Description of BS 8103-2:2013 2013

This part of BS 8103 gives recommendations on the structural design for walls above ground level damp-proof course (DPC) and walls between ground floor level and top of foundation level in the following range of buildings of traditional construction:

1. low-rise housing comprising detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and flats (with not more than four self-contained dwelling units per floor accessible from one staircase) of not more than three storeys above ground, intended for domestic occupation and within the limitations (as given in 4.2 and 4.4) of this part of BS 8103;

2. small single storey non-residential buildings, e.g. domestic garages and annexes to residential buildings not exceeding 36 m2 in floor area (see Annex A);

   NOTE For such buildings all clauses of this part of BS 8103 are applicable except for 4.4, 4.5a), 6.1, 6.7.3 and 6.8.

3. extensions to low-rise housing conforming to 1a) providing that the extended building conforms to 4.4 and 4.5 of this part of BS 8103. If traditional masonry wall bonding (e.g. block bonding) is not used the design junction between the original building and the extension is outside the scope of this part of BS 8103-2, as is the design of any part of the original structure that is adversely affected by additional loads, including loading to foundations. The formation of new wall openings in the original building is outside the scope of this British Standard.

This British Standard is written for those with expertise in building construction but not necessarily in structural engineering design.

For the purposes of this part of BS 8103, additional habitable accommodation in the roof space constitutes a storey of the house. This part of BS 8103 does not apply to the design of basements, but, providing the basement is of one level only and is designed to provide a firm platform at ground level, the provisions of this part of BS 8103 may apply to the superstructure above the basement. This part of BS 8103 does not apply to thermal and sound insulation, resistance to damp penetration and durability.

Proprietary housing systems and houses of timber, steel or concrete framed constructions are not covered by this part of BS 8103. Text deleted.

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