The recent National Press Club presentation discussing opposition proposals to gut the #NCC (National Construction Code) unmasked the complete ignorance of the need for building regulations, the current structure of the NCC and (most important) the way to reform and use it.
Yes… it is long and complicated, but this results from the mistaken previous INSISTANCE BY THE BUILDING INDUSTRY that DTS (Deemed-to-Satisfy) construction details be included (locked into the regulation) rather that being free to be developed by innovative designers, albeit within the confines of Quantified #PerformanceRequirements.
The creation of a separate Volume 2 (for housing) is an example of this well-meaning but myopic flawed policy.
The sensible way to simplify and reform the NCC is –
1. Remove all DTS provisions from the NCC , while simultaneously publishing each as one of many possible “complying” methods of construction.
2. Reform #CodeMark such that it accords limited DTS status on designs which are certified by accredited professional engineers and architects, and on Australian Standards.
3. MOST IMPORTANT, retain, consolidate and QUANTIFY all of the existing Performance Requirements into a single short comprehensive building regulation.
If these three steps are implemented builders will never have to refer to the performance requirements again. Instead they will be able to choose from a suite of complying designs that are safe and economic, which are either customised or standardised.
For more information visit https://RodJohnston.com.au
Rod Johnston is a life member of Consult Australia, and for over 15 years a member of the Building Codes Committee of the Australian Building Codes Board.
Read #QueensPawnToD4 by #RodJohnston
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