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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SPRING 2015
T
he NCC contains both Performance Solutions and
Prescriptive Solutions. Based on using either of these
approaches, ‘Developing a solution using the NCC’,
identifies the three key elements to develop a solution, and is
supplemented with three quick reference tables, one for each
volume of the NCC.
The three key steps in developing a solution involve:
1. The Performance Requirements
2. Developing the solution
3. Documenting your solution with
supporting material
The structure of the quick reference
tables allow the relationship between
the Part or Section in the NCC with the
relevant Performance Requirements
and the associated Performance
Solution (Verification Methods) and
Prescriptive Solution (DtS Provisions)
contained within the NCC. Regardless
of which solution you develop, you
have a choice in how to approach
it. Performance or Prescriptive, the
choice is yours!
WEATHERPROOFING EXAMPLE
As an example of using
the document, let’s consider
weatherproofing of new homes.
NCC Volume Two contains the
requirements for new homes.
1. THE PERFORMANCE
REQUIREMENTS
To identify the relevant Performance Requirement, you’d
simply find the ‘Damp & Weatherproofing’ title and read across
the row to the Performance Requirement column. The relevant
Performance Requirement is P2.2.2 (see image 1).
The two remaining columns for that row identify solutions
contained within the NCC. For weatherproofing, there is both
a Performance Solution and Prescriptive Solution available in
the NCC. Remember, that regardless of whether or not the NCC
contains a Performance Solution, a Performance Solution may
be developed using another Assessment Method (see Part 1 of
NCC Volume Two).
2. DEVELOPING THE SOLUTION... IT’S YOUR CHOICE!
The Performance Solution is identified as a Verification
Method which partially addresses the Performance
Requirement, V2.2.1. As the Verification Method only partially
addresses the Performance
Requirement, another type of
Performance Solution or a partial
Prescriptive Solution will be needed
to fully meet the Performance
Requirement. The NCC contains the
full Verification Method including
limitations for its use.
In addition, when developing a
Performance Solution, the table’s
introduction also identifies that
other elements from Part 1.0 of NCC
Volume Two must be considered.
This process identifies the impact
of the solution on the Performance
Requirements for other elements of
the home.
The Prescriptive Solution is
identified as a number of Deemed-
to-Satisfy Provisions contained
within the NCC. These provisions
are 3.3.4, 3.5.1, 3.5.3, 3.6 and 3.8.1
(see image 2). Like the Performance
Solution, the NCC contains the full
details of the provisions, including
their application and any limitations to their use.
By satisfying these Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, the
Performance Requirement, P2.2.2 would be met.
3. DEVELOPING YOUR SOLUTIONWITH SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
Regardless of which solution you have chosen, evidence of
satisfying the Performance Requirements is needed. Part 1.0
and Section A assist in identifying how this can be approached.
DEVELOPING A SOLUTION – IT’S
YOUR CHOICE!
DO YOU NEED HELP LINKING THE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS WITH SOLUTIONS IN THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION
CODE (NCC)? IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION TO USING THE DTS PROVISIONS? DO YOU KNOW WHICH
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS HAVE A VERIFICATION METHOD? IF YOU NEED ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS, THEN
THIS NEWLY RELEASED DOCUMENT, ‘DEVELOPING A SOLUTION USING THE NCC’ CAN HELP YOU.