building construction Paper 2 Nov/Dec 2015

Question 3


  • a)            Explain the function of a foundation to a building.
  • b)   Sketch a section through a wide strip foundation and label the following:
    (i)         blinding;
    (ii)         main bar;
    (iii)        distribution bar.

    1. State the function of each of the following in a suspended timber floor construction:
    2. tongue and groove boarding;
    3. joist;
    4. wall plate. 

    Observation

    Most candidates were able to:

    • state the function of foundation;
    • sketch wide strip foundation and label the parts.

    However, majority of the candidates were unable to state the function of:

    • tongue and groove boarding;
    • joist and wallplate.

    The expected response to question 3 is as given below;
    3(a)       Function of foundation

                The function of a foundation is to:

    • transmit the weight (load) of a building both live and dead loads to the subsoil without failure;
    • support the building by providing stable base for the structure.

     

    (b)

    3(c)       Function of each of the following in a suspended timber floor construction:

    (i)         Tongue and groove boarding - provides a stable bearing surface for the occupants.
    (ii)         Joist - supports the timber floor boarding and transmits its load onto the wall plate.

    • Wall plate - support and spread the timber floor’s load on the bearing wall.
    • a)            List three roof covering materials.

          b)   Sketch in line diagram, each of the following types of roof:
    (i)         monopitch roof;
    (ii)         lean-to roof.                                                                                                      
    c)   Use a sketch to illustrate how the air test is conducted on a drain line.
    Most of the candidates were able to:

    • list three materials used in roof covering.
    • sketch in line diagram monopitch roof and lean-to-roof.
    •  sketch how the air test is conducted on a drainline.

    However, the candidates failed to label the sketch of how the air test is conducted on a drainline.
    The expected response to question 4 is as given below: