MURANG’A UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

(A constituent College of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology)

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
KNEC DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
ACADEMIC YEAR 2015/2016
SPECIAL EXAMINATION
CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION
CLASS BC/C/14D- (SEPT 2014 INTAKE)

DATE: 30TH JUNE, 2016 TIME: 2HOURS

This paper consists of five questions. Attempt question one and any other Two.

Question One (Compulsory)

(a)State five factors considered in the choice of a dam site. (5marks)
(b)With the aid of sketches, describe the following types of foundations giving two merits for
each;
i. Grillage foundation
ii. Deep strip foundation. (10marks)
(c)(i)Outline four factors that determine the size of a tunnel. (4 marks)
(ii)State four design factors considered when constructing retaining walls (4 marks)

(d)Outline four causes of failure in foundations. (4 marks)

(e)Explain the term “tunnelling” giving two advantages over open cut method of excavation.
(3 marks)
Question Two
(a) State three uses of a caisson.
(b) With the aid of a sketch describe a box caisson (11marks)
(c) (i)List four functional requirements of a cofferdam. (4marks)
(d) Using neat sketches, explain the construction of a crib cofferdam. (5 marks)

QUESTION THREE
(a) State Four causes of deterioration of a road pavement (4marks)
(b)Define dolphins as water front structures;
(c) Outline four types of dolphins as waterfront structures. (9marks)
(d) Explain the importance of the following in pavement construction:
i. Pavement drainage
ii. Culverts
iii. Road kerbs (7marks)

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QUESTION FOUR
(a) State five challenges encountered when tunnelling. (5 marks)
(b) With the aid of sketches describe three types of joints incorporated in concrete
construction works. (6 marks)
(c) Make five comparisons between rock tunnelling and tunnelling in soft ground.
(5 marks)
(d) State four purposes of shafts when constructing tunnels. (4marks)

QUESTION FIVE
(a) (i) List Six types of fencing. (3 marks)
(b) Sketch the sectional elevation for the following types of fencing with concrete posts:
(i)Chain link fencing
(ii)Close boarded fencing. (6 Marks)
(c) Outline the procedure of construction of footpaths using precast concrete paving
slabs. (6 marks)
(d) State five merits of precast concrete construction compared to in-situ construction.
(5 marks)

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