WAEC Building Construction Syllabus 2024/2025

WAEC Building Construction Syllabus are now available for students who are preparing to start their WAEC examination. Check it out and prepare for your examination well.

WAEC Building Construction Past Questions

Building construction exams are designed to test both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed in the field. The exams are split into three different papers, each focusing on specific topics, with set durations and grading methods. The syllabus includes a broad range of subjects to make sure students get a thorough education in building construction.

Examination Structure

Paper 1: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Questions: 40 multiple choice
• Marks: 40

Paper 1 is designed to test the fundamental knowledge of students in a quick and efficient manner. The multiple choice format allows for a broad range of topics to be covered within a limited time frame.

Paper 2: Essay

• Duration: 1 hour
• Questions: 5 short structured questions (students are required to answer 4)
• Marks: 60

Paper 2 assesses the students’ ability to articulate their understanding of building construction concepts through structured essay questions. This format encourages critical thinking and detailed explanations of various topics.

Composite Paper (Papers 1 & 2)

• Duration: 1¾ hours
• Total Marks: 100

This composite paper combines both the multiple choice and essay questions, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the students’ knowledge and analytical skills in a single session.

Paper 3: Building Drawing

• Duration: 2½ hours
• Questions: 4 questions (1 compulsory and 2 others)
• Marks: Compulsory question (40 marks), others (30 marks each)

Paper 3 focuses on practical skills in building drawing. Students must demonstrate their ability to produce detailed and accurate drawings, which are essential for the planning and execution of construction projects.

Detailed Syllabus

1. Introduction to Building

• Definition of building: Understanding what constitutes a building.
• Classification and types: Various types and classifications of buildings.
• National Building Codes: Introduction to building regulations and bylaws.

2. Building Construction and Construction Team

• Building construction: Definition, purpose, and procedures.
• Construction team: Roles of clients, contractors, and statutory personnel.
• Team functions and relationships: Understanding the interrelations and responsibilities within the construction team.

3. Safety Practices

• Safety rules and regulations: Fundamental safety practices in construction.
• Hazards: Identifying potential hazards in workshops and construction sites.
• Accident prevention: Methods and equipment for preventing accidents.
• Safety equipment and first aid: Essential safety gear and first aid procedures.

4. Basic Tools, Equipment, and Machines

• Identification and functions: Recognizing and understanding the purpose of various tools and equipment.
• Care and maintenance: Proper handling and maintenance of construction tools.

5. Site Clearing and Levelling

• Operations involved: Steps in site clearing.
• Tools and equipment: Equipment used for site clearing and levelling.
• Site levelling: Basic operations for leveling a construction site.

6. Site Organization and Layout

• Preliminary operations: Initial steps in building construction.
• Site layout procedures: Methods for organizing a construction site, including boundary lines, hoarding, and access roads.

7. Setting Out

• Methods: Techniques such as the 3:4:5 method and builders’ square method.
• Tools and equipment: Essential tools for setting out a construction site.

8. Building Drawing

• Drawing tools: Using drawing tools and basic geometry exercises related to building.
• Building symbols and scales: Understanding and applying building drawing symbols and scales.
• Production drawings: Creating and interpreting plans, elevations, sections, and details.
• Autocad: Introduction to computer-aided design for building drawings.

9. Excavation and Earthwork

• Soil properties: Classification and types of soil.
• Excavation methods: Techniques and equipment for excavation.
• Safety rules: Ensuring safety during excavation.

10. Foundation

• Purpose and types: Understanding the purpose of foundations and the factors that determine their choice.

11. Ground Floors

• Functions and methods: Types and construction methods of ground floors.
• Basements: Definition and problems associated with basements in buildings.

12. Suspended Floors

• Upper floors: Definitions, functions, and construction methods for concrete and timber upper floors.

13. Concrete

• Types and materials: Understanding the types of concrete and the materials used.
• Production process: Steps involved in producing concrete.
• Concrete testing: Various types of tests for concrete.

14. Walls

• Types and functions: Different types of walls and their functions.
• Wall materials: Properties and manufacturing processes of wall materials, including locally sourced materials.
• Wall construction: Methods for constructing walls and openings.

15. Doors and Windows

• Types and functions: Understanding different types of doors and windows and their methods of mixing frames.

16. Staircases

• Types and uses: Classification and materials used for staircases.

17. Plumbing Installations and Drainage System

• Plumbing fittings: Types and materials used in plumbing.
• Sanitary appliances: Installation and principles of drainage systems.

18. Electrical Installation and Solar Energy System

• Wiring and materials: Identifying electrical symbols, wiring types, and components of solar energy systems.

19. Roofs

• Types and materials: Understanding the purpose, types, and materials used for roofs and their coverings.

20. Finishes

• Floor, wall, and ceiling finishes: Types, characteristics, and methods of applying finishes.

21. External Work

• Fencing, gates, and access roads: Types and materials used in external construction work, including landscaping.

22. Types of Business Organization and Ways of Raising Capital

• Business principles: Types of business organizations in the building industry and sources of capital.

23. Bookkeeping

• Small scale businesses: Practices for bookkeeping and original entries.

24. Contract Work

• Contracts: Definitions, types, documents, and parties involved in contract work.

Suggested Reading List

1. Stephen Emmitt and Christopher A. Gorse: Barry’s Introduction to Construction in Buildings
2. M. O. Obande: Blocklaying and Concreting
3. R. Barry: The Construction of Buildings Vols I–V
4. Ivor H. Seeley: Building Technology
5. S. C. O. A. Ezeji: Building Construction
6. Nash: Brickwork Vols 1–3
7. R. Chudley: Building Construction Handbook
8. W. B. Mckay: Building Construction Vols 1–4
9. Roger Greeno: Principles of Construction
10. Adesokan and M. O. Adeniyi: Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools Vols 1–3
11. R. Chuelley: Construction Technology Vols 1–4
12. C. M. H. Barritt: Advanced Building Construction Vols 1 & 2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the building construction exam?

The exam has three papers. Paper 1 has 40 multiple choice questions, Paper 2 has 5 essay questions (answer 4), and Paper 3 involves building drawing. The total marks for Papers 1 and 2 combined are 100, and Paper 3 is also worth 100 marks.

What topics are covered in the building construction syllabus?

The syllabus covers everything from basic tools and safety practices to detailed topics like foundations, walls, roofs, plumbing, and electrical installations. It also includes building drawing and business principles related to construction.

How long do I have to complete the exam?

You have 1¾ hours for Papers 1 and 2 combined, and 2½ hours for Paper 3. So, in total, you need to be prepared for about 4 hours of testing.

What resources can help me prepare for the exam?

Recommended books include “Barry’s Introduction to Construction in Buildings” by Stephen Emmitt and Christopher A. Gorse, “Blocklaying and Concreting” by M. O. Obande, and “Building Technology” by Ivor H. Seeley, among others.

Conclusion

The building construction exam is comprehensive, testing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It covers a wide range of topics essential for understanding and working in construction. With thorough preparation using the suggested reading materials and a clear understanding of the exam format, students can confidently tackle this challenging assessment.