scope:

Scope and objective

This Standard sets down design and construction requirements for adobe, pressed earth brick or rammed earth buildings not requiring specific design.

This Standard is intended to be approved as a means of compliance with clauses B1, B2 and E2 of the New Zealand Building Code.

The use of the Standard as a means of compliance with the New Zealand Building Code does not extend to provisions which are in non-specific or unquantified terms (such as where provisions are required to be appropriate, adequate, suitable, similar, satisfactory, acceptable, applicable or the like). Such provisions must be to the approval of the territorial authority.

Many of the clauses and tables in this Standard contain specific or implied limitations. The use of values other than those given by the clauses and tables does not comply with this Standard. Furthermore, this Standard does not cover all of the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code. This Standard provides solutions within a specified range for a large number of building applications which, for most buildings, lead to some provisions being in excess of what would be provided for by specific design.

Particular details, materials or methods of earth building construction which are not covered by this Standard are not necessarily disallowed but are outside its scope as a means of compliance with the New Zealand Building Code. Note that poured earth although within the scope of NZS 4298, is not within the scope of this Standard. If such aspects are incorporated in a building consent application then they will be treated as an alternative solution to the New Zealand Building Code and need to be to the satisfaction of the territorial authority.