| Skill | Soils I | Foundation Technician | ||
| General Soil Knowledge | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Can visually identify and classify soil in accordance with USCS | |||
| 2. | Has basic knowledge of and can interpret soils laboratory tests (moisture content, sieve analysis, Atterberg limits, Proctor tests) | |||
| 3. | Can obtain, identify and transport soil samples | |||
| 4. | Can interpret basic earthwork specifications and site plans | |||
| 5. | Understands the role and responsibility of a soils technician on construction sites | |||
| 6. | Familiar with typical properties including compaction behavior of different soil types and their suitability for different purposes | |||
| Field Compaction Testing and Observation Knowledge | ||||
| 7. | Can perform field density tests by Nuclear Gauge or Sand Cone method | |||
| 8. | Familiar with commonly used compaction equipment (and the suitability of each) for proper compaction of different soil types | |||
| 9. | Understands the principals of the Sand Cone test including the relationship of volume to density | |||
| 10. | Can prepare a written field report with appropriate locations | |||
| 11. | Can perform field one-point proctors and familiar with applying to families of curves | |||
| 12. | Can perform +4 correction | |||
| 13. | Can perform trench corrections for nuclear gauge testing in trenches | |||
| 14. | Understands typical field stakeout and offset markers | |||
| 15. | Familiar with and can interpret soil borings and geotechnical reports | |||
| Foundations, Retaining Walls Embankments and Miscellaneous | ||||
| 16. | Can evaluate shallow foundations as directed by the geotechnical engineer | |||
| 17. | Familiar with reinforced and segmental retaining walls | |||
| 18. | Familiar with deep foundations | |||
| 19. | Familiar with embankments, dams and impoundment structures | |||
| 20. | Can perform basic topsoil strip check and can observe proofrolling of subgrades | |||
| 21. | Familiar with general slope stability issues | |||
| 22. | Familiar with shrink/swell soil issues | |||
| 23. | Familiar with geotextile applications and construction methods | |||
| 24. | Familiar with calibration requirements for field equipment | |||
| 25. | Can perform visual inspection of reinforcing steel for shallow foundations and deep foundations. | |||
| Safety | ||||
| 26. | Familiar with excavation safety including OSHA requirements | |||
| 27. | Completed basic radiation safety training and has certification (for Nuclear Gauge users only) | |||