المملكة: Earthquake, concrete and polymer… adding 3 new standards to the Saudi building code

The National Committee for the Saudi Building Code approved a new update in the Saudi Building Code 2024 system, to replace the current version, based on Article Five of the Saudi Building Code system, which stipulates that the code be updated every 5 years to keep pace with developments in the construction sector.
The 2024 edition included the addition of three new construction codes to the 2024 Building Code system, which are the Saudi Code for Seismic Design of Steel, the Saudi Code for Repair, Rehabilitation and Treatment of Existing Concrete Structures, and the Saudi Code for Reinforced Concrete Using Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer Rods.

The committee confirmed that the Saudi Building Code 2024 system will be mandatory as of June 30, 2025 AD, giving the various authorities a transitional period of “180” days starting from the beginning of January 2025 AD, during which the Saudi Building Code 2018 version will continue to be applied to all existing and new projects until… Date of implementation of the updated version of the Saudi Building Code 2024 system.
She explained that the building code sets the minimum mandatory technical requirements for buildings, which achieve the stability and stability of facilities, the safety of lives and property, rationalize the consumption of natural resources such as: energy and water, and improve the quality of life and public health by providing the necessary requirements for safety and public health.
She pointed out that updating the building code comes within the framework of the National Committee’s efforts to improve engineering practices and enhance the competitiveness and leadership of the construction sector through compatibility with international standards to ensure keeping pace with the increasing urban growth in the Kingdom regionally and globally.

She explained that updating the 2024 Building Code was based on a number of main sources, including updating international references and specifications, and adopting the latest international standards to ensure keeping pace with developments in the fields of design and construction. The National Committee for the Saudi Building Code also evaluated previous corrections and addressed the challenges faced by the authorities concerned with implementing the code to ensure ease of implementation. Application.
The committee also took the comments of government agencies into consideration to enhance coordination in implementing the code, in addition to the participation of the private sector and workers in the construction sector in cooperation with the Saudi Council of Engineers, to ensure that their engineering requirements are met in accordance with best practices and achieve flexibility in implementation.
The National Committee for the Saudi Building Code called on all concerned parties, including engineers, real estate developers, contractors, consultants and workers in the construction sector, to view the updated version on the committee’s website and learn about its details to ensure compliance with it.
The committee confirmed its endeavor to provide guidance manuals and training programmes. To facilitate the application process and ensure the achievement of the desired goals in cooperation with the relevant authorities.