The ABCB produces many materials explaining the NCC as a performance-based code and assisting practitioners with developing Performance Solutions to comply with the NCC Performance Requirements. Over 70 materials are available, ranging from infographics and short videos to comprehensive teaching materials and resource kits. All these materials and more are available from the resource library on the ABCB website.

Supporting the performance-based code

What Practitioners

Need to Know

PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS FOR STRUCTURAL SAFETY The flow chart below contains key resources for Performance Solutions, with a focus on Structural Safety. A short description of each document has been provided, as well as guidance on the sequence in which each document should be read.

OVERARCHING APPROACH

COMPLIANCE WITH THE NCC • FlowchartdetailingkeystepstowardsachievingcompliancewiththeNCC.

• DetailstheAssessmentMethodsused to demonstrate complianceandhoweachmethodcanbeused.

Whatoptionsareavailable?

DEVELOPING A PERFORMANCE SOLUTION USING THE NCC • Thisdocumentoutlinesthelinks

between NCC PerformanceRequirements,therelevantVerificationMethodsand DtSProvisions.

ChosenaPerformanceSolution?

GUIDANCE DOCUMENT • StepbystepoutlineofhowtodevelopaPerformanceSolution.

• Suitable guide for both simpleandcomplexPerformanceSolutions.

• Includes Performance-Based DesignBriefformat,relevantstakeholders,AssessmentMethodsandfinalreportlayout.

SOLUTIONS

PerformanceSolutionsandVerificationMethods

STRUCTURAL ROBUSTNESS HANDBOOK • Details the structural robustness requirements of the NCC,

specificallytheVerificationMethodsBV2ofNCCVolumeOneandV2.1.2ofNCCVolumeTwo.

STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY HANDBOOK • Detailsinformationonstructuralreliability,specificallythe

VerificationMethodsBV1andV2.1.1containedwithinNCCVolumesOneandTworespectively.

• Theseverificationmethodsseektoquantifystructuralreliabilityperformancethroughareliabilityindex,ortheprobabilityoffailure.

PerformanceSolutionsExamples

CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES IN A FLOOD HAZARD AREA • Demonstrates a Performance Solution in relation to

the structural design of a new dwelling in a designated floodhazardarea.

• Uses the ABCB’s Standard ‘Construction of Buildings in FloodHazardAreas’.

The information in this document is intended to be used as guidance material only, and is in no way a substitute for the National Construction Code (NCC) and relatedState and Territory legislation. No representation expressed or implied is made by the General Manager of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Office, as agentfor the Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia, as to the currency, accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information in this document.© 2017 Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia

www.abcb.gov.au

Introducing the range of performance materials

ADVISORY NOTE

2017-3

Reference Building Verification Method V2.6.2.2

Application

NCC Volume: Two

Section/Part: Section 2; Part 2.6

Date first issued: September 2017

Date revised: October 2017

Advisory Notes

© JACKSON TEECE © JACKSON TEECE

The information in this document is intended to be used as guidance material only, and is in no way a substitute for the National Construction Code (NCC) and related State and Territory legislation. No representation expressed or implied is made by the General Manager of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Office, as agent for the Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia, as to the currency, accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information in this document.

© 2017 Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia

www.abcb.gov.au

PERFORMANCE SOLUTION CASE STUDY: FIRE SAFETYPERFORMANCE SOLUTION CASE STUDY: FIRE SAFETY

HUNTER STREET RENOVATION SITUATION OVERVIEW 39 Hunter Street was constructed in Sydney in 1917 and is now a heritage listed office building. Jackson Teece architecture, building services and fire engineering designers from Arup, and Hyder structural engineers, along with building certifier Hendry Group, were engaged to design and deliver an open atrium through the office building to enhance the building’s environmental performance.

The design team determined that a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) Solution would not enable the sensitive reuse of the partially open heritage fire stair as it would have required it to be fully enclosed in fire rated construction, all the way to an external discharge point. The team also identified a DtS Solution would not achieve the client’s desire for the floors to be “open” to the atrium.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Name: 39 Hunter Street

Location: Sydney, NSW

Project Type: Renovation

Building Type: Office Building

Performance Solution: Fire Safety

Architect: Jackson Teece

Client: Kamirice

Project Manager: JCK Consulting

MEP Engineer: Arup

ESD Engineer: Arup

Acoustic Engineer: Arup

Fire Engineer: Arup

Structural Engineer: Hyder

BCA Consultant: Hendry Group

Case Studies

Flowcharts

Structural Robustness

2 0 1 6

NON-MANDATORY DOCUMENTHandbook

Handbooks

DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has produced this document to facilitate the development of performance solutions. The document is intended for use by all parties with an interest in the formulation of performance solutions that comply with the Performance Requirements of Volume One, Volume Two and Volume Three of the National Construction Code (NCC). Compliance with the NCC is only achieved by satisfying the Performance Requirements. This document is suitable for use in the development of both simple and complex performance solutions. The process requires project stakeholders to collaborate and develop an agreed pathway for the design process to follow, in order to produce an acceptable outcome.

A process to assist in the development of a performance solution is outlined below:

PREPARE A PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN BRIEF

CARRY OUT ANALYSIS, MODELLING OR TESTING

COLLATE AND EVALUATE RESULTS

PREPARE A FINAL REPORT

GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

Infographics

NCC Tutor (Tertiary teaching material)

The information in this document is intended to be used as guidance material only, and is in no way a substitute for the NCC and related State and Territory legislation. The information in this publication is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the information undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of the information to their particular circumstances. © 2017 Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia

WEATHERPROOFING PBDS 1-001-E

What are the design objectives?Aside from the client’s objective to utilise an aesthetically pleasing façadetreatment, it has been identified that the cladding must provide a degree of weatherproofing in order to satisfy the relevant NCC Performance Requirement1.Who should be consulted?The client, builder, testing authority, specialist building consultant such as an engineer and regulatory approval authority are the stakeholder group for this scenario. What is the basis of the Performance Solution?As there is no DtS Provisions available, an alternative method is needed to meet the weatherproofing Performance Requirement, and one way of achieving this is by using the Verification Method FV1 in NCC Volume One.What evidence is proposed?• A calculation of the risk score determined in accordance with FV1(a)(i) and Table FV1.1, to demonstrate that the

Verification Method is suitable to use for this scenario.• Façade drawings demonstrating that the wall cladding type is a direct fixed cladding wall as per the NCC defined

term, because this will dictate the testing specimen characteristics and test procedure required under FV1. • Testing results of the proposed façade system from an independent testing organisation, to verify FV1 compliance.Which DtS Provisions are applicable?There are no DtS Provisions in NCC Volume One for weatherproofing of external façades. Which Performance Requirement is applicable?The primary Performance Requirement for the external wall cladding solution in this scenario is FP1.4. However, CP2 is also an important consideration when developing a Performance Solution for external wall cladding.FP1.4 Weatherproofing - “A roof and external wall (including openings around windows and doors) must prevent the penetration of water that could cause—

(a) unhealthy or dangerous conditions, or loss of amenity for occupants; and(b) undue dampness or deterioration of building elements.”

Note: for brevity, the applicable Performance Requirements have been limited. This solution may also impact other Performance Requirements and must be considered in accordance with A0.7.

1 It has been assumed that product compliance relating to other sections of NCC Volume One, such as fire resistance, has already been addressed.

The Performance Requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) can be met using either a Performance Solution (previously known as an Alternative Solution) or a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) Solution (complying with the DtS Provisions). The following demonstrates the performance based design process that may be used with Verification Method FV1 - Weatherproofing.

Scenario:A property developer has approached a manufacturer of a cladding system and expressed interest in using the product for an external façade on a proposed low rise office building. The cladding comprises of a composite board system attached to masonry using furring channels. The cladding has not been tested in regards to its weatherproofing properties.

Scenarios

Youtube ClipsResource Kit (Tertiary teaching materials)

ABCB Resource LibraryTo find the range of performance materials, visit the Resource Library on the ABCB website and search or filter for “Performance”.

What’s next?More materials are in development to support the NCC 2019 Public Comment Draft and as a result of the “Increasing Use of Performance” project. They’ll also be available from the ABCB website.

www.abcb.gov.au

Title Material Type BCA Volume One

BCA Volume Two

PCA

Reference Building Verification Method V2.6.2.2 Y

International Fire Engineering Guidelines (2005) Y

Free-running dwellings 2016-1 Y

Weatherproofing Verification Method 2015-1 Y Y

Slip Resistance for stairways, landings and ramps 2014-1 Y

Fire Safety - Hunter St Renovation Y

Energy Efficiency Matlock St Renovation Y

Disability Access - Riley St Apartments Y

NCC Volume Two, Energy Efficiency Climate Zone 1 Y

Performance Solutions for Structural Safety Y Y

Performance Solutions for Health and Amenity Y Y

Performance Solutions for Energy Efficiency Y Y

Performance Solutions for Plumbing Y Y

NCC Volume One Energy Efficiency Provisions Y

NCC Volume Two Energy Efficiency Provisions Y

Structural Robustness Y Y

Using on-site renewable and reclaimed energy Y Y Y

Indoor Air Quality Y Y

Upgrading existing buildings Y

Sound Transmission and Insulation in Buildings Y Y

Structural Reliability Y

Lifts used during evacuation Y

NCC 2016 - A performance based code Y Y Y

JV3-Based Performance Solutions Y

Compliance with NCC Y Y Y

Development of Performance Solutions – Guidance Document Y Y

Developing a solution using the NCC Y Y Y

Plumbing Regulations in Australia Y

Understanding the NCC: General Provisions Y Y Y

Understanding the NCC: Assessment Methods Y Y Y

Understanding the NCC: Energy Efficiency Provisions for Building Services Y Y Y

Australian Regulatory Framework for Building and Plumbing Y Y Y

Using the NCC Y Y Y

NCC, A Performance Based Code Y Y Y

NCC Volume One Y

Full list of performance materials

Advisory Note

Case Study

Flowchart Handbook Infographic NCC Tutor Performance Scenarios

Resource Kit

Youtube Clip

www.abcb.gov.au

Title Material Type BCA Volume One

BCA Volume Two

PCA

NCC Volume Two Y

NCC Volume Three Y

NCC Volume One Disability Access Y

NCC Volume One Energy Efficiency Y

NCC Volume Two Energy Efficiency Y

Existing buildings Y

Prevention of Surface Water Entry Y

Green Star Design As Built Y

NABERS Commitment Agreement Y

Weatherproofing Y

Conditioned space heating Y

Energy efficiency Verification Method JV3 Y

Room Heights Y

Single storey house energy efficiency Y

Construction of Houses in a Flood Hazard Area Y

High rise apartment stack Y

Macerating Toilet System Y

Press fit jointing methods Y

Siphonic roofwater systems Y

Vacuum Toilets Y

Performance Requirements Y Y Y

Building Code of Australia (BCA) Y Y

Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) Y

NCC Volume One Disability Access Y

NCC Volume One Fire Y

NCC Volume One Energy Efficiency Y

NCC Volume Two Fire Y

NCC Volume Two Energy Efficiency Y

The National Construction Code – A performance based code Y Y Y

Meeting the Performance Requirements Y Y Y

Developing Performance Solutions Y Y Y

Structural Reliability Verification Method Y Y

National Construction Code 2019 Review of Section J Y

The National Construction Code - developing performance solutions Y Y Y

Performance Based Regulatory Frameworks Y Y Y

Volume Two: Chaos in the Kitchen? Y

Unlocking the benefits of a performance based code Y Y Y

A performance based code: Have we missed the point? Y Y Y

© 2017 Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia

The information in this document is intended to be used as guidance material only, and is in no way a substitute for the NCC and related State and Territory legislation. The information in this publication is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the information undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of the information to their particular circumstances.

21 years of the performance-based code

In October 1996, the ABCB released its first performance-based code, the Building Code of Australia (BCA), paving the way for Australia’s building and construction industry to adopt performance-based design.

Turning 21 is a big milestone! And for the ABCB, the 21st anniversary of the performance-based code is a milestone worth celebrating. The significance of this milestone centres on the opportunities the performance-based code created since it was first introduced.

Up until 1996, the BCA1 (first published in 1990) was a prescriptive code requiring designs to comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS), or prescriptive elements of the BCA. Although this approach ensured building designers were delivering designs compliant with the DtS Provisions, it was not conducive with enabling an environment and culture of innovation, creativity and collaboration.

Having considered the findings of a number of high level reviews leading up to the creation of the BCA recommending that it be a performance-based code, and after assessing numerous overseas models, the ABCB took to designing a code that offered greater flexibility in building design and one that best suited the Australian building regulatory environment.

The intent was to design a code that would lay the foundation for industry to explore new innovations, new technologies and new materials, and enable more functional, economical, adaptable and aesthetically pleasing buildings, while still delivering on the safety, health and amenity requirements of the code.

In October 1996, the ABCB launched the performance-based BCA (BCA96), which introduced overarching Performance Requirements. It retained the existing DtS Provisions that were “deemed” to comply with these new Performance Requirements.

1 The Building Code of Australia (BCA) now forms part of the National Construction Code (NCC) along with the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA).

The introduction of BCA96 was a major development for industry, changing the way building designers approached design. It represented an opportunity to engender an outcomes focused mindset across Australia’s building and construction industry, and provided pathways to achieve productivity benefits under a performance-based approach.

21 years on, and as one of the Board’s priorities, the ABCB is continuing to progress a number of initiatives to support the performance-based code, whilst at the same time contributing to increased levels of compliance and productivity. This includes quantification of the Performance Requirements, capacity building and engendering a performance mindset.

The NCC, continues to create an environment that supports and allows industry to innovate through performance-based design, and delivering buildings that establish new benchmarks in construction.

So to celebrate this important milestone in Australia’s building and construction industry’s history, we say happy 21st to the performance-based code! Here’s to many more years of innovative design, use of technology, and to engendering a performance mindset across Australia’s building and construction industry.

Stay up to date with what’s going on with the NCC. As a registered NCC user, you can receive ABCB Connect and other updates by agreeing to receive ABCB communications in your account settings. Update your profile today!

www.abcb.gov.au