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National Building Code of Canada

 

Development of national model construction codes and guides, such as the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), is the responsibility of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) – an independent committee which oversees the work of a number of technical standing committees.  It is comprised of volunteers whose expertise represent various sectors of the construction industry. The CCBFC and its technical standing committees are created using a “balanced matrix” approach, which means that each committee is structured to capitalize on the combined strengths and expertise of its members – with no single group dominating. Each committee considers the views of all participants on a consensus-based approach, which includes the principles of inclusive participation, transparency and respect for diverse interests. The CCBFC oversees 9 standing committees, of which four are of major interest to the cement and concrete industries. These are:

  • Standing Committee on Structural Design (NBCC Part 4)
  • Standing Committee on Earthquake Design (NBCC Part 4)
  • Standing Committee on Housing and Small Buildings (NBCC Part 9)
  • Standing Committee on Fire Protection (NBCC Part 3 & National Fire Code)

The latest edition of the National Building Code of Canada (2020) can be accessed here.

The Standing Committee on Structural Design (SCSD) is responsible for structural design requirements in the National model codes and guides relating to:

  • structural loads and procedures
  • excavations and foundation design
  • design requirements for structural materials (wood, masonry, concrete, steel, aluminum, glass)
  • design requirements for special structures (air-supported structures, parking structures)

The Standing Committee on Earthquake Design (SCED), formerly known as CANCEE, is responsible for developing and recommending changes in the National Building Code of Canada and the User’s Guide: NBC Structural Commentaries pertaining to earthquake loads and effects. The Standing Committee on Housing and Small Buildings (SCHSB) is responsible for all requirements in Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) and their related appendix notes as well as technical content for ancillary documents [e.g. Illustrated User’s Guide: NBC Part 9 Housing and Small Buildings]. The Standing Committee on Fire Protection is responsible for requirements for building components and systems, including construction and demolition sites, in the National Model Codes relating to:

  • structural fire protection
  • combustibility of building materials
  • fire spread within buildings, including smoke movement
  • fire spread to adjacent buildings
  • suppression of fires
  • fire protection of fire alarm and detection systems

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