The Government of Nepal has established comprehensive building codes and bylaws aimed at ensuring safety and structural integrity in construction practices. Despite these regulations, the practical implementation of these standards has proven to be a significant challenge. Local governments, particularly municipalities, have been tasked with enforcing the National Building Code and associated bylaws. However, many municipalities are struggling to effectively implement and enforce these critical regulations, leading to widespread non-compliance. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation status of steel- framed building construction in Lalitpur Metropolitan City. The research sought to identify the reasons behind non-compliance in these structures and explore potential measures to address the issues. A multi-faceted methodology was employed, incorporating field observations, questionnaire surveys, and Key Informant Interviews (KII). This approach facilitated comprehensive data collection from various stakeholders involved in the construction process. The analysis of the gathered data was conducted using the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the causes of non-compliance and the control measures necessary for improvement. The findings of the study indicated that construction practices for steel- framed buildings were generally poor, with many of these buildings primarily used for commercial purposes. Non-compliance was prevalent in several areas, including member size, structural systems, bolted connections, and welding connections. One notable trend was that many owners opted for steel structures due to their faster construction times. However, cost-saving measures often led to modifications in design sections, resulting in compliance issues. Furthermore, fabricators reported significant client pressure, which frequently prompted changes to structural sections during construction, further undermining adherence to building codes. A critical issue identified was the widespread preference for welding connections over bolted connections. Fabricators commonly believed that welded connections were both sufficient and stronger than bolted connections, which contributed to the compliance challenges. To address the identified issues, the study proposed several critical measures. First, it recommended the implementation of a public awareness program aimed at educating the general public about the risks associated with non-compliance. Such initiatives could foster a culture of safety and adherence to regulations within the community. Additionally, targeted training programs for fabricators, designers, and supervising engineers were deemed essential to eliminate prevalent malpractices, negligence, and misconceptions regarding construction practices. These training sessions would iv enhance the understanding of building codes and significantly improve compliance in steel-framed buildings. Moreover, the study emphasized the necessity of strict field monitoring by municipalities to reduce instances of non-compliance. Enhanced oversight and regular inspections could ensure that construction practices align with established regulations and standards, thereby improving overall safety and structural integrity. In conclusion, the study identified several major causes of non-compliance, with a significant finding being the owner's tendency to prioritize fabricators over engineers in construction decisions. This dynamic often leads to suboptimal practices and a disregard for safety standards. Effective solutions proposed included enhanced field monitoring by municipalities and comprehensive public awareness campaigns. The study specifically recommended increasing municipal inspections beyond the plinth level for steel sections, conducting awareness campaigns, providing training to designers, engineers, and fabricators, and developing clear guidelines for the design and inspection processes. By addressing these critical areas, the study aimed to improve compliance in steel-framed building construction, ultimately enhancing the safety and resilience of structures within Lalitpur Metropolitan City.

Keywords

Steel-Framed, Fabricators, Compliance, Public Awareness, Construction Regulations, Building Codes, Structural Integrity, Municipal Oversight.

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