COP v3.0:structure; nzbc-clause-b1

3.1 NZBC Clause B1 (Extract) 

Source: New Zealand Building Code Clause B1 Structure

3.1.1 Objective 

B1.1 The objective of this provision is to:

  • Safeguard people from injury caused by structural failure.
  • Safeguard people from loss of amenity caused by structural behaviour.
  • Protect other property from physical damage caused by structural failure.

3.1.2 Functional Requirement 

B1.2 Building elements shall withstand the combination of loads that they are likely to be subjected to through construction or alteration, and throughout their lives.

3.1.3 Performance 

B1.3.1 Building elements shall have a low probability of rupturing, becoming unstable, losing equilibrium or collapsing during construction or alteration, and throughout their lives.

B1.3.2 Building elements shall have a low probability of causing loss of amenity through undue deformation, vibratory response, degradation, or other physical characteristics throughout their lives.

B1.3.3 Account shall be taken of all physical conditions likely to affect the stability of building elements including:

  1. Self-weight.
  2. Imposed gravity loads arising from use.
  3. Temperature.
  4. Earth pressure.
  5. Water and other liquids.
  6. Snow.
  7. Wind.
  8. Fire impact.
  9. Differential movement.
  10. Influence of equipment services and non-structural elements.
  11. Time dependant effects including creep and shrinkage.

B1.3.4 Due allowance shall be made for

  • the consequences of failure,
  • the intended use of the building,
  • effects of construction activities,
  • variation in the properties of materials, and
  • accuracy limitations inherent in the methods used to predict the stability of building elements