THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Although the Government of Nepal has enacted building codes and byelaws, their implementation has been a bigger challenge. After the federalism, the responsibility to implement National Building Code and byelaws is wholly transferred to local levels. However, the newly formed municipalities face challenges in enforcing building codes and byelaws. The research objective of this study is to determine the status of compliance of building code and byelaws in residential buildings of Tokha municipality, determine major bottlenecks in its implementation and suggest effective measures. The methodology involved was field observation, questionnaire surveys, and KII. The results were then analyzed by ranking bottlenecks and control measures using the relative importance index. The result of the study showed compliance with byelaws was higher than the national building code. The setback from the neighbouring buildings and Floor Area Ratio had comparatively high non-compliance. Regarding architectural code, the staircase's riser height and tread width had higher non-compliance. Additionally, compliance of size of elements and the number of rebars was higher and compliance of ductile detailing was minimum. Lack of public awareness and providing training to mason was ranked as the major bottleneck and most effective control measure respectively. Finally, it was concluded that code compliance was low because there was no provision to check reinforcement before casting concrete. The chief bottleneck in the implementation of the building code was the behavioural aspect whereas the most effective control measure was by providing mason training and ensuring an effective reward and punishment system. The study recommends site supervision from the municipality before concrete casting. Similarly, extensive awareness campaigns should be carried out and training on ductile detailing techniques should be provided to masons.

Keywords

Building Code, Byelaws, Compliance, Bottleneck, Control Measure