COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Construction Fault Assessment in Large Building Projects course. This training is designed to support you in identifying, analysing, and rectifying faults that arise throughout the lifecycle of large-scale building developments. Fault assessment is a critical component of project delivery—ensuring that structural integrity, compliance, quality, and client satisfaction are maintained through rigorous inspection and defect management processes.

This course begins by establishing a clear definition of construction faults and defects, distinguishing between latent and patent issues and highlighting their impacts on building safety, cost control, and timely completion. Participants will explore the necessity of early fault detection and the compounding consequences of unresolved defects in high-value commercial, residential, and public infrastructure projects.

Understanding the types of construction defects is essential for effective fault identification. This section categorises defects into structural and non-structural issues and further organises them by trade discipline, including concrete, waterproofing, electrical, and finishing. The intent is to equip participants with the terminology and practical understanding needed to recognise faults across the full scope of a project.

Legal and contractual responsibilities are central to effective defect management. Participants will examine the roles of builders, subcontractors, certifiers, and design consultants in rectification obligations. The section also covers the legal implications of defect mismanagement and explains how defects liability periods and statutory warranties apply under Australian law.

Assessing construction work against approved plans and specifications is a foundational skill in fault detection. This section focuses on reviewing scope documents to identify deviations, evaluating whether works fall within tolerance limits, and determining whether non-conformances require corrective action based on contractually agreed standards.

Structural defects often carry the highest risk. This section explores common issues such as concrete cracking, inadequate reinforcement cover, and poor formwork practices. Each fault type is analysed for root causes, safety implications, and inspection methods.

The building envelope is another frequent site of failure. Participants will examine issues such as brick articulation cracking, frame misalignment, and faulty flashing, all of which can lead to moisture ingress and thermal inefficiencies if left unresolved.

Waterproofing defects are one of the most expensive and persistent issues in construction. This section guides participants through identifying membrane failures, poor substrate preparation, and defects in wet areas such as bathrooms, rooftops, and basements, emphasising compliance with AS 3740 and other relevant standards.

Internal finishes and fit-outs present their own set of challenges. Participants will assess defects in walls, ceilings, flooring, and paintwork, learning how to differentiate between cosmetic imperfections and faults with structural or usability consequences.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems must also be reviewed during defect assessments. This section addresses common non-compliances, such as inaccessible components, poor installation practices, and the potential for system failure due to design or coordination issues.

Safety-related non-conformances present immediate risks. Participants will examine hazards related to incomplete barriers, non-compliant egress paths, and improper fixings. Emphasis is placed on early identification and prompt rectification to avoid regulatory penalties and site incidents.

Code compliance is non-negotiable in construction. This section outlines how to evaluate faults against the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, and local planning regulations. Topics include deemed-to-satisfy provisions, energy efficiency requirements, and fire separation compliance.

Effective fault assessment relies on skilled inspection techniques. Participants will learn how to conduct systematic site walk-throughs using defect checklists, measurement tools, and photographic documentation, ensuring all findings are well recorded and traceable.

Diagnostic tools enhance fault identification capabilities. This section introduces participants to non-destructive testing (NDT), core sampling, thermal imaging, and other advanced inspection methods used in structural and moisture-related fault diagnosis.

Understanding the root cause of a fault is critical to applying the right solution. This section presents structured methodologies such as the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagrams to help identify whether issues stem from design flaws, environmental conditions, material choices, or construction errors.

Not all defects are equal in severity. This section focuses on defect classification and risk prioritisation, teaching participants how to categorise and rank faults based on safety, program impact, and cost. Participants will also assign rectification responsibilities according to contractual and site hierarchies.

Rectifying faults requires careful planning and quality control. This section walks through how to evaluate proposed repair methods, manage rework programs, and oversee coordination between trades to ensure effective and durable repairs.

Prevention is the best form of quality control. This section highlights how to use fault data for training purposes, conduct lessons-learned reviews, and integrate preventive strategies into future inspection regimes, site procedures, and contractor onboarding processes.

The final handover phase is where quality is ultimately assessed. Participants will learn how to complete final defect inspections, secure approvals from clients and certifiers, and ensure that the project is delivered with a comprehensive defect-free handover package, including documentation for warranties and ongoing maintenance.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the technical knowledge, legal understanding, and practical tools required to identify, assess, and resolve construction faults in a professional and compliant manner—ultimately improving build quality and reducing rectification costs across large-scale building projects.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Construction Fault Assessment

• Defining construction faults and defects in large-scale building projects
• Importance of early detection and fault resolution
• Impact of unresolved defects on safety, cost, and project timelines

2. Understanding Types of Construction Defects

• Structural vs non-structural faults
• Latent (hidden) vs patent (visible) defects
• Categorising faults by trade

3. Legal and Contractual Responsibilities for Defect Management

• Roles of builders, subcontractors, certifiers, and designers
• Defects liability periods and rectification obligations
• Legal implications of unresolved or poorly documented defects

4. Reviewing Plans, Specifications, and Scope of Works

• Aligning construction work against approved documentation
• Identifying deviations from contract requirements
• Assessing tolerance allowances under relevant standards

5. Common Faults in Structural Elements

• Concrete cracking, spalling, honeycombing, and misalignment
• Inadequate steel reinforcement cover or placement
• Incorrect formwork stripping or curing procedures

6. Common Faults in Building Envelopes

• Brickwork cracking, cavity wall bridging, poor articulation
• Window and door frame misalignment or leaks
• Incorrect flashing or sealant installation

7. Waterproofing and Moisture-Related Defects

• Leaking bathrooms, balconies, rooftops, and basements
• Inadequate membrane application or substrate preparation
• Water ingress through façade penetrations

8. Faults in Internal Finishes and Fit-Outs

• Wall and ceiling misalignment, plaster defects, and joint cracking
• Flooring delamination, uneven levels, or hollow spots
• Paint bubbling, poor adhesion, and incorrect colour application

9. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Faults

• Incorrect services installation or routing
• Non-compliant wiring, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
• Access issues for maintenance and servicing

10. Safety-Related Non-Conformances

• Missing handrails, barriers, or balustrades
• Trip hazards, sharp edges, or unsafe fixings
• Fire separation issues and egress path obstructions

11. Non-Compliance with Building Code and Standards

• Reviewing faults against NCC, AS/NZS standards, and local regulations
• Understanding performance vs deemed-to-satisfy solutions
• Identifying non-compliance in energy efficiency, access, or fire safety

12. Site Inspection Techniques for Fault Identification

• Planning and conducting walk-through assessments
• Using checklists, measurement tools, and visual guides
• Recording photographic evidence and geo-referenced notes

13. Diagnostic Tools and Testing Methods

• Concrete scanning, thermal imaging, moisture meters, and core sampling
• Load and integrity testing for structural elements
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) options

14. Root Cause Analysis for Construction Faults

• Tracing faults to design flaws, material issues, or workmanship errors
• Analysing sequencing, environmental conditions, or supervision gaps
• Using the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagrams

15. Fault Classification and Risk Assessment

• Prioritising critical, high-risk, and cosmetic defects
• Assessing potential consequences
• Assigning rectification urgency and responsibility

16. Implementing Corrective Actions and Repairs

• Verifying proposed rectification methods meet specification
• Overseeing rework and quality assurance of repairs
• Coordinating trades, approvals, and site access for remedial work

17. Quality Assurance and Preventive Strategies

• Conducting lessons-learned reviews to prevent reoccurrence
• Training site staff in defect prevention techniques
• Updating inspection regimes and QA procedures

18. Final Handover, Sign-Off, and Defect-Free Delivery

• Conducting final inspections and checklist close-out
• Securing client, superintendent, and certifier approvals
• Documenting warranties, compliance certificates, and maintenance manuals

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.