1. State three functional requirements of a suspended timber ground floor.

1. Use a sketch to illustrate the method of carrying out slump test on a fresh

                        concrete.

1. State two results that could be obtained from a slump test.

Few candidates were able to state the:

-           functional requirements of a suspended timber ground floor;
-           results that could be obtained from a slump test.

However, they were unable to use a sketch to illustrate the method of carrying out slump test on a fresh concrete.

The expected response to question 4 is as given below:

1. Functional requirements of a suspended timber ground floor

1. The ground surface should be covered with a layer of concrete

not less than 100 mm thick.

1. A layer of damp-proof course should be spread at the bottom lowest timber member.
2. Two opposing external walls should have ventilation on openings or vent/air bricks built in them to ventilate the underneath of timber boarding.
3. The timber boarding should be properly joined together by appropriate joints, e.g. rebated or tongued and grooved joint.
4. The timber components of the floor should be protected against fungi/insect attacks by chemical preservation.
5. The timber floor should have adequate strength.
6. The growth of plant and other vegetable matters into the building should be prevented.
7. To provide an acceptable surface finish.
8. It should have adequate thermal insulation property.
9. It should be durable.
10. It should have adequate fire-resistance property.

                        (c)        Possible results that can be obtained from a slump test

1. True slump
2. Shear slump
3. Collapsed slump