EPN2601 MAJOR TEST 1 2023-Sem 2

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

TEST NO: 01 (Major Test 1) – Assessment No: 03

Semester Course

EPN2601

Earthworks and Pavement Design

Examiner: Mr Nelson Shandu

Marks: 50 Internal Moderator: Mr. E. Zumba
Weight of Assessment: 30% External Moderator:
Duration: 2 Hours
INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL STUDENTS:
CLOSED/OPEN BOOK TEST (ANNEXURES INCLUDED FOR REFERENCE)

YOUR SCRIPT MUST BE SAVED WITH STUDENT NO_SUBJECT CODE AND

UPLOADED ON ASSESSMENT PLATFORM.
• Honesty Declaration must be completed
• The module is IRIS invigilated
Additional student instructions
1. Students must upload their answer scripts in a single PDF file (answer scripts must
not be password protected or uploaded as “read only” files)
2. NO emailed scripts will be accepted.
3. Students are advised to preview submissions (answer scripts) to ensure legibility
and that the correct answer script file has been uploaded.
4. Students are permitted to resubmit their answer scripts should their initial
submission be unsatisfactory.
5. Incorrect file format and uncollated answer scripts will not be considered.
6. Incorrect answer scripts and/or submissions made on unofficial examinations
platforms (including the invigilator cellphone application) will not be marked and no
opportunity will be granted for resubmission.
7. Mark awarded for incomplete submission will be the student’s final mark. No
opportunity for resubmission will be granted.
8. Mark awarded for illegible scanned submission will be the student’s final mark. No
opportunity for resubmission will be granted.
9. Submissions will only be accepted from registered student accounts.
10. Students who have not utilised invigilation or proctoring tools will be subjected to
disciplinary processes.
11. Students suspected of dishonest conduct during the examinations will be
subjected to disciplinary processes. UNISA has a zero tolerance for plagiarism and/or any
other forms of academic dishonesty.
12. Students are provided 30 MINUTES to submit their answer scripts after the official
examination time. Submissions made after the official examination time will be rejected.
 EPN2601 MAJOR TEST 1 2023-Sem 2

QUESTION 1 [20 MARKS]

1. What is "formation level" and how is it useful in estimating quantities for
roadworks? (2)
2. Explain the difference between "clearing" and "grubbing" (4)

3. Explain how to deal with the development of excessive pore water pressures and
consequent instability in soft soils below high road embankments. (4)
4. Define "bank volume", "loose volume" and "compacted volume" (6)
5. Define "shrinkage factor" and "swell factor" (4)

QUESTION 2 [20 MARKS]

2.1 Calculate the volumes of the ditch below. (15)

2.2 If a material bulks 10% upon excavation and loses 15% of its loose volume upon
compaction, calculate the shrinkage factor (5)

QUESTION 3 [10 MARKS]

Calculate the E80’s for the following vehicles (10)
Bus, 2 axles, vehicles mass 6000 kg, load 5000kg
Truck, 3 axles, vehicle mass 4000 kg, load 5000kg
(Assume equal load distribution over the axles).

[TOTAL = 50 MARKS]
©UNISA
2023

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