As the Australian construction industry anticipates the forthcoming National Construction Code (NCC) 2025, it’s crucial for professionals, especially in geotechnical engineering, to stay informed about the proposed changes. While the final version is pending release, the Public Comment Draft (PCD) provides insights into potential amendments that could significantly influence geotechnical practices.​Australian Building Codes Board+6Lexology+6sourceable.net+6

Current Status of NCC 2025

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released the PCD for NCC 2025 in May 2024. However, as of March 2025, the ABCB announced that the usual timeline for releasing a ‘Preview’ version in February and a final version in May will not be followed this year. Practitioners are advised to continue adhering to the current NCC version applicable in their jurisdiction until further updates are provided .​LinkedIn+6Airah+6sourceable.net+6Lexology+1abcb.gov.au+1abcb.gov.au+1Lexology+1

Proposed Changes Relevant to Geotechnical Engineering

1. Enhanced Waterproofing and Watershedding Provisions

A significant focus of the proposed NCC 2025 changes is on improving waterproofing standards to address water ingress issues, which are among the leading causes of building defects in Australia. The proposal includes merging Parts F1 and F3 of NCC 2022 into a single part, aiming to streamline and clarify the requirements related to water management in buildings .​abcb.gov.au+3LinkedIn+3LinkedIn+3sourceable.net+2abcb.gov.au+2LinkedIn+2

For geotechnical engineers, this underscores the importance of thorough soil and site assessments to inform effective drainage and waterproofing strategies.​

2. Emphasis on Site-Specific Soil Classification

In New South Wales, regulatory changes now mandate that structural engineering plans for Class 1a dwellings reference a site-specific soil classification report. This move ensures that foundation designs are based on precise, location-specific data rather than generalized geotechnical reports .​Buildcert+1Intrax+1

This trend may influence national standards, highlighting the growing importance of detailed geotechnical investigations in the early stages of construction planning.​

3. Integration of Structural and Waterproofing Provisions

The proposed NCC 2025 changes aim to better integrate structural provisions with waterproofing requirements. This holistic approach recognizes the interdependence of structural integrity and effective water management, emphasizing the need for collaborative planning among geotechnical, structural, and hydraulic engineers .​abcb.gov.au+4Inside Construction+4Engineers Australia+4LinkedIn

Implications for Geotechnical Reporting

The anticipated changes in NCC 2025 suggest a shift towards more detailed and site-specific geotechnical reporting. Practitioners should be prepared to:​

• Conduct Comprehensive Site Investigations: Ensure that soil assessments are thorough and tailored to the specific conditions of each site.​
  
  
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with structural and hydraulic engineers to develop integrated solutions that address both structural stability and water management.​LinkedIn
  
• Stay Informed on Regulatory Changes: Monitor updates from the ABCB and relevant state authorities to ensure compliance with the latest standards.​abcb.gov.au+7DCCEEW+7Lexology+7
  

Conclusion

While the final details of NCC 2025 are yet to be confirmed, the proposed changes indicate a move towards more rigorous and integrated approaches to building design and construction. For geotechnical engineers, this presents an opportunity to enhance the quality and relevance of soil and site assessments, contributing to safer and more resilient structures.​Airah+5sourceable.net+5Engineers Australia+5

At Oz Geos, we are committed to staying at the forefront of industry developments, ensuring that our clients receive geotechnical services that meet the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.​

Stay tuned for further updates as more information on NCC 2025 becomes available.