Addressing fire safety concerns – a critical examination of regulatory compliance in public buildings
The devastating building fire that occurred in August 2023 in the Johannesburg central business district, claiming the lives of 77 indigent people while injuring 88 others, has placed a spotlight on the subject of fire safety.
The right to a safe built environment is embodied in the Constitution, which is supported by the National Building Regulations (NBR). Compliance with the NBR can be attained through a prescriptive approach, using SANS 10400, depending on the facility type. For certain facilities, a performance-based – referred to as rational design in South Africa – is necessary. This approach demands quantitative confirmation that the design meets the performance criteria essential for adhering to the functional requirements of the NBR.(Engineering News)
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The rise of drywall is challenging SA’s construction norms
In South Africa, the construction and renovation industry, which includes homeowners, builders, and architects, has traditionally favoured brick and mortar over lightweight materials like drywall. However a cost-conscious trend is challenging this norm and debunking myths about drywall use in homes. (Bizcommunity)
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