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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

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

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 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 Building Code of Australia (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:

Specify requirements for masonry

Performance Criteria:

5.1    Unreinforced and reinforced masonry systems are identified and detailed for the construction of internal and external walls in compliance with the relevant legislation.

5.2    Details of weatherproofing are indicated to meet relevant Australian Standards.

Element:

Analyse and apply construction techniques and/or methodologies

Performance Criteria:

3.1    Structural  systems are analysed and methodologconstruction ies are applied to solve system and construction design issues.

3.2    Structural principles are integrated into the building fabric to accommodate materials and finishes, according to relevant standards and design intent.

3.3    Alternative approaches to the construction of residential buildings are considered to accommodate special conditions and in accordance with relevant standards and design intent.

3.4    Construction sequencing and attendance of trades is identified to ensure efficient building processes.

3.5    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:

1.1

Relevant state legislation impacting on design and construction is investigated and interpreted for a residential building.

1.2

Relevant sections of the BCA and Australian Standards are researched and applied to the structural and construction principles of residential buildings.

1.3

Local government planning and construction regulations are investigated and interpreted for the design and construction of a residential building.

Element:

Investigate site

Performance Criteria:

2.1    Site is investigated to plan site preparation, which incorporates design intent and statutory requirements.

2.2    Existing site conditions and design and construction elements are analysed to establish site impact on structural elements.

2.3    Termite risk management is assessed and implemented according to the relevant legislation.

2.4    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:

7.1    Details for claddings, linings, finishes and coatings are specified in accordance with the relevant legislation.

7.2    Joinery fabrication and installations are selected and details of materials and finishes are documented.

7.3    Provisions for the installation and connection of services are specified in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Element:

Specify requirements for framing

Performance Criteria:

4.1    Timber wall, floor and roof framing systems are designed and detailed in accordance with timber framing code and with consultation with engineer, if required.

4.2    Bracing and tie-down system is designed and detailed to meet structural requirements.

4.3    Steel framing systems are identified and detailed in accordance with construction practices.

4.4    Framing requirements, including all fixings and materials are specified and details documented.

Element:

Specify requirements for safety, health and amenity

Performance Criteria:

6.1    Statutory requirements for fire separation are researched and incorporated into design to provide separation and means of escape, in compliance with the relevant legislation.

6.2    Wet area materials and sealing of wall and flooring junctions are specified and details documented.

6.3    Facilities and room heights are designed and documented in accordance with the relevant legislation.

6.4    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.

6.5    Sound insulation materials are selected for sound transmission for walls and penetrations and in accordance with the relevant legislation.

6.6    The provisions for safe movement and access, including disabled access, are designed in accordance with the relevant legislation.

6.7    Building insulation levels, glazing requirements and ventilation are analysed to determine energy usage.


Learning Outcomes


This unit supports the attainment of the skills and knowledge required to apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings, which comply with current legal responsibilities of building designers for construction methods. On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the course elements and performance criteria as listed in this document.


Details of Learning Activities

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 : 

The studio is a simulated workplace. You are responsible for your own learning, research and review of resources.  Active participation is required in studios, 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 and dependant on current restrictions.  You will be provided with more information in lectures and studios.

Independent research:

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


Teaching Schedule


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Refer to Canvas for Lectures and studio briefings, also the Architectural drafting handbook and examples.  The Australian standards are available via RMIT library.

 

You should register with the Australian Building Codes Board to download the National Construction Code (NCC)

https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/

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

The Learning Lab
 
https://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

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.

This unit of competency is assessed in a close simulation of the workplace environment,using a combination of knowledge and project-based assessment techniques to fully replicate design drafting workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. Holistic or project-based assessment with other related units is undertaken where appropriate.


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 are assessed across both Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings, ARCH 5226 / VU22455 & Produce preliminary and working drawings for residential buildings, ARCH 5227 / VU22462.

LT1 Ortho Cabin Project.

This task is a learning exercise to confirm engagement in the program and provide basic skills as required for future assessment tasks.  Including skills that cross over to IDA AutoCAD for use of the program on your own device.

AT1 Working Drawings, Single Storey Project

This assessment is a folio of drawings for a Single Storey Residence that will be produced in studios in two parts.  Review and revision of the drawings will be in your own time based on group feedback provided in studios.  Part 1 includes a draft folio of Drawings. Part 2 is the completed Folio. 

AT2 Work in Progress meeting (W.I.P.) 

There are two parts to this assessment task:

  1. Preparation for the W.I.P. meeting.
  2. Attendance at the W.I.P. meeting

The meeting will be with your assessor and may be in a group or individual. 

AT3 Construction questions

The Construction Questions are in two parts and will be completed in studio and in your own time. Part 1 includes Questions that require research using the National Construction Code (NCC).  Part 2 questions cover work relevant scenarios in relation to residential construction and content from Construction lectures.

AT4 Working Drawings, Two Storey Addition Project

This assessment is a folio of drawings for a Two Storey Residential Addition that will be produced in studios in two parts.  Review and revision of the drawings will be in your own time based on group feedback provided in studios.  Part 1 includes a draft folio of Drawings. Part 2 is the completed Folio.  This final folio submission will include drawings as required for a Building Permit.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

You will require your own laptop in studios, with the capacity to run programs such as AutoCAD and Revit.  Refer to the Autodesk website for current computer specifications.

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).

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

Course Overview: Access Course Overview