| The Approved Documents |
| |
| Part A: Structure |
| A1. Loading
The loading of a building will include its own weight, snow load,
wind pressures and the weight of everything likely to be put in
the building. The structural elements, walls, floors, beams, columns
etc must not fail or unduly deform in transferring the loads to
the foundations. The foundations transfer the load of the building
to the ground which must be capable of carrying them. If the foundation
is overloaded the ground will move and cause damage to the building
or even adjoining buildings. |
| |
| 2. Ground
Movement Suitable ground upon which to build may be sand,
clay, rock or gravel. The capabilities of all these sub-soil types
to carry loads must be assessed. Clay sub-soil can swell, shrink
and creep. Sand can compress and expand under certain conditions.
Gravel may contain voids. Rock is not commonly found to build on
just below the ground surface. An assessment of the ground condition
should always be made in relation to the type of building and style
of construction. In areas where there has been mining activity the
ground should be thoroughly investigated. |
| |
| A3. Disproportionate
Collapse The building should be constructed so that in the
event of an accident the building will not suffer collapse to an
extent disproportionate to the cause. |
| |
| Click here for a downloadable
version of the Approved Document Part A |
| Approved
Document A - Structure (2004 Edition) (PDF 3589 Kb) |
| |
| Additional Guidance |
| |
| Span Tables for solid timber members
in floors, ceilings and roofs (excluding trussed rafter roofs) for
dwellings |
 |
This document is published
by Trada Technology Ltd as guidance on the sizing of timber members
used in the roofs and floors of dwellings. Alternative guidance
is available in BS 5268: Parts 2 and 3, and in BS 8103 Part 3. |
| To purchase this document visit
www.trada.co.uk |
| |
| Archived Copies |
| |
| Approved Document A - 1992 edition |
| Valid: 1st June 1992 - 30th November
2004 |
 |
The requirement in this edition
was: |
| A1 - Loading |
| A2 - Ground Movement |
| A3 & A4 - Disproportionate
collapse |
| |
| |
| Approved Document A - 1985 edition |
| Valid: 1st April 1985 - 31st May
1992 |
 |
The requirement in this edition
was: |
| A1 & A2 - Loading
and ground movement |
| A3 - Disproportionate collapse |
| |
| Approved
Document A - Structure (1985 Edition) (PDF 12.07Mb) |
