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New Bushfire Construction Regulations

David Kearsley Senior Technical Advisor, Technical and Research Services


February 2009

Overview
Regulatory Framework Introduction of AS 3959 - 2009 Construction Requirements BAL Assessments Worked Example - BAL Assessment Attached Structure and Shielding AS 1530.8 Testing Private Bushfire Shelters Guidance Information

Regulatory Framework and Background

Building Legislation Hierarchy


STATE & TERRITORY BUILDING ACTS

STATE & TERRITORY BUILDING REGULATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Administration Appeals Registrations Refurbishments Building standard

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Building Code of Australia



Takes effect 1 May each year BCA is the communitys minimum standard for new building work Referenced in State & Territory building law Developed by Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Amended annually Not best practice To overcome market failure

Solutions must be cost effective

Building Code of Australia (BCA)


Objective Functional Statement

Guidance

Performance Requirement
Building Solutions

Mandatory
Methods of achieving compliance

DTS Provisions

Alternative Solution
Documentary Evidence

Prescriptive measures

Verification Method Comparative Analysis Expert Judgement

Assessment methods

AS 3959 2009 Construction in Bushfire Prone Areas

History of AS3959
Ash Wednesday 1983 First Edition 1991 Second Edition 1999 (current in BCA) - 2 levels of construction
Amendment No. 1 2000 (Level 3 construction) Amendment No. 2 2001 (Fire retarded-treated timber)

Third Edition (2009) under revision Interim Standard for Victoria February 2009 Fast track publication 11 March 2009

Australian Standard AS3959-2009

Enacted in Victorian building legislation 11 March 2009 Applies to all new residential buildings and includes a new system of Bushfire Attack Levels, from BAL-Low to BALFZ Does not apply to existing homes or private bushfire shelters (bunkers) Will apply throughout Australia from May 2010

AS 3959 2009 Design Objectives


A structure should be able to withstand ember attack prior to the arrival of the fire front with minor levels of assistance from occupants The structure should be able to provide a safe refuge whilst the fire front passes Provide the building with a level of protection while the front passes Any residual burning of elements of construction after the front has passed should be capable of being extinguished easily by residents once external conditions are tenable These Measures cannot guarantee building survival due to the unpredictable nature of fire, and difficulties associated with extreme weather conditions and protecting a typical house (for example, window breakage, falling trees, impact of debris)

Structure of AS3959-2009
Preface Foreword Scope Objectives Disclaimer Assessment (Section 2) Construction (Sections 3 to 9) Appendices Worked example, Assessment Method 2 etc

Structure of AS3959-2009
General (Section 3) Low (Section 4) no requirements BAL 12.5 (Section 5) BAL 19 (Section 6) BAL 29 (Section 7) BAL 40 (Section 8) BAL FZ (Section 9)

Comparison of Structure of AS3959-2009


Bushfire Attack Level
Low 12.5 19 29 40

Radiant heat Exposure AS 3959- 2009


Insignificant 0 to 12.5 kW/m2 12.5 to 19 kW/m2

AS 3959-1999
Insignificant Level 1

Level 2 19 to 29 kW/m2 29 to 40 kW/m2 40 kW/m2 plus (flame contact) Level 3

FZ

Silent

Improvements to AS3959-2009
1. Increased number of construction levels (6) based on heat flux exposure thresholds defined as Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) 2. Two options for determining BAL 1. Simple step by step approach with tables or 2. Detailed calculation procedure (compatible with fire safety engineering approaches) 3. Both methods account for climate, slope of ground and vegetation variations in States and Territories 3. The slope of ground definition has been clearly specified 4. Improved formatting / clarity 5. Construction sections have been reorganised to group specific construction requirements by Bushfire Attack Levels

Improvements to AS3959-2009 (Cont)


6. Construction requirements revised based on defined exposure levels (BALs) - measurable - allowing prescribed solutions to have consistent performance 7. Nomination of test methods AS 1530.8 1. Allows innovative and proprietary products to be evaluated against test methods AS 1530.8 removing major barrier to innovation 8. Operational specification for shutters 9. Concessions for non-exposed facades are included. 10. Attached structures, such as garages, have been included.

AS 3959 - 2009 BAL Assessment

Flow Chart provided in Handouts Identifies the BAL level and associated construction sections

BAL Assessment Simplified Method


Step Clause Procedure
Determine the relevant Fire Danger Index (FDI) Table 2.1 Determine the vegetation classification type(s) - Table 2.3 and Figure 2.3 Determine the distance of the site from the classified vegetation site(s) Figure 2.1 Determine the effective slope(s) under the classified vegetation types(s) Figure 2.2 Determine the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) from the appropriate table Tables 2.4.1 to 2.4.4 & Table 2.5

Step 1

2.3

Step 2

2.4

Step 3

2.5

Step 4

2.6

Step 5

2.7

Excluded Vegetation
Vegetation of any type which is more than 100 m from the site. Single areas of vegetation less than 1 ha in area, not within 100 m of other areas of vegetation being classified. Multiple areas of vegetation less than 0.25 ha in area and not within 20 m of the site, or each other. Strips of vegetation less than 20 m in width regardless of length and not within 20 m of the site or each other, or other areas of vegetation being classified. Non-vegetated areas including waterways, roads, footpaths, buildings and rocky outcrops. Low threat vegetation including managed grassland, maintained lawns, golf courses, maintained public reserves and parklands, botanical gardens, vineyards, orchards, cultivated ornamental gardens, commercial nurseries, nature strips and wind breaks.

BAL Assessment Worked Example

Determine the distance to the classified vegetation

Determine the slope under the classified vegetation

Slope - refers to the slope under the classified vegetation in relation to the building not the slope between the vegetation and the building

Determine the classified vegetation

1. 2. 3. 4.

Relevant FDI..80 Slope >0 to 5 Vegetation Class .Forrest Building Location ..30m

BAL Assessment - Detailed Method


Determine the relevant FDI in accordance with Clause B2. Determine the predominant vegetation classification, fuel loads and vegetation height in accordance with Clause B3. Determine the effective slope of the predominant vegetation classification in accordance with Clause B4. Determine the site slope of the building site in accordance with Clause B5. Determine the distance of the site from classified vegetation in accordance with Clause B6. Determine the elevation of receiver in accordance with Clause B7. Determine flame width in accordance with Clause B8. Calculate the flame length in accordance with Clause B9. Calculate the radiant heat flux in accordance with Clause B10. Determine the Category of Bushfire Attack (BAL) in accordance Clause B11.

ANY QUESTIONS

AS 3959 Construction

BAL and Corresponding Construction Sections


Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Classified Vegetation within 100m of the site & Heat flux exposure thresholds See Clause 2.4.2 12.5 kW/m2 Description of predicted bushfire attack and levels of exposure There is insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements. Ember attack Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux. Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux. Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux with the increased likelihood of exposure to flames. Direct exposure to flames from fire front in addition to heat flux and ember attack. Construction Section

BALLOW

BAL 12.5

3 and 5

BAL19

>12.5 kW/m2 19 kW/m2

3 and 6

BAL29

>19 kW/m2 29 kW/m2

3 and 7

BAL40

>29 kW/m2 40 kW/m2

3 and 8

BALFZ

> 40 kW/m2

3 and 9

5. Roofs
Roofs include veranda and attached carport roofs, penetrations, eaves, fascias & gables; and gutters & downpipes

3. External walls

4. Glazing & doors

2. Floors 6. Verandas, decks, steps, ramps & landings 1. Sub-floor supports 7. Water & gas pipes

Please note: The information in the table is a summary of the construction requirements in the new standard and not intended as a design guide. You should consult AS 3959 - 2009 for the full technical details.

Bushfire Shutters
Fixed to the building (exterior) and be non-removable Gaps no greater than 3 mm in the closed position Manually operable from either inside or outside Protect the entire window assembly or door assembly Consist of non-combustible or bushfire resisting timber If perforated, have uniformly distributed perforations Perforated area no greater than 20% of the shutter If bushfire shutters are fitted to all external doors, at least one of the shutters is required to be operable from the inside to facilitate safe egress from the building

Attached Structures
Where any part of a garage, carport, veranda or similar roofed structure is attached to, or shares a common roof space with a building required to comply with this Standard, the entire garage, carport, veranda or similar roofed structure shall comply with the construction requirements of this Standard, as applicable to the subject building, or

Attached Structures
Be separated a wall that extends to the underside of a noncombustible roof covering; and Has an FRL of not less than 60/60/60 for load bearing walls and -/ 60/60 for non-load bearing walls when tested from the attached structure side; or Is of masonry, earth wall or masonry-veneer construction with the masonry leaf being not less than 90 mm in thickness; and Has openings protected as follows
Doorways by /60/30 self closing fire doors. Windows by /60/ fire windows permanently fixed in the closed position. Other openings by construction with an FRL not less than /60/. Control and construction joints, sub-floor vents, weepholes and penetrations for pipes and conduits need not comply with the above.

Shielding
The construction requirements for the next lower Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) than determined for the site may be applied to an elevation of the building where the elevation is not exposed to the source of bushfire attack. An elevation is deemed not to be exposed to the source of bushfire attack if all of the straight lines between that elevation and the source of bushfire attack are obstructed by another part of the building. This is shown in Figure 3.1. The construction requirements for a shielded elevation must not be less than that required for BAL12.5, except where the exposed elevations have been determined as BALLOW.

Testing to AS1530.8

AS1530.8 Testing

AS 1530.8.1 & 2 - Methods for full scale fire tests on building materials, components and structures Tests on elements of construction for buildings exposed to radiant heat and small flaming Test elements such as Windows, Doors, Service Penetrations, Eaves/Gutter Details, Roofs, Verandas and Decks, Exposed Structural Elements (eg Posts/Columns), Sub Floor Spaces, and Roof lights

AS1530.8 Testing
The outcome of the testing will be a rating similar to:
AS 1530.8.1 - BAL 12, BAL 19, BAL 29, BAL 40 AS 1530.8.2 - BAL FZ

Where the number refers to the peak radiant heat flux applied during a test and FZ refers to a specimen exposed to the standard heating regime of AS 1530.4 A BAL19 system would have satisfied the performance criteria when subjected to an AS 1530.8.1 test at a peak heat flux of 19kW/m2 A BAL FZ system would have satisfied the performance criteria when subjected to a test in accordance with AS 1530.8.2.

AS1530.8 Testing
Draft AS 1530.8.1 Idealised Exposure Conditions
40 Radiant Heat - kW/m2 30 20 10 0 0 2.5000 5.0000 Time - s 7.5000 10.0000

BAL 40 BAL 29 BAL 19 BAL 12

AS1530.8 Testing

ANY QUESTIONS

Private Bushfire Shelters

Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelters Construction) Interim Regulations 2009 Government monitoring activity in new market Dubious products on market Sales increase dramatically after acknowledgment of potential danger of upcoming fire season ACCC takes action against some manufacturers for advertising that products are Standards compliant Royal Commission urged action Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelter Construction) Further Interim Regulations 2009 introduced November 11th 2009

What Are the regulations trying to achieve?

BAL-Low-19?

BAL-29? BAL 40 & FZ & Beyond ?

% of buildings surviving

AS 3959-2009 Private Bushfire Shelter

Bushfire Severity

What should the design of a Private Bushfire Shelter achieve ?


A means of identification A way of knowing whats going on outside

Protection from fire

Safe access and egress

Adequate air supply A sense of safety and wellbeing Adequate facilities Space for all essential items

Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelters Construction) Interim Regulations 2009


Amends both the Regulations and the BCA

A new BCA classification (Class 10c)

New Performance Requirement P2.3.4A

NO Deemed-to-Satisfy provision (or Australian Standard)

Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelters Construction) Interim Regulations 2009


New definition Private bushfire shelter means a building or part of a building that may, as a last resort, provide shelter for people from the immediate life threatening effects of a bushfire, New classification Class 10c a building being a private bushfire shelter.

The period of the bushfire event is the reasonably estimated period of time beginning from entry into the building by occupants prior to the fire front arriving and concluding when the fire front has passed and the external environmental conditions are no longer untenable.

Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelters Construction) Interim Regulations 2009


New Performance Requirement P2.3.4A Private bushfire shelter The design and construction of a Class 10c building associated with a Class 1 building provided for use during the event of a bushfire must take into account the requirements necessary to make reasonable provision for the amenity of the Class 10c building and the safety and health of people using that building during the period of a bushfire event.

Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelters Construction) Interim Regulations 2009


The design and construction of a Private Bushfire Shelter (Class 10c) must provide for 1. safe access to the building; and 2. appropriate sanitary and other facilities; and 3. a means of determining the external environmental conditions; and 4. safe egress from the building; and 5. a means of identification of the location of the building for the purpose of rescue.

Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelters Construction) Interim Regulations 2009


The design and construction must have regard to 1. the number of occupants likely to use the building; and 2. actions to which the building may be subjected; and 3. the effects of nearby permanent features such as topography, vegetation and other buildings; and 4. the potential external fire intensity; and 5. the prevention of conditions within the building that are untenable.

Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelters Construction) Interim Regulations 2009


Regulation limits the circumstances in which a building surveyor can issue a permit to that which relies on: A Building Regulatory Advisory Committee (BRAC) accredited product, or A Building Appeals Board (BAB) determination under s160A of the Act, or A Certificate of Compliance from fire safety engineer who did not do the design

Guidance Information

Owner-builder

Certificate of Consent (from BPB) Insurance (for works > $12k on sale) Registration required for sub-contracted works > $5k Training courses available Need time, expertise & experience!

Registered Builder
Registration number (DB-) Insurance (on work > $12k) Contract (on work > $5k) Continuing education (CPD) Dispute resolution (BACV) Memberships (HIA, MBA)

get 3 quotes & referee details.

For more information:

www.buildingcommission.com.au /publications

Australian Standard AS3959-2009

Available from SAI Global http://infostore.saiglobal.com/ store/default.aspx Currently $97.30 HB 330 - Living in Bushfire Prone Area also available T | 131 242 F | 1300 65 49 49 Unit 3 18 Salmon Street Port Melbourne

Contact Us

Building Commission Goods Shed North 733 Bourke St Docklands VIC 3008 P.O Box 536 Melbourne VIC 3001 T | 1300 815 127 E | technicalenquiry@buildingcommission.com.au

ANY QUESTIONS

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