CE 6506 Construction Techniques, Equipment and Practices

UNIT II CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES 9

Specifications, Details And Sequence of Activities and Construction Co-Ordination – Site
Clearance – Marking – Earthwork - Masonry – Stone Masonry – Bond in Masonry - Concrete
Hollow Block Masonry – Flooring – Damp Proof Courses – Construction Joints – Movement
and Expansion Joints – Precast Pavements – Building Foundations – Basements – Temporary
Shed – Centering And Shuttering – Slip Forms – Scaffoldings – De-Shuttering Forms
– Fabrication and Erection of Steel Trusses – Frames – Braced Domes – Laying Brick ––
Weather and Water Proof – Roof Finishes – Acoustic and Fire Protection.

SPECIFICATIONS

1 Define Specifications.
2 Define the various types of specifications and their significance.
3 How to detail a work?
SPECIFICATIONS
4 Define Specification.
5 What are PWD specifications?
6 What are Special Specifications?
7 What are General Specifications?
8 How do Specifications help in Quality Control?
9 How do Specifications influence the construction costs?
10 Specify the materials and methods for Brick Masonry Wall.
11 Specify the materials and methods for RCC Slab.
12 Specify the materials and methods for for RCC Footing.
13 Specify the materials and methods for Tiled Flooring.
14 Specify the materials and methods for Weathering Course.
15

Details and Sequence of Activities and Construction Co-Ordination

1 What is the importance of coordination in construction?

2 What is meant by Work, Task and Activity and EVENT?
DETAILS OF ACTIVITIES AND CONSTRUCTION
3 What are the details required in general for a construction activity?
4 How the work details are different from Work Specifications?
5 Give the details for a construction project for a typical residential house.
6 Give the details for a construction project for a typical commercial complex.
7 Give the details for a construction project for a typical IT park.
8 Give the details for a construction project for a typical factory facility.
9 Give the details for a construction project for a typical hospital.
10 Define and Differentiate between Project,. Work, Task, Activity, Module, Package,
Operation, Phase, Stage, Schedule, Process.
SEQUENCE OF ACTIVITIES AND CONSTRUCTION
11 Define the importance of sequence of activities for a construction project.
12 List out the sequence of activities for a foundation work.
13 List out the sequence of works for a new water supply scheme.
14 List out the sequence of works for a new highway project.
15 List out the sequence of works for a new multistorey building.
16 Give examples for how 2 different construction techniques or materials adopted cause
variations in the sequence of activities for the same type of structure.
17 When do we adopt parallel and successive types of sequences of activities for a given
construction project?
 18 Draw flow charts and write algorithms for the above case examples with “ IF – YES” type
clauses especially for situations when the engineer has to choose between two or more
techniques, materials and similar issues.
19 Write the Sequence of Activities for constructing a Footing in RCC.
CO-ORDINATION
20 Why coordination is required between different agencies / stakeholders in a project?
21 What are the problems that may be arise in a construction project due to poor coordination?
22
SITE CLEARANCE

1 What is Site Clearance?

SITE CLEARANCE

2 What is Site Clearance?

3 List out all the items or elements to be cleared in a site before starting the new construction
in case of a GREEN FIELD PROJECT.
4 List out all the items or elements to be cleared in a site before starting the new construction
in case of a BROWN FIELD PROJECT.
5 List out some equipment used for site clearance works.
6 List out the different attachments to earthwork equipment like dozer, excavator for
clearing stones, soil, bushes, tress, buildings, etc.
7 For a site with lot of trees all having deep and wide roots, then for site clearance, is mere
cutting off of the tree trunks above the ground level enough or should all the deep roots
also have to be cleared by digging deep and wide and pulling out all roots?
8 List out all the pre-planning and precautionary measures required for site clearance.
9 List out all the statutory approvals required before taking up site clearance work.
10 What is demolition?
11 What is Implosion?
12 What is mulching?
13 What are the environmental impacts of site clearance acitivities?
14

MARKING

1 What is Setting – Out of foundation?

2 What are the methods of Marking at sites?
MARKING
3 Briefly describe the method of Setting Out of Foundation.
4 What are the information sources and references for marking for a structure to start the
construction activities?
5 When is marking carried out – before clearing or after clearing or before excavation or
after excavation?
6 Define and Differentiate between Marking and Signs at sites.
7 How survey operations are linked to the marking process in the construction activities?
8

EARTHWORK

1 Define Earthwork.
 2 What are the various types of Earthwork?
3 List out the various types of Earthwork machinery and their respective functions.
4 How does the ground water level affects the process and safety of earthwork?
5 What are the different safety and precautionary measures to be adopted in earthwork?
6 Draw the typical shuttering arrangement for earthwork.
7 What are the methods of protecting Open Excavations?
8 Describe the various types of Earthworks and the corresponding equipment
each type of earthwork
9 List out the equipment for various earthwork.
10 Name the chemical used for stabilization of excavations, bore holes.
11 Compare and contrast the various types of earthworks in civil engineering
construction.
EARTHWORK
12 What are the tasks in earthwork in a building construction?
13 What are Sheet Piles?
14 What is the need for Termite Proofing and what are its types?
15 Define Excavation.
16 Define Digging.
17 Define Trenching.
18 Define Tunneling.
19 Define Boring.
20 Define Drilling.
21 Define Cutting.
22 Define Filling.
23 Define Compacting.
24 Define Dozing.
25 Define Clearing
26 Define Scrapping
27 Define Shoveling
28 Define Cutting
29 Define Leading
30 Define Loading
31 Define Hauling
32 Define Stabilisation
33 Define Grading
34 Define RIPPING ( for Rocks )
35 Define Rolling.
36 Define Kneading.
37 Define Tamping.
38 Define Ploughing.
39 Define Blasting.
40 Define Grubbing.
41 Define Backfilling.
42 Define Benching.
43 Define Stripping.
44 Define Mass Diagram for Earthwork.
45 Define Lift.
46 Define Trimming.
47 Define Dumping.
48 Define Dragging.
49 Define Piling.
50 Define Augering.
51 How to calculate the quantities of earthwork?
52 What are the risks involved in earthwork?
 53 What are the precautionary measures required for earthwork?
54 What is Dewatering.?
55 What is Draining of Earth?
56 What is Sheet Piling?
57 What is the use of Bentonite in earthwork?
58 What is Shoring?
59 When is freezing required for earthwork?
60 What is Consolidation?
61 Define and Differentiate between compaction and consolidation.
62 What is Soil Exploration?
63 What is a Test Pit?
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65

SHORING for UNDERGROUND SUPPORTS

1 What are the different safety and precautionary measures to be adopted in earthwork?
2 Draw the typical shuttering arrangement for earthwork.
3 What are the methods of protecting Open Excavations?

MASONRY

1 Define masonry.
2 List out the types of masonry.
3 List out the types of Bonds adopted in masonry.
4 Define Stretcher, header and other masonry arrangements.
5 Mention the significance of bond in masonry structures.
6 Define Masonry and list its various types.
7 Distinguish in detail the differences between BRICK MASONRY and HOLLOW
CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY.
8 What do you mean by stretcher bond?
9 Define and Differentiate between Stretcher and Header Bonds in Masonry.
MASONRY

10 Define Masonry and list its various types.

11 What is Stone Masonry?
12 What is Brick Maasonry?
13 What is Block Masonry?
14 What is Panel Masonry?
15 What is Reinforced Masonry?
16 What is Composite Masonry?
17 Compare and Contrast Load Bearing and Non-Load Bearing Masonry.
18 Define Courses.
19 Define Bond.
20 Define Bed.
21 Define Face.
22 Define Back of a Masonry.
23 Define Hearting.
24 Define Header.
25 Define Stretcher.
26 Define Spalls.
27 Define Quoins.
28 Define Bat.
29 Define Closer.
30 What are the types of Closers in Brick masonry.
 31 Differentiate between King and Queen Closers.
32 What is frog in a brick?
33 What is Plinth Course in Masonry?
34 What is String Course in Masonry?
35 What is Sill Level?
36 What is Lintel Level?
37 What is Plinth Level?
38 List out the levels in the order of construction.
39 Define Roof Level.
40 Define Ceiling Level.
41 What are Jambs?
42 What is Plaster?
43 What is a Pilaster?
44 What is Coping?
45 What is Pier?
46 Define Corbel.
47 Define Parapet.
48 What are Templates?
49 What are Cornices?
50 List out the types of Stone Masonry.
51 What is dressing in Stone Masonry.
52 What is Springing in Arches?
53 Define Crown in an Arch.
54 Define and differentiate between Bat and Closer.
55 List out all the tools used by a mason.
56 What is the tool used to check the verticality of structural elements?
57 What is the tool used to check the straight alignment of structural elements?
58 Name the tool used to achieve flat, plane, smooth surfaces in plaster and flooring.
59 What is a Trowel? List out its types.
60 List out all the tools required for stone masonry works.
61 List out all the hand tools and small tools used in masonry to check the geometrical
correctness of the elements being constructed.
62 Compare and Contrast Stone Masonry and Brick Masonry and Block Masonry.
63 What are the limits of heights of construction in a given working day for different masonry
works?
64 If a masonry wall cannot be completed between the ends in a given working shift, what is
the procedure to stop so that the work can b finished later? Draw the detail.
65 The following sketches depict different situations in different masonry works: Detect the
defects in each one.
66 How is the Header Brick different from Key Stone / Through Stone.
67 How is the Key Stone used in Wall masonry different from the key stone used in arch
construction?
68 Draw a typical Masonry Arch with all the parts.
69 Draw the different types of Masonry Arches.
70 What are Voussoirs in masonry?

MASONRY
1 As a building owner / user / occupant, which type of masonry you will prefer? Why?
2 As a building structural designer , which type of masonry you will prefer? Why?
3 As a Mason, which type of masonry you will prefer?
4 As a Green Building Activist, which type of masonry you will prefer? Why?
5 As a structural designer, especially for severe earthquake prone zones, which type of
masonry you will prefer? Why?
6 For concealed Wiring and Conduiting in walls,which type of masonry you will prefer?
 7 With only local very poor quality bricks available, what type of bond for a 9” thick wall
will be the best considering all aspects of construction, strength, finish, economy, brick and
mortar consumption and other practical considerations?
8 Which is the Strongest – English Bond – Flemish Bond – Rat-Trap Bond? How?
9 Which is the Cheapest– English Bond – Flemish Bond – Rat-Trap Bond? How?
10 Which is the most convenient from all practical aspects - English Bond – Flemish Bond –
Rat-Trap Bond? How?
11 What aspect predominantly gives strength to the Masonry – Brick or Mortar or Bond?
12 What is the loading mechanism on a load bearing masonry wall as a whole unit – Axial
Compression or Bending Compression?
13 What is the loading mechanism on an individual MU brick or block in a load bearing
masonry wall – Axial Compression or Bending Compression?
14 Which is better in terms of increasing the strength of the wall masonry – brick on edge or
brick on bed? Why?
15 What are the allowable Slenderness ratio values for load bearing and non-load bearing
masonry walls?
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BRICK MASONRY

1 Draw and describe English Bond Masonry.

2 Draw and describe Flemish Bond Masonry.
3 Draw and describe Rat – Trap Bond Masonry.
4 What are the various methods of Brick Laying?
5 List out the various types of Brick Masonry.
6 What are the various types of bricks not of full size used in masonry?
7 Explain the different types of bonds in brick masonry with neat sketches.
8 Compare and Contrast between English and Flemish bonds in Masonry.
9 Explain the various classifications of brick masonry with sketches.
10 List down the types of Brick Masonry.
11 Distinguish in detail the differences between BRICK MASONRY and HOLLOW
CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY.

12 Explain the different types of bonds in brick masonry with neat sketches.
13 Compare and contrast English Bond and Flemish Bond in Brick Masonry.
14 What are the salient precautions and check points to be observed in Brick
Masonry?
15 Describe Brick and Block masonry and compare and contrast them.
16 List out all the precautions and checkpoints to be considered by a building
construction supervisor for brick masonry works.
LAYING BRICK
17 List out the rules for brick bonding.
18 How the traditional country brick is the most suitable for human / manual labour?
19 Why the bricks or blocks are arranged in a staggered manner in masonry instead of
stacking exactly one above the another? What is this staggering called as?
20 What is the need to use bats and closers in brick masonry?
21 Which are identical in brick masonry – ADJACENT LAYERS or ALTERNATIVE
LAYERS?
22 List out all the types of bonds in brick masonry.
23 Draw the typical Stretcher bond.
24 Draw the typical Header bond.
25 Draw the typical English bond.
26 Draw the typical Flemish bond.
27 Define and Differentiate between Brick-on-Bed and Brick-on-Edge.
28 Draw the typical Garden-Wall bond.
29 Draw the typical Facing bond.
30 Draw the typical Dutch bond.
31 Draw the typical Raking bond.
32 Draw the typical Zig-Zag bond.
33 Draw the typical English Cross bond.
34 Draw the typical Soldier Course type of brick bond.
35 Draw the typical bond arrangement for column construction.
36 Define and Differentiate between English and Flemish Bonds.
37 Draw the typical Rat-Trap Bond.
38 Draw the typical Silver-Cock Bond.
39 Draw the Herring Bone Bond.
40 Draw the Diagonal Bond.
41 List out the usual defects in Bricks.
42 List out the usual defects in Brick Masonry.
43 Which will be stronger – strength of the brick or strength of the brick masonry element – or
– will both the strengths be the same.?
44 Which SHOULD be the stronger – the strength of the brick or block used in masonry – or –
the strength of the mortar used to join these masonry units?
45 What is a Masonry Unit?
46 What are the tests recommended on bricks as per IS code?
47 What is Efflorescence in Bricks?
48 How does the IS code classify the types of Efflorescence in bricks?
49 What is the cause for efflorescence in bricks and if detected what is the remedial measure?
50 Classify the types of bricks/
51 What is a Country Brick?
52 What is First Class Brick?
53 What is a Second Class Brick?
54 List the advantages of Wire- cut Brick masonry.
55 Give one example for hollow masonry using solid bricks.
56 What are Hollow Bricks?
57 What are Cavity Walls?
58 What are Curtain Walls?
59 What are Sandwich walls?
60 What are Aerated Autoclaved Bricks / Blocks? Give the popular brand name.
61 What is FaL-G Brick?
62 What is Reinforced Brick Masonry?
63 List out the typical reinforcements used in masonry.
64 Compare Solid Masonry and Hollow Masonry.
65 What is a Ferrocement Wall?
66 Which should fail first ( if at all there is a failure ) – the Masonry Unit ( brick / block ) or –
the mortar used to join these MU?
67 Define Pointing in masonry and what are the preliminary measures required if pointing
finish is to carried out?
68 What are the different finishes for vertical surfaces of masonry structures?
69 What are the allowable Slenderness ratio values for load bearing and non-load bearing
masonry walls?
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STONE MASONRY

1 List out the various types of Stone Masonry.

2 What is a through stone?
3 Explain the classification of stone masonry with neat sketches.
4 Explain the classification of stone masonry with sketches.
5 Distinguish in detail the differences between BRICK MASONRY and HOLLOW
CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY.
6 Explain the classification of stone masonry with neat sketches.
7 What is Ashlar Masonry?
8 What is the role of Throughstone in Stone Masonry?
9 What is Coursed Rubble Masonry?
10 Explain all the types of Stone Masonry.
11 What is Ashlar Masonry?
12 What is the role of Throughstone in Stone Masonry?
13 Define Key Stone / Through Stone in Stone masonry

STONE MASONRY

16 Why is Stone Masonry difficult as compared to Brick Masonry?

17 List out the main differences between the two fundamental types of Stone Masonry.
18 Define and Differentiate between Ashlar and Rubble Masonry.
19 Classify the various types of Rubble Masonry.
20 What is Uncoursed Rubble Masonry?
21 What is Uncoursed Random Rubble Masonry?
22 What is Uncoursed Squared Rubble Masonry?
23 What is Coursed Random Rubble Masonry?
24 What is Coursed Squared Rubble Masonry?
25 What is Polygon Rubble Masonry?
26 How are Bond Stones placed in Stone Masonry? ****** Dec 2009
27 What is Flint Rubble Masonry?
28 What is Dry Rubble Masonry?
29 List out the difficulties in Rubble Masonry.
30 What is Ashlar Fine Masonry?
31 What is Ashlar Rough Tooled Masonry?
32 What is Ashlar Rock or Quarry Faced Masonry?
33 What is Ashlar Chamfered Masonry?
34 What is Ashlar Facing Masonry?
35 What is Ashlar Block in Course Masonry?
36 Mention the types of mortars used in stone masonry. ******* Nov 2008
37 What is Stone Block Masonry?
38 What are prescribed mortar proportions for stone masonry?
39 What are the types of joints in stone masonry?
40 When in all other masonry types – brick, block – there is only mortar joint and bond
arrangements – why in stone masonry we require additional joints apart from the regular
mortar joints and bond arrangements?
41 List out the types of joints in stone masonry based on the stone shapes.
 42 Draw the Butt Joint in stone masonry.
43 Draw the Lapped / Rebated Joint in stone masonry.
44 Draw the Table Joint in stone masonry.
45 Draw the Tongued and Grooved Joint in stone masonry.
46 Draw the Rusticated Joint in stone masonry.
47 Draw the Slate Joint in stone masonry.
48 Draw the Saddle Joint in stone masonry.
49 Draw the Dowel Joint in stone masonry.
50 Draw the Cramped Joint in stone masonry.
51 Draw the Plugged Joint in stone masonry.
52 List out the types of joints in stone masonry based on the type of mortar joint provided.
53 Draw the projecting Joint in stone masonry.
54 Draw the Vee Joint in stone masonry.
55 Draw the Channelled Joint in stone masonry.
56 List out some appliances used for lifting stones.
57 What are the basic principles of Brick Masonry or any type of masonry in general?
58 What are the fundamental check points one should look into to assess the quality of
masonry works?
59 What are Bonds in masonry?
60 What is the most common error an improperly trained or untrained mason commits in
masonry?
61 What is key stone? In which type of masonry is it used?
62 What is Through Stone?
63 Where do you adopt the following:
A Fine Ashlar Masonry B Dry- Stone Revetment
C Coursed Random Rubble D Artificial Stones
E Headers, Quoins, Copings F Bats & Closers

64 What are the allowable Slenderness ratio values for load bearing and non-load bearing
masonry walls?
65 Describe the various types of stone masonry.
66

BOND IN MASONRY

1 Define and Differentiate between Stretcher and Header Bonds in Masonry.

HOLLOW and SOLID CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY –

1 List out the various types of Concrete Masonry.

2 List out the differences between Solid and Hollow Block Masonry.
3 Distinguish in detail the differences between BRICK MASONRY and HOLLOW
CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY.
4 List out a few advantages of Hollow Concrete Block Masonry.
5 List out the various merits and demerits of Concrete Block Masonry.
6 Describe Brick and Block masonry and compare and contrast them.
7 List out a few advantages of Hollow Concrete Block Masonry.
CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCK MASONRY
8 Why is Concrete Block Masonry difficult as compared to Brick Masonry?
9 How the apprehensions and doubts among the different users and stakeholders towards
concrete hollow blocks were overcome?
10 Why there was resistance among masons in the beginning when concrete hollow blocks
were introduced?
11 Why there was resistance among the building owners and users in the beginning when
concrete hollow blocks were introduced?
12 Who deserves more salary – Stone mason – Brick mason – Block mason? Why?
13 Name the type of brick / block which can float in water?
14 What are the Interlocking Bricks / Blocks?
15 Name the type of MU which does not require mortar.
16 How do FaL-G bricks differ from burnt clay bricks?
17 What are the allowable Slenderness ratio values for load bearing and non-load bearing
masonry walls?
18
19

FLOORING

1 Define Floor and Flooring.

2 List out all the types of floors under different categories.
3 Draw the typical cross section of a RCC floor.
FLOORING
4 What is a Floor?
5 What is the difference between Floor and Terrace and Ground?
6 What are the components of any floor?
7 How does the Ground Floor differ from the other upper floors?
8 What is meant by Suspended Floor?
9 What are the various factors influencing the type of flooring structure and floor finish?
10 How do the two contradictory requirements – Smoothness and Anti-skidding safety for
floors are balanced in the choice of a floor?
11 List out all the types of materials used for flooring.
12 List out all types of flooring based on the material used.
13 Draw a view of Flag-stone flooring.
14 Draw a view of Brick flooring.
15 Draw a view of Mud and Murram flooring.
16 Draw a view of Timber flooring.
17 Draw a view of Mosaic flooring.
18 Draw a view of Concrete flooring.
19 Draw a view of Terrazzo flooring.
20 Draw a view of Granolithic flooring.
21 Draw a view of Tiled flooring.
22 Compare and contrast Glazed tile and Ceramic tiled floorings.
23 Draw a view of Linoleum flooring.
24 Draw a view of Rubber flooring.
25 Draw a view of Glass flooring.
26 Draw a view of Plastic flooring.
27 What is ESD flooring?
28 What are the different materials used for ESD flooring?
29 What are the different risks that may arise if the floor is not specificallay designed for
ESD?
30 What are the functional situations requiring ESD flooring?
31 Compare the performances of Vinyl, Rubber, Carpet in terms of ESD considerations.
32 Why does electronic component manufacturing factory structure require special type of
floor surfaces? Explain the problem and the solution.
33 What is a Clean Room and what is the flooring adopted?
34 What are the special requirements of flooring in case of heavy manufacturing industries?
35 What is a Grade Slab?
36 What type of stone in suitable for Indoor Flooring?
37 What type of stone in suitable for Outdoor Flooring?
38 What type of stone is suitable for floorings subjected to severe abrasion like pavements?
39 List out the types of Timber Flooring.
40 What is Strip Flooring?
41 What is Planked Flooring?
42 What is Wood-Block Flooring?
43 What is Parquet Flooring?
44 What is Screed in Floors?
45 What is Wearing Coat?
46 What is the size of aggregates used in Screed?
47 What are Ceramic tiles?
48 What are Glazed tiles?
49 What is Asphalt Flooring?
50 List out the factors influencing the selection of type of floor structure and flloo finish for
upper floors.
51 How to ensure sound insulation between successive floors in a multi-storeyed building?
52 List out all the types of floor structure for upper floors.
53 What is a concrete slab floor?
54 What are the main differences between the floor finish for intermediate upper floors and
the top most upper floor i.e. terrace?
55 How are timber floors constructed for upper floors?
56 What is Madras Terrace Roof?
57 What is use of Rolled Steel Joists in upper floors?
58 How is Composite Steel Concrete Floor constructed?
59 How a monolithic cast-in-situ concrete slab is constructed for suspended floors WITHOUT
formwork and without embedded reinforcement?
60 What are the curing and formwork retention times required for conventional cast-in-situ
RCC slabs?
61 Draw the typical Brick Jack Arch Floor.
62 Draw the typical RCC Jack Arch Floor.
63 What is a Flat Slab Floor?
64 What is a Hollow Core Slab?
65 Draw the typical reinforcement patterns for a slab and beam system of suspended floors.
66 What is the slab type preferred when beams are to be avoided throughout the slab area like
lounges, reception areas, etc.
67 What is a Filler Slab?
68 What is Hollow Tiled Ribbed Floor?
69 Draw a typical hollow pre-cast floor unit.
70 How do the Ground floors and the basement floors ( underground floors ) differ?
71 What is Floating Floor?
72 What is Profiled Decking and where is it used?
73 Suggest the floor type suitable for the following:

College Corridors Public Toilets Factory Shed for a Foundry

Dancing Halls Recreation Hall of a High Class Hotel
Class Rooms Warehouses Abattoirs / Slaughter Houses
Conference Hall of a College Drawing Hall of a Spacious Residential Bungalow
Railway Platforms Bus Stands Grain Storage Godowns
Chemical lab. Underground Parking Garage
Temple / Church / Mosque
 Write your answer in the following format
S.No. Place / Functions to be served by the Floor Properties Flooring
Building Required of the Suggested
floor material

74 List out the types of flooring structures and floorings available in Steel Structures.
75 List out the type of stone finish suitable for if only stones are to be used as floor finish in
the different scenarios listed in Q. No. 352 above.
76 Differentiate between the following
a. Floor and Flooring
b. Ground Floor and Basement Floor and Upper Floor
c. Upper Floor and Suspended Floor
d. Suspended Floor and Floating Floor
e. Herring – Bone Strutting and Solid Strutting
f. Single Joist and Double Joist and Framed Floors
g. RCC Slab and Flat Slab
77

DAMP PROOF COURSES

1 What is DPC?
2 What are various methods of installing DPC?

DAMP PROOF COURSES

67 What is DPC?
68 What is dampness?
69 List out the sources of dampness.
70 What are the harmful effects of dampness on buildings?
71 How is damp-proofing different from Water-proofing?
72 List the methods for applying DPC. **** Dec 2009
73 List out the various materials used for damp-proofing.
74 List out the techniques of damp-proofing.
75 What are damp-proofing membranes?
76 What is meant by Integrated Damp-proofing Treatment?
77 What is the role of Plinth in damp-proofing?
78 What is Tanking?
79 How do Cavity Walls help in the control of dampness?
80 What is the role of Grouting in damp-proofing?
81 How does Bitumen act as a Damp-proofer in various parts of a building?
82 Draw the typical damp-proofing arrangement for foundation.
83 Draw the typical damp-proofing arrangement for plinth.
84 Draw the typical damp-proofing arrangement for walls.
85 Draw the typical damp-proofing arrangement for ground floors.
86 Draw the typical damp-proofing arrangement for flat RCC roofs.
87 Draw the typical damp-proofing arrangement for sloped roofs
88 Draw the typical damp-proofing arrangement for basements.
89 Show with sketches how drainage is combined with damp-proofing for effective dampness
control.
90 Define Thermal Damping. ******* Nov 2008
3
CONSTRUCTION JOINTS MOVEMENT AND EXPANSION JOINTS

1 What are Construction Joints?

2 What are the various types of joints in concrete construction?
3 Define and differentiate between Expansion and Contraction Joints.
4 List out the types of Joints in RCC Construction.

MOVEMENT, EXPANSION & CONSTRUCTION JOINTS

91 List out the types of Joints in RCC Construction.
92 What are the needs for construction joints in buildings?
93 What is a Contraction Joint?
94 What is an Expansion Joint?
95 List out the rules to place the location of Construction Joints in Slabs, Beams, Coulmns.
96 What is the preparation required to join old concrete with new concrete?
97 Joints on Beams should be placed at point of Minimum Shear or Minimum BM – Clarify.
98 How is the Pile Concrete joined with the concrete of Pile Cap or Plinth Beam or Column?
99 What are keys in the case of construction joints?
100 Draw the construction joint in different structural elements.
101 What are the differences between Contraction Joint and Expansion Joint?
102 What are the differences between Construction Joint and Expansion Joint?
103 List down the spacing norms for various joints.
104 What are the usual defects encountered in joints?
105 What is a Construction joint? ********* May 2009
5

PRE CAST PAVEMENTS

1 Define Pavement.
2 How are precast pavements constructed?
3 What is the direction of the precast panel in the orientation of roads w.r.t. the direction of
traffic flow?
4 What are the different elements in the precast pavement system?
5 What is the role of Post-tensioning and Grouting in the construction of pre-cast pavements?
6 Draw the typical arrangement of different panels in the construction of pre-cast pavements.
7 What are the defects that may arise in pre-cast pavements and what are the precautionary
measures and repair methods?
8 What are the differences in the construction of pre-cast pavements with and without
prestressing?
9 What are the advantages of precast pavements over cast-in-situ pavements?
10

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS -- General

1. Name some important types of foundation
2. Name some important types of foundation
3. Define and differentiate between Shallow and Deep Foundations
4. List out the types of Shallow Foundations.
5. Classify Building Foundations under various categories.
6. When is a foundation classified as Shallow Foundation?
7. List out the types of Shallow Foundations.
8. List out the types of Deep Foundations.
9. List out the types of Pile Foundations.
10. List out the types of Caissons.
11. List out the types of Well Foundations.
12. List out the types of Footings.
13. Define Floating Foundation.
14. Where do we require Under-reamed Piles?
15. Write the Sequence of Activities for constructing a Footing in RCC.
16. Compare and contrast Combined Footing and Strap Footing.
17. Where do we require Tension Piles?
18. Differentiate between Well Foundation and Caisson.
19. Define Compaction Piles.
20. Briefly describe the method of Setting Out of Foundation.
21. What is the type of shallow foundation adopted when the foundation is too close to the land
boundary?
22. Which type of foundation is preferable for buildings on hill slopes – Footings or Piles or Rafts?
Why?
23. What are rafts?
24. List down the types of rafts.
25. What is Strip Raft?
26. What is Mat Foundation?
27. What is Vierendeel Foundaion?
28. What is Line Footing?
29. What is Stepped Footing?
30. What is Sloped Footing?
31. What is Isolated Footing?
32. What is Combined Footing?
33. What is Strap Footing?
34. What is Inverted Arch Footing?
35. What is Continuous Footing?
36. What is Eccentric Footing?
37. What is the effect of Soil Bearing Capacity on the choice of type of foundation and its design?
38. What is Soil Testing / Investigation?
39. What is Grillage Foundation?
40. Classify Piles under various categories.
41. Classify Piles based on soil load transfer mechanism.
42. Classify Piles based on materials used.
43. Classify Piles based on the method of creating the hollow space in the ground to place the pile.
44. What are Displacement Piles?
45. What are Replacement Piles?
46. What are Bored Piles?
47. What are End Bearing Piles?
48. What are Friction Piles?
49. What are Composite Piles?
50. What are Screw Piles?
51. What is Uplift pile?
52. What is Batter Pile?
 53. What are Sheet Piles?
54. What are Cased Piles?
55. What are Stone Columns?
56. Classify Piles based on the method of installation under the soil.
57. What is a Pile Cap?
58. What is a Pile Group?
59. What is Plate Load Test?
60. What is Pile Load Test?
61. What are Box Caissons?
62. What are Open Caissons?
63. What are Pneaumatic Caissons?
64. Draw a typical Well Foundation and list out its components.
65. What is the function of bottom plug in a well foundation?
66. What is Steining?
67. What is the procedure for sinking of well foundation?
68. What are the problems encountered in the sinking of well foundation?
69. What is Tilting of well foundation?
70. What are the methods of correcting the tilting of wells?
71. What is Caisson Disease?
72. What is Muck?
73. List all the types of Foundations
74. When do you use raft foundation?
75. Describe the various types of SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS classified under various
categories . (NO DRAWING NO MARKS)
76. List the types of Shallow Foundations
77. List some of the issues to be dealt with in constructing the foundations.
78. Describe the various types of FOUNDATIONS classified under various categories .
79.

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS -- SHALLOW

2 Define Foundation.
3 List out the types of foundations.
4 Define and differentiate between Shallow and Deep Foundations.
5 What is Mat Foundation?
6 What is Floating Foundation?
7 What is Isolated Footing?
8 What is Combined Footing?
9 Explain briefly about the combined footings with sketches.
10 List out the types of Shallow Foundations.
11 Define Floating Foundation.
12 Compare and contrast Combined Footing and Strap Footing.
13 Explain briefly about the combined footings with sketches.
14 When do you require Eccentric Footing and Combined Footing?
15 List out the various types of shallow foundations.
16 What is a Grillage Foundation?
17 Define and differentiate between Shallow and Deep Foundations.
18 Explain in detail the Grillage Foundation.
19 Describe all the types of shallow foundations.
20 Describe the various types of raft foundations.
 21 Describe in detail the various types of shallow foundations and explain under what
circumstances each type is chosen.
22 List out the various types of shallow foundations.
23 Describe the different types of shallow foundations and explain under what condition each
type is suitable
24 Describe the various types of raft foundations.
25 List the types of COMBINED Foundations
26 When do you use raft founadtion?
27 Describe in detail all types of Scaffoldings classified under various categories .
28 List the types of Shallow Foundations
29 List the types of COMBINED Foundations
30

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS -- DEEP

1 What are Piles?

2 List out all the types of Piles.
3 What are Caissons?
4 What are Well Foundations?
5 Define pile foundation
6 List out the types of Pile Driving Methods.
7 Where do we require Under-reamed Piles?
8 Where do we require Tension Piles?
9 Name the chemical used for stabilization of excavations, bore holes.
10 What is a Friction Pile?
11 What are the various types of piles based on the mode of load transfer?
12 Define and differentiate between Shallow and Deep Foundations
13 Describe the advantages of pile foundation.
14 List the types of Pile Foundations
15 List the various risks in driven Piling and the measures taken at sites to prevent the
dangers.
16 Describe the various types of PILE FOUNDATIONS classified under various
categories .
17 List the types of Piling Methods
18 Describe the advantages of ROTARY Piling

31 List the types of piles based on shifting of unwanted soil

19
20
21
22
23
24

BASEMENTS

1 What is Basement?
2 Draw the various levels of a building?
List out the various methods of Dewatering.
Compare and contrast Well Point System and the Freezing method of dewatering
3 List the methods of Dewatering.
4 Describe in detail the construction practices to be followed for basement construction.
 5 What are the safety and design features to be borne in mind during construction of
Basement Floors?
6 Describe the construction aspects and the procedure for construction of BASEMENT
FLOORS.
7 List out the different methods of Dewatering.
8 List out the various methods of Dewatering.
9 What are the methods of protecting Open Excavations?
10 What are the different technical issues to be considered in the design and construction of
basements?
11 How the dampness problems on basements differ from that on the other parts of a building?
12 What are the effects of soil on a basement floor?
13 How to take care of the varying levels of ground water table in different seasons on the
safety and stability of basements?
14 What are the pre and post construction ground water drainage systems required for a
basement floor if the GWL fouls with the basement level?
15 What are the safety and design features to be borne in mind during construction of
Basement Floors?
16 List out the types of Dewatering techniques.
17 List some of the issues to be dealt with in constructing the basements
18 Describe the various types of FOUDATIONS classified under various categories
19

20

21

22
23
24 .

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES at Construction Sites

TEMPORARY SHED

1 What are the various types of Temporary Shed at construction sites?

2 List down the types of Temporary Structures.
3 What are Portacabins?
4 What are the temporary protective and storage structures set up a construction site?
5 How to minimize or optimize the expenditure on temporary structures?
6 How are silos better than cement bag godowns in a temporary site based Batching Plant?
7 Draw a simple sketch for a temporary underground water tank and septic tank at a
construction site.
8 List down all the temporary services and facilities required at a construction site and the
corresponding structures and systems required.
9 What is the cheapest option to set out temporary roads at a construction site?
10

FORMWORK CENTERING AND SHUTTERING

1 Define and differentiate between Centering and Shuttering.

2 Define Formwork.
3 Define Staging.
4 What are the various materials used as Formwork?
5 What are the various components of a typical formwork used for slab casting?
6 Define Formwork. List out any 4 types.
7 Describe Formwork in detail for RCC Framed Structure.
8 List out the various types of formworks
9 Define and differentiate between Moving Formwork and Slipform.
10 Describe the various types of Formworks and the points to be borne in mind while setting
them, working on them and while stripping them
11 What is formwork?
12 Define Centering, Staging, Shuttering.
13 What are the functions served by formwork?
14 Differentiate between Centering, Staging, Shuttering.
15 Differentiate between Staging and Shoring.
16 List out the usual defects in formwork.
17 List out the various defects in the quality of concrete due to defects in the formwork.
18 What are the accidents happening due to poor quality of formwork?
19 What is Moving Form?
20 What is Traveling Form?
21 How to economize the cost of formwork?
22 Classify formworks based on the materials used.
23 Classify formworks based on the reusability.
24 Classify formworks based on the function served.
25 Classify formworks based on the speed of construction.
26 How does the architectural and structural designs affect the cost of formwork?
27 How is the size of formwork decided based on the concreting technology adopted?
28 What are the factors limiting the size and capacity of formwork?
29 What are Climbing Forms?
30 What are the various loads and forces a formwork has to withstand?
31 List out the functions served by a formwork and identify the relevant component which
serves that function.
32 Compare the qualities of formwork made using timber planks and plywood panels.
33 Compare the qualities of formwork made using plywood panels and metal sheets.
34 Describe the salient aspects of plastic formwork.
35 What is formfinish?
36 What is retractable formwork?
37 Draw the formwork for various structural elements.
38 Describe yoke, stud, tie, strut, sheeting, wailing, prop, post, shore, wedge, brace, stiffener,
cleat, stringer, ledger,sodier,wafer and all other components of a formwork.
39 What is Flying Form?
40 What is Table Form?
41 What is Modular Formwork?
42 What are the points to be checked after installing a formwork and before giving the final
clearance for starting concreting?
43 What is the importance of lubricating the concrete contact surfaces of a formwork?
44 What are the reasons for deformations in the formwork elements, what are the
corresponding defects caused on the concrete and how to avoid them?
45 Give examples where concrete is cast without any formwork.
46 How are the formworks for precast / prefabrication different from that used for cast-in-situ
construction?
47 What is Lost Form?
48 What is Permanent Formwork?
49 Give an example where the concrete reinforcement itself serves as the formwork.
50 What is the formwork used in ferrocement construction?
51 What is the formwork used in composite deck slab construction?
52 What is the formwork used in the construction of spun pipes?
53 What are the causes / defects in the formwork that may lead to honeycomb defect in
formwork?
54 What is Gang Form?
55 What is Gantry Form?
 56 What is Tunnel Form?
57 What is Jump Form?
58 What are the causes for Bulging and Bursting of formwork?
59 Define the functions served by formwork.
60 Define Formwork
61 List the various precautions to be taken in formwork.
62 Describe the various types of FORMWORKS classified under various categories .
63 Define the functions served by formwork.
64 Describe the various types of Formworks
65 Define Formwork
25 List the various precautions to be taken in formwork.
26 Describe the various types of FORMWORKS classified under various categories.
66
67
68

DE-SHUTTERING FORMS

1 Define De-Shuttering.
2 What are the time norms, safety measures and other quality control issues in deshuttering?
3 List and Describe the various points to be borne in mind while stripping the different types
of formworks
4 List down the Formwork Removal Times for different structural elements.
5 How does the quality and type of concrete influence the stripping time of formwork/
6 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for columns?
7 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for beams?
8 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for slabs?
9 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for walls?
10 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for footings?
11 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for staircase slabs?
12 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for cantilever structures?
13 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for arches?
14 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for domes?
15 What is the procedure for removal of formwork for trusses?

16

SLIP FORMS

1 What is a Slipform and what are its features?

2 Write a brief note on Slip forms.
3 How is slip form best suited for tall structures?
4 Define Slipform **** Dec 2009
5 What is the type of concrete required for construction using slipform?
6 What is the usual speed of progress of a slipform?
7 Draw the typical arrangement of a slipform and explain the various components.
8 Explain Yoke w.r.t. Slipform.
9 Define Yoke Centres w.r.t. slipform.
10 How many decks are available in a atypical slipform and what are their usual functions?
11 Explain Hydraulic Jack w.r.t. Slipform.
12 Explain Screw Jack w.r.t. Slipform.
13 What is the typical rate of rise of vertical construction using a slipform?
14 Why construction joints are not required even for very long / tall concrete structures when
constructed using slipform?
 15 List out all the advantages of using slipform.
16 What are the difficulties / restrictions if any faced when slipform is used?
17

SCAFFOLDINGS

1 Define Scaffolds and Scaffolding.

2 What are the various materials used as Scaffolds?
3 Define scaffolding. Give its purpose.
4 List down the types of Scaffoldings.
5 Define scaffolding
106 List down the types of Scaffoldings.
107 Define Scaffold and Scaffolding.
108 List down all the functions served by scaffold.
109 Compare and Contrast Formwork and Scaffold.
110 List down all the components of a Scaffold.
111 How to decide whether to erect the Scaffold on both sides of the wall or on only one side?
112 What are Standards in a Scaffold?
113 What are Ledgers in a Scaffold?
114 What are Braces in a Scaffold?
115 What are Planks or Boarding in a Scaffold?
116 What are Putlogs in a Scaffold?
117 What are Guard Boards in a Scaffold?
118 What are Toe Boards in a Scaffold?
119 What are Lashings in a Scaffold?
120 What is Single Scaffolding?
121 What is Double Scaffolding?
122 What is Brick Layer’s Scaffolding?
123 What is Mason’s Scaffolding?
124 What is Cantilever Scaffolding?
125 What is Needle Scaffolding?
126 What is Suspended Scaffolding?
127 What is Ladder Scaffolding?
128 What is Patented Scaffolding?
129 What is Steel Scaffolding?
130 What is Trestle Scaffolding?
131 What are Wooden Gantries?
132 Classify Scaffolds based on the material used for it smanufacture.
133 Compare and Contrast Single and Double Scaffolds.
134 Compare and Contrast Timber and Steel Scaffolds.
135 What are the defects caused in the brickwork due to the use of single scaffold?
136 Under what situations do we use the cantilever scaffold?
137 What is the type of scaffold used in multistoreyed buildings to clean the windows
regularly?
138 List out the various types of Scaffoldings and state the suitability of each type.
139 Describe in detail all types of Scaffoldings classified under various categories . (NO
140 List the various precautions to be taken in scaffolding
141 Define Scaffolding
 142 Describe in detail all types of Scaffoldings classified under various categories .

143 List the various precautions to be taken in scaffolding

144

UNDERPINNING

1 Define Underpinning.
2 List down the types of Underpinning and describe any three types in detail.
3

SHORING for OVER GROUND SUPPORTS

1 Explain the types of shores in detail.

FABRICATION AND ERECTION OF STEEL TRUSSES

1 What are Steel Trusses?

2 Classify Trusses.
3 Write a detailed note on Fabrication and Erection of Trusses.
Define Fabrication and Erection processes.
List out the various methods of joining steel members

1 List out the various methods of fabricating of steel trusses and other steel structures.
2 List out the various methods of erecting of steel trusses and other steel structures.
3 Compare Steel Trusses – Frames – Domes.
4 List down all the operations in the fabrication and erection of steel structures.
5 What are the methods of joining ( fastening ) the various elements in a steel structure?
6 Compare and contrast Riveting and Bolting.
7 Compare and contrast Riveting and Welding.
8 Compare and contrast Bolting and Welding.
9 What are Rolled Steel Sections?
10 What is RSJ?
11 List out all the types of Rolled Steel Sections.
12 What are Built-up steel sections?
13 Draw a rolled steel angle, beam, channel, joist, tee, Z section, flat, rounds, tubes, etc. and
mark the various parts of each section.
14 What is meant by Flange and web in a rolled steel section?
15 Draw the various types of rivet heads.
16 Draw the various types of rivet connections.
17 What are Lifting Points in a steel structure?
18 What are the advantages of riveting?
19 What are the advantages of bolting?
20 What are the advantages of welding?
21 What are the advantages of brazing?
22 Which is preferable – Lifting a steel structure - especially long ones like beams - at its end
points or at its third points or at its midpoint? Why?
 23 What are the precautions required in the erection of steel structures?
24 What are the various finishing operations in a steel structure construction?
25 How is the painting quality for steel structures defined and measured?
26 How is the degree of fitting / contact between two structural elements in a steel structure
measured ( say between a column bottom and base plate )?
27 What is DFT?
28 What are the norms for locating splices in a steel structure?
29 Define Splice Plate, Gusset Plate, Cap Plate, Base Plate, etc.
30 What is Template?
31 Define Lacing and Bracing and Batten Plate.
32 Draw the connection between 2 columns using single lacing.
33 Draw the connection between 2 columns using double lacing.
34 Draw the connection between 2 columns using batten plates.
35 Draw the connection between 2 columns sections using splices.
36 Draw the connection between column and a column base and footing.
37 Draw the different types of plate girders.
38 What are girders?
39 Show the different beam-to-beam connections.
40 Compare the effects on the parent metal due to cutting of a metal piec by Sawing, by Gas
Cutting and by Welding.
41 List out the different operations involved in the shaping of the given metal.
42 Define Cutting, Stamping, Blanking, Forging, Moulding, Forming, Casting, Chipping,
drawing, extrusion, hydroforming, plastic fabrication, punching, shearing, spinning,
English wheeling,
43 What are the equipment required for erection of steel structures?

FRAMES

1 What are frames and classify it?

2 Define Frames.
3 How a Frame is different from a combination of a beam and 2 columns?
4 Define 2 D and 3D frames.
5 Define Planar and Spatial frames.
6 Draw a steel frame and RCC frame.
7 In a frame, can we avoid beams? How?
8 What are Balloon Framing and Platform Framing?
9 What are Composite Frames?
10 Draw the load transfer mechanism in a frame.
11 What is a shear wall in a framed structure?
12 What are the differences between a framed structure with walls and one without walls?
13

BRACED DOMES

1 What are Braced Domes and how is it different from Trusses and Frames?
2 What are Braced Domes and what are their applications?
3 What are the tasks involved in the erection of Braced Domes?
4
WEATHER PROOFING and WATER PROOFING and DAMP PROOFING

1 What is Weather proofing?

2 What is Water proofing?
3 Compare and contrast weatherproofing and waterproofing.
4 What are the causes of dampness?
5 Differentiate between Damp-proofing and Waterproofing.
6 What are the causes of dampness?
7 Damp proof courses
8 Differentiate between Damp-proofing and Waterproofing.
9 Differentiate between Thermal –Insulation and Weathering Course. .
10 What is the use of asphalt in water proofing?
11 What types of membranes are used for water-proofing?
12 How does weathering course combines the water proofing and heat insulation?
13 Specify the properties of weathering course tile.
14 What are the causes of dampness?
15 Describe the various methods of damp proofing in buildings with neat sketches.
16
17
18

ROOF FINISHES

1 What are Roof Finishes?

2 List out the various roof finishes.
3 Which is the best colour for roof finish – red or balck or green or white ? Explain.
4 What type of roof finish will give better protection and serve for a longer period – Tiles
based or membrane based?
5 Draw the typical arrangements of different layers of a roof finish system.
6

ACOUSTIC PROTECTION

1 Define Acoustics.
2 What are the civil engineering issues affecting the acoustical comfort of a building?
3 What are the civil engineering and other measures to be implemented for good quality of
acoustics in a building?
4 Describe in detail the construction practices to be followed for acoustics and fire protection
building
5 Requirements and conditions of good acoustics
6 What are the objectives of Acoustics?
7 What is Acoustic design of a building?
8 What are the disadvantages if proper acoustic design is not provided?
9 Describe the role of soft adsorptive materials and hard reflective materials in the acoustic
control of buildings.
10 How do curved surfaces influence the acoustic nature of buildings?
11 What is Acoustical Design of a Building?
12 Define Reverberation.
13 How is sound measured?
14 List the various parameters of sound.
 15 Define dB.
16 Define and differentiate between Sound, Noise, Voice, Signal, Human Hearing Range.
17 Define Echoes.
18 Define and differentiate between Echo and Reverberation.
19 What are Dead Spots?
20 List out the various acoustic control measures deployed in buildings.
21 Draw the optimum shape of an auditorium.
22 Define acoustics.
23 Describe in detail the construction practices to be followed for acoustics and fire
protection of building.
24
25

FIRE PROTECTION.

1 Describe in detail the construction practices to be followed for acoustics and fire protection
building
2 Define Fire Rating of a building.
1 3 What is Fire Rating of a building material?
2 What are the ill effects of fire on a structure?
3 Define Fire Load.
4 What are the fire protection systems available for steel structures?
5 Compare and contrast RCC and Steel structures w.r.t. fire safety.
6 Discuss the failure of WTC from the perspective of fire effects.
7 Define fire protection.
8 Describe in detail the construction practices to be followed for acoustics and fire
protection of building.
9

COMMON TO ALL TOPICS in the UNIT 2

1 Describe in detail all the activities involved in the construction of single storeyed
house building using RCC Independent Footings, Brick Wall Masonry, RCC Frame and
Slab and Tile Floor and all other standard elements for a house