Part A - Structure

Publication title: Approved Document A - Structure (2004 Edition incorporating 2004, 2010 and 2013 amendments)
Date published: Reprinted September 2013

Summary

Approved Document A contains design standards and guidance for the structural stability and safety of all buildings and provides direction on how not to affect the structural integrity of other buildings. 

Information included covers structural loading, including safe standards for building foundations, disproportionate collapse i.e. a building’s ability to stand in the event of an accident, and ground movement potential, including subsidence.  

The document includes diagrams detailing different areas of construction, including roof frames and brick walls, and provides design rules for masonry and timber works for traditional houses. 

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The Merged Approved Documents¹

A consolidated version of the individual Approved Documents published by the government, now presented as a single, searchable PDF.

Previous version

• Approved Document A - Structure (2004 Edition incorporating 2004, 2010 and 2013 amendments)²

Changes in this version 

This reprint supersedes the previous 2004 editions (see archived versions) by incorporating the changes made as a result of the Building Regulations 2010 and Building (Approved Inspectors etc) Regulations 2010 and 2013 amendments (see archived versions).

The most up-to-date version of 'Approved Document A - Structure', incorporates amendments made to the 2004 edition. This version also includes further editorial corrections and amendments.

There have not been any updates to the 'substantive requirements' in Schedule 1 (ie Parts A to P) of the Building Regulations.

This Approved Document gives guidance for compliance with the Building Regulations for building work carried out in England. It also applies to building work carried out on excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2009.

1. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/building-regulations-and-approved-documents-index#approved-documents
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/429060/BR_PDF_AD_A_2013.pdf