NCC 2016 Volume Two
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Part 1.1 Interpretation

Part 1.1 Interpretation

1.1.1 Definitions

1.1.1.1

* * * * *

Note

This clause has deliberately been left blank.

1.1.1.2

In the Housing Provisions, unless the contrary appears:

Alpine area means land—
  1. likely to be subject to significant snowfalls; and
  2. in New South Wales, ACT or Victoria more than 1200 m above the Australian Height Datum; and
  3. in Tasmania more than 900 m above the Australian Height Datum.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

See Part 3.7.5 for map of alpine areas.

Alteration , in relation to a building, includes an addition or extension to a building.
Alternative Solution means a Performance Solution.
Appropriate authority means the relevant authority with the statutory responsibility to determine the particular matter.

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

Definition of appropriate authority has been replaced in New South Wales as follows:

Appropriate authority means the relevant authority with the responsibility to determine the particular matter.

Articulated masonry means masonry construction in which special provisions have been made for movement by articulation.
Assessment Method means a method that can be used for determining or establishing that a Performance Solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution complies with the Performance Requirements.
Automatic , applied to a fire door, smoke door, solid core door, fire shutter, fire window, smoke-and-heat vent, sprinkler system, alarm system or the like, means designed to operate when activated by a heat, smoke or fire sensing device.
Average recurrence interval , applied to rainfall, means the average or expected interval between exceedances for a 5 minute duration rainfall intensity.
Boiler means a vessel or an arrangement of vessels and interconnecting parts, wherein steam or other vapour is generated, or water or other liquid is heated at a pressure above that of the atmosphere, by the application of fire, the products of combustion, electrical power, or similar high temperature means, and—
  1. includes superheaters, reheaters, economisers, boiler piping, supports, mountings, valves, gauges, fittings, controls, the boiler settings and directly associated equipment; but
  2. excludes a fully flooded or pressurised system where water or other liquid is heated to a temperature lower than the normal atmospheric boiling temperature of the liquid.
Building Solution means a solution which complies with the Performance Requirements and is a—
  1. Performance Solution; or
  2. Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution; or
  3. combination of (a) and (b).
Breaking surf means any area of salt water in which waves break on an average of at least 4 days per week but does not include white caps or choppy water.
Explanatory information
Explanatory information:

Breaking surf normally occurs in areas exposed to the open sea. Breaking surf does not normally occur in sheltered areas, such as that which occurs around Port Phillip Bay, Sydney Harbour, Swan River, Derwent River and similar locations.

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

In South Australia insert brush fence as follows:

Brush fence means a fence or gate that is primarily constructed of Broombrush (Melaleuca Uncinata).

Cavity means a void between 2 leaves of masonry, or in masonry veneer construction, a void between a leaf of masonry and the supporting frame.
Cavity wall , for the purposes of V2.2.1, means a wall that incorporates a drained cavity.
Certificate of Accreditation means a certificate issued by a State or Territory accreditation authority stating that the properties and performance of a building material or method of construction or design fulfil specific requirements of the Housing Provisions.
Certificate of Conformity means a certificate issued under the ABCB scheme for products and systems certification stating that the properties and performance of a building material or method of construction or design fulfil specific requirements of the Housing Provisions.
Clad frame means timber or metal frame construction with exterior timber or sheet wall cladding that is not sensitive to minor movement and includes substructure masonry walls up to 1.5 m high.
Climate zone , for the purposes of Part 2.6 and Part 3.12, means an area defined in Figure 1.1.4 and in Table 1.1.2 for specific locations, having energy efficiency provisions based on a range of similar climatic characteristics.

Figure 1.1.4- CLIMATE ZONES FOR THERMAL DESIGN

v2_Fig1141_2016.svg

Notes:

  1. This map can be viewed in enlargeable form on the ABCB website at www.abcb.gov.au.
  2. A Zone 4 area in South Australia, other than a council area, at an altitude greater than 300 m above the Australian Height Datum is to be considered as Zone 5.

    These areas have been defined in an enlarged format on the following maps produced by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure:

    Adelaide Hills Council Climate Zone Map

    Barossa Council Climate Zone Map

    Regional Council of Goyder Climate Zone Map

    These maps can be viewed on the Government of South Australia website at www.sa.gov.au

  3. Locations in climate zone 8 are in alpine areas.

Table 1.1.2 Climate Zones for Thermal Design - Various Locations

Location Climate Zone Location Climate Zone Location Climate Zone Location Climate Zone
Australian Capital Territory Canberra 7
New South Wales
Albury 4 Byron Bay 2 Lord Howe Island 2 Tamworth 4
Armidale 7 Cobar 4 Moree 4 Thredbo 8
Batemans Bay 6 Coffs Harbour 2 Newcastle 5 Wagga Wagga
 4
Bathurst 7 Dubbo 4 Nowra 6 Williamtown
 5
Bega 6 Goulburn 7 Orange 7 Wollongong
 5
Bellingen Shire - Dorrigo Plateau 7 Grafton 2 Perisher Smiggins 8 Yass
 6
Bellingen Shire - Valley & Seaboard 2 Griffith 4 Port Macquarie 5

Bourke 4 Ivanhoe 4 Sydney East 5

Broken Hill
 4 Lismore 2 SydneyWest 6
Northern Territory
Alice Springs 3 Elliot 3 Renner Springs 3 Darwin 1
Katherine 1 Tennant Creek 3
Queensland
Birdsville 3 Cunnamulla 3 Maryborough 2 Toowoomba 5
Brisbane 2 Longreach 3 Mount Isa 3 Torrens Creek 3
Bundaberg 2 Gladstone 2 Normanton 1 Townsville 1
Cairns 1 Labrador 2 Rockhampton 2 Warwick 5
Cooktown 1 Mackay 2 Roma 3 Weipa 1
South Australia
Adelaide 5 Kingscote 6 Marree 4 Port Lincoln 5
Bordertown 6 Leigh Creek 5 Mount Gambier 6 Renmark 5
Ceduna 5 Lobethal 6 Murray Bridge 6 Tarcoola 4
Cook 4 Loxton 5 Oodnadatta 4 Victor Harbour 6
Elliston 5 Naracoorte 6 Port Augusta 4 Whyalla 4
Tasmania
Burnie 7 Flinders Island 7 Launceston 7 Rossarden 7
Bicheno 7 Hobart 7 New Norfolk 7 Smithton 7
Deloraine 7 Huonville 7 Oatlands 7 St Marys 7
Devonport 7 King Island 7 Orford 7 Zeehan 7
Victoria
Anglesea 6 Bright 7 Horsham 6 Swan Hill 4
Ararat 7 Colac 6 Melbourne 6 Traralgon 6
Bairnsdale 6 Dandenong 6 Mildura 4 Wangaratta 7
Ballarat 7 Echuca 4 Portland 6 Warrnambool 6
Benalla 6 Geelong 6 Sale 6 Wodonga 6
Bendigo 6 Hamilton 7 Shepparton 4
Western Australia
Albany 6 Cocos Island 1 Kalgoorlie- Boulder 4 Port Hedland 1
Balladonia 4 Derby 1 Karratha 1 Wagin 4
Broome 1 Esperance 5 Meekatharra 4 Wyndham 1
Bunbury 5 Exmouth 1 Northam 4

Carnarvon
 3
Geraldton
 5
Pemberton
 6

Christmas Island
 1 Halls Creek 3 Perth 5
Combustible —
  1. applied to a material — means combustible under AS 1530.1; or
  2. applied to construction or part of a building — means constructed wholly or in part of combustible materials.
Common wall means a wall that is common to adjoining buildings other than Class 1 buildings.
Conditioned space means a space within a building that is heated or cooled by the building’s domestic services, excluding a non-habitable room in which a heater with a capacity of not more than 1.2 kW or 4.3 MJ/hour is installed.
Construction activity actions means actions due to stacking of building materials or the use of equipment, including cranes and trucks, during construction or actions which may be induced by floor-to-floor propping.
Controlled fill means material that has been placed and compacted in layers with compaction equipment (such as a vibrating plate) within a defined moisture range to a defined density requirement.
Cooling load means the calculated amount of energy removed from the cooled spaces of the building annually by artificial means to maintain the desired temperatures in those spaces.
Damp-proof course (DPC) means a continuous layer of impervious material placed in a masonry wall or pier, or between a wall or pier and a floor, to prevent the upward or downward migration of water.
Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions means provisions which are deemed to satisfy the Performance Requirements.
Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution means a method of satisfying the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.
Defined flood event (DFE) means the flood event selected for the management of flood hazard for the location of specific development as determined by the appropriate authority.
Defined flood level (DFL) means the flood level associated with a defined flood event relative to a specified datum (see Figure 1.1.5).

Figure 1.1.5

IDENTIFICATION OF DEFINED FLOOD LEVEL, FLOOD HAZARD LEVEL AND FREEBOARD

v2_Fig115_2013.svg
Designated bushfire prone area means land which has been designated under a power in legislation as being subject, or likely to be subject, to bushfires.

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

Definition of designated bushfire prone area has been replaced in New South Wales as follows:

Designated bushfire prone area means land that:

  1. has been designated under legislation; or
  2. has been identified under an environmental planning instrument, development control plan or in the course of processing and determining a development application,

as land that can support a bushfire or is likely to be subject to bushfire attack.

Design wind speed means the design gust wind speed for the area where the building is located, calculated in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.2 or AS 4055 (see Table 1.1.1 for wind classes).

Table 1.1.1 WIND CLASSES

Wind Classes
Non-cyclonic Region A and B Cyclonic Region C and D
N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6 C1 C2 C3 C4

Notes:

  1. Wind classification map identifying wind regions is contained in Part 3.10.1 (see Figure 3.10.1.4).
  2. Information on wind classes for particular areas may be available from the appropriate authority.
  3. Shaded areas denote wind classes covered by Part 3.10.1, High Wind Areas.
  4. "N” = non-cyclonic winds and “C” = cyclonic winds.
Direct fix cladding wall , for the purposes of V2.2.1, means a wall with cladding attached directly to the wall framing without the use of a drained cavity.
Domestic services means the basic engineering systems that use energy or control the use of energy; and—
  1. includes—
    1. heating, air-conditioning, mechanical ventilation and artificial lighting; and
    2. pumps and heaters for swimming pools and spa pools; and
    3. heated water systems; but
  2. excludes cooking facilities and portable appliances.
Envelope , for the purposes of Part 2.6 and Part 3.12, means the parts of a building’s fabric that separate artificially heated or cooled spaces from—
  1. the exterior of the building; or
  2. other spaces that are not artificially heated or cooled.
Equivalent means equivalent to the level of health, safety and amenity provided by the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.
Expert Judgement means the judgement of an expert who has the qualifications and experience to determine whether a Performance Solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution complies with the Performance Requirements.
External wall means an outer wall of a building which is not a separating wall.
Fabric , for the purposes of Part 2.6 and Part 3.12, means the basic building structural elements and components of a building including the roof, ceilings, walls and floors.
Finished ground level , for the purposes of Part 3.2, means the ground level adjacent to footing systems at the completion of construction and landscaping.
Fire-protective covering means—
  1. 13 mm fire-protective grade plasterboard; or
  2. 12 mm cellulose cement flat sheeting complying with AS/NZS 2908.2 or ISO 8336; or
  3. 12 mm fibrous plaster reinforced with 13 mm x 13 mm x 0.7 mm galvanised steel wire mesh located not more than 6 mm from the exposed face; or
  4. other material not less fire-protective than 13 mm fire-protective grade plasterboard, fixed in accordance with the normal trade practice for a fire-protective covering.
Fire-resistance level (FRL) means the grading periods in minutes determined in accordance with Specification A2.3 of BCA Volume One, for—
  1. structural adequacy; and
  2. integrity; and
  3. insulation,

and expressed in that order.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

A dash means there is no requirement for that criterion. For example, 90/–/– means there is no FRL for integrity and insulation.

Fire-resisting , applied to a structural member or other part of a building, means having the FRL required for that structural member or other part.
Flammability Index means the index number determined under AS 1530.2.
Flashing means a strip or sleeve of impervious material dressed, fitted or built-in to provide a barrier to moisture movement, or to divert the travel of moisture, or to cover a joint where water would otherwise penetrate to the interior of a building.
Flood hazard area means the site (whether or not mapped) encompassing land lower than the flood hazard level which has been determined by the appropriate authority.

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

In Victoria the definition of flood hazard area is replaced as follows:

Flood hazard area means the site (whether or not mapped) encompassing land in an area liable to flooding within the meaning of Regulation 802 of the Building Regulations 2006.

Flood hazard level (FHL) means the flood level used to determine the height of floors in a building and represents the defined flood level plus the freeboard (see Figure 1.1.5).
Flight means that part of a stair that has a continuous series of risers, including risers of winders, not interrupted by a landing or floor (see Figure 1.1.7).

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

A flight is the part of a stair that has a continuous slope created by the nosing line of treads. The length of a flight is limited to restrict the distance a person could fall down a stair. Quarter landings, as shown in Figure 1.1.7, are considered sufficient to halt a person’s fall and therefore are considered for the purposes of this document not to be part of the flight.

Figure 1.1.7

IDENTIFICATION OF STAIR FLIGHTS — Plan view

v2_Fig117_2016.svg
Floor area means, in relation to a room, the area of the room measured within the finished surfaces of the walls, and includes the area occupied by any cupboard or other built-in furniture, fixture or fitting (see Figure 1.1.1).

Figure 1.1.1

IDENTIFICATION OF FLOOR AREA OF A ROOM

v2_Fig111_2005.svg
Foundation means the ground which supports the building (see Figure 1.1.2).

Figure 1.1.2

IDENTIFICATION OF FOUNDATION

v2_Fig112_2005.svg
Footing means construction that transfers the load from the building to the foundation.
Freeboard means the height above the defined flood level as determined by the appropriate authority, used to compensate for effects such as wave action and localised hydraulic behaviour (see Figure 1.1.5).

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

In Victoria the definition of freeboard is replaced as follows:

Freeboard means the minimum height of the level of the lowest floor of a building above the defined flood level, regulated by the relevant planning scheme, or specified or otherwise determined by the relevant council under Regulation 802 of the Building Regulations 2006 (see Figure 1.1.5).

Glazing , for the purposes of Part 2.6 and Part 3.12, means a transparent or translucent element and its supporting frame located in the external fabric of the building, and includes a window other than a roof light.
Going means the horizontal dimension from the front to the back of a tread less any overhang from the next tread or landing above (see Table 3.9.1.1).
Habitable room means a room used for normal domestic activities, and—
  1. includes a bedroom, living room, lounge room, music room, television room, kitchen, dining room, sewing room, study, playroom, family room, home theatre and sunroom; but
  2. excludes a bathroom, laundry, water closet, pantry, walk-in wardrobe, corridor, hallway, lobby, photographic darkroom, clothes-drying room, and other spaces of a specialised nature occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods.
Heating load means the calculated amount of energy delivered to the heated spaces of the building annually by artificial means to maintain the desired temperatures in those spaces.
High wind area means a region that is subject to design wind speeds more than N3 or C1 (see Table 1.1.1).
House energy rating software means software accredited under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme and is limited to assessing the potential thermal efficiency of the dwelling envelope.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) refers to the Australian governments' scheme that facilitates consistent energy ratings from software tools which are used to assess the potential thermal efficiency of dwelling envelopes.

Housing Provisions means the requirements for Class 1 and 10 buildings contained in Volume Two of the Building Code of Australia as published by the Australian Building Codes Board.
Illuminance means the luminous flux falling onto a unit area of surface.
Illumination power density (W/m2) means the total of the power that will be consumed by the lights in a space, including any lamps, ballasts, current regulators and control devices other than those that are plugged into socket outlets for intermittent use such as floor standing lamps, desk lamps or work station lamps, divided by the area of the space.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:
  1. Illumination power density relates to the power consumed by the lighting system and includes the light source or luminaire and any control device. The power for the lighting system is the illumination power load. This approach is more complicated than the lamp power density approach but provides more flexibility for a dwelling with sophisticated control systems.
  2. The area of the space refers to the area the lights serve. This could be considered a single room, open plan space, verandah, balcony or the like, or the total area of all these spaces.
Insulation , in relation to an FRL, means the ability to maintain a temperature on the surface not exposed to the furnace below the limits specified in AS 1530.4.
Integrity , in relation to an FRL, means the ability to resist the passage of flames and hot gases specified in AS 1530.4.
Internal wall excludes a separating wall, common wall or party wall.
Lamp power density (W/m2) means the total of the maximum power rating of the lamps in a space, other than those that are plugged into socket outlets for intermittent use such as floor standing lamps or desk lamps or work station lamps, divided by the area of the space.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:
  1. is a simple means of setting energy consumption at an efficient level for Class 1 and associated Class 10a buildings.
  2. Lamp refers to the globe or globes that are to be installed in a permanently wired light fitting. The maximum power of a lamp is usually marked on the fitting as the maximum allowable wattage.
  3. The area of the space refers to the area the lights serve. This could be considered a single room, open plan space, verandah, balcony or the like, or the total area of all these spaces.
Landing means an area at the top or bottom of a flight or between two flights.
Lightweight construction means construction which incorporates or comprises—
  1. sheet or board material, plaster, render, sprayed application, or other material similarly susceptible to damage by impact, pressure or abrasion; or
  2. concrete and concrete products containing pumice, perlite, vermiculite, or other soft material similarly susceptible to damage by impact, pressure or abrasion; or
  3. masonry having a thickness less than 70 mm.
Loadbearing means intended to resist vertical forces additional to those due to its own weight.
Loadbearing wall , for the purposes of Part 3.2, means any wall imposing on the footing a load greater than 10 kN/m.
Low rainfall intensity area means an area with a 5 minute rainfall intensity for an average recurrence interval of 20 years of not more than 125 mm/hour.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

Rainfall intensity figures can be obtained from Table 3.5.2.1.

Mixed construction means a building consisting of more than one form of construction, particularly in double-storey buildings.
Non-combustible —
  1. applied to a material — means not deemed combustible under AS 1530.1 — Combustibility Tests for Materials; and
  2. applied to construction or part of a building — means constructed wholly of materials that are not deemed combustible.
Other property means all or any of the following—
  1. any building, whether or not on the same or an adjoining allotment; and
  2. any adjoining allotment; and
  3. a road.
Outdoor air means air outside the building.
Outfall means that part of the disposal system receiving surface water from the drainage system and may include a natural water course, kerb and channel, or soakage system.
Performance Requirement means a requirement which states the level of performance which a Performance Solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution must meet.
Performance Solution (Alternative Solution) means a method of complying with the Performance Requirements other than by a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution.
Perimeter of building , for the purposes of Part 3.6, means the external envelope of a building.
Piping means an assembly of pipes, with or without valves or other fittings, connected together for the conveyance of liquids.
Pressure vessel means a vessel subject to internal or external pressure. It includes interconnected parts and components, valves, gauges and other fittings up to the first point of connection to connecting piping, and—
  1. includes fire heaters and gas cylinders; but
  2. excludes—
    1. any vessel that falls within the definition of a boiler; and
    2. storage tanks and equipment tanks intended for storing liquids where the pressure at the top of the tank is not exceeding 1.4 kPa above or 0.06 kPa below atmospheric pressure; and
    3. domestic-type hot water supply heaters and tanks; and
    4. pressure vessels used for fire suppression.
Primary building element , for the purposes of Part 3.1.3, means a member of a building designed specifically to take part of the building loads and includes roof, ceiling, floor, stairway or ramp and wall framing members including bracing members designed for the specific purpose of acting as a brace to those members.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

The loads to which a building may be subjected are dead, live, wind, snow and earthquake loads. Further information on building loads can be found in the 1170 series of Standards.

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

In Queensland delete definition of primary building element and replace with the following:

Primary building element means—

  1. a member of a building designed specially to take part of the building loads and includes roof, ceiling, floor, stairway or ramp and wall framing members including bracing members designed for the specific purpose of acting as a brace to those members; and
  2. door jambs, window frames and reveals, architraves and skirtings.
Private bushfire shelter means a structure associated with, but not attached to, or part of a Class 1a dwelling that may, as a last resort, provide shelter for occupants from immediate life threatening effects of a bushfire.
Private garage means—
  1. any garage associated with a Class 1 building; or
  2. any separate single storey garage associated with another building where such garage contains not more than 3 vehicle spaces.
Professional engineer means a person who is—
  1. if legislation is applicable — a registered professional engineer in the relevant discipline who has appropriate experience and competence in the relevant field; or
  2. if legislation is not applicable—
    1. a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia; or
    2. eligible to become a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia, and has appropriate experience and competence in the relevant field.
R-Value (m2.K/W) means the thermal resistance of a component calculated by dividing its thickness by its thermal conductivity.
Reference building means a hypothetical building that is used to determine the maximum allowable heating load and cooling load for the proposed building.
Reflective insulation means a building membrane with a reflective surface such as a reflective foil laminate, reflective barrier, foil batt or the like capable of reducing radiant heat flow.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:
  1. Typical R-values achieved by adding reflective insulation are given in the explanatory information accompanying Figures 3.12.1.1, 3.12.1.3 and 3.12.1.4. Information on specific products may be obtained from reflective insulation manufacturers.
  2. The surface of reflective insulation may be described in terms of its emittance (or infra-red emittance) or in terms of its reflectance (or solar reflectance). Generally, for the surface of a particular reflective insulation – emittance + reflectance = 1.
  3. Some types of reflective insulation may also serve the purposes of waterproofing or vapour proofing.
Registered Testing Authority means—
  1. an organisation registered by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to test in the relevant field; or
  2. an organisation outside Australia registered by an authority recognised by NATA through a mutual recognition agreement; or
  3. an organisation recognised as being a Registered Testing Authority under legislation at the time the test was undertaken.
Reinforced masonry means masonry reinforced with steel reinforcement that is placed in a bed joint or grouted into a core to strengthen the masonry.
Renewable energy means energy that is derived from sources that are regenerated, replenished, or for all practical purposes cannot be depleted and the energy sources include, but are not limited to, solar, wind, hydroelectric, wave action and geothermal.
Required means required to satisfy a Performance Requirement or a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision of the Housing Provisions as appropriate.
Resistance to the incipient spread of fire , in relation to a ceiling membrane, means the ability of the membrane to insulate the space between the ceiling and roof, or ceiling and floor above, so as to limit the temperature rise of materials in this space to a level which will not permit the rapid and general spread of fire throughout the space.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

refers to the ability of a ceiling to prevent the spread of fire and thermally insulate the space between the ceiling and the roof or floor above. "Resistance to the incipient spread of fire" is superior to "fire-resistance" because it requires a higher standard of heat insulation (see 1.2.5).

The definition is used in Volume Two for separating floors/ceilings for a Class 1a dwelling located above a non-appurtenant private garage.

Riser means the height between consecutive treads and between each landing and continuous tread.
Rolled fill means material placed in layers and compacted by repeated rolling by an excavator.
Roof light , for the purposes of Part 2.6, Part 3.8.4 and Part 3.12, means a skylight, window or the like installed in a roof—
  1. to permit natural light to enter the room below; and
  2. at an angle between 0 and 70 degrees measured from the horizontal plane.
Sanitary compartment means a room or space containing a closet pan or urinal (see Figure 1.1.6).

Figure 1.1.6

IDENTIFICATION OF A SANITARY COMPARTMENT

v2_Fig1161_2014.svg

v2_Fig1162_2014.svg
Sarking-type material means a material such as a reflective insulation or other flexible membrane of a type normally used for a purpose such as waterproofing, vapour proofing or thermal reflectance.
Self-closing , applied to a door or window, means equipped with a device which returns the door or window to the fully closed and latched position immediately after each manual opening.
Separating wall means a wall that is common to adjoining Class 1 buildings (see Figure 1.1.3).

Figure 1.1.3

SEPARATING WALL

v2_Fig113_2009.svg
Note: May also be known as a party wall and typically is required to be fire-resisting construction (see Part 3.7.1).
Shower area means the area affected by water from a shower, including a shower over a bath.
Single leaf masonry means outer walls constructed with a single thickness of masonry unit.
Site means the part of the allotment of land on which a building stands or is to be erected.
Sitework means work on or around a site, including earthworks, preparatory to or associated with the construction, alteration, demolition or removal of a building.
Smoke-Developed Index means the index number for smoke developed under AS/NZS 1530.3.
Spiral stairway means a stairway with a circular plan, winding around a central post with steps that radiate from a common centre or several radii (see Figure 3.9.1.2).
Spread-of-Flame Index means the index number for spread of flame under AS/NZS 1530.3.
Standard Fire Test means the Fire-resistance Test of Elements of Building Construction as described in AS 1530.4.
Structural adequacy , in relation to an FRL, means the ability to maintain stability and adequate loadbearing capacity under AS 1530.4.
Structural member means a component or part of an assembly which provides vertical or lateral support to a building or structure.
Surface water means all naturally occurring water, other than sub-surface water, which results from rainfall on or around the site or water flowing onto the site.
Swimming pool means any excavation or structure containing water and principally used, or designed, manufactured or adapted to be principally used for swimming, wading, paddling, or the like, including a bathing or wading pool, or spa.
Tapered tread means a stair tread with a walking area that grows smaller towards one end.
Total energy load means the sum of the heating load and cooling load divided by the conditioned floor area (MJ/m2 conditioned floor area. annum).
Total R-Value means the sum of the R-Values of the individual component layers in a composite element including any building material, insulation material, airspace and associated surface resistances.
Total System Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) means the fraction of incident irradiance on glazing or a roof light that adds heat to a building’s space.
Total System U-Value (W/m2.K) means the thermal transmittance of the composite element allowing for the effect of any airspace and associated surface resistances.
Unique wall , for the purposes of V2.2.1, means a wall which is neither a cavity wall nor a direct fix cladding wall.
Unobstructed opening , for the purposes of Part 3.6, means a glazed area that a person could mistake for an open doorway or clearway and walk into the glazed panel.
Unreinforced masonry means masonry that is not reinforced.
Ventilation opening means an opening in the external wall, floor or roof of a building designed to allow air movement into or out of the building by natural means including a permanent opening, an openable part of a window, a door or other device which can be held open.
Verification Method means a test, inspection, calculation or other method that determines whether a Performance Solution complies with the relevant Performance Requirements.
Vessel , for the purposes of Part 3.8.1, means an open, pre-formed, pre-finished concave receptacle capable of holding water, usually for the purpose of washing, including a basin, sink, bath, laundry tub and the like.
Waffle raft means a stiffened raft with closely spaced ribs constructed on the ground and with slab panels supported between ribs.
Waterproof means the property of a material that does not allow moisture to penetrate through it.
Water resistant means the property of a system or material that restricts moisture movement and will not degrade under conditions of moisture.
Wet area means an area within a building supplied with water from a water supply system, which includes bathrooms, showers, laundries and sanitary compartments and excludes kitchens, bar areas, kitchenettes or domestic food and beverage preparation areas.
Winders means treads within a straight flight that are used to change direction of the stair (see Figure 1.1.7).
Window includes a roof light, glass panel, glass block or brick, glass louvre, glazed sash, glazed door, or other device which transmits natural light directly from outside a building to the room concerned when in the closed position.

1.1.2 Adoption of referenced documents

Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision references a document, rule, specification or provision, that adoption does not include a provision—

(a)

specifying or defining the respective rights, responsibilities or obligations as between themselves of any manufacturer, supplier or purchaser; or

(b)

specifying the responsibilities of any trades person or other building operative, architect, engineer, authority, or other person or body; or

(c)

requiring the submission for approval of any material, building component, form or method of construction, to any person, authority or body other than a person or body empowered under State or Territory legislation to give that approval; or

(d)

specifying that a material, building component, form or method of construction must be submitted to any person, authority or body for expression of opinion; or

(e)

permitting a departure from the code, rule, specification or provision at the sole discretion of the manufacturer or purchaser, or by arrangement or agreement between the manufacturer and purchaser.

1.1.3 Referenced Standards, etc

(a)

A reference in a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision to a document under 1.1.2 refers to the edition or issue, together with any amendment, listed in Part 1.4 and only so much as is relevant in the context in which the document is quoted.

(b)

Any—

(i)

reference in a document listed in Part 1.4 (primary document) to another document (secondary reference); and

(ii)

subsequent references to other documents in secondary documents and those other documents,

is a reference to the secondary and other document as they existed at the time of publication of the primary document listed in Part 1.4.

(c)

The provisions of (b) do not apply if the secondary referenced document is also a primary referenced document, in which case the edition or issue of the primary referenced document applies.

(d)

Where the Housing Provisions references a document under 1.1.2 which is subject to publication of a new edition or amendment not listed under Part 1.4, the new edition or amendment need not be complied with in order to comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

1.1.4 Differences between referenced documents and the BCA

The BCA overrules in any difference arising between it and any document referenced as part of the acceptable construction practice.

1.1.5 Compliance with all Performance Requirements

Subject to 1.1.6, Class 1 and 10 buildings must be so designed and constructed that they comply with the relevant provisions of Sections 1 and 2.

1.1.6 Application of the Housing Provisions to a particular State or Territory

For application within a particular State or Territory, the Housing Provisions comprise—

(a)

Sections 1 to 3 (inclusive); and

(b)

the variations and deletions applicable to that State or Territory specified in Sections 1 to 3 inclusive; and

(c)

the additions to Sections 1 to 3 inclusive applicable to that State or Territory specified in the relevant Appendix.

1.1.7 Language

(a)

A reference to a building in the BCA is a reference to an entire building or part of a building, as the case requires.

(b)

A reference in a Performance Requirement of the BCA to “the degree necessary” means that consideration of all the criteria referred to in the Performance Requirement will determine the outcome appropriate to the circumstances. These words have been inserted to indicate that in certain situations it may not be necessary to incorporate any specific measures to meet the Performance Requirement.

(c)

A reference to a Class 1a, 1b, 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b, 9c, 10a, 10b and 10c is a reference to the separate classification.

(d)

A reference to—

(i)

Class 1 — is a reference to a Class 1a and 1b; and

(ii)

Class 7 — is a reference to a Class 7a and 7b; and

(iii)

Class 9 — is a reference to a Class 9a, 9b and 9c; and

(iv)

Class 10 — is a reference to a Class 10a, 10b and 10c.

1.1.8 Interpretation of diagrams

Diagrams in the Housing Provisions are used to describe specific issues referenced in the associated text. They are not to be construed as containing all design information that is required for that particular building element or situation.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

Diagrams are used to explain the requirements of a particular clause. To ensure the context of the requirement is clearly understood, adjacent construction elements of the building that would normally be required in that particular situation are not always shown.

Accordingly, aspects of a diagram that are not shown should not be interpreted as meaning these construction details are not required.

1.1.9 Explanatory information

(a)

These elements of the Housing Provisions are non-mandatory. They are used to provide additional guidance on the application of the particular Parts and clauses and do not need to be followed to meet the requirements of the Housing Provisions.

(b)

Explanatory Information for the Performance Requirements contains both Objectives and Functional Statements. An Objective means a statement contained in the NCC which is considered to reflect community expectations. Functional Statements are statements which describe how buildings and building elements achieve the Objectives. It is the ABCB’s intent that the Objectives and Functional Statements be used as an aid to the interpretation of the NCC and not for determining compliance with the NCC.

(c)

Explanatory Information identified for cross-volume consideration is also provided under certain Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions to identify Parts of NCC Volume Three – the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) which may be relevant where the work being undertaken is subject to the requirements of the PCA.

(d)

The ABCB gives no warranty or guarantee that the Explanatory Information is correct or complete. The ABCB shall not be liable for any loss howsoever caused whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of or reliance on the Explanatory Information.

(e)

The ABCB recommends that anyone seeking to rely on the Explanatory Information obtain their own independent expert advice in relation to building or related activities.