Apply Structural Principles to Residential Low Rise Constructions

This assessment is designed to provide evidence of competence in applying structural principles to residential low rise constructions. It covers obtaining a 'White card', planning the erection or demolition of a structure, analyzing and planning for structural integrity, coordinating and managing floor system, wall systems, and roof system, and managing external wall cladding. The assessment is part of the CPCBC4010B unit.

In partnership with
CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and
Construction (Building)
CPC50210 Diploma of Building and
Construction (Building)
CPCCBC4010B Apply structural principles to
residential low rise constructions
Project
Student name: XXXXXX
Student number: XXXXXX
Assessment: 32636/01

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Open Colleges
32636/01 Apply structural principles to residential low rise constructions.
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Assessment submission
To help Open Colleges manage your assessment, please use the following file-
naming convention when you save your Microsoft Word document. Your file
should be named and saved to your computer’s hard drive using your:
Student number_ 32636_01.docx
When you are ready to submit your assessments, upload the files in Open Space
using the Assessment Upload links in the relevant Module of your course.
It is important that you keep a copy of all electronic assessments submitted to
Open Colleges.
Open Colleges
32636/01 Apply structural principles to residential low rise constructions.
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Introduction
This assessment has been designed to allow you to provide partial evidence of
your competence in the unit CPCCBC4010B Apply structural principles to
residential low rise constructions.
Note: you will need to complete additional assessments as you progress through
your course to demonstrate competence for all aspects of the unit.
In completing your assessment, you will show evidence of your ability to:
 Obtain a ‘White card’ and appropriate permissions to legally enter
construction zones
 Apply structural principles when planning the erection or demolition
of a structure
 Analyse and plan for the structural integrity of Class1 and Class 10
buildings.
 Plan, coordinate and manage the laying of floor system.
 Plan, coordinate and manage the building of structural and non-
structural wall systems.
 Plan, coordinate and manage the building of roof system.
 Plan, coordinate and manage the external wall cladding of structure.
Project 1 – Work readiness and structural planning
Part A: Getting work ready
Note:
This is a compulsory pre-assessment task that you must complete to
enable you to carry out practical assessments later in this course.
However, this task will not contribute to the results recorded for your
assessment in this unit.
In this pre-assessment you will take steps to get ready to enter a construction
zone so you can carry out some of the assessment tasks for this course, and to
prepare you for work. This will guide you through:
 obtaining a ‘White card’ to enable you to safely and legally enter
construction zones
 seeking the appropriate permissions so you are covered by Open Colleges’
and the licensed builder’s insurances when you enter construction zones
 Making links with the building and construction industry.
Step 1
Note:
If you already hold a ‘White card’, simply upload a copy of this using
the submission instructions above.
a) Complete your ‘White card’ training through your choice of provider. There
are many providers who offer the ‘White card’ through both online and
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face-to-face instruction. They can be researched by searching 'white card
providers' online. Most training providers will charge a small fee, so shop
around for a competitive price. ‘White card’ training should take
approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete.
b) Submit evidence of your ‘White card’ to Open Colleges i.e. upload a copy
of your ‘White card’ with this assessment to OpenSpace using the
Assessment Upload links in Module 4 of this course. This must be provided
in order for you to be covered by Open Colleges’ insurance.
Step 2
a) Approach a licensed builder or construction company, and obtain permission
to visit their construction site to observe building and construction processes.
This will help you complete the assessments for this course that require you
to observe the real workplace.
A great place to start to find licensed builders you could approach is the
Housing Industry Association (HIA). They offer a range of:
1. membership benefits
2. events
3. publications
4. industry and business information
5. Products and services.
You may also go to trade build and enter 'builder' in the dropdown menu and
your suburb - you will be able to find builders in your local area who you could
approach for your site visit.
b) Use the information and script provided in Appendix A to help you with your
first approach to a licensed builder or construction company.
c) Ask the licensed builder to complete and sign the ‘Permission to visit
construction site’ form.
d) If you are currently employed by a licensed builder or construction company,
you may obtain permission from them.
e) Submit the completed ‘Permission to visit construction site’ form, signed by
the authorising licensed builder i.e. upload a copy of the form with this
assessment to OpenSpace using the Assessment Upload links.
Part B: Planning for structural integrity - Class 1 and
Class 10 building
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Plan for the erection of the structure of the Casey house (Class 1) and fencing
(Class 10) including:
 Applying structural principles when planning the erection of the structure
of the house and fencing including footings, floor system, structural and
non-structural walls, roofing and external wall cladding. Refer to AS 1684 –
Non-cyclonic.
 Explore forces and loads, and mechanical properties of material fuel loads.
 Analysing plans and building materials for structural integrity to withstand
bushfire, high winds, earthquake, etc.
 Seeking professional advice/input from architects, building designers,
engineers, etc.
 Outlining how you would coordinate the demolition of any existing
structures (e.g. a garage) in accordance with legislative and planning
requirements, environmental standards, and safe work practices.
 Describing what is involved in conducting a pre-commencement site
inspection.
1. Read the scenario below that relates to the building of the Casey
house and respond to the questions that follow.
Scenario
Consider the plans for the Casey house and imagine that you are
responsible for planning the building of this house in a bushfire-prone
alpine area: Casey plans – Sections, Elevations, Floor Plan, Site Plan.
As part of the planning process you need to ensure the structures and
materials you use will together withstand the loads and forces that will
act upon them, and ensure the stability of the building.
Outline the main structural principles that might apply to the construction of the
Casey house including forces, loads and mechanical properties of materials
(material fuel loads). Include two examples of each principle that would apply to
the Casey house. (400 words max)
 Loads (include two examples):
1. Dead loads: these are permanent loads that are carried by the structure.
For example; permanent non-load bearing partitions and walls, floor
surfacing materials and built-in fixtures.
2. Live loads: these include the weight of movable objects and fixtures
which are carried by the building structure.
For example; furniture and people
 Forces (include two examples):
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1. External forces: These are forces that act on the structure from outside
the structure
For example: Gravitational force- this is the force of gravity that acts on
all structures whose value is 9.7K/Nm
2. Internal forces: These are forces that are caused by one part of the structure
that are acting on other parts of the structure. Example: Compression force
due to the weight of the roof on the building or tension force within the beams.
 Mechanical properties of materials (include two examples):
1. Strength: This refers to the capacity of the material to resist failure
caused by loads acting on it. For example, the strength of the concrete
used for construction is determined by dividing the ultimate
compressive load taken by the concrete cube divided by its cross-
sectional area. It is advisable that all concrete works and steel
structures to be used in construction be tested for their compressive and
tensile strength.
2. Brittleness: A brittle material is a material that fails suddenly without any
cause for deformation when subjected to a load. Example: low class
concrete or poorly cast-iron trusses
2. Review the four Casey plans and consider the structural systems
that will be used in the construction including the footings, floor
system, structural and non-structural walls, roofing and external wall
cladding: Casey plans – Sections, Elevations, Floor Plan, Site Plan.
Remember that you are planning to build the Casey house in a bushfire-prone
alpine area.
Complete the table below outlining the materials and performance
characteristics for each structural system, and where you would seek
expert advice.
An example is provided.
Structural
system
Two examples of materials
that could be used. Include
at least one new and
emerging building
technology that may be
used.
Structural
performance
characteristics
Who could you seek
expert advice from about
the structural integrity of
the system?
Footings E.g. pad or blob footings,
strip footings,
disconnected strip edge
footings, pier or pile and
E.g.
appropriate
load bearing
for context
e.g. engineer,
surveyor
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beam footings, and deep
beam footings.
(soil type,
climactic
conditions,
etc.)
(As per
compliance
with NCC/BCA
Part 3.2: AS
2870 or AS
2159)
Floor Structural Insulated Panels
(SIPs), concrete slabs,
300mm non-combustible
floor decking.
 The structural
insulated panels will
effectively resist fire
considering the
location of the
building.
 The concrete slabs
are known to be fire
resistant and
therefore their
selection for this
particular work will be
most appropriate.
 The spacing of
300mm for the non-
combustible floor
decking will definitely
prevent the spread of
fire during similar
incidences.
NCC 2016
Building Code
of Australia -
Volume Two
Clause 7. 3.2.2
Structural engineer,
architect, services
engineer
Structural walls
and non-
structural walls
Insulated concrete forms
walls, Structural Insulated
Panels (SIPs), cinder
masonry block walls,
masonry or brick walls
 Blocks or bricks are
some of the best fire
resistant materials
that can effectively
be used in the
construction of the
building walls whose
clauses 5.4.1
and 5.4.2 of the
BAL — 12.5
requirements of
AS 3959.
Structural engineer,
architect
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location is in the
bushfire prone areas.
External wall
cladding
Gypsum area separation
walls, insulated vinyl
siding, OVE wood framing
 Spread of heat will
be effectively
controlled by the
use of the OVE
wood framing in the
case of the
structure.
Clauses 7.4.1
(a) and 7.4.2 of
the BAL - 29
requirements of
AS 3959.
Structural engineer,
services engineer,
architect
3. In the box below, complete a 2-D, freehand, cross-section drawing
showing a gable roofing structure at 22.5 degree. Drawing is not to
scale and is primarily assessing your knowledge of materials and structural
performance characteristics, not your drawing skills.
You must show the following items in your drawing:
 A gable-end roof structure
 The materials that will be used in the structure
 Structural performance characteristics of the materials and the
structure
Roofing structure: 2-D, freehand, cross-section drawing
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4. Before the construction of the Casey house, consider how you might
go about demolishing any small existing structures such as a garage
and brick fencing. Briefly outline the steps you would take for the
demolition process including the planning, and the environmental
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and safety requirements you would need to comply with. (200 words
max)
Hint:
To assist with the work safety requirements, look at the ‘Notification of
demolition work’ form on the Sullivon Constructions website. This form is
used to notify WorkCover of demolition work under the Work Health and
Safety Regulation 2011.
The following steps are advised in accordance with AS 2601; the
demolition of structures: Site analysis, planning, execution, environmental
and safety requirements.
 Site analysis: an analysis of the site will be carried out to determine
the dimensions of the structures to be demolished (garage and
brick fence). In addition, affected vegetation, services and
environmental impact will be assessed.
 Planning: a schedule that contains the program of the works to be
carried out will be prepared. A work plan will be submitted before
ant demolition or striping work.
 Safety requirements: All staff on site will be provided dust-proof
masks and hard huts. All services present through the demolition
area will be protected appropriately. All equipment will be inspected
to ensure they are functioning properly. Emergency exits shall be
determined in the site.
 Environmental requirements: The surrounding immediate
environment will be covered will bulkheads and covers to protect it
from dust. A dust-proof screen will be placed around the area of
demolition to avoid debris from encroaching any adjoining property.
 Execution: The demolition shall be carried out while observing all
the necessary steps set out in AS 2601 and the requisite safety and
environmental requirements.
5. Once the construction planning and demolition processes are
complete for the Casey house, a pre-commencement site inspection
will need to be conducted. Briefly list the factors that would need to
be checked for this inspection. (200 words max)
 All approved plans are present on site
 There is stable electricity on site. The location of the power cable
will be at the lower section to avoid interference from passing
vehicles on highway.
 There is a stable supply of water adequate for construction. The
water source will be centrally located so as to provide as access
by the users, preferably few metres from the sewer line.
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 There is a stocked toilet on site that will service the construction
staff. The toilet is connected to the sewer line on the upper part of
the site so as to prevent interface with the flow of the faecal
matter to the sewer line.
 A site sign-board is present
 There are car parking arrangements for small cars and loading
areas for the trucks.
 All the contractual agreements have been completed including,
the main contract has been signed, all sub-contracts have been
finalised and the construction dates have been set.
 Waste disposal arrangements have been put in place.
 There are safety requirements for the construction staff and
adjoining premises.
 Check for fire requirements, fire separating walls and precautions
 In order to address the issue of the obstruction of natural light
from the adjacent building and trees, streetlight insulation will be
done on the eastern part of the site.
 Clearance of trees to create passage for vehicle and their access
into the site will be necessary.
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Appendix A – Approaching a licensed builder
Tips for approaching a licensed builder/construction company
The following points will help you to approach and speak with a licensed builder
to seek their permission to visit their site.
 You may approach a licensed builder personally (face-to-face)*, by phone,
via their website, or by email
 When approaching the builder remember you are a student of Open
Colleges, so make sure you are polite, friendly and professional at all
times
 Follow the script below to help you speak confidently with the builder
 Keep your communications with the builder short and clear, remember
they are busy and may not have a lot of time to speak with you.
*Remember, you must not enter any construction sites without your ‘White card’
and the permission of the licensed builder.
Script for approaching a licensed builder/construction company
 Hi, my name is ________________________________
 I am a student with Open Colleges and I am currently studying the
Certificate IV in Building and Construction or Diploma in Building and
Construction.
 As part of my course, I need to visit construction sites to make
observations and complete my assessments in the following tasks:
o Establish Fire Safety requirements to determine passive and active
fire protection requirements. Topics include: Photography, free hand
sketches and short written descriptions
o Freehand sketch of a gable roof section. Freehand sketches include
structural performance characteristics and knowledge to the
materials used
o Freehand sketch of a structural wall detail and window frame
o Conduct a dilapidation condition report
o Site Survey tasks: Simulated closed level run, simulated two-peg
test (estimated), conduct a grid survey for contouring
 I am required to make contact with and seek the permission of a licensed
builder so that I can do this.
 I am interested in occasionally visiting your construction site to complete
my assessments.
 Would I be able to arrange with you to visit your site in the coming
months, and seek your permission to do this?
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 I am required to seek your written permission to make sure I am covered
by Open Colleges’ student insurance.
 (If builder agrees) Thank you very much, could I arrange a time to briefly
introduce myself and ask you to sign the ‘Permission to visit construction
site’ form?
 (If builder does not agree) Thank you very much for your time. Would you
be able to recommend another builder who may allow me to visit their
site?
Items to submit as evidence for this assessment:
Part A.1 Copy of your ‘White card’ training certificate 
Part A.2 ‘Permission to visit construction site’ form, signed by a licensed
builder 
Part B.1 Main Structural Principles 
Part B.2 Structure Systems 
Part B.3 Cross-section drawing of a gable roof 
Part B.4 Outlines of steps of demolition 
Part B.5 Factors to be checked for pre-commencement site inspection 
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