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Building Regulations 2010

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The Building Regulations 2010

Structure
APPROVED DOCUMENT A

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APPROVED DOCUMENT
A1
A2
A3

Loading
Ground movement
Disproportionate collapse

ISBN 978 1 85946 508 0

Stock code 80581

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Reprint August 2013

Structure

Crown Copyright, 2013

ONLINE VERSION
MAIN CHANGES MADE BY THE
2013 AMENDMENTS
The main changes, which apply only to England*,
are to:
References to British Standard design
standards
Guidance on disproportionate collapse
Wind maps
Guidance on strip footings
Materials and workmanship
There have been no changes to Part A of
Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations.

MAIN CHANGES MADE BY THE

2010 AMENDMENTS
The 2010 amendments reflect the Building
Regulations 2010 and Building (Approved
Inspectors etc) Regulations 2010. The changes
mainly reflect regulation number changes as
a result of re-ordering. There have been no
amendments to the substantive requirements in
Part A of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations.

MAIN CHANGES IN THE

2004 EDITION
The 2004 edition replaced the 1992 Edition (with
1994 and 2000 amendments edition). The main
changes were:

APPROVED DOCUMENTS
The following documents have been published
to give practical guidance about how to meet the
Building Regulations. You can find the date of the
edition approved by the Secretary of State at
www.planningportal.gov.uk.

Guidance on the sizing of timber floors and

roofs for traditional house construction
removed, as the Timber Tables are now
published by TRADA.

Approved Document A
Structure

Map of basic wind speeds revised.

Approved Document B: Volume 2

Fire safety Buildings other than dwellinghouses

Stainless steel cavity wall ties specified for all

houses regardless of their location.

Approved Document B: Volume 1

Fire safety Dwellinghouses

Guidance on masonry walls to dwellings

extended.

Approved Document C
Site preparation and resistance to contaminants
and moisture

Guidance on concrete foundations to houses

revised.

Approved Document D
Toxic substances

Guidance on the design and construction of

domestic garages extensively updated.

Approved Document E
Resistance to the passage of sound

Disproportionate collapse: the Application

Limit to Requirement A3 (ie. the 5 storey limit)
removed to bring all buildings under control of
Requirement A3.

Approved Document F
Ventilation
Approved Document G
Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
Approved Document H
Drainage and waste disposal
Approved Document J
Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Approved Document K
Protection from falling, collision and impact
Approved Document L1A
Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
Approved Document L1B
Conservation of fuel and power in existing
dwellings
Approved Document L2A
Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings
other than dwellings
Approved Document L2B
Conservation of fuel and power in existing
buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document M
Access to and use of buildings
Approved Document P
Electrical Safety Dwellings
Approved Document 7
Materials and workmanship

* This approved document gives guidance for compliance with the Building Regulations for building work carried out in England. It also applies to building work
carried out on excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2009.

This printing incorporates editorial amendments

and corrections.

ONLINE VERSION

ONLINE VERSION

Contents
PAGE

PAGE

Use of guidance

Construction materials and workmanship 18

Loading and Ground Movement

The Requirements A1/2

Guidance

Openings, recesses, overhangs and chases 27

Lateral support by roofs and floors

28

Interruption of lateral support

31

Introduction
Section 1: Codes, standards and
references for all building types

References

25

End restraint

25

Small single-storey non-residential buildings

and annexes
31

Introduction

Loading on walls

Section 2D: Proportions for masonry

chimneys above the roof structure

35

Basis of structural design and loading

Structural work of reinforced,

pre-stressed or plain concrete

Structural work of steel

Structural work of composite steel

and concrete

Structural work of timber

Structural work of masonry

Geotechnical work and foundations

Seismic aspects

General

38

Structural work of aluminium

Technical approach

38

Ground movement (Requirement A2b)

Loading

38

Existing buildings

Fixings

38

Further guidance

39

Section 2: Sizes of structural elements

for certain residential buildings and other
small buildings of traditional construction 10
General

10

Definitions

10

Section 2A: Basic requirements for stability 11

Section 2B: Sizes of certain timber
members in floors and roofs for dwellings.
Areas at risk from house longhorn beetle 12
Sizing of members

12

House longhorn beetle

12

Section 2C: Thickness of walls in certain

small buildings

13

Application

13

Wall types

13

The use of this section

13

Conditions relating to the building of

which the wall forms part

13

Thickness of walls

14

Conditions relating to the wall

17

Approved Document A

Height to width relationship

35

Section 2E: Foundations of plain concrete 36

Conditions relating to the ground

36

Design provisions

36

Minimum width of strip foundations

36

Minimum depth of strip foundations

37

Section 3: Wall cladding

38

Section 4: Roof covering

40

Materials

40

Re-covering of roofs

40

Disproportionate Collapse
The Requirement A3

41

Guidance

42

Performance

42

Introduction

42

Section 5: Reducing the sensitivity of the

building to disproportionate collapse in
the event of an accident

43

Alternative approach

45

Seismic design

45

Standards referred to

46

ONLINE VERSION

Structure
1

A CONTENTS

ONLINE VERSION
PAGE

PAGE
DIAGRAMS

TABLES

1. Size and proportion of residential

buildings of not more than three storeys 14

1. Areas at risk from house

longhorn beetle

12

2. Size and proportion of non-residential

buildings and annexes
15

2.

13

3. Determination of wall thickness

16

4.

17

Parapet walls: height

Wall types considered in this section

3. Minimum thickness of certain

external walls, compartment walls
and separating walls

16

4.

Imposed loads

18

Cavity wall ties

23

5. Maximum floor area enclosed by

structural walls

18

5.

6. Map showing wind speed in m/s for

maximum height of buildings

19

7.

Maximum height of buildings

21

6. Declared compressive strength of

masonry units complying with
BS EN 771-1 to -5

25

8.

Measuring storey and wall heights

22

25

9. Declared compressive strength of

masonry units

24

7. Normalised compressive strength of

masonry units of clay and calcium
silicate blocks complying with
BS EN 771-1 and -2

10.

Maximum span of floors

25

8.

Value of Factor X

29

11.

Differences in ground levels

26

9.

Lateral support for walls

29

12.

Openings in a buttressing wall

27

10.

Minimum width of strip footings

37

13.

Buttressing

28

11.

Building consequence classes

44

14.

Sizes of openings and recesses

29

15.

Lateral support by floors

30

16.

Lateral support at roof level

31

17.

Size and location of openings

32

18.

Wall thickness

33

19.

Lateral restraint at roof level

34

20.

Proportions for masonry chimneys

35

21.

Elevation of stepped foundation

36

22.

Piers and chimneys

36

23.

Foundation dimensions

36

24. Area at risk of collapse in the event of

an accident

Structure
2

45

ONLINE VERSION

Approved Document A

ONLINE VERSION

Use of guidance
THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS

Materials and workmanship

This document is one of a series that has been

approved by the First Secretary of State for the
purpose of providing practical guidance with
respect to the requirements of Schedule 1 to and
Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations 2010
(SI 2010/2214) for England and Wales.

Any building work which is subject to the

requirements imposed by Schedule 1 to the
Building Regulations shall be carried out in
accordance with regulation 7. Guidance on
meeting these requirements on materials
and workmanship is contained in Approved
Document 7.

At the back of this document is a list of all the

documents that have been approved and issued
by the Secretary of State for this purpose.
Approved Documents are intended to provide
guidance for some of the more common
building situations. However, there may well be
alternative ways of achieving compliance with
the requirements. Thus there is no obligation to
adopt any particular solution contained in an
Approved Document if you prefer to meet the
relevant requirement in some other way.

Other requirements
The guidance contained in an Approved
Document relates only to the particular
requirements of the Regulations which that
document addresses. The building work will
also have to comply with the requirements of
any other relevant paragraphs in Schedule 1
to the Regulations.

Building Regulations are made for specific

purposes, primarily the health and safety,
welfare and convenience of people and for
energy conservation. Standards and other
technical specifications may provide relevant
guidance to the extent that they relate to these
considerations. However, they may also address
other aspects of performance or matters which,
although they relate to health and safety etc., are
not covered by the Building Regulations.
When an Approved Document makes reference
to a named standard, the relevant version of the
standard to which it refers is the one listed at the
end of the publication. However, if this version
has been revised or updated by the issuing
standards body, the new version may be used
as a source of guidance provided it continues
to address the relevant requirements of the
Regulations.

There are Approved Documents which give

guidance on each of the parts of Schedule 1
and on Regulation 7.

LIMITATION ON REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with Regulation 8, the
requirements in Part A of Schedule 1 to the
Building Regulations do not require anything
to be done except for the purpose of securing
reasonable standards of health and safety for
persons in or about the buildings.

Approved Document A

ONLINE VERSION

Structure
3

ONLINE
USE OF GUIDANCE

OTHER HEALTH AND SAFETY

LEGISLATION
Health and safety regulations such as the
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992 may impose requirements on
employers and those in control of buildings used
as workplaces in relation to certain physical
characteristics of the workplace.There are also
requirements in health and safety law which
affect building design. In particular, regulation 11
of the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2007 places duties on designers
including the need to take account of the Workplace
(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
which relate to the design of, and materials used
in, any structure intended for use as a workplace.
Wheresuch regulationsapply there may be
confusion as to whether the Building Regulations or
health and safetyrequirements take precedence,
as both will apply. Where an inspector for the
purposes of the Health and Safety at Work etc.
Act 1974 has identified a contravention of such
health and safety regulations they may seek to
serve an improvement notice to secure compliance.
In such circumstances the inspector is prevented
by virtue of Section 23(3) of the Health and Safety
at Work etc. Act 1974 from requiring measures
which are more onerous than necessary to
comply with any requirements of the Building
Regulations, unless the specific requirement of
health and safety regulations are themselves
more onerous.

VERSION
BRITISH STANDARDS
The British Standards Institution notified the
British Standards for structural design referenced
in the 2004 edition of this Approved Document as
withdrawn on 31 March 2010. British Standards
for structural design based upon the Eurocodes
were correspondingly implemented by the British
Standards Institution on 1 April 2010 and it is
these standards with their UK National Annexes
which are now referenced in this Approved
Document as practical guidance on meeting Part
A requirements.
There may be alternative ways of achieving
compliance with the requirements and there
might be cases where it can be demonstrated
that the use of withdrawn standards no longer
maintained by the British Standards Institution
continues to meet Part A requirements.

OTHER FORMS OF HOUSE

CONSTRUCTION
This Approved Document includes guidance on
structural elements of residential buildings of
traditional masonry construction. It is recognised,
however, that there are other suitable forms of
construction in use in the housing sector some of
which (e.g. timber framed) have been in common
use for a number of years and have demonstrated
an adequate performance in compliance with the
A1 requirement. Such alternative forms include
prefabricated timber, light steel and precast
concrete framed construction.
A number of guidance documents relating to
these alternative forms are presently being
developed by industry. The intention is to
reference these in this Approved Document
as soon as they become available and are
approved by the Secretary of State.

Structure
4

ONLINE VERSION

Approved Document A

O N LMOVEMENT
INE VERSION
LOADING AND GROUND

The Requirements

A1/2

This Approved Document deals with the following

Requirements which are contained in the Building
Regulations 2010.

Requirement

Limits on application

Loading
A1. (1) The building shall be constructed so that the combined dead,
imposed and wind loads are sustained and transmitted by it to the
ground:

(a) safely; and

(b) without causing such deflection or deformation of any
part of the building, or such movement of the ground, as will impair
the stability of any part of another building.

(2) In assessing whether a building complies with sub-paragraph
(1) regard shall be had to the imposed and wind loads to which it is
likely to be subjected in the ordinary course of its use for the purpose
for which it is intended.
Ground movement
A2.The building shall be constructed so that ground movement
caused by:

(a) swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil; or

(b)land-slip or subsidence (other than subsidence arising
from shrinkage), in so far as the risk can be reasonably foreseen,
will not impair the stability of any part of the building.

Approved Document A

ONLINE VERSION

Structure
5

A1/2

ONLINE VERSION

Guidance
Introduction
0.1 In the Secretary of States view the
requirements of A1 and A2 will be met by
following the recommendations given in the
documents listed in Section 1 or by adopting
the guidance in Sections 2-4:
a. Section 1 is relevant to all building types
and lists Codes, Standards and other
references for structural design and
construction but, where they do not give
precise guidance, consideration should
be given to paragraph 0.2.
b. Section 2 give sizes of structural elements
for certain residential buildings and other
small buildings of traditional construction.

0.3 Grandstands and structures erected in

places of public assembly may need to sustain the
synchronous or rhythmic movement of numbers
of people. It is important to ensure that the design
of the structure takes these factors into account
so as to avoid the structure being impaired or
causing alarm to people using the structure.
Guidance on the design and testing of
grandstands may be found in Dynamic
performance requirements for permanent
grandstands subject to crowd action
Recommendations for management, design
and assessment published by The Institution of
Structural Engineers, December 2008.

c. Section 3 gives guidance on the support

and fixing of wall cladding.
d. Section 4 gives guidance where roofs are
to be re-covered as a material alteration as
defined in the Regulations.
0.2 The safety of a structure depends on the
successful combination of design and completed
construction, particularly:
a. The design should be based on identification
of the hazards to which the structure is likely
to be subjected and assessment of the risks.
The selection of relevant critical situations
for design should be made reflecting the
conditions that can reasonably be foreseen
during future use.
b. Loading. Dead load, imposed load and wind
load should be in accordance with the current
Codes of practice referred to in Section 1 of
this document.
c. Properties of materials.
d. Detailed design and assembly of
the structure.
e. Safety factors.
f. Workmanship.
The numeric values of safety factors, whether
expressed explicitly or implicitly in design
equations, or design values, should be derived
from considerations of the above aspects of
design and construction as a whole. A change in
any one of these aspects may disturb the safety
of the structure.
Loads used in calculations should allow for
possible dynamic, concentrated and peak load
effects that may occur.

Structure
6

ONLINE VERSION

Approved Document A

ONLINE VERSION

A1/2

Section 1: Codes, standards and references

for all building types
Introduction
1.1 This section is relevant to all building types
and lists codes, standards and other references
for structural design and construction.

References
1.2

Basis of structural design and loading:

Eurocode: Basis of Structural Design

BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005 Eurocode Basis
of structural design; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005
Eurocode 1: Actions on Structures
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 Eurocode 1: Actions on
structures Part 1.1: General actions Densities,
self weight, imposed loads for buildings; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-1:2002
BSI PD 6688-1-1:2011 Published Document
Recommendations for the design of structures to
BS EN 1991-1-1

1.3 Structural work of reinforced,

pre-stressed or plain concrete:
Eurocode 2: Design of Concrete Structures
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 Eurocode 2: Design of
concrete structures Part 1.1: General rules and
rules for buildings; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004
BSI PD 6687-1:2010 Published Document
Background paper to the UK National Annexes to
BS EN 1992-1 and BS EN 1992-3
BS EN 13670:2009 Execution of concrete
structures
1.4

Structural work of steel:

Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Structures

BS EN 1993-1-1:2005 Eurocode 3: Design of
steel structures Part 1.1: General rules and
rules for buildings; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1993-1-1:2005

BS EN 1991-1-3:2003 Eurocode 1: Actions on

structures Part 1.3: General actions Snow
loads; with UK National Annex to BS EN 1991-13:2003

BS EN 1993-1-3:2006 Eurocode 3: Design

of steel structures Part 1.3: General rules
Supplementary rules for cold-formed members
and sheeting; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1993-1-3:2006

BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 Eurocode 1:
Actions on structures Part1.4: General actions
Wind actions; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010

BS EN 1993-1-4:2006 Eurocode 3: Design

of steel structures Part 1.4: General rules
Supplementary rules for stainless steels; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1993-1-4:2006

BSI PD 6688-1-4:2009 Published Document

Background information to the National Annex to
BS EN 1991-1-4 and additional guidance

BS EN 1993-1-5:2006 Eurocode 3: Design of

steel structures Part 1.5: Plated structural
elements; with UK National Annex to BS EN
1993-1-5:2006

BS EN 1991-1-5:2003 Eurocode 1: Actions on

structures Part 1.5: General actions Thermal
actions; with UK National Annex to BS EN 19911-5:2003
BS EN 1991-1-6:2005 Eurocode 1: Actions on
structures Part 1.6: General actions Actions
during execution; with UK National Annex to BS
EN 1996-1-6:2005
BS EN 1991-1-7:2006 Eurocode 1: Actions
on structures Part 1.7: General actions
Accidental actions; with UK National Annex to BS
EN 1991-1-7:2006
BSI PD 6688-1-7:2009 Published Document
Recommendations for the design of structures to
BS EN 1991-1-7
BS EN 1991-3:2006 Eurocode 1: Actions on
structures Part 3: Actions induced by cranes
and machinery; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1991-3:2006

Approved Document A

BS EN 1993-1-6:2007 Eurocode 3: Design of

steel structures Part 1.6: Strength and stability
of shell structures
BS EN 1993-1-7:2007 Eurocode 3: Design of
steel structures Part 1.7: Plated structures
subject to out of plane loading
BS EN 1993-1-8:2005 Eurocode 3: Design of
steel structures Part 1.8: Design of joints; with
UK National Annex to BS EN 1993-1-8:2005
BS EN 1993-1-9:2005 Eurocode 3: Design of
steel structures Part 1.9: Fatigue; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1993-1-9:2005
BSI PD 6695-1-9:2008 Published Document
Recommendations for the design of structures to
BS EN 1993-1-9
BS EN 1993-1-10:2005 Eurocode 3: Design of
steel structures Part 1.10: Material toughness
and through-thickness properties; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1993-1-10:2005

ONLINE VERSION

Structure
7

A1/2

O N LAND
I NREFERENCES
E V E R SFOR
I OALL
N BUILDING TYPES
CODES, STANDARDS

BSI PD 6695-1-10:2009 Published Document

Recommendations for the design of structures to
BS EN 1993-1-10
BS EN 1993-1-11:2006 Eurocode 3: Design of
steel structures Part 1.11: Design of structures
with tension components; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1993-1-11:2006
BS EN 1993-1-12:2007 Eurocode 3: Design of
steel structures Part 1.12: Additional rules for
the extension of EN 1993 up to steel grades
S 700; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1993-1-12:2007
BS EN 1993-5:2007 Eurocode 3: Design of steel
structures Part 5: Piling; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1993-5:2007+A1:2012
BS EN 1993-6:2007 Eurocode 3: Design of steel
structures Part 6: Crane supporting structures;
with UK National Annex to BS EN 1993-6:2007
BS EN 1090-2:2008+A1:2011 Execution of steel
structures and aluminium structures Part 2:
Technical requirements for the execution of steel
structures
BRE Digest 437 Industrial platform floors:
mezzanine and raised storage
1.5 Structural work of composite steel and
concrete:
Eurocode 4: Design of Composite Steel and
Concrete Structures
BS EN 1994-1-1:2004 Eurocode 4: Design of
composite steel and concrete structures Part
1.1: General rules and rules for buildings; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1994-1-1:2004
1.6

Structural work of timber:

Eurocode 5: Design of Timber Structures

BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008 Eurocode 5:
Design of timber structures Part 1.1: General
Common rules and rules for buildings;
with UK National Annex to BS EN 1995-11:2004+A1:2008
BSI PD 6693-1:2012 Published Document
Recommendations for the design of timber
structures to Eurocode 5: Design of timber
structures Part 1: General Common rules and
rules for buildings
BS 8103-3:2009 Structural design of low-rise
buildings Part 3: Code of practice for timber
floors and roofs for housing

1.7

Structural work of masonry:

Eurocode 6: Design of Masonry Structures

BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012 Eurocode 6:
Design of masonry structures Part 1.1: General
rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry
structures; with UK National Annex to BS EN
1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012
BS EN 1996-2:2006 Eurocode 6: Design
of masonry structures Part 2: Design
considerations, selection of materials and
execution of masonry; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1996-2:2006
BSI PD 6697:2010 Published Document
Recommendations for the design of masonry
structures to BS EN 1996-1-1 and BS EN 1996-2
BS EN 1996-3:2006 Eurocode 6: Design
of masonry structures Part 3: Simplified
calculation methods for unreinforced masonry
structures; with UK National Annex to BS EN
1996-3:2006
BS 8103-1:2011 Structural design of low-rise
buildings Part 1: Code of Practice for stability,
site investigation, foundations, precast concrete
floors and ground floor slabs for housing
BS 8103-2:2005 Structural design of low-rise
buildings Part 2: Code of practice for masonry
walls for housing
1.8

Geotechnical work and foundations:

Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design

BS EN 1997-1:2004 Eurocode 7: Geotechnical
design Part 1: General rules; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1997-1:2004
BS EN 1997-2:2007 Eurocode 7: Geotechnical
design Part 2: Ground investigation and testing;
with UK National Annex to BS EN 1997-2:2007
1.9

Seismic aspects:

Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake

Resistance
BS EN 1998-1:2004+A1:2013 Eurocode 8:
Design of structures for earthquake resistance
Part 1: General rules, seismic actions and rules
for buildings; with UK National Annex to BS EN
1998-1:2004
BS EN 1998-5:2004 Eurocode 8: Design of
structures for earthquake resistance Part 5:
Foundations, retaining structures and
geotechnical aspects; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1998-5:2004
BSI PD 6698:2009 Published Document
Recommendations for the design of structures
for earthquake resistance to BS EN 1998

Structure
8

ONLINE VERSION

Approved Document A

ON
L REFERENCES
INE VER
S ALL
I O BUILDING
N
CODES, STANDARDS
AND
FOR
TYPES
1.10

Structural work of aluminium:

Eurocode 9: Design of Aluminium Structures

BS EN 1999-1-1:2007+A1:2009 Eurocode 9:
Design of aluminium structures Part 1.1:
General structural rules; with UK National Annex
to BS EN 1999-1-1:2007+A1:2009
BS EN 1999-1-3:2007+A1:2011 Eurocode 9:
Design of aluminium structures Part 1.3:
Structures susceptible to fatigue; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1999-1-3:2007+A1:2011
BSI PD 6702-1:2009 Published Document
Structural use of aluminium Part 1:
Recommendations for the design of aluminium
structures to BS EN 1999
BS EN 1999-1-4:2007+A1:2011 Eurocode 9:
Design of aluminium structures Part 1.4: Coldformed structural sheeting; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1999-1-4:2007
BS EN 1999-1-5:2007 Eurocode 9: Design of
aluminium structures Part 1.5: Shell structures;
with UK National Annex to BS EN 1999-1-5:2007
BS EN 1090-3:2008 Execution of steel structures
and aluminium structures Part 3: Technical
requirements for aluminium structures
BSI PD 6705-3:2009 Published Document
Structural use of steel and aluminium Part 3:
Recommendations for the execution of
aluminium structures to BS EN 1090-3

Ground movement
(Requirement A2b)
1.11 There may be known or recorded
conditions of ground instability, such as that
arising from landslides, disused mines or
unstable strata which, if ignored, can have a
devastating effect on the safety of a building
and its environs. Such conditions should be
taken into account in the design of the building
and its foundations. Attention is drawn to DOE
Planning Policy Guidance Note 14 Development
on unstable land (obtainable from The Stationery
Office), which sets out the broad planning and
technical issues relating to development on
unstable land.

A1/2

Catalytic Data Ltd, The Spinney, 19 Woodlands

Road, Bickley, Kent BRI 2AD.
The reports from these reviews, which include
1:250,000 scale maps showing the distribution
of the physical constraints, are available from the
following organisations:
Arup Geotechnics, 1991. Review of mining
instability in Great Britain.
Obtainable from Arup Geotechnics, Bede House,
All Saints, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 2EB.
Applied Geology Ltd, 1994. Review of instability
due to natural underground cavities in Great
Britain.
Obtainable from Kennedy & Donkin Ltd,
14 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham
B15 1TH.
Wimpey Environmental Ltd, and National House
Building Council, 1995. Foundation conditions
in Great Britain, a guide for planners and
developers. Obtainable from ESNR International
Ltd, 16 Frogmore Road, Hemel Hempstead,
Hertfordshire HP3 9RW.

Existing buildings
1.12 Compliance with Part A (Structure) is
required in certain classes of change of use of a
building, subject to the control of Regulations 5
and 6. Guidance relevant to structural appraisals
related to change of use is given in the following
documents:
a. BRE Digest 366: Structural Appraisal of
Existing Buildings, Including for a Material
Change of Use, 2012
b. The Institution of Structural Engineers
Technical Publication Appraisal of Existing
Structures (third edition), 2010
Note: With reference to design checks in the
referenced Institution of Structural Engineers
Technical Publication the choice of various partial
factors should be made to suit the individual
circumstances of each case.

The Department has also sponsored a series

of reviews aimed at determining the scale and
nature of problems arising from mining instability,
natural underground cavities and adverse
foundation conditions. Databases of both
subsidence incidents and subsidence potential
produced from these reviews are available from
the following licence holders:
British Geological Survey, Sir Kingsley Dunham
Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG.
Landmark, 7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Exeter,
Devon EX2 7HY.
Peter Brett Associates, 16 Westcote Road,
Reading, Berkshire RG20 2DE.

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Section 2: Sizes of structural elements for

certain residential buildings and other small
buildings of traditional construction
General
2.1

This section is presented as follows:

Section 2A
Basic requirements for stability.
Section 2B
Sizes of certain timber members in floors and
roofs for dwellings.
Areas at risk from house longhorn beetle.
Section 2C
Thickness of masonry walls in certain residential
buildings of not more than three storeys, small
single-storey non-residential buildings and annexes.
Section 2D
Proportions for masonry chimneys.
Section 2E

Pier A member which forms an integral part

of a wall, in the form of a thickened section at
intervals along the wall, so as to afford lateral
support to the wall to which it is bonded or
securely tied.
Separating wall A wall or part of a wall which is
common to adjoining buildings, and constructed
to meet the requirements of regulation B3(2).
Spacing The distance between the longitudinal
centres of any two adjacent timber members of
the same type, measured in the plane of floor,
ceiling or roof structure.
Span The distance measured along the centre
line of a member between the centres of any two
adjacent bearings or supports.
Supported wall A wall to which lateral support is
afforded by a combination of buttressing walls,
piers or chimneys acting in conjunction with
floor(s) or roof.
Wind load The load due to the effect of wind
pressure or suction.

Foundations of plain concrete.

2.2 Section 2A gives general rules which must
be observed in following Sections 2B and 2C.
Sections 2B to 2E may be used independently
of each other.
Throughout this section the diagrams are only
illustrative and do not show all the details of
construction.

Definitions
2.3 The following meanings apply to terms
throughout this section:
Buttressing wall A wall designed and
constructed to afford lateral support to another
wall perpendicular to it, support being provided
from the base to the top of the wall.
Cavity width The horizontal distance between
the two leaves of a cavity wall.
Compartment wall A wall constructed as a
compartment wall to meet the requirements of
regulation B3(2).
Dead load The load due to the weight of
all walls, permanent partitions, floors, roofs
and finishes including services, and all other
permanent construction.
Imposed load The load assumed to be produced
by the intended occupancy or use, including
the weight of movable partitions, distributed,
concentrated, impact, inertia and snow loads,
but excluding wind loads.

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Section 2A: Basic requirements for stability

2A1 This section must be used in conjunction
with sections 2B and 2C and its principles relate
to all forms of low-rise residential buildings.
2A2 Adequate provision shall be made to
ensure that the building is stable under the likely
imposed and wind loading conditions. This will
commonly necessitate meeting the following
requirements:
a. That the overall size and proportioning
of the building are limited in accordance
with the specific guidance for each form of
construction.
b. That a suitable layout of walls (both internal
and external) forming a robust 3 dimensional
box structure in plan is constructed with
restriction on the maximum size of cells
measured in accordance with the specific
guidance for each form of construction.
c. That the internal and external walls are
adequately connected either by masonry
bonding or by using mechanical connections.
d. That the intermediate floors and roof are of
such construction and interconnection with
the walls that they provide local support
to the walls and also act as horizontal
diaphragms capable of transferring the wind
forces to buttressing elements of the building.
Note: A traditional cut timber roof (i.e. using
rafters, purlins and ceiling joists) generally has
sufficient built in resistance to instability and wind
forces (e.g. from hipped ends, tiling battens, rigid
sarking or the like). However, the need for
diagonal rafter bracing equivalent to that
recommended in BS EN 1995-1-1:2004 with its
UK National Annex and additional guidance given
in BSI Published Document PD 6693-1:2012 and
BS 8103-3:2009 for trussed rafter roofs should
be considered, especially for single-hipped and
non-hipped roofs of greater than 40 pitch to
detached houses.

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Section 2B: Sizes of certain timber members

in floors and roofs for dwellings. Areas at
risk from house longhorn beetle
Sizing of members

House longhorn beetle

2B1 Guidance on the sizing of certain members

in floors and roofs is given in Span tables for
solid timber members in floors, ceilings and roofs
(excluding trussed rafter roofs) for dwellings,
published by TRADA, available from Chiltern
House, Stocking Lane, Hughenden Valley, High
Wycombe, Bucks HP14 4ND.

2B2 In the geographical areas specified in

Table 1, softwood timber for roof construction
or fixed in the roof space, including ceiling joists
within the void spaces of the roof, should be
adequately treated to prevent infestation by the
house longhorn beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus L.).

Alternative guidance is available in BS EN 19951-1:2004 Design of timber structures with its UK

National Annex and additional guidance given in
BSI Published Document PD 6693-1:2012 and
also BS 8103-3:2009 Structural design of lowrise buildings, Code of practice for timber floors
and roofs for housing.

Guidance on suitable preservative treatments

is given within The Wood Protection Associations
manual Industrial Wood Preservation:
Specification and Practice (2012), available
from 5C Flemming Court, Castleford,
West Yorkshire, WF10 5HW.

Table 1 Areas at risk from house longhorn beetle

Geographical area
In the Borough of Bracknell Forest the parishes of Sandhurst and Crowthorne.
The Borough of Elmbridge
In the District of Hart, the parishes of Hawley and Yateley
The District of Runnymede
The Borough of Spelthorne
The Borough of Surrey Heath
In the Borough of Rushmoor, the area of the former district of Farnborough
The Borough of Woking

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Section 2C: Thickness of walls in certain

small buildings
Application
2C1 This section applies to the following
building types:
a. residential buildings of not more than
three storeys;
b. small single-storey non-residential
buildings;
c. small buildings forming annexes to
residential buildings (including garages
and outbuildings).

Wall types
2C2 Only the types of wall given in Table 2,
which must extend to the full storey height, and
parapet walls are considered in this section.

e. the guidance given is based upon the

compressive strengths of bricks and blocks
being not less than indicated in Tables 6 and 7.
BS EN 1996-1-1:2005 with its UK National
Annex gives design strengths for walls where
the suitability for use of masonry units of other
compressive strengths is being considered.

Conditions relating to the building

of which the wall forms part
2C4 This section applies only to buildings
having proportions within the following
parameters (see Diagrams 1 and 2):
a. residential buildings of not more than
three storeys:
i. the maximum height of the building
measured from the lowest finished ground
level adjoining the building to the highest
point of any wall or roof should not be
greater than 15m, subject to the limits
of paragraph 2C16;

The use of this section

2C3 When using this section it should be
noted that:
a. this section must be used in conjunction
with section 2A;

ii. the height of the building H should not

exceed twice the least width of the
building W1;

b. if wall thickness is to be determined

according to paragraphs 2C5 to 2C13, all
appropriate design conditions given in this
section must be satisfied;
c. walls should comply with the relevant
requirements of BS EN 1996-2:2006 with its
UK National Annex and additional guidance
given in BSI Published Document PD
6697:2010, except as regards the conditions
given in paragraphs 2C4 and 2C14 to 2C38;
d. in formulating the guidance of this section the
worst combination of circumstances likely to
arise was taken into account. If a requirement
of this part is considered too onerous in a
particular case it may be appropriate to
consider a minor departure on the basis
of judgement and experience, or to show
adequacy by calculation in respect of the
aspect of the wall which is subject to the
departure rather than for the entire wall;

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iii. the height of the wing H2 should not

exceed twice the least width of the wing
W2 where the projection P exceeds twice
the width W2;
b. small single-storey non-residential buildings:
height H should not exceed 3m and W (being
the greatest length or width of the building)
should not exceed 9m (see Diagram 2),
subject to the limits of paragraph 2C16;
c. annexes: height H as variously indicated in
Diagram 2 should not exceed 3m, subject to
the limits of paragraph 2C16.

Table 2 Wall types considered in this section

Residential buildings of up to three storeys
External walls
Internal load-bearing walls
Compartment walls
Separating walls
Small single-storey non-residential buildings and annexes
External walls
Internal load-bearing walls

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Diagram 1Size and proportion of residential buildings of not more than three storeys
See para 2C4

Thickness of walls
2C5 General wall thickness may be determined
according to this section provided:
a. conditions relating to the building of which
the wall forms part (see paragraphs 2C4,
2C14 to 2C16, 2C38); and
b. conditions relating to the wall (see paragraphs
2C17 to 2C37) are met. (See Diagram 3.)
2C6 Solid external walls, compartment walls
and separating walls in coursed brickwork or
blockwork: Solid walls constructed of coursed
brickwork or blockwork should be at least
as thick as 1/16 of the storey height. Further
requirements are given in Table 3.
2C7 Solid external walls, compartment
walls and separating walls in uncoursed stone,
flints, etc.: The thickness of walls constructed
in uncoursed stone, flints, clunches, bricks or
other burnt or vitrified material should not be
less than 1.33 times the thickness determined
by paragraph 2C6.
2C8 Cavity walls in coursed brickwork or
blockwork: All cavity walls should have leaves
at least 90mm thick and cavities at least 50mm
wide. The wall ties should have a horizontal
spacing of 900mm and a vertical spacing of
450mm, or alternatively should be spaced such

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14

that the number of wall ties per square metre is

not less than 2.5 ties/m2. Wall ties should also be
provided, spaced not more than 300mm apart
vertically, within a distance of 225mm from the
vertical edges of all openings, movement joints
and roof verges. For selection of wall ties for use
in a range of cavity widths refer to Table 5. For
specification of cavity wall ties refer to paragraph
2C19.
For external walls, compartment walls and
separating walls in cavity construction, the
combined thickness of the two leaves plus 10mm
should not be less than the thickness determined
by paragraph 2C6 and Table 3 for a solid wall of
the same height and length.
2C9 Walls providing vertical support to
other walls: Irrespective of the material used
in the construction, a wall should not be less in
thickness than any part of the wall to which it
gives vertical support.
2C10 Internal load-bearing walls in brickwork
or blockwork (except compartment walls or
separating walls): All internal load-bearing walls
should have a thickness not less than:
(specified thickness from Table 3)
2

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5mm

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Diagram 2Size and proportion of non-residential buildings and annexes

See paras 2C4b and 2C4c

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Diagram 3Determination of wall thickness

See para 2C5

Table 3Minimum thickness of certain external walls, compartment walls and

separating walls
Height of wall
Not exceeding 3.5m
Exceeding 3.5m but not exceeding 9m

Length of wall

Minimum thickness of wall

Not exceeding 12m

190mm for whole of its height

Not exceeding 9m

190mm for whole of its height

Exceeding 9m
but not exceeding 12m

290mm from the base for the height of

one storey and 190mm for the rest of its height

Not exceeding 9m
290mm from the base for the height of
Exceeding 9m but not exceeding 12m

one storey and 190mm for the rest of its height

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Exceeding 9m
but not exceeding 12m

290mm from the base for the height of

two storeys and 190mm for the rest of its height

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Diagram 4Parapet walls: height

See para 2C11

except for a wall in the lowest storey of a three

storey building, carrying load from both upper
storeys, which should have a thickness as
determined by the equation or 140mm whichever
is the greatest.

2C14 Maximum floor area: The guidance of

this section assumes that no floor enclosed by
structural walls on all sides exceeds 70m2, and
that no floor without a structural wall on one side
exceeds 36m2. (See Diagram 5.)

2C11 Parapet walls: The minimum thickness

and maximum height of parapet walls should be
as given in Diagram 4.

2C15 Imposed loads on roofs, floors and

ceilings: The design considerations given in
this section are intended to be adequate for the
imposed loads given in Table 4.

2C12 Single leaves of certain external walls:

The single leaf of external walls of small singlestorey non-residential buildings and of annexes
need be only 90mm thick, notwithstanding
paragraphs 2C38.
2C13 Modular bricks and blocks: Where walls
are constructed of bricks or blocks having
modular dimensions, wall thicknesses prescribed
in this section which derive from a dimension of
brick or block may be reduced by an amount not
exceeding the deviation from work size permitted
by a British Standard relating to equivalent sized
bricks or blocks made of the same material.

Approved Document A

2C16 Maximum height of buildings: The design

guidance in this section is based on BS EN
1991-1-4:2005 with its UK National Annex. The
maximum heights of buildings given in Table c
of Diagram 7 correlate to various site exposure
conditions and wind speeds. A map showing
wind speeds is given in Figure 1 of Diagram 6.

Conditions relating to the wall

2C17 Maximum allowable length and height
of the wall: This section does not deal with walls
longer than 12m, measured from centre to centre
of buttressing walls, piers or chimneys providing
restraint, or with walls exceeding 12m in height
(see also Table 3).

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Diagram 5Maximum floor area enclosed by structural walls

See para 2C14

Table 4Imposed loads

Element Loading

Roof

Floors
Ceilings

Distributed loads
1.00kN/m for spans not exceeding 12m
1.5kN/m for spans not exceeding 6m
Distributed load: 2.00kN/m
Distributed load: 0.25kN/m
together with concentrated load: 0.9kN

2C18 Rules of measurement for heights of

walls and storeys: The height of a wall or a
storey should be measured in accordance with
the rules in Diagram 8.

Construction materials and

workmanship
2C19 Wall ties: Wall ties should comply with
BS EN 845-1 and should be material references
1 or 3 in BS EN 845-1 Table A1 austenitic stainless
steel. Wall ties should be selected in accordance
with Table 5 of this Approved Document.

2C20 Masonry units: Walls should be properly

bonded and solidly put together with mortar and
constructed of masonry units conforming to:
a. clay bricks or blocks to BS EN 771-1;
b. calcium silicate bricks or blocks to BS EN
771-2;
c. concrete bricks or blocks to BS EN 771-3 or
BS EN 771-4;
d. manufactured stone to BS EN 771-5;
e. square dressed natural stone to the
appropriate requirements described in
BS EN 771-6.
2C21 Compressive strength of masonry units:
Minimum compressive strength requirements
for masonry units according to BS EN Standards
are given in Diagram 9, where the masonry units
indicated for Conditions A, B and C should
have declared compressive strengths of not
less than the values given in Table 6. Normalised
compressive strengths for block sized clay and
calcium silicate masonry units not complying with
brick dimensional format are given in Table 7.

Continued on page 25

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Diagram 6Map showing wind speeds in m/s for maximum height of buildings
See para 2C16

24.5
24
23.5
24
23.5

23

23
22.5

22

21.5

22.5
21.5

23.5
24.5

23

22.5

22

Figure 2 Orographic zones for Factor O

Note: A more detailed approach for obtaining Factor O is given by Figure 3 Diagram 6.

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Diagram 6Map showing wind speeds in m/s for maximum height of buildings
1.40
0.5Ld
1.35
Steep slope < 1/3.3

0.5z

z
1.30

-X

Orography Factor O

+X

Lu

1.25

Orography
significant in
shaded area

Ld

Moderate slope = 1/5

1.20
1.15
1.10

Shallow slope 1/10

1.05
1.00
-1

-0.5
X/Lu

0.5

1.5

X/Ld

Figure 3a Orography Factor O for hills and ridges

1.40
1.5Ld
1.35
z

Steep slope < 1/3.3

1.30

-X
Lu

1.25

Orography Factor O

0.5z
Orography
+X significant in
shaded area

1.20
Moderate slope = 1/5

1.15
1.10
1.05
Shallow slope 1/10
1.00
-1

-0.5

0.5

1.5

2.5

X/Lu

Figure 3b Orography Factor O for cliffs and escarpments

(interpolation between curves may be used)
Figure 3 Alternative graphical method for determining Orography Factor O

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Diagram 7Maximum height of buildings

Find the orographic
zone for the site from
Figure 2 Diagram 6 and
obtain Factor O from
Table a (or use Figure 3
Diagram 6)
Table a

Obtain value
of Factor A
from Table b

Obtain maximum
allowable
building height
from Table c

Calculate value
of Factor S from:
S=VOA

Factor O

Orographic category and average slope of whole

hillside, ridge, cliff or escarpment

Zone 1

Category 1: Nominally flat terrain, average slope < 1/20

Category 2: Shallow terrain, average slope < 1/10
Category 3: Moderately steep terrain, average slope < 1/5
Category 4: Steep terrain, average slope > 1/5

Table c

1.0
1.12
1.24
1.36

Factor O
Zone 2 Zone 3
1.0
1.07
1.13
1.20

0
50
100
150
200
300
400
500

1.0
1.05
1.10
1.15

1.00
1.05
1.10
1.15
1.20
1.30
1.40
1.50

Maximum allowable building height in metres

< 2km

2 to 20km

> 50km

< 2km

2 to 20km

> 50km

25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

15
11.5
8
5.5
4
3

15
13.5
11
8
6.5
5
4
3.5
3

15
15
14.5
11
8.5
6.5
5.5
4.5
3.5
3

15
15
15
15
12.5
10
8.5
7
6
5.5
4.5
4
3.5
3

15
15
15
15
15
12.5
11
9.5
8
7
6.5
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3

15
15
15
15
15
15
13.5
11.5
10
87.5
7.5
6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3.5
3

Notes: Table a Outside of the zones shown in Table a, Factor O = 1.0.

Table b For elevated sites where orography is significant a more accurate assessment of Factor A can be
obtained by using the altitude at the base of the topographic feature instead of the altitude at the site,
see Figure 2 Diagram 6 or, alternatively, Figure 3 Diagram 6.
Table c i) Sites in town less than 300m from the edge of the town should be assumed to be in country terrain.
ii) Where a site is closer than 1km to an inland area of water which extends more than 1km in the wind
direction, the distance to the coast should be taken as < 2km.
Interpolation may be used in Tables b and c.

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Diagram 8Measuring storey and wall heights

See para 2C18

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Table 5Cavity wall ties

Tie length mm
(Note 2)

BS EN 845-1 tie

50 to 75

200

76 to 100

225

Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 to BSI PD 6697:2010 and selected on the basis of the

design loading and design cavity width.

101 to 125

250

126 to 150

275

Nominal cavity width mm

(Note 1)

151 to 175

300

176 to 300

(See Note 3)

Notes:
1. Where face insulated blocks are used the cavity width should be measured from the face of the masonry unit.
2. The embedment depth of the tie should not be less than 50mm in both leaves.
3. For cavities wider than 175mm calculate the length as the nominal cavity width plus 125mm and select the nearest stock length. For wall ties
requiring embedment depths in excess of 50mm, increase the calculated tie length accordingly.

Table 6Declared compressive strength of masonry units complying with

BS EN 771-1 to -5 (N/mm2)
Masonry unit
Clay masonry units to
Calcium silicate masonry

BS EN 771-1
units to BS EN 771-2

Aggregate
Autoclaved Manufactured
concrete aerated conc.
stone
masonry masonry masonry
units to
units to
units to
BS EN 771-3 BS EN 771-4 BS EN 771-5

Brick

Group 1
6.0

Group 2
9.0

Group 1
6.0

Block

See Table 7

See Table 7

See Table 7

Group 2
6.0

9.0
See Table 7

2.9*

2.9

9.0

7.3*

7.3

18.0

7.3*

7.3

Condition B (See Diagram 9)

Brick

Block

Group 1
Group 2
Group 1
Group 2
9.0 13.0 9.0 13.0
See Table 7

See Table 7

See Table 7

See Table 7

Condition C (See Diagram 9)

Brick

Block

Group 1
Group 2
Group 1
Group 2
18.0 25.0 18.0 25.0
See Table 7

See Table 7

See Table 7

See Table 7

Any unit complying with BS EN 771-5 will

be acceptable for conditions A, B and C

Condition A (See Diagram 9)

* These values are dry strengths to BS EN 772-1

Notes:
1. This table applies to Group 1 and Group 2 units.
2. For the EN 771 series of standards for masonry units the values of declared compressive strengths (N/mm) given in Table 6 are mean values.
3. Brick: a masonry unit having work sizes not exceeding 337.5mm in length or 112.5mm in height.
4. Block: a masonry unit exceeding either of the limiting work sizes of a brick and with a minimum height of 190mm. For blocks with smaller heights,
excluding cuts or make up units, the strength requirements are as for brick except for solid external walls where the blocks should have a
compressive strength at least equal to that shown for block for an inner leaf of a cavity wall in the same position.
5. Group 1 masonry units have not more than 25% formed voids (20% for frogged bricks). Group 2 masonry units have formed voids greater than
25%, but not more than 55%.

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Diagram 9Declared compressive strength of masonry units

See para 2C21

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Table 7Normalised compressive strength of masonry units of clay and calcium

silicate blocks complying with BS EN 771-1 and 2 (N/mm2)
Standard

Condition (See Diagram 9)

Group 1 masonry units

Group 2 masonry units

5.0

8.0

7.5

11.0

15.0

21.0

Clay masonry units to BS EN 771-1

Calcium silicate masonry units to
BS EN 771-2

Notes:
1. Values in this table are normalised compressive strengths (N/mm). Compressive strengths of masonry units should be derived according to EN 772-1.
2. The table applies to clay and calcium silicate block masonry units where the work size exceeds 337.5mm in length or 112.5mm in height.
3. Group 1 masonry units have not more than 25% formed voids (20% for frogged bricks). Group 2 masonry units have formed voids greater than
25%, but not more than 55%.

2C22 Mortar: Mortar should be:

a.

one of the following:

i. Mortar designation (iii) according to
BS EN 1996-1-1:2005 with its UK
National Annex;

Diagram 10Maximum span of floors

See para 2C23

ii. Strength class M4 according to

BS EN 998-2:2010;
iii. 1:1:5 to 6 CEM I, lime, and fine aggregate
measured by volume of dry materials, or
b. of equivalent or greater strength and
durability to the specifications in a. above.

Loading on walls
2C23 Maximum span of floors: The maximum
span for any floor supported by a wall is 6m
where the span is measured centre to centre of
bearing (see Diagram 10).
2C24 Other loading conditions:
a. Vertical loading on walls should be distributed.
This may be assumed for concrete floor
slabs, precast concrete floors, and timber
floors designed in accordance with section
2B, and where the bearing length for lintels is
150mm or greater. Where a lintel has a clear
span of 1200mm or less the bearing length
may be reduced to 100mm.
b. Differences in level of ground or other solid
construction between one side of the wall
and the other should be less than 4 times the
thickness of the wall as shown in Diagram 11.
c. The combined dead and imposed load
should not exceed 70kN/m at base of wall
(see Diagram 11).
d. Walls should not be subjected to lateral load
other than from wind, and that covered by
paragraph 2C24(b).

End restraint
2C25 Vertical lateral restraint to walls
The ends of every wall should be bonded or
otherwise securely tied throughout their full
height to a buttressing wall, pier or chimney.
Long walls may be provided with intermediate
buttressing walls, piers or chimneys dividing
the wall into distinct lengths within each storey;
each distinct length is a supported wall for
the purposes of this section. The intermediate
buttressing walls, piers or chimneys should
provide lateral restraint to the full height of the
supported wall, but they may be staggered at
each storey.
2C26 Buttressing walls
If the buttressing wall is not itself a supported
wall its thickness T2 should not be less than:
Continued on page 27

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Diagram 11Differences in ground levels

See para 2C24b

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Diagram 12Openings in a buttressing wall

See para 2C26

a. half the thickness required by this section for

an external or separating wall of similar height
and length less 5mm; or
b. 75mm if the wall forms part of a dwelling
house and does not exceed 6m in total height
and 10m in length; and
c. 90mm in other cases.
The length of the buttressing wall should
be at least 1/6 of the overall height of the
supported wall and be bonded or securely tied
to the supporting wall and at the other end to a
buttressing wall, pier or chimney.
The size of any opening in the buttressing wall
should be restricted as shown in Diagram 12.
2C27 Design criteria for piers and chimneys
providing restraint:
a. piers should measure at least 3 times the
thickness of the supported wall and chimneys
twice the thickness, measured at right angles

Approved Document A

to the wall. Piers should have a minimum

width of 190mm (see Diagram 13);
b. the sectional area on plan of chimneys
(excluding openings for fireplaces and flues)
should be not less than the area required
for a pier in the same wall, and the overall
thickness should not be less than twice the
required thickness of the supported wall
(see Diagram 13).

Openings, recesses, overhangs

and chases
2C28 General:
The number, size and position of openings and
recesses should not impair the stability of a wall
or the lateral restraint afforded by a buttressing
wall to a supported wall. Construction over
openings and recesses should be adequately
supported.

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Diagram 13Buttressing
See para 2C27

2C29 Dimensional criteria for openings and

recesses:
The dimensional criteria are given in Diagram 14
and Table 8.
No openings should be provided in walls below
ground floor except for small holes for services
and ventilation, etc. which should be limited
to a maximum area of 0.1m at not less than
2m centres.
2C30 Chases:
a. vertical chases should not be deeper than 1/3
of the wall thickness or, in cavity walls, 1/3 of
the thickness of the leaf;
b. horizontal chases should not be deeper than
1/6 of the thickness of the leaf of the wall;
c. chases should not be so positioned as to
impair the stability of the wall, particularly
where hollow blocks are used.
2C31 Overhangs:
The amount of any projection should not impair
the stability of the wall.

Lateral support by roofs and floors

2C32 A wall in each storey of a building should
extend to the full height of that storey, and have
horizontal lateral supports to restrict movement
of the wall at right angles to its plane.
2C33 Floors and roofs should:
a. act to transfer lateral forces from walls to
buttressing walls, piers or chimneys; and
b. be secured to the supported wall by
connections specified in paragraphs 2C34
and 2C35.
2C34 The requirements for lateral restraint of
walls at roof and floor levels are given in Table 9
and guidance on satisfying the requirements is
given in paragraphs 2C35 and 2C36.
2C35 Walls should be strapped to floors above
ground level, at intervals not exceeding 2m
and as shown in Diagram 15, by tension straps
conforming to BS EN 845-1. For corrosion
resistance purposes, the tension straps should
be material reference 14 or 16.1 or 16.2
(galvanised steel) or other more resistant
Continued on page 30

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Diagram 14Sizes of openings and recesses

See para 2C29

8 Take the value of the Factor X from Table 8, or it

can be given the value 6, provided the declared
compressive strength of the bricks or blocks (in the
case of a cavity wall in the loaded leaf) is not less
than 7.3N/mm2.

Table 8Value of Factor X (see Diagram 14)

Span of timber
Span of concrete

floor into wall
floor into wall

Span of floor

Minimum is parallel
max max max max
Nature of
Maximum
thickness of
to wall
4.5m
6.0m
4.5m
6.0m
roof span
roof span (m) wall inner (mm)

Value of Factor X

Roof spans Not

parallel to wall
applicable

100

6 6 6 6 6

90

6 6 6 6 5

Timber roof 9
spans into wall

100

6 6 5 4 3

90

6 4 4 3 3

Table 9Lateral support for walls

Wall type

Wall length

Lateral support required

Solid or cavity: external

Any length
compartment separating

Roof lateral support by every roof forming a junction with the

supported wall

Greater than 3m

Floor lateral support by every floor forming a junction with the

supported wall

Internal load-bearing wall (not being

a compartment or separating wall)

Roof or floor lateral support at the top of each storey

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Diagram 15Lateral support by floors

See para 2C35

e. Restraint of internal walls

specifications including material references 1 or

3 (austenitic stainless steel). The declared tensile
strength of tension straps should not be less
than 8kN.
Tension straps need not be provided:
a. in the longitudinal direction of joists in houses
of not more than 2 storeys, if the joists are
at not more than 1.2m centres and have at
least 90mm bearing on the supported walls
or 75mm bearing on a timber wall-plate at
each end, and
b. in the longitudinal direction of joists in houses
of not more than 2 storeys, if the joists
are carried on the supported wall by joist
hangers in accordance with BS EN 845-1
of the restraint type described by additional
guidance given in BSI Published Document
PD 6697:2010 and shown in Diagram 15(c),
and are incorporated at not more than 2m
centres, and
c. when a concrete floor has at least 90mm
bearing on the supported wall (see Diagram
15(d)), and

Structure
30

d. where floors are at or about the same level

on each side of a supported wall, and
contact between the floors and wall is either
continuous or at intervals not exceeding 2m.
Where contact is intermittent, the points of
contact should be in line or nearly in line on
plan (see Diagram 15(e)).
2C36 Gable walls should be strapped to roofs as
shown in Diagram 16(a) and (b) by tension straps
as described in 2C35.
Vertical strapping at least 1m in length should be
provided at eaves level at intervals not exceeding
2m as shown in Diagram 16(c) and (d). Vertical
strapping may be omitted if the roof:
a. has a pitch of 15 or more, and
b. is tiled or slated, and
c. is of a type known by local experience to be
resistant to wind gusts, and
d. has main timber members spanning onto the
supported wall at not more than 1.2m centres.

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Diagram 16Lateral support at roof level

See para 2C36

Interruption of lateral support

2C37 Where an opening in a floor or roof for a
stairway or the like adjoins a supported wall and
interrupts the continuity of lateral support, the
following conditions should be satisfied for the
purposes of Section 2C:
a. the maximum permitted length of the opening
is to be 3m, measured parallel to the supported
wall, and
b. where a connection is provided by means
other than by anchor, this should be provided
throughout the length of each portion of the
wall situated on each side of the opening, and
c. where a connection is provided by mild steel
anchors, these should be spaced closer than
2m on each side of the opening to provide
the same number of anchors as if there were
no opening, and
d. there should be no other interruption of
lateral support.

Small single-storey non-residential

buildings and annexes
2C38 Size and proportion
i. General
The guidance given applies in the following
circumstances:
a. The floor area of the building or annexe does
not exceed 36m.
b. The walls are solidly constructed in brickwork
or blockwork using materials which comply
with paragraphs 2C19 to 2C22.
c. Where the floor area of the building or annexe
exceeds 10m the walls have a mass of not
less than 130kg/m.
Note: There is no surface mass limitation
recommended for floor areas of 10m or less.
d. Access to the roof is only for the purposes of
maintenance and repair.
e. The only lateral loads are wind loads.

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Diagram 17Size and location of openings

See para 2C38

f. The maximum length or width of the building

or annexe does not exceed 9m.
g. The height of the building or annexe does not
exceed the lower value derived from Diagram 2.
h. The roof is braced at rafter level, horizontally
at eaves level and at the base of any gable by
roof decking, rigid sarking or diagonal timber
bracing, as appropriate, in accordance with
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004 with its UK National
Annex and additional guidance given in BSI

Structure
32

Published Document PD 6693-1:2012 or BS

8103-3:2009.
i. Walls are tied to the roof structure vertically
and horizontally in accordance with paragraphs
2C32 to 2C36 and with horizontal lateral
restraint at roof level in accordance with
paragraph (iv) below.
j. The roof structure of an annexe is secured
to the structure of the main building at both
rafter and eaves level.

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Diagram 18Wall thickness

See para 2C38

(ii)

Size and location of openings

One or two major openings not more than 2.1m

in height are permitted in one wall of the building
or annexe only. The width of a single opening or
the combined width of two openings should not
exceed 5m.

The only other openings permitted in a building

or annexe are for windows and a single leaf door.
The size and location of these openings should
be in accordance with Diagram 17.
(iii) Wall thickness and recommendations
for piers
The walls should have a minimum thickness of 90mm.

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Diagram 19Lateral restraint at roof level

See para 2C38

Walls which do not contain a major opening

but exceed 2.5m in length or height should be
bonded or tied to piers for their full height at not
more than 3m centres as shown in Diagram 18a.
Walls which contain one or two major openings
should in addition have piers as shown in
Diagrams 18b and 18c. Where ties are used
to connect piers to walls they should be flat,
20mm x 3mm in cross section, be in stainless
steel in accordance with paragraph 2C19, be
placed in pairs and be spaced at not more than
300mm centre vertically.

Structure
34

(iv)

Horizontal lateral restraint at roof level

Walls should be tied horizontally at no more than

2m centres to the roof structure at eaves level,
base of gables and along roof slopes as shown
in Diagram 19 with straps fixed in accordance
with paragraphs 2C35 and 2C36. Where
straps cannot pass through a wall they should
be adequately secured to the masonry using
suitable fixings. Isolated columns should also
be tied to the roof structure (see Diagram 19).

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Section 2D: Proportions for masonry

chimneys above the roof surface
Height to width relationship
2D1 Where a chimney is not adequately
supported by ties or securely restrained in any
way, its height if measured from the highest point
of intersection with the roof surface, gutter, etc.
should not exceed 4.5W, provided the density of
the masonry is greater than 1500kg/m3, where:
W is the least horizontal dimension of the
chimney measured at the same point of
intersection, and
H is measured to the top of any chimney pot or
other flue terminal (see Diagram 20).

Diagram 20 Proportions for masonry

chimneys
See para 2D1

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Section 2E: Foundations of plain concrete

Conditions relating to the ground
2E1 There should not be:
a. non-engineered fill (as described in BRE
Digest 427) or wide variation in ground
conditions within the loaded area; nor

Diagram 21 Elevation of stepped

foundation
See paras 2E2d and e

b. weaker or more compressible ground at

such a depth below the foundation as could
impair the stability of the structure.

Design provisions
2E2 The following design provisions relate to
foundations:
a. the foundations should be situated centrally
under the wall;
b. for foundations in chemically aggressive
soil conditions guidance in BS 8500-1 and
BRE Special Digest 1 should be followed.
In non-aggressive soils, concrete should
be composed of Portland cement to BS EN
197-1 and -2 and fine and coarse aggregate
conforming to BS EN 12620 and the mix
should comply with one of the following
recommendations:
i. in proportion of 50kg of Portland cement
to not more than 200kg (0.1m3) of fine
aggregate and 400kg (0.2m3) of coarse
aggregate; or

Diagram 22Piers and chimneys

See para 2E2f

ii. grade ST2 or grade GEN I concrete to

BS 8500-2;
c. minimum thickness T of concrete foundation
should be 150mm or P, whichever is the
greater, where P is derived using Table 10
and Diagram 23. Trench fill foundations may
be used as an acceptable alternative to strip
foundations;
d. foundations stepped on elevation should
overlap by twice the height of the step, by
the thickness of the foundation, or 300mm,
whichever is greater (see Diagram 21).

Diagram 23Foundation dimensions

See para 2E2c

For trench fill foundations the overlap should

be twice the height of the step or 1m,
whichever is greater;

e. steps in foundations should not be of greater

height than the thickness of the foundation
(see Diagram 21);
f. foundations for piers, buttresses and chimneys
should project as indicated in Diagram 22 and
the projection X should never be less than the
value of P where there is no local thickening
of the wall.

Minimum width of strip

foundations
2E3 The recommended minimum widths of
foundations given in Table 10 may be used.

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Table 10Minimum width of strip footings

Total load of load-bearing walling not more than
(kN/linear metre)

Type of ground
(including
Condition
Field test
engineered fill) of ground
applicable
I
Rock

Not inferior to
Requires at least a pneumatic
sandstone, limestone or other mechanically operated
or firm chalk
pick for excavation

20 30 40 50 60 70
Minimum width of strip foundations (mm)
In each case equal to the width of wall

II
Gravel or sand
Medium dense

Requires pick for excavation.

Wooden peg 50mm square in cross
section hard to drive beyond 150mm

250 300 400 500 600 650

III
Clay Stiff
Sandy clay
Stiff

Can be indented slightly by thumb

250

IV
Clay Firm
Sandy clay
Firm

Thumb makes impression easily

300 350 450 600 750 850

300

V
Can be excavated with a spade.
400
600
Sand
Loose
Wooden peg 50mm square in
Silty sand
Loose
cross section can be easily driven
Clayey sand
Loose

VI
Finger pushed in up to 10mm
450
650
Silt
Soft
Clay Soft
Sandy clay
Soft
Clay or silt
Soft
VII
Silt
Very soft
Clay
Very soft
Sandy clay
Very soft
Clay or silt
Very soft

Finger easily pushed in up to 25mm

400

500

600

650

Note:
Foundations on soil types V
and VI do not fall within the
provisions of this section if the
total load exceeds 30kN/m.

Refer to specialist advice

The table is applicable only within the strict terms

of the criteria described within it.

Minimum depth of strip

foundations
2E4 Except where strip foundations are
founded on rock, the strip foundations should
have a minimum depth of 0.45m to their
underside to avoid the action of frost. This depth,
however, will commonly need to be increased in
areas subject to long periods of frost or in order
to transfer the loading onto satisfactory ground.
In clay soils subject to volume change on drying
(shrinkable clays, with Modified Plasticity
Index greater than or equal to 10%), strip
foundations should be taken to a depth where
anticipated ground movements will not impair
the stability of any part of the building taking due
consideration of the influence of vegetation and
trees on the ground. The depth to the underside
of foundations on clay soils should not be less
than 0.75m on low shrinkage clay soils, 0.9m on
medium shrinkage clay soils and 1.0m on high
shrinkage clay soils, although these depths may
need to be increased in order to transfer the
loading onto satisfactory ground, or where there
are trees nearby.

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Section 3: Wall cladding

General
3.1 Wall cladding presents a hazard if it
becomes detached from the building. This
section provides guidance on the support
and fixing of wall cladding. An acceptable
level of safety can be achieved by different
means depending on the type and location of
the cladding. The guidance given relates to
all forms of cladding, including curtain walling
and glass facades. It is not intended to provide
guidance concerning the weather resistance
of wall cladding which is included in Approved
Document C, Site preparation and resistance
to contaminants and moisture, or guidance on
resistance to spread of fire which is included in
Approved Document B, Fire safety, or guidance
in relation to sound insulation, which is included
in Approved Document E, Resistance to the
passage of sound.

Technical approach
3.2 The cladding will meet the safety
requirement if:
a. the cladding is capable of safely sustaining
and transmitting to the supporting structure
of the building all dead, imposed and wind
loads, and
b. the cladding is securely fixed to and
supported by the structure of the building.
This shall comprise both vertical support
and horizontal restraint, and
c. provision is made, where necessary, to
accommodate differential movement of the
cladding and the supporting structure of the
building, and
d. the cladding and its fixings (including
any support components) are of durable
materials; the design life of the fixings being
not less than that of the cladding. Fixings
shall be corrosion resistant and of a material
type appropriate for the local environment.

Loading
3.3 Wind loading on the cladding should be
derived from BS EN 1991-1-4:2005 with its UK
National Annex with due consideration given to
local increases in wind suction arising from
funnelling of the wind through gaps between
buildings.
3.4 Where the cladding is required to support
other fixtures, e.g. handrails, and fittings, e.g.
antennae and signboards, account should be
taken of the loads and forces arising from such
fixtures and fittings.

vehicle barrier, then account should be taken of

the additional imposed loading, as stipulated in
Approved Document K, Protection from falling,
collision and impact.
3.6 Where the wall cladding is required to
safely withstand lateral pressures from crowds,
an appropriate design loading is given in BS EN
1991-1-1:2002 with its UK National Annex and
the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (4th
Edition, 1997).

Fixings
3.7 The selection of fixings for supporting
cladding should be determined from a
consideration of the proven performance of the
fixing and the risks associated with the particular
application. In this regard applications should be
designated as being either non-redundant (where
the failure of a single fixing could lead to the
detachment of the cladding) or redundant (where
failure or excessive movement of one fixing
results in load sharing by adjacent fixings) and
the required reliability of the fixing determined
accordingly.
Note: Attention is drawn to the availability of
anchors with an ETA gained in accordance with
the requirements of ETAG 001 Guideline for
European Technical Approval Metal Anchors
for use in Concrete Parts 1-5, which cover both
redundant and non-redundant applications, and
Part 6 which covers Anchors for multiple use
in non-structural applications and which can
effectively be regarded as covering redundant
use. The UK definition of multiple use is
contained in an annexe to ETAG Part 6 and is
framed in such a way that all applications can be
validated as to whether or not they conform to
this category without calculation. All ETAG parts
may be downloaded in English from www.eota.be.
3.8 The strength of fixings should be derived
from tests using materials representative of the
material into which the fixing is to be anchored,
taking account of any inherent weaknesses that
may affect the strength of the fixing, e.g. cracks
in concrete due to shrinkage and flexure, or voids
in masonry construction. The design loads will
generally be available from the manufacturers
test data determined from an ETA or an extant
British Standard.
Note: ETAs are available which cover use either
in both cracked and non-cracked concrete or in
non-cracked concrete only. Those which cover
both cracked and non-cracked concrete allow
higher loads for use in non-cracked than in
cracked concrete.

3.5 Where the wall cladding is required to

function as pedestrian guarding to stairs, ramps,
vertical drops of more than 600mm in dwellings
or more than the height of two risers (or 380mm
if not part of a stair) in other buildings, or as a
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Further guidance
3.9 The use of large panels of glass in
cladding of walls and roofs where the cladding
is not divided into small areas by load-bearing
framing requires special consideration. Guidance
is given in the following documents:

Guidance notes published by the Construction

Fixings Association www.fixingscfa.co.uk.
Guidance Note: Procedure for Site Testing
Construction Fixings (1994).
Guidance Note: European Technical Approvals
for Construction Fixings (1998).

The Institution of Structural Engineers Report on

Structural use of glass in buildings dated 1999,
available from 11 Upper Belgrave Street, London
SW1X 8BH.

Guidance Note: Anchor Selection (1995).

Nickel sulfide in toughened glass published by

the Centre for Window Cladding and Technology
dated 2000.

Guidance Note: Bonded Anchors (1999).

3.10 Further guidance on cladding is given in

the following documents:
The Institution of Structural Engineers Report on
Aspects of Cladding dated 1995.
The Institution of Structural Engineers Report
on Guide to the structural use of adhesives
dated 1999.

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Guidance Note: Fixings and Fire (1998).

Guidance Note: Anchor Installation (1996).
Guidance Note: Heavy Duty Expansion
Anchors (1997).
Guidance Note: Fixings for Brickwork and
Blockwork (1997).
Guidance Note: Undercut Anchors (1998).
Guidance Note: Fixings and Corrosion (2002).

BS 8297:2000 Code of practice for the design

and installation of non-load-bearing precast
concrete cladding.
BS 8298:2010 Code of practice for the design and
installation of natural stone cladding and lining.
3.11 Additional guidance on fixings is given in
the following documents:
ETAG No. 001 1997 Guideline for European
Technical Approvals of Metal Anchors for use in
Concrete, European Organisation for Technical
Assessment (EOTA), Brussels. All EOTA parts may
be downloaded in English from www.eota.be.
Part 1 Anchors in general.
Part 2 Torque controlled anchors.
Part 3 Undercut anchors.
Part 4 Deformation controlled anchors.
Part 5 Bonded anchors.
Part 6 Metal anchors for redundant use in
concrete for lightweight systems.
BS 5080-1:1993 Structural fixings in concrete
and masonry. Method of test for tensile loading.
CIRIA Report RP 566 Cladding Fixings: Good
practice guidance.
CIRIA Reports C579 and C589 Retention of
masonry facades Best practice guide.

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Section 4: Roof covering

Materials
4.1 All materials used to cover roofs, excluding
windows of glass in residential buildings with roof
pitches of not less than 15, shall be capable of
safely withstanding the concentrated imposed
loads upon roofs specified in BS EN 1991-11:2002 with its UK National Annex. Transparent
or translucent covering materials for roofs not
accessible except for normal maintenance and
repair are excluded from the requirement to
carry the concentrated imposed load upon roofs
if they are non-fragile or are otherwise suitably
protected against collapse.

Re-covering of roofs
4.2 The re-covering of roofs is commonly
undertaken to extend the useful life of buildings.
Roof structures may be required to carry
underdrawing or insulation provided at a time
later than their initial construction. This section
provides guidance on determining whether such
work to a roof constitutes a material alteration
under the Building Regulations.
4.3 Where the work involves a significant
change in the applied loading the structural
integrity of the roof structure and the supporting
structure should be checked to ensure that
upon completion of the work the building is not
less compliant with Requirement A1 than the
original building.
4.4 A significant change in roof loading is
when the loading upon the roof is increased by
more than 15%. Consideration might also be
given to whether the roof covering being replaced
is the original as-built covering.
4.5 Where such checking of the existing roof
structure indicates that the construction is unable
to sustain any proposed increase in loading (e.g.
due to overstressed members or unacceptable
deflection leading to ponding), appropriate
strengthening work or replacement of roofing
members should be undertaken. This is classified
as a material alteration.
4.6 In carrying out the checks mentioned in
paragraph 4.3 an increase of stress in a structural
member arising from increased loading does
not necessarily indicate that the roof structure is
less compliant than the original roof provided an
adequate factor of safety is maintained.
4.7 Where work will significantly decrease
the roof dead loading, the roof structure and its
anchorage to the supporting structure should
be checked to ensure that an adequate factor
of safety is maintained against uplift of the roof
under imposed wind loading.

Structure
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Approved Document A

ON
LINE
DISPROPORTIONATE
COLLAPSE

VERSION

The Requirement

A3

This Approved Document deals with the following

Requirements which are contained in the Building
Regulations 2010.

Requirement

Limits on application

Disproportionate collapse
A3. The building shall be constructed so that in the event of an accident
the building will not suffer collapse to an extent disproportionate to
the cause.

Approved Document A

ONLINE VERSION

Structure
41

A3

ONLINE VERSION

Guidance
Performance
In the Secretary of States view the Requirement
of A3 will be met by an appropriate choice
of measures to reduce the sensitivity of a
building to disproportionate collapse should
an accident occur.

Introduction
0.1 The guidance in Section 5 deals with the
means of meeting this performance criterion.

Structure
42

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Approved Document A

ONLINE VERSION

A3

Section 5: Reducing the sensitivity of the

building to disproportionate collapse in the
event of an accident
5.1 The requirement will be met by adopting
the following approach for ensuring that the
building is sufficiently robust to sustain a limited
extent of damage or failure, depending on the
consequence class of the building, without
collapse.
a. Determine the buildings consequence class
from Table 11.
b. For Consequence Class 1 buildings

Provided the building has been designed

and constructed in accordance with the rules
given in this Approved Document, or other
guidance referenced under Section 1, for
meeting compliance with Requirement A1
and A2 in normal use, no additional measures
are likely to be necessary.

c. For Consequence Class 2a buildings

In addition to the Consequence Class 1

measures, provide effective horizontal ties,
or effective anchorage of suspended floors
to walls, as described in the Standards listed
under paragraph 5.2 for framed and loadbearing wall construction (the latter being
defined in paragraph 5.3 below).

d. For Consequence Class 2b buildings

In addition to the Consequence Class 1

measures, provide effective horizontal ties,
as described in the Standards listed under
paragraph 5.2 for framed and load-bearing
wall construction (the latter being defined in
paragraph 5.3 below), together with effective
vertical ties, as defined in the Standards
listed under paragraph 5.2, in all supporting
columns and walls.

Alternatively, check that upon the notional

removal of each supporting column and each
beam supporting one or more columns, or any
nominal length of load-bearing wall (one at a
time in each storey of the building), the building
remains stable and that the area of floor at any
storey at risk of collapse does not exceed 15% of
the floor area of that storey or 100m2, whichever
is smaller, and does not extend further than the
immediate adjacent storeys (see Diagram 24).

Critical situations for design should be selected

that reflect the conditions that can reasonably
be foreseen as possible during the life of the
building. The structural form and concept and
any protective measures should then be chosen
and the detailed design of the structure and its
elements undertaken in accordance with the
recommendations given in the Standards given in
paragraph 5.2.
Further guidance is given in Annexes A and
B to BS EN 1991-1-7:2006 Eurocode 1:
Actions on structures Part 1.7: General
actions Accidental actions; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1991-1-7:2006 and BS EN
1990:2002+A1:2005 Eurocode Basis of
structural design; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005.
5.2 Details of the effective horizontal and
vertical ties including tie force determination,
together with the design approaches for
checking the integrity of the building following
the notional removal of vertical members and the
design of key elements, are given in the following
Standards:

BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005 Eurocode Basis

of structural design; with UK National Annex to
BSEN 1990:2002+A1:2005
BS EN 1991-1-7:2006 Eurocode 1: Actions
on structures Part 1.7: General actions
Accidental actions; with UK National Annex to BS
EN 1991-1-7: 2006 and BSI PD 6688-1-7: 2009
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 Eurocode 2: Design of
concrete structures Part 1.1: General rules and
rules for buildings; with UK National Annex to BS
EN 1992-1-1:2004 and BSI PD 6687-1:2010
BS EN 1993-1-1:2005 Eurocode 3: Design of
steel structures Part 1.1: General rules and
rules for buildings; with UK National Annex to BS
EN 1993-1-1:2005
BS EN 1994-1-1:2004 Eurocode 4: Design of
composite steel and concrete structures Part
1.1: General rules and rules for buildings; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1994-1-1:2004

Where the notional removal of such columns

and lengths of walls would result in an extent of
damage in excess of the above limit, then such
elements should be designed as a key element
as defined in paragraph 5.3 below.

BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008 Eurocode 5:
Design of timber structures Part 1.1: General
Common rules and rules for buildings;
with UK National Annex to BS EN 1995-11:2004+A1:2008 and BSI PD 6693-1:2012

e. For Consequence Class 3 buildings A

BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012 Eurocode 6:
Design of masonry structures Part 1.1: General
rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry
structures; with UK National Annex to
BSEN1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012 and BSI PD
6697:2010

systematic risk assessment of the building

should be undertaken taking into account
all the normal hazards that may reasonably
be foreseen, together with any abnormal
hazards.

Approved Document A

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Structure
43


A3

REDUCING THE SENSITIVITY OF THE BUILDING TO

O N LCOLLAPSE
I N E V IN
E THE
R SEVENT
I O NOF AN ACCIDENT
DISPROPORTIONATE

BS EN 1999-1-1:2007+A1:2009 Eurocode
9: Design of aluminium structures Part 1.1:
General structural rules; with UK National Annex
to BS EN 1999-1-1:2007+A1:2009 and
BSIPD6702-1:2009
5.3 Definitions
Nominal length of load-bearing wall
The nominal length of load-bearing wall
construction referred to in 5.1d should be taken
as follows:

in the case of a reinforced concrete wall, the

distance between lateral supports subject to
a maximum length not exceeding 2.25H,

in the case of an external masonry wall,

or timber or steel stud wall, the length
measured between vertical lateral supports,

in the case of an internal masonry wall,

or timber or steel stud wall, a length not
exceeding 2.25H,

where H is the storey height in metres.

Note: Annex A of BS EN 1991-1-7:2006 with
its UK National Annex provides corresponding
guidance.
Key elements
A key element, as referred to in paragraph 5.1d,
should be capable of sustaining an accidental
design loading of 34kN/m2 applied in the
horizontal and vertical directions (in one direction
at a time) to the member and any attached
components (e.g. cladding etc.) having regard to
the ultimate strength of such components and
their connections. Such accidental design loading
should be assumed to act simultaneously with
all other design loadings (i.e. wind and imposed
loading) in accidental actions loading combination.

Table 11Building consequence classes

Consequence
Classes

Building type and occupancy

Houses not exceeding 4 storeys

Agricultural buildings

Buildings into which people rarely go, provided no part of the building is closer to another building, or area where
people do go, than a distance of 1.5 times the building height
2a
Lower Risk Group 5 storey single occupancy houses

Hotels not exceeding 4 storeys

Flats, apartments and other residential buildings not exceeding 4 storeys

Offices not exceeding 4 storeys

Industrial buildings not exceeding 3 storeys

Retailing premises not exceeding 3 storeys of less than 2000m floor area in each storey

Single-storey educational buildings

All buildings not exceeding 2 storeys to which members of the public are admitted and which contain floor areas
not exceeding 2000m at each storey
2b
Upper Risk Group Hotels, blocks of flats, apartments and other residential buildings greater than 4 storeys but not exceeding
15 storeys

Educational buildings greater than 1 storey but not exceeding 15 storeys

Retailing premises greater than 3 storeys but not exceeding 15 storeys

Hospitals not exceeding 3 storeys

Offices greater than 4 storeys but not exceeding 15 storeys

All buildings to which members of the public are admitted which contain floor areas exceeding 2000m but less
than 5000m at each storey

Car parking not exceeding 6 storeys

3 All buildings defined above as Consequence Class 2a and 2b that exceed the limits on area and/or number
of storeys

Grandstands accommodating more than 5000 spectators

Buildings containing hazardous substances and/or processes

Notes:
1. For buildings intended for more than one type of use the Consequence Class should be that pertaining to the most onerous type.
2. In determining the number of storeys in a building, basement storeys may be excluded provided such basement storeys fulfil the robustness
requirements of Consequence Class 2b buildings.
3. BS EN 1991-1-7:2006 with its UK National Annex also provides guidance that is comparable to Table 11.

Structure
44

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Approved Document A

REDUCING THE SENSITIVITY OF THE BUILDING TO

ON
L I N E INVTHE
E REVENT
S I OOF
NAN ACCIDENT
DISPROPORTIONATE
COLLAPSE

A3

BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005 with its UK National

Annex provides guidance on accidental
design loading and accidental actions loading
combination for key elements and expressions
6.11a and 6.11b of that Standard are relevant.

Guidance on Robustness and Provision against

Accidental Actions, dated July 1999.

Note: Annex A of BS EN 1991-1-7:2006 with

its UK National Annex provides corresponding
guidance for key elements.

Lomax proposals. Project Report No. 205966.

Load-bearing construction
For the purposes of this Guidance the term loadbearing wall construction includes masonry
cross-wall construction and walls comprising
close centred timber or lightweight steel section
studs.

Alternative approach
5.4 As an alternative to Table 11, for any
building which does not fall into the classes listed
under Table 11, or for which the consequences
of collapse may warrant particular examination
of the risks involved, performance may be
demonstrated using the recommendations given
in the following Reports and Publication:

Proposed Revised Guidance on meeting

Compliance with the requirements of Building
Regulation Part A3. Revision of the Allott and

Both of the above documents are available on

www.planningportal.gov.uk
Practical Guide to Structural Robustness and
Disproportionate Collapse in Buildings dated

October 2010. Published by The Institution of

Structural Engineers, London.

Seismic design
5.5 Seismic design is not usually required
for buildings classified by Table 11 as being
in Consequence Classes 1, 2a and 2b. For
buildings classified as Consequence Class 3 the
risk assessment should consider if there is any
need to carry out seismic design, although such
a need is not an explicit requirement for these
buildings.

Diagram 24Area at risk of collapse in the event of an accident

See para 5.1d

Area at risk of collapse

limited to 15% of the
floor area of that storey
or 100m2, whichever is
the lesser, and does not
extend further than the
immediate adjacent
storeys

Approved Document A

ONLINE VERSION

Structure
45

ONLINE VERSION

Standards referred to
A1/2

BS EN 771-3:2011

BS 5080-1:1993

Structural fixings in concrete and masonry.

Method of test for tensile loading.
BS 8103-1:2011

Structural design of low-rise buildings. Code

of practice for stability, site investigation,
foundations, precast concrete floors and ground
floor slabs for housing.
BS 8103-2:2005

Structural design of low-rise buildings. Code of

practice for masonry walls for housing.
BS 8103-3:2009

Structural design of low-rise buildings. Code of

practice for timber floors and roofs forhousing.
BS 8297:2000

Code of practice for design and installation of

non-loadbearing precast concrete cladding.
AMD 11064 2000, AMD 13018 2000.
BS 8298-1:2010

Code of practice for the design and installation of

natural stone cladding and lining. General.
BS 8298-2:2010

Code of practice for the design and installation

of natural stone cladding and lining. Traditional
handset external cladding.
BS 8298-3:2010

Code of practice for the design and installation

of natural stone cladding and lining. Stone-faced
pre-cast concrete cladding systems.
BS 8298-4:2010

Code of practice for the design and installation of

natural stone cladding and lining. Rainscreen and
stone on metal frame cladding systems.
BS 8500-1:2006+A1:2012

Specification for masonry units. Aggregate

concrete masonry units (dense and light-weight
aggregates). AMD 16001.
BS EN 771-4:2011

Specification for masonry units. Autoclaved

aerated concrete masonry units.
BS EN 771-5:2011

Specification for masonry units. Manufactured

stone masonry units.
BS EN 771-6:2011

Specification for masonry units. Natural stone

masonry units.
BS EN 845-1:2003+A1:2008

Specification for ancillary components for

masonry. Ties, tension straps, hangers and
brackets. AMD 14736 2003, AMD 15539 2006.
BS EN 845-2:2003

Specification for ancillary components for

masonry. Lintels.
BS EN 845-3:2003+A1:2008

Specification for ancillary components for

masonry. Bed joint reinforcement of steel
meshwork.
BS EN 998-2:2010

Specification for mortar for masonry. Masonry

mortar. AMD July 2011.
BS EN 1090-2:2008+A1:2011

Execution of steel structures and aluminium

structures Part 2: Technical requirements for
the execution of steel structures.
BS EN 1090-3:2008

Execution of steel structures and aluminium

structures Part 3: Technical requirements for
aluminium structures.

Concrete. Complementary British Standard to

BS EN 206-1. Method of specifying and guidance
for the specifier.

BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005

BS 8500-2:2006+A1:2012

BS EN 1991-1-1:2002

Concrete. Complementary British Standard to

BS EN 206-1. Specification for constituent
materials and concrete.
BS EN 197-1:2011

Cement. Composition, specifications and

conformity criteria for common elements.
BS EN 197-2:2000

Cement. Conformity evaluation.

Eurocode Basis of structural design; with UK

National Annex to BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005.
Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 1.1:
General actions Densities, self weight, imposed
loads for buildings; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002.
BS EN 1991-1-3:2003

Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 1.3:

General actions Snow loads; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1991-1-3:2003.
BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010

BS EN 771-1:2011

Specification for masonry units. Clay masonry

units.

Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 1.4:

General actions Wind actions; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010.

BS EN 771-2:2011

BS EN 1991-1-5:2003

Specification for masonry units. Calcium silicate

masonry units.

Structure
46

Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 1.5:

General actions Thermal actions; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-5:2003.

ONLINE VERSION

Approved Document A

O N LTO
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STANDARDS REFERRED

VERSION

BS EN 1991-1-6:2005

Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 1.6:

General actions Actions during execution; with
UK National Annex to BS EN 1996-1-6:2005.
BS EN 1991-1-7:2006

Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 1.7:

General actions Accidental actions; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-7:2006.
BS EN 1991-3:2006

Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 3:

Actions induced by cranes and machinery; with
UK National Annex to BS EN 1991-3:2006.
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004

Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures

Part 1.1: General rules and rules for buildings;
with UK National Annex to BS EN 1992-1-1:2004.
BS EN 1993-1-1:2005

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.1:

General rules and rules for buildings; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1993-1-1:2005.
BS EN 1993-1-3:2006

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.3:

General rules Supplementary rules for coldformed members and sheeting; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1993-1-3:2006.
BS EN 1993-1-4:2006

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.4:

General rules Supplementary rules for stainless
steels; with UK National Annex to BS EN 1993-14:2006.
BS EN 1993-1-5:2006

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.5:

Plated structural elements; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1993-1-5:2006.
BS EN 1993-1-6:2007

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.6:

Strength and stability of shell structures.

BS EN 1993-1-7:2007

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.7:

Plated structures subject to out of plane loading.
BS EN 1993-1-8:2005

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.8:

Design of joints; with UK National Annex to BS
EN 1993-1-8:2005.
BS EN 1993-1-9:2005

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.9:

Fatigue; with UK National Annex to BS EN 19931-9:2005.
BS EN 1993-1-10:2005

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.10:

Material toughness and through-thickness
properties; with UK National Annex to BS EN
1993-1-10:2005.
BS EN 1993-1-11:2006

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures

Part 1.11: Design of structures with tension
components; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1993-1-11:2006.

Approved Document A

BS EN 1993-1-12:2007

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures

Part 1.12: Additional rules for the extension of
EN 1993 up to steel grades S 700; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1993-1-12:2007.
BS EN 1993-5:2007

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 5:

Piling; with UK National Annex to BS EN 19935:2007+A1:2012.
BS EN 1993-6:2007

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 6:

Crane supporting structures; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1993-6:2007.
BS EN 1994-1-1:2004

Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and

concrete structures Part 1.1: General rules and
rules for buildings; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1994-1-1:2004.
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008

Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures

Part 1.1: General Common rules and rules
for buildings; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008.
BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012

Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures

Part 1.1: General rules for reinforced and
unreinforced masonry structures; with
UK National Annex to BS EN 1996-11:2005+A1:2012.
BS EN 1996-2:2006

Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures Part

2: Design considerations, selection of materials
and execution of masonry; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1996-2:2006.
BS EN 1996-3:2006

Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures Part

3: Simplified calculation methods for unreinforced
masonry structures; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1996-3:2006.
BS EN 1997-1:2004

Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design Part 1:

General rules; with UK National Annex to BS EN
1997-1:2004.
BS EN 1997-2:2007

Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design Part 2:

Ground investigation and testing; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1997-2:2007.
BS EN 1998-1:2004+A1:2013

Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake

resistance Part 1: General rules, seismic
actions and rules for buildings; with UK National
Annex to BS EN 1998-1:2004.
BS EN 1998-5:2004

Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake

resistance Part 5. Foundations, retaining
structures and geotechnical aspects; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1998-5:2004.

ONLINE VERSION

Structure
47

ONLIN
STANDARDS REFERRED
TOE

BS EN 1999-1-1:2007+A1:2009

Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures

Part 1.1: General structural rules; with
UK National Annex to BS EN 1999-11:2007+A1:2009.
BS EN 1999-1-3:2007+A1:2011

Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures

Part 1.3: Structures susceptible to fatigue;
with UK National Annex to BS EN 1999-13:2007+A1:2011.
BS EN 1999-1-4:2007+A1:2011

VERSION
BSI PD 6702-1:2009

Published Document Structural use of

aluminium Part 1: Recommendations for the
design of aluminium structures to BS EN 1999.
BSI PD 6705-3:2009

Published Document Structural use of steel

and aluminium Part 3: Recommendations for
the execution of aluminium structures to BS EN
1090-3.

A3

Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures

Part 1.4: Cold-formed structural sheeting; with
UK National Annex to BS EN 1999-1-4:2007.

BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005

BS EN 1999-1-5:2007

BS EN 1991-1-7:2006

BS EN 12620:2002+A1:2008

BS EN 1992-1-1:2004

Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures

Part 1.5: Shell structures; with UK National Annex
to BS EN 1999-1-5:2007.
Aggregates for concrete. AMD 15333 2004.
BS EN 13670:2009

Execution of concrete structures.

Eurocode Basis of structural design; with UK

National Annex to BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005.
Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 1.7:
General actions Accidental actions; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-7:2006.
Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures Part
1.1: General rules and rules for buildings; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1992-1-1:2004.

BSI PD 6687-1:2010

BS EN 1993-1-1:2005

BSI PD 6688-1-1:2011

BS EN 1994-1-1:2004

Published Document Background paper to the

UK National Annexes to BS EN 1992-1 and BS
EN 1992-3.
Published Document Recommendations for the
design of structures to BS EN 1991-1-1.
BSI PD 6688-1-4:2009

Published Document Background information

the National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-4 and
additional guidance.
BSI PD 6688-1-7:2009

Published Document Recommendations for the

design of structures to BS EN 1991-1-7.
BSI PD 6693-1:2012

Published Document Recommendations for

the design of timber structures to Eurocode 5:
Design of timber structures Part 1: General
Common rules and rules for buildings.
BSI PD 6695-1-9:2008

Published Document Recommendations for the

design of structures to BS EN 1993-1-9.
BSI PD 6695-1-10:2009

Published Document Recommendations for the

design of structures to BS EN 1993-1-10.
BSI PD 6697:2010

Published Document Recommendations for the

design of masonry structures to
BS EN 1996-1-1 and BS EN 1996-2.
BSI PD 6698:2009

Published Document Recommendations for the

design of structures for earthquake resistance to
BS EN 1998.

Structure
48

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures Part 1.1:

General rules and rules for buildings; with UK
National Annex to BS EN 1993-1-1:2005.
Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and
concrete structures Part 1.1: General rules and
rules for buildings; with UK National Annex to BS
EN 1994-1-1:2004.
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008

Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures Part

1.1: General Common rules and rules for
buildings; with UK National Annex to BS EN
1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008.
BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012

Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures Part

1.1: General rules for reinforced and unreinforced
masonry structures; with UK National Annex to
BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012.
BS EN 1999-1-1:2007+A1:2009

Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures

Part 1.1: General structural rules; with
UK National Annex to BS EN 1999-11:2007+A1:2009.
BSI PD 6687-1:2010

Published Document Background paper to the

UK National Annexes to BS EN 1992-1 and
BS EN 1992-3.
BSI PD 6688-1-7:2009

Published Document Recommendations for the

design of structures to BS EN 1991-1-7.
BSI PD 6693-1:2012

Published Document Recommendations for

the design of timber structures to Eurocode 5:
Design of timber structures Part 1: General
Common rules and rules for buildings.

ONLINE VERSION

Approved Document A

O N LTO
INE
STANDARDS REFERRED

VERSION

BSI PD 6697:2010

Published Document Recommendations for the

design of masonry structures to
BS EN 1996-1-1 and BS EN 1996-2.
BSI PD 6702-1:2009

Published Document Structural use of

aluminium Part 1. Recommendations for the
design of aluminium structures to BS EN 1999.

Approved Document A

ONLINE VERSION

Structure
49

ONLINE VERSION

ONLINE VERSION

ONLINE VERSION
MAIN CHANGES MADE BY THE
2013 AMENDMENTS
The main changes are to:
References to British Standard design
standards

Main changes in the

2004 edition
The 2004 edition replaced the 1992 Edition (with
1994 and 2000 amendments edition). The main
changes were:

APPROVED DOCUMENTS
The following documents have been published
to give practical guidance about how to meet the
Building Regulations. You can find the date of the
edition approved by the Secretary of State at
www.planningportal.gov.uk.
Approved Document A
Structure

Guidance on strip footings

Guidance on the sizing of timber floors and

roofs for traditional house construction
removed, as the Timber Tables are now
published by TRADA.

Materials and workmanship

Map of basic wind speeds revised.

There have been no changes to Part A of

Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations.

Stainless steel cavity wall ties specified for all

houses regardless of their location.

Approved Document B: Volume 2

Fire safety Buildings other than dwellinghouses

Main changes made by the

2010 amendments

Guidance on masonry walls to dwellings

extended.

Approved Document C
Site preparation and resistance to contaminants
and moisture

Guidance on concrete foundations to houses

revised.

Approved Document D
Toxic substances

Guidance on the design and construction of

domestic garages extensively updated.

Approved Document E
Resistance to the passage of sound

Disproportionate collapse: the Application

Limit to Requirement A3 (ie. the 5 storey limit)
removed to bring all buildings under control of
Requirement A3.

Approved Document F
Ventilation

Guidance on disproportionate collapse

Wind maps

The 2010 amendments reflect the Building

Regulations 2010 and Building (Approved
Inspectors etc) Regulations 2010. The changes
mainly reflect regulation number changes as
a result of re-ordering. There have been no
amendments to the substantive requirements in
Part A of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations.

Approved Document B: Volume 1

Fire safety Dwellinghouses

Approved Document G
Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
Approved Document H
Drainage and waste disposal
Approved Document J
Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Approved Document K
Protection from falling, collision and impact
Approved Document L1A
Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
Approved Document L1B
Conservation of fuel and power in existing
dwellings
Approved Document L2A
Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings
other than dwellings
Approved Document L2B
Conservation of fuel and power in existing
buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document M
Access to and use of buildings
Approved Document P
Electrical Safety Dwellings
Approved Document 7
Materials and workmanship

This printing incorporates editorial amendments

and corrections.

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Building Regulations 2010

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The Building Regulations 2010

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