SANS10400-B

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ISBN 978-0-626-27630-0
SANS 10400-B:2012
Edition 3
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
The application of the National Building

Regulations
Part B: Structural design
Published by SABS Standards Division

1 Dr Lategan Road Groenkloof Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Tel: +27 12 428 7911 Fax: +27 12 344 1568
www.sabs.co.za
© SABS
© SABS. This standard may only be used and printed by subscribers to the SABS’ Complete Collection of Standards and Related Documents.
© SABS. This standard may reside on a LAN, WAN, intranet, internet or ECM server and is exclusively available to subscribers to the SABS’ Complete Collection
SANS 10400-B:2012
Edition 3
Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
Acknowledgement
The SABS Standards Division wishes to acknowledge the work of the South African Institution of
Civil Engineering, Agrément South Africa and the National Home Builders Registration Council’s
Technical Advisory Committee in reinterpreting functional regulations relating to structural
performance.
Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS SC 59I, Construction
standards – Basis for the design of structures, in accordance with procedures of the SABS
Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3 of the WTO/TBT agreement.
This document was published in August 2012.
This document supersedes the corresponding parts of SABS 0400:1990 (first revision).
Compliance with the requirements of this document will be deemed to be compliance with the
requirements of part B of the National Building Regulations, issued in terms of the National Building
Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).
SANS 10400 consists of the following parts, under the general title The application of the National
Building Regulations:
Part A: General principles and requirements.
Part B: Structural design.
Part C: Dimensions.
Part D: Public safety.
Part F: Site operations.
Part G: Excavations.
Part H: Foundations.
Part J: Floors.
Part K: Walls.
Part L: Roofs.
Part M: Stairways.
Part N: Glazing.
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Foreword (concluded)
Part O: Lighting and ventilation.
Part P: Drainage.
Part Q: Non-water-borne means of sanitary disposal.
Part R: Stormwater disposal.
Part S: Facilities for persons with disabilities.
Part T: Fire protection.
Part V: Space heating.
Part W: Fire installation.
Part X: Environmental sustainability.
Part XA: Energy usage in buildings.
This document should be read in conjunction with SANS 10400-A.
Annex B forms an integral part of this document. Annexes A and C are for information only.
SANS 10400-B:2012
Edition 3
Contents
Page
Acknowledgement
Foreword
1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................. 3
3 Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 4
4 Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 General .......................................................................................................................... 9

4.2 Rational design and rational assessment ..................................................................... 11
4.3 Agrément certification ................................................................................................... 20
4.4 Buildings in dolomite land ............................................................................................. 20
Annex A (informative) Condensation ...................................................................................... 21
Annex B (normative Performance tests pertaining to structural safety,

serviceability and durability ................................................................. 23
Annex C (informative) The design of masonry walls to satisfy serviceability criteria .............. 29
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................. 35
SANS 10400-B:2012
Edition 3
The application of the National Building Regulations

Part B:
Structural design
1 Scope
This part of SANS 10400 provides deemed-to-satisfy requirements for compliance with part B
(Structural Design) of the National Building Regulations.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies. Information on currently valid national
and international standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division.
SANS 1936-1:2012, Development of dolomite land – Part 1: General principles and requirements.
SANS 1936-2, Development of dolomite land – Part 2: Geotechnical investigations and

determinations.
SANS 1936-3, Development of dolomite land – Part 3: Design and construction of buildings,
structures and infrastructure.
SANS 1936-4, Development of dolomite land – Part 4: Risk management.
SANS 2001-CM1, Construction works – Part CM1: Masonry walling.
SANS 2394/ISO 2394, General principles on reliability for structures.
SANS 10082, Timber frame buildings.
SANS 10100-1 (SABS 0100-1), The structural use of concrete – Part 1: Design.
SANS 10100-2 (SABS 0100-2), The structural use of concrete – Part 2: Materials and execution of
work.
SANS 10104 (SABS 0104), Handrailing and balustrading (safety aspects).
SANS 10160 (all parts), Basis of structural design and actions for buildings and industrial structures.
SANS 10162-1, The structural use of steel – Part 1: Limit-states design of hot-rolled steelwork.
SANS 10162-2, The structural use of steel – Part 2: Cold-formed steel structures.
SANS 10400-B:2012
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SANS 10162-4 (SABS 0162-4), Structural use of steel – Part 4: The design of cold-formed stainless
steel structural members.
SANS 10163-1, The structural use of timber – Part 1: Limit-states design.
SANS 10163-2 (SABS 0163-2), The structural use of timber – Part 2: Allowable stress design.
SANS 10164-1 (SABS 0164-1), The structural use of masonry – Part 1: Unreinforced masonry
walling.
SANS 10164-2, The structural use of masonry – Part 2: Structural design and requirements for
reinforced and prestressed masonry.
SANS 10400-A:2010, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part A: General
principles and requirements.
SANS 10400-H, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part H: Foundations.
SANS 10400-J, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part J: Floors.
SANS 10400-K, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part K: Walls.
SANS 10400-L, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part L: Roofs.
SANS 10400-M, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part M: Stairways.
SANS 10400-N, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part N: Glazing.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in SANS 10400-A (some of which are
repeated for convenience) and the following apply.
3.1
action
3.1.1
direct action
assembly of concentrated or distributed forces acting on a structure, or set of forces (loads) applied
to a structure
3.1.2
imposed action
variable action
action for which the variation in magnitude with time is neither negligible in relation to the mean
value nor monotonic
3.1.3
indirect action
cause of deformations imposed on a structure or constrained in it, or set of imposed deformations or
accelerations
3.1.4
permanent action
action that is likely to occur continuously throughout a given reference period and for which the
variations in magnitude with time are small compared with the mean value, or for which the variation
is always in the same direction (monotonic) until the action attains a certain limit value
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3.2
agent
physical event, object or action that has an effect on a building or parts of a building
3.3
Agrément certificate
certificate that confirms fitness-for-purpose of a non-standardized product, material or component or
the acceptability of the related non-standardized design and the conditions pertaining thereto (or
both) issued by the Board of Agrément South Africa
3.4
Board of Agrément South Africa
body that operates under the delegation of authority of the Minister of Public Works
3.5
category 1 building
building which
a) is designated as being of class A3, A4, F2, G1, H2, H3, or H4 occupancy (see Regulation A20 in
SANS 10400-A),
b) has no basements,
c) has a maximum length of 6,0 m between intersecting walls or members providing lateral support,
and
2
d) has a floor area that does not exceed 80 m
NOTE 1 Table C.1 of SANS 10400-A:2010 outlines the difference in performance between category 1
buildings and other buildings that have the same occupancy designation in respect of a number of building
attributes.
NOTE 2 A building may be classified as a category 1 building for the purposes of one or more parts of
SANS 10400. Additional limitations may accordingly be imposed on category 1 buildings. For example, a
category 1 building in terms of SANS 10400-T (Fire protection) will be restricted to a single storey.
NOTE 3 Fire requirements for category 1 buildings are based on occupants escaping quickly from buildings.
The design population for occupancies as set out in table 2 of part A of the Regulations (see SANS 10400-A)
should therefore not be exceeded.
3.6
competent person
person who is qualified by virtue of his education, training, experience and contextual knowledge to
make a determination regarding the performance of a building or part thereof in relation to a
functional regulation or to undertake such duties as may be assigned to him in terms of the National
Building Regulations
NOTE This is a generic definition, to be used where no other definition is given, or no references are made to
other standards. Other parts of SANS 10400 contain definitions of a more specific nature relevant to their
disciplines.
3.7
competent person (civil engineering)
person who
a) is registered in terms of the Engineering Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 46 of 2000), as either a
Professional Engineer or a Professional Engineering Technologist,
b) has a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in civil engineering, and
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c) is generally recognized as having the necessary experience and training to undertake rational
assessments or rational designs in the field of civil engineering
3.8
competent person (dolomite land)
person who
a) is registered as a Professional Engineer in terms of the Engineering Profession Act, 2000 (Act
No. 46 of 2000), or a person who has a BSc degree, or higher, in geology or engineering geology
and is registered in terms of section 11 of the Natural Scientific Professions Act, 2003 (Act
No. 27 of 2003), and
b) is generally recognized as having the necessary experience and training to undertake rational
assessments or rational designs in the context of dolomite areas
3.9
competent person (structures)
person who
a) is registered in terms of the Engineering Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 46 of 2000), as either a
Professional Engineer or a Professional Engineering Technologist, and
b) is generally recognized as having the necessary experience and training to undertake rational
assessments or rational designs in the field of structural systems
3.10
deemed-to-satisfy requirement
non-mandatory requirement, the compliance with which ensures compliance with a functional
regulation
3.11
deflection
movement under the actions of a defined point in a structure, in a defined direction
3.12
design working life
assumed period for which a structure, or a structural element or a structural component is to be
used for its intended purpose, without substantial additions and alterations, severe abuse or poor
maintenance, and without major repair being necessary
3.13
dolomite land
land underlain by dolomite or limestone residuum or bedrock (or both), within the Malmani
Subgroup and Campbell Rand Subgroup, typically at depths of no more than
a) 60 m in areas where no de-watering has taken place and the local authority has jurisdiction, is
monitoring and has control over the groundwater levels in the areas under consideration; or
b) 100 m in areas where de-watering has taken place or where the local authority has no jurisdiction
or control over groundwater levels
NOTE For more information on dolomite land in South Africa, see annex B of SANS 1936-1:2012.
3.14
durability
retention of performance and appearance of a building and its various structural elements or
components over time, when reasonably maintained at regular intervals in a particular environment
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3.15
dwelling house
single dwelling unit and any garage and other domestic outbuildings thereto, situated on its own site
3.16
dwelling unit
unit containing one or more habitable rooms and provided with sanitary and cooking facilities
3.17
expected damage
approximation of the probable damage that might occur in walls and floors
3.18
free-standing wall
wall (that is not a retaining wall) without lateral support
3.19
functional regulation
regulation that sets out in qualitative terms what is required of a building or building element or
building component in respect of a particular characteristic, without specifying the method of
construction, dimensions or materials to be used
3.20
geotechnical site investigation
process of evaluating the geotechnical character of a site in the context of existing or proposed
works or land usage, which may include one or more of the following:
a) evaluation of the geology and hydrogeology of the site;
b) examination of existing geotechnical information pertaining to the site;
c) excavating or boring in soil or rock and systematic description of the soil and rock profiles;
d) determining the depth of any fill that might be present;
e) in-situ assessment of geotechnical properties of materials;
f) recovery of samples of soil or rock for examination, identification, recording, testing or display;
g) testing of soil or rock samples to quantify properties relevant to the purpose of the investigation;
h) evaluation of geotechnical properties of tested soils;
i) reporting of the results; and
j) providing solutions (where relevant) and conclusions
3.21
ground movement
displacement in any direction of the founding stratum that is not solely dependent on the loads
applied by the structure
3.22
inspection
general inspection by a competent person of a system or measure or installation during the erection
or installation of a building, or part thereof, at such intervals as might be necessary in accordance
with accepted professional practice, to enable such competent person to be satisfied that the design
assumptions are valid, the design is being correctly interpreted and that the work is being executed
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generally in accordance with the approved designs, appropriate construction techniques and good
engineering practice, but excludes detailed supervision and day-to-day inspection
3.23
lifetime
period for which the structure, as built, is used for its original intended purpose and occupancy,
without substantial additions and alterations, severe abuse or poor maintenance, all of which might
have a significant effect on the structural safety and structural serviceability performance of the
structure
3.24
load
value of a force corresponding to an action
3.25
maintenance
total set of activities performed during the design working life of a structure or a structural element
to enable it to fulfil the intended requirements
3.26
minor damage
expected damage that can readily be attended to in the course of normal redecoration and that
requires only remedial work of a very minor nature to reinstate functional efficiency
3.27
performance
behaviour of a building as a whole or any part of it related to use
3.28
rational assessment
assessment by a competent person of the adequacy of the performance of a solution in relation to
requirements including as necessary, a process of reasoning, calculation and consideration of
accepted analytical principles, based on a combination of deductions from available information,
research and data, appropriate testing and service experience
3.29
rational design
design by a competent person involving a process of reasoning and calculation and which may
include a design based on the use of a standard or other suitable document
3.30
reliability
ability of a structure or structural element to fulfil the specified requirements, including the design
working life, for which it has been designed
3.31
serviceability
ability of a structure or structural element to perform adequately under normal use and under all
expected actions
3.32
settlement
downward movement of the foundations caused by the application of a load to the founding stratum
by the structure
3.33
stability
ability of a structure to maintain equilibrium and to resist displacement or overbalancing
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3.34
storey
that part of a building which is situated between the top of any floor and the top of the floor next
above it or, if there is no floor above it, that portion between such floor and the ceiling above it (any
open work floor, catwalk or gallery being taken to be part of the storey in which it is situated); and in
relation to a building
a) the ground storey is taken as the storey in which there is situated an entrance to the building
from the level of the adjoining ground or, if there is more than one such storey, the lower or
lowest of these,
b) a basement is taken to be any part of the building which is below the level of the ground storey,
c) an upper storey is taken to be a storey of the building which is above the level of the ground
storey, and
d) the height expressed in storeys is taken to be that number of storeys which includes all storeys
other than a basement
3.35
strength
capability of a body to resist the loads applied to it
3.36
structural
relating to or forming part of any structural system
3.37
structural system
system of constructional elements and components of a building which is provided to resist the
loads acting upon it and to transfer such loads to the ground upon which such building is founded
3.38
structure
organized combination of connected parts designed to provide some measure of rigidity, or
construction works that have such an arrangement
3.39
wind load
force exerted by wind action
4 Requirements
4.1 General
The functional regulations pertaining to structural design contained in part B of the National Building
Regulations shall be deemed to be satisfied, subject to buildings in dolomite land complying with the
requirements of 4.4, where the structural system of the building (see figure 1)
a) complies with the requirements of parts H, J, K, L, M and N of SANS 10400 and, in the case of
timber buildings, with the requirements of SANS 10082;
b) is the subject of a rational design or a rational assessment prepared by a competent person

(structures) in accordance with the requirements of 4.2;
c) is the subject of an Agrément certificate in accordance with the requirements of 4.3; or
SANS 10400-B:2012
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d) is in accordance with a combination of (a) to (c) above.
NOTE 1 Compliance with the requirements of subregulation B1(1) and B1(2) can be demonstrated in several
ways. These include applying prescribed rules to structural elements, engaging a competent person
(structures) to prepare rational designs in accordance with relevant South African national standards for
elements which fall within the scope of such standards, engaging a competent person (structures) to prepare a
rational assessment which may incorporate tests that prove the fitness for purpose of the building component,
or obtaining Agrément certification for the building system or component thereof (see figure 1).
NOTE 2 The performance of a building as a whole should be considered first. Thereafter, the performance of
each subsystem or component should be considered. Different deemed-to-satisfy requirements may be utilized
to demonstrate compliance of a subsystem with functional requirements.
NOTE 3 Qualification, experience and engineering common sense should enable engineers to identify the
relevant risks (including naturally occurring and man-made risks associated with design, assessment,
construction and maintenance processes), decide on the structural concept, and design the structural system
as a whole so that the structure will be safe over its specified design life.
Methods for demonstrating compliance with

Types of building systems
Regulation B1
Apply design and construction

rules set out in SANS 10082
and parts H, J, K, L, M and N of
SANS 10400
Building systems that comprise

Increasing complexity in demonstrating compliance
materials and elements the properties,

characteristics and behaviour of which
ARE well known.
Appoint competent person
(structures) to prepare a rational
design in accordance with a
South African national standard
Appoint competent person

(structures) to prepare a rational
design or perform a rational
assessment (or both)
Building systems that comprise
materials and elements the properties,
characteristics and behaviour of which
ARE NOT well known
Utilize building systems and
components which have
Agrément certification
Drg.962
Figure 1 ― Methods for demonstrating compliance with Regulation B1
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4.2 Rational design and rational assessment
4.2.1 General
4.2.1.1 The design working life of a building other than a category 1 building shall be not less than
30 years in respect of the structural system and non-accessible components, and 15 years for
repairable or replaceable components and materials, such as claddings, roofing materials, exterior
trims, and integrated components, such as windows and doors. Category 1 buildings may have a
design life of not less than 10 years in respect of repairable or replaceable components, provided
that provision for upgrading is made at the design stage and such upgrading does not require the
removal or dismantling of the existing structure and does not require highly specialized skills to be
applied.
4.2.1.2 The representative permanent, imposed and seismic loads and impact sources applied to
the structure and structural elements shall be in accordance with the requirements of the relevant
part of SANS 10160.
4.2.1.3 The representative free stream velocity pressure on buildings shall be determined and
converted into a wind load in accordance with the requirements of the relevant part of SANS 10160,
provided that
a) the free stream velocity pressure applied to the structural system as a whole and to structural
elements of dwelling houses is not less than 0,37 kPa and 0,45 kPa, respectively, and the
minimum wind load applied to structural elements is not less than that given in table 1; and
b) the minimum service wind load applied to free-standing walls is at least
1) 0,58 kPa within a distance equal to four times the height of the wall from a free end or an end
with return adjacent to an opening or discontinuity in the wall, and
2) 0,41 kPa elsewhere.
4.2.1.4 Buildings shall suffer no more than minor damage when subjected to winds associated with
a 25-year mean recurrence interval. Damage from winds associated with a 50-year recurrence
interval shall not prevent the buildings from fulfilling their intended purpose, except for the possible
loss of roof covering material and cladding, nor shall such damage pose a threat to the inhabitants.
In the case of severe or extreme winds, damage to the building shall not be disproportionate to the
severity of the cause.
4.2.1.5 The resistance of the structure under the effects of all actions shall be assessed in terms of
limit-state criteria or allowable stress criteria in accordance with the requirements of the relevant
part of SANS 10160, or those specified in SANS 10100, SANS 10162, SANS 10163 or
SANS 10164.
NOTE Actions include movements arising from shrinkage and creep of materials such as concrete, thermal
movements, movement due to moisture changes, deflection of structural components and moisture expansion
of burnt clay masonry units.
4.2.1.6 The response of the structure and structural elements to representative actions and impacts
shall, where appropriate, be within the limits established in table 2.
4.2.1.7 The maintenance required to maintain, with an appropriate degree of reliability, the
structural safety and serviceability performance of the structural system in the environment in which
it is located, when subjected to normal use, shall not be excessive. The normal preventative
maintenance cycle in respect of buildings other than category 1 buildings shall not be more frequent
than five years.
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4.2.1.8 Construction materials used in the structural system shall be resistant to, or made resistant
to,
a) insect and rodent attack,
b) abrasion owing to wind-blown sand,
c) corrosive attack by groundwater, surface water, rainwater, atmospheric pollutants and any
subsurface or atmospheric gases to which such materials might reasonably be exposed,
d) solar radiation, and
e) condensation,
to the extent that any changes in sectional form or mechanical properties, subject to appropriate
preventative maintenance being undertaken, do not reduce the structural safety and structural
serviceability performance requirements throughout the design working life.
NOTE Condensation is a problem in the Southern Coastal Condensation Problem Area (see annex A).
Adequate preventative measures, such as the provision of vapour barriers or the use of impervious materials,
might need to be taken to ensure that moisture from condensation that might occur on the underside of metal
roofing sheets, at ceiling level or interstitially, does not have a deleterious effect on structural elements over the
lifetime of the structure. An alternative solution is to improve the thermal performance such that no significant
condensation occurs.
4.2.1.9 The manufacture of components and the construction or erection of structural elements (or
both) shall be such that the structural safety and structural serviceability performance requirements,
appropriate to the type of building, throughout the design working life, are not reduced by variations
and inconsistencies in quality.
4.2.1.10 Testing in accordance with the requirements of annex B shall be used to demonstrate that
specific requirements are complied with in relation to tables 1 to 3, as appropriate.
NOTE 1 Suitable tests are described in Agrément South Africa’s Performance criteria: Building and walling
systems – Structural strength and stability, for example,
Test 1: Transverse flexure of walls
Test 2: Horizontal load resistance/vertical spanning
Test 3: Racking
Test 4: Horizontal load on doors, windows and their immediate surround
Test 5: Strength of L-connections between walls
Test 6: Strength of T-connections between walls
Test 7: Anchorage of roof trusses to walls
Test 8: Ability of the walls to resist vertical loads
Test 9: Ability of gable walls to resist wind loading.
NOTE 2 Suitable tests, complete with acceptance criteria, are described in Agrément South Africa’s
Performance criteria: Building and walling systems – Structural assessment of dry-stack masonry building
systems, for example,
Test 1: Vertical load-bearing capacity of walls
Test 2: Transverse flexure of walls
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Test 3: Horizontal load resistance/vertical spanning
Test 4: Horizontal line load resistance
Test 5: Racking load resistance
Test 6: Response of buildings to simulated wind loading
Test 7: Horizontal load on doors and windows and their immediate surround
Test 8: Transverse flexure of gable walls
Test 9: Soft body impact test
Test 10: Steel tool impact test (hard body impact test).
Table 1 ― Minimum service wind actions for roofing and wall elements in dwelling houses
1 2
Minimum service wind
Component load to be applied
kPa
Roofing elements
Wind uplift on roof 0,59
Local effects on eaves overhangs 0,78
External wall elements
Outward pressure on doors and windows 0,51
Inward pressure on doors and windows 0,45
Outward pressure on walls 0,52
Inward pressure on all walls 0,37
a
Horizontal pressure on the side of a building 0,37
Internal wall elements
Pressure on either face 0,20
a
This is the pressure which causes “racking”.
Table 2 ― Structural response of buildings to representative actions and impacts
1 2
Agent Performance parameter
Building structure
Ground Tilt
conditions and Rotation of any part of the structure or the structure as a whole from its intended line or
movements level as a result of settlement or ground movement shall not be more severe than
– Buildings other than category 1 buildings: 1:200
– Category 1 buildings: 1:100
Total settlement
Buildings other than category 1 buildings: 10 mm after building has been completed.
Category 1 buildings: 20 mm after the building has been completed, unless special
precautions have been taken to adequately accommodate movements in excess of this
value.
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Table 2 (concluded)
1 2
Structural element: roof
Direct and Deflection
indirect actions Deflection ratio (ratio of maximum deflection from the horizontal to the span of the roof)
arising from permanent, imposed and wind actions at the ceiling level shall not be more
severe than
Cracking
Irreversible damage in the load deflection curve, even if cracks or other damage is not
visible.
Cracks in roofing substrates (decking) that might impair the normal function of the roof or
coverings.
Hail impact After being tested in accordance with the relevant provisions of annex B, the test
specimen shall be acceptably free from visible defects when viewed from a distance of
2,0 m.
Structural element: walls
Direct actions Deflection ratio (ratio of maximum deflection from the vertical to the length or the height of
the wall panel) arising from permanent, imposed and wind actions shall not be more
severe than
Indirect actions Minor damage that is not more severe than that of category 1 expected damage (see
table 4), or the equivalent thereof.
Ground Minor damage that is not more severe than category 2 expected damage (see table 4), or
a
movements the equivalent thereof.
Soft body Collapse impacts
impacts Walls shall not collapse or be permanently deformed.
Service impacts th
Walls when struck shall not be displaced by more than 1/600 of their height or have
cracks, which cannot be readily repaired, of aggregate length exceeding 300 mm and
width exceeding 0,5 mm.
Sharp body Walls shall not be punctured nor, in the case of materials of a non-fibrous nature, be
impacts indented or locally displaced by more than 3 mm. In addition, there shall be no readily
visible cracks (i.e. wider than 0,25 mm) and the aggregate length of such cracks shall not
exceed 300 mm.
Door slamming The slamming of the test door shall not cause damage to the wall or cause the frame to
detach from the wall.
Fittings The loosening and withdrawal of the fixing devices shall not cause more than minor,
readily repairable damage to the wall.
Structural element: floor
Direct actions Deflection ratio (ratio of maximum deflection from the horizontal to the span of the floor)
arising from permanent, imposed and wind actions shall not be more severe than:
Indirect actions Floors covered with carpets and flexible floor coverings
(slab-on-the- Minor damage that is not more severe than category 2 expected damage (see table 5), or
ground the equivalent thereof, as nominated by the user.
foundations)
Floors covered with semi-flexible or rigid tiles
Minor damage that is not more severe than category 1 expected damage (see table 5), or
the equivalent thereof.
Ground Minor damage that is not more severe than category 2 expected damage (see tables 5
movement and and 6), or the equivalent thereof.
a
conditions
a
Owners may specify a different category of expected damage, particularly on heaving clay profiles.
Competent persons (structures) should ascertain from owners which category of expected damage
should apply, provided that such damage is not more severe than that of category 2 expected damage.
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Table 3 ― Representative actions and impacts applied to the building structure

and structural elements
1 2
Building structure
a
Wind actions In accordance with the requirements of the relevant part of SANS 10160 and 4.2.1.3
Seismic actions In accordance with the requirements of the relevant part of SANS 10160
Ground In accordance with the expected range of ground movements associated with the site
conditions and
movements
Structural element: roof
Permanent Self-weight of covering, ceilings, structure and geysers, if any (see SANS 10160 and
actions specialist literature)
Imposed or In accordance with the requirements of the relevant part of SANS 10160
b
variable actions
Snow action A uniformly distributed load corresponding to the expected depth of snow where a snow
depth exceeding 250 mm can be expected to accumulate
Hail impact Impacts of up to 10 J or, where the building is located in areas where severe hail storms
are known to occur, 20 Jb
Structural element: walls
Permanent Self-weight of wall (see SANS 10160 and specialist literature)
actions
variable actions
Soft body Two soft body impacts each generating an impact of:
impacts Category 1 buildings
Internal walls and external walls External walls
Type (impact from the inside) (impact from the outside)
of wall
Service Collapse Service Collapse
Heavyweight
130 J 265 J 265 J 410 J
construction
Lightweight 130 J (framing)
265 J 265 J 410 J
construction 90 J (cladding)
Buildings other than category 1 buildings

Internal walls, external walls Internal walls around stairways,
at ground floor (impact from external walls at first floor and
Type the inside) and external walls higher (impact from the inside)
of wall at first floor and higher and external walls at ground level
(impact from the outside) (impact from the outside)
Service Collapse Service Collapse
Lightweight 130 J (framing)
265 J 265 J 410 J
construction 90 J (cladding)
a
Value required to determine overall stability (overturning, wind uplift, raking).
b
The requirement for a hail impact resistance of 10 J ensures that roofing material is resistant to mild hail
storms. For roof sheeting to be hail resistant, such sheets should have a hail resistance of 20 J (A 45 mm
diameter hailstone at terminal velocity in still air has a kinetic energy of approximately 15 J.). Hailstorms
tend to be more severe at higher altitudes and in the Summer Rainfall Areas. Buildings should generally
be designed for the 10 J requirement, unless they are located in areas where severe hailstorms are a
common occurrence (such as high altitude mountainous areas).
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Table 3 (concluded)
1 2
Sharp body Category 1 buildings
impacts Two blows generating an impact of 4,2 J
Buildings other than category 1 buildings
Two blows generating an impact of:
External walls Internal walls
At ground floor (impact from the inside) 5,3 J Non-load-bearing
5,3 J
At ground floor (impact from the outside) 7,9 J walls
At first floor and higher (impact from the inside) 5,3 J Load-bearing walls 7,9 J
At first floor and higher (impact from the outside) 7,9 J Around stairwells 7,9 J
Hail impact Impacts of 10 J on components other than glazing

Door slamming 25 kg door slammed ten times from a position of 60° open, with a force of 150 N applied
at the handle position in the direction of closure, such force being applied until the door
makes contact with the frame
Fittings Lightweight fittings (e.g. coat hooks, towel rails and medicine cabinets) that have a
mass of 8 kg suspended 45 mm away from the wall at any location
Medium-weight fittings (e.g. hand basins, cisterns, medium-sized cupboards and 9 kg
fire extinguishers) that have a mass of 25 kg suspended 45 mm away from the wall, at
designated locations on the wall
Heavyweight fittings (required where there is a high probability that people will stand
upon the fittings, e.g. wash troughs, sanitaryware basins, geysers and fire hose reels)
that have a mass of 135 kg suspended 345 mm away from the wall for a period of 5 min
Shelving: safe load nominated by the owner
Structural element: floor
Permanent Self-weight of flooring system (as determined by the supplier)
actions Finishes (as determined by the supplier)
variable actions
Vibrations Where relevant, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant part of SANS 10160
a
Value required to determine overall stability (overturning, wind uplift, raking).
b
The requirement for a hail impact resistance of 10 J ensures that roofing material is resistant to mild hail
storms. For roof sheeting to be hail resistant, such sheets should have a hail resistance of 20 J (A 45 mm
diameter hailstone at terminal velocity in still air has a kinetic energy of approximately 15 J.). Hailstorms
tend to be more severe at higher altitudes and in the Summer Rainfall Areas. Buildings should generally
be designed for the 10 J requirement, unless they are located in areas where severe hailstorms are a
common occurrence (such as high altitude mountainous areas).
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Table 4 ― Classification of damage in masonry walls
1 2 3
Approximate
Category of
Description of damage in terms of ease maximum crack
a expected
of repair and typical effects width in walls b
damage
mm
0
Hairline cracks less than 0,25 mm wide, classified as negligible. < 0,25
Negligible
Fine internal cracks which can easily be treated during normal
<1 1
decoration.
(isolated; localized) Very slight
Cracks rarely visible in external masonry.
Internal cracks that are easily filled.
Redecoration probably required.
2
Recurrent cracks can be masked by suitable linings. <5
Slight
Cracks not necessarily visible externally.
Doors and windows might stick slightly.
NOTE 1 Where cracks less than 1 mm are widespread throughout the building, the damage may be
regarded as being category 2 expected damage.
NOTE 2 Annex C provides guidance on the limiting movements of masonry walls.
a
Crack width is only one factor in assessing damage and should not be used on its own as a
direct measure of damage. In assessing the degree of severity of damage, account should
be taken of its location in the house.
b
This classification is based on the ease of repair which may be considered under three headings
representing a progression in difficulty of repair, namely, redecoration due to wear and tear,
remedial work to reinstate functional efficiency, and structural repair.
Table 5 ― Classification of damage with reference to concrete surface beds
1 2 3 4
Maximum
Approximate
deviation of any Category of
maximum crack
Description of typical damage point from a 3 m expected
width in floor
straight edge damage
mm mm
Hairline cracks 0
< 0,3 <5
Insignificant tilt of floor or change in level Negligible
Fine but noticeable cracks 1
< 1,0 <8
Floor reasonably level Very slight
Distinct cracks
2
Floor noticeably curved or changed in < 2,0 < 10
Slight
level
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Table 6 ― Classification of damage caused by ground-floor slab settlement

and ground movements
1 2 3 4
Approximate
Approximate Category of
crack width
Description of typical damage gap expected
in floor
damage
mm mm
0
Hairline cracks between the floor and skirting. – <1
Negligible
Settlement of the floor slab, either at a corner or along a short
wall, or possibly uniformly, such that a gap opens up below
the skirting boards, where provided, but which can be masked
1
by resetting the skirting boards. – <5
Very slight
No cracks in floor slabs, although there might be negligible
cracks in the floor screed and finish.
Slab reasonably level.
Larger gaps below skirting boards; some obvious, but limited
local settlement leading to slight slope of the floor slab.
Gaps can be masked by resetting skirting boards and some
local re-screeding might be necessary.
Fine cracks appear in internal walls which might require some 2
<1 < 15
redecoration; slight distortion in door frames which might Slight
result in sticking of the doors.
No cracks in the floor slab although there might be very slight
cracks in the floor screed and finish.
Slab reasonably level.
NOTE Gap refers to the space, usually between the skirting and finished floor, caused by settlement after
making appropriate allowance for discrepancy in building construction, shrinkage, normal bedding down, etc.
4.2.2 Rational designs in respect of building systems comprising materials and

elements the properties, characteristics and behaviour of which are well known
4.2.2.1 The competent person (structures), in order to demonstrate that the functional regulations
contained in part B of the National Building Regulations pertaining to the structural system or part
thereof are satisfied, shall undertake a rational design in accordance with the following South
African national standards, international standards, or in accordance with recognized engineering
principles, as applicable:
a) SANS 10100, for the structural use of concrete;
b) SANS 10104, for safety aspects of the handrailing and balustrading;
c) SANS 10160, for the general procedures and loading to be adopted in the design of a building;
d) SANS 10162, for the structural use of steel;
e) SANS 10163, for the structural use of timber; and
f) SANS 10164, for the structural use of masonry.
4.2.2.2 The competent person (structures) responsible for the preparation of the rational design of
a structural system or part thereof, shall document the form and size of principal structural elements
for a proposed system, detail all connections associated therewith and determine the construction
and material specifications necessary to achieve the design intent.
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4.2.2.3 The competent person (structures) responsible for the rational design shall, if called upon
by an owner of a building constructed in accordance with the rational design, or by a local authority
within a period of 10 years after completion of the building system or part thereof, produce
documentation (including assumptions made, loads applied and calculations) that demonstrates
that the building system complies with part B of the National Building Regulations for the
performance parameters contained in table 3.
4.2.2.4 The competent person (structures) shall carry out an inspection of the building and shall
furnish the local authority with a certificate to this effect on completion of the system.
NOTE 1 SANS 2001-CC1, SANS 2001-CC2, SANS 2001-CG1, SANS 2001-CM1, SANS 2001-CM2,
SANS 2001-CS1, and SANS 2001-CT1 may be used to specify construction requirements.
NOTE 2 The Rules of Conduct for Registered Persons issued in terms of the Engineering Profession Act,
2000 (Act No. 46 of 2000) state that a registered person may not, without satisfactory reasons, destroy or
dispose of or knowingly allow any other person to destroy or dispose of information (drawings, designs,
records, reports, specifications, contract documents, built records or plans, or electronic data that form part of
the records relating to the work) within a period of 10 years after completion of the work concerned.
NOTE 3 Local authorities and competent persons may, in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice
Act, 2000 (Act No. 3 of 2000), be called upon to give reasons for their decisions made in terms of the National
Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977). Furthermore they may, in terms
of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000), be compelled to make available
certain records relating to work done in connection with the said National Building Regulations and Building
Standards Act, particularly where such records are likely to reveal evidence of imminent and serious public
safety or environmental risk. (See B.9 of SANS 10400-A:2010.)
4.2.3 Rational designs in respect of building systems comprising materials and

elements the properties, characteristics and behaviour of which are not well known
4.2.3.1 The competent person (structures) shall undertake a rational design or a rational
assessment (or both) in order to demonstrate by way of one or more of the following that the
performance of the building system or part thereof in accordance with the requirements of
SANS 2394 is such that the functional regulations contained in part B of the National Building
Regulations are satisfied:
a) engineering first principles;
b) relevant research;
c) applicable standards and authoritative publications;
d) verifiable experience; and
e) suitable and appropriate test results and analysis.
The assumptions made and the level of reliability of rational designs or rational assessments (or
both) shall be such that a peer review of the structural system or part thereof would arrive at a
similar conclusion.
4.2.3.2 The robustness of walls, doors and window frames shall be established by means of one or
more of the tests described in annex B.
4.2.3.3 The competent person (structures) responsible for the preparation of the rational design or
rational assessment (or both) of a structural system or part thereof shall, as relevant, document all
assumptions made and the form and size of principal structural elements for a proposed system,
detail all connections associated therewith and determine the construction and material
specifications necessary to achieve the design intent.
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4.2.3.4 The competent person (structures) responsible for the rational design or rational
assessment (or both) shall, if called upon by an owner of a building constructed in accordance with
the rational design or rational assessment (or both) or by a local authority, within a period of
10 years after completion of the building system or part thereof, produce documentation (including
all assumptions made, loads applied, tests conducted, studies undertaken, calculations, etc.) that
demonstrates that the structural system complies with part B of the National Building Regulations.
4.2.3.5 The competent person (structures) shall carry out an inspection of the building and shall
furnish the local authority with a certificate to this effect on completion of the structural system.
NOTE 1 The competent person should demonstrate that the building system will provide the required level of
performance. This may be done on a factual and technical basis which can be substantiated and verified by
means of, inter alia, tests performed by a recognized competent authority or organization as defined in
Regulation AZ4 (see SANS 10400-A), by way of calculations performed in terms of appropriate South African
structural standards, appropriate and applicable international standards or from first principles, or by applying
research findings.
NOTE 2 The Rules of Conduct for Registered Persons issued in terms of the Engineering Profession Act,
2000 (Act No. 46 of 2000), state that a registered person may not, without satisfactory reasons, destroy or
dispose of or knowingly allow any other person to destroy or dispose of information (drawings, designs,
records, reports, specifications, contract documents, built records or plans, or electronic data that form part of
the records relating to the work) within a period of 10 years after completion of the work concerned.
NOTE 3 Local authorities and competent persons may, in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice
Act, 2000 (Act No. 3 of 2000), be called upon to give reasons for their decisions made in terms of the National
Building Regulations and Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977). Furthermore they may, in terms of the
Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000), be compelled to make available certain
records relating to work done in connection with the said National Building Regulations and Standards Act,
particularly where such records are likely to reveal evidence of imminent and serious public safety or
environmental risk. (See B.9 of SANS 10400-A:2010.)
4.3 Agrément certification

The requirements of Regulation B1 shall be deemed to be satisfied where the building system or
part thereof is the subject of an Agrément certificate, provided that
a) the building element or building component is used within the scope, conditions and limitations
prescribed in the certificate, and
b) the building element or building component is compatible with other elements or components of
the building or building system.
4.4 Buildings in dolomite land

Buildings shall not be constructed on dolomite land unless such sites are developed in accordance
with the requirements of SANS 1936-1 and
a) competent persons (dolomite land) plan and conduct geotechnical site investigations for such
land, evaluate factual data, establish interpretative data and formulate an opinion relating to the
outcomes of such investigations in accordance with the relevant requirements of SANS 1936-2;
b) competent persons (structures), as relevant, design buildings in accordance with the relevant
requirements of SANS 1936-3;
c) competent persons (civil engineering) design and inspect for design intent the necessary
precautionary measures required on dolomite land to enable safe developments to take place;
and
d) competent persons (dolomite land), where relevant, develop dolomite risk management
strategies in accordance with the requirements of SANS 1936-4.
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Annex A
(informative)
Condensation
Under severe climatic conditions, such as occur in the Southern Coastal Condensation Problem
Area (see figure A.1), condensation in building cavities such as cavity walls or in roof spaces, can, if
occurring over a prolonged period, be detrimental to the structural system unless appropriate
protective measures are taken.
The factors that give rise to such condensation in dwellings include overcrowding, poor thermal
performance of the wall and roof construction, inadequate ventilation, the use of paraffin or gas (or
both) heating for cooking and the indoor washing and drying of laundry. All of these factors
contribute to the generation of excessive water vapour in the indoor atmosphere, which condenses
on walls and ceilings when the surface temperature falls below the dew point. Such moisture might
also be transferred into building cavities by air movement where, in turn, it would condense on cold
surfaces.
Preventative measures that can be taken include improving the thermal performance of the building
and the provision of effective vapour barriers in appropriate positions so as to prevent rotting of
timber studs or timber roof truss components, or corrosion of steel studs and wall ties.
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The SCCP area is readily identified by combining the following environmental features:
a) It lies south of the major mountain ranges in the Southern Cape.
b) It includes the area that receives winter and all-year-round rainfall.
c) It receives an annual rainfall of between 250 mm and 500 mm per year.
Towns that lie on the SCCP boundary

Albertinia Gouda Katara Prince Alfred Swellendam
Alicedale Grahamstown Kirkwood Riebeek East Tulbagh
Barrington Greyton Langholm Riebeek West Uitenhage
Bathurst Hamlet Lindeshof Riversdale Villiersdorp
Blanco Hankey Louterwater Riviersonderend Wellington
Bluecliff Heidelberg Malmesbury Ruiterbos Wolseley
Ceres Herbertsdale Mamre Stormsvlei
Franschhoek Joubertina Paarl Suurberg
Genadendal Kammiebos Port Alfred Suurbraak
Towns that lie within the SCCP area

Addo Dana Bay Kalbaskraal Papiesvlei Stellenbosch
Alexandria Despatch Kareedouw Paradise Beach St Francis Bay
Amsterdamhoek Droë Vlakte Kariega Paterson Still Bay
Askraal Elgin Kasuka Pearly Beach Storms River
Aston Bay Elim Kenton on Sea Philadelphia Strand
Atlantis Fairfield Kleinmond Plettenberg Bay Struis Bay
Baardskeerdersbos Firgrove Klipdale Pniel Sunland
Bellevue Fish Hoek Knysna Port Beaufort Swartkops
Bethelsdorp Gans Bay Kommetjie Port Elizabeth The Crags
Betty’s Bay George Kruisfontein Protem Vermaaklikheid
Bloubergstrand Gordon’s Bay Kuilsrivier Riethuiskraal Viljoenskroon
Bluecliff Gouritsmond Kylemore Rietpoel Vlees Bay
Boesmansrivier- Grabouw Loerie Rondevlei Waenhuiskrans
mond Groot Brakrivier Malgas Salem Wilderness
Boknesstrand Groot Melkbosstrand Scarborough Windmill
Botrivier Jongensfontein Milnerton Sea View Witsand
Brandwag Hartenbos Mossel Bay Sedgefield Wittedrif
Bredasdorp Hawston Muizenberg Simon’s Town Witteklip
Caledon Hermanus Napier Sinksabrug Woodlands
Cape Town Hermon Noanaha Skipskop Wydgeleë
Clarkson Herold’s Bay Onrus Slangrivier
Coega Hout Bay Oukraal Somerset West
Coerney Humansdorp Oyster Bay Southwell
Colchester Jeffreys Bay Pacaltsdorp Stanford
Figure A.1 — The Southern Coastal Condensation Problem (SCCP) area
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Annex B
(normative)
Performance tests pertaining to structural

safety, serviceability and durability
B.1 General
The effects of actions on individual structural members shall be determined by methods of structural
analysis that take into account equilibrium, general stability, geometric compatibility, and both short-
term and long-term material properties. Members that tend to accumulate residual deformations
under repeated service loads shall have included in their analysis the added eccentricities expected
to occur during the design working life.
The assessment of distortions of individual structural members shall be determined by methods of

structural analysis that take into account equilibrium, general stability, geometric compatibility, and
both short-term and long-term material properties.
Structural durability may be established by using methods that simulate predictable future
degradation of the product, such as tests which accelerate mechanical wear, or other forms of
degradation by agents such as solar radiation, heat frost, thermal shock, air humidity, condensation,
salty fog, chemical agents and biological agents.
B.2 Performance tests

B.2.1 Sandbag impact test (soft body impacts)
Carry out the test on a representative wall specimen, approximately 4 m long and of storey height
(see figure B.1). The wall includes a standard door opening positioned between 300 mm and
450 mm from one end of the wall. The top and bottom of the wall are fixed and both ends supported
as in practice; end returns may be provided for this purpose, if necessary.
Suspend a 250 mm diameter leather or fabric bag containing 30 kg of sand by a rope from a
convenient point above the top of the wall (see figure B.1). The bag should touch the surface of the
wall lightly and its centre of mass should be within 1 000 mm above floor level or ground level, as
appropriate for internal and external faces, respectively, when it is hanging freely at rest. The bag
may impact any other point deemed necessary by the evaluator.
Draw the bag away, pendulum fashion, from the wall at right angles to the face of the wall until its
centre of mass is at the required height of swing above its initial free-hanging position. Then release
the bag and allow it to swing pendulum-wise and strike the wall. Make two impacts from each height
of swing on each point tested.
When the test structure is of unframed construction, carry out this operation as near as possible to a
point midway in the length of the wall. Repeat the operation near the end of the wall farthest from
the door. If the wall is of framed construction, choose points of impact that are both between and on
the line of the framing and joints (if applicable).
The height of swing that provides the required level of impact energy is set out in table B.1.
Check for compliance with the provisions of tables 2 and 3.
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Figure B.1 — Sandbag impact test
Table B.1 ― Height of swing in sandbag test required to simulate

a range of impacts on walls
1 2
Height of swing Impact
mm J
300 90
450 130
600 175
900 265
1 400 410
1 800 530
B.2.2 Steel tool test (hard-body impacts)

Carry out the test on the same structure that is used for the sandbag test or on a separate wall
specimen at least 1,0 m wide. Use a 38 mm diameter steel impact tool with a mass of 1,8 kg,
shaped like a chisel with a hardened edge 38 mm wide, rounded to a 2,5 mm radius and attached
to a rigid pendulum which pivots in a metal frame (see figure B.2).
Position the tool so that when it is hanging freely at rest, the chisel edge lightly touches the surface
of the wall with the tool’s long axis at right angles to the wall and the chisel edge horizontal. Draw
the tool away from the wall, pendulum fashion, until its centre of mass is at the required height of
swing above its initial free-hanging position. Release the tool to swing back and strike the wall with
the full width of its edge. Make two impacts on each point tested from each height of swing.
If the wall is of framed construction, then perform the test
a) on the line of the framing,
b) close to, but not on the line of the framing, and
c) midway between the lines of the framing.
The height of swing that provides the required level of energy is set out in table B.2.
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Figure B.2 — Steel tool impact resistance test apparatus
Table B.2 ― Height of swing to simulate a range of impacts in the steel tool
impact resistance test
1 2
Height of swing Impact
mm J
200 4,2
250 5,3
375 7,9
B.2.3 Test for lightweight and medium-weight fittings

Use a wall specimen similar to that used for the sandbag impact test.
Fix a test fitting, fabricated from steel as shown in figure B.3, to the wall with four screws or such
other suitable fixing devices as might be used in practice. Suspend an initial test load of 2,3 kg at
the position shown for 1 min and increase the load thereafter in 2,3 kg increments at 1 min intervals
until failure or maximum loads of 11,5 kg (lightweight fittings) or 23 kg (medium-weight fittings) are
attained.
Carry out this test at four different positions on the wall if it is of framed construction. Choose the
positions to avoid the lines of the framing and the joints, unless the fittings are to be fixed only to the
framing members or to other additional members specially provided for that purpose.
B.2.4 Test for heavyweight fittings

Fix a test fitting, fabricated from steel and which simulates a pair of wash-hand basin brackets, to
the wall with screws or such other suitable fixing devices as might be used in practice (see
figure B.4). The test fitting is located about midway between the end of the wall and the door
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opening. Suspend a test load of 136 kg at the position shown on the angle iron for 5 min. Carry out
this test only once for a particular wall.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure B.3 — Test fitting for lightweight and medium-weight fittings
Figure B.4 — Test fitting for heavyweight fittings
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B.2.5 Test for shelving

Fix four test fittings, which simulate shelf brackets and which are fabricated from steel, to the wall in
a vertical row with screws or such other suitable fixing devices as might be used in practice (see
figure B.5). The top of the upper bracket is 2,3 m above floor level and the remaining brackets are
spaced at 0,45 centres below it. Suspend an initial test load of 2,3 kg for 1 min from each bracket at
the position shown and increase the load thereafter simultaneously on each bracket in 2,3 kg
increments at 1 min intervals until failure occurs.
In the case of walls of framed construction, fix the brackets to a vertical member located about
midway between the end of the wall and the door opening, or at other specified positions.
The safe load allowed per shelf bracket is one-half of the test load which caused either damage to
the wall, or any loosening of a bracket or detachment thereof, or which resulted in a lateral
th
deflection or movement of the wall of more than 1/600 of its height.
Figure B.5 — Test fitting for shelving
B.2.6 Resistance to door slamming

Use a wall specimen similar to that used for the sandbag impact test, with a door frame fitted in the
opening as it is done in practice. Hang a door with a mass of 25 kg in the door frame. Slam the door
from a position of 60° open, with a force of 150 N applied at the handle position in the direction of
closure. Apply such force until the door makes contact with the frame. Slam the door another 10
times.
B.2.7 Hail resistance test

Use a specially developed hail gun to fire spherical ice missiles (artificial hailstones) vertically
downwards onto the test specimen (portion of roof or wall specimen). Secure the test specimen in a
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horizontal position in a suitable frame below the hail gun. Set the hail gun so that the kinetic energy
of the artificial hailstones at impact with the surface of the test specimen is as required (see tables 2
and 3).
Subject the test specimen to 12 impacts, or a lesser number in the event of failure occurring before
12 impacts. Deliver the impacts normal to the surface of the test specimen at evenly distributed
points.
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Annex C
(informative)
The design of masonry walls to satisfy serviceability criteria
C.1 Introduction
The parameters that have a major influence over wall behaviour are the strength, quality of the
masonry itself, and the material used to manufacture masonry units (see table C.1 and annex C of
SANS 10249:2012). Another important parameter is the influence of the horizontal damp-proof
course (DPC) which is located at the base of walls and which has the potential to act as a horizontal
control joint. Separation of the wall from the DPC will occur along the DPC with hogging or sagging
of the foundation system (see figure C.1).
Masonry will span or, in the case of sagging (dishing) movements, tend to arch across the
separation, provided that it has adequate strength to resist the induced tensile stresses. Provided
that the masonry walling does not crack, the flexibility of the foundation structure is relatively
unimportant, as it is the separation of the wall rather than the magnitude of the separation that
governs the wall performance. However, if the masonry cracks under induced stresses, the
magnitude of the wall in plane deflection becomes relevant since the crack formed in the masonry
will act as a control joint. Crack size will then be governed by the deflection, as the newly formed
segments of wall deform to follow the deflected profile.
Under in-plane bending, a masonry wall, acting as a beam, tends to fail in tension (vertical flexural
cracking, usually through the perpend units), or in shear (stepped flexural shear crack). Both these
modes of failure are initiated by the failure of masonry units or joints at the outer extremity of walls.
The mode of failure (cracking pattern) is dependent on the tensile strength of the masonry units and
the shear bond strength of the mortar/unit interface.
Table C.1 ― Summary of potential movements of masonry units
1 2 3
Potential movement
Unit type Movement type
mm/m wall length
a, b
Thermal 0,12 to 0,24
Moisture expansion category 1 0 to 0,5
Burnt clay Moisture expansion category 2 0,5 to 1,0
Moisture expansion category 3 1,0 to 2,0
a
Moisture movement 0,1 to 0,2
a, b
Calcium silicate Drying shrinkage 0,45
a
a, b
Drying shrinkage 0,6
Concrete
a
Carbonation (shrinkage) 0,1 to 0,2
a
Reversible movements
b
30 °C temperature change
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Figure C.1 — Hogging and sagging movements
C.2 Estimation of total movement within a wall

In order to determine the movement likely to take place within a wall, the individual effective
movements owing to thermal, moisture and other effects shall be combined. However, the effective
thermal and moisture movements should not simply be the sum of the maximum movements since
a wall is unlikely to be at both its maximum temperature and its saturated condition at the same
time. Therefore, to estimate the possible maximum movement it is necessary to consider carefully
the temperature range over which the moisture movement occurs and make some attempt to
combine the thermal and moisture movements on a rational basis rather than just considering the
extremes. Walls are also restrained to varying degrees at their supports and as such are not able to
move freely. Furthermore, the temperature of a wall at the time of construction determines the
range of movement that the wall will experience in response to temperature changes.
There is no proven mathematical method for determining movements within a wall. Since there are
so many variables involved, it is extremely difficult to determine with any degree of certainty the
actual movement that will occur. In general, it is simpler to adopt standard rules rather than to try to
estimate movement. Recommendations on the spacing of control joints to accommodate movement
are given in SANS 10400-K.
C.3 Accommodation of movement by use of control joints

C.3.1 General
One of the best ways of ensuring that the masonry is able to accommodate small seasonal
movements due to temperature and moisture changes is to design the building so that the masonry
is separated into discrete panels by the provision of control (movement) joints, i.e. to reduce
stresses by reducing restraint.
Control joints may be orientated horizontally or vertically and can also be classified as movement
joints. Alternatively, a control joint may be provided in the form of a slip joint separating dissimilar
materials to prevent excessive shear forces being generated between the dissimilar materials.
Control joints should be designed so that movement can take place without transferring stresses
across the joint. Their design and location should be such that the structural and functional (i.e.
impermeability, sound insulation, fire resistance and lateral stability) integrity of the walling is not
impaired. Caulks and sealants to these joints should be able to seal the joint adequately against
moisture penetration and to accommodate any deformations to which the joint might be subjected.
A caulk refers to a material suitable for filling stable (no further movement anticipated) joints,
whereas a sealant refers to a material suitable for sealing joints which might experience reversible
strains.
30
SANS 10400-B:2012
Edition 3
Where necessary, dowels, angles or channels strong enough to provide lateral stability should be
incorporated. The dowels, which are usually metal rods or flat strips, should be anchored into the
masonry in such a way that longitudinal movement is not restrained. Angles or channels fixed on to
one side of the control joint should project into grooves and recesses so as not to restrict
longitudinal movement.
Vertical control joints are generally provided at regular intervals in long lengths of walls, whereas
horizontal joints are usually provided beneath horizontal concrete members in framed structures.
C.3.2 Location of vertical control joints
C.3.2.1 Vertical control joints in unreinforced masonry should generally be positioned where
concentrations or changes in stress occur, i.e.
a) at openings,
b) where there are major changes in wall height,
c) where there are changes in wall thickness,
d) where there are control joints in foundations, floors and roofs,
e) near wall intersections, and
f) near return angles in L-shaped, T-shaped and U-shaped structures.
C.3.2.2 In reinforced masonry, vertical control joints should be considered
a) where there are changes in wall thickness,
b) where there are major changes in wall height,
c) at control joints in foundations, in floors and in roofs, and
d) at wall openings.
C.3.2.3 Generally, vertical control joints are not located at the extreme corner of wall returns for
stability reasons. They do not usually continue below ground floor damp-proof courses, where
changes in temperature and moisture content are minimal, and are not normally required in interior
walls of dwellings where the effects of thermal expansion may be disregarded.
Control joints should be built into the wall during construction and run the full height of the masonry.
Sawn joints are generally more expensive, require great care in cutting and are not normally as
effective as built-in joints.
The position of control joints, bond beams and joint reinforcement should be clearly shown on the
plans.
C.3.3 Location of horizontal control joints

Horizontal control joints are normally provided at every storey height in reinforced concrete framed
buildings where the cladding comprises burnt clay units or where the shortening of columns can
result in excessive loads being transferred from structural members onto masonry walls.
Horizontal control joints may also be provided to separate dissimilar materials.
31
SANS 10400-B:2012
Edition 3
C.4 Designing walls to distribute cracking

C.4.1 Hogging and sagging movements
Hogging movements generally cause more damage in walls than sagging movements. The reasons
for this phenomenon are as follows:
a) The tensile restraint offered by the foundation or supporting members effectively restricts the
propagation of cracks from the extremity of walls.
b) Walls tend to arch across separations along the DPC.
c) A certain amount of shear transfer takes place along the DPC at the base of the wall, permitting
some composite action to occur. This shifts the neutral axis of the wall from the centre towards
the base, resulting in the magnitude of hogging moments being greater than that of sagging
moments, for a given wall configuration.
In framed buildings, depending upon the spacing of the columns and the detailing at the connection,
hogging movements might not occur. For example, where the length of the wall is less than twice its
height and it is built hard up against the columns, the wall will tend to arch and only the material
below the arch will be subjected to sagging movements. Where the spans are in excess of twice the
height (e.g. in post-tensioned flat slab construction) and the outer leaf is continuous past the face of
the column, the wall will be subjected to hogging movements. Alternatively, where such walls are
built hard up against the columns, and windows are provided within the wall, it is possible for the
upper portion of the wall to arch between the columns and the lower portion of the wall to separate
and follow the curvature of the sagging support.
C.4.2 Bed joint reinforcement

Experimental evidence suggests that the provision of bed joint reinforcement, if correctly installed,
might be effective in resisting shear as well as tensile failure. Full-scale wall tests have
demonstrated that bed joint reinforcement produces a marked increase in the load-carrying
capabilities of a wall, and as such permits walls to span increased unsupported lengths.
The onset of visible cracking does not necessarily represent a limit of serviceability. Provided that
the width of cracking is controlled by some form of tensile restraint (e.g. reinforcement or concrete
foundations), it is possible that significantly larger deformations of masonry can be tolerated than
those giving rise to initial cracking. Reinforced concrete beams and slabs are good examples where
cracking of a limited width is regarded as normal, and guidelines are laid down for the maximum
acceptable width of a crack in various circumstances.
Bed joint reinforcement also imparts ductility to walls and in so doing distributes the total vertical
crack width between several cracks. This results in a series of fine cracks as opposed to a single
large crack being formed.
Uncontrolled cracking due to hogging of walls should be prevented. Once a crack forms at the top
of a wall, there is nothing to stop it propagating downwards. It is for this reason that bed joint
reinforcement is usually provided within the joint immediately above windows and openings and
also in the uppermost joint in a continuous band around the structure, both in the internal and
external walls. SANS 10164-2 recommends that the maximum size of bar in bed joints should not
exceed 6 mm. In practice, 5,6 mm and 6,0 mm diameter prestraightened, hard-drawn wire
(obtainable from a welded steel fabric reinforcement manufacturer) is well suited for South African
structures and offers considerable restraint.
32
SANS 10400-B:2012
Edition 3
C.4.3 Designing walls to minimize cracking

Cracking can be avoided or minimized by ensuring that induced tensile stresses are kept as low as
possible, and that the tensile strength of masonry is as high as possible. These objectives can be
achieved by paying particular attention to the design and detailing of the building and by maximizing
the masonry bond strength through the selection of sands for mortar and the achievement of good
workmanship.
The tolerable limits for relative differential movement depending on the surface finishes and the
actual detailing of the superstructure may, in the absence of more specific information, be taken
from table C.2.
Table C.2 ― Allowable deflection ratios to limit expected damage

to category 1 buildings
1 2 3
Allowable deflection ratio
Type of masonry (deflection:span)
a
Unreinforced Lightly reinforced
Hogging movements
Articulated masonry
– plastered 1:800 1:600
– face 1:650 1:500
Full masonry
– plastered 1:2000 1:1250
– face 1:1500 1:1000
Sagging movements
Articulated masonry
– plastered 1:500 1:500
– face 1:350 1:300
Full masonry
– plastered 1:1000 1:500
– face 1:500 1:300
NOTE 1 A factor of approximately 1,5 should be applied to
the tabulated values to upgrade the level of expected
damage to that of category 0.
NOTE 2 More severe deflection ratios should be adopted
where brittle finishes, such as ceramic tiles, are fixed to walls.
a
Reinforcement in accordance with figure C.2 should be
provided in walls to enable a wall to be regarded as being
lightly reinforced.
33
34
Edition 3
SANS 10400-B:2012
Solid unit construction Hollow unit construction
Brickforce shall be provided at vertical centres that do not exceed 425 mm in Brickforce shall be provided at vertical centres that do not exceed 400 mm in
superstructure walls with additional layers (marked X) as follows: superstructure walls with additional layers (marked X) as follows:
– in two courses immediately above the floor slab; – in two courses immediately above the floor slab;
– in every course above all lintels to extend 600 mm beyond openings. – in every course above lintels to extend 600 mm beyond openings.
5,6 mm diameter rod reinforcement (marked Y) shall be provided as follows: Bond blocks reinforced with a single Y8 bar (marked BB) shall be provided as follows:
– two in the course immediately below windows to extend 600 mm beyond openings; – below openings to extend 600 mm beyond openings;
– two (continuous) in uppermost bed joints of external walls; – in the uppermost course (continuous) of external walls.
– one (continuous) in uppermost bed joint of internal walls.
All cores adjacent to openings shall have a Y8 bar placed vertically in infill concrete
(see detail 1) extending from floor to wall plate level.
Truss-type brickforce shall be used in 140 mm and 190 mm walls.
All reinforcement, including brickforce, shall be discontinuous at articulation joints.

Corrosion protection of reinforcement shall be in accordance with SANS 2001-CM1.
Hollow unit construction of width less than 140 mm shall be reinforced as for solid unit construction.
The minimum lap lengths shall be 500 mm for rods and bars, and 300 mm for brickforce.
Figure C.2 — Lightly reinforced masonry
SANS 10400-B:2012
Edition 3
Bibliography
Standards
SANS 2001-CC1, Construction works – Part CC1: Concrete works (structural).
SANS 2001-CC2, Construction works – Part CC2: Concrete works (minor works).
SANS 2001-CG1, Construction works – Part CG1: Installation of glazing in window and door
frames.
SANS 2001-CM2, Construction works – Part CM2: Strip footings, pad footings and slab-on-the-
ground foundations for masonry walling.
SANS 2001-CS1, Construction works – Part CS1: Structural steelwork.
SANS 2001-CT1, Construction works – Part CT1: Structural timberwork (flooring).
SANS 10102-1, The selection of pipes for buried pipelines – Part 1: General provisions.
SANS 10249:2012, Masonry walling.
SANS 10400-T, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part T: Fire protection.
Other publications
Agrément South Africa. Performance criteria: building and walling systems – Structural assessment
of dry-stack masonry building systems. Pretoria: Agrément South Africa, September 2002.
Agrément South Africa. Performance criteria: building and walling systems – Structural strength and
stability. Pretoria: Agrément South Africa, September 2002.
Buttrick DB, Van Schalkwyk A, Kleywegt RJ and Watermeyer RB. Proposed method for dolomite
land hazard and risk assessment in South Africa. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil
Engineering. 2001, vol. 43, No. 2, p 27-36.
Joint Structural Division of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering and the Institution of
Structural Engineers. Code of practice for foundations and superstructures for single storey
residential buildings of masonry construction. Johannesburg: Joint Structural Division, 1995.
Joint Structural Division of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering and the Institution of
Structural Engineers. Code of practice for the assessment of the performance of housing units in
South Africa. Johannesburg: Joint Structural Division, 2000.
Lane JW, Watermeyer RB and de Villiers PD. Masonry materials and design for movement. SAICE
Witwatersrand Lecture Course, Structural Division, August 1991.
Standing Committee on Structural Safety. Structural safety 2000-01. 13th report of SCOSS.
London: Institution of Structural Engineers, 2001.
Watermeyer RB and Tromp BE. A systematic approach to the design and construction of single-
storey residential masonry structures on problem soils. The Civil Engineer in South Africa, March
1992.
© SABS
35
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© SABS.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

The application of the National Building

Part B: Structural design

Published by SABS Standards Division

This document was published in August 2012.

Part A: General principles and requirements.

Part B: Structural design.

Part D: Public safety.

Part F: Site operations.

Part Q: Non-water-borne means of sanitary disposal.

Part R: Stormwater disposal.

Part S: Facilities for persons with disabilities.

Part T: Fire protection.

Part V: Space heating.

Part W: Fire installation.

Part X: Environmental sustainability.

Part XA: Energy usage in buildings.

This document should be read in conjunction with SANS 10400-A.

2 Normative references ............................................................................................................. 3

4.1 General .......................................................................................................................... 9

Annex A (informative) Condensation ...................................................................................... 21

Annex B (normative Performance tests pertaining to structural safety,

The application of the National Building Regulations

SANS 1936-2, Development of dolomite land – Part 2: Geotechnical investigations and

SANS 1936-4, Development of dolomite land – Part 4: Risk management.

SANS 2001-CM1, Construction works – Part CM1: Masonry walling.

SANS 2394/ISO 2394, General principles on reliability for structures.

SANS 10082, Timber frame buildings.

SANS 10104 (SABS 0104), Handrailing and balustrading (safety aspects).

SANS 10163-1, The structural use of timber – Part 1: Limit-states design.

b) has a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in civil engineering, and

a) evaluation of the geology and hydrogeology of the site;

b) examination of existing geotechnical information pertaining to the site;

d) determining the depth of any fill that might be present;

e) in-situ assessment of geotechnical properties of materials;

h) evaluation of geotechnical properties of tested soils;

i) reporting of the results; and

j) providing solutions (where relevant) and conclusions

b) is the subject of a rational design or a rational assessment prepared by a competent person

c) is the subject of an Agrément certificate in accordance with the requirements of 4.3; or

d) is in accordance with a combination of (a) to (c) above.

Methods for demonstrating compliance with

Apply design and construction

Building systems that comprise

materials and elements the properties,

Appoint competent person

Figure 1 ― Methods for demonstrating compliance with Regulation B1

4.2 Rational design and rational assessment

b) the minimum service wind load applied to free-standing walls is at least

2) 0,41 kPa elsewhere.

a) insect and rodent attack,

b) abrasion owing to wind-blown sand,

d) solar radiation, and

Test 1: Transverse flexure of walls

Test 2: Horizontal load resistance/vertical spanning

Test 4: Horizontal load on doors, windows and their immediate surround

Test 5: Strength of L-connections between walls

Test 6: Strength of T-connections between walls

Test 7: Anchorage of roof trusses to walls