BIM integration with national codes of construction. - PlusSpec
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Integrating BIM technology with local and National Construction Codes. Will this be the turning point in our industry?

Imagine sitting down in front of your computer creating a design or structure and having the ability to quickly look up  current building codes …. Not only will these advances in technology save time , it will increase quality of specification with the end result being better, safer faster construction.

In Australia the National Construction Code  (NCC) will  becoming freely available to all,  with much thanks to the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) . An online version is proposed which will open the gate to software companies such as RubySketch to associate manufacturers models with actual construction codes that associate with a product, construction type or method.  Yet the ball doesn’t stop rolling there.  BIM software such as PlusSpec will have direct links to building codes which will be available before  a wall type has been chosen. These links can also be transferred through to the specification or even to a bill of materials.

The mind boggles at the opportunities that will arise from these advances in technology. You may like to see how we see some of these exciting opportunities coming to fruition. We have posted a free example here  and there are many more to come.

Stay tuned for more information on this subject. I know I will be.

3D details of fire walls and framing could become normal practice.

3D details of fire walls and framing could become normal practice.

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5 Comments

  • Andrew Dwight

    By http://email.synergymail.com.au/t/r-l-ciutdhy-ihjydkhkki-h/ you will have immediate access to the NCC 2015 Volumes One, Two, Three and the Guide to the BCA, along with a new stand-alone document that extracts the Performance Requirements of the NCC.

  • Andrew Dwight

    I think this is a value add to our members and should be distributed
    Accessing the free online National Construction Code 2015

    A message from the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), on 30 May 2014, the Australian Building Ministers’ Forum agreed in principle to make the 2015 National Construction Code (NCC) and future editions freely available online, significantly contributing to reducing the burden of building regulation. The decision to eliminate costs associated with buying the code will make it more accessible to both small business and the building and plumbing industries.

    Information on pre-registering for NCC 2015, options for obtaining hard copy editions of the code and answers to frequently asked questions are provided in Issue 13 of The Australian Building Regulation Bulletin.

    Pre-registration
    Users can now pre-register for free access to the 2015 edition of the NCC, which will be available online and as a PDF from 1 February 2015 in readiness for when it takes effect on 1 May 2015. To pre-register, go to the home page of ABCB website http://www.abcb.gov.au. Upon pre-registering you will be provided with a password and access details.

    Pre-registration only takes a couple of minutes to complete and will help ensure your immediate access to the NCC from 1 February 2015.

  • Andrew Dwight

    You may like to know that the NCC will be available as of February 1st 2015 if you register on the link above.

  • Andrew Dwight

    I also found this link. Basically it is the NCC 2012 free.
    https://law.resource.org/pub/au/ibr/au.ncc.1.2012.pdf

  • Andrew Dwight

    For those of you who have email me in regard to free NCC 2015 here are the details as per the ABCB website PDF
    Free National Construction Code (NCC) Online – Frequently Asked Questions
    On 30 May 2014, the Australian Building Ministers’ Forum agreed in principle to make the 2015 National Construction Code (NCC) and future editions freely available online, significantly contributing to reducing the burden of building regulation. The decision to eliminate costs associated with buying the code will make it more accessible to both small business and the building and plumbing industries. For further information, please refer to the media release issued by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry.
    Q: What is the NCC?
    A: The National Construction Code (NCC) is an initiative of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) developed to incorporate all on-site construction requirements into a single code. The NCC comprises the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Volume One and Two; and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), as Volume Three.
    Q: How is free online access to the NCC being funded?
    A: As part of the Regulatory Reform package, each of the State and Territory governments, in conjunction with the Commonwealth, have increased their funding to the ABCB to enable free online access, commencing from NCC 2015.
    Accessing the NCC
    Q: Can I get free access to NCC 2014 immediately?
    A: No. The decision by Governments to provide free NCC online access commences with NCC 2015. NCC 2014 is in effect to 30 April 2015 and is still available for purchase until this date.
    Q: Can I still purchase a hard copy of NCC 2014?
    A: Yes. Hard copy purchases of NCC 2014 will be available from the ABCB online shop until it is replaced by the free online NCC 2015 on 1 May 2015. From this date, the ABCB will no longer be involved in hard copy printing arrangements; instead, users will have the option to print their own copies of the NCC in A4 format.
    Q: How will I get access to the free online NCC 2015? When can I register?
    A: You will be able to pre-register from 1 December 2014 by visiting the ABCB website and following the link on the homepage. Registrations will be for individuals only; there will be no shared access for organisations. Each registration will have its own unique login details for each user.
    Q: I am a current NCC subscriber. Will I still have to register to view the free NCC 2015 online?
    A: Yes. Existing subscribers will still have to register on the ABCB website to view the free NCC 2015 online.
    1
    Q: When will I be able to view the free NCC 2015 online?
    A: From 1 February 2015, registered users will have access to a free preview of NCC 2015 online and PDF, which will take effect from 1 May 2015. Access will be from the ABCB website, using your username and password to log in.
    Q: Can I purchase a hard copy of NCC 2015?
    A: As of NCC 2015, the ABCB will no longer produce hard copy versions of the NCC. Instead, users have the option of printing the complete NCC set or individual Volumes from the digital download files in A4 format. Printing has also been enabled within the online service. Alternatively, individuals can arrange for a printed copy to be purchased through their local print/copy shop for personal use from the digital download files available from the ABCB website. Each of these options are available as of 1 February 2015.
    Q: Can I get access to previous NCC/BCA/PCA editions for free?
    A: Yes. From 1 May 2015, all registered users will have online access to past BCA editions and PCA editions from 2011.
    Q: Will the appendices for State and Territory variations and additions to the NCC still be included? If so, where will I find them?
    A: Yes. However, from NCC 2015 appendices will now be contained in each volume, as opposed to previous arrangements whereby they were published as a separate document.
    Q: We are a local council; do we still get a Public Viewing Copy (PVC)?
    A: No. The ABCB will no longer be printing hard copies of the NCC from the 2015 edition. NCC 2015 will be available free online for anyone who wishes to view it.
    IT System Requirements
    Q: What format is the free NCC?
    A: Registered users will be able to view the free NCC 2015 online in a web browser or download a PDF file.
    Q: What if I don’t have internet access? How can I get access?
    A: You will need a computer with internet access to view the free NCC 2015 online. Free access to computers with internet is available at most local libraries or by using internet cafes or accessing free Wi-Fi zones in your local area.
    Q: Can I print the NCC 2015?
    A: Yes. There are no printing restrictions on downloaded PDF files or website content. For ease of printing, the NCC 2015 has been reformatted to print in standardised A4. This ensures compatibility with both individuals printing hardware and print-shop facilities. This new size format also reduces the number of overall text pages.
    Q: Can I view the NCC on my iPad/tablet/mobile phone?
    A: Yes. The NCC 2015 online and PDF version can be viewed on a mobile device. The layout may change slightly based on the screen resolution available.
    2
    Technical Advice
    Q: Can I still get assistance with clarification of NCC technical provisions? How do I log a technical enquiry?
    A: For registered users, the ABCB will provide clarification of NCC clauses only, not project-specific advice. If you require clarification of an NCC clause, an enquiry can be logged via the ABCB website at the Contact Us page.
    Q: Who should I contact for a project-specific technical enquiry?
    A: For project-specific advice, contact your local building or plumbing control administration, local council or a private building certifier.
    Q: How will I know if there are any updates/amendments to the NCC after I have downloaded it?
    A: It is important that you supply your correct contact details upon registering and update your profile when necessary via the ABCB website. Email alerts will be sent to you periodically when important updates or changes to the NCC occur.
    NCC Referenced Documents
    Q: Do I still have to pay for documents referenced in the NCC such as Australian Standards?
    A: Yes. The ABCB is not responsible for the sale of NCC referenced documents such as Australian Standards. Please visit the SAI Global website to purchase Australian Standards.
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    If you would like to see an example of a model we think will be the best way in the future to implement CLICK HERE

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