Our ref : APPBCA-2014-07 Building Engineering Group

02 Jun 2014

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Dear Sir/Madam

EARLY PRE-CONSULTATION OF STRUCTURAL CONCEPT FOR COMPLEX

BUILDINGS

This circular is to advise the industry to come for early pre-consultation with BCA on the
structural concept of complex buildings before building plans and structural plans for foundation
works are submitted for approval, if the proposed development falls under the complex
buildings criteria shown in Annex A.

Background
2 In recent years, BCA has observed an increasing number of buildings with complex
structural design and form. Specific consideration needs to be given to the design and
construction of such structures to make sure that they are robust, buildable and can be built
safely.

3 Sometimes, when the structural concept and design of buildings are submitted or
presented to BCA, the building (architectural) plans have been finalised and/or approved.
Should there be a need to change or enhance the structural system of the building, Qualified
Persons (QPs) for structural works may face difficulty in doing so.

4 Following consultation with industry members, comprising Professional Engineers from

the Institution of Engineers Singapore and the Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore,
there was consensus that early involvement and consultation with BCA on the structural concept
would be beneficial, especially for complex building form.

Early Pre-consultation of Structural Concept

5 To facilitate early review of the structural concept for complex buildings, BCA will be
introducing a new pre-consultation process and would like to urge QPs for structural
works involved in such projects to come for early pre-consultation with BCA preferably at
the conceptual design stage before the architectural plans have been firmed up.

6 For the early pre-consultation, the QP for structural works should provide the following
details:-
 the structural concept and design of the complex buildings;
 issues affecting building performance, e.g. deflection, vibration and acceleration
and long-term effects; measures to prevent disproportionate collapse, etc;
 the proposal on how buildability requirements can be met; and
 tentative methods of construction.

5 Maxwell Road #02-01 Tower Block MND Complex Singapore 069110 1 of 12

Tel: 6325 2211 | Fax: 6325 7150 | Email: [email protected]
www.bca.gov.sg An MND Statutory Board
7 Parties involved in the project, namely the Developer, Architect, Accredited Checker and
Builder (if they are on board) should also attend the session. A Pre-consultation Completion
letter will be issued after the session when queries and comments, if any, from BCA are
adequately addressed.

8 Given that structural safety and construction issues can be highlighted and addressed
beforehand, this early pre-consultation process would pave the way for smoother plan approvals
subsequently. In addition, it would help such projects in achieving a more robust building design
to prevent building from disproportionate collapse, and at the same time meeting buildability
requirements and raising construction productivity.

Revised Submission Process for Approval of Building and Structural Plans

9 During submission of structural plans for foundation works or building plans, QPs for
structural or architectural works (whichever the case might be) will have to indicate, on the
relevant application forms shown in Annex B, whether their project falls under the complex
buildings criteria. The current forms will be amended accordingly and the changes will take
effect on the implementation date. The QPs for architectural works will have to submit form in
Annex C which is to be completed by the QP for structural works to determine if their project
involves any complex building structure, together with the first building plan submission.

10 For a complex building project, the respective QPs will also have to indicate on the
application form whether early pre-consultation has been made prior to the submission. If QPs
fail to arrange for early pre-consultation, it may slow down the approval process for plan
submission. Hence, to enable a smoother and faster processing of plans, QPs are advised to plan
ahead and come for an early pre-consultation with BCA.

Arrangement for Early Pre-consultation with BCA

11 For projects with complex building structures, QPs for structural works can make
arrangement for early pre-consultation with BCA by sending the request form shown in Annex
D to our Building Engineering Group, together with relevant information and details of their
projects (refer to Annex E).

12 The request for early pre-consultation should be sent to our Building Engineering Group:
i) By Email: [email protected]
Or
ii) By Mail / Fax:
5 Maxwell Road
#05-00 Tower Block MND Complex
Singapore 069110
Fax: 63257482
Or
iii) By Hand: BCA Service Counter

Implementation
13 The early pre-consultation process will be implemented from 2 Jan 2015 and it applies
to all new projects with complex buildings where building plans or structural plans for
foundation works are submitted on or after this date.

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Clarification
14 We would appreciate it if you could bring the contents of this circular to the attention of
your members. Should you need any clarification, please contact either Er. Dr Tran Chi Trung
(Tel. 63257484, email: [email protected]) or Er. Chin Wee Keong (Tel. 63257788,
email: [email protected]).

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

ER. LIM BENG KWEE

DIRECTOR, BUILDING ENGINEERING GROUP
for COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING CONTROL

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ANNEX A

CRITERIA FOR COMPLEX BUILDING

A building is deemed to be complex if it consists of one or more of the following:

1) Multiple level transfer structures (2 or more transfer floors each carrying 3 or more floors) or
cantilevered transfer structures (carrying 5 or more floors);

2) Non-vertical/inclined structural elements (with offset of floor plate more than 3m from the edge of the
floor above or below);

3) Structures with unconventional geometry (e.g. dome or arch-shaped); or

4) Large span structures (with span more than 40m) or large cantilever span structures (where cantilever
span is more than 8m).

These criteria do not apply to infrastructures, such as bridges, viaducts, tunnels, and MRT/LRT stations.

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ANNEX B-1
New under section III of the BPD_BP03 form “Application for Approval of Building Plans”.

(8) I confirm that the project:

i) does not involve any complex building structure.

ii) involves one or more of the following complex building structures:

• Multiple level transfer structures (2 or more transfer floors each carrying 3 or more floors) or cantilevered transfer
structures (carrying 5 or more floors).

• Non-vertical/inclined structural elements (with offset of floor plate is more than 3m from the edge of the floor above
or below).

• Structures with unconventional geometry (e.g. dome or arch-shaped).

• Large span structures (with span more than 40m) or large cantilever span structures (where cantilever span is more
than 8m).

Obtained a letter from our Building Engineering Group after completing pre-consultation session on the
structural concept of the complex buildings. The Pre-consultation Completion Letter Reference No.
is _______________.

(Note: If such pre-consultation has not been made, please arrange for it before any building or foundation plans can be
processed).

(9) ETTV plans and calculations are –

i) not applicable;

ii) applicable and a set of these calculations are attached.

(10) Alternative solutions are :

i) adopted (schedule of alternative solution attached);

ii) not adopted.

(11) Under the Building Control (Buildable Design) Regulations, submission of buildability score is –

i) Applicable a set of these calculations (Form BPD_BS01) is attached.

The buildability score is _____________for GFA of _____________ m2.

The planning permission was 1st applied on _______________ (state the date).

Buildability score submitted in the previous BP submission and is unchanged

ii) Not applicable: Planning Permission requirements:

GFA < 2000m2 (planning permission applied after 1 Jan 2004).

GFA < 5000m2 (planning permission applied before 1 Jan 2004).

Planning permission applied before 1 Jan 2001.

Waiver obtained.

Exempted.

BPD_BP03 5 of 12
ANNEX B-2
New under section D of the BEV/A1 form “Application for Approval of Structural Plans”.

C. DECLARATION BY DEVELOPER – APPOINTMENT OF ACCREDITED CHECKERS

1 I have appointed the following Accredited Checker (AC) under Section 8(1)(e) of the Building Control Act:

(i) AC in an Accredited Checking Organisation (ACO):

Name of AC ____________________________________________, AC Registration No.: _________________
Name of ACO _____________________________________________, ACO Registration No.: _________________
or (ii) AC acting on his own behalf:
Name of AC ____________________________________________, AC Registration No.: _________________
(Note: AC not in an ACO is restricted to project with a value of building works up to $15 million)
2 I have appointed the following Specialist Accredited Checker under section 8(1)(f)(i) of the Building Control Act:
Name of Specialist AC ____________________________________________, Specialist AC Registration No.: _________________
Name & Address of Developer

____________________________________________________
Signature of Authorised Signatory

____________________________________________________
Name & Designation ( if developer is a company)
UEN: ____________ Tel No.:_____________ Fax No.:_____________ NRIC No.: ____________________Date: __________________
D. DECLARATION BY THE QUALIFIED PERSON FOR STRUCTURAL WORKS
1 I confirm that I am appointed as the Qualified Person for structural works under section 8(1)(a) or 11(1)(d)(i) of the Building Control Act in
respect of the works described above by ___________________________________________________.
2 The status of the Planning Approval is as follows:
WP is attached PP is attached URA lodgement is attached WP/PP will be submitted not required
3 I confirm that the project:

i) does not involve any complex building structure.

ii) involves one or more of the following complex building structures:

Multiple level transfer structures (2 or more transfer floors each carrying 3 or more floors) or cantilevered transfer structures (carrying 5 or
more floors).
Non-vertical/inclined structural elements (with offset of floor plate is more than 3m from the edge of the floor above or below).
Structures with unconventional geometry (e.g. dome or arch-shaped).
Large span structures (with span more than 40m) or large cantilever span structures (where cantilever span is more than 8m).
Obtained a letter from our Building Engineering Group after completing pre-consultation session on the structural concept of the
complex buildings. The Pre-consultation Completion Letter Reference No. is _______________.
(Note: If such pre-consultation has not been made, please arrange for it before any building or foundation plans can be processed).

4 Under the Building Control (Buildable Design) Regulations, submission of buildability score is:
Applicable a set of these calculations (Form BEV_BS02) are attached.
The structural buildability score is ________________ for GFA of ________________ m2
The planning permission was1st applied on________________ (state the date)
will be submitted at the first superstructural submission
buildability score submitted in previous ST submission
buildability score submitted in previous BP submission and is unchanged
Not Applicable Planning Permission application:
GFA < 2000m2
GFA < 5000m2 (planning permission applied before 1 Jan 2004)
Planning permission applied before 1 Jan 2001
waiver obtained
exempted
5 I confirm that the provision of Household Shelter is:
Applicable I will obtain Notice of Approval of shelter plans from Special Function Division of BCA

Not Applicable There is no residential dwelling house or flat in the building works
It is addition and alteration works
QP has sought advice with SCDF and obtained a confirmation in writing from SCDF that provision of HS is not
required for the reconstruction works

BEV/A1 6 of 12
 Form BE-EP-ANNEX C
This form may take you 10 minutes to complete.
VERIFICATION BY QUALIFIED PERSON FOR STRUCTURAL WORKS
ON WHETHER PROJECT FALLS UNDER COMPLEX BUILDING CRITERIA
(THIS IS TO BE ATTACHED DURING FIRST PLAN SUBMISSION)
A. PROJECT DETAILS
1 Project Reference No.: _____________________________________________________________
Project Title: __________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lot/Plot: _______________________________________________________________________ TS/MK: _____________
House No: ___________________Road: ___________________________________________________________________
2 As the QP for Structural Works of the above project, I have reviewed and confirmed that the project:
i) does not involve any complex building structure.

ii) involves one or more of the following complex building structures:

Multiple level transfer structures (2 or more transfer floors each carrying 3 or more floors) or cantilevered transfer
structures (carrying 5 or more floors).
Non-vertical/inclined structural elements (with offset of floor plate is more than 3m from the edge of the floor above or
below).
Structures with unconventional geometry (e.g. dome or arch-shaped).
Large span structures (with span more than 40m) or large cantilever span structures (where cantilever span is more than
8m).
Obtained a letter from our Building Engineering Group after completing pre-consultation session on the structural concept
of the complex buildings. The Pre-consultation Completion Letter Reference No. is _______________.

Note:
If such pre-consultation has not been made, please arrange for it before any building or foundation plans can be processed.
These criteria do not apply to infrastructures, such as bridges, viaducts, tunnels, and MRT/LRT stations.

B. DECLARATION BY THE QUALIFIED PERSON FOR STRUCTURAL WORKS

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Address of Qualified Person Stamp & Signature of Qualified Person

UEN: ____________ Tel No.:_____________ Fax No.:_____________

Date: ____________
H/P No. : ____________

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 Form BE-EP-ANNEX D
This form may take you 10 minutes to complete.
REQUEST FORM FOR EARLY PRE-CONSULTATION OF
STRUCTURAL CONCEPT FOR COMPLEX BUILDINGS
A. PROJECT DETAILS
1 Project Reference No.: _____________________________________________________________
Project Title: __________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lot/Plot: _______________________________________________________________________ TS/MK: _____________
House No: ___________________Road: ___________________________________________________________________
Usage: Residential/ Commercial/ Industrial / Institutional and others
No. of Storey: ___________ Est. Project Cost: __________

Developer/Owner: ___________________________________________

QP for Structural Works: ___________________________________________

QP for Architectural Works: ___________________________________________

Builder: ___________________________________________

B. REQUEST FOR EARLY PRE-CONSULTATION

2 Building Engineering Group
Building and Construction Authority

Attention: Er. Dr Tran Chi Trung / Er. Chin Wee Keong

Dear BCA Officer

I would like to request for an early pre-consultation with BCA for the project which involves the following complex structures:
Tick where applicable:

Multiple level transfer structures (2 or more transfer floors each carrying 3 or more floors) or cantilevered transfer
structures (carrying 5 or more floors).
Non-vertical/inclined structural elements (with offset of floor plate is more than 3m from the edge of the floor above or
below).
Structures with unconventional geometry (e.g. dome or arch-shaped).
Large span structures (with span more than 40m) or large cantilever span structures (where cantilever span is more than
8m).

Endorsement of QP for Structural Works QP’s contact no. and email

___________________________ Date:______________________

Note:
The QP is to sign and send/email the form to the Building Engineering Group.
These criteria do not apply to infrastructures, such as bridges, viaducts, tunnels, and MRT/LRT stations.

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ANNEX E

Information and details of complex buildings to be submitted for Early Pre-consultation Of

Structural Concept

- Architectural layout plans and drawings showing the proposed development and building

- Structural plans and drawings showing overall structural concepts, including structural systems, framing
layout and details

- Structural modelling, analyses and designs, including checks on robustness of buildings and design of
critical elements

- Issues affecting building performance, e.g. deflection, vibration and acceleration and long-term effects;
measures to prevent disproportionate collapse etc

- Preliminary Buildable Design score computation and highlighting any transfer beams, inclined
columns, complex building forms and high voids (where relevant)

- Tentative methods of construction for the complex building structures

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CIRCULAR DISTRIBUTION LIST

PRESIDENT
INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, SINGAPORE (IES)
70, BUKIT TINGGI ROAD
SINGAPORE 289758
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS, SINGAPORE (ACES)
18 SIN MING LANE
#06-01 MIDVIEW CITY
SINGAPORE 573960
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
SINGAPORE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION LIMITED (SCAL)
CONSTRUCTION HOUSE
1 BUKIT MERAH LANE 2
SINGAPORE 159760
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (SIA)
79 NEIL ROAD
SINGAPORE 088904
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
SOCIETY OF PROJECT MANAGERS (SPM)
MACPHERSON ROAD P.O.BOX 1083
SINGAPORE 913412
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF BUILDING LIMITED (SIBL)
70 PALMER ROAD,
#03-09C PALMER HOUSE
SINGAPORE 079427
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE (REDAS)
190 CLEMENCEAU AVENUE
#07-01 SINGAPORE SHOPPING CENTRE
SINGAPORE 239924
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS & VALUERS (SISV)
110 MIDDLE ROAD #09-00
CHIAT HONG BUILDING
SINGAPORE 188968
[email protected]
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PRESIDENT
SINGAPORE STRUCTURAL STEEL SOCIETY (SSSS)
1 LIANG SEAH STREET
#02-11/12 LIANG SEAH PLACE
SINGAPORE 189022
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
GEOTECHNICAL SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE
C/O PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES CENTRE
NUS FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
9 ENGINEERING DRIVE 1
SINGAPORE 117576
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS BOARD, SINGAPORE (PEB)
1ST STOREY, TOWER BLOCK, MND COMPLEX
5 MAXWELL ROAD
SINGAPORE 069110
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
BOARD OF ARCHITECTS (BOA)
5 MAXWELL ROAD
1ST STOREY TOWER BLOCK
MND COMPLEX
SINGAPORE 069110
[email protected]

DIRECTOR
PROTECTIVE INFRASTRUCTURE & ESTATE
DEFENCE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
1 DEPOT ROAD #03-01J
SINGAPORE 109679
[email protected]

DEPUTY DIRECTOR
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & MAINTENANCE BRANCH
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
1 NORTH BUONA VISTA DRIVE
OFFICE TOWER LEVEL 9
SINGAPORE 138675
[email protected]

DIRECTOR
BEST SOURCING DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD
40 SCOTTS ROAD #18-01
ENVIRONMENT BUILDING
SINGAPORE 228231
[email protected]

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DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY
1 HAMPSHIRE ROAD
BLOCK 8 LEVEL 1
SINGAPORE 219428
[email protected]

DEPUTY DIRECTOR
PROJECT DEVT & MGT SECT 1 (C&S)
BUILDING QUALITY GROUP
HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD
HDB HUB
480 LORONG 6 TOA PAYOH
SINGAPORE 310480
[email protected]

DIRECTOR
ENGINEERING PLANNING DIVISION
JTC CORPORATION
THE JTC SUMMIT
8 JURONG TOWN HALL ROAD
SINGAPORE 609434
[email protected]

DIRECTOR
BUILDING
PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION
9 STADIUM LINK
SINGAPORE 397750
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
THE TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SOCIETY SINGAPORE (TUCSS)
C/O CMA INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS PTE LTD
1 LIANG SEAH STREET
#02-12 LIANG SEAH PLACE
SINGAPORE 189022
[email protected]

PRESIDENT
SOCIETY OF ROCK MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
1 LIANG SEAH STREET
#02-12 LIANG SEAH PLACE
SINGAPORE 189022
[email protected]

ALL CORENET E-INFO SUBSCRIBERS

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