Building Code of Australia Assessment Methods

Assessment Methods are used to determine whether a Performance Solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution complies with the relevant Performance Requirements of the BCA.

The Assessment Methods described in the National Construction Code, Building Code of Australia Volume 1 are listed below:

Evidence of Suitability

The following evidence can be submitted in support of a proposal that a material, form of construction or design meets a Performance Requirement or a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision:

  • A report from a Registered Testing Authority.
  • A current Certificate of Conformity or Certificate of Accreditation.
  • A certificate from a professional engineer or another appropriately qualified person which:
    • certifies that a material, design, or form of construction complies with the requirements of the BCA; and
    • sets out the basis on which it is given and the extent to which relevant specifications, rules, codes of practice or other publications have been relied upon.
  • A current certificate issued by a product certification body that has been accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ).
  • Any other form of documentary evidence that adequately demonstrates suitability for use.

 Verification Methods

Verification Methods include:

  • Calculations – using analytical methods or mathematical models; and/or
  • Tests – using a technical operation either on-site or in a laboratory to directly measure one or more performance criteria for a given solution.

Comparison with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

This method allows a comparison to be made between a ‘Deemed-to-Satisfy’ provision and a proposed Building Solution (including ‘Alternative Solutions).

If the performance assessment determines that the proposed building solution complies with an ‘equivalent’ or it exceeds a ‘Deemed-to-Satisfy’ provision, then it can be deemed to meet the relevant Performance Requirement.

Expert Judgement

Where physical criteria are unable to be tested or modelled by calculation, the opinion of a technical expert may be accepted.

This is referred to as the use of Expert Judgement, that is, the judgement of a person who has the qualifications and experience necessary to determine whether a Building Solution complies with the Performance Requirements.