Course Title: Apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2021
Course Code: ARCH5231
Course Title: Apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial 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: 120
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 course of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings. It requires compliance with state legislation and the provisions for Building Code of Australia (BCA) Classes 2 to 9 and relevant Australian Standards as they apply to the structural and construction components of a commercial building.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU22456 Apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings |
Element: |
1. Apply the regulatory requirements for the design of commercial buildings |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Relevant legislation impacting on design and construction is investigated and interpreted for a commercial building. 1.2 Relevant sections of the BCA and Australian Standards are researched and applied to the structural and construction principles of commercial buildings. 1.3 Local government planning and construction regulations are investigated and interpreted for the design and construction of a commercial building. |
Element: |
2. Investigate site |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Site features and available services are identified to plan site preparation to inform the design intent and for preparation of documentation. 2.2 Soil engineer’s report is interpreted to determine specifications for footing systems appropriate for foundation design. 2.3 Environmental issues impacting on the site are identified and controlled according to regulatory requirements. |
Element: |
3. Analyse and apply construction techniques and/or methodologies |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Structural systems are analysed and construction methodologies are applied to solve construction system and 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 commercial buildings are considered to accommodate special conditions and in accordance with relevant standards and design intent. 3.4 Scope of work and performance requirements are determined and documented according to project requirements. |
Element: |
4. Specify structural requirements |
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. 4.5 Unreinforced and reinforced masonry systems are identified and detailed for the construction of internal and external walls in compliance with the relevant legislation. 4.6 Details of weatherproofing are indicated to meet relevant Australian Standards. |
Element: |
5. Comply with fire resistance requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Building is designed to maintain structural stability and provide safeguards in the event of fire. 5.2 Specifications for building design comply with statutory requirements for fire separation and relevant legislation. |
Element: |
6. Specify requirements for safety, health and amenity |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Wet area materials and sealing of wall and flooring junctions are specified and details documented. 6.2 Facilities and room heights are designed and documented in accordance with the relevant legislation. 6.3 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. 6.4 Sound insulation materials are selected for sound transmission for walls and penetrations and in accordance with the relevant legislation. 6.5 The provisions for safe movement and access are designed in accordance with the relevant legislation. 6.6 Building insulation levels, glazing requirements and ventilation are analysed to determine energy usage. |
Element: |
7. Specify requirements for construction |
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. |
Learning Outcomes
This course of competency supports the attainment of the skills and knowledge required for building designers to apply structural and construction technology to the design of
commercial buildings and includes compliance with current legal responsibilities of building designers for construction methods.
Students will look at the construction elements and how they respond to constructional anaylsis:
- Commercial type buildings
- Concrete constructions
- Steel framing
- Basement design
- Low rise construction.
Details of Learning Activities
This course will be delivered as a combination of remote and face to face studio delivery
In this unit of learning you will undertake a range of learning activities including:
- exercises to review discussions/lectures
- practical demonstrations on-line
- seminars/workshops
- design activities or projects
- group projects
- peer learning
- guest lecture/presentation
- class presentations
- group discussion
- research
- independent project-based work
- group activities/projects
- ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/teacher feedback
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Lecture | Task 1 | Task 2 | Task 3 | Studio Content | Assessment Due |
| 1 | ||||||
| 2 | Lecture 1 & AT01, Intro | MP01 | CCT MP01 research | |||
| 3 | CWD MP01 document CCT MP01 Research | MP01, due, 23rd Jul | ||||
| 4 | Lecture 2 & AT02 Intro | MP02 | CCT MP02, Factory Intro | |||
| 5 | ||||||
| 6 | Lecture 3 | |||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | Lecture 4 | |||||
| 9 | Lecture 5 & AT03, Intro | MP03 | CCT Richmond-Intro | MP02, due 17th Sep | ||
| 10 | ||||||
| 11 | Lecture 6 | |||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | Lecture 7 | |||||
| 14 | ||||||
| 15 | Lecture 8 | MP03, due 29th Oct | ||||
| 16 | ||||||
| Please note: Due to the uncertainties surrounding the Covid-19 situation | ||||||
| Dates for assessment tasks may be reviewed and amended where required |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
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
This course of competency is assessed in a simulated building deign workplace environment. Assessment techniques replicate building design workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. assessment and feedback will be conducted throughout the course. Assessment is project based.
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 required 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
Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Questions
Assessment Task 2: Factory/Warehouse Construction
Assessment Task 3: Richmond Low Rise
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 Program Administration if required.
Other Information
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