REVISIONS/UPDATES IN

THE NATIONAL STRUCTURAL CODE

OF THE PHILIPPINES 2015, 7TH EDITION
CHAPTER 1 : GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Presented by : Engr. Francis Anthony G. Valderrama, M.ASEP, M.IEAust

Chapter I : GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

For this Chapter, the following Sections were updated and revised:

Section 102 : Definition of Failure

Section 103 : Classification of Structures
Section 104 : Design Requirements
Section 105 : Posting and Instrumentation
Inclusions of Appendix 1-A and Appendix 1-B

APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines On Structural Design Peer Review Of Structures 2015
APPENDIX 1-B : Guidelines And Implementing Rules On Earthquake Recording Instrumentation For
Buildings
Section 102 : Definitions
The 2015 National Structural Code of the Philippines,
Volume 1, 7th Edition, includes and elaborate the
meaning of FAILURE.

As defined, FAILURE is an unacceptable difference

between expected and observed performance. It
includes catastrophic structural collapse, but also
INCLUDES performance problems that are not
necessarily catastrophic or life-threatening, including
serviceability problems such as distress, excessive
deformation, premature deterioration of materials,
leaking roofs and facades, and inadequate interior
environmental control systems.
Section 102 : Definitions
In the event of a significant failure, the parties
typically retain experts to determine the cause of
the perceived failure.

Occasionally a failure results from a single condition,

but typically, failures result from a combination of
mistakes, oversights, miscommunications,
misunderstandings, ignorance, lapses, slips,
incompetence, intentional violations or non-
compliance, and inadequate quality assurance.
Section 102 : Definitions
The causes for these conditions vary, but may include
simple mistakes (such as sending information to a
structural engineer when it should have been sent to the
architect), conclusions based on faulty assumptions, an
employees laziness, ignorance, or malevolent urge,
fatigue from excessive workload, inadequate training,
time boxing practices used to minimize fees to a
client, overreliance on computer-aided design and
drafting (CADD), failure to understand and deliver client
requirements, time pressures to a deliver a project by
certain deadlines, and ineffective coordination and
integration of the design team.
Section 102 : Definitions
STRUCTURAL FAILURE (SECTION 102)

Defined as the reduction of capability of a structural system

or component to such a degree that IT CANNOT SAFELY
SERVE ITS INTENDED PURPOSE.

This is divided into various categories:

a. Catastrophic Failure with Loss of Life
b. Catastrophic Failure with in which No Human Lives are
Endangered
c. Failure Resulting in Extensive Property Damage
d. Failure Resulting in Reduced Servicibility
Section 103 : Classification of Structures

The single-story school building which is under Special

Occupancy Structures Occupancy Category of the National
Structural Code of the Philippines 2010, 6th Edition has been
deleted.

The National Structural Code of the Philippines 2015, 7th

Edition categorized that all public school buildings (including
single-story school building) are now included in the Essential
Facilities Occupancy Category.

Also, churches, mosques and other related religious

structures are now included and classified under the Special
Occupancy Structures Category.
Section 104 : Design Requirements
National Structural Code of the Philippines 2010,
6th Edition
Section 104.4 Foundation Investigation
Soil explorations shall be required for
buildings, towers and other vertical
structures falling under Categories I, II and
III in accordance with Table 103-1 or as
required by the Building Official of if the
site specific conditions make the
foundation investigation necessary.
Detailed requirements for foundation
investigations shall be in accordance with
Chapter 3 of this code.
National Structural Code of the Philippines
2015, 7th Edition
Section 104.4 Foundation Investigation
Soil explorations shall be required for
buildings, towers and other vertical
structures falling under Categories I, II, III
and IV in accordance with Table 103-1 or as
required by the Building Official of if the
site specific conditions make the
foundation investigation necessary.
Detailed requirements for foundation
investigations shall be in accordance with
Chapter 3 of this code.
Section 105 : Posting and Instrumentation
National Structural Code of the
Philippines 2010, 6th Edition
Section 105.2.1 General
Unless waived by the building
official, every building in
Seismic Zone 4 or over 50m in
height shall be provided with
not less than three approved
recording accelerographs. The
accelerographs shall be
interconnected for common
and start and common timing.
National Structural Code of the
Philippines 2015, 7th Edition
Section 105.2.1 General
Unless waived by the building
official, every building in Seismic
Zone 4 or over 50m in height shall
be provided with not less than three
approved Earthquake Recording
Instruments (ERI). The ERI shall be
interconnected for common and
start and common timing.
Refer to ASEP Guidelines and
Implementing Rules on Earthquake
Recording Instrumentation for
Buildings (Appendix 1-B)
Section 105 : Posting and Instrumentation
National Structural Code of the
Philippines 2010, 6th Edition
Section 105.2.3 Maintenance
Maintenance and service of the
instruments shall be provided by
the owner of the building,
subject to the monitoring of the
Building Official. Data produced
by the instruments shall be
made available to the Building
Official or the Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on
request.
National Structural Code of the
Philippines 2015, 7th Edition
Section 105.2.3 Maintenance
Maintenance and service of
the instruments shall be
provided by the owner of the
building, subject to the
monitoring of the Building
Official. Data produced by the
instruments shall be made
available to the Building
Official or any authorized
agency upon request.
Section 105 : Posting and Instrumentation

National Structural Code of the Philippines National Structural Code of the

2010, 6th Edition Philippines 2015, 7th Edition
Section 105.2.4 Instrumentation of Selected
Buildings Section 105.2.4
All owners of existing structures selected by Instrumentation of Selected
the authorities having jurisdiction shall Buildings
provide accessible space for the installation
of appropriate earthquake-recording All owners of existing
instruments. Location of said instruments
shall be determined by PHIVOLCS or the structures selected by the
authorities having jurisdiction. authorities having jurisdiction
PHILVOLCS or the authorities having shall provide accessible space
jurisdiction shall make arrangements to
provide, maintain and service the for the installation of
instruments. Data shall be the property of appropriate earthquake-
the authorities having jurisdiction, but
copies of individual records shall be made recording instruments,
available to the owner of the building and to determined by a Structural
the public on request and after the payment Engineer.
of an appropriate fee.
Chapter 1 : GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

INCLUDED IN THIS CHAPTER ARE RECOMMENDED

GUIDELINES FOR PEER REVIEW AND EARTHQUAKE
RECORDING INSTRUMENTATION:

APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on

Structural Design Peer Review of Structures
2015
APPENDIX 1-B : Guidelines and Implementing
Rules on Earthquake Recording
Instrumentation for Buildings
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

BACKGROUND :

The Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) have

two main objectives that are stated in its by-laws.

These two objectives are and shall be:

a. The protection of the public welfare
b. Welfare of its constituents through, Maintenance of highly ethical
and professional standards in the practice of engineering ;
Advancement of structural engineering knowledge and promotion
of good public and private clientele relationships, development of
fellowships among Civil Engineers and Structural Engineers and
encouragement of professional relations with other allied
technical and scientific organization.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

These objectives are focused on the three major

areas namely:

a. Codes and Standards

b. Technical Advancement
c. Fellowships and Linkages
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

To accomplish these objectives, the Board of

Directors for 1999-2000 continued the program
of the previous Board of Directors for 1998-1999
by creating several committees.

One of which is the COMMITTEE ON DESIGN

PEER REVIEW.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

During the term of Engr. Adam C. Abinales (2009-2010) the committee

was revived SO AS TO IMPROVE AND ENHANCE the guidelines that
includes additional parameters and ethical rules as well as the
enhancement of the practice of the peer review.

It was continued to improve and develop under the following ASEP

Past Presidents:

Engr. Anthony Vladimir Pimentel (2010-2011)

Engr. Vinci Nicholas R. Villasenor (2011-2012)
Engr. Miriam L. Tamayo (2013)
Engr. Carlos M. Villaraza (2015)
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

The committee is composed of the following:

Engr. Ernesto F. Cruz (Chairman)

Engr. Gabriel Ursus L. Eusebio (Co-Chairman)

Members:
Engr. Alden C. Ong
Engr. Marie Christine G. Danao
Engr. Edmondo D. San Jose
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

OBJECTIVES:

1. Improve Section 104.5 of NSCP 2010*

2. Ensure to attain the aim for Life Safety
3. Observe Economy in design
4. Protect the investment of clients
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

Aside from its objectives, the Peer Review aims to have a positive results in
the following:

1. Comply structural engineering design, drawings and specifications with

the minimum requirements of NSCP and other acceptable established
codes and standards;
2. Maintain the quality of projects;
3. Improve and maintain the high standards in the practice of structural
engineering;
4. Promote exchange of information and innovative ideas between the
designers and reviewers;
5. Inform the Owner-Client on the benefits of this exercise and any possible
cost implications resulting from the review;
6. Promote professional ethics in the conduct of independent or peer
review.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

STRUCTURES TO BE REVIEWED :

1. All structures more than 75-meter high from the exterior GROUND LEVEL.
2. Buildings, towers and other vertical structures with irregularity in configuration
under occupancy Category I , II and III within the seismic zone 4.
3. Structures designed under alternative system (Section 101.4 NSCP 7th Edition)
that intends to use other structural materials, design approach and construction
methodology not prescribed by the latest existing structure code.
4. Buildings, towers and other structures with undefined structural system.
5. Essential facilities (Hospitals, Fire, Police, Communications, Aviation, School
Buildings, Evacuation Centers, National Defense, Power Plants and the like).
6. Hazardous Facilities.

NOTE: Since Peer Review is not covered by the basic structural services of the EOR, this
shall be subject to a SEPARATE SCOPE AND COMPENSATION for the EOR.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Independent Peer Reviewer SHALL BE NOMINATED by the

OWNER-CLIENT. It should not be the ENGINEER-OF-RECORD
(EOR) or engineer appointed by the Contractor/Builder.

For TURN-KEY PROJECTS OR DESIGN AND BUILD, the Contractor

shall appoint an independent recognized Structural Engineer to
conduct the review.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are the qualifications of the Peer Reviewer:
1. Civil Engineer registered with the Professional Regulation Commission of
the Philippines WITH more than 20 years of RELATED STRUCTURAL
ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE SIMILAR TO THE STRUCTURE TO BE
REVIEWED.
2. Must be a REGULAR ASEP member in GOOD STANDING.
3. Structural Engineers with comparable qualification and experience as the
EOR responsible for the design.
4. Knowledgeable in current design software, tools and other acceptable
current computer programs.
5. Have competitive knowledge or experience in actual structural
construction.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

SCOPE OF REVIEW:

The PR must review all items agreed to be reviewed with the

Owner-Client and EOR per relevant/recommended items listed in
Appendix 1-A of NSCP 2015 7th Edition.

The PR shall refer regularly to check for completeness of the

review per applicable items listed in Appendix 1-A of NSCP 2015
7th Edition.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review
SCOPE OF REVIEW:

Information to be furnished by Owner-Client

a. Printed copies or PDF/DWFx format of complete set of Architectural and Structural drawings.
b. General Information of the Structure (Number of Stories, Gross Building Area, Unique
Features and other relevant information)
c. Geotechnical Engineering Report
d. Wind Tunnel Test Report (if any)
e. Site-specific spectra and ground-motion time histories (if any)
f. Major equipment or special loadings
g. Analysis Model
h. Basis of Design
i. Design Criteria
j. Narrative Structural System
k. Structural Calculations
l. Structural Specifications
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

ITEMS TO BE REVIEWED:

A. Basis of Design / Design Criteria

B. Design Standards and Specifications
C. Model Analysis
D. Foundation Loads and its foundation type
E. Lateral load Resisting Framing System
F. Columns (Slenderness , Supporting Transfer, Long Span and Cantilever Beams)
G. Beams (Long span, Cantilever, Transfer)
H. Slabs (Span/Depth Ratio, Openings, Torsional Rigidity)
I. Engineering Drawings
J. Structural Calculations
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

METHODOLOGY AND DETAILS OF REVIEW:

The PR should agree with the Owner-Client and the EOR on the methodology of
review. The said review shall cover for the completeness and timeliness of the design
documents submitted.

The PR should assess the review documents with regards to the agreed number of
elements to be checked with the Owner-Client and or his representative.

Review shall be agreed for each phase or entirely on the final detailed design phase of
the structure.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

DETAILS OF REVIEW:

a. DESIGN BASIS REVIEW

b. FOUNDATION REVIEW

a. PRE-TENDER DESIGN REVIEW

APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

DETAILS OF REVIEW:

A. DESIGN BASIS REVIEW

1. Review Design Criteria for compliance with the building code.

2. Assess engineering values and assumptions made by the EOR.
3. Review the structural frame system and its load path for
vertical load-carrying elements.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

DETAILS OF REVIEW:

B. FOUNDATION REVIEW

1. Established foundation load by INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS or

obtain the foundation loads from the EOR upon verification.
2. Obtain Geotechnical Report.
3. Review specifications pertaining to all foundation design and
construction.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

DETAILS OF REVIEW:
C. PRE-TENDER DESIGN REVIEW

1. Review structural framing connections which is part of the primary

system including shear connections, braced frame connections,
moment-resisting frame connections and other related detailed
connections and spliced.
2. Perform general review of design to evaluate the presence of any
conditions that might overstress the structural.
3. Review specifications of Primary Structural Support System.
4. Review performance criteria for contractor-designed components
such as pre-cast, cold formed metal framing and among others.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

TERMS OF REVIEW PROCEDURE AND METHODOLOGY:

The review analysis and design criteria must meet the requirements of the
Owner-Client defined in his design brief including applicable Terms of
Reference.

As much as possible the PR shall use the same design criteria and standards
specified by the EOR. If there are deviations, these must have a permission
and agreed upon by the EOR.

Software used in review should also be the same software used by the EOR
(editions and versions). Except for one level higher version, the difference in
version shall also be agreed upon with the EOR.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

LANGUAGE TO BE USED AND MARK-UP COMMENTS:

The manner of reporting should always be factual. Numerical values to be
presented must be taken purely from the final design review documents
submitted and from the results of the independent reviews analysis and
assessments per applicable code and standards.

The term and phrases included in the report must be written with
professionalism. It should not be offensive nor malicious in wordings.

The assessment should AVOID terms such as ERRONEOUS, IN ERROR AND

MISSES and the like. It should be NEUTRAL.
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

EXAMPLES OF REVIEWERS COMMENTS/WORDINGS:

A. Show complete details in accordance with your

calculations.
B. Do not use vague comments such as Clarify welding.
C. Avoid personal wordings (YOUR SPLICE LOCATION IS
WRONG).
D. Provide code reference for comments if possible.
E. Since the PR have an independent analysis, he must number
the calculations in sequence and mark the page number on
the comment to facilitate the back-check. (Section W18x40 is
overstressed, recheck design loads, see page 234).
APPENDIX 1-A : Recommended Guidelines on
Structural Design Peer Review

MINIMUM REPORT REQUIREMENTS:

The following should be included in the FINAL PEER REVIEW REPORT:
a. List of the documents on which the review was based;
b. Building Codes and Standards on which the peer review was based;
c. Methodology and assumptions of the review;
d. List of software and other computer programs used in the said review;
e. Items subsequently reviewed by others (contractor-designed items)
f. Exclusions/Limitations
g. Unresolved Issues
h. Results , Conclusions and Recommendations
i. Certificate of the PR stating the peer review has been successfully
completed which is address to the Owner-Client.
Chapter 1 : GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

THANK YOU
AND
HAVE A FRUITFUL SESSIONS AHEAD.