7 Crucial Basic Principles of Constructive Safety

Constructive safety in construction focuses on, of course, the safety, but also the stability and durability of buildings. To determine when a structure meets the requirements and standards, there are 7 basic principles that can be followed.

What is constructive safety?

Structural safety is about building buildings that are sturdy and safe. This means that a building does not collapse or become dangerous for the people who live and/or work there.

If structural safety is not taken into account, the consequences can be serious or even fatal. For example, consider:

• Constructive flaws which affects the stability of the structure, resulting in a partial or complete collapse.
• In some cases, repairing these errors can take considerable time. financial damage brought with it.
• Health complaints used due to moisture, mold or wrong material or
• Prolonged legal processes to show who is liable.

Who doesn't know the images of the partly collapsed parking garage in Nieuwegein which succumbed in May 2024, the concrete structure of the roadways was completely destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties. Or the roof of the Grolsch Veste stadium that collapsed with unfortunately serious consequences.

In order to prevent the above consequences as much as possible, 7 basic principles can be used.

The 7 crucial basic principles of structural safety

1. Use a good design

To guarantee a safe design, constructors make various technical calculations to take into account all kinds of circumstances such as: climate, wind, precipitation, load and material choice.

Thanks to the designs, we prevent as many errors as possible before building that may occur during construction.

according Adformation is the biggest failure cost item in construction “miscommunication”. These costs are estimated at around 10% of the turnover. That is a shame and can be prevented by paying more attention to the design phase.

3. Choose the right building material

It starts with the basics, providing the right material to build with that is suitable for the environment and the specific conditions. Nowadays, it is increasingly important to choose high-quality sustainable materials, but each material presents different challenges.

Connecting steel to wood or stone to wood, which insulation material and what to use for the foundation?

3. Energy efficiency and sustainability

Making optimal use of materials and resources through the drafts and advices to follow from the manufacturers. Our designers make smart design choices, which can significantly save on the amount of materials used.

4. Risk analysis

During the entire design process, checks and analyses are carried out to identify and control as many risks as possible.

5. Legislation and regulations

We test buildings, using the existing (safety) requirements set out in the Housing Act, the Environmental Act and the Building and Living Environment Decree. Here we also look more at any subsidies.

6. Inspection and maintenance

During construction and also during the life of the building, it is important to have checks carried out in the form of an inspection. In addition, maintenance is necessary to ensure a sustainable lifespan of the building.

7. Use of technology

By performing calculations and analyses with good software, VORM4 can simulate the behavior of a building under certain circumstances. For example, we use BIM and Revit for good coordination between the contractor, architect, engineer and any installation designer.

A solid foundation as a basis for everyone's safety

In a world where safety comes first, constructive safety is the silent force behind every successful construction project. At VORM4, we understand that a solid foundation is more than just concrete and steel - it guarantees your peace of mind.

Our expertise minimizes risks and maximizes sustainability. With advanced technology and years of experience, we create designs that not only meet the most stringent safety standards, but are also future-proof.

From material selection to risk analysis, from energy efficiency to compliance with laws and regulations - we leave nothing to chance. Our approach not only saves you money in the long term, but also protects what really matters.

Expert advice from VORM4

Do you want to make sure that your building meets the requirements? The experts at VORM4 help with calculations, material selection and regulatory compliance. Take feel free to contact to discuss the options.