Frequently asked questions
to the OIB guidelines 2023
The answers to the FAQs represent the interpretation of the relevant OIB guideline by the respective expert advisory board for structural engineering guidelines at the time of preparation. The decision on the interpretation of the building regulations in a specific building procedure lies with the responsible building authority.
No, you may not switch between the flat-rate method and the detailed method, i.e. either all windows with flat-rate values or all windows with shading factors calculated in detail. This means that under no circumstances may you switch between the methods for individual windows.
The OIB recommends applying the most obvious usage profile, which for indoor swimming pools is the profile for sports facilities. This ensures that a complete energy performance certificate must be drawn up for a non-residential building, for which the information on the usage profile probably does not fully match that for indoor swimming pools. Nevertheless, the Expert Advisory Council for OIB Guideline 6, 2019 edition, has decided to reduce the number of usage profiles on the list in Annex 1.5 of the EPBD. The fulfillment of the externally induced cooling requirement must be checked with the authorities to ensure that it makes sense.
As the usage profiles of these two building categories differ only in the flat-rate shading factor and this is primarily aimed at the density of the neighboring buildings, the number of usage units refers to the apartments accessed by a staircase (“staircase”) and not to the entire building. This usage profile is also to be applied if only part of such a building section (e.g. a single apartment) is calculated.
Yes, the requirements of OIB Guideline 4 for doors with regard to safety in use and accessibility also apply mutatis mutandis to other accessible openings (e.g. French doors). In addition to point 2.7, this also applies to all other relevant points of OIB Guideline 4. The regulatory area concerning construction products (e.g. performance requirements for doors, windows, French windows) remains unaffected.
The new Radon Protection Ordinance (RnV) has three classifications of areas (areas without classification, radon precautionary areas and radon protection areas) and is aimed at all buildings with habitable rooms:
No structural measures are required for radon protection in areas without classification;
In radon precautionary areas, according to current standards, a convection-tight design of the components in contact with the ground in accordance with ÖNORM S 5280-2 “Radon. Part 2: Structural precautionary measures for buildings”, edition 15.07.2021;
In radon protection areas, in addition to the convection-tight design, the installation of radon drainage in accordance with ÖNORM S 5280-2 “Radon. Part 2: Structural precautions for buildings”, edition 15.07.2021 is recommended.
The requirement is met if the floor plan of the fire compartment under consideration can be inscribed in a square with a side length of 60 m.
The verification must be carried out for the entire component.
The verification must therefore be carried out using the maximum permissible conductance, i.e. the product of the total area and the maximum permissible U-value from the table in section 4.4.1.
The rules of technology (ÖNORM EN ISO 6946) must be used to calculate the U-value of the slope insulation.
At the low point of the slope insulation, the U-value that prevents damage-causing condensation on the inner component surface and the risk of mold formation on the inner component surface must also be complied with.
Yes, in terms of equivalent deviation, vertical lifting devices may be installed in existing buildings to overcome level differences.
Yes, this may be the case if, for example, a smaller exposure area would be permitted in the workplace regulations.
An assessment of the use of highly efficient alternative energy systems is also required for building category 13, as stated in point 5.2.4.
This is an editorial error. The text of this footnote reads, as in the 2011 and 2015 editions: “All those that comply with Directive 2004/8/EC are considered to be highly efficient combined heat and power (CHP) plants.” This text is reproduced as the 4th footnote and incorrectly numbered (2).
Openings and joints are only permitted where structurally necessary and to such a small extent that flame penetration is effectively restricted.
