Here we go again. The first heavy, wet snow of the season is plastering everything in sight, and you get that familiar call from an architect. “We’re looking at a large, flat roof on this new project. What kind of snow load do we need?”
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We need to discuss about something that’s been gaining a lot of traction in our field, especially for those of us dealing with complex structures or designing in areas where Mother Nature likes to throw a curveball (hello, seismic zones!). I’m talking about Performance-Based Design, or PBD.
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We spend a lot of time ensuring our structures are strong enough (hello, ULS!). But what about how they feel and perform day-to-day? That’s where Serviceability Limit States (SLS) come in. Sagging floors, cracked partitions, or that annoying bounce when someone walks by – these are all SLS concerns. The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020 has brought SLS criteria more formally into the main body of the code (Article 4.1.3.4.), underscoring its importance.
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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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Let’s be honest, navigating load combinations can sometimes feel like a complex dance. Get one step wrong, and the whole routine can fall apart. The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020, specifically Article 4.1.3.2. and its associated tables, lays out the choreography for ensuring our structures are safe under various loading scenarios. Whether you’re getting to grips with principal and companion loads or double-checking a tricky overturning case, a solid understanding here is non-negotiable.
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Ever found yourself puzzling over whether a community centre really needs that post-disaster designation? Or wondered how much wiggle room the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) actually has? You’re not alone. The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020 brought some important clarifications and refinements to Importance Categories, and getting them right is crucial for both safety and project viability. This isn’t just about picking a label from a table; it’s about understanding the intent and the real-world implications for your designs.
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Welcome to my structural engineering blog! I’m Arun Kishore, a Structural EIT based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This blog is a space where I plan to document my continuous learning journey, share insights, and discuss the diverse world of structural engineering – from codes and standards to design procedures, innovative ideas, and material-specific topics.
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