This paper shows an overview understanding of building codes practice in different countries across the globe. Approach to building code practice and updates differs from country to country, but its primary aim is to provide the minimum requirements to protect life and properties in the built environment. The building code philosophy is to avoid collapse during and after an earthquake and other related extreme loading conditions. The data approach for this study was from the secondary source. This review aims to examine the paradigm shift in building code practice across different nations to determine which countries are embracing performance-based regulation through efficient building code improvement. The paper lays out performance base approach status, mode of compliance, amendment interval, issues that necessitates updates, implementation, code enforcement and highlight some challenges that need to be overcome to harness the full potentials of the innovative building code practice. The study provided a better understanding of comparative insights into the various building code in the selected countries and the factors that encouraged the paradigm shift in building code to accommodate technological innovation in the construction industry. The paper showed that many developed and developing countries are gradually shifting from prescriptive-based code to performance-based building code due to innovation, economic boom on infrastructure and persistent disaster occurrence in the built environment.
PurposeNew Zealand building code may be serving its purpose to an extent, there is still a need to develop a framework to improve the use and application of building code for better building performance and services. This study aims to validate the identified parameters in the developed framework to improve building code practice in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachSubject matter experts interview was conducted with key stakeholders that use building code, standards and other associated compliance documents.FindingsThe findings from this study establish the importance of improving the building code, and the efficacy of validated framework helps to identify the areas with the most pressing needs within the building regulatory system. All the subject matter experts unanimously agreed on educating and training the building code users. Besides, the validated framework will enable the policy decision-makers in the building regulatory system to promote the use of building code and the utilisation of its potentials in reducing disaster while increasing the built environment resilience. The study concludes that the designed framework will create more robust strategy implementations to enhance innovative solutions embedded in performance-based building code.Originality/valueThis study originality centres on the practical application of an evidence-based framework for performance-based building code, standards and other related compliance documents.
PurposeThe New Zealand building code has played a vital role in reducing the impact of disasters in the built environment. Following the nature of earthquake occurrences, the associated impacts such as building collapse and the increase in technological innovation in the building sector, the New Zealand building code has been frequently amended. The building code amendment ensures that buildings and other related infrastructures can withstand the impact of ground shaking without substantial damages to buildings. The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the benefits of building code amendments in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachDocument analysis and closed-ended questionnaire were adopted as data collection instruments for this study. The relevant stakeholders comprise structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, architect, building services consulting engineer, licensed building practitioner, project manager, building contractor, local authority, academic/researcher and quantity surveyor.FindingsA significant proportion of the survey participants that agreed to the importance of building code amendments in New Zealand justify the benefits of the amendments. The study serves as a useful guide to policy regulators and researchers who are exploring other aspects of regular building code amendments in New Zealand. The findings from this study suggest that amending the New Zealand building code needs a proactive approach to promote local technology, enhance low-cost construction materials, training of code users and reducing bureaucracy in design approval and construction inspection. The study concludes that improving on the 28 factors identified in this study would contribute intensively to disaster risk reduction in the built environment and an increase in compliance level in New Zealand.Originality/valueThis paper originality comes from its practical approach towards identifying the benefits of building code amendments
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