The Victorian Building Authority has funded research which aims to reduce the frequency of water-related defects encountered in concrete balconies in apartment buildings by identifying opportunities for improvement in concrete balcony design and construction practices.
Led by Professor Shan Shanmugananthakumar and in collaboration with the Housing Industry Association, the Swinburne University of Technology project would also aim to improve the regulatory standards in concrete balcony construction.
VBA state building surveyor Andrew Cialini said the regulator was supporting research which will find, or contribute to, new and innovative solutions to minimise moisture ingress and water damage.
“Water damage routinely tops the list of defects encountered in buildings and in complaints to the VBA,” he said.
“Reducing the risk of moisture ingress and water damage in Victorian buildings through our regulatory activities is one of the VBA’s focus areas.
“By improving building practices, we also aim to alleviate any health, amenity, and structural integrity impacts for all Victorians.”
Professor Shanmugananthakumar said the research would identify opportunities to improve structural systems, methods of build, and the properties and performance of materials to limit balcony water ingress.
“This research intends not only to investigate building materials and methods, but also study waterproofing methods, to quantify their effectiveness using a whole-of-life investigation framework, which includes repair and replacement costs,” he said.
