Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas [Fourth Edition]

Research Background AS3959 is an Australian Standard referenced in the National Construction Code which is the core component of regulatory framework for all building construction in Australia. The standard is unique in the world. It is both comprehensive (over 150 pages) and responsive to findings in ongoing scientific research, building design innovation and consumer needs, and as such it is updated every 5-10 years to maintain its industry relevance. Research Contribution AS3959:2018 synthesizes and disseminates critical information to the building design and construction industries to enable greater resilience of buildings in bushfire events, thereby achieving significant improvements in human survivability. Dr Weir's role in AS3959:2018 includes a 3.5 year period of review and co-drafting of new provisions in the most significant portion of the standard which relates to the construction details for houses sited in a range of different 'bushfire attack levels'. Research Significance AS3959:2018 has been developed in consultation with 22 peak industry bodies, and is disseminated nationally through online and print subscriptions with hardcopies held in every public library and local government office in Australia. It is one of the most important standards relating to building design in this country. Dr Weir, represents the Bushfire Building Council of Australia on this Standards Australia committee (the authors) and has - through his extensive knowledge on building design in bushfire areas - brought a rational approach to the review and redrafting of both the present standard (AS3959:2009) and the draft version "DR AS3959:2017" published in 2017. The outcome is a set of guidelines that will increase building and human survivability in bushfires.