Course Title: Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: ARCH5223

Course Title: Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.

School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6161 - Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Course Contact: Catherine Ciavarella

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4819

Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

David Anderson

david.anderson@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None
 

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment to the design and construction of buildings. This includes relevant theoretical knowledge of fire, understanding of the regulatory framework, assessing a location and education of, and consultation with clients about the benefits of achieving the required fire resistance.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22470 Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment

Element:

Analyse cause and effect of bushfires

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Requirements relevant to undertaking a BAL assessment are identified and complied with, including occupational health and safety (OHS)/work health and safety (WHS), legislative, organisational and certification requirements. 1.2 Bushfire behaviour is analysed to determine potential impact on buildings and the environment in bushfire-prone areas. 1.3 The impact of topography and weather conditions are analysed to determine the risk of bushfires occurring and potential impact on human life and protection of buildings. 1.4 Sources of combustion are identified to determine how they influence bushfires. 1.5 Stakeholders are consulted and information sources accessed to identify benefits of undertaking a BAL assessment. 1.6 Responsibilities of local, state and national authorities are reviewed to determine their role in minimising the impact of bushfires.

Element:

Correlate information about site conditions

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Objectives of legislation and standards covering buildings in bushfire-prone areas are reviewed to identify measures to improve performance of buildings when subjected to bushfire attack. 2.2 The location of the site is identified to determine the Fire Danger Index (FDI) for the site. 2.3 Site vegetation classification, vegetation type and exclusions are identified to determine potential contribution to supporting fire progress. 2.4 The distance of vegetation from buildings is measured to determine the level of bushfire risk to the site. 2.5 The slope of the land under the classified vegetation is measured to determine the direct influence on the severity of a bushfire.

Element:

Determine the BAL for site

Performance Criteria:

3.1 The FDI, vegetation classification and type, distance of vegetation and slope are used to select the BAL applicable to the site. 3.2 The BAL assessment relevant to the site is checked to confirm accuracy. 3.3 The BAL assessment limitations are communicated to client and benefits of achieving required fire resistance is discussed. 3.4 Details of the BAL assessment are documented and reported according to organisational requirements.

Element:

Integrate bushfire protection requirements into building design and construction

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Building designs and individual design features are analysed to determine their resistance to bushfire and reduce the level of risk to occupants. 5.2 Features and benefits of materials are analysed to determine their suitability for the BAL assessment. 5.3 Design and construction requirements for buildings in bushfire-prone areas reflect the outcomes of the BAL assessment and the Australian Standards.

Element:

Interpret relevant bushfire information

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Requirements relevant to applying a BAL assessment in a bushfire-prone area and in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) to the design and construction process are identified and complied with, including OHS/WHS. 4.2 Standard definitions associated with bushfires are explained in the context of building design. 4.3 Purpose of applying a BAL assessment is determined to inform design decisions. 4.4 Effects of bushfires on humans and buildings are explained as they relate to each BAL. 4.5 Risks associated with each BAL are analysed to determine impact on building design, materials and construction methods.


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.


 


Details of Learning Activities

  • Lectures
  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures
  • guest lecture and presentation
  • class presentations
  • group discussions
  • research
  • independent project-based work
  • group activities/projects


Teaching Schedule

Week
Lectures Studio Content Assessment Due
1



2



3
AT1 Intro Unit Knowledge Questions
AT1, Task 1.1 & 1.2

4

AT1, Task 1.3 AT1,due 4th Mar
5
AT2 Intro BAL Site Assessments.
AT2, Part A

6

AT2, Part B
7

AT2, Part B
8

AT2, Part C
9

AT2, Part C
10
AT3 Intro Lecture only, AT3 Intro, No BAL Studios
AT03, Interpret and Apply BAL
AT2, due14th April





11

Interpret and Apply BAL
AT3, Detailing intro basic construction

12

AT3, Floor Plans & Elevations
13

AT3, BAL materials and system
14

AT3, Apply BAL Construction system
15

AT3, Project Finalization AT3, due 27th May
16



 Please note: Due to the uncertainties surrounding the Covid-19 situation Dates for lectures and assessment tasks may be reviewed and amended where required



Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Key References: 

  • Australian Standard AS3959
  • NCC Volume One and Two
  • Relevant Australian Standards
  • Building product manufacturers information


RMIT Library:
Library Subject Guides: Architecture, Building Design and Urban Design
https://rmit.libguides.com/architecturebuildingandurbandesign

including:

  • Australian Standards Online (SAI Global)
  • Acumen (Australian Institute of Architects) and more...


RMIT Study Support  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub 

including:

  • One-on-one consultations
  • Peer mentoring
  • Studiosity
  • Learning Lab and more...

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Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency.
To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.
To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

  • AT01, Knowledge Questions in 3 parts, 1.1, 1.2 & 1.3. Each part has 10 questions to be answered (30 questions in total).
  • AT02, BAL Assessments. Students will conduct 2 BAL site assessments
  • AT03, Interpret and apply BAL. Students will interpret a BAL report, research bushfire compliant construction systems and detail the application of relevant bushfire protection to a dwelling.

Project sequence may be subject to amendment.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The Assessment Matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency.

These mapping documents are available through the Program Administration if required.  

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Other Information

The links below are to various parts of the RMIT website and should be referred to on a regular basis until familiarity with them is achieved.

Academic Integrity:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/academic-integrity

Academic Progress:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-progress

Appeals:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/appeals

Apply for Credit:

  • Credit Transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). 
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.   

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course. 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit 

Assessment (including submission):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/assessment

Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.  
It is expected that you will attend all timetabled sessions and engage in the required learning activities.
This is the only way to ensure you maximise your opportunity to complete this course successfully. 

Employability skills:
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/m1ad83koqygu.pdf

Extensions and special consideration:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

Student Charter:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/rights-responsibilities/charter

Student Responsibilities:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/rights-responsibilities/statement

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Course Overview: Access Course Overview