Alternative assessment methods
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There are several means by which an approval authority can assess whether a building solution complies with the BCA. These are referred to as 'assessment methods' and include the following:
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Evidence (clause A2.2 of the BCA)
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This clause allows the following evidence (in some cases subject to conditions) to be submitted in support of a proposal that a material, form of construction or design meets a performance requirement or deemed-to-satisfy provision:
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- a report from a Registered Testing Authority;
- a current Certificate of Accreditation or Certificate of Conformity;
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- a certificate from a professional engineer or other appropriately qualified person;
- a current certificate issued by a product certification body that has been accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ); and
- any other form of documentary evidence that adequately demonstrates suitability for use.
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Verification
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Verification methods include:
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- Calculations: using analytical methods or mathematical models; and/or
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- Tests: using a technical operation either on site or in a laboratory to directly measure one or more performance criteria of a given solution.
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In keeping with the flexibility provided in the performance-based BCA, designers are not restricted to using a listed verification method. Any other method may be used if the relevant approval authority is satisfied that it establishes compliance with the BCA. However, in making a decision, an approval authority may have regard to the relevant deemed-to-satisfy provisions or verification methods provided for in the BCA.
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Expert judgment
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Where physical criteria are unable to be tested or modelled by calculation, the opinion of a technical expert may be accepted. This is referred to as the use of expert judgment.
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Comparison
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The final assessment method is referred to as comparison to deemed-to-satisfy. This method permits a comparison to be made between the deemed-to-satisfy solution and the proposed building solution. If it can be demonstrated to the approval authority that the building solution complies in an equivalent or superior way to a deemed-to-satisfy provision, then it will be deemed to meet the relevant performance requirement.
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Under this hierarchy an applicant can use any materials, components, design factors or construction methods which comply with the relevant performance requirement. For Australia, this is a significant move away from sole reliance on prescriptive requirements and is designed to encourage innovation and the use of new technology.
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However, the BCA still caters for those who prefer specific guidance, or wish to continue to use traditional building methods. The deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the BCA continue to provide detailed prescriptive methods for establishing compliance with the performance requirements.
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Updated 7 July 2014 |