Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200458

Coordinator Grahame Douglas Opens in new window

Description This unit describes the basis for the design and construction of buildings to withstand bushfire attack, the measures that can be incorporated into building design to achieve this and the legislative building requirements affecting bushfire environments. The unit examines the mechanisms of bushfire attack on structures, the role of landscaping on building survival and how materials perform in the presence of a bushfire event. The unit describes the role of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards in the construction of various building types and the legislative and regulatory environment in which this operates.

School Eng, Design & Built Env

Discipline Building Construction Management

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in a postgraduate program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Identify and explain the building legislation for various buildings in bushfire prone areas;
2. Discuss the relationship between bushfire attack and building performance;
3. Describe the role of landscaping in propagating bushfire in the urban interface environment;
4. Describe the various design options available to improve building survivability during a bushfire; and
5. Review the options available for construction of buildings so as to comply with building legislation, particularly with respect to the role of Australian Standards.

Subject Content

Overview of architectural issues for the building envelope;
Ignition of buildings in bushfires - the mechanisms operating (bushfire attack);
Design options for improved building performance;
Upgrading existing buildings;
Building Code of Australia deemed to satisfy and performance requirements;
Australian Standard for construction in bushfire prone areas - AS 3959;
Maintenance of building envelope for bushfire performance
Landscaping for bushfire prone areas