BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - CHAPTER 123B BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - LONG TITLE Empowering section VerDate:30/06/1997

(Cap 123, section 38) [28 December 1990] (Originally L.N. 439 of 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - I GENERAL VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 1 Citation VerDate:30/06/1997

These regulations may be cited as the Building (Construction) Regulations. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 2 Interpretation VerDate:30/06/1997

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires"carriageway" () means that part of a private street, cul-de-sac or access road used or intended to be used by vehicular traffic; "chimney" () means any structure designed as a flue and any structure enclosing a flue or flues; "cinema" () means any building or part of a building which is designed for, and contains facilities (including a projection room) and projection or other apparatus or equipment for use in connection with or otherwise for the purposes of cinematographic displays; (L.N. 195 of 1996) "dead load" () means the weight of walls, floors, roofs, finishes, permanent partitions and other permanent construction; "external wall" () means an outer wall of a building even though adjoining a wall of another building; "flue" () means a duct through which smoke or other products of combustion or fumes from any cooking apparatus or stove or oven, or vitiated air, pass or are intended to pass for the purpose of reaching the open air; "foundation" () means that part of a building, building works, structure or street in direct contact with and transmitting load to the ground; "imposed load" ( ) means load other than dead load or wind lo ad; "load bearing" () in relation to any part of a building, building works or street means any such part bearing a load other than that due to its own weight and to wind pressure on its own surface; "masonry" ( ) means an assemblage of bricks or building blocks; "non-combustible material" () means material which satisfi es a recognized non-combustibility test; "pile" () means a columnar foundation element which is(a) pre-manufactured and inserted into the ground by driving, jacking or other method; or (b) cast-in-place in a shaft formed in the ground by boring, excavating or inserting a shell; "plain concrete" ( ) means concrete in which no reinforcement is included for structural purposes but in which reinforcement may be provided for the purpose of restraining shrinkage or other movement; "site investigation" () means investigation of the physical characteristics of the site and includes documentary studies, site surveys and ground investigation; "wind load" () means any load due to the effects of wind pressu

re or suction. (Enacted 1990) "carriageway" () "chimney" () "cinema" () "dead load" () "external wall" () "flue" () "foundation" () "imposed load" ( ) "load bearing" () "masonry" ( ) "non-combustible material" () "pile" () "plain concrete" ( "site investigation" () "wind load" ()

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 3 Materials VerDate:30/06/1997

All materials used in any building works or street works shall be(a) of a suitable nature and quality for the purposes for which they are used; (b) adequately mixed or prepared; and (c) applied, used or fixed so as to perform adequately the functions for which they are designed. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 4 Appropriate limitations not to be exceeded VerDate:30/06/1997

The structure of every building, street, building works and street work s shall be capable of safely sustaining and transmitting to the ground th e combined dead loads, imposed loads and wind loads, determined in accordance with the provisions of Part III, in such a manner as not to(a) cause any deflection, deformation or other movement, which would impair the stability of, or cause damage to, the whole or any par t of that building, street, building works or street works or any other building, structure, land, street or services; or (b) exceed the appropriate limitations of design stresses of th e whole or any part of that or any other building, street, building works or street works. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 5 Method of design VerDate:30/06/1997

Structural designs submitted to the Building Authority for approval und er the Ordinance shall comply with the laws of mechanics and recognized engineering principles. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 6 Overloading VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Subject to subregulation (2), no building, street, building works or street works shall be subjected to a load beyond its proper bearing capacity. (2) This regulation shall not apply with respect to any load which may be required for the purpose of testing. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 7 Adjoining and other building or land not to be adversely affected VerDa te:30/06/1997

No building works shall be carried out which may affect adversely the stability of any adjoining building, structure, land, street or service s. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 8 Changes in level VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) At the outer edge of all balconies, verandahs, staircases, landings or projections, or where there is a difference in adjacent lev els greater than 600 mm, protective barriers shall be provided to restrict or control the movement of persons and vehicles. (2) Protective barriers provided under this regulation to restrict or control the movement of persons shall be(a) designed and constructed to minimize the risk of persons or objects falling, rolling, sliding or slipping through gaps in the barri er, or persons climbing over the barrier; (b) at a height above the higher of the adjacent levels of not less than 1.1 m; and (c) constructed as to inhibit the passage of articles more than 100 mm in their smallest dimension. (3) At the outer edge of all balconies, verandahs, floors, accessible roofs, or similar areas, the lowermost 150 mm of the protect ive barrier shall be built solid, but this subregulation shall not apply to roofs where no access is provided to the roof other than such access as may be necessary for maintenance work. (3A) (a) As regards a place of public entertainment, in addition to those of subregulations (1) to (3), the requirements of paragraph (b) shall apply. (b) The protective barrier provided at the outer edge of any up per tier shall be(i) constructed so that any horizontal surface is inclined towa rds the seating at an angle of 30 degrees and is concave in section; or (ii) provided in such other manner as will allow only smal l articles to be placed on such barrier and will ensure that articles are not liable to fall to any tier or area below. (L.N. 195 of 1996) (4) This regulation shall not apply to a stage in an assembly hall,

a loading bay in a factory, or spaces within domestic premises for occupation by one family. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 9 Site investigation VerDate:30/06/1997

Site investigation in respect of any building works or street works sha ll be carried out in such a manner and to such recognized standards as to provide adequate geotechnical and other relevant data for the design an d construction of the building works or the street works. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 9A Building design and construction in connection with lifts and escalator s VerDate:20/09/1997

(1)

Where a building is to have a lift or escalator installed in it(a) the building shall be designed and constructed; or

(b) where the building already exists, it shall be altered, so as to provide adequate(i) structural strength; (ii) (iii) (iv) space; protection; access; and

(v) ventilation, for the safe operation, maintenance and inspection of the lift or escalator, as the case may be. (2) Where doors or other forms of access are provided for the purpose of(a) inspection, maintenance or repair of a lift or escalator installed in a building; or (b) the rescue of people from a lift installed in a building, t he owner of the building shall post notices that comply with subregulation (4) warning users of the building of the danger of entering the area to which access is provided or otherwise interfering with the operation of the lift or escalator. (3) The owner of a building shall, at all entrances where passengers enter a lift, post notices that comply with subregulation (4) warning users of the building not to use the lift when there is a fire. (4) Notices required to be posted under this regulation shall comply with the following(a) the notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place; (b) the words on the notice shall be in English and in Chinese and shall be incised or embossed;

(c) the height of the letters and characters on the notice shal l be, in the case of a sign referred to(i) in subregulation (2), 25 mm; and (ii) in subregulation (3), 15 mm; and

(d) the notice shall be made of metal, plastic or other durable material and shall be affixed in a manner that will ensure permanence. (5) This regulation applies to buildings in which a lift or escalator is to be installed other than(a) a lift or hoist provided, in connection with any building w hich is being constructed, for the use solely of persons employed in the construction thereof or for carrying materials used therein; (b) a lift or hoist used solely for the carriage, stacking, loa ding or unloading of goods or materials(i) which does not pass through any floor; and (ii) esthe height of travel of which does not exceed 3.5 m;

(c) a lift or hoist used solely for the raising of motor vehicl (i) which does not pass through any floor; and (ii) the height of travel of which does not exceed 3.5 m;

(d) a skip hoist or hoist used mainly for charging furnaces or similar appliances; (e) a hoist used solely for lifting or feeding material directl y into a machine; machine; (f) a belt, bucket, scoop or roller conveyor and any similar (g) a ramp connected with any wharf or pier; (h) an amusement device; (i) a stage or orchestra lift; (j) a stairlift for transporting a person or person with a wheelchair between 2 or more levels by means of a guided carriage movin g substantially in the direction of a flight of stairs and travelling in both upward and downward direction; and

(k) a lifting platform for use by persons with a disability, wi th or without wheelchairs, travelling between fixed levels, which may incl ude intermediate levels, where the maximum height of the platform above the lowest level does not exceed 1.98 m. (L.N. 240 of 1997) (6) A building to which this regulation applies shall not, after the lift or escalator has been installed in it, be altered in any way t hat would result in the building no longer complying with any of the requirements of this regulation. (L.N. 96 of 1994)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS MATERIALS VerDate:30/06/1997

II

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 10 Cement VerDate:30/06/1997

Cement for general use shall be ordinary or rapid hardening Portland cement of such composition, manufacture and chemical and physical properties as are suitable for its intended purpose. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 11 Sand VerDate:30/06/1997

(1)

Sand shall-

(a) consist of naturally occurring sand, crushed stone or a combination of both; (b) be hard, clean and free from adherent coatings; (c) contain no appreciable amount of clay balls or pellets; (d) contain no greater proportion of fine clay, silt or fine du st (being such clay, silt or dust as will pass through a 63 mm sie ve) than(i) 5% by mass in the case of naturally occurring sand; and (ii) 10% by mass in the case of crushed stone.

(2) Sand used in mortar or plaster shall contain no harmful material in such quantity as may adversely affect the hardening strengt h or durability of the mortar or plaster. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 12 Water VerDate:30/06/1997

Water for general use shall be clean, fresh water free from harmful mat ter. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 13 Materials for damp proofing VerDate:30/06/1997

Materials for damp proofing shall be durable, impervious to moisture an d in all respects suitable for their purpose, having regard to the particular circumstances of the case. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 14 Chunam VerDate:30/06/1997

(1)

Chunam shall-

(a) be composed of cement, hydrated lime, non-organic soil and water to form a durable and impermeable material; (b) be applied in 2 layers, each about 20 mm thick, with a well-keyed surface to the bottom layer and with lapped daywork joints; and (c) where the surface gradient exceeds 1 in 2, be adequately restrained from slipping. (2) A weep hole, with an internal diameter of not less than 50 mm, shall be provided to every 1.5 m2 of the face of chunamed surface and i n areas of localized seepage. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS LOADS VerDate:30/06/1997

III

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 15 Resistance to sliding, uplift and overturning VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Except where otherwise provided in these regulations, a building, street, building works or street works shall be so designed a nd constructed that(a) the resistance to the sliding force acting thereon shall be not less than 1.5 times the sliding force due to any loads; (b) the resistance to the uplift force acting thereon shall be not less than 1.5 times the uplift force due to any loads; and (c) the resistance to the overturning moment acting thereon sha ll be not less than 1.5 times the overturning moment due to wind loads and 2 times the overturning moment due to loads other than wind loads. (2) The resistance to the uplift force shall be calculated as the sum of the downward force due to the minimum dead loads plus that due t o any permitted anchoring resistance. (3) The resistance to the overturning moment shall be calculated as the sum of the stabilizing moment due to the minimum dead loads plus th at due to any permitted anchoring resistance. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 16 Dead loads VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) In calculating dead loads, the unit weights of the materials shall be based on reliable data. (2) When the position of permanent partitions is indicated on the plan of a building, the weights of those partitions shall be included i n the dead loads. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS,BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 17 Imposed loads VerDate:01/08/2011

(1) The imposed load on any building, street, building works or street works shall be the greatest applied load likely to arise from th e intended use or purpose of the building, street, building works or stre et works (including forces exerted by the adjacent ground), but subject to this regulation(a) the minimum imposed load on a building or street shall be(i) the distributed load specified in column 3 of Table 1 appli ed uniformly on plan; or (ii) the concentrated load specified in column 4 of Table 1 applied on plan over any square with a 50 mm side (or over any square otherwise specified in that column) or the line load specified in that column, (L.N. 3 of 2011) (iii) (Repealed L.N. 3 of 2011) whichever shall produce the most adverse effect; (b) (Repealed L.N. 3 of 2011) (c) where the floor of a building is to support partitions but the position of the partitions is not indicated on the plan of the building, the weight of such partitions shall be regarded as imposed distributed load applied uniformly on plan and shall, in addition to other imposed loads, be- (L.N. 3 of 2011) (i) not less than 1/3 of the weight per metre length of the partitions uniformly distributed per square metre; and (ii) urposes; (L.N. 3 of 2011) not less than 1 kPa if the floor is used for office p

(d) where the floor of a building is to support any equipment, machinery or display item that will result in a greater imposed load th an that specified in Table 1, the load of any of those items has to be considered in determining the imposed load on the floor. (L.N. 3 of 20 11)

Table 1 Minimum Imposed Loads 1 2 3 4

Class

Use Distributed load in kPa to be applied uniformly on plan Concentrated load in kN to be applied on plan over any square with a 50 mm side (unless otherwise specified in this column), or line load in kN per metre length Floors for domestic use; dormitories; private sitting rooms, bedrooms and toilet rooms in hotels, motels and guesthouses; wards, bedrooms and toilet rooms in hospitals, nursing homes and residential care homes for elderly persons

2.0

2.0 Floors for medical consulting or treatment rooms; hospital operating theatres and X-ray rooms

2.5

3.0 Floors for laboratories; light workrooms with neither central power-driven machines nor storage; offices for general use; rooms for lightweight electrical and electronic installations

3.0

4.5 Floors for banking halls; kitchens and laundries not in domestic buildings

4.0

4.5 Floors for childcare centres and kindergartens 2.5 3.0 Floors for billiard rooms and bowling alleys;

classrooms, lecture rooms, tutorial rooms, computer rooms and reading rooms without book storage; dance practice rooms; leisure, recreational and amusement areas that cannot be used for assembly purposes

3.0

4.5 Floors for assembly areas with fixed seating(1); chapels, churches and places of worship with fixed seating(1); restaurants, night-clubs, lounges, bars, canteens, fast food shops and dining rooms not in domestic premises

4.0

4.5 Floors for art galleries and museums; grandstands; public halls; theatres and cinemas

5.0

4.5 Floors for assembly areas without fixed seating(1); dance halls; footbridges between buildings; footpaths, terraces, plazas and areas used for pedestrian traffic; gymnasia; karaoke establishments and discotheques; refuge floors

5.0

4.5 Floors for stages and television studios used as stages 7.5 9.0 Floors for

department stores, supermarkets, markets and shops for display and sale of merchandise

5.0

4.5 Floors for library rooms with book storage (excluding library stack rooms);

offices for storage and normal filing purposes

5.0

4.5 Floors for (a) stack rooms in book stores and libraries

10.0

3.5 for each metre of storage height(2) but not less than

to be determined according to the weight of storage material, but not less than 9.0 (b) old storage

5.0 for each metre of storage height(2) but not less than 15.0 to be determined according to the weight of storage material, but not less than 9.0 (c) paper storage in printing plants 8.0 for each metre of storage height(2) to be determined according to the weight of storage material, but not less than 9.0 (d) battery rooms and uninterruptible power supply rooms 10.0 for each metre of storage height(2) to be determined according to the weight of storage

material, but not less than 9.0 (e) general storage other than those specified in (a), (b), (c) or (d) immediately above, including storage in warehouses 2.5 for each metre of storage height(2) to be determined according to the weight of storage material, but not less than 9.0 Floors for plant rooms, boiler rooms, fan rooms, motor rooms and the like

7.5

9.0 Floors for workshops, factories and other buildings or parts of buildings of similar category for industrial use (a) for light weight loads

5.0

9.0 (b) for medium weight loads 7.5 9.0 (c) for heavy weight loads 10.0 9.0 6 (d) for printing plants 12.5 Areas for 9.0

car parking, carriageways, floors, driveways and ramps used by

vehicles (a) for vehicles not exceeding 3000 kg gross weight 3.0 to be applied on plan over any square with a 200 mm side (instead of a 50 mm side) 20.0

(b) for vehicles exceeding 3000 kg gross weight to be determined according to recognized engineering principles to be determined according to recognized engineering principles 7 Inaccessible roofs (where no access is provided except such access as may be necessary for maintenance work only) with a slope (a) of or less than 5o 2.0 1.5 (b) greater than 5o but less than 20o 0.75 1.5 (c) of or greater than 20o but less than 40o linear interpolation from 0.75 to 0 according to the slope 1.5 (d) of or greater than 40o 0 1.5 Accessible roofs (where access is provided in addition to such access as may be necessary for maintenance work only) with a slope (a) of or less than 20o 2.0 1.5 (b) greater than 20o but less than 40o linear interpolation from 2.0 to 0 according to the slope 1.5 (c) of or greater than 40o Floors for 0 1.5

Utility platforms same as the floors to which they give access but not less than 4.0 line load of 2.0 kN per metre length to be applied along the outer edge Floors for Balconies same as the floors to which they give access but not less than 3.0 line load of 2.0 kN per metre length to be applied along the outer edge Stairs, landings and corridors same as the floors to which they give access but not less than 3.0 and not more than 5.0 4.5 Notes:

(1) Seating is regarded as fixed if the removal of the seating and the use of the relevant space for other purposes are unlikely to occur. (2) Storage height () means the height of the space between the following: the floor, and a physical constraint to the height of storage formed by a ceiling, soffit of a floor, roof or other obstruction. (L.N. 3 of 2011) (1A) The greatest applied load mentioned in subregulation (1) must be derived from reliable data obtained from a source recognized by the Building Authority. (L.N. 3 of 2011) (2) (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e), in calculating the total imposed load on any column, pier, wall or foundation, the distributed imposed load on the roof and every floor carried thereby may be subject to the reductions specified in Table 2. (b) Where a single span of beam supports not less than 45 m2 of floor at any one level the distributed imposed load for the purpose only of determining the design of the beam may be subject to a reduction of 5% for each complete 45 m2 of that floor so supported but not more than 20% in all. (c) The reduction specified in paragraph (a) or (b), whichever is the greater, may be taken into account in calculating the total load on any column, pier, wall or foundation. (d) For imposed load of 7.5 kPa or more obtained if all load of 7.5 kPa factories and workshops designed for a distributed the total imposed load shall not be reduced below that the floors had been designed for a distributed imposed without the reduction specified in Table 2.

(e) No reduction of the imposed loads shall be applied with respect to(i) plant or machinery which is specifically allowed for; or (ii) floors of factories and workshops designed for a distributed imposed load of less than 7.5 kPa; or (iii) floors used by vehicles ; or (L.N. 3 of 2011)

(iv) office areas used for storage and filing purposes; or

(v) forces produced by dynamic effects; or (vi) floors used for storage purposes; or

(L.N. 3 of 2011) (L.N. 3 of 2011)

(vii) loads from partitions the positions of which are not indicated on the plan of the building. (L.N. 3 of 2011) Table 2 Reductions of Total Distributed Imposed Loads Percentage reduction of total distributed imposed load on all floors (including the roof) carried by the member under consideration Number of floors (including the roof) with loads qualifying for reduction carried by the member under consideration Classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 of Table 1 Workshops and factories under Class 5 of Table 1 with distributed imposed load of not less than 7.5 kPa 1 0 0 2 5 10 3 10 20 4 15 5 20 6 25 7 30 25 maximum 8 35 over 8 40 maximum (L.N. 3 of 2011) (3) Protective barriers installed to restrict or control the movement of persons shall be designed to resist the minimum horizontal imposed loads specified in Table 3 when separately applied or the wind load (where applicable), whichever shall produce the more adverse effects. Table 3 Minimum Horizontal Imposed Loads on Protective Barriers to Restrict or Control Movement of Persons Line load to be applied at a height of 1.1

m above floor level Uniformly distributed load to be applied on the infill between floor and top rail Concentrated load to be applied on any part of the infill between floor and top rail

Category kN/m kPa kN Areas where congregation of people is not expected 0.75 1.0 0.5 Areas where people may congregate but overcrowding is not expected 1.5 1.5 1.5 Areas susceptible to overcrowding 3.0 1.5 1.5 (L.N. 3 of 2011) (4) Vehicle barriers for carriageways, floors, driveways and ramps used by vehicles must be designed to withstand the greatest impact force anticipated subject to the following requirements (a) the minimum design impact force on vehicle barriers is to be [0.5 Mv2/ (c + b)] kN, where M is the gross mass in kg of the heaviest vehicle to be accommodated, v is the velocity of the vehicle normal to the barrier in metre per second, c is the deformation of the vehicle in mm, and b is the deflection of the barrier in mm; and

(b) the impact force is to be uniformly distributed over any length of 1.5 m and acting horizontally at the bumper height of the vehicle. (L.N. 3 of 2011) (5) (a) Forces produced by dynamic effects shall be considered as additional imposed loads in the design of buildings, streets, building works and street works. (b) The forces produced by dynamic effects in any workshop, factory or other building for industrial use may be determined on the basis of information about the particular building, but if not so determined shall be presumed(i) for the purpose only of determining the design of slabs and beams, to be an additional vertical imposed load of 2.5 kPa; and (ii) for the purpose of determining the design of structural frames and foundations, to be an additional horizontal force (which may be assumed not to act together with the wind load) of 10% of the vertical imposed load specified in subparagraph (i) acting simultaneously on the N number of floors which will produce the most adverse effects, where N is a whole number not less than 0.2 times the total number of floors subject to dynamic effects. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 18 Wind loads VerDate:30/06/1997

The wind load on any building, street, building works or street works shall be based on the response of that building, street, building works or street works to the velocity and gust effect of winds from any direction suitably determined from a return period of not less than 50 years. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 19 Notice as to load VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) In every storey of every industrial building or warehouse, there shall be exhibited by the owner, at each staircase or at some other appropriate place, permanently and conspicuously, a notice in English and Chinese incised or embossed, of metal, plastic or other suitable material, in letters and figures not less than 15 mm high, stating the distributed imposed load (not including dynamic effects) for which the floor has been designed in terms of weight per square metre, in the following formBUILDINGS ORDINANCE (Chapter 123) NOTICE The imposed load on this floor is not to exceed ........................................ kilograms per square metre. (123 ) ............... (L.N.98 of 1997) (2) Where floors of different rooms or different parts of floors have b een designed for different distributed imposed loads, a notice in the form in subregulation (1) shall be suitably displayed in each room or on each p art of the floor, as the case may be, indicating the variations. (3) For the purposes of this regulation the distributed imposed load designed in units of kPa shall be indicated in the notice in the form i n subregulation (1) in units of kilograms per square metre by the convers ion of 1 kPa to 102 kilograms per square metre. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - IV SITE FORMATION WORKS VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 20 Site formation works VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Site formation works shall be designed and constructed so that during construction and thereafter there is an adequate margin of safet y of the works and the remainder of the site. (2) The carrying out of site formation works shall not render inadequate the margin of safety of, or cause damage to, any building, structure, land, street or services. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS BULK EXCAVATION VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 21 Bulk excavation in area number 1 of the scheduled areas VerDate:30/06/1 997

(1) Bulk excavation in area number 1 of the scheduled areas shall not be carried out below levels determined by the Building Authority. (2) For the purposes of this regulation "bulk excavation" ( ) means all excavation except excavation for ground investigation, public utility trenches, drains, sewers or piles. (Enacted 1990) "bulk excavation" ()

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - VI FOUNDATIONS VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 22 Interpretation VerDate:30/06/1997

In this Part"ultimate bearing capacity" () in relation to ground that supports foundations, means the value of the loading intensity at which the resistance of the ground becomes fully mobilized or undergoes substantial deformation; "working load" () means the loads calculated in accordance with Part III which the foundation is designed to carry. (Enacted 1990) "ultimate bearing capacity" () "working load" ()

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 23 Foundation works VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Foundation works shall be carried out so as not to render inadequate the margin of safety of, or impair the stability of, or caus e damage to any building, structure, land, street or services. (2) Where dewatering is to be undertaken, appropriate procedures shall be adopted and precautionary measures shall be provided to preven t any undue resultant deformation or other movement which could impair th e stability of, or cause damage to, any building, structure, land, street or services. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 24 Site investigation VerDate:30/06/1997

Where foundations are to be constructed, a site investigation shall be undertaken to provide all the necessary information for the design and construction of the foundations. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 25 Allowable capacity for bearing, bond or friction of ground VerDate:30/0 6/1997

(1) The allowable capacity for bearing, bond or friction of the ground supporting any foundation under working load shall not exceed(a) the ultimate capacity for bearing, bond or friction of that ground with an adequate factor of safety against failure; or (b) the value in relation to bearing, bond or friction of that ground such that the deformation or movement (including total settlemen t, differential settlement and lateral movement) will not be greater than that which can be tolerated by the building, building works, structure or street supported by the foundation, whichever is the less. (2) The ultimate capacity for bearing, bond or friction of the supporting ground shall be determined by(a) suitable tests to establish the engineering properties of t he supporting ground together with the application of recognized foundatio n engineering principles; or (b) testing of the foundation on site; or (c) other suitable methods. (3) Where the allowable bearing capacity is to be determined on the basis of the ultimate bearing capacity of the supporting ground, due consideration shall be given to all the circumstances, including the ground water conditions, the shape and depth of the foundation, the inclination and eccentricity of the loads, and the nature and slope of the surrounding ground, and, in the case of rock, the presence of dissoluti on features, the jointing of the rock and the spacing, dip, thickness and degree of weathering of the joints and any other relevant characteristi cs. (4) The allowable capacity of foundations for bearing, bond or friction resisting the combined effects of dead, imposed and wind loads may be increased by not more than 25% where such increase is solely due to wind loads. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 26 Pile foundations VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) All pile foundations shall be of adequate load carrying capacity and of recognized type suitable for the ground conditions. (2) The allowable load on pile foundations shall be determined by(a) acceptable foundation engineering principles; or (b) tests on the foundations on site, with an adequate factor of safety appropriate to the type of pile, taki ng into account ground conditions, the method of installation and group effects. (3) Where pile foundations are installed through a stratum which is likely to undergo consolidation after the foundations are in place(a) the frictional resistance of the consolidating stratum and the overlying soil shall not be taken into account in the determination of the load carrying capacity; and (b) the downward frictional force exerted from the consolidatin g strata and the overlying soil shall be considered as imposed load. (4) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (5), the spacing of piles shall be determined with due regard to the nature of the ground, the method of construction and the group effects and shall be sufficient to prevent damage to the piles or any adjacent construction. (5) The centres of all piles deriving their resistance mainly from friction and of all driven piles shall be placed(a) not less than the length of the perimeter of the pile or 1 m, whichever is the greater, from the centres of adjacent piles; and (b) not less than half the length of the perimeter of the pile or 500 mm, whichever is the greater, from the site boundary. (6) Where piles are placed in such proximity that the load carrying capacity of the piles may be affected by other piles a pile group shall be deemed to exist and the allowable load on any group of piles shall not exceed the sum of the load carrying capacities of the piles in the grou

p multiplied by a group reduction factor determined in accordance with subregulation (7). (7) The group reduction factor shall be determined by recognized foundation engineering principles with respect to the bearing capacity and settlement of the pile group taking into account all the circumstances including the nature of the ground, the length and spacings of the pile s, the size of the group and the method of construction. (8) The driving of piles shall take into account the properties and deformation characteristics of the pile, hammer and cap-block in order that the driving energy will be applied in such a manner so as not to damage the material of the pile. (9) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (8), all driven steel and precast reinforced concrete piles shall be designed with an average compressive stress on the nominal cross sectional area at worki ng load not exceedingand (a) 0.4 uw/F, in the case of precast reinforced concrete piles;

(b) 0.6 fy/F, in the case of steel piles, where fy is the yield stress of the steel, uw is the specified grade strength of the concrete, and F is the design safety factor on driving, with a minimum value of 2 for dead and imposed loads and 1.6 for combin ed dead, imposed and wind loads. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 27 Cast-in-place concrete foundations VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The concrete stresses in cast-in-place concrete foundations at working load shall not exceed(a) the appropriate limitations of design stresses of the concr ete, in the case of concreting in dry conditions; (b) 80% of the appropriate limitations of design stresses of th e concrete, in the case where groundwater is likely to be encountered dur ing concreting. (2) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (1) the average compressive stress on the nominal cross sectional area of cast-in-place concrete piles of least lateral dimension not exceeding 750 mm shall no t exceed 5 MPa under working load due to dead and imposed loads and shall not exceed 6.25 MPa under working load due to combined dead, imposed an d wind loads. (3) In-situ concrete linings in all cast-in-place concrete piles shall not be considered as contributing to the structural strength of t he foundation. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 28 Horizontal restraints to piles and pile caps VerDate:30/06/1997

Adequate horizontal restraints in at least 2 directions shall be provid ed to individual piles or pile caps. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 29 On site tests to be made where doubt exists VerDate:30/06/1997

Where the Building Authority has any doubt as to the design assumption or load carrying capacity of any foundation, he may require tests to be ma de on site on the foundation or on the ground in which the foundation is placed by the imposition of a test load or any other suitable method. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 30 Proof tests on foundation units VerDate:30/06/1997

A sufficient number of proof tests are to be carried out on representat ive foundation units to ascertain the performance of the foundation under l oad by means of(a) the imposition of test loads; or (b) core drilling of the completed cast-in-place concrete foundation; or (c) any other suitable method, as appropriate to the type of foundation. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 31 Ground treatment VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Where improvement of the load carrying capacity of the ground is to be achieved by ground treatment, adequate proof of the suitabilit y of the method and materials to be used shall be given. (2) Where ground treatment has been carried out, adequate tests of the treated ground shall be carried out. (3) Where the ground treatment may affect any building, structure, land, street or services, adequate precautionary measures shall be take n. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS SITES AND FLOORS VerDate:30/06/1997

VII

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 32 Covering of sites VerDate:30/06/1997

The ground surface within the external walls of every building shall be covered with suitable materials for protection against the penetration of moisture. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 33 Areas to be paved VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The ground surface of every external area of every building unless landscaped shall be suitably paved. (2) Such surface paving shall be laid to fall at a gradient of not less than 1 in 80 to a gully trap or drainage channels connected to a surface water drain. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 34 Certain floors to be impermeable VerDate:30/06/1997

The floor of every room to which a water supply is provided shall be constructed of suitable impermeable material. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 35 Floor next above external ground level VerDate:30/06/1997

The level of the floor next above the external ground of every building shall be not less than 150 mm above the level of the external ground or paving at the entrance to that floor. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 36 Skirting VerDate:30/06/1997

Every skirting shall be solidly bedded against the wall to which it is attached. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS WALLS VerDate:30/06/1997

VIII

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 37 Interpretation VerDate:30/06/1997

In this Part"cladding" () means a facing or architectural decoration addit ional to the external walls of any building. (Enacted 1990) "cladding" ()

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 38 External wall of buildings VerDate:30/06/1997

Every external wall of a building shall be constructed of(a) masonry not less than 225 mm thick; (b) plain concrete or reinforced concrete not less than 100 mm thick; (c) any of the materials mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) in combination with a framework of steel or reinforced concrete; or (d) other suitable materials of permanent, non-combustible and impervious construction. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 39 Cladding VerDate:30/06/1997

(1)

Cladding shall-

(a) be constructed entirely of such non-combustible materials, of such thickness, strength and durability, and shall be fixed and support ed in such manner and in such sequence as to provide long term stability a nd integrity; and (b) be provided with sufficient permanently flexible joints horizontally and vertically to allow for differential movement in the cladding and in the structure to which it is attached. (2) Any metal dowels and fixings securing the cladding shall be suitable, permanent and adequately protected from corrosion. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 40 No timber in walls VerDate:30/06/1997

No timber shall be built into the thickness of any brick, concrete or masonry wall. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 41 Protection against penetration of moisture VerDate:30/06/1997

Every wall of a building in contact with a possible source of damp shal l be provided with adequate protection against the penetration of moistur e. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS CURTAIN WALLS VerDate:30/06/1997

IX

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 42 Interpretation VerDate:30/06/1997

In this Part"curtain wall" () means a non load-bearing enclosure fixed on to the load-bearing structure with its dead loads, imposed loads and wind loads transferred to the structure through fixings. (Enacted 1990) "curtain wall" ()

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 43 Curtain walls VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Every curtain wall shall safely sustain and transmit to the load-bearing structure the combined dead loads, imposed loads and wind loads without such deflection or deformation as will cause the curtain wall damage or impair its stability. (2) Every curtain wall shall(a) be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials; and

(b) be designed in accordance with recognized engineering principles relating to the design and structural use of materials for curtain wall construction. (3) The connection of curtain wall supports to the load-bearing structure shall not in any way impair the structural integrity or behaviour of the member to which the support is being fixed and the supports shall be fixed to the structure by(a) (b) a cast-in anchorage in a structural concrete member; or being welded to a structural steel member.

(4) Where the penetration of a curtain wall by water or moisture occurs, or where condensation cannot be prevented, provision shall be made for the collection and discharge of any seepage or condensed water without damage to the curtain wall. (5) Where materials or a combination of materials used in the construction of a curtain wall may be affected by electrolytic or chemical action the surface of such materials shall be satisfactorily treated or separated to prevent corrosion. (6) The suitability and adequacy of every curtain wall shall be demonstrated by tests. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - X CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 44 Application of regulations VerDate:30/06/1997

This Part shall apply to all chimneys and flues the internal size of which exceeds 200 mm in diameter, breadth or width, or 3 m in height. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 45 Provision of flues VerDate:30/06/1997

Every appliance producing products of combustion shall have adequate provision for the discharge of the products of combustion to the outside air. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 46 Construction of chimneys and fireplaces VerDate:30/06/1997

(1)

Every chimney, flue, hearth and fireplace recess shall be-

(a) constructed of non-combustible materials of such a nature, quality and thickness as not to be unduly affected by heat, condensation or the products of combustion; (b) so constructed and of such thickness or, in the case of a flue, placed or shielded as to prevent the ignition of any part of any building. (2) Every chimney shall be so constructed that-

(a) the temperature of the exposed faces shall not reach a level that would cause damage to nearby parts of the building; (b) the products of combustion shall not escape through the walls of the chimney. (3) Every flue shall-

(a) whether inside or outside the building, be so placed or shielded that there is neither unnecessary risk of accidental damage to the flue nor unnecessary danger to persons in or near the building; (b) terminate in such a position that the products of combustion cannot enter nearby windows or other openings, fresh air inlets, mechanical ventilation inlets or exhausts. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 47 Corrosion VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Any metal used in the construction of a flue or chimney shall be protected against corrosion. (2) Metals shall not be used in such combinations as to cause electrolytic or chemical action which could adversely affect any part of a flue or chimney. (3) At the point where a chimney or flue penetrates the wall or roof of a building a flashing shall be provided that is suitable and takes into account different co-efficients of expansion and electrolytic or chemical action. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XI ROOFS VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 48 Roofs to be weatherproof VerDate:30/06/1997

Every roof shall be weatherproof. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 49 Flat roof VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) A flat roof adjoining any building shall be at a level of not less than 150 mm below any adjoining usable floor space. (2) Access for maintenance shall be provided to every flat roof. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XII STRUCTURAL USE OF CONCRETE VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 50 Cement VerDate:30/06/1997

Materials (1) Cement for concrete shall be ordinary, rapid hardening or sulphate resisting Portland cement of such composition, manufacture and chemical and physical properties as are suitable for the production of concrete. (2) High alumina cement shall not be used for concrete. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 51 Aggregate VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Subject to subregulations (2) and (3) aggregates used shall be crushed or uncrushed natural mineral substances and shall comply with the quality and grading requirements suitable for the production of concrete. (2) Separate fine and coarse aggregate shall be used for concrete.

(3) No concrete containing embedded metal shall have in it unwashed marine sand. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 52 Water VerDate:30/06/1997

Water for concrete shall be clean, fresh water free from harmful matter. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 53 Admixtures VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The admixtures used for concrete shall be suitable and effective for the purpose of modifying the workability, rate of stiffening or hardening, or colouring of concrete. (2) The chloride ion content of admixtures for concrete containing embedded metal or for concrete containing sulphate resisting Portland cement shall not exceed 2% by mass of admixture or 0.03% by mass of the cementitious content, whichever is the less. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 54 Reinforcement VerDate:30/06/1997

Reinforcement for concrete shall be hot rolled steel bars, cold reduced steel wire or steel fabric of suitable composition, manufacture, and chemical and physical properties. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 55 Pre-stressing tendons VerDate:30/06/1997

Pre-stressing tendons for concrete shall be high tensile steel wire and strand or high tensile alloy steel bars in the hot rolled or hot rolled and processed condition of suitable composition, manufacture, and chemical and physical properties. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 56 General VerDate:30/06/1997

Designed mix concrete (1) Subject to regulation 60, each grade of concrete shall be designed mix concrete and shall be denoted by a specified grade strength in MPa with the suffix D and the nominal maximum size of aggregate in millimetres. (2) The cement content of any concrete mix shall not exceed 550 kg per cubic metre of the compacted concrete. (3) The total chloride content of the concrete mix shall not exceed the limits specified in Table 4 expressed as a percentage relationship between chloride ion and mass of cement in the mix. TABLE 4 MAXIMUM TOTAL CHLORIDE CONTENT OF CONCRETE MIX Type of concrete Maximum total chloride content Pre-stressed concrete Steam-cured concrete 0.1 Concrete made with sulphate resisting Portland cement 0.2 Concrete containing embedded metal and made with ordinary or rapid hardening Portland content 0.35 (4) All concrete shall be considered as being subjected to one of the following exposure conditions namely(a) moderate exposure conditions, which are those conditions experienced by surfaces protected by adequate permanent finishes or otherwise sheltered from driving rain, surfaces of buried concrete in contact with the ground and concrete continuously under fresh water; or (b) severe exposure conditions, which are those conditions experienced by surfaces exposed to driving rain or alternate wetting and drying, surfaces subject to heavy condensation or corrosive fumes, and surfaces in contact with flowing aqueous solutions including sea-water. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 57 Designed mix concrete strengths VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Designed mix concrete shall have the specified grade strength in accordance with Table 5 for the particular application of the concrete except for marine works or where the concrete is exposed to particularly corrosive conditions a higher grade strength than that specified may be required. TABLE 5 DESIGNED MIX CONCRETE GRADE STRENGTHS AND APPLICATIONS Application Lowest specified grade strength of concrete permissible Plain concrete except in carriageways 15D Reinforced concrete made with light weight aggregate (moderate exposure condition) Piles Bond courses in masonry retaining walls Footpaths 20D Reinforced concrete made with light weight aggregate (severe exposure condition) Reinforced concrete made with normal weight aggregate (moderate exposure condition) Carriageways 25D Liquid-retaining structures (moderate exposure condition) Reinforced concrete made with normal weight aggregate (severe exposure condition) Pre-stressed concrete with post-tensioned tendons (moderate exposure condition) 30D Pre-stressed concrete with post-tensioned tendons (severe exposure condition) Liquid-retaining structures (severe exposure condition) 35D Liquid-retaining structures (severe exposure condition) including those retaining salt water Pre-stressed concrete with pre-tensioned tendons (moderate exposure condition) 40D Pre-stressed concrete with pre-tensioned tendons (severe exposure condition) 45D (2) The cement content of concrete shall be not less than the appropriate amount given in Table 6. TABLE 6 MINIMUM CEMENT CONTENT KG/M3 OF FINISHED CONCRETE

MADE WITH NORMAL WEIGHT AGGREGATES 40 mm maximum aggregates 20 mm maximum aggregates 10 mm maximum aggregates Reinforced concrete 260 290 340 Pre-stressed concrete 300 300

360

(3) Concrete shall be tested in accordance with regulation 58 for compliance with the specified grade strength set out in regulation 59. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 58 Concrete cubes VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The compressive strength of concrete shall be determined by testing standard 150 mm cubes 28 days after mixing. (2) A representative sample shall be taken from the fresh concrete to make test cubes and each sample shall be taken from a single batch. (3) The rate of sampling fresh concrete shall be at least that specified in Table 7 and at least one sample shall be taken from each grade of concrete produced on any one day. (4) From each sample of concrete taken 2 cubes shall be made by a suitable method. (5) Each concrete cube shall be given a number in serial sequence and no serial number shall be duplicated or omitted. (6) All cubes shall be adequately cured on site or in the laboratory until ready for testing. (7) 28 days after mixing, all cubes shall be tested for compressive strength by a recognized method and the average compressive strength of each pair of cubes made from the same sample shall be taken as the test result. TABLE 7 SAMPLING RATES Type or part of building, building works or street Quantity of concrete to be represented by each sample Masts, cantilevers more than 3 m in length, columns, shear walls, prestressed and other critical elements 10 m3 or 10 batches whichever is the smaller volume Solid rafts, pile caps, caisson caps and mass concrete retaining walls 100 m3 or 100 batches whichever is the smaller volume All other types or parts 25 m3 or 25 batches whichever is the smaller volume (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 59 Acceptance criteria VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The specified grade strength for concrete shall be deemed to have been attained if the individual test results and the average results of all overlapping sets of 4 consecutive test results comply with the criteria specified in Table 8. (2) When there are more than 4 test results the average of each set of 4 consecutive test results shall be calculated and checked for compliance each time a new test result is produced, using that test result and the immediately preceding 3 test results. (3) Where there are only 2 or 3 test results available, those results shall be treated for the purposes of this regulation as if they were 4 consecutive test results. TABLE 8 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH COMPLIANCE CRITERIA Column A Column B

Specified grade strength Average of 4 consecutive test results shall exceed the specified grade strength by at least Any individual test result shall not be less than the specified grade strength minus 20 D and above 5 MPa 3 MPa Below 20 D 2 MPa 2 MPa (4) If the average strength determined from any group of 4 consecutive test results does not satisfy Column A of Table 8 then the batches of concrete represented by the first and last samples in the group and all intervening batches shall be deemed not to have attained the specified grade strength. (5) If an individual test result does not satisfy Column B of Table 8 then only the particular batch of concrete from which the sample was taken shall be deemed not to have attained the specified grade strength provided that the averages of all groups of 4 consecutive results in which the individual test result appears all satisfy Column A of Table 8. (6) If the requirements in subregulation (1) are not satisfied by any test result, investigations shall be made to establish whether the concrete represented by the test result is acceptable or not. (7) If the difference between the compressive strengths of any pair of cubes made from the same sample of concrete for specified grade strength 20 D and above exceeds 15% of the test result for that pair of cubes action shall be taken to ensure that the sampling and testing procedures as required under regulation 58 are being followed.

(8) If the difference between the compressive strengths of any pair of cubes made from the same sample of concrete for specified grade strength 20 D and above exceeds 20% of the test result for that pair of cubes that test result shall be disregarded and investigations shall be made to establish whether the concrete represented by the test result is acceptable or not. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 60 Concrete for minor structural and non-structural works VerDate:30/06/1997

Prescribed mix concrete (1) Concrete may be a prescribed mix concrete as an alternative to designed mix concrete when it is used in minor structural or non-structural works. (2) Prescribed mix concrete shall be denoted by the specified grade strength in MPa with the suffix P. (3) Prescribed mix concrete shall be made using mix proportions, batching by weight, selected from Table 9 depending on its intended use. (4) Prescribed mix concrete shall comply with regulations 51, 52, 54, 61 and 62. (5) The cement used in prescribed mix concrete shall be ordinary Portland cement. TABLE 9 PRESCRIBED MIX CONCRETE Weight of aggregate per bag of cement kg Specified grade strength Material 45 kg bag of Fine aggregate 145 10 P 20 mm coarse aggregate Fine aggregate 120 15 P 20 mm coarse aggregate Fine aggregate 95 20 P 20 mm coarse aggregate (Enacted 1990) cement 160 185 130 165 105 145 50 kg bag of cement 205 180 160

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 61 Formwork VerDate:30/06/1997

Construction (1) The formwork for concrete shall support safely the combined effects of all loads so that the final concrete structure is within the limits of acceptable dimensional tolerances. (2) The minimum period which must elapse before formwork may be removed shall not be less than that given in Table 10. TABLE 10 MINIMUM PERIOD BEFORE STRIKING FORMWORK Type of formwork Minimum period before formwork may be removed Vertical formwork to column, walls and large beams Soffit formwork to slabs with props left in 4 days Soffit formwork to beams with props left in 7 days Props to slabs 10 days Props to beams 14 days (Enacted 1990)

12 hours

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 62 Minimum cover of reinforcement VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Subject to Part XV, the thickness of the concrete cover to reinforcement (exclusive of plaster rendering or other applied covering or decorative finish) shall not be less than the size of that reinforcement or the dimension as specified in Table 11, whichever is the greater and the cover to the ends of bars shall not be less than 25 mm. TABLE 11 MINIMUM THICKNESS OF CONCRETE COVER TO REINFORCEMENT Reinforced concrete Conditions of exposure Specified grade strength s in enclosed buildings 20 25 30 35 40 45 Moderate Prestressed concrete Conditions of exposure Severe Moderate Severe Slabs and wall

mm 30 30 30 25 25 25

mm -40 35 30 30 30

mm --30 25 20 20

mm --35 30 25 25

mm 20

20 20 15 15 15 (2) In marine works or where the concrete is exposed to particularly corrosive conditions or where the concrete is made with lightweight aggregates the cover shall be suitably increased. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 63 Core testing VerDate:30/06/1997

Further testing (1) When concrete is considered from visual inspection to be suspect or when the specified grade strength has been deemed not to be attained under regulation 59 the compressive strength of the concrete in the structure may be determined by drilling a sufficient number of cores from the concrete at suitable locations. (2) The nominal minimum size of the core shall be 150 mm diameter for 40 mm aggregate and 100 mm diameter for 20 mm aggregate or less, and the length of the test sample cut from the core shall be at least 95% of the core diameter. (3) Cores drilled from concrete shall be prepared and tested by a recognized method to determine compressive strength. (4) No adjustment shall be made to the measured strength in respect of the age of the core when tested. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XIII RETAINING WALLS VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 64 Interpretation VerDate:30/06/1997

In this Part"retaining wall" () means a structure retaining earth or fill. (Enacted 1990) "retaining wall" ()

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 65 General requirement VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Retaining walls shall be designed and constructed to support safely the earth or fill they retain and other loads without impairing the stability of, or causing damage to, any other building, structure, land, street or services. (2) The design and construction of minor retaining walls shall comply with subregulation (1) but shall be exempted from regulations 66 to 84. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 66 Filters VerDate:30/06/1997

Materials Any filter used in a retaining wall shall when placed against soil be s uch as to allow water to flow through it while restraining the migration of particles from the soil. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 67 Backfill material VerDate:30/06/1997

Backfill placed adjacent to retaining walls shall consist of material capable of being compacted to form a stable fill. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 68 Earth pressure VerDate:30/06/1997

Loads Pressure from earth or fill shall be determined from soil mechanics the ory with due consideration of the acceptable deformations of the surroundin gs. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 69 Water pressure VerDate:30/06/1997

Water pressure shall be determined(a) from an assessment of geological conditions, ground water a nd surface water conditions, services and other relevant matters, due acco unt being taken of any drainage measures provided; or (b) by any other suitable method. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 70 Minimum pressure VerDate:30/06/1997

The design pressure for a retaining wall shall be not less than the pressure due to an equivalent fluid of unit weight 5 kN per cubic metre. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 71 Retaining wall design VerDate:30/06/1997

Design Retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with engineering principles. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 72 Loading condition VerDate:30/06/1997

The design of a retaining wall shall take due account of the most onero us loading conditions whether during the construction or the service life of the wall. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 73 Site investigation VerDate:30/06/1997

The design of a retaining wall shall be based on data from an appropria te site investigation. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 74 Adequate factor of safety VerDate:30/06/1997

Retaining walls shall be designed to provide adequate factors of safety against sliding, overturning and ultimate bearing failure and against failure on a surface passing beneath the retaining wall. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 75 Validity of design earth pressure VerDate:30/06/1997

Compatibility shall be ensured between the designed earth pressure and the deformation of the retaining wall. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 76 Masonry and mass concrete walls VerDate:30/06/1997

Retaining walls constructed of unreinforced masonry or mass concrete sh all be so designed that tension does not develop in the wall or at the foundation. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 77 Drainage measures to preserve stability VerDate:30/06/1997

Where it is likely that construction of a retaining wall will cause a r ise in ground water level such that the stability of any building, structur e, land, street or services are likely to be impaired, preventive drainage measures shall be installed. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 78 Performance of drainage system VerDate:30/06/1997

Where a drainage system is provided to reduce any water pressure that m ay be imposed on the retaining wall, such drainage system shall be designe d and constructed so as not to be rendered ineffective during service by the penetration of soil or by any other cause. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 79 Surface channels VerDate:30/06/1997

Adequate channels laid to suitable gradients, or paving laid in accorda nce with regulation 33 shall be formed at the top and in front of every retaining wall to carry away any seepage or surface water. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 80 Safety required during excavation and construction VerDate:30/06/1997

The design of retaining walls at all stages of construction and excavat ion shall provide adequate factors of safety against piping and bottom heav e and have an adequate margin of safety for the stability of the toe of t he retaining wall. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 81 Weep holes VerDate:30/06/1997

Further requirements for masonry retaining walls (1) Adequate weep holes shall be Provided through the face of every masonry retaining wall other than a retaining wall which is subject to regulation 48 of the Building (Planning) Regulations (Cap 123 sub. leg. F). (2) A layer of drainage and filter material at least 300 mm thick shall be provided at the back of every masonry retaining wall. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 82 Copings VerDate:30/06/1997

Retaining walls constructed of masonry shall be provided with a proper coping of concrete or other suitable material. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 83 Bonding and foundation required VerDate:30/06/1997

Retaining walls constructed of masonry shall be bonded and solidly put together with mortar and provided with a foundation of concrete on soli d undisturbed ground or on piles. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 84 Bond courses required VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Retaining walls constructed of masonry exceeding 4 m in height shall be provided with one or more bond courses of(a) concrete at least 300 mm in depth; or (b) reinforced concrete. (2) The distance between the foundation and the first of such bond courses and the distance between any 2 adjacent bond courses shall not exceed 2 m measured vertically. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS WELLS VerDate:30/06/1997

XIV

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 85 Permission from Building Authority to sink or reopen wells VerDate:30/0 6/1997

No well associated with a building or building works shall be sunk or reopened without the permission of the Building Authority. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 86 Performance VerDate:30/06/1997

Wells shall be designed, constructed and operated so as not to impair t he stability of, or cause damage to, any building, structure, land, street or services. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 87 Wells prohibited in certain places VerDate:30/06/1997

No well shall be sunk in the vicinity of any septic tank, cesspool, sew age sump or in any foul ground. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 88 Wells to be covered and lined VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) The top of every well shall be suitably protected to prevent the direct entry of any surface water or sullage water. (2) Every excavated well of finished diameter greater than 500 mm that is not sunk into solid rock shall be properly lined for its entire depth with brickwork or other suitable material. (3) Every well of finished diameter less than 500 mm shall be properly lined where support to the sides of the well is needed. (4) The lining of every well shall seal the well to a sufficient depth below ground level to prevent contamination. (5) Where a well is liable to be rendered ineffective by the accumulation of particles drawn out of the ground a suitable filter sha ll be provided. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 89 Safety measures required VerDate:30/06/1997

(1) Every well of finished diameter greater than 500 mm shall be provided with suitably fixed rungs or foot rests not more than 600 mm apart for the entire depth. (2) Around the top of every well of finished diameter greater than 300 mm not provided with a fixed pump installation, a suitable parapet wall, not less than 750 mm in height, shall be provided. (3) All wells with a fixed pump installation shall be provided with a securely fixed cover which may be locked to prevent public access and all other wells shall be fitted with a close-fitting cover. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - XV FIRE RESISTING CONSTRUCTION VerDate:30/06/1997

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 90 Fire resisting construction VerDate:30/06/1997

Every building shall be designed and constructed so as to(a) inhibit the spread of fire within the building and to nearb y buildings by dividing the building into compartments; (b) provide adequate resistance to the spread of fire and smoke by the separation of different uses in a building by compartment walls and floors and by the separation of the building from any adjoining buildin g or site; (c) maintain the stability of the building in case of fire; and (d) provide adequate resistance to the spread of fire over the roof of one building to another having regard to the position of the buildin g. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS MISCELLANEOUS VerDate:30/06/1997

XVI

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 91 Harbourage of vermin VerDate:30/06/1997

No building shall be constructed so as to provide harbourage for any vermin. (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 92 (Omitted as spent) VerDate:30/06/1997

(Omitted as spent) (Enacted 1990)

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 93 Transitional VerDate:30/06/1997

Where plans of building works, street works, lift works or escalator wo rks are submitted to the Building Authority within 12 months after the comi ng into operation of these regulations, he may approve any such plans whic h comply with the provisions of the law before the coming into operation of these regulations and give consent to the commencement of the works sho wn on such plans. (Enacted 1990)