Restatex Jeddah 2024, hosted a session on “Saudi Building Code and Building Safety”, to introduce building occupancies, the building code system and its role in the safety and sustainability of buildings, presented by the Secretary General of the Committee, Engineer Saad bin Saleh bin Sha'il.
According to Engineer Sha'il, the Saudi Building Code plays a pivotal role in organizing engineering and construction work, as the code aims to enhance public safety and ensure the sustainability of buildings, by applying strict standards that protect lives and property.
According to Engineer Sha'il, the Saudi Building Code plays a pivotal role in organizing engineering and construction work. <The Saudi Building Code provides an integrated set of building-related requirements and executive regulations that are mandatory for engineers and contractors to ensure the safety of lives and protection of property. These requirements include standards related to design, implementation and operation, in addition to responding to the risks of earthquakes, wind, natural disasters, and even fires. <Engineer Saad bin Saleh bin Sha'il explained the main objectives of the code: Among the main objectives of applying the code:
- Safety of life and protection of property: Preserving lives in buildings and stabilizing structures during and after construction.
- Improving the efficiency and sustainability of buildings: Through inspections during construction and using the right materials in the right ways.
- Improving the efficiency and sustainability of buildings.
- Rationalize the consumption of natural resources: Especially water and energy, in accordance with the local environment in Saudi Arabia.
Training and qualification:
In collaboration with organizations such as the Board of Engineers and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the code contributes to the training and qualification of engineers and construction workers to ensure that it is applied to the highest standards.
Building Code Editions:
<Approximately 14 editions of the Saudi Building Code have been issued, including SBC 201, which is one of the most important codes in the system. The Saudi Building Code is characterized by its comprehensiveness, as it covers structural aspects, fire protection, health codes, electricity, and energy conservation.
International references:
<The Saudi Building Code is based on international references, most notably the International Code Council (ICC), an American reference adopted by the Saudi Council of Ministers as a basic reference. In addition, other references include the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and the American Concrete Institute.Importance of the code for new and existing buildings:
The code applies to new buildings, covering all stages of construction from design and implementation to operation and maintenance. For existing buildings, it requires application during renovation, expansion, modification, and even change of occupancy use.
The code also regulates the relationship between the building and the occupant. The code also regulates the professional relationship between the various parties working in the construction sector, including contractors, supervising and designing engineering offices, and even owners, to ensure that everyone adheres to the responsibilities and powers granted to them.
The Saudi Building Code emphasizes the importance of applying strict standards to ensure the long-term safety and stability of buildings, while adhering to digital transformation and global standards in this field.
The Saudi Building Code emphasizes the importance of applying strict standards to ensure the long-term safety and stability of buildings, while adhering to digital transformation and global standards in this field.
