A Review of the Implementation of Iranian National Building Code: Current Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract eng:
The development and upgrade of the standard provisions presenting minimum engineering requirements for design and construction of buildings, also known as building codes, has been recognized as an effective tool toward the improvement of building and seismic resilience in developing countries, although, painful experiences of catastrophic earthquakes causing extensive damage and loss have illustrated that much attention is needed to be paid to the successful code implementation phase. This paper reviews the attempts and achievements in development, enforcement and implementation of the Iranian national building code over last four decades. The most important practical experiences and learned lessons during this period have been addressed that can be useful for similar developing countries which are at the beginning of the road. A critical analysis is presented to recognize the basic challenges and obstacles slowing down the progress rate of the country toward the desired predicted levels by seismic risk reduction programs. After the assessment of current status of the code implementation, suggestions are proposed as the potential remedies for determined problems. The results show acceptable growth in the provision of the basic engineering services and expertise human resources in all around the country as a response to the code enforcement procedures. However, the distribution and the penetration rate of these provided requirements are not uniform. Based on the results, the more efficient involvement of the concept of seismic risk in the development of comprehensive master plans, the promotion of the idea of “certified safe and standard building”, and change in the role of the government from “free insurer” providing financial supports for reconstruction and recovery to the “supporter” of the effective risk transfer mechanisms such as earthquake insurance are the main future directions should be followed to improve the current situation. Finally, the idea of the development of an integrated evaluation and rating system is introduced as an effective solution for promoting economically defensible policies for improving seismic safety of buildings.

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