Fiji Engineers Research Termites Resistant Materials
The Fiji Institute of Engineers, in collaboration with Wavefront Planning and Design, is currently conducting research on termites resistant building materials.
Janis Fedorowick, a representative from Wavefront Planning and Design, shared this information during the Fiji National Building Code Public Information Sessions held at Nadi Civic Centre on Tuesday.
The Government of Fiji, in partnership with the Asian Development
Bank, has undertaken the task of updating the Fiji National Building Code (FNBC) and the Fiji Home Builders Manual (FHBM). This initiative aims to enhance health, safety, and climate resilience in the country’s building sector.
To ensure that the updated Building Code incorporates local expertise, a Joint Task Group comprising 37 representatives from Government ministries and the private sector has been formed. Wavefront Planning and Design, a Canadian development design and policy firm experienced in this field, has been selected to oversee the project.
They completed the update to the Samoa National Building Code with the input of engineering and architectural professionals from Fiji and Samoa.
During her presentation, Ms Fedorowick emphasised that termites posed a significant threat, particularly in the Western Division of Fiji.
The Building Code will establish new standards based on the NCC (Australian Building Code), AS 3660,1 Termite Management – New Building Work, and best practices. The recommended primary materials at ground level include concrete, steel, metals, brick, and stone.
However, Ms Fedorowick clarified that they were still investigating the potential resistance of pressure-treated wood and fibre cement board to termites.
The Fiji Institute of Engineers is actively involved in this research, keeping track of the latest findings.
Regarding chemical treatment for termite management, the Building Code acknowledges the necessity of annual application but does not recommend daily treatment.