Bangladesh National Building Code

At NDMRTI, DDM
Date: 25 February 2021

Raquib Ahsan, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, BUET
Building Codes
◼ Hammurabi’s Code in 1758 BC
◼ After the Great Fire of London in 1666, the
Rebuilding of London Act was passed.
◼ The City of Baltimore passed its first building code
in 1859.
◼ In 1905, a U.S. insurance group, the National
Board of Fire Underwriters, created the National
Building Code.
◼ In 1915 the Building Office and Code
Administration (BOCA) was formed.
◼ In 1927 the Uniform Building Code was developed.
◼ In 2000 the International Code Council introduced
the first set of ICC codes.

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Building Code in Bangladesh

◼ The Building Construction Act was enacted in 1952

◼ The first draft Building Code was drafted in 1993 by HBRI
◼ The BC Act 1952 was amended in 2006 by giving power to
make Bangladesh National Building Code
◼ BNBC was enacted through a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO)
in 2006.
◼ HBRI undertook BNBC updating project in 2009
◼ Final version of the updated code was submitted in 2015
◼ Final version has already been approved by the steering
committee and the MoHPW and vetted by the Law Ministry
◼ The updated code is expected to be enacted soon

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Purpose of BNBC

◼ To establish minimum standards for design,

construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy,
location and maintenance of all buildings within
Bangladesh in order to safeguard life, limb, health,
property and public welfare.
◼ Building code is not meant for general public
◼ Building code is for professionals

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Definition of Building

◼ Any permanent or semi-permanent structure which is

constructed or erected for human habitation or for any
other purpose and includes but not limited to the
foundation, plinth, walls, floors, roofs, stairs, chimneys,
fixed platform, verandah, balcony, cornice, projections,
extensions, annexes etc.
◼ Will also include the sanitary, plumbing, electrical,
HVAC, appurtenances and all other building service
installations which are constructed or erected as an
integral part of a building.

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BNBC in 3 Volumes
• Part 1: SCOPE AND DEFINITION
• Part 2: ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Volume1 • Part 3: GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS,

CONTROL AND REGULATION
• Part 4: FIRE PROTECTION
• Part 5: BUILDING MATERIALS

Volume 2 • Part 6: STRUCTURAL DESIGN

• Part 7: CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES AND

SAFETY
• Part 8: BUILDING SERVICES
Volume 3 • Part 9: ADDITION, ALTERATION TO AND
CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
• Part 10: SIGNS AND OUT-DOOR DISPLAY
Part 2:
ADMINISTRATION AND
ENFORCEMENT
Part 2: Administration and Enforcement

◼ Chapter 1: Purpose and Applicability

◼ Chapter 2: Establishment of Authority, Etc

◼ Chapter 3: Permit and Inspection

Establishment of Authority:

◼ The Government may establish the Bangladesh

Building Regulatory Authority (BBRA).

◼ The Authority shall consist of the following 5

members.

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Building Official and Building Committee

◼ The Authority shall designate specific geographical

jurisdiction as the Office of the Building Official.

◼ The Building Official shall exercise through a Building

Construction Committee.

◼ The Authority may constitute a Board of Appeal to hear

and decide appeals of orders, decisions or
determinations made by the Building Officials.

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Jurisdiction of Building Officials
Sl. Area Authority
1 Areas under the master plan of RAJUK RAJUK

2 Areas under the master plan CDA CDA

3 Areas under the master plan RDA RDA

4 Areas under the master plan of KDA KDA

5 Areas under any Development Authority Relevant development

authority
6 Areas under any City Corporation Relevant city corporation

7 Areas under any Municipality Relevant municipality

8 Areas not falling under any of the above Office of The Executive
Engineer PWD
9 Special areas, if any To be declared by the
government

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Types of Permits and Building Categories

Type of Permit Validity Time for Disposal

Land use certificate 24 months 15 days
Large and Specialized Project permit 24 months 45 days
Building permit 36 months 45 days
Occupancy certificate Perpetual 15 days

Building Category Height of the Building Floor Area

I Up to 2 stories Up to 250 m2
II Up to 5 stories Up to 1000 m2
III Up to 10 stories Up to 7500 m2
IV Any height Any size

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Eligible Registered Professionals
Types of Work Registered Professional Minimum Experience for
Building Category
I II III IV
Survey Diploma Engineer NA 3 3 3
Soil Test Civil Engineer NA 2 2 5
Arch Design Architect NA NR 2 8
Struc Design Civil Engineer NA 2 4 8
Plumbing Plumbing Engineer NA NR 4 8
Mechanical Mechanical Engineer NA 2 4 8
Electrical Electrical Engineer NA 2 4 8
Supervision Architect/Engineer NA 2 4 8
Dip Arch/Dip Engr NA 2 4 NE
Demolition Civil Engineer NA NR 2 8
Completion Architect and Engineer NA 2 4 8
Permit Not Required
◼ Railways
◼ National Highways
◼ National Waterways
◼ National Gas grid
◼ National Power grid
◼ Major Ports
◼ Airways and Aerodromes
◼ Telecommunications
◼ Electronic Broadcasting Services
◼ Any other services which the Government may declare
to be essential to the community.-
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Responsibilities of the Owner
◼ The owner shall be responsible for carrying out the work in conformity of
this Code.
◼ Design, execution and supervision work shall be carried out by authorized
Registered Professionals.
◼ The owner shall allow the Building Officials to enter.
◼ The owner shall obtain permit as may be applicable.
◼ The owner shall inform the Building Official about attainment of
construction work of different stages.
◼ The owner shall take proper safety measures.
◼ The owner shall notify the Building Official the completion of the work.
◼ The owner shall preserve at the site a copy of all permits.
◼ Where the live loads exceed 2.4 kN/m2 design live loads shall be
conspicuously posted.

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Unsafe Buildings

◼ All buildings to constitute danger to public safety or property shall

be declared unsafe by the Building Official.
◼ In case the owner fails, neglects or refuses to carry out the repair
or improvement of an unsafe building the Building Official shall
cause the danger to be removed either by demolition or repair.
The cost of which shall be borne by the owner.
◼ If the Building Official considers that an unsafe building constitute
imminent danger the Building Official shall at once cause such
building to be rendered safe or removed.
◼ The Building Official may also get the adjacent structures vacated
and protect the public by an appropriate fence.

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Architectural and Environmental Control

◼ Major public building complexes

◼ Buildings in the vicinity of monuments and major sculptures
◼ Buildings near architecturally valuable structures
◼ Buildings near historic buildings
◼ Buildings near structures that represent the special characteristics
of an area
◼ Building that represents special characteristics
◼ Any development that may have effect on the environment
◼ The Authority shall appoint a standing committee comprising
noted experts.

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Part 3:
GENERAL BUILDING
REQUIREMENTS, CONTROL AND
REGULATION
Part 3: General Building Requirements,
Control and Regulation

◼ Chapter 1: General Building Requirements

◼ Chapter 2: Classification of Buildings Based on

Occupancy

◼ Chapter 3: Classification of Building Construction Type

Based on Fire Resistance

◼ Chapter 4: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

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Occupancy Classification
◼ A: Residential
◼ B: Educational Facilities
◼ C: Institution for Care
◼ D: Health Care Facilities
◼ E: Business
◼ F: Mercantile
◼ G: Industrial Buildings
◼ H: Storage Buildings
◼ I: Assembly
◼ J: Hazardous Building
◼ K: Garage
◼ L: Utility
◼ Miscellaneous
Other Architectural Issues Covered
◼ Requirements of plots (drainage,
formation level etc.)
◼ Plot sizes
◼ Means of access
◼ Open spaces within a plot (setbacks,
ground coverage etc.)
◼ General height and area limitations
(FAR etc.)
◼ Off-street parking spaces
◼ Street encroachment
◼ Community open space and
amenities
◼ Minimum standard of a dwelling
◼ Requirements of parts of buildings
◼ Landscaping
◼ Damp-proofing and waterproofing
◼ Existing buildings
◼ Buildings and areas of architectural
value
◼ Ventilation, lighting and sanitation
◼ Air-conditioning and heating
◼ Lifts and escalators
◼ Sound insulation
◼ Thermal insulation
◼ Lightning protection of buildings
◼ Rat proofing and termite proofing
◼ Requirements of buildings in flood
prone and coastal regions
◼ Requirements for buildings in other
disaster prone areas
◼ Special provisions for storage of
dangerous goods
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
◼ Scope: Building concepts having a positive environmental
impact and encourage sustainable construction practices,
allowing efficiency and conservation of energy, water and
building materials, and to promote resource efficiency

◼ Site sustainability

◼ Building envelop

◼ Energy efficient building systems

◼ Internal water management

Part 4:
FIRE PROTECTION
Part 4: Fire Protection

◼ Chapter 1: General Provisions

◼ Chapter 2: Precautionary Requirements

◼ Chapter 3: Means of Egress

◼ Chapter 4: Equipment and In-built Facilities Standards

◼ Chapter 5: Specific Requirements for Fire Detection

and Extinguishing System

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Part 5:
BUILDING MATERIALS
Part 5: Building Materials

◼ Chapter 1: Scope and Definitions

◼ Chapter 2: Building Materials

◼ Masonry ◼ Doors, windows and ventilators

◼ Cement and concrete
◼ Pre-stressed concrete
◼ Building limes
◼ Gypsum based materials and
plaster
◼ Flooring materials
◼ Steel
◼ Timber and wood products
◼ Aluminum and aluminum alloys
◼ Builders hardware
◼ Roof coverings
◼ Paints and varnishes
◼ Sanitary appliances and water
fitings
◼ Miscellaneous materials
◼ CGI sheet roofing and walling

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Volume 2
Part 6:
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Part 6: Structural Design
◼ Chapter 1: Definitions and General Requirements
◼ Chapter 2: Loads on Buildings and Structures
◼ Chapter 3: Soils and Foundations
◼ Chapter 4: Bamboo
◼ Chapter 5: Concrete Material
◼ Chapter 6: Strength Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures
◼ Chapter 7: Masonry Structures
◼ Chapter 8: Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures
◼ Chapter 9: Prestressed Concrete Structures
◼ Chapter 10: Steel Structures
◼ Chapter 11: Timber
◼ Chapter 12: Ferrocement Structures
◼ Chapter 13: Steel-concrete Composite Structural Members

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Volume 3
Part 7:
CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES
AND SAFETY
Part 7: Construction Practices and Safety

◼ Chapter 1: Constructional Responsibilities and

Practices

◼ Chapter 2: Storage, Stacking and Handling Practices

◼ Chapter 3: Safety During Construction

◼ Chapter 4: Demolition Work

◼ Chapter 5: Maintenance Management, Repairs,

Retrofitting and Strengthening of Buildings

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Part 8:
BUILDING SERVICES
Part 8: Building Services

◼ Chapter 1: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Services for Buildings
◼ Chapter 2: Air-conditioning, Heating and Ventilation
◼ Chapter 3: Building Acoustics
◼ Chapter 4: Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks
◼ Chapter 5: Water Supply
◼ Chapter 6: Sanitary Drainage
◼ Chapter 7: Rainwater Management
◼ Chapter 8: Fuel Gas Supply

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Topics of Electrical Building Services
◼ Lighting
◼ Load estimation
◼ Fittings, fixtures and accessories
◼ Wiring
◼ Substation and transformer
◼ Distribution system
◼ Switch and switchboards
◼ Overcurrent and short-circuit protection
◼ Fire detection, alarm and emergency lighting
◼ Earthing
◼ Lightning protection
◼ Telecommunication
◼ CCTV and access control system

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Topics of HVAC

◼ Planning
◼ Air-conditioning system design
◼ Air distribution system
◼ Air-conditioning equipment
◼ Refrigerating equipment
◼ Ventilation systems
◼ Energy conservation
◼ Inspection, testing and commissioning
◼ Operation and maintenance

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Topics of Acoustics

◼ Classification
◼ Planning
◼ Design
◼ Speech privacy
◼ Sound amplification system

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Topics of Lifts and Escalators

◼ Safety considerations
◼ Design considerations
◼ Escalators
◼ Moving walks
◼ Energy conservation
◼ Inspection and certification
◼ Operation and maintenance

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Topics of Water Supply
◼ Permit
◼ Licensing of plumbers
◼ Water supply requirements
◼ Estimation of demand load
◼ Water sources and quality
◼ Inspection and certification
◼ Water supply system
◼ Storage of water
◼ Design of distribution system
◼ Water distribution in tall buildings
◼ Hot water supply installation
◼ Pipe work
◼ Cleaning and disinfection

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Topics of Sanitary Drainage

◼ Planning
◼ Licensing of plumbers
◼ Drainage and sanitation requirements
◼ Materials and appliances
◼ Design considerations
◼ Refuse chute system
◼ Basement floor drainage system
◼ Healthcare drainage system
◼ Inspection, testing and completion certificate
◼ Guide to maintenance

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Topics of Rainwater Management

◼ Rainwater harvesting requirements

◼ Rainwater harvesting planning
◼ Licensing of plumber
◼ Rooftop rainwater harvesting
◼ Artificial groundwater recharge
◼ Drainage and sanitation requirement
◼ Materials and appliances
◼ Construction
◼ Inspection, testing and completion certificate
◼ Guide to maintenance

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Topics of Fuel and Gas Supply

◼ Gas piping installation

◼ Use of LPG
◼ Installation of appliances

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Part 9:
ALTERATION, ADDITION TO
AND CHANGE OF USE OF
EXISTING BUILDINGS
Part 9: Alteration, Addition to and Change of
Use of Existing Buildings

◼ Chapter 1: Applicability and Implementation

◼ Chapter 2: Evaluation and Compliance
◼ Chapter 3: Conservation

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Applicability

◼ No change in use shall be made without permission

from the permitting authority.
◼ No addition shall be made without permission from the
permitting authority.
◼ An existing building shall not be altered in such a
manner that results in the building being less safe or
sanitary.
◼ Any construction which does not have approval of the
appropriate authority must be removed before any new
addition, alteration or change of use.

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Implementation

◼ For the proposed works relating to alteration, addition to

and change of use, the owner of the building shall
cause the existing buildings to be investigated and
evaluated by competent professionals.
◼ The results of the investigation and evaluation shall be
submitted to the Building Official.
◼ The Building Official shall determine whether the
proposed additions, alterations or change of use,
complies with the provisions specified in this Code.

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Conservation

◼ Conservation is the process of retention of existing

buildings or groups of buildings, landscapes etc. and
taking care not to alter or destroy character or detail,
even though repairs or changes may be necessary.
◼ Restoration is the process of carrying on alterations and
repairs to a building with the intention of restoring it to
its original form. It is generally regarded as more drastic
than conservation.

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Guidelines for Conservation

◼ Be reversible or repeatable
◼ Not prejudice a future intervention
◼ Not hinder the possibility of later access to all evidence
◼ Allow the maximum amount of existing material
◼ Be harmonious in color, tone, texture, form and scale
◼ Not be undertaken by conservator who are insufficiently
trained.

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Part 10:
SIGNS AND OUTDOOR DISPLAY
Part 10: Signs and Outdoor Display

◼ Chapter 1: Scope and General

◼ Chapter 2: General Requirements
◼ Chapter 3: Specific Requirements of Various Types of
Signs

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Scope of Signs and Outdoor Display

◼ Permit: A written permit shall be obtained from the

Authority.
◼ Exemption:
❑ Wall signs (shop signs, building names, name plates etc.)

❑ Ground signs (official warning signs, direction indicators etc.)

❑ Temporary signs (construction signs, displays for festivities etc.)

◼ Unsafe and unlawful signs: It shall be the responsibility

of the owner to ensure the safety and legality of the
sign.

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Restrictions on Signs and Outdoor Display

◼ Restricted sign zone

◼ Prohibition on advertisement

◼ Signs on highways and roads

◼ Illuminated displays

◼ Location restrictions

◼ Projection over public property

◼ Clearance from power lines

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Specific Requirements for Various Types of
Signs
◼ Electric signs

◼ Ground signs

◼ Roof signs

◼ Projecting signs

◼ Fin signs

◼ Balcony signs

◼ Marquee signs

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