SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding and apply physical science and chemistry in construction materials testing 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14539  Demonstrate an understanding and apply physical science and chemistry in construction materials testing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners who are assessed as competent against this unit standard will be able to demonstrate competence in the understanding and application of physics and chemistry science in a construction materials testing laboratory.

This unit standard will enable Learners to make physical measurements, read various instruments, record scientific information, mix various chemicals and operate laboratory equipment like scales, ovens and burners.

This competence is fundamental - that is this competence is required to enable learners to successfully master the core and elective unit standards that form an integrated part in construction materials testing.

Its contribution to socio-economic transformation is that learners would be able to undergo RPL-assessment and thereby receive recognition for previous learning and experience. The employability and career prospects of learners can therefore be enhanced by this qualification.
Previously disadvantaged individuals with this qualification can also start their own businesses supplying a construction materials testing service - a process that will accelerate economic transformation and give economic empowerment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
NQF Level 4 in Literacy and Numeracy competencies 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
(i) Physical Science Concepts:
Length, area, volume, weight, density, perimeter, surface area, specific gravity, temperature, co-efficient of expansion, force, pressure, compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, speed, acceleration, stress, strain, viscosity, light, electricity
(ii) Units of measure for: Length, area, volume, weight, density, perimeter, surface area, specific gravity, temperature, co-efficient of expansion, force, pressure, compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, speed, acceleration, stress, strain, viscosity.
(iii) Alternative units of measurements:
Fahrenheit/centigrade; Kilogram/pound; Feet & inch/meters; Miles/kilometre.
(iv) Application of physical science concepts:
Weight, length and volume measurement, calculation of density, specific gravity, shrinkage and plotting of results.
(iv) Chemistry concepts: Acid, alkaline, ph, salt, chemical reaction, molecule, atoms, periodic table, metal, element, organic material, in-organic material, anionic, ionic.
(v) Properties of chemical compounds/materials: bitumen, emulsion, cutbacks, cement, lime, tar, solvents, modifiers.
Application of chemicals: Acids, alkaline, solvents. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Demonstrate an understanding of physical science concepts in construction materials testing. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Physical science concepts are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Length, area, volume, weight, density, perimeter, surface area, specific gravity, temperature, co-efficient of expansion, force, pressure, compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, speed, acceleration, stress, strain, viscosity, light, electricity, gas, liquid, solid.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The different metric units of measurement for the physical science concepts are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Length, area, volume, weight, density, perimeter, surface area, specific gravity, temperature, co-efficient of expansion, force, pressure, compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, speed, acceleration, stress, strain, viscosity, light, electricity.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Alternative units of measurements are explained with an understanding of conversion calculations. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Farenheit/centigrade; Kilogram/pound; Feet & inch/meters; Miles/kilometre.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Apply physical science concepts during construction materials testing. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Weight measurements using different types of scales are performed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Balance scales, electronic scales.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Temperature readings are done. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Linear measurements are executed using different measuring devices. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Tape measure, micrometer, vernier.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Volumetric measurements are done. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Calculations are executed and plotted. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Density, specific gravity, shrinkage.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Demonstrate an understanding of chemistry in construction materials testing. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Chemistry concepts are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Acid, alkaline, ph, salt, chemical reaction, molecule, atoms, periodic table, metal, element, organic material, in-organic material, anionic.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The properties of chemical compounds/materials encountered in laboratory work are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Bitumen, emulsion, cutbacks, cement, lime, tar, solvents, modifiers.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Apply chemistry during construction materials testing. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. The safe handling and applications of chemicals and compounds are demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Acids, alkaline, solvents, cement, lime, bitumen, tar.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The correct application of chemicals is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Acids, alkaline, solvents.
 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the CETA - ETQA for "The National Certificates in Construction Materials Testing".
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the CETA - ETQA.
  • CETA - ETQA, or other ETQA`s who have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with CETA-ETQA, would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Understand and explain:
    (i) The physical science concepts and their respective units of measure of Length, area, volume, weight, density, perimeter, surface area, specific gravity, temperature, co-efficient of expansion, force, pressure, compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, speed, acceleration, stress, strain, viscosity, light, electricity, gas, liquid, solid.
    (ii) The procedure to determine weight using scales, measure length and volume, calculate density, specific gravity, shrinkage and plot results on graphs.
    (iii) Chemistry concepts: Acid, alkaline, ph, salt, chemical reaction, molecule, atoms, periodic table, metal, element, organic material, in-organic material, anionic, ionic.
    (iv) The safe and correct application of acids, alkaline and solvents.
    (v) The properties of cement, lime, tar and bitumen. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems - refer to the following Specific Outcome and Assessment criteria:

    Apply physical science concepts during construction materials testing
  • Calculations are executed and plotted. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Employ self management - refer to the following Specific Outcome and Assessment criteria:

    Apply chemistry during construction materials testing
  • The safe handling and applications of chemicals are demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Manage information - refer to the following Specific Outcome and Assessment criteria:

    Apply physical science concepts during construction materials testing
  • Calculations are executed and plotted. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence - refer to the following Specific Outcome and Assessment criteria:

    Apply physical science concepts during construction materials testing
  • Calculations are executed and plotted. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand Contextual world-systems - refer to the following Specific Outcome and Assessment criteria:

    Apply chemistry during construction materials testing
  • The safe handling and applications of chemicals are demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  49017   National Certificate: Construction Materials Testing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Fundamental  48817   Further Education and Training Certification: Construction Materials Testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Fundamental  23975   National Certificate: Construction Material Testing: Bituminous Materials  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2004-02-11  Was CETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  23974   National Certificate: Construction Material Testing: Soils and Aggregates  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2004-02-11  Was CETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  22774   National Diploma: Rubber Technology  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.