Building Technology I – BCT114

Final Assignment – Revision/Practice Questions

1. Building Team
a. List TWO (2) members of the building team and explain their role in the construction
process.
b. What member of the building team is responsible for setting out the property boundary
markings and the position of the proposed building?
c. What member of the building team is responsible for estimating the cost of the
materials used to construct a building?
2. Setting Out & Site Works
a. Give TWO (2) devices that can be used to carry out a survey on a small site.
b. Give ONE (1) device that be used to carry out a survey over a large area.
c. Differentiate between the terms datum, benchmark and control point and explain how
they are used in setting out a site.
d. Why must (i) topsoil and (ii) the roots of trees be removed before construction?
3. Site Investigation
a. Site investigation can consist of a desk study and a site/walkover study. Explain what
each of these items entail.
b. Give THREE (3) examples of equipment and tests used to investigate/test soil.
c. Explain, giving relevant examples, why a proper site investigation is necessary to ensure
the success of a construction project.
4. Excavations
a. List THREE (3) examples of instances where excavations are necessary to construct a
part of a building.
b. Give TWO (2) actions, apart from supporting the sides of an excavation, that can help
ensure the safety of persons on site.
c. Sketch a diagram of an excavation, showing the methods used to support/prevent the
banks/sides from caving in.
5. Foundations
a. Define the term “foundation”.
b. List TWO (2) main types of foundations.
c. Sketch TWO (2) examples of EACH of the types of foundations listed in (b) above.
 d. What type of foundation would you recommend to be used in a soft soil, such as a
swampy area, where more competent rocks can be found at 10m below the surface.
6. Materials/Concrete
a. Give FIVE (5) criteria to be used when selecting building materials.
b. How long does concrete take to cure?
c. What are the main components of concrete?
d. What are the common tests used to assess concrete? Sketch the apparatus used in
EACH case.
7. Scaffolding
a. What is the purpose of a scaffold?
b. State THREE (3) types of scaffolds?
c. Sketch a simple diagram of a scaffold highlighting the components/members.
8. Retaining Walls/ Slope stability
a. Explain how a retaining wall is able to improve slope stability. Include a sketch to show
how drainage is allowed behind the wall.
b. Apart from the construction of a retaining wall, sketch a simple but well labelled
diagram to illustrate, THREE (3) other slope stabilization methods.
9. Sustainability
a. Define the term ‘sustainability’
b. Explain briefly why sustainability is important.
c. Give an example of a sustainable building construction practice and explain how it is
beneficial to the environment.