Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of constructing stone structures and features as a component of landscape project works and defines the standard required to: interpret plans and specifications; prepare the site and install drainage systems; construct stone work with correct mortar ratio; set out base for paving.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the construction of stone structures and features as a component of landscape project works.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare work

1.1. Plans and specifications are interpreted and clarified with the supervisor.

1.2. The quantity and quality of materials are checked to ensure they conform to design drawings and specifications.

1.3. Tools and equipment are selected and checked for serviceability according to enterprise guidelines.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented.

1.5. Environmental implications of erecting stone structures are identified and reported to the supervisor.

2. Set out and prepare the site

2.1. Services are determined and located from site plans.

2.2. The position of the structure or feature is marked out according to design drawings and specifications.

2.3. Profiles are established to conform to the tolerances nominated within the design drawings and specifications.

2.4. Subsoil is prepared by removing all debris, vegetable matter and topsoil to provide a solid foundation for construction.

2.5. Drainage systems are installed according to design drawings and specifications.

2.6. Sub-base material is placed and compacted to the required finished levels.

3. Construct structure or feature

3.1. Mortar is mixed to determined ratio and appropriate admixes including bonding and colouring agents are added as required, and in accordance with specifications.

3.2. Damp proofing and base course of stone work is laid according to design drawings and specifications.

3.3. Courses of stone work are laid using designated bond/s in a manner that will ensure the viability and stability of the structure, and according to design drawings and specifications.

4. Install stone paving

4.1. Set out and prepare area to be paved according to the site plan.

4.2. The area is excavated to shape, depth and dimensions to sub base level according to industry standards.

4.3. The sub base is trimmed to the designated level and falls, and base material is placed and compacted to the required finished level.

4.4. Bedding material is spread over the area and levelled to the designated level and falls.

4.5. Stone is placed and fitted to accurately fill gaps in the pattern within tolerances nominated within the site plan.

4.6. Edge constraints are installed as required by the site plan.

5. Check quality of work and clean up site

5.1. Quality of finished works is inspected to ensure the standard of the finished structure or feature is in accordance with design drawings and specifications.

5.2. Stone work surfaces are cleaned down in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner.

5.3. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored according to enterprise guidelines.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• measure and construct profiles using mathematical techniques
• use levelling equipment
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• comparative environmental implications associated with soil disturbance and the establishment of drainage systems
• components of mortar including admixes such as bonding and colouring agents used in the construction of stone structures and features.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• interpret plans and specifications
• prepare the site and install drainage systems
• construct stone work with correct mortar ratio
• set out base for paving.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Structures and features may include:

• the range of stonework construction techniques and equipment, and structures and features including:

• edgings
• steps
• walls
• retaining walls
• fences
• barriers
• BBQ and entertaining areas
• ornamental garden elements.

Unit sector 

Landscape

Co-requisite units 

Competency field