Sunday, July 10, 2016

(violations) CHAPTER XII - GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - phrase of prevention (it's easier to stop something from happening in the first place than to repair the damage after it has happened.)
On the current evolving world, we notice many things. Magnificent pieces of art, vast collection of knowledge and so much more. But amongst all the many things we found, we notice but the littlest imperfections they might bring out. Unto to this final arc of our blog, we shall explore the imperfections, no, the “violations” these things have existedly done. Scoping to the works of building and their indebt technicalities, and how the following codes are being neglected and ignored when in fact, they are of great vital importance that must continually exist for it is a “must-have” unto every infrastructure requirement regard. 


Once again, a brief generalization of what main idea this blog is, we are highlighting the 12th chapter of the national building code here in the Philippines ranging from its first five sections and how they are relevant to one another. Mainly, these chapters focuses on the general safety not only to man, but of the shelter/infrastructure the man is currently on, or on how man has built it to provide its purpose unto its utmost condition.

The Section 1201 of Chapter XII is all about the General Requirements. In this section of the building code, it was elaborated that any infrastructure must undergo tight and certain confirmation of safety and just foundation test to be able to be given the verification that the structure is usable for the consumers or clients need. This verification is to be given by the civil engineer given that they are the one to test the justness of the building to be undergoing formal protocols or series of tests.
exhibit 1 (sec. 1201)
exhibit 2 (sec.1201)


Possible violations of this section 1201 may include, negation of undergoing building inspections under the supervision of a legit civil engineer. And continuing to operate the said existing infrastructure.

In Section 1202, it is said that whatever activity like digging for the building that should be constructed, must not put any life in danger. 
Excavation should not affect the safety, thus if excavation affects safety, the person who is responsible for causing the excavation shall be responsible for the expense of extending the foundation of the structure. There are excavation risks such as, cave-ins, collapse of spoil soil, falling into excavation, water and flooding, that should be avoided.
exhibit 1(sec.1202)

Second, violations highlighted was on the section 1202 of the chapter XII of the NBC. Indicating the concept of the section, mainly about the foundations, excavation and construction safety protocols and precautions.


exhibit 2(sec.1202)

This violates the rule under the section 1202 that states that footings and foundation shall be of the appropriate type, of adequate size, and capacity in order to safely sustain the superimposed loads under any conditions of external forces that may affect the safety or stability of the structure.
The Section 1203. Veneer, is said to be a thin layer of wood or other material that is glued to a surface for decorative purposes. In this section, it indicates that usage of veneers whether for ornamentation, protection or enclosure should follow specific design requirements. This shows that veneers aren’t that simple to use and a certain process of installation should be strictly complied.
exhibit 1(sec.1203)

The image in exhibit 1 (sec.1203). An improper installation of a stainless steel veneer flashing is portrayed through this image. The edge is being tied down from the face of the wall. This allows water that collects on the flashing to run around the edge of the flashing and back into the wall.
The Section 1204, infrastructures having elevators must have a sufficient means of ventilation through the main roof of the building given that the said construction must acquire the primary precautionary actions in case of fire. The said construction must also be aided with enough numbers of automatic sprinklers with distances ranging from not less than 1.80 m center to center. Placements of chutes and other installations for ventilation and water systems must not hinder the main entrances and exits of the building.
exhibit 1(sec.1204)
In exhibit 1 (sec.1204), the said picture is a violation again proper ducting system in which greatly gives great accord to the concern on proper ventilation system. Every ventilation must acquire a "clean-cut" or neat passage and not crooked or unorganized flow or arrangement. Proper exits on the given ventilation (sprinklers, ducts, chutes, smoke detectors, etc.) must be allocated separately to provide its utmost function and easy maintenance and accessible access. 
The section 1205. The very surface we step foot on in buildings is as self-explanatory as it is integral to the entire building envelope. Floors, just like ceilings, walls—are governed under law by codes and articles to ensure safety as early as from planning stage, to the construction stage, up until turnover.
exhibit 1(sec.1205)
This section are to be given of great consideration and caution, by ensuring every element; girders, beams, type of construction, material specifications, and such. The said image is a violation of unsure measurents that the corners of the structure do not meet, hence the failure of the current law. 

Keep in mind the said intro quote and you will then be guided. For all of the practicing and also professional designer protectionists, do not forget the must pointers to have a very "not only beautiful design, but also greatly careful." A great design isn't good enough.

Sunday, July 3, 2016

(The application) Chapter XII : GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action?" -Peter Drucker
There being said, an efficient designer is a successful being in total. In this section of the blog, we will explore the many places that have followed the prescriptions of the building code, being said to contain the "must-haves" when it comes to security and assurance. We shall go through a lot of pictures but note that all these pictures bring up different just applications relevant to the following sections of the 12th chapter. 


Let us begin.

Let us run through again from scratch. Pitching-in the section one of the building code's chapter XII. 


exhibit 1 (sec.1201)

Summing up the general idea of safety and precautions, any infrastructure must once again comply to the needed protocols and must voluntarily undergo the tests before confirming its purpose. 


exhibit 2 (sec. 1201)


Section 1201. General Requirements.

Buildings proposed for construction shall comply with all the regulations and specifications herein set forth governing quality, characteristics and properties of materials, methods of design and construction, type of occupancy and classification.

All other matters relative to the structural design of all buildings and other structures not provided for in this Chapter shall conform with the provisions of the National Structural Code of Buildings, as adopted and promulgated by the Board of Civil Engineering pursuant to the Republic Act Number 544, as amended, otherwise known as the “Civil Engineering Law”.


Moving on to the next section. The second section on NBC's chapter XII. Section 1202 Excavation, Foundation and Retaining Walls.



exhibit 1 (sec. 1202)
exhibit 2 (sec. 1202)
“Excavation or fills for buildings or structures shall be so constructed or protected that they do not endanger life or property.”

Safety not only to those people who will pass by or the people who will use or live on it but also safety for the construction workers. Therefore Safety Gear is a must and should be provided.

exhibit 3 (sec.1202)
“Footings and foundations shall be of the appropriate type, of adequate size, and capacity in order to safely sustain the superimposed loads under seismic or any conditions of external forces that may affect the safety or stability of the structure. It shall be the responsibility of the architect and/or engineer to adopt the type and design of the same in accordance with the standards set forth by the Secretary.”
Architects and Engineers should collaborate accordingly to the standards for the safety, stability and structure of building.

exhibit 1 (sec.1203)

Section 1203. Veneer.

(a) Definition. Veneer is a non structural facing of brick, concrete, tile, metal, plastic, glass, or other similar approved materials attached to a backing or structural components of the building for the purpose of ornamentation, protection, or enclosure that may be adhered, integrated, or anchored either on the interior or exterior of the building or structure.

(b) Design Requirements. The design of all veneer shall comply with the following:

(1) Veneer shall support no load other than its own weight and the vertical dead load of veneer immediately above.

(2) Surfaces to which veneer is attached shall be designed to support the additional vertical and lateral loads imposed by the veneer.

(3) Consideration shall be given to differential movements of the supports including those caused by temperature changes, shrinkage, creep, and deflection.

(4) Adhered veneer and its backing shall be designed to have a bond to the supporting elements sufficient seismic effects on the total assemblage.

(5) Anchored veneer and its attachment shall be designed to resist horizontal forces equal to twice the weight of the veneer. (6) Anchors supports and ties shall be non-combustible and corrosion-resistant.

With the vast options for materials, veneer is one of the most widely used in the design and construction industry. Aside from its affordability, it also offer great aesthetics. It also comes in wood, brick, metal or even plastic veneers which shows its diversity.

exhibit 1 (sec. 1204)

exhibit 2 (sec. 1204)
Section 1204. Enclosure of Vertical Openings.

(a) General. Vertical openings shall be enclosed depending upon the fire-resistive requirements of a particular type of construction as set forth in this Code. 

exhibit 3 (sec.1204)
(b) Elevator Enclosures. Walls and partitions enclosing elevators and escalators shall be of not less than the fire-resistive construction required under the Types of Construction. Enclosing Walls of elevator shafts may consist of wire glass set in metal frames on the entrance side only. Elevator shafts extending through more than two storeys shall be equipped with an approved means of adequate ventilation to and through the main roof of the building: Provided, that in those buildings housing Groups F and G Occupancies equipped with automatic fire-extinguishing systems throughout, enclosures shall not be required for escalators: Provided, further that the top of the escalator opening at each storey shall be provided with a draft curtain. Such draft curtain shall enclose the perimeter of the unenclosed opening and shall extend from the ceiling downward at least 300 millimeters on all sides.

Automatic sprinkles shall be provided around the perimeter of the opening and within a 600 millimeters of the draft curtain. The distance between the sprinkles shall not exceed 1.80 meters center-to-center.
exhibit 4 (sec.1204)
exhibit 5 (sec.1204)

















The existing site can be found at the University of San Carlos, Talamban Campus where in the ff. pictures (exhibits 4 & 5) comprises the concept regarding elevator enclosures. The said standards for elevators must strictly follow the said pointers given that it does not only assure the requirements but also confirms the clients' security.

Section 1205. Floor Construction.
(a) Floors shall be of such materials and construction as specified under Chapter 5 Fire- Zones and Fire-Resistive Standards and under Chapter 6 – Types of Construction.
(b) All floors shall be so framed and secure into the framework and supporting walls as to form an integral part of the whole building.

(c) The types of floor construction used shall provide means to keep the beam and girders from lateral buckling.
exhibit 1 (sec. 1205)
Flooring system is a crucial part of building projects. How its done is a essential know-how to every designer or architect. The photo above shows how they are properly installed by following certain standards and intensive process.