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.

1.

Which IS code gives details about tile adhesives?(a) IS 14458(b) IS 15477(c) IS 15478(d) IS 14557I have been asked this question during an interview for a job.The origin of the question is Adhesives topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (B) IS 15477

The explanation is: Adhesive specifications to be used when laying ceramic tiles and MOSAICS are given in IS 15477.
2.

Rubber latex is used for:(a) Bonding wood plys(b) Bonding rubber to walls(c) Bonding rubber to wood(d) Bonding toolsThis question was addressed to me during an interview for a job.My question comes from Rubber in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (C) Bonding rubber to wood

The BEST I can explain: It is a solution of rubber hydrochloride.It has a sticky TEXTURE and has EXCELLENT adhesive property.

3.

What changes are observed when a glass is heated?(a) It becomes softer(b) It bursts(c) It solidifies(d) It disintegratesI have been asked this question in an internship interview.This interesting question is from Glass in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (a) It BECOMES softer

Best explanation: It becomes softer and softer with a RISE in temperature and is ultimately transformed into a mobile LIQUID.

4.

Gradation affects the properties of an aggregate.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt is from Sieve Analysis topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (a) True

To EXPLAIN: GRADATION affects properties like bulk density, physical stability and PERMEABILITY. With careful selection of the gradation, desired properties can be ACHIEVED.

5.

For fine aggregates that is, sample passing through 4.75mm IS sieve, how much sample should be taken?(a) 5 kg(b) 1 kg(c) 2 kg(d) .5 kgThis question was posed to me in examination.My doubt stems from Sieve Analysis in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (b) 1 kg

For EXPLANATION: IS 2720 gives the specifications.It REQUIRES USING sample weighing 5 kg for coarse aggregates and 1 kg for FINE aggregates.

6.

For how long is the mechanical vibrator shaked?(a) 15-20 minutes(b) 5 minutes(c) 10-15 minutes(d) 30 minutesThis question was posed to me in an internship interview.I'd like to ask this question from Sieve Analysis topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (a) 15-20 minutes

Easiest explanation: As per IS CODE 2720 Part 4.Mechanical VIBRATOR is SWITCHED on and allowed to vibrate for 15-20 minutes.It ensures PROPER grading of particles.

7.

Under what circumstance is a wet sieve analysis carried out?(a) Sample is washed(b) Moisture content is high in sample(c) Sample contains organic matter(d) Very fine powdered sampleThis question was addressed to me in a job interview.I want to ask this question from Sieve Analysis in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (d) Very FINE powdered sample

Easy explanation: Sometimes samples CONTAIN very fine powders which TEND to agglomerate.In dry sieve ANALYSIS, it would lead to CLOGGING of meshes and it makes analysis difficult.

8.

The open-time of paint can be extended by adding white spirit.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in an interview for job.The doubt is from Types and Uses of Paints in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (a) True

To explain I would say: Open-time is the time interval, after the application of liquid paint, during which other paint can be applied to give artistic effect. White spirit, Dowanol can be used. These ALLOW different LAYERS of wet PAINTS to mix together and give a textured APPEARANCE.

9.

In which of the below, it is not necessary to remove existing paint to apply a new one?(a) Aluminium paints(b) Cement paints(c) Oil paints(d) Enamel paintsI have been asked this question in an online quiz.The origin of the question is Types and Uses of Paints topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT choice is (b) Cement paints

Easy explanation: They are suitable for painting FRESH PLASTERS having high alkalinity.They can be directly applied on EXISTING paint, HENCE they are economic.
10.

How many types of rough sawing are there?(a) 4(b) 5(c) 2(d) 3The question was asked in an internship interview.This interesting question is from Manufacture of Timber topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT choice is (C) 2

To ELABORATE: The 2 types of rough sawing are through and through sawn and quarter sawn.
11.

Fluorine emission is a pollutant generated during the manufacturing process.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question during an interview.This intriguing question originated from Manufacture of Tiles in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (a) True

To EXPLAIN I would say: Pollutants RELEASED are LEAD, fluorine, waste water, etc.Fluorine EMISSION can be controlled by using scrubbers.

12.

Which of the following is not a material that forms Particle Board?(a) Shavings(b) Fibres(c) Ribbons(d) FlakesThis question was addressed to me in my homework.Question is taken from Manufacture of Timber in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (b) Fibres

Easy explanation: Fibre board is made of fibres of wood.Chips, flakes, ribbons and shavings are DIFFERENT sized PARTICLES of wood, used in the MANUFACTURING of PARTICLE Board.

13.

Which method of forming is used for heavily profiled tiles?(a) Dry pressing(b) Ram pressing(c) Pressure glazing(d) ExtrusionThe question was asked in final exam.This question is from Manufacture of Tiles topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (b) Ram PRESSING

The best explanation: In Ram pressing, extruded SLUGS are pressed between 2 halves of hard MOULD mounted in a hydraulic press.
14.

At what point is a glaze applied to a tile?(a) Finished tile(b) Drying(c) Placing(d) FiringI have been asked this question during an online interview.This interesting question is from Manufacture of Tiles in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT option is (d) Firing

For explanation I WOULD say: Glaze is a glass material DESIGNED to MELT on to the surface during the firing process.It then adheres to tile while cooling.
15.

Drain tiles are suitable for laying in waterlogged areas because:(a) Porous nature(b) Waterproof(c) Economic(d) Easy installationThe question was posed to me in an online quiz.My question is based upon Types of Tiles in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) Porous nature

Easy explanation: These are PREPARED in such a WAY that even after BURNING, they are able to RETAIN their porous nature.

16.

What is the problem with using flyash bricks?(a) Efflorescence(b) Costly(c) Expand(d) Not sound proofThe question was posed to me in quiz.Question is taken from Types of Bricks topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) Expand

Easiest EXPLANATION: When they come in contact with MOISTURE, CHEMICAL REACTION occurs and they TEND to expand.

17.

Which of the below is used to sound proof bricks?(a) Gypsum(b) Terracotta(c) Plastics(d) CeramicThis question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My enquiry is from Qualities of Good Brick topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (b) TERRACOTTA

The BEST I can explain: Terracotta is an acoustic material. It will ABSORB the sound waves and render the brick sound PROOF.

18.

Low heat cement is ideal for use in the construction of dams.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in an interview for internship.Question is from Types of Cement and Uses topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (a) True

The explanation: Heat of hydration is heat produced during chemical action between cement and water.In mass CONCRETING WORKS (dam) heat will be HIGH and effect the STABILITY of a structure.Hence, low heat cement is ideal for use.
19.

Shale provides argillaceous components required for cement manufacture process.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in homework.Enquiry is from Manufacture of Cement in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (a) True

To elaborate: Quarrying SHALE stone gives the ARGILLACEOUS component.These are SILICA, aluminium and iron.

20.

Which stone provides the calcareous component required for the manufacture of cement?(a) Lime(b) Limestone(c) Marble(d) GraniteI had been asked this question in an online interview.My question comes from Manufacture of Cement in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT CHOICE is (b) LIMESTONE

The explanation is: Calcareous component used for cement manufacture is calcium carbonate.It is obtained by QUARRYING limestone.
21.

What is the initial setting time of cement?(a) 1 hour(b) 30 minutes(c) 15 minutes(d) 30 hoursI got this question during an online interview.Query is from Properties of Cement in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (b) 30 minutes

The EXPLANATION is: As per IS CODE 4031-part 5, the INITIAL setting time of cement is MINIMUM of 30 minutes.After this cement will start losing its plasticity and will not be workable.

22.

What is the speciality of Hydraulic Lime?(a) Contains impurities(b) Does not set under water(c) Contains clay(d) Perfectly white in colourThis question was posed to me in an online quiz.Asked question is from Source and Classification of Lime in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (c) Contains CLAY

Explanation: The clay content gives it the HYDRAULIC PROPERTY – capacity to set and HARDEN even under water.

23.

How is bulking related to moisture content?(a) Keeps on increasing with moisture content(b) Increases to a certain point and then decreases(c) Keeps on decreasing with moisture content(d) Decreases to a certain point and then increasesThis question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.I'd like to ask this question from Bulking of Sand in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (B) INCREASES to a CERTAIN point and then decreases

Explanation: The volume i.e. bulking increases as sand absorbs moisture. At about 6- 10%, the film starts breaking and the volume REDUCES. If sand absorbs further moisture, no bulking takes place.

24.

Which of the below given formulas is used to calculate hardness coefficient?(a) (Final hardness / initial hardness) × 100%(b) 20 – (loss in weight / 2)(c) 20 – (loss in weight / 3)(d) ((20 – loss in weight) / 3) × 100%This question was posed to me in an online interview.Enquiry is from Tests on Stones topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (C) 20 – (LOSS in weight / 3)

The best EXPLANATION: The coefficient of hardness is expressed as a number and not a percentage.

25.

Gorilla glue is made up of:(a) Resin(b) Epoxy(c) Polyurethane(d) Animal proteinThe question was posed to me at a job interview.My question is taken from Adhesives topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (C) Polyurethane

The EXPLANATION: It is a type of polyurethane adhesive.It is 100% WATER proof, easily BONDS glass, wood, stone, metal, concrete, etc.It is also temperature resistant and incredibly strong.

26.

Which glue can bond a metal to wood?(a) Contact cement(b) Super glue(c) PVC cement(d) Gorilla glueThe question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.This question is from Adhesives topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (a) Contact cement

Explanation: First the metal is cleaned and filed using sand paper.It is DONE to make it ROUGH for the adhesive to GRIP onto.Then adhesive is applied to both surfaces and pressed.Super glue is USED for porcelain to porcelain; PVC cement for plastic to plastic and GORILLA glue for wood to wet wood.

27.

Which of the below adhesive is not attacked by water?(a) Starch glue(b) Albumin glue(c) Vegetable glue(d) Rubber glueThis question was posed to me at a job interview.The doubt is from Adhesives in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (b) Albumin glue

The BEST I can EXPLAIN: Albumin glue is better quality glue and is used for furniture.Starch glue and Vegetable glue is not water RESISTANT.
28.

In how many forms does PVC come?(a) 2(b) 3(c) 4(d) 5I have been asked this question in an international level competition.The question is from PVC topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (a) 2

Best EXPLANATION: The 2 forms are rigid (RPVC) and flexible PVC.RPVC is used in the CONSTRUCTION of pipes, bottles, CARDS, etc.Flexible PVC is used in CABLES, wires, inflatable products, etc.

29.

PVC is widely used to make pipes because:(a) Cost effective(b) Does not react to chemicals(c) Easily available(d) Easy to transportThe question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Asked question is from PVC in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (b) Does not react to chemicals

For explanation I would say: PVC is resistant to attack by KEROSENE oil, acid and chemicals.It is water PROOF too.Hence it is widely used for pipe manufacture for CARRYING sewage and RAIN water.

30.

How many commercial forms of glass are there for various engineering and industrial requirements?(a) 8(b) 11(c) 9(d) 10The question was asked during an interview.I need to ask this question from Glass in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) 11

The best I can explain: There are 11 forms of special varieties of GLASS for commercial purposes.They are sheet glass, plate glass, coloured glass, wired glass, structural glass, laminated glass, bullet-proof glass, fibre glass, foam glass, FLINT glass and SOLUBLE glass.

31.

What is the symbol used for well graded gravel as per ISC system of classification?(a) WG(b) G(c) GW(d) WI had been asked this question in final exam.The question is from Coarse Aggregates topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT option is (c) GW

The best explanation: CLASSIFICATION of coarse grained SOILS (ISC system) gives the SYMBOL for well graded gravel as GW.For poorly graded, it is GP.
32.

Anticorrosive paint is ___________ in colour(a) Blue(b) White(c) Black(d) YellowI got this question during an interview.My doubt stems from Types and Uses of Paints topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (C) Black

The explanation is: It consists of pigments like chromium oxide, LEAD or zinc chrome.It is mixed with SAND and added to the paint. These pigments make the paint BLACKISH in colour.

33.

________ Oil is thicker and darker than raw oil, which is used as vehicle?(a) Double boiled linseed oil(b) Boiled linseed oil(c) Pale boiled linseed oil(d) Linseed oilThe question was posed to me in exam.I need to ask this question from Characteristics and Ingredients of Paint topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT choice is (b) Boiled linseed OIL

Explanation: Raw linseed oil is thin and pale.It REQUIRES more time to DRY. Boiled linseed oil is thicker and DARKER than raw oil and dries quickly.
34.

Very low carbon steel is used for:(a) Wires(b) Wire nails(c) Screw drivers(d) RodsI have been asked this question in an interview for internship.Query is from Market Forms and Uses of Steel topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (b) Wire nails

Easy explanation: Since it has very LOW CARBON contents, that is 0.05-0.1% it can be used for low STRENGTH WORKS.

35.

How should the smell of a freshly cut timber be?(a) Sweet(b) Pungent(c) Unpleasant(d) OdourlessThis question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Origin of the question is Qualities of Timber in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (a) Sweet

To elaborate: ONE can detect the quality of a TIMBER by SMELLING FRESHLY cut timber.Ideally, it should be sweet.Unpleasant smell indicates decay of timber.

36.

How is water content in the slip or slurry removed?(a) Filter pressing(b) Spray drying(c) Sun drying(d) Vacuum pressingI got this question during an internship interview.The question is from Manufacture of Tiles topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT answer is (a) Filter pressing

The BEST I can explain: If wet milling is carried out, excess WATER is removed by spray drying.If DRY milling is carried out after wet milling, filter pressing is used.It REMOVES 40-50% of moisture.
37.

The quality of timber does not depend upon:(a) Maturity of tree(b) Time of felling(c) Type of tree(d) Size of treeThis question was posed to me during an online exam.The query is from Qualities of Timber topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) Size of TREE

Explanation: The size of a tree is not of much importance.The weight, maturity of tree MATTERS and not LENGTH.
38.

Exogenous trees are further divided into:(a) 3(b) 4(c) 2(d) 5The question was posed to me in class test.My enquiry is from Classification of Timber topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (c) 2

For EXPLANATION: EXOGENOUS trees are those in which trees grow outward.The 2 types are coniferous (evergreens) and DECIDUOUS (BROAD leaf) trees.

39.

Quarry tile is also called:(a) Granite tile(b) Unglazed ceramic tile(c) Stone tile(d) Workshop tilesI had been asked this question in final exam.The origin of the question is Types of Tiles in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (B) Unglazed ceramic tile

Explanation: Ceramic tile can be glazed or unglazed.Quarry tile is ANOTHER name for unglazed ceramic tile.It is DURABLE, CHEAP and natural.

40.

Why do bricks become brittle when excess silica is present?(a) Pores are created(b) Flaking occurs(c) Thermal stability is lost(d) Cohesion is lostThis question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.The query is from Composition of Good Brick Earth topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT answer is (d) COHESION is lost

Easy explanation: Silica is present is either free or combined form.It is USUALLY present as SAND, which is COHESIONLESS in nature.So, excess of silica would lead to loss of cohesion between particles and this make the brick brittle.
41.

The presence of which of the below renders clay totally unsuitable for brick manufacture?(a) Kallar(b) Kankar(c) Hay(d) LimeI had been asked this question in an interview.My question is based upon Composition of Good Brick Earth topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) Kallar

Easy EXPLANATION: Kallar or REH CONSISTS of sodium sulphate.Bricks do not burn properly in its presence.After BURNING, it CAUSES the surface of brick to peel off and crumble later on.

42.

In the same figure in question 2, what is ‘b’ and its function?(a) Water-plasticity(b) Lime-strength(c) Sulphur-soundness(d) Gypsum-control settingI had been asked this question in an online quiz.I'd like to ask this question from Manufacture of Cement in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) Gypsum-control setting

For explanation I would SAY: During the GRINDING process, SMALL amount of gypsum is added.It is done to control the setting of CEMENT.

43.

Grade 43 OPC shall be rejected if it remains in bulk storage in the factory for:(a) More than 3 months(b) More than 1 month(c) More than 6 months(d) More than 4 monthsI have been asked this question in an international level competition.I'd like to ask this question from Grades of Cement topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT choice is (c) More than 6 MONTHS

To EXPLAIN: CEMENT STORED in the factory of more than 6 months has to be retested and rejected if it does not meet requirements.Time period of more than 3 months is for cement bags with vendors.
44.

Nowadays, wet method of cement manufacturing is used.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me during an internship interview.This is a very interesting question from Manufacture of Cement in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (b) False

To explain I would say: Wet method was used from 1913 to 1960.The dry method is most adopted because it IMPROVES the quality of cement, utilizing LESS POWER.

45.

Which of the following imparts greenish grey colour to cement?(a) Calcium silicate(b) Calcium aluminate(c) Calcium aluminate ferrite(d) Calcium carbonateI have been asked this question in a national level competition.I'm obligated to ask this question of Ingredients of Cement in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (c) Calcium aluminate ferrite

The best EXPLANATION: Calcium silicate and calcium aluminate are pure white minerals.Calcium aluminate ferrite is BROWN in colour, but due to absorption of light by magnesium, PRESENT as an impurity, greenish GREY colour is imparted to CEMENT.

46.

Which of the following methods yields quick, small supplies of Quick Lime?(a) Intermittent kiln(b) Continuous kiln(c) Clamp burning(d) Kankar burningI had been asked this question in unit test.I want to ask this question from Calcination and Slaking of Lime topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (c) Clamp burning

The explanation: In a kiln, lime is produced in large QUANTITIES for COMMERCIAL purpose.In clamp burning, available QUANTITY of limestone is STACKED with FUEL and burnt.

47.

Lime has been conventionally classified into how many types?(a) 4(b) 2(c) 5(d) 3This question was addressed to me in my homework.My question is taken from Source and Classification of Lime topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (d) 3

Easy explanation: The THREE conventional classifications of lime are, FAT Lime, Hydraulic Lime and Poor Lime.
48.

Which one of the below cannot to be used as a substitute of sand?(a) Surkhi(b) Quarry dust(c) Glass(d) M-sandThe question was asked in homework.Origin of the question is Properties of Sand in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) Quarry dust

For EXPLANATION: SURKHI is pieces of burned clay, M-SAND is MANUFACTURED sand, GLASS can be powdered and these form excellent substitutes for sand.Quarry dust has flaky grains and is not recommended to use in concrete or masonry works, though it can be used for low strength works.

49.

Bulking of sand increase the strength of the mortar.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in a job interview.My question comes from Properties of Sand topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (B) False

For explanation I would SAY: Bulking INCREASES volume of mortar and not the STRENGTH.In fact, it decreases the strength, leading to future cracks in the structure.

50.

What is the maximum percentage of silt allowed in sand to be used in concrete?(a) 5%(b) 10%(c) 8%(d) 2%The question was posed to me in a job interview.I'd like to ask this question from Properties of Sand in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (c) 8%

For explanation: If more SILT CONTENT is PRESENT, it will lead to the improper measurement of volume or weight.It should be washed off to bring it to the allowable limit.