Velammal Engineering College

(An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University – Chennai)

Velammal Newgen Park Ambattur – RedHills Road , Chennai-600 066

CONTINUOUS INTERNAL EVALUATION – I QUESTION BANK

Subject Code 21 CE 102 T Sem EVEN
Subject Title Construction Materials AY 2022 – 23 Batch 2022 – 26
Department CIVIL ENGINEERING Year / Sem 1st Year / 2nd Semester
PART-A ( MCQ )
UNIT I STONES – BRICKS 6
Stone as building material – Criteria for selection – Tests on stones – Bricks – Classification – Manufacturing of clay
bricks – Tests on bricks – Compressive Strength – Water Absorption – Efflorescence - FaLG blocks
Q The most common raw material for the common bricks is
A Fly Ash B Clay C Sand D Stones

Q The brick NOT requiring Burning / Firing / Heating is

A Clay Bricks B Fly Ash Bricks C AAC Blocks D Fire Bricks

Q The maximum water absorption allowed for I Class Bricks as per IS Code is
A 10% B 12% C 15% D 20%

The small depression in one of the longitudinal faces of the clay brick to display the brand name and to
serve as a mechanical key / lock with mortar with the next brick is called as
A Crab B Frog C Toad D Bee

Q The smallest and the simplest type among the Brick Kilns is
A Hoffman’s Kiln B Bull’s Trench Kiln C Clamp D Tunnel Kiln

Q The Brick Kiln type which CANNOT manufacture bricks during rains is
A Hoffman’s Kiln B Bull’s Trench Kiln C Rotary Kiln D Tunnel Kiln
Full Marks only if the Reason is stated

Q As per Indian Standards for Bricks, minimum acceptable compressive strength of any class of burnt clay
bricks in dry state is (GATE 2016)
A 10 MPa B 7.5 MPa C 5 MPa D 3.5 MPa
FULL Marks only if you explain with the corresponding IS Code extract / reference

Q Bull’s Trench Kiln is used in the manufacturing of (GATE 2016)

A Asphalt B Bricks C Cement D Lime

Q The test on clay bricks to determine the presence of salts and other unwanted deleterious materials is
called as
A Efflorescence Test B Tolerance Test
C Soundness Test D Hardness Test

Q The cross sectional shape of Standard Bricks is

A Triangular B Square C Rectangular D Circular

Q Equipment used to TEMPER The clay before Moulding the bricks is

A PugMill B Ball Mill C Kiln D Autoclave

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Q Bricks of blackish or dark red colour are classified as
A First Class Well Burnt Bricks B Second Class Under- Burnt Bricks
C Third Class UnBurnt Bricks D Fourth Class Over – Burnt Bricks

Q Standard Size of Masonry Bricks is TNPSC 2008

A 180 mm * 80 mm * 80 mm B 190 mm * 90 mm * 90 mm
C 200 mm * 100 mm * 100 mm D 200 mm * 100 mm * 90 mm

Q Choose the CORRECT OPTION regarding the following 3 statements

1. Bricks lose their strenghth by 25% when soaked in water
2. Minimum Crushing Strength of Bricks in buildings is to be 35 kg/cm2
3. Modular Bricks Size is 20 cm*10 cm*10 cm including MORTAR Thickness
Out of the above3 statements, which are all correct? TNPSC 2010
A All the 3 statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct C Statements 1 and 3 only are correct
B Statements 1 and 2 only are correct D Statements 2 and 3 only are correct

Q The Compressive Strength of First Class Bricks should not be less than TNPSC 2010
A 7 N/mm2 B 10.5 N/mm2 C 12 N/mm2 D 15 N/mm2

Q Refractory Bricks resist TNPSC 2013

A Chemical Action B Shocks and Vibrations ( C ) High Temperature ( D ) Dampness

Q The function of Alumina present in brick earth is to ( TNPSC 2012)

A Impart Plasticity B Prevent Cracking
C Decrease Shrinkage D Increase Strength

Q The excess alumina in the clay makes the brick ( TNPSC 2012)
A to crack and warp upon drying ** ( B ) brittle and weak *** ( C ) to melt and distort during burning
D to absorb moisture from air which on drying leaves powder deposit on the brick

Q Bricks containing large proportion of soluble slats liable to become patches of white deposit are
said to be suffering from brick (TNPSC 2012)
A Bloating B Efflorescence C Lamination D Absorption

Q The kiln producing bricks in the shortest time (fastest production system) is
A Clamp B Bull’s Trench Kiln C Hoffman Kiln D Tunnel Kiln

Q The range of alumina present in good brick earth by weight is TNPSC

A 33 – 35% B 20 – 30% C 10 – 15% D 15 – 20%

Q Choose the correct order / sequence of operations w.r.t. Brick Manufacturing

Operation 1 Operation 2 Operation 3 Operation 4
A Clay Preparation Moulding Drying Burning
B Moulding Clay Preparation Burning Drying
C Drying Moulding Clay Preparation Burning
D Burning Drying Moulding Clay Preparation
Q Choose the correct order / sequence of operations for CLAY PREPARATION w.r.t. Brick Manufacturing
Operation 1 Operation 2 Operation 3 Operation 4 Operation 5
A Blending Tempering Weathering Unsoiling Digging
B Tempering Blending Unsoiling Digging Weathering
C Tempering Unsoiling Digging Weathering Blending
D Unsoiling Digging Weathering Blending Tempering
E Digging Weathering Blending Tempering Unsoiling
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Q The plan layouts of the four different kilns are
# CLAMP Bull’s Trench Kiln Hoffman Kiln Tunnel Kiln
A OBLONG Linear ( Straight ) Circular Any Shape
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)
B Linear ( Straight ) Circular Any Shape OBLONG
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)
C Linear ( Straight ) Any Shape OBLONG Circular
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)
D Any Shape OBLONG Circular Linear ( Straight )
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)

In Tunnel Kiln for bricks manufacturing, the system is

A Moving Fire B Moving Ware
C Either Moving Fire or Moving Ware = any one as per requirement D None of these

STANDARD size of bricks WITH MORTAR JOINT is (as per Indian practice)
A 190 * 90 * 90 mm B 200 * 90 * 90 mm C 200 * 100 * 100 mm D No Standard size

Q Choose the correct matching

A SCOVE--Clamp without Roof / Shelter **** SCOTCH ---Clamp with Roof / Shelter
B SCOVE--Clamp with Roof / Shelter **** SCOTCH ---Clamp without Roof / Shelter
C SCOVE & SCOTCH --- both the Clamps do not have Roof / Shleter
D SCOVE & SCOTCH --- both the Clamps have Roof / Shleter

Q The frog impression on a brick face is a

A Printing B Projection C Depression D Can be of any type

Unit 1 STONES
Granite belongs to which type of Rock classification
A Igneous B Sedimentary C Metamorphic D Granite is NOT a natural rock

The Igneous Rocks formed at very great depths inside the earth are called as
A Sedimentary Rock B Plutonic Rock C Metamorphic Rock D Hypabassal Rock

Choose the ODD One Out

A Plutonic Rock B Clastic Rock C Hypabassal Rock D Volcanic Rock

STRATIFIED Rocks is what kind of Classification?

A Geological B Physical / Structural C Chemical D None of the above
Classification Classification Classification

What is the best rock suitable as raw material for making cement?
A Limestone B Sandstone C Granite D Shale

Usually the strongest stone fit for making tall statues and foundation pedestal for large Mountings is
A Limestone B Shale C Granite D Slate

The main property required to make Stones fit enough for Road Pavements is
A Compressive Strength B Crushing C Abrasion D Water Absorption
Strength Resistance
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What is the very basic fundamental form of any rock / stone?
A Molecule B Mineral C Element D Electrons

Choose the Correct Statement(s) from among the following.

P The similarity between MAGMA and LAVA is that both are the MOLTEN forms of rocks
Q Similarity of MAGMA and LAVA is both remaining UNDERGROUND after a
R The difference
volcanic between MAGMA and LAVA is that Magma is the molten rock remaining
eruption
UNDERGROUND while Lava erupts outside the earth’s ground surface after volcanic eruption
S The difference between MAGMA and LAVA is that LAVA is the molten rock remaining
UNDERGROUND while MAGMA erupts outside the earth’s ground surface after volcanic eruption
T There is NO difference between Magma and Lava. The two names are used synonymously and
interchangeably in different countries.
OUT OF THE ABOVE 5 Statements
A ALL the 5 statements are CORRECT
B ALL the 5 statements are WRONG
C Statements P and S only are the Correct Statements
D Statements P and R only are the Correct Statements

Limestone belongs to which type of rock

A Igneous Rock B Sedimentary Rock C Metamorphic Rock D Artificial Rock

The similarity between Limestone and Sandstone is

A Both are Igneous Rock C Metamorphic Rock
C Both are Sedimentary Rock D Both are Artificial Rock
CONCRETE
The maximum weight and volume in a concrete mix is occupied by
A Cement B Water C Fine Aggregates D Coarse Aggregates

Fine Aggregates in Concrete gives what property to the Concrete?

A Weight and Strength B Shrinkage Resistance C Abrasion D Impact Resistance
& Impermeability Resistance

Choose the correct option

For any RMC Concrete ( when the RMC Plant is outside the Project Site at a significant distance )
A Slump provided at Plant IS EQUAL TO the Slump required at the Site
B Slump provided at Plant IS GREATER THAN THE Slump required at the Site
C Slump provided at Plant IS LESSER THAN THE Slump required at the Site
D Slump provided at Plant can be anyway ( + or < or > ) w.r.t. the Slump required at the Site

What is the maximum size of Fine Aggregates used in Concrete?

A 4.00 mm B 4.25 mm C 4.50 mm D 4.75 mm

Maximum size of Concrete COARSE AGGREGATES used in ordinary Building RCC elements is
A 10 mm B 12 mm C 16 mm D 20 mm

The simplest Test done both at Lab and Site to determine the WORKABILITY OF CONCRETE is
A Flow Table Test B Slump Test
C Compaction Factor Test D Vee Bee Consistometer Test
4
Water Cement Ratio in a concrete mix design is the ratio between
A The Volumes of Water and Cement B The WEIGHTS of Water and Cement
C Specific Gravities of Water and Cement D Water Volume to Cement Weight

Choose the correct Matching

Concrete Compaction Type
P Needle Vibrator
Q Screed Vibrator
R Formwork Vibrator
S Plate Vibrator
T Vacuum Dewatering
A P 1 Q
B P 2 Q
C P 4 Q
D P 5 Q
Mechanism / Mode of Compaction
1 External Compaction
2 Atmospheric Compaction
3 Surface Compaction
4 Internal Compaction
5 Extrusion Compaction
The Correct Matchings are
2 R 3 S 4 T 5
1 R 2 S 5 T 4
3 R 1 S 3 T 2
4 R 3 S 2 T 1

Alternative method to Place / Transport Concrete instead of PUMPING to higher stories is

A Concrete Bucket operated by Crane B Chute for Free Flowing of Concrete
C Conveyor Belt to carry Concrete upwards D There is no alternative for pumping

Choose the ODD ONE OUT

A Slump Test ( B ) Cube Compression Test ( C ) Flow Table Test ( D ) Compaction Factor Test

What is the process giving Light Weight to AAC Blocks?

A Aeration ** ( B ) Autoclaving *** ( C ) Light Weight Raw Materials added ( D ) All the above 3 processes

What is the process giving STRENGTH to AAC Blocks?

A Aeration ( B ) Autoclaving ( C ) Light Weight Raw Materials added * ( D ) All the above 3 processes

UNIT 1 **** BRICKS S K Duggal PAGE No.

List any ten types of bricks under various categories 11 – 14
What are the chemical ingredients required in a good clay for making bricks? 14 – 15
Mention the various characteristics of good quality bricks. 14 para
2.6
22 - 24
Mention the various classifications of Kilns based on their operation mode and mechanism
List the methods of Moulding of Bricks and their relative merits and demerits. 19 - 21
What do you mean by First Class Bricks? Page 11
Mention the 4 tests on bricks as prescribed by IS Code. 27 – 28
List the raw materials required to manufacture Fly Ash Bricks. *****
How to check whether a brick is of good quality by simple field tests without any Page 14 PARA 2.6
equipment?

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 UNIT 1 **** STONES
Give examples for Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks with their uses. 58, 59
Write the various forms of Deterioration of Stones and the corresponding treatment 75, 76
List the various materials and methods used to preserve stones 77, 78
Mention any 10 types of dressings for stones 65, 66
What are the various methods of quarrying of stones? 60 to 63
Name the natural agencies causing formation of Sedimentary & Metamorphic Rocks? Give 58, 59
examples. UNIT 3 CONCRETE
Define and Differentiate between the two types of Batching for Concrete. 246, 247
List down the various methods of Compaction of Concrete. 256 to 260
List the differences between RMC and SMC ( Site Mixed Concrete ) 488, 489
What are the 4 basic constituents of Concrete and explain the role of each?
Mention 5 methods of Placing of Concrete and the suitability of each method. 255, 256
List the defects / shortcomings in Volumetric Batching and Weigh Batching. 246, 247
What are the constituents of AAC Block? *****
Describe with drawings the 10 stages of manufacturing concrete by RMC method ******
List 5 types each for Concrete Compaction, Curing and Transportation ( list only ) 253 to 263
Define Workability of Concrete. 279, 280
Draw the 4 types of Slump and explain when do you require Zero Slump Concrete. 281 Fig 10.32
What is meant by AAC Block? *******
Write the sizes of Concrete Blocks available in the Indian markets. ********
PART-C S K Duggal
List and describe all the steps and procedures required in the manufacturing of bricks. 16 – 24
With a detailed tree diagram, list all the classifications of Bricks and the characteristics of *******
each and their specific applications / uses.
What are the various methods of Quarrying Stones from Rocks? 60 to 63
Describe any 5 tests available for Stones to determine its suitability as building material. 69 to 75
Draw the tree diagram showing all the classifications of Rocks and for each type, mention an 57 to 59
example and its application.
List down 10 types of dressings for stones and explain any 5 dressing styles and the purpose 65 to 66
of each

Describe all steps in the manufacturing, delivering and placing of concrete for any structure. 246 to 264
Describe the various methods of compaction of concrete and the suitability of each method. 256 to 260
Write short notes on Curing of concrete, its purpose and types. 261 to 263
What is RMC? List its merits and demerits. 488, 489
Describe all the types of Concrete Blocks under various categories ********
Write short notes on Concrete Transportation methods and equipment used for each method 253, 254
TABULATE some 15 raw materials used to make Concrete and very briefly describe the role See Notes
played by each raw material. ( follow the tabular format and example as shown below ) below
# Raw Material Raw Source Size Shape Property
Type Material
1 Fine River Sand
Name Rivers 4.75 Spherical Shrinkage Resistance
Aggregate mm

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TABULATE some 15 raw materials used to make Concrete and very briefly describe the role played
by each raw material. ( follow the tabular format and example as shown below )
# Raw Material Raw Material Source Size Shape Property
Type Name
1 Fine Aggregate River Sand Rivers 4.75 mm & Spherical Shrinkage Resistance; spherical
FA DOWN shape; very good FA
2 FA M Sand Hills, 4.75 mm & Cubical Shrinkage Resistance; Cubical shape;
Manufactured Underground DOWN best substitute for River Sand
Sand Quarry
3 FA Fly Ash Thermal Fly Ash Spherical A very good substitute for Natural
Power Plant particles bigger Fine Aggregates
than 45μ. (River Sand or M Sand )
Which are unfit Either serves as a PARTIAL substitute
to be for Rive Sand or M Sand or As
POZZALONA Substitute for Cement / Lime if Fly
Ash grain size < 45μ.
4 FA Industrial industry < 4.75 mm Any shape Examples
Waste producing Steel Slag, Fly Ash, Bottom Ash,
Fine dust as Recycled aggregates. Foamed slag,
waste
5 Coarse Broken / Hills, 4.75 mm to Irregular / Best Strength, best shape for
Aggregate CA Crushed Stone Quarries 20 mm Angular Interlocking and Strength; Rough
and above Surface and Texture
6 CA Pebbles River > 4.75 mm Rounded Smooth Polished, Poor interlocking;
good in workability
7 CA C & D Waste Buildings > 4.75 mm Any shape Construction & Demolition Waste;
Demolished
8 CA Metal Ore Mines > 4.75 mm Any shape For heavy and strong concrete. Eg. :
Concrete for Nuclear Reactor Eg.
Lead, iron ore
9 CA Industrial Crushed bricks, Plastic wastes, Scrap
Waste tyres, Marble pieces, Waste steel
pieces
10 Cement / Lime Natural The oldest Binder material
Binder
11 Cement / OPC Ordinary Artificial The best alternative for Lime giving
Binder Portland quick strength as early as possible
Cement
12 Cement / PPC – Portland Artificial The OPC mixed with Fly Ash to
Binder Pozzalona reduce consumption of
Cement environmentally sensitive natural
virgin raw materials
13 Cement / Polymer Artificial Costly but gives very high strength
Binder quickly
14 Cement / GPC Geo Polymer Concrete; a mixture of
Binder chemicals like Sodium Silicate and
Fly Ash ( Water or other normal
powder cements NOT REQUIRED )
15 Water Water Natural Should be of POTable / drinking
quality. Ordinary Cements like
OPC, PPC etc. do their binding
action only after water is added
16 Pozzalona Waste Pozzalonas are also called Pozzalon or
Materials from SCM Secondary Cementitious
Nature or Material ; serve as PARTIAL
Industries Substitute for regular OPC cement
17 Calcined Clay A modified A new cement / binder coming up
form of clay under research