Most candidates were able to:
- state reasons for termite extermination on site;
- state reasons for damp prevention in building;
- sketch the given types of staircase in plan
However, some candidates were unable to describe how landcrete block and lateritic block are produced.
The expected response to question 2 is as given below:
(a) (i) Reasons for termite extermination on site are:
- termites eat up the timber in buildings;
- termites can infest the building and destroy furniture;
- termites can create holes for rodents;
- termites can eat up, destroy other properties such as books, clothes etc.
- termites weaken the foundation of the building.
(ii) Reasons for preventing dampness in building are:
- to avoid structural deterioration;
- to avoid decay of wood members;
- to preserve decorative features;
- to eliminate growth of mould and rots;
- to prevent health hazard.
(b) (i) Landcrete block: This is of a prepared suitable moist soil with a small amount of cement. These are mixed together and moulded into blocks, and allowed to cure under cover.
(ii) Lateritic block: This is solely of prepared soil, small amount of water is added and mixed and moulded into blocks, and allowed to cure under cover.
(iii) Wattle and daub: This is of three materials, laterite (soil), failry big sticks, strips of sticks or strips of bamboo:
- The closely spaced vertical wooden posts are fixed into the
ground;
- The horizontal strips of sticks are tied onto the posts at both sides of the wall;
- The spaces in the framework are filled with kneaded soil to form the wall so that the framework is not exposed.
