Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCARB803 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCARB803 - Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse the edaphic interactions of trees and structures.This unit applies to individuals with advanced theoretical and technical knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and/or further learning in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. This unit applies to individuals with advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills to provide specialist advice, analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex problems, and to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.The role involves the self-directed application of knowledge in tree anatomy, physiology and the edaphic environment with substantial depth in areas such as tree failures and biomechanics in the built environment.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

It is an industry requirement that competency in this unit requires the preparation of a minimum of two (2) different reports:

a report on harm by roots on structures

a report on stability of tree with a defective or damaged root plate

Assessment must be demonstrated consistently over time in a suitable range of contexts and have a productivity-based outcome. No single assessment event or report is sufficient to achieve competency in this unit.

Assessment may be conducted in a simulated or real work environment, however determination of competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions.

The mandatory equipment and materials used to gather evidence for assessment include:

equipment:

computer

word processing software

internet connection

digital camera with macro

diagnostic tools including sounding hammer, trowel, probe, cordless drill

soil testing equipment

digital dissection microscope 10 -100x

compound microscope

microtome, staining and slide mounting equipment

slides and coverslips

temporary/permanent mountant

histochemical stains

materials:

structural damage and stability report

glossary of construction, architecture and engineering terminology

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs in the assessment of arboriculture units of competency.

Assessment must be conducted only by persons who have:

tree biomechanics vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current tree biomechanics skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed

Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Determine soil attributes
  • Research repose angle of soil materials
  • Research soil plasticity
  • Measure soil moisture content and field capacity of soil
  • Research the effects of soil moisture on soil cohesion and plasticity
  • Research modes of soil liquefaction
  • Determine soil texture
  • Assess level of soil cohesion
  • Determine shear strength of the soil of concern
  • Research load bearing capacity of soil of concern
  • Determine mass of the soil plate
       
Element: Determine root attributes
  • Determine root morphology, division and distribution
  • Determine amount of buttressing of tree
  • Determine species development of tap root system
  • Research identifying anatomical features of tree roots
  • Identify tree roots based on anatomical features
       
Element: Calculate forces from roots
  • Research, experimentally model or demonstrate forces and pressures exerted into or through the soil, directly and indirectly by trees
  • Estimate and measure dimensions of roots exerting a force on a structure of concern
  • Calculate total surface area of the roots exerting a force on a structure of concern
  • Calculate force exerted by roots per unit of surface area of structure
  • Calculate total force exerted by roots of a given surface area
       
Element: Determine structure attributes
  • Measure and determine volume of structure of concern
  • Research and calculate mass of the structure and adjacent structures
  • Consider the impact of gravity on mass
  • Determine affect of leverage on the forces exerted by tree roots onto structure of concern
       
Element: Define the root-soil matrix factors for root/soil breakage
  • Determine factors of root–soil matrix interactions
  • Consider area of contact between root and soil
  • Consider elasticity, tensile strength and breaking stress of roots
  • Investigate root cross-sectional morphology
  • Assess extent of root plate damage, deficiencies or defects
  • Estimate impact of static and dynamic testing for root plate stability
  • Evaluate the likelihood of root failure by root breakage
  • Evaluate the likelihood of anchorage failure by soil breakage or slippage
       
Element: Research structural engineering solutions
  • Research and consider effects of increasing mass
  • Research and consider methods for, and effects of, increasing the modus of rupture
  • Research and consider effects of use of curved structures
  • Research and consider effects of soil mass and friction
  • Research and consider effects of use of anchors, braces and props
  • Compile a portfolio of above research including personal annotations and calculations
       
Element: Prepare stability and expert witness reports
  • Prepare report on likelihood of tree causing damage to structure of concern including all test results, assumptions and calculations
  • Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of damage to a similar replacement structure
  • Prepare report on relative stability of tree as a result of a defective or damaged root plate
  • Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of whole tree failure as a result of defective or damaged root plate
  • Prepare expert witness report on harm by roots on structures; or on stability of tree with a defective or damaged root plate, as required
       
Element: Facilitate teamwork
  • Review construction and engineering language terminology
  • Discuss installation and protection measures to non-arboricultural project personnel
  • Resolve issues in construction and engineering terminology
  • Communicate in the language, concepts, basic science and technology of construction, architecture and engineering allied professions
       


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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine soil attributes

1.1 Research repose angle of soil materials

1.2 Research soil plasticity

1.3 Measure soil moisture content and field capacity of soil

1.4 Research the effects of soil moisture on soil cohesion and plasticity

1.5 Research modes of soil liquefaction

1.6 Determine soil texture

1.7 Assess level of soil cohesion

1.8 Determine shear strength of the soil of concern

1.9 Research load bearing capacity of soil of concern

1.10 Determine mass of the soil plate

2. Determine root attributes

2.1 Determine root morphology, division and distribution

2.2 Determine amount of buttressing of tree

2.3 Determine species development of tap root system

2.4 Research identifying anatomical features of tree roots

2.5 Identify tree roots based on anatomical features

3. Calculate forces from roots

3.1 Research, experimentally model or demonstrate forces and pressures exerted into or through the soil, directly and indirectly by trees

3.2 Estimate and measure dimensions of roots exerting a force on a structure of concern

3.3 Calculate total surface area of the roots exerting a force on a structure of concern

3.4 Calculate force exerted by roots per unit of surface area of structure

3.5 Calculate total force exerted by roots of a given surface area

4. Determine structure attributes

4.1 Measure and determine volume of structure of concern

4.2 Research and calculate mass of the structure and adjacent structures

4.3 Consider the impact of gravity on mass

4.4 Determine affect of leverage on the forces exerted by tree roots onto structure of concern

5. Define the root-soil matrix factors for root/soil breakage

5.1 Determine factors of root–soil matrix interactions

5.2 Consider area of contact between root and soil

5.3 Consider elasticity, tensile strength and breaking stress of roots

5.4 Investigate root cross-sectional morphology

5.5 Assess extent of root plate damage, deficiencies or defects

5.6 Estimate impact of static and dynamic testing for root plate stability

5.7 Evaluate the likelihood of root failure by root breakage

5.8 Evaluate the likelihood of anchorage failure by soil breakage or slippage

6. Research structural engineering solutions

6.1 Research and consider effects of increasing mass

6.2 Research and consider methods for, and effects of, increasing the modus of rupture

6.3 Research and consider effects of use of curved structures

6.4 Research and consider effects of soil mass and friction

6.5 Research and consider effects of use of anchors, braces and props

6.6 Compile a portfolio of above research including personal annotations and calculations

7. Prepare stability and expert witness reports

7.1 Prepare report on likelihood of tree causing damage to structure of concern including all test results, assumptions and calculations

7.2 Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of damage to a similar replacement structure

7.3 Prepare report on relative stability of tree as a result of a defective or damaged root plate

7.4 Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of whole tree failure as a result of defective or damaged root plate

7.5 Prepare expert witness report on harm by roots on structures; or on stability of tree with a defective or damaged root plate, as required

8. Facilitate teamwork

8.1 Review construction and engineering language terminology

8.2 Discuss installation and protection measures to non-arboricultural project personnel

8.3 Resolve issues in construction and engineering terminology

8.4 Communicate in the language, concepts, basic science and technology of construction, architecture and engineering allied professions

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence for and demonstrate:

researching repose angle of soil materials

researching soil plasticity

measuring soil moisture content and field capacity of soil

researching the effects of soil moisture on soil cohesion and plasticity

researching modes of soil liquefaction

determining soil texture

assessing level of soil cohesion

determining shear strength of the soil of concern

researching load bearing capacity of soil of concern

determining mass of the soil plate

determining root morphology, division and distribution

determining amount of buttressing of tree

determining species development of tap root system

researching identifying anatomical features of tree roots

identifying tree roots based on anatomical features

researching, experimentally modelling or demonstrating forces and pressures exerted into or through the soil, directly and indirectly by trees

estimating and measuring dimensions of roots exerting a force on a structure of concern

calculating total surface area of the roots exerting a force on a structure of concern

calculating force exerted by roots per unit of surface area of structure

calculating total force exerted by roots of a given surface area

measuring and determine volume of structure of concern

researching and calculate mass of the structure and adjacent structures

considering the impact of gravity on mass

determining affect of leverage on the forces exerted by tree roots onto structure of concern

determining factors of root–soil matrix interactions

considering area of contact between root and soil

considering elasticity, tensile strength and breaking stress of roots

investigating root cross-sectional morphology

assessing extent of root plate damage, deficiencies or defects

estimating impact of static and dynamic testing for root plate stability

evaluating the likelihood of root failure by root breakage

evaluating the likelihood of anchorage failure by soil breakage or slippage

researching and considering effects of increasing mass

researching and considering methods for, and effects of, increasing the modus of rupture

researching and considering effects of use of curved structures

researching and considering effects of soil mass and friction

researching and considering effects of use of anchors, braces and props

compiling a portfolio of above research including personal annotations and calculations

preparing report on likelihood of tree causing damage to structure of concern including all test results, assumptions and calculations

providing design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of damage to a similar replacement structure

preparing report on relative stability of tree as a result of a defective or damaged root plate

providing design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of whole tree failure as a result of defective or damaged root plate

preparing expert witness report on harm by roots on structures; or on stability of tree with a defective or damaged root plate, as required

reviewing construction and engineering language terminology

discussing installation and protection measures to non-arboricultural team members

resolving issues in construction and engineering terminology

communicating in the language, concepts, basic science and technology of construction, architecture and engineering allied professions.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

repose angle of soil materials

soil plasticity

soil moisture content

field capacity of soil

effects of soil moisture on soil cohesion and plasticity

modes of soil liquefaction

soil texture

soil cohesion

shear strength of the soil

load bearing capacity

mass of soil plate

root morphology

root division

root distribution

buttressing

species development of tap root systems

anatomical features of tree roots

identification of tree roots based on anatomical features

research, experimental modelling and demonstration methods

forces and pressures exerted into or through the soil, directly and indirectly by trees

estimation and measurement of dimensions of roots exerting a force on a structure

calculation of the total surface area of the roots exerting a force on a structure

calculation of the force exerted by roots per unit of surface area of structure

calculation of the total force exerted by roots of a given surface area

measurement of volume of structures

calculation of the mass of structures

impact of gravity on mass

affect of leverage on the forces exerted by tree roots onto structure

factors of root–soil matrix interactions

area of contact between root and soil

elasticity of roots

tensile strength of roots

breaking stress of roots

root cross-sectional morphology

extent of root plate damage

extent of root plate deficiencies

extent of root plate defects

impact of static and dynamic testing for root plate stability

likelihood of root failure by root breakage

likelihood of anchorage failure by soil breakage or slippage

effects of increasing mass

effects of use of curved structures

effects of soil mass and friction

effects of, increasing the modus of rupture

effects of use of anchors, braces and props

portfolio of research

personal annotations and calculations

report preparation

test results and assumptions

relative stability of tree

whole tree failure

design suggestions for mitigation of damage and whole tree failure

harm by roots on structures

expert witness reports

expert witness report on harm by roots on structures

construction language terminology

engineering language terminology

installation and protection measures

concepts, basic science and technology of structural engineering

concepts, basic science and technology of construction

concepts, basic science and technology of architecture.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine soil attributes

1.1 Research repose angle of soil materials

1.2 Research soil plasticity

1.3 Measure soil moisture content and field capacity of soil

1.4 Research the effects of soil moisture on soil cohesion and plasticity

1.5 Research modes of soil liquefaction

1.6 Determine soil texture

1.7 Assess level of soil cohesion

1.8 Determine shear strength of the soil of concern

1.9 Research load bearing capacity of soil of concern

1.10 Determine mass of the soil plate

2. Determine root attributes

2.1 Determine root morphology, division and distribution

2.2 Determine amount of buttressing of tree

2.3 Determine species development of tap root system

2.4 Research identifying anatomical features of tree roots

2.5 Identify tree roots based on anatomical features

3. Calculate forces from roots

3.1 Research, experimentally model or demonstrate forces and pressures exerted into or through the soil, directly and indirectly by trees

3.2 Estimate and measure dimensions of roots exerting a force on a structure of concern

3.3 Calculate total surface area of the roots exerting a force on a structure of concern

3.4 Calculate force exerted by roots per unit of surface area of structure

3.5 Calculate total force exerted by roots of a given surface area

4. Determine structure attributes

4.1 Measure and determine volume of structure of concern

4.2 Research and calculate mass of the structure and adjacent structures

4.3 Consider the impact of gravity on mass

4.4 Determine affect of leverage on the forces exerted by tree roots onto structure of concern

5. Define the root-soil matrix factors for root/soil breakage

5.1 Determine factors of root–soil matrix interactions

5.2 Consider area of contact between root and soil

5.3 Consider elasticity, tensile strength and breaking stress of roots

5.4 Investigate root cross-sectional morphology

5.5 Assess extent of root plate damage, deficiencies or defects

5.6 Estimate impact of static and dynamic testing for root plate stability

5.7 Evaluate the likelihood of root failure by root breakage

5.8 Evaluate the likelihood of anchorage failure by soil breakage or slippage

6. Research structural engineering solutions

6.1 Research and consider effects of increasing mass

6.2 Research and consider methods for, and effects of, increasing the modus of rupture

6.3 Research and consider effects of use of curved structures

6.4 Research and consider effects of soil mass and friction

6.5 Research and consider effects of use of anchors, braces and props

6.6 Compile a portfolio of above research including personal annotations and calculations

7. Prepare stability and expert witness reports

7.1 Prepare report on likelihood of tree causing damage to structure of concern including all test results, assumptions and calculations

7.2 Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of damage to a similar replacement structure

7.3 Prepare report on relative stability of tree as a result of a defective or damaged root plate

7.4 Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of whole tree failure as a result of defective or damaged root plate

7.5 Prepare expert witness report on harm by roots on structures; or on stability of tree with a defective or damaged root plate, as required

8. Facilitate teamwork

8.1 Review construction and engineering language terminology

8.2 Discuss installation and protection measures to non-arboricultural project personnel

8.3 Resolve issues in construction and engineering terminology

8.4 Communicate in the language, concepts, basic science and technology of construction, architecture and engineering allied professions

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
Research repose angle of soil materials 
Research soil plasticity 
Measure soil moisture content and field capacity of soil 
Research the effects of soil moisture on soil cohesion and plasticity 
Research modes of soil liquefaction 
Determine soil texture 
Assess level of soil cohesion 
Determine shear strength of the soil of concern 
Research load bearing capacity of soil of concern 
Determine mass of the soil plate 
Determine root morphology, division and distribution 
Determine amount of buttressing of tree 
Determine species development of tap root system 
Research identifying anatomical features of tree roots 
Identify tree roots based on anatomical features 
Research, experimentally model or demonstrate forces and pressures exerted into or through the soil, directly and indirectly by trees 
Estimate and measure dimensions of roots exerting a force on a structure of concern 
Calculate total surface area of the roots exerting a force on a structure of concern 
Calculate force exerted by roots per unit of surface area of structure 
Calculate total force exerted by roots of a given surface area 
Measure and determine volume of structure of concern 
Research and calculate mass of the structure and adjacent structures 
Consider the impact of gravity on mass 
Determine affect of leverage on the forces exerted by tree roots onto structure of concern 
Determine factors of root–soil matrix interactions 
Consider area of contact between root and soil 
Consider elasticity, tensile strength and breaking stress of roots 
Investigate root cross-sectional morphology 
Assess extent of root plate damage, deficiencies or defects 
Estimate impact of static and dynamic testing for root plate stability 
Evaluate the likelihood of root failure by root breakage 
Evaluate the likelihood of anchorage failure by soil breakage or slippage 
Research and consider effects of increasing mass 
Research and consider methods for, and effects of, increasing the modus of rupture 
Research and consider effects of use of curved structures 
Research and consider effects of soil mass and friction 
Research and consider effects of use of anchors, braces and props 
Compile a portfolio of above research including personal annotations and calculations 
Prepare report on likelihood of tree causing damage to structure of concern including all test results, assumptions and calculations 
Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of damage to a similar replacement structure 
Prepare report on relative stability of tree as a result of a defective or damaged root plate 
Provide design suggestions to mitigate likelihood of whole tree failure as a result of defective or damaged root plate 
Prepare expert witness report on harm by roots on structures; or on stability of tree with a defective or damaged root plate, as required 
Review construction and engineering language terminology 
Discuss installation and protection measures to non-arboricultural project personnel 
Resolve issues in construction and engineering terminology 
Communicate in the language, concepts, basic science and technology of construction, architecture and engineering allied professions 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB803 - Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures
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

AHCARB803 - Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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