CIVIL TECHNOLOGY: CONSTRUCTION
GRADE 12  
NSC EXAMS
PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
NOVEMBER 2018

MEMORANDUM

QUESTION 1: OHSA, MATERIALS, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND JOINING  (GENERIC) 
1.1 
1.1.1 F ✔ (1)
1.1.2 A ✔ (1)
1.1.3 G ✔ (1)
1.1.4 E ✔ (1)
1.1.5 B ✔ (1) 
1.2

  • Do not throw any tools or materials from a scaffold. ✔ 
  • Never jump on to and off a scaffold. ✔ 
  • Never overload a scaffold.
  • Remove or cover sharp edges or corners.
  • Always attach free-standing scaffoldings to a building.
  • Use a ladder to get on and off a scaffold.
  • Keep free of waste or any other obstruction.
  • Never jump on a scaffold while working on it.
  • Responsible/qualified person must ensure that scaffolding is safe,  rigid, stable and firm or has no defects.
  • Scaffold must be supplied with guard rails/toe boards.
  • Scaffolds must be levelled on uneven ground.
  • Do not work on a scaffold in bad weather.
  • Wear a safety harness when working on scaffolding.
  • Do not throw tools on/off a scaffold.
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2) 

1.3

  • It prevents workers from falling off the scaffold. ✔ 
  • It is used as a handrail. ✔ 
  • It is used to strap on safety harnesses.
  • To protect the worker working on the scaffold.
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2) 

1.4

  • The primary purpose of painting is to protect metals, wood and other  material against corrosion and decay. ✔ 
  • Provides a decorative/aesthetic appearance/finishing. ✔
  • Protects surfaces from moisture penetration. 
  • Protects surfaces from rust/uv rays.
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2)

1.5 The curing of concrete: 

  • Increases the strength of concrete. ✔ 
  • Decreases the permeability of hardened concrete. 
  • Improves durability of concrete by reducing cracks.
  • Makes concrete more watertight.
  • Minimises shrinkage cracks in concrete.
  • Provides volume stability.
  • Cured concrete can carry more weight without breaking/crumbling   than uncured concrete.
  • Prevents rapid drying of concrete.
  • Curing ensures that the hydration process continues.
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1)

1.6 
1.6.1 Multi detector ✔ (1) 
1.6.2 Tool A is used: 

  • to detect materials found in/behind walls, ceilings and   underneath floors, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals,   electrical wiring, wood and metal studs. ✔ 
  • to locate steel bars and copper pipes. ✔ 
  • in carpentry, plumbing, and construction. 
  • to measure the distance to/from covered objects.
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2) 

1.6.3 The batteries must be removed from the tool: 

  • to prevent the battery from running flat/battery can die. ✔
  • to prevent acid leaks from batteries damaging the tool.
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1) 1.7 

1.7.1 A – Bolt and nut/Bolt ✔  
B – Rawl bolt ✔ (2) 
1.7.2 Bolt and nut 

  • Bolts and nuts are used to secure pipe supports to metal   parts. ✔ 
  • To join components together. 

Rawl bolt 

  • A Rawl bolt is used to fix a truss hanger to a wall. ✔ 
  • To fix brackets/structures/panels to a wall/concrete. 
  • For construction, renovation and industrial work
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2) [20]

QUESTION 2: GRAPHICS AS METHOD OF COMMUNICATION (GENERIC)  
ANSWER SHEET 2

NO. 

QUESTIONS 

ANSWERS 

MARKS

Identify FIGURE A. 

South Elevation/Elevation ✔ 

1

Identify FIGURE B. 

Ground floor plan/floorplan ✔ 

1

Identify number 4.

First floor level/Second floor level/Suspended floor/Floor level/  dash line/ FFL/Expansion joint ✔ 

1

Identify number 5. 

Window Sill ✔ 

1

Identify number 9.

Hand wash basin/Wash basin/Washing basin/HWB/basin ✔

1

Identify number 10. 

Water closet/WC/Toilet pan ✔ 

1

Identify number 11. 

Bath/B ✔ 

1

On what date was the plan printed? 

2018/10/02 ✔ 

1

Who drew the building plan? 

JP Maloi ✔ 

1

10

Name the feature in the column for the  notes in FIGURE 2 that must be  installed in front of the sliding door.

Ramp ✔ 

1

11

Name the feature in the column for the  notes in FIGURE 2 that must give  access to the first floor. 

Staircase/Stairs/Stairway✔

1

12 

Identify the type of roof that is used for  the building in FIGURE A.

Gable roof ✔ 

1

13 

Explain the purpose of number 1.

To cover the opening/close the gap  between the two slopes of the roof.  ✔
Prevent water and other elements  from entering the roof.  
ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE

1

      MARKS

14 

Explain the purpose of number 2.

  • To prevent water from falling onto the ground ✔
  • To collect rainwater
  • To channel the rainwater into  the downpipe 
  • To protect the wall from water
  • To hide the rafters/finish off the  roof
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE 

1

15 

Explain the abbreviation FFL at  number 6.

Finished floor level ✔ 

1

16 

Explain the purpose of number 7.

To channel the water from the gutter  to the ground. ✔

1

17

Explain the meaning of the arrow on  the feature that must be installed in  front of the sliding door.

It indicates the direction of the slope  of the ramp/it indicates the slope. ✔

1

18 

Explain what is meant by 1:10  indicated on the symbol in the notes.

It indicates the slope or the gradient  of the ramp/for every 10 metres  horizontally rises 1 metre  vertically.✔

1

19 

Which room will feature 15 serve? 

The bathroom. ✔ 

1

20 

Explain the short dash lines on the  windows. 

  • Indicates what direction the  window is opening/window  opening. ✔
  • Indicates the location of the  hinges.
  • Indicates the location of the  casement stay.
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE 

1

21 

Deduce the height of window 2 from  the window schedule. 

1,2 m or 1 200 mm ✔(Ignore units) 

1

22 

Deduce the width of window 3 from  the window schedule. 

2 m or 2 000 mm ✔(Ignore units) 

1

23 

On what elevation of the building is  the bathroom window situated? 

Western elevation/Western side ✔ 

1

24 

Differentiate between component number 3 and component number 8. 

3 – window/window frame/reveal frame stile/casement stile ✔ 
8 – sliding door /door frame/  door/reveal /sliding door stile ✔

2

      MARKS

25 

Differentiate between the light in the  lounge and the light in the bathroom.

The light in the lounge is a  fluorescent light/1 x 40W/2x40/3x40 fluorescent light ✔ and the light in  the bathroom is a normal ceiling  light ✔

2

26 

Recommend a suitable floor covering  for the bathroom.

Tile/ Vinyl flooring (Novilon)/ Coloured screed/Polished or stained concrete flooring/Water proof  laminated floor/carpet. ✔ 
ANY ACCEPTABLE ANSWER

1

27

Recommend an appropriate scale to  which FIGURE A should be drawn,  according to SANS.

1:50/100/200 ✔ 

1

28

Recommend an alternative sanitary  fitment to replace number 11 that will  serve a similar purpose.

Shower ✔ 

1

29 

Calculate the internal area of the office  in m² Show ALL calculations.

4 m ✔ x 3 m ✔ = 12 m² ✔ OR 12 4 000✔ X 3 000✔ = 12 000 000mm2

3

30

Calculate the perimeter of the building. Show ALL calculations.

Positive marking  
(220 + 3 000 + 110 + 2 800 + 220) ✔ x 2 ✔ = 6 350 x 2  =12 700 mm ✔ 
(220 + 4 000 + 110 + 2 000 + 220) ✔ x 2 ✔ = 6 550 x 2 = 13 100 mm ✔ 
12 700 + 13 100 mm 
= 25 800 mm ✔ OR   = 25,8 m 

7

   

TOTAL 

40

QUESTION 3: ROOFS, STAIRCASES AND JOINING (SPECIFIC) 
3.1 5°/10/30° ✔ (1)
3.2 1 400 mm ✔ (1)
3.3  
MEMO 1 KJHKUHSFD(2) 
ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE 
3.4 50 mm x 76 mm/ 76 mm x 50 mm ✔ OR 76 mm x 76 mm (1) 
3.5  (2) 

Clay roof tiles 

Fibre cement tiles

650 mm/closer together ✔ 

760 mm/ further apart ✔

3.6

A - Ridge capping/Ridge plate/Roof capping ✔ 
B - Roof covering/Corrugated iron roof/IBR iron roof/roof sheeting ✔ 
C - Gang nail/Nail plate/Connector plate/Joining piece ✔ 
D - King post ✔ (4) 

3.7 
MEMO 2 JYGUYAD(8) 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

MARK 

CANDIDATE'S MARK

Walls 

2

 

Wall plates (Wrong position – 1 mark) 

2

 

Rafters 

2

 

Collar beam/Collar tie 

1

 

Ridge beam correctly drawn 

1

 

TOTAL: 

8

 

3.8.1 Riser ✔ (1)
3.8.2 Balusters ✔ (1)
3.8.3 Going/Tread ✔ (1)
3.8.4 Landing ✔ (1)
3.8.5 Run ✔ (1) 
3.9
MEMO 3 KUHIUAYHD (2) 
ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE OR ANY OTHER SHAPE RESEMBLING A SQUARE OR  ROUND SHAPE/ 2 AND 3 DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS ACCEPTABLE 
3.10

  • Screwed on to the face of the wall. ✔
  • By means of a bracket.
  • Fixed to face of wall using Rawl bolts or sleeved anchors by means of  a bracket.
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1) 

3.11

  • Timber that is bolted to the top of the wall.✔
  • Nailed or screwed to the wall. ✔
  • A galvanised strap/hoop iron nailed or built into the wall.
  • Tie with roof wire built into wall.
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2) 

3.12

  • Supports the steel and withstands the loads. ✔
  • The pin serves as a pivoting point to adjust the angle or to lower the  steel section.
  • The pin can be removed to separate the steel section from the base.
  • To keep the steel section attached to the base plate/concrete base.
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1) [30]

QUESTION 4: EXCAVATIONS, FORMWORK, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS (SPECIFIC) 
4.1
4.1.1 C ✔ 
4.1.2 D ✔ 
4.1.3 F ✔ 
4.1.4 E ✔ 
4.1.5 A ✔ (5) 
4.2.1

  • Keep excavated soil away from edge at least 600 mm. ✔
  • Identify any equipment that will affect trench stability. ✔ 
  • Trenches should be inspected at the start of each shift. ✔
  • Trenches should be inspected after a rain storm. 
  • No worker will be allowed to work or move in trenches deeper then   1,5 metres if the sides are not protected by formwork or braced.
  • Test for atmospheric hazards (low oxygen, hazardous fumes and   toxic gases) when trenches are more than 1,3 metres deep.
  • No load vehicle or plant equipment should be used, placed driven or   used on or near the edge of any excavation where it is likely to  cause a collapse and endanger workers lives.
  • A warning system for mobile equipment should be provided.
  • Always protect workers from loose rock or soil that could fall or roll from  an excavation by installing protective barricades at appropriate intervals.
  • Prohibit workers from working on faces of slopes or benched  excavations at levels above other workers, unless workers at a   lower level is protected against hazards of falling or sliding material   or equipment.
  • Members/parts of the support system (formwork or shuttering) should   be securely connected to prevent sliding, falling material.
  • Avoid overloading members of support systems.
  • Formwork/shuttering should be removed in a manner that will protect   workers from cave-ins.
  • Before temporary removal of individual formwork members/parts,  additional precautions should be in place, installing other structural  members.
  • Backfilling should always progress with the removal of the support   system (formwork from the excavation).
  • The area should be cordoned off and warning signs must be posted   and must be clearly visible.
  • Cover the entire work area after hours, especially if children might   gain entry to the site.
  • A suitable barrier(fence) must be provided where any excavation is   more than 2 metres deep.
  • Excavation sites should be well lit at night.
  • Red warning lights should be placed strategically to warn the public.
  • Workers should not work under suspended or raised loads of materials.
  • Always start dismantling the formwork from the bottom of the formwork.
  • Never work alone in deep excavations.
    ANY THREE OF THE ABOVE (3)

4.2.2

  • The site must be levelled. ✔
  • The site must be cleared properly, and all loose soil must be removed.✔
  • A baseline must be established. ✔ (3) 

4.3 MEMO 4 IUHUYAHGD(8)  

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

MARK 

CANDIDATE'S MARK

Folding wedges 

1

 

Walling boards 

1

 

Poling boards 

2

 

Struts 

1

 

Shuttering correctly drawn 

1

 

Any TWO labels 

2

 

TOTAL: 

 

4.4 Good formwork should be: 

  • made accurately to the dimensions. ✔
  • stable enough to bear the load of wet concrete.
  • bear the mass of workers on it.
  • able to withstand the vibrating and tamping of concrete.
  • strong enough to provide enough support, without too much deflection,  until the concrete has set and cured.
  • easy to repair on site.
  • secured with wire nails so that it can be easily dismantled.
  • secured with bolts and nuts ranging from 13 mm to 19 mm in diameter.
  • should be sealed properly.
  • should be free of dirt such as saw dust.
  • quick and simple to erect to ensure the correct cover depth for the  reinforcing.
  • removed only when concrete has cured.
  • close-fittings along seams and joints.
  • made of recyclable components.
  • fitted with plywood laggings for a smooth finish.
  • ensure the correct cover depth for the reinforcing in order to prevent  structural failure.
  • sealed properly so that the concrete does not leak and form a honeycomb effect.
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1) 

4.5 
4.5.1 Beam formwork/Formwork for beams✔ (1) 
4.5.2

A - Tie 50 mm x 25 mm at 600 mm centres ✔ 
B - Cleat 76 mm x 50 mm ✔ 
C - Fixing plate/Kicker plate 76 mm x 50 mm ✔ 
D - Brace/Strut 76 mm x 25 mm ✔ (4) 

4.5.3

  • The shape of folding wedges simplifies the erecting and   dismantling of formwork. ✔
  • Folding wedges can easily be removed by knocking one  away from the other.
  • Folding wedges help to keep formwork components  sturdy/secured/stable.
  • Folding wedges play an important role in the levelling of  formwork for beams, floor slabs and columns.
  • Folding wedges facilitate the raising or lowering of the  formwork to the required height.
  • Folding wedges are used as pins to strengthen adjoining  concrete formwork (1)
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE  

4.6

  • Sturdy/Rigid enough to bear the mass of wet concrete without   collapsing.✔
  • Stronger than wood and timber board products. ✔
  • Easily removed when the concrete has set.
  • Not as adaptable as timber shuttering.
  • More expensive than timber.
  • Will last longer than timber. 
  • Can be used repeatedly.
  • Tight along the seams and joints so that concrete does not leak.
  • It’s prone to rust.
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2)

4.7
4.7.1

  • Operate with care and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. ✔ 
  • Check the controls for proper response before use.✔
  • Check the condition of the machine at the start and end of  each shift.
  • Never use a faulty machine.
  • Never lay the machine on its side.
  • Do not allow the vibrating pipe to make contact with any part  of the body or formwork.
  • Switch of the machine when it is left unattended.
  • Long use of the machine exposes the operator to vibrations.  Stop if you feel numbness.
  • Switch off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop  before adjusting, repairing, inspecting or cleaning it.
  • Must be operated by a qualified person.  (2)
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE 

4.7.2

  • Maintain like all machinery. Lubricate and adjust according to the manufacturer’s instruction. ✔
  • Clean after use and store in a safe dry place. ✔
  • Service the concrete vibrator regularly.
  • Repair or replace damaged electric cords.(2)
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE 

4.8

  • Service the tamping rammer/plate compactor regularly. ✔
  • Remove loose dirt and soil after use. ✔
  • Maintain like all machinery, lubricate and adjust according to the  manufacturers instruction.
  • Clean after use.
  • Store in a safe dry place.
  • Ensure that all parts are firmly attached to the machine.
  • Repair or replace damaged electric cords. (2)
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE  

4.9 Ready-mix concrete: 

  • is very expensive. ✔
  • delivery and pouring delays may affect the quality of the concrete. ✔
  • site batching in residential areas raises concerns about noise levels 
  • must be poured within a specified time.
  • trucks may damage or soil house frontages and sidewalks.
  • contaminations of storm-water drains.
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2) 

4.10 The purpose of the slump test: 

  • is to test the density of the concrete before it is placed by determining  the percentage of water it contains. ✔
  • Is to determine the workability and consistency of the batches that are  mixed. ✔
  • To determine the slump of the mixture.
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2) 

4.11

  • Water – hosepipe or continuous spraying ✔
  • Water- retaining substances, such as damp sand, damp sacking,  straw, hessian and canvas. ✔
  • Plastic membranes and plastic sheeting
  • Chemical curing products
    ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE (2) [40]

QUESTION 5: PLASTER AND SCREED, BRICKWORK AND GRAPHICS AS MEANS OF COMMUNICATION (SPECIFIC) 
5.1 
5.1.1

A - Wet the wall thoroughly ✔ 
B - Apply plaster ✔ 
C - Scrape the plaster to obtain a flat surface/levelling ✔ 
D - Float to smooth the surface ✔ (4)

5.1.2 Straight edge ✔ (1) 
5.2 
MEMO 5 JHGJGAD
 LEFT VIEW INCORRECTLY DRAWN -1  (6) 

CRITERIA ASSESSMENT 

MARK 

CANDIDATE'S MARK

Full bricks and ½ brick every alternate course on front view

4

 

Left view full brick every course 

1

 

Left view ¼ brick every course 

1

 

TOTAL: 

 

5.3 
5.3.1

A- Herring bone paving pattern ✔ 
B- Basket-weave paving pattern ✔ (2) 

5.3.2

  • Dry-laid or sand-set ✔
  • Bitumen-set 
  • Mortar-set
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1) 

5.3.3

  • River/Plaster sand is used to grout between paving bricks.
  • Sand mixed with cement is used to grout between paving   bricks ✔
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1) 

5.4 
MEMO 6 JKHUGUYHAS
SCALE: 1:10 ✔ 
NOT DRAWN TO SCALE 
APPLICATION OF SCALE ✔ ✔✔ 
USE A MASK TO MARK THIS QUESTION ACCEPT ANY ANGLE  BETWEEN 30° AND 45°. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

MARK 

CANDIDATE'S MARK

Wall: 220 mm wide face brick 

1

 

Beam filling 

1

 

Wall plate 114 mm x 38 mm 

1

 

Tie beam 114 mm x 38 mm 

1

 

Rafter 114 mm x 38 mm 

1

 

Purlins 76 mm x 50 mm 

2

 

Corrugated iron roof covering 

1

 

Fascia board 230 mm x 38 mm 

1

 

Any TWO labels 

2

 

Print the scale below the drawing 

1

 

Application of scale 
One or two incorrect = 3
Three or four incorrect = 2
More than five incorrect = 1
No measurement correct = 0

3

 

TOTAL 

15 

 

(15) [30] 

QUESTION 6: REINFORCEMENT IN CONCRETE, FOUNDATIONS, CONCRETE FLOOR AND QUANTITIES (SPECIFIC) 
6.1 
6.1.1 B ✔ (1)
6.1.2 D ✔ (1)
6.1.3 D ✔ (1)
6.1.4 B ✔ (1)
6.1.5 A ✔ (1) 
6.2 
MEMO 7 JGYYJGHAF(10) 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

MARK 

CANDIDATE'S  MARK

Column 

2

 

8 Main bars 

2

 

Binders/Stirrups 

2

 

Min concrete cover 

1

 

Any TWO Labels 

2

 

Proportion 

1

 

TOTAL 

10 

 

6.3 Pile foundations: 

  • can be used in poor/unstable/soft/loose soil. ✔
  • can be used anywhere even in water. ✔
  • the larger base ensures stability. ✔
  • is relatively quick to install if the equipment is available.
  • where pre-fabricated piles are used, much time is saved.
  • resists tensile stress well.
  • is quick and less expensive to produce.
  • can be manufactured and transported elsewhere.
  • can be installed in poor weather conditions.
  • the length can easily be adjusted. 
  • offers good resistance against moving soil.
    ANY THREE OF THE ABOVE (3) 

6.4

  • Metal pipes that contain a dry concrete mix (gravel plug) are driven into  a drilled hole in the ground. ✔
  • The pipe is held firmly in position while a drop hammer is used to drive  the pre-filled dry concrete mix (gravel plug) out of the pipe to form an  extended base (toe) at the bottom of the hole. ✔
  • Concrete is now poured into the pipe and compacted, using an internal  drop hammer, until the pipe is filled to the top. ✔
  • The steel pipe is slowly extracted as the concrete is poured into the  pipe.
    ANY THREE OF THE ABOVE (3)

6.5
6.5.1 Hollow-core concrete block/Concrete block/Block ✔ (1) 
6.5.2

  • Used for the placement of the conduit pipes. ✔
  • Serves as insulation. 
  • Reduce the weight.
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1)

6.5.3 Reinforced ribs/Ribs/Pre-stressed concrete ribs ✔ (1) 
6.5.4

  • Ribs (pre-stressed reinforced ribs) ✔
  • Hollow-core blocks (polystyrene blocks can also be used) ✔
  • Steel mat/Mesh/Steel/Reinforcement ✔
  • In-situ cast concrete/Concrete 
  • Spacers
    ANY THREE OF THE ABOVE (3)

6.5.5 After the installation of a rib-and-block floor: 

  • Ensure that the correct curing procedure is followed for 7 days  to ensure a well-set slab. ✔
  • allow 28 days for setting of the concrete slab. 
  • temporary props can be removed after the concrete slab has  reached a crushing strength of 17 MPa.
    ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE (1) 

6.5.6

  • Because the units are precast, mechanical handling is required  on site. ✔
  • The placing of the blocks between the ribs requires manual  labour. ✔ (2)

6.6 
ANSWER SHEET 6.6 

D

     

Skirting: Inside length of building

     

= 8 000 mm – 440 mm ✓ OR – 2(220)

     

= 7 560 mm ✓ (2)

     

Skirting: Inside width of the building

     

= 5 000 mm – 440 mm ✓ OR – 2(220)

     

= 4 560 mm ✓ (2)

     

Total length = 7 560 + 4 560 x 2

     

=12,12 x 2

     

= 24,24 ✓ meter skirting needed   – 0,900 m for the door.

     

= 23,34 m ✓ (2)

       

1/

7,56 ✓

 

Screed: Inside area of building

 

4,56 ✓

   
 

0,025 ✓ 

0,86 m³ ✓

= 0,86 m³ screed is needed (4)

(10) [40] 
TOTAL: 200

Last modified on Tuesday, 14 September 2021 07:18