NCC Tutor lesson - Using NCC Volume Two

Slide 1:

Welcome to Using NCC Volume Two.

Slide 2:

The focus of this presentation is on how to use NCC Volume Two, to find and interpret information about Performance Requirements and compliance solutions for Class 1 and Class 10 buildings.

Slide 3:

This is what you will learn about in this presentation. How NCC Volume Two is organised and where to find information in it. Performance Requirements and Verification Methods in 
NCC Volume Two. Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions in NCC Volume Two. ABCB Housing Provisions Standard. How the DTS Provisions work across Volume Two and the Housing Provisions.

Slide 4:

How is Volume Two of the NCC organised? Section A contains the Governing Requirements, which are the same in all volumes of the NCC. 

As the Governing Requirements section is the same across all volumes of the NCC, it will not be discussed in this module (it is discussed in the Understanding the NCC module).

Section H Class 1 and 10 buildings contain all of the Performance Requirements and Verification Methods that apply in Volume Two for the construction of Class 1 and 10 buildings. 

Section H also contains some Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions that references how and where to use the ABCB Housing Provisions Standard and other referenced documents, including Australian (and New Zealand) Standards. 

The ABCB Housing Provisions Standard (known as the Housing Provisions from hereon), while a separate publication from NCC Volume Two, is part of Volume Two. It contains the majority of the DTS Provisions.

If you are not using Performance Solutions in the construction of your building, you can use the DTS Provisions of Section H and the Housing Provisions to build NCC compliant Class 1 and 10 buildings, and know that you will comply with the Performance Requirements in Volume Two. 

If you are using a Performance Solution, then you will still need to comply with the relevant Performance Requirements in Volume Two. 

Volume Two contains the same Schedules as the other volumes. Most of the text in the Schedules is identical across all volumes, but the contents of Schedule 4-11 State and Territory Appendices varies. 

As the Schedules are more or less the same across all volumes of the NCC, they will not be discussed in this module (they are discussed in the Understanding the NCC module).

So, this module focuses on understanding and using the following sections of Volume Two of the NCC. Section H Class 1 and 10 buildings; and the ABCB Housing Provisions Standard (Housing Provisions).

Slide 5:

How is Section H Class 1 and 10 buildings organised? 

Section H must be read together with the Governing Requirements in Section A, for the full requirements for these building classifications.

All the Performance Requirements and Verification Methods relevant to Class 1 and Class 10 buildings have been gathered into this Section of the volume.

The DTS Provisions are in each part, and generally reference the Housing Provisions or another referenced document.

A reference to a “building” in this section is a reference to both Class 1 and Class 10 buildings. If a provision relates to only one of these classifications, or to a sub-classification only (e.g. 1b or 10a) then a Limitation statement is used to show this.

Access requirements for people with disabilities in Class 1b and Class 10 buildings can be found in Part D4 of Volume One.

All the usual guidelines for interpreting the NCC apply, e.g. italicised terms have precise meanings which are defined in Schedule 1 Definitions. Referenced documents have legal force (that is, once referenced in the code, they are considered to be part of the code). Schedules 4 to 11 - State and Territory variations and additions - contains jurisdictional differences that builders and designers need to be aware of. Exceptions, Limitations and State and Territory Variations and Additions are mostly indicated in text.

Slide 6:

Example: Interpreting Performance Requirements

Question 1: What do you think “loss of amenity” could mean in H4P6(2)?

Possible Answer 1:  “Loss of amenity” would include things like being unable to undertake normal household activities because of noise coming from an adjoining dwelling. Normal household activities would include things like sleeping, talking to others, watching TV or listening to music, studying or working from home, engaging in a hobby or other pastime.

Question 2: How does the NCC define the terms sanitary compartment and habitable room?

Possible Answer 2: The definitions are as per Schedule 1. Understanding these leads to the understanding, for example, that H4P6(2) doesn’t apply when a wall sits between two bathrooms or two laundries in adjacent dwellings because a bathroom or a laundry is not a habitable room.

Question 3: How is this Performance Requirement varied in the Northern Territory?

Possible Answer 3: Clause H4P6 is deleted and replaced with an alternative – so for the Northern Territory there is a different requirement for sound insulation.

Slide 7:

Interpreting Verification Methods

Question 1: Which Performance Requirements can this Verification Method be used for?

Possible Answer 1: The Verification Method can be used to demonstrate compliance with H4P6(1) and (3) as indicated in the text.

Question 2: Where can you find the procedure for measuring the sound transmission as required by this Verification Method?

Possible Answer 2: The procedure for measuring the sound transmission can be found in Australian/New Zealand/International Standard  717.1 Acoustics – Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Airborne sound insulation.

Question 3: What does “in-situ” mean and why is this important?

Possible Answer 3: “In-situ” means in place. This would mean that you need to test the sound insulation of the wall once it is installed in its final location. Testing the sound insulation properties of the various wall components or a wall assembly that had not been installed would not qualify as verifying this requirement.

Slide 8:

Match the Part in Section H with its subject… Part H1 = Structure. Part H3 = Fire safety. Part H5 = Safe movement and access. Part H6 = Energy efficiency.

Slide 9:

Where can you find Performance Requirements in Volume Two? Section A Governing Requirements. Housing Provisions. Specifications. Section H.

If you answered Section H: Yes, that’s right. The Performance Requirements for Volume Two are located within each Part of Section H. 

Slide 10:

Understanding the DTS and Housing Provisions. The DTS Provisions contain references to the ABCB Housing Provisions Standard.

If a DTS Provision does not reference the Housing Provisions, then the Housing Provisions cannot be used for that provision. 

The Housing Provisions are organised into sections that resemble the logical construction sequence of a building.

Each section provides builders with the DTS requirements to build a NCC compliant building.

Each section contains a scope statement, and one or more parts with the technical provisions. 

The Housing Provisions cannot be used as a complete manual for house building. 

Slide 11:

Compliance Solutions in Volume Two. Compliance level, Performance Requirements. Compliance solution, Performance solution and/or Deemed-to-satisfy solution. Volume Two DTS Provisions. ABCB Housing Provisions Standard.

Slide 12:

Example: Volume Two DTS Provisions for roof cladding. Achieve compliance for roof cladding with the Volume Two DTS Provisions, consisting of referenced documents – i.e. Australian Standards or Housing Provisions. 

Part H1D7 provides the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for roof cladding in Volume Two. 

This means that if an installation is completed according to the DTS Provisions of this Part, it is deemed to be compliant with the applicable Performance Requirements for roof tiling.

One way to do this is to use the applicable referenced documents in H1D7. 

For terracotta, fibre-cement and timber slates and shingles - in accordance with AS 4597.

For roof tiles, in accordance with EITHER AS 2050, or Part 7.3 of the Housing Provisions – also noting the requirement to comply with AS 2049 and other construction details. 

Slide 13:

How are the Housing Provisions organised? The Housing Provisions have 12 parts organised following the logical sequence of design and construction.

While each part is separate, you need to look at the provisions holistically in application. This is particularly important when formulating Performance Solutions, as altering one provision may have a roll-on effect to other parts.
For example, where an alternative stair system is proposed, such as a cantilevered stair system, it is likely to have an effect on the requirements for barriers and handrails.

All the usual guidelines for interpreting the NCC apply, e.g. italicised terms have precise meanings which are defined in Schedule 1 Definitions. Referenced documents have legal force that is, once referenced in the code, they are considered to be part of the code. Schedules containing State and Territory Appendices contain jurisdictional differences that builders and designers need to be aware of. Exceptions, limitations and State and Territory variations and additions are mostly indicated in text.

Question 1: Terms used to describe the different parts of stairways. Part 11 Safe Movement and Access, Part 11.2 Stairway and ramp construction, Part 11.2.1 Explanation of terms, Figure 11.2.1 Stairway terms.

Question 2: Options for protecting Class 1 buildings from fire originating in a Class 10a structure. Part 9 Fire Safety, Part 9.2.4 Class 10a buildings, Figures 9.2.5a to 9.2.5i, Figures 9.2.6a to 9.2.6g, Figures 9.2.7a to 9.2.7h, Figures 9.2.8a to 9.2.8b.

Question 3: Special requirements for construction in alpine areas, attachment of decks and balconies to external walls and heating appliances? Part 12 Ancillary provisions, Part 12.2 Construction in alpine areas, Part 12.3 Attachment of framed decks and balconies to external walls of buildings using a waling plate, Part 12.4 Heating appliances, fireplaces, chimneys and flues.

Question 4: Requirements for ceiling heights in habitable rooms. Part 10 Health and amenity. Part 10.3 Room heights.

Slide 14:

Interpreting the Housing Provisions. 

Question 1: According to Part 6, how much subfloor ventilation is required for a house located in Wagga Wagga? Part 6 Framing, Part 6.2 Subfloor ventilation, Clause 6.2.1(1), Figure 6.2.1a – Wagga Wagga is climatic zone C, Table 6.2.1a – Climatic zone C = 6000 mm²/m with no membrane or 3000 mm²/m with an impervious membrane.

Question 2: According to Part 7.3 Roof tiles and shingles, when must an anti-ponding device be installed with sarking? Part 7.3.5 Anti-ponding device/board, required when sarking is installed on roofs with a pitch less than 20°, and no eaves overhang, regardless of the roof pitch.

Question 3: According to Part 9.3 Fire protection of separating walls and floors, what fire-resistance level (FRL) is required for a wall of lightweight construction that separates two Class 1 dwellings? Part 9.3.1 Separating walls, FRL must be not less than 60/60/60, must be tested in accordance with Specification 6 of Volume One.

Question 4: According to Part 4 Footings and slabs, when a site is classified H, E or P which referenced document must be referred to for design and construction information? Part 4.2.2 Site classification. Explanatory information – Table 4.2.2. AS 2870 Residential slabs and footings.

Question 5: According to Part 12 Ancillary provisions, what is the requirement for a building adjacent to an embankment, where the building is located in an alpine area? Part 12.2 Construction in alpine areas. Part 12.2.4 Clear spaces around buildings, 12.2.4(c). Figure 12.2.4c: Clear spaces around buildings – Embankments adjoining buildings. Clear distance of not less than 4 metres between the building and adjacent embankment.

Question 6: According to Part 2 Structure, in what wind regions are the following cities. Sydney? Brisbane? Broome (WA)?

Answer 6: Figure 2.2.3: Wind regions. Sydney = Region A2. Brisbane = Region B. Carnavon = Region D.

Slide 15:

How do we use volume Two?

1. Look up the applicable Performance Requirements in Section H.
2. Check definitions, notes, exceptions, limitations, etc. and state/territory variations to any Performance Requirements.
3. Look up possible DTS Provisions relating to the Performance Requirements in Section H and the Housing Provisions.
4. Decide on use of a DTS Solution, Performance Solution or a combination of both.
5. If using a DTS Solution, determine which reference document is used (i.e. Housing Provisions or another referenced document if available).

Slide 16:

Which of the following is a DTS Solution to satisfy H4P1 Wet areas (Section H of NCC Volume Two)?

Part 10.2 of the Housing Provisions and/or AS 3740

AS 3500 Sanitary plumbing and 
drainage – Water services

H4D1 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions 

All of the above

If you chose Part 10.2 of the Housing Provisions or AS 3740. Yes, that’s right

Relevant DTS clauses in Volume Two are H4D2 Wet areas, H4D3 Materials and installation of wet areas components and systems.

Note for H4D2, that the choice is given to either comply with AS3740 or Part 10.2 of the Housing Provisions. 

For H4D3, you can either choose to comply with AS 3740 and sub-clause 10.2.12 of the Housing Provisions, OR with subclauses 10.2.7 to 10.2.32 of the Housing Provisions. 

Slide 17:

True or false?

In Volume Two of the NCC, the Housing Provisions are the only way you can comply with the Performance Requirements in Section H.

If you chose false Yes, that’s right. 

Section A Governing Requirements, Clause A2G1 Compliance, states that a Performance Solution can be used to satisfy the Performance Requirements.

Slide 18:

Match the Part in the Housing Provisions with its subject…

Part 3 = Site preparation. Part 7 = Roof and wall cladding. Part 11 = Safe movement and access. Part 13 = Energy efficiency.

Slide 19:

Match the Part in the Housing Provisions with its subject…

Part 4 = Footings and slabs. Part 6 = Framing. Part 8 = Glazing. Part 10 = Health and amenity

Slide 20:

Summary

Section A: Governing Requirements. Exactly the same as other Volumes. 

Section H: Class 1 and 10 buildings. Performance Requirements, Verification Methods, DTS Provisions

Housing Provisions. “ABCB Standard”. Called up by the DTS Provisions in Volume Two.

Not a standalone manual for building Class 1 and 10 buildings.

Slide 21:

Key Points

NCC Volume Two contains Performance Requirements, Verification Methods and some DTS Provisions for Class 1 and 10 buildings. 

The Housing Provisions are called up by NCC Volume Two. 

These DTS Provisions need to be referenced by Volume Two before they can be applied. 

Refer to Volume Three for plumbing and drainage provisions.

You may need to refer to Volume One for disability access provisions for Class 1b buildings.

Slide 22:

Thank you for your time. That brings our presentation on using NCC Volume 2 to a close. If you’d like more information please visit abcb.gov.au