Few candidates were able to state the functions of a ground floor.
However, majority of the candidates were unable to state the function of the given building elements correctly.
The expected response to question 3 is as given below:
(a) (i) to withstand the loads imposed on it. Such as floor finishes and furniture occupants etc.
- to prevent the growth of vegetable matter inside the building.
- to prevent damp penetration into the building.
- to provide acceptable heat or thermal insulation from the subsoil.
(b) (i) A damp proof course is a layer of impervious material laid over the
lock course while damp proof membrane is a layer of impervious
material spread on the whole area of the blinding or embedded in
the oversite concrete slab so as to prevent rising of moisture
through the wall and floor respectively.
• Note: Labelled sketches are also acceptable.
(ii)
Functions of hardcore are:
- It fills the hollows in he subsoil
- It raises he finished floor level of oversite concrete
- It provides a firm base or surface for the ground floor.
- It prevents moisture from rising.
(c ) (i) Sleeper walls: Supports the floor above it.
(ii) Strip foundation: Transfers the loads from the wall to the soil
(iii)
Blinding:
- Provides an even base for concrete
- Covers the bearing surface
- Provides uniform thickness of the concrete
(iv) Oversite Concrete
- Prevents the growth of vegetation
- Provides firm base for sleeper wall
- Provides a solid base or support for the floor finishes such as floor screeds.
