Building Codes: Application for Low Rise Buildings - Course Name

This report analyzes the application of building codes for a low-rise sports complex, specifically focusing on the classification and construction methods relevant to such a structure. The report classifies the building as a class 9b building, suitable for public assembly, and recommends timber-framed construction due to its numerous benefits. The report details the BCA (Building Code of Australia) criteria used for classification, emphasizing the building's intended use. Furthermore, it explores alternative uses for the building and how these would necessitate reclassification, considering the various factors that influence building codes. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of adhering to building codes for safety and functionality, and provides relevant references to support the analysis.

Apply Building Codes 1
APPLY BUILDING CODES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LOW RISE BUILDINGS
Name
Course
Professor
University
City/state
Date

Apply Building Codes 2
Apply Building Codes for Construction of Low Rise Buildings
Task 6
1. Building classification
The low rise sports complex building is classified as a class 9b building because it is an
assembly building of a public nature (Australian Building Codes Board, 2015). This is a building
that is open to the public for various sporting activities thus its purpose fits the class 9b
classification based on Building Code of Australia (BCA) guidelines. The type of construction
for this building is timber framed construction. This is because timber framed construction is
most suitable for low rise structures and has numerous benefits. Some benefits of timber
construction include: it is flexible and provides unlimited design options, has high aesthetic
value, provides ultra-modern look, provides superior flexibility in terms of future renovations
and additions, it is strong and durable, it is easy to maintain, reduces construction period by
enabling prefabrication, has great thermal and acoustic performance, it is more energy efficient
(Frankel, 2016), has numerous environmental benefits, and is a renewable resource hence
sustainable (Kremer & Symmons, 2015). Therefore timber frame construction suits the purpose
of the building and will also provide economic and environmental benefits throughout the
building’s lifecycle.
2. BCA criteria
The BCA criteria that has been used to classify the building include: the purpose or intended
use for which the building has been designed for, the nature of the building, the arrangement of
the building and number of storeys or height of the building. Other BCA criteria used in building
classification are floor area calculation and volume calculation. The intended use of the building

Apply Building Codes 3
is the main BCA criteria for building classification. The intended use determines the risk level of
the building, which is essential in building classification (Building Codes Queensland, 2012).
The sports complex building in this case is a low rise and it is intended to be open to the public
i.e. people who are interested in participating in different sporting activities. Therefore the
intended use of the building suits BCA criteria for class 9b buildings.
3. Other possible uses
The low rise sports complex building can also be used as a healthcare building, trade
workshop, early childhood centre, shop for retail selling of goods or direct supply of services to
the public (such as eating room, café, bar, restaurant, dining room, laundry shop, barber’s or
hairdresser’s shop or showroom), and office building used for commercial or professional
purposes. This will change classification of the building from class 9b to multiple classification
depending on the intended use. This basically means that every part of the building has to be
classified separately because of the different purposes. To make is suitable for these other uses,
some renovations or improvements will be necessary.

Apply Building Codes 4
References
Australian Building Codes Board, 2015. National Construction Code Series 2015 Volume One, Canberra:
Australian Building Codes Board.
Building Codes Queensland, 2012. Guidelines for Inspection of Class 2 to 9 Buildings, Brisbane: Building
Codes Queensland.
Frankel, J., 2016. Timber Frame Benefits: Why Timber Framing is the Best Option for Your Home. [Online]
Available at: http://www.harmonytimberworks.com/timber-frame-benefits
[Accessed 26 November 2018].
Kremer, P. & Symmons, M., 2015. Mass timber construction as an alternative to concrete and steel in
the Australia building industry: a PESTEL evaluation of the potential. International Wood Products
Journal, 6(3), pp. 138-147.