Building & Construction: Foundations, Concrete & Brickwork
Building & Construction: Foundations, Concrete & Brickwork is one of 9 topics in the Grade 11 Agricultural Technology CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. What is a concrete ration (mix ratio)?
The specific proportions of cement, sand, stone and water used to make concrete
The daily amount of concrete a builder is allowed to mix
A type of foundation used only on soft soil
A brick bond pattern
Answer: The specific proportions of cement, sand, stone and water used to make concrete — A concrete ration (mix ratio) is the specific proportions of cement, sand, stone and water mixed to produce concrete, such as a common 1:2:3 ratio.
Easy
2. What is the main purpose of a building foundation?
To transfer the weight of the building down into the ground without causing uneven sinking or shifting
To provide the final decorative finish of a building
To store water for the building's plumbing system
To generate electricity for the building
Answer: To transfer the weight of the building down into the ground without causing uneven sinking or shifting — A foundation transfers the weight (load) of a building down into the ground, spreading that load over enough soil area to prevent uneven sinking or shifting.
Medium
3. Name the steel bar embedded within concrete to compensate for concrete's weakness in tension.
Answer: rebar — Steel reinforcing bar (rebar), embedded within concrete, compensates for concrete's weakness in tension, since steel is strong in tension while concrete is strong mainly in compression.
