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Chapter 1
ApplicabilityandImplementation
1.1 General
The provisions of this part are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety as well as
healthandgeneralwelfareinexistingbuildingswhilepermittingalteration,additiontoorchangeofuse.
Inaddition,certainenvironmentalmeasurestomaketheexistingbuildingstocksustainable,isalsoarequirement
thatneedstobeaddressedtomakebuildingsmoreenergyefficientandenvironmentallyresponsive.Thisconcept
isintroducedinChapter2ofthisPart.
1.2 Applicability
1.2.1 General
The provision of this part shall apply to existing buildings that will continue to be or are proposed to be in
occupancy groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R and S. The provisions shall not apply to buildings of historical or
architectural value identified and classified by designated authorities. For buildings of historical or architectural
value buildings, the provisions of Sec 1.5: Historic or Architecturally Valuable Buildings, of Part 1, Sec 1.16:
BuildingsandPlacesofHistoricalorArchitecturalValue,ofPart3andchapter3:Conservationandrehabilitation
ofhistoricalandculturalheritage,ofPart9,shallbeapplicable.
Certain provisions to existing buildings and landuse even when additions, alterations or amendments are not
proposedareincludedinSection2.3:SustainabilitymeasuresforexistingbuildingsChapter2ofthisPart.
1.2.2 Changeinuse
1.2.2.1 Nochangeinuseofanyexistingbuildingshallbemadewithoutpermissionfromthepermittingauthority.
1.2.2.2 Nochangeinuseofanexistingbuildingshallbeallowed iftheproposeduseis notinconformitywithland
usepatternasreferredinPart3,Sec1.3,andwithinthe permittedoccupancyclassesofPart3,Sec1.4,as
maybedeterminedbythecityorareadevelopmentauthoritieshavingjurisdictions.
1.2.2.3 Whereanexistingbuildingischangedtoanewusegroupclassification,theprovisionsforthenewusegroup
inthisCodeshallbeusedtodeterminecompliance.
1.2.3 PartChangeinuse
1.2.3.1 No change in use of any part of an existing building shall be made without permission from the permitting
authority.
1.2.3.2 Whereaportionofthebuildingischangedtoanewusegroupclassification,andthatportionisseparated
fromtheremainderofthebuildingwithfireseparationassemblieshavingafireresistanceratingasrequired
by Part 4, Fire Protection, for the separate uses, the portion changed shall be made to conform to the
provisionsofthisCode.
PERSONAL COLLECTION OF
ENGR. PRANOY BARUA
BANGLADESH STEEL RE-ROLLING MILLS LTD
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1.2.3.3 Where a portion of the building is changed to a new use group classification, and that portion is not
separatedfromtheremainderofthebuildingwithfireseparationassemblieshavingafireresistancerating
as required by Part 4, Fire, for the separate uses, the provisions of this Code which apply to each use shall
apply to the entire building. Where there are conflicting provisions, those requirements which secure the
greaterpublicsafetyshallapplytotheentirebuildingorstructure.
1.2.4 Additions
1.2.4.1 Noadditiontoanyexistingbuildingsshallbemadewithoutpermissionfromthepermittingauthority.
1.2.4.2 AdditionstoexistingbuildingsshallcomplywithalltherequirementsofthisCodefornewconstructionsas
setforthinPart3ofthisCodeandshallcomplywithfirerequirementssetforthinPart4ofthisCode.
1.2.4.3 The combined height and area of the existing buildings and new additions shall not exceed the height and
openspacerequirementsfornewbuildingsspecifiedinPart3ofthisCode.
1.2.4.4 WhereaseparatingwallthatcomplieswithPart4,FireProtection,isprovidedbetweentheadditionandthe
existingbuilding,theadditionshallbeconsideredasaseparatebuilding.
1.2.5 Alterations
1.2.5.1 An existing building or portion thereof which does not comply with the requirements of this Code for new
construction (Part 3) shall not be altered in such a manner that results in the building being less safe or
sanitarythansuchbuildingisatpresent.
1.2.5.2 If, in the alteration the present level of safety or sanitation is to be reduced, the portion altered shall
conformtotherequirementsofthisCode.
1.2.6 Removal
1.2.6.1 Any construction within the site which does not have approval of the appropriate authority must be
removed before any new addition, alteration or change of use is carried out. All other types of existing
constructionandtheirchangesshallcomplywithsubclauses1.2.4and1.2.5ofthisPart.
1.2.6.2 Before demolishing a building of construction type 1 (Part 4: Fire Protection) the owner shall notify all
utilities having service connections within the building or plot, such as water, gas, electricity, sewer and
otherconnections.
1.2.6.3 A permit to demolish a building shall not be issued until a clearance is obtained from utilities stating that
theirrespectiveserviceconnectionsandappurtenantequipments,suchas,metersandregulatorshavebeen
removedorsealedandpluggedinasafemanner.
1.3 Implementation
1.3.1 InvestigationandEvaluation
Fortheproposedworksrelatingtoalteration,additiontoandchangeofuse,theownerofthebuildingshallcause
the existing buildings to be investigated and evaluated by competent professionals in accordance with the
provisionsofthisCode.
1.3.2 StructuralAnalysis
1.3.2.1 The owner shall have a structural analysis of the existing building carried out by professional experts to
determinetheadequacyofallstructuralsystemsfortheproposedalteration,additionorchangeofuse.
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1.3.2.2 The existing building together with the addition or alteration shall be capable of supporting the minimum
loadrequirementsspecifiedinPart6:StructuralDesign,ofthisCode.
1.3.3 Submittal
TheresultsoftheinvestigationandevaluationasrequiredinSec.1.3.1abovealongwithallproposedcompliance
alternativesshallbesubmittedtotheBuildingOfficialforpermissiontoimplementaddition,alterationorchange
ofuse.
1.3.4 DeterminationofCompliance
TheBuildingOfficialshallexamineallrelevantdocuments,asspecifiedbytheauthorities,anddeterminewhether
the existing building, with the proposed additions, alterations or change of use, complies with the provisions
specifiedinthisCodefortheoccupancyclassificationandtypeofconstruction.

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Chapter 2
EvaluationandCompliance
2.1 Evaluation
The evaluation of the existing building with the proposed additions, alterations or change of use, shall take into
consideration the planning requirements as well as those relating to public safety and environmental
sustainability.
2.1.1 PlanningRequirements
2.1.1.1 ThepermittingauthoritythroughbuildingofficialsshalldetermineifanyprovisionsofthisCodeareviolated
bytheproposedchangeofuse,additionoralterationworks.
2.1.1.2 Thegeneralrequirementsforbuildingsinvariousoccupancyclassesandtypesofconstructionarespecified
inPart3:GeneralBuildingRequirementsandPart8:BuildingServices,ofthisCode.Theseinclude:
a) Landuseclassificationandpermitteduse(Sec.1.3Part3)
b) Requirementofplots(Sec.1.5,Part3)
c) Meansofaccess(Sec.1.6,Part3);andstaircase(Sec.1.12.5,Part3)
d) Universal accessibility requirements of various Sections of Chapter 3 and Appendix D: universal
accessibility
e) Openspaceswithinaplot;minimumseparationofbuildingsinthesameplot;roadfront,sideand
rearopenspaces,PermittedConstructionintheMandatoryOpenSpace(Sec.1.7Part3)
f) GeneralheightandarealimitationsbasedonFAR(Sec.1.8.2,Part3)orbasedonRoadWidth(Sec.
1.8.3,Part3)
g) Offstreet(onsite)parkingspaces(Sec.1.9,Part3andAppendixF:RoadHierarchy,Onstreetand
OnsiteParking)
h) Streetencroachment(Sec.1.10,Part3)
i) Communityopenspaceandamenitiesforvarioustypesofbuildings(Sec.1.11,Part3)
j) Ventilation requirements (natural: Sec. 1.17, Part 3; artificial: Chapter 3, Part 8: Air Conditioning,
HeatingandVentilation)
k) Lighting and illumination requirements (Sec 1.17, Sec 4.4.1: Electric lighting, 4.6.1: Daylighting,
4.6.2: Supplementary lighting system, Part 3 and Chapter 1: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
ServicesforBuildings,Part8)
l) Sanitationanddrainagerequirements(Sec1.18,Sec4.2.5:Sitedrainageandrunoffcoefficient,4.3:
WaterEfficiencyandmanagementofPart3andChapters5:WaterSupplyandChapter6:Sanitary
Drainage,Part8)
m) Minimumdimensionofhabitableandnonhabitablepartsofthebuildings(Sec.1.12,Part3).
2.1.1.3 The existing building with proposed alteration or addition shall conform to the requirements of new
buildings in the proposed occupancy classification. The proposed alteration or addition shall not make the
buildinglesssanitarythanpresent.
2.1.1.4 To promote the preservation of historic buildings, open space or unique architectural/ cultural resources,
the local permitting authority shall transfer development rights (TDR), as decided by the authority, to
ownersascompensation,inaccordancewithAppendixE,Part3ofthisCode.
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2.1.2 SafetyRequirements
2.1.2.1 Additions or alterations to an existing building or structure are not to be made if such additions or
alterations cause the building or structure to be unsafe or more hazardous based on fire safety, life and
structuralsafetyorenvironmentaldegradation.
2.1.2.2 The fire safety requirement shall take into consideration the structural fire resistance, smoke and fire
detection, fire protective signaling and fire suppression system feature of the facility and satisfy the
requirementsofvariouselementsforTypes1,2and3fireresistivebuildingsshallbesatisfied.
2.1.2.3 The fire resistance of the wall used for compartmentalization of a building shall not be less than that
specifiedinsubsectionsofSec2.4,Part3ofthisCode.
2.1.2.4 Ductpenetrationsofthiswallshallnotbepermitted.Ferrousorcopperpipingandconduitshallbeallowed
to penetrate or pass through the wall if the openings around such piping and conduit are sealed with
impervious noncombustible materials sufficiently tight to prevent fire transfer of smoke or combustible
gasesfromonesideofthewalltotheothersideandaresomaintained.
2.1.2.5 Thefiredoorbetweencompartmentsservingashorizontalexitshallbesoinstalled,fittedandprovidedwith
gasketsthatsuchfiredoorwillprovideasubstantialbarriertothepassageofsmoke.
2.1.2.6 Thefloor/ceilingshallbeofsuchconstructionthatthefireresistiveintegritybetweenstoriesismaintained.
2.1.2.7 The smoke detection capability within the facility based on the location and operation of automatic fire
detectors shall be evaluated with respect to the requirements of Chapter 3: Means of Escape and 4:
EquipmentandInbuiltFacilitiesofPart4forthevariousoccupanciesinthisCode.
2.1.2.8 Where a fire protecting alarm and signaling system is provided, the capability of the system shall also be
evaluated(Part4).
2.1.2.9 Theabilityofthenaturalormechanicalventing,exhaustorpressurizationsystemtocontrolthemovement
ofsmokefromafireshallbeevaluated.
2.1.2.10 TheshaftandexitenclosuresshallsatisfytherequirementsspecifiedinPart4:FireProtection,ofthisCode.
2.1.2.11 The configuration, characteristics and support features for means of egress in the facility including the
capacity of and the number of exit routes available to the building occupants shall be evaluated and the
adequacy of the means of egress routes leading to a safe area shall be examined. The length of the exit
access travel path in which building occupants are confined to a single path of travel shall be evaluated.
Similarly the length of exit access travel to an approved exit shall be evaluated with respect to the exit
requirementsforvariousoccupanciesasdetailedinPart4:FireProtectionofthisCode.
2.1.2.12 The efficiency and effectiveness of the elevator equipments and controls that are available to the fire
department to rescue building occupants from upper floors during a fire when such an equipment is
installed,shallbeevaluated.
2.1.2.13 Thepresenceofandreliabilityofmeansofegressemergencylightingsystemshallbeevaluated.
2.1.2.14 Theabilitytosuppressfirebasedontheinstallationofautomaticsprinklerandstandpipesystemsshallbe
evaluated (chapter 4: Equipment and Inbuilt Facilities Standards and 5: Specific Requirements for Fire
DetectionandExtinguishingSystem,Part4:FireProtection).
2.1.2.15 The lightning protection of the building shall satisfy the requirements specified in chapter 1: Electrical and
ElectronicEngineeringServicesforBuildingsofPart8.
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2.1.3 EgressRequirements
2.1.3.1 Additiontooralterationorchangesofuseofabuildingshallnotbepermittedifsuchadditionoralteration
orchangeofusecausesviolationoftheegressrequirementsspecifiedinChapter3,MeansofEscape,Part4:
FireProtection.
2.1.3.2 Permissionsshallnotbegrantedforanysuchworkthatwillobstructorblockorhampertheexistingmeans
of egress of the building or any other building unless an equivalent and adequate means of egress is
provided.
2.1.4 StructuralRequirements
2.1.4.1 Additions to, alterations or change of useof an existing building or structure shall not be permitted if they
causeanoverloadingorinstabilityofthestructuralelementsincludingthefoundation.
2.1.4.2 Onevaluation,ifthestructureoftheexistingbuildingisfoundinnonconformitywiththesafetyprovisions
ofthiscode,thebuildingwillbedeclaredasunsafebuildingbytheauthority.
2.1.4.3 Forallbuildingsidentifiedasanunsafebuildingtheauthoritiesshallidentifymeasuresthatremovedanger
tothestructure,lifeorpropertysothatthebuildingcanbemadesafeforoccupation.
2.1.4.4 Buildingsthatcannotbemadestructurallysafewillbedeclaredunfitforoccupationanddemolishedbythe
authorities.
2.1.5 EnvironmentalRequirements
Additions to, alterations or change of use of an existing building or structure shall not be permitted if
theycauseenvironmentaldegradationandunsustainabledevelopmentinthelocality.
2.2 Compliance
2.2.1.1 Whenanevaluationiscarriedoutasdescribedaboveandtheexistingbuildingwiththeproposedalteration,
additionand/orchangeofusesatisfytherequirementspecifiedfortherelevantoccupancyclassification,the
resultsoftheevaluationshallbeacceptedbytheBuildingOfficial.
2.2.1.2 Theownershallfullycomplywiththeresultsofsuchevaluationfortheexistingbuildingwiththeproposed
alteration, addition and/or change of use for the relevant occupancy classification and its recommended
remediesifrelevantassetforthinSec2.1.4above.
2.3 Sustainabilitymeasuresforexistingbuildings
2.3.1 Even when there are no proposals for additions, alterations or change of use, measures to make Existing
Building stock sustainable and environmentally responsive and energy efficient shall be proposed by the
authority after evaluating the condition of the existing buildings, when it is found that environmental
degradationistakingplaceorsuchisfearedbyexperts.Thesemeasuresmayinclude,butwillnotberestricted
to:
a) introductionofrenewableenergy
b) installationofrainwaterharvesting
c) installationofgroundwaterrechargesystems
d) introductionoflowenergysources
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2.3.2 Any sustainability and /or energy efficiency measure suggested shall comply with relevant requirements in
Chapter4:EnergyEfficiencyandSustainability,Part3ofthisCode.
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Chapter 3
Conservationandrehabilitationofhistorical
andculturalheritage
3.1 Scope
Historical places, buildings, objects and manifestation of cultural, scientific, symbolic, spiritual and
religious value are important expressions of the culture and heritage, identity and religious beliefs of
societies. Their role and importance, particularly in the light of the need for cultural identity and
continuityinarapidlychangingworld,needtobepromoted.
Buildings, spaces, places and landscapes charged with historical, cultural, spiritual and religious value
represent an important element of stable and humane social life and community pride. Without
appropriaterestoration/conservation,thearchitecturalevolutioninrelationtosocioculturalconceptof
acountrysheritageremainsmisinterpreted,andcanleadtovirtualdisappearance.
3.2 TerminologyandConceptualDefinitions
3.2.1 Conservation
National legislation and international treaties and regulations aim to strike a balance between the need
fordevelopmentand theneedtoconservetheenvironmentforthefuture.Conservationcanbedefined
bythefollowingconcepts:
a) Planned management of a natural resource / ecosystem or particular built form or environment
to prevent exploitation, pollution, destruction or neglect to ensure the future usability of the
resource.
b) Retention of existing buildings or groups of buildings, landscapes etc. taking care not to alter or
destroycharacterordetail,eventhoughrepairsorchangesmaybenecessary.
Conservationconventionallyisconcernedtopreserveasmuchoriginalfabricaspossible.
3.2.2 Restoration
Thisistheprocessofcarryingonalterationsandrepairstoabuildingwiththeintentionofrestoringitto
its original form, often involving reinstatement of missing or badly damaged parts, so it usually includes
replication.Asfaraspossible,effortsaremadetoreplicatethematerialsandconstructiontechniquesof
theoriginalinthisendeavor.
While often necessary after a disaster, it is generally regarded as more drastic than conservation, which
suggestsretention,repairandmaintenance.
3.3 GeneralGuidelinesforHeritageBuildingsandSites
3.3.1 Conservation, rehabilitation and culturally sensitive adaptive reuse of urban, rural and architectural
heritageshallbeinaccordancewiththesustainableuseofnaturalandhumanmaderesources.Access
to culture and the cultural dimension of development is of utmost importance, benefiting all the
peoplewhohavesuchaccess.
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3.3.2 Inordertopromotehistoricalandculturalcontinuityandtoencouragebroadcivicparticipationinall
kinds of cultural activities, the Government at the appropriate levels, including the local authorities,
shouldundertakethefollowing:
a) Identifyanddocument,wheneverpossible,thehistoricalandculturalsignificanceofareas,
sites,landscapes,ecosystems,buildingsandotherobjectsandmanifestations
b) Establish conservation goals relevant to the cultural and spiritual development of the
society;
c) Promote awareness of heritage in order to highlight its value and the need for its
conservationandthefinancialviabilityofrehabilitation;
d) Encourage and support the local heritage and cultural institutions, association and
communities in their conservation and rehabilitation efforts and inculcate in children and
youthanadequatesenseoftheirheritage;
e) Promote adequate financial and legal support for the effective protection of cultural
heritage;
f) Promote education and training in traditional skills in all disciplines appropriate to the
conservationandpromotionofheritage.
3.3.3 Tointegratedevelopmentwithconservationandrehabilitationgoals,theGovernmentatappropriate
levels,includingMinistries,localauthoritiesandmunicipalities,shallundertakethefollowing:
a) Recognizingthathistoricalandculturalheritageisanimportantasset,strivetomaintainthe
social, cultural and economic viability of historically and culturally important sites and
communities;
b) Preserve the inherited historical settlement and landscape forms, while protecting the
integrity of the historical urban fabric and thereby guiding new construction in historical
areas;
c) Provide adequate legal and financial support for the implementation of conservation and
rehabilitation activities, in particular through adequate training of specialized human
resources;
d) Promote incentives for such conservation and rehabilitation to public, private and non
profitdevelopers;
e) Promote community based action for the conservation, rehabilitation, regeneration and
maintenanceofneighborhoods;
f) Supportpublicandprivatesectorandcommunitypartnershipfortherehabilitationofinner
citiesandneighborhoods;
g) Ensure the incorporation of environmental concerns in conservation and rehabilitation
projects;
h) Takemeasurestoreduceacidrainandothertypesofenvironmentalpollutionthatdamage
tobuildingsandotheritemsofculturalandhistoricalvalue;
i) Adopt human settlement planning policies, including transport and other infrastructure
policies,thatavoidenvironmentaldegradationofhistoricalandculturalareas;
j) Ensure that the accessibility concerns of people with disabilities are incorporated in
conservationandrehabilitationprojects.
3.3.4 In the event that the owner of a site/ building needs to be compensated for curtailing development,
thetransferofunuseddevelopmentrightsshallbemadeasstipulatedinAppendixE,Part3.
3.4 CriteriaforprotectionofaHeritageBuilding/monument
3.4.1 Identification
Heritagebuildingsaretobeenlisted/identifiedbyaresponsiblecommitteetobeformedbytherelevant
departments of the Government, consisting of experts in history, culture, architecture, engineering and
other relevant fields, in consultation with the Advisory Committee to the Department of Archaeology,
Government of Bangladesh, as constituted under the Antiquities Act of 1968. Once identified, the
Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, declare any heritage building to be a protected antiquity
under this same Act.
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3.4.2 Categorization
Heritage buildings are to be categorized in accordance with its degree of dilapidation / dilapidated
conditions
3.4.3 Chronology
Heritagebuildingsunderconsiderationwillalsobecategorizedchronologicallyinanattempttodetermine
theirancientcharacterandage
3.4.4 Documentation
Beforeanyconservationworkisinitiated,athoroughresearchanddocumentationistobecarriedouton
theheritagebuildingsunderconsiderationbyrelevanttechnicalexpertsonhistory,culture,architecture,
engineeringandmaterialsciences,toensurethattherestorationworkisfaithfullycarriedout.
A site survey (preferably with digital equipments) shall be conducted before initiating the work of each
andindividualbuilding/structure.
In order to understand the location, dimension and depth of foundation of columns / piers or similar
structuralcomponents,partofthefootingcanbeexposedbyexcavatingtheearthworkwiththeguidance
ofexperiencedtechnicalpersonsexecutedbyexperiencedworkers.
Subsequently at every stage of the conservation work the technical aspects and process of various
activitiesaretobedocumented
3.4.5 CommunityParticipation
Inordertoensurecommunityparticipationintheconservationprocess,scaleddrawingsoftheproposed
conservation shall be appended to the site during construction so that the public may become
accustomedtotheproposalandhavetheoptionofregisteringtheiropinionregardingthesame.
If necessary the proposals shall be amended if strong public opinion is found against the proposal for
conservation/restoration.
Wherepossible,localyouthgroupsshallbeusedforfacilitatingtheconservationprocess.
3.4.6 Protectionofthebuilding/site
3.4.6.1 A clear space around each monument shall be formed as an immediate environmental protection to
themonument.Thisareashouldfollow,asthecasemaybe,theoriginallineoftheenclosurewall.
3.4.6.2 In rural or suburban setting no new structures / built forms of any size, shape shall be allowed to
develop within the UNESCO / UNDP suggested area of half a mile radius from the epicenter of the
monumentunderconsideration.
3.4.6.3 Inruralorsuburbansettings,aparceloflandrepresentingapproximatelyacircularareaofahalfmile
radius of the farmland immediately surrounding the heritage building / monument shall be acquired
toprotectitfromencroachment
3.4.6.4 In urban areas or metropolitan cities an immediate buffer zone as set by the permitting authorities,
butnotlessthan3metersinwidth,adjacenttotheheritagebuilding,mustbekeptabsolutelyfreeof
anystructureorestablishmentofsimilarnaturesurroundingtheheritagebuildingoritspartthereof.
The adjacent buildings (proposed) should follow certain height restrictions to be imposed by the
permittingauthorityassetforthinSec3.4.5.5below.
3.4.6.5 Ingeneral,theheightofanyproposedbuildingsadjacenttoheritagebuildingsshallbekeptlimitedto
withintwotimestheheightoftheheritagebuildingunderconsideration.
3.4.6.6 To protect the monument against human impact, movement of visitors within the structure and site
shallbecontrolled.Climbingoverthefabricofthemonumentshallbeillegalandbepreventedatall
times.
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3.4.6.7 Signages shall be installed within the site and building premises to guide visitors by creating
circumambulatorypathorcirculationareaaroundeachoftheheritagebuildings/monuments.
3.4.7 OriginalElements
3.4.7.1 Structures that impinge directly on the monument/s, identified to be additions, alterations or
extensions of any form or kind on to the original monument/s, shall be removed/ relocated
elsewhere,inanattempttorecognizetheoriginalform/featureofthemonument.
3.4.7.2 Alloriginalstructuresandarchitecturalelementsaretoberetainedandrestored.
3.4.7.3 Intheeventthatsuchelementshavetoberepaired,theirfeaturesaretoberetainedintact.

3.4.8 Useofbuildingmaterials
3.4.8.1 Allrepairing,restorationandrenovationworkshallbedonefollowingtheoriginaldesignanddetails
ineverystepwiththesame/similarbuildingmaterialsused
3.4.8.2 Selection and application of materials are to be made in harmony with the materials used in the
past/duringtheperiodoforiginalconstructionofthemonument/buildingunderconsideration
3.4.8.3 Sand
3.4.8.3.1 Sand used in the making of mortar, shall be coarsegrained, perfectly clean, sharp and yellowish
color,inorderthatasuccessfulresultmaybeobtainedforcementandlimemortar.Finegrained,
dustyand dirtysandshall notbeusedandeachfreshconsignmentshallbecarefullyinspectedin
ordertoseethatitcorrespondswiththesampleapprovedinthefirstcase.
3.4.8.3.2 Sands, which would otherwise be of good quality, but containing lumps of foreign matter, or a
qualityofdustyparticlesmaybeused,onlyafterithasbeenthoroughlywashedandexamined.
3.4.8.3.3 Seasandcontainsaquantityofsaltwhichwillcauseefflorescencewhenthemortarisset.Ifused
forthemortar,thesaltfromthissandshallbeeliminatedbyverythoroughwashingincleanwater,
thewaterbeingrenewedateachwashing.
3.4.8.4 Brick
3.4.8.4.1 No modern bricks are to be used on any old buildings without the approval of an appropriate
technicalperson/expertofConservation.
3.4.8.4.2 Inrepairingbrickwork,bricksofthesamesizeandfabricastheoriginalshallbeused.Inabsenceof
instructions, the bricks shall be laid in the same bond, and the mortar joints shall be of the same
thickness and toned to the same color as in the original work. When desirable, the mortar joints
mayberecessedabout6.5mm12.5mmbackfromtheface.
3.4.8.5 Cement
3.4.8.5.1 Cementshallbeslowsetting,complyingwiththestandardspecificationofPortlandcement.Inthe
absence of specific instruction/s, the use of cement on any conspicuous part of a building for
pointing, plastering or other purposes shall be avoided, as if visible, it will express a noticeably
modernnotetothestructure.
3.4.8.6 Cementconcretemix
3.4.8.6.1 TheCementconcreteshallbevariedinaccordancewithlocalnecessities.
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BangladeshNationalBuildingCode2012 913
3.4.8.6.2 The mix for foundations shall be 1 part of Portland cement , 3 parts of sand and 8 parts of clean
stone,brickorgravelbrokentoapproximatelyoneandhalfinch,mixedthoroughly.
3.4.8.6.3 Themixforflooringandterracingshallbe,1partofPortlandcement,2partsofsandand5partsof
stone,brickorgraveletc.brokenapproximatelyto1inchring.
3.4.8.7 Limemortar
Limemortarofwhichthetensilestrengthislessthan100lbs.persq.inchisnottobeusedinconservation
works. A practical and quick way of testing lime mortar on the work itself is to take a handful of mortar
fromthetroughandafteraminuteortwo,towashitoffthehand.Iftheskinisleftroughafterwashing,
themortarmaybeconsideredfitforuse.
3.4.8.8 Limewash
3.4.8.8.1 The use of lime wash or paint is strictly forbidden except under special circumstances when the
permissionshallbetakenfromanappropriateauthority/expertonconservation.
3.4.8.8.2 If it is important to remove lime wash from an old surface of a heritage establishment, extreme
precautionshallbetakentopreventinjurytoanyinscriptions,relieforpaintingunderneath.Lime
washmayoften beremovedbybrushingwithsoapandwater,butacidmust notbeusedforthe
removal of lime wash from marble or limestone, the surface of which is liable to damage by the
acidwork.
3.4.9 Upgradingandadaptivereuse
3.4.9.1 Adaptive reuse shall follow logical consequence considering public requirements of the region,
touristinfluxandsocioculturalcontextoftheregionunderinfluence.
3.4.9.2 The decision of including different functions shall be made only after thorough investigation by a
committeeworkingundertheguidelineofexpertsinarchaeologyandarchitectureoftheregion.
3.4.10 Repairing,consolidationandrestoration
3.4.10.1 Inordertopreventsaltactiononthebuildings,allmaterialsusedinthemortarmixesshallbefreeof
anyimpurities.Thebricksshallbeacquiredonlyfromthebestbrickkilnsandtestedtoensurethey
arealsofreefromimpurities.Anylimeshallbepureslakedlimemadefromreallimestoneandnota
substitute.
3.4.10.2 Toprotectthestructuresfrompenetrationbyrainwater,awaterproofmembrane,suchasthinlayer
ofconcrete,shallbeplacedbetweenthearchaeologicalstructureandanygrasscoverings.
3.4.10.3 Major building features such as cornices, string courses, kiosks and/or cupolas etc. shall be
reconstructed,sothatthewaterrunningoffthemainbuiltformofthestructureisthrownclearof
thebrickwallorassociatedfaade.
3.4.10.4 Allreplacementofexternalbrickfacadesshallhaveaheavylayerofpolythenesheetbarrierplaced
between the old and the new brickwork in order to prevent the transfer of salts from the old
brickworktothenew.
3.4.10.5 Toprotectandtreatthebricksofvariousshapesandformsusedinwalls,columns,projectedeves/
corniceusedonexternalfaade,thoseshallfirstlyberecordedchronologically,andthenbecleaned
ofvegetation,particularlyalgae/weedsetc.,priortosoakingthemseveraltimesincleanwaterto
removeanysalttherein.
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3.4.10.6 Treatment of decorative brickwork and terra cotta shall be carried out step by step; firstly by
thoroughlywashinginfreshwater.Secondly,afterallthesaltshavebeenleechedout,thebrickwork
or the terra cotta shall be treated with a consolidant chemical recommended by conservation
experts.
3.4.10.7 Inordertosecuretheplaques,insitu,thoseshallbeanchoredtothemainfabricwithstainlesssteel
clamps.
3.4.10.8 Surface drains shall be installed in order to discharge surface water from the large courts and also
from the nooks and corners of the building premises and monument under consideration. Any
repairing, restoration and renovation work that this entails shall be done following the original
designanddetailsineverystepusingthesamebuildingmaterialsandtechniques.
3.4.11 Grouting
Grouting is to put a thin layer of mortar, following the required technical specification, in the spaces
betweentiles,bricksorsimilarothermaterialsusedinconservationwork.
3.4.11.1 A void which can not be thoroughly cleaned out with water can be satisfactorily filled under
pressure,sincethereareboundtobedustysurfaceswithwhichthegroutwillnotmakeasolidjoint.
3.4.11.2 Numerousholesmustbeleftinthepointingfortheescapeofairandfortheliquidgrout.
3.4.11.3 The pointing must be fairly hard and set on the outer surface before grouting is commenced. A
periodofthreetofourweekisusuallynecessaryforthistotakeplace.
3.4.11.4 Where cement has been used for filling the joints at the back of the lime pointing, then grouting
maybestartedtendaysafterwards.
3.4.11.5 Thewholebodyofthewalltobetreated(wheregroutingistobeperformed)shouldbethoroughly
washedoutwithwater(forcedunderapressureofabout15lbs.to20lbs.persquareinch)starting
fromthetopofthewallandworkingdownwards.Thewallsmust,however,bethoroughlysaturated
beforegroutingiscommenced.
3.4.11.6 Themixtureinthemachineistoconsistofnotmorethanthreepartsofsandtooneofcement,or
asnearthisratio(inordertoresistthenatureofsandtoflowinthemachine)
3.4.11.7 Thegroutingofcavitiesshouldbestartedatthebaseofthewall.Eachgroutingpointshouldbefed
twicefromthemachine.
3.4.11.8 Thepressuretobeobtainedinthemachineshould,asarule,benotlessthan25lbs.normorethan
35 lbs. per square inch; air should be pumped into to compressor until 35 lbs. per sq. inch is
attained,andthepressureshould notbeallowedto reducebelow25lbs.persq.inchforordinary
cases.However,wherethewallisthinorweakthepressuremaybereducedto12lbs.or15lbsper
sq.inch.Iftheaboveprecautionsaretaken,thisshouldhavenobadeffectuponthelimepointing.
3.4.12 HandGrouting
3.4.12.1 Inhandgrouting,theproportionsofcementtosandwilldependbothuponthecharacter
of the voids to be filled and upon the degrees of fineness of the sand. If the voids are
large, one part of cement to two parts of sand may be used, but if small, then the
proportionofsandshouldnotexceedonepart.
3.4.12.2 It is important to keep the cement and sand thoroughly mixed by continually shaking the
caninwhichthegroutisheld.
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3.4.12.3 It is necessary to leave, above the grouting hole, another small hole for the escape of air
whilegroutisbeingpouredin.
3.4.12.4 Incaseswhereawallisweak,orathinskinoffacingmaterialisbondedtomainwall,itmust
beefficientlyboardedandstruttedintopositionbeforethegroutingworkisstarted.
3.4.13 Underpinning
3.4.13.1 Underpinning is applied to the building of new work underneath an existing structure
without disturbing its stability. Underpinning may be necessary when the foundation of a
wall of an ancient / heritage building is to be replaced with new foundation or when the
existingfoundationofawallisrequiredtobestrengthenedforsustainability.
3.4.13.2 All excavations for underpinning must be carefully and adequately planked and properly
strutted(topreventtiltingandbuckling;inordertopreventthis,thejoistsarestruttedapart
in the midspan all along the length); All the masonry work etc., immediately above the
proposedstretchofunderpinning,mustbeadequatelyheldbyrakingshoresonagoodsolid
foundation.
3.4.13.3 Wherealonglengthofwallhastobeunderpinned,theworkmustbecarriedoutinsections
about1minwidthandtothedepthindicatedintheestimate;themasonryoverheadandthe
earthatthesidesmustbethoroughlyshoredupandstrutted.
3.4.13.4 If underpinning exceeds 1m in height, the masonry is to be built up in layers not exceeding
0.60m.Eachlayeristobeallowedtosetbeforethelayeraboveisadded.
3.4.13.5 When two sections are to be carried out together, they must not adjoin. Generally, a
minimum distance of 3.5m is to be maintained between two sections. The holes must be
keptquitefreefromwaterbypumping.
3.4.13.6 All concrete must be well rammed into a dense solid mass when possible, and where the
height of the hole is sufficient to ram vertically, the concrete must be well pumped in from
thefrontface.
3.4.13.7 When the footings of the wall are very loose and disintegrated, the joints should be well
washedoutandfilledwithcementgrout,ifpossible,beforetheunderpinningisstarted.
3.4.14 DecorationandDetails
3.4.14.1 Inlaywork(Pietradura)
In the repair of inlay work (pietra dura), the greatest care is necessary in order to ensure that the new
stonesarefixedexactly,andthattheedgesoftheexistinggroundworkarenotscrapped.Thisshouldbe
donestepbystepfollowingaconservationmanual.
3.4.14.2 The fret cutting should be done by means of a plain soft iron wire mounted on a split
bamboobow.Solidpatternsarecutbyworkingthebowlikeafretsaw.
3.4.14.3 Theinlayblocksarecutontheslantwithaninwardslopeofabout15degreesontheedges
tofacilitatethefitting.
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3.5 AreaConservationforHistoricDistricts
3.5.1 IndentifyingHistoricDistricts:
Whenneighborhoods/regionsofancientheritagebuiltformsarepresentinanyurban/semiurban/rural
setting, these shall be identified as Historic districts by the Advisory Committee to the Department of
Archaeology,Governmentof Bangladesh, as constituted under the Antiquities Act of 1968.Such districts
willbeconsideredasrepresentingahistoricperiodoftheregion.Principlesofareaconservationshallbe
appliedfortheprotectionandpreservationofthesehistoricdistricts.
3.5.2 PlanningParametersandConservationGuidelines
3.5.2.1 An appropriate plan shall be drawn in order to show the boundary of conservation areas, the core
areas, the buildings to be conserved, the residential and other functional areas to be retained /
restoredandtheenvelopecontrolsites.
3.5.2.2 Theschemeshallincludearehabilitationplanforperson/sdisplacedintheConservationprocess.
3.5.2.3 Forbuildingstobeconserved,eachandeverybuildingofhistoricalimportanceistobeconserved/
restoredinaccordancewiththeconservationguidelinessetforthinSections3.3and3.4above.
3.5.2.4 Takingintoconsiderationcommunityneeds,theareashallbeassignedfunctionsthatcansustainits
existenceandcontributetotheeconomicfunctioningofthearea.
3.5.2.5 The plan and detailing of the entire area shall comply with energy efficient and sustainability
guidelinessetforthinChapter4:EnergyEfficiencyandSustainability,Part3ofthisCode.