Fundamentals of Drainage Design in Reactive & Unstable Soils

About this course:

This course has been developed in conjunction with AHSCA QLD, CIBSE, HCAA and ICC.

The objective of this course is to equip hydraulic designers, engineers, plumbers, and regulators with the knowledge and skills to design, assess, and implement drainage systems in reactive and unstable soils, aligned with the National Construction Code (NCC), AS 2870 and AS/NZS 3500.2:2021 Appendix G.

It is designed to build foundational understanding and practical awareness of drainage design in reactive and unstable soils.

It is not intended to develop participants into subject matter experts in geotechnical or specialist design disciplines. Rather, the focus is on equipping participants with the knowledge to recognise key risks, identify when conditions fall outside standard solutions, and understand when to engage appropriately qualified experts.

The intent is to support more informed decision-making, improve communication across disciplines, and promote consistent, compliant approaches within the constraints of the NCC and relevant standards.

Who should attend:

This course is suited to those wishing to develop a practical understanding of drainage design considerations in reactive and unstable soils, improve their ability to identify potential risks and limitations of standard solutions, and better understand when specialist geotechnical or engineering input is required.

• Hydraulic consultants and designers
• Engineers and project managers
• Plumbing contractors
• Council inspectors and certifiers
• TAFE instructors and vocational trainers
• Builders
• Architects

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this course you will have an understanding of the following:

• Understand reactive and unstable soil behaviour in drainage design
• Understand the requirements of the BCA and AS 2870 and interpret the requirements of the PCA and AS/NZS 3500 correctly for plumbing applications
• Identify when to use DTS solutions vs Performance Solutions
• Navigate jurisdictional differences and Council expectations
• Apply real-world design techniques through case studies and exercises

Trainer: Chris Ferguson & Chris Taylor

Click to view a detailed course agenda

Testimonials

Dates and Times:

Thu 10 Sep 2026, Brisbane (venue tbc)

Click for alternative course dates and for other CIBSE upcoming training

Payment Options

• Credit Card Credit card payments can be made online.

• Invoice If you would like to pay for this event via direct transfer then please register with the free code: InvoiceMe, and CIBSE ANZ will send you an invoice for payment.

Contact Sharon Pestonji via email [email protected] if you have any questions

Refund Policy

If you cancel 10 days prior to the start date of this event CIBSE will provide a full refund, less the Eventbrite fee. If you cancel within 10 days of the start date, you may be entitled to transfer your ticket to someone else, or CIBSE will issue you with credit to the value of what you spent, to attend future training events within the next 24 months.

CIBSE ANZ Training

For more information on CIBSE ANZ Training and other CIBSE ANZ events please visit www.cibse.org.au

Inquiries regarding in-house training for groups of 6 or more can be made with Sharon, [email protected]

The mission of CIBSE in Australia and New Zealand is to provide members and the greater building industry with progressive leadership, knowledge, and promote competence that forges new standards of excellence in design, science and engineering of the built environment.

Our vision is to be the predominant Professional Association for building services engineers in Australia and New Zealand.

www.cibse.org.au

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By registering for this event, you agree to abide by the CIBSE Event Behavioural Policy.

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