Fire Safety - Structure
1.0.1 Aims
The intention of this section is to ensure that the structure of a building is safe.
The safety of a structure depends on several factors and the following criteria
are relevant in all cases:
a. the nature of the ground;
b. loading;
c. materials;
d. structural analysis;
e. details of construction;
f. safety factors.
Loads used in structural calculations should take account of possible dynamic,
concentrated and the peak load effects that may occur.
Fitness and durability of materials and workmanship is covered by Regulation 8
of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and the associated
guidance is contained in section 0.
1.0.2 Latest changes
The following is a summary of the changes that have been introduced since
the between 1st May 2005 and 31st March 2006.
1.1.1 updated references to British Standards
1.2.1 updated references to British Standards
1.0.3 Alternative approaches
Where alternative approaches to the structural design are proposed other than
using the guidance contained in this section, the structural design should take
account of all of the factors identified in clause 1.0.1 above. For example, care
should be taken where alternative numerical values are placed on factors of
safety as this may have a detrimental affect on the overall stability of the
structure.
As part of the European Union’s desire to remove technical barriers to trade, a
series of European Codes of Practice in the field of civil and structural
engineering is being published by CEN, the Standards body for Europe. Like
other harmonised European standards, each member of the European Union
can set their own “nationally determined parameters”. This means that the use
of Structural Eurocodes within the United Kingdom should only be considered
as an alternative to the traditional British Standards where the “National Annex”
which contains these parameters, has been agreed and published.
There will be a period of transition during which time Structural Eurocodes and
national codes (e.g. British Standards) should be considered equally
acceptable. This period of co-existence should last not more than 5 years from
the date the last package of standards (i.e. concrete, steel, timber, masonry
etc) is made available from CEN to the British Standards Institution. This is
known as ‘the date of availability’ and on expiry of the 5 year period from this
date, it is expected that the existing national standards will be withdrawn.
For more detailed guidance on the use of Eurocodes, see ‘Implementation of
Structural Eurocodes in the UK’ (February 2003) produced by the Office of the
Deputy Prime Minister on behalf of the United Kingdom.