BUILDING TECHNICIAN LEVEL 6
SUBSTRUCTURE WORKS
CON/CU/BUT/CR/05/6
SUBSTRUCTURE WORKS
JANUARY 2025
Time: 3 HOURS
TAITA TAVETA NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC (TTNP)
BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
CANDIDATES WRITTEN SUPPLEMENTARY ASSESSMENT
Time: 3 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE
1. Marks for each question are as indicated in the brackets.
2. The paper consists of TWO sections: A and B.
3. Candidates are provided with a separate answer booklet
4. DO NOT write on this question paper.
5. This paper consists of THREE (3) printed pages. Candidates should check the question
paper to ascertain that all pages are printed as indicated and that no questions are
missing.
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SECTION A (40 MARKS)
Answer ALL the questions in this section.
1. Once a site has been selected by a developer for a new building project, the suitability
of that site for that particular project must be fully investigated. State four purposes of
site or soil investigation. (4 marks)
2. Shelter is enclosed space required by man and animals. State four Requirements of a
shelter. (4 marks)
3. SIte investigation carried out by the client and the architect for the purpose of
determining the feasibility of the site for its proposed purpose, i.e. where the building
could be most economically positioned having regard to the foundations. Topography,
services, adjacent buildings and access. State four Investigations carried out by a
contractor. (4 marks)
4. A foundation is the lowest part of the building or the civil structure that
is in direct contact with the soil. State four functional requirements of
a foundation.
(4 marks)
5. Before a building is constructed, the contractor is provided with various drawings that he
follows to accurately put up the structure. List four types of drawing provided to the
contractor to construct a house. (4 marks)
6. Define the following terms: (6 marks)
I. Gauge rod
II. Datum peg
III. Site investigation
7. With aid of neat-labelled, sketches illustrate the following types of foundations stating
situations where it is used. (6 marks)
i. Wide strip foundation
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ii. Stepped foundation
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iii. Deep strip foundation
8. A site is a piece of ground for building on. Before any building is planned and
constructed, its suitable site has to be selected. State four factors considered when
selecting a site. (4 marks)
9. Orientation of the building means setting the plan of the building so that its main front
faces a particular direction which allows the future occupants of the building to enjoy
the utmost gifts of nature. Briefly explain four Factors affecting the orientation.
(4 marks)
10. The Kenya building regulations requires that all local authorities check on planning by
establishing their local council By-laws. State four regulations included in the local
council By-laws. (4 marks)
SECTION B (60 MARKS)
Answer Any THREE Questions in This Section
11. (a) The Kenya building regulations have been set up by the government to protect its
people from hazards e.g. floods, fires and epidemics. List four sources of national
building regulations. (4 marks)
(b) State four safety during preparation of site. (4 marks)
(c) Give four reasons for fencing or hoarding a building site. (4 marks)
(d) Briefly explain the procedure of setting out a rectangular building using the 3:4:5
method. (8 marks)
12. (a) Every worker should wear protective clothing. Give four safety precautions observed
during preparation of site. (4 marks)
(b) A foundation is the lowest part of the building or the civil structure
that is in direct contact with the soil. State four functional
requirements of a foundation.
(4 marks)
(c)A steel builder’s square or a large timber square and a line are used to establish the
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squareness of the corners. Give two advantages and two disadvantages of Builder’s
square method of setting out. (8 marks)
(d) Setting out is the process of developing the physical positions of corners and walls of
a building, and it’s done by transferring dimensions from the layout plan to the ground.
List four tools used during setting out a building. (4 marks)
13. (a) State four considerations that a contractor put in mind during pre- site visit.
(4 marks)
(b) List four situations where pile foundation are used. (4 marks)
(c) Give four reasons for removal of topsoil to a depth 150mm before setting out is
done. (4 marks)
(d) Give four reasons of doing site investigation before establishment of a construction
site. (8 marks)
14. (a) State two reasons why do we do earthwork support to foundation during excavation
(4 marks)
(b) Give four factors that determines the amount of support given to foundation trench
during excavation. (8 marks)
(c) List four equipments used for dewatering in a foundation trench. (4 marks)
(d) State four methods that are used to control ground water during excavation work.
(4 marks)
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