CPCCBC5004A Student Workbook

STUDENT WORKBOOK
CPCCBC5004A
Supervise and apply quality standards to the selection of

building and construction materials
2
STUDENT WORKBOOK
This logo will appear throughout the study reading material. It will signify a Task 1 Learning
Activity applies to the last section. The student should then refer to their Task 1 booklet and
answer the question with the applicable information from the section.
1. Overview- Quality Standards
This unit covers the outcomes obtained when supervising the systems
through which materials are:
 Selected
 Acquired (Purchased)
 Stored on site for building or construction work
The construction and building sites can be residential or up to

medium rise buildings.
Medium rise buildings are 3 – 10 storeys high are generally by nature

and definition, buildings of Class 2 – 9 commercial construction sites. This would require a Commercial Building – Unlimited licence for this
level of operation.
Selection and acquisition of building materials to quality standards though is not restricted to any level of building construction , it is the
nature of the larger sites and quality of building materials being delivered and moved around the site that may lend this activity level to more
extensive material handling systems.
The unit will discuss procedures and systems that ensure the delivery to the site of materials
that meet:
 Contract specifications
 Service requirements
 Australian Standards
 Architectural guidelines and selections
The unit will also cover:
 Knowledge of relevant building construction materials

 Knowledge of existing and new developments in building technologies
 Environmental effects on materials
 Testing procedures
The unit will support builders, related construction industry professionals and senior department
managers within building and construction firms responsible for supervising and applying quality
standards to the selection of construction materials for medium rise building and construction
projects.
Orange International College Pty Ltd

CPCCBC5004A Student Workbook
CRICOS No: 03446A | RTO No: 41315
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A builder or their representatives who demonstrates competency in this area will be able to:
 identify building and construction materials specified in the project or contract

documentation
 communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with manufacturers and suppliers
of materials
 understand the testing procedures required to maintain quality standards on site
 apply effective sampling and record keeping processes
 use safe handling and materials storage techniques
 comply with organisational and legislative requirements
Materials, and the correct installation of them, play a major part in the construction of any
building project.
Understanding the quality control, QC, of all materials specified assists in every aspect of the process from quoting/tendering through to
practical completion and handover.
Knowing the acceptable standards of materials that are delivered to site can also mitigate costly delays by using inferior quality products and
removing them at a later date due to quality issues with your client.
The best option is to do it once, do it right and do it using the best materials and
labour.
Throughout this learning resource and into the assessment tasks the unit will cover some technical aspects of building materials, storage tips
and inspection and testing techniques.
2. Properties of building materials
Material Selection
Material selection is a step in the process of designing any physical object. In the context of product design, the main goal of material selection
is to minimize cost while meeting product performance goals. Systematic selection of the best material for a given application begins
with properties and costs of candidate materials.
Example
A thermal blanket must have poor thermal conductivity in order to minimize heat transfer for a given temperature difference.
When considering the selection of a building material for a particular task or project there are 2 main material property groups to be
considered in conjunction with each other:
General Properties
General Properties in relation to building materials refers to things such as:

 ease of use
 availability
 cost benefit
 sustainability and environmental friendliness
Physical Proerties
Physical properties in relation to building materials include, but are not restricted to

CPCCBC5004A Student Workbook CRICOS No: 03446A | RTO No: 41315
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 Strength and Durability

 Versatility
 Low maintenance
 Affordability
 Fire-resistance
 Thermal mass
 Albedo effect
 Low life-cycle CO2 emissions
Example: Concrete- Properties
Strength Durability Used in the majority of buildings, bridges, tunnels and dams for its strength
Gains strength over time
Not weakened by moisture, mould or pests
Concrete structures can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes
and hurricanes
Roman buildings over 1,500 years old such as the Coliseum are living
examples of the strength and durability of concrete
Versatility Concrete is used in buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels, sewerage systems pavements, runways and even roads
Low maintenance Concrete, being inert, compact and non-porous, does not attract mould or lose its key properties over time
Affordability Compared to other comparable building materials, concrete is less costly to produce and remains extremely
affordable
Fire-resistance Being naturally fire-resistant concrete forms a highly effective barrier to

fire spread
Thermal mass Concrete walls and floors slow the passage of heat moving through, reducing temperature swings
This reduces energy needs from heating or air-conditioning, offering year-round energy savings over the life-time of
the building
Locally produced and The weight of the material limits concrete sales to within 300km of a plant site
used Very little cement and concrete is traded and transported internationally
This saves significantly on transport emissions of CO 2 that would otherwise
occur
Albedo effect The high "albedo" (reflective qualities) of concrete used in pavements and building walls means more light is
reflected and less heat is absorbed, resulting in cooler temperatures
This reduces the "urban heat island" effect prevalent in cities today, and hence reduces energy use for e.g. air-
conditioning

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Low life-cycle CO2 80% of a buildings CO2 emissions are generated not by the production of the materials used in its construction, but in
emissions the electric utilities of the building over its life-cycle (e.g. lighting, heating, air-conditioning)
Every material used has properties similar to these, it is far more involved than a statement that timber comes from trees and bricks come
from clay and concrete is a mixture of sand, lime and cement.
Building designers often analyse materials to:
 Ensure the most effective use and effect of all materials used
 Ensure that the building lives in the conditions and environment that it is built.
Suitability of local materials
In all states of Australia (and very much the world), in both residential and commercial
construction builders primarily use materials that are locally produced or distributed,
provide structural and energy integrity and suit our local weather conditions.
With the 6 star energy requirements in the NCC Section 3.12 energy efficiency and
insulation value are important to maintain environmental stability and living
comfort.
There would be little point building houses from lightweight materials with little or
no insulation, summer would be intense as winter would be, bills skyrocketing and
no liveability whatsoever.

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The basic fundamentals of structural construction stages don’t change. There is always the following:
 Foundation or floor system – concrete, steel or timber

 Frame – concrete , timber, steel, masonry
 Roof – concrete or terracotta tiles, metal sheets
 External cladding – masonry, light weight fibre cement, earth wall, composite construction, Hebel light weight
 Internal cladding - plasterboard, masonry, fibre cement. Composite construction
Each aspect of each discipline requires careful consideration when selecting and using the materials chosen for the optimum effective result
desired or specified.
The following categories provide a brief overview of some typical construction methods and material used in Victorian building and
construction:
Brick or concrete structures
Cavity brick work

Cavity brickwork is two individual brick walls laid with a cavity between them and tied
together with brick ties. This cavity can be filled with concrete, mortar or insulation.
This picture shows the cavity being washed clean after construction. Cavities between
the masonry leaves are 35mm-65mm wide in line with AS 3700 Masonry Code and NCC
Part 3.3.4.
Core filled concrete blocks
Concrete blocks are often used for basements or as structural walls and can be laid
single skin or double skin. When filled with concrete they have great structural and
insulation properties.

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Single skin clay brick
Single skin brickwork should never be used above 600-700mm in height without incorporating brick piers into the wall. The majority of single
skin brick work is used in garages and is known as single skin with engaged piers. Maximum spacing for piers is 1800mm’s. The engaged piers
are tied intothe brick wall using brick ties or by turning the bricks into the wall.
Tilt-up concrete panels
A popular method in the commercial and industrial sector. The panels can be made on site and lifted into position or off site and transported to
the site and craned into position. They are a very quick method of construction and panels now can have patterns and insets in them for a
preferred architectural aesthetic finish.
Note: As with all prefabricated components, structural or otherwise, dedication to detail in dimensioning and site preparation is necessary for
correct construction process.
Cladding
Brick veneer

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Brick veneer is a decorative coating which in this instance is achieved by masonry brick construction. (Refer NCC Part 3.3.1) Brick veneer is a
non- structural skin of brick work that it tied into the structural frame of timber or steel using
“face of wall” brick ties. It has a cavity between the frame and the bricks to allow airflow and
an opportunity to install insulation.
Colourbond and Zincalume sheeting
Wall cladding made from Colourbond and Zincalume steel adds another dimension to your home. Whether as a beautiful, long lasting exterior
facade or as feature walling on the inside, it creates depth and texture. It also delivers a lot of
practical benefits:
 It is easy to maintain
 long lasting
 extremely durable
 lightweight
 available in a wide range of attractive colours
Furthermore, it is thermally efficient and corrosion resistant. It resists chipping, flaking and
blistering in normal weather conditions. Weather tight and secure. This type of cladding in regularly used in seaside locations as a result of its
durability.
Fibre cement or compressed wood panelling
Both types of cladding are very commonly used in residential housing and medium density
developments. They are quick and easy to install, allow for good insulation properties but
can at times be maintenance intensive.
Fibre cement products are available to look like timber products such as weather boards
and panelling and are cheaper than the actual timber products.
Timber cladding has strict manufacturer’s installation and annual maintenance which must
be adhered to.

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Timber
Fibre Cement
Floor systems
Bearers and joists
This system of flooring is used with stumps or brick piers as the supporting structure. The bearers are
supported by the stumps or brickwork and the joist also known as the floor joist is the member that
the flooring is directly fixed too. Bearers and joists can be timber or steel. The sizing and spacing’s of
timber bearers and joists is taken directly from Australian Standard 1684, Timber Framing Guide.
The steel joist and bearer system would be dimensioned as per the NCC Part 3.4.2.3 Steel floor
framing, AS4600 engineer calculations and/or NASH specifications.
In commercial construction the use of suspended concrete floor steel floor truss and a combination of
galvanised or zincalume sheeting substructure is proving very time and cost effective.
The steel trusses give good span potential and the metal decking provides an inbuilt form structure after the concrete is poured into the
sections.
Residential Brick bases

Brickwork sub-floor systems are used in conjunction with stumps and not so often without them. Depending on the type of external cladding
being used i.e. brickwork or weather boards. The following photos show brick base with stumps and with brick piers.

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Brick base & piers Brick base & Stumps
Residential Concrete slab floors, including slabs on ground and suspended slabs
Sand Raft Slab Waffle Raft Slab
No doubt the most popular types of flooring systems in residential and light commercial construction in Victoria. Each has its benefits and
when completed allows for coverings to be applied directly to the concrete surface and provides for a safe site. Concrete slabs are done as
waffle or sand raft (usually dependant on soil type or site slope where there are limitations to waffle pod suitability) and suspended concrete
slabs are primarily used in medium and high rise commercial buildings.
Commercial Prestressed Concrete Slabs
Prestressed concrete is the method for overcoming concrete's natural

weakness in tension. It can be used to produce beams, floors or
bridges with a longer span than is practical with ordinary reinforced
concrete.
It is often used in commercial construction as a foundation slab.
Prestressing tendons (generally of

high tensile strength steel cable or rods) are used to provide a clamping
load which produces a compressive stress that balances the tensile
stress that the concrete compression member would otherwise
experience due to a bending load.
Traditional reinforced concrete is based on the use of steel reinforcement

bars, rebars, inside poured concrete.
Prestressing can be accomplished in two ways:
 Pre-tensioned concrete
 Bonded or unbonded post-tensioned concrete.

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Suspended Slab
Commercial Suspended Slab System
Suspended slabs are formed and poured in situ, with either removable or ‘lost’
non-loadbearing formwork, or permanent formwork which forms part of the
reinforcement.
Recent development in suspended slab installation includes:
 Steel floor deck systems- the steel deck formwork becomes part of the
suspended floor slab and gives a ribbed surface underneath for service
installation.
 Prefab slabs which come to site part or completely
poured or set prior to delivery to site.
Engineered floor Joists
Floor joists are designed by engineers to be different sizes so

they can “span” open areas outside of the standard spans for
joists of AS1684.2 Timber framing code. There are many
different types of engineered joists some are solid timber
either seasoned or unseasoned, kiln dried hardwood, and
manufactured beams such as hi-span, Posi-struts and LVL
beams. All these products come with their own manuals and
engineered manuals to meet “Deemed to Satisfy” alternate methods of construction.
Posi-Strut Floor Truss System Hi- Span Joist LVL bearer/ Hi-Span joist combination
In modern design and construction, the Posi-Strut floor truss system is becoming more popular as it becomes more cost effective. The truss
support design allows greater floor span between load bearing walls and the metal spaced struts allow good access for services (plumbing,
waste pipes, ac ducting and wiring). This type of floor system is available in both timber and light weight steel constructio n.

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Fitted (cut in) floors
Fitted floors are those where the flooring is laid when the building
is weatherproof, generally after the roof cladding, external wall
cladding, windows and doors are installed. The floor is fitted
between vertical elements such as wall framing. The flooring
does not provide a working surface for construction. This method
is strongly recommended for the installation of feature floors.
Installation
after the
building is
weatherproof prevents degrading of the timber due to water and sunlight exposure and reduces damage from trades during construction and
here must be an expansion gap between the fitted floor and the surrounding wall. The size of this gap will vary with the size of the floor and
any expected movement due to change in either temperature or humidity. The minimum gap is 12mm. This method is not used often in the
current climate of OH&S in the building and construction industry.
Platform floor construction
Platform floors are those where the floor is laid continuously over the sub-floor system before the walls are erected.
Platform floors provide a safe working platform for construction. As the building is still open to the weather when a platform floor is laid, the
timber requires protection from degradation due to sunlight, water and rain, and from wet trades.
More commonly used on medium rise construction to ensure a safe working environment.
Note: Platform construction is not recommended for tongue & groove feature floor construction.
Sheet flooring
Sheet flooring used in a high percentage of construction on Victoria is 19mm particle board flooring. It is glued and fixed with nails (ring shank)
or screws. The 19mm board is 3600mm x 900mm in size and comes in a smaller sheet size at 1800mm x 900mm for easier lightweight use.

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Tongue and groove flooring
Tongue and groove refer to the traditional method in which solid timber boards are laid in an interlocked fashion. This type of flooring is
available in 19mm thick strips with varying widths, including 60mm, 80mm and 130mm, and random lengths between 900mm to 5400mm.
There are two main nailing techniques. The first and traditional way is 'top nail' where nail heads are visible in the floori ng. The second and
modern way is the 'secret nail' technique where nails are invisible, leaving you with a stylish and unblemished finish.
Note: Refer Section 5 Figure 5.3/ Tables 5.1 to 5.5 AS1684.4 Timber Framing Code for joist support spacing and nailing detail s for deck &
flooring systems

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Compressed sheet wet area flooring
Typically used in wet area applications such as

bathrooms, balconies and other areas susceptible
to the ingress of water.
Compressed fibre cement sheet can be installed

directly to the sub-floor system or can be installed
over other flooring systems that have been
outlined previously.
Compressed fibre cement sheet provides a smooth

finish for applying waterproof membrane prior to
tiling ( to overall substructure system) to insure no
issues with water leaks.
The products is available in 15, 18 & 24mm

thicknesses and sheet sizes are generally up to 2400 x 1200mm overall sizes in 300-600mm increments.
Properties of materials
The unit briefly covered the properties or characteristics of concrete earlier in the resource where it was established that the property of a
product is not simply what it is made of.
When a builder or their representative is required to provide a material to do a job it is important that they consider all the scenarios and
supply and install in accordance with the conditions, style of home, characteristics of the neighbourhood, OH&S and price.
The following represent the main qualities of building materials broken into two categories:
 Principal / General
 Mechanical
Principal / General Qualities
Weathering is the ability of a material to endure alternate wet and dry conditions for a long period without considerable
deformation and loss of mechanical strength.
Water permeability is the capacity of a material to allow water to penetrate under pressure. Materials like glass, steel and
bitumen are impervious.
Frost resistance denotes the ability of a water-saturated material to endure repeated freezing and thawing with
considerable decrease of mechanical strength. Under such conditions the water contained by the pores
increases in volume even up to 9 per cent on freezing. Thus the walls of the pores experience considerable
stresses and may even fail.
Heat conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct heat. It is influenced by nature of material, its structure, porosity,
character of pores and mean temperature at which heat exchange takes place. Materials with large size
pores have high heat conductivity because the air inside the pores enhances heat transfer. Most materials
have higher heat conductivity than drier ones. This property is of major concern for materials used in the
walls of heated buildings since it will affect dwelling houses.
Thermal capacity is the property of a material to absorb heat described by its specific heat. Thermal capacity is of concern in
the calculation of thermal stability of walls of heated buildings and heating of a material, e.g. for concrete
laying in winter.
Fire resistance is the ability of a material to resist the action of high temperature without any appreciable deformation
and substantial loss of strength. Fire resistive materials are those which char, smoulder, and ignite with
difficulty when subjected to fire or high temperatures for long period but continue to burn or smoulder only
in the presence of flame, e.g. wood impregnated with fire proofing chemicals. Non-combustible materials
neither smoulder nor char under the action of temperature. Some of the materials neither crack nor lose
shape such as clay bricks, whereas some others like steel suffer considerable deformation under the action
of high temperature.
Refractoriness denotes the ability of a material to withstand prolonged action of high temperature without melting or
losing shape. Materials resisting prolonged temperatures of 1580°C or more are known as refractory. High-
melting materials can withstand temperature from 1350–1580°C, whereas low melting materials withstand
temperature below 1350°C.

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Chemical resistance is the ability of a material to withstand the action of acids, alkalis, sea water and gases. Natural stone
materials, e.g. limestone, marble and dolomite are eroded even by weak acids, wood has low resistance to
acids and alkalis, and bitumen disintegrates under the action of alkali liquors.
Durability is the ability of a material to resist the combined effects of atmospheric and other factors.
Mechanical properties
Strength is the ability of the material to resist failure under the action of stresses caused by loads, the most
common being compression, tension, bending and impact. The importance of studying the various strengths
will be highlighted from the fact that materials such as stones and concrete have high compressive strength
but a low (1/5 to 1/50) tensile, bending and impact strengths.
Hardness is the ability of a material to resist penetration by a harder body. It is closely associated with material
structure, composition and other mechanical properties. Hardness may be used to represent the ability of a
material to resist scratching, abrasion, cutting or penetration.
Mohs scale is used to find the hardness of materials. It is a list of ten minerals arranged in the order of
increasing hardness. Hardness of metals and plastics is found by indentation of a steel ball. Hard materials
resist scratching and denting, for example cast iron and chrome steel. Materials resistant to abrasion such as
manganese are also known as hard materials.
Elasticity is the ability of a material to restore its initial form and dimensions after the load is removed. Within the
limits of elasticity of solid bodies, the deformation is proportional to the stress. Ratio of unit stress to unit
strain is termed as modulus of elasticity. A large value of it represents a material with very small
deformation.
Plasticity is the ability of a material to change its shape under load without cracking and to retain this shape after
the load is removed. Some of the examples of plastic materials are steel, copper and hot bitumen.
Ductility is a measure of the degree of plastic deformation that has been sustained at fracture. It is quantitatively
expressed as percentage elongation. It is important to have knowledge of ductility of a material for the
reasons to follow.
Firstly, ductility specifies the degree of deformation that may be permitted during fabrication operations.
Secondly, it indicates the degree of plastic deformation that may be allowed before failure. Ductile materials
can be drawn out without necking down. The examples of ductile materials are copper, wrought iron mild
steel etc.
Brittleness is a property of material by virtue of which it can resist very little or no plastic deformation upon fracture.
Brittle materials fail suddenly without warning. Stone, brick, cast iron and concrete are some of the
examples of brittle materials.
Stiffness is the property of material to resist elastic deformation or deflection. Stiff materials have a high modulus of
elasticity permitting small deformation or deflection for a given load. For example a beam made of
aluminium (E = 7 × 104 N/mm2) will deflect more than a steel beam (E = 2 × 105 N/mm2) under the same
conditions.
Flexibility is the property of material by virtue of which it can bend considerably without breakdown. Flexible
materials have a low modulus of elasticity, or a low elastic limit and considerable ductility or plasticity
beyond that limit. Examples of flexible materials are plywood, plastic, rubber.
Toughness is the ability of material to absorb energy up to fracture. It depends upon strength and flexibility of the
material. For a material to be tough it should be strong and ductile. Tough materials withstand heavy shocks
without any distress. Mild steel and wrought iron are the examples.
Malleability is the ability of material to be flattened into sheets without rupture by pressing, rolling, hammering etc. It
depends upon the ductility and softness of the material. Aluminium, copper, tin etc. are the examples.
Copper is the most malleable material.
Compatibility of materials

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Compatibility – “Capable of existing or performing in harmonious,

agreeable, or congenial combination with another or others”.
The definition to use building and construction materials it allows the

builder to understand why the selection of materials that rely on each
other is important. When selecting building materials they must be fit
for purpose and ensure integrity with the remainder of the building.
Climate is one of the most important factors to consider in material

and assembly selection. Too often we see buildings that have not taken
local environmental conditions into consideration, by designing a
building for a specific site that ignores climatic issues. The result is a
building that performs poorly, failing to keep inhabitants comfortable
without excessive energy expenditures and near complete reliance on mechanical systems to rectify poor construction decisions.
Materials also must be compatible with specific regional and local cultural and aesthetic conditions.
Would the use of Zincalume cladding to the front façade be a

compatible material for a development in an older suburb in
Melbourne? Probably not.
The use of the appropriate materials for the appropriate use is

important.
Would the use of an aluminium clad material be suitable for modern

inner-city aesthetic buildings if it does not meet the FRL fire rating by
the NCC for commercial buildings? Also, not.
Environmental impacts
The environmental impact of building materials is not related just to the use of
it, but now more than ever the impact is measured at all stages of the product
life cycle.
A life cycle assessment is one method that is used to measure the

environmental impacts of building products. Alternative terms for a life cycle
assessment include cradle to grave analysis, eco-balance, product lifecycle
analysis, and resource and environmental profile analysis. The aim of a life
cycle assessment is to identify, quantify and assess the impact of the energy
and materials used and wastes released to the environment throughout the
life of a building product.
There are many life cycle assessment methodologies and the models vary in
their complexity. They range from full life cycle assessments (used for publications, policy decisions and marketing claims) to streamlined
approaches (used for comparisons and usually with the aid of a software tool) to guidelines and checklists.
Typically, there will be several stages that are considered. These include:
 Mining/extraction/harvesting and transport to place of manufacture
 Manufacturing
 On site construction including transport to the building site
 Occupancy and maintenance
 Demolition and disposal and recycling

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At each of these stages, there are several variables that can alter the
outcome of the assessment. For example, the length of the life of the
building may vary considerably depending on the durability of the building
materials, fashion, demographic change or other factors such as recycling
and deconstruction. So, even if a building has a relatively short life span, its
impact may effectively be offset to some degree by recycling of the
materials.
By allowing for comparison between various building products, a life cycle

assessment can assist in making an informed decision about the choice of
building materials. Because this type of assessment can also be used as a
marketing tool to support the use of one material over another, it is
important to view the environmental assessment critically and consider other factors such as structural, economic and aesthetic performance.
There are a number of methods available to conduct a life cycle assessment. This makes meaningful comparisons difficult. International
organisations such as the International Standards Organisation and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry are working towards
standardising the process.
Waste management
Waste takes the form of spent or useless materials generated from construction and
demolition processes, and manufacturing and agricultural industries. These materials are
loosely categorized as municipal solid waste, construction and demolition (C&D) debris,
and industrial or agricultural by-products.
Sustainable architecture focuses on the on-site use of waste management, incorporating
things such as grey water systems for use on garden beds, and composting toilets to
reduce sewage. These methods, when combined with on-site food waste composting and
off-site recycling, can reduce a house's waste to a small amount of packaging waste.
This is the new techniques of sustainable architecture.
Life cycle assessments take time to carry out and require detailed information. Access to
life cycle information on a range of building products is not yet readily available. Market
demand for this information together with further development and refinement of the
assessment tools should improve the availability of information.
The types of materials selected at the design stage of building a home will impact
fundamentally on its longer-term sustainability. These choices have implications for saving
energy, improving bushfire resilience and improving comfort.
Building materials typically considered to be 'green' include renewable plant materials like
straw and mud brick, timber from forests certified to be sustainably managed, recycled
materials and other products that are non-toxic, reusable and renewable.
The following products are extremely environmentally friendly:
Concrete
Concrete is an excellent material for creating thermal mass in a passive solar designed home. In temperate and cool
climates thermal mass helps regulate a home's temperature and keep it warm in winter and cool in summer.
ICF Blocks
These are a relatively new building system that started in Australia with thermacell blocks. Generally, these systems
consist of a range of wall blocks and corner blocks that are assembled onto a solid foundation, filled with concrete
such as concrete slab or footings, to make a complete wall.
Timber
Timber is probably the most commonly used building material there is. It is strong, flexible, and readily available.
Providing it is sourced properly (Plantation Pine), timber is a renewable resource. It is an easy material to work with
and requires relatively basic skills, making it ideal for builders.

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Mudbrick
Mudbricks are pretty much what they sound like - bricks made of mud. Often, they are made on site from local soil,
providing there is enough clay content. The soil is mixed with water and reinforcing materials such as straw and
even cement and then pressed into wooden forms and allowed to set. The forms are removed, and the bricks set
aside to dry for up to several weeks. As they are made from natural materials, they are a sustainable, recyclable,
non-toxic and healthy form of building construction.
Strawbale
Strawbale building like mudbrick is a good sustainable choice as it is made from natural materials, they are a
sustainable, recyclable, non-toxic and healthy form of building construction. Rectangular strawbales are stacked up
to form walls, fixed in place with metal or wooden pins, and then trimmed and shaped (often using a chainsaw!)
before being rendered with mud or cement-based renders.

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Timbercrete
Timbercrete is an interesting material, being a combination of timber waste (sawdust) from various sources and
concrete. This results in a material that is lighter than solid concrete, but of greater strength and with better
insulating capabilities. Some Timbercrete products can produce walls with R ratings of 3.7, which is higher than
most other materials except Strawbale.
Rapidwall
Rapidwall is a load-bearing wall construction system that uses large prefabricated panels to assemble both inner
and outer walls in one go. The panels are made of fibreglass reinforced water-resistant gypsum plaster which is
moulded to the required size. Panels are available up to 12 metres long and 3 metres high, so entire walls can be
prefabricated and then installed onsite using a crane.
Rammed Earth
Not to be confused with mud brick, rammed earth is a precisely controlled mixture of gravel, clay, sand,
cement, and sometimes lime or waterproofing additives. The contents are carefully proportioned and mixed,
and then machine-compacted in removable formwork to yield a stone-like wall that is massive, water
resistant, load bearing and long lasting.
Brick
Common clay house bricks as a building material have the advantage of high thermal mass, so they can be used
to store or absorb heat to help provide temperature stability inside a home. However, to do this, they must be
on the inside of a home, not on the outside.
(Refer Document Addendum – Your Home – brick & block – Aust. Govt. issue)
Activity 1– Suitability of Materials
Please complete the learning activity in your Learning Activities and Assessment Tasks booklet.
3. Tolerances and Standards
When using natural products like timber, concrete and bricks there are some definitive tolerances that are allowable. Most tolerances are
regulated by the manufacturer in accordance with size, moisture content and appearance.
Each material whether flooring, weather boards, or framing material must meet Australian Standards. All products vary and should be checked
with the manufacturer and relevant Australian Standard.

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Example
Tolerances in the Australian standard relative to the size of bricks.
The most common size is called a 'traditional brick' which is defined in the Australian Standard as being 230 x
76 x 110 mm (L x H x W). However this is a nominal size and the size of actual units will slightly vary from this.
The Standard sets out a series of allowable deviations.
 Clay brick sizes may vary after they are ﬁred but size variation between units averages out when blended
properly during laying.
 Brick dimensions are measured by dry stacking 20 units, measuring the total length, width and height and comparing that
measurement to 20 times the work size.
 Bricks are classified according to how much 20 bricks together deviate from 20 times the work size.
 For standard bricks, Dimensional Category DW1 means the height and width will differ by less than plus or minus 50 mm from 20
times the work size, and the length will differ less than plus or minus 90 mm.
 For standard bricks, Dimensional Category DW2 means the height and width will differ by less than plus or minus 40 mm from 20
times the work size, and the length will differ less than plus or minus 60 mm.
 Dimensional Category, DW0 means there are no requirements. This is usually reserved for non-standard shaped bricks and bricks
that have been rumbled or otherwise distorted during the manufacturing process for aesthetic reasons.
To test the allowable tolerance of a standard brick a builder would do the following:
Step 1 Lay 20 bricks end to end on a flat level surface.
Step 2 Measure the overall length of the 20 bricks remembering that a standard brick is 230mm long
Step 3 If the overall measurement is more than 20 x 230 the bricks are outside the allowable size tolerance and deemed to be defecti ve.
Allowable Tolerances in building and construction
This is an area of the industry that constantly comes under scrutiny. Often home owners have
unreasonable expectations in relations to finishes in the building and construction industry.
It is very important that builders notify their clients and educate them at the earliest
opportunity about the acceptable tolerances on finishes in the building and construction
industry. A reference to the Standards and Tolerances Guide of 2015, and/or their inclusion
into the building contract documents is advisable.
The Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2015 was produced by the Victorian Building
Commission in collaboration with NSW Fair Trading, the Tasmanian Government and the ACT
Government. (refer to copy of the Guide on usb attachment)

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 The Guide is not a legal document and is not intended to replace the relevant provisions of the Building Code of Australia or
Australian Standards.
 The Guide is intended to provide the reader with an understanding of the tolerances that a building professional will consider in
determining whether a building element has been installed/constructed to an acceptable standard.
 The Guide should be regarded as an advisory resource rather than a series of prescriptive definitions.
 The Guide helps home owners if building work is in dispute. It deals with such topics as shrinkage around timber window frames,
door frames, nail popping in timber floors, paving through to footings and foundations.
Australian Standards – Building
 The Australian Standards cover all aspects of a building, whether it be horizontal surfaces, vertical surfaces, inspection techniques
painting tiling and cleaning.
 The Australian Standards have been developed for the building and construction industry, and add to the safety, efficiency and
cost-effectiveness of building in Australia.
 An Australian Standard is a document that provides rules, guidelines and often detailed technical specifications for activities
undertaken in the industry.
 The Australian Standards which are referenced in the NCC and building regulations are compulsory in their specification as to how
works are to be completed.
Examples
 Product standards and test methods related to windows, doors and roofing
 Internal and external waterproofing of dwellings
 Installation and product standards for smoke detectors
 Design standards related to access for the disabled.
Building Industry Standards
The following list outlines some Australian Standards that are relevant to the building and Construction industry:
Inspections
AS 4349.0-2007 - Inspection of buildings – General requirements
Design
AS 1428.1-2009 - Design for access and mobility – General requirements for access – New building
work
AS/NZS 1170.0:2002 - Structural design actions – General principles
AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 - Structural design actions – Permanent, imposed and other actions
AS/NZS 1170.2:2002 - Structural design actions – Wind actions
AS/NZS 1170.0:2002 - Structural design actions – General principles
AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 - Structural design actions – Permanent, imposed and other actions

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AS/NZS 1170.2:2002 - Structural design actions – Wind actions
AS 1170.4-2007 - Structural design actions – Earthquake actions in Australia
AS 5104-2005 - General principles on the reliability of structures
AS ISO 13822-2005 - Basis for design of structures – Assessment of existing structures
AS/NZS 2890 - Parking Facilities Series
Wall and Floor Tiling

AS 4662-2003 - Ceramic tiles – Definitions, classification, characteristics and marking
AS 4992 - Ceramic tiles - Grouts and adhesives Series
AS 3958.1-2007 - Ceramic tiles – Guide to the installation of ceramic tiles
Floor Coverings Carpet
AS/NZS 1385:2007 - Textile floor coverings – Metric units and commercial tolerances for
measurement
AS/NZS 2111 - Textile floor coverings - Tests and measurements Series
AS/NZS 2119:1997 - Textiles for floor coverings – Machine-made – Sampling and

cutting specimens
AS 2404-1980 - Textile floor coverings – Fire propagation of the use-surface using a

small ignition source
AS 2454-2007 - Textile floor coverings – Terminology
AS/NZS 2455.1:2007 - Textile floor coverings – Installation practice – General
AS/NZS 2455.2:2007 - Textile floor coverings – Installation practice – Carpet tiles
AS/NZS 2914:2007 - Textile floor coverings – Informative labelling
AS/NZS 3733:1995 - Textile floor coverings – Cleaning maintenance of residential and commercial carpeting
AS 4288-2003 - Soft underlays for textile floor coverings
Floor Coverings Vinyl
AS 1884-1985, Floor coverings – Resilient sheet and tiles – Laying and maintenance practices
Floor Treatment
AS/NZS 4586:2004 - Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials
AS/NZS 4663:2004 - Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces
Plumbing and Drainage
AS 3498-2009 - Authorization requirements for plumbing products – Water heaters and hot-water storage tanks
AS/NZS 2172:2007 - Solar and heat pump water heaters – Design and construction

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AS/NZS 4234:2008 - Heated water systems – Calculation of energy consumption
AS/NZS 3500.1:2003 - Plumbing and drainage – Water services
AS/NZS 3500.2:2003 - Plumbing and drainage – Sanitary plumbing and drainage
AS/NZS 3500.3:2003 - Plumbing and drainage – Stormwater drainage
AS/NZS 3500.4:2003 - Plumbing and drainage – Heated water services
AS/NZS 5601 SET: 2010 - Gas Installations Set
AS/NZS 2179.1:1994 - Specifications for rainwater goods
AS 3735-2001 - Concrete structures retaining liquids
AS/NZS 4766:2006 - Polyethylene storage tanks for water and chemicals
Electrical and Lighting
AS/NZS 1680.1:2006 - Interior and workplace lighting – General principles and

recommendations.
AS/NZS 4782 - Double-capped fluorescent lamps Series
AS/NZS 3000:2007 - Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring

Rules).
AS/NZS 3012:2010 - Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites.
AS/NZS 3017:2007 - Electrical installations – Verification guidelines.
AS/NZS 3019:2007 - Electrical installations – Periodic verification.
AS/NZS 3760:2010 - In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Waterproofing
AS 3740-2010 - Waterproofing of domestic wet areas.
AS/NZS 4858:2004 - Wet area membranes.
AS 4654.2-2009 - Waterproofing membrane systems for exterior use – Above ground level – Design and installation.
AS 4654.1-2009 - Waterproofing membrane systems for exterior use – Above ground level – Materials.
Insulation and Acoustics
AS/NZS 4859.1-2009 – Materials for the thermal insulation of buildings – General criteria and technical provisions
AS 3999-1992 - Thermal insulation of dwellings – Bulk insulation – Installation requirements
AS/NZS 1276.1:1999 - Acoustics – Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Airborne sound insulation
AS/NZS ISO 717.1:2004 - Acoustics – Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Airborne sound insulation
Plasterboard
AS/NZS 2589:2007 - Gypsum lining – Application and finishing.
AS/NZS 2588:1998 - Gypsum plasterboard

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Scaffold
AS/NZS 1576.1:2010 - Scaffolding – General requirements
AS 1576.4-1991 - Scaffolding – Suspended scaffolding
AS/NZS 4576:1995 - Guidelines for scaffolding

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Piling
AS 2159-2009 - Piling - Design and installation
Concrete
AS 3600-2009 - Concrete structures
AS/NZS 4671:2001 - Steel reinforcing materials
AS 3850-2003 - Tilt-up concrete construction
AS 1379-2007 - Specification and supply of concrete
AS 1012 - Methods of testing concrete Series
Masonry
AS 3700-2001 - Masonry structures
AS 2701-2001 - Methods of sampling and testing mortar for masonry construction
Steel Structures
AS 4100-1998 - Steel structures
AS/NZS 4600:2005 - Cold-formed steel structures
AS/NZS 1163:2009 - Cold-formed structural steel hollow sections
AS 1442-2007 - Carbon steels and carbon-manganese steels – Hot-rolled bars and

semi-finished products
AS 1397:2001 - Steel sheet and strip – Hot-dipped zinc-coated or aluminium/zinc-

coated
AS/NZS 3678:1996 - Structural steel – Hot-rolled plates, floor plates and slabs
AS/NZS 3679.1:2010 - Structural steel – Hot-rolled bars and sections
AS/NZS 3679.2:1996 - Structural Steel – Welded I sections
Timber Structures
AS 1684 - Residential timber-framed construction Series
AS 1720.1-2010 - Timber structures – Design methods
AS 4440-2004 - Installation of nail-plated timber trusses
Glass and Glazing
AS 1288-2006 - Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
Pressure Equipment
AS 4458-1997 - Pressure equipment – Manufacture
AS 1548-2008 - Fine grained, weldable steel plates for pressure equipment

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Doors
AS 1909-1984 - Installation of timber door sets
AS 2688-1984 - Timber doors
AS 2689-1994 - Timber door sets
AS 5007-2007 - Powered doors for pedestrian access and egress
Fire and Smoke
AS/NZS 1530.3:1999 - Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures - Simultaneous determination of ignitability,
flame propagation, heat release and smoke release.
AS 1905.1-2005 - Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant walls – Fire-resistant door sets
Roofing
AS 1562.1-1992 - Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding – Metal
AS 1562.3-2006 - Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding – Plastic
Platforms and Balustrades
AS 1657-1992 - Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
Painting
AS 1940-2004 - The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
AS/NZS 2311:2009 - Painting of buildings
AS/NZS 2312:2002 - Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings
Emergency and Risk Management
AS 3745-2010 - Planning for emergencies in facilities
AS 1670.4-2004 - Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – System design, installations and commissioning – Sound systems and
intercom systems for emergency purposes
AS 1851-2005 - Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment
AS 3806-2006 - Compliance programs

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AS/NZS 5050:2010 - Business continuity – Managing disruption-related risk
AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 - Risk management – Principles and guidelines
The Australian Standards listed are a fair majority but there are more that are relevant to the building and construction industry. It would be
unrealistic to expect any one individual know all these standards; however, it is important that the builder knows where to find the information
should they require it.
All Australian Standards are available for purchase from SAI Global.
http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store/default.aspx

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Activity 2– Tolerances and Standards

4. Structural Suitability
Structural integrity of all materials used in any project is a task undertaken by a structural engineer that has been engaged to provide a
substantial list of all structural members.
Refer to the Contract Documents covered earlier; the requirements of the builder are to ensure the correct materials as per the plans, general
specifications and engineering design are supplied and installed.
The structural issue of construction is covered by Part 2.1 Structure of the National Construction Code of Australia under Performance
requirements. As this is not only a Compliance level of the NCC that structural integrity must be maintained, it is also the backbone of any
building construction ..Anywhere.
Project Engineering (Structural Engineering)
In project engineering, reference is made in design to Engineering manuals and tables that have already been calculated for the construction
members that they refer to.
All approved building & construction drawings must contain structural layout and computations. Without this information the building certifier
is limited to the restrictions on load structures to deem the components to satisfy the requirements of the NCC.
The following member schedule shows the name of the beam (Mark), the size of the member and any specific comments
relating to the use of the member. In this example using B1 as a reference the member or beam shows the lintel for the
opening and brickwork.
B1- 2/290x45 F17 KDHW (Internal) Nail Laminated
B2- 150 x 100 x 10 UA (Unequal Angle) (External)
Internal details referring to lintel/beam in the timber framing and external referring to brickwork lintels.

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Beam Layout
Beam 1
Beam 2
This option creates a bit of a road map to provide what to use and where to put it. A
building surveyor will at the time of frame inspection make sure that the beams and lintels installed match the approved engi neers design.
Using the timber framing manual

On a project where the builder has carpenters at frame stage and during the works they have noticed a lintel over a window has sagged
considerably and will need to be replaced. The builder needs to gather the correct information to be able to replace the failed lintel.
The span tables found in Australian Standard 1684.4 (Victoria) would supply the correct information. (Refer to AS1684.4 Span tables in the
Document Addendum)
These span tables cover all aspects of bearers, joists, studs, plates in fact all aspects of timber framing, hence the name.

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Table A24 is the span table is relevant to the builder’s concern. Based on the following assumed information:
Wind Speed of the area (N1/N2 Victoria)

Roof Cover Type (assume Tiled)
Truss Span (assume 3000mm)
Opening width of window (assume 2100mm)
The correct size in (assume F17 hardwood) would be 2/90 x35 laminated section lintels. The builder would need to check the size and grade of
timber supplied and installed. It may have been supplied as MGP10 Pine and would not be sufficient for the load.
It is important that the builder knows how to use these tables, the knowledge and use of the AS 1684.4 (.2) Timber Framing Code is a
prerequisite for building licence knowledge.
Important Note: The larger the project, the members, the structure, and particularly large commercial sites, this information should be relay ed
back to the structural engineers responsible for the design and calculation.
Using industry experts
 Arranging for expert advice as necessary to confirm or refute materials options should always be used when the builder is in
doubt.
 The use of industry experts is a practice that is becoming more prevalent in the industry in these days of litigation.
 Industry experts can be used to provide relevant technical advice when you need to know that the materials selected are correct
and fit for purpose.
 If at any time the builder is unsure they should refer to the expertise of an industry expert.
These experts could be an expert in any field from structural through to industry specific.

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Identifying materials from specifications and drawings
This unit covered following and understanding the contents of the structural elements previously, this section will assist to ensure the
successful selection, identification and ordering of the correct materials as a result of reading the contract documents.
When prioritising documents for the selection of building materials, the order of importance is:
1. Contract
2. Specification
3. Plans.
 In the event of a discrepancy between documents and
particularly between plans and specs, the specification will
always take precedence.
 In the event of conflicting information, a variation to
contract must be completed in accordance with the contract
terms and conditions.
Being able to understand drawings and specifications is a sure

fire way to eliminate the risk of a costly dispute on a project.
The onus is on the reader of the drawings and specifications (Builder, Project Manager) to make sure that all general comments as well as all
technical information is adhered to.
Ordering with safety in mind
The builder/ project manager must be aware of the OH&S requirements on all building and construction projects. The builder/ project manager
must also be aware that they have an obligation to ensure that when materials selected are ordered they are done so in a manner so as not to
cause any risk to personnel during delivery and installation.
Example
 When lintels and beams are too heavy to be lifted into position the use of a “duct lifter” or a crane should be used.
 Often when ordering beams and lintels the engineer will provide 2 options
such as 240 x 65 LVL or 2/240 x 35 F17 KDHW. By choosing the first option a form of
mechanical lifting would be required, by selecting the second option each beam could
be lifted in place and then laminated together.
 Glass splashbacks and mirrors are also good examples when ordering. If the
section of glass is too long it cannot transport in one piece, is dangerous to carry and
will incur additional cost during installation. Be aware that mirrors must fit through
doors and be handled into position. Broken glass is dangerous and can cause serious
injury.
Think safety, think lifting and think cost when ordering your materials.
Fire resistance rating
There are many options available now to make the construction of fire rated walls and party
walls are clearly understood and the correct materials are ordered.

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Fire rating Detail to Party Wall though to Roof truss section
Building designers will provide the required details on the drawings and
the building surveyor/certifier will approve the design.
There are several plasterboard products that are compliant with the NCC
Fire Resistance Levels. The following detail provides a compliant method
used regularly in medium density developments.
Serviceability and cost effectiveness.
All projects are designed and constructed to provide maximum service to

the people that use it.
In building and construction serviceability refers to the conditions under

which a building is still considered useful. Through the successful design
using the correct materials that when used in accordance with the
manufacturers installation instructions all construction projects are
designed to last the test of time, with the correct maintenance of course.
The combination of a cost-effective building material that by the nature of

its properties provides a low maintenance project life is a keenly sourced
product.
A good example is the modern trend to quartz stone benchtops which provide the
aesthetic appeal of traditional stone products such as marble, but have a longer
project life and are very low maintenance. The fact that the benchtops are a factory
produced and not naturally occurring product allows a significant cost-effective bench
material for both residential and commercial products.
Short and long-term degradation of materials
Natural products that are subject to the weather conditions of the local area will
always come under scrutiny by the way they are installed. All materials have
manufacturers recommended methods of installation. Everything gets old and must
be replaced at some stage, however if the correct techniques are followed the life
cycle of all products will be extended.
Timber can quickly suffer at the hands of weather if not

installed correctly, the following comes from the AS/NZS
2311:2009, Guide to the Painting of Buildings;
Section 2.2.2
Timber is a hygroscopic material that will gain or lose

water according to the prevailing atmospheric humidity.
Moisture change will cause the timber to expand and
contract resulting in stressing and destruction of the paint
finish.
Section 2.2.3

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Design should make provision for the protection of all end-grain of external
timber. To retard the ingress of moisture, exposed timber cladding should be
coated all round before being attached to the building framework.
Section 2.2.5 (g)
To retard the ingress of moisture, exposed timber should be coated on all

faces, edges and ends before being attached to the building framework
Pretty simple really and something that is not widely known in the industry, a
really good insurance policy is to make sure you take the time to check.
Alternative materials
At times during construction project a builder/project manager will come

across material that is specified that is unavailable or in their opinion not the
correct selection. When faced with this situation they must always gain the appropriate contract variation as per the terms and conditions
of the contract.
A professional builder always maintains vigilance on what is going into the project and knows if a similar product is available at a similar cost.
Example
A project has been engineered to have 150 x 45 F17 KDHW floor joists which are a solid and quite expensive option. Service trades that need to
be run in the cavity and would prefer to use a Posi-Strut which is an open web joist (floor truss) that is lighter, cheaper and will provide an
option for the builder to run your services.
It is in the best interest of all stakeholders to administer a contract variation suggested by the builder to change the ‘as designed’ joists.

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The most important part of this process is to ensure:
 that all parties are aware
 engineering consultation is completed
 the relevant building surveyor/ certifier is aware of the change in

the materials (i.e. 150 x 45 F17 hardwood joist are deemed to satisfy
NCC performance requirements due to their selection in AS1684.4
timber framing code. However, a factory manufactured posistrut floor
truss is an engineered product and the building certifier/ surveyor
would need the posistrut manual/tables to ascertain it is correct or a
engineer certification.)
 As a result of this professional diligence the builder/ project

manager has managed to save money, use a better product and allow
their plumber and electrician run their services more efficiently.
Activity 3– Build suitability

5. Safe handling and storage
A major part of any construction project is taking possession of

materials ordered on site. Health and safety play a major part in
making sure the materials are delivered to ensure safety to all
personnel involved.
OHS Procedures
 A safe lay down area is a good idea if the site manager has the room, the builder should make this part of the site induction so all on
site know where deliveries will be made.
 Always have a system in place for deliveries
 When the driver notifies the site manager that he is there, have someone supervise the unloading of the materials, too often
materials are damage when tipped or pushed of the side or back of a truck
 Don’t sign the delivery docket if there are issues with the delivery, send the damaged materials back
 Site storage can only be done to a certain extent when the site manager has the room to do it.
If it is a small residential site the last thing you want to do is have materials stockpiled everywhere limiting safe movement around the
site. Always schedule the delivery of materials for when they are required.

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Site deliveries
On a large building project there will be an area that is set aside where storage facilities are set up and all site deliveries are accepted.
WorkSafe provides the following information relating to safe site delivery.
Many of the accidents that occur during delivery of materials at premises could be avoided if plans for the unloading operations were made at
an early stage, ideally at the time an order is placed.
The site manager arranging the load, the transport company, and the delivery receiver need to cooperate to ensure deliveries are planned
appropriately. There should be agreement on the vehicle, equipment and systems that will be used to ensure the load is delivered safely.
This agreement needs to be documented as a written delivery plan, taking into account site-specific information, the types of loads being
delivered and the facilities available for unloading and accompany the purchase order for the goods as a term and condition.
Delivery plan information
Deliverer: When agreeing to deliver a load, the transport company should obtain the basic information needed to plan the delivery, such as:
NOTE: What access restrictions apply (maximum size of vehicles etc.)?
 Where will unloading take place?

 What lifting equipment is available onsite (overhead/mobile cranes, forklift trucks, dock levellers
etc.)?
 What is the capacity of the lifting equipment onsite?
 Are there any other special requirements? E.g. high visibility vests
 Are there any site-specific issues? E.g. stairs.
Delivery receiver: The customer receiving the goods should provide correct information on the conditions at the delivery site
and any changes that may have occurred since the information was provided. All parties should keep each
other informed of any changes that may introduce new risks, and regularly review the delivery plan—the
delivery driver should not arrive onsite without any knowledge of the conditions to be expected there.
Safe Unloading on Site: The delivery plan and any other paperwork sent with the load should be checked by the driver for special
delivery instructions. The customer receiving the goods must also be familiar with the delivery plan and any
special conditions that may apply. The unloading operation should always be carried out under the
supervision of a competent person who is aware of the hazards present and the necessary precautions, as
described in the delivery plan. The delivery receiver should appoint this person to take responsibility for
managing and supervising the unloading operation. This includes providing a site induction for the delivery
driver and details of the site traffic management plan.
The delivery driver should not be left to make key decisions, for example where to leave the load. The
driver should liaise with the delivery receiver to resolve any difficulties which are not anticipated in the
delivery plan, and which may affect the safe delivery of the load. Where these cannot be resolved, it may be
necessary to delay delivery until a safe means of unloading can be provided.
Site conditions: The area where material is to be unloaded must be suitable for unloading to be done safely. It should be
checked by the appointed manager/supervisor before unloading begins to make sure it is safe to proceed.
This check should identify hazards such as:

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 The suitability of the ground for the vehicle (for example

whether it is flat and firm) and load stability. The vehicle itself
should also be checked to make sure that it can access the
unloading area safely.
 Any obstructions in the unloading area (including parked cars).
 Pedestrian exclusion zones—these must be maintained.
 Traffic—the traffic management plan must be fully
implemented.
Access to the vehicle: Falls from vehicles can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Even
falls of less than one metre can prove fatal. Only those people who need to access the vehicle for unloading
should be allowed access. Where possible, vehicles should be unloaded without anybody getting on the
tray. The delivery plan should minimise the amount of time spent by anyone on the tray of the vehicle. The
load should be inspected from the ground if possible before anyone gains access to the vehicle. Access
should normally be via steps, a loading gantry, or a mobile platform. No-one should ever jump onto or off a
vehicle. The tray of the vehicle should always be inspected to ensure that it is safe to walk on, and that there
are no obstructions that may lead to tripping.
Inspecting the load prior to unloading: Always inspect the load before unloading begins, to make sure it has not moved in transit.
Similarly, check that any supporting timbers have not broken, as this may make the material unstable or
likely to fall when the restraining straps are removed. If the load has moved or become unstable in some
way, consider how it can be removed safely. Access to the vehicle may be dangerous in these circumstances,
as the load could move unexpectedly. It may be necessary to take the vehicle to another location or arrange
alternative load shifting equipment. Do not allow unstable loads to ‘tip’ or fall onto the ground.

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Means of unloading: Do:
 Ensure that the unloading operation has been properly

planned in advance, taking full account of relevant load
characteristics and site facilities.
 Keep the material under control and do not allow it to roll off
the vehicle.
 Ensure the vehicle and trailer brakes have been applied and
locked out before unloading begins.
Don’t:
 Tie the load to an object to drag it off the vehicle.

 Use an industrial truck for any purpose for which it was not
designed or equipped, such as pushing or pulling a load or any
other object, unless approved by the manufacturer.
 Where unloading cannot be done safely, leave the load on the
vehicle until safe unloading conditions can be provided.
Load-shifting plant: All people operating load shifting plant must be trained and competent in the plant they are to operate
and hold relevant licenses and/or certificates. A person undergoing training may operate this equipment
under the direct supervision of a person who holds a current certificate of competency.
Overhead/mobile cranes
Cranes are commonly used to unload material. The following points must be
considered as part of your risk assessment:
 All people must be clear of the work area during the lifting
operation.
 Crane operators must be trained and hold a current certificate
of competency and be competent in the operation of the
crane being used.
 The person in control of the lifting equipment must ensure
that the lifting operation can be carried out safely before work
starts.
No-one should stand on a load once it has been attached to lifting equipment.
Vehicle-mounted cranes: These cranes can be of particular use for unloading at a site where
no other lifting equipment is available. They should only be operated by a
trained and competent operator—people who have been trained to use
overhead cranes should not assume that this makes them competent to use
vehicle-mounted cranes as well. The precautions listed above for overhead
cranes also apply to vehicle-mounted types.
Forklift trucks: When using forklift trucks for unloading, it is essential to consider
the lifting capacity of the truck, size and spread of the tines, the ground on
which the truck is being used and the size and stability of loads. For non-
routine items, a lifting plan, formulated and supervised by a competent
person, will be necessary.
The delivery plan should consider how to position the load on the vehicle, so that it can be unloaded safely.
When forklift trucks are being used, the driver of the delivery vehicle must stand away from the load and
in a designated area while it is being lifted or manipulated. No-one should ever stand on a load to balance it on the tines.
Manual unloading: A decision to unload manually should not be taken by workers at the delivery point. Loads that may be
suitable for manual unloading (for example small amounts of lightweight material) should be identified as
such in the delivery plan, following a suitable and enough assessment which identifies the precautions
needed to reduce the risk of injury.
Manual handling should not be an option merely because no other means of unloading is available. The
delivery plan should specify the precautions to be taken to reduce the risk of injury and should include
enough instructions for those people doing the work. If the risk assessment shows that a load cannot be
unloaded safely by manual means, and there are no alternative ways of unloading, the operation will have to
be abandoned and the load returned to the supplier.
Site acceptance

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Just as important as a safe delivery method, it is equally important to have a process for inspecting and
authorising the delivery of the building materials. Too often materials are dumped off on site no delivery
docket signed and no opportunity to inspect the material to confirm it is as ordered and in good condition.
On a larger construction project, it is slightly easier to manage with full time personnel on site to administer
all deliveries.
No matter the size of the building project if the site manager is not on site at the time of the delivery the
process should always be the same.
 On arrival check that the material delivered is exactly what has been ordered. Always ensure a
delivery docket is available at the time of delivery.
 If all materials are as ordered then approve that aspect of the delivery.
 Inspect all materials to ensure that they are in good order and are fit to use on the project.
 When the site manager is happy they can sign the delivery docket and accept the delivery.
 Most suppliers will allow a time frame of 24 or 48 hours to make a call regarding the conditions of
the materials are as ordered and in good condition.
Those who do accept delivery of materials on site without checking against their order will find short orders
and poor quality materials delivered. They should take the time to check, it will be worth it.
Always ensure that the delivery and inspection process is part of the site induction process for all personnel
and is displayed on site for all to see.
Site security
At times security on a construction site can be difficult, especially on a smaller residential project in the estates around Melbourne.
Security is made easier on the larger projects with locked site fencing and gates, locked shipping containers and the use of on-site security
patrols. On a smaller project there are some industry procedures that will assist the site manager to save money and time by making the theft
of materials a lot more
1. A sign like this displayed boldly at the front of your project with a fake video camera will
make the world of difference. A potential thief will stop and reassess whether to venture in
or not. Simple, cheap and very effective.
2. Delivery timing is the site manager’s best friend on a smaller residential project. They
should always align their delivery to be delivered when they have labour on site. Some
forward planning is quite simple and requires very little extra work, just additional planning.
Some tips to avoid building site theft.
 Deliver frame materials on the morning the framer commences, his first task will be to
set up and flick his lines, he will have plenty to do whilst waiting for his load.
 Deliver windows after the roof covering is installed, have the frame inspected and
arrange window delivery so the framer is on site doing his rectifications.
 Give the carpenters some Masonite packers so he can straighten walls while waiting for
lock-up materials to be delivered.
 Put temporary doors and locks on as soon as the project is wrapped, doesn’t sound like
much but a locked door is a deterrent to a thief.
 The site manager should always close site gates when they leave the job, make sure to
use contractors that are on their team and close gates when they leave.
 Being aware of how the site looks can also deter a thief, if the site manager must store materials on their project, they should do it
in a manner that makes it hard for people to see materials from the street, cover windows and always lock the doors.
Site storage
No matter the type of project, the storage of materials at one time or another is inevitable. It is important that any materials that are
susceptible to damage from the weather are stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s storage recommendations.

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Example
Brick storage
 Proper packaging, delivery, handling and storage of bricks help to prevent breakage,
cracking, chipping, spalling and other damages.
 Bricks should be stored on a flat surface and should avoid direct contact with the
ground.
 They should be placed in a manner that facilitates easy handling and allows adequate air
circulation around the bricks.
 Prior to arranging site deliveries always check with your supplier for any specific
storage recommendations.
Activity 4– Site Deliveries

There are many materials and stages of a building project that require the services of an expert to provide the approved test
results required in order to complete contract documents or provide relevant information required during the different
stages of construction.
The Site Manager will know:
 Who to go to
 How to arrange the required testing
 How to record the information according to the companies requirements
6. Materials Testing
Site testing plays a major role in preparing the technical information required in plans and specifications to allow for accurate pricing of a
project based on the site specific conditions.
The sequencing of inspections follows the stage of construction and can take the following form.

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Soil Testing
Soil testing or “Site Classification” as it is correctly known, is carried out at each

building site to estimate the expected soil movement and hence foundation
movement due to extreme moisture changes. (The ground that supports a building is
called a foundation, and the concrete structure that transfers the load to this
foundation is the footing system.)
There are three methods of site classification given in Australian Standard AS2870
“Residential Slabs and Footings” and these are:
 Visual assessment of the performance of existing buildings and knowing

the footing type used on those buildings.
 Identification of the soil profile compared with established data of building

performance on a similar soil profile.
 Laboratory testing and computation of expected soil movement.
The most common method of site classification is by identifying the soil profile found on the site and comparing it with known building
performance on sites with similar soil profiles and climatic conditions.
Australian Standard - AS2870 Residential Slabs & Footings also provides prescribed footing and slab designs, construction methods and
suggested methods of foundation maintenance.
The system of site classifications is mainly focused on clay sites that swell and shrink with changes in moisture content as these sites are known
to have the most problems. Clay sites (reactive) are classified as S, M, H or E as follows:
S Clays that have not given trouble in the past.
M Moderately reactive clays that may cause minor damage to brick houses on old-style light strip footings. Moderately reactive clays are
common in Victoria.
H Highly reactive clays that often damage houses, paths and fences.
E Extremely reactive clays that frequently damage houses even with strong footings. Generally rare in major cities except Adelaide. Other
occurrences include outback NSW, Darling Downs, Geelong and Horsham.

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Field testing
In the construction and earthmoving industry the testing most commonly carried
out is compaction testing. Despite the huge numbers of these tests being carried
out on projects throughout Australia, it is the most misunderstood geotechnical
test.
The compaction of soil or gravels is measured or compared against a standard as

found in AS1289 Method of testing soils for engineering purposes or AS1141
Methods for sampling and testing aggregates.
Identifying the relative compaction of a material – in simple terms – is done by

measuring the density of the soil on the site and then comparing that value with a
density value obtained utilising a standard compaction test in the laboratory. The
comparison between the field density and the laboratory density can then be
expressed as a percentage. Generally the required percentage of field compaction will be 95% of the laboratory compaction but this is
dependent on what the site is to be used for.
Surface testing
To the traditional measured parameters in coating technology, namely “film thickness”, “adhesion” and “gloss”, the testing of the resistance of
the coated surface to mechanical damage, namely the measurement of scratch or graze resistance and abrasion resistance have become
essential for many applications. Surface testing can be used to provide evidence of coats of paint on a surface or polyurethane coating on a
timber floor.
Concrete testing
Concrete testing is essential to evaluate the performance of materials, control concrete quality during construction, test the quality after
construction and ensure regulatory compliance.
The main tests carried out on concrete are:
 compressive and flexural strength
 slump testing
 cylinder casting and curing
 mix design testing
The most common method of testing concrete on building projects is the slump test and
is completed to test the amount of water that has been added to the mix. A common defect with concrete is it has too much water added to it
to assist with concrete pumping and workability.

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The Concrete Slump Test
The Concrete Slum Test is an empirical test that measures the workability of fresh concrete.
More specifically, it measures the consistency of the concrete in that specific batch. This test is performed to check the consistency of freshly
made concrete. Consistency is a term very closely related to workability. It is a term which describes the state of fresh concrete. It refers to the
ease with which the concrete flows. It is used to indicate the degree of wetness.
Workability of concrete is mainly affected by consistency i.e. wetter mixes will be more workable than drier mixes, but concrete of the same
consistency may vary in workability. It is also used to determine consistency between individual batches.
The test is popular due to the simplicity of apparatus used

and simple procedure. Unfortunately, the simplicity of the
test often allows a wide variability in the manner that the test
is performed. The slump test is used to ensure uniformity for
different batches of similar concrete under field conditions
and to ascertain the effects of plasticizers on their
introduction.
Slump is a basic parameter which must be specified. Slumps

that can be specified range from 20 to 120 mm in 10-mm
increments. The higher the value, the more workable the
concrete is likely to be for ease of placement and
compaction.
Typically, if the site manager orders 60 slump mix the flow

of the test cone is 60mm, 80 slump the flow is 80mm
etc. When pumping or when requiring workability slump
can be up to 120.
Compressive and flexural strength tests are carried in a

laboratory to determine the strength of the cured concrete
by applying both downward and horizontal force.
Compressive
Flexural
Mix Design testing is the process of combining materials in to

specified proportions used in producing concrete.
Welding Tests

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Fabricated welded joints requires various types of quality assurance tests such as simple visual scanning and inspection, non-destructive tests,
occasional mechanical test e.g. hardness and corrosion resistance test e.g. surface
contamination test.
Visual scanning or inspection or visual examination of welds or fabricated joints is

specified in most of the national and international standards and product
specifications. The test method is applied to almost every product as a quality
assurance tool.
The most detrimental unacceptable discontinuities in the objects or items are the
surface opening discontinuities. Visual scanning, inspection or testing can successfully
detect these unacceptable surface discontinuities without applying expensive test
methods. As a quality control and assurance program, the inspector shall inspect the
set-up of the work and ensure that:
 Welds are in accordance with the drawings and no welds are missing.
 Welding is performed on the specified material using suitable equipment
 Correct procedures are maintained
 Fabrication is performed in accordance with the standard
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is an engineering practice where material characteristics – some of the physical and chemical properties,
product condition, size, shape and discontinuities can be detected, examined and evaluated without destroying or damaging the product. These
tests are performed in a manner that does not affect the future usefulness of the object or material.
NDT is commonly used as a quality assurance practice for ensuring products compliance for welds, castings, forgings and other wrought
products. NDT is widely used as one of the condition monitoring practices for plant and assets life assessment, reliability e ngineering,
maintenance. Most of the NDT methods are reliable, accurate and economical.
Mechanical testing on welds is performed to determine mechanical properties of completed welds such as hardness or sometimes macro
examination on the run-off pieces to reveal internal imperfections. There are several types of portable instruments to determine various
mechanical and physical properties of welded joints.
Corrosion Resistance test are performed on completed welds to ensure that the welds are not contaminated by corrosive compounds. It is
commonly applied to stainless and duplex stainless steel welds.
Third party expert inspection and testing.
At any time during a construction project it is imperative that if the site manager believes that a product is sub-standard or workmanship could
also be below their expected quality standard and should always engage the services of an expert.
Every aspect of a building has standards that must be adhered too that may be outside the site manager’s area of expertise.
Example
 Soft mortar is easy to detect using a simple “scratch test” but to accurately measure the exact amount of cement or lime must be
done by an accredited provider of the specialist testing required.
 There are specialist companies that provide materials testing that are easily accessible and can provide the inspection and testing
that the site manager’s project may require.

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 If the site manager has any concerns regarding the quality of the building material or workmanship, then they should be tested prior
to paying for the work that has been done.
Bricklaying is a major area of non-compliant work with regards not enough or too much cement, lime or additives.
In the same category brick cleaning can also be an area of conflict, too much acid or too much pressure, the end result where the brick cleaner
will blame the bricklayer for using too much cement and so on, the story will go on and on.
There is an expert for everything, the cost of inspection will be far less than the cost of rectification.
No account is due for payment until all work is completed to the satisfaction of the site manager, when in doubt they should discuss the
concerns that the site manager has with the party involved. However, the task of having work rectified or trying to recover money will be a lot
more costly and uncomfortable.
Every supplier of every material used in the construction of a building also comes with technical support and assistance, for example moisture
content in floorboards can cause problems after installation with shrinkage or cupping. Ceramic and porcelain tiles have a tolerance for size
and deflection, paint is designed to be applied in a certain manner to ensure it complies with standards and manufacturers recommendations
and plaster has certain finishes that are required in certain scenarios, when in doubt use an expert.
The following categories can be tested by an accredited provider:
 Concrete Testing and Analysis
 Mortar Sampling and Testing
 Render Analysis including historic buildings
 Aggregates and Quarry product testing
 Sand Analysis
 Soil Testing and Analysis- EPA testing and environmental assessments
 Water and Waste analysis
 Asbestos Fibre Identifications and monitoring
 Mining and Metallic Deposits and Materials
 Metals identification
 Concrete and Mortar Additives and Plasticisers
 Adhesives and Sealants
 Plastics, Polymers, Silicones, Silanes
 General Building Products- Timber, Steel, Fibreboard
 Paint Testing and Film Thickness
 Ceramic and Concrete Tiles testing
 Corrosion testing
 Novel product formulations
 ROHS and WEES testing
 Product Failure Investigations

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When a site manager uses the services of an independent expert they will provide them with the report and
technical information required. National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia NATA is the authority
that provides independent assurance of technical competence through a proven network of best practice
industry experts for customers who require confidence in the delivery of their products and services.
NATA provides assessment, accreditation and training services to laboratories and technical facilities
throughout Australia and internationally.
Always record test results accurately and keep electronic copies of results for future reference. A site
manager files the results under the particular trade that the testing was carried out on.
No invoice is due for payment unless it meets all the criteria and is approved by the site
personnel. When in doubt transparent and open communication between the parties
involved will always assist to ensure a satisfactory result.
Always be present on site during important activities like concrete placement, bricklaying,
painting and tiling. If the site manager can see what is going on than he can avert a costly and
time-consuming dispute if issues of quality and finish arise.
Using the NCC guide to standards and tolerances is a very handy tool when inspecting and
approving works that have been invoiced. Every builder/supervisor should have a copy with
them and don’t be shy to get it out on site with a contractor or supplier if they are in doubt.
Preparing reports for VCAT
At times when using the services of an independent inspector or building consultant there are
specific requirements required at the Domestic Building List within VCAT.
This will ensure that experts understand their responsibilities and obligations, and that a common approach to the preparation of reports is
adopted and followed.
Expert Advice
 To facilitate settlement negotiations

 where settlement is not achieved
 to minimise the length and complexity of hearings
 experts will generally be ordered to meet and prepare joint reports
Often, they will be required to attend a conclave of experts chaired by a Member of the List or a building consultant mediator. Subj ect to the
discretion of the member presiding at the hearing, expert evidence will be heard concurrently in appropriate cases.
Any report prepared that has the potential to be used at VCAT must be prepared in accordance with VCAT Practice Note No. 2.
7. Test records and reports
On the completion of any external testing it is important that all results are distributed to the people within the organisation that require
them. If you are a small business and you look after all filing then all records should be incorporated into your Contractors File so you can
always access the results as you require. In a large organisation there are several areas of the business that will require all correspondence
surrounding the project, communication, diary notes, test results and reports.

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If you are a construction supervisor you must make sure that management is aware of the situation, accounts payable are aware not to pay the
invoice and if your company has a legal department they will want to see all the information listed above.
It is very important that in the event that products and services are not in accordance with industry standards thorough record keeping
including photo’s are used. Always maintain communication in writing preferably by email and limit verbal communication. This will provide
clarity around the dispute and in the event of litigation will provide a clear story from a well organised builder, supervisor or site manager.
Never keep a dispute of any nature on a building site to yourself, there are levels of management with the associated skills required to ensure a
swift and amicable outcome.
Activity 5– Material Testing

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Orange International College Pty Ltd | ABN: 15 167 063 596
RTO No: 41315 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03446A
Level 6, 420 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Phone: +61 3 9670 2985 | Email: info@orange.edu.au | Web: orange.edu.au

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STUDENT WORKBOOK

Supervise and apply quality standards to the selection of

1. Overview- Quality Standards

The construction and building sites can be residential or up to

Medium rise buildings are 3 – 10 storeys high are generally by nature

The unit will also cover:

 Knowledge of relevant building construction materials

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 identify building and construction materials specified in the project or contract

2. Properties of building materials

General Properties in relation to building materials refers to things such as:

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 Strength and Durability

Example: Concrete- Properties

Fire-resistance Being naturally fire-resistant concrete forms a highly effective barrier to

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Building designers often analyse materials to:

Suitability of local materials

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 Foundation or floor system – concrete, steel or timber

Brick or concrete structures

Cavity brick work

Core filled concrete blocks

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Single skin clay brick

Tilt-up concrete panels

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Colourbond and Zincalume sheeting

Fibre cement or compressed wood panelling

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Bearers and joists

Residential Brick bases

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Brick base & piers Brick base & Stumps

Sand Raft Slab Waffle Raft Slab

Commercial Prestressed Concrete Slabs

Prestressed concrete is the method for overcoming concrete's natural

It is often used in commercial construction as a foundation slab.

Prestressing tendons (generally of

Traditional reinforced concrete is based on the use of steel reinforcement

Prestressing can be accomplished in two ways:

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Recent development in suspended slab installation includes:

Engineered floor Joists

Floor joists are designed by engineers to be different sizes so

engineered manuals to meet “Deemed to Satisfy” alternate methods of construction.

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Fitted (cut in) floors

Platform floor construction

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Tongue and groove flooring

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Compressed sheet wet area flooring

Typically used in wet area applications such as

Compressed fibre cement sheet can be installed

Compressed fibre cement sheet provides a smooth

The products is available in 15, 18 & 24mm

Principal / General Qualities

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Compatibility – “Capable of existing or performing in harmonious,

The definition to use building and construction materials it allows the

Climate is one of the most important factors to consider in material