Most candidates were able to:
- state the function of the given setting out tools;
- list the stages involved in casting a concrete blinding in a foundation trench.
However, few candidates were unable to state a suitable foundation for the given soil conditions.
The expected response to question 1 is as given below:
1 (a) (i) Profile boards-wall and foundation trench sizes are marked on the profile board.
(ii) Builders’ square- is used to obtain right angled wall corners and return angles.
(iii) Spirit level and straight edge-used for transferring specified levels from one point
of a building to another.
Spirit level is the tool used for transferring details marked on the profile boards to the
ground/formation level.
(b) Suitable Foundation for Various Applications:
(i) Pad foundation
(ii) Raft foundation/Short-bored pile
(iii) Ordinary strip foundation
(c) Stages involved in casting a concrete blinding in a foundation trench are:
-Level and ram the bottom of the trench;
-Peg the bottom of the trench to obtain the correct thickness of the blinding layer(s)
-Pour the concrete mix in the trench and compact to the pegged level(s)