UNIT CODE

DCMPRM621

UNIT TITLE

Apply principles of rock mechanics

APPLICATION

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to competency to determine the mechanical behaviour of rock materials and the characteristics suitable for construction projects.

The unit of competency is applied by technicians in a civil and structural engineering projects where management of rock behaviour is an essential component of successful projects.

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.    Incorporate core principles into testing for the engineering behaviour of rock 

1.1.      Outline factors that affect the mechanical behaviour of rocks

1.2.      Outline factors that affect both rock discontinuities and joints

1.3.      Explain the features of mechanical, chemical, and biological weathering that impact civil engineering

1.4.       Explain the difference between rock properties and rock mass properties

1.5.       Compare testing for rock mass properties to testing for rock properties.

1.6.       Outline rock properties:

1.7.       Outline workplace and national Standards for tests used in rock mechanics

1.8.       Explain the standard Schmidt rebound index to
establishing rock hardness

2.    Distinguish the deformation properties and measures of failure of rocks

2.1.      Outline the impact of rock deformation properties on standard operational civil engineering projects

2.2.      Explain the stages of rock deformation:

2.3.      Interpret an axial strain diagram for different types of rocks.

2.4.      Define Rock Quality Designation (RQD) and explain its role in engineering decisions.

2.5.      Outline parameters used in the Standard defined Rock Mass Rating (RMR) system

2.6.      Explain how rock properties can impact excavation, sampling and in situ stresses.

3.    Determine mechanical properties and characteristics of rock from tests

3.1.      Identify the mechanical properties of rock from sample test data

3.2.      Compile reports on tests of the physical characteristics
and mechanical properties of rock samples

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 DCMPRM621 Apply principles of rock mechanics

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, using examples, at least three of the following factors that affect the mechanical behaviour of rocks:
  • rock type
  • rock structure
  • extent of weathering of the rock
  • in situ stress
  • hydrogeological regime
• Outline factors that affect both rock discontinuities and joints in terms of:
  • Origin
  • Rock type
  • Geomorphology
• Outline in brief each of the following rock properties:
  • Porosity
  • Density
  • Permeability
  • Durability
  • Strength
  • Sonic velocity
• Outline workplace standards for at least 4 of the following tests used in rock mechanics
  • Slake durability test
  • Abrasion resistance test
  • Pulse method
  • Shear test
  • Tensile (point load, Brazilian)
  • Compressive. uniaxial unconfined compressive strength (UCS), triaxial compressive strength
• Explain the standard Schmidt rebound index to establishing rock hardness with reference to:
  • Drillability
  • Cuttability
  • Borability
• Outline the impact of at least 3 of the following rock deformation properties on standard operational civil engineering projects:
  • Stress history
  • Pore water
  • Anisotropy
  • Elasticity
  • Temperature
  • Viscosity
  • Time
• Explain each of the following stages of rock deformation:
  • elastic
  • elasto-viscous
  • plastic
  • rupture
• Outline at least 3 of the following parameters used in the defined Rock Mass Rating (RMR) system
  • Uniaxial compressive strength of rock material
  • Rock quality designation (RQD)
  • Spacing of discontinuities
  • Condition of discontinuities
  • Orientation of discontinuities
  • Groundwater conditions
• Interpret given test results and draw accurate conclusions about rock properties
• Determine important rock physical characteristics from given samples

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:

• The principles of rock mechanics and associated testing, including:
  • Rock discontinuities and joints: the origin of joints, nomenclature used for joints, and appropriate descriptions used for rock masses.
  • Different degrees of rock weathering and key characteristics that differentiate each
  • Definition of rate of weathering
  • Rock properties vs. rock mass properties
  • Tests used in rock mechanics
  • Rock deformation properties
  • Fundamentals of the rock mass rating system
  • Fundamentals of Standards and norms used in rock classification

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