On the Adoption of Chapters 20 and 23 of the International Building Code by
Upcoming Saudi Building Code
by
Saleh I Aldeghaither,
deghathr@ksu.edu.sa
.1 Introduction
This reports presents a preliminary viewpoint on the adoption of chapter 20
(Aluminum) and chapter 23 (Wood) of the International Building Code (IBC 2003) in
upcoming Saudi Building Code (SBC). In order to come up with an opinion regarding
this issue, a survey of some relevant local, regional and international specifications
and standards have been conducted. The reviewed specifications and standards
include:
 IBC 2003-chapters 20 and 23
 UBC 97 -chapters 20 and 23 of
 SBC 99 (Saudi Building Code: first edition) - chapters 20
and 23
 Jordanian Code 1982 (General Specifications of Buildings,
vol. 1)- chapter 10: Architectural and Metal Works (In Arabic)
 Egyptian General Specifications of Building Works, Vol.
3: Finishes, Part 6: Specifications for Aluminum Work.
 GSBC (General Specifications of Building Construction,
Ministry of Public Works & Housing) chapters 5, 6 and 8
 AA ADM 1 (Aluminum Design Manual, the Aluminum
Association)
 SSA – Saudi Arabian standards applicable to aluminum and
wood
.2 Aluminum
.2.1 IBC 2003
Chapter 20 of the IBC 2003 is intended to govern the quality, design, fabrication and
erection of aluminum. The code does not present detailed specifications for aluminum
structure explicitly. Instead, it makes a reference to AA ADM 1 (Aluminum Design
Manual) and AA ASM 35 (Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction).
for aluminum used for structural purposes in building and structures. For load
calculations it refers to chapter 16 of the code itself.
.2.2 UBC 97
Aluminum is addressed in chapter 20 of the UBC as part of lightweight metals. The
chapter is divided into two divisions. Division I presents general specifications and
guidelines for the quality, design, fabrication and erection of aluminum used
structurally in buildings and structures. Division II covers the design standard for
aluminum structures based on ‘Specifications for Aluminum Structures’ of the
Aluminum Association (December, 1986). It further makes a reference to applicable
ASTM specifications. The prescribed design procedure is based on Allowable Stress
Design (ASD).
.2.3 SBC 99
Chapter 20 of SBC 99 is completely based on chapter 20 of the UBC 97.
.2.4 Jordanian Code
Chapter 10 of the Jordanian Code covers the Metal Works in building Finishes. It
governs the quality, physical and mechanical properties and fabrication and erection
of Aluminum used for architectural purposes such as doors, windows and
balustrades. The code does not prescribe provisions for structural design. Therefore, if
a structural design is needed, one needs to consult another source. For material
standards such as forms of product, physical and mechanical properties and
anodizing of aluminum, the code frequently refers to ASTM, British and Dutch
Standards; and for methods of testing it relies mainly on the British Standards.
.2.5 Egyptian General Specifications
Part 6 of volume 3 of Egyptian General Specifications of Building Works contains
specifications for aluminum used for architectural purposes and building finishes. It
provides general conditions and requirements for aluminum and glass used for
architectural purposes such as doors, windows, balustrades, aluminum cladding, and
glazed curtain walls. The code refers to the Egyptian standards for quality control,
mechanical properties, allowable tolerances and testing methods of aluminum. The
code does not provide provisions for structural design.
.2.6 GSBC
The general specifications of building construction of the former Ministry of Public
Works & Housing presents specifications for metal works. Chapter 5 covers steel for
structural purposes and metal works for nonstructural purposes such as stairs and
ladders, handrails and railings, trench covers and fences. Aluminum is included as
one of the material that can be used for the mentioned nonstructural purposes.
Chapter 8 presents general specifications and requirements for doors and windows
made off metal (e.g. aluminum ) and wood and plastics. Both chapters are arranged
in various parts as follows:
Part 1: General – includes summary of covered items, chapter contents, references, of
applicable local, gulf and international standards, definitions, quality assurance,
…,etc.
Part 2: Products- includes basic material, types of products and required standards,
manufacturing and fabrication requirements.
Part 3 Execution- includes general examination of relevant works, field preparation,
installation, quality control, …etc.
Part 4: Method of Work Measurement
Part 5: Basis of Payment
Part 6:: Tables and Illustrative figures.
The GBSC does not include provision for structural design. Therefore, if a structural
design of aluminum component or system is required one needs to consult another
source.
.2.7 AA ADM 1
Aluminum Design Manual of the Aluminum Association contains specifications and
guidelines for aluminum structures. The specifications allow for two design methods
of aluminum building type structural load carrying members, namely Allowable
Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). In addition, the
manual provides design guide, material and section properties of various aluminum
alloys, design aids and guidelines for aluminum sheet metal work in building
construction. In general, AA ADM1 is an essential and complete reference for the
design of aluminum load carrying members.
.2.8 SSA
The Saudi Arabian Standard Organization provides the following standards for
aluminum:
1. SSA 79 : Aluminum and aluminum alloys for building purposes. Part
1: rods/bars, tubes and profiles.
2. SSA 1759 : Aluminum and aluminum alloys for building purposes.
Part 2: sheets, strips and plates.
3. SSA 80: Test methods of aluminum and aluminum alloys for
building purposes. Part 1: sheets, strips, plates, rods and profiles.
4. SSA 1033 : Aluminum Windows.
5. SSA 1034 : Aluminum Doors.
6. SSA … (GS 780): Test methods of aluminum windows and doors.
SSA 79 and 1759 includes definitions of aluminum, aluminum alloys and wrought
products; requirements in terms of forms of products, chemical composition,
mechanical properties, recommended wall thickness and tolerances on shape and
dimensions.
SSA 1033 and 1034 includes definitions, types of aluminum windows and doors,
classification based on design pressure, frame test pressure, water and air leakage
pressures and general requirements of material, fabrication and installation.
GSA 780 describe testing procedure of aluminum doors and windows.
.3 Wood
.3.1 IBC 2003
Chapter 23 of the IBC 2003 presents provisions that governs the material, design,
construction and quality of wood members and their fasteners. Prescribed design
requirements are based on one of the three methods:
1. allowable stress design (ASD),
2. Load and resistance factor design (LRFD)
3. Conventional light-frame wood construction.
. The chapter covers the following topics:
 Definitions of terms, materials, and procedure used in wood
construction.
 Minimum standards and quality of material, products and fasteners.
 General construction requirements.
 General design requirements for Lateral-Force-Resisting System
 Description of each design method
In addition, various standards and documents are referenced in various section of this
chapter including ASTM, AF&PA, AHA, AITC, ANSI, APA, AWPA,…etc.
.3.2 UBC 97
Wood is addressed in chapter 23 of the UBC. The chapter is divided into 4 divisions:
Division I presents general design requirements. It prescribes two design methods:
1 Allowable stress design (ASD),
2 Conventional light-frame wood construction.
Division II gives general requirements for wood construction
Division III Allowable stress design specifications (ASD).
Division IV Conventional light-frame wood construction.
Division V Design standard for metal plate connected wood trusses.
Division VI Design standard for structural glued built-up members- plywood
components.
Division VII Design standard span tables for joists and rafters.
Division VIII Design standard plank-and-beam framing.
In addition, this chapter refers to various standards and references.
.3.3 SBC 99
Chapter 23 of SBC 99 is completely based on chapter 23 of the UBC 97 with some
modifications related to snow, ice and loadings and seismic provisions.
.3.4 Jordanian Code and Egyptian General Specifications
Both sets of specifications present general requirements for lumber and wood-based
products used for nonstructural building purposes such as doors, windows,
balustrades, wooden stairs, ….,etc. They do not prescribe structural design procedure
for wood building structures or wood load carrying members.
.3.5 GSBC
The general specifications of building construction of the former Ministry of Public
Works & Housing presents specifications for Wood and Plastics in chapter 6 in two
divisions. Division I contains heavy wood construction, however, it does not prescribe
structural design procedure, instead it refers to various international standards and
codes such as the British and European codes. Division II provides specifications and
requirements of wood works for nonstructural purposes such as stairs and ladders,
handrails and railings. The specifications covers material standards, types and grades
of lumber and wood product, treatment and painting, manufacturing and fabrication
requirements and installation. Chapter 8 prescribes similar specifications and
requirements for wood doors and windows. Again, no design procedure has been
described for lumber or wood-based load carrying members. It would probably be
advisable for the authority of GSBC to revise and rearrange chapters 6 and 8 to
eliminate repetitions and achieve harmony.
4.
Conclusion
4.1 Aluminum
In Saudi Arabia, aluminum is rarely used for structural purposes in buildings or other
types of structures. On the other hand it is widely used for architectural nonstructural
purposes such as windows, doors, building glazed curtain walls, hand railings and
similar applications. Because of this we believe that chapter 20 of the IBC2003 should
not be adopted as is by the upcoming Saudi Building Code. Instead, we recommend
the following changes:
1. The chapter shall have the title: Aluminum for Building Purposes.
2. The chapter shall be divided into two parts or divisions: (I) Aluminum for
architectural purposes; (II) Aluminum for structural purposes
3. Applicable Saudi Standards for aluminum shall be referenced in this chapter.
4. In division I, Aluminum for architectural purposes, the following article shall
be included: “a certificate of satisfaction of applicable Saudi standards by the
manufacturer is sufficient for acceptance of the design. If such certificate is
not available or an aluminum member or system of members are needed to be
designed or checked for their adequacy to support accidental or normal loads,
(e.g. wind pressure on windows and building external curtains and/or glass
and member self weights), the following steps shall be followed: (a) :these
members shall be modeled appropriately based on their support conditions. (b)
appropriate loads shall be calculated based on chapter 16 of this code and
tributary load to each aluminum members shall be calculated based on
structural principles. (c) the stresses in the member shall be calculated and AA
ADM 1 shall be consulted for member check and/or design.
5. In division II, Aluminum for structural purposes, the following statement shall
be included: “ Design of aluminum load carrying members or structures shall
be based on AA ADM1.
4.1 Wood
Timber resource is scarce in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, use of wood as construction
material is very uncommon. However, lumber, plywood, hardboard are widely used
for concrete formwork. In addition, wood and wood-based products of several types
are commonly used for building finishes and architectural purposes, such as doors,
windows, internal non load bearing curtains, balustrades and furniture. Because of
the fact that uses of wood in building structures are not feasible in Saudi Arabia, we
recommend that chapter 23 of IBC2003 should not be adopted by upcoming Saudi
Building Code. Instead, chapter 23 of Saudi Building Code shall have the title “Wood
for Building Finishes and Architectural Purposes” .The chapter shall make a reference
to applicable Saudi Standards for Wood and Wood-based products. We believe that
these standards and chapter 6 and 8 of GSBC are sufficient to govern the quality,
manufacturing and fabrication, installation surface treatment and painting of wood
for building finishes and architectural purposes.