Saudi: Municipal ministry to apply aseismic design for new residential buildings

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The ministerial decision stipulates amendment in the Saudi Building Code Application Law with regard to fulfilling the requirements for aseismic design of buildings and the procedures to be followed when designing or reviewing and auditing construction plans for buildings in earthquake-prone areas

Staff Writer, Saudi Gazette

February 25, 2023

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RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has instructed its affiliated agencies and engineering offices to apply terms and conditions related to earthquake resistance design while giving approval for new residential buildings in various regions and governorates across the Kingdom.

Okaz/Saudi Gazette has learned that this new directive came in line with implementing the Saudi Building Code and its amendment through two royal decrees and a ministerial decision issued earlier.

The ministerial decision stipulates amendment in the Saudi Building Code Application Law with regard to fulfilling the requirements for aseismic design of buildings and the procedures to be followed when designing or reviewing and auditing construction plans for buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

The Ministry’s directive is significant in view of the earthquake and tremors felt in the region recently and it comes out of the Ministry’s keenness to ensure construction of quake-resistant, sustainable and safer buildings.

It is noteworthy that earthquake-resistant designs typically incorporate ductility that can bend and flex when exposed to the horizontal or vertical shear forces of an earthquake.