Performance Criteria

Certifiers shall satisfy themselves that adequate measures have been taken to ensure the stability of the building and the stability of any part of another building.

Background

Certifiers shall take particular responsibility for checking the stability of the building. The general concepts necessary to ensure stability are described in the Institution of Structural Engineers publication Stability of Buildings Parts 1 and 2: General philosophy and framed bracing. 

The stability of existing adjacent buildings can be affected if the design and construction of a new building does not take into account any potential impacts on existing buildings. This could lead to a risk of collapse or damage to existing buildings with a consequent risk to public safety.

Particular attention needs to be paid to alterations to existing buildings to ensure that the removal or alteration of a structural element has not reduced the stability of the building to an unacceptable degree.

Guidance

The extent of any stability check will be appropriate to the size and complexity of the structure.

The Certifier should ensure that a statement is prepared describing how the stability of the building will be achieved.

On medium to large projects the Certifier should ensure that a sufficiently detailed analysis of the building under lateral loads is carried out so that the effect on the resisting elements and on the foundations can be assessed.

For minor alterations or small robust single storey domestic extensions a numerical assessment may not be appropriate, in which case the reasons for not undertaking such an assessment shall be included in the stability statement.

When carrying out internal and/or external alterations to an existing building involving the removal of walls, an assessment of the impact on the overall stability of the building, or on adjacent buildings is to be carried out.


Examples of Major Non-conformances

Absence of or grossly inadequate evidence of the Certifier’s review of the measures taken to ensure the stability of the building and the stability of any part of another building

The measures taken to ensure stability of the building clearly do not meet the requirements of the Standards.

Absence of or grossly inadequate statement describing how stability of the building will be achieved.

Absence of or grossly inadequate consideration of the factors that could affect the stability of an adjacent building.

Absence of or grossly inadequate checked calculations, or other justification, showing how the lateral loads will be distributed to the resisting elements.


Examples of Improvement Issues

Insufficient evidence of the Certifier’s review of the measures taken to ensure the stability of the building and the stability of any part of another building

Inadequate statement describing how stability of the building will be achieved.

Inadequate consideration of the factors that could affect the stability of an adjacent building.

Inadequate checked calculations, or other justification, showing how the lateral loads will be distributed to the resisting elements.


March 2022 

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