• The Application Limit to the Requirement (ie.the 5 storey limit) has been removed so as to bring all buildings under control of the A3 Requirement. The modified guidance has been developed from commissioned research and consideration of the recommendations given in the forthcoming Eurocode EN1991-1-7 on Accidental Actions.

• Disproportionate collapse is failure/collapse of a building which is disproportionate to the cause - e.g. buildings being constructed such that if a lower panel/section is damaged (due to fire/explosion/impact etc) it would have a domino effect which would cause collapse of the entire building.

• In multi-storey timber frame constructions, the connections between the external rim joists and the primary floor beams will sometimes need to be much more robust.

• Cullen's RD-DCR assists in compliance with Part A, whilst maintaining compliance with Part E acoustic requirements via the Robust Detail Constructions published by Robust Details Ltd.

Part B for fire covers:

• Means of warning and escape
• Internal fire spread (linings & structure)
• External fire spread
• Access & facilities for the fire service
• Approved document has been split into two volumes
• Fire safety information

Part E covers:

• 52% of the energy we use currently goes into the construction and running costs of buildings. 61% of running costs are used on space heating.

 

• Changes to the Building Regulations (effective from April '06) will make buildings more energy efficient and save millions of tonnes of carbon per year to help meet our commitments under the Kyoto agreement.

• Under Part L thermal insulation requirements will be increased. Builders using brick and block will need to increase insulation in the walls and timber framers will need to increase stud/insulation thickness or use rigid insulation.

 

• Under Part F air leakage testing becomes compulsory for 10% of houses constructed to confirm heat loss via air leakage is within acceptable limits.

 

• New Cullen products to assist compliance with the new Part L/F are:
  • Masonry hangers which provide a safe working platform as soon as they are installed and cause minimal air leakage.
  • The Gripper and Stopper, which enable I-Joists to be built into masonry walls in an air-tight manner.
  • The RD-CDCR assures excellent air-tightness performance where disproportionate collapse is of concern.

The 2006 amendments to Part L are under consultation http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/partlconsultationpaper.pdf