Latest BCA changes and new requirements
Each year in May, revisions and updates to the Building Code of Australia are released for all new homes and renovations. In the future, the BCA will be updated every three years. This longer cycle for reviewing the code will allow more time for the industry to adapt their practices to include the changes and new requirements.
This article offers a summary and key excerpts from the latest information sheet from the HIA, released in April 2016. Each State and Territory will have different schedules for when these requirements and standards become effective for a building, development or planning application. Please check with your local council, certifier or surveyor to see if your project is affected.
Performance and compliance
The code now includes clause 1.0.2: Meeting Performance Requirements, providing further information and a diagram of compliance pathways. A design can achieve compliance by meeting requirements as either a Performance Solution, a Deemed to Satisfy solution or both.
Revised Australian standards
New or amended reference standards have been introduced to the code for the following:
- AS 1670: 2004 Fire detection, warning control and intercom systems – Part 1 Fire (new)
- AS 1720:2015 Timber structures – Part 5: Nail plated roof trusses (new)
- AS 3500: 2015 Plumbing and drainage – Part 3: Stormwater drainage (revised)
- AS 4773: 2015 Masonry for small buildings – Part 1: Design (revised)
- AS 4773: 2015 Masonry for small buildings – Part 2 Construction (revised)
- AS 5146: 2015 Aerated autoclaved concrete – Part 1: Structures (new)
- SA TS 101 2015 Design of post installed and cast-in fastening in concrete (new)
Construction provisions
Following a two-year review of the Acceptable Construction Practice (ACP), a number of changes have been made to Part 3, Volume 2 Building Code of Australia (Housing Provisions). Some of these changes have been made to improve clarity and practical interpretation, and others involve changes to minimum standards required.
The HIA’s Building Services team are available to answer members’ questions about 2016 changes to the BCA.
Sources: https://hia.com.au/~/media/HIA%20Website/Files/InformationSheets/BCAstandards/BCA1602.ashx
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