Civil Engineering MCQ – Building Materials

Hey everyone! Welcome to our blog post on Civil Engineering MCQs, where today we’re digging into Building Materials. It’s all about the stuff used to make buildings stand up and last!

Building Materials include everything from bricks and cement to steel and glass. These materials are the foundation of any construction project, making sure buildings are strong, durable, and can withstand weather and time. It’s like choosing the right ingredients for a recipe to ensure your cake comes out perfect.

These comprehensive MCQ questions and answers related to Building Materials are accessible to assist civil engineering students in their preparation for GATE exams, various technical interviews, competitive examinations, and other entrance exams. The Building Materials MCQ section is a crucial topic for both civil engineering and GATE aspirants.

1. Which material is commonly used for the construction of load-bearing walls?

a) Glass
b) Timber
c) Brick
d) Aluminum

Answer:

c) Brick

Explanation:

Brick is a common material used for constructing load-bearing walls due to its strength, durability, and load-bearing capacity.

2. Concrete is a composite material consisting of:

a) Cement, water, and aggregates
b) Sand, clay, and water
c) Lime, gypsum, and aggregates
d) Cement, lime, and water

Answer:

a) Cement, water, and aggregates

Explanation:

Concrete is a composite material made from a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates like sand, gravel, or crushed stone.

3. The primary purpose of adding reinforcement in concrete is to:

a) Increase its compressive strength
b) Enhance its aesthetic appeal
c) Improve its tensile strength
d) Make it more workable

Answer:

c) Improve its tensile strength

Explanation:

Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. Adding reinforcement, such as steel bars, improves its tensile strength.

4. Which of the following is a characteristic of a good building stone?

a) High absorption of water
b) High porosity
c) High durability
d) Low crushing strength

Answer:

c) High durability

Explanation:

A good building stone should have high durability to withstand various environmental conditions over a long period.

5. The main constituent of cement is:

a) Lime
b) Silica
c) Alumina
d) Gypsum

Answer:

a) Lime

Explanation:

Lime (calcium oxide) is the main constituent of cement, contributing to its strength and binding properties.

6. Which type of wood is commonly used for structural framing?

a) Softwood
b) Hardwood
c) Plywood
d) MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

Answer:

a) Softwood

Explanation:

Softwoods, like pine and spruce, are commonly used for structural framing due to their strength, availability, and cost-effectiveness.

7. The property of a material to resist scratching and abrasion is known as:

a) Toughness
b) Hardness
c) Elasticity
d) Plasticity

Answer:

b) Hardness

Explanation:

Hardness is the property of a material that enables it to resist deformation, typically measured by the ability to resist scratching and abrasion.

8. Gypsum is primarily used in construction for:

a) Producing cement
b) Flooring
c) Making plaster of Paris
d) Waterproofing

Answer:

c) Making plaster of Paris

Explanation:

Gypsum is used to make plaster of Paris, which is widely used in construction for plastering walls and making decorative features.

9. Which material is commonly used for thermal insulation in buildings?

a) Concrete
b) Brick
c) Glass wool
d) Steel

Answer:

c) Glass wool

Explanation:

Glass wool is a common material used for thermal insulation in buildings due to its excellent insulating properties and light weight.

10. The primary function of aggregates in concrete is to:

a) Increase the volume
b) Enhance the color
c) Improve the compressive strength
d) Reduce the cost

Answer:

c) Improve the compressive strength

Explanation:

Aggregates provide compressive strength and bulk to concrete, as well as reducing shrinkage and aiding durability.

11. The process of mixing lime with water and sand to form mortar is known as:

a) Calcination
b) Slaking
c) Blending
d) Curing

Answer:

b) Slaking

Explanation:

Slaking is the process of mixing lime with water and sand to create mortar, which is used for binding bricks and stones.

12. A common material used for waterproofing in construction is:

a) Paint
b) Bitumen
c) Cement
d) Gypsum

Answer:

b) Bitumen

Explanation:

Bitumen, a viscous black mixture of hydrocarbons, is commonly used for waterproofing and roofing due to its water-resistant properties.

13. The ingredient in cement that regulates the setting time is:

a) Silica
b) Alumina
c) Lime
d) Gypsum

Answer:

d) Gypsum

Explanation:

Gypsum is added to cement to regulate its setting time, preventing it from setting too quickly.

14. The main advantage of using steel in construction is its:

a) Aesthetic appearance
b) High strength-to-weight ratio
c) Low cost
d) Resistance to fire

Answer:

b) High strength-to-weight ratio

Explanation:

Steel is widely used in construction due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for the construction of large and complex structures.

15. The characteristic of being able to withstand heavy loads without failure is known as:

a) Ductility
b) Elasticity
c) Brittleness
d) Strength

Answer:

d) Strength

Explanation:

Strength is the capacity of a material to withstand loads without failure, a crucial property for construction materials.

16. Which type of glass is typically used for windows?

a) Tempered glass
b) Laminated glass
c) Float glass
d) Tinted glass

Answer:

c) Float glass

Explanation:

Float glass is commonly used for windows due to its clarity, uniform thickness, and cost-effectiveness.

17. The primary reason for adding admixtures to concrete is to:

a) Change its color
b) Improve its workability
c) Increase its weight
d) Reduce its strength

Answer:

b) Improve its workability

Explanation:

Admixtures are added to concrete to modify its properties, such as improving workability, increasing set time, or enhancing durability.

18. The main component of glass is:

a) Lime
b) Silica sand
c) Alumina
d) Sodium carbonate

Answer:

b) Silica sand

Explanation:

Glass is primarily made from silica sand, along with other compounds like lime and soda ash, melted at high temperatures.

19. In construction, 'ferrocement' refers to:

a) A type of steel reinforcement
b) Cement with iron content
c) A composite material of cement and wire mesh
d) A special type of ferrous metal

Answer:

c) A composite material of cement and wire mesh

Explanation:

Ferrocement is a construction material consisting of wire mesh and mortar. It is known for its thin, strong, and lightweight properties.

20. 'Plywood' is commonly used in construction for:

a) Structural framing
b) Flooring
c) Wall paneling
d) Roofing

Answer:

c) Wall paneling

Explanation:

Plywood, made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together, is commonly used for wall paneling, flooring, and furniture due to its strength and versatility.

21. The property of a building material to return to its original shape after being deformed is known as:

a) Plasticity
b) Elasticity
c) Ductility
d) Malleability

Answer:

b) Elasticity

Explanation:

Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.

22. 'Lime' in construction is used for:

a) Making concrete
b) Waterproofing
c) Soil stabilization
d) Plastering and mortar

Answer:

d) Plastering and mortar

Explanation:

Lime is used in construction for making mortar and plaster, providing good workability and breathability.

23. The primary use of 'asphalt' in construction is for:

a) Building foundations
b) Insulation
c) Paving roads and driveways
d) Structural framing

Answer:

c) Paving roads and driveways

Explanation:

Asphalt, a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid, is primarily used for paving roads and driveways due to its durability and weather resistance.

24. A 'green building material' is one that:

a) Is colored green
b) Is used in gardening
c) Is environmentally sustainable
d) Has high thermal insulation

Answer:

c) Is environmentally sustainable

Explanation:

Green building materials are those that are environmentally friendly, either through their production process, their use, or their ability to be recycled.

25. The process of heating limestone to produce lime is known as:

a) Calcination
b) Hydration
c) Carbonation
d) Vulcanization

Answer:

a) Calcination

Explanation:

Calcination is the process of heating limestone (calcium carbonate) in a kiln to produce lime (calcium oxide), releasing carbon dioxide in the process.

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