General type approval
The general type approval (aBG) & its standards
The general type approval (aBG) is not only an essential part of the German construction industry, it also plays an increasingly important role in the context of innovation and modern construction projects. This section takes a closer look at the regulations and special features of the general type approval aBG as well as practical applications that illustrate its relevance.
Legal framework and standards
The legal basis for the general building permit aBG is derived from the state building regulations (LBO) of the individual federal states and the technical building regulations. These regulations ensure the safety of buildings by defining binding minimum standards. These standards include regulations on statics, fire protection and general building safety. The general construction type approval aBG ensures that construction types that deviate from these standards still guarantee the safety and functionality required for approval.
An example of a relevant regulation is the Model Building Code (MBO)which serves as a model for the building regulations of the federal states in Germany. In conjunction with the Allgemeine Bauartgenehmigung aBG, this regulates how types of construction are to be treated legally in the construction industry and forms the basis for further regulations at federal state level.
Difference to the European Technical Assessment (ETA)
In addition to the national general type approval aBG, there is also the European Technical Assessment (ETA). While the general type approval aBG focuses on the national market, the ETA provides a basis for the use of construction types throughout the European Union. Construction products that are certified according to the ETA receive a CE marking and may be used in all member states. Nevertheless, for construction types that are not sufficiently regulated in the European context, it may be necessary to additionally apply for a General Construction Type Approval aBG in order to meet the specific requirements of the German market.
Technical building regulations - a direct connection
In many areas, the general construction type approval aBG draws on the technical building regulations, which define specific requirements for the planning, dimensioning, execution and maintenance of construction types. Among other things, these provisions regulate how construction products may be combined to ensure a safe type of construction. These include
- Statics and load-bearing capacity
A construction type must prove that it can withstand the loads that occur and remains stable in all load scenarios. - Fire protection
In building construction in particular, it is crucial that construction types comply with fire protection regulations. This means, for example, that a particular façade system must prevent the passage of fire or smoke. - Durability and weather resistance
Types of construction that are used outdoors must be resistant to weather influences such as rain, snow, wind and UV radiation. The general type approval aBG ensures that these requirements are met. - Maintenance and operation
The general type approval aBG specifies how types of construction must be maintained in order to guarantee their functionality over the entire service life of the building.
Practical relevance and innovations in the construction industry
An increasingly important field of application for the aBG is innovative construction types and new technologies that have not yet been taken into account in the general technical building regulations. One example of this is the use of sustainable building materials such as recycled plastics, which are particularly environmentally friendly but have no long tradition of use in the construction industry. Here, the aBG ensures that these new materials are tested and approved in terms of safety and durability before they can be used on the market.
Special applications: Fall protection and fire protection
The area of fall protection provides another vivid example of the importance of the general type approval aBG. Construction companies working at height – for example on roofs – must install comprehensive safety systems to minimize the risk of falls. These systems often consist of various components, including anchorages, rope systems and fall arrest systems. The general type approval aBG ensures that such systems meet the safety requirements not only in their individual components, but also as an overall system.
The situation is similar in the area of fire protection. Fire protection systems that combine different materials and techniques must ensure that they meet the strict requirements of building regulations. One example of this is complex façade systems that have to meet not only visual but also fire protection requirements. In these cases, a general type approval (aBG) may be necessary to confirm the safety and legal conformity of the overall system.
Procedure of the approval process
The approval procedure for granting an aBG consists of several steps. The applicant – usually a company or a building owner – must first submit a detailed application to the DIBt. This application includes, among other things
- Technical drawings
These must precisely describe the construction of the design and show all relevant components and their interaction. - Test reports
The design must be comprehensively tested and documented to prove its safety and functionality. - Expert reports from test centers
In many cases, it is necessary for independent test centers to check the design for suitability and issue corresponding expert reports.
The DIBt checks the documents submitted and requests additional evidence if necessary. As soon as all requirements have been met, the DIBt issues the general type approval (aBG) for a period of five years, which can be extended on application.
Advantages in practice
The general type approval (aBG) offers building owners and planners numerous advantages, particularly in terms of legal and planning security. Thanks to the central approval for the entire construction type, companies can be sure that their construction method meets the legal requirements and may be used in practice.
Another advantage is the flexibility that the general type approval (aBG) offers when dealing with new technologies and construction methods. Particularly in today’s world, where sustainable construction and innovative materials are becoming increasingly important, the general type approval (aBG) enables the rapid introduction of new methods into the construction process.
Challenges in practice
Nevertheless, there are also challenges in dealing with the general type approval (aBG). In particular, the high level of bureaucracy involved in applying for such approval presents companies with major hurdles. The extensive tests and verifications required by the DIBt often require a considerable amount of time and money. In addition, it can be difficult to provide the necessary technical evidence for particularly innovative types of construction, as the corresponding test standards often do not yet exist.
Another problem can be coordination with the various building regulations of the federal states. Although the general building permit (aBG) is generally valid in all federal states, regional peculiarities and deviating regulations may still require adjustments. This is a particular challenge for cross-border construction projects.
General type approval in the context of the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
Another important aspect of the general type approval (aBG) is its integration into European construction product law, particularly in relation to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The CPR is a harmonized regulation that ensures that construction products placed on the market in the member states of the European Union comply with certain technical performance requirements. The CPR specifies how the product characteristics of a construction product are to be verified by a declaration of performance so that a construction product can bear a CE marking marking.
The general type approval (aBG) comes into force when a construction product is used in a system or a combination of several construction products that are not fully regulated by European standards or technical assessments. The general type approval (aBG) therefore closes a gap between the European and national requirements by ensuring that innovative or non-standardized types of construction can also be used in Germany in compliance with the law.
Harmonization of building regulations and the role of CE marking
The CE marking as part of the CPR indicates that a construction product complies with the harmonized technical standards in the European Union. This marking is standardized in all EU countries and gives clients, planners and building contractors a certain degree of certainty regarding the quality and performance of a construction product.
However, the CE marking does not automatically guarantee that a product may be used in a construction project that is subject to German building regulations. This is where the aBG comes into play, which ensures that a construction product that has a CE marking but is used as part of a construction type also fulfills the national requirements.
One example would be the use of fire protection systems in different European countries. In some cases, a specific fire protection product that has a CE marking can only be used in Germany in conjunction with a general type approval (aBG), as the fire protection requirements may be higher or more specific here than in other countries. This shows the importance of the general type approval (aBG), which serves as a national building block to supplement the European regulations and ensures that construction products not only meet the minimum requirements, but also fulfill country-specific safety requirements.
The importance of the general type approval (aBG) for sustainable construction
In recent years, the topic of sustainable construction has increasingly come to the fore. Types of construction that use environmentally friendly materials or innovative technologies often face the challenge that there are no standardized regulations for them. This is precisely where the value of the general type approval (aBG) becomes apparent, as it makes it possible to create a legal basis for new types of construction and legitimize their use in the construction industry.
One example of this would be the use of recycled building materials or renewable raw materials, which are increasingly being used to improve the carbon footprint of buildings. However, as these materials often do not comply with the generally recognized rules of technology, it is necessary to prove their safe use by means of a general type approval (aBG). For example, the use of recycled concrete made from demolition materials may require a general type approval (aBG) to ensure that the load-bearing capacity and durability of the material are guaranteed.
In addition, the general type approval (aBG) also plays an important role in the development and application of energy-efficient types of construction. Types of construction based on renewable energies, such as photovoltaic systems or wind turbines, often have to provide special proof of their safety and efficiency. This is where the general type approval (aBG) comes into play to ensure that these innovative technologies can be safely integrated into buildings and comply with German regulations.
Challenges in the integration of new technologies
The integration of new technologies into the construction process often poses certain challenges, especially when it comes to compliance with safety standards and legal regulations. One particularly complex area is the application of smart home technologies and digitalized construction methods. These technologies are often so new that there are no established norms or standards to refer to. Therefore, in many cases, a general type approval (aBG) is required to ensure that these technologies can be used safely and efficiently.
One example of such technologies are intelligent building management systems that automatically control the heating, lighting, security and other functions of a building. These systems combine different products and technologies that may be safe and tested on their own, but present new challenges when combined. The general type approval (aBG) ensures that such systems function safely as a whole and meet the requirements of the building regulations.
Another challenge lies in the constant further development of the building regulations themselves. As the building regulations must regularly adapt to new technologies and materials, it is necessary that the procedures for issuing a general type approval (aBG) are also constantly evolving. This requires close cooperation between manufacturers, testing institutes and the DIBt to ensure that new technologies can be integrated quickly and efficiently into the construction process.
Outlook: The future of type approvals
The future of general type approval will be strongly influenced by advancing digitalization and the growing requirements for sustainable construction. The digitalization of the construction industry offers enormous potential, but also places new demands on approval procedures. It is expected that digital planning methods such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and automated inspection procedures will be increasingly integrated into approval procedures in the coming years.
At the same time, the growing importance of sustainable construction will continue to change the requirements for building products and types of construction. Types of construction that focus on the circular economy and promote the use of reusable materials will play a greater role in the future. In order to support these developments, the general construction type approval (aBG) must remain flexible enough to quickly integrate new and innovative construction types into the market while ensuring the highest safety standards.
Overall, the general type approval (aBG) remains a key instrument for safety and innovation in the construction industry. Its role as a link between new technologies and traditional building regulations makes it indispensable for the successful implementation of modern construction projects in Germany.
Summary and conclusion
The general type approval (aBG) is an essential component in the German construction industry that ensures that types of construction that do not comply with the general technical building regulations can be used safely and in accordance with the law. The general type approval (aBG) provides proof that even innovative and non-standardized construction methods meet the highest safety standards.
Especially with regard to new technologies and sustainable construction, the general type approval (aBG) is playing an increasingly important role. Whether it is the use of recycled materials, smart home technologies or energy-efficient construction methods – the general type approval (aBG) ensures that these innovative construction methods can be used safely in practice. The close cooperation between the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt), manufacturers and testing institutes ensures that construction types can be approved quickly and efficiently without compromising on safety.
Looking to the future, the general type approval (aBG) will continue to be a crucial tool to support the integration of new technologies in construction and ensure the safety of modern construction projects. Advancing digitalization and the focus on sustainable construction will further increase the requirements for the general type approval (aBG), but will also offer new opportunities to make construction projects more efficient and safer.
