UNIT CODE |
DCMBST611 |
UNIT TITLE |
Interpret basic soil testing |
APPLICATION |
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the engineering properties of soils and conduct tests used to determine essential characteristics for construction projects. The unit of competency is applied by technicians in a structural and civil engineering environment for selection and application of soil tests according to Standards. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
PREREQUISITE UNIT | DCMCMT601 Apply construction materials testing fundamentals |
ELEMENT Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Sample, test and classify soils according to Australian and international Standards |
1.1. Identify instances in construction-related Standards where soil testing is deemed important. 1.2. Apply soil sampling site preparation and techniques used to gather and preserve important soil characteristics for field and laboratory tests. 1.3. Outline different types of soil classification tests. 1.4 Identify and outline the different soil classifications from the Australian standard to distinguish specific soils. |
2. Specify and apply types of soil field tests |
2.1. Compare types of field tests in terms of purpose, advantages, limitations and equipment used. 2.2. Select and justify soil tests for given scenarios |
3. Determine soil plasticity |
3.1. Explain the concepts of liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index 3.2. Describe in detail a liquid limit test. 3.3. Outline the outcome of a liquid limit test as well as any other phenomena observed during the test. 3.4. Describe in detail a plastic limit test 3.5. Outline the outcome of a plastic limit test as well as any other phenomena observed during the test 3.6. Determine the plasticity index of a clay |
4. Explain and specify soil tests for compaction, permeability, and shear strength |
4.1. Describe soil index properties 4.2. Outline compaction theory, including the concept of dry density 4.3. Specify soil compaction and density tests for given samples. 4.4. Outline the steps involved in the California Bearing Ratio Test (CBR) as related to flexible pavements. 4.5. Explain Darcy’s equation for permeability 4.6. Describe and define key aspects of subsurface water flow in soils 4.7. Describe in detail a constant-head permeability test 4.8. Outline the outcome of the permeability test as well as any other phenomena observed during the test. 4.9. Specify different tests used to determine the shear strength of soils for given scenarios. |
5. Report on soil test |
5.1. Identify Standard or enterprise features of soil test reports 5.2. Compile a soil report for a given construction scenario with hypothetical data |
FOUNDATION SKILLS Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
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UNIT MAPPING INFORMATION No equivalent unit. |
TITLE |
Assessment requirements for DCMBST611: Interpret basic soil testing |
PERFORMANCE EVIDENCE |
To achieve competency in this unit a person must demonstrate knowledge of:
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once for each criterion. |
KNOWLEDGE EVIDENCE |
To achieve competency in this unit, a person must demonstrate knowledge of:
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ASSESSMENT CONDITIONS |
Assessment conditions: All assessment must be completed in accordance with work health and safety standards. When assessments are conducted remotely, invigilation software must be used to ensure authenticity of work completed. Model answers or marking guides must be provided for all assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. Assessor Requirements: Assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the standards for registered training organisation (RTOs) current at the time of assessment. Assessors must also hold a tertiary qualification in engineering or related field. Assessors must have worked for at least 3 years in industry where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency. The RTO must also ensure that trainers and assessors keep their industry knowledge up to date through ongoing professional development. The RTO must take appropriate steps, as an ongoing procedure, to verify information about trainer and assessor’s qualifications, vocational competencies and current industry skills |
Software/Hardware Used
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Hardware
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