TECHNICAL
AHSCA PERFORMANCE SOLUTION IN PRACTICE In 2015, the Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia (AHSCA) formed a partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) to develop a performance-based roof drainage design software that can exceed the current limitations nominated in AS3500.3.
The new roof awning at Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street in the Brisbane CBD.
As a prescriptive design standard, AS3500.3 limits box gutter designs to a maximum of 16L/s of flow and also provides only limited design options for box gutter overflow devices. This has been an issue for designers and installers alike, often resulting in over complicated gutter and downpipe designs. With this AHSCA design software, box gutter outlets and downpipes can now be designed for up to 100L/s of flow; therefore, providing designers with more flexible and cost-effective box gutter and downpipe design options. Given the potential risks around these larger stormwater flows, designers are required to successfully complete the Advanced Roof Drainage Modelling Performance Solutions course. In Queensland, Interior Engineering has most recently used the AHSCA design software for a new roof awning at Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane. As part of the Waterfront Place entrance refurbishment project, this new 1,000sqm roof section required a flawless integration of structural and hydraulic services with architectural aesthetics. The size and number of downpipes, which would have been required under AS3500.3, were not able to be accommodated within the architectural and structural features; however, with the AHSCA performance-based design solution this was achieved seamlessly. From a compliance perspective, roof and stormwater drainage in Queensland falls under the Building Act 1975, rather than the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2019. This Building Act references the Building Code of Australia (BCA), otherwise known as the National Construction Code Volumes 1 and 2. Under the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions F1.1 of the BCA, stormwater drainage must comply with AS/NZS 3500.3; however, if a performance-based solution can be proven to be equal or better than the DtS requirements, compliance with the BCA can be achieved in this way. It is important that this is discussed with the building certifier, building owner, and principal contractor at the start of the project to ensure all relevant parties are aware of and agree with the proposed performance-based solution. With the relevant design certificates provided by the AHSCA software, as well as other AHSCA supporting documentation and the hydraulic consultant’s expert assessment, compliance with the BCA was achieved. This enabled the new Waterfront Place roof awning to be constructed in line with the architect’s and building owner’s aesthetic requirements. Article written by David Mitmannsgruber, Senior Associate - Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia (AHSCA)
Corporate Profile Our business has one overarching goal – to support our clients through effective recoveries. To do this, we apply an integrated approach that incorporates three services: debt prevention, debt management, and debt recovery.
Assure Global Plus is a 46-year-old debt resolution and asset recovery business. Entirely Australian owned and operated, we are headquartered in Brisbane and have representatives in every corner of Australia. With the combined experience in excess of 80 years, Assure Global Plus has the expertise, professionalism, and discretion you need to support your clients. And with success-based fee structures, you’ll get results. Assure Global Plus offers services in credit management, debt recovery and commercial litigation. Our clients are commercial businesses of all sizes that employ our specialised skills.
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| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021
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We have the experience, proven strategies, and highly developed systems to recoup debt – quickly. The money is yours, we’re experts at recovering it, and we back ourselves by offering a result-based fee structure – If we don’t collect the debt, we won’t charge commission. Our debt recovery processes are fine-tuned and specialised. We respect your brand and reputation, and we’ll keep you informed at all stages of the debt cycle. We would welcome the opportunity to work with you in this important area of your business and to take action on your behalf we are required to hold a signed appointment form for compliance. Visit www.assureglobalplus.com.au to learn more.
