22308

Course Syllabus: Soils (NCCER Module 22308)

Course Information

• Course Title: Soils
• Module ID: 22308 (Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two)
• Duration: 10 Hours
• Credit Hours: Not applicable (NCCER credentialing module)
• Prerequisites: Successful completion of Heavy Equipment Operations Level One, including core safety and basic operations modules, or equivalent experience.

Course Description

This module provides an introduction to soils in the context of heavy equipment operations. Trainees learn soil classification systems, the physical properties of soils, and how these factors influence equipment selection, performance, and site safety. Key topics include shrink and swell factors, soil behavior in excavations, and techniques for effectively working with various soil types on construction sites.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:

1. Identify the primary classes of soil and describe their basic characteristics.
2. Explain major soil classification systems, including coarse-grained and fine-grained soils.
3. Calculate and apply shrink and swell factors to estimate soil volume changes during excavation, hauling, and compaction.
4. Describe how soil conditions affect heavy equipment stability, traction, and performance.
5. Recognize safety hazards associated with different soil types, particularly in trenching and excavation.
6. Select appropriate equipment and techniques for operating in various soil conditions.

Course Outline

Session 1: Introduction to Soils (1.5 Hours)

• Importance of soil knowledge in heavy equipment operations
• Basic soil components: sand, silt, clay, rock, and organic matter
• Soil formation and types commonly encountered on job sites

Session 2: Soil Classification Systems (2 Hours)

• Overview of the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
• AASHTO soil classification (as relevant to construction)
• Coarse-grained vs. fine-grained soils
• Identifying soil types in the field (visual and manual tests)

Session 3: Soil Properties and Volume Changes (2.5 Hours)

• Key properties: density, moisture content, bearing capacity, and compaction
• Shrink and swell factors
• Volume calculations: bank yards, loose yards, and compacted yards
• Impact of moisture on soil behavior

Session 4: Soil Conditions and Equipment Performance (2 Hours)

• How soil types affect traction, stability, and equipment selection
• Challenges in wet, dry, sandy, clay, or rocky soils
• Techniques for soil stabilization and improvement
• Equipment considerations (e.g., track vs. wheel machines in soft soils)

Session 5: Safety and Practical Applications (2 Hours)

• Soil-related hazards: trench collapse, slabbing, and cave-ins
• OSHA requirements for excavations (sloping, benching, shoring, shielding)
• Best practices for safe operations in varying soil conditions
• Review of real-world scenarios and case studies

Teaching Methods

• Classroom instruction with visual aids (diagrams, soil samples, videos)
• Hands-on activities (soil identification and basic testing, if facilities available)
• Group discussions and problem-solving exercises (e.g., volume calculations)
• NCCER-provided performance tasks (as applicable)

Required Materials

• NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two Trainee Guide (Module 22308)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for any hands-on activities
• Calculator for volume and factor calculations
• Access to soil samples or field demonstration area (recommended)

Assessment and Evaluation

• Module Examination: Multiple-choice written test covering all objectives (minimum passing score: 70%)
• Performance Testing: Demonstration of key skills, such as identifying soil types or applying shrink/swell factors (administered by NCCER-certified instructor)
• Attendance and Participation: Full attendance required for NCCER credentialing
• Successful completion earns credit toward NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two certification and registry entry.

NCCER Credentialing

This module contributes to the NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations credential. Trainees who pass the written exam and performance profile will receive documentation in the NCCER National Registry.

Instructor Notes

• Emphasize practical application to real job-site scenarios.
• Integrate safety throughout all sessions, aligning with OSHA standards.
• Use NCCER PowerPoint slides and supplementary resources for enhanced delivery.

This syllabus is designed to align with NCCER standards for Module 22308. Adjustments may be made based on training facility resources or specific program needs.