B1/AS1: Structural provisions for buildings

B1 STRUCTURE ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION B1/AS1 Definitions Appendix B. Definitions These definitions are specific to this acceptable solution. Other defined terms italicised within the definitions are provided in clause A2 of the Building Code. Term Definition Boundary joist A joist running along the outer ends of the floor joists. Building Has the meaning given to it by sections 8 and 9 of the Building Act 2004. Building element Any structural and non-structural component or assembly incorporated into or associated with a building. Included are fixtures, services, drains, permanent mechanical installations for access, glazing, partitions, ceilings and temporary supports. Canterbury Is the area contained within the boundaries of the Christchurch City Council, earthquake region the Selwyn District Council, and the Waimakariri District Council. Chimney A non-combustible structure which encloses one or more flues, fireplaces or other heating appliances. Chimney back The non-combustible wall forming the back of a fireplace. Chimney breast The front fireplace wall construction above the fireplace opening. Chimney jambs The side walls of a fireplace. Construct In relation to a building, includes to design, build, erect, prefabricate, and relocate the building; and construction has a corresponding meaning. Drain A pipe normally laid below ground level including fittings and equipment and intended to convey foul water or surface water to an outfall. Factor of safety In relation to any building means the ratio of resisting forces to applied forced for a given loading condition. It is generally expressed to two significant figures. Fireplace A space formed by the chimney back, the chimney jambs, and the chimney breast in which fuel is burned for the purpose of heating the room into which it opens. Fixture An article intended to remain permanently attached to and form part of a building. Flue The passage through which the products of combustion are conveyed to the outside. Good ground Means any soil or rock capable of permanently withstanding an ultimate bearing pressure of 300 kPa (i.e. an allowable bearing pressure of 100 kPa using a factor of safety of 3.0), but excludes: a) potentially compressible ground such as topsoil, soft soils such as clay which can be moulded easily in the fingers, and uncompacted loose gravel which contains obvious voids; and b) expansive soils being those that have a liquid limit of more than 50% when tested in accordance with NZS 4402 Test 2.2, and a linear shrinkage of more than 15% when tested, from the liquid limit, in accordance with NZS 4402 Test 2.6; and c) any ground which could foreseeably experience movement of 25 mm or greater for any reason including one or a combination of: land instability, ground creep, subsidence, liquefaction, lateral spread, seasonal swelling MINISTRY OF BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT 28 JULY 2025 Page 19