2014 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 21-30
Most people in Japan consider that the structural safety level of building is specified by the law and it is not their matters to be decided. Safety standards in various fields are also regulated by the authority but a building is a unique product and the design load event for the safety is very rare in years of life. Since many uncertain factors are involved in the structural safety, professional engineers' involvements are necessary to maintain the safety quality. Current regulatory specifications based on the building standard law are very rigid and complex but they are minimum requirements. The safety level should be decided based on the consensus of stakeholders with sufficient supports of professionals by applying rational technical standards.