The case for using robust, non-combustible materials like concrete and masonry for dwellings and buildings in bushfire-prone regions is put forward in a new publication from Cement, Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA).
‘Briefing 10: Building in Bushfire-prone Areas’ covers all the fundamentals of designing and constructing homes and buildings in ‘at-risk’ areas, according to CCAA.
The group saysthe report also provide useful information on the nature of bushfire attacks; what can be done to prepare buildings for an attack, and what maintenance needs to be carried out afterwards.
The Briefing has been prepared as a resource for architects, builders, engineers, owners, developers and Council and private certifiers.
“Bushfires are inevitable in many parts of both rural and urban Australia — and experience shows weather conditions are becoming more extreme,” says Carol Moir, CCAA’s manager - market development and communications.
“Construction materials in these areas should be non-combustible and robust, and concrete and masonry fulfill this criteria perfectly.
“These materials are also cost effective. In fact, a precast reinforced concrete panel house with slab floor and a framed roof and internal walls can be built economically and in less time than a clad timber framed or brick veneer house.”
Briefing 10: Building in Bushfire-prone Areas is available as a free download at the CCAA website, www.ccaa.com.au
