Civil Engineering 300947: Building Regulations Assignment 3

This assignment solution addresses key concepts in building regulations and fire safety, focusing on the 2019 National Construction Code (NCC) and related Australian standards. It includes definitions of critical terms like International Fire Engineering Guidelines, Fire Engineering Brief, and Fire Engineering Report, along with their applications in building design and fire safety assessment. The solution explores the role of performance-based design, detailing the use of design fires, design fire scenarios, and acceptance criteria. It also compares deterministic and probabilistic analysis methods. Furthermore, the assignment analyzes a hypothetical industrial development case study, identifying non-compliances with NCC provisions related to perimeter access, fire-resisting construction, fire suppression systems, smoke exhaust systems, and exit distances. The solution provides detailed explanations of the intent of the DTS provisions, the nature of non-compliance, and the implications of these violations on building safety, occupant egress, and fire-fighting capabilities. The document provides a thorough analysis of building regulations, fire safety, and compliance with the NCC.

Running head: BUILDING REGULATIONS
Civil Engineering
First Name Last Name
Institution

BUILDING REGULATIONS 2
SECTION 1
1. Answer
(a) The International Fire Engineering Guidelines
It serves as a reference on local and global standards, and associated documents. The
document details insight presentation of issues that span beyond basic fire engineering. It
additionally offers with regards to the role of fire engineering in line with the approved set of
regulations specific to a particular country or region.
(b) Fire engineering brief
Abbreviated as FEB, it is used to identify and deliberate on fire safety design solutions. This
is to be done by the key stakeholders at early stage of development. The fire safety design
solution so considered must comply to part C clauses 1-6, 2016 NCC vol 1 of the building
codes fire design. Designs by means of acceptable solutions are not subject to the FEB
process.
(c) Fire engineering report
The fire report is useful in tracking and handling gears, information on casualty and
personnel as well as documenting fire and fire related incidences. Additionally, it avails
statistics and summary of budgets when fire incidences occurred. These data is used to
address identified challenges in the community, foreseeing future issues as well as
performance evaluations of the component programs ("Fire safety engineering", 2017).
(d) A trial (fire safety) design
A trial fire safety design allows for probing the levels of fire safety in building to acceptable
level as well as ensuring risks arising from smoke and heat are sufficiently minimized. The
potential death or injury of the building occupants, fire personnel and response team in
instances of fire is to be minimized as much as conceivable. The building contents should as
well be salvageable and risk to adjoining properties, environmental pollution prevented.
(e) Design fires
Design fires are applicable to assess performance-based designs by fire safety personnel in
fire scenarios. To recognize design fires for a structure it is important to think about the
accompanying parameters: fire loads; sort of combustibles; plan of combustibles; building
qualities; geometry; and ventilation conditions. Fire loads, type and course of action of
combustibles are subject to building use and can be resolved from structure overviews. Type,

BUILDING REGULATIONS 3
surface zone and appropriation of combustibles influence the fire development attributes of
the structure fire, while the fire load oversees the span of the flame ("Fire safety
engineering", 2017).
(f) Design fire scenarios
In ISO document, a fire scenario is characterized as a subjective portrayal of the course of a
flame with time recognizing key occasions that describe the flame and separate it from other
potential flames. It regularly characterizes the start and flame development process, the
completely created stage, and the rot arrange together with the structure condition and
frameworks that may affect the course of the fire.
(g) Acceptance criteria
The acceptance criteria are design with a heating and cooling load not as the ‘reference
building’ modelled with JV3. Authentication Method JV3 makes available an alternate
technique to the DtS Requirements to accommodate the energy efficiency Performance
Requirements. These prerequisites speak to "states of fulfillment." There is no incomplete
acknowledgment: either a foundation is met or it isn't.
(h) Safety factors
Safety Factor in structures or other development is kept so that to remunerate any
vulnerability in the plan procedure. The vulnerability could emerge out of anyplace in the
plan procedure including computations, material qualities, ecological conditions, common
marvels, obligation of the structure and last however not minimal nature of materials utilized.
2. Answer
The National Construction Code (NCC) is Australia's exhibition-based structure and pipes code.
In designing and assessing proposed Performance Solutions for compliance with the NCC, it is
important to understand the intent of the DTS Provisions that will not be complied with for
reasons such as:
i. The NCC sets the base specialized necessities for the development of new structures (and
new structure work in existing structures). This record gives a diagram of the Assessment
Methods contained inside the NCC.
ii. Appraisal Methods are utilized while deciding whether a Performance Solution or DtS
Solution consents to the significant Performance Requirements ("National Construction

BUILDING REGULATIONS 4
Code", 2017). Consistence with the NCC's obligatory Performance Requirements is
accomplished by building up a Performance Solution or a DtS Solution, or through a
blend of the two.
iii. A Performance Solution utilizes any strategy other than the DtS Provisions to follow the
Performance Requirements. DtS Solutions utilize the NCC's DtS Provisions to agree to
the Performance Requirements.
3. Answer
(a) Provisions of 2016 NCC Volume 1-part A clause 0.2 no (c).
(b)
Absolute approach Comparative approach
 Acceptance criteria is based on Risk
value that relates frequency of an
occurrence against loss of life.
 Design fires include analysis of Heat
Release Rate and Growth rate and the
fire dynamics simulator ("2016
National Construction Code vol 1 -
Part 3clause 7 no. (1) - Fire ...", 2018).
 Calculation of fatalities is achieved
through assessment between available
safe egress time and required safe
egress time with x-t plots-Numerical
calculation
 This approach compares frequency
and fatalities against acceptance
criteria
 Acceptance criteria is based on the
General accepted level that’s
compared against scenarios
 Design fires-Scenarios include
analysis of Heat Release Rate and
Growth rate and fire dynamics
simulator ("2016 National
Construction Code vol 1 - Part 3clause
7 no. (1) - Fire ...", 2018).
 Safe Egress Time hence estimation of
fatalities achieved through calculation
of available safe egress time and the
required safe egress time
 The approach draws comparison
between available safe egress time and
required safe egress time with x-t plots
4. Answer
(a) Qualitative analysis emphasis on fire safety objectives, architectural design fire hazards,
and occupation characteristics in evaluating compliance of a proposed performance
solution. The approach verifies measures that bears a correlation with any major barrier

BUILDING REGULATIONS 5
group such that such measures guarantee satisfactory safety standards. It involves an
iterative process whereby measures are removed or added based on the results attained
when verifying trial fire safety design. On the other hand, quantitative analysis basically
relies or includes numerical assessment considering the consequence and the probability
of a fire scenario. The consequence and probability of a fire scenario is translated and
interpreted in terms of risk values based on subjective evaluation and statistical data. In
doing this, an overall risk value is assessed through multiplication of all risk values
obtained from all fire situations.
(b) Evidence based methodology and compliance to DtS provisions and performance
requirements. (Refer to 2016 NCC vol. 1 Part A clause O.9 no. (a) and Part A clause 2.2.
no. (b).
(c) Verification method such as BCA and relevant authorities. (refer to 2016 NCC vol. 1 Part
A clause O.9 no. (b)
(d) Quantitative analysis since it relies on numerical assessment hence measurement of terms
in fire scenario.
(e) Deterministic analysis utilizes conservative regulations, guidelines and standards.
Presentation of arguments is conducted through techniques such as incredibility of failure
of arguments, expert judgement, safety factors and considerations etc. on the other hand,
probabilistic analysis entails logical methodology of arguments with key consideration to
best estimate assumptions. Also, deterministic analysis is limited to consideration of
Design Basis accidents while probabilistic analysis entails all potential dependable
accidents. Lastly, deterministic analysis does not determine residual risks and compliance
to standards and regulation supposes a safe facility. Probabilistic analysis allows aiming
maintenance as the risk of the facility can be determined (Jevtic, 2015).

BUILDING REGULATIONS 6
SECTION 2
TASK 1 – answer
TABLE C. Answering to Section 2. Task 1 parts (a), (b), and (c) in the respective columns (2),
(3), and (4).
DTS Provision
noncompliance
Relevant related
DTS Provision(s)
not complied with?
Nature of
noncompliance
Intent of DTS
Provision(s) not
complied with?
1. Width of
perimeter access
for emergency
vehicles on the
eastern side of the
proposed building
Carriageway less
than 6m
No passing bays
provided
For carriageway less
than 6m in width, 20
m long passing bays
of 6m carriageway
should be provided
placed not more
than 100 m apart.
To improve access
and emergency exits
of vehicles as well
as control
unnecessary traffic.
This allows for
coordinated and
well-planned exit
strategy in cases of
fire or emergency
situations.
2. It is proposed to
construct the
building generally
to Type C
standard.
Least fire safety
provisions.
FRL covering not
provided
Incidences of fire as
conceivably more
probable in
industrial
developments. In
this regard, utmost
fire safety
provisions should be
complied with hence
To ensure maximum
safety
considerations and
provisions for
occupants and
properties when fire
scenario occurs.
Also, to minimize
fatalities and injury

BUILDING REGULATIONS 7
the building should
be built to type A
standards.
FRL covering
should be provided
of at least 30/30/30
dimensions.
as well as to ensure
heat and smoke
levels do not exceed
safety design limits
as per the approved
standards.
3. The building will
not be provided
with a fire
sprinkler system.
Lack of sprinkler
system at each story
as per 2016 NCC
Volume-1, Part- E
clause 1 no. (a), and
Part E Clause 1.5,
no.(b)
Lack of smoke
detection system in
accordance to AS
1670.1 for industrial
buildings.
In accordance to
2016 NCC Volume-
1 Part- E clause 1
no. (a), (c), and Part
E clause 1.5, no (c),
fire sprinkler
systems should be
provided and a fire
hydrant system (AS
2118.6)
To activate smoke
hard management
systems through
actuation of smoke
detectors thereby
automating fire
sprinkler systems
and building
occupant warning.
This allows timely
evacuations and
response to fire
incidences.
4. The building will
not be provided
with a smoke
exhaust system.
Floor area exceeds
30 m^2 hence
should be provided
by a smoke exhaust
system (2019 NCC
volume 1Part E
clause 2.1 no. (b).
Non-automated or
lack of exhaust
systems in
accordance to 2019
Smoke exhaust
systems should be
installed in
accordance to 2016
NCC Volume-1
Part- 4, at a height
more than at least
two meters from the
floor level.
To contain smoke
layer to a minimum
of one hour. The
smoke exhaust
system is designed
to contain the design
flow rate and
operated through a
system of smoke
exhaust fans and
vents as well as

BUILDING REGULATIONS 8
NCC Volume-1,
Part- E clause 2.2,
no. (c).
make up air through
permanent
ventilation systems.
5. The maximum
permissible travel
distances to exits
within the
factory/warehous
e will be
exceeded by 30m.
Non-compliance to
2016 NCC Volume-
1 Part- D, Clause
1.4, no (c)(i), which
clearly stipulates
that the exit
distances must not
exceed 20 m.
Non-compliance to
2016 NCC Volume-
1 Part- D, Clause
1.5, no (c)(iii),
which articulates
that the distance
between alternative
exits should not
exceed 60 m apart.
Permissible travel
distances to exits
should be revised to
be at least 30 m to
exits.
The distance
between alternative
exits should be at
least 60 m and
strategically placed
accessible from
egress routes
provided.
To allow for safe
egress of occupants
and access by fire
authorities. Also, to
ensure minimum
and safe distances to
safety by occupants
when fire incidences
occur. Additionally,
protection of
adjacent structures
from the risk of
spreading fire and
property damage.
6. The maximum
permissible
distances between
alternative exits
serving the
factory/warehous
e will be
exceeded by 20m.
Noncompliance to
NCC Volume-1,
2016 Part- D,
Clause 1.5, no. (b)
(i), which states that
distance between
alternative exists
must not be less
than 9 m apart.
Least permissible
distances between
alternative exits
serving the
warehouse be
maintained at least 9
m apart.
To sufficiently
accommodate
occupant egress to
safety to avoid
overcrowding and
being trapped when
other exits are
compromised or
inconvenienced by
fire incidence.
7. Fire hose reel Inadequate fire Fire hose reels be To be engaged as

BUILDING REGULATIONS 9
positioning and
hose lengths will
not comply
fighting services
and equipment.
Non-compliance to
2016 NCC Volume-
1, Part- G, Clause
4.8, no. (iii), which
states the fire hose
reels be installed in
compliance with
2016 NCC Volume-
1 Part- E, Clause
1.4, no (b) and (d).
installed as guided
by AS 2441 and be
installed both inside
and outside building
adjacent of to every
fire hydrant. The
building should be
fitted with fire
hydrants adjacent to
every exit.
The hose reels
should be provided
at every story level.
Hose lengths of 30
feet is
recommended.
“first attack”
alternatives at early
stages of fire by
occupiers, fire
brigade only any
other persons with
sufficient training
on handling hose
reels. The hose reels
also serve to
mitigate the effects
of fire or douse fires
when the incidence
is minor.

BUILDING REGULATIONS 10
References
Fire safety engineering, 2017. Fire Safety Engineering Design of Structures,
1–13.
Jevtic, R., 2015. The Fire Simulation as A Safety Advantage in Fire Prediction
And Fire Protection. Safety Engineering, 5 (1).
National Construction Code [online], 2017. [online]. National Construction
Code | Australian Building Codes Board. Available from:
https://www.abcb.gov.au/Connect/Categories/National-Construction-Code
[Accessed 19 May 2019].
National Construction Code 2016 - Part 3.7.1 - Fire ... [online], 2018. [online].
Fire safety and design. Available from:
https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/404542/National_Co
nstruction_Code_2016_-_Part_3.7.1_-_Fire_Separation_Extract.pdf [Accessed
19 May 2019].