NCC 2016 Volume One
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Part G3 Atrium Construction

Part G3 Atrium Construction

Note

Note:

Part G3 contains Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions additional to those contained in Sections C, D and E for Atrium Construction.

G3.1 Application of Part

This Part does not apply to an atrium which—

(a)

connects only 2 storeys; or

(b)

connects only 3 storeys if—

(i)

each storey is provided with a sprinkler system complying with Specification E1.5 throughout; and

(ii)

one of those storeys is situated at a level at which there is direct egress to a road or open space.

Intent

To clarify which atriums must comply with .

The BCA defines the term “atrium”. It is important to understand this BCA definition before considering . See definition in .

does not apply to an atrium if it connects two storeys in a non-sprinkler protected building, or up to three storeys if each of the connected storeys is sprinkler protected and one of those storeys is at a level giving egress to a road or open space.

This provision is consistent with , which deals with the number of floors that can be connected by a non-required non-fire-isolated stairway, ramp or escalator.

G3.2 Dimensions of atrium well

An atrium well must have a width throughout the well that is able to contain a cylinder having a horizontal diameter of not less than 6 m.

Intent

To minimise the risk that radiant heat from a fire will affect people or materials on the other side of an atrium well.

The BCA defines the terms “atrium” and “atrium well”. It is important to understand these BCA definitions, before considering . See definitions in .

An atrium well is not limited to having a maximum size, nor is there a limitation on its shape, except that it must contain a space throughout which could contain a cylinder with a diameter of 6 metres. This 6 metres is equal to the minimum distance between unprotected openings in external walls of adjoining buildings required by . This diameter void is intended to reduce the effects of radiant heat from a fire:

  • affecting occupants evacuating on the other side of the atrium well; and
  • igniting materials on the other side of the atrium well.

illustrates the method of measuring the atrium well to comply with and the location of an atrium’s bounding walls.

Figure G3.2

ATRIUM WELL MEASUREMENT AND LOCATION OF BOUNDING WALLS
guide_G32_2005.svg

G3.3 Separation of atrium by bounding walls

An atrium must be separated from the remainder of the building at each storey by bounding walls set back not more than 3.5 m from the perimeter of the atrium well except in the case of the walls at no more than 3 consecutive storeys if—

(a)

one of those storeys is at a level at which direct egress to a road or open space is provided; and

(b)

the sum of the floor areas of those storeys that are contained within the atrium is not more than the maximum area that is permitted in Table C2.2.

Intent

To minimise the risk of spread of fire and smoke from or to the atrium or other parts of the building.

requires the use of bounding walls, which limit the risk of fire and smoke spreading from the atrium to other parts of the building and other parts of the building to the atrium.

The detailed requirements for bounding walls are explained in the Comments on .

The bounding wall and 3.5 metre setback requirements do not apply where there are three or less consecutive storeys and:

  • one of these storeys is located at the level from which direct egress is provided to a road or open space; and
  • the total floor area of these storeys is limited to that specified in (the floor area referred to in is that of the three storeys, and not the total floor of the atrium).

illustrates the floors included in the area permitted by .

illustrates the location of an atrium’s bounding walls.

Figure G3.3

ELEVATION SHOWING FLOORS OF ATRIUM INCLUDED IN THE AREA PERMITTED BY TABLE C2.2
guide_G33_2005.svg

G3.4 Construction of bounding walls

Bounding walls must—

(a)

have an FRL of not less than 60/60/60, and—

(i)

extend from the floor of the storey to the underside of the floor next above or to the underside of the roof; and

(ii)

have any door openings protected with self-closing or automatic –/60/30 fire doors; or

(b)

be constructed of fixed toughened safety glass, or wired safety glass in non-combustible frames, with—

(i)

any door openings fitted with a self-closing smoke door complying with Specification C3.4; and

(ii)

the walls and doors protected with wall-wetting systems in accordance with Specification G3.8; and

(iii)

a fire barrier with an FRL of not less than –/60/30 installed in any ceiling spaces above the wall.

Intent

To limit the spread of fire between different parts of a building by way of an atrium.

establishes the required FRL and acceptable construction requirements for the bounding walls required by . See Figure G3.4.

The walls bounding an atrium are not fire walls as defined in the BCA. Therefore, these walls do not create separate fire compartments within a storey of the building. The bounding walls define the extent of the part of the building regarded by the BCA to be an “atrium”. See Figure G3.2.

prescribes two options for construction of bounding walls:

  • applies where the bounding walls are constructed of materials with a FRL of 60/60/60; or
  • applies where the bounding walls are constructed of fixed toughened or wired safety glass in non-combustible frames.

Figure G3.4

EXAMPLES OF BOUNDING WALLS COMPLYING WITH G3.4
guide_G34_2005.svg

G3.5 Construction at balconies

If a bounding wall separating an atrium from the remainder of the building is set back from the perimeter of the atrium well, a barrier that is imperforate and non-combustible, and not less than 1 m high must be provided.

Intent

To maximise the safety of people who have access around an atrium.

To maximise public safety, a barrier is required at the edge of a balcony to an atrium. The barrier must:

  • have no openings and be non-combustible, to act as a shield from heat during a fire; and
  • have a height of 1 metre—which is consistent with .

takes precedence over the provisions of for barriers around an atrium.

G3.6 Separation at roof

In an atrium—

(a)

the roof must have the FRL prescribed in Table 3 of Specification C1.1; or

(b)

the roof structure and membrane must be protected by a sprinkler system complying with Specification E1.5.

Intent

To minimise the risk that the roof of an atrium will not remain in place during a fire.

requires smoke extraction through the roof, or near the top of an atrium—this smoke extraction is required to be by mechanical exhaust or by smoke and heat vents.

It is therefore important that the roof remains in place during a fire and not allow the re-circulation of smoke. To achieve this, requires:

  • the roof to have the FRL required by ;or
  • the roof structure and membrane to be protected by a sprinkler system.

The materials used in the roof must comply with:

  • the fire hazard properties specified in ; and
  • when the roof is required to have an FRL, does not allow the use of the concessions contained in , or for the roof of the atrium.

G3.7 Means of egress

All areas within an atrium must have access to at least 2 exits.

Intent

To require that safe egress is available from an atrium.

Although the building may have an effective height of less than 25 metres, two exits are required from any area within an atrium. This is due to the additional fire hazard associated with atriums.

There may be other parts of the BCA which permit buildings to have only a single exit. overrides any such provisions insofar as they relate to atriums.

All other aspects of the means of access and egress from an atrium must comply with .

G3.8 Fire and smoke control systems

Sprinkler systems, smoke control, fire detection and alarm systems, and sound systems and intercom system for emergency purposes must be installed in compliance with Specification G3.8.

Intent

To specify the additional fire and smoke control systems required for an atrium.

Because of the additional fire hazard associated with an atrium, special fire and smoke control measures are required to reduce the likelihood of conditions being reached which could endanger the safety of occupants before they have time to evacuate. These measures are set out in .