An update on window industry standards in the BCA from Australian Window AssociationThe Australian Window Association (AWA) represents the Australian fenestration industry at numerous levels. The AWA sits on Standards and Building Code committees, which evaluates and inputs industry comment on public drafts and amendments. The AWA also holds discussions with industry partners such as the HIA, Building Designers, Building Surveyors and the ABCB to ensure window designers and manufacturers are well represented in the decision and policy making that can affect the window industry. A vital part of this process is ensuring AWA members (close to 400 Australian window manufacturers and suppliers to the fenestration industry) and the building industry fully understands their roles and responsibilities within the system. This article is a reminder of the basic rules for windows and the reasons for them. The BCA references acceptable construction manuals and states that performance requirements are satisfied for glazing and windows if they are designed and constructed in accordance with one of the following manuals:
Compliance to the above codes is mandatory.
AS2047 'Windows in Buildings - Selection and Installation'
AS1288 'Glass in Buildings - Selection and Installation'
AS1170.2 'Wind Loads' It is difficult to satisfy someone who wants a window to resist a WIND SPEED OF X m/s. Wind speed has to be converted to pressure (Pascals) using a number of factors specific to the particular project. It is not the window manufacturer's responsibility to nominate the wind loads. THE ARCHITECT OR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER EMPLOYED FOR THE PROJECT OR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD STIPULATE WHAT PRESSURE IS REQUIRED.
Tracey Gramlick
About the AWA:
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(02) 9498 2768
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