Mandate

The National Model Codes Committee (NMCC) on Seismic Design will consider potential updates to seismic hazard values and clarification to the determination of in situ soil properties in accordance with the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) approved work plan.

Note: the breakdown of mandates shown below does not necessarily reflect the recommended task groups and working groups being planned.

Seismicity [pending CBHCC’s direction]
  • Review updated seismic hazard values developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and recommend an approach for updating the values in the National Model Codes that considers the impact on localities where historical fluctuation of the values have created confusion for industry,
  • Recommend changes to the seismic hazard values in the National Model Codes where appropriate pending direction from the CBHCC,
  • Recommend code changes in Part 4 and Part 9 of the NBC where appropriate and where, as a result of updated seismic hazards, gaps are found and/or the level of performance provided by the existing provisions does not meet the performance intended in the National Building Code (NBC).
Site properties
  • Review commentary material related to determination of in situ soil properties.
  • Recommend changes to the commentary material to resolve potential confusion related to determination of soil properties.

The NMCC is established by, and reports to, the CBHCC. The NMCC exists until the completion of its mandate or as otherwise directed by the CBHCC.

The NMCC will comply with the Operating Procedures of the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes.

Responsibilities

In accordance with the mandate described above:

  • develop proposed code changes for consideration for public review by the CBHCC;
    • in developing proposed code changes, consider:
      • code change requests (CCRs) forwarded by the CBHCC;
      • similar requirements in provincial or territorial codes and opportunities for harmonization;
      • new and existing standards and guidelines;
      • relevant CCRs and address new items for consideration as described in these Terms of Reference or as directed by the CBHCC; and
      • implications on other code requirements;
    • in developing proposed code changes, identify:
      • impacts of the proposed code changes; and
      • enforcement implications of the proposed code changes;
  • in consideration of public review comments received, recommend code changes for publication, for consideration by the CBHCC;
  • identify where research is needed to support the mandate and support coordination efforts;
  • identify opportunities for coordination with standard development and support coordination;
  • develop material on proposed changes for the relevant user’s guides and commentaries, where applicable;
  • prepare a final report outlining a brief summary of the deliberations and considerations that led to the recommendation including any outstanding unresolved issues or concerns; and
  • through the Chair:
    • monitor progress against the approved CBHCC work plan and provide regular progress updates to the CBHCC; and
    • participate on the Standing Codes Coordination Committee, to ensure that there are no overlaps with, or conflicts between, the work being developed and that of other committees.