Excavations, Foundations & Reinforced Concrete is one of 9 topics in the Grade 11 Civil 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 datum peg used for on a construction site?
It is a fixed reference point at a known height, from which all other levels on site can be consistently measured
It is a type of foundation used only for very small buildings
It is a tool used to compact loose soil before excavation
It is a temporary formwork support for a concrete column
Answer: It is a fixed reference point at a known height, from which all other levels on site can be consistently measured — A datum peg is a fixed reference point established at a known height, from which all other levels on site (excavation depth, foundation top level, floor level) can be consistently measured and checked.
Easy
2. Which foundation type is an isolated, roughly square or rectangular block of concrete supporting a single point load, typically beneath an individual column?
A pad foundation
A wide strip foundation
A short bored (auger) pile foundation
A cavity wall foundation
Answer: A pad foundation — A pad foundation is an isolated, roughly square or rectangular block of concrete supporting a single point load, typically beneath an individual column.
Medium
3. Name the method of manually removing water from a small excavation using a bucket, where a pump is not practical or available.
Answer: baling — Baling is manually removing water from an excavation using a bucket, suited to smaller quantities of water where a pump is not practical or available.
