CNST249: Using National Building Code & CSA: Reading, Printing and Downloading

You can access all current and past versions of the National Building Code from the Techstreet platform.

• The publisher has placed a printing restriction on this document and printing is not permitted.  You can, however, download and save a PDF version to your computer.
  • Only one person can only save the PDF at one time.  If PDF is downloaded and opened only, multiple people may view.
  • Note that the PDF file cannot be opened if you save it to a USB, attach it to an email, or open the file on a different computer.
  • Note that only one copy of the PDF file can be downloaded at a time.  If someone else at SAIT downloads a copy after you, your copy will no longer open.
• To download a copy for short term access <click> on FILE, then <click> on Save As.

Tips and Hints

• Use the EDIT FIND command or  Ctrl-F keys to find occurrences of topic keywords or phrases in the PDF document. For example you can find answers for your CNST249 Concrete and Soils Basics library assignment by identifying key phrases  in the questions such as:  cold weather requirements.
• For best results, make sure you have FileOpen plugin installed.

The National Building Code and derivatives (National Electrical, Energy, and Fire codes as well as Alberta versions of the codes) are available as a free download for personal use.  The NRC has made it very easy, with a direct download option from their archive:

• National Building Code of Canada: 2020
• National Fire Code of Canada: 2020
• National Plumbing Code of Canada: 2020
• National Energy Code for Buildings: 2020
• National Building Code: Alberta 2019 Edition
• National Fire Code: Alberta 2019 Edition

As well, the NRC is now offering free electronic access to the related user’s guides, including:

• Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2015: Part 4 of Division B)
• Illustrated User’s Guide – NBC 2015: Part 9 of Division B, Housing and Small Buildings
• User’s Guide – National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2017

You can access the entire collection of CSA (Canadian Standards Association) standards and related documents via the library's subscription.

• Some of the documents are quite large and may take couple of minutes to open.
• Printing of the CSA documents is not permitted.
• Downloading and viewing PDFs of CSA documents is permitted while on campus or using the VPN.
• Off campus, use the "View Online" option to view documents.

Tips and Hints

• Use the EDIT > FIND command or Ctrl-F keys to find occurrences of topic keywords or phrases in the PDF document. For example, you can find answers for your CNST 249 Concrete and Soils Basics library assignment by identifying key phrases in the questions such as:  delivery.
• For best results, make sure you have FileOpen plugin installed and use Firefox.

CSA, NBC, and other organizations use a small plugin program called FileOpen to manage access to their PDF files. FileOpen must be installed and regularly updated in order to successfully open, download, and/or print PDF files. 

FileOpen plugin can be downloaded from: https://plugin.fileopen.com/

Adobe Acrobat Reader is also recommended as the best program to open and read PDF files.  

Acrobat can be downloaded from: http://get.adobe.com/reader/