BUILDING ADMINISTRATION N4
CLASS ASSIGNMENT 05
TOTAL MARKS: 100
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Read ALL questions carefully and answer.
3. Number all the answers according to the numbering system used on the question paper.
4. All work you do not want to be marked must be crossed out.
5. Only use a blue or black pen.
6. Write neatly and legibly; untidy work may be misinterpreted and marked incorrectly.
QUESTION 1: PLANNING & PROGRAMMING (25 MARKS)
1.1. Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Write only 'TRUE' or 'FALSE' next to
the question number (1.1.1 - 1.1.5) in your ANSWER BOOK.
1.1.1. A lead time in construction planning refers to the extra time added to an activity to account
for unexpected delays.
1.1.2. The critical path method (CPM) identifies the sequence of activities that determines the
minimum possible project duration.
1.1.3. Resource levelling is a technique used to minimize the fluctuations in resource requirements
over the duration of a project.
1.1.4. A Gantt chart cannot show the dependencies between different activities.
1.1.5. The program of works can be adjusted during the construction process to accommodate
changes and delays. (5 × 1) (5)
1.2. For the construction project below, draw a Gantt chart showing all activities:
- Site clearance: 2 weeks (Weeks 1-2)
- Excavation: 3 weeks (Weeks 3-5)
- Foundations: 4 weeks (Weeks 6-9)
- Structural frame: 6 weeks (Weeks 10-15)
- Roofing: 3 weeks (Weeks 16-18)
- Services installation: 4 weeks (Weeks 19-22)
- Finishes: 5 weeks (Weeks 23-27)
- External works: 3 weeks (Weeks 25-27) (8)
1.3. Explain THREE advantages and TWO disadvantages of using computer software for
construction programming and scheduling. (5 × 1) (5)
1.4. Define the following terms used in project planning:
1.4.1. Float time
1.4.2. Milestone
1.4.3. Resource allocation
1.4.4. Schedule baseline (4 × 1) (4)
1.5. List THREE factors that can cause delays in a construction project and explain how proper
planning can help mitigate each one. (3 × 1) (3)
QUESTION 2: CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT (25 MARKS)
2.1. Match the construction equipment in COLUMN A with its correct function in COLUMN B. Write
only the letter (A-J) next to the question number (2.1.1 - 2.1.8) in your ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
2.1.1. Concrete pump A. Used for removing moisture from excavations
2.1.2. Piling rig B. Used for moving materials around the construction site
2.1.3. Dewatering pump C. Used for transporting and placing concrete in elevated or distant locations
2.1.4. Transit mixer D. Used for driving piles into the ground
2.1.5. Backhoe loader E. Used for compacting soil, gravel, and asphalt
2.1.6. Dumper F. Used for finishing concrete surfaces
2.1.7. Power float G. Used for transporting ready-mixed concrete to the site
2.1.8. Plate compactor H. Used for digging trenches and loading materials
I. Used to make lunch on site
J. Used to transport bribes to Local Government Officials for tender processes
(8 × 1) (8)
2.2. For each of the following construction activities, name the most appropriate equipment and
explain why it is suitable:
2.2.1. Excavating a narrow trench for a drainage pipe
2.2.2. Lifting heavy steel beams to an upper floor
2.2.3. Breaking up an existing concrete slab
2.2.4. Compacting a large area of soil before laying foundations (4 × 2) (8)
2.3. Explain THREE factors that should be considered when deciding whether to purchase or rent
construction equipment. (3 × 1) (3)
2.4. List SIX essential safety checks that must be performed before operating heavy construction
machinery. (6 × 1) (6)
QUESTION 3: FOUNDATIONS (25 MARKS)
3.1. Name and briefly describe THREE types of soil that would influence the choice of foundation
used for a building. (3 × 2) (6)
3.2. Draw and clearly label a cross-section of a raft foundation, showing all components and
dimensions. (6)
3.3. Explain the purpose and importance of each of the following foundation components:
3.3.1. Reinforcement
3.3.2. Damp-proof course (DPC)
3.3.3. Concrete cover
3.3.4. Foundation depth (4 × 2) (8)
3.4. List FIVE site investigations that should be carried out before designing a foundation. (5 × 1) (5)
QUESTION 4: SUPERVISION & ORGANIZATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (25 MARKS)
4.1. Draw an organizational chart for a medium-sized construction company, showing at least 8
positions and their reporting relationships. (8)
4.2. Describe the roles and responsibilities of the following personnel on a construction project:
4.2.1. Project Manager
4.2.2. Site Engineer
4.2.3. Quantity Surveyor
4.2.4. Health and Safety Officer (4 × 2) (8)
4.3. Explain THREE methods of effective communication that can be used on a construction site.
(3 × 1) (3)
4.4. List SIX qualities or skills that make an effective construction supervisor. (6 × 1) (6)
TOTAL: 100 MARKS
