Block laying Paper 2 WASSCE (SC), 2017

Question 3

     

    (a)        state two properties of a hardened concrete.
    (b)        Explain the difference between English bond and Flemish bond in wall Construction

    (c)        Sketch the elevation of a block wall in five courses high and indicate the following:

    1. toothing;
    2. racking back.
  1.  

     

Observation

Most candidates were able to state two properties of hardened concrete. However, few of them failed to:

  • explain the difference between English bond and Flemish bond in wall construction;
  • sketch the elevation of a block wall in five courses high and indicate toothing and racking back.

  The expected response to question 3 is as given below:
  3     (a) Properties of hardened concrete:
Hardened concrete should:-

  • be hard;
  • be durable;
  • have sufficient strength;
  • be dense; 
  • be impermeable to water;
  • be resistant to fire;
  • be resistant to stresses;
  • be resistant to wearing;
  • be resistant to friction/vibration;
  • be capable of carrying loads.
  • (b) Difference between English bond and Flemish bond:
  • English bond is a type of bonding brickwall in alternate courses of headers and stretchers.
  • It consists of stretchers throughout the length of one course and headers throughout the length of next course.
  •  It is much stronger than Flemish bond.
  • Flemish bond is a type of bonding brickwall in alternate headers and stretchers in the same course. 
  • Flemish bond gives more attractive face appearance.
  • (c) Elevation of a blockwall.

diag