Building Regulations and Codes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary from the lecture on building regulations and codes, helping to understand important concepts and definitions.

Retaining wall

Any wall used to resist the lateral displacement of any material; a subsurface wall built to resist the lateral pressure of internal loads.

Window

An opening through a wall of a building to the outsider for the purpose of admitting natural light.

Storey

That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above.

Masonry

A form of construction composed of stone, brick, concrete, gypsum, hollow clay tile, concrete block or tile, or other similar building units laid up and set in mortar.

Lot

A parcel of land on which a principal building and its accessories are placed together with the required open spaces.

Exit

A continuous and unobstructed means of egress to a public way, including intervening doors, corridors, ramps, and stairways.

Building

Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property.

PD 1096

The National Building Code of the Philippines.

RA 9514

The Fire Code of the Philippines.

BP 220

Revised Rules and Standards for Economic and Socialized Housing Projects.

Building Official

A duly registered architect or civil engineer, and a member of good standing for not less than two years.

Indigenous family dwelling

A dwelling intended for use and occupancy by the family of the owner only, constructed of native materials, exempt from building permit fees.

Building permit

Application must include sets of plans and specifications prepared and sealed by the appropriate engineers.

Certificate of Occupancy

Issued by the Building Official before a building or structure can be used or occupied.

Habitable rooms

Rooms with ceiling heights not less than 2.1 meters and specified heights for multi-storey buildings.

Ventilation

The process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical means to or from any space.

Fire Alarm

Any visual or audible signal produced to warn of the presence or danger of fire.

Standpipe System

A system of vertical pipes in a building to which fire hoses can be attached.

Sprinkler System

An integrated network of hydraulically designed piping that automatically discharges water when activated.

Class A Fire

Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, and rubber.

Class B Fire

Fires involving flammable liquids and gases.

Class C Fire

Fires involving energized electrical equipment.

Class D Fire

Fires involving combustible metals such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium.

Mechanical System

Refers to the ventilation system providing air to and from spaces.

Exit Access

The width of corridors serving more than fifty persons must not be less than 1.12 meters.