NSCP C101-10

NATIONAL
STRUCTURAL
CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES
2010

VOLUME I
BUILDING, TOWERS AND
OTHER VERTICAL STRUCTURES

SIXTH EDITION

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

Suite 713, Future Point Plaza Condominium 1,
112 Panay Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines 1100

Tel. No : (+632) 410-0483

National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1

Fax No.: (+632) 411-8606
Email: aseponline@gmail.com
Website: http://www.aseponline.org
NATIONAL STRUCTURAL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (NSCP)
C101-01
Volume I
Buildings, Towers and Other Vertical Structures
Sixth Edition, 2010, First Printing

Copyright @ 2010, The Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)
All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission
of the Association Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP).

Registration No. A2001-2400

PUBLISHER

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Suite 713 Future Point Plaza Condominium
112 Panay Avenue, Quezon City,
1100 Philippines
Telephone Nos. : (+632) 410-0483
Facsimile No. : (+632) 411-8606
E-mail address : aseponline@gmail.com
Website : http://www.aseponline.org

The Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP) is a professional

Association founded in August 1961 to represent the structural engineering community
nationwide. This document is published in keeping with the association’s objectives;

 Maintenance of high ethical and professional standards in the practice of structural engineering;
 Advancement of structural engineering knowledge; and
 Promotion of good public and private clientele relationship,
 Fellowship among structural engineers, and professional relations with other allied technical and scientific
organizations.

Print History

First Edition, 1972

Second Edition, 1981
Third Edition, 1986
Fourth Edition, 1992
Fifth Edition, 2001
Sixth Edition, 2010

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

 FOREWORD

For the protection of public life and property, the design of structures and the preparation of structural plans for
their construction have to be controlled and regulated. For almost three decades now, this control has been
exercised in this country by the National Structural Code of the Philippines with the initial publication by the
ASEP of the National Structural Code for Buildings. The current publication of the 6 th Edition of NSCP C101-01
for buildings and other vertical structures is the affirmation of the mandate of the ASEP to continuously update
the National Structural Code of the Philippines with the latest technological developments. While attaining a legal
status in its use as a referral code of the National Building Code, NSCP C101-01 is a publication of high technical
value in matters of structural concerns.

The NSCP C101-01 is not only completely new in its technical substance but also in its format. It has been a
product of a sustained effort of ASEP spanning five years and the fruition of this endeavor has finally come to
reality during my incumbency. It is therefore with a deep feeling of gratitude and pride that I commend the
members of both the ASEP Codes and Publications Comitteed for their accomplishments.

March 2010

ADAM C. ABINALES, F. ASEP

President
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
2009-2010

National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1

 PREFACE TO THE NSCP SIXTH EDITION
1. Introduction

ASEP recognizes the need for an up-to-date structural code addressing the design and installation of building
structural systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The new National Structural Code of the
Philippines (NSCP) is designed to meet these needs through various model codes/regulations, generally from the
US, that safeguard the public health and safety nationwide.

This updated Structural Code establishes minimum requirements for building structural systems using prescriptive
and performance-based provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new
materials and new building designs. Also, this code reflects the latest seismic deign practice for earthquake resistant
structures.

2. Changes and Developments

In its drive to upgrade and update the NSCP, the ASEP Codes and Standards Committee initially wanted to adopt the
latest editions of American code counterparts. However, for cases where available local data is limited to support
the upgrade, then some provisions and procedures of the NSCP 5th edition were retained.

This NSCP 6th edition is based on the following international codes and references:
a. Uniform Building Code UBC-1997
b. International Building Code IBC-2006
c. American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE7-05
d. American Concrete Institute ACI318-08
e. American Institute for Steel Construction AISC-05 with Supplementary Seismic Provisions
f. American Iron and Steel Institute AISI S100–2007
g. Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook America
h. Concrete Masonry Handbook, 6th Edition

Significant revisions are summarized as follows:

a. Chapter 1 – General Requirements; the following changes were made in this code:
a.1 Section 103 – Classification of Buildings
School buildings of more than one storey and hospital and designated evacuation centers
were added under the essential facilities category.
a.2 Section 104 – Design Requirements
Deflection of any structural member under the serviceability requirement were deleted.
For concrete and steel materials see Chapter 4 and 5 respectively new requirements were
added to the design review section.
a.3 Section 105 – Posting and Instrumentation
The provision of installed recording accelerograph were adjusted.

b. Chapter 2 – Minimum Design Loads; the changes made in this code are as follows:

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

 b.1 Section 203 – Combination of Loads
The load factor values on Wind loads was adjusted together with the inclusion of rain loads.
b.2 Section 205 – Live Loads
Additional loads were incorporated in the table for minimum uniform and concentrated loads.
b.3 Section 207 – Wind Loads
Wind loads provision were based on the ASCE/SEI 7-05

b.4 Section 208 – Earthquake loads

Basically no major changes on the earthquake provisions due to non availability of spectral
acceleration maps for the whole Philippines.
The Importance Factor for Essential facilities was increased. The R factors of the different
Earthquake Force Resisting Structural Systems were revised.
b.5 Section 210 and Section 211
New sections on Rain Loads and Flood Loads were added.

c. Chapter 3: Specifications for Excavations and Geomaterials, the revisions made in this updated code are as
follows:
c.1 Adoption of provisions pertaining to the conduct and interpretation of foundation
investigations for cases involving liquefiable, expansive or questionable soils.
c.2 Ammendments to the section of footings incorporating provisions for differential
settlements, design loads, and vibratory loads.
c.3 Ammendments to the section on pile foundations incorporating new provisions on
splicing of concrete piles.
c.4 Addition of a section on special foundations, slope stabilization and materials of
construction.
d. Chapter 4
d.1 Section 401 - General Requirements: Design requirements for earthquake-resistant
structures were not yet changed to correlate with the Seismic Design Categories used by
the ASCE/SEI 7- 05 and the International Building Code IBC 2006 since there are no
spectral acceleration maps yet developed for the whole of the Philippines, which are
necessary for full adoption of IBC 2006 and ASCE/SEI 7-05 earthquake loading
procedures. Please see Chapter 2.
d.2 Section 403 - Materials: New requirements for headed shear stud reinforcement, headed
deformed bars, and stainless steel bars were given with appropriate references to ASTM
standards.
d.3 Section 404 - Durability Requirement: Exposure Categories and Classes, Requirements
or Concrete by Exposure Class were adopted to replace the many tables of durability
requirements in Section 404, making it easier to clearly specify the intended application.
d.4 Section 405 - Concrete Quality, Mixing, and Placing: The use of three 100 x 200 mm
cylinders was adopted as equivalent to the use of two 150 x 300 mm cylinders for

National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1

determining concrete compressive strength; Due to concern that material properties may
change with time, a 12-month limit was set on historical data used to qualify mixture
proportions; and Flexural test performance criteria were added to qualify the use of steel
fiber - reinforced concrete as a replacement for minimum shear reinforcement.
d.5 Section 407 - Details of Reinforcement: To avoid the misconception that there
is no minus tolerance on cover values given in the code, “minimum cover” was
replaced with “specified cover” throughout Section 407; Class B lap splices are
now required for structural integrity reinforcement; Continuous top and bottom
structural integrity reinforcement were required to pass through the column
core; and Requirements for transverse reinforcement confining structural
integrity reinforcement in perimeter beams were clarified.
d.6 Section 408 - Analysis and Design - General Considerations: Provisions were
modified to allow redistribution of positive moments; and a simple modeling
procedure for evaluation of lateral displacements was added.
d.7 Section 409 - Strength and Serviceability Requirements: Strength reduction
factors for compression-controlled sections (other structural members) was
reduced from 0.70 to 0.65, and shear and torsion for shear walls and frames in
Seismic Zone 4 was reduced from 0.85 to 0.75, bearing on concrete (except for
posttensioning anchorage zones) was reduced from 0.70 to 0.65. Strength
reduction factors for strut-and-tie models, flexural sections in pretensioned
members, were also added.
d.8 Section 410 - Flexure and Axial Loads: The section on slenderness effects was
reorganized to recognize computer analysis techniques as the primary method of
evaluating second-order effects.
d.9 Section 411 - Shear and Torsion: Code requirements were added to permit the
use of headed stud assemblies as shear reinforcement for slabs and footings. The
nominal shear strength was permitted to be larger for headed stud assemblies
than for other forms of slab and footing shear reinforcement; More stringent
limits have been placed on the depths of beams that are exempted from the
requirement for minimum shear reinforcement; A new limit on the depth of
hollow core units for which minimum shear reinforcement could
be waived was established; Steel fiber-reinforced concrete was added as an
alternative to minimum shear reinforcement; and The upper limit on shear
friction strength was significantly increased for monolithically placed concrete
and concrete placed against intentionally roughened concrete.
d.10 Section 412 - Development and Splices of Reinforcement: Provisions were
added for the development length of headed deformed bars; Splice length when
splicing bars with different sizes was addressed; and A coating factor of 1.0 for
galvanized reinforcement was added.
d.11 Section 413 - Two-Way Slab Systems: Dimension limits were added for the use
of shear caps; and Alternative corner reinforcement arrangement was added for
two-way slabs supported by edge beams or walls.
d.12 Section 414 – Walls: Design provisions for slender wall panels were modified
to be more consistent with the methods used in design practice.
d.13 Section 418 - Prestressed Concrete: The allowable concrete compression stress
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
 immediately after prestress transfer was increased; and Requirements for
structural integrity steel in two-way unbonded posttensioned slab systems were
modified.
d.14 Section 420 - Strength Evaluation of Existing Structures: Load factors for determining
the required test load were modified to reflect typical modern load combinations.
d.15 Section 421 - Earthquake-Resistant Structures: The section was not reorganized to
present requirements of Seismic Design Category as per ASCE 7-05, instead, the use of
seismic zones 4 and 2, as per UBC 1997, was retained; New design requirements were
added for such seismic zones; New detailing option was added for diagonally reinforced
coupling beams; Design yield strength for confinement reinforcement was raised to 100
ksi to help reduce congestion; and Boundary element confinement requirements were
relaxed.
d.16 Section 423 - Anchoring to Concrete: Use of reinforcement in the vicinity of anchors
was clarified; and Ductility requirements for anchors in seismic zones were clarified.
d.17 Section 425 - Alternative Provisions for Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Flexural
and Compression Members: Revisions in Appendix B of ACI 318-08M is adapted.
d.18 Section 426 - Alternative Load and Strength Reduction Factors: Revisions in Appendix
C of ACI 318-08M is adapted.
d.19 Section 427 - Strut-and-tie Models: Appendix A of ACI 318-08M is adapted in its
entirety.
e. Chapter 5 : Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, the revisions made in this updated code
are as follows:
e.1 Integrated treatment of Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor
Design (LRFD) and thus added earlier Specification that treated only the ASD method in
the design.
e.2 Adoption of a new method of analysis (Direct Analysis Method) in lieu of the previous
e.3 Inclusion of Cold Formed Steel Design for Building Systems and structural Member
Design

The whole of the edition of the previous chapter was fully updated to address successful usage, advances in the state
of knowledge, and changes in design practice.
f. Chapter 6
f.1 Refinements of provisions in the Chapter to incorporate current local practices, corrections in the
previous version of the code (NSCP 2001), referrals to NSCP 2010 Vol.III on Housing for relavant
provisions concerning single-family dwellings / low-cost housing.
f.2 Amendments to Tables containing specie design information to incorporate the latest updated
information / list of wood specie as provided by the Forest Products Research And Development
Institute (FPRDI), as well as corrections in the previous version of the Tables (NSCP 2001).
f.3 Additional provision that limits the use of wood shearwalls and diaphragms.
f.4 Addition of a section for Machine Graded Lumber (MGL).
g. Chapter 7
g.1 Refinements of provisions in the Chapter to incorporate current local practices, corrections in the

National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1

 previous version of the code (NSCP 2001), referrals to NSCP 2010 Vol.III on Housing for relavant
provisions concerning single-family dwellings / low-cost housing.
g.2 Definition of and provision related to recycled aggregates.
g.3 Additional section for Seismic Design.
g.4 Additional section each for Masonry Fireplaces and Masonry Chimneys.

This publication of the 6th Edition is a collective effort of the ASEP Board of Directors from 2007 to 2010 from
ASEP’s past presidents Christopher P. T. Tamayo (2007-2008) and Wilfredo S. Lopez (2008-2009) and the ASEP
Codes and Standards Committee without whose cooperation this publication would not have been possible.

In addition, the ASEP Codes and Standards Committee is indebted to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (Phivolcs) and to Director Renato Solidum, Ph. D. for his unselfish contribution especially on Chapters
1 and 2 of this code.

Likewise, to all ASEP members and other users of the NSCP who have suggested improvements, identified errors
and recommended items for inclusion and omissions. These suggestions have been carefully considered.

ASEP also acknowledges the contribution of the industry partners, companies and individuals, who continue to
support ASEP's numerous undertakings.

3. Disclaimer

The reader is cautioned that professional judgment must be exercised when data or recommendations are applied.
The information presented has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and is for
general information only. This information should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without
competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a registered
engineer. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liabilities arising from such use.

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ADAM C ABINALES, F. ASEP WILFREDO S. LOPEZ, F. ASEP
ASEP President, 2009-2010 ASEP President, 2008-2009

ANTHONY VLADIMIR C. PIMENTEL, F. ASEP CHRISTOPHER P. T. TAMAYO, F. ASEP

ASEP Vice-President, 2009-2010 and ASEP President, 2007-2008
Managing Director, Codes and Standards Committee

EMILO M. MORALES, MSCE, F. ASEP ROMEO A. ESTAÑERO, Ph. D., F.ASEP

Chairman, Codes and Standards Committee Adviser, Codes and Standards Committee

CODES AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS / EXCAVATIONS AND
LOADS AND ACTIONS GEOMATERIALS
CARLOS M. VILLARAZA, F.ASEP MARK ZARCO, Ph. D.
Chairman Chairman
VIRGILIO B. COLUMNA, M.Eng’g., F.ASEP ROY ANTHONY LUNA
Co-Chairman Co-Chairman
RONWALDO AQUINO, M.ASEP JONATHAN R. DUNGCA, Ph.D
GUILLER C. PAPA MARK K. MORALES
Work Group Members DANIEL C. PECKLEY JR., Ph.D.
BRIAN B. TAN
Work Group Members

STRUCTURAL CONCRETE STEEL AND METAL

JORGE P. GENOTA, F.ASEP ANTHONY VLADIMIR C. PIMENTEL, F.ASEP

Chairman Chairman
WILFREDO S. LOPEZ, F.ASEP GILBERT MAGBUTAY, M.ASEP
Co-Chairman FREDERICK FRANCIS M. SISON, M.ASEP
ANDRES WINSTON C. ORETA, Ph. D., M.ASEP Co-Chairmen
RAMIL H. CRISOLO, M.ASEP
JUANITO C. CUNANAN, M.ASEP
BLAS N. ESPINOSA, F.ASEP
BERNARDO A. LEJANO, Ph. D., M.ASEP
Work Group Members
ARNEL R. AGUEL, M.ASEP
Resource Person
ROMEO A. ESTAÑERO, Ph. D., F.ASEP
Adviser

National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1

 WOOD AND MASONRY

CHRISTOPHER P.T. TAMAYO, F.ASEP

Chairman
ALAN ABAN
Co-Chairman
RICO CABANGON, Ph. D. (FRDI)
ACHILLES L. LUARDO
ROY T. ROQUE
LEO BUENAVENTURA
JAY EMERSON LIM
Work Group Members

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

ASSOCIATION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS OF THE
PHILIPPINES
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS (2009-2010)

OFFICERS:

ADAM C. ABINALES, F.ASEP

President
ANTHONY VLADIMIR C. PIMENTEL, F.ASEP
Vice President
MIRIAM LUSICA-TAMAYO, F.ASEP
Secretary
VIRGILIO B. COLUMNA, M.Eng’g., F.ASEP
Treasurer

DIRECTORS:

ANTONIO A. AVILA
DANILO A. DOMINGO
RONALDO S. ISON, F.ASEP
FREDERICK FRANCIS M. SISON
PEDRO M. TOLENTINO, JR.
VINCI NICHOLAS R. VILLASEÑOR, F.ASEP

WILFREDO S. LOPEZ, F.ASEP

Immediate Past President

COLLEGE OF FELLOWS:

ROMEO A. ESTANERO, Ph. D., F.ASEP

Chancellor
JORGE P. GENOTA, F.ASEP
Scribe
CARLOS M. VILLARAZA, F.ASEP
Burser

National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1

ASSOCIATION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS OF THE
PHILIPPINES
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS (2008-2009)

OFFICERS:

WILFREDO S. LOPEZ, F.ASEP

President
ADAM C. ABINALES, F.ASEP
Vice President
VIRGILIO B. COLUMNA, M.Eng’g., F.ASEP
Secretary
VINCI NICOLAS R. VILLASEÑOR, F.ASEP
Treasurer

DIRECTORS:

DANILO A. DOMINGO
RONALDO S. ISON, F.ASEP
JORGE P. GENOTA, F.ASEP
FREDERICK FRANCIS M. SISON
ANTHONY VLADIMIR C. PIMENTEL, F.ASEP
PEDRO M. TOLENTINO, JR.

CHRISTOPHER P. T. TAMAYO, F.ASEP

Immediate Past President

COLLEGE OF FELLOWS:

ROMEO A. ESTANERO, Ph. D., F.ASEP

Chancellor
JORGE P. GENOTA, F.ASEP
Scribe

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

ASSOCIATION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS OF THE
PHILIPPINES
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS (2007-2008)

OFFICERS:

CHRISTOPHER P. T. TAMAYO, F.ASEP

President
WILFREDO S. LOPEZ, F.ASEP
Vice President
VIRGILIO B. COLUMNA, M.Eng’g., F.ASEP
Secretary
ELMER P. FRANCISCO
Treasurer

DIRECTORS:

ADAM C. ABINALES, F.ASEP

FERDINAND A. BRIONES
DANILO A. DOMINGO
RONALDO S. ISON, F.ASEP
BERNARDO A. LEJANO, Ph. D.
PEDRO M. TOLENTINO, JR.

JORGE P. GENOTA, F.ASEP

Immediate Past President

COLLEGE OF FELLOWS:

ROMEO A. ESTANERO, Ph. D., F.ASEP

Chancellor
JORGE P. GENOTA, F.ASEP
Scribe

National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines