Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:22 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:22 AM 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.
Apply footing and geomechanical design principles to buildings up to three storeys
Apply footing and geomechanical design principles to buildings up to three storeys
Unit of competency
National Code
CPCCSV6004A
CPCCSV6004A
State Code
W9588
W9588
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/10/2009
Field of Education
030903 - Structural Engineering
Original Release Date
20/10/2009
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply footing and geomechanical design principles to buildings up to three storeys and not exceeding a maximum floor area of 2000 square metres.It includes the identification, classification, calculated positioning and sizing of all structural footing that form foundation components of the project.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Evaluation of slope instability.
- 1.1. Effect of soil and rock strength on slope instability is evaluated and recorded.
- 1.2. Modes and mechanics of slope instability are researched and documented.
- 1.3. Methods to stabilise slopes are researched and documented according to standard specifications.
2. Analyse retaining wall requirements according to the structure.
- 2.1. Retaining structures and systems suitable for various situations and soil types are identified adhering to legislative requirements and the application of footings and geomechanical principles.
- 2.2. Active and passive earth pressure and water pressure applicable to various retaining structures is determined.
- 2.3. Earth pressures on a gravity retaining wall are determined and analysed according to required structure for stability.
3. Determine footing design requirements according to situation.
- 3.1. Net safe bearing pressure for a footing on a clay soil is calculated without error.
- 3.2. Allowable bearing pressures for footings on granular soil from in-site penetration test results are calculated without error.
- 3.3. Long-term consolidation effects for footings on clay soils are analysed and recorded.
- 3.4. Behaviour of footings on soils under earthquake conditions is researched and documented.
4. Determine requirements for compaction of soil fill.
- 4.1. Maximum soil properties, including dry density and moisture content relationship, for a soil is analysed and recorded.
- 4.2. Techniques for compaction control and performance of compaction plant in consideration of maintenance requirements are identified and documented.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Standard specifications include industry-standard specifications and may be:
detailed specifications, addressing specific components such as structural or other requirements
developed specifications
preliminary and outline specifications.
Soil types include:
clay soils
rock
saturated granular soils.
Legislative requirements are limited to:
buildings up to three storeys and not exceeding a maximum floor area of 2000 square metres
adhering to legislative requirements for BCA relating to Class 2 and 9 buildings.
Application of footings and geomechanical principles includes:
assessment of geomechanical and footing design for residential and commercial buildings
identification of the nature, composition, classification and distribution of soil type.
Footing must be suitable for:
building type
site conditions.
Soil properties include:
bulk density
degree of saturation
dry density
moisture content
porosity
void ratio.
Maintenance requirements include identification of:
ground water
surface water
tree root systems.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Standard specifications include industry-standard specifications and may be:
detailed specifications, addressing specific components such as structural or other requirements
developed specifications
preliminary and outline specifications.
Soil types include:
clay soils
rock
saturated granular soils.
Legislative requirements are limited to:
buildings up to three storeys and not exceeding a maximum floor area of 2000 square metres
adhering to legislative requirements for BCA relating to Class 2 and 9 buildings.
Application of footings and geomechanical principles includes:
assessment of geomechanical and footing design for residential and commercial buildings
identification of the nature, composition, classification and distribution of soil type.
Footing must be suitable for:
building type
site conditions.
Soil properties include:
bulk density
degree of saturation
dry density
moisture content
porosity
void ratio.
Maintenance requirements include identification of:
ground water
surface water
tree root systems.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
comply with OHS regulations applicable to workplace operations
apply organisational management policies and procedures, including quality assurance requirements where applicable
assess footing requirements, for at least one commercial building project or equivalent, which includes advice on positioning and sizing
analyse and report on the soil types and properties for at least two building projects or equivalent
provide reports to appropriate body/individual as determined by the project brief.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:
an induction procedure and requirement
realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the mandatory task requirements
relevant specifications and work instructions
tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices
support materials appropriate to activity
workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies
material safety data sheets
research resources, including industry related systems information.
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
comply with OHS regulations applicable to workplace operations
apply organisational management policies and procedures, including quality assurance requirements where applicable
assess footing requirements, for at least one commercial building project or equivalent, which includes advice on positioning and sizing
analyse and report on the soil types and properties for at least two building projects or equivalent
provide reports to appropriate body/individual as determined by the project brief.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:
an induction procedure and requirement
realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the mandatory task requirements
relevant specifications and work instructions
tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices
support materials appropriate to activity
workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies
material safety data sheets
research resources, including industry related systems information.
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1475 | BCGSV6004A | Apply footing and geomechanical design principles to buildings up to 3 storeys | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUX60 | CPCCBS6013 | Conduct and report on initial construction inspections of commercial buildings up to three storeys | Unit of competency |
| AUX79 | CPCCBS6012 | Conduct and report on initial construction inspections of residential buildings up to three storeys | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W618 | CPC60108 | Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying | Qualification |