Question

The Zambian Government has embarked on various developmental projects throughout the country. The
projects include Water and Sanitation, Roads, Schools and Hospitals. Private companies have also invested
in shopping malls in various parts of the country. This has resulted in a boost for the construction industry.
a. Discuss why there is an increase in the use of steel as compared to concrete in most of the building
works around the country under construction.
b. Consider the iron value chain from material extraction to disposal, at what point according to your
assessment is the most energy used? As a design engineer, at what stage do you think is your
intervention most important and what role can you play in making iron more sustainable?

c. One of the project which the Government is implementing is the water project in Western Province
of Zambia particularly Mongu District. Two surface concrete reservoirs of 1.5 Mega litres each will
be constructed within the Central Business District (CBD). Since the site is within the CBD, the wall
fence should be built and source of sand for block moulding will come from the same site as the area
is sandy and it is quite large. As a material/site Engineer advice on the type of material, construction
and precaution which should be considered for this project.
d. Some works which have already been completed for the water project especially buildings
constructed of concrete roofing have started leaking after 1 year. What could be the possible causes
of leaking roofs and how can this be sorted out.

Answer 1