This part covers the loadings on a building, and the construction of the structural elements including the foundations, walls, floors, roofs and chimneys. The building must also be constructed so that the risk of ground movement, will not impair its stability. Simple design rules and guides are also supplied for domestic buildings, including garages and outbuildings, and small non-residential buildings.
Taller buildings also need to be constructed so that in the event of an accident the building will not collapse to a greater extent than the area affected by the incident.
Approved Document A
2004 edition incorporating 2004, 2010 and 2013 amendments: Valid from 1 October 2013
PDF file: 5.33 MB, 54 pages
The requirements in this edition of Approved Document A are as follows:
A1 – Loading
(1) The building shall be constructed so that the combined dead, imposed and wind loads are sustained and transmitted by it to the ground:
(a) safely; and
(b) without causing such deflection or deformation of any part of the building, or such movement of the ground, as will impair the stability of any part of another building.
(2) In assessing whether a building complies with sub paragraph (1) regard shall be had to the imposed and wind loads to which it is likely to be subjected in the ordinary course of its use for the purpose for which it is intended.
Limits on application
None
A2 – Ground Movement
The building shall be constructed so that ground movement caused by:-
(a) swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil; or
(b) land-slip or subsidence (other than subsidence arising from shrinkage, in so far as the risk can be reasonably foreseen), will not impair the stability of any part of the building.
Limits on application
None
A3 – Disproportionate Collapse
The building shall be constructed so that in the event of an accident the building will not suffer collapse to an extent disproportionate to the cause .
Limits on application
None
Archived copies of Approved Document A
2013 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 6 April 2013 until 1 October 2013
PDF file: 478 KB, 54 pages
Approved Document A – 2004 edition with 2010 amendments
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 1 October 2013
The requirements in this edition were:
A1 – Loading
A2 – Ground Movement
A3 – Disproportionate collapse
PDF file: 3.7 MB, 52 pages
Approved Document A – 2004 edition with 2004 amendments
Valid from 1 December 2004 until 1 October 2010
The requirements in this edition were:
A1 – Loading
A2 – Ground Movement
A3 – Disproportionate collapse
PDF file: 3.5 MB, 52 pages
2000 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 1 Jaunary 2001 until 1 December 2004
PDF file: 3.87 MB, 18 pages
Approved Document A – 1992 edition
Valid from 1 June 1992 until 1 January 2001
The requirement in this edition was:
A1 – Loading
A2 – Ground Movement
A3 and A4 – Disproportionate collapse
PDF file: 4.09 MB, 72 pages
1988 amendments of the Approved Documents
Valid from February 1988 until 1 June 1992
PDF file: 2.51 MB, 15 pages
Approved Document A – 1985 edition
Valid from 11 November 1985 until 1 June 1992
The requirement in this edition was:
A1 – Loading
A2 – Ground Movement
A3 and A4 – Disproportionate collapse
PDF file: 12.0 MB, 58 pages