CPPBDN8001A
Research and evaluate construction materials and methods for complex building design projects

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to research and evaluate existing, new and emerging construction materials and methods for building design projects, including construction Type A buildings.The selection of materials and construction methods significantly affects the cost and construction time for completion of a building. Interaction with the client and other related professionals who participate in the development of projects is essential for effective outcomes. The need to have or acquire up-to-date information about the relative performance, cost and application of a range of current and emerging materials and methodologies is essential.

Application

This unit of competency supports building designers who recommend construction materials and methods to clients for building design projects for construction Type A buildings as defined within the Building Code of Australia (BCA).


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Determine parameters for the building design project

1.1

Client is consulted to determine key business requirements of the proposed project that will impact on building materials and methods.

1.2

Size, breadth and complexity of the building project and the impact on building materials and methods are discussed and clarified with the client and with planning authorities.

1.3

Impact of building site characteristics on the potential materials and methods of construction is discussed and clarified with the client, planning authorities and other project professionals.

2

Research alternative solutions

2.1

BCA requirements for use of alternative and deemed-to satisfy-solutions are researched and evaluated in relation to the development of design options for the project.

2.2

Benefits and options for the use of alternative solutions in the development of designs are researched and evaluated.

2.3

Comparative analysis is undertaken of alternative and deemed-to-satisfy design solutions.

3

Research materials and methods for structural elements

3.1

Characteristics and applications ofmaterials used for structural elements are researched and evaluated in relation to different types of large and complex projects.

3.2

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

3.3

Construction methods and systems for structural elements are researched and evaluated in relation to different types of materials and large and complex building design projects.

3.4

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

4

Research materials and methods for enclosures

4.1

Characteristics and applications ofmaterials used for enclosures are researched and evaluated.

4.2

Compliance requirements for materials used for enclosures are researched and interpreted for different types of large and complex building design projects.

4.3

Construction methods and systems for enclosures are researched and evaluated.

4.4

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

5

Research systems and components for services

5.1

Components and systems for services are researched and evaluated.

5.2

Broad compliance requirements for services are researched and interpreted for different types.

5.3

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

5.4

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

Required Skills

Required skills

administration and management skills to:

manage documents

manage time, including planning and prioritising work

plan and arrange professional development activities

analytical and problem-solving skills to:

evaluate cost-effectiveness of construction materials and methods

research construction materials and methods

evaluate alternative building materials and methods and recommend approaches

interpersonal skills to:

interact with builders; manufacturers; related professionals including architects, surveyors and structural engineers; representatives of regulatory authorities; and suppliers

network with other professionals

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with colleagues and contacts, including writing reports

interpret complex information

technical skills to ensure compliance with BCA and related standards

technology skills to use information technology and relevant software

Required knowledge

compliance requirements relating to construction materials and methods, including:

Australian standards

BCA deemed-to-satisfy requirements for construction Type A buildings

BCA alternative solution requirements for construction Type A buildings

Building Acts

environmental and sustainability requirements, including:

Australian standards

techniques for carbon dioxide reduction, including specification of materials, glue and paint

energy efficiency

fire resistance levels

legislation

town planning and other planning body requirements

hazards of construction materials and methods

planning authority compliance requirements for the use of building materials and methods related to large and complex buildings and including alternative solutions

organisational scope of business and client demographics, including:

geographic areas of operation

trends in client 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

Evidence Required

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 construction Type A 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

evaluate suitability of materials, construction methods and services for at least two specific construction Type A building 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.


Range Statement

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.

Key business requirements of the project may include:

characteristics and needs of the occupants of the proposed building

cost constraints

purpose for building development project, including whether the usage (classification) of the building is to be changed

timeframe for project commencement and completion.

Other project professionals may include:

access consultants

acoustics engineers and professionals

bushfire management professionals

construction contractors

civil engineers

energy efficiency experts

fire systems designers and engineers

hydraulic engineers

landscape designers

lighting specialists

mechanical services engineers

OHS experts

plumbing and drainage professionals

quantity surveyors

service contractors

soil testing or geo-technical engineers and experts

structural engineers

surveyors.

Characteristics of materials may include:

acoustic properties

aesthetic properties

availability

carbon dioxide reduction, including materials, glues and paints

cost

defects

durability

fire resistance properties

green roofs

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.

Large and complex projects include:

construction Type A buildings defined by the BCA, which are projects that are:

of 3 storeys for Class 2, 3 and 9 buildings

of 4 or more storeys for Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 buildings

construction projects, which may be:

new buildings

renovations

conversions

residential

commercial

industrial

public buildings.

Note: It is essential to refer to current BCA documentation to ensure accuracy of definitions and scopes.

Compliance requirements may include:

Australian standards

BCA

legislation

performance requirements specified by client

quality standards specified by client.

Materials used for structural elements may include:

bricks

clay

composite materials

concrete

glass

masonry

metals

new and emerging materials

stone

tilt up concrete panels

timber and timber products.

Structural elements may include:

footings, including:

concrete pad

piles

post and concrete

strip

floors, including:

bearers and joists

pier and beam

slabs, including:

raft

suspended

waffle

walls, including:

concrete

frame

post and beam

solid masonry

roofs, including:

conventional

truss.

Applications of materials used for enclosures may include:

cladding

flashing

lining

roofing

waterproofing.

Materials used for enclosures may include:

composite materials

new and emerging materials

plaster and plasterboard

slate

terracotta

timber and timber products.

Services may include:

electricity

fire suppression

gas

heating, ventilation and cooling

telecommunications

water.


Sectors

Building design


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Work in this area must be completed according to relevant legislative, industry and organisational requirements, including occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.

Different states and territories may have regulatory mechanisms that apply to this unit. Users are advised to check for regulatory limitations.