Course Title: Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: ARCH5226

Course Title: Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

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

Jim Karakiklas

E: jim.karakiklas@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 180

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 specifies the outcomes required to apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings. It requires compliance with state legislation and the provisions for BCA Classes 1 and 10 and relevant Australian Standards as they apply to the structural and construction components of a residential building.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22455 Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings

Element:

Analyse and apply construction techniques and/or methodologies

Performance Criteria:

Structural systems are analysed and construction methodologies are applied to solve construction system and design issues.   Structural principles are integrated into the building fabric to accommodate materials and finishes, according to relevant standards and design intent.   Alternative approaches to the construction of residential buildings are considered to accommodate special conditions and in accordance with relevant standards and design intent.   Construction sequencing and attendance of trades is identified to ensure efficient building processes.   Design solutions are developed and sketched and/or documented using performance-based solutions.

Element:

Apply the legislative requirements for the design of residential buildings

Performance Criteria:

Relevant state legislation impacting on design and construction is investigated and interpreted for a residential building.   Relevant sections of the BCA and Australian Standards are researched and applied to the structural and construction principles of residential buildings.   Local government planning and construction regulations are investigated and interpreted for the design and construction of a residential building.

Element:

Investigate site

Performance Criteria:

Site is investigated to plan site preparation, which incorporates design intent and statutory requirements.   Existing site conditions and design and construction elements are analysed to establish site impact on structural elements.   Termite risk management is assessed and implemented according to the relevant legislation.   Specifications for footing and slab construction design are specified and recorded in all supporting documentation, in compliance with current standards.

Element:

Specify requirements for finishes and services

Performance Criteria:

Details for claddings, linings, finishes and coatings are specified in accordance with the relevant legislation.   Joinery fabrication and installations are selected and details of materials and finishes are documented.   Provisions for the installation and connection of services are specified in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Element:

Specify requirements for framing

Performance Criteria:

Timber wall, floor and roof framing systems are designed and detailed in accordance with timber framing code and with consultation with engineer, if required.   Bracing and tie-down system is designed and detailed to meet structural requirements.   Steel framing systems are identified and detailed in accordance with construction practices.   Framing requirements, including all fixings and materials are specified and details documented.

Element:

Specify requirements for masonry

Performance Criteria:

Unreinforced and reinforced masonry systems are identified and detailed for the construction of internal and external walls in compliance with the relevant legislation.   Details of weatherproofing are indicated to meet relevant Australian Standards.

Element:

Specify requirements for safety, health and amenity

Performance Criteria:

Statutory requirements for fire separation are researched and incorporated into design to provide separation and means of escape, in compliance with the relevant legislation.   Wet area materials and sealing of wall and flooring junctions are specified and details documented.   Facilities and room heights are designed and documented in accordance with the relevant legislation.   Opportunities for natural light and ventilation are considered and mechanical air handling systems for heating, cooling and ventilation are selected on the basis of efficiency and performance.   Sound insulation materials are selected for sound transmission for walls and penetrations and in accordance with the relevant legislation.   The provisions for safe movement and access, including disabled access, are designed in accordance with the relevant legislation.   Building insulation levels, glazing requirements and ventilation are analysed to determine energy usage.


Learning Outcomes


This unit of competency supports the attainment of the skills and knowledge required by building designers to undertake a site survey and a site analysis for building projects within the context of relevant legislation, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards.


Details of Learning Activities

This course will course will be delivered remotely. 

Lectures : 

Theory is provided in weekly lectures on residential construction.  You should bring your notes from the lectures to studios, as we will apply this theory to the drawing process.  You must review presentations to ensure understanding, they are available on Canvas.  Bring any questions you have in to the studios for clarification.  

Studios : 

There are studios for Apply Structural and Construction Technology to the Design of Residential Buildings which are a simulated workplace. You are responsible for your own learning, research and review of resources.  Active participation is required in online sessions & studios, and in particular in feedback sessions.  Ask questions and discuss variables with team members (other students). 

Site visits :

To fully understand residential construction you must visit sites during all stage of the build.  These visits are self directed.  You will be provided with more information in lectures and studios.  These visits should be inline with any current government restrictions and RMIT COVID-19 Safe Plan.

Independent research:

To keep up with Industry you need to research many aspects of residential construction.


Teaching Schedule

While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment.  

Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher. 

Due dates for assessment tasks dependent on access to specialist facilities and equipment may change. Please check CANVAS regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher. 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Refer to CANVAS for lectures and studio briefings, also the RMIT Architectural Drafting Handbook and examples.

 

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate design drafting workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. Holistic or project-based assessment with other related units is recommended.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

  • comply with legislative requirements applicable to the design of residential buildings
  • apply the principles of structural and construction to the design of residential buildings in compliance with the applicable local government authority, relevant legislation and the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
  • develop specifications for structural components of a residential building and the requirements for safe and healthy use of the building.


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.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

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

There are four assessment tasks that you are required to complete "SATISFACTORY" to be deemed "COMPETENT"in this course.

This course will be co-delivered with Produce Preliminary and Working Drawings for Residential Buildings, VU22462 (ARCH 5227).

Assessment Task 01 (AT-01)- Single Storey Residence 

This assessment is a folio of drawings for a Single Storey Residence that will be produced in studios. These drawings are core drawings required for a Building Permit. Review and revision of the drawings will be in your own time based on feedback provided in lectures and studios.  

Assessment Task 02 (AT-02)- Alteration and Addition for a Two Storey Residence  

This assessment is a folio of drawings for an Alteration and Addition for a Two Storey Residence that will be produced in studios. Review and revision of the drawings will be in your own time based on feedback provided in lectures and studios.

Assessment Task 03 (AT-03)- Work in Progress (W.I.P.) Meeting 

The purpose of this task is to assess your employability skills. This includes demonstrating an understanding and clearly conveying the construction information for a project to complete a set of working drawings to industry best practice.

Assessment Task 04 (AT-04)-  Construction Knowledge Questionnaire  

There are short answer questions that relate to work relevant scenarios in relation to residential construction.  You will be assessed on your understanding of the knowledge questions using the NCC and the Construction Lectures for reference. 

Due Dates As Follows: 

AT-01 Semester 1, Week 16  

AT-02 Semester 2, Week 16  

AT-03 Semester 2, Week 12

AT-04 Semester 2, Week 12

ACTUAL DUE DATES TO BE CONFIRMED UPON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SEMESTER


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through canvas.

Other Information

You will require your own laptop in studios, with the capacity to run programs such as AutoCAD and Revit.

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

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

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Course Overview: Access Course Overview