WHEREAS changes to the BC Building Code that will be effective December 15 contain significantly higher seismic hazard probabilities; AND WHEREAS as a result of these changes, sloping ground that was considered safe previously will be considered unsafe under the new levels: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government delay the effective date for changes to the BC Building Code until the acceptable level of risk and properly defined standards for slope stability can be determined.
MINISTRY OF FORESTS AND RANGE AND MINISTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING Preliminary letter to UBCM Stakeholders have expressed concern regarding the impact of the 2006 BC Building Code on geotechnical assessments of slope stability. It has been common practice to base geotechnical assessments of slope stability on a hazard probability of 10 in 50 years, which is different than that required by the 2006 BC Building Code for structural design. Geotechnical assessment of slope stability is not addressed by the 2006 BC Building Code. I am reviewing the option of establishing a new provincial building regulation that reinforces the existing practice of basing geotechnical assessments of slope stability on hazard probability of 10 in 50 years. While this is being developed, I trust all parties will use this criterion as we formalize the regulation and develop materials to guide local governments and industry. There are two sides to addressing this issue: firstly, determining the probability that a building will move in the event of an earthquake; and, secondly the level of risk that a community is willing to accept. In other words, experts can determine whether an earthquake might prompt a building to move six inches or six feet and communities must determine the level of movement that they are willing to accept. Discussions are under way with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists to establish practice guidelines for geotechnical engineers. I invite the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to work with us on ways to establish the acceptable level of risk. Ministry of Forests and Range and Ministry Responsible for Housing formal response to UBCM The Ministry Responsible for Housing Ministry is approaching this core issue in a number of ways. Immediately, by: - Implementing a new building regulation that establishes, for geotechnical analysis of slope stability, criterion of seismic hazard level that does not exceed a probability of 10 in 50 years, carrying forward current practices; - working with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of BC APEG-BC on practice guidelines for geotechnical assessment of slope stability, and - Working with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on guidance for local governments on determining the acceptable level of risk that a community is willing to accept related to slope or soil movement resulting from a seismic event. Over the long term, by: - working with stakeholders and other ministries to address the policy issues associated with geotechnical assessment of slope stability.