BCGBC4010A Apply structural principles to residential low-rise constructions

Test your knowledge

There are 96 questions in total for this test. You can answer all 96 questions in one sitting or you can choose to work through the questions one topic at a time. 
There are 13 topics:
1.	Structural principles - Loads
2.	Structural principles - Forces
3.	Structural principles - Properties
4	Structural principles - Structural members
5.	Structural principles - Demolition
6.	Industry professionals
7.	Prepare documentation
8.	BCA requirements
9.	Footing systems
10.	Floor systems
11.	Wall systems
12.	Roof systems
13.	Cladding systems

Topic 1 - Structural principles - Loads (10 questions)
Question 1
Where can the definitive properties of materials used in the building industry be found? 
•	Textbooks on building
•	Australian Standards
•	Building journals
•	Practical learning on the job
The correct answer is:
•	Australian Standards.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.

Question 2
What is the most important aspect in the design of buildings?
•	Aesthetics
•	Cost
•	Stability
•	Location
The correct answer is:
•	Stability. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.
Question 3
What are the dead loads in a building?
•	The roofing materials
•	All the stationary materials 
•	The permanent materials
•	The use for which the building is intended
The correct answer is:
•	The permanent materials. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.
Question 4
What are the live loads in a building?
•	The loads due to rain
•	The utility services
•	The loads due to wind
•	The loads arising from the function of the structure
The correct answer is:
•	The loads arising from the function of the structure. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.

Question 5
What is the design of building structures based on?
•	The strength of materials
•	The prevention of movement
•	Equilibrium
•	Minimising deflection
The correct answer is:
•	The prevention of movement. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.
Question 6
Which of these environmental factors affect buildings
•	Wind loads
•	Earthquake loads
•	Temperature
•	Support settlement
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.
Question 7
What is a uniformly distributed load?
•	The load per metre along a beam
•	A point load
•	The loads on a supporting sole plate
•	A concentrated load
•	A coaxial load
The correct answer is:
•	The load per metre along a beam. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.

Question 8
What is the unit of measurement used to designate loads on a structure?
•	Pound weight
•	Kilonewton
•	Kilopascal
•	Newton metre
The correct answer is:
•	Kilonewton. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.
Question 9
Which of the following beams has only one support?
•	Cantilever
•	Encastre beam
•	Joist
•	Bearer
•	Rafter
The correct answer is:
•	Cantilever. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.
Question 10
Which of the following is one N/mm2 equivalent to? 
•	1 Pa
•	1 MPa
•	1 kg/m2
•	1 kPa
The correct answer is:
•	1 MPa. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 1.

Topic 2 - Structural principles - Forces (9 questions)
Question 1
What is meant by 'equilibrium' in a structure? 
•	The sum of all the loads must equal zero.
•	The sum of all moments must equal zero.
•	The sum of all deflections must equal zero.
•	Both the sum of all the forces and the sum of all moments must equal zero.
The correct answer is:
•	Both the sum of all the forces and the sum of all moments must equal zero. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.
Question 2
What is 'deflection' in a beam?
•	How much it bends 
•	The change in length under load
•	The curvature of the beam
•	The amount of camber in a beam
The correct answer is:
•	How much it bends. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.
Question 3
What is the 'moment' due to a force?
•	How long the force is applied
•	The duration of the force
•	The product of the force multiplied by the length of the lever arm
•	The torsion in a structure
The correct answer is:
•	The product of the force multiplied by the length of the lever arm. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.

Question 4
What is a 'resultant' force?
•	A perpendicular force
•	The magnitude of all forces in a system
•	A force which collectively represents a group of forces
•	The vector sum of all the forces
The correct answer is:
•	The vector sum of all the forces. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.
Question 5

Four horizontal beams each with the same central load applied and reaction forces at both ends are shown. Beam A is thin and of medium length. Beam B is thick and of medium length. Beam C is thin and is 25% longer than beams A and C. Beam D is thick and is 25% shorter than beams A and B. 

If all of the following beams have the same cross-sectional area, which one will bend the most when the same load is placed at the centre?
The correct answer is:
•	(c).
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.
Question 6
What is the resultant force on the floor of a lift if the three people inside have weights of 800 N, 500 N and 450 N?
•	1,750 N
•	1,700 kN
•	1,850 N
•	880 N
The correct answer is:
•	1,750 N.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.

Question 7

What is the reaction of each support in a beam which is supported at each end and has a load of 4 kN applied at the centre?
•	200 kg
•	1 kN
•	2 kN
•	4 kN
The correct answer is:
•	2 kN.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.

Question 8
A vector force is defined as having what properties? 
•	Magnitude and direction
•	Size and sense
•	Magnitude, direction and point of application 
•	Magnitude, direction and sense
The correct answer is:
•	Magnitude, direction and point of application. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.
Question 9
A 4 m long beam is supported at each end and a load of 4 kN applied one metre from the left edge. What is the reaction at the left edge?
•	1 kN
•	2 kN
•	3 kN
•	200 kg
The correct answer is:
•	3 kN.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 2.

Topic 3 - Structural principles - Properties (7 questions)
Question 1
What is the 'load path' in a building?
•	A path set aside for delivery of materials
•	The path of flow of structural loads through a building structure
•	It is another term for a conveyor belt
•	A reinforced area for the purpose of conveying materials
The correct answer is:
•	The path of flow of structural loads through a building structure.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 3.
Question 2
What will a short stocky column do under extreme load?
•	Bend
•	Collapse
•	Slide
•	Tilt
The correct answer is:
•	Collapse. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 3.

Question 3
Which of the following terms is the odd one out?
•	Centre of rotation
•	Centroid
•	Neutral axis
•	Balancing point
•	Centre of gravity
The correct answer is:
•	Neutral axis. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 3.
Question 4
What is the 'second moment of area' (or moment of inertia) related to?
•	Section modulus
•	Amount of deflection that occurs under load
•	Bending of columns under load
•	Elasticity of the material
The correct answer is:
•	Amount of deflection that occurs under load. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 3.
Question 5
Which of the following terms is the odd one out?
•	Centroid
•	Section modulus
•	Moment of inertia
•	Deflection
The correct answer is:
•	Centroid. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 3.

Question 6
What will a beam do when it is extended beyond its elastic limit?
•	It will resume its original condition
•	It will remain deformed
•	It will collapse
•	It will be unsuitable
The correct answer is:
•	It will remain deformed. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 3.
Question 7
What will happen when a simply supported timber beam has a point load applied at its centre?
•	A camber in the beam will occur.
•	The uppermost surface will be in tension and the bottom surface will be in compression.
•	The uppermost surface will be in compression and the bottom surface will be in tension.
•	A neutral axis will be formed.
The correct answer is:
•	The uppermost surface will be in compression and the bottom surface will be in tension. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 3.

Topic 4 - Structural principles - Structural members (8 questions)
Question 1

Which one of the following building structures is usually horizontal?
•	Strut
•	Stanchion
•	Post
•	Joist
The correct answer is:
•	Joist. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 4.

Question 2

Which of the following is the least likely to occur when stresses are applied to a retaining wall?
•	Disintegration
•	Sliding
•	Overturning
•	Subsidence
The correct answer is:
•	Disintegration. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 4.
Question 3

What might a thin column do under load?
•	Bend
•	Collapse
•	Slide
•	Tilt
The correct answer is:
•	Bend. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 4.
Question 4

Which of the following beams is not generally horizontal?
•	Joist
•	Rafter
•	Bearer
•	Lintel
The correct answer is:
•	Rafter.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 4.

Question 5

Why are concrete slab floors popular in the construction of domestic housing?
•	They cost less than timber flooring on stumps
•	They provide better insulation
•	They are more able to take tiling
•	They take less time to construct
•	They are more suitable for flat sites
The correct answer is:
•	They take less time to construct. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 4.
Question 6

Why are trusses used in the construction of roofs?
•	They have greater strength
•	They are easily erected
•	They can be manufactured off-site
•	They are lighter than rafter and joist construction
The correct answer is:
•	They are lighter than rafter and joist construction. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 4.
Question 7

What are the fundamental assumptions in the design of a timber truss?
•	All members are gang nailed.
•	All joins between members are frictionless pin joins and the loads are assumed to be applied at the joints.
•	One support must be fixed and the other supports are roller joins.
•	All loads are assumed to be applied at the joints and all members are gang nailed.
The correct answer is:
•	All joins between members are frictionless pin joins and the loads are assumed to be applied at the joints. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 4.

Question 8

Which of the following is not a method of bracing?
•	Triangulation
•	Rigid frames
•	Shear wall
•	Packing
The correct answer is:
•	Packing. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 4.

Topic 5 - Structural principles - Demolition (4 questions)
Question 1

What services must be identified prior to demolition commencing?
•	Water
•	Electricity 
•	Gas
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 5.

Question 2

What should a work plan for demolition include?
•	Disconnection of all services
•	Notify neighbours so that they protect their own property
•	Beer and barbecue at the end of the day
•	TV crews to catch it all on film
The correct answer is:
•	Disconnection of all services. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 5.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is incorrect?
•	Demolition shall at all times be under the continuous supervision of the demolisher.
•	The site shall be fenced or suitably barricaded to prevent public access during the demolition process.
•	No part of any external wall on or within 6,000 mm of the street alignment shall be pulled down except during such hours as specified by the building surveyor.
•	Materials containing asbestos can only be removed at night.
The correct answer is:
•	Materials containing asbestos can only be removed at night.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 5.

Question 4

When is a demolition permit required?
•	When requested by the building surveyor
•	If the building contains asbestos
•	Always required for any form of demolition works
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 5.

Topic 6 - Industry professionals (5 questions)
Question 1
Which industry professional would you contact for structural advice?
•	Architect
•	Draftsperson
•	Engineer
•	Quantity surveyor

The correct answer is:
•	Engineer.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 6.
Question 2
Which industry professional would you contact for advice regarding conformance to building acts, codes and regulations?
•	Architect
•	Quantity surveyor
•	Engineer
•	Building surveyor
The correct answer is:
•	Building surveyor.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 6.
Question 3

Which industry professional would you contact for the preparation of working drawings?
•	Architect
•	Draftsperson
•	Engineer
•	Building surveyor
The correct answer is:
•	Draftsperson.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 6.
Question 4

Which industry professional would you contact for matters relating to cost?
•	Architect
•	Quantity surveyor
•	Engineer
•	Building surveyor
The correct answer is:
•	Quantity surveyor.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 6.

Question 5

Which industry professional would you contact to verify the property boundaries of the construction site?
•	Architect
•	Quantity surveyor 
•	Land surveyor
•	Building surveyor
The correct answer is:
•	Land surveyor.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 6.

Topic 7 - Prepare documentation (7 questions)
Question 1

What relevant information does a copy of the title provide in relation to the construction project?
•	Levels and contours
•	Property services
•	Distances and bearings of property boundaries
•	Soil classification of the site
The correct answer is:
•	Distances and bearings of property boundaries.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 7.
Question 2
What information do soil investigation reports provide?
•	The bearing capacity of the soil
•	The reactivity of the soil
•	The soil classification
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 7.

Question 3
What information do design specifications provide? 
•	Additional detailed information to be read in conjunction with plans
•	Detailed information that takes precedence over plans
•	Detailed information relating to quality and installation
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 7.
Question 4
What drawings make up the minimum set of building approval plans?
•	Floor plans, elevations, cross-section, site plan and details
•	Plans of existing services on-site
•	Plans of subdivision
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	Floor plans, elevations, cross-section, site plan and details.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 7.
Question 5
What key pieces of information are provided by the site plan?
•	Precise location of proposed residence on the site
•	Location of street frontage
•	North point
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 7.

Question 6
Project documentation relating to structural floor, wall and roof systems may include what information?
•	Spacing and location of floor joists
•	Tie-down locations for wall frames
•	Spacing and hold down requirements for roof trusses
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 7.
Question 7
Why would a pre-commencement site inspection be conducted?
•	To ensure all contract documentation clearly reflects the actual site
•	It allows the supervisor to get some fresh air
•	To ensure that the client actually owns the property
•	So that levels can be taken to check the slope of the site
The correct answer is:
•	To ensure all contract documentation clearly reflects the actual site. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 7.

Topic 8 - BCA requirements (5 questions)
Question 1
When the project documentation is being assessed for conformance with the BCA for bushfire, what are the categories of bushfire risk?
•	Green, yellow, orange, red
•	Low, medium, high, extreme
•	No probs, it’ll be right, crikey
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	Low, medium, high, extreme. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 8.

Question 2
When the project documentation is being assessed for conformance with the BCA for high wind, the BCA provides clear guidelines for the construction of buildings within various wind regions. Victoria is considered to be in what wind region?
•	Region A, normal
•	Region B, intermediate
•	Region C, tropical cyclone
•	Region D, severe tropical cyclone
The correct answer is:
•	Region A, normal. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 8.
Question 3
When do dwellings proposed to be constructed within earthquake areas with seismic activity acceleration coefficient of 0.12 or more satisfy performance requirements?
•	They are only single storey
•	They have lightweight metal roofing
•	They have no chimney
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 8.
Question 4
What is the elevation of alpine areas in NSW and Victoria?
•	Areas which are more than 600 m
•	Areas which are more than 900 m
•	Areas which are more than 1,200 m
•	Areas which are more than 1,500 m
The correct answer is:
•	Areas which are more than 1,200 m. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 8.

Question 5
How are new and emerging technologies assessed by the BCA?
•	With documentary evidence
•	Using verification methods
•	With 'deemed to satisfy provisions'
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 8.

Topic 9 - Footing systems (18 questions)
Question 1
The structural performance characteristics of a reinforced concrete slab on ground require that steel reinforcing be located where?
•	Top portion
•	Middle portion
•	Bottom portion
•	Not important
The correct answer is:
•	Top portion. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 2
The structural performance characteristics of a beam require a maximum allowable deflection limit of what value for domestic applications?
•	Span/200
•	Span/300
•	Span/400
•	Span/500
The correct answer is:
•	Span/300.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.

Question 3
The structural performance characteristics of a column, where the column is connected to a footing utilising a pinned connection, would require which of the following?
•	A larger pad footing and column with minimal bracing
•	A lighter pad footing and column with substantial bracing
•	A minimal pad footing, light column and no bracing
•	None of the above
The correct answer is:
•	A lighter pad footing and column with substantial bracing. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 4
What documentation is relevant for the analysis of the footing system? There may be more than one correct answer.
•	Soil report
•	Title
•	Engineer's design specifications
•	Architectural drawings
•	Contract
The correct answer is:
•	Engineer's design specifications 
•	Architectural drawings.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 5
Which of the following are critical to ensure that footings are set out in accordance with the building plans?
•	Depth, width and location of footings
•	Soil bearing capacity
•	Concrete strength
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	Depth, width and location of footings.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.

Question 6
What key aspects should be verified to ensure that footings are laid and checked for conformance with project documentation?
•	The size, spacing and location of steel reinforcement
•	Concrete strength, slump and method of placement
•	Curing technique
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 7
What is the minimum bearing capacity of the soil when a strip footing is to be used?
•	50 kPa
•	100 kPa
•	150 kPa
•	200 kPa
The correct answer is:
•	100 kPa. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 8
How must damp proof courses be installed to ensure their long term effectiveness? There may be more than one correct answer.
•	Adequately lap at all joins
•	All holes and tears are repaired
•	Service penetrations are taped and sealed
•	None of the above
The correct answer is:
•	Adequately lap at all joins 
•	All holes and tears are repaired
•	Service penetrations are taped and sealed.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.

Question 9
What is the first step to determine whether or not a proposed residential building is at risk of termite infestation?
•	Ask the clients if they are aware of any termites on site
•	Check with relevant municipality for designated termite risk areas
•	Inspect adjoining properties for traces of termite activity
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	Check with relevant municipality for designated termite risk areas.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 10
The BCA and AS 2870 classify soils according to their stability. What does a Class A site signify?
•	Rock or sand
•	Clay slightly reactive
•	Clay moderately reactive
•	Clay highly reactive
The correct answer is:
•	Rock or sand. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 11
The BCA and AS 2870 classify soils according to their stability. What does a Class M site signify?
•	Rock or sand
•	Clay slightly reactive
•	Clay moderately reactive
•	Clay highly reactive
The correct answer is:
•	Clay highly reactive.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.

Question 12
A site which includes soils that are soft, loose or poorly compacted would be classified as what class of site?
•	M
•	H
•	P
•	E
The correct answer is:
•	P.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 13
For which site classification must a double layer of vapour barrier be used as a slip joint for a strip footing?
•	A
•	S
•	M
•	H
The correct answer is:
•	H.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 14
What is the ratio for the fall of a site where the base of the strip footing must be stepped?
•	1:100
•	1:10
•	1:20
•	1:50
The correct answer is:
•	1:10.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.

Question 15
What steel beam reinforcement is required for a slab on ground for a Class S site for masonry veneer construction? Refer to the list.

Site class	Construction	Beam depth (D)	Beam reinforcement Slab mesh

Class A	Clad frame	300	3-L8TM	SL82
Class A	Articulated masonry 
	veneer	300	3-L8TM	SL82
Class A	Masonry veneer	300	3-L8TM	SL82
Class A	Articulated full masonry	400	3-L8TM	SL82
Class S	Clad frame	300	3-L8TM	SL82
Class S	Articulated masonry 
	veneer	300	3-L8TM	SL82
Class S	Masonry veneer	300	3-L11TM	SL82
Class S	Articulated full masonry	400	3-L11TM	SL82

•	3-L8TM
•	3-L11TM
•	3-L12TM
•	4-L12TM
The correct answer is:
•	3-L11TM. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 16
Footing slabs can only be constructed on sites with which soil classifications?
•	A and S
•	A and P
•	P and E
•	M and H
The correct answer is:
•	A and S.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.

Question 17
How does waffle raft slab construction differ from stiffened raft slab construction?
•	Utilises waffle cones to improve structural performance
•	Utilises closely spaced void formers placed on level area
•	Utilises a system of steel tray decking to allow slab suspension
•	Utilises polystyrene box-outs for service penetrations
The correct answer is:
•	Utilises closely spaced void formers placed on level area. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.
Question 18
Which of the following statements is not true for infill slabs?
•	They are poured between existing walls
•	They require a compressible filler strip to their perimeter
•	They require stiffening beams
•	They require saw cuts 24 hours after being poured
The correct answer is:
•	They require stiffening beams. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 9.

Topic 10 - Floor systems (6 questions)
Question 1
When is a bearer considered to be continuous span?
•	When it spans over three or more supports
•	When it is supported at each end only
•	When it spans over two supports
•	When it is very long
The correct answer is:
•	When it spans over three or more supports. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 10.

Question 2
Adequate ground clearance must be provided below bearers to allow for ventilation and where annual termite inspection may be required. What is the minimum height clearance from the underside of the bearer to finished ground level?
•	100 mm
•	200 mm
•	300 mm
•	400 mm
The correct answer is:
•	200 mm.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 10.
Question 3
Which of the following factors affect the selection of a suitable bearer?
•	Type of load supported
•	The span
•	The spacing
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	All of the above. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 10.
Question 4
The following information is for bearers supporting floor loads only: FLW = 3.6 m, single span, span = 2.5 m. 
What size of bearer is the most suitable? (Refer to AS 1684.2.)
•	150 x 75
•	175 x 75
•	200 x 75
•	250 x 75
The correct answer is:
•	250 x 75.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 10.

Question 5
The following information is for floor joists: RLW = 4.5 m, sheet roof, continuous span, joist spacing 450 mm, span = 1.5 m. 
What size of floor joist is the most suitable? (Refer to AS 1684.2.)
•	100 x 38
•	100 x 50
•	125 x 50
•	150 x 50
The correct answer is:
•	100 x 50.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 10.
Question 6
Which of the following requirements for fitted floors must be met to ensure compliance with industry construction principles? There may be more than one correct answer.
•	Allow expansion clearance to perimeter of room
•	Allow boards to acclimatise before laying
•	Provide additional floor joists to beginning and end of room
•	None of the above
The correct answer is:
•	Allow expansion clearance to perimeter of room 
•	Allow boards to acclimatise before laying
•	Provide additional floor joists to beginning and end of room.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 10.

Topic 11 - Wall systems (7 questions)
Question 1
Match each description to the appropriate term.
Term:
•	Common stud
•	Jamb stud
•	Jack stud
•	Nogging
Description:
•	This is a vertical member which transfers load to the bottom plate.
•	This is a stud set adjacent to the opening.
•	This is a horizontal member that runs between studs.
•	This is a stud that has been cut down to be placed above and/or below an opening.
The correct answer is:
•	Common stud = This is a vertical member which transfers load to the bottom plate.
•	Jamb stud = This is a stud set adjacent to the opening.
•	Nogging = This is a horizontal member that runs between studs.
•	Jack stud = This is a stud that has been cut down to be placed above and/or below an opening.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 11.
Question 2
The following information is for a wall stud for a single storey house: rafter 
spacing = 0.9 m, tile roof, stud spacing 450 mm, stud height 3.0 m, max 
RLW = 7.5 m. 
Which sized wall stud is the most suitable? (Refer to AS 1684.2 - Table 7.) 
•	70 x 35
•	70 x 45
•	90 x 35
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	90 x 35.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 11.

Question 3
What is the purpose of bracing for timber wall frames?
•	Ensure wall frames are strong enough to support vertical loads
•	Allow wall frames to be securely tied down
•	Ensure walls resist lateral wind loads
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	Ensure walls resist lateral wind loads. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 11.
Question 4
What is the most appropriate way to ensure the quality of the frame?
•	Check all the contract documentation off-site in the office
•	Rely on suppliers and tradespeople to do the right thing
•	Inspect the frame using a detailed checklist
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	Inspect the frame using a detailed checklist. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 11.
Question 5
What is the primary function of vapour permeable sarking?
•	To prevent moisture entering the building
•	To reduce draft
•	To improve insulation performance
•	All of the above
The correct answer is:
•	To prevent moisture entering the building. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 11.

Question 6
When is the most appropriate time for hot and cold plumbing rough-in to occur for a brick veneer residence constructed on a concrete slab?
•	After brickwork
•	Before brickwork
•	After plasterboard
•	Any time
The correct answer is:
•	Before brickwork. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 11.
Question 7
What is the most appropriate way to ensure that all electric fittings are installed correctly?
•	Provide electrician with an electrical layout plan
•	Have a break
•	Ask the owner where they would like them
•	Leave it up to the electrician
The correct answer is:
•	Provide electrician with an electrical layout plan. 
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 11.

Topic 12 - Roof systems (5 questions)
Question 1
Match the terms with the definition.
Terms:
•	Web
•	Top chord
•	Cantilever web
•	Bottom chord
•	Roof batten
•	Nail plates

Definitions:
•	This 
•	This is the timber that runs across the top of roof trusses that support the roof.
•	Steel rectangles.
•	This short section of timber runs between the top and bottom chords.
•	This is the piece of timber which runs to the top of the truss.
•	This is the large horizontal member at the bottom of the truss.
The correct answer is:
•	Web = This short section of timber runs between the top and bottom chords.
•	Top chord = This is the piece of timber which runs to the top of the truss.
•	Cantilever web = This short section is designed to carry load from the cantilever through the truss.
•	Bottom chord = This is the large horizontal member at the bottom of the truss.
•	Roof batten = This is the timber that runs across the top of roof trusses that support the roof.
•	Nail plates = Steel rectangles.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 12.
Question 2
Which roof type has one or more hip sections and a valley section in an internal corner?
•	Hipped roof with Dutch gables
•	Gable roof
•	Skillion roof
•	Hip and valley roof
The correct answer is:
•	Hip and valley roof.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 12.

Question 3
Which of the following points do not need to be checked to ensure the quality of the roof trusses? There may be more than one correct answer.
•	Quotation price matches purchase price
•	Roof truss certification
•	Truss layout plan
•	Support for TV aerial
•	Support to girder trusses
•	Eave overhangs
The correct answer is:
•	Quotation price matches purchase price 
•	Support for TV aerial.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 12.
Question 4
When installing corrugated metal roof sheeting, which is the preferred direction of laying sheets to improve side lap effectiveness for minimising leakage?
•	Towards the prevailing weather
•	Away from the prevailing weather
•	Towards the north
•	Not applicable
The correct answer is:
•	Towards the prevailing weather.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 12.
Question 5
Which roof sheet has the minimum allowable pitch of five degrees?
•	Corrugated
•	Close pitched trapezoidal
•	Trapezoidal
•	Concealed fastened
The correct answer is:
•	Corrugated.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 12.

Topic 13 - Cladding systems (5 questions)
Question 1
Timber claddings must be watertight and installed in accordance with the best industry practice. What is the minimum clearance above ground level that should be provided for timber claddings?
•	50 mm
•	100 mm
•	150 mm
•	200 mm
The correct answer is:
•	150 mm.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 13.
Question 2
What is the minimum distance for the horizontal lap when installing splayed timber weatherboards?
•	20 mm
•	30 mm
•	40 mm
•	50 mm
The correct answer is:
•	30 mm.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 13.
Question 3
What is the minimum cavity width for a typical brick veneer wall?
•	15 mm
•	25 mm
•	35 mm
•	45 mm
The correct answer is:
•	25 mm.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 13.

Question 4
What is the maximum spacing for weep holes in a typical brick veneer wall?
•	0.9 m
•	1.2 m
•	1.5 m
•	1.8 m
The correct answer is:
•	1.2 m.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 13.
Question 5
Where do windows need to be flashed when installed into a weatherboard clad wall?
•	Over the head only
•	Under the sill only
•	Over the head and under the sill
•	Not required anywhere
The correct answer is:
•	Over the head and under the sill.
If you did not get this answer correct it is advised that you do Topic 13.
If you were able to answer all the questions correctly you may wish to attempt the express pathway for this competency.

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