Module 2A – Low Rise

Construction (BLDG 1000)

Introduction to NCC

Chamil Erik Ramanayaka

Curtin University
Module 2 (Part A)
• This part provides an introduction to the National Construction
Code, which is commonly known as NCC 2019.
• Keep a copy of NCC; this code will be useful throughout this
course.
• NCC can be downloaded here: https://www.abcb.gov.au/
Introduction to NCC
• It is a legal requirement throughout Australia to comply with
the NCC provisions.
• It sets performance requirements to:
• protect people from building collapse;
• minimise fire risk;
• provide healthy and convenient living/working spaces.
• protect the natural environment via energy efficient buildings.
NCC – a performance-based code
• As shown in Figure 1, the NCC compliance structure contains two
levels:
• the compliance level; and
Useful Video
• the compliance solutions.
NCC is a performance based code. This video from ABCB
will explain why it is categorised as performance based

 https://www.abcb.gov.au/ (2min 15sec)

In search box type NCC: A performance based code.
Compliance level
• Compliance level specifies the minimum
performance requirements in terms of:
• Structural provisions;
• Fire resistance;
• Access and egress;
• Services and equipment;
• Health and amenity;
• Ancillary provisions; and
• Energy efficiency
Compliance solutions
• The code specifies three alternative ways to meet the required
performance requirements:
• Performance Solution; or
• Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution; or
• Combination of 1 and 2.
Performance requirements/solutions:
example
• Let’s go to NCC and see!
• Pages 58, 61, 65, 89
Building classification
 Worked Example 1
• Find out the classes of the
construction projects
mentioned in Table 2.
Answer
Worked Example 2
• Figure 1 is a rough sketch of a proposed retail shopping
complex. Using Table 3, determine the type of construction
(Type A, B or C?) to satisfy NCC’s fire safety requirements.
NCC Volumes
• Volume 1- mostly covers Class 2 to 9 buildings;
• Volume 2 - mostly covers Class 1 and 10 buildings; and
• Volume 3 - covers the Plumbing Code of Australia
Answer
• As shown in Table 3, the type of construction is determined by:
• building class; and
• number of stories
• Step 1: Building class of the proposed construction
• A retail shopping complex belongs to ‘Class 6’.
• Step 2: Number of stories
• According to NCC, service rooms (for example, the lift room and plant room) are not
counted as floors.
• When a basement is entirely below the ground level, it is not counted as a floor too (when
a basement is partly below the ground, there are other rules that we do not discuss in this
module).
• Thus, the number of stories is 03 for the proposed construction.
• Step 3: Construction Type
• Now, referring to Table 3, the construction type is ‘Type B’.