NATIONAL STRUCTURAL CODE
OF THE PHILIPPINES (NSCP)
INTRODUCTION
ASEP recognizes the need for an up-to-date structural code addressing
the design and installation of structural systems through requirements
emphasizing performance.
The new National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP
Volume I) is designed to meet these needs through various model
codes/regulations, generally from the United States, to safeguard the public
health and safety nationwide.
CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 102 - DEFINITIONS
ALTER OR ALTERATION
is any change, addition or modification in construction or
occupancy.
EARTH MATERIAL
is any rock, natural soil or fill or any combination thereof.
EXCAVATION
is the mechanical removal of earth material.
FILL
is a deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.
FINISH GRADE
is the final grade of the site that conforms to the approved
plan.
GENERAL COLLAPSE
is the immediate, deliberate demolition of an entire
structure by a triggering event (e.g. explosion).
PROGRESSIVE COLLAPSE
ROBUSTNESS
Robustness is the ability of a structure to withstand
events like fire, explosions, impact or the consequences of
human error, without being damaged to an extent
disproportionate to the original cause
STRUCTURE
is that which built or constructed, an edifice or building of
any kind, or any piece of work artificially built.
BUILDING
is any structure usually enclosed by walls and a roof,
constructed to provide support or shelter for an intended use or
occupancy.
SECTION 103 – CLASSIFICATION OF STRUCTURES
Buildings and other structures shall be classified based on the nature of
occupancy for purpose of applying wind and earthquake loads in Chapter 2.
The classification for each independent structural system of a multiple-
use building or other structure shall be that of the highest usage group in
any part of the building.
SECTION 104 – DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
104.1 STRENGTH REQUIREMENT
Buildings, towers and other vertical structures and all portions thereof
shall be designed and constructed to sustain, within the limitations specified
by this code.
104.3 ANALYSIS
Any system or method of construction to be used shall be based on a
rational analysis in accordance with well-established principles of mechanics
that take into account equilibrium, general stability, geometric compatibility
and both short-term and long-term material properties.
104.4 FOUNDATION INVESTIGATION
Soil explorations shall be required for buildings, towers and other vertical
structures falling under Categories I, II, III & IV or as required by Building
Official.
SECTION 106 – SPECIFICATIONS, DRAWINGS AND
CALCULATIONS
106.1 GENERAL
Copies of design calculations, reports, plans, specifications and inspection
program for all constructions shall bear the signature and seal of the
engineer-of-record.
106.2 SPECIFICATIONS
The specifications shall contain information covering the material and
construction requirements.
106.3.2.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Name and date of issue of building code and supplements, if any, to which
the design conforms.
2. Strengths or designations of materials to be used.
3. Design strengths of underlying soil or rock. The soil or rock profile, when
available, shall be provided.
4. Live loads and other loads used in design and clearly indicated in the
floor plans.
106.3.2.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
5. Seismic design basis including the total base shear coefficient
6. Provisions for dimensional changes resulting from creep. Shrinkages,
heave and temperature.
7. Camber of trusses, beams and girders, if required.
8. Explanation or definition of symbols and abbreviations used in the
drawings.
9. Engineer-of-record’s professional license number and expiration date.
SECTION 107 – STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS, TESTS
AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS
107.1 GENERAL
All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject
to inspection throughout the various work stages.
Exception:
The Building Official may waive the requirement for the employment of a structural
inspector if the construction is of a minor nature.
107.5 TYPES OF WORK FOR INSPECTION
The types of work listed below shall be inspected by a structural
inspector:
1. Concrete
2. Bolts Installed in Concrete
3. Special Moment-Resisting Concrete Frame
4. Reinforcing Steel and Prestressing Steel Tendons
5. Structural Welding
107.5 TYPES OF WORK FOR INSPECTION
The types of work listed below shall be inspected by a structural
inspector:
6. High-Strength Bolts
7. Structural Masonry
8. Reinforced Gypsum Concrete
9. Insulating Concrete Fill
10. Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials
107.5 TYPES OF WORK FOR INSPECTION
The types of work listed below shall be inspected by a structural
inspector:
11. Piling, Drilled Piers and Caissons
12. Shotcrete
13. Special Grading, Excavation and Filling
14. Specials Cases
15. Non-Destructive Testing
107.8.3 OTHERS
The structural engineer may accept or require in place non-destructive
testing of concrete or other materials and assemblies to supplement or
replace conventional tests.
107.9.3 CONSTRUCTION STAGES FOR OBSERVATION
It shall be the duty of the engineer-in-charge to notify the structural
observer that the construction stages have been reached, and to provide
access to and means for observing the components of the structural system.
