Services

Cladding

ACP Combustible Cladding Assessment

On 18 August 2018, a ban was issued on ACP with a core of more than 30% polyethylene by mass in any external cladding or related application for Type A and Type B buildings, under section 9 of the Act.

The exceptions to the ban are:

• where ACP products can be demonstrated to be non-combustible when tested in accordance with AS 1530.1; or
• if the product and the wall assembly can both be shown to have passed external wall fire and building-to-building fire spread tests in accordance with AS 5113. Tests must be performed by an Accredited Testing Laboratory.

Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) also known as Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) is a building material that is commonly used as a lining to external walls. Some core types comply with the requirements of the BCA and are an acceptable product and can remain in place with no work required. Other cores that are highly flammable do not comply with the provisions of the BCA and consideration needs to be given to the replacement of the material.

What we can do:

BCA Logic has a team of experienced building surveyors and fire safety engineers that can assist in the identification of the ACM applied to a building, and complete assessment of compliance in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC).

The thorough analysis encompasses the review of available building documentation to determine compliance with BCA, followed by a test of a small sample of ACP from the subject building to determine the composition of its core material. The final stage is a complete report to inform clients of the material installed and identified in the test and a pathway for action.

Get in touch:

By undertaking a building facade assessment, you can move forward with the peace of mind that you have mitigated your risk from possible disaster.

At BCA Logic, we pride ourselves on integrity, accountability and performance to ensure that we provide solutions which lead to creating safer buildings for our clients and community.

Fire Sealing Audit

The value of a life is immeasurable and therefore, it is crucial to ensure that a building is constructed to provide a high level of protection to ensure the life safety of all occupants within. Sure, the paperwork and legislative requirements have all been met, but what about the actual physical construction?

It has come to light through many discussions held with Private Certifying Authorities (PCA) and builders that there are ongoing issues present in the industry with fire stopping defects. We find that there is confusion in the industry between installing to tested systems and common practice which is a result of poor knowledge and understanding.

One of the biggest factors that affect fire stopping is the traditional method of installing services before erecting fire rated walls. This is contrary to the fire testing regime that constructs walls prior to service installations.

It is further noted, the industry is constantly changing with new products and materials being sought and used on sites. Many of these new products or materials are not tested by a registered testing authority and therefore do not comply.

There are consequential ramifications with these defects that affect the builder. These include:

• Large time delays and costs in onsite rectification works to repair wall/floor substrates to maintain an FRL and compliance of penetrations.
• Delayed Occupation Certificate approval due to rectification works ordered by the PCA.
• Potential Home Warranty claims. The rectification of defects where the building is occupied is extremely costly as opposed to whilst works are being undertaken on site.

There are also consequential ramifications with these defects that affect the consumer. These include:

• On-going maintenance costs and rectification costs;
• Non-compliances that are present for the life of the building; and
• Fire and life safety issues to all occupants for the life of the building.

What we can do: 

We are currently assisting contractors during the construction phase by detailing fire stopping solutions to assist with construction methods and processes employed by the builder. These services include, initial “toolbox talks” where we discuss the construction methods and processes adopted with all sub-contractors to achieve a fully compliant fire stopping system that is then documented in a detailed penetration report.

We provide routine inspections of all units and common areas to maintain compliance with further inspections of common areas for general BCA/Access non-compliances that may arise. Every inspection is photographically documented and uploaded electronically to a cloud-based software accessible by client and consultants to allow for defects to be addressed and closed out. Upon building completion, BCA Logic will provide a penetration completion certificate verifying compliance with fire sealing systems.

Get in touch:

Whether you are a Developer, Builder or PCA, please feel free to contact the BCA Logic team to discuss your project and our construction phase services to ensure that your development maintains a high level of life safety and compliance with the Building code of Australia in the physical form. If you are an Owner or Investor buying off the plan, protect your investment and have a discussion with your builder/developer to ensure that the highest levels of fire stopping are being provided.

Legal

Legal action is sometimes unavoidable, and when disputes do occur, we can assist by providing expert advice and evidence. Our directors have prepared many litigation compliant reports on buildings and the approvals process for a number of jurisdictions including:

• Administrative Decisions Tribunal (ADT)
• NCAT – NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• Supreme Court
• Land and Environment Court.

The area of fire related building defects and Home Owners Warranty Insurance claims is expanding rapidly and we have been at the fore front of this part of the industry.

Another growing area of litigation is around Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) and we are currently working on a number of projects involving compliance with the building code and the role of the builder/developer.

What we can do:

We undertake the role of an expert witness by providing detailed assessment of the matter and providing expert reports – this requires compliance with a strict code of conduct and we comply with these requirements not only with respect to legal issues, but in our day to day consulting projects.

The process generally requires involvement in expert conclaves, joint inspections and mediations. These are all matters that BCA Logic has vast experience in.

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It is always advisable to have your legal counsel engage experts to ensure separation between clients and experts and to protect impartiality of the experts.

We have worked closely with law firms such as Clayton Utz, Mills Oakley, Bannermans Lawyers, Chambers Russel, Collins Biggers and Paisley, and the insurance companies including Allianz, Vero and Lumley both in the settlement of claims and the recovery of monies.

Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD)

Through our partner company BCA Energy, we provide specialised consultancy services and reporting in the field of building energy efficiency and Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD).

At BCA Energy our goal is to find solutions to balance development costs while also providing a well-designed green building that complies with all relevant building energy efficiency regulations. Our consultants hold degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Sustainable Design.

What we can do:

• The ESD consultancy services we offer include.
• Section J Reports NCC 2019
• JV3 Alternative Solutions
• BASIX | NatHERS – ABSA certified
• Council DCP Energy and Sustainability Reports
• NABERS | BEEC | Commitment Agreements
• Green Star GHG and PMV Modelling
• Compliance Certificates for OC
• Thermal Imaging Reports
• Expert Advice, Recommendations and Reports.

In regards to Section J Reports, we always recommended that the full Section J assessment of all retail and commercial buildings is conducted before the development approval. Increased restrictions on glazing limits and performance may require design and window detail changes to meet compliance. This way BCA Energy can help our client’s projects reach their full potential by ensuring maximum savings and minimum energy use while avoiding disruptions and redesign post DA. The JV3 alternative assessment will be worth considering after the DTS assessment as significant cost saving and design options may become evident.

Get in touch:

BCA Energy is also providing an NCC 2019 Section J update presentation. If you would like a copy of this, or you would like us to present this to your team, please let us know.

If you have any queries or require any further information, please do not hesitate us.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcaenergy

Access

Our team of unrestricted Grade A1 accredited Building Regulations Consultants are accredited by the NSW Building Professionals Board (BPB) as being competent in all aspects of relevant accessibility legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act, the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards, 2010 (“The Premises Standards”) and the building Code of Australia (BCA) which contains the legislative requirements for the provision of access for people with a disability under Part D3 and F2.4.

Our team of Consultants are also Access Institute qualified with Access Consulting post graduate training and education which allows us to provide a broad range of accessibility consultancy services.

We have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Access to Premises Standards that apply to existing buildings where new works are being carried out allows us to competently assess the “affected part” and provide reasonable and cost effective options to achieve compliance with the Premises Standards for existing buildings or buildings with heritage requirements.

As accredited and access qualified building consultants we are up to date with all relevant legislative requirements that apply to both existing buildings and new developments and work proactively with architects, building designers, builders, project managers and developers in achieving designs that meet all relevant accessibility requirements whilst also ensuring that the design intent is maintained.

What we can do:

BCA Logic can provide a broad range of accessibility consultancy services, regularly carrying out the following services for clients:–

• Review of concept designs and masterplan designs for access compliance.
  Early stage accessibility review is essential for design compliance and provides comfort to the design team to move forward with the chosen design.
• Design assessment for compliance with AS4299-1995 adaptable housing requirements for residential buildings
  Adaptable Housing is required by most Local Council Development Control Plans and policies for residential developments and we can provide consultancy and advice to ensure compliance with required adaptability measures to a buildings design.
• Livable Housing requirements required by the apartment design guide and SEPP 65.
  Silver level Livable Housing is needed for all residential developments above three (3) storeys and containing more than four (4) sole occupancy units. Some Councils and housing providers will require higher levels of compliance and we can assist with compliance of the design to meet the relevant livable housing standard of compliance.
• Provision of Access Reports at Development Application Stage
  Local Council Development Application Checklists regularly require Access Reports. If not mandatory as part of submission document it is nonetheless important that a qualified access consultant reviews the design to prevent unnecessary Development Consent modifications.
• Provision of Access Reports at Construction Certificate Stage
  Prior to issue of any Construction Certificate it is necessary for the design of developments to be compliant with the access provisions of the Building Code of Australia and relevant standards including AS1428.1-2009 “Design for Access and Mobility – General Requirements for Access – New Building Works”, AS1428.4.1 “Tactile Ground Surface Indicators” and AS2890.6-2009 “Parking Facilities – Off-Street Parking for People with Disabilities”.
• Premises Standard audits of existing buildings
  Accessibility upgrade of existing buildings is required by legislation however, the extent is limited to the “Affected part” path of travel so it is important to know the parameters of mandatory upgrade requirements.
• Construction Phase accessibility inspections and compliance advice
  The accessibility requirements that apply to developments are becoming increasingly complicated however, with early intervention of construction phase inspections and compliance advice this will ensure developments are able to achieve compliance with relevant accessibility requirements.
• Occupation Certificate stage accessibility certification of new developments
  With increasingly complicated accessibility requirements, if BCA Logic are involved during the design and construction phase we are able to certify compliance of the development to assist Principal Certifiers in issuing their Occupation Certificate.

Get in touch:

To request a quote or for more information on our services, please get in touch. https://www.bcalogic.com.au/contact/

Fire Safety Engineering

BCA Logic and Stephen Grubits & Associates (SGA Fire) fire engineers have a wealth of experience across a vast range of project types and sizes. Our key strengths in fire science and technology, coupled with our comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework, enables us to offer fire safety engineering services that are at the cutting edge of technology and innovation to the benefit of our clients.

Fire engineering is the art and science of holistically designing facilities and buildings for fire and life safety from first principals rather than blanket application of prescriptive requirements.

Fire engineering is a powerful tool to achieve project outcomes that could not be possible under the Deemed to Satisfy provisions of the Building Code.

Fire Engineering:

• Provides architects with freedom for design aesthetics and greater function.
• Provides developers with greater opportunities to unlock project value.
• Enables fire safety upgrades for existing buildings more feasibly than following prescriptive provisions.
• Saves heritage features by developing solutions for building compliance working with existing constraints and materials.

Our Philosophy:

Our core expertise is in finding creative, but achievable fire engineered solutions for all types of buildings, structures and projects. Our aim is to always provide the most robust and flexible approach while minimising unnecessary costs and constraints on designers, and minimising future maintenance requirements. Our team will:

• IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS – not problems
• QUESTION – the norm
• ADD VALUE – not cost

What we can do:

Our fire engineering team has fire engineering qualifications and are certified accredited fire engineers across all States and Territories of Australia. We also have substantial project experience in the UK, and Ireland, and specific project experience in

• Dubai
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Malta
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Spain
• Thailand

Fire engineering services we offer include:

Get in contact:

We have developed bespoke fire engineered solutions for a multitude of development types including new buildings, extensions, major and minor refurbishments, and mid-life renewal projects. To request a quote or for more information on our services, please get in touch. https://www.bcalogic.com.au/contact/