In the context of commercial construction in Australia, a bearer refers to a horizontal structural member that supports the floor or roof joists and transfers the weight of the floor or roof to the foundation or supporting walls .

Relevant Australian Standards

The design, construction, and installation of bearers in commercial construction in Australia are governed by various Australian Standards, including:

• AS 1684.2, AS 1684.3, and AS 1684.4, which provide requirements for the design and construction of timber-framed buildings
• AS/ACIF S008, which sets out the requirements for cable with an integral bearer

BCA Requirements

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires that bearers be restrained from lateral movement or twisting along their length by fixing rafters or joists to the top flange of the member . This is to ensure the stability and structural integrity of the building.

National Construction Code (NCC) Series

The National Construction Code (NCC) Series, which includes the BCA, provides the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and performance of buildings in Australia . The NCC Series is published by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), which is responsible for developing and maintaining the codes and standards for building construction in Australia .

State and Territory Legislation

Each Australian state and territory has its own legislation and regulations governing building construction, including the use of bearers in commercial construction . It is essential to consult the relevant state or territory legislation and regulations to ensure compliance with the specific requirements.