Design options using the 1992 New Zealand Building Code

Abstract

In 1992 a new building control system was introduced to the industry. The 1992 Building Act, brought the New Zealand Building Code into effect. The full impact of this change is still to be recognized. This report is a record of on investigation into using the Building Code, to find whether the new system brings any advantages to the building designer, as opposed to the previous control system. The investigation is centred on comparing designing options for elements in an existing Wellington office building, between what was required under the old control system and what is now possible using the Code. In so doing, describing the advantages now possible using the new performance based Building Code. Concluding that opportunities not previously possible are provided by the new Code for the more efficient use of resources. Whether the new Code has a positive impact on the Building industry remains to be seen. This investigation presents an optimistic approach to designing within the boundaries of the new building control system, the 1992 New Zealand Building Code.