CIVIL ENGINEERING

(OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS FOR COMPETITIVE

EXAMS)

Edition: 2023

Sudesh K Jain
M. Tech., Gold Medalist
IIT, Roorkee

Aarushi Publications
Roorkee, India

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 CONTENT
(Use bookmarks or links to navigate)

1. Strength of Materials
2. Structural Analysis
3. R.C.C. Structures
4. Steel Structures
5. Soil Mechanics
6. Foundation Engineering
7. Fluid Mechanics
8. Water Resources Engineering
9. Water Supply Engineering
10. Waste Water Engineering
11. Surveying
12. Building Materials
13. Building Construction
14. Highway Planning & Traffic Engineering
15. Railway Engineering
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.1

BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY

CONCRETE
Q.1. Concrete grows with age. This statement (b) 1,2 and 3 are correct 
is (c) 1,3 and 4 are correct
(a) true  (d) 1,2 and 4 are correct (IES 1994)
(b) false Q.8. Bleeding can be prevented by
(c) debatable (a) controlling water content
(d) given by Duff Abrams (b) using finely ground cement
Q.2. Concrete in the structural member has to (c) controlling compaction
pass through (d) all the above 
(a) plastic stage Q.9. Bleeding of concrete may be due to
(b) hardened stage 1. excess of water
(c) both(a) and (b) above  2. too much finishing
(d) neither(a) nor (b) 3. coarse aggregates
Q.3. Separation of the coarse aggregate from (a) 1 and 2 only 
mortar is called (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) bleeding (c) 1 and 3 only
(b) segregation  (d) 1,2 and 3 (IES 1992)
(c) compaction Q.10. Slump test is used to measure
(d) none of the these (a) water cement ratio
Q.4. The ease with which concrete can be (b) bleeding
compacted fully without segregation is (c) segregation
called (d) workability 
(a) bleeding Q.11. Slump test is used for
(b) segregation (a) comparing mixes of different
(c) workability  proportions
(d) none of these (b) lean dry mixes where the
Q.5. Segregation can be prevented by water/cement ratio is low
(a) properly grading the aggregate (c) measuring consistency of successive
(b) controlling water content in a mix batches 
(c) using correct handling procedures (d) all the above (IES 1992)
(d) all the above  Q.12. The truncated cone used in slump test
Q.6. Separation of cement paste from sand in has a top diameter of
the mortar allowing the water or cement (a) 10 cm 
paste to appear at the surface is called (b) 20 cm
(a) bleeding  (c) 25 cm
(b) segregation (d) none of these
(c) honeycombing Q.13. The truncated cone used in slump test
(d) none of these has a bottom diameter of
Q.7. Consider the following statements (a) 10 cm
Sand in mortar is needed for (b) 20 cm 
1. decreasing the quantity of cement (c) 25 cm
2. reducing shrinkage (e) none of these
3. decreasing the surface area of the Q.14. The truncated cone used in slump test
binding material has a top height of
4. increasing the strength (a) 10 cm
Of these statements (b) 20 cm
(a) 2,3, and 4 are correct (c) 25 cm
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.2

(d) none of these  Q.21. Compaction factor test is used to

Q.15. In slump test, concrete is poured in measure
(a) one layer (a) water cement ratio
(b) two layers (b) workability 
(c) three layers  (c) compressive strength
(d) four layers (d) tensile strength (IES 1992,94)
Q.16. In slump test, each layer of concrete is Q.22. Compaction factor test is used for
temped uniformly by (a) dry mixes where slump test
(a) 12 mm dia. and 60 cm long tamping generally fails 
rod (b) wet mixes where slump test
(b) 16 mm dia. and 60 cm long tamping generally fails
rod  (c) both dry and wet mixes
(c) 20 mm dia. and 60 cm long tamping (d) none of these
rod Q.23. In compaction factor(C.F.) test, the two
(d) none of these top and middle hoppers are
Q.17. In above question, the tamping rod is (a) cylindrical
(a) egg shaped (b) hexagonal
(b) bullet ended  (c) rectangular
(c) arrow shaped (d) conical 
(d) none of these Q.24. In compaction factor test, the bottom
Q.18. If the slump of concrete is less than the container is
desired then (a) conical
(a) fine particles in aggregate has (b) rectangular
decreased (c) hexagonal
(b) fine particles in aggregate has (d) cylindrical 
increased  Q.25. In compaction factor test, if the weight
(c) coarse particles in aggregate has of concrete in bottom cylinder(without
decreased compaction) is w and that of after filling
(d) coarse particles in aggregate has a similar concrete and compaction, is W,
increased then
Q.19. If the slump of concrete is more than the (a) C.F. = W/w
desired then (b) C.F. = w/W 
(a) aggregate grading is becoming (c) C.F. = loge(W/w)
coarser (d) C.F. = loge(w/W)
(b) aggregate grading is becoming finer Q.26. C.F. for concreting of small sections
(c) aggregate grading needs adjustment with vibration should be
in proportioning of fine aggregate (a) 0.75 to 0.80 
and coarse aggregate (b) 0.80 to 0.85
(d) both(a) and (c)  (c) 0.85 to 0.92
Q.20. Match the following (d) greater than 0.92
List I List II Q.27. C.F. for concreting of lightly reinforced
(Work) (Slump) sections with vibration should be
A. Precast work 1.90 mm (a) 0.75 to 0.80
B. Footings 2.75 mm (b) 0.80 to 0.85 
C. Columns 3.50 mm (c) 0.85 to 0.92
D. Beams 4.25 mm (d) greater than 0.92
(a) A1,B2,C3,D4 Q.28. C.F. for concreting of lightly reinforced
(b) A3,B4,C1,D2 sections without vibration should be
(c) A2,B3,C1,D4 (a) 0.75 to 0.80
(d) A4,B3,C2,D1 (IES 1992) (b) 0.80 to 0.85
(c) 0.85 to 0.92 
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.3

(d) greater than 0.92 Q.37. In a warehouse, distance between stacks

Q.29. C.F. for concreting of heavily reinforced of cement and outside walls is
sections without vibration should be (a) 10 cm
(a) 0.75 to 0.80 (b) 20 cm
(b) 0.80 to 0.85 (c) 30 cm 
(c) 0.85 to 0.92 (d) 40 cm
(d) greater than 0.92  Q.38. Weigh batching of cement is
Q.30. Slump for concreting of lightly (a) more accurate than volume batching
reinforced sections without vibration (b) less accurate than volume batching
should be (c) used for important works
(a) 10 to 15 mm (d) both(a) and (c) 
(b) 15 to 25 mm Q.39. For 50 litres of cement, a container
(c) 25 to 75 mm  should have dimensions(L x B x H)
(d) 75 to 125 mm (a) 25 cm x 25 cm x 40 cm
Q.31. Slump for concreting of heavily (b) 27 cm x 27 cm x 48 cm
reinforced sections without vibration (c) 31 cm x 31 cm x 52 cm 
should be (d) none of these
(a) 10 mm to 15 mm Q.40. For 25 litres of cement, a container
(b) 15 mm to 25 mm should have dimensions(L x B x H)
(c) 25 mm to 75 mm (a) 25 cm x 25 cm x 40 cm 
(d) 75 mm to 125 mm  (b) 27 cm x 27 cm x 48 cm
Q.32. In a warehouse, number of cement bags (c) 31 cm x 31 cm x 52 cm
placed one above the other should not be (d) none of these
more than Q.41. A cement bag contains
(a) 5 (a) 25 litres of cement
(b) 10 (b) 35 litres of cement 
(c) 15  (c) 50 litres of cement
(d) 20 (d) none of these (IES 1992)
Q.33. In a warehouse, height of one pile of Q.42. A cement bag contains
cement bags should not be more than (a) 25 kg of cement
(a) 1 m (b) 35 kg of cement
(b) 1.5 m (c) 50 kg of cement 
(c) 1.7 m (d) none of these
(d) 2.7 m  Q.43. For a 1:2.5:4.5 concrete mix, sand
Q.34. In a warehouse, width of one pile of required per bag of cement would be
cement bags should not be more than (a) 35 litres
(a) 1 m (b) 88 litres 
(b) 1.5 m (c) 160 litres
(c) 2.0 m (d) none of these
(d) 3.0 m  Q.44. For a 1:2.5:4.5 concrete mix, coarse
Q.35. In a warehouse, cement bag occupies on aggregate required per bag of cement
an average would be
(a) 25 litres of space (a) 35 litres
(b) 50 litres of space  (b) 88 litres
(c) 75 litres of space (c) 160 litres 
(d) none of these (d) none of these
Q.36. Average height of one cement bag is Q.45. For a 1:2.5:4.5 concrete mix, if bulk
(a) 10 cm densities of fine aggregate(sand) and
(b) 15 cm coarse aggregate are 1.5 kg/litre and 1.6
(c) 18 cm  kg/litre respectively, then sand required
(d) 25 cm per bag of cement would be
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.4

(a) 50 kg (a) higher w/c ratio

(b) 132 kg  (b) lower w/c ratio 
(c) 256 kg (c) any w/c ratio
(d) none of these (d) none of these
Q.46. For a 1:2.5:4.5 concrete mix, if bulk Q.53. Vibrators are used for
densities of fine aggregate(sand) and (a) consolidation of concrete
coarse aggregate are 1.5 kg/litre and 1.6 (b) compaction of concrete 
kg/litre respectively, then coarse sand (c) segregating concrete
required per bag of cement would be (d) all of the above
(a) 50 kg Q.54. Immersion vibrators are also called
(b) 132 kg (a) needle vibrators 
(c) 256 kg  (b) form vibrators
(d) none of these (c) surface vibrators
Q.47. The dry volume of cement concrete is (d) none of these
about ____ than is wet volume. Q.55. A needle vibrator is specified by
(a) 50% more  (a) dia. of needle
(b) 55% more (b) length of needle
(c) 50% less (c) frequency of vibrations 
(d) 55% less (AMIE June98) (d) both(a) and (b)
Q.48. 100NT concrete mixer is Q.56. Curing of concrete is done for
(a) a non-tilting concrete mixer (a) promoting hydration of concrete
(b) a tilting type concrete mixer (b) promoting hardening of concrete
(c) capable of yielding 100 litres of (c) both(a) and (b) 
finally mixed concrete (d) neither(a) nor (b)
(d) both(a) and (c)  Q.57. High temperature of concrete
Q.49. Consider the following statements: (a) reduces slump
A concrete mixer is specified by the (b) increases water requirement
1. Volume of the mixing drum (c) increases cement requirement
2. horse power of the prime mover (d) all these 
3. volume of mixed concrete Q.58. High temperature of concrete
discharged (a) increases hydration
4. mixer drum speed (b) causes poor gel formation
(a) 1,2 and 5 are correct (c) reduces strength and setting time
(b) 1,3 and 4 are correct  (d) all these 
(c) 3 and 5 are correct Q.59. The temperature of concrete is
(d) 2 and 4 are correct (IES 1997) maintained during hot weather
Q.50. The optimum number of revolutions conditions by cooling
over which concrete is required to be (a) coarse aggregate 
mixed in a mixer machine is (b) sand
(a) 10 (c) cement
(b) 20  (d) water (AMIE June99)
(c) 50 Q.60. Setting time can be retarded by using
(d) 100 (IES 1997) (a) sugar, 0.05% by weight of cement
Q.51. Presence of 5% voids would reduce 
strength of concrete by (b) lime
(a) 5% (c) clay
(b) 10% (d) none of these
(c) 15% Q.61. Concrete strength is mentioned on a
(d) 30%  specified age of
Q.52. In mechanical compaction of concrete, (a) 7 days
stiffer mixes can be used with (b) 14 days
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.5

(c) 21 days (a) < 0.25

(d) 28 days  (b) more than 0.25 but less than 0.35
Q.62. At 7 days age of curing, a concrete cube (c) more than 0.35 but less than 0.60 
gives comprehensive strength on testing, (d) more than 0.60
about____% of its 28 days strength. Q.70. If “p” is the standard consistency of
(a) 80% cement, the amount of water used in
(b) 70%  conduction the initial setting time test on
(c) 50% cement is
(d) 45% (AMIE June97,IES 1995) (a) 0.65p
Q.63. Concrete strength is mentioned at a (b) 0.85p 
curing temperature of (c) 0.6p
(a) 20  30C (d) 0.8p (IES 1995)
(b) 27  30C  Q.71. Water cement ratio by weight ___ as
(c) 30  30C compared to water cement ratio by
(d) 35  30C volume.
Q.64. At lower temperatures, strength (a) greater than
development is (b) less than
(a) unaffected (c) equal to
(b) steady (d) not equal to  (IES 1992)
(c) fast Q.72. The reaction of cement with water is
(d) slow  called
Q.65. If aggregate temperatures are above (a) curing
freezing temperature, then the desired (b) segregation
concrete temperature is obtained by (c) bleeding
heating (d) hydration 
(a) cement Q.73. Active compounds of cement are
(b) sand (a) C2S
(c) aggregate (b) C3A
(d) mixing water  (c) C3S
Q.66. Amount of cement in concrete alone (d) all these 
determines strength of concrete. This Q.74. Active compounds of cement when
statement is reacts with water, cause
(a) true (a) initial setting of cement
(b) false (b) final setting of cement
(c) countered by Duff Abrams in 1919 (c) contributes little after 24 to 72 hours
(d) both (b) and (c)  (d) both(a) and (c) 
Q.67. Water to cement ratio determines Q.75. The reaction of C3S is responsible for
strength of concrete. This statement is strength development for the
(a) true  (a) first 14 days
(b) false (b) first 28 days 
(c) given by Duff Abrams (c) whole life
(d) both(a) and (c) (d) first three years
Q.68. The minimum water to cement ratio for Q.76. The reaction of C2S is responsible for
cement concrete to hydrate is (a) earlier strength of concrete
(a) 0.65 (b) later strength of concrete 
(b) 0.5 (c) both(a) and (b)
(c) 0.35  (d) neither(a) nor (b)
(d) 0.27 (AMIE June99) Q.77. In concrete, compressive strength
Q.69. For complete hydration of cement the developed after 28 days is 75% of the
w/c ratio needed is (a) initial strength
(b) strength after 3 years
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.6

(c) strength after 5 years (d) both(a) and (c)

(d) ultimate strength  Q.85. If in a concrete mix, water cement ratio
Q.78. If fck is the characteristic cube strength is such that water is more than required
of concrete in N/mm2, the modulus of for full hydration each cement particle
elasticity of structural concrete, Ec is fully, then
given by (a) free water occupies certain space in
(a) 3600fck concrete
(b) 5700fck  (b) free water evaporates leaving behind
(c) 3600fck pores
(d) 5700fck (AMIE Dec97,IES 1997) (c) strength of concrete will reduce
Q.79. Reaction product after hydration, (d) all of the above 
consists of Q.86. According to Duff Abram, water-cement
(a) calcium aluminate ratio is related to compressive strength
(b) calcium hydroxide of concrete as per equation(x = w/c ratio
(c) calcium silicate by volume, S = compressive strength of
(d) all these  concrete)
Q.80. The composition of calcium hydroxide (a) S = 948/7x 
and hydrated calcium silicates, is called (b) S = 7x/948
(a) Portland cement (c) S = 948(7x)
(b) high alumina cement (d) none of these
(c) cement gel  Q.87. Strength of concrete is proportional to
(d) none of these (a) water content in cement
Q.81. High alumina cement is produced by (b) cement content in concrete
fusing together a mixture of (c) sand content in cement
(a) limestone and bauxite  (d) water-cement ratio 
(b) limestone, bauxite and gypsum Q.88. To avoid evaporation of water from
(c) limestone, gypsum and clay pores in concrete during hydration,
(d) limestone, gypsum, bauxite and clay internal moisture conditions should be
(IES 1997) maintained. This statement is
Q.82. During hydration, cement gel (a) false
(a) increases in volume  (b) nonsense
(b) decreases in volume (c) true 
(c) causes segregation (d) debatable
(d) causes bleeding Q.89. For determining compressive strength of
Q.83. The total volume occupied by gel after concrete, size of specimen cube is
full hydration is (a) 10 cm
(a) more than the volume of water and (b) 15 cm 
cement before hydration (c) 20 cm
(b) less than the volume of water and (d) 30 cm
cement before hydration Q.90. The approximate ratio of strength of 15
(c) same as the volume of water and cm x 30 cm concrete cylinder to that of
cement before hydration  15 cm cube of the same concrete is
(d) none of these (a) 1.25
Q.84. If in a concrete mix, water cement ratio (b) 1.00
is such that water is just sufficient to (c) 0.85 
hydrate each cement particle fully, then (d) 0.50 (IES 1996)
(a) cement paste will give lowest Q.91. Compressive strength of concrete(in
strength N/mm2) is specified at
(b) cement paste will give maximum (a) 270C  30 C
strength  (b) 28 days age
(c) cement paste will cause bleeding (c) 90% relative humidity
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.7

(d) all these  (b) a decrease in strain

Q.92. In a given concrete mix, if 25 kg of (c) an increase in strain
water is added per 50 kg of cement, then (d) an increase in stress 
w/c ratio is Q.101. Ross expression for creep is
(a) 2 t
(b) 0.5  (a) C  , A and B are constants
A  Bt
(c) 1
and t is time.
(d) none of these
t
Q.93. For good workability of concrete (b) C 
(a) grading of all-in-aggregate should (100  t)B
be continuous (c) C = t(A + Bt)
(b) correct quantity of mortar should be (d) both(a) and (b) 
present Q.102. If coefficient of composition of the mix
(c) too much vibration and floating is  f, size of member is f, relative
should be avoided humidity of storage is 0, age at loading
(d) all these  is  and variation with time under load is
Q.94. Too prevent bleeding  then European Committee’s formula
(a) excess of mortar should be avoided for creep is
(b) too much vibration should be (a) c = ei
avoided
(b) c = eiN
(c) too much floating should be avoided
(c) c = eif f0
(d) all these 
(d) all these 
Q.95. Yielding of concrete due to sustained
stresses, is called Q.103. When there is no water passes between
concrete and environment then
(a) bleeding
(a) drying creep develops
(b) segregation
(b) specific creep develops
(c) honeycombing
(c) basic creep develops
(d) creep 
Q.96. If there is a seepage of absorbed water (d) both(a) and (c) 
Q.104. Drying creep is
from cement gel, then it causes
(a) reversible
(a) bleeding
(b) irreversible
(b) segregation
(c) partly reversible 
(c) honeycombing
(d) creep  (d) none of these
Q.105. Basic creep is
Q.97. In creep curve, there is/are
(a) only one stage (a) reversible
(b) irreversible 
(b) two stages
(c) partly reversible
(c) three stages 
(d) no stages at all (d) none of these
Q.106. The amount of creep per unit applied
Q.98. In the primary creep range, rate of creep
stress is called
(a) remains unaltered
(a) drying creep
(b) increases with time
(b) basic creep
(c) decreases with time 
(c) specific creep 
(d) none of these
(d) none of these
Q.99. In creep curve, tertiary creep
(a) will always exist Q.107. In absence of specific data, specific
creep may be taken as
(b) will never exist
(c) may exist  (a) 1 x 10-4 per MPa
(b) 1.5 x 10-4 per Mpa 
(d) none of these
(c) 2.0 x 10-4 per MPa
Q.100. Presence of tertiary creep depends upon
(a) a decrease in stress (d) 2.5 x 10-4 per MPa
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.8

Q.108. Higher rate of creep results from (a) cement

(a) higher water-cement ratio (b) concrete
(b) lower water-cement ratio (c) cement gel 
(c) lesser degree of hydration (d) both(a) and (b)
(d) both(a) and (c)  Q.117. In Powers equation, value of A may be
Q.109. For a large mass subjected to sustained around
loading, the creep would be (a) 2000 to 3000 kg/cm2 
(a) less  (b) 3000 to 4000 kg/cm2
(b) more (c) 4000 to 5000 kg/cm2
(c) unaffected (d) none of these
(d) zero Q.118. In a cement paste, greater expansion
Q.110. The rate of creep in tension is greater would result, if
than the rate of creep in compression (a) cement is finer
(a) for the first few months (b) Mgo and C3A are higher
(b) for the first year (c) C3S is higher
(c) for the first few years (d) both(a) and (b) 
(d) for the first few weeks  Q.119. If in a cement paste, C3S is higher then
Q.111. The rate of creep in tension is lower (a) expansion would be less under
than the rate of creep in compression water
(a) for the first few months (b) contraction would be greater in air
(b) for the first year (c) Both(a) and (b) 
(c) after few weeks  (d) neither(a) nor (b)
(d) this statement is not true Q.120. Compared to neat cement, shrinkage of
Q.112. During wetting and drying, calcium concrete is
silicate gel formed after hydration (a) same
undergoes (b) less 
(a) no volume change (c) more
(b) small volume changes (d) zero
(c) large volume changes  Q.121. Shrinkage of concrete is
(d) none of these (a) more with richer mixes 
Q.113. The ratio of volume of hydrated cement (b) less with aluminium cements
to the sum of this volume and that of (c) inversely proportional to the amount
capillary pores, is called of water in the mix
(a) gel-pores ratio (d) solely dependent on drying rate
(b) gel cement ratio (IES 1992)
(c) gel water ratio Q.122. For a given environment, the most
(d) gel space ratio  significant factor that influence the total
Q.114. The Powers’ equation is shrinkage of concrete is
(a) S = Anx (a) cement content of mix
(b) S = Axn  (b) total amount of water added at the
(c) S = A/xn time of mixing 
(d) S = An/x, S is compressive strength (c) size of the member concreted
of cement paste, A is constant. (d) maximum size of the coarse
Q.115. In Powers equation, n has a value aggregate used
between Q.123. The shrinkage of concrete is less than
(a) 1 and 1.5 that of neat cement owing to the
(b) 1.5 and 2 presence of
(c) 2 and 2.5 (a) water
(d) 2.5 and 3.0  (b) cement
Q.116. In Powers equation, A may be taken as (c) aggregate 
strength of (d) C3S
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.9

(a) tri calcium aluminates

Q.124. In a concrete under no external stress, (b) calcium sulpho aluminates 
aggregate is subjected to (c) tri calcium silicates
(a) tensile forces (d) all these
(b) compressive forces  Q.132. In concrete, resistance to chemical
(c) no force attack can be increased using a cement
(d) various forces with
Q.125. In a concrete under no external stress, (a) reduced tri calcium aluminate 
cement paste is subjected to (b) increased tri calcium aluminate
(a) tensile forces  (c) reduced tri calcium silicate
(b) compressive forces (d) increased tri calcium silicate
(c) no force Q.133. Resistance of concrete to water flow in
(d) various forces pores, is called
Q.126. Tensile forces in cement paste in a (a) honeycombing
concrete, cause (b) workability
(a) bleeding (c) soundness
(b) segregation (d) none of these 
(c) honeycombing Q.134. Impermeability can be increased by
(d) cracking  adopting
Q.127. Less shrinkage is possible in concrete by (a) low water cement ratio
using (b) graded aggregate
(a) aggregate with low modulus (c) continuous curing
elasticity (d) all these 
(b) aggregate with medium modulus of Q.135. Increased impermeability in concrete
elasticity results
(c) aggregate with high modulus of (a) increased resistance to weathering
elasticity  
(d) none of these (b) reduced resistance to chemical
Q.128. Shrinkage in concrete can be reduced by attack and corrosion
using (c) both(a) and (b)
(a) small maximum size of aggregate (d) neither(a) nor (b)
(b) large maximum size of aggregate
(c) small maximum size of aggregate CEMENT
with high modulus of elasticity Q.136. Portland cement is obtained by
(d) large maximum size of aggregate calcination at
with high modulus of elasticity  (a) low temperature
Q.129. The rise of temperature in concrete (b) high temperature
would cause (c) very high temperature 
(a) contraction (d) very low temperature
(b) expansion  Q.137. Portland cement is mixture of
(c) no effect (a) calcareous materials
(d) contraction followed by expansion (b) argillaceous materials
Q.130. Concrete made of Portland cement (c) both(a) and (b) 
disintegrates in the presence of sulphates (d) neither(a) nor (b)
of Q.138. Calcined product is called
(a) calcium (a) cement
(b) sodium (b) gypsum
(c) magnesium (c) calcium sulphate
(d) all these  (d) clinker 
Q.131. The product of disintegration in concrete Q.139. Clinker is formed into cement by mixing
made of Portland cement is/are
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.10

(a) calcium aluminate Q.148. The acidic constituent of Portland

(b) tricalcium silicate cement is about
(c) dicalcium silicate (a) 10%
(d) calcium sulphate  (b) 32% 
Q.140. Calcium sulphate is also called (c) 42%
(a) clinker (d) 63.5%
(b) active compound Q.149. The alkaline constituent of Portland
(c) gypsum  cement is about
(d) none of these (a) 10%
Q.141. In Portland cement, percentage of (b) 32%
tricalcium silicate is around (c) 42%
(a) 10% (d) 63.5% 
(b) 25% Q.150. The ratio of acidic constituents to
(c) 35% alkaline constituents in Portland cement
(d) 48%  is
Q.142. In Portland cement, percentage of (a) 2
dicalcium silicate is around (b) 0.5 
(a) 10% (c) 1
(b) 25%  (d) 1.5
(c) 35% Q.151. Portland cement constitutes around
(d) 48% (a) 62% Lime, CaO
Q.143. In Portland cement, percentage of (b) 1.5% MgO
tricalcium aluminate is around (c) 22.0% Silica(SiO2)
(a) 10%  (d) all these  (IES 1992)
(b) 25% Q.152. The percentage of C3A in cement is
(c) 35% (a) 1 to 4%
(d) 9% (b) 5 to 11 % 
Q.144. In Portland cement, percentage of (c) 21 to 35 %
gypsum is around (d) 35% to 50% (IES 1992)
(a) 1% Q.153. Portland cement constitutes around
(b) 2% (a) 7% alumina
(c) 3%  (b) 3% oxide of iron
(d) 5% (c) 1.4% Sulphur trioxide
Q.145. In Portland cement, percentage of (d) all these 
tetracalcium alumino ferrite is around Q.154. In Portland cement, loss on ignition is
(a) 10% (a) 1%
(b) 25% (b) 1.5% 
(c) 9%  (c) 2%
(d) 35% (d) none of these
Q.146. Chemical formula of tricalcium Q.155. Deficiency of lime in Portland cement
aluminate is (a) increases strength of cement
(a) C3A.3CaO.Al2O3  (b) decreases strength of cement 
(b) C3S.3CaO.SiO2 (c) causes it to set slowly
(c) C2S.2CaO.SiO2 (d) both(a) and (c)
(d) C3S.3CaO.Al2O3 Q.156. Consider the following statements:
Q.147. Chemical formula of tricalcium silicate A high lime content in a composite
is cement-lime mortar results in
(a) C3A.3CaO.Al2O3 1. slow hardening
(b) C3S.3CaO.SiO2  2. quick setting
(c) C2S.2CaO.SiO2 3. weaker mortar
(d) C3S.3CaO.Al2O3 Of these statements
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.11

(a) 2 and 3 are correct  (c) strength

(b) 1 and 2 are correct (d) all of the above 
(c) 1 and 3 are correct Q.166. The colour of cement is mainly due to
(d) 1,2 and 3 are correct (IES 1994) (a) lime
Q.157. An excess of lime in cement (b) silica
(a) increases its soundness (c) alumina
(b) causes it to shrink (d) oxides of iron 
(c) make it less disintegrable Q.167. Excess quantity of sulphur in cement
(d) none of these  makes the cement
Q.158. Alumina makes cement set (a) sound
(a) slowly (b) hard
(b) quickly  (c) coloured
(c) very slowly (d) unsound 
(d) none of these Q.168. All the compounds in cement are
Q.159. An excess of Alumina (a) in hydrous state
(a) strengthens cement (b) in anhydrous state
(b) hardens cement (c) have different rate of hydration
(c) weakens cement  (d) both (b) and (c) 
(d) none of these Q.169. All compounds in cement reacts only
Q.160. In Portland cement, Silica imparts (a) in the presence of water 
(a) hardness (b) without presence of water
(b) soundness (c) for 28 days
(c) colour (d) for three years
(d) strength  Q.170. Tricalcium silicate is responsible for
Q.161. In Portland cement, gypsum (a) later strength of cement
(a) hardens cement (b) early strength of concrete 
(b) accelerates initial setting action (c) progressive strength of cement
(c) slows down setting action in general (d) both(a) and (c)
(d) both(b) and (c)  Q.171. Dicalcium silicate is
Q.162. In the manufacture of cement, gypsum is (a) slowest compound to hydrate
added to (b) imparts early strength to cement
(a) increase to strength of cement (c) imparts progressive strength to
(b) reduce the strength of cement cement
(c) retard the setting time of cement  (d) both(a) and (c) 
(d) provide column to the cement Q.172. To achieve higher rate of cement the
(IES 1992,93) rate of cooling of clinker should be
Q.163. Gypsum is added (a) quick
(a) after clinker is formed (b) moderate 
(b) after raw material is crushed (c) slow
(c) before raw material is crushed (d) very slow
(d) after the clinker is formed  Q.173. Setting action of cement
Q.164. To prevent flash-set in cement__ is (a) does not produce heat
added (b) produces heat due to tricalcium
(a) clinker silicate
(b) aluminates (c) produces heat due to tricalcium
(c) gypsum  aluminate
(d) all these (AMIE June97) (d) both (b) and (c) 
Q.165. Oxides of iron in Portland cement Q.174. One gram of Portland cement after
imparts hydration, produces about
(a) hardness (a) 50 calories
(b) colour (b) 75 calories
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.12

(c) 80 calories (c) 300 mesh

(d) 120 calories  (d) 400 mesh
Q.175. In the process of hydration, two third of Q.183. In the dry process of cement
the heat is produced in first manufacturing, in the second stage, raw
(a) 28 days material is reduced to a size of
(b) week  (a) 20 mesh
(c) month (b) 200 mesh 
(d) year (c) 300 mesh
Q.176. The rate of setting of cement is directly (d) 400 mesh
proportional to the temperature upto Q.184. In the dry process, crushing of stone
(a) 900C takes place in two stages. The first stage
(b) 320C  is done in
(c) 270C (a) tube mill
(d) none of these (b) rotary mill
Q.177. In the wet process of cement (c) ball mill 
manufacturing, raw material is fed into (d) kiln
the kiln in the form of Q.185. The size of clinker varies from
(a) dry powder (a) 1 mm to 50 mm
(b) wet powder (b) 3 mm to 18 mm 
(c) slurry  (c) 25 mm to 50 mm
(d) clinker (d) 15 mm to 50 mm
Q.178. In the wet process of cement Q.186. Tube mill is used in
manufacturing raw material is heated to (a) grinding 
about (b) burning
(a) 2500C (c) mixing
(b) 5500C (d) none of these
(c) 9000C Q.187. In the dry process of cement
(d) 15000C  manufacturing, raw material is first
Q.179. In the wet process, slurry is fed in the crushed to a size of about
kiln at (a) 5 mm
(a) top end  (b) 10 mm
(b) bottom end (c) 15 mm
(c) centre (d) 25 mm 
(d) none of these Q.188. In the dry process, finely grounded
Q.180. In the wet process, the kiln is cement passes to
(a) horizontal (a) godown
(b) vertical (b) silos 
(c) inclined slightly from horizontal  (c) packaging plant
(d) inclined slightly from vertical (d) shops
Q.181. In the wet process of manufacturing Q.189. Match List I with List II
cement, the material discharged from List I(Laboratory tests)
the bottom end is called A. Vicat apparatus
(a) granules B. Le-Chatelier apparatus
(b) ground powder C. Slump test
(c) clinker  D. Turbid meter
(d) gypsum List II(Property)
Q.182. In the dry process of cement 1. Soundness of cement
manufacturing, in the first stage, raw 2. Initial setting time of cement
material is reduced to a size of 3. Workability of cement concrete
(a) 20 mesh  4. Specific surface
(b) 200 mesh (a) A1,B2,C3,D4
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.13

(b) A1,B4,C3,D4 (c) 28 minutes

(c) A3,B4,C2,D4 (d) 1 hour (IES 1992)
(d) A2,B1,C3,D4  (IES 1993,95,96) Q.198. Final setting time of cement should not
Q.190. Setting time of cement is determined by be more than
(a) Le Chatelier apparatus (a) 1 hour
(b) Vicat apparatus  (b) 2 hours
(c) Turbid meter test (c) 5 hours
(d) none of these (d) 10 hours 
Q.191. The height of standard Vicat mould is Q.199. Which of the following pairs in respect
(a) 10 mm of ordinary Portland cement are
(b) 20 mm correctly matched?
(c) 30 mm 1. Initial setting time……30 min.
(d) 40 mm  2. Final setting time…….10 hours
Q.192. In a paste of standard consistency, Vicat 3. Normal consistency……..10%
plunger penetrates the sample in Select the correct answer using the
standard Vicat mould codes given below
(a) 5 to 7 mm (a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 33 to 35 mm  (b) 2 and 3
(c) 10 mm (c) 1 and 2 
(d) 20 mm (d) 1 and 3 (IES 1997)
Q.193. In Vicat test, the initial setting is Q.200. The ability of cement to maintain a
assumed when the needle fails to pierce constant volume is called
the sample completely and reaches upto (a) flashing
(a) 5 mm from bottom  (b) honeycombing
(b) 10 mm from bottom (c) soundness 
(c) 15 mm from bottom (d) creep
(d) 20 mm from bottom Q.201. Soundness test of cement is done to
Q.194. Vicat plunger is used in determination determine its
for (a) durability in sea water
(a) initial setting time (b) free lime content 
(b) final setting time (c) iron oxide content
(c) consistency  (d) alumina content (IES 1994)
(d) both(a) and (b) Q.202. Soundness of cement is tested by
Q.195. Vicat needle is used in determination of (a) Vicat apparatus
(a) initial setting time (b) Le Chatalier apparatus 
(b) final setting time (c) soundness meter
(c) consistency (d) Duff Abrams apparatus
(d) both(a) and (b)  Q.203. In the soundness test, the whole
Q.196. In Vicat test, the final setting is assumed assembly is immersed in water at a
when the attachment of the needle fails temperature of
to make any impression on the mould (a) 19  10C 
but the needle (b) 27  10C
(a) Penetrates the sample by 5 mm (c) 37  10C
(b) makes just an impression on the (d) 47  10C
sample  Q.204. In the soundness test, the whole
(c) does not penetrate the sample assembly is immersed in water for
(d) pierce the sample by 10 mm (a) 30 minutes
Q.197. Initial setting time of cement should not (b) 1 hour
be less than (c) 24 hours 
(a) 15 minutes (d) 48 hours
(b) 30 minutes 
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.14

Q.205. In soundness test, after immersing whole Q.211. The total surface area of one gram
assembly in water for 24 hours, distance cement per square centimeters is known
between the indicator points is measured as
(a) assembly then returned to water (a) fineness
(b) brought to boiling in 25 to 30 (b) specific surface 
minutes & boiled for 1 hour (c) specific volume
(c) after cooling, distance between (d) none of these
indicator points is again measured Q.212. turbid meter test is used for measuring
(d) all these  (a) setting time
Q.206. In soundness test, the difference (b) soundness
between distance between indicator (c) tensile strength
points before and after cooling should (d) specific surface 
not be more than Q.213. In turbid meter test, cement is kept in
(a) 5 mm suspension in
(b) 10 mm  (a) petrol
(c) 15 mm (b) diesel
(d) 20 mm (c) white kerosene 
Q.207. In determining tensile strength of (d) any of these
cement, test briquettes are made of Q.214. In the turbid meter test to determine
(a) cement fineness of cement
(b) sand (a) a laser beam passes through the
(c) mortar  solution
(d) concrete (b) an X ray passes through the solution
Q.208. In determining tensile strength of (c) a ray of light passes through the
cement, the ratio of cement and sand in solution 
mortar meant for test briquette is (d) none of these
(a) 1:1 Q.215. Blaines air permeability method is used
(b) 1:2 to determine
(c) 1:3  (a) permeability of cement
(d) 1:6 (b) fineness of cement 
Q.209. In determining tensile strength of (c) soundness of cement
cement, the water content(by weight) (d) remoulding effect(AMIE Dec97)
used in mortar meant for test briquette is Q.216. Vee-Bee consistency test is carried out
(a) 8% of cement and sand combined to measure
 (a) permeability of cement
(b) 12% of cement and sand combined (b) fineness of cement
(c) 16% of cement and sand combined (c) setting time of cement
(d) what required for standard (d) remoulding effect  (AMIE Dec97)
consistency Q.217. Properly ground cement should have an
Q.210. Tensile strength of concrete is measured specific surface of
by (a) 1500 sq. cm per gram
(a) direct tension test in the universal (b) 2000 sq. cm per gram
testing machine (c) 2250 sq. cm per gram 
(b) applying compressive load along the (d) 2450 sq. cm per gram
diameter of the cylinder  (AMIE June1997)
(c) applying third point loading on a Q.218. Quick setting cement is used
prism (a) under running water 
(d) applying tensile load along the (b) in mass concrete
diameter of the cylinder(IES 1996) (c) for interior decoration
(d) to impart architectural finish
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.15

Q.219. Quick setting cement contains a higher (c) in all places where ordinary
percentage of Portland cement is used 
(a) silicate (d) all these
(b) sulphate Q.228. Slag from blast furnace contains
(c) lime (a) alumina
(d) alumina  (b) lime
Q.220. Quick setting cement hardens in (c) silica
(a) 5 minutes (d) all these 
(b) 15 minutes Q.229. Blast furnace slag has approximately
(c) 30 minutes  (a) 45% calcium oxide and about 35%
(d) 2 hours silica 
Q.221. Low heat cement contains lower (b) 50% alumina and 20% calcium
percentage of oxide
(a) C3A (c) 25% magnesia and 15% silica
(b) C3S (d) 25% calcium sulphate and 15%
(c) Both(a) and (b)  alumina (IES 1996)
(d) neither(a) nor (b) Q.230. White cement is used in
Q.222. Low heat cement contains higher (a) interior decoration
percentage of (b) architectural finish
(a) C2S  (c) costly
(b) C2S (d) all these 
(c) both(a) and (b) Q.231. In white Portland cement manufacturing
(d) neither(a) nor (b) (a) china clay is used
Q.223. Low heat cement is used in (b) oil is used as a fuel
(a) RCC slabs (c) raw material contains very little
(b) Columns manganese and iron
(c) Dams  (d) all these 
(d) Tunnels Q.232. Portland pozzolana cement is used in
Q.224. Sulphate resisting cement contains a (a) dams
small proportion of (b) weirs
(a) silicate (c) barrages
(b) tricalcium aluminates  (d) all these 
(c) dicalcium silicates Q.233. Pozzolana contains
(d) alumina (a) silica
Q.225. The percentage of tricalcium aluminates (b) alumina
in sulphate resisting cement is (c) both(a) and (b) 
(a) more than 6% (d) neither(a) nor (b)
(b) less than 6%  Q.234. Pozzolanic materials are
(c) more than 16% (a) fly ash & volcanic ash 
(d) less than 16% (b) alkaline soil & fly ash
Q.226. Sulphate resisting cement is useful in (c) crushed lime & pumice
structures (d) none of these
(a) in river waters Q.235. The proportion of pozzolana in cement
(b) sea waters  is(by weight)
(c) in cold environment (a) 10 to 25% 
(d) in hot environment (b) 25 to 50%
Q.227. Portland blast furnace slag cement can (c) 63.5%
be used (d) 32%
(a) in under water structures Q.236. Portland pozzolanic cement
(b) in structures in alkaline soils contains___% fly ash(by volume).
(a) 10%
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.16

(b) 25% (b) 150 micron sieve

(c) 60% (c) 75 micron 
(d) 80%  (AMIE June99) (d) none of these
Q.245. The dividing line between coarse
AGGREGATE aggregate and fine aggregate is
(a) 20 mm 
Q.237. A 20 mm size aggregate means
(b) 2.36 mm
(a) minimum size of individual particle
(c) 10 mm
is 20 mm
(d) 4.75 mm (AMIE June99)
(b) maximum size of individual particle
Q.246. The combination of coarse and fine
is 20 mm 
aggregate is called
(c) average size of individual particle is
(a) single size aggregate
20 mm
(b) graded aggregate
(d) none of these
(c) all-in-aggregate 
Q.238. An individual perticle is of 20 mm size
(d) none of these
if
Q.247. The aggregate in which particle of all
(a) it retains on 20 mm sieve
sizes are present in various proportions
(b) passes through 20 mm sieve and
is called
retained on next lower sieve 
(a) graded aggregate 
(c) passes through 20 mm sieve and all
(b) all-in-aggregate
the other lower sieves
(c) single size aggregate
(d) none of these
(d) none of these
Q.239. According to IS:460-1962, sieve size
Q.248. The aggregate in which majority of
varies from
particles are one and same size is called
(a) 160 mm to 25 micron
(a) graded aggregate
(b) 120 mm to 50 micron
(b) all-in-aggregate
(c) 80 mm to 75 micron 
(c) continuous aggregate
(d) none of these
(d) none of these 
Q.240. In a sieve set, the size next to 80 mm is
Q.249. The maximum size of coarse aggregate
(a) 63 mm 
for the concrete in a column of size 400
(b) 50 mm
x 400 mm should be
(c) 40 mm
(a) 40 mm
(d) 20 mm
(b) 35 mm
Q.241. In a sieve set, the size next to 4.75 mm
(c) 25 mm
is
(d) 20 mm  (AMIE June99)
(a) 3.25 mm
Q.250. As the size of coarse aggregate
(b) 3.00 mm
decreases, the workability of concrete
(c) 2.50 mm
(a) decreases 
(d) none of these 
(b) increases
Q.242. Coarse aggregate always retains on
(c) first increases then decreases
(a) 80 mm sieve
(d) first decreases then increases
(b) 50 mm sieve
(IES 1992)
(c) 6.3 mm sieve
Q.251. Shape of crushed rocks is
(d) 4.75 mm sieve 
(a) rounded
Q.243. Fine aggregate passes through
(b) irregular
(a) 80 mm sieve
(c) flaky
(b) 50 mm sieve
(d) angular 
(c) 4.75 mm sieve 
Q.252. The shape of laminated rock is
(d) 75 micron sieve
(a) rounded
Q.244. Fine aggregate retains on
(b) flaky 
(a) 4.75 mm sieve
(c) irregular
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.17

(d) angular (a) round

Q.253. River gravel is (b) flaky
(a) flaky (c) elongated 
(b) irregular (d) angular
(c) angular Q.261. If mean size of a particle is 18 mm then
(d) rounded  longest dimension of elongated particle
Q.254. Following shape of particle is not would be
desirable in aggregate (a) 10.8 mm
(a) rounded (b) 32.4 mm
(b) irregular (c) less than 10.8 mm
(c) angular (d) more than 32.4 mm 
(d) flaky  Q.262. Surface texture of brick is
Q.255. Flaky shape is not desirable because it (a) smooth & porous
has (b) honeycombed & porous 
(a) lowest surface area for given (c) granular
volume (d) crystalline
(b) highest surface area for given Q.263. Surface structure of gravel is
volume  (a) smooth 
(c) lowest perimeter for a given volume (b) rough
(d) none of these (c) granular
Q.256. Flaky particle in aggregate (d) crystalline
(a) reduces workability Q.264. Surface texture of sandstone is
(b) reduces durability (a) granular 
(c) hardened concrete looks like a (b) rough
stratified rock (c) glassy
(d) all these  (d) honeycombed
Q.257. When the particle thickness is less than Q.265. Surface structure of limestone is
0.6 times the mean sieve size fraction to (a) glassy
which particle belong; the particle is (b) rough 
called (c) honeycombed
(a) irregular (d) none of these
(b) elongated Q.266. The ration between weight of aggregate
(c) flaky  dried in saturated surface dry condition
(d) round and weight of water occupying then
Q.258. If a particle passes through 20 mm sieve volume equal to that of solids including
and retains on 16 mm sieve, then the permeable pores , is called
mean size of the particle is (a) specific density
(a) 20 mm (b) apparent specific gravity
(b) 16 mm (c) specific gravity based on saturated
(c) 18 mm  surface dry basis 
(d) 2 mm (d) none of these
Q.259. If mean size of a particle is 18 mm then Q.267. The majority of aggregate have a
thickness of flaky particle would be specific gravity between
(a) 10.8 mm (a) 1 and 2
(b) more than 10.8 mm (b) 2.5 and 2.9 
(c) less than 10.8 mm  (c) 3 and 5
(d) 32.4 mm (d) above 5
Q.260. When the particle longest dimension is Q.268. The weight of aggregate required to fill
greater than 1.8 times the mean sieve up a container of unit volume is called
size fraction to which particle belong; (a) specific gravity
the particle is called (b) specific density
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.18

(c) bulk density  (b) volume of dry sand is equal to

(d) none of these volume of wet sand
Q.269. For determining bulk density of an (c) no bulking of sand
aggregate having size less than 4.75 (d) all these 
mm, the volume of container should be Q.277. If for 10 litres of dry sand, volume of
(a) 1 litre bulk sand is 140 litres, then bulkage of
(b) 2 litres sand is
(c) 3 litres  (a) 40% 
(d) 15 litres (b) 140%
Q.270. For determining bulk density of an (c) 14%
aggregate having size 4.75 mm to 40 (d) none of these
mm, the volume of container should be Q.278. Soundness of an aggregate is its
(a) 3 litres resistance to
(b) 10 litres (a) heating and cooling
(c) 15 litres  (b) drying
(d) 30 litres (c) freezing and thawing
Q.271. In an aggregate permeable pores are (d) all of the above 
completely filled with water but there is Q.279. A graded aggregate
no free moisture on the surface. This (a) has less number of voids
aggregate is called (b) needs less cement
(a) bone dry aggregate (c) do not produce harshness
(b) air dry aggregate (d) all these 
(c) moist aggregate Q.280. Coarser grading always tends to
(d) saturated surface dry aggregate  (a) bleed
Q.272. Aggregates preferred for concreting are (b) segregate
(a) bone dry aggregates (c) both(a) and (b) 
(b) saturated surface dry aggregates  (d) neither(a) nor (b)
(c) moist surface aggregates Q.281. Fine grading leads to
(d) any of the above (IES 1992) (a) less bleeding
Q.273. An aggregate has pores full of moisture (b) less segregation
and free moisture is also available at the (c) both(a) and (b)
surface. This aggregate would be called (d) neither(a) nor (b) 
(a) bone dry aggregate Q.282. In a sieve analysis,____ percentage
(b) air dry aggregate passing each sieve is calculated
(c) saturated surface dry aggregate (a) total
(d) moist aggregate  (b) cumulative 
Q.274. Bulking of the sand is increase of sand (c) average
volume when it is (d) none of these
(a) dry Q.283. The sum of cumulative percentage
(b) saturated retained on standard sieves 150 micron,
(c) moist  300 micron……and upto largest sieve
(d) none of these present divided by 100 is called
Q.275. The volume of sand increases with (a) flakiness index
increase of moisture (b) elongated index
(a) always (c) fineness modulus 
(b) upto a limit of 10% (d) none of these
(c) upto a limit of 5 to 6%  Q.284. If in a concrete mix the fineness
(d) linearly modulus of coarse aggregate is 7.6, the
Q.276. When there is more than 6% moisture in fineness modulus of fine aggregate is
sand, then there is 2.8 and the economical value of the
(a) surface tension is destroyed fineness modulus of combined
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.19

aggregate is 6.4, then the proportion of (c) M50

fine aggregate is (d) M55
(a) 25% Q.292. Modulus of elasticity of M25 concrete
(b) 33.3%  as determined by formula of IS456 is
(c) 50% (a) 1,24,500 MPa
(d) 66.67% (IES 1996) (b) 90,125 MPa
(c) 28,500 Mpa 
MIX DESIGN (d) 16,667 Mpa (IES 1995)
Q.293. The split tensile strength of M15 grade
Q.285. If in a concrete mix design, the mix
concrete when expressed as a percentage
proportions are first decided in
of its compressive strength is
laboratory by conducting trial mixes,
(a) 10 to 15% 
then the resulting concrete is called
(b) 15 to 20%
(a) ordinary concrete
(c) 20 to 25%
(b) lab tested concrete
(d) 25 to 30% (IES 1995)
(c) controlled concrete 
Q.294. Match the following
(d) nominal mix concrete
List I List II
Q.286. If a concrete mix design is based on
(MIX) (Application)
nominal mix, then this concrete is called
A. 1:1:2 1. Footings
(a) ordinary concrete 
B. 1:2:4 2. Mass Foundation
(b) controlled concrete
C. 1:3:6 3. Heavily loaded
(c) lab tested concrete
columns
(d) ISI concrete
D. 1:6:12 4. Beams
Q.287. Which IS code classifies concrete mixes
(a) A1,B2,C3,D4
according to its strength?
(b) A2,B3,C4,D1
(a) 456-1978 
(c) A3,B4,C2,D1
(b) 2386-1963
(d) A3,B4,C1,D2  (IES 1992)
(c) both(a) and (b)
(d) neither(a) nor (b)
Q.288. The concrete is classified into SPECIAL CONCRETE
(a) 4 grades Q.295. Addition of calcium chloride-water
(b) 5 grades solution in concrete makes it
(c) 6 grades (a) light weight
(d) 7 grades  (b) water proof 
Q.289. M10 means, compressive strength of (c) aerated
concrete is (d) no fines concrete
(a) 10 kg/cm2 Q.296. Light weight concrete can be prepared
(b) 10 N/mm2  by
(c) 10 kN/mm2 (a) avoiding sand
(d) 10 N/cm2 (b) using light aggregate
Q.290. If 15 cm cube of concrete has a strength (c) adding foam producing agents
25 N/mm2 after 28 days, then this (d) all these 
concrete is graded as Q.297. Clinker can be used in making
(a) M10 (a) no fines concrete
(b) M15 (b) aerated concrete
(c) M20 (c) water proof concrete
(d) M25  (d) light weight concrete 
Q.291. Seven grades of concrete are M10, M15, Q.298. In no-fines concrete
M20, M25, M30, M35 and (a) cement is reduced 
(a) M40  (b) sand is reduced
(b) M45 (c) coarse aggregate is reduced
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.20

(d) pumice stone is added (b) glass

Q.299. No-fines concrete has (c) polypropylene
(a) very high resistance to water (d) any of the above 
penetration Q.308. In contrast to ordinary cement concrete,
(b) little resistance to water penetration fibre reinforced concrete has/have
(c) no resistance to water penetration  (a) higher cement content
(d) none of these (b) lower coarse aggregate
Q.300. Aerated concrete is formed by adding (c) smaller size of coarse aggregate
(a) powdered aluminium and zinc in (d) all of the above 
cement  Q.309. cement content in fibre reinforced
(b) powdered clinker in concrete concrete is
(c) powdered foamed slag in cement (a) 50 kg/m3
(d) none of these (b) 100 kg/m3
Q.301. Powdered aluminium or zinc is added in (c) 350 to 500 kg/m3 
cement to make concrete aerated in the (d) 100 to 350 kg/m3
ratio of Q.310. The size of coarse aggregate in fibre
(a) 1:10 reinforced concrete should be
(b) 1:100 (a) 510 mm minimum
(c) 1:1000  (b) 10 mm maximum 
(d) 1:2500 (c) 15 mm minimum
Q.302. Use of blast furnace slag is (d) 15 mm maximum
advantageous in Q.311. Vinsol resin, dresinate and vinsol NVX
(a) light bridges are
(b) sea water concreting  (a) agents to make polymer concrete
(c) dams (b) air entraining agents
(d) all these (c) makes concrete air entrained
Q.303. Polymer impregnated concrete has (d) both (b) and (c) 
(a) 6 to 7% polymer by weight  Q.312. In air entrained concrete, the volume of
(b) 6 to 7% polymer by volume entrained air is about
(c) resins (a) 1%
(d) monomers (b) 3% to 5% 
Q.304. Polymer impregnated concrete is (c) 10%
different from polymer concrete. This (d) 15% (AMIE June99)
statement is Q.313. In air entrained concrete, entrained air
(a) true  provides
(b) debatable (a) high durability
(c) false (b) impermeability and lightness
(d) foolish (c) less temperature rise due to
Q.305. Polymer concrete has hydration
(a) monomers (d) all of the above 
(b) resins Q.314. Bleeding in air entrained concrete is
(c) both(a) and (b) (a) less 
(d) either(a) or (b)  (b) more
Q.306. Introduction of fibres in concrete gives (c) no bleeding
(a) fracture toughness (d) extremely high
(b) fatigue resistance Q.315. Water cement ratio in air entrained
(c) impact resistance concrete is
(d) all these  (a) less 
Q.307. Fibre reinforced concrete may contain (b) more
fibres of (c) extremely less
(a) steel (d) extremely high
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.21

Q.316. The concrete used in U.S.A. is generally answer using the codes given below the
(a) aerated lists:
(b) air entrained  List I
(c) ordinary A. Water reducing admixture
(d) fibre reinforced B. Air entraining agent
C. Superplasticiser
ADMIXTURES D. Accelerator
List II
Q.317. Substances used in cement, mortar and
1.Sulphonated melanin formaldehyde
concrete to improve performance, are
2. Calcium chloride
called
3. Lignosulphonate
(a) accelerators
4. Neutralised Vinsol resin
(b) admixtures 
(a) A2,B4,C1,D3
(c) polymers
(b) A1,B3,C4,D2
(d) none of these
(c) A3,B4,C1,D2 
Q.318. Fatty acid salts, alkyl aryl
(d) A3,B4,C2,D1 (IES 1998)
sulphonates/sulphates and phenol
enthoxylates are
(a) accelerators BRICKS
(b) admixtures Q.325. Brick constituents are
(c) air entraining agents  (a) clay
(d) all these (b) lime, magnesia and iron
Q.319. Accelerators are used to (c) silica
(a) increase setting time (d) all these 
(b) reduce setting time  Q.326. Consider the following statements:
(c) decrease rate of hardening A good soil for making bricks should
(d) both(a) and (c) contain
Q.320. Accelerators are used to 1. about 30% alumina
(a) increase setting time 2. about 10% lime nodules
(b) increase rate of hardening  3. a small quantity of iron oxide
(c) decrease rate of hardening 4. about 15% magnesia
(d) none of these Of these statements
Q.321. Calcium chloride is (a) 1 and 2 are correct
(a) admixture (b) 1 and 3 are correct 
(b) accelerator  (c) 1,3 and 4 are correct
(c) air entraining agent (d) 2,3 and 4 are correct
(d) all these (AMIE June97,99) (IES 1994)
Q.322. With 2% Calcium chloride in cement, Q.327. Bricks are burnt at a temperature of
setting time is (a) 5000 to 7000C
(a) reduced to1/2 of normal time (b) 7000 to 9000C
(b) reduced to 1/3 of normal time  (c) 9000C to 12000C 
(c) reduced to 1/10 of normal time (d) 12000C to 15000C (IES 1999)
(d) increased to 3 times of normal time Q.328. If bricks are burnt at higher temperature
Q.323. With 2% Calcium chloride in cement, than prescribed then
strength after 28 days is increased by (a) glassy material is formed
(a) 5% (b) product is vitrified
(b) 10%  (c) product looses shape
(c) 30% (d) all these 
(d) 170% Q.329. An excess of alumina in brick causes
Q.324. Match list I(admixtures) with list after burning
II(chemicals) and select the correct (a) hardness 
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.22

(b) crystallization (d) all these

(c) lower fusion temperature Q.339. During drying, clay
(d) all these (a) expands
Q.330. An excess of silica in brick makes it (b) shrinks 
(a) hard and strong  (c) softens
(b) soft and weak (d) becomes reddish
(c) vitrified Q.340. Soft plastic clays shrink about
(d) none of these (a) 30%
Q.331. Small quantity of magnesia in brick (b) 20%
(a) increases shrinkage (c) 10% 
(b) decreases shrinkage  (d) none of these
(c) soften it Q.341. When bricks are required at large scale,
(d) give reddish colour which of the following method of drying
Q.332. Reddish colour in brick is caused by is used
(a) lime (a) natural drying
(b) magnesia (b) artificial drying 
(c) iron oxide  (c) any of(a) or (b)
(d) alumina (d) none of these
Q.333. Harmful constituents in bricks are Q.342. In artificial drying heat is derived from
(a) alkalies (a) hot flue gases from cooling
(b) lime stone chambers of kiln
(c) iron pyrites (b) special kilns
(d) all these  (c) waste steam from engines of driving
Q.334. Size of conventional brick is machines
(a) 22.23 cm. X 10.80 cm. X 6.67 cm. (d) any of these 
 Q.343. A brick before drying is called
(b) 20 cm. x 10 cm x 10 cm (a) lean
(c) both(a) and (b) (b) red
(d) neither(a) nor (b) (c) green 
Q.335. In a Pug Mill (d) none of these
(a) bricks are dried Q.344. Bricks are burnt in
(b) bricks are moulded (a) dry grinding pans
(c) mixed clay is brought to moulding (b) Pug Mill
stage  (c) incinerators
(d) none of these (d) none of these 
Q.336. In a pressed brick process Q.345. Bricks can be burnt in
(a) clay is not made into plastic paste (a) open kilns
(b) only 7 to 10 % of water is added just (b) intermittent kilns
to form a damp powder (c) continuous kilns
(c) clay is pressed under a pressure of (d) any of these 
1000 to 1200 kg/cm2 Q.346. Intermittent kiln(upward draught type)
(d) all these  has a capacity of about
Q.337. Pressed bricks (a) 35000 bricks per day
(a) require drying before burning (b) 35000 bricks per week
(b) are weak (c) 35000 bricks per fortnight 
(c) less durable (d) none of these
(d) none of these  Q.347. Intermittent kiln(downward draught
Q.338. Bricks are dried type) has a capacity of about
(a) before burning  (a) 100,000 bricks per day
(b) after burning (b) 100,000 bricks per week
(c) before moulding (c) 100,000 bricks per fortnight 
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.23

(d) none of these Q.354. The weight of an engineering brick

Q.348. In intermittent kiln should be about
(a) various stages are continuous (a) 1 gram per cu. cm.
(b) various stages for one lot is (b) 2 gram per cu. cm 
completed before next loading (c) 3 gram per cu. cm
(c) length of the kiln is kept about 6 to (d) 4 gram per cu. cm
20 m Q.355. Compressive strength of an engineering
(d) both (b) and (c)  brick should be
Q.349. Chief varieties of continuous kilns are (a) 1 to 2 kg/cm2
(a) Bull’s kiln (b) 1.5 to 3.5 kg/cm2
(b) Hoffman’s kiln (c) 2.4 to 3.8 kg/cm2
(c) Warren’s patent kiln (d) 3.4 to 4.8 kg/cm2 
(d) all these  Q.356. The modulus of rupture of building
Q.350. Continuous kiln produces about brick should be
(a) 20,000 bricks per day  (a) 10 to 70 kg./sq.cm.
(b) 20,000 bricks per week (b) 70 to 210 kg./sq.cm. 
(c) 20,000 bricks per fortnight (c) 90 to 310 kg./sq.cm.
(d) none of these (d) none of these
Q.351. A good brick should not absorb water by Q.357. W is weight of brick when dry at room
weight(dry) more than temperature, W1 is weight of brick after
(a) 10% immersion in water at room temperature
(b) 20%  for 24 hours and W2 is weight after
(c) 25% boiling in water for 5 hours and cooling
(d) 30% (IES 1995,96) in water overnight. Then saturation
Q.352. Which of the following procedure is coefficient is
applied to determine the soundness of (a) (W1 – W)/(W2 – W) 
bricks? (b) (W2 – W)/(W1 – W)
(a) immersing the brick under water for (c) W1/W2
16 hrs and determining the quantity (d) W2/W1
of water absorbed by the brick Q.358. What is efflorescence?
(b) immersing the brick under water for (a) formation of white patches on the
24 hrs and determining its brick surface due to insoluble salts
expansion using Le Chatelier in the brick clay 
apparatus (b) swelling of brick due to presence of
(c) taking two bricks, hitting one carbonaceous matter and gas
against the other and observing (c) deformation of brick due to
whether they break or not and the exposure to rain
type of sound produced while (d) impurities in the brick clay which
hitting  show after burning
(d) scratching the brick by finger nail (IES 1993)
and noting whether any impression Q.359. There would be efflorescence on brick
is made or not work when percentage of total soluble
(IES 2001) salts is greater than
Q.353. A good brick should not break when (a) 0.1%
dropped on another brick, from a height (b) 0.25%
of (c) 1%
(a) 30 cm. (d) 2.5% 
(b) 60 cm. Q.360. An ideal brick should have
(c) 90 cm. (a) high thermal conductivity
(d) 120 cm.  (b) high percentage of soluble salts
(c) low thermal conductivity 
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.24

(d) no water absorption (b) coconut

Q.361. In an experiment linear expansion (c) palm
greater than 0.02 percent takes place (d) all these 
when brick is saturated with water. The Q.368. In a wood log, the cells which extends
brick is from the centre of the trunk to the
(a) ideal outside, are called
(b) over burnt (a) fibre cells
(c) under burnt  (b) medullary rays 
(d) none of these (c) parenchyma cells
Q.362. Consider the following statements: (d) both(a) and (c)
1. About 25% of alumina in brick earth Q.369. The cells which perform the function of
imparts the plasticity necessary for storage are termed as
moulding bricks into required shape. (a) fibre cells
2. Iron pyrite present in brick earth (b) medullary cells
preserves the form of the bricks at (c) parenchyma cells 
high temperatures. (d) none of these
3. Presence of weeds in brick earth Q.370. The strength of timber is seriously
makes the bricks unsound. affected if
Which Of these statements are correct (a) fibre cells are cut during sawing
(a) 1 and 2 (b) medullary rays are cut during
(b) 1 and 3  sawing
(c) 2 and 3 (c) parenchyma cells are cut during
(d) 1,2 and 3 (IES 1999) sawing
(d) all these
Q.363. The most important purpose of frog in Q.371. Cambium layer is protected by
brick is to (a) protoplasm
(a) emboss manufacturer’s name (b) fibre cells
(b) reduce weight of brick (c) bark 
(c) form keyed joint between brick and (d) all these
mortar  Q.372. Match List I with List II and select the
(d) improve insulation by providing correct answer using the codes given
“hollows” (IES 1999) below the lists:
Q.364. The number of bricks required per cubic List I
metre of brick masonry is A. The Innermost part or core of the
(a) 400 stern of a tree
(b) 450 B. The vascular tissue which encloses
(c) 500  the pith
(d) 550 (IES 2001) C. A cellular tissue and woody fibre
Q.365. The bricks which are extensively used arranged in distinct concentric circle
for basic refractories in furnaces are D. The thin layer below the bark not
(a) chrome bricks converted into sapwood as yet
(b) sillimanite bricks List II
(c) magnesite bricks  1. Transverse septa(Medullary rays)
(d) fosterite bricks (IES 2001) 2. Annual rings
Q.366. Mango is 3. The cambium layer
(a) endogenous tree 4. The outermost cover or skin of the
(b) exogenous tree  stem
(c) conifer 5. Medulla(pith)
(d) none of these Codes:
Q.367. Endogenous trees is/are (a) A2,B5,C3,D4
(a) bamboo (b) A5,B1,C2,D3 
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.25

(c) A4,B3,C2,D1 Q.381. In the state of equilibrium moisture

(d) A5,B1,C4,D3 (IES 1998) content
Q.373. Sapwood contains (a) moisture transfers from wood to air
(a) tannin (b) moisture transfer from air to wood
(b) resins (c) there is no interchange of moisture
(c) latex between wood and air 
(d) none of these  (d) moisture transfers from sapwood to
Q.374. The natural immunity and durability to heartwood
heartwood is given by Q.382. In air seasoning, wood is dried to
(a) resins (a) moisture content of sapwood
(b) latex (b) moisture content of heartwood
(c) calcium oxilate (c) equilibrium moisture content 
(d) all these  (d) zero moisture content
Q.375. Contents of sapwood are Q.383. In artificial seasoning, wood is dried to
(a) sugar (a) zero moisture content
(b) starch (b) any desired value 
(c) albumen (c) equilibrium moisture content
(d) all these  (d) 5% moisture
Q.376. By seasoning of timber, contents of Q.384. Initial drying by natural process(air
____ are reduced. seasoning) is required before applying
(a) heartwood kiln seasoning in
(b) sapwood  (a) hardwood 
(c) stem (b) softwood
(d) bark (c) any wood
Q.377. In wood (d) defective wood
(a) sapwood changes to heartwood Q.385. The ratio of tangential shrinkage to
(b) sapwood varies from 15 to 60% of radial shrinkage of wood due to
total content of log reduction in moisture content is
(c) sapwood is lighter in colure (a) 3.1 to 5.1 
(d) all of these  (b) 2 to 3
Q.378. The modulus of elasticity of timber is (c) 1 to 2
about (d)  1 (IES 2001)
(a) 0.5 to 1.0 x 104 N/mm2  Q.386. Seasoning of timber is required to
(b) 1 to 1.5 x 104 N/mm2 (a) soften the timber
(c) 1.5 to 2.0 x 104 N/mm2 (b) harden the timber
(d) 2 to 2.5 x 104 N/mm2 (c) straighten the timber
(IES 1997) (d) remove sap from the timber 
Q.379. The moisture content in structural (IES 1996)
timber should be Q.387. air seasoning of timber
(a) 0 to 5 percent (a) reduces weight of timber
(b) 5 to 15 percent  (b) makes timber resistant to decay
(c) 16 to 25 percent (c) makes timber stable
(d) 20 to 25 percent (IES 1992,98) (d) all these 
Q.380. If the initial weight of a sample of wood Q.388. Sap of timber is effectively diluted and
is 62.58 gram and the weight after oven partly removed in
dry is 51.24 grams, then the moisture (a) air seasoning
content of the sample is (b) kiln seasoning
(a) 22.1%  (c) chemical seasoning
(b) 20% (d) water seasoning 
(c) 5% Q.389. In chemical seasoning, timber can be
(d) none of these dealt with
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.26

(a) sodium chloride (d) either(a) or (b)

(b) sugar Q.397. After sawing of timber
(c) urea  (a) circumferential shrinkage is lower
(d) all of the above than radial shrinkage
Q.390. On application of external stress on (b) radial shrinkage and circumferential
timbers, it behaves like shrinkage are equal
(a) an elastic material  (c) radial shrinkage is lower than
(b) non-elastic material circumferential shrinkage 
(c) viscoelastic material (d) there will be no shrinkage
(d) non-viscoelastic material Q.398. Wastage during sawing is about
(IES 2001) (a) 10%
Q.391. Timber has maximum strength (b) 15%
(a) when green (c) 30% 
(b) when moisture content is nearly (d) 50%
zero percent Q.399. Radial cracks extending from pitch
(c) when moisture content is around 5 towards the sapwood are called
percent (a) heart shakes
(d) when moisture is around 12 percent (b) cracks
 (IES 1992) (c) star shakes
Q.392. The strength of timber is maximum (d) all these 
when load applied is Q.400. Appearance of crack in timber is
(a) parallel to grain  attributed to evaporation of oils of the
(b) perpendicular to grain cells of
(c) inclined at 450 to grain (a) sapwood
(d) inclined at 600 to grain (b) heartwood 
(IES 1995,2000) (c) stem
Q.393. During the conversion of timber by (d) bark
sawing, in order to obtain strong timber Q.401. Which of the following is not a natural
pieces, the cuts should be made by defect in timber?
(a) ordinary sawing (a) knot
(b) tangential sawing  (b) twisted fibres
(c) quarter sawing (c) burls
(d) radial sawing (IES 1997) (d) honey combing  (IES 1992)
Q.394. Timber log is sawed tangential to Q.402. Which of the following is/are defect
annular rings and right angles to arising due to conversion and use
medullary rays in (a) case hardening
(a) radial sawing (b) twisting
(b) tangential sawing  (c) bowing
(c) both(a) and (b) (d) all these 
(d) ordinary sawing Q.403. Which of the following pairs regarding
Q.395. Timber log is sawed parallel to the defects in timber are correctly
medullary rays in matched?
(a) radial sawing  1. Upsets : Due to over maturity and
(b) tangential sawing unventilated storage of wood
(c) ordinary sawing 2. Foxiness: Due to crushing of fibres
(d) combinational sawing running transversely
Q.396. After sawing of timber, its moisture 3. Star shakes: Radial splits widest at
content the circumference and diminishing
(a) remains constant towards the centre
(b) increases
(c) decreases 
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.27

4. Hear shakes: Cracks widest at the Q.406. Radial splits in timber originating from
centre and diminishing towards the “Bark” and narrowing towards the
outer circumference “pith” are known as
(a) 1 and 2 (a) heart shakes
(b) 3 and 4  (b) star shakes 
(c) 1,3 and 4 (c) cup shakes
(d) 2 and 4 (IES 1993) (d) knots (IES 1999)
Q.404. Match List I(Name of defect) with List Q.407. Consider the following statements:
II(Definition) and select the correct 1. increased strength
answer using the codes given below the 2. increased durability
lists: 3. reduced resilience
List I: Name of defect Of these statements
A. Cupping (a) 1,2 and 3 are correct
B. Bowing (b) 1 and 3 are correct
C. Chucks (c) 1 and 2 are correct 
D. Knots (d) 2 and 3 are correct (IES 1994)
List II: Definition Q.408. Defects in timber can also be caused by
1. caused by wood limbs encased by following insect(s)
the wood of the free trunk (a) beetle termites
2. caused by grain irregularities in the (b) marine borers
board and can be eliminated by (c) bark beetles
proper stacking (d) all these 
3. small cracks appearing at the ends Q.409. Seasoned wood is generally damaged by
of boards caused by too rapid drying (a) beetle termite
4. unequal shrinking in the radial and (b) white aunt
tangential direction (c) powder post beetle 
Codes: (d) marine borers
(a) A1,B2,C3,D4 Q.410. White Aunts cause great damage in
(b) A4,B3,C2,D1  timber in
(c) A1,B3,C2,D4 (a) tropical countries
(d) A4,B2,C3,D1 (IES 2002) (b) sub tropical countries
Q.405. Match list I with List II and select the (c) both(a) and (b) 
correct answer using the code given (d) neither(a) nor (b)
below the lists: Q.411. Timber can be made more fire resistant
List I(Terms) by
A. Sap wood (a) dipping and steeping process
B. Knot (b) Sir Abel’s process
C. Shake (c) charring 
D. Rot (d) Hot and cold open tank treatment
List II (IES 1992)
1. Separation between adjacent layers Q.412. The wood preservative “creosote” is
of tissues derived from
2. Disintegration caused by fungi (a) wood or coal
3. A branch base embedded in timber (b) acidic cupric chromate
by natural growth (c) chromated zinc chloride
4. Outer layers of a log of wood (d) pentachlorophenol (IES 1994)
(a) A1,B2,C3,D4 Q.413. Most common form of creosote is
(b) A3,B4,C2,D1 (a) coal tar creosote 
(c) A1,B3,C2,D4 (b) water-gas-tar creosote
(d) A4,B3,C1,D2  (IES 1994) (c) wood tar creosote
(d) both (b) and (c)
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.28

Q.414. Creosote should not contain more than Q.420. As a construction material, plywood is
(a) 3% of water  preferred to thin planks of timber
(b) 10% of water because of
(c) 15% of water (a) good strength and dimensional
(d) 20% of water stability in both lateral and
Q.415. The process of wood treatment by zinc longitudinal directions 
chloride is called (b) good dimensional stability in both
(a) kyonising longitudinal and lateral directions
(b) burnettizing  (c) good strength in both longitudinal
(c) carbonization and lateral directions
(d) none of these (d) savings in cost and environmental
Q.416. The process of wood treatment by considerations
mercuric chloride is called (IES 1993)
(a) kyonising  Q.421. In plywood
(b) burnettizing (a) longitudinal grains of central veneer
(c) carbonization are placed at right angles to those of
(d) none of theseS outer ones 
Q.417. Consider the following methods of (b) longitudinal grains of central veneer
preservation of timber: are placed at parallel to those of
1. Dipping outer ones
2. Brushing of spraying (c) longitudinal grains of central veneer
3. Pressure impregnation are placed at 450 to those of outer
The correct sequence in decreasing ones
order of effectiveness of these methods (d) none of these
of preservation is Q.422. Soft wood among the following are
(a) 1,2,3 1. Teak
(b) 2,1,3 2. Sal
(c) 3,1,2  3. Walnut
(d) 3,2,1 (IES 1999,2002) 4. Chir
Q.418. Which of the following statements about (a) 1 and 2 only
timber are correct? (b) 3 and 4 only 
1. Hard woods shrink more than soft (c) 2 and 3 only
woods. (d) 1 and 4 only (IES 1992)
2. For the same variety, heavy weight Q.423. The thickness of plywood for 11 plies is
timber is stronger and more sound (a) 3 mm to 6 mm
as compared to light weight timber. (b) 6 mm to 12 mm
3. Wood impregnated with borex, (c) 19 mm to 25 mm 
resists fire. (d) 30 mm to 40 mm
(IES 1992) Q.424. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 and 2 only Among the more common varieties of
(b) 2 and 3 only timber, namely, sal, mango and deodar
(c) 2 and 1 only 1. sal is the strongest
(d) 1,2 and 3  2. mango is the least durable
Q.419. The thickness of 3 ply plywood will be 3. deodar is lightest
nearly Of these statements
(a) 0.3 mm (a) 1,2 and 3 are correct 
(b) 3 mm  (b) 1 and 2 are correct
(c) 1 to 10 mm (c) 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 3 inches (IES 1992) (d) 2 and 3 are correct (IES 1994)
Q.425. The weight of constructional timber is
generally
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.29

(a) 200 kg/m3 (b) 17% to 25%

(b) 400 kg/m3 (c) 1% to 2% 
(c) 700 kg/m3  (d) 60% to 65% (SSC JE 2019)
(d) 1000 kg/m3 Q.434. The modulus of Elasticity of
Q.426. Timber from Mango tree is concrete is given by Ec = –– MPa.
(a) yields very fine planks (Where fck = characteristic
(b) moderately strong compressive strength of concrete
(c) used for general building works cube)
(d) all these  (a) 5000 fck 
Q.427. Timber from Sal tree is (b) 2000fck
(a) durable (c) 3000 fck
(b) very strong (d) 5000fck (SSC JE 2019)
(c) used for general structural work Q.435. The type of cement used in lining of
(d) all these  deep tube wells is:
Q.428. Timber from Teak tree is (a) High alumina cement
(a) moderately hard (b) Blast furnace slag cement
(b) strong (c) Oil well cement
(c) used for sleepers and furniture (d) Portland pozzolana cement 
(d) all these  (SSC JE 2019)
Q.429. Timber from Deodar tree is Q.436. According to IS 456 : 2000, what
(a) soft should be the unit weight of plain
(b) light and strong cement concrete?
(c) used for general structural work (a) 24 kN/m3 
(d) all these  (b) 22 kN/m3
(c) 23 kN/m3
QUESTIONS FROM (d) 21 kN/m3 (SSC JE 2019)
COMPETITIVE EXAMS Q.437. Which of the following materials
falls under the category of rigid
Q.430. The Le Chatelier apparatus is used materials when checking the
to determine dampness of a material?
(a) compressive strength of cement (a) Polythene sheets
(b) fineness of cement (b) Cement concrete 
(c) setting time of cement (c) Mastic asphalt
(d) soundness of cement  (d) Bitumen felts (SSC JE 2019)
(GATE 2018) Q.438. Which of the following constituents
Q.431. The deformation in concrete due to in the manufacture of glass acts as
sustained loading is an accelerator for the fusion of glass
(a) creep  and an excess of which will be
(b) hydration harmful?
(c) segregation (a) Cullet
(d) shrinkage (GATE 2018) (b) Lime
Q.432. Which of the following is an (c) Potash
example of a sedimentary rock? (d) Soda  (SSC JE 2019)
(a) Granite Q.439. What is the content of carbon in pig
(b) Marble iron?
(c) Sandstone  (a) 0.5% to 2.5%
(d) Quartzite (SSC JE 2019) (b) 3% to 4%
Q.433. What is the percentage of sulphur (c) 0.002% to 0.1%
trioxide in ordinary Portland (d) 5% to 8%  (SSC JE 2019)
cement? Q.440. Adding extenders in paints increases
(a) 3.5% to 9% its ______.
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.30

(a) durability (a) Annular ring 

(b) washability (b) Sapwood
(c) adhesion (c) Pith
(d) pigment volume concentration  (d) Timber defects (SSC JE 2018)
(SSC JE 2019) Q.447. For M 25 grade concrete, the split
Q.441. What is the grade of timber as per tensile strength in terms of percentage of
timber grading (IS 6543), if the its compressive strength is _____.
modulus of elasticity in bending is (a) 7 to 11% 
between 5.6 to 9.8 kN/mm2 ? (b) 18 to 28%
(a) Grade B (c) 28 to 38%
(b) Grade D (d) 38 to 48% (SSC JE 2018)
(c) Grade A Q.448. Distempers are generally used to
(d) Grade C  (SSC JE 2019) coat _____.
Q.442. Which of the following cement is (a) compound wall
supposed to be the best cementing (b) external concrete surfaces
material and is well burnt cement? (c) interior surface which are not
(a) Tricalcium silicate  exposed to environment 
(b) Tricalcium aluminate (d) wood works (SSC JE 2018)
(c) Tetracalcium alumino ferrite Q.449. Which of the following is
(d) Dicalcium silicate commonly used as retarder in
(SSC JE 2019) cement?
Q.443. Which of the following is the (a) Calcium sulphate
chemical classification of rocks? (b) Gypsum 
(a) Unstratified rock (c) Potassium carbide
(b) Stratified rock (d) Sodium chloride (SSC JE 2018)
(c) Foliated rock Q.450. In the process of hydration of OPC,
(d) Silicious rock  (SSC JE 2019) to complete all chemical reaction,
Q.444. Which of the following is added as a the water requirement (expressed as
vehicle in paints? the percentage of cement) is _____.
(a) Turpentine oil (a) 5 to 8%
(b) Tung oil  (b) 8 to 16%
(c) White lead (c) 20 to 25% 
(d) Read lead (SSC JE 2019) (d) 35 to 45% (SSC JE 2018)
Hint: Tung oil blended with linseed Q.451. The slump test is performed to check
oil in the ratio of 1 to 3 is a good the _____.
paint vehicle. Tung oil is added as a (a) presence of water in cement
vehicle in paints. Tung oil may be (b) ratio of concrete ingredients
blended with perilla, soybean, and (c) temperature resistance
fish oil in preparation of outside (d) workability of concrete 
house paint vehicles. (SSC JE 2018)
Q.445. Which of the following represent Q.452. The reason behind the low
the crushing strength (MPa) for the expansion and shrinkage of the
good quality stone that are used in plywood is _____.
the construction of buildings? (a) plies are placed at the right angles
(a) Less than 20 with each other 
(b) 20 to 60 (b) they are glued under the high
(c) 60 to 80 pressure
(d) Greater than 100  (c) they are held in the position with
(SSC JE 2018) the help of adhesives
Q.446. Which of the following is examined (d) they are prepared with the help
to determine the age of timber? of veneers (SSC JE 2018)
 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (MCQ) 1.31

Q.453. The outer protective layer of a tree (b) Lime and alumina
is (c) Silica and alumina
(a) cambium layer (d) Lime and iron (RRB 2015)
(b) pitch Q.457. Plaster of pans is obtained by
(c) bark  calcining
(d) sap (RRB 2014) (a) Gypsum 
Q.454. Which lime is most suitable for white (b) Bauxite
washing? (c) Limestone
(a) quicklime (d) Ranker (RRB 2015)
(b) stone lime Q.458. First class timber has an average life
(c) kankar lime of
(d) shell lime  (RRB 2014) (a) Less than one year
Q.455. Lime mortar is generally made with (b) 1 to 5 years
(a) Quicklime (c) 5 to 10 years 
(b) Fat lime (d) More than 10 years
(c) Hydraulic lime 
(d) White lime (RRB 2014)
Q.456. The main ingredients of Portland
cement are
(a) Lime and silica 