NBC 201, NBC 203, and NBC 204 cover structural systems beyond ordinary load-bearing masonry — reinforced concrete frames, low-strength masonry, and earthen construction. Together they guide engineers on material-specific rules for earthquake-resistant building in Nepal.
NBC 201 — Reinforced Concrete with Masonry Infill (1994)
NBC 201 gives Mandatory Rules of Thumb for reinforced concrete framed buildings with masonry infill walls. It covers member sizing (beams, columns, slabs), minimum reinforcement, and detailing rules so RC frames with brick infill behave well in earthquakes — the dominant urban building type in Kathmandu Valley.
NBC 203 — Low-Strength Masonry (2015)
NBC 203 provides guidelines for earthquake-resistant construction with low-strength masonry — stone or brick in weak mortar, common in rural Nepal. It sets rules for wall thickness, height limits, through-stones/bond stones, corner stitching, and horizontal bands adapted to weaker materials.
NBC 204 — Earthen Buildings
NBC 204 covers earthen construction (adobe, rammed earth, pressed blocks). It addresses soil selection, block strength, wall thickness, height limits, and seismic bands for earthen walls — critical for affordable rural housing that still resists earthquakes.
Summary for working engineers. For the full legal requirements, always refer to the official NBC documents published by the Government of Nepal.