Choosing the Right Design Code for Your Steel Building:
BS 5950-1 vs BS 5502-22
Introduction
When planning a new steel building, one of the most important early-stage decisions is which design code to use.
The design code determines how the structure will be engineered — including its strength, safety factors, durability, and expected design life.
At ReviveLogix, we work to the relevant British Standards, ensuring every steel building we deliver is safe, compliant, and built to last.
Let’s explore the key options: BS 5950-1 (for industrial and commercial buildings) and BS 5502-22 (for agricultural buildings).
BS 5950-1: The Standard for Industrial and Commercial Buildings
BS 5950-1 covers the structural use of steelwork in buildings, making it the standard of choice for industrial and commercial developments.
It ensures full compliance with UK Building Regulations, typically requiring:
- Higher safety and serviceability limits
- Design for greater occupancy and equipment loads
- Longer-term durability
BS 5950-1 applies to:
- Warehouses
- Factories and workshops
- Retail and office buildings
- Industrial extensions and refurbishments
Typical design life: 50 years.
BS 5502-22: The Standard for Agricultural Buildings
BS 5502-22 governs the design, construction, and performance of agricultural buildings in the UK.
It recognises that farm buildings often have:
- Lower occupancy levels
- Variable exposure to the elements
- More flexible maintenance schedules
To suit different levels of use and risk, BS5502 defines two main classes.
BS 5502 Class 1
- For higher-risk agricultural buildings — where human or animal welfare is key.
- Examples: livestock housing, milking parlours, or buildings with public access. Grain stores should be considered in this class due to loading.
- Incorporates higher safety factors and enhanced design life.
- Typical design life: 50 years.
BS 5502 Class 2
- For lower-risk structures, such as open storage or machinery sheds.
- Uses lower safety factors and a shorter expected life for cost efficiency.
- Typical design life: 20 years.
| Feature / Standard | BS 5502 Class 1 | BS 5502 Class 2 | BS5950 (Industrial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Use | Livestock housing, welfare buildings | Storage, machinery sheds | Industrial, commercial, warehouse |
| Design Life | 50 years | 20 years | 50 years |
| Safety Factors | High | Moderate | High |
| Occupancy Level | Low–moderate | Very low | Moderate–high |
| Regulatory Compliance | Agricultural | Agricultural | Building Regs. Approved Document A:Structure |
| Wind & Snow Load Factors | Enhanced | Standard | Fully compliant |
| Maintenance Expectation | Periodic | Periodic | Long-term durability focus |
Which Design Code Should You Choose?
- For Industrial or Commercial Use:
Use BS 5950, ensuring full compliance with UK Building Regulations and long-term performance.
- For Agricultural Use:
Use BS 5502 Class 1 for welfare-critical or long-term structures.
Use Class 2 for basic, low-risk, open storage buildings.
If you’re uncertain which applies to your project, our design engineers will guide you through the best route — balancing compliance, cost, and durability.
ReviveLogix: Built Right, First Time
At ReviveLogix, we specialise in smaller industrial buildings, extensions, and alterations, designed to the correct standard for their intended use.
Whether you need:
- An industrial or commercial structure to BS 5950,
- An agricultural building to BS 5502, or
we’ll make sure it’s fit for purpose, efficient, and engineered for longevity.
Contact ReviveLogix today to discuss your next project and we’ll help you select the right design code for your building.