BCA 2010 - Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) CHANGE ADAPTATION CHALLENGES FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT GLAZING SYSTEMS COMPARED FOR BCA 2010 VOLUME TWO DRAFT STANDARD FOR PRIVATE

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION CHALLENGES FORTHE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

GLAZING SYSTEMS COMPARED FOR BCA 2010 VOLUME TWO

DRAFT STANDARD FOR PRIVATE BUSHFIRE SHELTERS

BUILDING AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE 2009 CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR BUILDING CODE USERSTECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR BUILDING CODE USERSTECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR BUILDING CODE USERSTECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR BUILDING CODE USERSTECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR BUILDING CODE USERSTECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR BUILDING CODE USERS

AUSTR ALIAN BUILDING REGU L ATIONB

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AUTUMN 2010

BCA 2010

INFORMATION SEMINARS

[email protected] 12/11/09 8:02:44 PM

• 1Australian Building Regulation Bulletin

B U L L E T I N

Disclaimer: The views in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the Australian Building Codes Board.

The Australian Building Regulation Bulletin (ABRB)The objective of the magazine is to provide industry with technically based information. The publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published.

EDITORIALPublications Coordinator: Samantha Catanzariti

Editorial Services: Max Winter, WinterComms

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ARTWORKDesign: Artifishal Studios

Typesetting and layout: Whalen Image Solutions

CIRCULATIONThe ABRB has a national circulation amongst the building and construction industry reaching approximately 15,000 subscribers and a readership of 45,000+.

COPYRIGHTMaterial in the ABRB is protected under the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments of Australia. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to:

The General Manager Australian Building Codes Board GPO Box 9839 Canberra ACT 2601

n Cover story16 Climate Change Adaptation Challenges For The Built Environment

n FeaturesA STATE PErSPECTivE

14 Building a Better Queensland

ENErGY EFFiCiENCY iN THE BUiLT ENvirONMENT

20 Comparative Stringency of Elemental Glazing Provisions For BCA 2010 volume Two

iNDUSTrY PErSPECTivE

22 Four Decades of Service to Product Evaluation in the U.S

BAF 2009 OvErviEW

26 Building Australia’s Future (BAF) 2009 Conference Overview

rEGULATOrY DEvELOPMENT

30 Draft Standard for Private Bushfire Shelters

iNTErNATiONAL rEGULATOrY DEvELOPMENT

32 LPG Powered Cars - New regulations for Garages in Austria

34 Fire Protection issues for Multi-Storey Buildings in China

36 Fire Engineering, the Building Codes and Sustainability

PrODUCT iNNOvATiON

38 Leading Products for the Built Environment

n regulars2 Chairman’s Address

4 BCA and Industry News – including the latest on BCA 2010

44 Conference & Events Calendar

CONTENTS The Australian Building regulation BulletinAUTUMN 2010

ABCB2 • Australian Building Regulation Bulletin

CHAirMAN’S ADDrESS

Mr graham huxley AM

ABCBABCBAustralian Building Regulation BulletinABCBABCB

Welcome to the Autumn 2010 edition of the Australian Building Regulation Bulletin.

On reflection, 2009 was a busy year highlighted by the development of enhanced energy efficiency measures for the Building Code of Australia (BCA) as agreed by Governments, a new national bushfire standard for residential buildings and on-going engagement about important life safety issues arising from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission’s work.

The Building Ministers’ Forum met in November 2009 to consider several matters impacting on the building regulation reform agenda. This included consideration of the National Construction Code (NCC) which was subsequently referred to COAG. At its meeting on 7 December COAG agreed to integrate the Plumbing Code of Australia and the Building Code of Australia into a single document which will address areas of inconsistency and overlap between the two codes. This will enable the development of a more consolidated and integrated national construction code.

Looking to the year ahead, we expect to have our hands full once again in 2010. In addition to assisting with the development of the NCC, the ABCB will be responding further to the Royal Commission on Bushfires, including the development of a national standard for

the design and construction of bushfire shelters for personal use.

Government is considering its response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs report on the Draft Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards and the ABCB remains ready to respond to Government direction on this important issue.

As foreshadowed earlier, BCA 2010 contains increased energy efficiency stringency levels for all buildings, including 6 star requirements for houses. Some States and Territories may not be adopting these changes in BCA 2010, so it would be best to check the status of these new measures in your jurisdiction with your local Building Control Administration (see page 31 in this Edition).

With the new provisions for energy efficiency bushfires, swimming pool safety barriers and other amendments relating to life safety, the new look BCA 2010 contains quite a few changes. I encourage you to attend our National BCA Seminar Series, commencing in March, where you will be informed of these changes. Further information on the Seminars can be found in this edition, or on our website at www.abcb.gov.au

Graham Huxley AMChairman

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BCA & INDUSTRY NEWS

4 • Australian Building Regulation Bulletin

BPiC MAiNTAiNiNG A SUSTAiNABLE FUTUrELast month, the Building Products Innovation Council (BPIC) farewelled chief executive, David Sharp, who has returned to the “land of the long white cloud” to rejoin BRANZ as Business Development Manager.

David has been a very popular figure at ABCB conferences and Building Code Committee meetings for over 10 years and impressed everyone with his technical knowledge and his “Yorkshire” sense of humour which was used to great effect when he MC’d many conference dinners.

David played a most significant role in the future of the building industry through his management of the BPIC Industry Cooperative Innovation Program (ICIP), an Australian Government supported project that that will produce a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) for building materials. This sound, transparent data system will improve the sustainability of the building and materials industry across Australia. David will continue to contribute to the project wearing his BRANZ hat.

BPIC’s 10 major building material

national associations have provided valuable support and participation in this project which will provide:

• alevelplayingfieldmethodologyforuse in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of building products and materials

• anextensivedatabaseofLCIdataforconstruction materials and products, all compiled in accordance with the methodology

• adatabaseofreplacementlivesfor

materials, products and assemblies used in Australian buildings

• anLCAprotocolthatwilldescribehow the LCI data should be used. e.g by LCA Tools and Ecolabels.

The BPIC LCI database is a joint initiative by BPIC, BRANZ, the Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society (ALCAS) and the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research. The project, due for completion in November 2010, is now at an exciting stage where the building product associations have agreed on a methodology and are now collecting LCI data. The project team has engaged with a wide group of stakeholders through a national series of Weighting Workshops held in 11 cities, designed to establish how Australians judge the relative importance (weighting) of environmental issues and risks.

Ian Frame, who was Executive Director

of the Australian Window Association for 20 years has taken over the CEO role at BPIC. Ian was secretary of BPIC for seven years, after playing a leading role in its establishment in 2002. Ian and the other chief executives of the building materials sector believed then, as they do today, that regulators, designers and the consumer will significantly benefit from BPIC’s key objectives:

• Alevelplayingfieldsothatallproducts can be fairly and genuinely compared through performance

• Anationallyconsistentregulatoryframework which is critical, especially in maintaining housing affordability throughout Australia

• StrengtheningAustralia’sbuildingmaterial sector through innovation and adherence to Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia

BPIC is working to better protect homeowners, builders, designers and building surveyors from non-compliant, and in many cases unsafe, products being used in Australian construction.

Appreciating that knowledge and education are the best possible means to eliminate non-compliant products, BPIC and SAI Global are pursuing, through meetings with the ABCB, Housing Industry Association, Master Builders Association and the Property Council of Australia, the ability to provide Australian Standards and the Building Code on line at the most affordable rate possible.

BPIC is optimistic that both state and federal governments will assist in helping reduce the very real and dangerous cost to homeowners of living in buildings that have been constructed with non-compliant materials. Ian Frame would welcome both support and information that could assist in achieving this goal.

Email: [email protected]

About BPIC

The Building Products Innovation Council (BPIC) is the national body representing Australia’s building product associations. BPIC’s membership directly employs more than 200,000 Australians with more than 470,000 employed indirectly. Their collective industries are worth more than $54b annually to the Australian economy. For more information, please go to: www.bpic.asn.au

Maintaining BPIC’s direction; Ian Frame with David Sharp

Building Product Associations contribute to the Life Cycle Inventory Database

BCA & iNDUSTrY NEWS


BCA

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JOHN v. MCCArTHY AO, TO HOLD PrESiDENCY OF CiBOn 13 October 2009, in Brussels, Belgium, CRC for Construction Innovation Chair, John V. McCarthy AO, was voted by the international board of the CIB (International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction) to take over the Presidency of the global group from May 2010 for three years. The vote is expected to be ratified by World Building Congress delegates in May 2010, and will be the first time an Australian has held this prestigious CIB Presidency.

As many of you will know, John has a distinguished record of industry leadership in Australia, including as a member of the Built Environment Industry Innovation Council advising

the Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and as a former Board member of the Australian Building Codes Board. John is currently Chairing the interim Board for the incoming Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre as the successor for the CRC for Construction Innovation, which he has chaired for the last eight years. John is also an Adjunct Professor at QUT in Brisbane.

John’s energy and focus will deliver clear benefits for expansion of the CIB’s international research role and will coincidentally bring the 2013 World Building Congress to Australia … stay tuned!

BCA

+ IND

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BCA & INDUSTRY NEWS


Australian glass manufacturer, Viridian, has designed a bushfire resistant glass specifically for use in bushfire prone areas. Used in conjunction with a specially tested bushfire resistant window system, Viridian PyroGuard 40™ can help protect human lives and property by providing a barrier against radiant heat and ember attack.

The special ultra-thin transparent coating within Viridian PyroGuard 40™ minimises the transfer of radiant heat from the bushfire front through the glass and into the home; even when subject to radiation levels of 40kW/m2, less than 3% of the radiant heat is transferred through a window glazed with PyroGuard 40™. This not only protects combustible materials such as curtains and furnishings within the home, but helps to provide significantly increased protection for occupants.

The high radiation levels of a bushfire front normally only last for a short period, rising to a peak as the front nears the building, reducing at a similar rate as the front moves away. PyroGuard 40™ provides further protection after the front passes. Research has demonstrated that many homes ignite well after the fire front has gone. With the integrity of the window maintained, human life and property are further protected.

When glazed as part of a specially tested bushfire resistant window

system, PyroGuard 40™ offers effective protection from the effects of ember attack and radiant heat created that would otherwise threaten life and property well after the fire front has passed.

Victorian window fabricator Miglas, has just launched their new bushfire resistant window system, the Miglas Fireguard 40™. Glazed with Viridian PyroGuard 40™, it has passed the rigorous testing procedures documented in AS 1530.8.1.2007. As provided for in AS3959 ‘Building in Bushfire Prone Areas’, installation of this window system removes the need for unsightly bushfire resistant shutters or specific metal screens in buildings with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) up to and including BAL 40.

Manufactured locally as an Insulating Glass Unit (IGU), incorporating specially processed, high quality Viridian float glass products, the new bushfire resistant Viridian PyroGuard 40™ in conjunction with a suitably tested framing profile offers a range of valuable benefits. These include reduced noise,

optimum thermal performance, (improved comfort and savings on heating and cooling costs all year round) and outstanding protection from the bushfire flame front for sites assessed at up to and including BAL 40; it’s extraordinary!

Media Release

4 November 2009

Viridian Launch New Bushfire Resistant IGU - Tested to the Absolute

Australian glass manufacturer, Viridian, has designed a bushfire resistant glass specifically for use in bushfire prone areas. Used in conjunction with a specially tested bushfire resistant window systems, Viridian PyroGuard 40™ can help protect human lives and property by providing a barrier against radiant heat and ember attack.


The high radiation levels of a bushfire front normally only last for a short period, rising to a peak as the front nears the building, reducing at a similar rate as the front moves away. PyroGuard 40™ provides further protection after the front passes. Research has demonstrated that many homes ignite well after the fire front has gone, with the integrity of the window maintained; human life and property are further protected.

When glazed as part of a specially tested bushfire resistant window system, PyroGuard 40™ offers effective protection from the effects of ember attack and radiant heat created that would otherwise threaten life and property well after the fire front has passed.

Media Release

4 November 2009

Viridian Launch New Bushfire Resistant IGU - Tested to the Absolute

Australian glass manufacturer, Viridian, has designed a bushfire resistant glass specifically for use in bushfire prone areas. Used in conjunction with a specially tested bushfire resistant window systems, Viridian PyroGuard 40™ can help protect human lives and property by providing a barrier against radiant heat and ember attack.


The high radiation levels of a bushfire front normally only last for a short period, rising to a peak as the front nears the building, reducing at a similar rate as the front moves away. PyroGuard 40™ provides further protection after the front passes. Research has demonstrated that many homes ignite well after the fire front has gone, with the integrity of the window maintained; human life and property are further protected.

When glazed as part of a specially tested bushfire resistant window system, PyroGuard 40™ offers effective protection from the effects of ember attack and radiant heat created that would otherwise threaten life and property well after the fire front has passed.

viriDiAN LAUNCH NEW BUSHFirE rESiSTANT iGU - TESTED TO THE ABSOLUTE

Paul Cocker - Marketing and Business Development Manager, Viridian

Victorian window fabricator Miglas, has just launched their new bushfire resistant window system, the Miglas Fireguard 40™. Glazed with Viridian PyroGuard 40™, it has passed the rigorous testing procedures documented in AS 1530.8.1.2007. As provided for in AS3959 ‘Building in Bushfire Prone Areas’, installation of this window system removes the need for unsightly bushfire resistant shutters or specific metal screens in buildings with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) up to and including BAL 40.

Manufactured locally as an Insulating Glass Unit (IGU), incorporating specially processed, high quality Viridian float glass products, the new bushfire resistant Viridian PyroGuard 40TM in conjunction with a suitably tested framing profile offers a range of valuable benefits. These include reduced noise, optimum thermal performance, (improved comfort and savings on heating and cooling costs all year round) and outstanding protection from the bushfire flame front for sites assessed at up to and including BAL 40; it’s extraordinary!

ENDS

For more information on Viridian PyroGuard 40™, high resolution images or to arrange an interview with Paul Cocker - Marketing and Business Development Manager, Viridian, please contact Jill Johnson or Alexandra Gregory on 03 9510 5466.

Paul Cocker - Marketing and Business Development Manager, Viridian

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BCA & INDUSTRY NEWS


NEW SAFETY STANDArDS AT ONESTEEL rEiNFOrCiNGOneSteel Reinforcing has taken proactive steps to ensure the safe handling and loading of its Trench Mesh steel reinforcing onto transport trucks.

Following a comprehensive evaluation, OneSteel Reinforcing has renewed Trench Mesh handling procedures for OneSteel Reinforcing employees and contract truck drivers.

The new guidelines implemented by OneSteel Reinforcing, are seeing significant improvements in safe handling practices being achieved across OneSteel Reinforcing’s operations.

The Australian Standards on lifting devices, (AS 3775 Chains and Slings and AS 3776 Hooks and Rings) recommend the device must be able to provide positive retention of the load in order to prevent the load separating from the hook.

While the use of a safety clip or latch provides a positive retention device, standard hooks do not fit well into Trench Mesh, making it difficult to use a clip or latch.

“Prior to the implementation of this initiative there was a possibility of the load, if not properly secured, moving

when being loaded.” Said Wayne Miller, OneSteel Reinforcing Safety Advisor.

OneSteel Reinforcing has identified that wool or cotton

bale hooks, also known as bailing hooks, are the most suitable for use with its Trench Mesh steel reinforcing.

While bale hooks are not new to the industry, their use has predominantly been for lifting bales of cotton or wool. They are long shank hooks that pull into the mesh upon lifting, thereby causing greater retention.

Bailing hooks do not lift from the bottom cross wires but are placed five cross wires in from each end, and part way down a mesh pack of 25-30 sheets. This evenly disperses the load placed on the packing straps.

As a consequence, the bale hook design does not require the use of a position

retention device to stop the Trench Mesh load detaching from the hook as it’s being loaded onto a truck.

Bale hooks are not suitable for other reinforcing mesh products with larger apertures. For these reinforcing mesh products, OneSteel Reinforcing employ the use of a H-frame with hooks and pins to provide a secure lifting solution.

“We have been encouraging our employees to recognise that the most important aspect of loading and handling all our reinforcing products is their safety,” Wayne said.

“We believe that working safely and being aware of your surroundings and instilling the importance of safe work procedures must be the natural and instinctive way we all go about doing our daily tasks.

“There are a number of positives to come from this review, most notably that procedures have been put in place to provide our workers and contractors with a safer work environment, which is imperative.”

“The benefits of good safety are undeniable, good safety is good business. The benefits of a well maintained and safe workplace and equipment are not only obvious but vital to ensure the long-term future of OneSteel Reinforcing maintaining our reputation of having safe company work practices.”

One of the main focuses of the initiative was to emphasise to all OneSteel Reinforcing employees the importance of daily safe product handling, to prevent complacency.

Wayne said, “It’s our company objective to ensure everyone goes home safe and well at the end of the day.”

Since the review there has been a dramatic increase in the awareness of hazard risks. It has also been useful in identifying areas where improvement is required to enhance the company’s safety culture and

a concerted effort is being made to continue safety awareness.

OneSteel Reinforcing has committed to the continual improvement of workplace safety and have published a Best Practice Guide for lifting Trench Mesh.

The guide recommends and demonstrates the use of shanked Bailing Hooks and is freely available to all industry participants, customers, and users of OneSteel Reinforcing Trench Mesh and steel reinforcing products.

Further details on lifting Trench Mesh safely, is available from Wayne Miller, Safety Advisor OneSteel Reinforcing. Wayne can be contacted via the reinforcing website, details below.

OneSteel Reinforcing is a leading supplier of residential, commercial and civil construction steel reinforcement products, with a product range that includes 500PLUS® BAMTEC®,, POOLSTEEL®, UTEMESH®, ONEMESH®, ONESLAB®, TRUSSDEK®, REBAR®, PREFAB®, REIDBAR® and ROMTECH®.

For further information on these and other OneSteel Reinforcing products or view product installation videos visit www.reinforcing.com and www.reinforcing.tv

500PLUS BAMTEC, POOLSTEEL, UTEMESH, ONEMESH, ONESLAB, TRUSSDEK, REBAR PREFAB, REIDBAR and ROMTECH are registered trade marks of OneSteel Limited, ABN 63 004 410 833.


A BREAKTHROUGH IN BRIGHTNESS Introducing the CeeLux HB13 LED downlight fi tting

The CeeLux HB13 comes in a 60 degree beam angle. It’s beam is even and smooth and comes in a warm white (3000k) colour temperature – just right for room lighting. The HB13 has a clean fi nish with trim in either white or anodised aluminium. Attractive and unobtrusive, it is at home in residential, retail and commercial spaces.

The fi tting operates at a low temperature ensuring safety in the surrounding ceiling space.

It is easy to install, requiring a 100mm cut-out. The trim measures 110mm. The CeeLux runs from 240VAC directly so requires no transformers.

With the benefi ts of Hotbeam LED technology, the CeeLux HB13 gives you a simple and long lasting downlight option. Contact Hotbeam to find out how you can use the CeeLux HB13 to signifi cantly lower your energy and maintenance costs.

The new Hotbeam CeeLux HB13 downlight fitting offers unparalleled light output using energy effi cient LED technology. With no heat in the beam and no UV emitted, the advantages of LED lighting are brought to you in this easy to install energy saving replacement for your halogen downlights.

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BCA & INDUSTRY NEWS


rEPOrT ON DEvELOPMENT OF BCA 2010

Development Process

The development process for the 2010 edition of the BCA (BCA 2010) was consistent with previous practices, the principles expressed in the current Inter Government Agreement and good regulatory practice. The process included the following elements:

• Anindividualororganisationproposing a change to the BCA was required to justify the change in accordance with COAG regulatory principles through the ABCB’s Proposal for Change (PFC) process. This included documenting all impacts (costs and benefits), consultation undertaken and demonstration of market failure.

• FollowingtheAprilmeetingofCOAG,the ABCB office was directed to develop enhanced energy efficiency provisions in BCA 2010.

• Extensiveconsultationwithstakeholders was undertaken, with a particular focus on the energy efficiency provisions and affected industries. This included the availability of drafts of BCA 2010 on the ABCB website for 6 weeks during June and July and, in respect of the energy efficiency changes, wide consultation on the draft provisions and the RISs including two webcasts to thousands of building practitioners.

• TheBuildingCodesCommittee(BCC)was provided with BCA 2010 drafts and all public comments received plus an analysis of those comments and recommended action. BCC met on 19–20 October to consider the comments and further develop the drafts.

Matters included in BCA 2010

Referenced documents

BCA 2010 references a number of amendments and new editions of Standards and other documents.

Loading Standards

The agreed transition period for 1170.4 has now ended and all references to the older 1993 edition of AS 1170 Part 4 have been deleted. As a consequence, several

editorial changes have been necessary. The proposed removal of AS 1170.4 1993 was advised in BCA 2009.

Swimming pool Standards

AS 1926-2007 Amendment 1 replaces AS 1926-1993. Both Part 1 (dealing with safety barriers for swimming pools) and Part 2 (dealing with the location of safety barriers for swimming pools) have been updated. The new standard provides greater clarity on the arrangement of acceptable construction for pool fences, including diagrams. In addition to referencing the 2007 version of AS 1926, new provisions have been included in the BCA restricting the use of child-resistant doorsets in an outdoor swimming pool safety barrier and prescribing the direction of swing of side hung doors in an indoor swimming pool safety barrier.

Bushfire Standard

The 2009 edition (including Amendment 1) of AS 3959 “Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas” is referenced in BCA 2010. As part of the referencing of the new edition, the provisions have been extended to apply to Class 10a buildings and decks associated with a Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 buildings.

Definitions

Due to the enhanced energy efficiency provisions, a number of defined terms have been added, modified or removed. As a result of changes to the natural lighting provisions, the word roof light is now a defined term for that purpose.

Natural lighting

The requirements for roof lights have been amended to reduce the aggregate light transmitting area for roof lights providing natural lighting to not less than 3% of the floor area of the space served. This is because roof lights are more efficient at transmitting light when compared to windows. The consequence of this is the potential to reduce costs by using a smaller roof light which, in turn, assists in compliance with the energy efficiency provisions through a reduction in heat gains or losses through the roof light.

Other matters

A number of other minor changes have been made to clarify intent where confusion existed.

Class 2 to 9 Buildings (Volume One)

Nickel Sulphide glass failure

As a consequence of glass failures related to nickel sulphide, the BCA now references ASTM C1279 “Standard Test Method for Non-Destructive Photoelastic Measurement of Edge and Surface Stresses in Annealed, Heat-Strengthened and Fully Tempered Flat Glass” and EN 14179 Part 2 “Evaluation of conformity/Product standard”. It has been necessary to use international standards as the proposed amendment to AS 1288 to address these issues will not be ready in time for BCA 2010. There will be a transition period to allow industry to adjust.

Power operated doors

A new provision clarifies the requirement for certain power operated doors to be opened manually in the case of power failure. This provision now applies to power operated doors in a path of travel to an exit.

Water flow for fire hose reels

BCA 2010 now references Amendment 1 to AS 2441. As a result, the requirements for water supply for a fire hose reel have been relocated from the standard into the BCA.

Smoke hazard management in large isolated buildings

The provisions in C2.3 dealing with smoke hazard management have been relocated into Table E2.2a.

Sanitary facilities

The number of required sanitary facilities has been adjusted for certain Class 9b buildings, including schools, theatres and cinemas with multiple auditoria, sports venues or the like. For schools, there is a reduction in pans, urinals and washbasins for students, which has assisted in the removal of a State variation and achieved nationally


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consistent requirements. For theatres and cinemas with multiple auditoria and sports venues, the number of female facilities has been increased.

Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency provisions have been enhanced in 2010 as a result of a COAG directive.

The energy efficiency provisions include the following:

• Sole-occupancyunitsforClass2buildings and Class 4 parts of buildings must achieve an average of 6 stars. This must be determined through software programs.

• Duetotheneedtoreducegreenhouse gas emissions, the Performance Requirement has been revised and new Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions have been added to require a building’s services to use energy from a renewable source or a source with low greenhouse gas intensity.

• TheDeemed-to-SatisfyProvisionsfor Class 2 to 9 buildings (other than sole-occupancy units in Class 2 buildings and Class 4 parts of buildings) have been enhanced in line with the COAG direction.

• Themaintenanceprovisionshavebeen amended to align with the

changes to the energy efficiency provisions.

Housing Provisions (Volume Two)

Corrosion protection

A revised table for acceptable corrosion protection for sheet roofing has been included. The amendment aligns with the changes made to the corrosion protection of built-in structural steel members which was included in BCA 2009. This was done to increase consistency for how corrosion protection is dealt with in the BCA and to better reflect currently available products and industry practice.

Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency provisions have been enhanced in 2010.

The energy efficiency provisions include:

• Arequirementtoachievea6star rating using software or an equivalent using an elemental approach.

• Intropicalareassuchasclimatezones 1 and 2, the star rating may be reduced if outdoor living zones which meet specific requirements are included as part of the building.

• Duetotheneedtoreducegreenhouse gas emissions, the Performance Requirement has been revised and Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions have been added to require a building’s services to use energy from a renewable source or from a source with low greenhouse gas intensity.

• Intheappropriatelocations,explanatory information has been inserted stating that designers of ceilings need to consider the additional loadings due to the increased ceiling insulation required by the enhanced energy efficiency provisions.

Other matters

A number of other minor changes have been made to correct typographical errors and clarify intent where confusion existed.

Guide to the BCA

A number of changes have been made to the Guide to the BCA to reflect the above changes to Volume One.

There is also a new look to BCA 2010, with State and Territory variations and additions to Volume One now consolidated into a separate publication. Refer to the following page for more information.


EnErgy EfficiEncy provisions • Buildings in BushfirE pronE ArEAs swimming pool sAfEty BArriErs • lighting • glAzing • And morE

You will also recieve the State and Territory Appendices Booklet and Online Access to the 2010 Energy Efficiency Lighting & Glazing Calculators and all ABCB Handbooks.

It’s here… BCA 2010 complete with the latest updates and information for building compliance. The first change you will notice is what appears to be a fourth volume. The Volume One Appendices are now bound as a separate document forming part of the complete BCA package of Volume One, Volume Two, Variations & Additions, BCA Online and E-Guide to the BCA.

This year is particularly important with changes to, and information on, new national energy efficiency provisions; buildings in bushfire prone areas; swimming pool safety barriers, lighting, glazing and more.

As part of your subscription service, you will also have access to a 1300 technical information line. If you have an enquiry on the BCA, call the Customer Service team where your call can be directed to the most appropriate technical area within the ABCB. If your enquiry requires more specific building related information, we can connect you through to the relevant State or Territory building control administration, or Government Department. Throughout the year, we will keep you up-to-date via the ABR Online and ABRB magazines; email alerts; and ABCB web-casts.

New subscribers can contact the BCA Customer Service team to discuss the purchase options that are available for individuals, students, educational institutions, and organisations.

your 2010 suBscription inclusions And onlinE AccEss…•ABRBHardCopyMagazine•ABROnline•AllHistoricalBCA’s•E-GuidetotheBCA•EnergyEfficiencyGlazingCalculator •EnergyEfficiencyLightingCalculator•DurabilityinBuildingsHandbook•SoundInsulationHandbook•LandslideHandbook •DigitalBuildingTelecommunicationsAccessHandbook•…andsoontobereleased:EnergyEfficiencyforElectriciansandPlumbers;andEnergyEfficiencyinClass2-9Buildings•DigitalTVAntennaSystemsHandbook•DigitalTVAntennaSystemsforHomesHandbook•

BCA Customer Service on 1300 134 631

Email: [email protected] Fax: 02 6290 8831 www.abcb.gov.au

BCA 2010 NOW AvAiLABLE...


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Australian Building Regulation Bulletin

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Do your windows & doors comply to the BCA?

It is your responsibility to ensure your window manufacturer has compliance to AS2047.

Don’t take any chances! All AWA & WERS members undergo testing and auditing to verify performance claims of products.

Photo courtesy of DLG Aluminium & Glazing

esponsibility to ensure your window manufacturer has complia

hances! All AWA & WERS members undergo tof products.

47.

Don’t take any chances! All AWA & WERS members undergo testing and auditing to verify perform

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Members manufacture window and door products in compliance with all relevant Australian Standards

Members verify their window's design performance using a NATA accredited testing laboratory

Members performance label their windows to the required 'wind pressure' and 'water penetration' requirements of AS2047

Members provide windows that will make you home more comfortable, reduce energy costs and conforms to the solution paths for energy efficiency within the Building Code of Australia

www.awa.org.auwww.wers.net

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A STATE PErSPECTivE

BUiLDiNG A BETTEr QUEENSLAND

Building Codes Queensland is the division within the Department of Infrastructure and Planning responsible for Queensland’s building and plumbing policy, legislation and standards.

The past 12 months have seen a raft of major reforms aimed at improving the built environment for Queenslanders. From a major overhaul of Queensland’s pool safety laws to a range of Australian-first sustainability measures and reduced red tape for plumbers, it has been a year of firsts for Queensland. Amongst the changes, Queensland will have its first state-wide register of pools to support new mandatory point of sale and lease pool safety inspections. Homeowners will complete a sustainability declaration when marketing their property for sale. Anti-sustainable restrictions such as covenants that set minimum floor areas for houses will be banned and licensed plumbers will be able to self-certify installation of solar and heat pump hot water systems.

Building Codes Queensland has been a hive of activity over the last year and,

with plenty of exciting new projects on the horizon, this enthusiasm and output is only expected to continue. Below is a snapshot from our Directors of some of the most current policy initiatives. More information is available from our website at www.dip.qld.gov.au

Written by Glen Brumby, Executive Director, Building Codes Queensland.

SWiMMiNG POOL SAFETYIn 2008–09, eight children drowned in Queensland pools. An estimated 50 young children are presented to emergency departments each year due to immersion injuries, some of whom suffer permanent brain damage. Defective fences have been a recurring significant factor in coronial findings on fatal immersion accidents of young children in swimming pools.

In December 2008, the Premier of Queensland announced the most comprehensive review of

Queensland’s pool safety laws in nearly 20 years. An expert committee was subsequently formed and made 23 recommendations for improving pool safety in Queensland. Following extensive public consultation, the Queensland Government approved the implementation of a two staged pool safety improvement strategy.

Stage one was implemented on 1 December 2009 and applies to new pools. It includes adoption of the latest pool fencing and CPR signage standards, mandatory follow-up inspections, provisions to allow temporary pool fencing and a major increase in funding of the government’s pool safety campaign.

Stage two is proposed to commence on 1 December 2010 and will apply mostly to existing pools. Measures include:

• adoption of the latest pool fencing standards for all existing and new pools (indoor and outdoor) associated with Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 buildings and caravan parks

• phasing out child resistant doors for existing pools

• mandatory inspections at point of sale and lease of properties with a pool

• a new license class for swimming pool safety inspectors

• a requirement for portable pools 300mm or deeper to be fenced

• a swimming pool register

• narrowing the ability for local governments to vary or add to pool safety laws and strengthening local government powers of entry.

Written by Lance Glare, A/Director, Building Legislation and Standards Branch

Written by Building Codes Queensland


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SUSTAiNABiLiTY DECLArATiONSThere is growing concern about the potential impacts of climate change and the need to improve existing housing stock. Encouraging prospective buyers to make informed choices about the sustainability performance of residential buildings is becoming increasingly important. Properties with a greater number of sustainability features potentially have lower energy costs and use less water. They can also be more comfortable to live in and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Homes with access features may be more liveable for occupants during their various life stages and the inclusion of safety features can reduce potential risks around the home.

From 1 January 2010, a sustainability declaration must be completed when a house, townhouse or unit is marketed or offered for sale. This declaration will inform buyers about the sustainability features of a property and increase community awareness of the value of such features. The declaration identifies the dwelling’s environmental and social sustainability features in four key areas—energy, water, access and safety. It also indicates the possible ongoing financial and environmental benefits that could be achieved with specific features. It is anticipated that the declaration will help promote the sustainability of a home and become a key marketing tool for real estate agents and private sellers.

To assist sellers, including those with limited pre-existing knowledge of

sustainability features, the Department of Infrastructure and Planning has released a reference guide and fact sheet to help the public in filling in the sustainability declaration.

The sustainability declaration, reference guide and fact sheet is available on the department’s website www.dip.qld.gov.au

Written by Natalie Wilde, A/Director, Reform and Legislative Services Branch

SOLAr AND HEAT PUMP HOT WATEr SYSTEMSFrom 1 January 2010, existing houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings) located in a natural gas reticulated area must install an energy efficient hot water system (i.e. gas, solar or heat pump) when the existing electric resistance system needs replacing. Householders will not need to replace existing electric resistance hot water systems that are in good working order.

This initiative, part of Queensland’s Climate Change Strategy, is the first of its kind in Australia and follows action by the Queensland Government to ban the installation of electric resistance hot water systems in all new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings only), which came into effect on 1 March 2006.

Around 27 per cent of electricity used in the average Queensland household is for heating water—making hot water

systems one of the highest single energy users and greenhouse gas contributors in the home.

At this stage, owners of homes located outside these areas will still be able to replace their existing hot water system with another electric system or voluntarily upgrade to a greenhouse efficient system. To ensure energy efficient hot water systems are installed properly, and to streamline the approval process, a new endorsement on a plumber’s license or provisional plumber’s licence has been created. The legislation has also been amended to allow a plumber or provisional plumbers with the endorsement to self certify the work.

This means that plumbers and provisional plumbers can self certify their work and simply advise the local government that the work was completed. The local government may audit work for compliance.

Given that installers will have undertaken training to gain an endorsement, there can be a greater level of confidence that installations are being undertaken correctly.

Written by Michael McGuinness, A/Director, Plumbing Legislation and Standards Branch

Image supplied courtesy of the Queensland Government


COvEr STOrY

CLiMATE CHANGE ADAPTATiON CHALLENGES FOr THE BUiLT ENvirONMENT

The impacts of unavoidable climate change on the built environment are likely to be substantial. Australia’s coastal and peri-urban settlements will be particularly vulnerable. Sea-level rise and more extreme weather events are among projected changes that will have both direct and indirect consequences for Australia’s communities and the buildings and service infrastructure on which they rely. Developing effective adaptation responses will be critical in reducing the economic and social costs of climate change.

The Australian Government is leading efforts to help Australia better understand and prepare for the risks that climate change presents for settlements and infrastructure.

Climate change poses significant threats to Australia’s built environment and is likely to result in increased damage and higher maintenance costs. The built environment includes houses, offices, factories, community and emergency service buildings, energy, telecommunications, transport and water infrastructure and, importantly, the services they provide.

Stress to the built environment will come from the transition to new climate conditions as well as from the new conditions themselves. These

stresses will come from creeping change—higher average ambient air and sea surface temperatures, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, ocean acidification and altered wave patterns—and from extreme events—bushfires, storm surge and flood inundation, heatwaves, storms and cyclones.

By 2030, it is expected that structural design criteria for buildings and infrastructure subject to extreme weather events are very likely to be exceeded more frequently1. Small changes in climate can trigger rapid and complex effects, particularly when design thresholds are exceeded. For example, research undertaken on behalf of the Insurance Council of Australia shows that a 25 per cent increase in peak wind gust speed can result in a 650 per cent increase in building damage. A 25 per cent increase in intensity of a 30 minute rainfall event can see a 100 year flooding return period reduced to 17 years. Figure 1 shows the effect of an increase in average temperature on extreme temperatures.

Coastal settlements and infrastructure will be especially vulnerable to combined effects of climate change including sea level rise, increased air and sea surface temperature, increased storm intensity and frequency, ocean acidification, and changes to rainfall and run-off 2. Of the 711,000 existing residential properties close to the water,

Simulated inundation from a sea-level rise of 1.1 metres and a 1-in-100 year storm tide using medium resolution evaluation data É CNES 2009 / imagery supplied courtesy of SPOT Imaging Services and Geospatial Intelligence PTY LTD. (Department of Climate Change, Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts, 2009.)

Photo courtesy of the Department of Climate Change

Written by the Department of Climate Change


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between 157,000–247,600 properties are identified as potentially exposed to inundation with a sea-level rise scenario of 1.1 metres; and nearly 39,000 properties are located within 110 metres of ‘soft’ shorelines, at risk from accelerated erosion due to sea-level rise, storm surge and changing climate conditions3.

In addition to describing threats to coastal areas from climate impacts, the recently released report, Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts, outlines the role of adaptation as part of a balanced and staged response to manage key risks. The assessment has been underpinned by a large investment in

the development of a detailed coastal geomorphology map and a medium resolution digital elevation model for the entire coastline of Australia. The report, together with videos and questions and answers is available on the Department’s website at www.climatechange.gov.au

A national coastal forum is planned for February 2010. It will bring together experts, government, industry and other interested parties to discuss the challenges faced by our coastal cities and towns and to begin to map a way forward to address current and future climate challenges.

MeetIng the ChALLenge oF CLIMAte ChAnge ADAPtAtIonMost of Australia’s 2025 built environment is already in place. To cope with the effects of a changing climate, it will become increasingly important to identify cost effective strategies for modifying or retrofitting buildings and infrastructure to maintain their integrity and the reliability of the services they provide.

Further risk analyses need to be undertaken to better understand the unavoidable impacts of climate change on

buildings, and infrastructure providing essential services. This information will help inform revision of building codes and design standards for new buildings, but it must also consider measures for retrofitting existing structures for future climate change and identify cost effective ways of adapting.

More information is needed about the implications of climate change for materials and structures to inform standards development and revision. Practitioners need access to up-to-date research and science to underpin decisions and decision support tools. There is also a need for better networks, including means of sharing practical experience about adapting to climate change.

In recognising these adaptation and other challenges, the Australian Government is implementing a climate change adaption agenda that will provide leadership for actions of national priority, including the development of information and tools necessary to support investment decisions.

Figure 1- Effect of an increase in average temperature on extreme temperatures

Photo courtesy of the Department of Climate Change and Arthur Mostead


COvEr STOrY

ReSeARCh, tooLS And rEsourcEsThe Australian Government is supporting a broad range of climate change science research activities through our $31 million Australian Climate Change Science Program. The

research is helping us to better understand global and regional climate change and its potential impact on Australia’s natural and managed systems.

The Government has adopted a new Australian Climate Change Science Framework to set climate change research priorities over the next decade and identify the people

and infrastructure Australia needs to meet our future science requirements. A further $387 million is being invested to enhance our research in marine and climate science through the Marine and Climate Super Science Initiative, by funding high performance computing,

new observing systems, and replacing key facilities.

The Australian Government’s $126 million Climate Change Adaptation Program is helping Australians to better understand and manage risks linked to the carbon pollution already in our atmosphere and to take advantage of potential opportunities.

A National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility and associated research networks are generating the information Australians need to manage climate change risks in critical areas such as water resources, settlements and infrastructure, emergency management and health.

Major risk assessments are being prepared in vulnerable areas such as biodiversity, infrastructure and human settlements. These assessments include the recently completed Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts, which assessed the risks to Australia’s coastal landscape to see how rises in the sea

Photo courtesy of the Department of Climate Change and Glen Hooper

Damage to houses in Innisfail, Queensland caused by Tropical Cyclone Larry. Photo credit: Peter Otto, Bureau of Meteorology


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level and storm surges will affect coastal communities.

The Australian Government recognises that local government will be at the forefront of managing climate change impacts on communities and essential services. The Local Adaptation Pathways Program is assisting more than 90 local councils to identify key risks and to develop strategic adaptation plans to respond to those risks.

Improving the resilience of our built environment to climate change impacts will be increasingly important to the resilience of our communities and the protection of our vulnerable citizens. The Government is providing funding for activities to support this objective. These include:

• Revision of the Australian Rainfall and Runoff Handbook, which will provide an important source of technical information for use in designing infrastructure to withstand the impacts of extreme rainfall, flooding and storm surge;

• Research to better understand concrete degradation under various greenhouse gas emissions scenarios and to identify cost-effective strategies to maximise effective life of reinforced concrete stuctures above and below ground and in marine environments;

• Cost-benefit analyses of adaptation responses to various climate impacts on infrastructure in selected locations; and

• Financial assistance for the development of the ICLEI Local Government Adaptation Tool Kit, which is being used to support councils’ decision-making processes and strengthen the capacity of staff to identify risks and opportunities that arise from climate change.

The development of robust partnerships with research agencies—including CSIRO and Geoscience Australia—other levels of government, business and community interests are fundamental to ensuring that current and future work addresses priority needs for building resilience in the built environment.

The decisions made today will have lasting consequences for future generations. By considering the future climate when making these decisions Australia will be in a better position to cope with the unavoidable impacts of climate changes.

furthEr informAtionDepartment of Climate Change – www.climatechange.gov.au

National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility – www.nccarf.edu.au

CSIRO – www.csiro.au/org/climateadaptationflagship.html

Department of Innovation, Marine and Climate Super Science Initiative – www.innovation.gov.au

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change –www.ipcc.ch

ICLEI Local Government Adaptation Tool Kit – www.iclei.org

Engineers Australia, Australian Rainfall and Runoff Handbook – www.engineersaustralia.org.au

ReFeRenCeS1 Hennessy, K., Fitzharris, B., Bates, B. C., Harvey,

N., Howden, S. M., Hughes, L., Salinger, J. and Warrick, R. 2007. Australia and New Zealand. In: Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (Ed. by Parry M. L., Canziani O.F., Palutikof J. P., van der Linden P. J. and Hanson C. E.). pp 507-540. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

2 Thom, B., Cane, J., Cox, R., Farrell, C., Hayes, P., Kay, R., Kearns, A., Low Choy, D., McAneney, J., McDonald, J., Nolan, M., Norman, B., Nott, J., Smith, T. 2009. National Climate Change Adaptation Research Plan: Settlements and Infrastructure (Consultation Draft), National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.

3 Department of Climate Change, 2009. Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts: A first pass national assessment, p.71.

BUILD WITHCONFIDENCE

Insisting on BRANZ Appraised building products or systems will give you the confi denceof knowing they will perform as specifi ed.

When products or systems are BRANZ Appraised youcan be sure they havebeen comprehensively and independently assessed to comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) so you can build with confi dence.

Look for our mark

Visit our website for a list of valid BRANZ Appraisals –

www.branz.com.au

For all queries call1800 080 063 or

[email protected]

BRZ5800

BCA & INDUSTRY NEWS


ENErGY EFFiCiENCY iN THE BUiLT ENvirONMENT


COMPArATivE STriNGENCY OF ELEMENTAL GLAziNG PrOviSiONS FOr BCA 2010 vOLUME TWO

Key PoIntS:1. Glazing Provisions for BCA

2010 use a somewhat different approach than BCA 2009, which prevents a direct comparison of stringencies in simple terms of percentage area change. However, examining the types of glazing needed at typical glazing ratios (ie the proportion of glazing to floor area) is a practical means of comparing outcomes.

2. The BCA 2010 provisions allow for minimal changes of glazing systems although glazing ratios may be constrained in some cases.

3. Glazing ratios under the BCA 2010 provisions, nevertheless, remain comfortably within the typical range (20-30%) identified by an ABCB Office survey in 2002 and found in practice.

1. ElEmEntAl glAzing mEthod for 2010Provisions for BCA 2010 extend the BCA 2009 calculation method to produce outcomes closer to those achieved by simulation. In particular, the provisions assess wintertime solar access in detail to reward good orientation and glazing selection.

Stringency has been increased by changes to the glazing constants (in Table 3.12.2.1) and flexibility has been improved by adding winter exposure factors for the calculation of conductance requirements in climate zones 2-8 (in Table 3.12.2.2a). The new exposure factor is applied in a revised conductance calculation for climate zones 2-8 in Part 3.12.2.1(a)(ii)(B).

Although slowing heat conduction into or out of a dwelling can be beneficial year round, the stringency is set by ensuring that the rate of heat loss in winter does not exceed the rate of heat gain that can be supplied by wintertime solar radiation. Winter gains can be at risk from shading or glass tinting to control summer gains unless good orientation and beneficial shading geometries are used. The new winter exposure factors take account of these opportunities to balance the competing summer and winter requirements.

2. tABlE of glAzing typEs neeDeD FoR SIMILAR DweLLIngSThe extended calculation method for BCA 2010 means that 2009 and 2010 stringencies cannot be compared simply in terms of percentage changes. Comparing requirements for similar dwellings, however, can illustrate their relative impacts. The table on the following page shows how the 2009 provisions and the 2010 provisions affect dwellings with similar glazing layouts in each BCA climate zone. Two configurations are compared.

The first configuration assumes that the total glazing area is distributed equally between the four faces of the dwelling which are oriented to the North, East, South and West. The dwelling is therefore “orientation neutral”, meaning that there is no advantage in rotating it through any 90° step. A typical level of shading by eaves is assumed for each climate zone and the table shows the glazing system needed if the same system is used throughout the dwelling. The glazing system needed may vary

Written by Bruce Lightfoot, Consultant, Australian Building Codes Board


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under the 2009 and 2010 provisions. The table also shows the permitted glazing ratio (the proportion of total glazing area to the dwelling floor area) in each case.

The second configuration slightly skews glazing distribution to the favourable North orientation. 33% of the glazing faces North and 22% to each of the remaining cardinal orientations. The same glazing system is applied to this configuration but shading is increased in some cases to take advantage of opportunities for larger glazing areas. The effects of this favourable orientation are most obvious in climate zones 7 and 8.

The examples shown are for houses with concrete slab on ground floors and Standard air movement levels. As in BCA 2009, the requirements are more demanding for houses with suspended floors but less so for houses with high air movement levels. Table 3.12.2.1 now allows ceiling fans to be used to meet the “High” air movement requirements. The “Standard” air movement provisions in Part 3.12.4.1 have reduced the minimum opening area needed for some situations in climate zone 1 from 15% to 10%. This change prevents the

opening requirements driving glazing areas to unhelpfully high levels.

The assumption of a consistent glazing system throughout both example configurations is conservative because, in practice, North orientation in most locations will permit simpler and cheaper glazing systems than nominated for the whole dwelling.

3. ABcB officE survEy of typicAl glAzing rAtiosBefore energy efficiency measures for housing were introduced into the BCA, the ABCB Office conducted a survey of residential glazing ratios (the proportion of glazing to floor area) and published the findings on the ABCB website in 2002. The principal findings reported were:

• Glazingratiosrangedfrom14% to 30% and averaged 22%.

• Thehighestaveragevaluefor any one location was 27% in Hobart.

• Thelowestaveragevalue

was 16% in Alice Springs.

• ThepopulouscentresofBrisbane,Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth had location averages lower than the national average of 22%.

• Melbournehadahigherlocationaverage of 26%.

The 22% national average glazing ratio identified by the survey coincided exactly with the average figure found by the original developers of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).

ABCB Energy Efficiency project - 2010 elemental glazing proposals printed 10/2/10

Comparison of glazing systems needed for similar dwellings in 2009 and 2010The examples shown are for houses with concrete slab on ground floors and Standard air movement levels.Requirements are more demanding for houses with suspended floors but less so for houses with High air movement.Calculations assume half of all glazing is 2100mm high and half is 1200mm high. Shading projections shown can include the depth of any window reveals (recesses).

Equal glazing on all four sides One third of glazing facing Northshading

(mm)glazing / floor area glazing system

shading(mm)

glazing / floor area glazing system

Climate zon e 1 2009 24% single clear glass in improved aluminium frames No change(eg. Darwin, Townsville) 2010 23% single toned glass in improved aluminium frames Wintertime solar heat gain is not considered in this climate

Climate zon e 2 2009 33% single clear glass in improved aluminium frames 39% single clear glass in improved aluminium frames(eg. Brisbane) 2010 27% single low-e glass in improved aluminium frames 34% single low-e glass in improved aluminium frames

Climate zon e 3 2009 21% single clear glass in timber or UPVC frame 25% single clear glass in timber or UPVC frame(eg. Longreach) 2010 22% single low-e glass in improved aluminium frames 23% single low-e glass in improved aluminium frames

Climate zon e 4 2009 30% double clear glass (6mm air gap) 30% double clear glass (6mm air gap)(eg. Wagga Wagga) 2010 24% double clear glass (12mm air gap) 25% double clear glass (12mm air gap)

Climate zon e 5 2009 35% single clear glass in improved aluminium frames 35% single clear glass in improved aluminium frames2010 28% single clear glass in improved aluminium frames 34% single clear glass in improved aluminium frames

Climate zon e 6 2009 33% double clear glass (6mm air gap) 35% double clear glass (6mm air gap)(eg. Melbourne) 2010 27% double clear glass (12mm air gap) 31% double clear glass (12mm air gap)

Climate zon e 7 2009 38% double clear glass (12mm air gap) 38% double clear glass (12mm air gap)(eg. Canberra, Hobart) 2010 28% double clear glass (12mm air gap) 39% double clear glass (12mm air gap)

Climate zon e 8 2009 40% double low-e glass (12mm argon gap) in timber frame 40% double low-e glass (12mm argon gap) in timber frame(Alpine) 2010 40% double low-e glass (12mm argon gap) in timber frame 73% double low-e glass (12mm argon gap) in timber frame

990990

660

660

660

330

990

660

660

990

330

0

(eg. Sydney, Adelaide, Perth)

660

660

165

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iNDUSTrY PErSPECTivE

FOUr DECADES OF SErviCE TO PrODUCT EvALUATiON iN THE UNiTED STATES

In the United States, regulation of building construction is primarily the responsibility of state and local governments in lieu of the federal government. States and local governments adopt laws, generally known as building codes, that are enforced by these bodies. They often encounter building products, materials, and methods that are not covered in the code, and help is needed in determining whether these items meet code requirements. This is how product evaluation services evolved.

The leading building product evaluation service in the United States is ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC-ES), which is a subsidiary of the International Code Council (ICC). ICC publishes International Codes, which are the building codes used currently throughout the United States. ICC-ES is separately incorporated and serves building departments by publishing evaluation reports on the code compliance of specific building products. These reports are also useful to building-product manufacturers, as they provide the evidence needed to gain product approval from local jurisdictions for use in the field.

After a number of years in private practice designing buildings, I joined the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and was involved in all facets of its operations from code changes, plan review and education to product reviews. My involvement with evaluation reports began in 1971, when I was appointed Assistant Technical Director. At the time, there were three model building codes used in the United States, each in a different part of the country. ICBO published the Uniform

Building Code (UBC) that was used throughout the Western states.

As Assistant Technical Director, I helped to manage the ICBO product evaluation program, which in the early seventies had about 600 active evaluation reports addressing a wide range of building products. When a manufacturer voluntarily applied for a report, one of four ICBO product evaluation engineers was assigned to evaluate the product

and determine whether it complied with the UBC. The engineer’s staff report was then considered in monthly open hearings by ICBO’s Research Committee, made up of building officials representing local governments. In closed sessions, the committee discussed and voted either to approve the staff report and recommendation or to hold it for “further study.” Approved product reports were published and distributed as hard copies to building

Written by John Nosse, President Emeritus - ICC Evaluation Service, Inc.

John nosse


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departments throughout the region where the UBC was used. Members of those building departments could use the reports when they encountered unfamiliar products in the field.

I assumed responsibility of the program in 1980. In 1983 the charge of the Research Committee was changed. Instead of approving individual evaluation reports, the committee discussed and approved “acceptance criteria” for different types of products on a quarterly basis in an entirely open and transparent process. The criteria were drafted by the ICBO technical staff which received valuable input from manufacturers, testing laboratories, consultants and other interested parties during open hearings. The criteria included testing requirements, quality control and installation considerations for products to be addressed in evaluation reports.

In 1986, ICBO Evaluation Service (ICBO ES) was formed as a subsidiary

corporation of ICBO, and I was its first president. At this same time, the Research Committee was renamed the Evaluation Committee. The meetings and committee deliberations continued to be open and transparent which is still the case today with the Evaluation Committee of ICC-ES. These meetings of building officials, where the proponents and opponents of given technical acceptance criteria have the opportunity to express their views to make their cases in open hearings, are one of the strongest elements of the ICC-ES evaluation process today.

In the late eighties, ICBO ES began to address international issues such as trade in building products and related challenges of technical recognition. As president of ICBO ES, I made many visits to Asia, especially Japan, where ICBO had just assisted in the formation of the Japan Conference of Building Officials with the Ministry of Construction. ICBO and ICBO ES were

also active in Latin America, especially Chile and Argentina; and in the Middle East, where American engineering firms involved in the development of the oil industry used the UBC extensively as a technical reference. I made a number of presentations with others in South America which led to ICBO opening an office in Argentina to promote the UBC and the organization.

During this period in the United States, there were still three “model” building codes being used in different parts of the country; but the first steps were being taken towards creating one set of U.S. building codes, and one organization to publish those codes. As far as product evaluation was concerned, the three different code organizations had earlier partnered in 1975 to form the National Evaluation Service (NES). This was a cooperative effort whereby a manufacturer could obtain a “National Evaluation Report” that covered all three U.S. codes. The

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manufacturer could then use the report to help market his product nationwide. ICBO ES remained a member of the NES until 1999, when the decision was made to withdraw since the ICBO ES process for product evaluation was so radically different from the methods of the other NES members.

The culmination of efforts to produce a single American building code came in 2000 when the first edition of the International Building Code (IBC) was published. In 2003, the three model code groups—ICBO in the Western states, BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators International) in

the Northeast and Middle West, and SBCCI (Southern Building Code Congress International) in the South—merged to form ICC and publish the 2003 IBC. The previous organizations also merged their respective product evaluation services into NES which was renamed ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES). I

was named as the first president.

ICC-ES commenced operations in 2003 with 1800 evaluation reports, which had originally been prepared by the four previous evaluation services using different building codes. However, ICC-ES immediately began issuing new reports under the IBC as a single integrated organization, as well as converting old reports (known as “legacy” reports) to address the new code. That process continues.

My career in product evaluation is coming to an end. After four decades and a fulfilling leadership role with ICBO, ICBO ES, and now ICC-ES, I am stepping aside for younger people who can better address the challenges of the future. My hope is that ICC-ES will expand its services and its role both nationally and internationally, while maintaining its reputation for technical excellence.

For more information, please go to: www.icc-es.org


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BAF 2009 OvErviEW

BUiLDiNG AUSTrALiA’S FUTUrE (BAF) 2009 CONFErENCE OvErviEW

The Building Australia’s Future (BAF) Conference is the premier two-yearly event for those practitioners of the regulatory built environment who need to keep up to date with the latest developments.

In September last year the BAF Conference and Exhibition was held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort at the Gold Coast, and the themes of Climate Change, Performance through Innovation and Energy Efficiency were presented to the record number of government, industry, association and individual delegates that attended.

Given the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) charter for the Australian Building Code Board for more stringent energy efficiency measures in the Building Codes of Australia (BCA) in April last year, the Conference timing and topics were excellent, and provided an ideal avenue for conference delegates to hear nationally and internationally renowned speakers, to contribute to discussions and interactive workshops, to enjoy the excellent cuisine on offer at the lunches and breaks, and to network through the extensive social program.

DAy one: CLIMAte ChAnge: A MovIng tARgetThe first day of the Conference was themed Climate Change: a moving target, and Graham Huxley AM, Chairman of the Australian Building Codes Board, set the scene for an

engaging day of presentations that outlined the challenges that lay ahead.

Meeting the climate change challenge

Geoff Mitchell, the QLD/NT Director of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, gave a broad outline of the challenges posed by the effects of rising sea levels. He provided a graphical representation of what these rising sea levels translated to in terms of built environment coast line under water, and the strategies required to deal with these outcomes.

A passion for creating the future

As if to set the scene, Charles Kovess, Australia’s Passion Provocateur, provided delegates with the timely reminder that we all have the power and the responsibility individually, to effect

positive change within our thinking, our environment, and our lives.

Adapting the built environment for climate change impacts

Risk mitigation has been a phrase coined in relation to the challenge of climate change, and this was certainly the basis of the presentation by Catherine Farrell, Director, Settlement and Built Environment, Department of Climate Change in her address – ‘Adapting the built environment for climate change impacts’. Catherine’s presentation provided an overview of the varied issues faced by government, local councils and industry groups in preparing for the outcomes of climate change, and left us in no doubt that the sheer number and scope of the challenges were awesome.

Written by Max Winter, Wintercomms on behalf of ABR Bulletin


BAF 2009 O

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The environmental assessment of buildings

David Sharp ,Chief Executive of the Building Products Innovation Council, and Nigel Howard from Edge Environment provided the business case for Full Life Cycle Assessment of buildings moving forward, arguing that ultimately the full life cycle assessment of buildings – as opposed to an indicator of energy efficiency only - is the only true indicator of a building’s environmental footprint.

Risk of damage to roofs from natural hazards

Charles Slack-Smith, Director of Davis Langdon, spoke on the history and likelihood of hailstorms, and pointed out that the largest losses in Australian insurance history resulted from the April 1999 Sydney hailstorm. Charles also spoke about roofing types and damage, and the need for the BCA to address the increasing likelihood of more frequent and bigger impact hailstorms due to climate change.

Methods for dry-proofing housing: possible solution to climate change-related urban flood hazard

One of the more intriguing presentations, by Dr Ivan Cole, Deputy Chief - Science CSIRO, presented on methods for dry-proofing housing to cope with the increased likelihood of flooding due to general sea level rise, increased storm surges, and more intensive rainfall events. These changes equated to an increased risk of flooding in urban areas, and Dr Ivan Cole presented research results on dry-proofing, which is about preventing low-level floods from entering the building. Two prerequisites for any success were required; firstly that the structure was capable of withstanding the force of moving water, and secondly, that the flood be only temporary.

Full life cycle assessment: the advantages, benefits and what we still have to learn

Ross Maher, Sustainability Manager at Think Brick, spoke broadly on the emerging science of life-cycle

assessment in buildings, and more specifically on the interplay of thermal mass and material R ratings in arriving at thermal comfort calculations in buildings.

In the afternoon an Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) workshop was held, and Tina Rakes, Director of Codes and Zoning, Baldwin City, Kansas, USA, gave a presentation on her volunteer team’s work in certifying and processing buildings demolished or damaged by hurricanes. The extent of the damage caused by these events simply defied description, and the images of flattened towns and littered streets projected on the conference screen left attendees shocked.

DAy two- PeRFoRMAnCe through innovAtion: mEEting oBJeCtIveS & exPeCtAtIonSDr Brian Meacham introduced delegates to the theme of day two of the Conference, which was Performance through Innovation: meeting objectives and expectations.

Overview of global bushfire (wildland) regulations

Jon Traw, Principle, Traw Consulting, a registered civil and fire engineer gave an insightful overview of the status of bushfire regulations worldwide, the differences between U.S and Australian regulations, the issues identified, and the community expectations and regulatory objectives of the solutions proposed. Among the key issues identified were fire ember attack, public warning systems, and the advent and increasing prevalence of catastrophic fire- storms.

Buildings: getting ready for digital TV

Andy Townend, Deputy Secretary, Broadcasting & Digital Switchover, Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, spoke on the government initiatives underway in ensuring a smooth transition from analogue to digital television and associated services.

Shaping physical, social and green environments in aged care

Catherine Thompson, Manager Service Development Aged Care, Victorian Department of Human Services, spoke on the design and care management issues that are unique to aged and dementia care, and the interplay of design, colour and management practices in providing solutions for aged and dementia care on a daily basis.


BAF 2009 OvErviEW

Construction hazards prevention through design: a comparison of different mechanisms for regulation

Tracey Cooke, Research Fellow, School of Property Construction & Project Management, RMIT, explained that while the incidence of compensated construction accidents was falling, compared to Australia generally, they were still significantly higher than the average. Evidence suggests that decisions made at the design stage of a building can have a significant impact on OHS during the construction, maintenance, occupation and demolition stages of a building’s life cycle.

A question of continuing control: balancing building quality of housing and building codes

Mohammed Azian Zaidi from Deakin University reminded delegates that the average cost of defects per house built between 1983 and 1997 in Victoria amounted to $4,225, which represents 4% of the contract value of new housing construction, with the most common causes of defects being inadequate design information and poor site practice, poor specification and construction practice, and non-compliance with building regulations. Prime reasons: lack of quality control, lack of interaction and communication between stakeholders, lack of technical guidance and conflicting requirements. Solution: whole of building commissioning, effective handover of operations, and effective briefing.

Facilitating innovation without compromising performance: challenges faced, lessons learned, and a look into the future

Among the many highlights of the day’s presentations was Dr Brian Meacham’s – Associate Professor, Department of Fire Protection Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Maryland, USA. Brian argued (with a host of examples) that Performance Based (PB) regulatory systems are innovative, and that they facilitate innovation, and that while they deliver new opportunities, they also come with risk.

Brian then provided an overview of the challenges to do with PB regulatory systems, and also an outline of the strategies employed in balancing innovation with risk.

The role of Standards in supporting strategic priorities

John Tucker, CEO of Standards Australia, took delegates through a brief history of Standards Australia, and went on to explain the steps in the process including engagement with the sector, performing a net benefit analysis, development pathways in the formulation of Standards, and innovation in Standards development.

Triple stack car parking systems: an innovative solution to meet future fire safety challenges

Wayne Bretherton, Director of Fire Engineering for UK & Western Europe, WSP Group PLC, explained the project

requirements, the challenges, the regulatory framework and the Fire Engineering Assessment in arriving at a triple stack car parking system for a building where space was limited.

DAy thRee - eneRgy eFFICIenCy: futurE dirEctionsAbly chaired by Jon Traw, the third day of the conference focused on Energy Efficiency: Future Directions.

Making a greenhouse difference with Australia’s buildings

Dr Alan Pears, Associate Director, RMIT Centre for Design provided an excellent overview of the built environment’s sustainability key performance indicators, and where buildings stood in the Climate Change Agenda. Alan’s opening address was again followed by more detailed perspectives by the contributing departments, industry associations and groups, including:

Developing a nationally consistent framework for setting building energy efficiency standards

David Brunoro, Buildings & Government Energy Efficiency Branch DEWHA, who spoke on the Holy Grail of national building codes development, the development of a nationally consistent framework for setting building energy efficiency standards.

Energy Efficiency: an industry perspective

Kristin Tomkins, Executive Director Building Policy, Housing Industry Association got everyone on their feet (for her industry head-count) and argued for greater clarity, uniformity and education in the provision of energy efficiency regulations for industry to understand, assimilate and act on.

Thermal resistance of Australian roofing systems

Dr Martin Belusko, Research Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Systems and Technologies, University of South Australia, explained some of the advances intended for inclusion in the development of the next generation of thermal assessment software, and most specifically to answer the vexing anomalies caused by thermal bridging.


BAF 2009 O

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A practical application of the UK sustainability requirements

Wayne Bretherton, Director of Fire Engineering for UK & Western Europe, WSP Group PLC, gave an excellent presentation on the 43 storey strata tower complex in the Elephant and Castle district of London, the design features that contributed to the higher levels of energy performance in the building, its design intent in terms of providing a percentage of affordable housing, and its integration into the MUSCo combined heating and power system, a local district bio-mass powered co-generation system pioneered by engineer Alan Jones in England, (and embraced by the City of London, and subsequently reviewed by the City of Sydney).

Improving the energy performance of buildings

Dennis D’Arcy, CEO Insulation Council of Australia & New Zealand spoke on the benefits of insulation, and improving the energy performance of buildings,

as well as highlighting key findings that suggest a combination of regulation and incentives are the most effective drivers for change.

The influence of R-values on the thermal characteristics of Australian housing

Adrian Page, Emeritus Professor , Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, University of Newcastle presented an experimental study of the various walling systems in housing, with some interesting preliminary findings. Firstly, that there is no correlation between wall R-values and thermal performance for either floating or controlled interiors. Secondly therefore, that reliance on R-value alone in deemed to satisfy provisions would be questionable. Thirdly, the presentation asked the question: could the best performance be obtained from a combination of high thermal resistance and thermal mass?

The morning’s sessions then culminated in a presentation by John Kennedy, Energy Efficiency Manager, Australian

Building Codes Board, who spoke on The Building Code: keeping step, and in particular the progress on the energy efficiency reporting requirements mandated by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the ABCB’s consultation with associations, state governments, industry groups and practitioners.

The Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) provided an excellent workshop on the Energy Efficiency Simulation Tools in the afternoon, giving practical case study examples of the software in situ, and an outline of the issues involved.

The conference provided a great opportunity to meet with industry practitioners, to better understand the component contributors that make up the rich and varied tapestry of the regulatory environment nationally and around the globe, and to understand some of our efforts, responsibilities and obligations in delivering a more sustainable built environment.


rEGULATOrY DEvELOPMENT

DrAFT STANDArD FOr PrivATE BUSHFirE SHELTErS

In February 2009 the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC) was established to investigate the causes and responses to a series of devastating bushfires that resulted in the tragic loss of one hundred and seventy-three lives.

The VBRC delivered Interim Reports in August and November 2009 and a Final Report is expected in July 2010.

The ABCB has monitored evidence tendered during the VBRC hearings, particularly evidence relating to buildings and building matters and the performance of various structures used to shelter from the bushfires. The capacity of some of these structures, commonly called ‘bunkers’, varied considerably and it was reported that seven people died while sheltering in bunkers during the Black Saturday bushfires.

At its September 2009 meeting the Board determined that work would begin immediately on development of a national Technical Standard for private bushfire shelters.

In response to the Board’s decision an ABCB Reference Group was established comprising individuals with expertise in a variety of relevant fields including building in bushfire prone areas, building materials science, fire safety engineering and building control administration. The Reference Group held its initial meeting in October and discussed an array of topics related to the development of a draft ‘bunker standard’.

The new standard will be presented as a performance-based document that will contain a fundamental Performance Requirement supported by a combination of qualitative and quantitative design criteria that will enable designers to make informed

decisions regarding the development of designs for private bushfire shelters.

To-date, a draft framework for the document has been developed, including the proposed Performance Requirement, as well as a model process for application of the document. Development of supporting quantitative and qualitative design data for specific components of the design process will be an ongoing task.

The ABCB expects the standard to be available for use before the end of April 2010.

An essential step for application of the standard will be the classification of a structure in accordance with relevant provisions of the BCA. State and Territory administrations recently agreed that a ‘private bushfire shelter’ would be a Class 10c building for the purposes of their respective building control systems.

While the new standard will establish design requirements for bushfire shelters, it is critical for the preservation

of life safety that property owners comprehend that a shelter should only be considered to be a last resort means of defence against the life threatening risk of bushfire attack. Bushfire shelters may not prevent loss of life or serious injury; however they may provide a limited level of protection when no viable alternative measures are available.

The occupation of a private bushfire shelter is at best the least preferable measure of a broad suite of measures to mitigate risk to life safety, including sound urban planning and fuel management strategies, education of home owners, effective coordination of efforts by authorities and communities, prediction of bushfire spread and clarity in community notification procedures. As the VBRC heard in evidence, even the best prepared still lost their lives in some instances.

Nevertheless, a bushfire can be an extremely unpredictable event and assistance from a bushfire defence effort may not be available at a time of need.

Written by Ray Loveridge, Project Manager, Australian Building Codes Board


SUSTA

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AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

ACT Planning and Land Authority

Ground Floor South, Dame Pattie Menzies House 16 Challis Street, Dickson ACT 2602 GPO Box 1908, Canberra City, ACT 2601

Telephone: 02 6207 1923 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 8.30am-4.30pm Web site: www.actpla.act.gov.au

VICTORIA

Building Commission Victoria

733 Bourke Street, Docklands, VIC 3008 PO Box 536, Melbourne, VIC 3001

Telephone: 1300 815 127 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 8.30am-5.00pm Web site: www.buildingcommission.com.au

TASMANIA

Department of Justice, Workplace Standards Tasmania Building Control Branch

30 Gordons Hill Road, Rosny Park, TAS 7018 PO Box 56, Rosny Park, TAS 7018

Telephone: 03 6233 7657 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Web site: www.wst.tas.gov.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Building Commission Dept of Commerce

31 Troode St, West Perth, WA 6005 PO Box 6039, East Perth, WA 6892

Telephone: 1300 489 099 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 8.30am-5.00pm Web site: www.bmw.wa.gov.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Department of Lands and Planning

Building Advisory Services Branch Cavenagh House, 38 Cavenagh Street, Darwin NT 0800 GPO Box 1680, Darwin, NT 0801

Telephone: 08 8999 8960 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 8.00am-4.00pm Web site: www.nt.gov.au

QUEENSLAND

Department of Infrastructure and Planning Building Codes Queensland Division

Level 3, 63 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000 PO Box 15009, City East, QLD 4002

Telephone: 07 3239 6369 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 8.30am-5.00pm Web site: www.dip.qld.gov.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Department of Planning and Local Government, Building Policy

Roma Mitchell House

136 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000 GPO Box 1815, Adelaide, SA 5001

Telephone: 08 8303 0602 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Web site: www.planning.sa.gov.au

NEW SOUTH WALES

Dept of Planning, Lands Department Building

23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001

Telephone: 02 9228 6111 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Mon – Fri, however BCA technical questions will be answered 9.30 – 11.30 Tue-Thu on 02 9228 6529 Web site: www.planning.nsw.gov.au

CONTACT DETAILS FOR STATE AND TERRITORY BUILDING CONTROL ADMINISTRATIONS

3497_State_Contacts_Ad_v3.indd 1 11/2/10 11:30:03 AM



LPG POWErED CArS – NEW rEGULATiONS FOr GArAGES iN AUSTriA

In an attempt to harmonize the very different building regulations of the Austrian provinces, the Austrian Institute of Construction Engineering (OIB) issued in 2007 a set of “OIB-Guidelines” which serve as common building codes, and which have already been taken over by a number of provinces. These OIB-Guidelines are structured according to the “Essential Requirements” on construction works which have been established in the EU Construction Products Directive1, and which have been taken over into the building regulations of the Member States. Consequently there are six OIB-Guidelines, with two additional sub-guidelines in the field of fire safety, dealing with particular buildings (e.g. industrial buildings, garages)2.

Specific provisions for garages had been so far established in OIB-Guidelines 2.2 “Fire protection in the case of garages, covered parking spaces and multi-storey car parks”, in OIB-Guideline 3 “Hygiene, health and the environment” and in OIB-Guideline 4 “Safety in use and accessibility”. While the latter deals with parking space sizes, aisle width, maximum incline of ramps etc., and OIB-Guideline 2.2 with safety in case of fire, OIB-Guideline 3 covers the ventilation of garages with regard to hygiene and health.

Due to the geographical location of Austria, neighbouring new EU Member States, not far from other eastern European countries, the occurrence of LPG powered cars has increased over the last years. So far gas powered cars have only been taken into account with regard to ventilation in OIB-Guideline 3, however there were no detailed

provisions but only very general functional requirements applying for garages in which gas powered cars may enter. This was not considered to be sufficient and therefore an expert group has been given the task to review these provisions and to propose appropriate amendments. These specific provisions concerning gas powered cars were also considered to be more related to safety in case of fire than to hygiene and health, which is why they have been moved to OIB-Guideline 2.2.

Distinction must be made between compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or autogas). For CNG it was not considered necessary to establish additional requirements, since CNG is mainly composed of methane (CH4), and its molar mass is much lower than the one of LPG, which consists mainly of

propane and butane. Also the lower flammable limit of CNG is significantly higher (about 5 % by volume). Due to the density of LPG which is higher than the one of air, leaking LPG will accumulate on the floor and seep down into lower ducts and shafts. For these reasons it was considered necessary to established different and additional requirements for LPG powered cars compared with petrol, diesel or CNG powered cars.

Further more, many of the LPG cars appearing especially in the eastern parts of Austria are older cars which have been converted to LPG. Safety valves, gas tightness of system components, position of the tank and of the filler might in such cases not always be the state of the art. In such cases even boiling liquid expanding vapour explosions (BLEVE) may occur3.

Written by Dr. Rainer Mikulits, Austrian Institute of Construction Engineering


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The expert group finally proposed the following additional requirements for garages which need to be fulfilled if LPG powered cars are to enter the garage and be parked there:

1. The lowest parking level needs to adjoin an external wall with ventilation openings at floor level and above the surface level of the adjacent terrain.

2. Drains in the floor must have gas tight openings.

3. No connections from parking levels to rooms with heating, ventilation or air conditioning appliances, or to any room which is fully below the level of the adjacent terrain.

4. Natural and mechanical ventilation must be effective continuously.

5. In case of natural ventilation, there must be openings at floor level as well as at a level of at least 2 m above floor level. The sum of the effective cross sectional area of the upper and the lower openings respectively must each be at least 1 % of the floor area.

6. The natural or mechanical ventilation systems shall effectively prevent the occurrence of an ignitable liquid gas air mixture in a defined distance from the exit point.

7. Mechanical ventilation systems need to be protected from potential explosions.

8. Garages and park decks with other uses above the park levels (e.g. shops, apartments) must be equipped with fire sprinkler systems.

At the entrances of garages and park decks which do not fulfil the above requirements, there must be a traffic sign indicating that no LPG-vehicles may enter.

The requirements are prescriptive, with the exception of requirement 6 which is performance based4. Attempts were made to be more specific on this point, but the actual air flow, especially in the case of mechanical ventilation, is too dependent on geometry and possible temperature gradients, and the committee finally refrained from establishing more concrete requirements.

The amended versions of the OIB-Guidelines will be adopted mid 2010, and it is expected that the Austrian provinces will put them into force in 2011.

1 Council Directive of 21 December 1998 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to construction products (89/106/EEC).

2 OIB-Guideline 1 Mechanical resistance and sustainability OIB-Guideline 2 Safety in case of fire OIB-Guideline 2.1 Fire protection with regard to industrial buildings OIB-Guideline 2.2 Fire protection in the case of garages, covered parking spaces and multi-storey car parks OIB-Guideline 3 Hygiene, health and the environment OIB-Guideline 4 Safety in use and accessibility OIB Guideline 5 Protection against noise OIB Guideline 6 Energy economy and heat retention

3 A BLEVE of an LPG tank can for example occur if, due to an external fire, the temperature of the liquefied gas in the tank increases to an extent that the gas starts to boil and to vaporize. If the safety valve does not work well, that causes an increase of pressure in the tank, and the temperature will also weaken the metal of the tank. If the tank eventually fails, the leaking (vaporized) gas ignites in a violent explosion.

4 The requirements can be seen as deemed-to-satisfy solutions within the two-tier approach applied: the first level consists of functional requirements, established in Regulations of the provinces, whereas the OIB-Guidelines contain performance requirements and prescriptive requirements. It is possible to deviate from the OIB-Guidelines when an equal level of safety can be demonstrated.



FirE PrOTECTiON iSSUES FOr MULTi-STOrEY BUiLDiNGS iN CHiNA

One of the outcomes of the rapid rise of China as a world economic power has been the exponential increase of urbanisation and development of multi-storey buildings, especially within the larger cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

While these buildings are a necessary component of the rapid expansion of these cities, their development has highlighted key essential safety issues such as fire protection.

On the night of February 9th, 2009 at around 20:30 hours, during the holding of the Chinese traditional lantern festival, the Television Cultural Center (TVCC) tower was ignited by fireworks. The TVCC tower is an important part of China Central Television (CCTV) and is adjacent to the iconic headquarters of CCTV. The TVCC tower is 159 metres high and the building area is 103,000 square metres. The TVCC tower is actually a composite of three structures;

a luxury hotel, a television studio, and an electronic data processing centre.

Although the fire-brigade came in time, it took around 6 hours to put out the fire. The problem was that the high pressure water could not reach 100 metre flame. After investigation it was announced that the damaged area of the building was 100,000 square metres, and the electronic data processing centre was totally destroyed. The weather at that time was dry and the wind speed was 0.9 metre/second on average. Theoretically the wind influence was not of great significance, although it was not easy to estimate the actual wind speed at the top of TVCC tower. Factors impacting on the event included the fact that the building was not yet completed at the time and that the sprinkler system had yet to be installed.

This case proves again that fire protection is a very important issue for skyscrapers, and some of the aspects to consider include:

1. thErmAl insulAtion MAteRIAL

In the last few years building energy conservation has been a key issue in China. In North China the application of building exterior wall insulation technology was introduced mostly because of the climate character. In summer it is very hot, and in winter it is very cold and windy.

The advantages of building exterior wall insulation technology include:

• Largevolumeofheatstoragecapacity of the solid wall

• Increasedoccupantcomfortlevels

• Protectionforthemainbuildingstructure

• Increaseininteriorroomspace

In China the curtain wall is the main medium and high grade decoration for buildings. It can be divided into three types:

• Glasscurtainwall

• Aluminiumplankcurtainwall

• Stonecurtainwall

Unfortunately these curtains cannot be used separately without additional thermal insulation material because the individual heat transfer coefficient of the curtain wall is quite high. In order to meet the energy conservation requirements thermal insulation materials are adopted behind the curtain wall.

Written by Tong Xiaochao, China Academy of Building Research Certification Center


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There are 3 main material types used for exterior wall insulation:

• Inorganicthermalinsulationmaterialsuch as mineral wool, glass fibre, and expanded and vitrified small Ball. These materials are non flammable, but they are not generally used because of other characteristics, which cannot meet some of the technical requirements.

• Mixedorganicandinorganicthermalinsulation material such as gum powder polyphony granule, which is difficult to flame.

• Organicthermalinsulationmaterialssuch as polystyrene foam, which is quite flammable. The most adopted thermal insulation materials in North China are materials such as EPS, which are quite flammable.

Recent fire disasters have highlighted two problems with these thermal insulation materials, namely the flammability of these materials, and secondly, that these materials are constructed and connected together in one big piece, resulting in a high speed of flame spread.

For example, the TVCC tower had adopted an aluminium curtain wall with highly flammable thermal insulation material, which burned from top to bottom within 10 minutes.

Other problems highlighted by these fire disasters include:

• Therapidrateofflamespreadduetothe chimney effect;

• Choiceofmaterialssuchasthesurface mortar, which covered the thermal insulation material: surface mortar chaps and breaks off due to the high temperature, leaving the flammable thermal insulation material to be burned;

• Theindoorfireprotectionsystemcannot provide protection for the exterior wall. In this case the system is not designed to control or contain the flame outside.

Finding suitable non-flammable thermal insulation material that meets with the requirements of the exterior wall therefore, is a priority.

2. construction mAnAgEmEntIn recent years there have been several cases of fire disasters in multi-storey buildings in North China, with similar circumstances:

• Theyallusedhighlyflammablethermal insulation materials

• Thefiredisastersoccurredduringtheconstruction phase.

These events have demonstrated that not only building material, but also construction management is a key issue. For example, some flammable materials ignite due to sparks from welding works on site. Some fire protection requirements should be enforced in order to reduce the possibility of fire. For example, the flammable thermal insulation material and waterproof material should be covered with a fire protective coating before it is brought on site.

If flammable thermal insulation material is to be used, it is absolute necessary to instigate some control measures at the time of storage and installation of the material in order to avoid the potential risk from welding spark or other practices during the construction phase.

3. firE protEction And EnErgy consErvAtion Building rEgulAtions

In reviewing these cases, we have to recognise that building regulations play a role. Our building regulations for fire protection and energy conservation need further development and improvement in order to meet these challenges.

First of all, it is necessary to develop a reasonable coordination level and benchmark for energy conservation and fire protection requirements. Secondly, buildings which are under construction require new inspection and testing methods for exterior wall thermal materials.

It is not enough to review and control the flammability of materials or products. We need to review these requirements from the perspective of the whole engineering system. Thirdly, some fire protection measures should

be adopted for existing buildings where highly flammable materials for the exterior wall have been installed. For example, fire protection isolation should be put into effect.

On the whole, the issue of fire protection of multi storey buildings is of critical importance to our lives and welfare. While we focus on the energy conservation issues within buildings, we cannot do this in isolation of other essential safety requirements. We must also remember forever another issue - our fire protection systems.

All images are in the public domain and courtesy of the internet.

Email: [email protected]

www.cabr.com.cn



FirE ENGiNEEriNG, THE BUiLDiNG CODES AND SUSTAiNABiLiTY

Originally from Australia, Wayne worked at the Australian Building Codes Board and the New Zealand Department of Building and Housing before moving to the U.K where he worked for WSP, a multi-disciplinary engineering company with locations and business world-wide, which includes Australia’s WSP Lincolne Scott.

Wayne presented at the Building Australia’s Future Conference in September 2009, and took time out of his busy schedule at the time to speak to ABR Bulletin’s Max Winter about innovation in performance based fire engineering, the building codes as they relate to fire, and sustainability.

For a full transcript of the interview, go to www.abcb.gov.au.

ABR Bulletin: Your title suggests that you work in a broad geographical region, where have you been to date?

WB: I tend to work everywhere from Northern Europe and Northern Africa to the Middle East, America, Asia – unfortunately I travel quite a bit. The most recent scheme I have been working on is in Cairo, an amazing city of some 14 million people, and it has been a bit of fun.

The interesting thing in having worked in Australia, New Zealand, the U.K and elsewhere is that fire codes and standards, and the principles of fire safety, getting people out of buildings and so forth, are all the same. Everyone

is trying to do the same thing, but they just do it differently. It is about understanding what some of those cultural differences are, and working with them, rather than imposing your regime onto theirs.

ABR Bulletin: You no doubt have a pretty good understanding of the BCA here and the building codes in the U.K. What are some of the differences that you see?

WB: The big differences are really around where building regulation or building codes focus, and the means of achieving the aim. For example, if I took the BCA and compared them to the American codes, and the British codes, our codes are somewhere in the middle. The American codes are very active-systems based codes whilst the UK codes are more reliant on passive protection. The Australian codes, or the prescriptive components of the code at least, are a mixture of the two approaches combining active systems with some passive options as well.

The U.K codes are more heavily weighted toward passive options to ensure there is separation between occupants and a fire. A good example is the way you design an apartment. In the U.K the typical apartment design is based on not having to escape from a bedroom through a living space. Occupants must travel via a protective entrance hall inside the apartment, which is a 30 minute fire-rated hallway.

This means the design always has a hallway connecting the front door to bedrooms, and the living space is beyond. And you are also not allowed to pass your kitchen on your way out.

It is only recently that sprinkler protection was introduced into the prescriptive guidance for residential buildings over 30 m high whereas elsewhere, we have tended to sprinkler-protect these types of buildings for some time.

This is not to say that lots of people die in these apartment scenarios. Percentage wise the number of deaths in the U.K is not that dissimilar to elsewhere; it is simply a different way of achieving the same objective. It is also a cultural thing; people seem to prefer rooms in their apartment rather than an open layout, and I think that this preference comes from the way houses were constructed in the past, where they had smaller rooms that were easier to keep warm.

The other difference in the U.K fire regulations is that escape from residential buildings is based on what is called a ‘protect in place’ approach. In Australia we would evacuate a building if there is a fire, but in the U.K they would just evacuate the apartment concerned, and if you lived next door to an apartment that was on fire, you would not know unless there was smoke in the corridor and you decided to evacuate. It is a different philosophy of how you design and construct buildings.

ABR Bulletin: Given that last scenario in particular, how does that impact on building design in the U.K?

WB: You tend to end up with single stair high rise buildings as normal construction practice. You have a limited travel distance in the common corridor, but you can build a single stair residential building as high as you

Interview with Wayne Bretherton, - Director of Fire Engineering for U.K and Western Europe, WSP Group.


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like. Compare that to Australian and US codes; after the 25 metres you need two stairs in all cases, regardless of the travel distance in the corridor.

In the Australian context, there have been fire engineered options developed that look at single stair solutions, but in the U.K the single stair scenario is the accepted way of doing it under the prescriptive code, and it is because of the evacuation methodology that it is used, compared to here where the approach is accepted.

ABR Bulletin: As a fire engineer, what are some of the better options you have seen throughout the world in terms of codes?

WB: That is an interesting question, because I think one of the good things about the Australian system and the Australian codes is the fact that you have a framework to actually assess performance fire engineered solutions against.

The BCA performance requirements set down what you need to achieve and what you need to look at. In contrast, the U.K regulations have a functional requirement, which is a single statement on what you need to achieve. This tends to lead to an inconsistency in how fire engineering is applied.

The US codes are more prescriptive when it comes to fire engineering. For example, NFPA 101, Chapter5, sets out a process for how fire engineering is done and what type of fire scenarios you should be looking at.

But I think what is interesting is the differences between how fire engineering is used or perceived between the world and Australia, and this is where Australia is different to other countries. Elsewhere in the world the fire code consultant and the fire engineer are usually the one person that produces a holistic fire strategy covering all fire safety requirements including any prescriptive code requirement as well as addressing any fire engineered solutions. In Australia you typically have a Building Surveyor, and a Fire Engineer. The Building Surveyor does the code consulting, and the Fire Engineer supports the Building Surveyor and does the technical analysis of solutions.

In all parts of the world they all deal with the typical issues such as getting the people out and getting the fire brigade in, but as a consultant your agreement changes depending on the country you work in.

A fire engineering consultant’s role in Australia, the U.K and the US, has a remit of making sure the building achieves fire safety in a cost-efficient manner so fire engineering is more readily used.

In places like the Middle East it is about de-risking the scheme. The schemes can get built so quickly, you cannot afford to spend a lot of time in negotiation with authorities, so it is about making sure that the scheme is robust enough to ensure it is easily approved.

For example, we recently designed a very large and complex mixed use building in the Middle East where the architects were based in London and Chicago and a structural and mechanical engineering designer based in Paris. We did the entire design from scratch facing geographical and programme challenges in 16 weeks. Elsewhere, the design of a building of this size and complexity design could be anything up to 12 to 18 months long.

When you have a longer design program you are actually able to enter into a meaningful dialogue with authorities around how the design should be progressed. When the design program is compressed as much as in my example the role of the fire engineer is to de-risk; to ensure that what is being designed in a hurry is safe and will be approved.

ABR Bulletin: In your presentation on the Strata Tower within the London Borough of Southwark, you mentioned some novel and innovative approaches in fire engineering, such as tying the sprinkler systems into the domestic water supply. How radical an approach is this?

WB: It was new in a U.K context, although domestic sprinkler systems are not new. If you look at low rise sprinkler systems, you would see that they do actually come off domestic supplies. What we did was to take that approach and apply it to a 43 storey building.

Our rationale in applying this approach was that water for domestic use needs to be pumped up and stored in the building to cope with peak demands such as when people get ready in the morning and that this level of storage far exceeds anything needed for the operation of the sprinkler system.

The system we designed also connected the sprinklers to the toilet cistern creating a flow-through system. This means there was no problem with mixing the sprinkler water with the potable supply as there was not an opportunity for the water to stagnate in the sprinkler pipes. It also means that system reliability is maintained, because every time someone flushes the toilet, you know you have water in the sprinkler system. It was a simple but effective approach.

It was novel in the U.K context, firstly because at that time buildings of this height did not need sprinkler systems. In 2007 they introduced a requirement to install sprinkler systems in buildings over 30 metres high, but at the time of its design, the building did not need it. Secondly, it was novel because it was not as “belts and braces” as a fully-fledged sprinkler system with separate infrastructure, pumps and tanks.

ABR Bulletin: It sounds very much like the whole-of-system approach engendered in AS1851.

WB: Exactly. It is all about reliability and making sure the water is there to do what it is meant to do, when it needs to, and designing the system in this way achieves that in a simple design.

Wayne has recently returned to Australia and is now a Director of Philip Chun Fire & Risk based in Brisbane.

www.philipchun.com.au

BCA & INDUSTRY NEWS


PrODUCT iNNOvATiON


LEADiNG PrODUCTS FOr THE BUiLT ENvirONMENT

PhILIPS INNovATIoN: ThE MASTER TL5 ECo

Philips most recent energy saving innovation is the MASTER TL5 Eco. This unique range reduces energy consumption by 10% without reducing lighting quality. These savings are made possible by the unique mix of filling gases and new phosphor technology which improves lighting output while reducing energy consumption. The MASTER TL5 Eco 25W lamps are a direct replacement for a regular TL5 28W and in the application provides the same light output - 2900 lumens.

The benefit of a true retrofit solution is the ease of use. MASTER TL5 Eco lamps are designed to work in all the applications that currently use the conventional TL5 lamps and therefore make them perfect for relamping existing TL5 luminaires as well as new buildings and renovations.

But energy saving isn’t the only benefit of MASTER TL5 Eco. All of the existing specifications that have made Philips

TL5 a popular choice have been included in this new technology : low mercury, (1.4mg), long lifetime, high CRI and ability to be dimmed, mean that this unique range can be included in almost all applications where TL5 is specified.

Philips now offers a range of TL5 Eco lamps that will offer energy saving options for most current TL5

applications. We see this as a major step towards making energy saving easy to experience for all customers, while not compromising on lighting quality.

For information contact Philips on 1300 304 404 or www.philips.com.au/lighting

thE futurE is rEnEwABlE EnErgy – hAvE you sEcurEd A strong long-tErm pArtnErship?If you have decided to investigate the installation or sourcing of renewable energy technology, it’s a good idea to do your homework and make sure your partner will be there for you when you need them with the quality guarantees to match.

As a business building the homes and facilities of the future, a strong reliable partner with the product range to match will save you precious time and money in bringing your projects to completion. Conergy Australia supplies and manufactures a range of Australian designed solar hot water systems, as well as solar power and small wind power solutions for any application. We are the manufacturer of the world’s

most popular SunTop III solar mounting system, which is AS1170 certified for use in all wind areas of Australia. Conergy PowerPlus solar panels are manufactured at our vertically integrated German manufacturing facility – the world’s most modern solar production plant.

Conergy’s Australian network of state sales office and warehouse facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin means we are ideally positioned to support and deliver, wherever and whenever you need it.

Whether for small scale, remote area power generation or some of the world’s largest multi-megawatt solar power farms – Conergy has a track record of

successful implementation with high quality products and performance guarantees.

With quality products in all key areas of renewables, the world’s most modern solar panel production plant, reliable manufacturing suppliers and consistent investment in its international sales networks, Conergy occupies a key position in the solar value creation chain.

If you are seeking a strong global partner in renewable energy, contact your nearest Conergy state office on 1300 724 531 or visit www.conergy.com.au for more information.

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BRANZ recently compared the in situ performance of ceiling insulation installed in the more traditional layout of friction-fitting between ceiling framing, with the same insulation installed over the top of framing (without any insulation between the framing).

Led by Ian Cox-Smith, BRANZ Building Physicist, the recent BRANZ research project looked at what gives the best performance.

Different options assessed

The project used heat flux transducers to take in situ measurements of thermal resistance. This was measured for the three ceilings in the study after the same insulation material had been installed in each of several different ways:

• Thetestingofceilingsandexistinginsulation before a sufficient area (approximately 4 m2) of the insulation was removed.

• Insulationinstalledbothbetweenand over the framing. (Figure 1)

• Insulationcutandfriction-fittedbetween the framing. (Figure 2)

• Insulationinstalledovertheframing.(Figure 3)

Further laboratory-based measurements were made using the BRANZ heat flow meter, in conjunction with thermal modelling, to confirm the thermal effect of insulation friction-fitted around framing.

Better fit, better performance between framing

Where insulation was cut to a suitable width and fitted between the framing, it was possible to achieve a visibly continuous insulation layer with no framing showing. When this happened, the thermal performance measured was significantly better than is normally calculated for the common situation with visible framing. It was close to what is expected with the same insulation over the top of the framing, with no convective losses assumed.

Thermal modelling has demonstated that it would be possible to adjust Thermal Resistance calculations to account for the better thermal performance achieved when insulation is fitted to cover the framing. In contrast, it would be difficult to model the situation of convective bridging through insulation fitted over the top of framing.

Between framing has many pluses

Fitting insulation for good performance is easier between framing than over the top of framing. Convective losses from gaps are more likely in the latter case. It is relatively easy to see that insulation fitted between framing is insulating the framing – the framing will not be visible when this has been done correctly. Visually assessing that insulation installed over framing has been fitted well enough to minimise convective bridging is much more difficult.

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Figure 3: Installing insulation between and over the top of framing gives the best R-values.

BRANZ Building Physicist Ian Cox-Smith

BrAnz: instAllEd pErformAncE of cEiling insulAtion

Figure 1: Polyester insulation fitted against framing in the way the R-value has traditionally been calculated.

Figure 2: Thermal resistance improves when insulation is cut to the width of the space between framing plus twice the width of the frame (2 × 45 mm).

Table 1: Summary of results from the three ceilings.

Thermal resistance (m²K/W) Estimated measurement (uncertainty 10%)

Ceiling A Ceiling B Ceiling C

Original insulation R1.5 R1.7 R2.2

Single layer of insulation over the top of framing

R1.5 (initial)

R3.5 (refitted to close gaps)

R1.5

Calculated from modelling R3.6

Single layer of insulation friction-fitted between framing

R3.5 R3.7

Calculated from modelling R3.6

Layer of insulation between framing and second layer framing

>R5 R4.8

Calculated from modelling R6.5 R5.2

BCA & INDUSTRY NEWS


PrODUCT iNNOvATiON


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With the development and introduction of AS3959:2009 there has been some significant issues with many building materials, windows and doors certainly have been one of the products with some issues. The new standard has prescriptive requirements to meet the different Bushfire Attack Levels for windows and doors, although some of the requirements such as external screens covering the whole window are not always practical. This can obviously limit the types of windows that can be used and may not necessarily be the best solution. The alternative path to compliance is to test products to AS 1530.8.1. If passed by a product it means that the product can be used up to and including BAL 40, or if testing to AS 1530.8.2 and passed by a product, it means that the product can be used in all levels including BAL FZ.

The Australian Window Association led a testing program in September 2008 to advance industry knowledge. The indicative tests were performed as initial screening tests to aid AWA members in selecting specimens for future evaluation for meeting both prescriptive requirements and for testing fully to AS1530.8.1 and 2.

To date there are two window manufacturers and one glass manufacturer that have tested product, and they are Miglas Windows, Trend Windows and Viridian Glass.

Successfully tested to the new Australian test standard AS 1530.8.1, Miglas FireGuard 40 window and door product series achieves compliance with AS 3959:2009, Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas, without the need for external screens or bushfire shutters.

Developed, designed and manufactured in Australia, Miglas Fireguard 40 has undergone rigorous testing by the Exova Warrington Fire testing laboratory in Dandenong, Victoria, to be approved for use on sites with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of up to and including BAL-40.

Miglas Fireguard 40 timber-aluminum composite windows and doors feature aluminum externally to protect from ignition, while internally, timber provides thermal insulation and stability. PyroGuard 40™ from Australian glass manufacturer, Viridian, completes the product’s bushfire resistant status by providing a solid barrier against radiant heat transfer and embers.

Trend Windows & Doors Pty Ltd and Smoke Control Pty Ltd announces that the Xtreme® range of Bushfire Window and Door products combined with WindowShield Fire Curtains have recently been assessed to full Flame Zone BAL FZ to comply to the highest level in the new Bushfire Construction standards (AS3959-2009 and AS1530.8.2 -2007).

In a major breakthrough, the new system which will be called Xtreme®

Flame Zone windows and doors System has been assessed by CSIRO to pass the standard test at the absolute extreme BAL FZ level.

The System combines Trend® technologically advanced CSIRO tested BAL 40 (1530.8.1-2007) Xtreme® Window and Door system with Pyro-Protec® seals and glazing systems and standard 5mm or 6mm toughened glass and the Smoke Control CSIRO tested (1530.4) WindowShield Fire Curtain to produce the Xtreme® Flame Zone Bushfire System. This latest development is a result of Trend Windows & Doors® ongoing intensive research and development and extensive testing with the CSIRO, aimed at developing cost affordable window and door systems which will withstand the absolute extremes of bushfire attack.

The special ultra-thin transparent coating with Viridian PyroGuard 40™ minimises the transfer of radiant heat from the bushfire front through the glass and into the home. Even when subjected to radiation levels of 40kW/m2, less than 3% of the radiant heat is transferred through a window glazed with PyroGuard 40™. This not only protects combustible materials such as curtains and furnishing within the home, but also helps to provide significantly increased protection for occupants.

For further information visit www.awa.org.au.

AwA mEmBErs lEAd thE wAy in dEvEloping products for BushfirE ArEAs

Between and over provides the ultimate performance

As would be expected, installing a layer of insulation between the framing, and another on top and over the rafter, achieved the best results (see Figure 3 and Table 1). The downside is that it takes longer to install.

To view the BRANZ Study Report SR211 go to www.branz.co.nz.

BRANZ thermal testing

BRANZ has a registered testing facility for measuring the properties of thermal insulation materials. It has staff experienced in the thermal and insulation performance of buildings, and in the measurement of building energy efficiency.

Areas of thermal expertise include:

• AccreditedtestingtoASTMC518andAS/NZS 4859.1

• ASTMC1363GuardedHotBoxthermal resistance measurement of constructed panels

• In-situmeasurementofthermalconductivity using large area heat flux sensors

• Precisionmeasurementofthicknessand loft recovery of fibrous thermal insulation, including ASTM C167

• Suppliersofequipmentforthermalinsulation thickness measurement

• Standingheatlossofhotwatercylinders

• DoubleglazingteststoBS5713andCAN/CGSB-12.8-M90

• Specificthermaldesign

• Computermodellingofheatflowsinbuildings

• ALF(AnnualLossFactor)methodfor optimising the thermal design of houses

• Combinedheatandmoistureperformance simulation of buildings and structures

• Measurementofbuildingenergyefficiency

• AdviceonwaystomeetR-valuestandards

• R-valuecalculations• AustralasianWERScalculations.

For more information, contact [email protected].


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nEw hyspAn proJEct And hyspAn+ structurAl lvl.Introducing the new, complete hySPAN® range - it’s all you’ll need from subfloor to rafters and is designed to improve your bottom line. And that means more money for those fancy fixtures and fittings. We all understand the need for a structurally reliable floor, but why spend too much on a subfloor you can’t see? The hySPAN range is engineered to perform without the expensive price tag.

hySPAN PROJECT is available in standard sizes and also new 35mm thicknesses. hySPAN+ provides the extra performance of an F17 graded LVL. Because both are hySPAN, you can rely on consistent, predictable performance and long continuous lengths. As an extra plus, the edges of hySPAN+ have been arrised for safer handling on-site.

The hySPAN range is manufactured from plantation timber and is available as FSC Chain of Custody certified (CoC) upon request. The range is also available termite protected (H2-S) and backed by a 25-year chemical supplier guarantee*.

Naturally, the extended range is supported in the field by the CHH Woodproducts technical team and designIT® software that simplifies design

and specification. The new hySPAN range is the natural solution for you.

About Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts

Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia is the nation’s leading wood products business, producing and distributing a comprehensive range of wood-based building products. Leading brands include STRUCTAflor,

hySPAN, LASERframe, ECOply and ULTRAprime mouldings.

For further information please contact Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia on (03) 8787 4013 or visit www.chhwoodproducts.com.au

* Terms and conditions apply, see www.chhwoodproducts.com.au/guarantees

think cArEfully ABout tErmitE protEctionWhen considering termite management options for your next residential construction project, it is important to have an understanding of the key features and benefits of the product you are going to use – after all you are protecting a significant asset. According to Ian Pegg, General Manager at FMC Australasia, the choice is obvious, “Insist on using the HomeGuard Precision Termite Management System. It’s

currently used by most leading building companies across Australia because it works. HomeGuard is a new generation, proactive termite barrier that repels and kills termites on contact.”

The HomeGuard range has the credibility of being the first ever APVMA registered physical barrier in Australia. It incorporates the leading pre-construction termiticide, Biflex, which is backed by over 20 years of Australian

research data.

National Sales Manager Chris Hill explains, “HomeGuard will not corrode, split or delaminate like other physical barriers and is built from materials designed to last the life of the building. The HomeGuard System is both user and environmentally friendly, is non-

sensitizing and requires no special safety equipment when it is installed”.

FMC Australasia’s innovative, tried and proven system blocks, repels and kills termites. Available in full under slab or perimeter cavity sheets, corners, collars, granules, and adhesive, HomeGuard is quick, easy and safe to use on a wide range of construction types – and won’t hold up trades on site.

“For a flexible, cost-effective termite control solution, you won’t find better. We have such confidence in our product range that we offer home owners a 10 year warranty* that their homes will be continually protected from termites”, says Ian.

Australian-made HomeGuard has CodeMark, BCA approval and HIA Greensmart status.

For more information free call 1800 066 355 or visit www.homeguardptm.com.au

* HomeGuard Warranty is limited and special terms & conditions must be met for it to apply. Contact FMC on 1800 066 355 for full details.

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An example of one of the many homeguard Barrier Systems

BCA & INDUSTRY NEWS


PrODUCT iNNOvATiON


Afs logicwAll structurAl wAlling systEm – giving BuildErs thE EdgEAFS Supplies permanent formwork structural walling systems ideally suited to the construction of all kinds of commercial and residential buildings including:

• Multi-storeyapartments• Hotels/motels• Officebuildings• Shoppingcentres,

hospitals and prisons.

Recent projects in the ACT have seen the AFS Walling system employed with outstanding success on a variety of projects including: Low-rise aged care accommodation to high-rise residential construction.

Featured projects include Oracle Stage 1- Benjamin Way, Belconnen; Greenway - Athllon Drive, Greenway; Aqua Apartments - Giles Street, Kingston; Goodwin Aged Care - Sherbrooke, Ainsley; and the Allure Apartments - Maclean Street, Turner.

What the industry is saying...Architect – Goodwin Aged Care project

“AFS LogicWall system proved to be useful on our project as it was used as a load bearing wall system to replace a typical concrete beam/column structural arrangement. This meant we saved on costs by reducing the height between

floors. The product seemed to be easily transported and moved within the construction site, which can be of benefit when lack of space is an issue. The product was quick and easy to erect and provided us with a smooth finish for paint application. I have no hesitation in recommending AFS Logicwall or specifying the system in future projects.”

Builder - Oracle Stage 1- Benjamin Way, Belconnen

“Gentlemen I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks for not only introducing Milin Bros to your Logic wall system

but to also thank you for the way you have carried out the total process in such a professional manner on our three staged residential development in Belconnen in the ACT. Not only is your product cost saving, efficient and

integral to the structure, the process from sales, shop drawings, delivery and after sales service along with any advice required was outstanding. Another point I would like to raise is that your manufacture and install teams are always only too happy to work at all times to

our program and willing to put in the extra effort to help the builder reach his milestones. Once again thank you for a first class product and look forward to stage 2 and 3 of 500 apartments.”

Engineer - Oracle Stage 1- Benjamin Way, Belconnen

“Our company provided structural design services for the Oracle Residential Project at Belconnen, ACT. During the structural design, it was clear that the project leant itself primarily to a load bearing wall system. Several options were canvassed in consultation with the client, the architect and the builder to determine the optimum overall solution.

AFS was chosen as the load bearing wall system by all parties for its off-site fabrication, ease of installation, and the fact that the wall remains as an in situ concrete wall as opposed to jointed precast walls. We have suggested AFS walls to other clients, who are now using them on other projects with similar success.”

For more information on your building requirements contact AFS Products Group on 1300 727 237 or email [email protected]

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rAwlinsons construction cost Books, 2010The year 2010, sees the publication of edition 28 of the 950-page reference book, Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook, which was formulated to provide a comprehensive and detailed building cost reference directed mainly at medium/larger sized projects and embracing all sections of the building industry. Containing essential construction cost information for all Australian capital cities, it includes Price and Regional Indices; Building Costs Per Square Metre; Elemental Costs of Buildings; Comparative Costs; Detailed Prices - with unit prices for all trades and

services; Refurbishing and Recycling of Buildings. Other sections include Labour and Plant Constants; Building Planning, Administration and Management; Rental Review; International Construction Costs.

Rawlinsons is committed to providing optimum outcomes for your projects by supplying current and reliable cost information that is necessary to effectively implement cost control, cost management and cost benefit studies at all stages of planning and construction. Such has been the impact of Rawlinsons on the construction industry that it is

often referred to as the bible because of the wealth of information it contains.

A later addition to our stable and now in its 18th edition, Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide, has been specifically compiled for small commercial and domestic projects and is presented in an easy-to-use and comprehensive format, This book of 275 pages is well suited for the smaller builder, developer, sub-contractor, etc.

For all your construction projects, whether large or small, Rawlinsons has the book which will best suit your needs.


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smArtBrEEzE - thE grEEn solution for hEAting And cooling A BuildingHeating and cooling a building can be a costly exercise particularly with increasing running cost and the ongoing impact on the environment using traditional methods.

The latest innovation in heating and cooling using total solar energy has been introduced by Smart Roof Australia Pty Ltd and has been influential in providing a clean environmental solution with minimal cost to various buildings throughout Victoria.

The award winning product smartbreeze, Australian designed and manufactured uses the roof, whether metal or tile, as a collector of air and moves the air to assist either heating or cooling a building.

On a hot day there is a significant build up of radiant heat directly under the metal roof sheets or tiles. This hot air is dormant and creates a significant heat bank which filters into and heats a building. The smartbreeze unit minimizes this build up of heat by

continually purging the hot air from the roof on a hot day.

After a hot day, smartbreeze is able to provide nocturnal cooling throughout the night. When the cooler night air is needed to cool a building after a hot day, smartbreeze will continually blow this fresh cool air into the building to significantly reduce the heat build up that is absorbed in the walls and furniture and provide a cooler environment for the start of the next day.

On a cool day there can be a significant heat build up due to the radiant heart on the roof. Smartbreeze will filter this warm air and re-direct into the building to provide fresh warm air on a cool day for heating.

The movement of air and monitoring of temperatures is all thermostatically controlled day and night. Power is

provided by a 30w solar panel.

Smartbreeze can be adapted for larger volume areas whereby a greater capacity for heating and cooling in addition to cross ventilation is required.

For more information on smartbreeze, please view the website www.smartroof.com.au or call Smart Roof Australia Pty Ltd on 03 95103484.

stAndArds AustrAliA movEs to tightEn stEEl spEcificAtions in rEsponsE to industry concErnsStandards Australia have just released a new revision of AS/NZS 1163 on Structural Steel Hollow Sections. These revisions were triggered by industry and asset owner concerns on compliance of specified tubular products. The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) is also aware of situations of inferior or non-specified product substitution for critical applications resulting in product qualities not being commensurate with AS/NZS 1163 expectations.

These issues are not isolated to Pipe and Tube and are also relevant to other steel and construction materials.

Revised welded steel hollow sections specification released by Standards Australia

This Standard specifies the requirements for cold-formed, electric resistance-welded, carbon steel hollow sections suitable for welding and used for structural purposes.

Products compliant with AS/NZS 1163,

which is referenced via the steel design, fabrication and erection Standards listed in the BCA, are used in many and various building construction applications. These include structural columns/posts, beams, ties, trusses, flooring systems, awnings, lintels, etc.

The major changes to the Standard include:

• InAustralia,themandatoryindividuallength identification required on all ex-mill tube lengths

• Mandatoryminimuminformationrequired on test certificates

• Mandatoryrequirementfortestingto be performed by third-party accredited laboratories (e.g. NATA)

• Mandatory‘ProductConformity’provisions to demonstrate compliance with the Standard by the manufacturer/supplier

• Additionalprovisionsonsteelmaking,coil feed, chemistry, mechanical properties and tolerances.

The revisions to the Standard provide further confidence in product conformance of tubular products to AS/NZS 1163.

The tubular product range and coatings offered by suppliers to the Standard have not changed.

The new edition of AS/NZS 1163 was published and became effective on 9 December 2009 with the previous 1991 version remaining available superseded till its withdrawal one year later.

The ASI strongly urges building construction project delivery participants to specify and order AS/NZS 1163-2009 product to get the confidence that new standard provides in mandating that the construction is in line with intended design.

For further information contact the ASI on (02) 9931 6612.

Copies of AS/NZS 1163 can be purchased from SAI Global (www.infostore.saiglobal.com).


CONFErENCE + Events Calendar

CONFErENCE AND EvENTS CALENDAr FOr 2010

MARCH 2010

18 – 19 March ACEA Conference, Sydney. www.acea.com.au

25 March BCA Information Seminars, Canberra. www.abcb.gov.au

25 March AIRAH Section J Workshop, Canberra. www.airah.org.au

31 March – 1 April BCA Information Seminars, Sydney. www.abcb.gov.au

31 March AIRAH Section J Workshop, Sydney. www.airah.org.au

APRIL 2010

12 – 14 April 9th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Conference on natural refrigerants – real alternatives, Sydney. www.airah.org.au

13 – 14 April BCA Information Seminars, Brisbane. www.abcb.gov.au

13 April AIRAH Section J Workshop, Brisbane. www.airah.org.au

16 April BCA Information Seminars, Darwin. www.abcb.gov.au

20 April BCA Information Seminars, Adelaide. www.abcb.gov.au

20 April AIRAH Section J Workshop, Adelaide. www.airah.org.au

20 – 23 April International Planning Conference, Christchurch, NZ. www.planning.org.au

22 – 23 April BCA Information Seminars, Perth. www.abcb.gov.au

22 – 24 April Form and Function, Sydney. www.formandfunction.com.au

22 April AIRAH Section J Workshop, Perth. www.airah.org.au

27 April BCA Information Seminars, Hobart. www.abcb.gov.au

27 April AIRAH Section J Workshop, Hobart. www.airah.org.au

28 – 30 April ACCA 2010 CDP Conference, Tweed Heads. www.access.asn.au/conferences_and_events

29 – 30 April BCA Information Seminars, Melbourne. www.abcb.gov.au

29 April AIRAH Section J Workshop, Melbourne. www.airah.org.au


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