Discover how and which wood products can be used in the different bushfire prone areas hazard levels and building applications. The presentation brings together the requirements of the Australian Standard AS3959 and NSW RFS Planning for Bushfire Protection requirements.

1. Building with Timber in Bushfire-prone Areas

2. Learn more about wood at UTAS Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood Graduate Certificate in Timber (Processing & Building) 4 units, part time, online Areas covered include: Wood science Design for durability and service for life Timber as a renewable resource Sustainable design and construction Engineered wood products International technologies and developments Plus, selected topics of individual interest More information: Associate Professor Greg Nolan (03) 6324 4478 or enquiries@arch.utas.edu.auwww.csaw.utas.edu.au

3. Learning Objectives After this presentation you should be able to: Understand the design objectives behind the Standard AS 3959 Determine the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of a site Identify the construction requirements in BAL–LOW to BAL–FZ Outline alternative solutions for a timber system Understand additional requirements in NSW For architects CPD - AACA Competencies: Design Documentation

4. This Presentation Modes of bushfire attack AS 3959 - Objectives & Determining BAL Timber solutions for each BAL Summary of construction solution NSW requirements and implications

5. AS 3959: History AS 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas AS 3959—1991: ember protection only – 1 level AS 3959—1999: introduction of 2 more levels – higher level of protection generally required to address exposure to radiant heat AS 3959—2009: 6 levels (BALs) of exposure including “flame zone” Amendment One – Late 2009 Amendment Two – Late 2010

6. Modes of Bushfire Attack Ember Attack Radiation Debris Secondary / Spot Fire Debris / Vegetation

7. AS 3959—2009: Design Objectives Withstand ember attack prior to the arrival of the fire front with minor levels of assistance from occupants Provide a safe refuge whilst the fire front passes After front passes any residual burning of elements should be capable of being extinguished easily by occupants Consistent with the primary focus on life safety in the Building Code of Australia Intended for Class 1, 2 and 3 buildings only (residential) Some special purpose buildings such as unattended facilities serving critical functions and buildings housing the aged and people with disabilities may require higher levels of resistance to ignition (NSW RFS planning for bushfire protection guide has requirementsfor these buildings)

8. AS 3959—2009: Determining the BAL Step 1: Determine the relevant Fire Danger Index (FDI) Step 2: Determine the classified vegetation type(s) Step 3: Determine the distance of the site from the classified vegetation type(s) Step 4: Determine the effective slope(s) under the classified vegetation type(s) Step 5: Determine the BAL from the appropriate table

9. Step 1: Relevant Fire Danger Index (FDI)

10. Step 2: Vegetation Classifications

11. Step 2: Vegetation Classification - Grassland Grassland classification reintroduced in amendment 2 of AS3959 2009 Grasslands have their own FDI – Grassland Fire Danger Index (Amendment 2 correlates GFDI to FFDI) Likely to be referenced in BCA 2011 Not yet known if this will be adopted in NSW

12. Step 3: Distance of Site from Classified Vegetation

13. Step 4: Effective slope of land under the classified vegetation

14. Step 5: Determine BAL

16. BAL—12.5

17. BAL—19

18. BAL—29

19. BAL—40

20. BAL—FZ (“flame zone”)BAL—LOW BAL—12.5 BAL —19 BAL —29 BAL —40 BAL —FZ

21. Timber Solutions for each BAL Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions) in any BAL: Anywhere the timber is protected from exposure to bushfire attack, e.g.: house frame internal flooring Internal joinery or lining

23. BAL—12.5

24. BAL—19

25. BAL—29

26. BAL—40

27. BAL—FZ (“flame zone”)Timber Solutions for each BAL

28. BAL–LOW Most metropolitan and suburban blocks are defined as BAL–LOW very low risk of bushfire attack no special requirements Build as usual once BAL–LOW is confirmed by the site’s approving authority All traditional timber framing products and systems can be used, along with the usual timber species and treated pine for decks, balustrades, handrails, finials, pergolas, etc.

29. BAL–LOW Vegetation of any type >100m from site Single areas of vegetation <1ha and >100m from classified vegetation Multiple areas of vegetation <0.25ha and >20m from site Strip of vegetation <20m in width regardless of length >20m from site Non vegetation areas (waterways, roads, etc) Low threat vegetation (inc. managed grassland, maintained lawns, golf courses, maintained public reserves and parkland, botanical gardens, vineyards, orchards, nature strips and wind breaks, commercial nurseries, etc.)

31. BAL—12.5

32. BAL—19

33. BAL—29

34. BAL—40

35. BAL—FZ (“flame zone”)BAL–12.5

37. ‘12.5’ means external construction elements are not expected to be exposed to a heat flux greater than 12.5 kilowatts per square metre (kW/m²)

38. All traditional timber framing products and systems can be used, along with the usual timber species and treated pine for decks (bearers and joists), balustrades, handrails, pergolas etc

39. Further information is in the Timber Design Guide:- Building with timber in bushfire prone Areas – 04

40. BAL–12.5 Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Enclosed or Unenclosed subfloor space: Subfloor supports (post, poles stumps) Bearers and joists Flooring

41. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Wall framing (studs and wall plates etc) Internal timber (doors, joinery, wall linings, ceiling linings, staircases, flooring over concrete slab etc.) BAL–12.5

42. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Exterior wall cladding 400 mm or above from ground or slope less than 18 degrees – deck, roof Where exterior wall cladding is below 400 mm Requires timbers to meet Appendix E2 Bushfire resisting timber BAL–12.5

43. BAL–12.5

44. BAL–12.5 Definition of external horizontal surface the ground, a deck, balcony, carport roof, awning, etc. an angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal extending more than 110 mm in width from the door or window

45. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Timber Windows or Doors Protected by screen or shutter Otherwise Solid timber door Timber species from Appendix E BAL–12.5

46. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Roof Framing Main roof – under complying tiled or sheet roof Verandas, carports and awnings provided framing is protected by complying roofing material and a fibre cement ceiling linings Hand Rails and Balustrades 125 mm or more from the building BAL–12.5

47. Timber can be used as usual for following applications (no restrictions): Verandahs and Decks Enclosed or unenclosed Supports, bearers and joists – no limitation Decking More than 300 mm from glazing – no limits Less than 300 mm from glazing Appendix E timber species Bushfire resistant timber species BAL–12.5

48. BAL–12.5

49. BAL–12.5: Appendix E Timbers Generally - any timber species that has a density of ≥750 kg/m3 (12% MC) For window and doors - timber species with a density at ≥650 kg/m3 (12% MC)

51. BAL—12.5

52. BAL—19

53. BAL—29

54. BAL—40

55. BAL—FZ (“flame zone”)BAL–19

58. BAL—12.5

59. BAL—19

60. BAL—29

61. BAL—40

62. BAL—FZ (“flame zone”)BAL–19

64. The ‘29’ refers to the chance of an increasing heat flux not greater than 29 kW/m²

65. Naturally bushfire-resisting timbers and fire-retardant treated timbers are the only timbers to be used for exposed applications.

66. For full window and glazed door protection, timber shutters (e.g. red ironbark) suitable to BAL–29 are available.

67. Check external building materials and systems have been tested and comply with Standard requirements.BAL–29

68. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Enclosed subfloor space Subfloor supports (post, poles stumps) Bearers and joists Flooring BAL–29

69. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Unenclosed subfloor space more than 400 mm above finished ground: bearers and joists flooring Unenclosed subfloor space less than 400 mm above finished ground: Bearers, joists and flooring – bushfire resistant timbers BAL–29

70. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Wall framing (studs and wall plates etc) Internal timber (doors, joinery, wall linings, ceiling linings, staircases, flooring over concrete slab etc) BAL–29

71. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Timber windows or doors: If a door is completely protected externally by a complying screen Otherwise: Timber window or door to be bushfire-resisting timber BAL–29

72. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Roof framing Main roof – under a complying tiled or sheet roof Verandas, carports and awnings, provided framing is protected by complying roofing material and fibre cement ceiling linings Hand rails and balustrades 125 mm or more from the building BAL–29

73. BAL–29: Bushfire Resisting Timber Bushfire-resisting timber can be: Naturally bushfire resisting; or Impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals; or Covered by fire-retardant coatings or substrates Materials are under development - available soon Always check to see if test reports nominate timber is artificially weathered before the test if used in “non-protected” external application

74. BAL–29: Bushfire Resisting Timber Natural bushfire-resisting timbers: Must pass a prescribed test in Appendix F AS3959 Blackbutt, red ironbark, merbau (kwila), river red gum, silvertop ash, spotted gum, turpentine

75. BAL–29: Bushfire Resisting Timber Impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals; or Fire-retardant coatings or substrates Materials are under development - available soon Always check to see if test reports nominate timber is artificially weathered before the test if used in “non-protected” external application.

76. BAL–29: Bushfire Resisting Timber Protected: Protected from weather 30 deg Exposed to weather “and they are well detailed and maintained (painted or stained and kept well ventilated)”

78. BAL—12.5

79. BAL—19

80. BAL—29

81. BAL—40

82. BAL—FZ (“flame zone”)BAL–40

83. Ember attack Burning debris ignited by wind-borne embers Increased likelihood of exposure to bushfire flames. ‘40’ comes from an increasing heat flux not greater than 40 kW/m² System solutions: AS 1530 Part 8.1 - Radiant heat and small flaming sources. BAL–40

84. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Enclosed subfloor space Subfloor supports (post, poles stumps) Bearers and joists Flooring Unenclosed subfloor Bearers, joists and flooring protected by a non-combustible lining e.g. fibre cement, roof sheet BAL–40

85. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Wall framing (studs and wall plates etc.) Internal timber (doors, joinery, wall linings, ceiling linings, staircases, flooring over concrete slab etc.) BAL–40

86. Timber can be used as usual for following applications (no restrictions): Timber windows if a window assembly is completely protected by a complying bushfire shutter Timber doors If a door is completely protected externally by a complying screen Otherwise Meets AS1530 8.1 test BAL–40

87. Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Roof framing Main roof – under complying tiled or sheet roof Verandas, carports and awnings provided framing is protected by complying roofing material and a fibre cement ceiling linings Hand rails and balustrades 125 mm or more from the building BAL–40

88. For a timber solution in BAL–40 all other applications require the system tested and comply to: AS 1530 Part 8.1 - Radiant heat and small flaming sources BAL–40

89. BAL–40: Standard Test Configurations

90. BAL–40: Principle of AS 1530.8.1 (bushfire testing standard)

91. BAL–40: Summary of Exposure and Criteria AS 1530.8

92. BAL–40: AS1530 8.1 Complying Products

94. BAL—12.5

95. BAL—19

96. BAL—29

97. BAL—40

99. BAL–FZ Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Enclosed subfloor space Subfloor supports (post, poles stumps) Bearers and joists Flooring Unenclosed subfloor Bearers, joists and flooring protected by a FRL 30/30/30 or 30 minutes resistant to incipient spread of fire system

100. BAL–FZ Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Wall framing (studs and wall plates etc) Internal timber (doors, joinery, wall linings, ceiling linings, staircases, flooring over concrete slab etc)

101. BAL–FZ Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Timber windows if a window assembly is completely protected by a complying bushfire shutter to AS1530 8.2 Timber doors If a door is completely protected externally by a complying screen to AS1530 8.2

102. BAL–FZ Timber can be used normally for the following applications (no restrictions): Roof framing Tested to AS1530 8.2 (more later) Hand rails and balustrades 125 mm or more from the building

103. For a timber solution in BAL–FZ all other applications require the system tested and comply to: AS 1530 Part 8.2 - Large flaming sources BAL–FZ

104. BAL–FZ: Summary of Exposure and Criteria AS 1530.8.2

105. BAL–FZ: Timber Roof Systems 75mm

106. Summary of Timber use up to BAL 29 Internal All BALs: All timber and wood products permitted (e.g. studs, wall plates, staircases, ceiling lining, flooring etc) External Up to BAL 19: Common natural timber species with medium to high density utilisable for all applications Up to BAL 29: Timber is permitted for use in various applications if it is: “Bushfire-resisting timber” (natural and treated with fire-retardant) Beyond BAL 29: Test elements or entire building systems (e.g. windows, doors, service penetrations, eaves/gutter details, roofs, verandas and decks, exposed structural elements)

107. Summary of Timber use in BAL—40 and FZ Systems approach BAL—40: Must comply with AS 1530.8.1 BAL—FZ: Must comply with AS 1530.8.2; or Designated FRLs

108. Going Forward …. Standard Update AS 3959—2009 has now been issued and adopted by the BCA 2010 with variations in NSW BAL—FZ timber-framed roof systems have been tested and solutions are available. These including sheet metal and concrete tile coverings.

109. NSW: Rural Fire Service (RFS) Planning for Bushfire Protection: Appendix 3 - Amended in May 2010 BAL—29 requirements for BALs 12.5 & 19 for main flooring and deck structures: Sub-floors supports Sub-floor framing and flooring NSW RFS don’t recognize AS 3959 BAL—FZ DTS solutions

110. NSW: Rural Fire Service (RFS) Always check NSW RFS information for interpretation to the standard as there are many Advice: Always try and safely lower the BAL before trying to provide alternative solutions

111. Conclusion Timber can be effectively used in buildings that are located in bushfire-prone areas by complying to AS 3959

112. Learn more about wood at UTAS Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood Graduate Certificate in Timber (Processing & Building) 4 units, part time, online Areas covered include: Wood science Design for durability and service for life Timber as a renewable resource Sustainable design and construction Engineered wood products International technologies and developments Plus, selected topics of individual interest More information: Associate Professor Greg Nolan (03) 6324 4478 or enquiries@arch.utas.edu.auwww.csaw.utas.edu.au

113. More Information Technical Design Guide: Building with Timber in Bushfire-prone areas