Building System Design

UNIT I: CODES AND REGULATIONS______________

A code is a set of rules that serve as a generally accepted guidelines to be followed.
They exist for the purpose of safety, quality or other benefit. For example, electrical
codes exist to ensure system reliability and that building occupants are safe from
risks.
A regulation is mandated by government body and requires that by law those in the
industry comply.
Engineers are expected to perform a variety of tasks depending on their
specialization and job level. It is important to the engineer that he/she knows the
different codes and regulations to be consider when preparing plans, designs and
during project implementation so that he/she may be able to perform his job
effectively and efficiently.

Target learning outcome (based on CMO):

LO 1- Identify appropriate provisions of the national Building Code and its referral
codes as these apply to building
LO 2 - Codes and Regulations: Ability to design sites, facilities, and systems that
are responsive to relevant codes and regulations, and include the principles of life
safety and accessibility standards

___________________
Lesson 1: The National Building Code of the Philippines
Learning Outcomes: The National Building Code is a set of
At the end of the lesson, you are rules and regulations pertaining to the
expected to: construction of all residential projects
1. know some important provisions and buildings here in the Philippines.
of the code; and Building codes are intended to further
2. apply the code to building design secure safety, welfare and health of the
residents of a building.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE (P.D.) NO. 1096 ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING

CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (NBCP) THEREBY REVISING REPUBLIC ACT
NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (R.A. No. 6541)

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 101. Title. This Decree shall be known as the "National Building Code of the
Philippines" and shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Code".

Section 102. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the

State to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent with the
principles of sound environmental management and control; and to this end, make it
the purpose of this Code to provide for all buildings and structures, a framework of
minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control their location, site,
design quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and the approval of this

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Code shall not be affected thereby except when alterations, additions, conversions or
repairs are to be made therein in which case, this Code maintenance.

Section 103. Scope and Application. (a) The provisions of this Code shall apply to
the design, location, sitting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use,
occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of, and addition to public and private
buildings and structures, except traditional indigenous family dwellings as defined
herein. (b) Building and/or structures constructed before shall apply only to portions
to be altered, added, converted or repaired.

Section 104.General Building Requirements. (a) All buildings or structures as well

as accessory facilities thereto shall conform in all respects to the principles of safe
construction and must be suited to the purpose for which they are designed. (b)
Buildings or structures intended to be used for the manufacture and/or production of
any kind of article or product shall observe adequate environmental safeguards.(c)
Buildings or structures and all parts thereof as well as all facilities found therein shall
be maintained in safe, sanitary and good working condition.

Section 105.Site Requirements. The land or site upon which will be constructed any
building or structure, or any ancillary or auxiliary facility thereto, shall be sanitary,
hygienic or safe. In case of sites or buildings intended for use as human habitation or
abode, the same shall be at a safe distance, as determined by competent authorities,
from streams or bodies of water and/or sources of air considered to be polluted; from
a volcano or volcanic site and/or any other building considered to be a potential
source of fire or explosion.

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 401. Types of Construction. For purposes of this Code, all buildings proposed
for construction shall be classified or identified according to the following types:

Type I. Type I buildings shall be a wood construction. The structural elements

may be any of the materials permitted by this Code.

Type II. Type II buildings shall be of wood construction with protective fire-
resistant materials and one-hour fire resistive throughout: Except, that permanent
non-bearing partitions may use fire-retardant treated wood within the framing
assembly.

Type III. Type III buildings shall be of masonry and wood construction.
Structural elements may be any of the materials permitted by this Code: Provided,
that the building shall be one-hour fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls shall be of
incombustible fire-resistive construction.

Type IV. Type IV buildings shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry

construction. Walls, ceiling, and permanent partitions shall be of incombustible fire
resistive construction: Except, that permanent non-bearing partitions of one-hour fire-
resistive construction may use fire-retardant treated wood within the framing
assembly.

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Type V. Type V buildings shall be fire-resistive. The structural elements shall

be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, and permanent
partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES

Section 501. Fire Zones Defined. Fire zones are areas within which only certain types
of buildings are permitted to be constructed based on their use or occupancy, type of
construction, and resistance to fire.

Section 502. Buildings located in more than One Fire Zone. A building or structure
which is located partly in one fire zone and partly in another shall be considered to be
in the more highly restrictive fire zone, when more than one-third of its total floor area
is located in such zone.

OTHER PROVISIONS

Section 705. Allowable Floor Areas.

The allowable floor areas for one-storey building and buildings over one-storey shall
not exceed the limits prescribed by the Secretary for each occupancy groups and/or
types of construction. For purposes of this Section, each portion of a building
separation by one or more area separation walls may be considered a separate
building provided the area separation walls meet the requirements prescribed
therefor by the Secretary.

Section 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases.

The floor areas hereinabove provided may be increased in certain specific instances
and under appropriate conditions, based on the existence of public space, streets or
yards extending along and adjoining two or more sides of the building or structure
subject to the approval of the Building Official.

Section 707. Maximum Height of Buildings.

The maximum height and number of storeys of every building shall be dependent
upon the character of occupancy and the type of construction as determined by the
Secretary considering population density, building bulk, widths of streets and car
parking requirements.

The height shall be measured from the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface:
Provided, that the height measured from the lowest adjoining surface shall not
exceed such maximum height by more than 3.00 meters: Except, that towers, spires,
and steeples, erected as part of a building and not used for habitation or storage are
limited as to height only by structural design if completely of incombustible materials,
or may extend not to exceed 6.00 meters above the height limits for each occupancy
group if of combustible materials.

Section 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings.

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(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy. The dwelling shall occupy not more
than ninety percent of a corner lot and eighty percent of an inside lot, and
subject to the provisions on Easement on Light and View of the Civil Code of
the Philippines, shall be at least 2 meters from the property line.

(b) Light and Ventilation. Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged
as to provide adequate light and ventilation as provided under Section 805, of
this Code.

(c) Sanitation. Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one sanitary toilet
and adequate washing and drainage facilities.

(d) Foundation. Footing shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the
load of the dwelling and shall be at least 250 millimeters thick and 600
millimeters below the surface of the ground.

(e) Post. The dimensions of wooden post shall be those found in Table 708-A
Dimensions of Wooden Posts (Annex B-1). Each post shall be anchored to
such footing by strap and bolts of adequate size.

(f) Floor. The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per
square meter and for the second floor, at least 150 kilograms per square
meter.

(g) Roof . The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120 kilograms per square
meter for vertical projection.

(h) Stairs. Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear width, with a rise of
200 millimeters and a minimum run of 200 millimeters.

(i) Entrance and Exit. There shall be at least one entrance and another one for
exit.

(j) Electrical Requirements. All electrical installation shall conform to the

requirements of the Philippine Electrical Code.

(k) Mechanical Requirements. Mechanical systems and/or equipment

installation shall be subject to the requirement of the Philippine Mechanical
Engineering Code.

LIGHT AND VENTILATION

Section 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation.

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Basement
of Light and View and to the provisions of this part of the Code, every building
shall be designed, constructed, and equipped to provide adequate light and
ventilation.

(b) All buildings shall face a street or public alley or a private street which has
been duly approved.

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(c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to reduce the size of any
room or the relative area of windows to less than that provided for buildings
under this Code, or to create an additional room, unless such additional room
conforms to the requirements of this Code.

(d) No building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the required court
or yard would be less than that prescribed for such building.

Section 805. Ceiling Heights.

(a) Habitable rooms provided with artificial ventilation have ceiling heights not
less than 2.40 meters measured from the floor to the ceiling; Provided that for
buildings of more than one-storey, the minimum ceiling height of the first
storey shall be 2.70 meters and that for the second storey 2.40 meters and
succeeding storeys shall have an unobstructed typical head-room clearance
of not less than 2.10 meters above the finished floor. Above stated rooms with
a natural ventilation shall have ceiling height not less than 2.70 meters.

(b) Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height not less than 1.80
meters above and below it.

Section 806. Size and Dimensions of Rooms.

(a) Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as
follows: 1. Rooms for Human Habitations. 6.00 square meters with at least
dimensions of 2.00 2. Kitchens. 3.00 square meters with at least
dimension of 1.50 meters; 3. Bath and toilet. 1.20 square meters with at
least dimension of 0.90 meters.

Section 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms.

(a) Minimum space shall be provided as follows: 1. School Rooms. 3.00 cubic
meters with 1.00 square meter of floor area per person; 2. Workshops,
Factories, and Offices. 12.00 cubic meters of space per person; 3.
Habitable rooms. 14.00 cubic meters of space per person.

Section 808. Window Openings.

(a) Every room intended for any use, not provided with artificial ventilation
system as herein specified in this Code, shall be provided with a window or
windows with a total free area of openings equal to at least ten percent of the
floor area of room, and such window shall open directly to a court, yard, public
street or alley, or open water courses.

Section 810. Ventilation Skylights.

(a) Skylights shall have glass area not less than that required for the windows
that are replaced. They shall be equipped with movable sashes or louvers
with an aggregate net free area not less than that required for openable parts
in the window that are replaced or provided with approved artificial ventilation
of equivalent effectiveness.

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Section 811. Artificial Ventilation.

(a) Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating equipment shall be

provided with artificial means of ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation
of hot and/or polluted;

BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS

Section 1001. General Requirements.

(a) No part of any building or structure or any of its appendages shall project
beyond the property line of the building site, except as provided in this Code.

(b) The projection of any structure or appendage over a public property shall
be the distance measured horizontally from the property line to the outermost
point of the projection.

Section 1002. Projection into Alleys or Streets.

(a) No part of any structure or its appendage shall project into any alley or
street, national road or public highway except as provided in this Code.

(b) Footings located at least 2.40 meters below grade along national roads or
public highway may project not more than 300 millimeters beyond the
property line.

(c) Foundations may be permitted to encroach into public sidewalk areas to a

width not exceeding 500 millimeters; provided, that the top of the said
foundations is not less than 600 millimeters below the established grade; and
provided further, that said projections does not obstruct any existing utility
such as power, communication, gas, water, or sewer lines, unless the owner
concerned shall pay the corresponding entities for the rerouting of the parts of
the affected utilities.

Section 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over Streets.

(a) The extent of any projection over an alley or street shall be uniform within
a block and shall conform to the limitations set forth in Table 1003-A of the
code; Projection of Balconies and Appendages (Annex B-2);

(b) The clearance between the established grade of the street and/or sidewalk
and the lowest under surface of any part of the balcony shall not be less than
3.00 meters.

Section 1004. Arcades.

(a) Whenever required by existing building and zoning regulations, arcades

shall be constructed on sidewalks of streets. The width of the arcade and
its height shall be uniform throughout the street provided, that in no case,
shall an arcade be less than 3.00 meters above the established sidewalk
grade.

Section 1005. Canopies (Marquees).

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(a) Definition. A canopy or marquee is a permanent roofed structure above a

door attached to and supported by the building and projecting over a wall or
sidewalk. This includes any object or decoration attached thereto.

(b) Projection and Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the

outermost edge of the marquee and the carb line shall be not less than 300
millimeters. The vertical clearance between the pavement or ground line and
the under surface of any part of the marquee shall not be less than 3.00
meters.

(c) Construction. A marquee shall be constructed of incombustible material or

materials of not less than twohours fire-resistive construction. It shall be
provided with necessary drainage facility.

(d) Location. Every marquee shall be so located as not to interfere with the
operation of any exterior standpipe connection or to obstruct the clear
passage from stairway exits from the building or the installation or
maintenance of electroliers.

Section 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods.

(a) Definition. An awning is a movable shelter supported entirely from the

exterior wall of a building and of a type which can be retracted, folded, or
collapsed against the face of a supporting building.

(b) Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the awning and the curb line
shall not be less than 300 millimeters. The vertical clearance between the
undermost surface of the awning and the pavement or ground line shall be not
less than 2.40 meters. Collapsible awnings shall be so designated that they
shall not block a required exit when collapsed or folded. Section 1007. Doors,
Windows, and the like. Doors, windows and the like less than 2.40 meters
above the pavement or ground line shall not, when fully opened or upon
opening, project beyond the property line except fire exit doors.

Section 1008. Corner Buildings with Chaflans.

(a) Every corner building or solid fence on a public street or alley less than
3.60 meter in width shall be truncated at the corner. The face of the triangle
so formed shall be at right angles to the bisector of the angle of the
intersection of the street lines; provided, that in no case, the Secretary shall
determine the size and form of the chaflan.

(b) If the building is arcaded, no chaflan is required notwithstanding the width

of the public street or alley, less than 12.00 meters.

Note: For other provisions of the code please refer to this link:
1. http://www.humanitarianlibrary.org National Building Code of the Philippines
2. http://www.academia.edu The National Building Code of the Philippines

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Lesson 2: The Architectural Code of the Philippines

This ARCHITECTURAL CODE is compiled by the UNITED
ARCHITECTURAL of the PHILIPPINES (UAP) the bonafide accredited organization
of architects under the purview of PD 223 – the Professional Regulation Commission
LAW AND RA 545, the Architect’s Law, to serve as a referral code for the
implementation and enforcement of PD 1096 – the National Building Code (NBC).

This ARCHITECTURAL CODE is designed to be compatible and

complementary to the provisions of the NBC as its implementing rules and
regulations. Similarly with all other referral codes prescribed under NBC, it is subject
to periodic changes without legislative flat to be in accordance with universal
advancements in science and technology. It prescribes rules and regulatory
measures to ascertain good building design and construction with inherent
considerations and provisions for the safety and protection of limb, health, life,
property and general public welfare, within a sound/wholesome environmental set-up.

USE OF THIS ARCHITECTURAL CODE

GENERAL

The following considerations should guide the architect in the total design of the
building and other structures in accordance with the Declaration of Policy of this
code.

1. OCCUPANCY GROUPINGS: Determine the occupancy group under which

the building is classified, see chapter on Occupancy Classification.
2. TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION; Ascertain the type of construction by the
building materials and the fire resistively assembly as provided in chapter on
Types of Construction.
3. Determine location on property and buildable area as to the type of lot
(corner, interior, inside, thru and open lot) which requires the mandatory
percentage of open space for natural light and ventilation and legal
easements as provided for in the Philippines Civil Code, most particularly
Art.670-673 inclusive under Easement on Light and View.
4. FLOOR AREA: Determine the maximum floor area based on use or
occupancy and type of construction with or without automatic fire sprinklers
and allowable floor area for multi-storey building.
5. HIEGTH AND NUMBER OF STORIES: Compute building height from grade
based on nature of occupancy and type of construction and permissible
increase in floor area by installation of fire sprinklers.
6. FLOOR TO FLOR AREA AND TOTAL BUILDING AREA OCCUPANT LOAD:
Compute occupant load to determine adequacy of stairs and exit ways and
exit requirements.

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 Verify compliance with the building detailed design requirements as to

type of occupancy.
 Verify compliance to detailed type of construction and fire resistively
requirements as to fire zones.
 Verify compliance with exit smoke vents or open patio requirements.
 Verify compliance with detailed architectural requirements and
material used in construction.
 Verify allowable buildable area as to lot periphery boundary
characteristics, easements setbacks and other requirements.
7. PARKING REQUIREMENTS:
8. OTHER ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: Cultural and Historical
aspects, light and ventilation, accessibility, information technology, other.

GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

1. Buildings and other structures as well as all accessory facilities, shall be

aesthetically, functionally and structurally designed to completely and
efficiently serve its purpose while protecting life, health, property and general
public welfare and concomitant resource of civic pride and aspirations.
2. Buildings and other structures intended to be used for the manufacture and
production of any kind of article or product shall comply with adequate
environmental safeguards as provided by all government agencies
concerned.
3. Buildings and structures together with all parts thereof as well as their adjunct
facilities, utilities and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair,
safe, sanitary, and good working condition as originally approved for
occupancy.

GENERAL SITE REQUIREMENTS

1. The land or site upon which the building or structure or any adjunct or
ancillary facility thereof shall be the concern of the architect. He shall verify,
survey, and ascertain safe design determinants such as geodetically and
geophysical characteristics, the potential chronological or periodic flooding,
soil conditions of the site, and other potentials hazard such as volcanic
eruption, pollution, landslides, tsunami. Other environmental factors shall also
be considered such as: solar angles, prevailing, typhoon winds and
orientation to significant views.
2. Siting of the building shall be governed by NBC-IRR as to allowable buildable
area on lots actual characteristics of physical boundaries.

DEFINITIONS

ACCESSORY BUILDING is a structure which is on the same parcel of property as a

principal structure and the use of which is incidental to the use of the
principal structure. For example, a residential structure may have a detached garage
or storage shed for garden tools as accessory structures.

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING is structures designed for farming

and agricultural practices, including. But not limited to growing and harvesting crops

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and raising livestock and small animals. Specific examples of agricultural

buildings include.

ALLEY An alley is a narrow lane for pedestrians or service that runs between or
behind buildings. Alleys used to be planned into cities for trash access, deliveries,
electrical, plumbing, and mechanical services, fire engines, and for parking.

ALTER OR ALTERATIONS process of altering something the dress

needs alteration for a proper fit.: The state of being altered. 2: the result of changing
or altering something: such as a change made in fitting a garment no charge
for alterations.

APARTMENT a room or set of rooms fitted especially with housekeeping facilities

and usually leased as a dwelling.

APARTMENT HOUSE also called apartment block, or block of

flats, building containing more than one dwelling unit, most of which are designed for
domestic use, but sometimes including shops and other non-residential features.

ARCADE A roofed passageway of a building, covered pedestrian passage or

covered sidewalk built as protection for pedestrians against rain or sun.

ASSEMBLY BUILDING OR HALL A building or a portion of a building used for the

gathering of a group of fifty or more persons.

ATTIC STOREY Any storey situated wholly or partly in a roof, so designed, arranged
or built as to be used for any occupancy or habitation.

AWNING A fixed or moveable protective covering or protection over a window or

entrance door.

BACKING The surface or assembly to which veneer is attached.

BALCONY A platform projecting from a wall protective railing around its periphery.
Also, an elevated tier of seats over an assembly hall, the lowest part of which is
raised 1.20 m. or more above the level of the main floor.

BALCONY EXTERIOR EXIT A landing or porch projecting from the wall of a building

which serves as a means of egress. The open area above the guardrail shall remain
open so as to prevent the accumulation of smoke or toxic gas.

BASEMENT A storey of a building below the ground floor level or grade.

BASEMENT OR CELLAR A basement is the floor of a building which is partly or

entirely below ground level. A cellar is a room below ground level in a house that is
often only used for storing wine or coal; it is used for a specific purpose. A cellar is
often a smaller space than a basement.

BAY OR PANEL The intervals or spaces between two adjacent pillars, columns, or
buttresses into which the building front is divided.

BOARDING HOUSE are buildings containing several similarly furnished and fully
equipped apartments. They differ from apartment hotels in that they can often be

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rented for a longer period of time. Boarding houses offer residents a washing

machine in the apartments or the building, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.

BOILER ROOM Any room containing a steam or hot water boiler.

BUIDABLE AREA The remaining space in a lot after deducting the required
minimum open spaces for light and ventilation.

BUILDING a structure (such as a house, hospital, school, etc.) with a roof and walls
that is used as a place for people to live, work, do activities, store things, etc. : the act
or process of making structures by putting together materials.

BUILDING FOOTPRINT Conventionally in construction the building footprint is the

area of a building measured from the outer surface of the exterior of
the building multiplied by the depth measured in the same manner to give a square
area.

BUILDING HEIGHT means the average maximum vertical height of a building or

structure measured at a minimum of three equidistant points from finished grade to
the highest point on the building or structure along each building elevation.

BUILDING LENGTH a building means a building's greatest horizontal distance or

dimension.

BUILDING WIDTH Lot width means the distance on a horizontal plane between the

side lot lines of a lot, measured at right angles to the line establishing the lot depth at
the established building setback line. Lot width categories are determined by a range
of plus or minus 1.0m.

CANOPY a suspended covering over a window opening or entrance door.

CARPORT an open car shelter.

CASING a wood, metal or plastic covering or trim around the door or window frame.

CONDOMINIUM a cooperative apartment building owned jointly by each occupant

built on a common lot.

COPING the material or units to form or serve as a cop or finish on top of a wall, pier,
parapet or pilaster.

CORROSION (RESISTENT) PROOF is the ability to prevent environmental

deterioration by chemical or electro-chemical reaction. Desirable characteristics
of corrosion-resistant alloys, therefore, include high resistance to overall reactions
within the specific environment.

COURSE a continuous horizontal layer of masonry units.

COURT an unoccupied space enclosed by buildings and lot lines other than a yard;
free, open, and unobstructed clear area of any appendages from the ground upward.

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DISPERAL AREA (SAFE) an area adjacent to an airfield runway connected to the

runway by taxi strips and used for parking airplanes in widely separated positions to
protect them from enemy air attacks.

DWELLING is a self-contained unit of accommodation used by one or more

households as a home - such as a house, apartment, mobile home, houseboat,
vehicle, or other "substantial" structure.

EAVES the lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall.

EXIT a way out, especially of a public building, room, or passenger vehicle.

EXIT, FIRE a means of exiting a building in the event of fire. You're not allowed to put
anything in front of this door as it is a fire exit.

EASEMENT An easement is a no possessory right to use and/or enter onto the real
property of another without possessing it. It is "best typified in the right of way which
one landowner, A, may enjoy over the land of another, B".

EXIT COURTS a yard or court providing safe egress to a public way for one or more
exits.

EXIT (HORIZONTAL) WAY In essence, the horizontal exit is an exit that allows

occupants to egress from one side of a building to another side through a fire-
resistance-rated assembly, such as a fire wall or fire barrier.

EXIT PASSAGE An exit passageway is defined as “an exit component that is

separated from other interior spaces of a building or structure by fire- resistance-rated
construction and opening protective, and provides for a protected path of egress
travel in a horizontal direction to an exit or to the exit discharge.”

FACING any masonry, forming an integral part of a wall used as a finished surface to
veneer or wainscot.

FAÇADE front of or exterior appearance of the building.

FIREBRICK a brick capable of withstanding intense heat, used especially to line

furnaces and fireplaces.

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Photos Courtesy of Michael Petrus

FIRECLAY clay capable of withstanding high temperatures, chiefly used for making
firebricks.

FIRE SEPARATION (WALL) is the method for protecting buildings from the spread
of fire into adjoining areas for designated time periods by the introduction
of fire resisting walls, floors, doors, ducts and so on. These constructions divide the
building into distinct fire zones called 'fire compartments'.

FIREWALL is a network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network
traffic and permits or blocks data packets based on a set of security rules.

ROW HOUSE one of a row of houses having uniform, or nearly uniform, plans and

fenestration and usually having a uniform architectural treatment, as in
certain housing developments. a house having at least one side wall in common with
a neighboring dwelling.

FIRE- RESISTIVE RATING DEFINED

Fire-resistive rating means the degree to which a material can withstand fire as
determined by generally recognized and accepted testing methods.

FIRE- RESISTIVE TIME PERIOD RATING

Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of time a material can withstand being
burned which may be one- hour, two- hours, four- hours, etc.

FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS
All materials of construction and type of materials and assemblies or combinations
thereof shall conform to the following fire-resistive ratings:

Note: For other provisions of the code please refer to this link www.academia.edu and
united.architects.org

Lesson 3: National Structural Code of the Philippines

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 10 meet these needs through various model codes/regulations, generally
from the United States, to 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 usc of new materials and new
building designs. Also, this code OCC is the latest seismic design practice for
earthquake resistant structures.

Chapter I - General Requirements. The following changes are made in this code:

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Section 103 - Classification of Buildings School buildings of more than one storey,
hospitals and designated evacuation centers are added under the essential
facilities category.
Section 104 - Design Requirements
Deflection of any structural member under the serviceability requirement is
deleted. For concrete and steel materials see Chapter 4 and 5 respectively;
new requirements are added to the design review section.
3Section 105 - Posting and Instrumentation
The provision of installed recording accelerograph is adjusted.

Chapter 2 - Minimum Design Loads. The changes made in this code arc as follows:

Sect ion 203 - Combination of Loads

The load factor values on wind 10"d5 are adjusted together with the inclusion
of rain loads.
Section 205 - Live Loads
Additional loads are incorporated in the table for minimum uniform and
concentrated loads.
Section 207 - Wind Loads
Wind load provisions, which were previously based on ASCE7-95. are
updated by the introduction of the Wind Directionality Factor, Kd , based on
ASCE7-05. The ANSI ElAfTIA-222-G is also referenced for wind loads on
antennas.
Equations for the gust effect factors for both rigid and flexible structures are
introduced. These include the gust effect factor for antennas. transmission
and latticed towers. poles/posts. masts and transmission lines based on
ASCE Manual of Practice No.74 (Guidelines for Electrical Transmission Line
Structural Loading).
New formulas are also introduced for the natural frequency and damping ratio.
Section 208 _ . Earthquake Loads
Basically , there are no major changes on the earth quake provisions due to
the availability of Phivolcs-issued spectral acceleration maps for all areas in
the Philippines. However, ASCE/SEI7-05 is recognized as an alternative
procedure in the determination of the earthquake loads.
Section 210 and Section 211 - Environmental Loads
New sections on rain loads and flood loads are added.

Chapter 3: Specification for Excavations and Geo materials. The revisions made in
this updated code arc as follows:

Section 3.I Provisions pertaining to the conduct and interpretation of foundation

investigations for cases involving liquefiable. expansive or questionable soils
arc adopted;
Section 3.2 The section on footings is amended 10 incorporate provisions for
differential settlement. design loads and vibratory loads;
Section 3.3 The section on pile foundations is amended to incorporate new provisions
on splicing of concrete piles; and
Section 3.4 The section on special foundations, slope stabilization and materials of

14
 Building System Design

construction arc added.

Chapter 4: Structural Concrete. The revisions made in this updated code are as
follows:

Section 40 I - Genera l Requirements: Design requirements for earthquake-resistant

structures are updated based on ACI 318-08M which mentions the "Seismic
Design Categories (SDCs)" of ASCEISEI 7-05. However. in the absence of
Phlvolcs-issued spectral acceleration maps for all areas in the Philippines, the
seismic loading procedures based on ASCE/SEI 7-05 is adopted as an
alternative procedure (see Section 208- 11). Therefore. based on the
Commentary of ACI 318·08. Seismic Zone 2 (lIB ( 7) was adopted in lieu 0 1"
SDC C (ASCE/SEI 7-()5). Similarly, Seismic ZOIlC 4 is adopted in lieu 0 1"
SDC, D, '" and F;
Section 403 - Materials: New requirements for headed shear stud reinforcement,
headed deformed bars, and stainless steel bars are given with appropriate
references to ASTM standards;
Section 404 ~ Durability Requirement: Exposure categories and classes,
requirements or concrete by exposure class arc adopted to replace the many
tables of durability requirements in Section 404, making it easier to clearly
specify the intended application;
Section 405 - Concrete Quality, Mixing, and Placing: The use of three 100 mm x 200
mm cylinders is adopted as equivalent to the usc of two 150 mill x 300 mm
cylinders for determining concrete compressive strength. Due to concern that
material properties may change with time, a 12-11l0nth limit is set on historical
data used to qualify mixture proportions and flexural test performance criteria
are added to qualify the use of steel fiber - reinforced concrete as a
replacement for minimum shear reinforcement;
Section 407 - Details of Reinforcement: To avoid the misconception that there is no
minus tolerance on cover values given in the code, "minimum cover" is
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 are required to pass through the
column core; and requirements for transverse reinforcement confining
structural integrity reinforcement in perimeter beams are clarified;
Section 408 - Analysis and Design - General Considerations: Provisions arc modified
10 allow redistribution of positive moments; and a simple modeling procedure
for evaluation of lateral displacements is added;
Section 409 ~ Strength and Serviceability Requirements: Strength reduction factors
for compression-controlled sections (other structural members) is reduced
from 0.70 to 0.65, and shear and torsion for shear walls and frames in Seismic
Zone 4 is reduced from 0.85 to 0.75, bearing on concrete (except for post-
tensioning anchorage zones) is reduced from 0.70 to 0.65. Strength reduction
factors for strut-and-tie models, flexural sections in pretensioned members,
are also added;

15
 Building System Design

Section 410 - Flexure and Axial Loads: The section on slenderness effects is
reorganized to recognize computer analysis techniques as the primary
method of evaluating second order effects:
Section 411 ~ Shear and Torsion: Code requirements are added to permit the list of
headed stud assemblies as shear reinforcement for slabs and footings.
The nominal shear strength is permitted (0 be larger for headed stud
assemblies than for other forms of slab and footing shear reinforcement; more
stringent limits are placed on the depths of beams that are exempted from the
requirement for minimum shear reinforcement; a new limit 011 the depth of
hollow core units for which minimum shear reinforcement could be waived is
established; steel fiber-reinforced concrete is added as an alternative to
minimum shear reinforcement: and the upper limit on shear friction strength is
significantly increased for monolithically placed concrete and concrete placed
against intentionally roughened concrete;
Section 412 - Development and Splices of Reinforcement: Provisions are added for
the development length of headed deformed bars; splice length when splicing
bars with different sizes is addressed; and a coating factor of 1.0 for
galvanized reinforcement is added;
Section 413 - Two-Way Slab Systems: Dimension limits are added for the use of
shear caps; and alternative corner reinforcement arrangement is added for
two-way slabs supported of edge beams or walls;
Section 414 . - Walls: Design provisions for slender wall panels are modified to be
more
consistent with the methods used in design practice;
Section 418 - Prestressed Concrete: The allowable concrete compression stress
immediately after prestress transfer is increased; and requirements for
structural integrity steel in two-way unbondcd post-tensioned slab systems are
modified;
Section 4.20 - Strength Evaluation of Existing Structures: Load factors for
determining
the required test load are modified to reflect typical modern load
combinations;
Section 421 - Earthquake-Resistant Structures: This section presents the
requirements for Seismic Resistant Design from ASCEISEI 7-05, but instead
of using the Seismic Design Categories of ASCESEI 7-05, the equivalent
Seismic Zones as per UBC 1997 are specified. Also, new design
requirements are added for such seismic zones; newdetailing option is added
for diagonally reinforced coupling beams; design yield strength for
confinement reinforcement is raised to 690 MPa to help reduce congestion;
and boundary element confinement requirements is relaxed;
Section 423 - Anchoring to Concrete: Use of reinforcement in the vicinity of anchors
and ductility requirements for anchors in seismic zones arc clarified.
Section 425 - Alternative Provisions for Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete
Flexural
and Compression Members: Revisions in Appendix B of ACI 318-08M is
adopted;
Section 426 - Alternative Load and Strength Reduction Factors: Revisions in
Appendix

16
 Building System Design

C of ACI 318-08M is adopted; and

Section 427 - Strut-and-tie Models: Appendix A of ACI 318-08M is adopted in its
entirety.

Chapter 5: Structural Steel. The revisions made in this updated code are as follows:

Section 5.1 Adopted is an integrated treatment of the Allowable Stress Design (ASD)
and the Load and Resistance Factor Design (L...RFD) such that the earlier
Specification that treated only the ASD method is retained;
c.2 In lieu of the previous method of analysis, a new method (Direct Analysis
Method) is adopted: and
Section 5.2 The cold formed steel design for building systems and structural
members are included. The chapter on steel design from NSCP 2001 which
covered Allowable Working Stress Design (ASD) is fully updated (0 address
usage, advances in the state of knowledge, and changes in design practice.

Chapter 6: Wood

Section 6.I The provisions in this chapter arc refined to incorporate local practices
and
corrections in the previous version of the code (NSCP 2(01). Referrals arc
made to the NSCP 2010 Vol. III on Housing for relevant provisions concerning
single-family dwellings / low-cost housing;
Section 6.2 Tables from the previous version of NSCP 2001 including the Table
containing specie design information are amended to incorporate the latest
updated information/ list of wood species as provided by the Forest Products
Research and Development Institute (FPRDl);
Section 6.3 A provision that limit the use of wood shear walls and diaphragms is
added;
and
Section 6.4 A section for Machine Graded Lumber (MGL) is included.

Chapter 7: Masonry

Section 7.1 The provisions in this chapter are refined to include local practices and
corrections from the previous version of the code (NSCP 2001); referrals are
made to the NSCP 2010 Vol. III on Housing for relevant provisions concerning
single-family dwellings / low-cost housing;
Section 7.2 Recycled aggregates are defined and provided;
Section 7.3 A section for Seismic Design is added; and
Section 7.4 Additional sections each for Masonry Fireplaces and Masonry Chimneys
are included.

Note: Visit this link for more readings www.scribd.com national structural code of the philippines

Lesson 4: Electrical Code of the Philippines

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 Building System Design

The new edition of the PEC 2017 was based on the 2017 National Electrical Code.
The primary objective of the code is to establish basic materials quality and electrical
works standards for the safe use of electricity for light, heat, power communications,
signalling and for other purposes.

Note: Visit this link for more readings www.electricalengineeringresources.com or www.academia.edu national
electrical code of the philippines

Lesson 5: Fire Code of the Philippines

This IRR shall be interpreted in the light of the Declaration of Policy found in Section
2 of the Code: “It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote economic
development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds, of destructive fires,
and promote the professionalization of the fire service as a profession. Towards this
end, the State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure adherence to
standard fire prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire
protection and prevention service.”

RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES SECTION 10.2.12.1 CLASSIFICATION

A. Residential occupancies shall include all occupancies so classified in Division 3 of

this IRR. They shall be classified in the following groups, subject to determination by
the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized representative.

B. Hotels – includes buildings or groups of building under the same management in

which there are more than fifteen (15) sleeping accommodations for hire, primarily
used by transients who are lodged with or without meals, whether designated as a
hotel, inn, motel, or by any other name. So-called appartelle, condotel or pension
houses shall be classified as hotels, because they are potentially subject to transient
170 occupancy like that of hotels.

C. Dormitories – includes buildings where group sleeping accommodation are

provided for persons, not members of the same family group in one room or in series
of closely associated room under joint occupancy and single management, as in
college dormitories, convents, fraternity houses, military barracks, and the like.

D. Apartment Buildings – includes buildings containing three (3) or more living units
independent cooking and bathroom facilities, whether designated as condominium,
row house, apartment house, tenement, garden apartment, or by any other name.

E. Lodging or Rooming Houses – includes building in which separate sleeping rooms

are rented providing sleeping accommodations for a total of fifteen (15) or less
persons, on either a transient or permanent basis; with or without meals, but without
separate cooking facilities for individual occupants.

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 Building System Design

F. Single-and-Two Family Dwellings – includes detached dwellings in which each

living unit is occupied by members of a single family.

SECTION 10.2.12.2 REQUIREMENTS

A. Occupant Load The occupant load of residential occupancies in number of

persons for whom exits are to be provided except in detached single-and-two-family
dwellings shall be determined on the basis of one (1) person per eighteen and six-
tenths square meters (18.6 m2) gross floor area, or the maximum probable
population of any room or section under consideration, whichever is greater. The
occupant load of any open mezzanine or balcony shall be added to the occupant load
of the floor below for the purpose of determining exit capacity.

B. Capacity of Exits Capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with Section

10.2.5.2 paragraph “C” of this IRR. C. Maintenance of Exits

1. No door in any means of egress shall be locked against egress when the
building is occupied.

2. No residential occupancy shall have its means of egress pass through any
non-residential occupancy in the same building, except in buildings provided with
approved, supervised sprinkler system provided that the means of egress shall not
pass through a high hazard content 171 area as determined by the City/Municipal
Fire Marshal having jurisdiction and the means of egress shall be separated by a
construction of not less than 1 hour.

3. No guest room or guest suite shall be permitted to be located above a non-

residential occupancy except when the guest room or guest suite and its exits are
separated from the non-residential occupancy by construction having a fire resistance
rating of not less than 1 hour or when the non-residential occupancy is protected
throughout by approved, supervised sprinkler system.

SECTION 10.2.12.3 HOTELS AND DORMITORIES

A. Requirements

1. Any ballroom assembly or exhibition hall, and other space used for purposes of
public assembly shall be in accordance, with Division 7 of this Chapter.
Restaurant having a capacity of fifty (50) or more persons shall be treated as
places of assembly.

2. Any dormitory divided into suites of rooms, with one or more bedrooms opening
into a living room or study that has a door opening into a common corridor
serving number of suites, shall be classified as an apartment building.

B. Exit Details

1. Requirements

a. Any room having a capacity of less than fifty (50) persons with an outside
door at street or ground level may have such outside door as a single exit

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 Building System Design

provided that no part of the room or area is more than fifteen and one-fourth
meters (15.25 m) from the door measured along the natural path of travel.

b. Any floor below the floor of exit discharge occupied for public purposes
shall have exits arranged in accordance with the subsequent paragraph of this
Section, with access thereto in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 of this IRR.

c. Any floor below the floor of exit discharge not open to the public and used
only for mechanical equipment, storage, and service operations (other than
kitchens which are considered part of the hotel occupancy) shall have exits
appropriate to its actual occupancy in accordance with applicable sections of
this code.

d. The same stairway or other exit required to serve any one upper floor may
also serve other upper floor, except that no inside open stairway, escalator, or
ramp may serve as a required egress from more than one floor.

2. Types of Exits, arranged in accordance with Division 5 of this Chapter, shall be one
or more of the following types:

a. Doors, provided that doors in any means of egress shall not be locked
against egress when the building is occupied. Delayed egress locks may be
permitted, provided that not more than one such is located in any one egress
path.
b. Stairs and smokeproof enclosures.
c. Ramps.
d. Horizontal exits.

3. Minimum Corridor Width Corridors, other than those in within individual guest
rooms or individual guest suites, shall be of sufficient width to accommodate
the required occupant load and shall not be less than one hundred twelve
centimeters (112 cm).

4. Number of Exits Not less than two (2) exits shall be accessible from every floor,
including floors below the floor of exit discharge and occupied for public
purposes.

5. Travel Distance to Exits a. Any exit shall be such that it will not be necessary to
travel more than thirty meters (30 m) from the door of any room to reach the
nearest exit. b. Travel distance within a guest room or guest suite to a corridor
door shall not exceed twenty three meters (23 m) in buildings not protected by
an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system. c. Travel distance within
a guest room or guest suite to a corridor door shall not exceed thirty eight
meters (38 m) in buildings protected by an approved, supervised sprinkler
system. 173

6. Access to and Arrangement of Exits

a. Access to all required exits shall be in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 of

this IRR, shall be unobstructed, and shall not be veiled from open view by
ornamentation, curtain, or other appurtenance.

20
 Building System Design

b. Means of egress shall be so arranged that, from every point in any open
area or from any room door, exits will be accessible in at least two (2) different
directions.

c. Doors between guest rooms and corridors shall be self-closing. d. Common

path of travel shall not exceed ten meters (10 m). e. Dead end corridors shall
not exceed six meters (6 m).

7. Discharge from Exits

a. At least half of the required number of units of exit from upper floors,
exclusive of horizontal exits, shall load directly to the street or through a yard,
court, or passageway with protected openings and separated from all parts of
the interior of the buildings.

b. A maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the exits may discharge through areas
on the floor of exit discharge provided:

i. Such exits discharge to a free and unobstructed way to the exterior

of the building, which way is readily visible and identifiable from the
point of discharge from the exit.

ii. The floor of discharge into which the exit discharge is provided with
automatic fire suppression system and any other portion of the level of
discharge with access to the discharge area is provided with automatic
fire suppression system or separated from it in accordance with the
requirements for the enclosure of exit. (See Section 10.2.5.2 of this
IRR),

iii. The entire area on the floor of discharge is separated from areas
below by construction having a minimum fire-resistance rating of two
(2) hours.

8. Lighting and Signs

a. Each public space, hallway, stairway, or other means of egress shall have
illumination in accordance with Section 10.2.5.11 of this IRR. Access to exit
shall be continuously illuminated at all times. Any hotel and dormitory shall
have emergency lighting installed in individual guest rooms or guest suites,
hallways, landings of stairways and other appropriate areas as determined by
the C/MFM having jurisdiction. 174

b. Every exit access door from public hallways or from corridors on floors with
sleeping accommodations shall have an illuminated sign in accordance with
Section 10.2.5.12 of this IRR. Where exits are not visible in a hallway or
corridor, illuminated directional signs shall be provided to indicate the direction

C. Protection

1. Protection of Vertical Openings

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 Building System Design

a. Every stairway, elevator shaft and other vertical openings shall be enclosed
or protected in accordance with Section 10.2.6.2 of this IRR.

b. Any required exit stair which is so located that it is necessary to pass

through the lobby or other open space to reach the outside of the building
shall be continuously enclosed down to the lobby level.

c. No floor below the floor of exit discharge, used only for storage, heating
requirements, or other than hotel occupancy open to guest or the public, shall
have unprotected openings to floors used for hotel purposes.

2. Protection of Guest Rooms

a. In any new hotel building every corridor shall be separated from guest
rooms by partitions having at least a one (1) hour fire resistance rating.

b. Each guest room shall be provided with a door having a fire protection
rating
at least twenty (20) minutes.
c. Openings in corridor partitions other than door openings shall be prohibited.
d. Doors that open directly onto exit access corridors shall be self-closing and
self-latching.

3. Interior Finish Interior finish, in accordance with Section 10.2.6.3 of this IRR and
subject to the limitations and modifications therein specified, shall be as follows:

a. For new construction or new Interior Finish

i. Exits – Class A or Class B;

ii. Lobbies, corridors – Class A or Class B; 175
iii. Places of assembly – See Section 10.2.8.1 of this IRR;
iv. Individual guest rooms – B, or C; and

b. Existing Interior Finish

i. Exits – Class A or B;
ii. Lobbies and Corridors;
ii.a. Used as exit access – Class A or B
ii.b. Not used as required exit access – Class A, B or C
iii. Places of Assembly – See Section 10.2.8.16 of this IRR;
iv. Individual guest rooms – Class A, B or C; and v. Other rooms –
Class
A, B or C.

4. Fire Detection and Alarm System

a. An automatic fire detection and alarm system, in accordance with Section

10.2.6.4 of this IRR, shall be provided for any hotel or dormitory having
accommodations for fifteen (15) or more guests. For less than 15 guests, a
manual fire alarm system shall be installed.

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 Building System Design

b. Every sounding device shall be of such character and so located as to

arouse all occupants of the building or section thereof endangered by fire.

c. An alarm-sending station and manual fire alarm box shall be provided at the
hotel desk or other convenient central control point under continuous
supervision of responsible employees.

d. Suitable facilities shall be provided for immediate notification of the BFP.

e. Positive fire alarm sequence may be permitted.

f. Hotels and dormitories including its guest rooms and guests suites shall be
required to be equipped with both audible and visible notification appliance.

g. In hotels and dormitories not equipped with automatic fire detection and
alarm system, guest rooms, living area and sleeping rooms within a guest
suite shall be installed with single-station smoke detectors.

5. Extinguishing Requirements

a. All buildings shall be protected throughout by an approve, supervised

sprinkler system except in buildings where all guest sleeping rooms or guest
suites have a door opening directly outside at the street or grade level or
exterior exit access arranged in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 of this IRR
in buildings up to and including three (3) storeys in height.

b. Listed quick response or listed residential sprinklers shall be used

throughout guest rooms and guest room suites.

c. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in accordance with Section

10.2.6.7 of this IRR.

6. Subdivision of Building Spaces

a. In buildings not protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler

system, each hotel guest room, including guest suites, and dormitory rooms
shall be separated from other guest rooms or dormitory rooms by walls and
floors having fire resistance ratings of not less than one (1) hour.

b. In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic

sprinkler system, each hotel guest room, including guest suites, and dormitory
room shall be separated from other guest rooms or dormitory rooms by walls
and floors constructed a fire barriers having fire resistance ratings of not less
than one half (½) hour.

7. Hazardous Areas

23
 Building System Design

a. Any room containing high pressure boilers, refrigerating machinery,

transformers, or other service equipment to possible explosion shall not be
located directly under or directly adjacent to exits. All such rooms shall be
effectively cut off from other parts of the building as specified in Section
10.2.6.8 of this IRR.

b. Every hazardous area shall be separated from other parts of the building by
construction having a fire-resistance rating of at least one (1) hour and
communicating openings shall be protected by approved automatic or self-
closing fire doors, or such area shall be equipped with automatic fire
suppression system. Where a hazard is high as determined by the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction, both fire-resistive construction
and automatic fire suppression system shall be used. Hazardous areas
include, but are not limited to:

i. Boiler and heater rooms

ii. Laundries
iii. Repair shops
iv. Rooms or spaces used storage of combustible supplies and
equipment in quantified deemed hazardous by the City/Municipal Fire
Marshal having jurisdiction.

D. Building Service Equipment

1. Air-Conditioning and Ventilation

a. Every air conditioning installation shall comply with Division 7 of this

Chapter.

b. No transom/windowpane shall be installed in partition of sleeping rooms in

new buildings. In existing buildings transoms shall be fixed in the closed
position and shall be covered or otherwise protected to provide a fire-
resistance rating at least equivalent to that of the wall in which they are
installed.

2. All other building services equipment installed or used in hotels and dormitories
shall comply with Division 7 of this Chapter

Lesson 6: National Plumbing Code

Water plays an important part in the plumbing system. It is a common, but in many
ways, an unusual liquid. Large quantities of water are required in buildings for
personal use, food preparation, cleaning and general domestic purposes, and
possibly also for firefighting, laundries, swimming pools, irrigation and recreational
use. We sometimes tend to think of water as an inexhaustible natural resource.

24
 Building System Design

However, our supply of fresh water is definitely limited, and improved conservation
practices are necessary if our needs are to be supplied.

THE BASIC PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

1. All premises intended for human use or habitation shall be provided with a supply
of pure and wholesome water, neither connected to unsafe water supply nor subject
to backflow or back- siphonage.

2. Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in

sufficient volume and pressure adequate to function satisfactorily and without undue
noise.

3. Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water
consistent with proper performance and cleaning.

4. Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and installed as to
prevent dangers from explosion through overheating.

5. Every building abutting on a street, alley or easement with a public sewer shall
connect its plumbing fixtures to the sewer system.

6. Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one water closet, one kitchen type
sink, a lavatory and a bathtub or shower to meet the basic requirements of sanitation
and personal hygiene.

7. Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material, free from

concealed fouling surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.

8. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintained to safeguard

against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate cleanouts so arranged
that the pipes may be readily cleaned.

9. All piping shall be of durable NAMPAP-approved materials, free from defective

workmanship, designed and constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure
satisfactory service.

10. Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a
water-sealed trap.

11. The drainage pipes piping system shall be designed to provide adequate
circulation of air free from siphonage, aspiration or forcing of trap seals under
ordinary use.

12. Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to prevent clogging and
the return of foul air to the building.

13. Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectively disclose all leaks
and defects in the workmanship.

25
 Building System Design

14. Substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the
pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall not be
allowed to enter the building drainage system.

15. Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water,

sterile goods and similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the
fixture, device or appliance shall be connected indirectly with the building drainage
system.

16. No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properly
lighted and ventilated.

17. If there is no sewer system in the area, suitable provision shall be made for the
disposal of building sewage by some accepted method of sewage treatment and
disposal, such as a septic tank.

18. Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject to backflow of sewage,

suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.

19. Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition by Registered

Master Plumbers.

20. All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to be accessible for their
intended use.

21. Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to the preservation of the strength of
structural members and the prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces
through fixture usage.

22. Sewage or other waste from plumbing systems, which may be deleterious to
surface or sub-surface waters shall not be discharged into the ground or into any
waterway, unless first rendered innocuous through subjection to some acceptable
form of treatment.

Worksheet 1

Name: ___________________________________ Course, Year & Section:

_______________
Address:__________________________________________ Contact
No.______________
Unit 1. Codes and Regulations

26
 Building System Design

Read and understand the following questions. Answer briefly and

comprehensively. Write your answers on A4 size bond paper
Exercise No. 1
1. Describe the provisions of the code for the following:
a. Section105, 707 and section 806 of the National Building Code of the
Philippines
b. General provisions on Occupancy Groupings and Types of
Construction of the Architectural Code
c. Section 205, 207 and section 208 of the National Structural Code of the
Philippines
d. Exits requirements of the Fire Code
2. Draw a plan and apply the most important provisions of the code to your
design. Limit your design to a 3-storey commercial building with floor
dimensions of 12 meters by 20 meters. The plan will include the following:
a. Floor plan
b. Elevations

27