Resources

‘Development of Performance Solutions’

Problem ABCB guidance document
Dilemma
NCC Volume Two General Provisions
Task
1.0.3, 1.0.5, 1.0.7
Step 1
NCC Volume Two Performance
Step 2
Requirement
Step 3 P2.3.1
Step 4
NCC Volume Two DtS Provisions
Possible 3.7.1.3, 3.7.1.5, 3.7.1.7
Outcomes

6 group members
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Problem Group members will play the role of;

Dilemma • Building Owner (one member)
Task • Builder (one member)
Step 1
• Building Designers (two members*)
Step 2
• Certifier/Approval Authority (two members*)
Step 3
* two members to collaborate
Step 4

Possible
Members who have experience in one of the roles above should play
Outcome that role
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Problem

Dilemma

Task

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Possible It is proposed that 110mm masonry-veneer external wall

Outcomes of a Class 1 building be built ≈ 880 mm from an
allotment boundary.
• The wall has been designed with a 3m wide opening in which an aluminium framed
sliding window is to be installed.
• The Certifier has advised that in consideration of Volume Two 3.7.1.3, a standard
aluminium window would not comply.
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Problem
• The Building Owner accepted the builder’s price based on an
aluminium window being installed and wants the issue resolved
Dilemma
without additional cost
Task
• The Builder wants to install the aluminium window so that the
Step 1
glazing is located at least 900mm from the allotment boundary
Step 2
• The Certifier has advised that the builder’s proposal may not
Step 3
comply with 3.7.1.5(b) - but is not sure and has advised that she
Step 4
will accept a fire-rated glass block window
Possible
Outcomes
• The Building Designer considers glass blocks to be unsuitable as the window is in a
lounge room and provides ocean views

• The Building Owner wants to retain the view from the window

• The Builder believes her proposal complies with the NCC, however, she proposes that
a non-openable window be installed with external drencher heads to protect the glazing
from exposure to an external fire
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Problem
• The Group is required to resolve the dilemma by referring to the ABCB’s
Dilemma ‘Development of Performance Solutions’ Guidance Document and applying each of the four
Task steps
Step 1
• All 6 members should support their initial position unless persuaded to change
Step 2
• An agreed outcome must be reached and must be demonstrated to comply with the
Step 3
relevant Performance Requirement
Step 4

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem • Start the discussion with each member expressing their initial
position on the dilemma
Dilemma

Task • The Group needs to select a member to prepare a record of

the agreements reached during discussions
Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem • The following points should emerge during the discussion:

Dilemma • The Certifier should offer to clarify her concern with the Builder’s proposal (which should
Task result in it not being acceptable)
• The Group should identify options that comply with 3.7.1.5 (b)(i)
Step 1
• The Group should consider options that do not comply with 3.7.1.5 but may comply with
Step 2
Performance Requirement P2.3.1
Step 3
• The Group should agree which option will be addressed under Steps 2,3 and 4
Step 4

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem • As a minimum, the following should be documented as part of the Performance-Based

Dilemma
Design Brief:
• Which Assessment Method will be used to assess whether the proposal meets the
Task
respective Performance Requirement ? (See 1.0.5 & 1.0.7)
Step 1
• What form of supporting evidence, if any, will be required by the Certifier to facilitate
Step 2 approval of the proposal?
Step 3 • What acceptance criteria will be used as a benchmark to assess whether the proposal
Step 4 complies with the NCC?

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem
• Upon completion of STEP 1, the Certifying Authority should not participate in the
Dilemma
rest of the process
Task
• A reason for this is that a Certifying Authority should not be involved in the
Step 1
development of a design that it will be required to assess
Step 2
• Involvement is allowed in STEP 1 - but not in STEPS 2, 3 and 4
Step 3

Step 4

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem
• This STEP reflects the Group’s requirements (if any) for analysis,
Dilemma modelling or testing of a proposal.
Task
• For the ‘drenched window’ proposal this may involve-
Step 1 o a test to determine the FRL of the assembly;
Step 2 o a letter of opinion from a registered testing authority; or
Step 3 o any other form of documentary
Step 4 evidence accepted by the Certifying Authority

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem Typically, analysis, modelling or testing is undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced
Dilemma practitioners who report back to the Group when the required work is completed.
Task

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem This STEP requires the Group to consider the outcome of STEP 2 and decide whether the
Dilemma reported outcome meets the acceptance criteria established in STEP 1.
Task

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem The four step process is documented as a Final Report and provided to the Certifying
Dilemma Authority as evidence to support the proposal
Task

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Possible
Outcomes
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Problem
Possible outcomes are –
Dilemma
• construction complying with 3.7.1.5 (b)(i) is installed in the opening in the wall; or
Task

Step 1
• alternative construction to that complying with 3.7.1.5 (b)(i) is demonstrated to comply
with Performance Requirement P2.3.1
Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Possible
Outcomes