NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

 INTEGRATED APPROACH — PREREQUISITE FOR APPLYING PROVISIONS OF THE CODE

1 SCOPE

This Part covers guidelines to be followed for judicious implementation of the provisions of various Parts⁄Sections of the Code.

2 TERMINOLOGY

2.0 For the purpose of this Part, the following definitions and those given in Part 1 ‘Definitions’ shall apply.
2.1 Authority Having Jurisdiction — The Authority which has been created by a statute and which, for the purpose of administering the Code⁄Part, may authorize a committee or an official or an agency to act on its behalf; hereinafter called the ‘Authority’.
2.2 Building — Any structure for whatsoever purpose and of whatsoever materials constructed and every part thereof whether used as human habitation or not and includes foundation, plinth, walls, floors, roofs, chimneys, plumbing and building services, fixed platforms, VERANDAH, balcony, cornice or projection, part of a building or anything affixed thereto or any wall enclosing or intended to enclose any land or space and signs and outdoor display structures. Tents⁄SHAMIANAHS⁄PANDALS, tarpaulin shelters, etc, erected for temporary and ceremonial occasions shall not be considered as building.
2.3 Owner — Person or body having a legal interest in land and⁄or building thereon. This includes free holders, leaseholders or those holding a sub-lease which both bestows a legal right to occupation and gives rise to liabilities in respect of safety or building condition.
In case of lease or sub-lease holders, as far as ownership with respect to the structure is concerned, the structure of a flat or structure on a plot belongs to the allottee⁄lessee till the allotment⁄lease subsists.

NOTE— For the purpose of the Code, the word ‘owner’ will also cover the generally understood terms like ‘client’, ‘user’, etc.

3 GENERAL

3.1 Buildings, shall be classified as Residential, Educational, Institutional, Assembly, Business, Mercantile, Industrial, Storage and Hazardous in groups and sub-division as classified in Part 4 ‘Fire and Life Safety’.
For further sub-classification of buildings and various related provisions thereof with respect to administration; development control rules and general building requirements; building materials; fire and life safety; structural design; constructional practices and safety; building and plumbing services; and landscaping, signs and outdoor display structures, other parts⁄sections of the Code may be referred to.
3.2 The scope of various Parts⁄Sections of the Code which cover detailed provisions on different aspects of development of land⁄building construction activity, are given in Annex A, with a view to providing an overview for the users of the Code.

4 TEAM APPROACH

A land development⁄building project comprises the following major stages:

1. Location⁄siting,
2. Conceptualization and planning,
3. Designing and detailing,
4. Construction⁄execution, and
5. Maintenance and repair.

Each stage necessarily requires professionals of many disciplines who should work together as a well coordinated team to achieve the desired product delivery with quality, in an effective manner.
Appropriate multi-disciplinary teams need to be constituted to successfully meet the requirements of different stages. Each team may comprise need based professionals out of the following depending upon the nature, magnitude and complexity of the project:

a) Architect,
b) Civil engineer,
c) Structural engineer,
d) Electrical engineer,
e) Plumbing engineer,
f) Fire protection engineer,
g) HVAC engineer,
h) Environment specialist,
j) Town planner,
k) Urban designer,
m) Landscape architect,
n) Security system specialist,
p) Interior designer,
q) Quantity surveyor,
r) Project⁄construction manager, and
s) Other subject specialist(s).

5 4.1 Design Team
In building projects various aspects like form; space planning; aesthetics; fire and life safety; structural adequacy; plumbing services; lighting and natural ventilation; electrical and allied installations; air conditioning, heating and mechanical ventilation; acoustics, sound insulation and noise control; installation of lifts and escalators; building automation; data and voice communication; other utility services installations; landscape planning and design; urban planning; etc need to be kept in view right at the concept stage. The project requiring such multi-disciplinary inputs need a co-ordinated approach among the professionals for proper integration of various design inputs. For this, and to take care of the complexities of multi-disciplinary requirements, a design team of professionals from required disciplines shall be constituted at the appropriate stage. Here, it is desirable that the multi-disciplinary integration is initiated right from the concept stage. The team shall finalize the plan. The composition of the team shall depend on the nature and magnitude of the project. Design is an evolutionary and participatory process, where participation of owner constitutes a very important input at all stages, and the same shall be ensured by the design team.
To ensure proper implementation of the design, the design team, may be associated during the construction⁄execution stage.
4.2 Project Management and Construction Management Teams
The objective of project management or construction management is primarily to achieve accomplishment of project in accordance with the designs and specifications in a stipulated time and cost framework, with a degree of assurance prior to commencement and satisfaction on accomplishment.
For large projects, separate teams of experienced professionals from the required disciplines may be constituted for project management and for construction management depending upon the complexities of the project. However, for smaller projects these teams may be combined. The teams shall be responsible for day-to-day execution, supervision, quality control, etc and shall ensure inter-disciplinary co-ordination during the construction stage. The team shall be responsible to achieve satisfactory completion of the project with regard to cost, time and quality. Some members of the design team may also be included in the project management team and⁄or associated actively during the project execution stage. It is important that leaders and members of project management⁄construction management teams, depending on the size and complexity of the project, are carefully selected considering their qualification, experience and expertise in these fields.
4.3 Operation and Maintenance Team
Operation, maintenance and repairs also require a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that all the requirements of the users are satisfactorily met. During maintenance and repairs, the jobs requiring inter-disciplinary co-ordination have to be executed in such a manner as not only to cause least inconvenience to the user but also to ensure that there is no mismatch or damage to the structure, finishings, fittings and fixtures. For carrying out routine maintenance⁄repair jobs, utilization of the services of trained technicians preferably having multi-disciplinary skills should be encouraged.
Special repairs, rehabilitation and retrofitting are specialized jobs which demand knowledge of the existing structure⁄installations. Association of concerned specialists may be helpful for these works.
The Operation and Maintenance Team may also be known as Asset Management or Estate Management Team.

5 PLANNING, DESIGNING AND DEVELOPMENT

5.1 The main functions of design team (see 4.1) constituted for the planning, designing and development, are as under:

a) Formalization of design brief in consultation with the owner.
b) Site investigation⁄survey.
c) Preparation of alternative concept designs.
d) Selection of a concept in consultation with and with the consent of owner.
e) Sizing the system.
f) Development of design, covering:

1. Integration of architecture, structure and services,
2. Synthesis of requirements of each discipline, and
3. Interaction with each other and with the owner.

g) Preparation of preliminary designs and drawings and obtaining owner’ approval.
h) Preparation of preliminary cost estimates for approval of owner.
j) Preparation of work-breakdown structure and programme for pre-construction activities.
k) Assisting client to obtain approvals of the Authority.
m) Preparation of detailed specification and
6 construction working drawings with integration of engineering inputs of all concerned disciplines.
n) Preparation of detailed design of each discipline for various services.
p) Peer review⁄proof checking of the drawings⁄designs in case of important projects, depending upon their complexity and sensitivity.
q) Preparation of detailed cost estimate.
r) Obtaining final approval of client.
s) Preparation of bill of quantities, specifications and tender documents.

5.2 The following considerations, as may be applicable to the project, may be considered during planning, notwithstanding other relevant aspects specifically prescribed in concerned parts⁄sections of this Code; these considerations in general are with the objective of addressing to the important issues like environmental protection, energy conservation, cultural issues, creating barrier free built-environment, safety aspects, etc, all of these leading towards sustainable development, and have to be applied with due regard to the specific requirements of size and type of project:

a) Geoclimatic, geological and topographical features.
b) Varied sociological pattern of living in the country.
c) Effective land use to cater to the needs of the society in a most convenient manner.
d) Modular planning and standardization to take care of future planning giving due consideration to the specified planning controls.
e) Emphasis on daylight utilization, natural ventilation, shielding, and window area and its disposition; daylighting to be supplemented with an integrated design of artificial lighting.
f) Optimum utilization of renewable energy sources duly integrated in the overall energy system design; with consideration of active and passive aspects in building design including thermal performance of building envelope.
g) Rain water harvesting, and use of appropriate building materials considering aspects like energy consumption in production, transportation and utilization, recyclability, etc for promoting sustainable development.
h) Requisite mandatory provisions for handicapped persons.
j) Acoustical controls for buildings and the surroundings.
k) Promotion of artwork in buildings, specially buildings of importance.
m) Due cognizance of recommendations of the Archeological Survey of India with regard to national monuments and construction in archeologically important sites.
n) Due cognizance of relevant provisions of applicable coastal zone regulation act.
p) Conservation of heritage structures and areas.
q) Environmental and social impact analysis.
r) Design of services with emphasis on aspects of energy efficiency, environment friendliness and maintainability.
s) Integrated waste management.
t) Voice and data communication, automation of building services, and intelligent building; use of security and surveillance system in important and sensitive buildings, such as, access control for the people as well as for vehicle.
u) Interlinking of fire alarm system, fire protection system, security system, ventilation, electrical systems, etc.
v) Analysis of emergency power, standby power requirement and captive power systems.
w) Cost optimization through techniques like value engineering.
y) Adoption of innovative technologies giving due consideration to constructability and quality aspects.
z) Instrumentation of buildings and monitoring and use of information so generated to effect improvements in planning and design of future building projects.

6 CONSTRUCTION⁄EXECUTION (ACTUALIZATION)

6.1 The main functions of the teams (see 4.2) constituted for Project Management⁄Construction Management may be, to:

a) specify criteria for selection of constructors;
b) specify quality control, quality audit system and safety system;
c) short-list constructors;
d) have pre-bid meetings with the intending constructors;
e) receive and evaluate tenders;
f) select constructors;
g) execution and supervision;
h) monitor quality, time and cost control;
7 j) prepare⁄certify the completion (as-built) drawings; and
k) ensure availability of operation manuals for field use.

6.2 Apart from the specific provisions laid down in the concerned Parts⁄Sections of the Code, the following considerations, as may be applicable to the project concerned, shall be given due attention:

1. Adopting scientific principles of construction management, quality management, cost and time control.
2. Engagement of executing and supervising agencies, which meet the specified norms of skills, specialization, experience, resourcefulness, etc for the work.
3. Ensuring inter-disciplinary co-ordination during construction.
4. Contract management and techno-legal aspects.
5. Completion, commissioning and trial run of installations⁄equipments and their operation and maintenance through the suppliers⁄other teams, where necessary.
6. Make available shop drawings as well as as-built drawings for the building and services.
7. Arrange all maintenance and operation manual from the concerned suppliers⁄manufacturers.

6.3 The team of professionals (see 4.2) shall work and monitor the project activities for successful construction⁄execution of the project with regard to cost, time, quality and safety.

7 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

7.1 The team of professionals (see 4.3) shall set up a system of periodic maintenance and upkeep of constructed buildings.
7.2 The operation and maintenance team shall be responsible for preparation⁄application of operation and maintenance manual, and draw maintenance schedule⁄frequencies and guidelines for maintenance personnel. Apart from the specific provisions laid down in concerned Parts⁄Sections of the Code, the following, as may be applicable to the project concerned shall additionally be taken into account:

1. Periodic validation of buildings by competent professionals through inspection of the buildings in respect of structural safety and safety of electrical and other installations and ensuring that all fire safety equipments⁄systems are in proper working condition.
2. Preparation of preventive maintenance schedules for all installations in the building and strictly following the same; the record of the preventive maintenance to be properly kept.
3. Ensuring inter-disciplinary co-ordination during maintenance and repairs; deployment of trained personnel with multi-disciplinary skills to be encouraged.
4. Condition survey of structures and installations, identification of distress of various elements and initiating plans for rehabilitation⁄retrofitting well in time.

7.3 The proposals for rehabilitation⁄retrofitting should be prepared after detailed investigations through visual inspection, maintenance records and testing as required and got executed through specialized agencies under the guidance and supervision of competent professionals.
8

ANNEX A
(Clause 3.2)
BRIEF DETAILS OF THE COVERAGE OF VARIOUS PROVISIONS UNDER DIFFERENT OTHER PARTS/SECTIONS OF THIS CODE

A-1 PART 1 DEFINITIONS
It lists the terms appearing in all the Parts/Sections of the Code. However, some common definitions are reproduced in this Part also.
A-2 PART 2 ADMINISTRATION
It covers the administrative aspects of the Code, such as applicability of the Code, organization of building department for enforcement of the Code, procedure for obtaining development and building permits, and responsibility of the owner and all professionals involved in the planning, design and construction of the building.
A-3 PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
It covers the development control rules and general building requirements for proper planning and design at the layout and building level to ensure health safety, public safety and desired quality of life.
A-4 PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
It covers the requirements for fire prevention, life safety in relation to fire, and fire protection of buildings. The Code specifies planning and construction features and fire protection features for all occupancies that are necessary to minimize danger to life and property.
A-5 PART 5 BUILDING MATERIALS
It covers the requirements of building materials and components, and criteria for accepting new or alternative building materials and components.
A-6 PART 6 STRUCTURAL DESIGN
This Part through its seven sections provides for structural adequacy of buildings to deal with both internal and external environment, and provide guidance to engineers⁄structural engineers for varied usage of material⁄technology types for building design.
A-6.1 Section 1 Loads, Forces and Effects
It covers basic design loads to be assumed in the design of buildings. The live loads, wind loads, seismic loads, snow loads and other loads, which are specified therein, are minimum working loads which should be taken into consideration for purposes of design.
A-6.2 Section 2 Soils and Foundations
It covers structural design (principles) of all building foundations, such as, raft, pile and other foundation systems to ensure safety and serviceability without exceeding the permissible stresses of the materials of foundations and the bearing capacity of the supporting soil.
A-6.3 Section 3 Timber and Bamboo
A-6.3.1 Section 3A Timber
It covers the use of structural timber in structures or elements of structures connected together by fasteners⁄fastening techniques.
A-6.3.2 Section 3B Bamboo
It covers the use of bamboo for constructional purposes in structures or elements of the structure, ensuring quality and effectiveness of design and construction using bamboo. It covers minimum strength data, dimensional and grading requirements, seasoning, preservative treatment, design and jointing techniques with bamboo which would facilitate scientific application and long-term performance of structures. It also covers guidelines so as to ensure proper procurement, storage, precautions and design limitations on bamboo.
A-6.4 Section 4 Masonry
It covers the structural design aspects of unreinforced load bearing and non-load bearing walls, constructed using various bricks, stones and blocks permitted in accordance with this Section. This, however, also covers provisions for design of reinforced brick and concrete floors and roofs. It also covers guidelines regarding earthquake resistance of low strength masonry buildings.
A-6.5 Section 5 Concrete
A-6.5.1 Section 5A Plain and Reinforced Concrete
It covers the general structural use of plain and reinforced concrete.
A-6.5.2 Section 5B Prestressed Concrete
It covers the general structural use of prestressed concrete. It covers both work carried out on site and the manufacture of precast prestressed concrete units.
9 A-6.6 Section 6 Steel
It covers the use of structural steel in general building construction including the use of hot rolled steel sections and steel tubes.
A-6.7 Section 7 Prefabrication, Systems Building and Mixed⁄Composite Construction
A-6.7.1 Section 7A Prefabricated Concrete
It covers recommendations regarding modular planning, component sizes, prefabrication systems, design considerations, joints and manufacture, storage, transport and erection of prefabricated concrete elements for use in buildings and such related requirements for prefabricated concrete.
A-6.7.2 Section 7B Systems Building and Mixed/Composite Construction
It covers recommendations regarding modular planning, component sizes, joints, manufacture, storage, transport and erection of prefabricated elements for use in buildings and such related requirements for mixed⁄composite construction.
A-7 PART 7 CONSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES AND SAFETY
It covers the constructional planning, management and practices in buildings; storage, stacking and handling of materials and safety of personnel during construction operations for all elements of a building and demolition of buildings. It also covers guidelines relating to maintenance management, repairs, retrofitting and strengthening of buildings. The objective can be best achieved through proper coordination and working by the project management and construction management teams.
A-8 PART 8 BUILDING SERVICES
This Part through its five elaborate sections on utilities provides detailed guidance to concerned professionals⁄utility engineers for meeting necessary functional requirements in buildings.
A-8.1 Section 1 Lighting and Ventilation
It covers requirements and methods for lighting and ventilation of buildings.
A-8.2 Section 2 Electrical and Allied Installations
It covers the essential requirements for electrical and allied installations in buildings to ensure efficient use of electricity including safety from fire and shock. This Section also includes general requirements relating to lightning protection of buildings.
A-8.3 Section 3 Air Conditioning, Heating and Mechanical Ventilation
This Section covers the design, construction and installation of air conditioning and heating systems and equipment installed in buildings for the purpose of providing and maintaining conditions of air temperature, humidity, purity and distribution suitable for the use and occupancy of the space.
A-8.4 Section 4 Acoustics, Sound Insulation and Noise Control
It covers requirements and guidelines regarding planning against noise, acceptable noise levels and the requirements for sound insulation in buildings with different occupancies.
A-8.5 Section 5 Installation of Lifts and Escalators
It covers the essential requirements for the installation, operation, maintenance and also inspection of lifts (passenger lifts, goods lifts, hospital lifts, service lifts and dumb-waiter) and escalators so as to ensure safe and satisfactory performance.
A-9 PART 9 PLUMBING SERVICES
This Part through its two sections gives detailed guidance to concerned professionals⁄plumbing engineers with regard to plumbing and other related requirements in buildings.
A-9.1 Section 1 Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation (Including Solid Waste Management)
It covers the basic requirements of water supply for residential, business and other types of buildings, including traffic terminal stations. This Section also deals with general requirements of plumbing connected to public water supply and design of water supply systems.
It also covers the design, layout, construction and maintenance of drains for foul water, surface water and sub-soil water and sewage; together with all ancillary works, such as connections, manholes and inspection chambers used within the building and from building to the connection to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage-disposal system, cess-pool, soakaway or to other approved point of disposal⁄treatment work. It also includes the provisions on solid waste management.
A-9.2 Section 2 Gas Supply
It covers the requirements regarding the safety of persons and property for all piping uses and for all types of gases used for fuel or lighting purposes in buildings.
10 A-10 PART 10 LANDSCAPING, SIGNS AND OUTDOOR DISPLAY STRUCTURES
A-10.1 Section 1 Landscape Planning and Design
It covers requirements of landscape planning and design with the view to promoting quality of outdoor built environment and protection of land and its resources.
A-10.2 Section 2 Signs and Outdoor Display Structures
It covers the requirements with regard to public safety, structural safety and fire safety of all signs and outdoor display structures including the overall aesthetical aspects of imposition of signs and outdoor display structures in the outdoor built environment.