Adequacy of Construction Guidelines and Building Codes in Event of Seismic Actions and Plans to Enhance Adequacy

37 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the Ministry's assessment of the adequacy of the construction guidelines and building codes in relation to catering for the impact of seismic actions; and (b) whether any revisions are being planned, such as the inclusion of buildings below 20 metres in height.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Buildings in Singapore are required to be designed according to the relevant building codes to be sufficiently robust to withstand lateral forces, including tremors from distant earthquakes.

Singapore is classified as a low-seismicity region under the Eurocode design framework, based on our distance from active seismic fault lines. Due to our low-seismicity context, seismic design considerations apply only to new buildings above 20 metres in height, about seven storeys, that are located on soft soil and there are currently no plans to extend the requirements to buildings which are 20 metres and below in height.

The Building and Construction Authority will continue to review building design and safety requirements, where necessary, in line with latest scientific evidence, international standards and environment conditions.