Attachment 1 - Site Inspection Report

moisture migrating through the joint, a clearance between the top of slab and finished
ground is to be maintained.

However, the installation of the planter boxes allows debris to accumulate between
the boxes and the building wall. Overtime the debris create damp conditions allowing
water to bypass the slab edge cold joint or build up against the slab. Moisture then
can flow into the building and generate dampness. This raises issue with building
code compliance with respect to NCC 3.1.3.3.




                          Detail of ground fall and clearance

       *Dimension 3.1.3.3(b) represents 100mm above well drained areas or 50mm
       above paved or concreted areas or 150mm in any other case.

       *Dimension 3.1.3.3(a) represents 25mm/m for paved or concreted areas or
       50mm/m in any other case.

After inspecting the planter boxes to the right side elevation it was summarised that
they pose potential future structural issues given the reduced life span of the materials
used. The planters also limit required owner maintenance and access to the building
which has potential to lead to greater pest and water migration issues into the building.


Conclusion and Recommendation

As we understand, at post completion of the building council approval was provided
for the installation of timber planter boxes along the right side of the building. Concerns
have been raised as to the structural implications that the planters may create in future.

Our services were engaged to conduct a site inspection and provide comment as to
the structural issues and future performance of the planters.

The results of the inspection returned concerns relating to the life span of the timber
planters in relation to the building. The approved construction materials were
observed to be less that of the building (i.e. pine timbers vs masonry) raising future
performance issues in terms of stability and deterioration.
                                                                                Page 9 of 10
ENGINEERING REPORT
Address:   2/16 Grant St, Noosa Heads
Reference: 112351