Block laying Paper 2 May/June 2015

Question 3

(a)        Sketch the  elevation of brickwalls showing each of the following types of bond:
           

  • stretcher bond;
  • header bond;
  • flemish bond.
  • (b)        Define each of the following terms in relation to wall construction:

  • pointing;
  • jointing.
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    (c)        State two advantages of steel formwork over timber formwork.

    Observation

    Most candidates were able to:

    -           sketch the elevation of brickwalls;
    -           define the terms related to wall construction pointing and jointing.
    However, some of them were unable to state the advantages of steel formwork over timber formwork.
    The expected response to question 3 is as given below


     

     

    (b)        Definition of pointing and jointing

    (i)                     Pointing:-          This is the final finishing given to the joints of brickwork and blockwork after the wall has been built to give a neat appearance;

    (ii)                     Jointing:-           This is the finish given to joints of brickwork and blockwork when Laying.

    (c)        Any two advantages of steel formwork over timber formwork

  • stronger;
  • more reusable;
  • imparts a smooth surface;
  • withstand more load and pressure;
  • faster to erect and dismantle;
  • more durable;
  • does not absorb water from the wet concrete;
  • resists the insect attack;
  • has higher tensile strength than timber formwork;
  • promotes concrete curing.
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