Type B Construction Building Codes & Rules

- Explore Type B Fire Resisting Construction with Tools™. FRL requirements, fire source exposure, and NCC insights through interactive graphics for compliance.

Combustible Cladding

≥ 30% of PE (Polyethylene) on ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) are banned to use in any exterior cladding^[1]
Type B Construction as defined in Building Code of Australia^[2]

Combustible Cladding (Type B Construction)

NCC 2022 V1

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 C1P2 (1)

NCC 2022 C2D10 (1)

May 2023

NSW Fair Trading

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C1P2 (1)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (1)

Type B Construction as defined in Building Code of Australia^{NSW Fair Trading}
≥ 2 storeys on Class 2, 3 & 9 Building
≥ 3 storeys on Class 5, 6, 7 & 8 Building
Fire Resistance on a building must have elements to avoid the spread of fire on^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C1P2 (1)}
Exits,
Sole-occupancy Units & Public Corridors,
Between Buildings,
Within the Building
Non-combustible Building Element & their Components for Type A or B Construction^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (1)}
External walls & Common walls includes
Facade covering,
Framing & insulation
The Flooring & Floor framing of lift pits
Fire-resistant non-loadbearing internal walls

Non-combustible Building Elements

NCC 2022 V3

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 C2D10 (5)

NCC 2022 C2D10 (6)

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (5)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (6)

Non-combustible Material that entirely composed of itself^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (5)}
Concrete,
Steel,
Masonry,
Aluminium,
AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete),
Iron,
Terracotta,
Porcelain,
Ceramic,
Natural stone,
Copper,
Zinc,
Lead,
Bronze,
Brass
Anywhere a non-combustible material is needed, the following materials can be used^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (6)}
Plasterboard
Perforated gypsum lath with a normal paper finish
Fibrous plaster sheet
Fibre-reinforced cement sheeting
Pre-finished metal sheeting
≤ 1mm thk
≤ 0 Spread-of Flame Index
Sarking type materials
≤ 1mm thk
≤ 5 Flammability Index
Bonded Laminated Materials
Non-combustible laminas
Adhesive layers
≤ 1mm thk
≤ 2mm total thickness
≤ 0 Spread of Flame Index
≤ 3 Smoke Developed Index

NSW Fair Trading

≥ 30% of PE (Polyethylene) on ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) are banned to use in any exterior cladding^{NSW Fair Trading}
Type B Construction as defined in Building Code of Australia^{NSW Fair Trading}

SOU 1

Corridor/

Public Space

Non-Loadbearing Building Element

Fire Source Feature

Lift Shaft

Stair Shaft

Balcony & Verandah

FRL required if part of the only path leading to the building exit

Mezzanine

Duct

SOU 2

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21

Service Shafts^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21}

No requirement

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21

Roof Lights^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21}

No requirement

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (5)

Balconies & Verandahs^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (5)}

FRL required for structure if part of the only path leading to the building exit
Refer to Floor, External Walls & Columns for equivalent FRL requirements

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C3 (1)

Support of Another Element^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C3 (1)}

Any element providing support to another element generally must equal in
FRL &
Non-combustibility

Type A Construction

Type C Construction

Types of Construction

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3

Distance

FSF^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3}

Compartmentation & Separation

Carpark

Elements with FRL as per main building^[1]
Carparking areas can be reduced FRL if separated from main building & sprinklered^[2]

Type B Construction Floor RULES

NCC 2022 V4

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C21 [2019 Spec 1.1: 4]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)

FRL required to
Class 2 or 3 (other than within a Sole Occupancy Unit)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)} &
Class 9a Health Care & Class 9b^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)}
Floors & Beams that are between storeys, above parking, storage or any other ancillary space,
Class 9c Floor, Beams & Columns that are above parking, storage or any other ancillary space^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)}
Protect with^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)}
A ceiling ≥ 60 minutes Resistance to the Incipient Spread of Fire (RISF) , or
30/30/30 FRL, or
If combustible or metal protected from the underside with fire-protective covering

Class 2 & 3 RECLASSIFICATION

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 & 3

NCC 2022 S5C9 [2019 Spec 1.1: 2.8]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C9 (1)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C9 (2)

Class 7 is considered Class 2 (only for FRL requirements)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C9 (1)}

If ≤ 4 storey building with
Only one storey used as parking, or other ancillary purpose to Class 2, &
Remaining storeys are Class 2

Class 7 is considered Class 3 or mixed 2 & 3 (only for FRL requirements)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C9 (2)}

If ≤ 3 storey building with
Only one storey used as parking, or other ancillary purpose to Class 2, &
Remaining storeys are Class 3 or mixed 2 & 3

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C22 (3)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C22 (1)

Elements with FRL as per main building^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C22 (3)}
Carparking areas can be reduced FRL if separated from main building & sprinklered^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C22 (1)}

Bounding Walls

Walls bounding^[1]
Sole-occupancy Units
Public corridors & lobbies

Bounding Wall RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 S5C21 [2019 Spec 1.1: 4]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c) (iv)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (e)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)

Must extend to^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)}
Underside of 30/30/30 FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c) (iv)} floor above, or
Underside of ceiling with a Resistance to the Incipient Spread of Fire (RISF) ≥ 60 minutes^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c) (i)} , or
Underside of roof covering if non-combustible, or
≥ 450mm^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c) (ii)} above roof covering if combustible
If Loadbearing constructed of^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)}
Concrete or Masonry
Fire-protected timber (with limitations)
FRL not required
If bounding a Sole Occupancy Unit (SOU) if is on topmost level & only unit in that level^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (e)}
Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building when in a Storey directly below a Roof^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)}

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)

Walls bounding^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)}
Sole-occupancy Units
Public corridors & lobbies

Roof & Ceilings

FRL not required for Roof^[1]
Refer to Lift & Stair Shafts for enhanced requirements^[2]

Rooftop Structure RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C6 [2019 Spec C1.1: 2.5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (3)

No FRL requirements for the structure situated on a roof if^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (3)}
Non-combustible
Contains lift motor equipment, or
Water tanks, or
Ventilating system, or
A/C chillers, or
Window cleaning equipment, or
Other non-combustible service units not containing flammable or combustible liquids or gases

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (3)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)

FRL not required for Roof^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (3)}
Refer to Lift & Stair Shafts for enhanced requirements^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)}

Fire-Source Feature (FSF)

A possible fire-source where the spread of fire to the subject building is a risk^[1]
Allotment Boundary
Adjacent building on the same allotment

Fire Source Feature EXPOSURE

NCC 2022 V4

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 C4D3 & S5C2 [2019 C3.2, Spec C1.1: 2.1]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, Glossary

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (3)

Boundaries^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, Glossary}
The far boundary of a road, river, lake or similar adjoining the allotment, or
Rear & Side boundaries
Elements below finished ground level at every relevant part of the boundary are not considered as exposed
Adjacent Building (on same allotment)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (1) (a)}
The external wall of a separate building (other than Class 10)
> 15m above another building is not considered as exposed
Barrier Element^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (2) (a)}
30/-/- FRL wall or similar that is not transparent or translucent can shield exposure to a Fire Source Feature
Varying Distance to FSF (Fire Source Feature)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (3)}
FRL of any element must either be
equal to the required FRL for the minimum distance of any part, or
varying FRL dependant on the individual distance

NCC 2022 Vol 1, Glossary

A possible fire-source where the spread of fire to the subject building is a risk^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, Glossary}
Allotment Boundary
Adjacent building on the same allotment

Lift & Stair Shafts

Top & bottom enclosed by element with equal FRL^[1]
Support of a floor must not compromise the Shaft structure^[2]

Lift & Stair Shaft RULES

NCC 2022 V1

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C21 [2019 Spec 1.1: 4]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (2) (a)

Walls must extend to underside of a Floor or Roof above^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)}
Base can be non-rated if non-combustible & constructed on ground^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (b)}
Top can be non-rated if not a fire-isolated Stair or Ramp & projects beyond the roof line^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c) (i)}
If Loadbearing^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (2) (b)}
Concrete or Masonry
Fire-protected timber (with limitations)
If the Shaft is supporting any floor or structural part of it^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (2) (a)}
Floor & its support structure 60/-/- FRL, or
Junctions must allow the floor to sag or fall in a fire without damaging the shaft

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (1)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (b) (ii)

Top & bottom enclosed by element with equal FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (1)}
Support of a floor must not compromise the Shaft structure^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (b) (ii)}

Common & Fire Walls

Fire-resistant Barrier to prevent spread of fire between buildings or separate Fire Compartments^[1]

Common & Fire Wall RULES

NCC 2022 V1

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 S5C21 [Spec C1.1: 4]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)

Must extend to underside of Floor or Roof above^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)}
If Loadbearing constructed of^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)}
Concrete or Masonry
Fire-protected timber (with limitations)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C3D8 (3)

Fire-resistant Barrier to prevent spread of fire between buildings or separate Fire Compartments^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C3D8 (3)}

Floors

FRL required between storeys & above parking & storage for most residential or public use buildings^[1][2]

Type B Construction Floor RULES

NCC 2022 V4

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C21 [2019 Spec 1.1: 4]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)

FRL required to
Class 2 or 3 (other than within a Sole Occupancy Unit)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)} &
Class 9a Health Care & Class 9b^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)}
Floors & Beams that are between storeys, above parking, storage or any other ancillary space,
Class 9c Floor, Beams & Columns that are above parking, storage or any other ancillary space^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)}
Protect with^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)}
A ceiling ≥ 60 minutes Resistance to the Incipient Spread of Fire (RISF) , or
30/30/30 FRL, or
If combustible or metal protected from the underside with fire-protective covering

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)

FRL required between storeys & above parking & storage for most residential or public use buildings^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (f)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (g)}

Mezzanine

Floor area of Mezzanine determines if required to have FRL^[1]
FRL of adjacent building elements may require upgrade^[2]

Mezzanine RULES

NCC 2022 V3

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C7 [2019 Spec C1.1: 2.6]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2)

FRL is not required to a Mezzanine Floor or its support if^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2)}
Total Floor Area of all Mezzanines in a room is the lesser of ≤ 200m² or
≤ 1/3rd of the Floor Area, &
FRL of each Wall & Column that supports another part of the building ≤ 6m from the Mezzanine is increased as per table below

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2) (b)

Floor area of Mezzanine determines if required to have FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2) (a)}
FRL of adjacent building elements may require upgrade^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2) (b)}

Protection of Openings

If a wall requires an FRL, then any openings must also be protected^[1], &
≤ 1/3 Area of the external wall of the Storey is allowed to be an opening (Doors, Windows etc)^[2]
Class 9b Spectator Stand is excluded from this rule^[3]

Protection of Openings

NCC 2022 V1

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 C4D5, S12 [2019 C3.4, S3.4]

1 May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (a) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (a) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (b) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (b) (iii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (c) (ii)

Protected with external Wall-wetting Sprinklers, or
Doorways to AS 1905.1
-/60/30 FRL Fire Doorset^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (a) (ii)}
Self-closing^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (a) (i)}
Windows or Fire Shutters
-/60/- FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (b) (ii)}
Self-closing^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (b) (iii)}
Other Openings
-/60/- FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (c) (ii)}

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (3)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (1)

If a wall requires an FRL, then any openings must also be protected^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (3)}, &
≤ 1/3 Area of the external wall of the Storey is allowed to be an opening (Doors, Windows etc)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (3)}
Class 9b Spectator Stand is excluded from this rule^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (1)}

Internal Walls & Columns

Structure component of FRL required only^[1][2]

Internal Loadbearing Element RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C21 [2019 Spec 1.1: 4]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (e)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)

Columns & Walls to the following table
Does not apply to^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)}
Walls bounding Sole-occupancy Units
A Loadbearing wall must be constructed of^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (e)}
Masonry or concrete
Fire-protected timber (with limitations)
FRL not required^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)}
Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building when in a Storey directly below a Roof

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)

Structure component of FRL required only^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (c)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (d)}

External Walls & Columns

FRL varies dependant on distance from Fire-source Feature (FSF)^[1]
Non-combustible Curtain or Panel Walls do not require an FRL if sprinklered^[2]

External Wall & Column RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C21 [2019 Spec 1.1: 4]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)

Includes any other element within the wall^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)}
Beams
Lintels
Does not include freestanding columns

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (4)

FRL varies dependant on distance from Fire-source Feature (FSF)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)}
Non-combustible Curtain or Panel Walls do not require an FRL if sprinklered^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (4)}

External Freestanding Column

FRL affected by distance from Fire-source Feature (FSF)^[1][2]

External Column FRL

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C21 [2019 Spec 1.1: 4]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)

FRL affected for loadbearing columns if ≤ 18m from Fire-source Feature (FSF)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)}
FRL not affected for non-loadbearing columns by distance from Fire-source Feature (FSF)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)}

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (3)

FRL affected by distance from Fire-source Feature (FSF)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (1) (a)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C21 (3)}