Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods For New Zealand Building Code Clause B2 Durability

B2 Durability Acceptable Solution B2/AS1 Third Edition outlines how to meet the durability requirements of Clause B2 of the New Zealand Building Code for building elements. It provides guidance on determining required durability periods (5, 15, or 50 years) based on accessibility, detectability of failure, and structural importance. The document includes detailed tables assigning durability periods to various building components and systems. It also references the Building Product Specifications. The third edition also has revised layout, updated references, and expanded definitions.

B2 Durability Verification Method B2/VM1 Third Edition provides a performance-based framework for demonstrating compliance with Clause B2 of the New Zealand Building Code. It applies to all building elements and outlines three methods for verifying durability: in-service history, laboratory testing, and comparison with similar materials. The third edition is published in a standalone format with a revised document structure and updated definitions.

NZS 4223.2:2016 is cited as a means of compliance for the durability of insulating glass units (double glazing).

Cited content in this document can be found on the Building CodeHub website.

Overview

All of the Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods relating to B2 are contained in one document.

• B2/VM1 provides means of demonstrating compliance with B2 Durability through laboratory tests, in-service history and the comparable performance of similar building elements.  
• B2/AS1 is limited in scope and looks at how easy or hard building elements are to replace, maintenance and common materials (including Douglas fir, radiata pine and plaster). It outlines a means of assessment of the Durability Requirement of a building element.

B2 Durability – B2/AS1, B2/VM1. Second edition, Amendment 7. Effective from 4 April 2011 until 14 August 2014.

B2 Durability – B2/AS1, B2/VM1. Second edition, Amendment 6. Published 30 June 2010. Effective from 30 September 2010 until 30 July 2014.