Plumbing Connection Summer 2016

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PLUMBI
plumbers need to know what sort of soil they’re digging
in, apply it to the Standard and fit the drainage system
accordingly. This can only be achieved once soil test reports
have been generated by the assigned geotechnical engineer
on your project. With the in mind, always request these soil
tests from your builder before you begin work on any new site.
The engineer will take soil samples from the site, subject
them to various tests and then specify the correct site
classification according to AS 2870/2011 - Residential
slabs and footings.
This rating indicates how reactive the soil is, and will help
you to decide what design is most suitable for your site in
what are known as ‘normal wet’ and ‘normal dry’ conditions.
Below is a list of these ratings indicating what each of
them represents:
CURRENT STANDARDS
AS/NZS 3500.2 Clause 5.6 - Drains in other than stable
ground - requires practitioners to be aware of the site
specific soil conditions they are working in as the soil
conditions may affect the performance of any plumbing
or drainage installation. The method used by practitioners
to protect the drainage installation will then need to be
designed to withstand and suit the ground conditions. Drains
that are laid below ground in reactive soils must be designed
and constructed with provision to protect the drain for the
expected range of ground movement.
A sub-committee has recently been formed to review
the Deemed to Satisfy provisions to be included in AS/NZS
3500.2 and Section 4 of AS/NZS 3500.5. The group included
a group of experts from hydraulic and structural engineers,
plumbers, regulators, manufacturers and the Queensland
Building Commission to ensure nothing was left out and that
plumbers and designers have appropriate standards when it
comes to laying plumbing and drainage in reactive soils. The
review has been endorsed by the ABCB.
Manager at Storm Plastics, Marco Eibe was one member
of the sub-committee who wanted to highlight some
particular points of interests that he feels a lot of plumbers
overlook when it comes to working in reactive soils.
“Plumbers need to learn about AS2780. They are often
quick to say that if it isn’t in AS3500 they don’t want to
know about it, but it is referenced in there, and they have to
become educated.”
For more information call 1300 276 642 or visit
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