Part 3 – Alternative solution investigation

Part 3 requires you to investigate an alternative solution for the company. The company’s commercial arm is considering putting in a tender to construct a Type C, Class 7 warehouse to be used for cold storage. The brief for the design specifies that the building be constructed using an insulated sandwich panel walling system. The location of the building is within 1 m of the allotment boundary and requires the external walls to achieve an FRL of not less than 90/90/90.

The Contracts Manager has asked you to investigate whether the proposed external wall complies with the FRL requirements. Your report will require you to research and select a suitable sandwich panel material to meet the requirements of the BCA, and to explain why the material you have chosen is suitable. Your report should have the following sections:

 an introduction stating the reasons for the report

 a description of the building

 a description of the BCA provisions, including the performance requirements and the DTS provision that is being altered

 a description of the proposed external wall panels

 an explanation of the proposed wall system and its suitability, including any testing results that have been carried out or any certification the system may have in accordance with BCA A2.2

 your conclusions.

Your report should identify and include any evidence of suitability as required under A2.2.