SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
1. (a) Outline FOUR functional requirements of a foundation. (6 marks)
(b) State FOUR advantages of suspended timber ground floor construction. (4 marks)
(c) (i) State TWO reasons for timbering.
(ii) Sketch and label a pictorial view of timbering in dry loose soils. (10 marks)
Probable answers:
(a) Functional requirements of a foundation:
- Safely sustain and transmit to the ground the combined dead and imposed loads as not
to cause any settlement or any other movement in any part of the building or adjacent
building.
- Be constructed to a depth as to avoid damage by swelling, shrinkage or freezing of sub-
soil.
- Should be capable of resisting attack by such materials as sulphates in the sub-soil.
- Foundation should be located such that its performance is not affected by an unexpected
future
- The foundation should not be undermined by rain water especially due to floods.
- It should not crack because of tree roots especially for buildings constructed close to a
forest.
(Award 11/2 marks for each correct answer. Any 4 x 11/2 = 6 marks)
(b) Advantages of suspended timber ground floor construction:
- It is quick to construct.
- Can be laid in any weather.
- It is light in weight hence reduces the load to the foundation.
- It is flexible and can easily accept nail fixings.
- It is suitable on sloping sites which would need a great deal of filling to make up the
ground to the required level.
- Easy to repair or modify without removing the entire floor.
- Good thermal insulation making the floor warmer underfoot.
- Good ventilation or air circulation beneath the floor.
(Award 1 mark for each correct answer. Any 4 x 1 = 4 marks)
(c) (i) Reasons for timbering:
- Protect the operatives while working in the excavations.
- Support the walls of trenches and excavations.
- Maintain the size or the width of the trench.
- Ensure the sides of the trench do not collapse.
(Award 1 mark for each correct answer. Any 2 x 1 = 2 marks)
(ii) Pictorial view of timbering in dry loose soils
(Sketch – 4 marks, Labels – any 4 x 1/2 = 2 marks Total 6 marks)
2. (a) State SIX activities in site clearance. (6 marks)
(b) Outline FOUR factors that may determine the method of excavation in
foundation trenches. (6 marks)
(c) With the aid of sketches, describe the following types of foundations
(i) wide strip foundation;
(ii) pad foundation. (8 marks)
3. (a) Explain FOUR functional requirements of a wall. (6 marks)
(b) State FOUR reasons for demolishing a building. (4 marks)
(c) (i) State THREE purposes of hardcore filling in ground floor construction.
(ii) Sketch and label a vertical section through a solid ground floor. (10 marks)
4. (a) Illustrate TWO methods of levelling sloping sites stating TWO advantages
of each of the method. (8 marks)
(b) State FIVE causes of foundation failure in a building. (5 marks)
(c) Outline the procedure of setting out a rectangular building using 3-4-5 method. (7 marks)
5. (a) Differentiate between “disturbed sample” and “undisturbed sample” in soil
investigation. (4 marks)
(c) Sketch and label a vertical section showing closed eave details of a pitched
roof. (7 marks)
(c) State THREE primary functions of a stair. (3 marks)
(d) Outline FOUR situations where shoring may be required. (6 marks)
Probable answers.
(a) To differentiate between “disturbed” and “undisturbed” sol samples.
Disturbed soil samples obtained from the bore holes and trial pits. The method of
extraction disturbs the natural structure of the subsoil. The samples are suitable for visual
grading, establishing the moisture content and some laboratory tests. (Award 2 marks)
Undisturbed soil samples are obtained using coring tools which can preserve the natural
structure and properties of the subsoil. This method of obtaining soil samples is suitable
for rock and clay subsoil. (Award 2 marks)
(b) Closed eave details of a pitched roof.
(Award Sketch – 4 marks, Labels – any 6 x 1/2 = 3 marks Total - 7 marks)
(c) Primary functions of a stair:
- Provide a means of circulation between floor levels.
- Establish a safe means of travel between floor levels.
- Provide an easy means of travel between floor levels.
- Provide a means of conveying fittings and furniture between floor levels.
(Award 1 mark for each correct answer. Any 3 x 1 = 3 marks)
(d) Situations where shoring may be required.
- To give support to walls which are dangerous or are likely to become unstable due to
subsidence, bulging or leaning.
- To avoid failure of sound walls caused by the removal of subjacent support such as
where a basement is being constructed near to a sound wall.
- During demolition works to give support to an adjacent building or structure.
- To support upper part of a wall during formation of a large opening in the lower section
of the wall.
- To give support to a floor or roof to enable a support wall to be removed and replaced
with a beam.
(Award 11/2 marks for each correct answer. Any 4 x 11/2 = 6 marks)
6. (a) Outline FOUR circumstances under which underpinning would be necessary
to a building. (6 marks)
(b) Sketch and label a pictorial view of timbering in wet loose soils. (7 marks)
(c) With the aid of a sketch, describe how the public would be protected from
obtaining access to a site adjacent to a highway or footpath. (7 marks)
7. (a) Outline FOUR principles of a good drainage. (6 marks)
(b) Highlight FOUR reasons for providing wall openings. (4 marks)
(c) With the aid of sketches, describe the following types of scaffolds:
(i) putlog scaffold;
(ii) independent scaffold. (10 marks)
8. (a) State SIX requirements of a good mortar. (6 marks)
(b) State FOUR advantages and TWO disadvantages of using galvanized
corrugated iron (GCI) sheets in roofing. (6 marks)
(c) Sketch and label cross section of a single flight in a half-turn insitu concrete
stair showing the arrangement of the reinforcements. (8 marks)
9. (a) Outline FOUR functional requirements of formwork. (6 marks)
(b) State TWO advantages of totally separate system of domestic drainage. (2 marks)
(c) With the aid of labeled sketches, explain the following methods of dewatering:
(i) freezing;
(ii) electro-osmosis. (6 marks)
(c) Sketch and label each of the following systems of cold water supply:
(i) direct system;
(ii) indirect system. (6 marks)
10. (a) Highlight FOUR reasons for controlling ground water. (4 marks)
(b) Traditional method of underpinning was suggested for an existing building:
(i) State FOUR factors considered in determining the length of bays in
traditional underpinning;
(ii) Sketch and label the traditional method of underpinning. (9 marks)
(c) Outline the procedure of erecting a raking shore. (7 marks)