1. What are the basic checklist to conduct a through survey prior to purchasing a building site?

(10 marks)
The following guidance forms a basic checklist:
- Refer to Ordnance Survey maps to determine adjacent features, location, roads,
facilities, footpaths and rights of way.
- Conduct a measurement survey to establish site dimensions and levels.
- Observe surface characteristics, i.e. trees, steep slopes, existing buildings, rock outcrops,
wells.
- Inquire of local authority whether preservation orders affect the site and if it forms part
of a conservation area.
- Investigate subsoil. Use trial holes and borings to determine soil quality and water table
level.
- Consider flood potential, possibilities for drainage of water table, capping of springs,
filling of ponds, diversion of streams and rivers.
- Consult local utilities providers for underground and overhead services, proximity to
site and whether they cross the site.
- Note suspicious factors such as filled ground, cracks in the ground, subsidence due to
mining and any cracks in existing buildings.
- Regard neighbourhood scale and character of buildings with respect to proposed new
development.
- Decide on best location for building (if space permits) with regard to 'cut and fill', land
slope, exposure to sun and prevailing conditions, practical use and access.

2. How do you understand disturbed soil sample and undisturbed soil sample?
Disturbed Soil Samples ~ these are soil samples obtained from boreholes and trial pits.
The method of extraction disturbs the natural structure of the subsoil but such samples are
suitable for visual grading, establishing the moisture content and some laboratory tests.
Disturbed soil samples should be stored in labelled air tight jars. (5 marks)
Undisturbed Soil Samples ~ these are soil samples obtained using coring tools which
preserve the natural structure and properties of the subsoil. The extracted undisturbed soil
samples are labelled and laid in wooden boxes for dispatch to a laboratory for testing. This
method of obtaining soil samples is suitable for rock and clay subsoils but difficulties can be
experienced in trying to obtain undisturbed soil samples in other types of subsoil. (5 marks)
3. Discuss the general, access, storage and accommodation considerations involved in
planning and defining a construction site layout. (20 marks)
General Considerations ~ before any specific considerations and decisions can be made
regarding site layout a general appreciation should be obtained by conducting a thorough site
investigation at the pre-tender stage and examining in detail the drawings, specification and
Bill of Quantities to formulate proposals of how the contract will be carried out if the tender is
successful. This will involve a preliminary assessment of plant, materials and manpower
requirements plotted against the proposed time scale in the form of a bar chart.
Access Considerations ~ this must be considered for both on and off site access. Routes
to and from the site must be checked as to the suitability for transporting all the requirements
for the proposed works. Access on site for deliveries and general circulation must also be
carefully considered.
Storage Considerations ~ amount and types of material to be stored, security and
weather protection requirements, allocation of adequate areas for storing materials and
allocating adequate working space around storage areas as required, siting of storage areas to
reduce double handling to a minimum without impeding the general site circulation and/or
works in progress.
Accommodation Considerations ~ number and type of site staff anticipated, calculate
size and select units of accommodation and check to ensure compliance with the minimum
requirements, select siting for offices to give easy and quick access for visitors but at the same
time giving a reasonable view of the site, select siting for messroom and toilets to reduce
walking time to a minimum without impeding the general site circulation and/or works in
progress.

4. Discuss the need for storage and control of materials held on a construction site. (20 marks)
The need for storage and control of materials held on site can be analysed by
1. Physical Properties ~ size, shape, weight and mode of delivery will assist in determining
the safe handling and stacking method(s) to be employed on site, which in turn will
enable handling and storage costs to be estimated.
2. Organization ~ this is the planning process of ensuring that all the materials required
are delivered to site at the correct time, in sufficient quantity, of the right quality, the
means of unloading is available and that adequate space for storage or stacking has been
allocated.
 3. Protection ~ building materials and components can be classified as durable or non-
durable, the latter will usually require some form of weather protection to prevent
deterioration whilst in store.
4. Security ~ many building materials have a high resale and/or usage value to persons
other than those for whom they were ordered and unless site security is adequate
material losses can become unacceptable.
5. Costs ~ to achieve on economic balance of how much expenditure can be allocated to
site storage facilities the following should be taken into account :-
a. Storage areas, fencing, racks, bins, etc.,
b. Protection requirements.
c. Handling, transporting and stacking requirements.
d. Salaries and wages of staff involved in storage of materials and components.
e. Heating and/or lighting if required.
f. Allowance for losses due to wastage, deterioration, vandalism and theft.
g. Facilities to be provided for sub-contractors.
6. Control ~ checking quality and quantity of materials at delivery and during storage
period, recording delivery and issue of materials and monitoring stock holdings.

5. Explain the steps of road construction. (10 marks)

The construction of roads can be considered under three headings:
1. Setting out.
2. Earthworks
3. Paving Construction
1. Setting Out Roads ~ this activity is usually carried out after the top soil has been
removed using the dimensions given on the layout drawing(s). The layout could include
straight lengths junctions, hammer heads, turning bays and intersecting curves.
2. Earthworks ~ this will involve the removal of topsoil together with any vegetation,
scraping and grading the required area down to formation level plus the formation of
any cuttings or embankments.
3. Paving Construction ~ once the subgrade has been prepared and any drainage or other
buried services installed the construction of the paving can be undertaken. Paved
surfaces can be either flexible or rigid in format. Flexible or bound surfaces are formed
of materials applied in layers directly over the subgrade whereas rigid pavings consist
of a concrete slab resting on a granular base.
6. Why are the items of builders plant considered for use? (5 marks)
The items of builders plant ranging from small hand held power tools to larger pieces
of plant can be considered for use for one or more of the following reasons;
(1) Increased production.
(2) Reduction in overall construction costs.
(3) Carry out activities which cannot be carried out by the traditional manual methods in
the context of economics.
(4) Eliminate heavy manual work thus reducing fatigue and as a consequence increasing
productivity.
(5) Replacing labour where there is a shortage of personnel with the necessary skills.
(6) Maintain the high standards required particularly in the context of structural
engineering works.

7. What are the advantages of hiring plants and buying plants? (5 marks)
Advantages of Hiring Plants;
(1) Plant can be hired for short periods.
(2) Repairs and replacements are usually the responsibility of the hire company.
(3) Plant is returned to the hire company after use thus relieving the building contractor of
the problem of disposal or finding more work for the plant to justify its purchase or
retention.
(4) Plant can be hired with the operator, fuel and oil included in the hire rate.
Advantages of Buying Plants;
(1) Plant availability is totally within the control of the contractor.
(2) Hourly cost of plant is generally less than hired plant.
(3) Owner has choice of costing method used.

8. What are the causes and effects of cracking in buildings? (5 marks)

Cracks are caused by applied forces which exceed those that the building can withstand.
Most cracking is superficial, occurring as materials dry out and subsequently shrink to reveal
minor surface fractures of < 2 mm. These insignificant cracks can be made good with
proprietary fillers.
Severe cracking in walls may result from foundation failure, due to inadequate design
or physical damage. Further problems could include; Structural instability, Rain penetration,
Air infiltration ,Heat loss, Sound insulation reduction, Visual depreciation.
9. What aspects must be determined when carrying out an investigation into building cracks?
(5 marks)
A survey should be undertaken to determine;
(1) The cause of cracking, i.e.
a. Loads applied externally (tree roots, subsoil movement).
b. Climate/temperature changes (thermal movement).
c. Moisture content change (faulty dpc, building leakage).
d. Vibration (adjacent work, traffic).
e. Changes in physical composition (salt or ice formation).
f. Chemical change (corrosion, sulphate attack).
g. Biological change (timber decay).
(2) The effect on a building's performance (structural and environmental).
(3) The nature of movement – completed, ongoing or intermittent (seasonal).
Observations over a period of several months, preferably over a full year, will determine
whether the cracking is new or established and whether it is progressing.

10. What are the types of foundations? Explain the main objectives of foundation design and
outline the basic design procedure. (20 marks)
(1) Traditional Strip
(2) Deep Strip or Trench Fill
Generally considered to be cheaper than traditional strip foundations since;
(a) Fewer man hours required.
(b) Requires less skilled trades.
(c) Uses ready mix concrete therefore less material is stored on site making it clearer
and easier to manage.
(3) Solid Slab Raft
(4) Beam and Slab Raft
(5) Isolated Pad
(6) Combined Pad
Foundation Design Principles – the main objectives of foundation design are to ensure
that the structural loads are transmitted to the subsoil(s) safely, economically and without any
unacceptable movement during the construction period and throughout the anticipated life of
the building or structure.
Basic Design Procedure – this can be considered as a series of steps or stages;
 (1) Assessment of site conditions in the context of the site and soil investigation report.
(2) Calculation of anticipated structural loading(s).
(3) Choosing the foundation type taking into consideration;
(a) Soil conditions
(b) Type of structure
(c) Structural loading(s)
(d) Economic factors
(e) Time factors relative to the proposed contract period
(f) Construction
(4) Sizing the chosen foundation in the context of loading(s), ground bearing capacity and
any likely future movements of the building or structure.

11. What options are available to a designer when a soil investigation reveals poor subsoil
conditions or extensive filling? (10 marks)
Soil Investigation – before a decision. If such an investigation reveals a naturally poor
subsoil or extensive filling the designer has several options;
(1) Not to Build – unless a new and suitable site can be found.
(2) Remove and Replace – the poor ground can be excavated, removed and replaced by
compacted fills.
(3) Surcharging – this involves preloading the poor ground with a surcharge of aggregate
or similar material to speed up settlement and thereby improve the soil’s bearing
capacity.
(4) Vibration – this is a method of strengthening ground by vibrating a granular soil into
compacted stone columns either by using the natural coarse granular soil or by
replacement.
(5) Dynamic Compaction – this is a method of soil improvement which consists of
dropping a heavy weight through considerable vertical distance to compact the soil
and thus improve its bearing capacity and is especially suitable for granular soils.
(6) Jet Grouting – this method of consolidating ground can be used in all types of subsoil
and consists of lowering a monitor probe into a 150mm diameter prebored guide hole.

12. What are the properties of mortar mixes for masonry? (5 marks)
Mortar mixes for masonry should have the following properties:
(1) Adequate strength
 (2) Workability
(3) Water retention during laying
(4) Plasticity during application
(5) Adhesion or bond
(6) Durability
(7) Good appearance ~ texture and colour
Modern mortars are a combination of cement, lime and sand plus water. Liquid
plasticizers exist as a substitute for lime, to improve workability and to provide some resistance
to frost when used during winter.

13. What is framing and explain the types of timber frame construction. (5 marks)
Framing – an industry based pre-fabricated house manufacturing process permitting
rapid site construction, with considerably fewer site operatives than traditional construction.
Assembly techniques are derived from two systems:
(1) Balloon frame
(2) Platform frame
A balloon frame consists of two-storey height panels with an intermediate floor
suspended from the framework. The platform frame is preferred with intermediate floor support
directly on the lower panel. It is also easier to transport, easier to handle on site and has fewer
shrinkage and movement problems.

14. Why is cover to reinforcement required in reinforced concrete members? (5 marks)

Cover to reinforcement in columns, beams, foundations, etc. is required for the
following reasons:
(1) To protect the steel against corrosion.
(2) To provide sufficient bond or adhesion between steel and concrete.
(3) To ensure sufficient protection of the steel in a fire.
If the cover is insufficient, concrete will spall away from the steel.
Minimum cover never less than the maximum size of aggregate in the concrete, or the
largest reinforcement bar size (take greater value).

15. what are the recommended minimum cover requirements for different structural elements?
(5 marks)
Guidance on minimum cover for particular locations:
Below ground –
• Foundations, retaining walls, basements, etc., 40 mm, binders 25 mm.
• Marine structures, 65 mm, binders 50 mm.
• Uneven earth and fill 75 mm, blinding 40 mm.
Above ground –
• Ends of reinforcing bars, not less than 25 mm nor less than 2 × bar diameter.
• Column longitudinal reinforcement 40 mm, binders 20 mm.
• Columns < 190 mm min. dimension with bars < 12 mm dia., 25 mm.
• Beams 25 mm, binders 20 mm.
• Slabs 20 mm (15 mm where max. aggregate size is < 15 mm).