Standards · Design principles · Professional development · Practical applications · 7 Things Every BC Engineer Must Know About the EGBC Retaining Wall Guidelines

When a new set of professional practice guidelines drops, our first thought isn’t always, “Great, more reading!” But when it comes to retaining walls in British Columbia, ignoring the rulebook isn’t an option. These aren’t just gentle suggestions; they are the standard of practice we, as Registrants of Engineers and Geoscientists BC, are required to have regard for.

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Standards · Design principles · Practical applications · Professional development · Decoding the NBCC Wind Commentary

Let’s be honest, NBCC Part 4 can be dense. When you get to wind loads in Section 4.1.7, it’s a flurry of equations, factors, and tables. You know the rules are in there, but what about the ‘why’? Why is the gust factor 2.0 for the main system but 2.5 for cladding? When do you really need to jump from the Static to the Dynamic Procedure?

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Standards · Design principles · Materials · Industry insights · Professional development · Practical applications · Navigating Wind & Snow Loads in Part 4 vs. Part 9

If you’re practicing structural engineering in Canada, you know that Mother Nature doesn’t pull any punches. From heavy snowfalls to whipping winds, our designs constantly have to stand up to the elements. The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) gives us the rulebook, but how we apply those rules can differ significantly, especially when we’re talking about Part 4 (Structural Design) versus Part 9 (Housing and Small Buildings).

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Standards · Design principles · Industry insights · Professional development · Tracing the Evolution of NBC Structural Design

Ever wonder how we landed on the structural design provisions we use today in Canada? The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) hasn’t always looked the way it does. It’s a living document, evolving with research, experience, and a continuous drive for safer, more reliable structures.

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