Last week, ASEP held its 17th International Convention in Ortigas. One topic of the said event was the possible release of new volume of NSCP ( National Structural Code of the Philippines) Vol 3. This will cover the Housing Code. Philippines, being a seismic region, and a former US colony, follows UBC code and other American code which consequently impose a stringent requirement on design especially in seismic design. For a light loaded structure like simple house, designers are bound to follow the strict requirement of NSCP volume 1 based from American standards.
I dont want to sound "all-knowing' but this was the common debate among young designers. Now that the Housing Code will be released hopefully next year, it will definitely sheds lights on some gray areas the young engineers are always asking. For example, does the housing code will allow a less than 300 minimum column dimension for house? How about less than 250 mm beam dimension?
It will be recalled that the earthquake provision in NSCP states the minimum column of 300 while 250mm for beam. Lets find out once the Volume 3 is released.
Update:
When I did this blog, I am referring to a personal copy of my NSCP bought in ASEP labeled First Printing. It turned out that this is already outdated because our office copy is already in Fourth Printing.
I discovered that this version (Fourth Printing) already included the Volume 3 of NSCP specifically on section 421.6.1.1 stating.." The shortest cross sectional dimension, measured on a straight line passing through the geometric centroid, shall not be less than 300mm except for buildings or structures regulated by NSCP Volume III and BP 220."
Thus, its already stated that NSCP now allows less than 300mm column dimension. However, further provision shall be expected clarifying this when Volume III is released.
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