What is BS 8103-1- Structural design of low-rise buildings about?
BS 8103-1 is the first part of the multi-series that outlines best practices for ensuring the structure's safety and soundness.
BS 8103-1 gives recommendations for the structural design of low-rise housing and covers the stability of the structure, site investigation, and foundations and ground floor slabs used in the construction. Foundations comprising strip footings or trench fill found in the normal ground are the only type described.
Note: BS 8103-1 does not include the design of basements but, providing the basement is of one level only and is designed to provide a firm platform at ground level, the provisions of this standard may apply to the superstructure.
Note: Proprietary housing systems and houses of timber, steel or concrete framed construction is not covered by BS 8103-1.
Note: The structural design recommendations described in BS 8103-1 are not specifically intended to cover other considerations such as fire resistance, thermal and sound insulation, resistance to damp penetration, and durability.
Note: Where foundations other than those given in item h) have been designed by suitably qualified persons, the remainder of the building may be constructed in accordance with the relevant clauses of this standard.
Who is BS 8103-1- Structural design of low-rise buildings for?
BS 8103-1 on the structural design of low-rise buildings is relevant to:
- Consulting and design engineers
- Architects
- Product managers
- The construction industry
- Site investigators
- Materials producers
- Ground engineering/foundations experts
Why should you use BS 8103-1- Structural design of low-rise buildings?
Structural design is the methodical analysis of a structure's stability, strength, and rigidity. The primary goal of structural analysis and design is to create a structure that can withstand all applied loads without failing during its specified life.
BS 8103-1 provides the most up-to-date structural design recommendations for the construction of low-rise housing, comprising detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses and flats (with not more than four self-contained dwelling units per floor accessible from one staircase), of not more than three stories above ground intended for domestic occupation and of traditional masonry construction with timber roofs and floors of timber or concrete.
For the purposes of BS 8103-1, additional habitable accommodation in the roof space constitutes a story of the house. The recommendations also apply to certain single-story, non-residential buildings, e.g., domestic garages and annexes to residential buildings with a floor area not exceeding 36 m2. basement is of one level only and is designed to provide a firm platform at ground level, the provisions may apply to the superstructure.
Overall, BS 8103-1 plays a positive role in the structural integrity of low-rise buildings, ensuring that risk of collapse, foundational instability and hazards are avoided.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS 8103-1:2011 supersedes BS 8103-1:1995 and BS 8103-4:1995, which are withdrawn.
BS 8103-1:2011 has been fully revised by experts to bring it up to date with technological developments and industry best practices. The other two revised parts of the code of practice are:
Part 2: Code of practice for masonry walls for housing
Part 3: Code of practice for timber floors and roofs for housing
