Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 18
Grade code: 2.3.2.LI.3
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.3.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.3.2.LI.3
Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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Every building you see in our communities, from the smallest kiosk to the tallest building in Accra, starts with a strong foundation. The foundation is the part of the building that is in the ground, and it carries the entire weight of the structure above it. To build this foundation, we must first dig into the earth. This process of digging is called excavation. In this lesson, we will explore the different ways we dig foundation trenches, the tools and machines we use, and most importantly, how to do it safely. Understanding excavation is the first critical step to understanding how safe, strong, and durable buildings are constructed in Ghana and around the world.
A. What is Excavation?
Excavation is the process of digging, removing, and moving earth (soil, clay, rock) from a site to create a hole, cavity, or trench. In building construction, this is done primarily to prepare for the construction of the foundation.
The Purpose of Foundation Trenches: We dig foundation trenches for two main reasons: To Reach Firm Ground: The topsoil is often loose and cannot support the weight of a building. We must dig down to a stronger, more stable layer of soil called the firm stratum or load-bearing stratum. To Create Space for the Foundation: The trench creates the mould or formwork into which concrete is poured to create the foundation (e.g., a strip foundation). B. Methods of Excavation
There are two main methods of excavation, determined by the scale of the project, soil type, cost, and available technology. Manual Excavation