1

Research materials and methods for structural elements

1.1

Characteristics and applications of materials used for structural elements are researched and evaluated in relation to different types of small-scalecommercial and industrial building design projects.

1.2

Compliance requirements for materials used for structural elements are researched and interpreted.

1.3

Construction methods and systems for structural elements are researched and evaluated.

1.4

Research is recorded, filed and regularly updated according to workplace procedures.

2

Research materials and methods for building envelope

2.1

Characteristics and applications ofmaterials used for building envelope are researched and evaluated.

2.2

Compliance requirements for materials used for building envelope are researched and interpreted.

2.3

Construction methods and systems for building envelope are researched and evaluated in relation to different types of materials and commercial and industrial building design projects.

2.4

Research is recorded, filed and regularly updated according to workplace procedures.

3

Research systems and components for services.

3.1

Components and systems for services are researched and evaluated.

3.2

Broad compliancerequirements for services are researched and interpreted for different types of commercial and industrial building design projects.

3.3

Installation methods for services are researched in relation to different types of components, systems, and commercial and industrial building design projects.

3.4

Research is recorded, filed and regularly updated according to workplace procedures.

Required skills

administration and management skills to:

manage documents

manage time, including planning and prioritising work

plan and arrange professional development activities to update own knowledge base

analytical and problem-solving skills to:

evaluate cost-effectiveness of construction materials and methods

research construction materials and methods

interpersonal skills to:

interact with builders, manufacturers, representatives of regulatory authorities, and suppliers

network with other professionals

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

assess cost-effectiveness of materials and components

communicate with colleagues and contacts, including writing reports

interpret complex information

technology skills to use information technology and relevant software

Required knowledge

building designers’ duty of care to ensure quality and safety of designs

basic principles of structural engineering

compliance requirements, including:

Australian standards applicable to construction materials and methods

BCA deemed-to-satisfy requirements

environmental and sustainability requirements, including:

energy efficiency

fire resistance, including resistance to bushfire attack

legislation applicable to construction materials and methods

hazards of construction materials and methods

organisational scope of business and client demographics, including:

geographic areas of operation

trends in clients’ design preferences

types of building design projects that form the core business of the organisation

sources of reliable information on past, current and emerging uses of construction materials and methods

sustainable construction materials and methods

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

develop a body of current research findings suitable for application to a range of small-scale commercial and industrial buildings, including:

characteristics and applications of materials suitable for structural elements and building envelope

construction methods and systems applicable to structural elements and building envelope

components and systems for services, including:

compliance requirements

installation methods

evaluate suitability of materials, construction methods and services for at least three specific projects, covering different types of buildings

systematically document and store research findings.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to:

suitable assessment venue and equipment

suitable simulated or real opportunities and resources to demonstrate competence

assessment instruments.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge for the unit

observed, documented and/or firsthand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Characteristics of materials may include:

acoustic properties

aesthetic properties

availability

cost

defects

durability

fire resistance properties

health and safety issues

interaction with other materials

limitations due to manufacturing process

structural safety

sustainability features, such as energy efficiency

thermal properties

tolerance

transport, storage and handling requirements.

Applications of materialsused for structural elements may include:

aesthetic properties

coatings required

compatibility with other elements

fixings required

structural application

substructural application

use in specific construction methods or systems.

Materials used for structural elements may include:

bricks

clay

composite materials

concrete

glass

masonry

metals

new and emerging materials

stone

timber and timber products.

Structural elements may include:

floors

footings

roof structures and roofing

slabs

walls.

Research may be:

consultation with:

builders

clients

manufacturers

representatives of regulatory authorities

suppliers

data analysis and comparison, including:

manufacturer specifications

performance test information

literature review, including peer assessments.

Small-scale commercial and industrial building design projects:

include all commercial and industrial building design projects covered by the BCA, except construction Type A buildings

may be:

factories

motels

offices

restaurants

retail and service outlets

warehouses.

Compliance requirements may include:

Australian standards (AS)

BCA

legislation

performance requirements specified by client

quality standards specified by client.

Applications ofmaterials used for building envelope may include:

cladding

flashing

lining

roofing

waterproofing.

Materials used for building envelope may include:

composite materials

masonry, such as:

bricks

clay

concrete

glass blocks

slate

stone

terracotta

new and emerging materials

plaster and plasterboard

timber and timber products.

Services may include:

electricity

environmentally sustainable design (ESD) energy systems

fire suppression

gas, including:

natural gas

liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC)

telecommunications

water.