Step-by-step guide: ERSS design, BCA submission and NOA

A client-friendly roadmap for owners, contractors and consultants who need to know what to prepare, who to appoint and how to avoid submission delay.

Practical ERSS roadmap

From excavation idea to BCA-facing submission readiness.

This guide converts the BCA ERSS requirements into a practical workflow. It is not a substitute for project-specific QP advice, but it helps the project team understand the usual sequence before engaging consultants.

Confirm whether the work is ERSS / excavation work

Identify whether there is earth retaining, excavation, cutting, filling, basement work, trenching, pile cap, footing, sump, lift pit or utility-related excavation. Mark the maximum depth from existing ground level and the plan area of any localised excavation.

Output: excavation schedule showing depth, plan area and location.
Tip: do this before asking for contractor quotations so all parties price the same regulatory pathway.

Screen the BCA submission trigger

Check whether the excavation is not deeper than 1.5 m, between 1.5 m and 4 m, between 4 m and 6 m, or deeper than 6 m. For localised pile cap, footing, sump, lift pit or trench works, check whether the depth exceeds 2 m or the plan area exceeds 10 m².

Output: preliminary submission trigger note.
Tip: for non-RC / non-steel retaining systems, the relevant shallow threshold may reduce from 1.5 m to 1 m.

Decide the appointment pathway early

Depending on depth and classification, the project may need QP(ST), AC, QP(Geo) and AC(Geo). Deep basement or geotechnical building works should be planned with geotechnical input early, not after the contractor has mobilised.

Output: appointment matrix and responsibility list.
Tip: allow time for AC / AC(Geo) checking before the desired site start date.

Collect site investigation and existing information

Gather the site investigation report, soil parameters, groundwater information, nearby structures, utilities, road reserve constraints, boundary conditions, existing building drawings and adjacent basement information where available.

Output: design information register.
Tip: missing SI information often causes redesign, extra comments and delay.

Develop ERSS concept and construction sequence

Select a suitable system such as sheet piles, soldier piles, contiguous bored piles, secant bored piles, diaphragm wall, strutting, anchoring or staged excavation, subject to site constraints and authority requirements.

Output: ERSS arrangement, sections, staging sequence and design assumptions.
Tip: the cheapest ERSS system on paper may become expensive if it delays access, clashes with utilities or needs major monitoring mitigation.

Prepare calculations, drawings and Annex A

Prepare design calculations, plans, sections, monitoring requirements, movement control limits, construction sequence and ERSS Annex A where plans approval is required. Include PE certification for the site investigation report where applicable.

Output: ERSS submission package for QP review and BCA submission.
Tip: use consistent levels, grids and dimensions across architectural, structural and ERSS drawings.

Submit, respond and obtain plan approval / NOA

Submit through the proper BCA / CORENET route, track authority comments, coordinate QP / AC / geotechnical responses and update the package until the required approval or NOA outcome is obtained, subject to BCA assessment.

Output: approved / accepted submission set and comment-response record.
Tip: keep the contractor, QP and design team on one comment-response tracker.

Handle permit, commencement and site implementation

Where required, complete the permit / commencement notification workflow before starting ERSS or excavation works. Implement ERSS Annex C at site and ensure the site team follows the approved sequence.

Output: commencement record, site copy of approved ERSS documents and Annex C implementation evidence.
Tip: do not treat the approved design as a filing exercise only; site deviation can create real risk.

Monitor, report and manage changes

Coordinate instrumentation, monitoring readings, trigger values, movement control limits, inspection records and monthly Annex E submission via CORENET by the required monthly deadline where applicable.

Output: monitoring log, monthly Annex E evidence and issue register.
Tip: agree who checks readings daily and who escalates when trigger values are approached.

Close out with record plans

Prepare close-out documentation such as C1, C2, C3 forms, record piling plans, record structural plans or as-built ERSS information where applicable. Temporary ERSS record plans may not be required if no ERSS remains in the ground.

Output: record plan / close-out package.
Tip: collect as-built information during works, not only at the end.

Quick client checklist before calling us

Site address and project description.
Excavation depth and plan area.
Drawings in PDF / DWG where available.
Site investigation report or borehole information.
Proposed ERSS method or contractor proposal.
Target commencement date.

What we can help clarify

Whether submission is likely required.
Whether AC / QP(Geo) / AC(Geo) may be triggered.
Whether the contractor proposal is submission-ready.
What information is missing before BCA submission.
Likely risk areas that can cause comments or delay.

Need an ERSS submission pathway check?

Send us the excavation depth, drawings, SI report and intended start date. We will help identify the likely QP / AC / BCA submission route.