7/28/2019 Tutorial 1 - Preliminary Works

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ATGB1303 Construction Technology I

Tutorial 1: Preliminary Works

Self-Assessment Questions

1. Identify the TEN (10) stages of building construction process.

2. Identify the preliminary works which will be undertaken by the main contractor before

the physical construction work on site.

3. To determine the nature and bearing capacity of subsoil, it is necessary to conduct soil

investigation around the construction site of a building.

a. Define soil investigation. Distinguish soil investigation from site exploration.

b. Discuss the purposes of soil investigation.

c. From the soil investigation, soil samples can be obtained as disturbed or

undisturbed samples. Explain your understanding of disturbed and undisturbed

soil samples.

d. With the aid of sketches, describe the TWO (2) common methods of soil

investigation in order to determine the nature and bearing capacity of subsoil.

e. State the factors which will influence the method of soil investigation chosen.

f. Suggest a general guide to determine the most suitable method of soil

investigation for a building construction project.

4. Compare the characteristics between coarse-grained non-cohesive soils and fine-grained

cohesive soils. Discuss the effects of foundation located on such subsoils.

5. The precise placing of a building on a construction site is determined by setting out. With

the aid of sketches, describe the process of setting out.

6. Before a foundation can be constructed, it is necessary to undertake excavation and

timbering.

a. In the context of building construction, define your understanding of excavation

and timbering.

b. Identify the FOUR (4) types of excavation works that are usually carried out on a

construction site. Describe each of them with the aid of sketches.

c. Suggest the suitable builder plants which are applicable for the excavation works

as identified above and then explain how each builder plant can perform.

d. Discuss the purposes of providing timbering to sides of excavation.

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7/28/2019 Tutorial 1 - Preliminary Works

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ATGB1303 Construction Technology I

Tutorial 1: Preliminary Works

e. In simple terms, differentiate between open and close timbering. Support your

answers with the aid of diagrams.

f. State the factors which influence the method of excavation and timbering in a

building construction project.

g. Suggest the safety measures to comply during the stage of excavation and

timbering in a building construction project.

7. Compare the differences of trench excavation and timbering in firm soils and weak and

waterlogged soils.

8. Sketch and label a cross section to suggest a suitable timbering system for an excavated

trench of 0.900m deep in the following subsoil conditions: -

a. Hard soils

b. Firm soils

c. Loose dry soils

d. Loose wet soils

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