Studio / Engineering
Engineer toolkit
Quick site calculators and code references for daily use. These give preliminary estimates only — always verify against structural drawings and the current Nepal Building Code before ordering materials or finalizing design.
Concrete grade
Wall thickness
Standard Nepali brick 228 × 114 × 76 mm with 10 mm mortar joint. Openings for doors/windows not deducted — subtract manually.
| Dia. (mm) | Unit weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|
| 8 | 0.395 |
| 10 | 0.617 |
| 12 | 0.889 |
| 16 | 1.580 |
| 20 | 2.469 |
| 25 | 3.858 |
| 32 | 6.321 |
Seismic zoning
Nepal lies in a high seismic hazard zone. NBC 105:2020 requires seismic design for all buildings — ductile detailing is mandatory for RCC frames in most municipalities, including Bhaktapur and the Kathmandu valley.
Minimum column size
NBC 205 (mandatory rules of thumb) specifies a minimum column cross-section of 300 × 300 mm for buildings up to 3 storeys — confirm the exact size against your structural engineer's calculations for taller or heavier buildings.
Concrete cover
Typical clear cover: 40 mm for footings, 25 mm for columns and beams, 15–20 mm for slabs — increase in exposed or damp conditions per NBC 101/109.
Reinforcement ratio
Minimum longitudinal steel in RCC columns is 0.8% of gross cross-sectional area; maximum is 6% (4% at lap zones), per NBC 105/205 guidance.
Foundation depth
Minimum foundation depth is typically 1.2–1.5 m below natural ground level for ordinary soil in the valley — always confirm with a soil test for anything beyond a simple residence.
Building permit (naksa pass)
Municipal approval requires structural drawings stamped by a registered engineer, a site plan, and — for RCC buildings above 2.5 storeys in most municipalities — a structural design report.
This is general orientation only, not a substitute for the current Nepal Building Code documents or professional structural design. Vivid's engineers can confirm exact requirements for your specific site and building — get in touch.