Updated Curriculum

A Practical Approach
FORM
to

Building
Technology and Design
1

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Bimha Onwell
Mutasa Urayai Learner’s Book
Nyagwaya Edson
 A Practical Approach
to

Building Technology and Design

Form 1

Learner's Book

Bimha Onwell Mutasa Urayai Nyagwaya Edson

 CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Building Technology......................................................................................... 1
Unit 1.1 Building Technology and Design as a subject................................................................. 1
Unit 1.2 Careers in building industry................................................................................................... 5

Chapter 2: Health and Safety............................................................................................. 11

Unit 2.1 Causes of accidents at a building site................................................................................. 11
Unit 2.2 Methods of accidents prevention at a construction site.............................................. 13
Unit 2.3 First aid equipment at work sites.......................................................................................... 15

Chapter 3: Building Tools and Equipment........................................................................ 21

Unit 3.1 Hand tools..................................................................................................................................... 21
Unit 3.2 Preventive maintenance.......................................................................................................... 29
Examination 1 ............................................................................................................................ 34

Chapter 4: Building Materials............................................................................................ 42

Unit 4.1 Modern building materials..................................................................................................... 42
Unit 4.2 Indigenous building materials............................................................................................... 46

Chapter 5: Bonding............................................................................................................. 49
Unit 5.1 Half brick (115mm) and one brick walls (230mm).......................................................... 49

Chapter 6: Design and Drawing......................................................................................... 52

Unit 6.1 Design and drawing.................................................................................................................. 52

Chapter 7: Site Works.......................................................................................................... 56

Unit 7.1 Preliminary site work................................................................................................................. 56
Unit 7.2 Site clearance............................................................................................................................... 57
Examination 2 ............................................................................................................................ 60
Chapter 8: Substructure..................................................................................................... 61
Unit 8.1 The foundation and its importance..................................................................................... 61
Unit 8.2 Excavation of trenches............................................................................................................. 65

Chapter 9: Super Structure................................................................................................. 69

Unit 9.1 Walls................................................................................................................................................ 69
Unit 9.2 Wall openings.............................................................................................................................. 71
Unit 9.3 Wall finishes.................................................................................................................................. 73
Unit 9.4 Roofs............................................................................................................................................... 75
Chapter 10: Quantities.......................................................................................................... 78
Unit 10.1 Areas of shapes........................................................................................................................... 78
Unit 10.2 Volume of shapes....................................................................................................................... 80

Chapter 11: Services............................................................................................................. 85

Unit 11.1 Sources of electricity................................................................................................................. 85
Unit 11.2 Safety when working with electricity................................................................................. 86
Examination 3 ............................................................................................................................ 90
Index ............................................................................................................................ 93
 BUILDING
Chapter
TECHNOLOGY

1
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• explain the term Building Technology.
•• identify the importance of shelter.
•• state building types and designs found in Zimbabwe.
•• appraise aesthetic value of existing buildings in Zimbabwe.
•• describe historical development of human habitats.
•• identify careers in the construction industry.
•• practice skills related to building trades.

Introduction
Building Technology and Design is the study, design and techniques of construction of buildings. Buildings
which provide permanent shelter to people and their belongings differ in types, forms and designs from
one place or region to another as they are influenced by weather conditions, people’s tastes, materials used,
methods of construction among other factors. Buildings should be of good appearance (aesthetic value)
and strong. Modern and indigenous buildings are found in Zimbabwe with the latter dominantly found
in rural areas. Building Technology and Design provides an individual with skills and knowledge to carry
building activities as a worker or an enterprise.

UNIT 1.1 BUILDING TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN AS A SUBJECT

A building is a structure such as a house, hall or clinic with roof and walls, which shelters permanently
people and their belongings. Shelter is a basic need for people to survive. It protects them from harsh
weather conditions such as rain, frost, cold and danger or attack. Temporary shelters like tents and timber
cabins are used by people in need of shelter for a short time. Building is considered as a process and
work of constructing the structure. There has been great improvement in designing, use of materials and
construction methods such that buildings are now designed and constructed from a scientific perspective.
Technology is the scientific knowledge and techniques used in practical ways in industry is applied in
designing and constructing buildings.
Building Technology and Design focuses on:
•• design of buildings and how they react to and overcome loads imposed on them.
•• physical and chemical properties of materials used to construct buildings and how these contribute
to their strength and durability.
•• methods in use to construct the buildings making them strong, durable, stable and safe to live in.

1
 Fig. 1.2 Great Zimbabwe monuments

(e) Pole and daga hut with extended eaves supported by poles and a conical roof of grass. The hut used
for cooking is covered at the lower part with open space right round top part in contact with the conical
roof. It is used by Shangani people in south east corner of Zimbabwe.
(f) Stonework/masonry structures built using cut blocks of stone without using mortar and forming giant
enclosures such as found at Great Zimbabwe monument.
Design, construction and maintenance of modern buildings
Modern buildings predominantly found in urban, affluent parts of rural areas and farms are strong, durable
and beautiful as compared to indigenous buildings. Modern buildings use materials which:
•• are tested in laboratories for their physical and chemical properties to determine their suitability.
•• have some of them produced in industries and standardised.
•• give a more attractive finish to buildings.
Modern buildings have two main parts, the substructure and superstructure. The substructure consists of
the foundation, brick wall up to damp proof course and the floor slab. The superstructure consists of wall
and the roof. These buildings have a long life span and maintaining them is done by;
•• repainting walls and other parts.
•• covering cracks when they show on walls.
•• repairing services and utilities like water supply pipes.
The appearance of a modern building is enhanced by shape, materials and method of construction used.

(a) Multi-storey building (b) Single storey building

Fig. 1.3 Modern buildings found in Zimbabwe
Modern buildings found across Zimbabwe include:
•• semi-modern hut or house constructed using farm bricks and have thatched roof.

3
 Activity 1.1 Group Work
List properties of materials for constructing buildings which make them good shelters. Present your findings to
the class.

Activity 1.2 Research

Research about building forms and shapes found in your environment. List the building forms and shapes that
are commonly used for:
(a) houses
(b) shops
(c) churches
(d) industries

Exercise 1.1
1. The following affect the design of a building except __________.
A. weather B. wealth and skills C. land available D. services like water supply
2. Which of the following materials is not used on indigenous building?
A. Cow dung B. Poles C. Quarry stones D. Bark string
3. The purpose served by the extended eaves on poles of the Shangani hut is to ________.
A. decorate the hut B. make the inside of the hut cool
C. provide space for hanging belongings D. prevent mosquitoes from entering the hut
4. Appearance of a modern building is enhanced by use of the following except _______.
A. hand tools B. methods of construction
C. materials D. shape
5. Which of the following materials for modern buildings is not manufactured?
A. Cement B. River sand
C. Aluminium door frame D. Paint
Answer question 6 to 10 using either True or False.
6. A shelter is a human want.
7. Buildings protect people and their belongings from weather and attack/danger.
8. Using local materials and skills to construct a building is very expensive.
9. Using imported materials and skills is called appropriate technology.
10. Paintings found in caves are proof of them used as shelters by Bushmen/the San people.

UNIT 1.2 CAREERS IN BUILDING INDUSTRY

The building industry offers a wide range of careers at design and construction stages. The varieties of
careers in building work allow for: Physical
Planning
•• specialisation in skills resulting in doing
work proficiently.
•• doing work faster. Local Authority
•• production of quality work on buildings.
The building process is done as team work Professionals Client
Contractor
Trade Persons
by professionals and tradespersons in various
professions and trades. Local authorities and
physical planning personal control and monitor the
siting and construction of buildings.
Fig. 1.6 Interaction of people in the construction industry

5
1. Architecture
This is concerned with the study and designing of buildings which results in producing different shapes
and forms. Architecture is controlled by people’s tastes, needs, values, aesthetic appeal, use of the building,
skills and materials available. An architect is the professional who works in architecture and contributes to
the construction industry by:
•• designing different types of buildings constructed in the country.
•• drawing working drawings of buildings constructed in the country.
•• choosing suitable materials used to construct strong and durable buildings.
•• supervising through the Clerk of Works the construction of buildings making sure the contractor
follow all details of working drawings.
•• authorising, through the Clerk of Works payments on work done as per in contract agreement.
•• giving assistance to the client on choosing other professionals to work on the building under
construction.
2. Quantity surveying
It is the process of calculating the quantities of materials, labour, project timeframe and estimated total cost
of constructing a building. When constructing a building, the quantity surveyor who is the professional in
quantity surveying is involved in:
•• calculating materials, labour, time taken and total cost to construct a building by presenting this
information on a Bill of Quantities (B.O.Q).
•• preparing documents used when tendering.
•• inspecting and valuing work done by the contractor when preparing certificates of payment of
work completed as in the contract agreement.
•• preparing calculations to show final cost of constructing the building on its completion.
3. Structural engineering
It covers studying, designing and building of complicated and large structures such as buildings,
bridges, dams and stadium among others where structural members such as walls, columns, beams and
foundations are used. A structural engineer works in structural engineering has extensive knowledge on
forces acting on structures, structural analysis, physical and chemical properties of construction materials,
science of soils and fluids. The structural engineer contributes to the construction industry by;
•• studying and designing structural parts of buildings such as foundations, columns and beams on
buildings, bridges, dams and stadium.
•• supervising the construction or repairing of building structures such as foundations, walls, columns
and beams.
4. Civil engineering
This field of engineering is concerned with studying, designing and construction of infrastructure which
improves and protects places where people live, especially the built up environment. Dams, bridges,
railways and roads are some of the infrastructures designed and constructed under civil engineering. The
professional is a Civil Engineer who is knowledgeable on all types of surveying, properties of construction
materials, science of soils and fluids. The civil engineer’s work when constructing a building is:
•• designing roads, car parks and storm drains and canals serving a built up environment.
•• supervising on the construction or repairing of the roads, car parks and storm drains and canals.

7
 Activity 1.3 Discussion
In groups, discuss on the other work done by;
(a) An architecture
(b) quantity surveyor
(c) structural engineer
(d) civil engineer

Exercise 1.2
1. The following are all tradespersons except __________.
A. glazier B. electrician
C. buyer D. plumber
2. Name the tradesperson who uses the following tools: wrench, hacksaw and tape measure.
A. Glazier B. Electrician
C. Plumber D. Painter
3. The owner of a building under construction is _________.
A. an architect B. a buyer
C. a client D. an engineer
4. Which government ministry tests trades and give certificates to tradespersons?
A. Ministry of Higher, Tertiary and Science Education.
B. Ministry of Local Government, National Housing and Rural Development.
C. Ministry of Skills Development.
D. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
5. The following are all bricklaying skills except __________.
A. leveling B. plumbing
C. squaring D. cutting a mortice and tenon joint
6. Which is not the work of an electrician?
A. Fixing power sockets. B. Fixing water pipes.
C. Fixing lamp holders. D Fixing the distribution board.
7. The work of a Building Project Manager is to ____________. [1]
8. __________ makes fitted wardsrobes and kitchens in buildings. [1]

Interesting facts
Skills training of tradespersons through attachment to construction companies produce a highly skilled
workforce in the industry.
Summary of chapter

•• Building technology and design is about studying, designing and constructing buildings, which are
permanent shelters which protect people and their belongings from harsh weather and attacks/
danger.
•• Shelters range from caves, huts, tents, wood cabins to modern buildings such as single storey
houses to high rise buildings.
•• Strength, durability and appearance of a building is linked to design, materials and methods of
construction.
•• Historical monuments such as Great Zimbabwe are indigenous buildings constructed of stone with
decorative patterns like the chevron pattern.

8
 •• Indigenous buildings are common in rural areas.
•• Modern buildings which are common in urban areas use factory manufactured, strong materials
such as concrete, steel and seasoned timber making them strong and durable.
•• The designs and finishes on modern buildings make them very attractive.
•• Two methods of constructing modern buildings are shell; skeleton and skin systems.
•• Businesses in the construction industry are public and private enterprises.
Glossary of terms
Aesthetic – concerned with beauty.
Design – general arrangement of rooms/components of a building.
Enterprise – is a form of business.
Indigenous – something or originally belonging to a particular place not somewhere.
Modern – new and different from traditional designs characterised by use of latest designs, materials
and technology.
Profession – type of job that needs high level of education at universities.
Shelter – a structure to stay or live in.
Stilts – posts that support a building so that it is high above the ground or water.
Technology – applying of scientific knowledge in industrial processes.

Revision Exercises
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A person who designs and draws working drawings of a building is ________.
A. an engineer B. a tradesperson
C. an architect D. a clerk of works
2. Which building material is used on both indigenous and modern buildings?
A. Cement B. Grass
C. Glass D. Corrugated galvanized steel sheets
3. When workers specialise in specific skills to do their work, for example, a plumber specialises in
pipework, these are known as _________.
A. professionals B. careers
C. apprentices D. tradespersons
4. Which of the following is not a function of a building?
A. Protecting human beings.
B. Provide inhabitants with warmth.
C. Should be durable.
D. Storage of equipment.
5. Which one is a tradeperson?
A. Engineer B. Architect
C. Clerk of works D. Plasterer
6. All the materials listed are used to decorate walls of indigenous buildings except ________.
A. paint B. coloured mud
C. ashes D. cow dung
7. The engineer who designs, draws and supervises the construction of structural parts of a building
such as foundations, columns and beams is _______.
A. a Mechanical Engineer B. a Civil Engineer
C. a Structural Engineer D. an Electrical Engineer

9
8. In the construction industry, who is the person who enforces building by-laws on behalf of the local
authority?
A. Health inspector. B. Town planner.
C. Building inspector. D. Land surveyor.
9. The design and shape of a building constructed by a client are as a result of the following factors
except ________.
A. capital B. land available
C. weather D. services
10. A person who supervises tradespersons on building site is called _________.
A. a foreperson B. a Clerk of Works
C. a surveyor D. an engineer

Structured Questions
1. State the reason for the following:
(a) extended eaves supported by poles on a Shangani hut.
(b) building Tonga hut on stilts. [2]
2. Complete the table below to show correct responses. [5]

Tradesperson Trade Two tools used

(i)____________________ Bricklaying (ii)___________________
(iii)___________________
(iv)___________________ (v)____________________ (a) Plastering trowel
(b) Hawk
3. List any three building units used to construct walls for modern buildings. [3]

10
 HEALTH AND
Chapter
SAFETY

2
Chapter objectives
By end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• identify causes of accidents at a construction site.
•• list accidents that may occur at construction sites.
•• demonstrate on emergency call and fire drills.
•• describe methods of accidents prevention at construction sites.
•• identify personal protective clothing and equipment used by workers at construction sites.
•• carry out accidents awareness campaigns in and outside the school.
•• identify First Aid equipment and materials at work sites.
•• outline procedures to be taken for treatment of an accident casualty.

Introduction
A building site is a place where a variety of construction work takes place. Like in any other workplace, health,
and safety is of great importance at the site. Building operations work can be very dangerous, so health and
safety should be observed by every worker on site. Statistics from National Social Security Authority show
that the building and construction sector is among the top five group in terms of contributing to injuries at
work. Workers should be educated on causes of accidents and how to prevent them. There should be First
Aid equipment used by the First Aid team attending to victims of accidents at a site, before calling for an
ambulance through the emergency call, to take them to a hospital.

UNIT 2.1 CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS AT A BUILDING SITE

An accident is an unpleasant event that happens unexpectedly resulting in injury and death to persons,
damage to property, equipment and interruption of work operations. Worker’s behaviour and how a site is
run contribute mostly to accidents at a site.
Unsafe acts and conditions
Worker’s behaviour which results in an accident is referred to as an unsafe act. Working conditions that can
cause accidents are known as unsafe conditions. Unsafe acts and conditions which cause accidents at a
building site include:
•• using and walking on slippery surfaces which can cause falling.
•• using defective tools and equipment.
•• horseplay and teasing each other while working.
•• carelessness and negligence when using tools, equipment and working on a given task.

11
Exercise 2.3
1. A first aid box is identified by ________.
A. Red Cross on white background B. Yellow Cross on white background
C. White Cross on blue background D. Red Cross on blue background
2. Who is responsible for administering first aid to an injured worker at a construction site?
A. A gateman. B. A first aider.
C. A gang leader. D. A site manager.
3. What should be checked first on an injured person when administering first aid?
A. That the person is breathing and has a pulse.
B. That the person is not breathing and there is no pulse.
C. That the person is in a recovery position.
D. That the person is unconscious.
4. Which of the following is found in a first aid box?
A. Stretcher bed. B. High visibility jacket.
C. Water bottle. D. Medicines.
5. Which is not a common injury at a construction site?
A. Fractures. B. Severe bleeding.
C. Poisoning. D. Animal bites.
6. Why is it recommended not to move an injured person until nature of injury is determined?
A. To prevent worsening of injury.
B. To wait for the ambulance to arrive.
C. To allow police to get correct information on cause of accident.
D. To allow the site manager to assess the situation.
Answer question 7 to 10 with either True or False.
7. First aid helps in easing pain and anxiety of an injured person.
8. An injured person is put in a recovery position to keep the airway open.
9. The first aid team at a construction site is not responsible for carrying out risk assessment before
starting of any work on site.
10. When administering first aid on site, the first aiders should follow laid rules and principles of first aid
which cover a wide range of injuries.

Interesting facts
A casusalty of an accident at a site who receives first aid before going to hospital has a high chance of
surviving than one not attended to.
Summary of the chapter
•• A building site is a place where construction work is done and can be a dangerous area so health
and safety should be observed by all workers.
•• Accidents at a construction site may be caused by unsafe acts, unsafe conditions and natural causes
which are beyond man’s control.
•• Accidents common at a construction site are those caused by wrong use of tools, materials,
equipment and machinery and use of hazardous work stations.
•• Every construction site should have a firefighting team which regularly carry out fire drills on site.
•• Personal protective clothing and equipment which prevent injury and death but not accidents
should be worn by every worker on site.
•• Every construction site should have emergency call numbers of emergency services such as the
ambulance, fire brigade, police, factory and works inspectorate.

18
8. Good housekeeping on site means ____________.
A. keeping tools, equipment and materials outside the site fence
B. keeping only tools inside the site and equipment outside the site
C. keeping the site tidy with dissimilar tools, materials and equipment not mixing
D. keeping dissimilar tools, materials and equipment mixed up at the site
9. Personal protective clothing and equipment help in preventing_____________ at a construction site.
A. efficiency B. accidents
C. starting fire D. competition on dressing by workers at a site
10. All of the following are emergency services associated with responding to accidents at construction
sites except?
A. Ambulance services B. Fire brigade.
C. Police D. Town planning tream.
11. The common artificial respiration method used on a victim receiving first aid is __________.
A. pipe blowing resuscitation B. mouth to nose resuscitation.
C. mouth to mouth resuscitation D. machine blowing resuscitation
12. All of the following are safe and health practices by workers except ___________.
A. maintaining a balanced diet B. exercising regularly
C. desisting on taking alcohol and other drugs D. having multiple sex partners
13. Which appropriate protective clothing should be worn when cutting a hole on a wall using a cold
chisel and club hammer?
A. Goggles. B. Helmet.
C. Ear plugs. D. Safety shoes.
14. Which is a safety pre-caution when using electricity?
A. Overloading the power circuit.
B. Touching bare live wires.
C. Using electricity on wet surfaces.
D. Putting a fuse in a 3-pin plug before connecting the socket.
15. All of the following are achieved by wearing safety boots at a construction site except ___________.
A. preventing of piercing of feet by nails
B. preventing crushing of toes by falling heavy objects
C. preventing cutting of ankles by sharp edges
D. preventing smelling feet

Structured Questions
1. State the purpose of wearing the following personal protective clothing and equipment at a
construction site.
(a) Hard hat/helmet
(b) Overalls
(c) Safety shoes
(d) Safety glasses
2. Identify any three heights where an artisan can work on, at a construction site.
3. State any three working safety rules observed at a construction site.

20
 BUILDING TOOLS
Chapter
AND EQUIPMENT

3
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• identify hand tools.
•• classify hand tools according to their uses.
•• clean tools after use.
•• store tools after use.
Introduction
Tradespersons use various tools when doing construction work. These tools are designed for specific work
and using them for the wrong job leads to accidents or damage of the tools. Work of high standard is
achieved and made easier by using the correct tools which are in good condition. An artisan should be able
to identify the correct tool and properly use it for a given task. Tools are expensive to buy and great care
should be taken to ensure their long lasting by using, cleaning, maintaining and storing them using correct
methods.

UNIT 3.1 HAND TOOLS

Hand tools are implements used in helping to do physical work and most of them are portable. Hand
tools used by artisans in the construction industry are classified under four groups according to their uses
which are mortar, measuring and alignment, digging and cutting tools. Description, uses and handling of
common tools used by artisans is given under these groups.
1. Mortar tools
These are tools used together with mortar when constructing buildings. Common tools in this group used
at a construction site are bricklayer’s trowel, pointing trowel, builder’s bucket, mortar board, concrete
wheelbarrow, jointers, corner tools, plastering trowel, wooden float and hawk.
(a) Bricklayer’s trowel
The tool has blades of different widths and lengths ranging from
250mm to 325mm. A trainee bricklayer finds it easier to use a smaller
trowel. This tool is used by a bricklayer when laying bricks and blocks
on a wall. Its main use is for picking up mortar from the mortar board
and spreading it when making the bed joint in preparation for laying
a brick.
Fig. 3.1 Bricklayer trowel

21
(g) Gauge box/batch box
A box made from timber or metal with both top and bottom open. It
has two handles fixed and extending beyond two opposite sides. It is
used for accurate measuring by volume materials for making concrete
and mortar. The box is placed on top of a flat surface and then filled
with material, cut level with the top of the box. The box is lifted leaving
the measured material on the flat surface. Fig. 3.14 Gauge box
(h) Builder’s line, pins and corner block
A builder’s line is made from hemp or nylon fishing
line. It is rolled on a spool or reel. It is used to make
middle brick courses straight and level with brick
courses at corners and junction walls. When setting
out buildings, it guides on marking straight lines on
the ground and forms ranging lines when attached
to profiles. The line is attached to the wall by driving
in tapered pins in mortar joints. Corner blocks are
used instead of pins because they do not damage Fig. 3.15 Builder’s line, pins and corner block
mortar joints and are quicker to use than pins.

Activity 3.2 Group work

In groups, make a gauge rod using the following:
(a) straight edged timber
(b) a tape measure/ruler
(c) a marker
(d) a saw
(e) bricks

3. Digging tools
These are tools used to dig into earth and scoop out soil, leaving an opening on the ground. Common tools
used in this group are mattock, pick, shovel, spade and hoe.
(a) Mattock
The head of a mattock has one side being an axe and the other a hoe. It
is made from steel and a wooden handle is fixed to it through a ring at
the centre of the head. The hoe part is used to dig trenches and pits on
soft ground whereas the axe is to cut tree stumps and roots when site
clearing and digging trenches. The handle is held firmly by two hands
and swinging the tool up and down digging into ground or cutting Fig. 3.16 Mattock
trees.
(b) Pick
The pick head which is made from steel has two slender and long sides,
one with pointed end and the other flat edged. A wooden handle is
fixed through a ring at the centre of the head. The tool is used to
dig pits and trenches on hard ground. It is used the same way as the
mattock.
Fig. 3.17 Pick

25
(d) Comb hammer
The tool is made from mild steel and the hammer head has got slots on
both sides where the blade and the comb are fixed. A comb hammer
is used for:
•• chipping off protruding bricks on wall face before plastering.
•• trimming cut bricks into true shape and making the cut side
neat.
•• clean finishing of grooves cut on walls to place and cover
water pipes and conduits carrying electricity wires. Fig. 3.23 Comb hammer
Handling of the hammer is the same as that of a brick hammer except that less force is applied when
swinging the hammer to have the desired results.
(e) Club hammer
Is a heavy hammer made from steel and has a head with a flat top and
bottom designed to hit on objects. The hammer is used to:
•• hit on cold chisel when making holes on walls.
•• hit on boaster when cutting bricks.
•• drive in pegs when setting out or levelling foundation pegs.
•• break stones on site.
The hammer handle is gripped firmly and swinging it up and down
using much force to hit on top of cold chisel or boaster when cutting Fig. 3.24 Club hammer
walls and bricks.
(f) Claw hammer
It is made from steel with hammer head on one side and a claw on the
other side. The handle is fixed to the head through a shaft. The claw
hammer is used by a carpenter for driving in nails and removing them
from timber.
The handle of the tool is gripped firmly and swinging it up and down
hitting on nail head driving it into timber. When removing the nail, Fig. 3.25 Claw hammer
claw is placed under nail head and handle pushed away from position
of nail while hammer head is pressed on timber.
(g) Hand axe
A hand axe is made from steel and has a flat sharp cutting edge at
one end. A wooden handle is fixed to the head through a ring at the
top of the axe. The tool is used to sharpen wooden pegs, cutting trees
and roots when clearing sites. The handle is held firmly by two hands,
Fig. 3.26 Hand axe
swinging it forcing the axe to cut on every downward strike.
(h) Cross cut, rip and panel saws
These are tapered thin steel sheets fixed to closed or semi-closed
plastic or timber handle. One side of the sheet has jagged teeth used
to cut into timber. A cross cut saw is used to cut across the grain and a
rip saw along the grain of timber.
Fig. 3.28 Hacksaw

27
EXAMINATION 1
Paper 1: Multiple Choice Questions
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Answer all the questions with either A, B, C or D.
1. Which is not a mortar tool in the list below?
A. Plastering trowel. B. An internal corner tool.
C. Pointing trowel. D. Steel square.
2. Which is the correct pairing of tools when erecting a building?
A. Hawk and bed jointer. B. Hawk and wooden float.
C. Block brush and wooden float. D. Hawk and bricklayer’s trowel.
3. Which of the following is not a function of a shelter?
A. Providing privacy to people. B. Protecting people from harsh weather conditions.
C. Storing people’s property. D. To be strong and durable.
4. A traditional hut of pole and daga built on stilts is used by __________.
A. Shona people B. Ndebele people
C. Shangani people D. Tonga people
5. Which of the listed materials is not a traditional construction material?
A. Grass. B. Pole.
C. Cement. D. Stone.
6. An accident is most likely to be caused at a construction site except by ___________.
A. horseplay
B. stacking bricks on edge
C. throwing around tools and materials
D. not putting on required personal protective clothing
7. All are emergency services which attend to accidents at a construction site except __________.
A. emergency call B. police
C. fire brigade D. ambulance
8. Which is the work of the fire brigade at the scene of an accident?
A. To put out fire and rescue any trapped victims.
B. To provide first aid to the injured.
C. To assess the extend of damage caused by the accident.
D. To collect information on the cause of the accident.
9. Pick a tradesperson in the list below.
A. Architect. B. Quantity surveyor.
C. Electrician. D. Civil engineer.
10. Pick out a tool which does not belong to this group.
A. Club hammer. B. Brick hammer.
C. Pointing trowel. D. Bolster.
11. A person who designs and draws working drawings of buildings is a ________.
A. Quantity Surveyor B. an architect
C. Clerk of Works D. an engineer
12. All of the following affect the design of a shelter except _______.
A. people’s way of living B. weather
C. materials and skills D. availability of water

34
Paper 2: Structured Questions
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions to candidates
(i) Answer any five questions.
(ii) Answer on the spaces provided on the question paper.
(iii) Marks for the question are given in brackets.
1. (a) Give two reasons for wearing thick soled hard boots when working at a construction site. [2]
(b) Name three other types of safety clothing and equipment worn at a construction site. [3]
(c) List any three type of behaviour by workers at a construction site which is most likely to cause an
accident. [3]
(d) List any two unsafe conditions at a construction site that may cause an accident. [2]
2. (a) Building tools are classified into four groups. Name the four groups. [4]
(b) Name two tools used as a pair for the accurate cutting of bricks. [2]
(c) Figure 1 shows tool X used by a tradesperson at a construction site.
Tool X

Figure 1
(i) Name of the tradesperson who uses this tool. [1]
(ii) Name the tool. [1]
(iii) What is the main use of the tool? [1]
(iv) How is the tool cleaned after a day’s work? [1]
3. Study figures 2 and 3 and answer the questions which follow.

Figure 2
(i) Name the type of building shown in figure 2. [1]
(ii) List any three materials used to construct the building in figure 2. [3]
(iii) State any one advantage of the building in figure 2. [1]

39
 (i) Name the type of vehicle. [1]
(ii) What will have happened at a construction site for the vehicle to be seen there? [1]
(iii) What are the numbers displayed at the door of the vehicle? [1]
(iv) What is the purpose of first aid at a construction site? [1]
(v) List any four contents of a first aid box. [4]
(vi) Name any two types of burns which can be sustained by a person exposed to fire. [2]
6. Tradespersons are named according to the type of job they do and tools they use. Name the
tradespersons shown in figure 6 and one tool they use.

Figure 6

Tradesperson Tool being used

1. [1] [1]

2. [1] [1]
3. [1] [1]

4. [1] [1]
5 [1] [1]

Total [10 marks]

7. (a) State any five causes of fire at a building site. [5]
(b) State any three site working rules. [3]
(c) (i) What is the meaning of HIV? [1]
(ii) State one way of contracting HIV. [1]
Overal Total [50 marks]

41
 Chapter BUILDING MATERIALS

4
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• identify building materials used in the conventional and indigenous technologies.
•• use matrix, fine and coarse aggregates to make mortar and concrete
•• reduce environmental damage on building sites.

Introduction
Several building materials are used in the construction industry. Some of these building materials are found
easily in our places where we live and they are used in their natural state. These materials are known as
indigenous building materials. The other group of building materials is known as modern building materials.
These materials need to undergo processing before they are used for building purposes. Many of these
materials are bought in hardware and manufacturers.

UNIT 4.1 MODERN BUILDING MATERIALS

Introduction of new technologies has brought about new materials on the market. These new materials
have differing properties that have led to new designs of buildings. As a result, craftspersons have taken
advantage of making use of these materials to the best advantage. Examples of building materials used in
modern technology include:
•• bricks
•• cement
•• mortar
•• concrete
•• river sand
•• pit sand
•• timber/wood
•• steel
1. Brick
A brick is a rectangular walling unit measuring 230mm x 115mm x 75mm. Bricks are needed for the
construction of walls for buildings.
Types of bricks
The major three types of bricks are common bricks, face bricks and engineering bricks.

42
 Chapter BONDING

5
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• define bonding.
•• state types of bonds.
•• apply rules and regulations for bonding.
•• draw plans and elevations of walls in different bonds.

Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to give an insight on how building structures are constructed. You should
have seen that builders when building walls follows a pattern and it is this pattern that we call bonding.
It is interesting that designers of buildings have also taken advantage of designing buildings with walls of
different thickness and one could use it to the best advantage.

UNIT 5.1 HALF BRICK (115MM) AND ONE BRICK WALLS (230MM)
Walls can be made in different sizes or thickness for some reasons. The reasons may include saving
materials as well as reducing the cost of the structure. The other reason may be that of improving the
strength of the building. In this unit, we shall focus on walls built in 115mm and 230mm.
Bonding
Bonding is the systematic arrangement of bricks in a definite pattern in order to maintain maximum
possible strength and stability. It is a pattern in which bricks are arranged when building walls. Brick layers
need to follow these patterns in order to make walls strong, stable, neat, as well as allowing the wall to
distribute the load evenly. A bond is a definite pattern of arrangement of bricks into a wall unit.
Brickwork bonds
Several types of brickwork bonds are used for the construction of buildings. However, in this book, we are
going to discuss on the three types of bonds which are; Stretcher bond, English bond and Header bond.
(a) Stretcher bond
As the name implies, Stretcher bond is a bond which consists of all
bricks laid as stretchers. Bricks are laid on the wall mostly exposing
their stretcher face on the face of the wall. Bricks are half bonded or half
lapped throughout the wall. This half lap is established by introducing
a half bat or half brick on half brick walls and a header on one brick
walls. Fig. 5.1 Stretcher bond

49
 Chapter DESIGN AND DRAWING

6
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• identify design and drawing instruments.
•• construct angles and shapes using geometrical instruments.
•• apply ICT skills in design and drawing.

Introduction
The construction work is communicated through drawings and pictures. As a result, this has called for
everyone interested or working in the construction industry to have a sound knowledge of the language
used. It is also important that you learn how to design and organise your work in a manner which is
understood by everyone in the construction industry. Learners as practising architects should learn to
draw different shapes and angles using geometrical instruments.

UNIT 6.1 DESIGN AND DRAWING

The world that we are living in is not stagnant, it is developing and people are competing for good and
unique building structures. The introduction of new materials has also brought about new technology
and designs.
Drawing and design
Designing and drawing is like other tasks which requires a set of instruments that will make the work
easier. Just as you go up with the profession, you will find that several instruments are there in the market
to enable designers to do their work quickly and accurately. As beginners, equipment one needs to have
when designing and drawing include:
•• drawing board.
•• set squares.
•• compass.
•• divider.
•• tee square.
•• ruler.
•• eraser.
•• pencil.
•• computer/laptop or computer aided drawings and designs.

52
 120mm
A B

1. Draw a straight line 100mm long.

2. Drawing a 90 degree angle:
(a) Draw a line AB.
(b) Open the compass to the radius more than half the line and make marks on the line AB, the striking
points being A and B.
(c) Using marks on the line AB, open the compass to any radius and make marks below and above the
line AB and name the points C and D.
(d) Draw a perpendicular bisector for points C to D passing through line AB.
NOTE: Angles AEC, BEC, DEA and BED are all 90 degrees.
Drawing a 60 degree angle
(a) Draw a straight line AB.
(b) Using the radius AB and the points A and B make arcs above AB at c. The resultant angle CAB is 60
degrees.
Drawing a 30 degree angle
C

o
30
o
A 30
B
2

Open the compass radius to any length less than AB/AC from point A. Make arcs to cut AB and AC at the
points you name 1 and 2 respectively.
Using the centres 1 and 2, open the compass radius to any length to make arcs meeting at D. Draw a line
from A passing through A and name it AD.
NOTE: Line AD bisects angle CAB into two angles of 30 degrees each.
Computer aided design and drawing (C.A.D)
Nowadays, computers have become the most important, useful and often vital element of many people’s
lives. They are useful for storing, retrieving, updating large amounts of information and processing
complex or repetitive calculations. In the construction industry, computers are also used to produce
drawings and schematics. Drawings are manipulated in 2D and in 3D easily using a computer. The use of
computers in designing and drawing is known as CAD (Computer Aided Designing).

54
 Activity 6.1 Individual work
With the help of your teacher, draw a rectangle with the dimension 10mm by 5mm.

Exercise 6.2
1. Name any four drawing instruments needed when starting a drawing lesson.
2. (a) Write down any three advantages of using CAD when designing and drawing.
(b) What does CAD stands for in design and drawing.
3. Using a compass, a pencil and a ruler draw the following angles:
(a) 45 degree angle
(b) 60 degree angle
(c) 120 degree angle

Interesting facts
Constructing a building on a sketch map or paper is equally important as building it.
Summary of the chapter
•• Design and drawing has proved to be the one of the most important aspect of construction.
•• Drawing instruments are used to draw straight lines, curved lines, inclined lines as well as drawing
angles of different sizes.
•• A drawing board is a small board with smooth surface where the drawing paper is secured when
designing and drawing.
•• ICT can be used in design and drawing in order to go along with the changing world of technology.
•• Computers have become the most important, useful and often vital element of many people’s lives.

Glossary of terms
CAD (Computer Aided Drawing) – drawings made through the use of computers.
Perpendicular bisector – line receding at 90 degrees dividing the line into two equal halves.
Radius – the distance from the circumference to the centre of the circle.
Striking point – the point from where the person is drawing from.

Revision Exercise
Structured Questions
1. State any three instruments used in designing.
2. Which instrument is used to draw circles?
3. Construct a triangle with the following angles:
(a) 120 degrees
(b) 60 degrees
4. Briefly distinguish between a;
(a) 30 and 45 degrees set squares
(b) divider and a compass.
5. Why is it important to constantly clean your drawing instruments when designing and drawing.
6. Draw a rectangle with the following dimensions 52mm by 11mm.

55
 Chapter SITE WORKS

7
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• select a suitable site for a building.
•• clear construction site.

Introduction
A site is a place where building operations are to take place. Before the actual construction work
commences, the client needs to seek an architect to draw working drawings for him or her that are
going to be used by the contractor when constructing buildings. On unserviced stands, there are also
preliminary site works that need to be undertaken before the construction work begins.

UNIT 7.1 PRELIMINARY SITE WORK

As we have indicated earlier, preliminary site works forms a basis for the better quality of the building. This
means to say that everyone on the site should see that these activities are done since they have a bearing
on the quality of the building. Preliminary site works include, site investigation, site clearance as well as
setting out. We will look at this later in this chapter.
Factors which determine site selection
There are many factors which determine choice of a site and these are as follow;
1. Nature of the ground (topography)
When choosing a site, people want to build on the ground or site that is costly in terms of money and
time. Gently sloping sites are suitable for construction work as they do not demand from the client.
Swampy areas may require the owner of stand to fill the depressions first before the actual construction
of the building. This may be also the case with sloppy areas. As a result, when people are being allowed
to choose, would rather choose a gentle slopping site, as it will save their money.
2. Type of the building
Type of soils play an important role in building construction. Building structures are constructed gaining
their support from the ground and it is the soil which makes this ground. There are different types of soil,
some are firm whilst others are weak. Therefore, it means extra care has to be taken on those buildings
constructed on weak soils than on firm soils, this could be inform of massive reinforcements, so as to
compensate the weakness of the soil.

56
 Chapter SUBSTRUCTURE

8
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• define a foundation.
•• state the importance of foundations.
•• name the different types of foundations.
•• outline the main components of the substructure.
•• give the two ways of excavating foundation trenches.
•• explain the safety measures to be undertaken when excavating trenches in different soils.
•• justify reasons for environmental conservation.

Introduction
A building is made up of two main components, the substructure and the superstructure. The goal of this
chapter is mainly on the substructure; the part which starts from the final floor level of the building to the
underside of the footing component. (This is commonly called the foundation). Walls in the substructure
are usually widened at their bases to allow even distribution of the loads imposed by the building into the
ground which would eventually prevent the walls from sinking. The bases may be constructed of stones,
bricks and concrete. The use of concrete is now common these days because of its strong qualities.

UNIT 8.1 THE FOUNDATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE

By definition, a foundation is the lowest part of a 45 Degrees

building that is in direct contact with the ground. to the horizontal plane
Its main function is to receive and transfer the loads
from the structure, safely into the ground. The
widened base of the foundation also plays a pivotal
role in stabilising the building.
For the foundation to serve its intended purpose, it
should meet the following attributes:
Fig. 8.1 Load distribution through the ground
(a) Strength
A good foundation should be strong enough to support the loads imposed on it without failure. It should
be constructed of sound and durable materials which would help it last for the life time of the building.
Plant roots should not easily pierce through foundations.

61
(b) Wide strip foundations

d.p.c
n.g.l n.g.l

reinforcements
thickness
1200

Fig. 8.5 Section through a wide strip foundation

The concrete strip is widened to spread the load of the wall to a sufficient area of subsoil for stability. Wide
strip foundations are ideal on subsoil of poor bearing capacity such as soft sandy clays. Reinforcement bars
can be inserted for additional strength.
(c) Deep strip foundations

floor screed

n.g.l
concrete slab
As required hard core
concrete footing

Fig. 8.6 Section through a deep strip foundation

The trench depth is variable but should be at least 1m with a width of 600mm. The concrete should have
a minimum depth of 225mm. This type of foundation is considered to be economic and is ideal where the
ground condition is good in strength/solidity.
2. Raft foundations

brick wall

n.g.l n.g.l

reinforcements bars raft foundation

Fig. 8.7 Section through a raft foundation
This comprises of a thick concrete slab resting on a large area of soil, reinforced with steel, supporting
walls or columns and transfer loads from the building to the soil. Raft foundations are ideal where the soil
condition is poor.

63
Exercise 8.1
1. Define the term substructure.
2. State any two materials that can be used for the construction of the substructure.
3. Identify the types of foundations which are commonly used in the construction industry.
4. Which of the foundations is ideal for isolated work?
5. Sketch any three foundation types and describe them fully.

UNIT 8.2 EXCAVATION OF TRENCHES

In construction terms, excavation refers to the process of removing soil to form a cavity in the ground.
It should be noted that top soil is not suitable to build on as it contains plant roots. It should thus be
removed to a minimum depth of 150mm and the soil be used for landscaping.
On small sites and confined places, excavation may be carried out manually using hand tools such as picks,
shovels, wheelbarrows and many others. The manual method is quite cheap and has the advantages of
accuracy and of creation of employment to many though it may be slow and tiresome. However, it is not
economic on larger projects.
Larger scale excavation works require heavy plant such as bulldozers and back actors. Though the use of
machinery make work easy, cost of production is becomes high.
Safety in excavations
Excavation or trenching work can be highly dangerous and may lead to death or even severe injuries if not
carried out safely. The hazards presented by this work include the following:
•• falling into trenches that collapse due to weakness of soil.
•• falls from height or being struck by falling objects.
•• striking underground services for example, gas, electrical wires and water and many others.
To reduce this, adequate precautions should be taken and this should include;
•• checking for underground services before excavation starts.
•• shoring of the excavation sides or sloping them at suitable angles to prevent the sides from
collapsing or materials falling onto workers in the excavation or trench.
•• avoiding vehicular or heavy objects near the edges of the excavation.
•• timbering the sides of the excavation.
•• erecting suitable barriers or warning shields around the perimeter of the excavation.
Need for environmental conservation
Your local environment supports you in every aspect of your life. The trees around us provide the much
needed oxygen as an example while some of them even provide fruits. Some living creatures also need
the natural environment for them to survive. In this regard, we need to maintain and preserve our
environment for the benefit of us as well as these creatures.
Methods of environmental conservation
Human activities such as the wanton cutting down of trees for construction purposes and agriculture tend
to degrade the environment in a number of ways. This has eventually led to soil erosion, destruction of the
natural ecosystem and worst of it to global warming. To prevent this, a number of measures need to be
taken. This includes the following;
•• Avoiding over sourcing from the environment.
•• Avoiding cutting down of trees without replacing them.

65
 •• Introducing afforestation projects throughout.
•• Making use of nano-destructive technologies which involve the use of alternatives in construction
works such as plastics among others.

Activity 8.3 Project based learning

1. Identify the human activities in your area that are likely to affect the local environment.
2. List down the effects which are clear results of over sourcing from the environment being experienced in
your area.
3. Suggest possible solutions to these problems.

Interesting facts
A building without a foundation is like a tree without roots, it will not stand the test of time.
Summary of chapter
•• The part of the building that start from the ground to the damp proof course is termed the
substructure.
•• The substructure is made of a number of components. These are the floor screed, oversite concrete,
hardcore and many others.
•• The widened base of a wall is a foundation. It is so widened for stability.
•• There is a wide range of foundations used in the construction industry that range from raft, pile,
pad and all the forms of strip foundations.
•• A number of factors are considered when deciding on the best foundation for any given structure.
•• Each of these foundations has appropriate ground conditions suitable. Trenching should be done
to reasonable depth depending with the foundation type.
•• Minimum depth of trenches shall be 450mm.
•• Trenching pose a lot of hazards to workers, machinery and passersby.
•• Safety precautions need to be initiated to reduce accidents.
•• Trenches in unstable soils need to be supported to prevent their collapse.
•• There is need to conserve our natural resources.
Glossary of terms
Excavation – the process of removing soil to form a cavity.
Foundation – an underlying base or support or a body or ground upon which the main building
rest.
Pad foundation – a structure that is meant to support localised single point loads such as piers.
Raft foundation – a thick concrete slab resting on a large area, reinforced with steel and support walls.

Revision Exercises
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A foundation is _________.
A. an expanded base of a wall B. that part of the building which is strong
C. trench dug to pour concrete D. top of a structure
2. Which of these is not a foundation type?
A. Pad B. Raft
C. Concrete footing D. Pile

66
 Chapter SUPER STRUCTURE

9
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• define terms associated with wall construction.
•• explain the functions and importance of walls.
•• explain the functions of wall openings on a building.
•• build wall openings.
•• define wall finishes.
•• identify indigenous and modern wall finishes.
•• outline the importance of wall finishes.
•• define the term, ‘roof’.
•• state the functions of roofs.

Introduction
As alluded earlier in chapter 8, a building is made of two main components namely the substructure
and the superstructure. These two components are merely separated by the damp proof course. The
superstructure is an upward extension from the slab and it usually serves the purpose of the structure’s
intended use. It is therefore entirely above the foundation or basement. It is the quest of this chapter to
discuss the components of the superstructure and outline the role they play on a building.

UNIT 9.1 WALLS

A wall is a structural element used to divide or enclose space to form the periphery of a room or a building.
This unit seeks to discuss terms that relate to walling.
Terms associated with walls
(a) Load bearing walls
These are walls which are meant to support the weight of the roof or upper floors. Most of the external
walls of a building are load bearing as they are the ones that support the roof. However, some internal wall
may be load bearing if they are subjected to loading. Load bearing walls should rest on strong foundations.
(b) Non-load bearing walls
Most internal or partition walls are non-load bearing walls. They do not carry any other load except their
own. They do not necessarily need to rest on strong foundation. Non-load bearing walls can be set on the
over site concrete.

69
Building the openings nails
The door opening
Steps
lugs
•• Determine the position of a door. props
•• Check the squareness of your frame.
•• Place it on its position.
•• Place the props. distance piece
•• Plumb it and adjust your props accordingly.
•• Put the distance piece in position. weight
•• Build on all sides fairly with the lugs open.
•• Constantly raise your distance piece as Fig. 9.5 Door opening
brick work courses increase. nails
•• Check the plumpness of the door post frame
regularly as brick work continues.
The window opening lugs
props
Steps
•• Mark the position of the window.
•• Place the window frame.
•• Adjust the frame to the required height.
•• Secure the frame using props.
•• Plumb the frame and adjust it to the builder’s weight
line. Fig. 9.6 Window opening
•• Build around the frame with the lugs open
so as to be embedded into the horizontal joints.

Activity 9.2 Individual work

1. Identify and list all the openings found on buildings within your school.
2. Suggest the purposes of all the openings you have listed in 1.

Exercise 9.2
1. State any three functions of a wall.
2. Define the following terms as they relate to walls;
(a) non-load bearing wall.
(b) separating wall.
(c) cavity wall.
3. (a) Name any three important types of openings found on a building.
(b) What purpose does each of the openings you mentioned serve?
(c) What is the difference between air vents and a permavents?
4. Show by means of a labelled diagram, how you would fit a window frame to a wall.
5. What are the functions of the following when fitting door frames to walls?
(i) lugs
(ii) weights
(iii) props
(iv) distance piece

72
(f) Wall papering
When a coloured and usually printed paper is pasted to a wall as a decorative covering, it is termed wall
papering. It is usually done on internal walls. However, the wall papers may come plain as a lining so that
it can be painted or used to cover uneven surfaces and minor wall defects, thus giving a better textured
surface.
Activity 9.3 Critical thinking
1. Analyse the wall finishing on the structures in your community.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with the finishing you have identified?

UNIT 9.4 ROOFS

A roof is the top covering of a building, inclusive of all the materials and constructions necessary to support
it on the walls of the building. It also acts as an external envelope. It can also be defined as a combination of
the roof cover, trusses, purlins and many others. The roof serves a number of functions.

Fig. 9.15 Hipped roof Fig. 9.16 Gabled roof/gable end roof

Functions of a roof
The roof of a structure serves a number of purposes. Chief among the function is the provision of
protection against rain, snow, sunlight, extreme temperatures and wind. The nature of the roof also has
an effect on the appearance of a building. Some roof types enhance the beauty of a structure whilst some
may even give an unfinished appearance to the building.
The characteristics of a roof are dependent upon the following:
•• purpose of the building that it covers.
•• the available roofing materials.
•• the local traditions of construction.
A roof protects primarily against rain depending on the use of the structure. A veranda may have a roof
cover that protects against sunlight but may admit other elements. The roof of a garden conservatory
protects plants from the cold, wind and rain but admits light.

Activity 9.4 Conducting a survey

1. Carry out a survey to establish the traditional wall finishes and the modern wall finishes used on structures in
your locality.
2. Out of your findings, compare the prevalence on the use of traditional wall finishes versus the modern ones.

75
4. Which of these wall openings is made to ventilate the ceiling?
A. Air vent B. Window opening C. Permavent D. Door opening
5. What is the purpose of lugs on a frame?
A. To secure frames into the walls B. To decorate the frames
C. Mark the ends of the frame D. None of these
6. The following are purposes of a window opening except to ____________.
A. provide access to and exit a building B. allow free flow of air
C. facilitate lighting D. improve beauty of a structure
7. What happens to the vertical posts of a door frame if the distance piece is not placed during construction?
A. They may curve inwards. B. They may curve outwards.
C. The frame becomes big. D. Nothing happens.
8. Which of these modern wall finishes uses pigments in its application?
A. Cladding B. Painting C. Tiling D. Wall papering
9. A combination of beams, rafters, wall plates, purlins and a covering material is called a____________.
A. structure B. roof C. superstructure D. wall
10. Which of these is not a function of a roof?
A. Expelling weather elements. B. External envelope.
C. Beautification. D. Exposure.

Structured Questions
1. (a) What is a ‘wall’?
(b) State one purpose that a wall serves on structure?
(c) Explain these terms;
(i) Non-load bearing wall.
(ii) Load bearing wall.
(iii) Cavity wall.
(iv) Masonry wall. [10]
2. (a) Identify any three different openings that are important on a habitable room. [3]
(b) Explain the purposes of the openings you have mentioned in (a) above. [6]
(c) Distinguish air vent from permavents. [1]
3. (a) (i) What are wall finishes? [1]
(ii) Cite two traditional wall finishes and three modern wall finishes. [5]
(b) (i) What do you understand by wall papering? [2]
(ii) Which wall finish do you consider to be the best? Why? [2]
4. (a) (i) Define a roof using own words. [1]
(ii) State any three functions of a roof. [3]
(b) Using a labelled sketch, show the different components of a roof structure. [6]

Essay Questions
1. Identify any five modern wall finishes of your choice and describe them fully. [25]
2. With the aid of a well labelled sketch, explain how you would fit a door frame to a wall. [25]

Practical Question
1. Using locally available materials make a model of a building and show all the important openings.
Apply a finish of your choice on the walls of the model.

77
 Chapter QUANTITIES

10
Chapter objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
•• identify the different shapes that are found on existing buildings.
•• calculate areas of shapes and volumes of objects.

Introduction
Buildings are complex objects which are made up of a combination of different shapes. You can note that
some parts of walls and roofs may be rectangular whilst some may be triangular. A closer look at completed
structures may further reveal that some of parts exist as prisms. This chapter will help you to explore and
have an appreciation of these shapes. Being able to identify these shapes and calculate their areas and
volumes as the first step that enables one to make intelligent estimation of the quantities of materials that
would otherwise be needed to put up the structures.

UNIT 10.1 AREAS OF SHAPES

In the construction industry, you will need to calculate the surface areas and volumes of a variety of
shapes. You will appreciate that buildings are generally made of a combination of these objects. Let us
try to have a look at these common shapes.
Shapes used on buildings
The shapes that appear on buildings are varied.
Gables are usually triangular whilst some roof sides
may be rectangular. You may also notice that some
window openings may be square whilst some may
even be circular.

On the other hand, water tanks may be cylindrical

while others may take the form of cuboids. Whether
it is a triangle, rectangle or even a cylinder, each
shape has a specific formula that you must use to
find its measurements. We are going to examine the Fig. 10.1 Part of a building showing a combination of
formulas you will need to find out the surface area of shapes
plane shapes and the volume of three dimensional
shapes.

78
Volume of a cylindrical structure
Since a cylinder has a circular base, finding its volume can be done by first finding the area of that base
and then multiply it by the height of the cylinder. This gives the formula, h.
Example 1
A circular toilet pit whose radius is 0,75m was dug to a depth of 3m. Find the volume of soil to be carted
away.

Solution: Formula = cross-sectional area x depth of trench.

Therefore, π χ x 0,75m² x 3m = 5,30m3

Example 2
A trench, 15m long, 0,7m wide and 0,45m deep was dug. What is the volume of soil excavated from the trench?

Solution: Formula = Length x Width x Height

Therefore, 15m x 0, 7m x 0, 45m = 4,725m²

Activity 10.2 Project

1. Analyse the structures within your school and list the solid shapes that they resemble.
2. Circular toilet pits are recommended these days than the square ones. What do you think could be the reason?
3. Make a model of a three roomed house with a number of shapes on it.

Exercise 10. 2
1. A toilet pit has a depth of 3m. Its sides are 1,2m and 1,2m respectively. What is the volume of the
excavated soils?
2. A water tank has an internal diameter of 2,8m and its height is 3,35m. What is the volume of water
contained by this tank when full?
3. Copy the table below and fill in with the missing information;

Item Name of prism Formula for finding volume

1. Cuboid
2. Cylinder
3. Rectangular prism
4. A concrete lintel measures 1,2m by 0,2m by 0,2m. Calculate the volume of concrete used.
5. Draw and label any four different solid shapes that are common on buildings.

Interesting facts
1. Each and every building is made up of a combination of more than one shape.
2. Circular toilet pits are stronger and last longer than the square or rectangular ones.
Summary of the chapter
•• Buildings are generally made of a combination of different shapes.
•• Plane shapes do not have a thickness.

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7. Find the volume of water that can be used to fill the tank using the information provided.

internal dimensions of cubic tank = 2,1m

external dimensionsare 2,23m

A. 9,262m2 B. 9,261m3 C. 11,09m2 D. 11,09m3

8. A concrete strip, 11,9m long and 0,23m thick was removed from a trench whose width is 0,7m. What is
the overall thickness of this concrete piece?
A. 1,9159m2 B. 1,9159m3 C. 12,83m2 D. 12,83m3
9. A 20 litres bucket of paint can be used to paint 12m2 of a plastered wall. How many buckets of paint can
be applied on a plastered surface which is 18m2 in area?
A. 40 B. 30 C. 32 D. 8

Structured Questions
1. Study the structure given and answer the questions below;

(a) (i) How many shapes can you extract from the structure? [4]
(ii) Name at least three of these shapes. [3]
(b) Given that the building is 15m long, 7m wide and 3m high to wall plate level, calculate the area
occupied by the building. [3]
2. (a) The diagram below is a typical brick wall. Find the total area of;
(i) openings.
(ii) brick work. [10]
1.8m

0.85m 1.5m

window
1.3m

3m

door opening
2.1m

opening

12m

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Index
A E
Accident 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 32, Ecosystem 65
34, 37, 39, 66, 67, 85, 87, 88, 90 Electrocution 86, 87, 88, 89
Aesthetic 1, 2, 7, 9, 73, 74, 76 Elevation 51, 91
Afforestation 66, 67 Emergency 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20, 34
Ambulance 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 34 Erosion 47, 65
Architecture 7, 8 Excavation 13, 62, 64, 65, 66
Ashes 9
F
Asphyxiation 16, 17
Atmosphere 86 First aid 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 34, 35, 40, 85, 87,
Axe 25, 26, 27, 31, 37 88, 89
Fracture 16, 19
B Frost 1
Bamboo 46, 48, 73, 74 G
Bat 49, 50, 51, 91
Beams 4, 7, 9, 23, 26, 45, 46, 77 Gables 71, 78, 79
Boaster 26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 31, 33, 37 Gauge rod 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 35
Bonding 49, 50, 51, 60, 90, 91 Global warming 65, 86
Bricklayer 6, 21, 22, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 38 Goggles 12
Burns 16, 17, 35, 40, 87, 89 H
C Hacksaw 8, 26, 28, 33
Cabins 1, 8 Hawk 21, 23, 31, 36
Canals 7 Hazard 14, 65, 66, 67, 87, 88
Cardio-pulmonary 17, 87 Helmet 13, 14, 20, 37
Carpentry 6 Hexagon 26, 79, 84
Casualty 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 35, 87, 88, 89 I
Cavity 65, 66, 70, 72, 76
Cement 14, 19, 22, 23, 29, 32, 33, 42, 43, 44, 45, Induction 13, 19
48, 60, 74, 80 Inspector 9
Chisel 20, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 58 Installation 6, 90
Circuit 20, 86, 87
L
Clinkers 43, 48
Combustible 12 Lap 49, 50, 51, 60, 91
Combustion 12 Limestone 43, 48
Compass 52, 53, 54, 55, 60 Lugs 72, 76, 77, 91
Concrete 9, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 32, 42, 43, 44,
45, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 80, M
81, 83, 90, 92 Masonry 3, 47, 70, 73
Contamination 16 Mattock 25, 26, 30, 31, 33, 36,
Cow dung 5, 9 Mechanical 43, 44, 57, 58, 60, 67, 88
D Modern 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 42, 69, 73, 75, 76, 77, 85
Mortar 3, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31,
Design 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 34, 35, 37, 52, 54, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 42, 43, 44, 45, 70,
55, 57, 58, 79 74
Dimension 50, 55, 67, 78, 80, 82, 83

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