Building Construction) Regulations

8/3/2019 Building Construction) Regulations

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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS- CHAPTER 123B

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - LONG TITLEEmpowering section VerDate:30/06/1997

(Cap 123, section 38)

[28 December 1990]

(Originally L.N. 439 of 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - IGENERAL VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 2Interpretation VerDate:30/06/1997

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-"carriageway" () means that part of a private street, cul-de-sac oraccess road used or intended to be used by vehicular traffic;"chimney" () means any structure designed as a flue and any structureenclosing a flue or flues;"cinema" () means any building or part of a building which isdesignedfor, and contains facilities (including a projection room) andprojectionor other apparatus or equipment for use in connection with or otherwisefor the purposes of cinematographic displays; (L.N. 195 of 1996)"dead load" () means the weight of walls, floors, roofs, finishes,permanent partitions and other permanent construction;"external wall" () means an outer wall of a building even thoughadjoining a wall of another building;"flue" ( ) means a duct through which smoke or other products ofcombustion or fumes from any cooking apparatus or stove or oven, orvitiated air, pass or are intended to pass for the purpose of reachingtheopen air;"foundation" () means that part of a building, building works,structureor street in direct contact with and transmitting load to the ground;"imposed load" ( ) means load other than dead load or wind load;"load bearing" () in relation to any part of a building, buildingworksor street means any such part bearing a load other than that due to itsown weight and to wind pressure on its own surface;"masonry" ( ) means an assemblage of bricks or building blocks;"non-combustible material" ( ) means material which satisfies arecognized non-combustibility test;"pile" ( ) means a columnar foundation element which is-

(a) pre-manufactured and inserted into the ground by driving,jacking or other method; or

(b) cast-in-place in a shaft formed in the ground by boring,excavating or inserting a shell;

"plain concrete" ( ) means concrete in which no reinforcement isincluded for structural purposes but in which reinforcement may beprovided for the purpose of restraining shrinkage or other movement;"site investigation" () means investigation of the physicalcharacteristics of the site and includes documentary studies, sitesurveysand ground investigation;"wind load" ( ) means any load due to the effects of wind pressu


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re orsuction.(Enacted 1990)"carriageway" ()"chimney" ()"cinema" ()

"dead load" (

)"external wall" ()"flue" ( )"foundation" ()"imposed load" ( )"load bearing" ()"masonry" ( )"non-combustible material" ( )"pile" ( )"plain concrete" ( "site investigation" ()"wind load" ( )


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 3Materials VerDate:30/06/1997

All materials used in any building works or street works shall be-(a) of a suitable nature and quality for the purposes for which

they are used;

(b) adequately mixed or prepared; and

(c) applied, used or fixed so as to perform adequately thefunctions for which they are designed.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 4Appropriate limitations not to be exceeded VerDate:30/06/1997

The structure of every building, street, building works and street worksshall be capable of safely sustaining and transmitting to the ground thecombined dead loads, imposed loads and wind loads, determined inaccordance with the provisions of Part III, in such a manner as not to-

(a) cause any deflection, deformation or other movement, whichwould impair the stability of, or cause damage to, the whole or any partof that building, street, building works or street works or any otherbuilding, structure, land, street or services; or

(b) exceed the appropriate limitations of design stresses of thewhole or any part of that or any other building, street, building worksorstreet works.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 5Method of design VerDate:30/06/1997

Structural designs submitted to the Building Authority for approval underthe Ordinance shall comply with the laws of mechanics and recognizedengineering principles.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 6Overloading VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Subject to subregulation (2), no building, street, buildingworks or street works shall be subjected to a load beyond its properbearing capacity.

(2) This regulation shall not apply with respect to any load whichmay be required for the purpose of testing.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 7Adjoining and other building or land not to be adversely affected VerDate:30/06/1997

No building works shall be carried out which may affect adversely thestability of any adjoining building, structure, land, street or services.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 8Changes in level VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) At the outer edge of all balconies, verandahs, staircases,landings or projections, or where there is a difference in adjacent levelsgreater than 600 mm, protective barriers shall be provided to restrictorcontrol the movement of persons and vehicles.

(2) Protective barriers provided under this regulation to restrictor control the movement of persons shall be-

(a) designed and constructed to minimize the risk of persons orobjects falling, rolling, sliding or slipping through gaps in the barrier,or persons climbing over the barrier;

(b) at a height above the higher of the adjacent levels of notlessthan 1.1 m; and

(c) constructed as to inhibit the passage of articles more than100mm in their smallest dimension.

(3) At the outer edge of all balconies, verandahs, floors,accessible roofs, or similar areas, the lowermost 150 mm of the protectivebarrier shall be built solid, but this subregulation shall not apply toroofs where no access is provided to the roof other than such access asmay be necessary for maintenance work.

(3A) (a) As regards a place of public entertainment, inaddition to those of subregulations (1) to (3), the requirements ofparagraph (b) shall apply.

(b) The protective barrier provided at the outer edge of any uppertier shall be-

(i) constructed so that any horizontal surface is inclined towa

rdsthe seating at an angle of 30 degrees and is concave in section; or

(ii) provided in such other manner as will allow only smallarticles to be placed on such barrier and will ensure that articles arenot liable to fall to any tier or area below. (L.N. 195 of 1996)

(4) This regulation shall not apply to a stage in an assembly hall,


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a loading bay in a factory, or spaces within domestic premises foroccupation by one family.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 9Site investigation VerDate:30/06/1997

Site investigation in respect of any building works or street works shallbe carried out in such a manner and to such recognized standards as toprovide adequate geotechnical and other relevant data for the design andconstruction of the building works or the street works.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 9ABuilding design and construction in connection with lifts and escalators VerDate:20/09/1997

(1) Where a building is to have a lift or escalator installed in it-

(a) the building shall be designed and constructed; or

(b) where the building already exists, it shall be altered,so as to provide adequate-

(i) structural strength;

(ii) space;

(iii) protection;

(iv) access; and

(v) ventilation,for the safe operation, maintenance and inspection of the lift orescalator, as the case may be.

(2) Where doors or other forms of access are provided for thepurpose of-

(a) inspection, maintenance or repair of a lift or escalatorinstalled in a building; or

(b) the rescue of people from a lift installed in a building, theowner of the building shall post notices that comply with subregulation

(4) warning users of the building of the danger of entering the area towhich access is provided or otherwise interfering with the operation ofthe lift or escalator.

(3) The owner of a building shall, at all entrances wherepassengers enter a lift, post notices that comply with subregulation(4)warning users of the building not to use the lift when there is a fire.

(4) Notices required to be posted under this regulation shallcomply with the following-

(a) the notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place;

(b) the words on the notice shall be in English and in Chineseandshall be incised or embossed;


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(c) the height of the letters and characters on the notice shallbe, in the case of a sign referred to-

(i) in subregulation (2), 25 mm; and

(ii) in subregulation (3), 15 mm; and(d) the notice shall be made of metal, plastic or other durable

material and shall be affixed in a manner that will ensure permanence.

(5) This regulation applies to buildings in which a lift orescalator is to be installed other than-

(a) a lift or hoist provided, in connection with any building whichis being constructed, for the use solely of persons employed in theconstruction thereof or for carrying materials used therein;

(b) a lift or hoist used solely for the carriage, stacking, loadingor unloading of goods or materials-

(i) which does not pass through any floor; and

(ii) the height of travel of which does not exceed 3.5 m;

(c) a lift or hoist used solely for the raising of motor vehicles-

(i) which does not pass through any floor; and

(ii) the height of travel of which does not exceed 3.5 m;

(d) a skip hoist or hoist used mainly for charging furnaces orsimilar appliances;

(e) a hoist used solely for lifting or feeding material directlyinto a machine;

(f) a belt, bucket, scoop or roller conveyor and any similarmachine;

(g) a ramp connected with any wharf or pier;

(h) an amusement device;

(i) a stage or orchestra lift;

(j) a stairlift for transporting a person or person with awheelchair between 2 or more levels by means of a guided carriage movingsubstantially in the direction of a flight of stairs and travelling inboth upward and downward direction; and


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(k) a lifting platform for use by persons with a disability, withor without wheelchairs, travelling between fixed levels, which may includeintermediate levels, where the maximum height of the platform above the

lowest level does not exceed 1.98 m. (L.N. 240 of 1997)(6) A building to which this regulation applies shall not, afterthe lift or escalator has been installed in it, be altered in any way thatwould result in the building no longer complying with any of therequirements of this regulation.(L.N. 96 of 1994)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - IIMATERIALS VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 10Cement VerDate:30/06/1997

Cement for general use shall be ordinary or rapid hardening Portlandcement of such composition, manufacture and chemical and physicalproperties as are suitable for its intended purpose.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 11Sand VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Sand shall-

(a) consist of naturally occurring sand, crushed stone or acombination of both;

(b) be hard, clean and free from adherent coatings;

(c) contain no appreciable amount of clay balls or pellets;

(d) contain no greater proportion of fine clay, silt or fine dust

(being such clay, silt or dust as will pass through a 63 mm sieve) than-

(i) 5% by mass in the case of naturally occurring sand; and

(ii) 10% by mass in the case of crushed stone.

(2) Sand used in mortar or plaster shall contain no harmfulmaterial in such quantity as may adversely affect the hardening strengthor durability of the mortar or plaster.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 12Water VerDate:30/06/1997

Water for general use shall be clean, fresh water free from harmful matter.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 13Materials for damp proofing VerDate:30/06/1997

Materials for damp proofing shall be durable, impervious to moisture andin all respects suitable for their purpose, having regard to theparticular circumstances of the case.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 14Chunam VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Chunam shall-

(a) be composed of cement, hydrated lime, non-organic soil andwater to form a durable and impermeable material;

(b) be applied in 2 layers, each about 20 mm thick, with awell-keyed surface to the bottom layer and with lapped daywork joints;and

(c) where the surface gradient exceeds 1 in 2, be adequatelyrestrained from slipping.

(2) A weep hole, with an internal diameter of not less than 50 mm,shall be provided to every 1.5 m2 of the face of chunamed surface and inareas of localized seepage.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - IIILOADS VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 15Resistance to sliding, uplift and overturning VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Except where otherwise provided in these regulations, abuilding, street, building works or street works shall be so designed andconstructed that-

(a) the resistance to the sliding force acting thereon shall benotless than 1.5 times the sliding force due to any loads;

(b) the resistance to the uplift force acting thereon shall benotless than 1.5 times the uplift force due to any loads; and

(c) the resistance to the overturning moment acting thereon shallbe not less than 1.5 times the overturning moment due to wind loads and2times the overturning moment due to loads other than wind loads.

(2) The resistance to the uplift force shall be calculated as thesum of the downward force due to the minimum dead loads plus that due toany permitted anchoring resistance.

(3) The resistance to the overturning moment shall be calculated asthe sum of the stabilizing moment due to the minimum dead loads plus thatdue to any permitted anchoring resistance.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 16Dead loads VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) In calculating dead loads, the unit weights of the materialsshall be based on reliable data.

(2) When the position of permanent partitions is indicated on theplan of a building, the weights of those partitions shall be included inthe dead loads.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS,BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS- REGULATION 17Imposed loads VerDate:01/08/2011

(1) The imposed load on any building, street, building works orstreet works shall be the greatest applied load likely to arise from theintended use or purpose of the building, street, building works or streetworks (including forces exerted by the adjacent ground), but subject tothis regulation-

(a) the minimum imposed load on a building or street shall be-

(i) the distributed load specified in column 3 of Table 1 applieduniformly on plan; or

(ii) the concentrated load specified in column 4 of Table1 appliedon plan over any square with a 50 mm side (or over any square otherwisespecified in that column) or the line load specified in that column,(L.N. 3 of 2011)

(iii) (Repealed L.N. 3 of 2011)whichever shall produce the most adverse effect;

(b) (Repealed L.N. 3 of 2011)

(c) where the floor of a building is to support partitions buttheposition of the partitions is not indicated on the plan of the building,the weight of such partitions shall be regarded as imposed distributedload applied uniformly on plan and shall, in addition to other imposedloads, be- (L.N. 3 of 2011)

(i) not less than 1/3 of the weight per metre length of thepartitions uniformly distributed per square metre; and

(ii) not less than 1 kPa if the floor is used for office purposes;

(L.N. 3 of 2011)

(d) where the floor of a building is to support any equipment,machinery or display item that will result in a greater imposed load thanthat specified in Table 1, the load of any of those items has to beconsidered in determining the imposed load on the floor. (L.N. 3 of 2011)


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Table 1

Minimum Imposed Loads

1 2 3 4

Class

Use

Distributed loadin kPa to beapplieduniformly onplan Concentrated

load in kN to beapplied on planover any squarewith a 50 mmside (unlessotherwisespecified in thiscolumn), or lineload in kN permetre length

1 Floors for

domestic use;

dormitories;

private sitting rooms, bedrooms and toilet rooms in hotels,motels andguesthouses;

wards, bedrooms and toilet rooms in hospitals, nursing homes andresidential care homes for elderly persons


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2.0

2.02 Floors for

medical consulting or treatment rooms;

hospital operating theatres and X-ray rooms

2.5

3.0

Floors for

laboratories;

light workrooms with neither central power-driven machines norstorage;

offices for general use;

rooms for lightweight electrical and electronic installations


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3.0

4.5

Floors for

banking halls;

kitchens and laundries not in domestic buildings

4.0

4.53 Floors for

childcare centres and kindergartens

2.5

3.0

Floors for

billiard rooms and bowling alleys;

classrooms, lecture rooms, tutorial rooms, computer rooms and

readingrooms without book storage;

dance practice rooms;

leisure, recreational and amusement areas that cannot be used forassemblypurposes


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3.0

4.5

Floors for

assembly areas with fixed seating(1);

chapels, churches and places of worship with fixed seating(1);

restaurants, night-clubs, lounges, bars, canteens, fast foodshops anddining rooms not in domestic premises

4.0


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4.5

Floors for

art galleries and museums;

grandstands;

public halls;

theatres and cinemas

5.0

4.5

Floors for

assembly areas without fixed seating(1);

dance halls;

footbridges between buildings;

footpaths, terraces, plazas and areas used for pedestriantraffic;

gymnasia;

karaoke establishments and discotheques;

refuge floors


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5.0

4.5

Floors for

stages and television studios used as stages

7.5

9.04 Floors for

department stores, supermarkets, markets and shops for displayand sale ofmerchandise

5.0

4.55 Floors for

library rooms with book storage (excluding library stack rooms);


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offices for storage and normal filing purposes

5.0

4.5

Floors for

(a) stack rooms in book stores and libraries

3.5 for each metre of storage height(2) but not less than10.0

to be determined according to the weight of storagematerial, but not lessthan 9.0

(b) old storage

5.0 for each metre of storage height(2) but not less than15.0


(c) paper storage in printing plants

8.0 for each metre of storage height(2)


(d) battery rooms and uninterruptible power supply rooms 10.0for each metre ofstorage height(2) to be determined according to the weight of storage


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material, but not less than 9.0

(e) general storage other than those specified in (a), (b), (c)or (d)immediately above, including storage in warehouses

2.5 for each metre of storage height(2) to be determined

according to theweight of storage material, but not less than 9.0

Floors for

plant rooms, boiler rooms, fan rooms, motor rooms and the like

7.5

9.0

Floors for

workshops, factories and other buildings or parts of buildings ofsimilarcategory for industrial use

(a) for light weight loads

5.0

9.0

(b) for medium weight loads7.5

9.0

(c) for heavy weight loads10.0

9.0

(d) for printing plants 12.5 9.06 Areas for

car parking, carriageways, floors, driveways and ramps used by


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vehicles

(a) for vehicles not exceeding 3000 kg gross weight 3.0 20.0to be applied on planover any square with a 200 mm side (instead of a 50 mm side)

(b) for vehicles exceeding 3000 kg gross weight to be determinedaccording torecognized engineering principles to be determined according torecognizedengineering principles7 Inaccessible roofs (where no access is provided except suchaccess as maybe necessary for maintenance work only) with a slope

(a) of or less than 5o2.0

1.5

(b) greater than 5o but less than 20o0.75

1.5

(c) of or greater than 20o but less than 40olinear interpolation from 0.75 to 0 according to the slope

1.5(d) of or greater than 40o

0 1.5Accessible roofs (where access is provided in addition to such

access asmay be necessary for maintenance work only) with a slope

(a) of or less than 20o 2.0 1.5(b) greater than 20o but less than 40o

linear interpolation from 2.0 to 0 according to the slope1.5

(c) of or greater than 40o 0 1.58 Floors for

Utility platforms same as the floors to which they give accessbut not less than 4.0line load of 2.0 kN per metre length to be applied along the outer edge

Floors for

Balconies same as the floors to which they give access but notless than 3.0line load of 2.0 kN per metre length to be applied along the outer edge

Stairs, landings and corridors same as the floors to whichthey give access but notless than 3.0 and not more than 5.0 4.5Notes:


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(1) Seating is regarded as fixed if the removal of the seating and theuseof the relevant space for other purposes are unlikely to occur.

(2) Storage height () means the height of the space between

thefollowing: the floor, and a physical constraint to the height ofstorageformed by a ceiling, soffit of a floor, roof or other obstruction.(L.N. 3 of 2011)

(1A) The greatest applied load mentioned in subregulation (1) must bederived from reliable data obtained from a source recognized by theBuilding Authority. (L.N. 3 of 2011)

(2) (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e), incalculating the total imposed load on any column, pier, wall orfoundation, the distributed imposed load on the roof and every floorcarried thereby may be subject to the reductions specified in Table 2.

(b) Where a single span of beam supports not less than 45 m2 offloor atany one level the distributed imposed load for the purpose only ofdetermining the design of the beam may be subject to a reduction of 5%foreach complete 45 m2 of that floor so supported but not more than 20% inall.

(c) The reduction specified in paragraph (a) or (b), whicheveris thegreater, may be taken into account in calculating the total load on anycolumn, pier, wall or foundation.

(d) For factories and workshops designed for a distributedimposed load of7.5 kPa or more the total imposed load shall not be reduced below thatobtained if all the floors had been designed for a distributed imposedload of 7.5 kPa without the reduction specified in Table 2.

(e) No reduction of the imposed loads shall be applied withrespect to-

(i) plant or machinery which is specifically allowed for; or

(ii) floors of factories and workshops designed for adistributed imposedload of less than 7.5 kPa; or

(iii) floors used by vehicles ; or (L.N. 3 of 2011)

(iv) office areas used for storage and filing purposes; or


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(v) forces produced by dynamic effects; or (L.N. 3 of 2011)

(vi) floors used for storage purposes; or (L.N. 3 of 2011)

(vii) loads from partitions the positions of which are notindicated on

the plan of the building. (L.N. 3 of 2011)Table 2

Reductions of Total Distributed Imposed Loads

Percentage reduction of total distributed imposed loadon all floors (including the roof) carried by themember under consideration

Number of floors

(including the roof) withloads qualifying forreduction carried bythe memberunder consideration

Classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and7 of Table 1 Workshops and factories under Class 5 of Table

1 withdistributed imposed

load of not less than 7.5 kPa1 0 02 5 103 10 204 155 206 257 30

25 maximum8 35over 8 40 maximum(L.N. 3 of 2011)

(3) Protective barriers installed to restrict or control the movementofpersons shall be designed to resist the minimum horizontal imposedloadsspecified in Table 3 when separately applied or the wind load (whereapplicable), whichever shall produce the more adverse effects.

Table 3

Minimum Horizontal Imposed Loads on Protective Barriers to Restrictor Control Movement of Persons

Line load tobe applied ata height of 1.1


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m above floorlevel Uniformly

distributed loadto be appliedon the infillbetween floor

and top rail Concentratedload to beapplied on anypart of the infillbetween floorand top rail

Category kN/m kPa kNAreas where congregation of people is not expected

0.751.0

0.5Areas where people may congregate but overcrowding is not expected

1.5

1.5

1.5Areas susceptible to overcrowding

3.01.5

1.5(L.N. 3 of 2011)

(4) Vehicle barriers for carriageways, floors, driveways and ramps usedbyvehicles must be designed to withstand the greatest impact forceanticipated subject to the following requirements

(a) the minimum design impact force on vehicle barriers is tobe [0.5 Mv2/(c + b)] kN,

where

M is the gross mass in kg of the heaviest vehicle to be accommodated,

v is the velocity of the vehicle normal to the barrier in metre persecond,

c is the deformation of the vehicle in mm, and

b is the deflection of the barrier in mm; and


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(b) the impact force is to be uniformly distributed over anylength of 1.5m and acting horizontally at the bumper height of the vehicle. (L.N. 3of2011)

(5) (a) Forces produced by dynamic effects shall be considered asadditional imposed loads in the design of buildings, streets, buildingworks and street works.

(b) The forces produced by dynamic effects in any workshop,factory orother building for industrial use may be determined on the basis ofinformation about the particular building, but if not so determinedshallbe presumed-

(i) for the purpose only of determining the design of slabs andbeams, tobe an additional vertical imposed load of 2.5 kPa; and

(ii) for the purpose of determining the design of structuralframes andfoundations, to be an additional horizontal force (which may be assumednot to act together with the wind load) of 10% of the vertical imposedload specified in subparagraph (i) acting simultaneously on the Nnumberof floors which will produce the most adverse effects, where N is awholenumber not less than 0.2 times the total number of floors subject todynamic effects.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 18Wind loads VerDate:30/06/1997

The wind load on any building, street, building works or street worksshall be based on the response of that building, street, building worksorstreet works to the velocity and gust effect of winds from anydirectionsuitably determined from a return period of not less than 50 years.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 19Notice as to load VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) In every storey of every industrial building or warehouse,there shall be exhibited by the owner, at each staircase or at someotherappropriate place, permanently and conspicuously, a notice in EnglishandChinese incised or embossed, of metal, plastic or other suitablematerial,in letters and figures not less than 15 mm high, stating thedistributedimposed load (not including dynamic effects) for which the floor hasbeendesigned in terms of weight per square metre, in the following form-

BUILDINGS ORDINANCE

(Chapter 123)

NOTICE

The imposed load on this floor is not to exceed........................................ kilograms per square metre.

(123 )

...............(L.N.98 of 1997)

(2) Where floors of different rooms or different parts of floors have beendesigned for different distributed imposed loads, a notice in the forminsubregulation (1) shall be suitably displayed in each room or on each partof the floor, as the case may be, indicating the variations.

(3) For the purposes of this regulation the distributed imposed loaddesigned in units of kPa shall be indicated in the notice in the form insubregulation (1) in units of kilograms per square metre by the conversionof 1 kPa to 102 kilograms per square metre.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - IVSITE FORMATION WORKS VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 20Site formation works VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Site formation works shall be designed and constructed so thatduring construction and thereafter there is an adequate margin of safetyof the works and the remainder of the site.

(2) The carrying out of site formation works shall not renderinadequate the margin of safety of, or cause damage to, any building,structure, land, street or services.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - VBULK EXCAVATION VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 21Bulk excavation in area number 1 of the scheduled areas VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Bulk excavation in area number 1 of the scheduled areas shallnot be carried out below levels determined by the Building Authority.

(2) For the purposes of this regulation "bulk excavation" ()means all excavation except excavation for ground investigation, publicutility trenches, drains, sewers or piles.(Enacted 1990)"bulk excavation" ()


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - VIFOUNDATIONS VerDate:30/06/1997


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In this Part-"ultimate bearing capacity" ( ) in relation to ground that supportsfoundations, means the value of the loading intensity at which theresistance of the ground becomes fully mobilized or undergoes substantialdeformation;"working load" ( ) means the loads calculated in accordance withPartIII which the foundation is designed to carry.(Enacted 1990)"ultimate bearing capacity" ( )"working load" ( )


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 23Foundation works VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Foundation works shall be carried out so as not to renderinadequate the margin of safety of, or impair the stability of, or causedamage to any building, structure, land, street or services.

(2) Where dewatering is to be undertaken, appropriate proceduresshall be adopted and precautionary measures shall be provided to preventany undue resultant deformation or other movement which could impair thestability of, or cause damage to, any building, structure, land, streetorservices.(Enacted 1990)


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Where foundations are to be constructed, a site investigation shall beundertaken to provide all the necessary information for the design andconstruction of the foundations.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 25Allowable capacity for bearing, bond or friction of ground VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The allowable capacity for bearing, bond or friction of theground supporting any foundation under working load shall not exceed-

(a) the ultimate capacity for bearing, bond or friction of thatground with an adequate factor of safety against failure; or

(b) the value in relation to bearing, bond or friction of thatground such that the deformation or movement (including total settlement,differential settlement and lateral movement) will not be greater thanthat which can be tolerated by the building, building works, structureorstreet supported by the foundation,whichever is the less.

(2) The ultimate capacity for bearing, bond or friction of thesupporting ground shall be determined by-

(a) suitable tests to establish the engineering properties of thesupporting ground together with the application of recognized foundationengineering principles; or

(b) testing of the foundation on site; or

(c) other suitable methods.

(3) Where the allowable bearing capacity is to be determined on thebasis of the ultimate bearing capacity of the supporting ground, dueconsideration shall be given to all the circumstances, including theground water conditions, the shape and depth of the foundation, theinclination and eccentricity of the loads, and the nature and slope ofthesurrounding ground, and, in the case of rock, the presence of dissolutionfeatures, the jointing of the rock and the spacing, dip, thickness anddegree of weathering of the joints and any other relevant characteristi

cs.

(4) The allowable capacity of foundations for bearing, bond orfriction resisting the combined effects of dead, imposed and wind loadsmay be increased by not more than 25% where such increase is solely duetowind loads.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 26Pile foundations VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) All pile foundations shall be of adequate load carryingcapacity and of recognized type suitable for the ground conditions.

(2) The allowable load on pile foundations shall be determined by-

(a) acceptable foundation engineering principles; or

(b) tests on the foundations on site,with an adequate factor of safety appropriate to the type of pile, takinginto account ground conditions, the method of installation and groupeffects.

(3) Where pile foundations are installed through a stratum which islikely to undergo consolidation after the foundations are in place-

(a) the frictional resistance of the consolidating stratum andtheoverlying soil shall not be taken into account in the determination oftheload carrying capacity; and

(b) the downward frictional force exerted from the consolidatingstrata and the overlying soil shall be considered as imposed load.

(4) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (5), the spacing ofpiles shall be determined with due regard to the nature of the ground,themethod of construction and the group effects and shall be sufficient toprevent damage to the piles or any adjacent construction.

(5) The centres of all piles deriving their resistance mainly fromfriction and of all driven piles shall be placed-

(a) not less than the length of the perimeter of the pile or 1m,whichever is the greater, from the centres of adjacent piles; and

(b) not less than half the length of the perimeter of the pileor500 mm, whichever is the greater, from the site boundary.

(6) Where piles are placed in such proximity that the load carryingcapacity of the piles may be affected by other piles a pile group shallbedeemed to exist and the allowable load on any group of piles shall notexceed the sum of the load carrying capacities of the piles in the grou


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pmultiplied by a group reduction factor determined in accordance withsubregulation (7).

(7) The group reduction factor shall be determined by recognizedfoundation engineering principles with respect to the bearing capacity

andsettlement of the pile group taking into account all the circumstancesincluding the nature of the ground, the length and spacings of the piles,the size of the group and the method of construction.

(8) The driving of piles shall take into account the properties anddeformation characteristics of the pile, hammer and cap-block in orderthat the driving energy will be applied in such a manner so as not todamage the material of the pile.

(9) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (8), all drivensteel and precast reinforced concrete piles shall be designed with anaverage compressive stress on the nominal cross sectional area at workingload not exceeding-

(a) 0.4 uw/F, in the case of precast reinforced concrete piles;and

(b) 0.6 fy/F, in the case of steel piles,where fy is the yield stress of the steel, uw is the specified gradestrength of the concrete, and F is the design safety factor on driving,with a minimum value of 2 for dead and imposed loads and 1.6 for combineddead, imposed and wind loads.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 27Cast-in-place concrete foundations VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The concrete stresses in cast-in-place concrete foundations atworking load shall not exceed-

(a) the appropriate limitations of design stresses of the concrete,in the case of concreting in dry conditions;

(b) 80% of the appropriate limitations of design stresses of theconcrete, in the case where groundwater is likely to be encountered duringconcreting.

(2) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (1) the averagecompressive stress on the nominal cross sectional area of cast-in-placeconcrete piles of least lateral dimension not exceeding 750 mm shall notexceed 5 MPa under working load due to dead and imposed loads and shallnot exceed 6.25 MPa under working load due to combined dead, imposed andwind loads.

(3) In-situ concrete linings in all cast-in-place concrete pilesshall not be considered as contributing to the structural strength of thefoundation.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 28Horizontal restraints to piles and pile caps VerDate:30/06/1997

Adequate horizontal restraints in at least 2 directions shall be providedto individual piles or pile caps.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 29On site tests to be made where doubt exists VerDate:30/06/1997

Where the Building Authority has any doubt as to the design assumptionorload carrying capacity of any foundation, he may require tests to be madeon site on the foundation or on the ground in which the foundation isplaced by the imposition of a test load or any other suitable method.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 30Proof tests on foundation units VerDate:30/06/1997

A sufficient number of proof tests are to be carried out on representativefoundation units to ascertain the performance of the foundation under loadby means of-

(a) the imposition of test loads; or

(b) core drilling of the completed cast-in-place concretefoundation; or

(c) any other suitable method,as appropriate to the type of foundation.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 31Ground treatment VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Where improvement of the load carrying capacity of the groundis to be achieved by ground treatment, adequate proof of the suitabilityof the method and materials to be used shall be given.

(2) Where ground treatment has been carried out, adequate tests ofthe treated ground shall be carried out.

(3) Where the ground treatment may affect any building, structure,land, street or services, adequate precautionary measures shall be taken.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - VIISITES AND FLOORS VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 32Covering of sites VerDate:30/06/1997

The ground surface within the external walls of every building shall becovered with suitable materials for protection against the penetrationofmoisture.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 33Areas to be paved VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The ground surface of every external area of every buildingunless landscaped shall be suitably paved.

(2) Such surface paving shall be laid to fall at a gradient of notless than 1 in 80 to a gully trap or drainage channels connected to asurface water drain.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 34Certain floors to be impermeable VerDate:30/06/1997

The floor of every room to which a water supply is provided shall beconstructed of suitable impermeable material.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 35Floor next above external ground level VerDate:30/06/1997

The level of the floor next above the external ground of every buildingshall be not less than 150 mm above the level of the external ground orpaving at the entrance to that floor.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 36Skirting VerDate:30/06/1997

Every skirting shall be solidly bedded against the wall to which it isattached.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - VIIIWALLS VerDate:30/06/1997


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In this Part-"cladding" () means a facing or architectural decoration additional tothe external walls of any building.(Enacted 1990)"cladding" ()


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 38External wall of buildings VerDate:30/06/1997

Every external wall of a building shall be constructed of-(a) masonry not less than 225 mm thick;

(b) plain concrete or reinforced concrete not less than 100 mmthick;

(c) any of the materials mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) incombination with a framework of steel or reinforced concrete; or

(d) other suitable materials of permanent, non-combustible andimpervious construction.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 39Cladding VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Cladding shall-

(a) be constructed entirely of such non-combustible materials,ofsuch thickness, strength and durability, and shall be fixed and supportedin such manner and in such sequence as to provide long term stability andintegrity; and

(b) be provided with sufficient permanently flexible jointshorizontally and vertically to allow for differential movement in thecladding and in the structure to which it is attached.

(2) Any metal dowels and fixings securing the cladding shall besuitable, permanent and adequately protected from corrosion.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 40No timber in walls VerDate:30/06/1997

No timber shall be built into the thickness of any brick, concrete ormasonry wall.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 41Protection against penetration of moisture VerDate:30/06/1997

Every wall of a building in contact with a possible source of damp shallbe provided with adequate protection against the penetration of moisture.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - IXCURTAIN WALLS VerDate:30/06/1997


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In this Part-"curtain wall" () means a non load-bearing enclosure fixed on to theload-bearing structure with its dead loads, imposed loads and wind loadstransferred to the structure through fixings.(Enacted 1990)"curtain wall" ()


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 43Curtain walls VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Every curtain wall shall safely sustain and transmit to theload-bearing structure the combined dead loads, imposed loads and windloads without such deflection or deformation as will cause the curtainwall damage or impair its stability.

(2) Every curtain wall shall-

(a) be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials; and

(b) be designed in accordance with recognized engineeringprinciples relating to the design and structural use of materials forcurtain wall construction.

(3) The connection of curtain wall supports to the load-bearingstructure shall not in any way impair the structural integrity orbehaviour of the member to which the support is being fixed and thesupports shall be fixed to the structure by-

(a) a cast-in anchorage in a structural concrete member; or

(b) being welded to a structural steel member.

(4) Where the penetration of a curtain wall by water or moistureoccurs, or where condensation cannot be prevented, provision shall be madefor the collection and discharge of any seepage or condensed water withoutdamage to the curtain wall.

(5) Where materials or a combination of materials used in theconstruction of a curtain wall may be affected by electrolytic or chemicalaction the surface of such materials shall be satisfactorily treated orseparated to prevent corrosion.

(6) The suitability and adequacy of every curtain wall shall bedemonstrated by tests.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XCHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 44Application of regulations VerDate:30/06/1997

This Part shall apply to all chimneys and flues the internal size of whichexceeds 200 mm in diameter, breadth or width, or 3 m in height.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 45Provision of flues VerDate:30/06/1997

Every appliance producing products of combustion shall have adequateprovision for the discharge of the products of combustion to the outsideair.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 46Construction of chimneys and fireplaces VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Every chimney, flue, hearth and fireplace recess shall be-

(a) constructed of non-combustible materials of such a nature,quality and thickness as not to be unduly affected by heat, condensationor the products of combustion;

(b) so constructed and of such thickness or, in the case of a flue,placed or shielded as to prevent the ignition of any part of any building.

(2) Every chimney shall be so constructed that-

(a) the temperature of the exposed faces shall not reach a levelthat would cause damage to nearby parts of the building;

(b) the products of combustion shall not escape through the wallsof the chimney.

(3) Every flue shall-

(a) whether inside or outside the building, be so placed orshielded that there is neither unnecessary risk of accidental damage tothe flue nor unnecessary danger to persons in or near the building;

(b) terminate in such a position that the products of combustioncannot enter nearby windows or other openings, fresh air inlets,mechanical ventilation inlets or exhausts.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 47Corrosion VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Any metal used in the construction of a flue or chimney shallbe protected against corrosion.

(2) Metals shall not be used in such combinations as to causeelectrolytic or chemical action which could adversely affect any part of aflue or chimney.

(3) At the point where a chimney or flue penetrates the wall orroof of a building a flashing shall be provided that is suitable and takesinto account different co-efficients of expansion and electrolytic orchemical action.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XIROOFS VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 48Roofs to be weatherproof VerDate:30/06/1997

Every roof shall be weatherproof.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 49Flat roof VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) A flat roof adjoining any building shall be at a level of notless than 150 mm below any adjoining usable floor space.

(2) Access for maintenance shall be provided to every flat roof.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XIISTRUCTURAL USE OF CONCRETE VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 50Cement VerDate:30/06/1997

Materials

(1) Cement for concrete shall be ordinary, rapid hardening orsulphate resisting Portland cement of such composition, manufacture andchemical and physical properties as are suitable for the production ofconcrete.

(2) High alumina cement shall not be used for concrete.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 51Aggregate VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Subject to subregulations (2) and (3) aggregates used shall becrushed or uncrushed natural mineral substances and shall comply with thequality and grading requirements suitable for the production of concrete.

(2) Separate fine and coarse aggregate shall be used for concrete.

(3) No concrete containing embedded metal shall have in it unwashedmarine sand.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 52Water VerDate:30/06/1997

Water for concrete shall be clean, fresh water free from harmful matter.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 53Admixtures VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The admixtures used for concrete shall be suitable andeffective for the purpose of modifying the workability, rate of stiffeningor hardening, or colouring of concrete.

(2) The chloride ion content of admixtures for concrete containingembedded metal or for concrete containing sulphate resisting Portlandcement shall not exceed 2% by mass of admixture or 0.03% by mass of thecementitious content, whichever is the less.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 54Reinforcement VerDate:30/06/1997

Reinforcement for concrete shall be hot rolled steel bars, cold reducedsteel wire or steel fabric of suitable composition, manufacture, andchemical and physical properties.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 55Pre-stressing tendons VerDate:30/06/1997

Pre-stressing tendons for concrete shall be high tensile steel wire andstrand or high tensile alloy steel bars in the hot rolled or hot rolledand processed condition of suitable composition, manufacture, and chemicaland physical properties.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 56General VerDate:30/06/1997

Designed mix concrete

(1) Subject to regulation 60, each grade of concrete shall bedesigned mix concrete and shall be denoted by a specified grade strengthin MPa with the suffix D and the nominal maximum size of aggregate inmillimetres.

(2) The cement content of any concrete mix shall not exceed 550 kgper cubic metre of the compacted concrete.

(3) The total chloride content of the concrete mix shall not exceedthe limits specified in Table 4 expressed as a percentage relationshipbetween chloride ion and mass of cement in the mix.

TABLE 4

MAXIMUM TOTAL CHLORIDE CONTENT OF CONCRETE MIX

Type of concrete Maximum total chloride contentPre-stressed concreteSteam-cured concrete 0.1Concrete made with sulphate resisting Portland cement 0.2Concrete containing embedded metal and made with ordinary or rapidhardening Portland content 0.35

(4) All concrete shall be considered as being subjected to one of thefollowing exposure conditions namely-

(a) moderate exposure conditions, which are those conditions experiencedby surfaces protected by adequate permanent finishes or otherwisesheltered from driving rain, surfaces of buried concrete in contact withthe ground and concrete continuously under fresh water; or

(b) severe exposure conditions, which are those conditions experienced bysurfaces exposed to driving rain or alternate wetting and drying, surfacessubject to heavy condensation or corrosive fumes, and surfaces in contactwith flowing aqueous solutions including sea-water.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 57Designed mix concrete strengths VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Designed mix concrete shall have the specified grade strengthin accordance with Table 5 for the particular application of the concreteexcept for marine works or where the concrete is exposed to particularlycorrosive conditions a higher grade strength than that specified may berequired.

TABLE 5

DESIGNED MIX CONCRETE GRADE STRENGTHS AND APPLICATIONS

Application Lowest specified grade strength of concrete permissiblePlain concrete except in carriageways 15DReinforced concrete made with light weight aggregate (moderate exposurecondition)PilesBond courses in masonry retaining wallsFootpaths

20DReinforced concrete made with light weight aggregate (severe exposurecondition)Reinforced concrete made with normal weight aggregate (moderate exposurecondition)Carriageways

25DLiquid-retaining structures (moderate exposure condition)Reinforced concrete made with normal weight aggregate (severe exposurecondition)Pre-stressed concrete with post-tensioned tendons (moderate exposurecondition) 30DPre-stressed concrete with post-tensioned tendons (severe exposurecondition)Liquid-retaining structures (severe exposure condition) 35DLiquid-retaining structures (severe exposure condition) including thoseretaining salt waterPre-stressed concrete with pre-tensioned tendons (moderate exposurecondition) 40DPre-stressed concrete with pre-tensioned tendons (severe exposure

condition) 45D

(2) The cement content of concrete shall be not less than the appropriateamount given in Table 6.

TABLE 6

MINIMUM CEMENT CONTENT KG/M3 OF FINISHED CONCRETE


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MADE WITH NORMAL WEIGHT AGGREGATES

40 mmmaximumaggregates 20 mm

maximum

aggregates 10 mmmaximumaggregates

Reinforced concrete 260 290 340Pre-stressed concrete 300 300 360

(3) Concrete shall be tested in accordance with regulation 58 forcompliance with the specified grade strength set out in regulation 59.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 58Concrete cubes VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The compressive strength of concrete shall be determined bytesting standard 150 mm cubes 28 days after mixing.

(2) A representative sample shall be taken from the fresh concreteto make test cubes and each sample shall be taken from a single batch.

(3) The rate of sampling fresh concrete shall be at least thatspecified in Table 7 and at least one sample shall be taken from eachgrade of concrete produced on any one day.

(4) From each sample of concrete taken 2 cubes shall be made by asuitable method.

(5) Each concrete cube shall be given a number in serial sequenceand no serial number shall be duplicated or omitted.

(6) All cubes shall be adequately cured on site or in thelaboratory until ready for testing.

(7) 28 days after mixing, all cubes shall be tested for compressivestrength by a recognized method and the average compressive strength ofeach pair of cubes made from the same sample shall be taken as the testresult.

TABLE 7

SAMPLING RATES

Type or part of building, buildingworks or street Quantity of concrete to be

represented by each sampleMasts, cantilevers more than 3 m in length, columns, shear walls,prestressed and other critical elements 10 m3 or 10 batches whichever is thesmaller volumeSolid rafts, pile caps, caisson caps and mass concrete retaining walls 100 m3 or100 batches whichever is the smaller volumeAll other types or parts 25 m3 or 25 batches whichever is the smaller volume(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 59Acceptance criteria VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The specified grade strength for concrete shall be deemed tohave been attained if the individual test results and the average resultsof all overlapping sets of 4 consecutive test results comply with thecriteria specified in Table 8.

(2) When there are more than 4 test results the average of each setof 4 consecutive test results shall be calculated and checked forcompliance each time a new test result is produced, using that test resultand the immediately preceding 3 test results.

(3) Where there are only 2 or 3 test results available, thoseresults shall be treated for the purposes of this regulation as if theywere 4 consecutive test results.

TABLE 8

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH COMPLIANCE CRITERIA

Column A Column B

Specified grade strength Average of 4 consecutive test results shall exceed thespecified grade strength by at leastAny individual test result shall not beless than the specified grade strength minus20 D and above 5 MPa 3 MPaBelow 20 D 2 MPa 2 MPa

(4) If the average strength determined from any group of 4 consecutivetest results does not satisfy Column A of Table 8 then the batches ofconcrete represented by the first and last samples in the group and allintervening batches shall be deemed not to have attained the specifiedgrade strength.

(5) If an individual test result does not satisfy Column B of Table 8 thenonly the particular batch of concrete from which the sample was takenshall be deemed not to have attained the specified grade strength providedthat the averages of all groups of 4 consecutive results in which theindividual test result appears all satisfy Column A of Table 8.

(6) If the requirements in subregulation (1) are not satisfied by any testresult, investigations shall be made to establish whether the concreterepresented by the test result is acceptable or not.

(7) If the difference between the compressive strengths of any pair ofcubes made from the same sample of concrete for specified grade strength20 D and above exceeds 15% of the test result for that pair of cubesaction shall be taken to ensure that the sampling and testing proceduresas required under regulation 58 are being followed.


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(8) If the difference between the compressive strengths of any pair ofcubes made from the same sample of concrete for specified grade strength20 D and above exceeds 20% of the test result for that pair of cubes thattest result shall be disregarded and investigations shall be made toestablish whether the concrete represented by the test result is

acceptable or not.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 60Concrete for minor structural and non-structural works VerDate:30/06/1997

Prescribed mix concrete

(1) Concrete may be a prescribed mix concrete as an alternative todesigned mix concrete when it is used in minor structural ornon-structural works.

(2) Prescribed mix concrete shall be denoted by the specified gradestrength in MPa with the suffix P.

(3) Prescribed mix concrete shall be made using mix proportions,batching by weight, selected from Table 9 depending on its intended use.

(4) Prescribed mix concrete shall comply with regulations 51, 52,54, 61 and 62.

(5) The cement used in prescribed mix concrete shall be ordinaryPortland cement.

TABLE 9

PRESCRIBED MIX CONCRETE

Weight of aggregate per bag of cement kg

Specified grade strengthMaterial 45 kg bag of cement 50 kg bag of cementFine aggregate 145 160

10 P 20 mm coarse aggregate 185 205Fine aggregate 120 130

15 P 20 mm coarse aggregate 165 180Fine aggregate 95 105

20 P 20 mm coarse aggregate 145 160(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 61Formwork VerDate:30/06/1997

Construction

(1) The formwork for concrete shall support safely the combinedeffects of all loads so that the final concrete structure is within thelimits of acceptable dimensional tolerances.

(2) The minimum period which must elapse before formwork may beremoved shall not be less than that given in Table 10.

TABLE 10MINIMUM PERIOD BEFORE STRIKING FORMWORK

Type of formwork Minimum period beforeformwork may be removed

Vertical formwork to column, walls and large beams 12 hoursSoffit formwork to slabs with props left in 4 daysSoffit formwork to beams with props left in7 daysProps to slabs 10 daysProps to beams 14 days(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 62Minimum cover of reinforcement VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Subject to Part XV, the thickness of the concrete cover toreinforcement (exclusive of plaster rendering or other applied covering ordecorative finish) shall not be less than the size of that reinforcementor the dimension as specified in Table 11, whichever is the greater andthe cover to the ends of bars shall not be less than 25 mm.

TABLE 11

MINIMUM THICKNESS OF CONCRETE COVER TO REINFORCEMENT

Reinforced concrete Prestressed concreteConditions of exposure Conditions of exposure

Specified grade strength Moderate SevereModerate SevereSlabs and walls in enclosedbuildings

202530354045 mm

303030252525 mm

--4035303030 mm

----3025

2020 mm

----35302525 mm

20


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2020151515

(2) In marine works or where the concrete is exposed to particularlycorrosive conditions or where the concrete is made with lightweightaggregates the cover shall be suitably increased.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 63Core testing VerDate:30/06/1997

Further testing

(1) When concrete is considered from visual inspection to besuspect or when the specified grade strength has been deemed not to beattained under regulation 59 the compressive strength of the concrete inthe structure may be determined by drilling a sufficient number of coresfrom the concrete at suitable locations.

(2) The nominal minimum size of the core shall be 150 mm diameterfor 40 mm aggregate and 100 mm diameter for 20 mm aggregate or less, andthe length of the test sample cut from the core shall be at least 95% ofthe core diameter.

(3) Cores drilled from concrete shall be prepared and tested by arecognized method to determine compressive strength.

(4) No adjustment shall be made to the measured strength in respectof the age of the core when tested.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XIIIRETAINING WALLS VerDate:30/06/1997


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In this Part-"retaining wall" () means a structure retaining earth or fill.(Enacted 1990)"retaining wall" ()


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 65General requirement VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Retaining walls shall be designed and constructed to supportsafely the earth or fill they retain and other loads without impairingthestability of, or causing damage to, any other building, structure, land,street or services.

(2) The design and construction of minor retaining walls shallcomply with subregulation (1) but shall be exempted from regulations 66to84.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 66Filters VerDate:30/06/1997

MaterialsAny filter used in a retaining wall shall when placed against soil be suchas to allow water to flow through it while restraining the migration ofparticles from the soil.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 67Backfill material VerDate:30/06/1997

Backfill placed adjacent to retaining walls shall consist of materialcapable of being compacted to form a stable fill.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 68Earth pressure VerDate:30/06/1997

LoadsPressure from earth or fill shall be determined from soil mechanics theorywith due consideration of the acceptable deformations of the surroundings.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 69Water pressure VerDate:30/06/1997

Water pressure shall be determined-(a) from an assessment of geological conditions, ground water a

ndsurface water conditions, services and other relevant matters, due accountbeing taken of any drainage measures provided; or

(b) by any other suitable method.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 70Minimum pressure VerDate:30/06/1997

The design pressure for a retaining wall shall be not less than thepressure due to an equivalent fluid of unit weight 5 kN per cubic metre.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 71Retaining wall design VerDate:30/06/1997

DesignRetaining walls shall be designed in accordance with engineeringprinciples.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 72Loading condition VerDate:30/06/1997

The design of a retaining wall shall take due account of the most onerousloading conditions whether during the construction or the service lifeofthe wall.(Enacted 1990)


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The design of a retaining wall shall be based on data from an appropriatesite investigation.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 74Adequate factor of safety VerDate:30/06/1997

Retaining walls shall be designed to provide adequate factors of safetyagainst sliding, overturning and ultimate bearing failure and againstfailure on a surface passing beneath the retaining wall.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 75Validity of design earth pressure VerDate:30/06/1997

Compatibility shall be ensured between the designed earth pressure andthedeformation of the retaining wall.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 76Masonry and mass concrete walls VerDate:30/06/1997

Retaining walls constructed of unreinforced masonry or mass concrete shallbe so designed that tension does not develop in the wall or at thefoundation.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 77Drainage measures to preserve stability VerDate:30/06/1997

Where it is likely that construction of a retaining wall will cause a risein ground water level such that the stability of any building, structure,land, street or services are likely to be impaired, preventive drainagemeasures shall be installed.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 78Performance of drainage system VerDate:30/06/1997

Where a drainage system is provided to reduce any water pressure that maybe imposed on the retaining wall, such drainage system shall be designedand constructed so as not to be rendered ineffective during service bythepenetration of soil or by any other cause.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 79Surface channels VerDate:30/06/1997

Adequate channels laid to suitable gradients, or paving laid in accordancewith regulation 33 shall be formed at the top and in front of everyretaining wall to carry away any seepage or surface water.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 80Safety required during excavation and construction VerDate:30/06/1997

The design of retaining walls at all stages of construction and excavationshall provide adequate factors of safety against piping and bottom heaveand have an adequate margin of safety for the stability of the toe of theretaining wall.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 81Weep holes VerDate:30/06/1997

Further requirements for masonry retaining walls

(1) Adequate weep holes shall be Provided through the face of everymasonry retaining wall other than a retaining wall which is subject toregulation 48 of the Building (Planning) Regulations (Cap 123 sub. leg.F).

(2) A layer of drainage and filter material at least 300 mm thickshall be provided at the back of every masonry retaining wall.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 82Copings VerDate:30/06/1997

Retaining walls constructed of masonry shall be provided with a propercoping of concrete or other suitable material.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 83Bonding and foundation required VerDate:30/06/1997

Retaining walls constructed of masonry shall be bonded and solidly puttogether with mortar and provided with a foundation of concrete on solidundisturbed ground or on piles.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 84Bond courses required VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Retaining walls constructed of masonry exceeding 4 m in heightshall be provided with one or more bond courses of-

(a) concrete at least 300 mm in depth; or

(b) reinforced concrete.

(2) The distance between the foundation and the first of such bondcourses and the distance between any 2 adjacent bond courses shall notexceed 2 m measured vertically.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XIVWELLS VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 85Permission from Building Authority to sink or reopen wells VerDate:30/06/1997

No well associated with a building or building works shall be sunk orreopened without the permission of the Building Authority.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 86Performance VerDate:30/06/1997

Wells shall be designed, constructed and operated so as not to impair thestability of, or cause damage to, any building, structure, land, streetorservices.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 87Wells prohibited in certain places VerDate:30/06/1997

No well shall be sunk in the vicinity of any septic tank, cesspool, sewagesump or in any foul ground.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 88Wells to be covered and lined VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The top of every well shall be suitably protected to preventthe direct entry of any surface water or sullage water.

(2) Every excavated well of finished diameter greater than 500 mmthat is not sunk into solid rock shall be properly lined for its entiredepth with brickwork or other suitable material.

(3) Every well of finished diameter less than 500 mm shall beproperly lined where support to the sides of the well is needed.

(4) The lining of every well shall seal the well to a sufficientdepth below ground level to prevent contamination.

(5) Where a well is liable to be rendered ineffective by theaccumulation of particles drawn out of the ground a suitable filter shallbe provided.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 89Safety measures required VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Every well of finished diameter greater than 500 mm shall beprovided with suitably fixed rungs or foot rests not more than 600 mmapart for the entire depth.

(2) Around the top of every well of finished diameter greater than300 mm not provided with a fixed pump installation, a suitable parapetwall, not less than 750 mm in height, shall be provided.

(3) All wells with a fixed pump installation shall be provided witha securely fixed cover which may be locked to prevent public access andall other wells shall be fitted with a close-fitting cover.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XVFIRE RESISTING CONSTRUCTION VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 90Fire resisting construction VerDate:30/06/1997

Every building shall be designed and constructed so as to-(a) inhibit the spread of fire within the building and to nearb

ybuildings by dividing the building into compartments;

(b) provide adequate resistance to the spread of fire and smokebythe separation of different uses in a building by compartment walls andfloors and by the separation of the building from any adjoining buildingor site;

(c) maintain the stability of the building in case of fire; and

(d) provide adequate resistance to the spread of fire over theroofof one building to another having regard to the position of the building.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XVIMISCELLANEOUS VerDate:30/06/1997


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 91Harbourage of vermin VerDate:30/06/1997

No building shall be constructed so as to provide harbourage for anyvermin.(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 92(Omitted as spent) VerDate:30/06/1997

(Omitted as spent)(Enacted 1990)


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BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 93Transitional VerDate:30/06/1997

Where plans of building works, street works, lift works or escalator worksare submitted to the Building Authority within 12 months after the cominginto operation of these regulations, he may approve any such plans whichcomply with the provisions of the law before the coming into operationofthese regulations and give consent to the commencement of the works shownon such plans.(Enacted 1990)

Documents

Building Construction) Regulations