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

QUESTION 3: ROOFS, STAIRCASES AND JOINING (SPECIFIC) 
3.1 5°/10/30° ✔ (1)
3.2 1 400 mm ✔ (1)
3.3  
(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) 

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 
(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
 (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 (8)  

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 

 LEFT VIEW INCORRECTLY DRAWN -1  (6) 

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 

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

(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 
(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 

(10) [40] 
TOTAL: 200