Building Materials MCQ

1. Which of the following is a synthetic building material used in construction?

A) Timber
B) Steel
C) Brick
D) Lime

2. Pozzolanic materials used in cement are primarily known for their:

A) Binding properties
B) Fire resistance
C) Waterproofing ability
D) Insulation properties

3. The term "plastic limit" in soil mechanics refers to:

A) The maximum water content at which the soil can be rolled into threads
B) The water content at which the soil starts to exhibit plastic behavior
C) The water content at which the soil becomes soft and malleable
D) The minimum water content at which the soil can be molded

4. Which of the following aggregates is generally unsuitable for use in concrete?

A) Gravel
B) Sand
C) Clay
D) Crushed stone

5. Gypsum is added to Portland cement primarily to:

A) Increase its setting time
B) Decrease its setting time
C) Improve its strength
D) Improve workability

6. Stainless steel reinforcement bars are used in concrete structures primarily because of their:
A) Corrosion resistance
B) High tensile strength
C) Low cost
D) High ductility

7. Lime mortar is mainly used for:

A) Bonding bricks in load-bearing walls
B) Plastering external surfaces
C) Providing a smooth finish to concrete floors
D) Waterproofing basements
8. Which of the following is NOT a type of composite material used in construction?
A) Fiber-reinforced concrete
B) Steel-reinforced concrete
C) Reinforced masonry
D) Asphalt concrete

9. The term "alkali-aggregate reaction" refers to:

A) The chemical reaction between cement and water
B) The reaction between aggregates and alkaline cement pore solution
C) The reaction between steel reinforcement and atmospheric gases
D) The chemical bonding of aggregates in concrete

10. High alumina cement is known for its:

A) High early strength
B) High resistance to sulfate attack
C) Low heat of hydration
D) Low cost

11. The durability of timber can be improved by:

A) Applying a coat of oil-based paint
B) Exposing it to direct sunlight
C) Using it in moist environments
D) Treating it with preservatives

12. Efflorescence on masonry surfaces is primarily caused by:

A) Insufficient curing of mortar
B) Presence of excessive moisture
C) Chemical reactions within bricks
D) Poor quality of cement

13. The slump test is used to measure the:

A) Tensile strength of concrete
B) Workability of concrete
C) Compressive strength of concrete
D) Durability of concrete

14. Which of the following materials is used as a pozzolan in concrete?

A) Fly ash
B) River sand
C) Gravel
D) Limestone
 15. The term "efflorescence" refers to:
A) The increase in volume of concrete during curing
B) The leaching of lime from cement mortar
C) The cracking of concrete due to shrinkage
D) The formation of white salt deposits on brick surfaces

16. Which of the following tests is used to determine the water absorption properties of
aggregates?
A) Specific gravity test
B) Abrasion test
C) Los Angeles test
D) Soundness test

17. In the context of concrete mix design, the water-cement ratio primarily affects the:
A) Workability of concrete
B) Strength of concrete
C) Curing time of concrete
D) Density of concrete

18. The term "gypsum plaster" refers to a material primarily used for:
A) External waterproofing
B) Internal wall finishes
C) Reinforcing concrete
D) Structural steel connections

19. Asbestos is used in construction primarily because of its:

A) Thermal insulation properties
B) High tensile strength
C) Resistance to corrosion
D) Decorative appearance

20. The purpose of adding air-entraining agents to concrete is to improve its:

A) Tensile strength
B) Workability
C) Compressive strength
D) Abrasion resistance

Answers

 B) Steel
 A) Binding properties
 A) The maximum water content at which the soil can be rolled into threads
 C) Clay
 B) Decrease its setting time
 A) Corrosion resistance
 A) Bonding bricks in load-bearing walls
 D) Asphalt concrete
 B) The reaction between aggregates and alkaline cement pore solution
 A) High early strength
 D) Treating it with preservatives
 C) Chemical reactions within bricks
 B) Workability of concrete
 A) Fly ash
 D) The formation of white salt deposits on brick surfaces
 D) Soundness test
 B) Strength of concrete
 B) Internal wall finishes
 A) Thermal insulation properties
 B) Workability