What is Performance Solution FP1.4?

Introduction

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) sets out a number of Performance Requirements that a building solution must meet. To enable detailed working design solutions, the BCA usually sets out Deemed to Satisfy Provisions that if complied with will mean that the Performance Requirement is complied with. However, for the prevention of water ingress, there is no defined Deemed to satisfy provision that meets the Performance Requirement of FP1.4, for external walls. Therefore, a Performance Solution is to be developed by a qualified facade consultant to show that the proposed design meets the requirements of FP1.4. Additionally, Design Compliance Declaration of Façade Regulated Design must be prepared by a registered façade consultant for Class 2 buildings in NSW.

We explained some terminologies below before clarifying this clause thoroughly. Please refer to this link for NCC requirements for facade and cladding design.

Building Code of Australia (BCA)

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is a set of standards that applies to the design and construction of all buildings in Australia, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The BCA is divided into several volumes, each of which covers specific aspects of building construction.

• Volume 1 – provides the general provisions for the design and construction of buildings, including the structural design, fire safety, and accessibility.
• Volume 2 – covers residential buildings and contains specific provisions for the design and construction of single and multi-unit residential buildings, including housing, hostels, and boarding houses.
• Volume 3 – covers commercial buildings and contains specific provisions for the design and construction of office buildings, hotels, and other non-residential buildings.

BCA is designed to ensure that buildings are safe, healthy, and accessible for all users, and that they are constructed in a way that is energy efficient and sustainable. The BCA is regularly updated to reflect changes in building technology and design, and to align with other national and international building codes.

Compliance to the BCA is mandatory in all states and territories, and is enforced by local building control authorities. Compliance with the BCA is a requirement for the issuance of building permits, and building control authorities must ensure that all buildings comply with the BCA before they are occupied.

Deem to Satisfy (DtS) & Deem to Comply Standards (DtC)

DTC stands for “Deemed-to-Comply” standards in the Building Code of Australia (BCA). DTC provisions are an alternative to the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions also known as Performance Solutions in the BCA. They allow for an alternative solution to the DTS provisions, as long as it can be demonstrated that the building will comply with the performance requirements of the BCA.

Performance Solutions (DTC solutions) are intended to provide greater flexibility in the design of buildings and to allow for innovation and new technologies to be used. They are also intended to cater for specific site constraints and design challenges that cannot be met by the DTS provisions.

Performance Solutions (DTC solutions) require detailed design and analysis to demonstrate compliance with the BCA’s performance requirements. They are typically used for complex or unusual buildings or when DTS provisions cannot be met due to site-specific constraints.

However, using Performance Solutions provisions is more complex than using DTS provisions, since it requires detailed analysis and design, and it also requires approval from the building control authority. The building control authority will assess the proposed DtC solution against the BCA performance requirements and ensure that it complies with the code before granting approval.

It’s important to note that DTC provisions are not intended to be used as a means of avoiding the DTS provisions or to reduce the level of safety and health of building occupants or the public.

BCA Requirements for The Prevention of Water Ingress

As discussed earlier, Performance Solutions are permitted as DtC set out in BCA. And any Performance Solutions is subject to the approval of the Principal Certifying Authority. Below is the Performance Requirement FP1.4 relating to Waterproofing of External Walls of a building.

BCA Clause FP1.4 Weatherproofing

Weatherproofing of Roofing and External Walls

As per clause FP1.4 of the BCA (Performance Solution), a roof and external wall (including openings around windows and doors) must prevent the penetration of water that could cause:

1. Unhealthy or dangerous conditions, or loss of amenity for occupants; and
2. Undue dampness of deterioration of building elements.

The following is the Deemed to Satisfy Provision of the BCA relating to performance Requirement FP1.4

Limitations:

FP1.4 does not apply to:

1. A Class 7 or 8 Building where in the particular case there is no necessity for compliance; or
2. A garage, tool shed, sanitary compartment, or the like, forming part of a building used for other purposes; or
3. Aon open spectator stand or open-deck carpark.

Part F1 Damp and Weatherproofing (Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions)

Performance Requirement FP1.4, for the prevention of the penetration of water through external walls, must be complied with:

“There are no Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for this Performance Requirement in respect of external walls.”

As there are no Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions to address Waterproofing External Walls, a Performance Solution is to be developed to show that the proposed design meets the Performance Requirement FP1.4.

Part 2.2 Damp & Waterproofing

P2.2.2 Weatherproofing and dampness

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.

P2.2.3 Dampness

 Moisture from the ground must be prevented from causing

• unhealthy or dangerous conditions, or loss of amenity for occupants; and
• undue dampness or deterioration of building elements.

Facade Regulated Design in NSW

Facade regulated design in New South Wales (NSW), Australia is a set of guidelines and regulations that are put in place to ensure the safety and structural integrity of building facades. These regulations are enforced by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the NSW government through the Building Professionals Board.

Facade regulated design in NSW applies to buildings that are classified as “facade regulated buildings” as defined in the BCA. These include buildings that are more than three storeys in building height and that have a facade that is more than 15 meters in height, or that are classified as a “public building” under the BCA, such as a hospital, school, or aged care facility.

Performance Solution Process

As demonstrated above, due to the absence of DtS Provisions for Performance Requirements in respect of external walls, a Performance Solution must be developed by a qualified façade consultant to show that the proposed façade (external walls/roof) meets the Performance Requirement of FP1.4. This involves the preparation of Performance Based Design Brief (PBDB), Analysis, Evaluation and preparation of the Final façade report. Additionally, Design Compliance Declaration of façade regulated design must be prepared by a registered façade consultant for Class 2 buildings in NSW.

Prime Consulting Engineers has proficient teams of façade engineers who can assist you with the preparation of such documents to demonstrate the compliance of façade elements with the relevant performance requirements of BCA.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Performance Solution FP1.4 plays a crucial role in ensuring the prevention of water ingress in external walls of buildings. While the Building Code of Australia (BCA) provides Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) Provisions for various performance requirements, there are no specific provisions for FP1.4. As a result, a Performance Solution must be developed by a qualified facade consultant to demonstrate that the proposed design meets the requirements of FP1.4.

Performance Solutions offer greater flexibility in building design and allow for innovative solutions to meet specific challenges and constraints. However, they require detailed analysis, design, and approval from the building control authority. It’s important to note that Performance Solutions are not meant to compromise safety or reduce the health and well-being of occupants or the public.

For buildings falling under the facade regulated design guidelines in NSW, it becomes essential to comply with the Performance Requirement FP1.4 and obtain a Design Compliance Declaration prepared by a registered facade consultant.

At Prime Consulting Engineers, our proficient teams of facade engineers are ready to assist in preparing the necessary documents to demonstrate compliance with the BCA’s performance requirements. With their expertise, your building’s facade elements can meet the necessary standards and ensure the safety and integrity of your structure.

FAQs