BCA Assessment Methods

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Assessment Methods are used to determine whether a Building Solution complies with the relevant BCA Performance Requirements. As shown in the Hierarchy of the Performance-Based BCA, a Building Solution can be achieved through complying with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, or by using an Alternative Solution to achieve the Performance Requirements.

The Assessment Methods described in the BCA are:

Evidence of Suitability
A2.2 in Volume One and 1.2.2 in Volume Two allow the following evidence to be submitted in support of a proposal that a material, form of construction or design meets a Performance Requirement or a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision:
• A report from a Registered Testing Authority.
• A current Certificate of Conformity or Certificate of Accreditation.
• A certificate from a professional engineer.
• A current certificate issued by a product certification body that has been accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ).
• Any other form of documentary evidence that adequately demonstrates suitability for use.

Verification Methods
Verification Methods include:
• Calculations – using analytical methods or mathematical models; and/or
• Tests – using a technical operation either on-site or in a laboratory to directly measure one or more performance criteria of a given solution.

In keeping with the flexibility provided in the performance-based BCA, practitioners are not restricted to using a listed Verification Method. Any other method may be used if the appropriate authority is satisfied that it establishes compliance with the BCA. However, in making a decision, the appropriate authority may have regard to the relevant Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions or Verification Methods provided for in the BCA.

Comparison with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions
This method permits a comparison to be made between a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision and a proposed Building Solution. If it can be demonstrated to the appropriate authority that the Building Solution complies in an equivalent or superior way to a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision, then it can be deemed to meet the relevant Performance Requirement.

Expert Judgement
Where physical criteria are unable to be tested or modelled by calculation, the opinion of a technical expert may be accepted. This is referred to as the use of Expert Judgement, that is, the judgement of a person who has the qualifications and experience necessary to determine whether a Building Solution complies with the Performance Requirements.