B1/AS1: Structural provisions for buildings

B1 STRUCTURE ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION B1/AS1 Main changes in this version and features of this document Main changes in this version This acceptable solution is the second edition of B1/AS1. The main changes from the previous version are: • The document has been published in a standalone format and the layout has been revised to improve clarity. This includes using a common structure for headings and text throughout the acceptable solution. • Minor amendments have been made to correct typos, grammar, cross-references, punctuation, wording, and formatting of the document. This includes changes to headings, paragraphs, tables and figures, table and figure notes, and definitions. These amendments do not affect the level of performance required in the document but may assist in the interpretation of the requirements. • The title of the document has been revised from “General” to “Structural provisions for houses and small buildings” to reflect the scope of the acceptable solution and the standards referenced within it. Additional information on the document and its scope is provided in Part 1. General. • The acceptable solution now refers to the Building Product Specifications for welded steel mesh in Paragraphs 2.1.4.1 and 2.3.7.2, wall bracing of timber-framed buildings in Paragraph 2.3.4.2, timber piles in Paragraph 2.3.5.1, and glazing in Paragraph 3.3.1.1. More information on the Building Product Specifications is provided in Subsection 1.2.3. • References have been revised to reflect the documents cited in this acceptable solution in Appendix A. • Definitions have been revised to reflect the terms used in this acceptable solution in Appendix B. • Comments regarding foundations where good ground has not been established have been relocated to Subsection 1.1.2 in order to make the scope of the document clear and avoid repetition in the acceptable solution. People using this document should check for amendments on a regular basis. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment may amend any part of any acceptable solution or verification method at any time. Up-to-date versions of acceptable solutions or verification methods are available from www.building.govt.nz. Features of this document • For the purposes of Building Code compliance, the standards and documents referenced in this acceptable solution must be the editions, along with their specific amendments, listed in Appendix A. • Words in italic are defined at the end of this document in Appendix B. • Hyperlinks are provided to cross-references within this document and to external websites and appear with a blue underline. • Appendices to this acceptable solution are part of, and have equal status to, the acceptable solution. Figures are informative only and the wording of the paragraphs takes precedence. Text boxes headed ‘COMMENT’ occur throughout this document and are for guidance purposes only. • A consistent number system has been used throughout this document. The first number indicates the Part of the document, the second indicates the Section in the Part, the third is the Subsection, and the fourth is the Paragraph. This structure is illustrated as follows: 2 Part 2.5 Section 2.5.3 Subsection 2.5.3.1 Paragraph 2.5.3.1(a) Paragraph (as a portion of the relevant paragraph) 2.5.3.1(a)(i) Paragraph (as a portion of the relevant paragraph) MINISTRY OF BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT 28 JULY 2025 Page 3