Excavations & Foundations is one of 9 topics in the Grade 12 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. Why must excavated material (spoil) be kept set back from the edge of a trench?
Its weight close to the edge adds pressure that could cause the trench side to collapse
Spoil placement has no effect on trench stability
Spoil must always be placed directly on the trench edge for easy backfilling
Spoil is only a concern for excavations deeper than 10 metres
Answer: Its weight close to the edge adds pressure that could cause the trench side to collapse — Spoil piled close to a trench edge adds extra load that increases the pressure on the trench wall, raising the risk of collapse.
Easy
2. What must be provided for any trench deep enough that a worker could not simply step out?
Safe access and egress, such as a ladder
Nothing extra is required if workers are experienced
A single narrow plank with no railing
Only a warning sign at the surface
Answer: Safe access and egress, such as a ladder — Safe access and egress, typically a ladder, must be provided for any trench too deep for a worker to simply step out of.
Medium
3. Name the general term for excavated material removed from a trench or hole and piled nearby.
Answer: spoil — Spoil is the term for excavated material removed from a trench or excavation.
