Whilst the classification of buildings for the purpose of meeting Building Regulation A3 (Reducing the sensitivity of buildings to disproportionate collapse in the event of an accident) was introduced in Approved Document A in December, 2004, no supporting guidance on Class 3 buildings has been published to accompany the Approved Document. Because it is a recommendation that Class 3 buildings be assessed for disproportionate collapse using 'risk assessment' methods, such guidance is urgently needed.
This paper discusses the issues and proposes a means of applying a holistic, risk assessed approach. It aims to encourage discussion amongst members with a view to reaching a consensus on how this category of building may best be tackled.
Geoff Harding OBE, DIC, CEng, FIStructE, MICE Consultant
John Carpenter, CEng, FICE, FIStructE, CFIOSH Consultant and Secretary to SCOSS