Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction

Conduct Acceptance Criteria Testing For Completed Geotechnical Work Training

SAQA US 119520 | NQF 4 | Credits 8 | Duration 5 Days
From $1,242 per delegate

Description

This course equips geotechnical technicians and engineers with the skills to conduct acceptance criteria testing on completed geotechnical works, such as compaction, soil stabilization, and foundation layers. It ensures that learners can verify compliance with project specifications and industry standards, thereby enhancing quality assurance and safety in construction projects.

Learning Outcomes

  • Interpret project specifications and acceptance criteria for geotechnical works.
  • Select and apply appropriate testing methods (e.g., nuclear density gauge, sand replacement, plate load tests).
  • Perform field tests accurately and record results in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Analyze test results against acceptance criteria and identify non-conformances.
  • Document and report testing outcomes, including recommendations for corrective actions.
  • Demonstrate compliance with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations during testing.

Target Audience

Geotechnical technicians, site supervisors, civil engineering technologists, and quality control personnel involved in geotechnical construction and testing.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Geotechnical Work and Acceptance Criteria

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and importance of geotechnical work in construction.
• Identify key terminology and concepts related to acceptance criteria.
• Recognise relevant standards and regulations (e.g., SANS, SAQA).
• Comprehend the role of acceptance criteria in quality assurance.

Topics:
• Introduction to geotechnical engineering and its applications.
• Overview of soil and rock properties relevant to acceptance testing.
• Definitions: acceptance criteria, specifications, and tolerances.
• Regulatory framework: SANS 1200, NHBRC, and SAQA unit standards.
• Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in testing.
• Health and safety considerations on geotechnical sites.
• Introduction to documentation: test reports, checklists, and records.

Day 2: Testing Methods and Equipment for Geotechnical Work

Objectives:
• Describe common field and laboratory tests for soil and rock.
• Select appropriate testing methods based on material and criteria.
• Operate basic geotechnical testing equipment safely.
• Understand calibration and maintenance requirements.

Topics:
• Field tests: Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Cone Penetration Test (CPT), and plate load tests.
• Laboratory tests: Atterberg limits, compaction tests, and triaxial shear.
• Equipment setup, operation, and safety protocols.
• Calibration procedures and frequency for accuracy.
• Sampling techniques: disturbed and undisturbed samples.
• Recording data: forms, digital tools, and traceability.
• Practical demonstration of selected tests.

Day 3: Interpreting Test Results Against Acceptance Criteria

Objectives:
• Analyse test data to determine compliance with specifications.
• Calculate key parameters (e.g., density, moisture content, strength).
• Identify non-conformances and their implications.
• Document findings in standardised reports.

Topics:
• Data analysis methods: graphical and statistical approaches.
• Comparing results to project-specific acceptance criteria.
• Calculating compaction: relative density and degree of compaction.
• Evaluating shear strength and bearing capacity.
• Identifying common non-conformances (e.g., oversize particles, low density).
• Reporting formats: templates, narrative, and recommendations.
• Case studies of acceptance testing in road and foundation works.

Day 4: Quality Assurance and Decision-Making in Acceptance Testing

Objectives:
• Apply quality assurance principles to acceptance testing processes.
• Make informed decisions on pass/fail based on criteria.
• Communicate test results and recommendations effectively.
• Understand corrective actions and re-testing protocols.

Topics:
• Quality management systems in geotechnical testing.
• Risk assessment: consequences of non-compliance.
• Decision trees for acceptance or rejection.
• Communication with project managers, engineers, and contractors.
• Corrective actions: re-compaction, replacement, or design changes.
• Re-testing procedures and documentation.
• Ethical considerations and professional responsibility.
• Practical exercise: mock decision-making based on data sets.

Day 5: Integration, Assessment, and Practical Application

Objectives:
• Demonstrate competence in conducting acceptance criteria testing.
• Complete a full testing cycle from sampling to reporting.
• Prepare for unit standard assessment (119520).
• Reflect on learning and identify areas for further development.

Topics:
• Simulated project: conduct acceptance testing for a geotechnical scenario.
• Hands-on testing: field and lab tasks under supervision.
• Complete test reports and submit for evaluation.
• Review of assessment criteria for unit standard 119520.
• Feedback session and peer review.
• Final assessment: written test and practical demonstration.
• Course wrap-up and certification information.

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
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Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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