Geotechnical Construction Methods And Applications Training

Learning Outcomes

• Apply appropriate geotechnical investigation methods to determine soil and rock properties for construction projects.
• Analyze soil test results to classify ground conditions and recommend suitable foundation types.
• Design shallow and deep foundation systems based on geotechnical data and load requirements.
• Implement ground improvement techniques such as compaction, grouting, and drainage to enhance soil stability.
• Evaluate construction methods for excavations, retaining walls, and slope stability to ensure safety and compliance.
• Demonstrate knowledge of relevant South African standards and regulations governing geotechnical construction.

Target Audience

This course is designed for civil engineers, construction managers, geotechnical technicians, and site supervisors involved in foundation and earthworks projects. It is also suitable for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of geotechnical construction methods.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

Hands-on practicals are essential to reinforce theoretical concepts and develop skills in soil testing, equipment operation, and construction methods. Learners will perform laboratory and field tests, operate geotechnical equipment, and analyze real-world data under supervision.

Practical Activities

• Soil Classification and Index Properties — Learners conduct sieve analysis, Atterberg limits, and moisture content tests on soil samples to classify soils according to USCS and AASHTO systems. (6h)
• Shear Strength and Compaction Tests — Learners perform direct shear test and standard Proctor compaction test, and analyze results to determine shear strength parameters and optimum moisture content. (6h)
• Field Testing: SPT and Plate Load Test — Learners observe and assist in standard penetration test (SPT) and plate load test at a site, recording data and calculating bearing capacity. (6h)
• Pile Installation and Load Testing Demonstration — Learners observe driven pile installation and static load test, analyze load-settlement data, and discuss pile capacity and integrity. (6h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

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 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

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 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

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

Certificate

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.