©2023 TVET CDACC
073204T4MSN
MASON LEVEL 4
CON/OS/MA/CR/01/4/A
CONSTRUCT BUILDING SUBSTRUCTURE
NOV/DEC 2023
TVET CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION
COUNCIL (TVET CDACC)
WRITTEN ASSESSMENT
Time :2 Hours
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE
i. This paper consists of TWO sections: A and B
ii. You are provided with a separate answer booklet.
iii. Marks for each question are indicated in brackets ().
iv. Do not write on the question paper
This paper consists of 4 printed pages.
Page 1 of 4
©2023 TVET CDACC
SECTION A: (10 MARKS)
In this section, each question carries one (1) mark. Attempt all questions in this section.
1. The following are tools and materials used for setting out a building, which one is not?
A. Hammer
B. Chisel
C. Pegs
D. Builder’s line.
2. The following are ways of strengthening foundation walling, except?
A. Use of natural stone
B. By construction of piers
C. Use of wall ties
D. Use of hoop iron after every 3 courses
3. Weak Concrete used in blinding during foundation construction should have a ratio of?
A. [Link]
B. [Link]
C. [Link]
D. [Link]
4. The following are types of foundations except
A. Pad foundation
B. Strip foundation
C. Strap foundation
D. Raft foundation
5. Why is the hardcore used in ground floor construction irregularly shaped?
A. To reduce moisture.
B. To increase their length of the foundation
C. To provide a firm dry working surface since the stones will interlock.
D. To improve thermal insulation
6. Which of the following is not a method of excavation?
A. [Link] method
B. Use of a backhoe
Page 2 of 4
©2023 TVET CDACC
C. Use of shovel
D. Use of an Auger
7. A pile foundation must be constructed in ___________________?
A. Areas where soils are strong at a depth of 2m below the ground level
B. Areas where soils are weak at a depth of 5m below the ground level
C. Areas where the land is sloppy
D. Areas where soil strength is not homogeneous
8. Which is the major reason of using a Damp-proof membrane?
A. To provide ground slab stability
B. To increase the thermal insulation of the ground slab
C. To prevent the moisture from rising into the interior of the building
D. To increase the ground floor thickness
9. Where are the anti-termites applied in a building?
A. On the first course of the wall
B. Between the hardcore and the blinding
C. Between the foundation wall and the blinding layer
D. On the concreted ground slab
10. Which of the following is NOT a method of supporting loose soils in an excavated trench?
A. Timbering
B. Sheeting
C. Plunking and strutting
D. Cutting and filling
Page 3 of 4
©2023 TVET CDACC
SECTION B: (40 MARKS)
Attempt all questions in this section.
11. Distinguish between a damp-proof course (DPC) and damp prof membrane (DPM)
(4 Marks)
12.
a. Define the term Setting out. (2 Marks)
b. State FOUR methods of setting out. (4 Marks)
13. Name FIVE precautions are necessary to be observed when carrying out excavation.
(5 Marks)
14. Using a well labelled sketch show the details of a pad foundation construction
(5 Marks)
15.
a. There are TWO components of a floor. Name them (2 Marks)
b. Highlight the major functions of a ground floor (4 Marks)
c. Briefly explain THREE features of hardcore used in construction of a floor.
(6 Marks)
16. Identify FOUR damp proofing materials (4 Marks)
17. Using a well labelled diagram, show the details of timbering in a trench with loose
subsoil (4 Marks)
Page 4 of 4
