SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of earthworks 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116051  Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of earthworks 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2007-10-30  2009-04-08  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-04-08   2013-04-08  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
262685  Demonstrate an understanding of earthworks  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who operate construction plant

Describing different soil types; demonstrating knowledge of bulk excavation; describing dumping and spreading operations; and describing erosion control on earthworks

The contribution to The National Skills Development Strategy is the key developmental interface between learners and new competencies to be achieved

Learners who master the applied competence described in this unit standard will contribute to the development of a professional community of Civil Engineering Construction Plant operators who are able to competently use science and technology when applying operation techniquesThe contribution to socio-economic transformation is that learners will be able to undergo RPL-assessment and thereby receive recognition for previous learning and experience. This in turn will enhance the employability and career prospects of learners employed in this sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The following knowledge, skills attitude and/or equivalent:
Learning assumed to be in place
ABET 3 Numeracy and ABET 3 Literacy 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
The typical scope of this unit standard:
  • Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe different soil types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their structure 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their moisture content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are described in relation to machinery suitable for cutting, hauling, dumping, spreading and compacting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Description identifies methods of drying cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Description identifies methods of wetting cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of bulk excavation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of cutting operations are identified and related to different soil types. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cut-to-waste, cut-to-fill, cut-to stockpile, strip-to stockpile.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cut-to-fill materials are identified and action to be taken at cut area is described in terms of requirements for cohesive and non-cohesive soil types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Principles of undercutting are described in relation to cohesive and non-cohesive soil types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Cut-to-waste operations are described in relation to the selection of disposal areas for reject materials, and alternative uses for reconditioned cut-to-waste material. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe dumping and spreading operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles of layering are described in relation to soil type. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Straights, curves, rock sub-grade, thickness of layers, optimum moisture content.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Technical procedures for borrow areas are identified in accordance with company requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Restricted sites, drainage, sequence, re-instatement of site.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe erosion control on earthworks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Means of controlling surface erosion on earthworks are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not restricted to - bench, batter, drainage.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Shaping and re-vegetating earthworks are described in relation to slope of terrain, availability of topsoil, re-grassing methods, and rolling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Procedures for ceasing operations to avoid erosion are described in accordance with company requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe compaction of earthworks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Means of compaction of earthworks are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    includes but is not restricted to - steel-wheeled roller, pneumatic-tyre roller, impact roller, grid roller, vibratory roller, kneading compactor roller.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of compacting for different types of soil/materials is identified 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the CETA-ETQA
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the CETA-ETQA
  • CETA-ETQA or other ETQA's who have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with CETA-ETQA would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Identification of Cohesive and non-cohesive soils in terms of their structure.
  • Identification of Types of cutting operations in relation to different soil types.
  • Layering Principles in relation to soil type.
  • Identification of surface erosion control on earthworks.
  • Compaction Techniques 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems

    Evident in the following specific outcome and assessment criteria:

    Describe Different Soil Types
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their structure.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their moisture content.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are described in relation to machinery suitable for cutting, hauling, dumping, and spreading.
  • Description identifies methods of drying cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.
  • Description identifies methods of wetting cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.

    Demonstrate Knowledge of Bulk Excavation.
  • Types of cutting operations are identified and related to different soil types.
  • Cut-to-fill materials are identified and action to be taken at cut area is described in terms of requirements for cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Principles of undercutting are described in relation to cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Cut-to-waste operations are described in relation to the selection of disposal areas for reject materials, and alternative uses for reconditioned cut-to-waste material.

    Describe Dumping and Spreading Operations.
  • Principles of layering are described in relation to soil type.
  • Technical procedures for borrow areas are identified in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe Erosion Control on Earthworks.
  • Means of controlling surface erosion on earthworks are identified.
  • Shaping and re-vegetating earthworks are described in relation to slope of terrain, availability of topsoil, re-grassing methods, and rolling.
  • Procedures for ceasing operations to avoid erosion are described in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe compaction on Earthworks
  • Means of compaction equipment on earthworks are identified
  • Method of compaction for different types of soil/materials 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others

    Evident in the following specific outcome and assessment criteria:

    Describe Different Soil Types.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their structure.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their moisture content.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are described in relation to machinery suitable for cutting, hauling, dumping, and spreading.
  • Description identifies methods of drying cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.
  • Description identifies methods of wetting cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.

    Demonstrate Knowledge of Bulk Excavation.
  • Types of cutting operations are identified and related to different soil types.
  • Cut-to-fill materials are identified and action to be taken at cut area is described in terms of requirements for cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Principles of undercutting are described in relation to cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Cut-to-waste operations are described in relation to the selection of disposal areas for reject materials, and alternative uses for reconditioned cut-to-waste material.

    Describe Dumping and Spreading Operations.
  • Principles of layering are described in relation to soil type.
  • Technical procedures for borrow areas are identified in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe Erosion Control on Earthworks.
  • Means of controlling surface erosion on earthworks are identified.
  • Shaping and re-vegetating earthworks are described in relation to slope of terrain, availability of topsoil, re-grassing methods, and rolling.
  • Procedures for ceasing operations to avoid erosion are described in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe compaction of earthworks
  • Means of compaction equipment on earthworks are identified
  • Method of compaction for different types of soil/materials 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively

    Evident in the following specific outcome and assessment criteria:

    Describe Different Soil Types.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their structure.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their moisture content.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are described in relation to machinery suitable for cutting, hauling, dumping, and spreading.
  • Description identifies methods of drying cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.
  • Description identifies methods of wetting cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.

    Demonstrate Knowledge of Bulk Excavation.
  • Types of cutting operations are identified and related to different soil types.
  • Cut-to-fill materials are identified and action to be taken at cut area is described in terms of requirements for cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Principles of undercutting are described in relation to cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Cut-to-waste operations are described in relation to the selection of disposal areas for reject materials, and alternative uses for reconditioned cut-to-waste material.

    Describe Dumping and Spreading Operations.
  • Principles of layering are described in relation to soil type.
  • Technical procedures for borrow areas are identified in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe Erosion Control on Earthworks.
  • Means of controlling surface erosion on earthworks are identified.
  • Shaping and re-vegetating earthworks are described in relation to slope of terrain, availability of topsoil, re-grassing methods, and rolling.
  • Procedures for ceasing operations to avoid erosion are described in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe compaction of Earthworks
  • Means of compaction equipment on earthworks are identified
  • Method of compaction for different types of soil/materials 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence

    Evident in the following specific outcome and assessment criteria:

    Describe different soil types.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their structure.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their moisture content.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are described in relation to machinery suitable for cutting, hauling, dumping, and spreading.
  • Description identifies methods of drying cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.
  • Description identifies methods of wetting cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.

    Demonstrate knowledge of bulk xxcavation.
  • Types of cutting operations are identified and related to different soil types.
  • Cut-to-fill materials are identified and action to be taken at cut area is described in terms of requirements for cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Principles of undercutting are described in relation to cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Cut-to-waste operations are described in relation to the selection of disposal areas for reject materials, and alternative uses for reconditioned cut-to-waste material.

    Describe dumping and spreading operations.
  • Principles of layering are described in relation to soil type.
  • Technical procedures for borrow areas are identified in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe erosion control on earthworks.
  • Means of controlling surface erosion on earthworks are identified.
  • Shaping and re-vegetating earthworks are described in relation to slope of terrain, availability of topsoil, re-grassing methods, and rolling.
  • Procedures for ceasing operations to avoid erosion are described in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe compaction of earthworks
  • Means of compaction equipment on earthworks are identified
  • Method of compaction for different types of soil/materials 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand contextual world-systems

    Evident in the following specific outcome and assessment criteria:

    Describe Different Soil Types.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their structure.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are identified and described in terms of their moisture content.
  • Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are described in relation to machinery suitable for cutting, hauling, dumping, and spreading.
  • Description identifies methods of drying cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.
  • Description identifies methods of wetting cohesive and non-cohesive soils to achieve specified strength.

    Demonstrate Knowledge of Bulk Excavation.
  • Types of cutting operations are identified and related to different soil types.
  • Cut-to-fill materials are identified and action to be taken at cut area is described in terms of requirements for cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Principles of undercutting are described in relation to cohesive and non-cohesive soil types.
  • Cut-to-waste operations are described in relation to the selection of disposal areas for reject materials, and alternative uses for reconditioned cut-to-waste material.

    Describe Dumping and Spreading Operations.
  • Principles of layering are described in relation to soil type.
  • Technical procedures for borrow areas are identified in accordance with company requirements.

    Describe Erosion Control on Earthworks.
  • Means of controlling surface erosion on earthworks are identified.
  • Shaping and re-vegetating earthworks are described in relation to slope of terrain, availability of topsoil, re-grassing methods, and rolling.
  • Procedures for ceasing operations to avoid erosion are described in accordance with company requirements

    Describe compaction of Earthworks
  • Means of compaction equipment on earthworks are identified
  • Method of compaction for different types of soil/materials 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 262685, which is "Demonstrate an understanding of earthworks", Level 2, 3 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48940   National Certificate: Construction: Plant Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  49411   General Education and Training Certificate: Construction  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. PROEARTH Pty Ltd 
    2. Raubex Construction Pty (Ltd) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.