Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:17 PM AWST

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Classify building sites

Classify building sites

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL975027
State Code
AWN71
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/08/2016
Field of Education
040301 - Building Science And Technology
Original Release Date
16/08/2016
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to classify building sites, including residential, light industrial, commercial and institutional structures for the purpose of providing guidance for the design of footing systems. This unit of competency is applicable to senior technical officers working in the construction materials testing industry sector. Site classification is applicable to single dwelling houses, townhouses and commercial, institutional or light industrial buildings. The classification depends on reactivity of the foundation soils and other potential problems, such as mine subsidence, groundwater conditions and slope. These influence the design of footings, so as to minimise damage due to foundation movement during the life of the building. Operations are performed in accordance with laboratory and/or workplace procedures, and appropriate legislative requirements.This competency is typically performed by paraprofessionals working under the supervision of an engineer.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare to classify site
  • 1.1 Review job request and any accompanying documentation to identify purpose of site classification, proposed structure, client’s information needs and timeframe
  • 1.2 Review relevant building codes or regulations, standards and workplace procedures for classifying site
  • 1.3 Locate any previous site classifications conducted in same area
  • 1.4 Review supplied site drawings, topography, borehole locations and logs, photographs and design plans for planned structure
  • 1.5 Inspect supplied samples and investigation data for completeness and obvious errors
  • 1.6 Confirm that investigation data meets depth requirements for the type of site and location
  • 1.7 Liaise with client when supplied documentation, samples, investigation data and/or job request do not comply with workplace procedures and resolve any problems
2 Analyse site information and test results
  • 2.1 Locate and assess site features, such as slope, structures, drainage, trees and vegetation or abnormal soil conditions that may affect site classification
  • 2.2 Determine if fill is present on-site, whether controlled or uncontrolled, and its depth and extent
  • 2.3 Determine bearing capacity of soil
  • 2.4 Review shrink/swell or correlated clay index test results to determine soil reactivity
  • 2.5 Review bore log data in conjunction with soil reactivity and calculate potential soil movement
  • 2.6 Recognise obvious errors, insufficient or inconsistent data and limitations of test results
  • 2.7 Arrange for, or conduct, additional sampling and/or testing to ensure reliable data for site classification, as required
3 Report site classification
  • 3.1 Use standard symbols and descriptors to assign a valid site classification that accurately reflects soil reactivity, surface movement and any problematic features
  • 3.2 Summarise field observations, calculations and test results used to determine site classification
  • 3.3 Accurately describe site features that will affect the design of the proposed structure
  • 3.4 Provide adequate data to inform footing system design
  • 3.5 Authorise release of site classification report to the client, or forward the report to a signatory for review and release
4 Finalise site classification
  • 4.1 Store client’s documentation, samples and test data, and site classification in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 4.2 Maintain confidentiality of client information
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WA753 MSL976001A Classify building sites Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAC53 MSL975055 Classify building sites Unit of competency