Tasmanian Bushfire Rebuilding Expo - Wednesday May 8 at Dunalley
The Institute has the following information available to assist those undertaking the process of rebuilding. We understand that this can be a challenge at the best of times, let alone after the recent disaster experienced by so many Tasmanians, so we hope that the following information will be helpful. If you have any further questions or need advice please do not hesitate to call 62141500 or email tas@architecture.com.au
Bushfire design principles
The objective of bushfire resistant building design is to contribute to saving lives and property in the event of a bushfire. The basic approach is to reduce the likelihood of building ignition caused by:
· Embers and burning debris carried on the wind
· Heat radiation
· Direct flame contact.
This can be achieved by the application of three basic principles in the building design phrase:
· Prevent embers and burning debris from entering or alighting upon the building
· Reduce the combustibility of the building fabric
· Discourage the build-up of combustible material on or near the building.
In addition, houses at risk of bushfire attack also need to be highly wind resistant, as the extreme winds that often accompany a bushfire can damage otherwise sound buildings, making them susceptible to ignition by the means described above.
Further elaboration on these principles and specific information pertaining to particular aspects of house design for bushfire protection can be obtained from the following sources:
The actual effectiveness of bushfire resistance has much to do with the quality of execution of the building in accordance with the bushfire resistant principles, particularly how effectively ember and burning debris are prevented from entering the building fabric, and how well the building is maintained, as well as its surrounds in accordance with fire maintenance principles.
AS 3959 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas
The Australian Standard for building in bushfire-prone areas (AS 3959-2009) has recently been revised and was released shortly after the Victorian bushfires. The revised AS 3959-2009 mandates that an initial assessment of bushfire risk categorised as Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) be applied to the assessment of all building works.
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