Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:01 AM AWST

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Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures

Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB810
State Code
OBV40
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
26/08/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/11/2020
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
13/11/2020
Nominal Hours
110
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse the edaphic interactions of trees and structures through investigations into soil characteristics and effect on tree and structure stability, tree roots and interactions with structures, and their relationship resulting in potential tree and structural failure.The unit applies to individuals with highly specialised advanced theoretical and technical knowledge for professional work and research in arboriculture. They exercise advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills and demonstrate complete autonomy, judgement and adaptability in research and analysis for complex problems.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine soil attributes for a specified site
  • 1.1 Investigate angle of repose of soils and impact on structures
  • 1.2 Investigate soil plasticity and impact on structures
  • 1.3 Investigate the effects of soil moisture on cohesion and plasticity
  • 1.4 Investigate modes of soil liquefaction and soil stability
  • 1.5 Conduct tests on soil properties to establish soil stability for specified site
  • 1.6 Assess level of soil cohesion for site
  • 1.7 Determine shear strength of soil for site
  • 1.8 Investigate load bearing capacity of soil for site
  • 1.9 Determine mass of the soil plate for site
2. Determine root attributes for trees on site
  • 2.1 Determine tree root morphology, division and distribution
  • 2.2 Determine amount of buttressing
  • 2.3 Determine anatomical features of tree roots for identification purposes
  • 2.4 Identify tree roots based on anatomical features
3. Calculate forces from roots
  • 3.1 Research, test and determine forces and pressures exerted by trees through roots in soil
  • 3.2 Estimate and measure dimensions of roots exerting a force on structures on site
  • 3.3 Calculate total surface area of the roots exerting a force on structures on site
  • 3.4 Calculate force exerted by roots per unit of surface area of structure
  • 3.5 Calculate total force exerted by roots of a given surface area
4. Determine attributes of structures
  • 4.1 Measure and determine volume of structures impacted by roots
  • 4.2 Research and calculate mass of structures on site
  • 4.3 Determine the impact of gravity on structural mass
  • 4.4 Determine effect of leverage of forces exerted by tree roots on structures
5. Define the root–soil matrix factors for root/soil breakage
  • 5.1 Determine factors of root–soil matrix interactions
  • 5.2 Investigate area of contact between root and soil
  • 5.3 Investigate elasticity, tensile strength and breaking stress of roots
  • 5.4 Investigate root cross-sectional morphology
  • 5.5 Assess root plate for factors that may contribute to failure
  • 5.6 Estimate impact of static and dynamic testing for root plate stability
  • 5.7 Evaluate the likelihood of root failure by root breakage
  • 5.8 Evaluate the likelihood of anchorage failure by soil breakage or slippage
6. Research structural engineering solutions
  • 6.1 Investigate and assess effects of increasing mass of structure to prevent damage
  • 6.2 Investigate and assess methods and effects of increasing the modus of rupture to prevent damage
  • 6.3 Investigate and assess effects of use of curved structures to prevent damage
  • 6.4 Investigate and assess effects of soil mass and friction on structure stability
  • 6.5 Investigate and assess effects of anchors, braces and props on trees to improve stability
  • 6.6 Compile investigations and assessments into a reference portfolio
7. Prepare stability and expert witness reports
  • 7.1 Prepare report on potential tree damage to structure
  • 7.2 Provide design suggestions to mitigate potential damage
  • 7.3 Review root plate evaluation and prepare report on stability of tree
  • 7.4 Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of tree failure
  • 7.5 Prepare final report on potential structure and tree stability
8. Communicate with project personnel
  • 8.1 Discuss installation and protection measures with project personnel using industry-specific language
  • 8.2 Negotiate and resolve installation and protection issues
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAR54 AHCARB803 Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BFG4 AHC80120 Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture Qualification