Module Outline

Information current as of
19/10/2026 9:45 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Use soils in engineering

Use soils in engineering

Module
National Code
DCSSOL623
State Code
AZ022
DTWD Status
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/11/2021
Field of Education
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to understand the engineering properties of soils and to carry out appropriate soil tests.

The unit of competency is applied by technicians in a civil and structural engineering environment in analysing soils for construction projects.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
General notes
No information
No information
Elements and Performance Criteria
Determine soil pressure on retaining walls.
  • 1.1 Describe Rankine’s theory for predicting active and passive soil pressure.
  • 1.2 Describe Coulomb’s wedge theory for lateral soil pressure.
  • 1.3 Calculate foundation pressure on footings by using the mid-third rule.
Determine shear strength of soils.
  • 2.1 Describe in detail a shear-box test for sands and for clay.
  • 2.2 Outline the outcome of the shear-box test as well as any other phenomena observed during the test.
  • 2.3 Describe a tri-axial test.
  • 2.4 Apply Mohr’s circle method for shear determinations.
Perform soil slope stability calculations.
  • 3.1 Develop and apply stability calculations for granular and cohesive soils.
Determine methods of soil stabilisation.
  • 4.1 Compare the following methods of soil stabilisation in terms of applications, effectiveness and efficiency: (a) cement (b) mechanical (c) lime (d) bitumen (e) chemical
  • 4.2 Describe in detail a CBR test on a gravel soil.
  • 4.3 Outline the outcome of a CBR test as well as any other phenomena observed during the test.
Describe piled footings.
  • 5.1 Summarise the theory of piles.
  • 5.2 Outline significant features of the following types of pile: (a) steel (b) timber (c) concrete (d) Franki (e) driven (f) bored
Evaluate the methods used for site investigations.
  • 6.1 Describe in detail a field dry-density test.
  • 6.2 Outline the outcome of a field dry-density test as well as any other phenomena observed during the test.
  • 6.3 Outline procedures for the following types of penetrometer test: (a) Cone method (b) Sand method
  • 6.4 Explain seismic and sampling methods
No information
Associated Qual/Courses
State Code National Code Title Type
BGQ97 52873WA Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering Accredited course