Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, which was initially slated for release in September, has been delayed and is now unlikely to be published until at least October. Here, FWPA provides an overview of what the forestry and wood products sector can expect. Source: Timberbiz
The NCC sets the minimum technical design and construction provisions for Australian buildings, and several changes included will impact the way timber can be used.
As part of the development process of the NCC 2022, FWPA submitted several proposals seeking modifications or additions in relation to the use of timber products. Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests received, the majority of timber-related requests will not be considered until the code is revisited again in 2025.
One timber-related change proposed by FWPA that was accepted as part of the new NCC relates to the attachment of timber decking. This update involves the accepted sizes of ledger plates (also known as ‘wall plates’), which are used to attach decking to buildings or structures.
Specifically, the minimum size of ledger plates has been reduced to a standard/common timber size, and typically available fixings have been nominated for the fixing of the plates. This modification will mean the ledger plates used going forward will better accommodate common timber element sizes and fixings.
The NCC 2022 will also require the installation of ‘accessibility features’, with a view to increasing the stock of accessible housing to support Australians with disability and older Australians, their families, and carers.
Implications of this change for the use of timber might include the installation of wooden ramps to provide step-free access to raised timber floors; installation of grab rails in toilets, showers and baths created using timber noggings or sheeting, and the requirement for wider timber doors, door frames, and wall frames.
Significant changes have also been made in relation to improving the energy efficiency of construction practices, many of which will impact how timber is used in buildings post-adoption.
Read more on the range of changes of interest to the industry on the National Construction Code website at https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/news/2022/whats-new-about-ncc-2022
In light of the NCC 2022 changes, all WoodSolutions technical design guides that reference the code need to be updated to ensure any changes to the various clause numbers are accurately reflected. The authors of these guides are in the process of checking all content and making updates where appropriate.
