How MRTFC fits in with the Building Code of Australia

1. How MRTFC fits in with the Building Code of Australia What�s in this presentation The BCA - a performance based document Defining performance based on BCA building classifications MRTFC and BCA performance requirements Concepts associated with fire performance Measuring fire resistance levels Concepts associated with sound performance Measuring sound resistance Applying MRTFC to Class 1,2 and 3 Buildings

2. The BCA - a �Performance based� document Performance Criteria � the outcome required of any type of construction 

3. Defining Performance Based on BCA Building Classification Class 1 Houses or dwellings � detached or attached side by side Class 2 Flats and units above one another as well as side by side Class 3 Residential parts of hotels, motels, accommodation for  students, aged and disabled Class 4 A residence in a building of class 5,6,7,8,9 Class 5 Offices Class 6 Shops Class 7 Storage buildings, carparks Class 8 Laboratories, factories, workshops etc. Class 9 Public buildings, hospitals, entertainment areas etc. Class 10 Outbuildings such as carports and miscellaneous buildings,

4. MRTFC and Performance Requirements MTRFC deals with: Class 1 buildings (Houses or dwellingsattached side by side) Class 2 buildings (Flats and units above one another as well as side by side) Class 3 buildings (Residential parts of hotels, motels, accommodation for students, aged and disabled) Class 9c buildings (deal with public aged care buildings requiring personal care services � this is a relatively new application for MRTFC and not dealt with in detail in this presentation) Performance criteria in these classes focuses on: Fire resistance Sound resistance

5. Among the previous classes of building particular emphasis is placed the concept of �Sole occupancy units� (SOUs). This helps separate Class 2 and 3 buildings into manageable units for dealing with fire and sound performance: A SOU is a part of a building that is occupied by one owner, lessee or other occupant SOUs must be designed to restrict fire and sound from affecting adjoining SOUs

6. Concepts Associated with Fire Performance

7. Fire Resistant Construction

8. Measuring Fire Resistance Levels In addressing fire resistant construction, buildings are commonly divided into compartments (such as SOUs) The walls, floors and ceilings enveloping compartments are constructed to meet �Fire Resistance levels� to prevent spread of fire Fire resistance levels define the amount of time that the construction must resist the fire. FRLs are expressed in three components: Structural adequacy (ability to withstand loads) Integrity (in terms of containing smoke, flames and gases) Insulation (in terms of limiting the temperature of the surface not exposed to the fire) FRLs are expressed in minutes as follows

10. Concepts Associated with Sound Resistance

12. Measuring Sound Resistance

14. Applying MRTFC to Class 1,2 and 3 buildings

15. MRTFC and Class 1 Buildings (e.g. townhouses) Focus is on fire/sound wall separation i.e.: Minimum FRL 60/60/60 Walls must extend from ground to the underside of a non combustible roof No shared space between dwellings e.g. no shared roof cavity No structural members crossing the separating wall (except roof battens 75mm x 50mm max.) Each dwelling must have independent access to the road or open space

16. MRTFC and Class 2 and 3 Buildings More complex than Class 1 buildings due to greater range of building heights, exit options, SOU arrangements and shared space: Three storey or even four storeys buildings possible, Exits to open space are often limited SOUs require vertical as well as horizontal fire/sound separation Basement carparks tend to involve shared space Roof cavities may involve shared space

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