Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

101.

A gable roof slopes in ________ direction.(a) 1(b) 3(c) 2(d) 4I had been asked this question in class test.The doubt is from Roof Types in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT option is (c) 2

To explain: A gable roof SLOPES in TWO directions in such a way that the end formed by the intersection of slopes is a sloped TRIANGLE. It is commonly USED in houses, workshops, etc.
102.

__________ is a decoration that looks like a door.(a) Pseudo door(b) Flush door(c) False door(d) Composite doorThe question was asked in homework.My question comes from Doors and Windows topic in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (c) False door

Easy explanation: False door merges with the wall, making it look LIKE a DECORATIVE piece. It is mainly found in Egyptian ARCHITECTURE. It was also referred to as a door to after life and BUILT inside tombs.

103.

In a ventilator, top edge of shutter opens,(a) Outside(b) Inside(c) Sideways(d) Does not openI have been asked this question in examination.I'd like to ask this question from Doors and Windows in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (b) INSIDE

To explain: In most of the ventilators, TOP edge of shutter OPENS inside and bottom edge opens outside. Nowadays, ventilators with 2 glass sheets are being USED because of their ease and EFFICIENCY.

104.

A roof lantern is also called:(a) Skylight(b) Cupola(c) Celestory(d) OrielI have been asked this question in semester exam.Enquiry is from Doors and Windows topic in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT option is (b) Cupola

Explanation: ROOF lantern is provided on a roof and it is multi-paned glass structure. It lets in a DAY or MOON light.It is ALSO called as cupola.
105.

If cylinder specimen is used to test compressive strength, equivalent cubes strength can be found using:(a) 3/4^th strength of cylinder(b) 5/4^th strength of cylinder(c) 5/6^th strength of cylinder(d) 1/4^th strength of cylinderI had been asked this question in an internship interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Tests on Concrete topic in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (B) 5/4^th strength of cylinder

For explanation: This formula is RECOMMENDED by IS codes. IS 516 GIVES the DETAILS.

106.

Which of the below property of aggregates is not desirable?(a) Smooth texture(b) Well graded(c) Angular shape(d) Smaller sizeThe question was asked by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.My doubt stems from Properties of Concrete topic in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT choice is (c) Angular SHAPE

Best explanation: Aggregates should provide space for cement paste so as to lubricate the area.The parameters like TEXTURE, size, shape, grading are to be considered. LARGER size, cubical, round and rough textured aggregates are preferred.
107.

How many types of machine mixers are available?(a) 2(b) 5(c) 6(d) 3I had been asked this question in an internship interview.My question is based upon Manufacture of Concrete topic in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) 3

Best explanation: Based on the technique of DISCHARGING mixed concrete, there are 3 TYPES of mixers available. They are tilting type, non-tilting type and pan type mixers.
108.

How many methods of batching are there?(a) 2(b) 3(c) 5(d) 6I got this question during an online interview.Origin of the question is Manufacture of Concrete in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT OPTION is (a) 2

Best explanation: There are 2 types of batching – weigh and VOLUME batching. In volume batching, volumetric measure of materials is taken (1 bag cement-35 litre).In weigh batching, measurement is in terms of weight (1 bag cement-50 kg).

109.

Ready mix plant and central mix plant differ in:(a) Transportation(b) Setting time(c) Properties(d) Water additionThe question was posed to me in exam.Asked question is from Manufacture of Concrete in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) Water addition

Easiest EXPLANATION: In READY MIX plants, all the other ingredients are mixed, EXCEPT water. While in central mix plants, water is also mixed ALONG with other ingredients.

110.

Rat-trap bond masonry requires _________ less mortar.(a) 10%(b) 50%(c) 40%(d) 20%This question was posed to me during an interview.Question is from Cost Effective Construction Techniques in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) 40%

For explanation I would say: Rat-trap bond masonry is a TECHNIQUE where bricks are LAID on their edges. Hence approximately 25% less bricks and 40% less MORTAR is used compared to conventional ONE.

111.

To control corrosion, concrete with _________ is used.(a) Low permeability(b) Low thermal coefficient(c) More cement content(d) More coarse aggregatesI have been asked this question at a job interview.I would like to ask this question from Building Maintenance in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) Low permeability

To EXPLAIN: If the concrete is less permeable, then there is less chance of moisture, CHEMICAL absorption which leads to CORROSION of STEEL BARS.

112.

How many methods of ferro cementing are there?(a) 3(b) 2(c) 4(d) 6I have been asked this question in an interview.The question is from RCC, PSC and Ferro-Cement topic in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (a) 3

Explanation: The three methods are armature system, closed MOULD system and integrated mould system.
113.

_________ paint gets deteriorated when exposed to sun.(a) Asbestos(b) Bituminous(c) Oil(d) AluminiumThe question was asked during an online exam.This question is from Painting in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (b) Bituminous

The BEST I can explain: Bituminous paint is applied on to iron works under water. It is made by DISSOLVING ASPHALT or bitumen in oil or petroleum.It has a CHARACTERISTIC black colour.

114.

At roof slab level over the DPC, __________ are provided.(a) Tiles(b) Concrete(c) P.C.C(d) Rubber sheetThe question was posed to me in semester exam.This is a very interesting question from Damp Proofing in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT choice is (a) Tiles

Easiest explanation: Tiles are provided to reduce the DAMPNESS. The treatment of dampness at roof LEVEL INVOLVES treating PARAPET and roof slab. A PCC is provided on parapet, then DPC and then tiles on the roof slab.
115.

___________ are used to press mortar and spread it uniformly.(a) Trowel(b) Aluminium rod(c) Floats(d) BrushThis question was addressed to me during an interview.This is a very interesting question from Plastering topic in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (C) Floats

For explanation I would say: Trowel is USED for gauging and applying mortar to surface. Aluminium rod is used to strike off excess mortar. Brush is used to CLEAN it.

116.

Ridge piece in a sloping roof is usually a:(a) Metal(b) Wood(c) Polymer(d) PVCI had been asked this question in a job interview.My doubt stems from Roof Types in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (b) Wood

Explanation: RIDGE piece runs horizontally at the APEX. RAFTERS are then affixed on to this. It is USUALLY a wooden piece or board.

117.

The decorative cap to the top of a newel post is called:(a) Finial(b) Fillet(c) Easing(d) ApronI got this question during an interview.The origin of the question is Stairs topic in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) Finial

For explanation: Newel post is a LARGE BALUSTER used to ANCHOR the handrail. It is usually given a decorative cap to hold on to and is CALLED a Finial.

118.

_________ door swings both ways.(a) Mead(b) Dutch(c) Garden(d) FrenchThe question was asked in final exam.My question is taken from Doors and Windows in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Mead

Best explanation: A Dutch door consists of 2 halves (top & BOTTOM) which FUNCTION INDIVIDUALLY. A French door has moulded PANEL at bottom of door. A garden door has only one door OPENABLE and is much secure.

119.

Higher the cement content,(a) Higher aggregates(b) Lower workability(c) Higher strength(d) Lower strengthI got this question during an online interview.I want to ask this question from Properties of Concrete in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (C) Higher strength

For explanation I WOULD say: Higher the CEMENT CONTENT i.e. lower the aggregate cement ratio, higher is the strength. It improves WORKABILITY also.

120.

What is the maximum height through which concrete can be poured?(a) 0.1-0.6 m(b) 0.8-1 m(c) 0.5 m(d) 2 mThe question was asked during an online interview.This intriguing question originated from Manufacture of Concrete topic in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (b) 0.8-1 m

Explanation: Concrete CONSISTS of coarse AGGREGATES. If it is placed or POURED from a height above 1 m, segregation of coarse aggregate will take PLACE, leading to improper distribution.It affects the strength parameter.

121.

As water cement ratio increases, ________ also increases.(a) Compressive strength(b) Tensile strength(c) Bleeding(d) WorkabilityI have been asked this question in an online interview.Question is taken from Composition of Concrete topic in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (d) WORKABILITY

For EXPLANATION: More water improves the workability of a mix, but COMPROMISES on the strength requirements. Hence, ideal w/c RATIO of 0.45 is to be used.

122.

What is the ratio of the component in grade M20 concrete?(a) 1:3:6(b) 1:1.5:3(c) 1:1:2(d) 1:2:4The question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.My question is taken from Composition of Concrete in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (B) 1:1.5:3

The explanation is: Concrete is graded into many types as per IS 456-2000. M stands for mix and the number, say, 20 is a compressive strength after 28 DAYS in N/mm^2.Generally, M20 grade is used. The RATIO of cement: fine: coarse aggregate for M20 is 1:1.5:3.For M10 it is 1:3:6, M15 it is 1:2:4 and M25 it is 1:1:2.

123.

How many types of chemical admixture are there?(a) 2(b) 3(c) 4(d) 5The question was posed to me in exam.The origin of the question is Composition of Concrete in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (C) 4

The best I can explain: Admixtures are compounds added to concrete to ATTAIN specific properties. The chemical admixtures are added in small amounts.The 4 types are accelerators, RETARDERS, plasticizers and air entraining agents.
124.

The bricks used for corners of walls of a structure are called:(a) Spalls(b) Quoins(c) Hearting(d) SideThe question was posed to me in final exam.My question is based upon Brick Masonry in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (B) Quoins

For explanation: Spalls are CHIPS of STONES for filling interstices in stone masonry.Hearting is an interior portion of a wall between facing and BACKING. Side is a surface forming boundary of bricks in a direction transverse to FACE and bed.

125.

Which of the below should be avoided in brick masonry?(a) Horizontal joints(b) Queen closer(c) Brick bat(d) Vertical jointsI have been asked this question in an online quiz.Asked question is from Brick Masonry topic in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) Vertical JOINTS

The explanation: Vertical joints occur when the END of a brick is in line with the end of the underlying brick, vertically.This would lead to low strength WALL as CRACKS can easily be TRANSFERRED along these joints.

126.

Great skill and skilled labour are required for laying:(a) Coursed rubble masonry(b) Ashlar fine masonry(c) Ashlar chamfered masonry(d) Dry rubble masonryThe question was posed to me in unit test.This intriguing question comes from Stone Masonry topic in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT ANSWER is (d) Dry RUBBLE masonry

Explanation: In dry rubble masonry, MORTAR is not used.Great skill is REQUIRED to arrange different sized and shaped stones in such a way that they don’t roll down or fall down after awhile.

127.

What is the total area allotted for a low-cost house?(a) 40m^2(b) 30m^2(c) 20m^2(d) 10m^2I had been asked this question in an online interview.My doubt is from Cost Effective Construction Techniques in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (c) 20m^2

Best explanation: The Planning Commission has recommended the Government of INDIA to ADOPT the following minimum standard for a low-cost HOUSE: – living room (11.1m^2), veranda and kitchen 6.5m^2), BATHROOM (1.3m^2), lavatory (1.1m^2) and TOTAL of 20m^2.

128.

Saponification is a defect on the painted surface and it is identified by the appearance of:(a) Wrinkles(b) Dull patches(c) Bubbles(d) Soapy patchesI have been asked this question in unit test.The query is from Painting in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT option is (d) SOAPY patches

For explanation: Saponification leads to the appearance of soapy patches. It occurs due to the chemical reaction of alkalis. To avoid this, SURFACE must be cleaned and PAINT should be kept away from strong alkalis.
129.

The figure below represents a:(a) Dog-legged stairs(b) Turning stairs(c) Straight stairs(d) Well stairsThis question was addressed to me during an interview for a job.I'm obligated to ask this question of Stairs topic in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (a) Dog-legged STAIRS

Easiest EXPLANATION: It is the most common stairs in schools, houses, other buildings.The flights are at right angles.

130.

Cork flooring is made using:(a) Wooden chips(b) Cork pieces(c) Wooden fibres(d) Bark of Cork OakI had been asked this question during an interview for a job.This question is from Floor Coverings topic in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT option is (d) Bark of CORK Oak

The BEST explanation: Cork flooring is made by removing bark of Cork Oak, without DAMAGING the tree. It is renewable and sustainable. It also possesses anti-microbial, sound PROOFING, comfort properties.
131.

_________ floor is used for spans of more than 7.5m.(a) Framed timber(b) Stone(c) Glass(d) Double joist timberThe question was posed to me in class test.The question is from Floor Types topic in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT option is (a) FRAMED TIMBER

Explanation: In a framed timber floor, girders are placed between walls and binders are PUT on them. It can be used for larger SPANS.
132.

A floor consists of _________ parts.(a) 2(b) 3(c) 4(d) 5The question was asked during an interview for a job.I would like to ask this question from Floor Types in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT choice is (a) 2

The explanation: A FLOOR CONSISTS of 2 parts. A sub floor, which is laid below FLOORING and supports the flooring as well as super imposed loads. The floor covering is the second part, which GIVES a smooth, clean, impervious and durable surface.
133.

EPDM Rubber is generally used for:(a) 3-in-12 pitch(b) 4-in-12 slope(c) 2-in-12 slope(d) Flat roofsThis question was addressed to me in final exam.My question is taken from Roof Coverings topic in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (d) FLAT roofs

Easy explanation: EPDM Rubber is ETHYLENE propylene diene monomer. It is used to CREATE a single-ply rubberized roof for a flat or a very low SLOPE roof. It is UV resistant.

134.

Which of the below roof types can be used for a span of 4.5 m?(a) Couple close roof(b) Lean-to-roof(c) Couple roof(d) Collar beam roofThis question was posed to me in quiz.This question is from Roof Types in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT choice is (a) Couple close ROOF

The best I can explain: Lean-to-roof is usually EMPLOYED for a span of 2.5m.Couple roof is provided where a span of 3.5m is required. COLLAR beam roof can be used up to the span of 4-6m.
135.

A bay window is a multi-panel window, which:(a) Is provided at corners(b) Runs parallel to the wall(c) Embeds inside wall(d) Projects outside wallI got this question in my homework.My doubt stems from Doors and Windows in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (d) PROJECTS OUTSIDE wall

To explain: Bay window has at least 3 panels set at different angles.This FEATURE creates a protrusion from the wall line.

136.

If a door swings towards the person opening it, it is called:(a) Left handed(b) Reverse(c) Normal(d) Right handedI have been asked this question in an internship interview.This is a very interesting question from Doors and Windows topic in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) Reverse

Best EXPLANATION: Left handed door INDICATES the hinge is on the left side and right handed has hinge on the right side. If a door OPENS away from the PERSON, it is a normal door.

137.

A casement window hung horizontally is called:(a) Hopper(b) Awning(c) Pivot(d) TransomI have been asked this question in an online quiz.The query is from Doors and Windows topic in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (b) Awning

Easiest explanation: Awning WINDOW is hinged on the top and it swings OUTWARDS. These are partially USEFUL for VENTILATION.

138.

In design of R.C.C. structures, the tensile strength of concrete is taken as:(a) 5N/mm^2(b) 2N/mm^2(c) 0.3N/mm^2(d) 0N/mm^2I have been asked this question in unit test.Enquiry is from Properties of Concrete in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (d) 0N/mm^2

The BEST explanation: SINCE concrete does not take up tensile LOADS, it is taken as zero. But IS 456-2000 recommends the tensile strength to be CALCULATED using Ft = 0.7√fckN/mm^2.

139.

Workability reduces with time.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me in an interview for job.Query is from Properties of Concrete topic in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT ANSWER is (a) True

The explanation is: The RATE of evaporation of water from CONCRETE mix increases as TIME increases. Loss of water leads to less workability.

140.

Which admixture is used to improve workability?(a) Plasticizers(b) Metakaolin(c) Reducers(d) AcceleratorsThe question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.I need to ask this question from Properties of Concrete in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) PLASTICIZERS

The explanation is: Plasticizers help to INCREASE the workability of concrete without ALTERING the water-cement ratio. It is very helpful as it provides the REQUIRED workability, at the same TIME does not compromise on strength.

141.

Compacting is done to:(a) Place concrete on flat surface(b) Remove air bubbles(c) Place concrete on sloping surface(d) Introduce air bubblesI had been asked this question at a job interview.This intriguing question comes from Manufacture of Concrete in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (b) Remove air bubbles

For explanation: While mixing of concrete, sometimes air gets trapped in it in the FORM of bubbles. These have to be REMOVED to ensure strength parameters are MET with.

142.

Which masonry material is used for cost reduction?(a) Stone blocks(b) Concrete blocks(c) Laterite blocks(d) Cement blocksI had been asked this question in exam.I would like to ask this question from Cost Effective Construction Techniques in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT choice is (b) Concrete blocks

To explain I WOULD say: Concrete blocks consume only 1/3^rd of energy used in the PRODUCTION of red bricks. It reduces the wall thickness from 20 to 15cm, and mortar also. Overall reduction in the cost of 10 to 25% can be achieved.
143.

Which component of concrete gives it desired compressive strength?(a) Water(b) Cement(c) Aggregates(d) AdmixtureThis question was posed to me in quiz.Origin of the question is Composition of Concrete topic in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (c) Aggregates

To explain: Aggregates used are sand, gravel or crushed stones.These have HIGH compressive strength. Concrete is STRONG in COMPRESSION and weak in tension due to this reason.

144.

Which IS codes gives details about elevators?(a) IS 27752(b) IS 38665(c) IS 14665(d) IS 27855I have been asked this question in unit test.This intriguing question comes from Building Services in section Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT answer is (c) IS 14665

The best I can EXPLAIN: IS 14665 gives specifications for elevators. It gives the number, capacity of elevator depending UPON floor AREA and a number of floors to be served.
145.

Which of the below is not an example of a base?(a) White lead(b) Cobalt(c) Zinc oxide(d) Red leadThis question was posed to me in a job interview.This question is from Painting topic in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (b) Cobalt

To elaborate: Cobalt is used as a drier. It absorbs oxygen from surroundings and hardens the paints. White lead, zinc oxide and red lead are all examples of a base. They have BINDING PROPERTIES and form an opaque coat.
146.

In a white wash, after how many hours is dissolved gum added to the solution?(a) 24 hours(b) 12 hours(c) 6 hours(d) 1 hourThis question was posed to me in quiz.I'd like to ask this question from Painting in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (a) 24 hours

Easy explanation: White wash is PREPARED from a FAT lime. Fat lime is dissolved in a big drum and it is stirred WELL. Then, after 24 hours dissolved GUM is added to the drum.

147.

Which IS code gives details regarding water to be used in concrete?(a) IS 456(b) IS 383(c) IS 565(d) IS 3012I got this question in examination.My question comes from Composition of Concrete in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) IS 456

To ELABORATE: Normally, potable water is to be USED for preparing CONCRETE. In the case where potable water is not available, a certain amount of impurities are PERMISSIBLE in the water to be used. Those are given in Table in IS 456.

148.

After how many stairs is a landing provided in public, residential places?(a) 18(b) 20(c) 12(d) 16The question was posed to me during an interview.This question is from Stairs in portion Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (c) 12

The EXPLANATION is: GENERALLY, after 10 to 12 steps a landing is to be provided. A person can comfortably walk 10-12 steps without getting exhausted. A landing can be given after a maximum of 16 steps and not more than that. A floor requires 2 flights.
149.

Which of the below is not to be followed for stone masonry construction?(a) Header stones are dumb-bell shaped(b) Properly cured for 2-3 weeks(c) Construction to be raised uniformly(d) Wetted stones to be usedThis question was posed to me in a job interview.This is a very interesting question from Stone Masonry in division Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (a) HEADER stones are dumb-bell shaped

The BEST EXPLANATION: The header and bond stones in stone masonry are not to be of dumb-bell shape.IS code 1597 gives the GENERAL guidelines to be followed by laying the stone in stone masonry.
150.

_________ bond is better in appearance than English bond.(a) Flemish(b) Double Flemish(c) Single Flemish(d) Poly FlemishThe question was asked in an interview.Enquiry is from Brick Masonry in chapter Building Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (b) Double Flemish

For EXPLANATION: Double Flemish bond CONSISTS of an alternative HEADER, stretcher in each course. The facing and BACKING are of the same appearance.