See the following link to a release from the Ministry of business, Innovation & Employment in New Zealand explaining the CodeMark Scheme.
CodeMark
CMI Advisory Note: Product Certification vs. System Certification.
CMI has recently sought advice from the ABCB regarding the referencing to test results of products that have been tested in concert with other building materials to achieve specific compliance values.
For example, a wall sheeting material that has been tested for its acoustic and insulation values in a wall assembly that incorporates the sheeting, Rockwool insulation, an air gap and plasterboard.
Such an assembly may well achieve a R value of 50 + and comply with the requirements of the Building Code. However; if the CodeMark™ application for certification is for the wall panel, as a “product”, and not for the wall panel as a “system”, then the certificate of compliance cannot reference the R values achieved by the “system”.
In the case of a “product” certification, only the values actually achieved by the “product” that forms the subject of the certification can be attested to on the certificate of compliance.
If the application is for a “system” then the “system” certification must clearly identify the components that go into making up the system. For example:
The XYZ wall system consist of the following:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| XYZ wall panel | The XYZ wall panel is a 12mm fibre cement wall panel. |
| Top Hat | The Top Hats have a nominal width of 35mm |
| Framing | Steel framing conforming to NASH Standard/Timber Framing to AS1684 |
| XYZ Rockwool | 75mm XYZ Rockwool |
| XYZ plaster board | 10mm XYZ plasterboard |
| Fasteners & Fixing | Fixing of Top Hat to steel framing; 10-16x16mm Hex Head Teks screw |
| Fixing of XYZ wall panel panels to Top Hat from inside of buildings 14-10x65mm Hex Head Type 17 Screw | |
| XYZ Adhesive | XYZ Adhesive is used for gluing the panels together at vertical and horizontal joints. |
It is important to note that certification of a building system requires the Certificate Holder to accept responsibility for the other components used in the system. Such components must be clearly defined in the Certificate Holders version controlled installation manual or guide. Any installation of the certified system that varies from the description on the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) will be considered to be non-compliant in line with CMI’s Terms and Conditions and the Scheme Rules.
If you require further information on the above or clarification on any other aspect of the CodeMark Scheme, please contact your CMI Client Liaison Officer.
ABRB – Issue 18 Released
The ABRB is one of the ABCB’s key mechanisms for delivering and raising awareness of technically based information directly relevant to the building and plumbing industry and the community. This electronic publication provides a means for delivering information on code-related issues that address specific technical matters, contains information on broader building and plumbing regulations, and provides for expert opinions on significant technical and regulatory topics.
The ABRB is produced three times each year and is an information service to users of the NCC.
This is the August 2016 edition.
Bypass bridge steel found to fail tests in New Zealand
A article has been published by Radio NZ today that sixteen hundred tonnes of steel from China has been found to be too weak.
This steel was to be used for four bridges on the $450 million Huntly bypass that forms part of the $2 billion Waikato Expressway.
Contractors building the ‘Road of National Significance’ chose a very low bid for the steel tubes.
But the test certificates for them have turned out to be wrong, and now an expensive fix-up job is under way.
The contractors, Fulton Hogan and HEB Construction, have admitted to RNZ News the steel tubes were not good enough. They did not comply with standards for structural steel, which for bridges were very high as they must resist impacts, heavy loads and low temperatures.
It was only after a third lot of testing that the contractors found out. The first tests were done in China by the steel mill and the tube manufacturer; it is understood the second tests were done in New Zealand on samples sent here from China.
Both lots of tests said the steel met the New Zealand standard….
Read the full article on www.RadioNZ.co.nz
Method Building Systems and The Block
Everyone has either seen or heard of the TV show, The Block.
Today Method Building System released an articles on how the 2012 winner of The Block is now using Formance Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) to build his dream home in Castor Bay Auckland with his fiancé Kylie.
Smart, energy efficient, and providing additional space, it’s not surprising this savvy duo chose to build with Formance. And it’s great to have them on board.
Their unique design features a living pod and a sleeping pod on either sides of a creek, connected by a glass corridor.
The speed of construction, coupled with the huge insulative qualities that are achieved with Formance, convinced Ben to use this superior building method.
To meet with Ben and talk about his experience and insights, please join us at Buildnz Designex, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland at site 200, June 21-23, with some special offers and a pretty interesting display.
Or for more, right now, just click here
Types of Modern Construction
Modern methods of construction (MMC) are now used across the construction industry, and particularly to build new homes. MMC offer potential savings in time and materials and can provide higher standards of quality than conventional construction methods. Off-site assembly means quicker erection on site and the ability to achieve a weather-tight construction within a shorter period of time.
While off-site construction is generally well managed and auditable, there are a number of additional factors that those using MMC must bear in mind. With traditional building methods, certifiers have developed a good understanding of the associated risks. This is not the case with many new methods, and although the risk of systemic failure is low, the consequences could be severe. Insurers therefore seek to ensure that systems are correctly certified, and that they are manufactured and built in line with that certification.
MMC typically fall into the following categories:
- Volumetric or modular construction involves the off-site production of three-dimensional units. Modules may be brought to site in a variety of forms, ranging from a basic structural shell to complete rooms with internal and external finishes and services already installed.
- Panelised systems involve the off-site production of panel units, which are assembled on site. The panels may consist of wall, floor or roof units, sometimes referred to as cassettes.
Closed panel units may be built of timber, steel frame or concrete panels. Lining materials and insulation are installed in the factory. Panels often include services, windows, doors and finishes.
- Open panel systems do not include elements such as insulation, lining boards or vapor control layers. These are applied to the frame system on site, together with external cladding and internal finishing. Careful control of on-site finishing is therefore required, and the panels must be protected against the elements until weather-tight.
- Site-based structural systems, such as insulated concrete formwork, are not considered to be manufactured off-site. These systems require third-party approval to secure a warranty, and their acceptability relies heavily on the procedures in place to ensure correct installation on site.
With MMC, the construction, design and layout of a typical system is planned in advance and a “design freeze” is imposed before factory production begins.
Testing is often needed to ensure that standards for durability and weather-tightness can be achieved.
To obtain approval by a building certifier, MMC systems must:
- Meet the requirements of relevant local building codes, or international equivalents current at the time of application.
- Be covered by a current approval from an independent third-party technical approval body. Details of the testing body’s accreditation will need to be supplied to the certifier, together with the certification document.
- Have been subject to independent third-party testing that identifies equivalent local test standards have been verified. Details of performance and the limitations of use must be provided.
At CertMark, we operate the CodeMark™ certification scheme, which is recognized by the Australian and New Zealand governments and allows MMC providers to show evidence that their systems are fit for purpose. This scheme removes the requirement for individual site assessments in place of a general certification.
Contact Us
For further information regarding CodeMark certification, please contact our friendly team members on 1800 CertMark (237 862) or email Office@CertMark.org.
Fairview Architectural – Omega Aluminium Composite Panel
Fairview Architectural have just received their fourth CodeMark Certification with CMI for their Omega Aluminium Composite Panel.
This product from Fairview Architectural is a 4mm Aluminium Composite Panel and is composed of thermoplastic core of low-density polyethylene (PE) sandwiched between two skins of aluminium.
Omega’s certificate number is CMA-CM40109, check out Fairview Architecturals website for more information on Omega ACP and their other certified range at www.fairviewarchitectural.com
Force 10 International – Building Systems
Force 10 International have just received CodeMark™ certification of their Force 10 Building System in Australia. Having already obtained New Zealand CodeMark™ Certification at the start of the year for the same product, CMI and Force 10 were eager to get the Australian Certification through.
The Force 10 Building System is a ready to be assembled building structure which consists of cold formed steel floor and roof framing, and prefabricated wall panel units. The Building System is normally constructed for one, two and three storey constructions.
To view the Force 10 Building System’s Australian Certificate check out the CMI Register and search their unique certification number, which is CMA-CM40123.
For more information about Force 10 International visit www.force10global.com.au
Hiandri – Bottom Plate Packers
CertMark International are excited to announce the New Zealand CodeMark™ Certification of Hiandri Solutions Bottom Plate Packers CMA-CM40028.
Hiandri Bottom Plate Packers is a system that lifts the whole frame above the floor, keeping bottom plates dry eliminating the need for DPC and allowing unwanted external moisture to escape
Hiandri packers are used in buildings that conform to NZS3604:2011 or where Specific Design is required.
For more information on Hiandri’s products visit www.hiandri.com.
Fletcher Aluminium – Smartfit
CertMark International would like to congratulate Fletcher Aluminium who have received New Zealand CodeMark™ Certification on their Smartfit Window and Door Installation System.
This pre-assembled system is for attachment of windows and doors into the external walls of buildings. The Smartfit Systems are engineered in various configurations to suit site specific requirements.
To view Fletcher Aluminium’s Certificate check out the CMI Register and search their unique certification number, which is CMA-CM40120.
To find out more about Fletcher Aluminium’s products visit http://www.fletcheraluminium.co.nz/
