Technical supplement

Australia April 2012 Research and Product Development from James Hardie

Construction of buildings in
bushfire prone areas to AS 3959 2009
Scope This technical supplement is intended to be used as a guide in the
The new Building Code of Australia (BCA) was introduced in design and construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas in
2011 and adopts the updated AS 3959:2009 that covers accordance to Australian Standard 3959-2009 ‘Construction of
‘Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas’. These new buildings in bushfire prone areas.’
bushfire requirements have been adopted by all states with
variations in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. This supplement promotes the successful use of non-combustible
James Hardie® building materials. This technical supplement does
These state variations are outlined below: not cover all areas of bushfire construction including but not limited
to doors, windows, fascias, roofs, penetrations etc. Refer to the
New South Wales: standard for other building components.
For a Class 1 or class 10a building or deck associated with a
Class 1 building it must be constructed in accordance with This supplement does not replace the standard but helps
the following: educate designers and builders on improving the performance of
(a) AS 3959, except for Section 9 Construction for Bushfire buildings when subjected to bushfire prone areas.
Attack Level FZ (BAL–FZ). Buildings subject to BAL–FZ
must comply with specific conditions of development This supplement must be read in conjunction with the
consent for construction at this level; or current Australian Standard.
(b) the requirements of (a) above as modified by the
development consent following consultation with the NSW Overview
Rural Fire Service under section 79BA of the Environmental AS 3959-2009 specifies requirements for the construction of
Planning and Assessment Act 1979; or buildings in bushfire prone areas in order to improve their
(c) the requirements of (a) above as modified by development resistance to bushfire attack from:
consent with a bushfire safety authority issued
under section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997 for the n Burning embers
purposes of integrated development. n Radiant heat
n Flame contact
Tasmania: n And combinations of the three attack forms
Tasmania has adopted the new AS 3959 but has additional
requirements for vehicle access and water supply. Refer to the Although the standard is designed to improve the performance of
BCA for more information buildings when subjected to bushfire attack in designated
South Australia: bushfire-prone areas, there can be no guarantee that a building
Although the provisions for ‘excluded areas’ in both the BCA will survive a bushfire event on every occasion. This is
and the SA Housing Code will be adopted at a later date, all of substantially due to the unpredictable nature and behaviour of fire
the other requirements including the new Bushfire Attack Levels and extreme weather conditions.
(BAL) have been adopted in the new BCA.
There are now six bushfire attack levels, compared to the
existing three. The Standard contains construction solutions for
all Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL)’s and construction requirements
within the standard, the BAL’s increase in stringency as a direct
relationship to the increase in bushfire attack level. There are no
construction requirements for the lowest level.

The BAL levels include:

BAL - LOW, BAL - 12.5, BAL - 19, BAL - 29, BAL - 40, BAL - FZ

NOTE
The number after the BAL is based on heat flux exposure
thresholds in kW/m2.

The following table outlines solutions to internal floor, decking

and external walls using James Hardie® products.
However, the following table must be read in conjunction with
the current code.

FIGURE 1: AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE

This technical supplement must be read in conjuction with the current technical product
literature. James Hardie building products must be installed in accordance with the applicable
technical product literature. All components and accessories must be installed in accordance
with the respective manufacturer’s specifications. For the product warranty, terms and
conditions refer to the applicable James Hardie technical product literature
BUILDING IN BUSHFIRE-PRONE AREAS IN ACCORDNACE WITH AS 3959:
2009 – RELATED TO FIBRE CEMENT IN FLOOR AND EXTERNAL WALLS ONLY

Building Australian Standard 3959: 2009 Requirement James Hardie

Element Recommendations

CONSTRUCTION FOR BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL BAL’s 12.5 AND 19

FLOORS FLOORS The following James

Concrete slabs on ground Hardie flooring
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for concrete slabs on the ground. products are deemed
non combustible
Elevated floors
material
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for elevated floors, including
n Scyon™ Secura™
bearers, joists and flooring.
exterior flooring
Decking - Floor (Residential Decks
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for decking that is more than and internal areas)
300 mm from a glazed element. n Scyon™ Secura™

Decking less than 300 mm (measured horizontally at deck level) from glazed interior flooring
elements that are less than 400 mm (measured vertically) from the surface of the deck (residential internal
(see Figure D2, Appendix D) shall be made from: dry and wet areas)
n Scyon™ Secura™
(a) non-combustible material; or interior flooring
(b) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or (Residential Internal
(c) a timber species, as specified in Paragraph E1 and listed in Table E1 of Appendix E; wet area)
n HardiePanel™
For BAL 12.5
(d) PVC-U compressed sheet
(e) a combination of any of Items (a), (b), (c) or (d) above. – 15, 18 or 24mm.
(Decks and internal
For BAL 19 areas)
(d) a combination of any of Items (a), (b) or (c) above.

EXTERNAL EXTERNAL WALLS All James Hardie

WALLS Walls external cladding
That part of an external wall surface that is less than 400 mm from the ground or less than products, unless they
400 mm above decks, carport roofs, awnings and similar elements or fittings having an are less than 6mm
angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal and extending more than 110 mm in width thick eg. 4.5mm thick
from the wall (see Figure D3, Appendix D) shall be of: HardieFlex™ sheets,
(a) non-combustible material; or are suitable for external
(b) fibre-cement external cladding, a minimum of 6 mm in thickness; or walls when installed
(c) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or with vapour permeable
(d) a timber species as specified in Paragraph E1 and listed in Table E1, Appendix E; or membrane.
(e) a combination of any of Items (a), (b), (c) or (d) above. They are deemed as a
For BAL 12.5 non combustible
There are no requirements for external wall surfaces 400 mm or more from the ground or for material in accordance
external wall surfaces 400 mm or more above decks, carport roofs, awnings and similar with C1.12 and part
elements or fittings having an angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal and extending 3.7.1.2 of the Building
more than 110 mm in width from the wall (see Figure D3, Appendix D). Code of Australia.

For BAL 19 They are also deemed

This Standard does not provide construction requirements for external wall surfaces 400 a fibre cement external
mm or more from the ground or for external wall surfaces 400 mm or more above decks, cladding material as
carport roofs, awnings and similar elements or fittings having an angle less than 18 degrees they are manufactured
to the horizontal and extending more than 110 mm in width from the wall (see Figure D3, in accordance with AS/
Appendix D). NZS 2908.2.

Joints Refer to
All joints in the external surface material of walls shall be covered, sealed, overlapped, www.jameshardie.com.
backed or butt-jointed to prevent gaps greater than 3 mm. au, www.accel.com.
au or www.scyon.com.
Alternatively, sarking-type material may be applied over the outer face of the frame prior to au for more information
fixing any external cladding. on James Hardie
Vents and Weepholes products.
Vents and weepholes in external walls shall be screened with a mesh with a maximum
aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium, except where
the vents and weepholes are less than 3 mm (see Clause 3.6), or are located in an
external wall of a subfloor space.
This technical supplement must be read in conjuction with the current technical product
literature. James Hardie building products must be installed in accordance with the applicable
technical product literature. All components and accessories must be installed in accordance
with the respective manufacturer’s specifications. For the product warranty, terms and
conditions refer to the applicable James Hardie technical product literature
CONSTRUCTION FOR BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL BAL 29

FLOORS FLOORS The following James

Concrete slabs on ground Hardie flooring
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for concrete slabs on ground. products are deemed
non-combustible
Elevated floors
materials:
Enclosed subfloor space
n Scyon™ Secura™
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for elevated floors, including
bearers, joists and flooring, where the subfloor space is enclosed with: exterior flooring
(Residential Decks
(a) a wall that complies with Clause 7.4; or
and internal areas)
(b) a mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion
n Scyon™ Secura™
resistant steel, bronze or aluminium; or
interior flooring
(c) a combination of Items (a) and (b) above.
(residential internal
Unenclosed subfloor space dry and wet areas)
Where the subfloor space is unenclosed, flooring material, including bearers, joists and n Scyon™ Secura™

flooring less than 400 mm above finished ground level, shall be: interior flooring
(a) non-combustible (e.g., concrete, steel); or (Residential Internal
(b) of bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or wet area)
n HardiePanel™
(c) particleboard or plywood flooring where the underside is lined with sarking-type
material or mineral wool insulation; or compressed sheet
(d) a system complying with AS 1530.8.1; or – 15, 18 or 24mm.
(e) a combination of any of Items (a), (b), (c) or (d) above. (Decks and internal
areas)
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for elements of elevated floors,
including bearers, joists and flooring, if the underside of the element is 400 mm or more
above finished ground level.
Decking - Floor
Decking shall be:
(a) of non-combustible material; or
(b) of bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or
(c) a combination of Items (a) and (b) above.

EXTERNAL EXTERNAL WALLS All James Hardie

WALLS Walls external cladding
Walls shall be one of the following: products, unless they
(a) Made of non-combustible material (e.g., full masonry, brick veneer, mud brick, concrete, are less than 6mm eg.
aerated concrete). 4.5mm thick
or HardieFlex™ sheets,
are suitable for the
(b) Made of timber-framed or steel-framed walls that are sarked on the outside of the
external walls when
frame and clad with:
installed with vapour
(i) fibre-cement external cladding, a minimum of 6 mm in thickness; or
permeable membrane.
(ii) steel sheet; or
(iii) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or They are deemed as
(iv) a combination of any of Items (i), (ii) or (iii) above. a non combustible
or material in accordance
(c) A combination of Items (a) and (b) above. with C1.12 and part
3.7.1.2 of the Building
Joints
Code of Australia.
All joints in the external surface material of walls shall be covered, sealed, overlapped,
They are also deemed
backed or
a fibre cement external
butt-jointed to prevent gaps greater than 3 mm.
cladding material as
Alternatively, sarking-type material can be applied over the frame prior to fixing any exter- they are manufactured
nal cladding. in accordance with
AS/NZS 2908.2.
Vents and weepholes
Vents and weepholes in external walls shall be screened with a mesh with a maximum aper- Refer to
ture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium, except where they are www.jameshardie.
less than 3 mm (see Clause 3.6). com.au, www.accel.
com.au or www.
scyon.com.au for
more information
on James Hardie
products.

This technical supplement must be read in conjuction with the current technical product
literature. James Hardie building products must be installed in accordance with the applicable
technical product literature. All components and accessories must be installed in accordance
with the respective manufacturer’s specifications. For the product warranty, terms and
conditions refer to the applicable James Hardie technical product literature
CONSTRUCTION FOR BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL BAL 40

FLOORS FLOORS The following James

Concrete slabs on ground Hardie flooring
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for concrete slabs on ground. products are deemed
non combustible
Elevated floors
materials:
Enclosed subfloor spaces
n Scyon™ Secura™
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for elevated floors, including
bearers, joists and flooring, where the subfloor space is enclosed with a wall that complies exterior flooring
with Clause 8.4. (Residential Deck
and internal areas)
Unenclosed subfloor spaces n Scyon™ Secura™
Where the subfloor space is unenclosed, the flooring material, including bearers, joists and interior flooring
flooring, shall: (Residential internal
(a) be non-combustible (e.g., concrete, steel); or dry and wet areas)
(b) have the underside of the combustible elements of the floor system protected with a n Scyon™ Secura™

non-combustible material (e.g., fibre-cement sheet or metal sheet); or interior flooring

(c) comply with AS 1530.8.1; or (Residential Internal
(d) be a combination of any of Items (a), (b) or (c) above. wet area)
n HardiePanel™ com
Decking pressed sheet
Decking shall be: – 15, 18 or 24mm.
(a) of non-combustible material; or (Decks and internal
(b) a system complying with AS 1530.8.1, or areas)
(c) a combination of Items (a) and (b) above.
NOTE
James Hardie 6mm
HardieFlex™ sheets
may be a suitable non-
combustible material to
have on the underside
of a floor system for an
unenclosed subfloor
space.

EXTERNAL EXTERNAL WALLS The following James

WALLS Walls Hardie external cladding
Walls shall be one of the following: products are 9mm thick
(a) Walls made from non-combustible material (e.g., full masonry, brick veneer, mud brick, and thus can be used:
concrete, aerated concrete). n Scyon™ Linea

or weatherboard
(b) Timber-framed or steel-framed walls that are sarked on the outside of the frame and n Scyon™ Stria™

clad with: cladding

n Scyon™ Axon™
(i) fibre-cement external cladding, a minimum of 9 mm in thickness; or
(ii) steel sheeting; or cladding
n PrimeLine®
(iii) a combination of Items (i) and (ii) above.
or weatherboards
n ComTex® facade
(c) A system complying with AS 1530.8.1.
panel and fixing
or
system
(d) A combination of any of Items (a), (b) or (c) above.
n 9mm ExoTec®
Joints facade panel and
All joints in the external surface material of walls shall be covered, sealed, overlapped, fixing system
backed or butt-jointed to prevent gaps greater than 3 mm.
Refer to
Alternatively, sarking-type material may be applied over the frame prior to fixing any www.jameshardie.com.
external cladding. au, www.accel.com.au
or www.scyon.com.au
Vents and weepholes for more information on
Vents and weepholes in external walls shall be screened with a mesh with a maximum James Hardie products.
aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel or bronze except where they are less
than 3 mm (see Clause 3.6). NOTE
Although, EasyLap™
Panels are 8.5mm thick
they have also been
approved when installed
as per the current
installation manual.
This technical supplement must be read in conjuction with the current technical product
literature. James Hardie building products must be installed in accordance with the applicable
technical product literature. All components and accessories must be installed in accordance
with the respective manufacturer’s specifications. For the product warranty, terms and
conditions refer to the applicable James Hardie technical product literature
CONSTRUCTION FOR BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL FZ (BAL –FZ)

FLOORS FLOORS The following James

Concrete slabs on ground Hardie flooring
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for concrete slabs on ground. products are deemed
non-combustible
Elevated floors
materials:
Enclosed subfloor spaces
n Scyon™ Secura™
This Standard does not provide construction requirements for elevated floors, including
bearers, joists and flooring, where the subfloor space is enclosed with a wall that exterior flooring
complies with Clause 9.4. (Residential Decks
and internal areas)
Unenclosed subfloor spaces n Scyon™ Secura™
Where the subfloor space is unenclosed, the floor system, including bearers, joist and interior flooring
flooring, shall: (residential internal
(a) have an FRL of at least 30/30/30 and the surface material shall be non-combustible dry and wet areas)
(e.g., concrete, steel); or n Scyon™ Secura™

(b) have the underside of the combustible elements of the floor system protected with a interior flooring
30 min resistance to incipient spread of fire system; or (Residential
(c) comply with AS 1530.8.2 when tested from the underside; or Internal wet area)
(d) be a combination of any of Items (a), (b) or (c) above. n HardiePanel™

compressed
Decking sheet – 15, 18 or
Decking shall have no gaps and be: 24mm. (Decks
(a) of non-combustible material; or and internal areas)
(b) fibre-cement sheet; or
(c) a system complying with AS 1530.8.2; or
(d) a combination of Items (a), (b) or (c) above

EXTERNAL 9.4 EXTERNAL WALLS A 30/30/30 Wall FRL

WALLS 9.4.1 Walls can be achieved with
Walls shall be one of the following: James Hardie external
(a) Walls made of non-combustible material (e.g., masonry, brick veneer, mud brick, aer- cladding when used
ated concrete, concrete) with a minimum of 90 mm in thickness. with other materials,
or refer to figures 4a,
(b) A system complying with AS 1530.8.2 when tested from the outside. 4b, 5a & 5b for more
or information.
(c) A system with an FRL of 30/30/30 or -/30/30 when tested from the outside. Refer to
or www.jameshardie.com.
(d) A combination of any of Items (a), (b) or (c) above. au, www.accel.com.au
9.4.2 Joints or www.scyon.com.au
All joints in the external surface material of walls shall be covered, sealed, overlapped, for more information on
backed or James Hardie products.
butt-jointed to prevent gaps greater than 3 mm. Alternatively, sarking-type material may be
applied over the frame prior to fixing any external cladding.
9.4.3 Vents and weepholes
Vents and weepholes in external walls shall be screened with a mesh with a maximum
aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel or bronze, except where they are less
than 3 mm (see Clause 3.6).

This technical supplement must be read in conjuction with the current technical product
literature. James Hardie building products must be installed in accordance with the applicable
technical product literature. All components and accessories must be installed in accordance
with the respective manufacturer’s specifications. For the product warranty, terms and
conditions refer to the applicable James Hardie technical product literature
Typical Applications

Walls/Floors
Non-Fire Rated Wall (non combustible detail)
Up to and including BAL 40
There are requirements in certain cases where the sub-floor
space must be fully enclosed with non-combustible material (for
which fibre cement is suitable). There are also cases where the
floor must be sheeted underneath with a fire-retardant-treated
(FRT) timber or a non-combustible material (for which fibre
cement is suitable). In both cases the minimum required
thickness of the fibre cement is 6mm.

Figure 3: 30/30/30 One way FRL - OPTION 1

Figure 4A: 30/30/30 One way FRL OVERHANG FOOTING

- OPTION 1

Figure 2: Non combustible floor detail

Figure 4B: 30/30/30 One way FRL ALIGNED - OPTION 1

Figure 3: Slab on Ground detail-NON COMBUSTIBLE ONLY

FIRE RATED WALL -30/30/30

For BAL -FZ
When a minimum 90x45mm wall frame is constructed at 600mm
maximum stud centres using the below external and internal wall
configuration, it will satisfy a 30/30/30 one way fire rating from
the outside.

Figure 5A: 30/30/30 One way FRL OVERHANG FOOTING

- OPTION 2

This technical supplement must be read in conjuction with the current technical product
literature. James Hardie building products must be installed in accordance with the applicable
technical product literature. All components and accessories must be installed in accordance
with the respective manufacturer’s specifications. For the product warranty, terms and
conditions refer to the applicable James Hardie technical product literature
 15mm ECOplywood sheet Layer:

n All 15mm ECOplywood joints must fall on framing members

or steel angles at fascia or at wall.
n 15mm ECOplywood sheets must be fixed to framing
members at 200mm maximum centres with screws that are a
minimum 50mm long.

16mm Boral Firestop plasterboard sheet layer:

n Boral Firestop plasterboard butt joints must not coincide with

the 15mm ECOplywood joints.
n Boral Firestop plasterboard to be fixed to the framing at
150mm maximum centres around the perimeter, as well as at
200mm max centre spacing along framing.
n Plasterboard fastener to be plasterboard screws.

James Hardie 4.5mm HardieFlex sheet layer:

n James Hardie 4.5mm HardieFlex sheets can be butt

jointed or joined with PVC jointers on framing only.
n James Hardie 4.5mm HardieFlex sheets cannot be joined
off framing.
n The fastener recommended in the HardieFlex lining
Figure 5B: 30/30/30 One way FRL ALIGNED - OPTION 2 installation manual must be increased by 31mm minimum to
allow for the additional layers behind the HardieFlex lining.
n James Hardie 4.5mm HardieFlex sheets must be installed in
Eaves accordance with the current James Hardie Eave & Soffit
Technical Specification.
The roof/wall junction must be sealed by either the use of fascia
or eaves linings or by sealing between the rafters at the line of
the wall. All other types of roofing must be constructed to ensure
that burning embers do not penetrate into the roof space.

BAL Requirement
BAL LOW No construction requirement but min. 4.5 mm fibre
cement sheet is recommended
BAL 12.5 No construction requirement but min. 4.5 mm fibre
cement sheet is recommended
BAL 19 No construction requirement but min. 4.5 mm fibre
cement sheet is recommended
BAL 29 Minimum 4.5 mm fibre cement sheet
BAL 40 Minimum 6 mm fibre cement sheet
BAL FZ A system with a FRL or -/30/30. See figure 7.

Figure 7: FIRE RATED Eave detail (FRL -/30/30)

* Framing to be at maximum 450mm centres.

This technical supplement must be read in conjuction with the current technical product
literature. James Hardie building products must be installed in accordance with the applicable
technical product literature. All components and accessories must be installed in accordance
with the respective manufacturer’s specifications. For the product warranty, terms and
conditions refer to the applicable James Hardie technical product literature