News.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympics is reshaping the construction industry by compressing timelines, intensifying compliance, and redefining how interiors and specialist contractors deliver certainty in a deadline-driven market.

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

Standards in Flux: The tricky situation with the wind actions standard AS/NZS 1170.2, where the cited 2011 version is superseded but the 2021 version isn't yet cited.

Incremental Engineering Improvements:

ER95: A new code of practice for the seismic performance of non-structural elements and its practical take on C1/C2 anchor requirements.

Low Damage Seismic Design: How new guidelines will factor repairability and cost into designs, likely creating demand for new interior construction methods.

TS 1170.5: The new technical specification updating seismic loads based on the revised National Seismic Hazard Map.

Politically Driven Changes:

Earthquake Prone Buildings (EPB) Act: The significant rollback and what it means for the vast majority of buildings on the EPB list.

Overseas Building Products: A deep dive into the three-part amendment, including deemed-to-comply pathways for certified overseas products.

Building Minor Variations: A crucial change from "like-for-like product" to "like-for-like performance," and its impact on product substitutions and PS1 requirements.

BCA Liability: The shift from 'joint and severable' to 'proportionate liability' for councils and what it could mean for insurance and risk.

The New BCA Landscape: How private BCAs and nationwide tendering for consent work are making councils more competitive and commercially focused.

Whether you're an architect, engineer, contractor, or supplier, this presentation will help you stay ahead of the curve, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks in a rapidly evolving industry.

While both Australia and New Zealand adhere to similar fall protection standards, their approaches to enforcement and certification differ significantly. In New Zealand, independent third-party certification is a standard requirement, ensuring systems are verified from design (PS1) to final inspection (PS4). In contrast, Australia often relies on manufacturers' guidelines without the same level of oversight. This article explores why New Zealand takes a more rigorous approach to fall arrest compliance, the risks of minimal certification, and why elevating Australian practices could reduce liability and improve safety outcomes across the industry.

Brevity has been a key partner to STACKIT for many years, united by a shared passion for engineering, ingenuity, and innovation for racking and shelving.

Brevity was engaged by TSA Management to provide a wide array of non-structural seismic design throughout the Airport Transport Hub structure.

Waikeria prison redevelopment is a pivotal project for New Zealand and Brevity is proud to have played a key role in this significant national effort, contributing our expertise to ensure the highest standards of safety and design.

Tauranga City Council aims to revitalise the city' centre into a vibrant community space, starting with striking library and community hub.

One of the stand-out features of the performing arts centre is its main hall, where large sound reflectors are suspended from the ceiling, accompanied by a striking timber halo. These suspended structures not only enhance acoustics but also create an impressive visual spectacle. The seismic design requires close consideration due to their size, shape, weight and the height from which they are suspended.

Brevity was engaged to provide the interior seismic engineering plans for the ceilings and partitions for the new prison blocks at Waikeria. A number of security considerations influenced the non structural sesimic designs for the new facility.

Brevity engineer Dan Bulbridge, has been working hard to ensure the safety and stability of the aluminium framed Christchurch Christmas tree.

Brevity was engaged for their expertise in interior seismic design for ceilings and partitions for Ockham's development, The Greenhouse.

Brevity have worked with Ockham on a number of projects over recent years, and with a shared vision for working smarter, Brevity and Ockham have developed systems for efficiency from the design phase through to construction.

When it comes to designing suspended ceilings to withstand seismic loads, there are a number of solutions to consider.

Craigs Investment Partners is one of New Zealand’s largest investment advisory firms, with 650 staff servicing more than 60,000 clients. With humble beginnings in Whakatane in 1984, Craigs now operates 19 branches throughout New Zealand with over 180 Investment Advisers. With Head Office space at a premium, a $70m project is underway to develop a new site at 2 Devonport Road, Tauranga – and BVT is delighted to have a part to play!

When it comes to designing suspended ceilings to withstand seismic loads, there are a number of solutions to consider.