Code requirements from previous edition to newest

[EngDM]

I'm wondering what peoples thoughts are as far as performing certain checks that are outlined in a previous code edition, but then has since been removed in the current. Across Canada (at least for the foreseable future) some provinces specify different NBCC versions, and within the "Acceptable solutions" table they specify different editions of steel codes and wood codes (among many others).

If the older edition specifies a check, for instance HSS wall plastification due to a shear tab, but the newest edition basically says "well hey, after doing tests on this, the wall plastification was never actually an observed failure, just check plate moment instead", and they omit the plastification check, how do you proceed? Can one chalk it up to using alternate solutions and call it a day, or is it common practice to just check it anyways.

I guess a simple real world example is as follows: If a new grad came in and had the newest book, would they need to buy previous editions to access these checks and be compliant?

 

[JAE]

Not sure about Canada but in the US the engineer is generally responsible for two things:
1. Use the legal adopted code (and any local amendments) that is mandated by the city, regional, or county jurisdiction, that is valid at the time of project permitting.
2. Use your engineering judgement and best practices on whether "old" provisions still need to be followed or whether "new" provisions that aren't yet in the codes need to be followed.