An Examination of the Performance Based Building Code on the Design of a Commercial Building

Main Article Content

John Greenwood

Abstract

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is the principal code under which building approvals in Australia are assessed. The BCA adopted performance-based solutions for building approvals in 1996. Performance-based codes are based upon a set of explicit objectives, stated in terms of a hierarchy of requirements beginning with key general objectives. With this in mind, the research presented in this paper aims to analyse the impact of the introduction of the performance-based code within Western Australia to gauge the effect and usefulness of alternative design solutions in commercial construction using a case study project. The research revealed that there are several advantages to the use of alternative designs and that all parties, in general, are in favour of the performance-based building code of Australia. It is suggested that change in the assessment process to streamline the alternative design path is needed for the greater use of the performance-based alternative. With appropriate quality control measures, minor variations to the deemed-to-satisfy provisions could easily be managed by the current and future building surveying profession.

Article Details

How to Cite
Greenwood, J. (2007). An Examination of the Performance Based Building Code on the Design of a Commercial Building. Construction Economics and Building, 7(1), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v7i1.2976
Section
Articles (Peer reviewed)
Author Biography

John Greenwood, Curtin University of Technology

Senior Lecturer