Full potential Linearized Plane Waves method within the framework of the generalized gradient approximation is applied to study X/Cu(001) (X=Cr, Nb, Ag) layered structures. Self-consistent total energy calculations are carried out to determine the energetics and growth modes of different X/Cu(001) systems: interdiffusion, monolayer, bilayer, trilayer, and island formations. Ideal works of separation and the resulting interfacial energies are estimated for the Cr/Cu, Nb/Cu and Ag/Cu layered structures. The obtained results, which are compared with previously published experimental and theoretical data, show that Ag and Nb elements have quite different behavior than Cr. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.