❓ Mr. Kirkup raises concerns about the structural integrity of 'bubble deck' construction in WA apartments. The Minister's response indicates the Building Commission hasn't investigated it directly, relying on building surveyors to ensure compliance with the National Construction Code.
AnsweredQoN 1811Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the "bubble deck" and alike construction method used in the construction of some apartments in Perth and the Pilbara and ask: (a) has the Building Commission conducted any investigation into the initial and long term structural integrity of this construction method: (i) if so, when did the investigation commence; (ii) if so, has the investigation provided a report to the Government and will the Minister table that report; and (iii) if not, given the widespread use of this relatively new method, why not; (b) does the Building Commission have any record or register of where this construction method has been used in the construction of apartments: (i) if so, will the Minister table that register; and (ii) if not, why not; and (c) does the Building Commission have any research or independent engineering reports which demonstrate that bubble deck construction is as reliable as regular construction methods: (i) if so, will the Minister table the research or reports?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 March 2018
Responded by
Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations
Response time
35 days
(a) No
(i)-(ii) Not applicable
(iii) A registered building surveying practitioner is required to assess the proposed form of construction as part of obtaining a building permit and ensure its compliance with the National Construction Code.
(b) No
(i) Not applicable
(ii) This type of record resides with the Permit Authority, which for privately owned apartment buildings is the relevant local government. These records should include the detailed plans and specifications that attach to individual building permits.
(c) No. In general terms the Building Commission does not have independent engineering reports on any form of construction. Compliance of any form of construction in a specific building is checked against the performance requirements of the National Construction Code by the registered building surveyor. The building surveyor will seek the necessary engineering assessments and reports as part of providing his or her own certificate of design compliance under the Building Act 2011.
(i) Not applicable
(i)-(ii) Not applicable
(iii) A registered building surveying practitioner is required to assess the proposed form of construction as part of obtaining a building permit and ensure its compliance with the National Construction Code.
(b) No
(i) Not applicable
(ii) This type of record resides with the Permit Authority, which for privately owned apartment buildings is the relevant local government. These records should include the detailed plans and specifications that attach to individual building permits.
(c) No. In general terms the Building Commission does not have independent engineering reports on any form of construction. Compliance of any form of construction in a specific building is checked against the performance requirements of the National Construction Code by the registered building surveyor. The building surveyor will seek the necessary engineering assessments and reports as part of providing his or her own certificate of design compliance under the Building Act 2011.
(i) Not applicable
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