Using the NCC Insert Corporate logo here Commonwealth

Using the NCC Insert Corporate logo here © Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories of Australia 2020, published by the Australian Building Codes Board.

Table of contents Introduction • What you will learn. Contents • The NCC and its structure as a performance-based code. • Complying with the NCC. • Performance Solutions and Assessment Methods. • Building classifications. • The language of the NCC and referenced documents. • Summary.

How to access the NCC To access the NCC, visit: ncc. abcb. gov. au To access the NCC, register your details here, submit and receive your confirmation email and password

What you will learn Aims & objectives To acquire a basic knowledge of how to apply the NCC, including: • the structure of the NCC; • complying with the NCC; • Performance Solutions and Assessments Methods; • building classifications; • the language used in the NCC; • referenced documents; and • State and Territory variations and additions. Who this material is for • All building and plumbing professionals.

The structure of the NCC In this section, we will cover: • the structure of the NCC; • complying with the NCC; and • an example of applying the NCC.

The structure of the NCC • The NCC is comprised of three Volumes. • The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is Volume One and Volume Two of the NCC. • NCC Volume One pertains primarily to Class 2 to 9 buildings. • NCC Volume Two pertains primarily to Class 1 and 10 buildings. • The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is Volume Three of the NCC (implemented in 2011). • NCC Volume Three pertains primarily to plumbing and drainage associated with all classes of buildings.

What does the NCC apply to? The BCA applies to: • new construction; • additions and alterations; and • change of use of a building. The PCA applies to: • new installations; • alterations, additions, replacements; and • repairs to existing installations.

Complying with the NCC • The NCC is a performance-based code; this means it provides options and flexibility when developing compliance solutions. • These solutions are used to achieve compliance with the Performance Requirements. • The ABCB has a You. Tube clip called “NCC: a Performance-Based Code”, explaining the NCC as a performance-based code, which may also be helpful.

“Compliance with the is achieved Characteristics of. NCC the NCCby satisfying the Governing Requirements and the Performance Requirements” Compliance level Compliance solution

What is a Performance Solution? • Other than the Deemed-to. Satisfy Provisions. • Uses one or more Assessment Methods. • The Appropriate Authority will assess compliance. • Applicant needs to demonstrate compliance.

What is a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution? • Uses the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. • “Deemed” to comply with the Performance Requirements. • Assessment Methods such as evidence of suitability and Expert Judgement are used to show compliance.

Assessment Methods There are four Assessment Methods in the NCC, being: • • Evidence of suitability; Verification Methods; Expert Judgement; and Comparison to Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions The Assessment Methods are listed in the Governing Requirements of each Volume of the NCC. Evidence of suitability Verification Method AND / OR Comparison with DTS Provisions Expert Judgement

Assessment Methods: Evidence of Suitability • Evidence of suitability – documentation of design and construction. • Described in Part A 5 across all Volumes. • Report from a professional engineer or other appropriately qualified person. • Report from an Accredited Testing Laboratory. • Certificate from a certification body. • Other documentary evidence. • Used for both Performance Solutions and Deemed-to-Satisfy Solutions.

Evidence of Suitability for Volume Three • A key difference to other two Volumes is the mandatory Water. Mark Certification Scheme. • Products subject to the above Scheme must have a ‘Watermark Licence’.

Assessment Methods: Verification Methods • Verification Method (VM) – a defined term in the NCC. • It is defined as: • a test, inspection, calculation, or other method that determines whether a Performance Solution complies with the relevant Performance Requirements. • A practitioner can use a VM within the NCC, or a VM which is not in the NCC. • Used for Performance Solutions.

Assessment Methods: Expert Judgement • This is a broad definition and should be applied judiciously. • The expert needs to have qualifications and experience relevant to the technical issues involved. • Used for Performance Solutions and Deemed-to-Satisfy Solutions.

Assessment Methods: Comparison with Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions • A Performance Solution may be compared to a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision to show it will achieve compliance with the Performance Requirements. • Used for Performance Solutions.

Example: wet areas Now let’s look at wet areas as an example.

Example: wet areas Performance Requirements “To protect the structure of the building and to maintain the amenity of the occupants, water must be prevented from penetrating (a) behind fittings and linings; or (b) into concealed spaces, of sanitary facilities, bathrooms, laundries and the like. ” Reference: NCC Volume Two, P 2. 4. 1

Example: wet areas Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution “Building elements in wet areas within a building must — (a) be waterproof or water resistant in accordance with Table 3. 8. 1. 1; and (b) comply with AS 3740. ” Reference: NCC Volume Two 3. 8. 1. 2

Example: wet areas Performance Solution

Building classifications In this section, we will cover: • what is a class of building; • the building classifications; • multiple classification buildings; and • a worked example of building classifications.

What is a class of building? The class – or classification – of a building/structure is determined by the purpose for which it is: • designed; • constructed; or • adapted to be used. As the purpose of buildings vary, there are different requirements for different classes.

The NCC – building classifications • NCC Volume One (BCA) pertains primarily to Class 2 to 9 buildings • NCC Volume Two (BCA) pertains primarily to Class 1 and 10 buildings • NCC Volume Three (the PCA) pertains primarily to plumbing and drainage associated with all classes of buildings

Building classifications Class 1 a - Single dwelling/house Class 1 b - Small guest/boarding house Class 2 - Dwellings/apartments Class 3 - Hotels/motels Class 4 - A single dwelling in a Class 5 to 9

Building classifications Class 5 - Offices Class 6 - Retail shops Class 7 a - Carparks Class 7 b - Storage/display warehouse

Building classifications Class 8 - Laboratory or factory Class 9 a - Health-care building Class 9 b - Assembly building such as schools and sports stadiums Class 9 c - Residential care building

Building classifications Class 10 a - Non-habitable building (carport, garage) Class 10 b - Structure, swimming pool, fence Class 10 c - Private bushfire shelter

Multiple classifications Each part of a building must be classified separately, except if a part is not more than 10% of the floor area.

Example: multiple classification building Apartments (Class 2) Shops (Class 6) Carpark (Class 7 a)

Language, referenced documents, variations and additions In this section, we will cover: • NCC language; • definitions; • explanatory information; • referenced documents; and • variations and additions to the NCC.

Definitions are found in Schedule 3 across all three Volumes of the NCC. Definitions are specific to the NCC - it is important not to assume the meaning of a definition. A defined term is italicised in the NCC.

Example: Definitions Extract of Volume One, Part D 1. 11: Examples taken from Volume One, Schedule 3: Definitions

Explanatory information – is non-mandatory and informative only. It is used to provide additional guidance on the application of the particular Parts and clauses. Part 3. 2. 0 for Volume Two (access via ncc. abcb. gov. au) shows the explanatory information bar. Click on this bar for more detailed information on the related topic or clause.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information • The Guide to NCC Volume One provides valuable assistance in identifying the relevant Performance Requirements when formulating Performance Solutions. • The Guide is integrated into NCC Volume One online at ncc. abcb. gov. au. • The Guide provides clarification of the intent of the Performance Requirements and information to assist in the understanding and application of specific provisions.

NCC referenced documents • NCC referenced documents are listed in Schedule 4 across all three Volumes of the NCC. • Most of these referenced documents, commonly Australian Standards, are adopted as deemed-to-satisfy means of complying with Performance Requirements. • The NCC is quite precise when specifying the applicable version of any referenced document. • The NCC takes precedence over any referenced document.

Example: DTS referenced document “Building elements in wet areas within a building must — (a) be waterproof or water resistant in accordance with Table 3. 8. 1. 1; and (b) comply with AS 3740” Reference: NCC Volume Two 3. 8. 1. 2 0

NCC referenced documents Generally, the NCC references 3 specific types of documents: 1. Testing Standards • e. g. AS 1530 suite relates to the fire tests methods for building materials. 2. Design Standards • e. g. AS 1720 relates to the design methods for timber structures. 3. Installation Standards • e. g. AS 2050 relates to the installation of roof tiles.

Commonly used referenced documents AS Number Year Title AS/NZS 1170. 0 2002 Structural design actions – General Principles AS 1288 2006 Glass in buildings – selection and installation AS 1684. 4 2010 Residential timber-framed construction – Simplified – Non Cyclonic Areas AS 1720. 1 2010 Timber structures – Design methods AS 2870 2011 Residential slabs and footings AS/NZS 2904 1995 Damp-proof courses and flashings AS/NZS 3500. 1 2018 Plumbing and Drainage – Water Services AS 3600 2018 Concrete Structures AS 3700 2018 Masonry Structures

Variations and additions to the NCC Each State’s and Territory’s legislation adopts the NCC subject to the variation or deletion of some of its provisions, or the addition of extra provisions. The three volumes differ slightly in how they identify and represent variations and additions but generally they have some sort of ‘flag’ to highlight them.

Why variations? A State or Territory may choose to vary something in the NCC for: • geographic; • climatic; • policy; or • technical reasons. For example: NSW varies Parts 3. 6 and 3. 12 Energy efficiency (i. e. it does not apply). Instead the additions for NSW shows that BASIX is used.

Why additions? When a State or Territory adds something not covered in the NCC. For example, the Victorian Appendix contains requirements for safety barriers at motor vehicle racetracks.

Conclusion Upon completion, you will have acquired a basic knowledge of: • the structure of the NCC; • complying with the NCC; • Performance Solutions and Assessments Methods; • building classifications; • the language used in the NCC; • referenced documents; and • State and Territory variations and additions.

Assessment Questions Answers are indicated in red. Question 1 The NCC is structured as a performance-based document. This means: (a) The Performance Requirements are the only mandatory requirements (b) At all times, a practitioner must comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. Question 2 Due to the NCC being a performance-based document, if a practitioner wished to build a house out of recycled car tyres, could this be done? a) No b) Yes, provided it satisfied the approval authority that it would meet the relevant Performance Requirements

Assessment Questions (continued) Question 3 True or false? One of the options available to a designer that wants to incorporate a Performance Solution into a design is to consult a specialist practitioner / obtain an expert opinion. a) True b) False. Question 4 True or false? "Compliance with the NCC is achieved by satisfying the Governing Requirements and the Performance Requirements". a) True b) False.

Assessment Questions (continued) Question 5 If a Performance Solution is proposed to be used in the design of a building, then it must: a) b) c) d) Be assessed according to one or more of the Assessment Methods as prescribed in the NCC Be accepted by the Approval Authority Comply with all relevant Performance Requirements All of the above. Question 6 The classification of a building or part of a building is determined by: a) Its height and width b) The location for which it is erected c) The purpose for which it is designed, constructed, or adapted to be used.

Assessment Questions (continued) Question 7 If a term in the NCC appears in italics, then: a) It is an editorial error b) Has a special meaning, but not really important for any other reason c) It has precise meaning for the application of the NCC. Question 8 If there is a difference arising between the NCC and a referenced document, then: a) b) c) d) The practitioner has a choice of which to comply with The less stringent requirement would prevail The referenced document has precedence The NCC would overrule the requirement.

Assessment Questions (continued) Question 9 Are Class 1 a and 1 b; 7 a and 7 b; 9 b and 9 c; and 10 a, 10 b and 10 c separate building classifications? a) Yes b) No. Question 10 The rule allowing a minor part of a storey to be classified the same as a major part only applies if the minor part is not more than: a) b) c) d) 1 level 5% of the floor area 7% of the floor area 10% of the floor area.

Assessment Questions (continued) Question 11 Where a document, such as an Australian Standard, is referenced in the NCC, it: a) Can be used as a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution, and therefore satisfy the relevant Performance Requirements b) The reference to is a specific edition date and amendment number c) May not need to be used in the formulation of a Performance Solution d) All of the above. Question 12 According to the NCC, what building classification is a house? a) b) c) d) Class 2 Class 4 Class 7 a Class 1 a.

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