Abstract
It seems the incidence of severe weather resulting in damage to buildings and infrastructure — causing distress and hardship to communities — is on the increase. Is this reported damage indicating deficiencies in Australia’s building standards? Recent damage surveys have shown that the majority of contemporary structures remained structurally sound protecting their occupants, thereby meeting the life safety objective of the Building Code of Australia. However, there were examples of houses designed and built that did not conform to the relevant standards, because of the use of incorrect design parameters, poor construction practices, and inappropriate materials. It is recommended that continuing education is required in all steps of the building process.
