b1

B1 Structure

Buildings will withstand likely loads, including wind, earthquake, live and dead loads (people and building contents).

This clause sets requirements around the combination of loads that buildings, building elements and sitework are likely to experience during construction, alteration and throughout their lives.

The performance requirements outline how buildings should be stable, not degrade and withstand physical conditions to protect lives and other property.  It makes due allowance for the intended use of a building, the consequence of failure and other limitations.

Record of amendments is a record of changes to the acceptable solutions, verification methods and handbooks.

Ensuring new buildings can withstand liquefaction effects

Acceptable Solution B1/AS1 contains requirements to ensure new buildings are built safe and strong enough to withstand liquefaction effects.

Read more about liquefaction effects

Building Code Regulations

The Building Code is published in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992.

The Building Code clauses include objectives, functional requirements and performance criteria. These are mandatory provisions that all new building work must comply with.

The acceptable solutions and verification methods provided on this page are deemed to comply with Building Code clause B1.

Updates

Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods

Current version

MBIE has historical versions of the code clause documents which can be located under 'Previous Versions' and 'Version History'. Alternatively if you cannot find the document you are looking for, you can send an email with the year and code clause you are after to info@building.govt.nz.

 

Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods (AS and VMs) were called compliance documents. Some still have the “compliance document” title but the AS or VMs they contain are valid and unaffected by the name change.

Standards

Standards are frequently referred to in Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods. They provide practical information and guidelines for building solutions.

Over 120 building standards used for Building Code compliance are now available for free download.

See the free standards relating to Code Clause B1.

All standards, including the funded ones, can be accessed through the Standards New Zealand website.

Guidance

These documents are provided for assistance. They are not intended as a means of establishing compliance with the Building Act or Building Code, and they do not have the same status accorded to Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods under the Act.

Related Determinations

 Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding in relation to each case. Circumstances in one case may differ to others.

Related building products

All products, systems and construction methods that have achieved CodeMark status will be listed with their most up to date certificate.

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: