of updated standards of building materials and services issued by the
Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI);
Review of related laws like fire, environment etc. that have already been introduced
or updated or are expected;
Present version of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) prepared in 1993
has ten distinct parts addressing different aspects of building construction and
building services with cross references as necessary. These are;
Part 1: Scope and Definitions
Part 2: Administration and Enforcement
Part 3: General Building Requirements, Control and Regulation
Part 4: Fire Protection
Part 5: Building Materials
Part 6: Structural Design
Part 7: Construction Practices and Safety
Part 8: Building Services
Part 9: Alteration, Addition to and Change of Use of Existing Buildings
Part 10: Signs and Outdoor Display
Review of each of the above parts and give due consideration to changes required in
the structure and content of the code as well as inclusion of issues like building
security & planning, renewable energy, rain water harvesting etc.;
Formulation of ways and means for making BNBC more effective in terms of
acceptability, ease of application, and un-ambiguity keeping in view the socio-
economic aspects of the country;
Critical examination and review of each Section of the present Building Code and
reformulation of the provisions as necessary in consideration of the new legislative
status of the Code;
Preparation of a draft of the recompiled code for public review;
Incorporation of commentary on important sections of the code, if necessary;
Arrangement of Seminars/Workshops to gather views of relevant professionals and
feedbacks from existing BNBC users;
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Arrangement of Seminars/Workshops on the revised draft to gather views of relevant
professionals and feedbacks before finalization of the Update BNBC;
Incorporation of the results of review and editing of the recompiled code by national
level experts forming various editorial committees;
Preparation of appropriate reference aids such as Index and detailed Table of
Contents;
Selection of appropriate printing layout and format from consideration of utility and
convenience of different user groups of the Code;
Preparation of electronic form of the approved Code with appropriate index/search
facility and making it available for download from a government website;
Review of the Act in the light of present needs and examination of its suitability for
enforcing the provisions of Building Code;
Preparation of draft of an updated version of the Act, submission of the draft for
review by an editorial board comprising legislative experts, finalisation of the edited
draft Act, submission of the draft Act for consideration of the Ministry of Law, Justice
and Parliamentary Affairs for enactment by competent constitutional authority;
Review of administrative provisions of the Building Code vis--vis the present
administrative machinery and structure of the Government concerned with
implementation and enforcement of legal provisions and suggest changes, if
necessary ;
Formulation of an administrative procedure necessary for effective implementation
of the updated Building Code in the light of its new legal status, and
recommendation for formulation of a nationally applicable institutional arrangement
for enforcement of provisions of the Building Code.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE REPORT
The inception report provides an outline of the updated code along with an overall structure
of the project management. The report also presents a review of the existing code and other
collected documents conducted in the first seven weeks of the project. The following points
are specifically elaborated in the report:
Preliminary review of present code and other collected data/information
A draft of the Table of Contents of the Revised Code
Detailed work plan
Proposed schedule for deployment of personnel
The inception report contains eight chapters. Chapter 1 presents the background, objectives
and scope of the project. Chapter 2 gives an account of the methodology, management
structure, work plan and personnel deployment schedule of the project. Terms of references
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of different Groups and individual Consultants, lists of documents collected and other
required documents and preliminary reviews of the collected documents and the BNBC 1993
are presented in a group wise manner in Chapters 3 to 7. Finally a tentative structure and
Table of Contents of the revised code is proposed in Chapter 8.
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Fig. 2.1: Schematic diagram showing the methodology for updating the code
Inputs
Review of the presentcode
Review of other codes and
standards Feedback from the end-
users
Process
Compilation of the input
and feedbacks and
updating the code in a
coordinated manner
Output
Revisions to theprovisions of the codepresented in
Inception report Interim report Draft
Review
By the steering committee
By the editorial committeeand national panel ofexperts
By Designers,
Professionals and otherend-users and stake-holders
Final Output
Revisions to the
provisions of the code
presented in the form of Hardcopy
Electronic copy
Website
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REVIEWING OTHER DOCUMENTS
Prevailing buildings codes and standards of other countries will be reviewed and compared
with the BNBC 1993. For this purpose current important codes and standards like IBC 2009,
Euro Code, ACI 318-08, ASCE 7-05 etc. have been collected. National Building Code of India
2005 has already been collected and codes of other neighbouring countries are in the
process of collection. BUET being the premier technical university in the country has a rich
library with many reputed journals and proceedings which will be consulted for review.
Indigenous knowledge developed through research and practice by local researchers and
professionals will also be sought out through a survey and inclusion of the findings will be
explored.
FEEDBACK FROM END USERS/STAKEHOLDERS
At different stages of the preparation of the Updated version of the BNBC 1993 the outputs
will be submitted for examination / scrutiny by the end users / stakeholders for suggestions
and guidance for improvement of the material content and quality of the materials included
in the context of up-to-date building design, availability of material and construction
practices prevailing in the building sector. Such inputs from the end uses / stakeholders will
be obtained in five stages which are shown in Fig.2.1. It is hoped that multiple interactions
with the end users / stake holders will enable the consultants to develop the updated BNBC
maintaining its quality at par with other reputed codes.
2.1.2PROCESS
The assignment of updating the BNBC 1993 will be conducted in a coordinated manner so
that the tasks are completed in due time and the milestones of the project are properly
achieved. For this purpose review and updating in the different areas of the Code will be
simultaneously carried out. Coordination of the interrelated areas will be achieved through
the contribution of the coordinator. The collected information will be compiled and an
outline of the up-date requirements will be prepared. After review and approval, the outline
will be detailed and appropriate contents will be prepared.
2.1.3OUTPUTS
Before delivering the final output, interim outputs will be produced through three reports:
Inception report, Interim report and Draft documents. A detailed work plan and preliminary
review of BNBC 1993 and other collected documents are presented in the inception report.
The interim report will contain a complete review of the BNBC 1993, the Building
Construction Act and the existing administrative and institutional arrangement for
enforcement of the Code. The interim report will also provide an outline of the updated
Code, the revised Act and the revised administrative arrangement for enforcing the Code. In
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the Draft documents the feedbacks from National Workshops, Steering Committee and
Editorial Committees will be incorporated.
2.1.4REVIEW
The outputs of the present project will be reviewed at five different stages. The initialoutline of the Code, Act and Administrative arrangement presented in the Inception report
will be reviewed by the users of the BNBC 1993 at a day-long National Workshop. The
Editorial Committees will examine the Interim report. Draft of the Code, Act and
Administrative arrangement will first be discussed at a National Workshop and then be
reviewed by the Editorial Committees. Based on the feedbacks from these reviews the final
manuscript will be prepared and approval will be obtained from the Editorial Committees.
2.1.5FINAL OUTPUT
Finally the Code, the Act and the document for administrative arrangement for enforcing theCode will be produced in printable format. Electronic copies of these documents will also be
made available in CD. The electronic format of the Code, the Act and the document for the
administrative arrangement for enforcing the Code will be uploaded to a government
website.
2.2 ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
2.2.1ORGANIZATION
A team of 33 Consultants have been deployed for Updating BNBC 1993. The team of
Consultants is headed by the Team Leader who guides and supervises the members for an
efficient and smooth completion of the assignment. He also interacts with the client on
behalf of the team. The Coordinator facilitates interaction among different groups of Experts
and support staff. The entire process is monitored by the Team Leader. The team will
comprise of Experts from the following disciplines:
Architecture
Planning
Fire Materials
Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Construction Practices and Safety
Earthquake Engineering
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walkways
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Electrical Engineering
Fuel and Gas Supply
Environmental Engineering
Plumbing
Information Technology
Administration
Law and legislation
The team composition and responsibilities of each member are shown in Table 2.1. The
organization chart is shown in Fig. 2.1.
Fig. 2.1: Organization Chart
Steering
Committee
HBRI
Director, HBRI
BUET
Department of CivilEngineering
Team Leader
Experts:
Architects Planners Fire Experts Materials Engineers Geotechnical Engineers Structural Engineers Construction Engineers Earthquake Engineers HVAC, Lifts & Escalators and
Moving Walkways Expertt Electrical Engineers Fuel and Gas Supply Expert Environmental Experts Plumbing Engineers IT Expert Administrative Expert Le al Ex ert
CoordinatorSupport
Staff
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Table 2.1: Team Composition and Task Assignments
SIONAL STAFF
ame of Staff Firm/Organisation Area of Expertise Position Assigned Task Assigned. Hossain Ali BRTC, BUET Geotechnical/earth
quake engineeringTeam Leader Responsibilities for overall technical
and financial management of coordination of activities of differ
liaison with client and relevant agenprincipal author and editor of thorganize and finalize various documents; chief resource person of
uib Ahsan BRTC, BUET Structuralengineering
Coordinator Review and revision of general strequirements, liaison with client, re
and team leader. Shahidul Ameen BRTC, BUET Architecture Senior Architect 1 Review and redrafting of ge
requirements, control and regulation
bun Nasrin BRTC, BUET Lighting/Arch. Senior Architect 2 Contribute to general building requirand update of and lighting requireme
aul IslamAsia PacificUniversity Architecture
ArchitectReview and redrafting of gerequirements, control and regulation
khsana Hafiz BRTC, BUET Urban and RegionalPlanning
Senior Planner Planning aspects of the building.
amuddin Ahmed BRTC, BUET Fire/Architecture Senior Fire Expert Contribute to general building requirand revision of the fire protectionrequirements
m Newaz Bhuiyan --- Fire Fire Specialist Review and revision of the requirements
hammad Zakaria BRTC, BUET Materials/Transportation Engineering
Senior MaterialsEngineer
Review and updating of provisiobuilding materials
naz Ahmed Noor BRTC, BUET Materials/StructuralEngineering Materials Engineer Review and updating of provisiobuilding materials
ed Fakhrul BRTC, BUET GeotechnicalEngineering
Senior Geotech.Engineer 1
Review and updating of founprovisions
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SIONAL STAFF
ame of Staff Firm/Organisation Area of Expertise Position Assigned Task Assignedu Siddique BRTC, BUET Geotechnical
Engineering
SeniorGeotechnicalEngineer 2
Review and updating of foun
provisions
hammed Kabirul BRTC, BUET GeotechnicalEngineering
GeohazardEngineer
Review and update provisions regard
Shariful Islam BRTC, BUET GeotechnicalEngineering
GeotechnicalEngineer
Review and updating of founprovisions
M. M. Taufiqul BRTC, BUET Civil/Structural
Engineering
Senior StructuralEngineer 1
Review and revision of general st
requirements, loads, structural desmaterials, detailing
sanul Kabir BRTC, BUET Civil/StructuralEngineering
Senior StructuralEngineer 2
Review and revision of general strequirements, loads, structural dstressed concrete, detailing
an Mahmud BRTC, BUET Civil/StructuralEngineering
Senior StructuralEngineer 3
Review and revision of general strequirements, loads, structural dedetailing
uib Ahsan BRTC, BUET Civil/Structural
Engineering
Structural Engineer Review and revision of general st
requirements, loading, structurdetailing, coordination with team lead
M. Saiful Amin BRTC, BUET Civil/StructuralEngineering
Structural Engineer Review and revision of general strequirements, loads, masonry and timdetailing
. Shafiul Bari BRTC, BUET Civil/StructuralEngineering
Senior ConstructionEngineer
Review and updating of constructiosafety provisions
abbir Siddiquee DPM Civil/StructuralEngineering
ConstructionEngineer
Review and updating of constructiosafety provisions
hmeed M. Al- BRTC, BUET Earthquake/Geotechnical Engineering
Senior EarthquakeEngineer
Review and revision of earthquake zdesign and detailing requirements
hsin Reza BRTC, BUET Civil/EarthquakeEngineering
EarthquakeEngineer
Review and revision of earthquake zdesign and detailing requirements
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SIONAL STAFF
ame of Staff Firm/Organisation Area of Expertise Position Assigned Task Assignedelal Ahmed --- HVAC, Lifts,
Escalators etc
Senior MechanicalEngineer
Review and updating of provisions re
lifts, escalators and mechanical protection equipment and arrangeme
ful Islam BRTC, BUET ElectricalEngineering
Senior ElectricalEngineer
Review and updating of electrical wiring requirements
kh Anowarul BRTC, BUET ElectricalEngineering
Electrical Engineer Review and revision of electrical requ
K. M. A. Quader BRTC, BUET Fuel and GasSupply
Senior ChemicalEngineer
Review and updating of gas supply p
rooque Ahmed BRTC, BUET Civil/EnvironmentalEngineering
Senior PlumbingEngineer
Review and updating of water supplsanitation requirements, fire protecprovisions
izul Hoque, PWD Civil/Water SupplyEngineering
Plumbing Engineer Review and updating of water supplsanitation requirements, fire protecprovisions
. Mujibur Rahman BRTC, BUET Environmental
Engineering
Senior
EnvironmentalExperts
Review and revision of environme
code provisions
. Delwar Hossain BRTC, BUET EnvironmentalEngineering
SeniorEnvironmentalExperts
Review and revision of environmecode provisions
ul Alam --- Administrative andInstitutional Expert
SeniorAdministrativeExpert
Review of administrative arrangemapproval process throughout formulation of an institutional andarrangement for nationwide enforcprovisions
Asaduzzaman SoutheastUniversity
Law and Legislature Senior LegislativeExpert
Review of building construction regulations, bylaws and practices, deficiencies and inadequacies o
preparation of updated draft of the AHumayun Kabir BRTC, BUET IT Specialist IT Expert Formulation of index linked search
code soft copy, uploading to specifweb site
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2.2.2MANAGEMENT
The team of Consultants have been divided into five groups for management of the project.
A Group Leader has been assigned to each group for coordination within the group and for
interaction with the Team Leader. The groups are:
Group 1: Planning, Environment, Administration and Legislation Group
(Acronym: PEAL)Group Leader: Prof. Md. Mujibur Rahman
Group 2: Architecture
(Acronym: Arch)Group Leader: Prof. Md. Shahidul Ameen
Group 3: Materials, Structure, Construction and Earthquake Engineering
(Acronym: MSCE)Group Leader: Prof. A.M.M. Taufiqul Anwar
Group 4: Geotechnical Engineering
(Acronym: Geo)Group Leader: Prof. Syed Fakhrul Ameen
Group 5: Building Services
(Acronym: BS)Group Leader: Prof. Md. Hossain Ali
Division of groups and the relevant parts of BNBC1993 assigned to the groups are shown in
Fig. 2.2. Names of the members of each group are provided in the following sections.
PEAL GROUP
Planning Expert :
Prof. Roxana Hafiz
Environmental Experts:
Prof. Md. Mujibur Rahman (Group Leader)
Prof. Md. Delwar Hossain
Administration Expert:
Mr. Saiful Alam
Legislation Expert:
Mr. Md. Asaduzzaman
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ARCH
MSC
Pa
GROUP
Architectu
Pr
Pr
Ar
GROUP
Materials
Pr
Pr
Structure
Pr
Pr
Pr
Dr.
Dr.
Constructi
Pr
ts of BNBC
Fig.2.2: Di
re Experts:
f. Md. Shah
f. Zebun N
h. Ziaul Isla
xperts:
f. Muhamm
f. Munaz A
xperts:
f. A. M. M.
f. Ahsanul
f. Khan Ma
Raquib Ah
A. F. M. Sai
on Experts:
f. Md. Shafi
1993
vision of Gr
idul Ameen
sreen Ahm
m
ad Zakaria
med Noor
aufiqul An
abir
mud Aman
an
ful Amin
ul Bari
oups of the
(Group Lea
d
ar (Group
at
Team of Co
er)
eader)
nsultants
16
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Engr. Sabbir Siddiquee
Earthquake Engineering Experts:
Prof. Tahmeed M. Al-Hussaini
Prof. Tahsin Reza Hossain
GEO GROUP
Geotechnical Engineering Experts:
Prof. Syed Fakhrul Ameen (Group Leader)
Prof. Abu Siddique
Prof. Mohammed Kabirul Islam
Dr. Md. Shariful Islam
BSGROUP
Fire Design Experts:
Prof. Nizamuddin Ahmed
Mr. Selim Newaj Bhuiyan
Mechanical Engineering / HVAC Expert:
Engr. Belal Ahmed
Electrical Engineering Subgroup:
Prof. Saiful Islam
Dr. Shaikh Anowarul Fattah
Chemical Engineering / Gas Supply Expert:
Prof. A. K. M. A. Quader
Water Supply and Sanitation Engineering Subgroup:
Prof. Farooque Ahmed
Engr. Syed Azizul Hoque, P.Eng.
Group Leader: Team Leader Prof. Md. Hossain Ali
2.3 WORK SCHEDULE
The objectives of the project will be achieved through 16 activities as shown in the Work
Schedule presented in Table 2.2. Table 2.3 shows the project milestones. The activities are
planned focusing the following reporting milestones:
Submission of Inception Report: 7th February 2010
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Submission of Interim Report: 7th May 2010
Submission of Draft Code, Act, Administrative arrangement: 21st August, 2010
Submission of Final Manuscripts: 15th November 2010
Uploading of Electronic versions to the Web: 7th December 2010
2.4PERSONNEL DEPLOYMENT SCHEDULE
All 33 Consultants of the project has already been formally mobilized at the beginning of
the project. All of them have participated in preparation of the Inception Report. The
Consultants will be deployed on an intermittent and part-time basis. They will provide their
inputs for achieving the milestones mentioned above. Thus they will be deployed
throughout the duration of the project. Depending on the volume of their contributions the
person-months vary. The staffing schedule is shown in Table 2.4.
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Table 2.2: Work Schedule
of
Date
15/12/09
15/01/10
15/02/10
15/03/10
15/04/10
15/05/10
15/06/10
15/07/10
15/08/10
15/09/10
15/10/10
codes andm other
BC'93 and
ndards of
ndInception
th the usersde at
f Interimng the
th Editorialnd
f Draftd
f materialsWorkshop
and
Draft Code
Drafts bytorial
nd approval
f FinalCode withrintable
nal
f electronicode
Code
f CD andwebsite
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Table 2.3: Project Milestones
n of Activity
Date
15/12/09
15/01/10
15/02/10
15/03/10
15/04/10
15/05/10
15/06/10
15/07/10
15/08/10
15/09/10
s
port
kshop on Existing Code
rt outlining the updated
Act and Administrative
kshop on Draft Code
cript of the Code
web
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Table 2.4: Staffing Schedule
Name of StaffStaff-month input by month
Tot
mon
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Prof. Md. Hossain Ali
Dr. Raquib Ahsan
Prof. Md. Shahidul Ameen
Prof. Zebun Nasrin Ahmed
Arch. Ziaul Islam
Prof. Rokhsana Hafiz
Prof. Nizamuddin Ahmed
Mr. Selim Newaz Bhuiyan
Prof. Muhammad Zakaria
Prof. Munaz Ahmed Noor
Prof. Syed Fakhrul Ameen
Prof. Abu Siddique
Prof. Mohammed Kabirul Islam
Dr. Md. Shariful Islam
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Name of StaffStaff-month input by month
Tot
mon
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Prof. A. M. M. Taufiqul Anwar
Prof. Ahsanul Kabir
Prof. Khan Mahmud Amanat
Dr. Raquib Ahsan
Dr. A. F. M. Saiful Amin
Prof. Md. Shafiul Bari
Engr. Sabbir Siddiquee
Prof. Tahmeed M. Al-Hussaini
Prof. Tahsin Reza Hossain
Engr. Belal Ahmed
Prof. Saiful Islam
Dr. Shaikh Anowarul Fattah
Prof. A. K. M. A. Quader
Prof. Farooque Ahmed
Engr. Azizul Hoque, P.Eng.
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Name of StaffStaff-month input by month
Tot
mon
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Prof. Md. Mujibur Rahman
Prof. Md. Delwar Hossain
Mr. Saiful Alam
Mr. Md. Asaduzzaman
Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir
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PLANNING,ENVIRONMENT,ADMINISTRATION
AND LEGISLATION
3.1TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE GROUP
a. Review of relevant codes and other related documents.
b. Review of the existing codes/acts/bylaws and proposal for
modifications/corrections/changes required.
c. Devise ways and means to ensure application of the updated BNBC in all kinds of
building construction both under the public and private sector domain and individual
level.
d. Suggestions for making the lawful and responsible agencies to be really active to
apply updated code at all levels of building construction from central to the village
level.
e. Suggestions for making the lawful and responsible agencies for execution of the
code at different levels.
f. Collection and review of various codes related to environmental influencing factors.
g. Identification of environmental factors relevant to Bangladesh.
h. Identification and Incorporation Environmental Planning in the process of
presentation of Waste disposal, presentation of Heritage Sites and Monuments,
Transportation System and Land use Planning, Infrastructure, Utility, Water Supply,
Sub-Station, Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development etc.i. Preliminary analysis of environmental factors and incorporation at appropriate
sections of the updated code.
j. Recommendations for proper enforcement of the codes/acts/bylaws/rules and
regulations.
3.2TERMS OF REFERENCE OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS
Planning Expert- Prof. Roxana Hafiz
a. Review of relevant codes and other related documents.b. To highlight those areas or factors which need to be taken into account when
planning and developing an area e.g. Residential, Commercial and Industrial
Development; Transportation System and land use Planning; Infrastructure and
Utility; Water Supply; Sub-Station; Waste disposal; Heritage Sites and Monuments,
etc.
c. Assist the Group Leader in all related matters.
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Environmental expert- Prof. Md. Mujibur Rahman
a. Act as Group Leader and maintain liaison with the Team Leader/Coordinator.
b. Guide, supervise and coordinate the works of other professionals in the group.
c. Identification of environmental factors relevant to Bangladesh.
d. Interaction with other subgroups regarding analysis and incorporation ofenvironmental influence in planning, design, construction of buildings.
e. Assist the Team Leader in preparation of all reports.
f. Assist the Team Leader in preparation of the materials for the workshop.
g. Assist the Team Leader in preparation of the draft Code.
Environmental expert-Prof. Md. Delwar Hossain
a. Review all relevant items of BNBC, other codes and related documents.
b. Collection and review of various codes for related environmental influencing factors.
c. Identification of environmental factors relevant to Bangladesh.
d. Interaction with other subgroups regarding analysis and incorporation of
environmental influence in planning, design, construction of buildings.
e. Assist the Group Leader.
Administration Expert- Mr. Saiful Alam
a. Gather both primary and secondary data/information to make such provisions under
the updated code so that it really works as a guideline for building construction for
all and the document is used as a National Document.
b. Draw feedback and opinion from central to the grass root level to make the code
functional.
c. Collect relevant papers and documents for review.
d. Make field visits on randomly selected territorial coverage.
e. Review the latest updated code and find out the weakness and incorporate strong
issues under the new one.
f. Incorporate own observation, experiences and realistic views to make a really
effective and functional document to administer and enforcement of building code.
g. Provide input in the group for overall final report preparation.
h. Assist the Group Leader in all related matters.
Legislation Expert- Mr. Md. Asaduzzaman
a. Review the enforcement mechanism of the present Bangladesh National Building
Code along with the Building Construction Act, 1952.
b. Compare the enforcement mechanism of the present Code with the Codes of other
countries.
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c. Recommend effective enforcement mechanism.
d. Assist the Group Leader and Team Leader.
3.3LIST OF COLLECTED DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION
i. The Building Construction Act, 1952
ii. The Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
iii. The Pakistan Engineering Council Act, 1976
iv. The National Building Code of India, 2005 (Relevant Part)
v. The Bangladesh National Building Code (Relevant Part)
vi. The Bangladesh Code, Volume-XI containing the Building Construction Act, 1952.
vii. The National Building Code of India, 2005 (Relevant part)
viii. The Pakistan Engineering Council Act, 1976
3.4LIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE COLLECTED
i. Engineering Council Acts along with relevant Rules of India, and the UK.
ii. Leading decisions of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh relating to Building
Construction Act and BNBC published in Law Journals like Dhaka Law Reports (DLR)
including: 42 DLR, Page 462
43 DLR, Page 187
44 DLR, Page 515
48 DLR(AD), Page 180
52 DLR, Page 461
52 DLR, Page 488
53 DLR, Page 35
56 DLR(AD), 16
iii. Articles of research journals, conference and seminar papers, newspapers reports
from home and abroadiv. Relevant parts of Building Codes of some other counties.
v. Website will be consulted to access to the data and information of other countries
and their success experiences concerning admin and enforcement of building code.
3.5PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF COLLECTED DOCUMENTS
3.5.1PLANNING
The preliminary requirement for any kind of activities and development, which brings out
significant changes to land. Unplanned urbanization and urban development lead to
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wastage of land and other resources and consequently leading to problems like sprawl,
pollution, congestion, threats, etc. which creates condition adverse to good and safe living.
The Building Construction Rule thus requires that land and other resources be judiciously
used to produce safe, sustainable and livable environment.
To regulate development activities each country had to promulgate, formulate and
implement laws in the form of Town and Country Planning Act addressing the issues of
Town and country planning Act and similar documents collected for updating BNBC 1993
has been reviewed(but not limited to)
a) Urbanization and Urban Development,
b) Integration of Urban Development with Regional Development,
c) Housing, Industry, Commerce, Recreation and Leisure, etc.
d) Building Construction Rules,
e) Creation of Different kinds of Facilities, Utilities and Amenities,
f) Protection from and control of different kinds of Pollution,
g) Protection from and control of different kinds of Hazards,
h) Resources Management,
i) Heritages and Conservation,
j) Agricultural Resource Management,
k) Disaster Management,
l) Tourism, Environment and Culture, etc.
3.5.2ENVIRONMENT
i. Indian Building Code (Part 10 & General Sections) provides some considerations on
environmental factors and influences that will be further reviewed for possible
consideration in the process of updating BNBC 2010.
ii. Preliminary review of EuroCode, ENV. 1991-1: 1994, ENV. 1991-2: 1995, EuroCode-
2 related documents- DD ENV 1992-1-1: 1992, EN 1992-1-1: 2004 (E) considers
various environmental influences and factors related to safety, durability of building
materials and building construction that will be further reviewed for possible
consideration in the process of updating BNBC 2010.
3.5.3ADMINISTRATION AND LEGISLATION
i. Part 2 of the National Building Code of India deals with the provisions regarding
administration and enforcement. Section 1 of the Part begins with General provisions
including scope, terminology, applicability of the Code and interpretation. Section 2
deals with organization and enforcement and section 3 deals with permit and
inspecting. The Part is ended with some relevant Forms as annexes.
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ii. The Pakistan Engineering Council is a statutory body, constituted under the Pakistan
Engineering Council Act, 1976 to regulate the engineering profession in the country.
Its main statutory functions include registration of engineers, consulting engineers,
constructors/operators and accreditation of engineering programmes run by
universities/institutions, ensuring and managing of continuing professional
development, assisting the Federal Government as think tank, establishing standards
for engineering products and services besides safeguarding the interest of its
members.
In exercise of the power conferred by section 25 of the Pakistan Engineering Council
Act. 1975, the Pakistan Engineering Council made by-law providing the provisions to
the effect that construction of buildings in violation of the Building Code shall be
considered as violation of professional engineering work as specified under clause
(XXV) of section 2 of the Act.
iii. The Building Construction Act, 1952 is an Act to provide for the prevention of
haphazard construction of buildings and excavation of tanks which are likely to
interfere with the planning of certain areas in Bangladesh.
In view of section 3 of the Act no person shall, without the previous sanction of an
Authorized Officer, construct or re-construct or make addition or alteration to any
building, or excavate or re-excavate any tank within, the area to which this Act
applies; and such sanction shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the
Authorized Officer may think fit to impose. Such sanction shall remain valid for three
years from the date of sanction and on the expiry of the period, the applicant shall
have to apply for and obtain a fresh sanction.
Section 12 of the Building Construction Act, 1952 provides punishment of
imprisonment upto 7 years or fine not less than Tk. 50,000/= or both for
constructing a building in contravention to any provision of the Bangladesh National
Building Code. However, the offence is not treated as cognizable and non-bailable
and no court is empowered to take cognizance of an offence except upon a
complaint by the Authorized Officer in view of section 13 of the Building
Construction Act, 1952. It is to be noted here that section 5 of the Act provides for
compensation not exceeding the sum of two hundred and fifty rupees in case
removal of building under construction!
iv. The Bangladesh Labour Law, 2006 have provisions relating to social compliance. Thelaw deals with the issues relating to employment of workers, relationship between
workers and employers, compensation for injuries arising in the course of
employment, health, safety, welfare and environment of working conditions, etc. It is
the base line for minimum compliance and must be followed by all employers hiring
labours for construction.
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3.6PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF BNBC1993
Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) of 1993 came into effect with a gazette
notification issued on November 15, 2006. It has been made mandatory to comply with in
any building construction under the Building Construction Act of 1952 to ensure
accountability in the management of overall building construction and safety of the
buildings.
As per section 2.1 of chapter 2 of part 1 of the BNBC 1993 the Government is under
obligation to establish a new or designate an existing agency responsible for the
enforcement of this Code with a given area of jurisdiction. However, the Government is yet
to set up any Code Enforcement Authority. Thus, absence of regulatory authority to care for
all safety aspects of building as per BNBC is a major concern.
The BNBC 1993 has dealt only with construction, structure, material, geo-technical, seismic
aspects, etc. of development. The BNBC has left out the planning aspects of development as
is evident from section (f). All these planning and development factors need to be
incorporated in the BNBC, if it is to produce a safe and livable environment at all.
Apparently existing BNBC, 1993 provides insignificant consideration on environmental
influences on planning, design, construction and selection of construction material for
buildings.
In exercise of power under Section 18A of the Building Construction Act, 1952, the
Government of Bangladesh made the Bangladesh National Building Code in 1993, which
came into effect with a gazette notification issued on November 15, 2006.
Section 2.6 of Part 2 of the BNBC only provides that violation of the Code will be an offence
and the authority shall take legal action. However, it prescribes no procedure for institution
of legal proceedings, which need to be addressed.
In view of the above, the provisions of the Building Construction Act, 1952 along with the
Code need to be updated considering the present socio-economic situation of the country.
3.7TENTATIVE STRUCTURE OF THE UPDATED CODE
Part 2 of the BNBC 1993, titled Administration and Enforcement, covers the administrative
and legal issues. Planning and Environmental issues are absent in the BNBC 1993. In the
updated Code, Planning and Environmental issues will be included as separate chapters in
Part 2. Thus Part 2 will be titled as Planning, Environment, Administration and Legislation.
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The chapter on Planning will focus on those areas or factors which need to be taken into
account when planning and developing an area. The main objective is translated into more
specific objectives as follows-
i. Choosing appropriate sites for development, e.g. residential, commercial, industrial,
recreation, etc.
ii. Providing and preserving open spaces for recreation as well as for use as evacuation
sites during emergencies, such as, fire, earthquake, etc.
iii. Preserving sites that are ecologically sensitive and scenic or both.
The BNBC needs to include the following features in the updated code, which are -
a. Housing, Industry, Commerce, Recreation and Leisure, etc.
b. Building Construction Rules,
c. Provision of Different kinds of Facilities, Utilities and Amenities,
d. Protection from and control of different kinds of Pollution,
e. Protection from and control of different kinds of Hazards,
f. Resources Management,
g. Heritages and Conservation
A separate chapter will deal with general considerations regarding water supply, sub-
station, waste-disposal and environmental planning issues.
Chapters regarding administration and legal issues will be recast with new titles:
Administration, Permit and Inspection and Legal Proceedings to demarcate the
administrative and legal issues more clearly.
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ARCHITECTURE
4.1GENERAL
The basis for the building-code development is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare
of the public. The first and foremost goal of the building code is the protection of humanlife from the failure of life safety provisions in a building, or from structural collapse. Thereis also a strong component of property protection contained in code requirements. Inaccordance with that, the basic objective of the code remains same as stated in BNBC 1993.
An additional aim in this revision will be to ensure sustainable development in all building
and construction activity with a strong component towards the protection of energy reserves
and environment.
4.2TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE GROUPa. Review of relevant codes and other related documents.
b. Preparation of a list of terms, definitions, diagrams, abbreviations and acronyms in
all parts of the proposed Code in alphabetical order.
c. Classification of buildings based on occupancy and types of construction. Occupancy
classification will include but not be limited to:
Residential (R1)
Housing (R2)
Educational (E)
Institutional (I)
Healthcare facilities (H)
Assembly (A)
Business (B)
Industrial/Factory (F)
Storage (S)
Hazardous (HZ)
Transportation (T)
Heritage Conservation (C) etc.
d. Review of the existing codes/acts/bylaws and proposal for modifications/
corrections/changes required.
e. Recommendation for incorporation of new categories (where and as necessary)
f. Recommendations for proper enforcement of the codes/acts/bylaws/ rules and
regulations.
g. Review of provisions for signs and outdoor displays in other relevant codes.
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h. Recommendations for requirements of graphic signs and outdoor displays withregard to public, structural and other safety.
4.3TERMS OF REFERENCE OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS
Group Leader- Prof. Md. Shahidul Ameen
a. Act as Group Leader and maintain liaison with the Team Leader/ Coordinator.b. Guide, supervise and coordinate the works of other professionals in the group.c. Assist the Team Leader in preparation of all reports.
d. Assist the Team Leader in preparation of materials for the workshop.
e. Assist the Team Leader in preparation of the draft Code.Group Member- Prof. Zebun Nasreen Ahmed
a. Review all relevant items of BNBC 1993 and other codes and relateddocuments and prepare a list of terms, definitions, abbreviations and
acronyms.
b. Classification and re-organization of existing Code to enhance co-relation andreduce scattering of information as per guideline of the TOR.
c. Identification and eradication of contradiction of BNBC with other existingBuilding Rules or Acts
d. Incorporation of new chapters (Housing, Conservation, Energy-efficiency,Accessibility etc.) in the proposed Code
e. Assist the Group in all related matters.Group Member- Architect Ziaul Islam
a. Review all relevant items of BNBC 1993 and other codes and relateddocuments and prepare a list of terms, definitions, abbreviations and
acronyms.
b. Classification and re-organization of existing Code to enhance co-relation andreduce scattering of information as per guideline of the TOR.
c. Identification and eradication of contradiction of BNBC with other existingBuilding Rules or Acts
d. Incorporation of new categories (Housing, Conservation, Energy-efficiency,Accessibility etc.) in the proposed Code
e. Assist the Group in all related matters.
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4.3COLLECTION OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS
4.3.1INTRODUCTION
An important step in the methodology for up gradation of the Code is the review of various
codes, specifications, laws, acts, books, journals and other relevant published literature of
Bangladesh and other countries. A large number of these documents have already been
collected and are being reviewed. During the preliminary review, the Consultants felt the
necessity of collecting and reviewing some more documents on related topics. The next two
sections list the documents that have already been collected and those planned to be
collected.
4.3.2DOCUMENTS ALREADY COLLECTED
CODES
i. Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC 1993)ii. International Building Code (IBC_2009)iii. National Building Code of India (NBCI_2005)iv. Building Code of China
BUILDING/ LANDUSE LAWS/BIDHIMALA/ACTS
i. Imarat Nirman Bidhimala, 1996ii. Dhaka Mohanogor Imarat Nirman Bidhimala, 2008iii. Chottogram Mohanogor Imarat (Nirman, Unnyon, Shongrokkhon o Oposharon)
Bidhimala, 2008
iv. Beshorkari Abashik Bhumi Unnyon Nitimala, 2004v. Dhaka Town Improvement (TI) Actvi. Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995
BOOKS/JOURNALS/ARTICLES
i. Correa (C.), The New Landscape- Urbanization in the Third World, MIMARBook, Concept Media Ltd. (1989)
ii. Bay (J.H.) and Ong (B.L.), Tropical Sustainable Architecture- Social andEnvironmental Dimensions, Architectural Press, London, USA (2006)
iii. Thomson (C.W.) and Travlou (P.), Open Space People Space, Taylor & FrancisInc., USA (2007)
iv. Jenks (M.) and Dempsey (N.), Future Forms and Design for Sustainable Cities,Architectural Press, London, USA (2007)
v. RIBA, RIBA Book of British Housing, Architectural Press, London (2008)
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vi. Jenks (M.), Burton (E.) and Williams (K.), The Compact City- A sustainableUrban Form?, Taylor & Francis Inc., USA (2005)
vii. Crosbie (M.J.), Multi-Family Housing- The Art of Sharing, Images Publishing,Australia (2003)
viii. Towers (G.), At Home in the City, Architectural Press, London (2005)ix. Moughtin (C.) and Shirley (P.), Urban Design: Green Dimensions, Architectural
Press, London (2005)
x. Pfeifer (G.) and Brauneck (P.), Row Houses- A prospective Housing Typology,Birkhauser, Germany (2008)
xi. Kobir (I.), Land Laws in East Pakistan Vol III, A Law House Publication (1969)
4.3.3DOCUMENTS TO BE COLLECTED
i. Building Code of Sri Lankaii. Building Code of Malaysiaiii. Building Code of Singaporeiv. International Energy Conservation Code most recent edition
4.4PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF COLLECTED DOCUMENTS
4.4.1INTRODUCTION
The Architectural sub-group has identified Part 3 and Part 10 as the major focus area
for this group along with minor correction to the rest of the parts of BNBC 1993.
4.4.2PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
(IBC_2009)
The International building code 2009 is a model code of building regulations that safeguard
the public health and safety in all communities, large and small. It is a modern, up-to-date
set of regulations addressing the design and installation of building systems through
requirements emphasizing performance. It is not the Code adopted by any particular
country but, it offers an international forum for building professionals to discuss
performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to
debate proposed revisions. It was therefore considered important to review this code in the
process of revision of the Bangladesh National Building Code.
Below is a preliminary review of the IBC 2009, which is still ongoing, regarding issues that
relate to the Section that is within the domain of the Architecture sub-team of the BNBC
Review Team namely those issues which have been covered under the General
Requirements section of the existing BNBC.
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Building occupancy classification is according to first letter F for factories, R for
residential, etc. with usually smaller numbers indicating higher hazards F1, F2, etc
CHAPTERS 4 TO 10
Most of the regulations given between Chapters 4 to 10 seem to be related to safety of
occupants from hazards, particularly fire. Chapter 4 contains the requirements for
protecting special uses and occupancies. However, the general requirements of the code still
apply unless modified within the chapter. For example, the height and area limitations
established in Chapter 5 (which deals with general height and area limitations with special
reference to fire provisions) apply to all special occupancies unless Chapter 4 contains
height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations in Chapter 4 supersede those in
other sections.
Chapter 6 is about types of construction and their interdependence on fire safety
considerations which are determined through Tables showing the fire-resistance ratings of
the principal structural elements. Chapter 7 is about fire and smoke protection features.
Chapter 8 contains the performance requirements of interior finishes for controlling fire
growth within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. Chapter 9
prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment. The
requirements are based on the occupancy, and the height and the area of the building,
because these are the factors that most affect fire-fighting capabilities and the relative
hazard of a specific building or its portion. Chapter 10, Means of Egress, sets forth the
general criteria for regulating the design of the means of egress, as the primary method for
protection of people in buildings.
Chapters 16 to 30, deal with structural design and related issues, and are outside the scope
of the Architecture Group.
CHAPTERS RELEVANT FOR THE ARCHITECTURE GROUP
It is only in Chapter 11 that the issue of accessibility is addressed relating it to other issues
than fire for the physically challenged, etc where it is stated that everything is required to
be accessible.
Chapter 12 deals with the Interior environment stipulating minimum standards for the
interior environment of a building information regarding sizes and environmental
variables. Specifications are given about spaces as well as the fabric.
Chapter 13 is dedicated to energy efficiency specifying minimum design requirements for
energy efficiency. Architectural and constructional details about the design of building
envelopes are referred to the IECC. The requirements here are not mentioned separately and
need to be compliant with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Such a chapter
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is not included in the present BNBC code, but with new emphasis on climate change and
realization of the impacts of buildings on energy depletion, this is vital for sustainability.
Chapter 14 deals with the composition of Exterior Walls for weather and fire protection and
also includes balconies, eaves, decks and architectural trim, i.e. extensions from the
superstructure. Chapter 15 codifies roof assemblies and rooftop structures, mainly dealing
with weather-proofing, etc.
Chapters 16 to 30, dealing with structural design and related issues, as mentioned above,
are outside the scope of the Architecture Group and are therefore not discussed here.
Chapter 31 contains a collection of regulations for a variety of unique structures and
architectural features, eg pedestrian walkways and tunnels connecting two buildings,
swimming pools and temporary structures, etc.
Once again in Chapter 32, Encroachments into the Public Right-of-way some structural
but some architectural decision making is addressed. Chapter 33 provides safety
requirements during construction and demolition of buildings and structures.
Chapter 34 Existing Structures registered historic buildings. The chapter suggests
alternative methods or reduced compliance requirements when dealing with existing
building constraints, without compromising the minimum standards for fire prevention and
life safety features.
Chapter 35 on Referenced standards is organized in a manner that makes it easy to locate
specific standards for the various issues in the code.
There are A K, on various issues, out of which Appendix E are on the Supplemental
Accessibility Requirements that are not otherwise mentioned or mainstreamed throughout
the code or in Chapter 11.
SECTIONS RELEVANT TO THE ARCHITECTURE GROUP
Though the sections related to fire escapes and planning of egress are related to
Architectural planning and decisions, this section is being treated independently by a
separate group and will not be included in this discussion.
From the review of the IBC certain points that relate to the BNBC emerge and need to be
included in its revision. These are:
a. An independent chapter on energy efficiency which will specify passive architectural
features that form minimum standards for buildings in different regions of
Bangladesh. If possible carbon emissions can be related to the construction. This can
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include codes for inclusion of renewables within the framework of the energy
consumption of the building.
b. A chapter on modifications, extensions to existing buildings and their standards
c. A chapter on conservation of heritage structures giving minimum codes in order to
preserve the historic character of sites and the building structure.
d. A chapter on landscaping, using and developing sites for safety and sustainability.
4.4.3PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
(2005)
A basic difference lies between BNBC 1993 and NBC of India 2005 in its
organizational approach. The NBCI has taken the land-use plan as its basis for
classification whereas in BNBC the basis is occupancy based building classification.
The advantage of the NBCI is evident whenever settlement planning or housing or
open space based developments are referred- community facilities, cultural facilities,sports and public open spaces are direct outcome of such provision in the Code,
whereas no such provision lies within the BNBC.
Approaching from the land-use plan the Indian code encompasses even construction
in rural areas as well as preservation of natural resources as wetland, agricultural
land etc. This approach seems highly relevant in a country like ours where land
resource in comparison to population density is limited and the code apart from
providing guidelines for building/ development should also focus on conservation of
natural resources.
The other advantage of the Indian Code is its recognition for old city built forms and
further provision for its inclusion within the building code. Thus different typologies
e.g. core type, row type, semi-detached type etc. gets validity and creates variety
within the city fabric.
Provisions for Heritage conservation is also highlighted in the Indian code. This may
be helpful for formulation of guidelines for conservation in the Proposed Code.
4.4.4PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF BUILDING CODE OF CHINA
The Chinese Code focuses on making households suitable, safe and economical. It
categorizes residential buildings into four distinct categories- low-rise, multi-rise,
middle-high-rise and high-rise, which may be considered here as well. However the
guidelines leads to some basic models that is very specific about minimum space
standards especially for housings. There are strict codes for natural lighting
provisions for each household. The specificity of the code is sometimes very
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meaningful as it is in the case of minimum kitchen size- the minimum size of a
kitchen varies according to the type of fuel in use. (pipe gas or liquefied petroleum gas
3.5m2, improved coal m 4m2, raw coal 4.5 m2, fire wood 5m2)
The Code may be helpful in certain areas e.g. provisions for sun light, building height
classification, minimum space guidelines etc.
4.5PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF BNBC-1993
The initial review of the existing building code reveals that a line by line scrutiny is
required as some of the existing clauses need clarification, many clauses contradict
with other existing building rules and the existing code is inadequate for certain
relevant fields (e.g. housing, energy-efficiency, conservation, accessibility etc.).
During this review there will be revisions, deletions and additions. The scope of work
has therefore been marked as following:
Eradication of contradictions with other construction rules/acts (e.g. DhakaMohanogor Imarat Nirman Bidhimala 2008, Beshorkari Abashik Bhumi Unnoyon
Nitinala 2004 etc.)
Classification and re-organization of the existing Code to enhance co-relationand to reduce scattering of information
Review of gap between objectives and practices of the Code Incorporation of new Codes (e.g. Housing and settlement, Sustainability and
Energy efficiency, Universal Accessibility etc.)
The following observations have been made on different sections of Part 3 of the
BNBC 1993:
Section 1.2: TERMINLOGY
New terminologies need to be included, more graphical references need to be used
Section 1.3: OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
Should be part of land-use classification instead of being a separate classification
First Letter of occupancy may be assigned for referring to classification, e.g.
Residential R, Hospitals H, Factories F, Educational E, etc.
New occupancy type for Public Open Space (park, garden etc.) and restricted open
space (special recreational zones) need to be included
New occupancy type for communication (tv stations, mobile transmissions etc.) and
transportation (rail station, airport, bus depot, truck terminal, container terminal, sea
port, dockyards etc.) needs to be incorporated
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New occupancy type for socio-cultural facilities (e.g. community hall, library,
recreational club, music/dance/drama centre, religious/spiritual centre etc) should
be incorporated
New sub-divisions for current occupancy types A to F needed using semi-detached,
court-type and row type variations.
e.g.
Occupancy type Sub-division Nature of use or occupancy Building type
Section 1.4: LAND-USE CLASSIFICATION AND PERMITTED USES
New categories to be included: TRANSPORTATION, HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION
SITES, HOUSING AND SETTLEMENT PLANNING, CONSERVATION OF WETLAND ETC.
Safeguard against conversion of agricultural land (green fields) to non-agricultural
use (brown fields)
Section 1.7: OPEN SPACES WITHIN A PLOT
Needs open space guidelines for other typologies: semi-detached, courtyard,
clustered, row house etc.
Height- open space proportions should be re-evaluated for different typologies.
Section 1.8: GENERAL HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATION
Needs elaboration on what basis should it be done
An appendix should be added on air-funnel of runways for Civil Aviation restriction
on buildings near aerodromes
Section 1.11: COMMUNITY OPEN SPACE AND AMENITIES
Needs to be upgraded and in harmony with other existing rules and codes.
Following new sections may be introduced:
a. EXISTING BUILDINGSb. CONSERVATION OF GREENBELTS AND IMPORTANT WATERBODIES
New rules should be added for preservation of WETLAND, CANALS,
RIVERFRONT, NATURAL FORESTS AND GREENBELTS, COASTAL FORESTATION
etc.
c. BUILDINGS AND PLACES OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL VALUE
Section 2.1: OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
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More occupancy types need to be included
Section 2.5: REQUIREMENTS OF OCCUPANCY R: RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Typologies other than detached form e.g. semi-detached, cluster, courtyard, row
type must be included and sufficiently elaborated
Section 2.10: REQUIREMENTS OF OCCUPANCY B: BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE BUILDINGS
For some typologies of this category (F1, F2, F3) ground level promenades
(covered walkway) on road front can be devised with incentive on FAR
Section 2.11: REQUIREMENTS OF OCCUPANCY F: INDUSTRIAL/FACTORY BUILDINGS
Specific and separate rules are needed for two separate categories: low hazard
industries and moderate hazard industries
Guidelines for new typologies e.g. multistoried car park, transportation hubs, bus
stoppages, rooftop towers for mobile network etc. are needed
4.6TENTATIVE STRUCTURE OF THE UPDATED CODE
The proposed Table of Content (TOC) is a tentative one. BNBC 1993 forms the basis
for it. Architectural issues are mostly mentioned in Parts 3, 9 and 10 of the BNBC
1993. However inclusion of new chapters and re-classification will need furthermore
revision of this TOC. A new chapter on Energy Efficiency and Passive Energy Design Features
has been proposed in Part 3. This chapter will give certain minimum codes for
achieving energy efficiency using renewable energy with the view of incorporating
solar energy use in buildings of 10% to 20% by 2020. Also rainwater harvesting
features may be made mandatory. The code can allow concessions to maximum
building area when these features are fulfilled. For the time being, most other
proposed inclusions are placed as appendices at the end of the TOC.
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MATERIALS,STRUCTURE,CONSTRUCTION AND
SEISMIC PROVISIONS
5.1TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE SUBGROUPS
5.1.1SUBGROUP:MATERIALS
a. Review of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 1993, in general.
b. Review of Part 5: Building Materials of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC)
1993, in particular.
c. Review of the minimum requirements for building materials as stated in otherrelevant internationally reputed codes, standards etc.
d. Preparation of a list and collection of all BSTI and other Bangladesh standards related
to building materials and review of those.
e. Collection of research findings available in the form of research papers, dissertations
and reports published by different national and international publishing authorities,
reputed universities or else both from within the country and outside and evaluation
of those for adoption in the updated code.
f. Identification of all building materials in use now in Bangladesh or going to be used
in the future taking in to consideration the development of new building materials
worldwide.
g. Identification of indigenous building materials which are in use in Bangladesh and
incorporation of minimum requirements in the revised Code for such materials, if felt
necessary.
h. Identification of deficiencies of Part 5: Building Materials of Bangladesh National
Building Code (BNBC) 1993 in the light of above reviews and study.
i. Suggestion for necessary changes in order to eliminate the already identified
deficiencies for existing materials as well as to incorporate the minimum
requirements for new building materials which may come up in the light of review of
national and international standards and codes.
j. Analysis of the impediments in the implementation of current Building Code and
make recommendations.
k. Review and analysis of current provisions for materials affecting the building
industry and recommend appropriate amendments to the building materials code
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and to formulate a revised Building Materials Code for use in regulating building and
construction activities in both urban and rural areas.
l. Develop a work plan for the revised Building Materials Code and consider and
evaluate the principle of material prescription.
5.1.2SUBGROUP:STRUCTURE
a. Review of present version of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 1993, in
general.
b. Review of Part 6: Structural Design of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC)
1993, in particular.
c. Review of the present approaches for evaluation of loads and review of adopted
methods of structural design in internationally reputed codes, standards etc.
d. Collection of research findings available in the form of research papers, dissertations
and reports published by different national and international publishing authorities,
reputed universities or else within the country and outside and evaluation of those
for adoption in the updated code.
e. Identification of areas and fields in load estimation and structural design in BNBC,
1993, which require revision and updating.
f. Conducting a detailed review of different aspects of structural design as stipulated in
BNBC, 1993 and updating necessary parts. The aspects of structural design which
will be updated are: Estimation of Different Types of Loads, Working Stress Design
and Ultimate Strength Design Methods for Reinforced Concrete, Design for Masonry
Structures, Prestressed Concrete Structures, Steel Structures, Timber Structures,
Ferrocement Structures etc.
g. Introduction of design approaches for indigenous bamboo structures.
h. Introduction of design approaches for steel-concrete composite structures.
i. Introduction of repair and retrofitting aspects of building structures.
5.1.3SUBGROUP:CONSTRUCTION
a. Review of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 1993, in general.
b. Review of Part 7: Construction Practices and Safety of the Bangladesh National
Building Code (BNBC) 1993, in particular.
c. Study of the present approaches in Construction Practices and Safety in
internationally reputed codes, standards etc.
d. Study of all relevant codes on construction practices in buildings and safety aspects of
personnel and property during construction and demolition operations.
e. Identification of areas and fields in Construction Practices and Safety in BNBC, 1993,
which require revision and updating.
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f. Study of the development of Construction Industry and the Safety Practices both
home and abroad.
g. Review and upgradation of the Construction Practices and Safety part of the existing
BNBC 1993 and preparation of recommendations for safe practices on the basis of
the above review and in the light of current practice and future trend in the
construction industry.
h. Revision of the provisions in the BNBC 1993 for construction and safety in a manner
to be both appliedand at the same time applicableto the industry.
i. Removal of extra and inapplicable provisions from the code and making the code
provisions simple and easily applicable.
j. Exploring for the introduction of Maintenance Management of buildings.
5.1.4SUBGROUP:EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
a. Review of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 1993, in general.
b. Review of Part 6: Structural Design, Chapter 2: Loads, Section 2.5 Earthquake Loads
& Chapter 8: Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures, Section 8.3 Special
Provision for Seismic Design and also other relevant articles of the Bangladesh
National Building Code (BNBC) 1993, in particular.
c. Review of the present methods in evaluation of earthquake loads as well as of
detailing procedures for reinforced concrete and other structures in internationally
reputed codes, standards etc.
d. Collection of research findings on seismic design and detailing available in the form
of research papers, dissertations and reports published by d