Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:18 PM AWST
22/07/2026 6:18 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Research and evaluate construction materials and methods for complex building design projects
Research and evaluate construction materials and methods for complex building design projects
Unit of competency
National Code
CPPBDN8001A
CPPBDN8001A
State Code
WC057
WC057
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/03/2014
Field of Education
040301 - Building Science And Technology
Original Release Date
07/03/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
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.
Notes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCU37 | CPPBDN8101 | Advise on construction materials and methods for large and complex building design projects | Unit of competency |
| AXF82 | CPPBDN8001 | Research and evaluate construction materials and methods for complex building design projects | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J825 | CPP80313 | Graduate Diploma of Access Consulting | Qualification |
| J824 | CPP80213 | Graduate Diploma of Building Design | Qualification |
| J823 | CPP80113 | Graduate Certificate In Building Design | Qualification |