Saudi construction Code

SBC 302 - CR
Code Requirements
‫ﻛﻮد اﻟﺘﺸﻴﻴﺪ‬

2018
 Saudi Building Code for Construction
SBC 302
Key List of the Saudi Codes: Designations and brief titles

Title Code Req.1 Code & Com.2 Arabic Prov. 3

The General Building Code SBC 201-CR SBC 201-CC SBC 201-AR
Structural – Loading and Forces SBC 301-CR SBC 301-CC SBC 301-AR
Structural – SBC 302-CR SBC 302-AR

Construction
Structural – Soil and Foundations SBC 303-CR SBC 303-CC SBC 303-AR
Structural – Concrete Structures SBC 304-CR SBC 304-CC SBC 304-AR
Structural – Masonry Structures SBC 305-CR SBC 305-CC SBC 305-AR
Structural – Steel Structures
Electrical Code SBC 401-CR SBC 401-AR
Mechanical Code SBC 501- CR SBC 501-CC SBC 501-AR
Energy Conservation- SBC 601- CR SBC 601- CC SBC 601- AR
Nonresidential
Energy Conservation-Residential SBC 602- CR SBC 602- CC SBC 602- AR
Plumbing Code SBC 701- CR SBC 701-CC SBC 701-AR
Private sewage Code SBC 702- CR SBC 702-AR
Fire Code SBC 801- CR SBC 801-CC SBC 801-AR
Existing Buildings Code SBC 901- CR SBC 901-CC SBC 901-AR
Green Construction Code SBC 1001- CR SBC 1001-CC SBC 1001-AR
Residential Building Code* SBC 1101- CR SBC 1101-CC SBC 1101-AR
Fuel Gas Code* SBC 1201- CR SBC 1201-CC SBC 1201-AR
1. CR: Code Requirements without Commentary
2. CC: Code Requirements with Commentary
3. AR: Arabic Code Provisions
* Under Development

COPYRIGHT © 2018
by
The Saudi Building Code National Committee (SBCNC).

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All intellectual property rights of this Saudi Code are owned by the
National Committee of Saudi Building Code as per the Saudi laws of the intellectual property. No part
of this code may be reproduced, distributed or leased in any form or by any means, including but not
limited to publishing on cloud sites, computer networks or any electronic means of communication,
without prior written permission from the National Committee for the Saudi Building Code. The
purchase of an electronic or paper copy does not exempt the individual or entity from complying with
the above limitations.

SBC 302-CR-18 i
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE (SBC 302):

1 Prof. Ahmed B. Shuraim Chairman

2 Prof. Abdulaziz I. Al-Negheimish Member
3 Prof. Abdulrahman Alhozaimy Member
4 Dr. Fadi Al Nahhas Member
5 Eng. Rais Mirza Member

REVIEW COMMITTEE:
1 Dr. Naif M. Alabbadi Chairman
2 Dr. Khaled M. Aljammaz Member
3 Dr. Abdulrahman G. Al-enizi Member
4 Engr. Saeed K. Kadasah Member
SAUDI BUILDING CODE NATIONAL COMMITTEE (SBCNC) 5 Engr. Tawifik I. Aljrayed Member

1 H. E. Dr. Saad O. AlKasabi Chairman

2 Dr. Naif M. Alabbadi Vice Chairman REVIEWAL SUPPORT:
3 Dr. Abdulrahman G. Al-enizi Member
Engr. Syed Faiz Ahmad RCJY team
4 Engr. Saeed K. Kadasah Member
5 Dr. Hassan S. Alhazmi Member
6 Engr. Badr S. AL-maayoof Member TECHNICAL EDITING COMMITTEE:
7 Engr. Fayez A. Alghamdi Member
8 Engr. Mohammed A. Alwaily Member 1 Prof. Ahmed B. Shuraim Chairman
9 Dr. Bandar S. Alkahlan Member 2 Dr. Abdallah M. Al-Shehri Member
10 Engr. Ahmad N. Hassan Member 3 Engr. Tawifik I. Aljrayed Member
11 Engr. Abdulnasser S. Alabdullatif Member
12 Dr. Hani M. Zahran Member
13 Engr. Khalifa S. Alyahyai Member EDITORIAL SUPPORT:
14 Dr. Khaled M. Aljammaz Member Prof. Nadeem A. Siddiqui
15 Dr. Ibrahim O. Habiballah Member
16 Dr. Saeed A. Asiri Member
17 Dr. Abdallah M. Al-Shehri Member
18 Engr. Saad S. Shuail Member

ADVISORY COMMITTEE :
1 Dr. Khaled M. Aljammaz Chairman
2 Eng. Khalifa S. Alyahyai Vice Chairman
3 Dr. Hani M. Zahran Member
4 Prof. Ali A. Shash Member
5 Prof. Ahmed B. Shuraim Member
6 Dr. Khalid M. Wazira Member
7 Dr. Abdulhameed A. Al Ohaly Member
8 Dr. Hamza A. Ghulman Member
9 Engr. Hakam A. Al-Aqily Member
10 Prof. Saleh F. Magram Member
11 Engr. Nasser M. Al-Dossari Member
12 Dr. Waleed H. Khushefati Member
13 Dr. Waleed M. Abanomi Member
14 Dr. Fahad S. Al-Lahaim Member

SBC 302-CR-18 ii
 PREFACE

PREFACE

The Saudi Building Code for Construction (SBC 302) provides the requirements for the design and
safety of formwork, construction requirements for structural concrete, and requirements for agencies
engaged in inspection and testing of materials. The entire Code is divided into three parts. The first part
(Chapters 1 through 5) of the Code covers the requirements for the design of formwork, the construction
loads including dead and live loads and lateral pressure of concrete on forms and environmental loads
on formwork. It covers also the construction considerations and safety and inspection requirements.
The second part of the Code (Chapters 6 through 11) covers construction requirements for structural
concrete including concrete mixtures, production and delivery, handling, placing and finishing, curing
of concrete, hot and cold weather concreting. The last part of the Code (Chapters 12 through 14) defines
the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in (a) inspection of specified methods and materials
used in construction, (b) special inspection, and (c) testing of materials used in construction.

The contents of the current edition of the Code is completely changed from its 2007 edition. Almost all
the contents of 2007 edition of SBC 302 has been moved to chapter 17 of SBC 201 and the current
edition of SBC 302 is rewritten in 14 chapters. These major changes in the contents of SBC 302 were
made to provide all the important requirements related to the construction at one place.

The writing process of SBC 302-18 followed the methodology approved by the Saudi Building Code
National Committee. Many changes and modifications were made in the referred sources to meet the
local weather, materials, construction and regulatory requirements.

The committees responsible for SBC 302 Code have taken all precautions to avoid ambiguities,
omissions, and errors in the document. Despite these efforts, the users of SBC 302 may find information
or requirements that may be subject to more than one interpretation or may be incomplete. The SBCNC
alone possesses the authority and responsibility for updating, modifying and interpreting the Code.

It is a common assumption that engineering knowledge is a prerequisite in understanding code

provisions and requirements; thus, the code is oriented towards individuals who possess the background
knowledge to evaluate the significance and limitations of its content and recommendations. They shall
be able to determine the applicability of all regulatory limitations before applying the Code and must
comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

The requirements related to administration and enforcement of this Code are advisory only. SBCNC
and governmental organizations, in charge of enforcing this Code, possess the authority to modify these
administrative requirements.

SBC 302-CR-18 iii

 SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS

SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS

The entire SBC 302-18 is divided into 3 parts containing 14 chapters. A brief outline of these parts and
chapters is given below:
PART-I. FORMWORK—This Part of the Code (Chapter 1 through 5) covers the requirements for the
design of formwork, the construction loads including dead and live loads and lateral pressure of
concrete on forms and environmental loads on formwork. It covers also the construction considerations
and safety and inspection requirements.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Formwork—This chapter provides the definitions of various
terminologies used in this part of the Code.
Chapter 2. Design of Formwork—This chapter provides the minimum requirements for the design
of formwork. This chapter also covers the design capacity of members; design of shores; manufactured
system and components.
Chapter 3. Construction Load—This chapter covers the requirements for construction loads on
formwork. It includes dead and live loads, lateral pressure of concrete, wind loads and seismic loads.
It includes also shoring and floor loads in multi-story structures.
Chapter 4. Construction Considerations—This chapter provides various regulations pertaining to
forming and shoring. The formwork engineers and formwork contractors must follow these regulations
to maintain safe conditions for workers and the public.
Chapter 5. Safety and Inspection of Formwork—This chapter provides several requirements related
to safety and inspection of formwork. All the requirements are arranged under four main sections: (1)
general requirements (2) requirements for equipment and tools, (3) requirements for cast-in-place
concrete, and (4) inspection of formwork.
PART-II. CONCRETE—This part of the code (Chapter 6 through Chapter 11) covers construction
requirements for structural concrete including concrete mixtures, production and delivery, handling,
placing and finishing, curing of concrete, hot and cold weather concreting.
Chapter 6. Scope, Definitions and Referenced Standards—The various terminologies used in
part-II (Concrete) of the Code are defined in this chapter. All the Standards, or specific sections thereof,
cited in this part of the Code are also listed in this chapter.
Chapter 7. Concrete Mixtures, Production and Delivery—This chapter provides the requirements
for materials, proportioning, production, and delivery of concrete.
Chapter 8. Handling, Placing and Finishing—This chapter covers the construction of cast-in-place
structural concrete. The chapter also provides procedures for handling, placing, finishing, and repair of
surface defects.
Chapter 9. Curing—This chapter provides the requirements for curing the cast-in-place concrete
elements including requirements for initiating curing, curing for unformed and formed surfaces, curing
time and protection from mechanical injury.
Chapter 10. Hot Weather Concreting—Hot weather is a condition that tends to impair the quality
of freshly mixed or hardened concrete by accelerating the rate of moisture loss and rate of cement
hydration or otherwise causing detrimental results. This chapter provides the requirements for hot
weather concrete construction.
Chapter 11. Cold Weather Concreting—Cold weather is an atmospheric condition when for more
than three successive days the average daily outdoor temperature drops below 4ºC. This chapter covers
requirements for cold weather concreting and protection of concrete from freezing during the specified
protection period.

SBC 302-CR-18 iv
 SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS

PART-III. INSPECTION AND TESTING AGENCIES—This Part of the Code (Chapter 12 through
Chapter 14) defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in (a) inspection of specified
methods and materials used in construction, (b) special inspection, and (c) testing of materials used in
construction.
Chapter 12. General—The definitions of various terminologies and documents referred to in Part-III
of the Code are given in this chapter. The chapter also provides requirements for impartial, independent
and confidential testing.
Chapter 13. Quality System and Technical Requirements—This chapter covers key factors
relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of
construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and
approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or
test, or both, will be performed.
Chapter 14. Inspections and Testing of Materials and Construction—This chapter includes scope
and specific requirements relating to testing and inspection of various construction types and materials
including concrete, soil and rock, steel, sprayed-fire resistive, installed firestops and masonry
construction.

SBC 302-CR-18 v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..III
SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS .............................................................................................................................. IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................................................... VI
PART I —FORMWORK .......................................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1 —INTRODUCTION TO FORMWORK ............................................................................................2
1.1 —SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 —DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 2 —DESIGN OF FORMWORK ..........................................................................................................4
2.1 —GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 —BASIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 —DESIGN CAPACITY OF MEMBERS.............................................................................................................................. 6
2.4 —DESIGN OF SHORES.................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.5 —MANUFACTURED SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS ....................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 3 —CONSTRUCTION LOAD ............................................................................................................9
3.1 —SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 —LOAD COMBINATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.3 —DEAD LOADS ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 —LIVE LOADS............................................................................................................................................................. 9
3.5 —LATERAL PRESSURE OF CONCRETE, CCP ................................................................................................................ 10
3.6 —WIND LOADS ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.7 —SEISMIC LOADS ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.8 —MINIMUM LOADS .................................................................................................................................................. 11
3.9 —SHORING AND FLOOR LOADS IN MULTI-STORY STRUCTURES ................................................................................. 12
CHAPTER 4 —CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................... 19
4.1 —GENERAL .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
4.2 —CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES AND WORKMANSHIP .................................................................................................. 19
4.3 —TOLERANCES IN FORMWORK CONSTRUCTION ........................................................................................................ 20
4.4 —IRREGULARITIES IN FORMED SURFACES ................................................................................................................ 20
4.5 —SHORING AND CENTERING .................................................................................................................................... 20
4.6 —REMOVAL OF FORMS AND SHORES ....................................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 5 —SAFETY AND INSPECTION OF FORMWORK ...................................................................... 23
5.1 —GENERAL .............................................................................................................................................................. 23
5.2 —REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS ........................................................................................................ 23
5.3 —REQUIREMENTS FOR CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE ................................................................................................... 24
5.4 —INSPECTION OF FORMWORK................................................................................................................................... 25
PART II —CONCRETE ..................................................................................................................................... 26
CHAPTER 6 —SCOPE, DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCED STANDARDS.................................................. 27
6.1 —SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.2 —DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.3 —REFERENCED STANDARDS ..................................................................................................................................... 28
6.4 —QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL ..................................................................................................... 29
CHAPTER 7 —CONCRETE MIXTURES, PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY ................................................... 30
7.1 —GENERAL .............................................................................................................................................................. 30
7.2 —CONCRETE MIXTURES ........................................................................................................................................... 31
7.3 —PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY OF CONCRETE .......................................................................................................... 34
CHAPTER 8 —HANDLING, PLACING AND FINISHING ................................................................................ 37

SBC 302-CR-18 vi
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

8.1 —GENERAL .............................................................................................................................................................. 37

8.2 —PRODUCTS............................................................................................................................................................. 38
8.3 —EXECUTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 38
CHAPTER 9 —CURING ................................................................................................................................... 42
9.1 —GENERAL .............................................................................................................................................................. 42
9.2 —PRODUCTS............................................................................................................................................................. 42
9.3 —EXECUTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 43
CHAPTER 10 —HOT WEATHER CONCRETING ........................................................................................... 47
10.1 —GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................ 47
10.2 —PRODUCTS........................................................................................................................................................... 47
10.3 —EXECUTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 47
CHAPTER 11 —COLD WEATHER CONCRETING ......................................................................................... 51
11.1 —GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................ 51
11.2 —MATERIALS ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
11.3 —EXECUTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
PART III —INSPECTION AND TESTING AGENCIES ..................................................................................... 53
CHAPTER 12 —GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. 54
12.1 —SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................. 54
12.2 —DEFINITIONS ....................................................................................................................................................... 54
12.3 —REFERENCED DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 55
12.4 —IMPARTIALITY AND INDEPENDENCE .................................................................................................................... 56
12.5 —CONFIDENTIALITY............................................................................................................................................... 56
CHAPTER 13 —QUALITY SYSTEM AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................... 58
13.1 —SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................. 58
13.2 —ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT.................................................................................................................... 58
13.3 —PERSONNEL ......................................................................................................................................................... 59
13.4 —EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................................................................... 60
13.5 —QUALITY SYSTEM, AUDIT AND REVIEW ............................................................................................................... 61
13.6 —RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES............................................................................................................................ 62
13.7 —INSPECTIONS AND TEST METHODS ....................................................................................................................... 62
13.8 —RECORDS............................................................................................................................................................. 63
13.9 —REPORT ............................................................................................................................................................... 63
CHAPTER 14 —INSPECTIONS AND TESTING OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION .......................... 65
14.1 —SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................. 65
14.2 —CONCRETE INSPECTION AND TESTING ................................................................................................................. 65
14.3 —SOIL AND ROCK INSPECTION AND TESTING .......................................................................................................... 65
14.4 —STEEL INSPECTION AND TESTING ......................................................................................................................... 65
14.5 —SPRAYED FIRE RESISTIVE INSPECTION AND TESTING ........................................................................................... 66
14.6 —ON-SITE INSPECTION OF INSTALLED FIRESTOPS ................................................................................................... 66
14.7 —MASONRY INSPECTION AND TESTING .................................................................................................................. 66
14.8 —NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING AGENCIES ................................................................................................................ 67

SBC 302-CR-18 vii

PART I—FORMWORK

PART I—FORMWORK

SBC 302-CR -18 1

 CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION TO FORMWORK

CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION TO FORMWORK

designated aspects of formwork design and

1.1—Scope formwork operations.
1.1.1 This Part of the Code (Chapter 1 through 5) Formwork or Formwork system—Total system of
covers the requirements for the design of formwork, support for the freshly placed concrete,
the construction loads including dead and live loads including form sheathing plus all
and lateral pressure of concrete on forms and supporting members, hardware, and
environmental loads on formwork. It covers also the bracing. The Formwork system may
construction considerations and safety and include all or some of the following
inspection requirements. subsystems:
Form—Temporary structure or mold for
1.2—Definitions the support of concrete while it is
Backshores—Shores placed snugly under a setting and gaining sufficient
concrete slab or structural member after the strength to be self-supporting.
original formwork and shores have been Falsework—A temporary structure erected
removed from a small area at a time, to support work in the process of
without allowing the slab or structural construction; composed of shoring
member to deflect significantly. or vertical posting and lateral
Concrete Load—The weight of concrete placed in a bracing for forms for beams and
form for the permanent structure is a slabs.
material load. When the concrete gains Shores—Vertical or inclined support
sufficient strength so that the formwork, members designed to carry the
shoring, and reshoring are not required for weight of forms, concrete, and
its support, the concrete becomes a dead construction loads.
load. Individual personnel load—A concentrated load
Construction dead load—The dead load of that includes the weight of one person plus
temporary structures that are in place at the equipment carried by the person or
stage of construction being considered. The equipment that can be readily picked up by
dead load of the permanent structure, either a single person without assistance.
partially complete or complete, is not Materials Contained in Equipment—Materials
included in the construction dead load. being lifted by or contained in equipment
Construction loads—Those loads imposed on a are part of the equipment load, not a
partially completed or temporary structure material load. Once such material has been
during and as a result of the construction discharged from the equipment, it becomes
process. Construction loads include, but are a material load.
not limited to, materials, personnel, and Reshores—Shores placed snugly under a stripped
equipment imposed on the temporary or concrete slab or other structural member
permanent structure during the after the original forms and shores have
construction process. been removed from a full bay, requiring the
Drop-head shore—Shore with a head that can be new slab or structural member to deflect
lowered to remove forming components and support its own weight and
without removing the shore or changing its construction loads applied before
support for the floor system. installation of the reshores.
Fixed material loads (FML)—Loads from materials Scaffolding—An elevated work platform used to
that are fixed in magnitude (e.g. weight of support workmen materials and equipment,
reinforced concrete). but not intended to support the structure
Formwork engineer/contractor—Engineer of the being constructed.
formwork system or contractor in charge of

SBC 302-CR -18 2

 CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION TO FORMWORK

Variable material loads (VML)—Loads from which are or are expected to be subjected to
materials that vary in magnitude during the construction loads during construction.
construction process (e.g. material storage).
Working surfaces—Floors, decks, or platforms of
temporary or partially completed structures

SBC 302-CR -18 3

 CHAPTER 2—DESIGN OF FORMWORK

CHAPTER 2—DESIGN OF FORMWORK

2.1.5 Submittal of drawings and documents

2.1—General
2.1.5.1 When required by the contract documents,
2.1.1 Scope: This chapter covers the the formwork engineer/contractor shall submit
requirements for the design of formwork. detailed drawings, design calculations, or both, of
2.1.2 Design responsibility proposed formwork for review and approval by the
engineer/architect or approving agency before
2.1.2.1 The contractor is responsible to design,
constructing forms.
fabricate, install, and remove formwork.
2.1.5.2 The review, approval, or both, of the
2.1.2.2 The designer of the structure shall
formwork drawings does not relieve the contractor
show/include on the design documents:
of the responsibility for adequately constructing and
(a) Location of composite members requiring maintaining the forms so that they will function
shoring; properly.
(b) Requirements for removal of shoring of 2.1.5.3 Design values of construction live load,
composite members. allowable vertical or lateral concrete pressure, and
maximum equipment load, required soil bearing
2.1.3 Design objectives
capacity, material specification, camber required,
2.1.3.1 Formwork shall be designed so that it will and other pertinent information, if applicable shall
safely support all vertical and lateral loads that be shown on formwork drawings.
might be applied until such loads can be supported
2.1.5.4 In addition to specifying types of materials,
by the concrete structure. Vertical and lateral loads
sizes, lengths, and connection details, formwork
shall be carried to the ground by the formwork
drawings shall provide for applicable details, such
system or by the in-place construction that has
as:
adequate strength for that purpose.
(a) Procedures, sequence, and criteria for
2.1.3.2 Formwork shall be designed and
removal of forms, shores, reshores, and
constructed so that concrete slabs, walls, and other
backshores and for retracting and
members will have the correct dimensions, shape,
resnugging drop-head shores to allow slab
alignment, elevation, and position within
to deflect and support its own weight prior
established tolerances.
to casting of next level
2.1.3.3 Partially completed structures and
(b) Design allowance for construction loads on
temporary structures shall possess sufficient
new slabs when such allowance will affect
structural integrity, under all stages of construction,
the development of shoring schemes,
to remain stable and resist the loads specified
reshoring schemes, or both (refer to 2.4 and
herein. Stability of the incomplete structure and the
3.9 for shoring and reshoring of multistory
possibility of progressive collapse shall be
structures)
considered.
(c) Anchors, form ties, shores, lateral bracing,
2.1.3.4 The effects of construction loads or
and horizontal lacing
conditions shall not adversely affect the
serviceability or performance of the completed (d) Means to adjust forms for alignment and
structure. grade
2.1.4 Use of manufactured systems and (e) Waterstops, keyways, and inserts
components
(f) Working scaffolds and runways
2.1.4.1 Manufactured systems and components
(g) Weepholes or vibrator holes, where
shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.5.
required

SBC 302-CR -18 4

 CHAPTER 2—DESIGN OF FORMWORK

(h) Screeds and grade strips (c) Avoidance of damage to previously

constructed members;
(i) Location of external vibrator mountings
(d) For post-tensioned members, allowance for
(j) Crush plates or wrecking plates where
movement of the member during
stripping can damage concrete
application of the prestressing force
(k) Removal of spreaders or temporary without damage to the member.
blocking
2.2.3 Design analysis
(l) Cleanout holes and inspection openings
2.2.3.1 The structural analysis of formwork system
(m) Construction joints, contraction joints, shall satisfy conditions of equilibrium and
expansion joints and isolation joints in geometric compatibility.
accordance with contract documents
2.2.3.2 The analysis shall consider and
(n) Sequence of concrete placement and accommodate the effect of foundation settlement,
minimum elapsed time between adjacent interaction between elements of the falsework
placements system and completed portions of the permanent
(o) Chamfer strips or grade strips for exposed structure, and load redistribution due to shrinkage
corners and construction joints and dead load deflection, as applicable.

(p) Reveals (rustications) 2.2.3.3 For cast-in place prestressed construction,

the falsework shall be designed to support any
(q) Camber increased load resulting from load redistribution
(r) Mudsills or other foundation provisions for caused by the prestressing forces.
formwork 2.2.4 Deflection limits
(s) Special form face requirements 2.2.4.1 The calculated vertical deflection for
(t) Notes to formwork erector showing size falsework members shall not exceed 1/240 of their
and location of conduits and pipes span under the dead load of the concrete only,
projecting through formwork regardless of the fact that deflection may be
compensated for by camber strips.
(u) Opening or block outs as specified in the
contract documents. 2.2.4.2 Formwork shall be designed and
constructed so that vertical adjustments can be
(v) Temporary openings or attachments for made to compensate for anticipated take-up, elastic
climbing crane or other material handling deformations, and settlements.
equipment.
2.2.5 Slenderness limits
2.2—Basic design requirements
2.2.5.1 For compression members, the slenderness
2.2.1 General ratio (ℓ/r), shall not exceed the following:
2.2.1.1 The design of formwork, shores, reshores (a) Main load-carrying members
and backshores shall be adequate to safely support
(i) Steel-180
loads transmitted to them.
(ii) Aluminum-100
2.2.1.2 Member design capacities shall be in
accordance with Section 2.3. (b) Bracing members
(i) Steel-200
2.2.2 Design loads
(ii) Aluminum-150
2.2.2.1 The design of formwork shall account for
all construction loads, including vertical, 2.2.5.2 The slenderness ratio (ℓ/r) of a tension
member, other than guy lines, cables, and rods, shall
horizontal, and impact as detailed in Chapter 3.
not exceed 240 for a main member or 300 for a
2.2.2.2 Design of formwork shall also consider the bracing member.
followings:
2.2.6 Bracing and lacing
(a) Method of concrete placement;
2.2.6.1 The formwork system shall be designed to
(b) Rate of concrete placement; transfer all horizontal loads to the ground or to

SBC 302-CR -18 5

 CHAPTER 2—DESIGN OF FORMWORK

completed construction in such a manner as to 2.3.2.1 Design of structural steel elements and
ensure safety at all times. systems of falsework shall be in accordance with
Chapter 22 of SBC 201 and the relevant provisions
2.2.6.2 Diagonal bracing shall be provided in
of AISC 360.
vertical and horizontal planes where required to
resist lateral loads and to prevent instability of 2.3.2.2 Steel furnished for structural load-carrying
individual members. purposes shall be properly identified for conformity
to the ordered grade in accordance with the
2.2.6.3 Horizontal lacing can be considered in
specified ASTM standard as per AISC 360 and
design to hold in place and increase the buckling
AISI S100.
strength of individual shores and reshores or
backshores. 2.3.2.3 Steel that is not readily identifiable as to
grade from marking and test records shall be tested
2.2.6.4 Lacing shall be provided in whatever
to determine conformity to such standards.
directions are necessary to produce the correct
slenderness ratio (ℓ/r) for the load supported, where 2.3.2.4 For the design of cold-formed steel
(ℓ) is the unsupported length and r is the least radius structural for falsework, members shall be designed
of gyration. The braced system shall be anchored to according to the provisions in the AISI S100, except
ensure stability of the total system. for cold-formed hollow structural sections (HSS),
which are designed in accordance with AISC 360.
2.2.7 Overturning and Sliding
2.3.2.5 Alternatively, Structural Steel for
2.2.7.1 The falsework system, including individual
falsework used in panel framing or bracing or heavy
elements and units of the system that are subject to
forms shall comply with the appropriate design
overturning forces, shall be analyzed for stability
standards such as AISC 325 or AISI D100.
against overturning and sliding with the falsework
in the loaded and unloaded condition; that is, with 2.3.3 Aluminum members
and without the dead load of the concrete. 2.3.3.1 The quality, design, fabrication and
2.2.7.2 The ratio of the resisting moment to the erection of aluminum shall comply with AA ASM
overturning and sliding moment shall be equal to or 35 and AA ADM 1.
greater than 1.5 for all load combinations. If the
2.3.4 Wood members
ratio of the resisting to the overturning moments is
less than 1.5, external bracing shall be provided to 2.3.4.1 The design of structural elements or
resist the full overturning moment. systems, constructed partially or wholly of wood or
wood-based products, shall be in accordance with
2.2.7.3 Except for bracing required to prevent one of the methods cited in Chapter 23-Section
overturning or collapse of the falsework system or
:2301.2 of SBC 201.
any element of the system, the ability of falsework
members to resist horizontal loads may include the 2.3.4.2 All wood species with assigned allowable
contribution to stability provided by the supported stresses in SASO standards shall be acceptable for
structure. use in falsework construction.
2.2.7.4 The ratio of the total resisting force, caused 2.3.4.3 Used lumber of known species may be used
by friction and adhesion, to the base shear, caused in falsework construction under the following
by lateral forces, shall be equal to or greater than 1.5 conditions:
for all load combinations. If the ratio of the resisting (a) If the grade is known and the lumber is in
force to sliding force is less than 1.5, external good condition, the allowable stresses shall
anchorage shall be provided to resist the full sliding not exceed those for new lumber of the
force. same grade,
2.3—Design capacity of members (b) If the grade is unknown, it shall not be
2.3.1 General permitted, unless its grade is established by
appropriate standard tests.
2.3.1.1 Member capacities for use in the design of
formwork, exclusive of accessories, are determined 2.3.5 Foundations for formwork
in sections 2.3.2 through 2.3.4 . 2.3.5.1 Formwork footings and bracing anchors
2.3.2 Steel members shall be designed to resist the loads imposed
without exceeding the allowable soil bearing
SBC 302-CR -18 6
 CHAPTER 2—DESIGN OF FORMWORK

capacity, without incurring excessive settlements and other loads for which the engineer of
affecting the formwork structural integrity and the permanent structure designed the slab.
stability, and without deviating from the specified
(b) Dead load weight of the concrete and
concrete elevation.
formwork.
2.3.5.2 If soil under mudsills is or may become
(c) Construction live loads, such as the placing
incapable of supporting superimposed loads
crews and equipment or stored materials.
without appreciable settlement, it shall be stabilized
or other means of support shall be provided. (d) Specified design strength of concrete.
Mudsills shall be protected from loss of soil bearing (e) Cycle time between the placement of
strength. Causes might include scour due to running successive floors.
water, nearby excavations, or the increase of
moisture content caused by the supporting soil (f) Strength of concrete at the time it is
becoming wet or saturated. required to support shoring loads from
above.
2.4—Design of shores
(g) The distribution of loads between floors,
2.4.1 Loadings shores, and reshores or backshores at the
2.4.1.1 Shores and reshores or backshores shall be time of placing concrete, stripping
designed to carry all loads transmitted to them. A formwork, and removal of reshoring or
rational analysis (ACI 347.2R and ACI SP-4) shall backshoring.
be used to determine the number of floors to be (h) Span of slab or structural member between
shored, reshored, or backshored; and to determine permanent supports.
the loads transmitted to the floors, shores, and
reshores or backshores as a result of the (i) Type of formwork systems, that is, span of
construction sequence. horizontal formwork components and
individual shore loads.
2.4.2 Analysis
(j) Minimum age of concrete when creep
❖ In a common method of analysis, while
deflection is a concern.
reshoring remains in place at grade level, each
level of reshores carries the weight of only the (k) Loads applied due to post-tensioning
new slab plus other construction live loads. The transfer.
weight of intermediate slabs is not included
because each slab carries its own weight 2.4.2.2 Shores in the lowest stories shall be
before reshores are put in place. Once the tier designed to carry the full weight of concrete,
of reshores in contact with grade has been formwork, and construction loads of all the floors
removed, the assumption is made that the above them prior to removal of the lowest story of
system of slabs behaves elastically. The slabs shores supported on the ground or other unyielding
interconnected by reshores will deflect equally support. Once the first floor of shores supported by
during addition or removal of loads. Loads will the ground has been removed and replaced by
be distributed among the slabs in proportion to
reshores, the shores and reshores must be designed
their developed stiffness. The deflection of
concrete slabs can be considered elastic, that to carry all loads transmitted from the slabs above.
is, neglecting shrinkage and creep. Caution Because the building slabs become part of the
shall be exercised when a compressible wood support system, the shoring/reshoring designer
shoring system is used. Such systems tend to must consider their ability to support or transfer
shift most of the imposed construction loads to loads to and from the shores and reshores and to the
the upper floors, which have less strength. building columns.
Addition or removal of loads may be due to
construction activity or to removing shores or 2.5—Manufactured systems and
reshores in the system. Shore loads are components
determined by equilibrium of forces at each
floor level 2.5.1 General

2.4.2.1 The analysis shall consider, but shall not 2.5.1.1 As used herein, manufactured components
necessarily be limited to: include the following classes of proprietary
products:
(a) Structural design load of the slab or
member including live load, partition loads,
SBC 302-CR -18 7
 CHAPTER 2—DESIGN OF FORMWORK

2.5.1.2 Vertical shoring systems including tubular 2.5.2.5 The working load for such assemblies shall
welded frame shoring, tube and coupler shoring, not exceed 40 percent of the maximum load
and components thereof. sustained during the test.
2.5.1.3 Manufactured assemblies including single- 2.5.3 Factor of Safety
post shores, brackets, jacks, joists, clamps, and
2.5.3.1 The factor of safety for vertical shoring
similar devices manufactured for commercial use.
systems shall not be less than 2.5. This shall be
2.5.2 Maximum Loadings and Deflections clearly evident from a catalog or other engineering
data furnished by the manufacturer.
2.5.2.1 The maximum load to be used on any
manufactured component, under any load sequence 2.5.3.2 The factor of safety for jacks that are not a
or combination, shall not exceed the manufacturer's part of a shoring system, and all types of
recommendations. manufactured assemblies, shall not be less than the
minimum factor of safety required by the industry
2.5.2.2 A manufacturer's catalog, technical
standard for the particular device, and in no case,
bulletin, or similar publication shall be furnished
shall the factor of safety be less than 2.0.
with the falsework drawings showing the use of
manufactured components. The information 2.5.4 Members capacities
furnished shall include, but not be limited to, test
2.5.4.1 When fabricated form, shoring, or
data and limitations and conditions governing the
scaffolding units are used, manufacturer’s
use of the component.
recommendations for working capacities shall be
2.5.2.3 The dead load deflection of a manufactured followed if supported by engineering calculations
component designed for use in a horizontal or or test reports of an approved testing agency. The
inclined position shall not exceed 1/240 of the span effects of cumulative load duration shall be
length under the weight of the concrete only. considered in accordance with the applicable design
specification for the material.
2.5.2.4 The use of a manufactured assembly for
which no engineering data is furnished will not be
permitted, unless the assembly has been tested
under the formwork design.

SBC 302-CR -18 8

 CHAPTER 3—CONSTRUCTION LOAD

CHAPTER 3—CONSTRUCTION LOAD

considered simultaneously. Similarly, 𝐶𝐻 need

3.1—Scope not be assumed to act simultaneously with wind
3.1.1 This chapter covers the requirements for or seismic loads.
construction loads on formwork. It includes dead 3.2.3 LRFD Combinations: The following LRFD
and live loads, lateral pressure of concrete, wind combinations cover most situations in formwork
loads and seismic loads. It includes also shoring and design.
floor loads in multi-story structures.
1.4 𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 1.2 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 1.4 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 A
3.2—Load combinations 1.2 𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 1.2 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 1.4 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 + 1.6 𝐶𝑃𝐸
B
3.2.1 General: The formwork designer must + 1.6 𝐶𝐻
determine the set of load combinations that cause 1.2 𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 1.2 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 1.4 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 + 0.5 𝐶𝑃𝐸
C
the greatest resultant forces in the individual form + 1.0 𝑊
components. Some judgment is required because all 1.2 𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 1.2 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 1.4 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 + 1.6 𝐶𝑃𝐸
of the individual loads may not occur at the same D (3-2)
+ 0.3 𝑊
time. Both allowable stress design (ASD) and load
1.2 𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 1.2 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 1.4 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 + 0.5 𝐶𝑃𝐸
and resistance factor design (LRFD) combinations E
are listed. + 1.0 𝐸
0.9 𝐶𝐷𝐿 + (1.0 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 1.0 𝐸) F
3.2.2 ASD Combinations: The following ASD
1.3 𝐶𝐶𝑃 (if full liquid head is assumed) G
combinations cover most situations in formwork
design. 1.6 𝐶𝐶𝑃 (otherwise) H

𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 A ❖ Lateral pressure can combine with other loads
as discussed above in Section 3.2.2. Similarly,
𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 + 𝐶𝑃𝐸 + 𝐶𝐻 B
𝐶𝐻 need not be assumed to act simultaneously
𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 + 𝐶𝑃𝐸 + 0.6 𝑊 C with wind or seismic loads.
(3-1)
𝐶𝐷𝐿 + 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 + 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 + 𝐶𝑃𝐸 + 0.7𝐸 D
3.3—Dead loads
0.6 𝐶𝐷𝐿 + (0.6 𝑊 or 0.7 𝐸) E
𝐶𝐶𝑃 F 3.3.1 Weight of reinforced concrete and form:
The weight of reinforced concrete, 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 , and the
where, 𝐶𝐶𝑃 = lateral pressure of fresh concrete; weight of the form, 𝐶𝐷𝐿 , are regarded as dead loads.
𝐶𝐷𝐿 = construction dead load (self-weight of the
form); 𝐶𝐹𝑀𝐿 = fixed material load (vertical dead 3.3.2 Unit material weights: Table 3-1 provides
information for unit material weights for calculating
load of placed concrete and reinforcement); 𝐶𝐻 =
the dead loads.
horizontal construction loads; 𝐶𝑃𝐸 = personnel and
equipment loads (live load during placing and 3.4—Live loads
finishing operations); 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 = variable material load
3.4.1 General
(concentrations of material placed on the form); 𝐸 =
earthquake or seismic load; and 𝑊 = wind load. 3.4.1.1 Material storage, 𝐶𝑉𝑀𝐿 , and workers and
❖ Lateral pressure of concrete is indicated as a their equipment, 𝐶𝑃𝐸 , runways, and impact imposed
separate load without combination in Eq. 3-1 during processes of construction are regarded as
(F) as it does not combine with the other loads live loads.
in most cases. However, there are situations 3.4.2 Personnel and Equipment Loads, 𝐶𝑃𝐸
where lateral pressure can combine with other
loads and these situations have to be 3.4.2.1 Concentrated Loads: The personnel and
recognized by the form designer when this equipment concentrated loads shall be the
occurs. The most unfavorable effects from both maximum loads expected in the construction
wind and earthquake loads shall be considered process, but shall be no less than those given in
where appropriate, but they need not be
Table 3-2 . The concentrated load shall be located to

SBC 302-CR -18 9