UNIT CODE

DCMCTP614

UNIT TITLE

Interpret basic concrete testing

APPLICATION

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to interpret testing of concrete with consideration of mechanical properties and the quality assurance tests as per international standards.

The unit of competency is applied by technicians in a structural and civil engineering environment for application of concrete according to national standards.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

• DCMCMT601 Apply construction materials testing fundamentals
• DCSBME604 Use basic mathematics in engineering
• DCSCON605 Use basic construction in engineering

ELEMENT

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1.    Summarise the basic principles of concrete types, mix, quality and manufacture

1.1.      Compare the properties of fresh concrete to hardened concrete

1.2.      Explain the basic principles of cement hydration

1.3.      Explain the basic features of the concrete mix design process

1.4       Explain the factors that influence concrete quality

1.5       Outline concrete batching, mixing, delivery and placement processes

2.    Interpret tests related to fresh concrete as per Standard methods

2.1.      Identify and summarise the process for collecting fresh concrete test specimens and the setting time of a fresh concrete sample as per method 1of AS1012 or equivalent

2.2.      Interpret concrete samples according to national Standards

2.3.      Observe and report on a slump and compaction factor test for consistency of fresh concrete

2.4.      Explain the Standard method for curing concrete

2.5.      Explain the Standard method for determining drying shrinkage during hardening of concrete.

3.    Interpret tests related to hardened concrete as per Standard methods

3.1.      Summarise the process for preparing test cube, cylinder, and beam specimens for testing hardened concrete to evaluate the setting time of a fresh concrete sample as per methods 1 and for curing concrete as per method 8 of AS1012 or equivalent.

3.2.      Summarise the process for securing test scores from hardened concrete on site for compressive strength and
 mass per unit volume as per method 14 of AS1012 or equivalent.

3.3.      Interpret the outcome of Standard tests for the quality of hardened concrete

FOUNDATION SKILLS

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

UNIT MAPPING INFORMATION

No equivalent unit.

TITLE

Assessment requirements for DCMCTP614 Interpret basic concrete testing

PERFORMANCE EVIDENCE

To achieve competency in this unit a person must satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions included in the unit.

The person must also:

• Outline the properties of fresh concrete as follows:
  • Workability (slump, compaction, consistency, density and segregation)
  • Hardening (settlement and shrinkage cracks)
• Explain, using an example, the influence of at least three of the following factors on concrete quality:
  • Curing
  • Air-entrainment
  • Ambient temperature and heat of hydration
  • Admixtures
  • Water-cement ratio
• Determine and report on test of concrete samples according to Standard methods (AS 1012 or equivalent) for the following:
  • the setting time of a fresh concrete sample as per method 1
  • the density of a fresh concrete sample as per method 5
  • bleeding in a fresh concrete sample as per method 6
• Utilise method 3 in the Standards (AS 1012 or equivalent) to observe and report on a slump and compaction factor test for consistency of fresh concrete
• Identify the Standard (AS 1012 or equivalent) method for curing concrete as per method 8
• Identify the drying shrinkage during hardening of concrete using method 13 of AS 1012 or equivalent
• Identify the method for securing and testing cores from hardened concrete for compressive strength and mass per unit volume as per method 14
• Observe and report, in brief, on at least five of the following AS 1012 (or equivalent) tests for hardened concrete quality:
  • a rapid density measurement test on a hardened concrete sample as per method 12
  • the water displacement method for testing density of a sample of hardened concrete as per method 12
  • the compressive strength test on a sample of hardened concrete as per method 9
  • a split-tensile or indirect tensile test on a sample as per method 10.
  • the modulus of rupture test on a sample as per method 11
  • the chloride and sulphate content in hardened concrete as per method 20
  • the creep test for a hardened concrete sample as per method 16
  • the static chord modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s test as per method 17
  • the flexure strength test
  • the test for determining water absorption and volume of voids in hardened concrete as per method 21
• Report on at least 5 of the following properites of hardened concrete following test results:
  • Compressive strength
  • Tensile strength
  • Shear strength
  • Flexural strength
  • Bond strength
  • Modulus of elasticity.
  • Creep
  • Poissons ratio
  • Fire resistance
  • Permeability of concrete
  • Concrete durability (Alkali-aggregate reaction,\ chloride attack, reinforcement corrosion, and sulphate attack.)

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:

• Key features of testing concrete, including:
  • Differntiated tests for fresh and hardened concrete
  • Factors impacting concrete properties and quality
  • Testing methods as per AS 1012 or equivalent
  • Properties of fresh concrete including the
    following:
    • Workability (slump, compaction,
      consistency, density and segregation)
    • Hardening (settlement and shrinkage
      cracks)
  • Properties of hardened concrete including the
    following:
    • Compressive strength
    • Tensile strength
    • Shear strength
    • Flexural strength
    • Bond strength
    • Modulus of elasticity.
    • Creep
    • Poissons ratio
    • Fire resistance
    • Permeability of concrete
    • Concrete durability (Alkali-aggregate reaction, chloride attack, reinforcement corrosion, and sulphate attack.)

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