Assessor Resource

PMLTEST520A
Perform complex tests to measure engineering properties of materials

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare test specimens and perform multi-stage mechanical tests on them. The unit requires personnel to create test conditions that suit the materials intended use, optimise measurement procedures and recognise critical measurement points during the tests.

The unit also covers data analysis and troubleshooting procedures/equipment that have led to atypical data or results.

This unit of competency has the following prerequisite(s):

PMLTEST411A Perform mechanical tests.

This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory personnel in the construction materials industry sector.

Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting, at the end of this unit of competency under the section "This competency in practice".

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence.

Critical aspects of competency

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard. In particular, assessors should look to see that the candidate:

selects test methods, operating parameters and test ranges to suit the material and its intended use

prepares and orients test pieces precisely

safely sets up, starts up and shuts down equipment

maintains close attention to measurement procedures, accuracy and precision during lengthy complex tests

calculates/determines required engineering properties with appropriate accuracy, precision and units

recognises atypical data/results and traces artefacts and problems with procedures or equipment

records and reports data/results in accordance with enterprise procedures

maintains security, integrity and traceability of all samples, test pieces and documentation.

Underpinning knowledge

Competency includes the ability to apply and explain:

principles and concepts underpinning test procedure such as:

stress, strain, pressure including total and effective stress

properties of materials

failure modes of materials

application of results to engineering design and construction

sample preparation procedures

principles and concepts related to equipment/instrument operation and testing

function of key components of the equipment/instrument

effects on test of modifying equipment/instrument variables

basic equipment/method troubleshooting procedures

use of calibration charts

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units and precision

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

Assessment context and methods

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of results obtained by the candidate over a period of time to ensure accurate and consistent results are obtained within required timelines

inspection of testing records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate

observation of candidate conducting a range of complex tests on engineering materials

feedback from clients, peers and supervisors

oral or written questioning.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

Interdependent assessment of unit

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

PMLDATA500B Analyse data and report results.

Resource implications

Resources may include:

engineering materials testing laboratory with appropriate test equipment, instruments and samples, standard operating procedures and test methods.

This competency in practice

Construction materials

A consulting company is investigating a possible dam site and needs to assess a particular soil in the foundation. They request a geotechnical testing authority to determine the permeability of the soil. A laboratory technician checks the client request and inspects the soil sample, noting that it is plastic, clay and fissured. The technician checks the dam design parameters and notes that the overburden pressure will be 500 kPa.

They decide to use a triaxial permeability test using a constant head configuration. The technician trims a cylindrical test piece, determines the sample's bulk density and uses the trimmings to determine its moisture content. The test piece is mounted in a triaxial test cell and the equipment carefully de-aired. All pressure gauges, regulators and transducers are checked and the equipment is leak tested. A confining stress is applied and after allowing the sample to come to equilibrium, it is back saturated. The cell pressure is increased to 500 kPa and as the sample consolidates, the technician monitors the sample volume change and pore water pressure. A differential pressure is applied in stages and the water flow through the sample is optimised. After reaching a steady state the flow rate is monitored to determine the sample permeability.

After taking sufficient readings to ensure a valid measurement, the technician prepares plots of permeability and time and reports the steady state values. After completing the test, the technician shuts down the equipment in the recommended sequence, cleans and restores all items. He/she removes the test piece and determines the after-test moisture content.

Key Competencies

The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered for effective work participation. The bracketed numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit. These are stand-alone levels and do not correspond to levels in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Level (1) represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively

Level (2) represents the competence to manage tasks

Level (3) represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.

Collecting, analysing&organising information

Communicating ideas&information

Planning&organising activities

Working with others and in teams

Using mathematical ideas and techniques

Solving problems

Using technology

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level

Level 2

Level 3

Level 3


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

The range of variables relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.

All operations must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or enterprise requirements. These procedures include or have been prepared from:

Australian and international standards such as:

AS ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

AS 1289. Methods of testing soils for engineering

AS 1012. Methods of testing concrete

AS 2981. Methods of sampling and testing asphalt

DIN 19683-series Soil testing in agricultural hydrology- Physical laboratory tests

material safety data sheets (MSDs)

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

quality manuals, equipment and procedures manuals

equipment startup, operation and shutdown procedures

calibration and maintenance schedules

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

production and laboratory schedules

material, production and product specifications.

Preparation of samples may include:

moisture conditioning and compaction of soil

trimming to required size and shape

orientation of test pieces

polishing

curing concrete test pieces.

Tests and procedures could include:

consolidation of soil (for example, one-dimensional, triaxial)

shear testing of soil and rock (for example, total stress, effective stress, direct stress, triaxial stress)

permeability of soil, rock and concrete (for example, falling head, constant head)

stability and flow of asphalt

fatigue and creep of metals, polymers and concrete.

Hazards may include:

microbiological organisms and agents associated with soil

chemicals such as acids and solvents

sharps and hand tools

flammable liquids and gases

cryogenics such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen

fluids under pressure such as steam and industrial gases, hydraulics

disturbance or interruption of services

crushing, entanglement, cuts associated with moving machinery or falling objects.

Hazard control measures may include:

ensuring access to service shut off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples, hazardous materials and equipment

machinery guards

handling and storage for hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, materials safety data sheets and manufacturer's instructions

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using enterprise procedures

using personal protective clothing and equipment such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and safety boots

following established manual handling procedures

reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/waste water, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates to appropriate personnel.

Health, safety and environment

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

All operations assume the potential hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied. Users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health. All operations are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review test request and sample documentation to identify required test parameters and intended use of bulk material 
Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation/testing methods and equipment 
Inspect sample(s), compare with specifications, record and report discrepancies 
Liaise with client when samples and/or request forms do not comply with enterprise procedures 
Match required parameters with suitable test methods, available equipment and instrument specifications 
Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples, as required 
Prepare test specimens in accordance with test method 
Conduct preliminary measurements to establish initial dimensions and conditions 
Store test specimens and residual sample materials to maintain their integrity 
Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method 
Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with enterprise procedures and manufacturers specifications 
Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel 
Check calibration status of equipment and quarantine out of calibration or faulty items 
Position and secure test specimen in test equipment/instrument 
Conduct preliminary measurements to determine optimum test conditions and instrument settings 
Perform each measurement stage in sequence, terminating each stage at the appropriate end point 
Record all test measurements, observations and factors that may impact on quality of results 
Remove test piece and conduct post-test measurements 
Shut down equipment and store used test pieces in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Confirm data is the result of valid measurements 
Perform required calculations and ensure results are consistent with estimations and expectations 
Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision and units 
Analyse trends in data and/or results and report "out of specification" or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel 
Trouble shoot procedure or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results 
Use established safe work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impact 
Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory wastes 
Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system 
Maintain security and confidentiality of enterprise information and laboratory data 
Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with enterprise procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMLTEST520A - Perform complex tests to measure engineering properties of materials
Assessment task 1: [title]

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Assessment Record Sheet

PMLTEST520A - Perform complex tests to measure engineering properties of materials

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Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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