4.1 The excavation of soil on a building site is necessary to establish a firm foundation - NSC Civil Technology Construction - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
4.1 The excavation of soil on a building site is necessary to establish a firm foundation.
4.1.1 What is the minimum distance that excavated soil can be stored from... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4.1 The excavation of soil on a building site is necessary to establish a firm foundation - NSC Civil Technology Construction - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
4.1.1 What is the minimum distance that excavated soil can be stored from the trench?
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Answer
The minimum distance that excavated soil can be stored from the trench is 600 mm. This ensures that the stability of the trench walls is maintained and prevents the risk of collapse due to the weight of the stored soil.
Step 2
4.1.2 What is a safe distance for heavy machinery to move around a deep excavation?
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A safe distance for heavy machinery to move around a deep excavation is 1 meter. This distance minimizes the risk of machinery inadvertently causing the excavation to collapse.
Step 3
4.1.3 Describe TWO reasons why an excavation can collapse.
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Heavy rains can lead to water infiltration, which weakens the walls of the excavation.
Poor soil strata, structure, or composition can result in unstable trench walls, increasing the likelihood of a collapse.
Step 4
4.1.4 What is the maximum depth of a trench in which workers can work without the sides of the trench being braced?
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The maximum depth of a trench that workers can work in without the sides being braced is 1.5 meters. Beyond this depth, bracing is necessary to ensure safety.
Step 5
4.1.5 What can help to prevent the sides of excavations from collapsing?
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To prevent the sides of excavations from collapsing, methods such as using formwork or shuttering systems can be installed. These structures provide support and maintain the integrity of the excavation.
Step 6
4.2 FIGURE 4.2 below shows two types of shuttering used in excavations. Study FIGURE 4.2 below and answer the questions that follow.
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Answer
Based on the figure, Type A is suitable for shallow trenches or loose soil, while Type B is appropriate for use in firm soil. This distinction helps ensure stability and safety in construction activities.
