| 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) | | |
