Course Title: Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: ARCH5308
Course Title: Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment
Important Information:
Please note that this course has compulsory engagement attendance requirements for teaching activities.
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see when this course requires mandatory attendance.
School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6188 - 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: 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 describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct, interpret and apply Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments to the design and construction of buildings.
It includes the ability to apply theoretical knowledge of fire and the national and Victorian regulatory frameworks to assess a location and consult with clients about the benefits of achieving the required fire resistance. It includes applying a methodical, stepped process to determine and assess the bushfire risk of the site and the determination of the BAL using Method 1 (the simplified bushfire risk method from AS 3959).
This unit applies to building designers who conduct and apply the outcome of a BAL assessment to building design, material selection and construction methods so that buildings better withstand the effects of a bushfire and provide greater protection for occupants and buildings.
No occupational licensing or legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, this unit forms part of a minimum qualification requirement for the registration class of Draftsperson, Building Design (Architectural) category, with the Victorian Building Authority.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU23459 Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment |
Element: |
1. Analyse cause and effect of bushfires |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify BAL assessment requirements in relation to occupational health and safety (OHS)/work health and safety (WHS), legislative, workplace and certification requirements. 1.2 Analyse bushfire behaviour to determine potential impact on building and the environment in bushfire-prone areas. 1.3 Analyse the impact of topography and weather conditions to determine the risk of bushfires occurring and potential impact on human life and protection of building. 1.4 Identify sources of combustion to determine how they influence bushfires. 1.5 Consult with stakeholders to identify benefits of undertaking a BAL assessment. 1.6 Review responsibilities of local, state and national authorities to determine their role in minimising the impact of bushfires. |
Element: |
2.Correlate information about site conditions |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Review objectives of legislation and standards covering buildings in bushfire-prone areas. 2.2 Identify site location to determine the Fire Danger Index (FDI) for the site. 2.3 Identify site vegetation classification, vegetation type and exclusions to determine potential contribution to supporting fire progress. 2.4 Measure the distance of vegetation from buildings to determine the level of bushfire risk to the site. 2.5 Measure the slope of the land under the classified vegetation to determine the direct influence on the severity of a bushfire. |
Element: |
3.Determine the BAL for site |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Use the FDI, vegetation classification and type, distance of vegetation and slope to select the BAL relevant to the site. 3.2 Check the BAL assessment of the site for accuracy. 3.3 Communicate the limitations and benefits of the BAL assessment to client. 3.4 Document and report details of the BAL assessment according to workplace requirements. |
Element: |
4.Interpret relevant bushfire information |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Identify requirements for a BAL assessment application in a bushfire-prone area and in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) according to design and construction process. 4.2 Interpret standard definitions associated with bushfires in the context of building design. 4.3 Determine purpose of applying a BAL assessment to inform design decisions. 4.4 Analyse effects of bushfires on humans and buildings as they relate to each BAL. 4.5 Analyse risks associated with each BAL to determine impact on building design, materials and construction methods. |
Element: |
5. Integrate bushfire protection requirements into building design and construction |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Analyse building designs and individual design features to determine their resistance to bushfire and reduce the level of risk to occupants. 5.2 Analyse features and benefits of materials to determine their suitability for the BAL assessment. 5.3 Incorporate BAL assessment outcomes and the Australian Standards into the design and construction requirements for buildings in bushfire-prone areas. |
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
Learning activities will take place this semester with a blended classroom model using industry standard tools and resources. Classes will be face to face with online activities.
Refer to your Course schedule and Canvas shells for specific information on how each of your courses is delivered this semester.
You will also be required to undertake independent study.
Reference mode of delivery for this course is face to face delivery.
Face to face class activities will include:
• Tutorials and project-based work
• Group discussion
• Teacher directed activities/projects
• Online research
• Independent project-based work
• Studio Practice
Out-of-class activities will include:
• Online investigation and research
• Independent project-based work
Teaching Schedule
Conduct Interpret & Apply BAL, semester 1 2025 (2505) schedule.
Week |
Lectorial Videos |
Assessment / Learning activities |
Assessment due |
Week 8 |
Orientation BAL Video 1, Course Intro BAL Video 2, BAL Reports, Bushfire Prone Areas & BAL Ratings. |
No BAL studio. |
|
| Week 9 |
BAL Video 3, BAL AT1B Intro BAL Video 4, Legislation & Regulation. BAL Video 5, Site Access & Site Safety |
Studio 1 AT1B Introduction, AT1B, Parts 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Canvas Quiz. |
AT1B issued & due |
Week 10 |
BAL Video 6, BAL Definitions & Bushfire Behaviour. BAL Video 7, BAL AT2B, Site Assessment project Intro. BAL Video 8, BAL Site Assessment Process. |
Studio 2 AT2B Project Intro. Part A & BAL Reports intro |
AT2B Issued |
Week 11 |
Studio 3 BAL Site Visits. AT2 Part B & C BAL Reports |
||
Week 12 |
Studio 4 AT2 Part B & C BAL Reports. Part D, BAL Report check by another student |
AT2B, due |
|
Week 13 |
BAL Video 9, BAL AT3B, Apply BAL project Intro. BAL Video 10, BAL AT3B, Part A Intro BAL Video 11, BAL AT3B, Part B, Intro, Canvas Week 8 activities, Bushfire protection of buildings. BAL Video 12, BAL AT3B, Part B, Locating the dwelling on the site. |
Studio 5 AT3B Part A construction system research, Part B, Site Plan & Floor plan. |
AT3B Issued |
Week 14 |
BAL Video 13, BAL AT3B, Part C Intro BAL Video 14, BAL Construction Detailing. |
Studio 6 AT3B Part B, Floor plans and elevations. Part C, Construction Detailing |
|
Week 15 |
Studio 7 AT3B Part C, Construction Detailing, Part D, knowledge questions. Finalise project. |
AT3B, due | |
Week 16 |
BAL Resubmission week |
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...
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
Assessment Task 1
Assessment Task 2
Assessment Task 3
Assessment
This course is delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment.
CA: Competency achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for Assessment
All work for assessments is required to be submitted on the due date and time as outlined in the course syllabus. Exception to this is where an approved Equitable Learning Plan after discussion with teacher, an application for Special Consideration or an approved Extension of Time is in place, submitted before the task’s due date with appropriate documentation. Any extensions will be in relation to original submission date only. There are no extensions to resubmissions.
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level.
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension of time for your assessable work.
Please see following access for the details on applying for extension of time to assessments;
Special consideration;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Application for extension of time;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Equitable assessment arrangements (EAA);
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/equitable-learning
If your work is incomplete, you are strongly encouraged to submit your work on the due date, in order to meet the submission requirements. Should it be below competency you may be asked to resubmit.
Assessment Matrix
An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available in Canvas.
Other Information
Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio-based exercises, demonstration and production.
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to be successful in this course.
Canvas
Use Canvas to access your course content and announcements, submit assignments, and receive your grades and feedback;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/it-services-for-students/canvas
Student feedback at RMIT:
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
The following link is an outline and ways that you will receive your feedback at RMIT;
Student Progress Monitoring
Academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.
Please see following access to the Student progress policy webpage; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-progress
Submitting Assessments onto Canvas
Here is a guide to submitting assessments on Canvas; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/submitting-assessments-in-canvas
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity.
Please see following access for more information on Academic Integrity at RMIT; 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
Orientation
It's time to get ready; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/new-student-guide
Get involved in student life at RMIT
Course Overview: Access Course Overview