Western Australia is prone to earthquakes and therefore earthquake performance requirements within the NCC should be considered.

The Building Commission recently released a notice to Building Surveyors and other industry professions to remind the industry that Western Australia is prone to earthquakes and therefore earthquake performance requirements within the NCC should be considered.

AS1170.4 is the acceptable construction manual that provides a deemed-to-satisfy solution with regards to structural design and earthquake actions. ABCB have also released guidance to the standard “Design of non-structural building elements for earthquake forces”. All of which are to be considered by a building surveyor before certification.

Our building surveyors have reviewed both publications and would also like to bring to our subscribers’ attention that this impacts on the below non-structural components;

• Walls that are not part of the seismic force resisting system.
• Appendages including parapets, gables, verandahs, chimneys and the like.
• Partitions.
• Ceilings.
• Mechanical and electrical components including smoke control systems, fire suppression systems, boilers, escalators, transformers and the like.

If you would like further information on how earthquake performance requirements will affect your next build or would like further information on another matter, please contact one of our building surveyors today on 6114 9356. Alternatively, our building surveyors can be reached via email at admin@greenstartconsulting.com.au

Due to constantly evolving legislation the information provided within this blog may no longer be valid. The advice given on this site is general in nature and does not take into account your specific circumstances. Please email one of our building surveyors to check what is right for you.