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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Standards · Design principles · Mastering NBC 2020 Load Combinations

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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Standards · Design principles · Nailing Importance Categories in NBC 2020

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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