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.

51.

What type of grains constitutes river sand?(a) Angular(b) Flaky(c) Irregular(d) RoundedThe question was asked in class test.This intriguing question originated from Source and Classification of Sand topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (d) Rounded

The best I can explain: RIVER sand is CONSTITUTED of fine round grains. These are the result of mutual attrition under the effect of water current. It is naturally OCCURRING, clean and MOSTLY WHITE in colour.

52.

What is the meaning of bulking of sand?(a) Increase in volume of sand due to moisture absorption(b) Increase in weight of sand due to moisture absorption(c) Increase in mass of sand due to moisture absorption(d) Increase in strength of sand due to moisture absorptionI have been asked this question in an interview.My question is based upon Bulking of Sand in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) INCREASE in volume of sand DUE to moisture absorption

Easiest EXPLANATION: When water is added to sand, a thin film of water is formed around the sand particles. The film exerts surface tension on particles, making them move apart. This leads to an increase in volume because there is no direct CONTACT AMONG particles.

53.

Why is attrition test performed?(a) To find resistance to scratch(b) To find resistance to weathering(c) To find resistance to wear(d) To find resistance to dressingI have been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.The above asked question is from Tests on Stones topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (C) To find RESISTANCE to wear

Explanation: ATTRITION test is performed to test the rate of wear of stones that are used in road construction. It checks the rubbing against the same material of stone and is EXPRESSED in percentage.

54.

In ___________ cement mortar is reinforced with wire meshes.(a) Fibre Reinforced Cement(b) Wire Reinforced Cement(c) Ferro Cement(d) Mesh MortarI had been asked this question in homework.My query is from Cost Effective Materials in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (c) FERRO Cement

Explanation: It is a highly versatile form of R.C.C.Cement mortar is reinforced with layers of CONTINUOUS and relatively small WIRE meshes. It is a cheap material.
55.

FRP stands for:(a) Fibre Reinforced Polymer(b) Fully Reinforced Polymer(c) Fire Resistant Polymer(d) Fibre Reconditioned PolymerThe question was posed to me in an international level competition.This interesting question is from Cost Effective Materials in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) Fibre Reinforced POLYMER

To explain: It is a LAMINATE structure containing fibres inter-woven and embedded within a layer of light polymer MATRIX material.Fibres are TYPICALLY composed of carbon or GLASS.

56.

The word adhesive has its origin from:(a) Greek Adhaerere(b) Latin Adherae(c) Greek Adherae(d) Latin AdhaerereThis question was posed to me during an internship interview.I would like to ask this question from Adhesives topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right OPTION is (d) Latin Adhaerere

To EXPLAIN: The Latin word Adhaerere means to stick on. French WORK adhésif and English word ADHERE further lead to the word adhesive.

57.

Modifying properties of PVC is called:(a) Reformation(b) Recasting(c) Compounding(d) CuringI have been asked this question during a job interview.I want to ask this question from PVC topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (c) Compounding

For explanation: Properties of PVC resins can be ALTERED by adding certain ADDITIVES to it.This process is called compounding. It is thus possible to ATTAIN rigid PVC products.

58.

Rubber wood is eco-friendly and easily available.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me in an interview.My doubt is from Rubber in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (a) True

The best I can EXPLAIN: Unlike other trees have grown SOLELY for timber purpose, RUBBER tree provides latex also.After 25-30 years, its latex yields become lower and they are felled.They are REPLANTED after that.

59.

________ Varnish is also called French varnish and used for furniture.(a) Oil(b) Water(c) Acrylic(d) SpiritThis question was posed to me in an online interview.Asked question is from Varnish in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (d) SPIRIT

To explain: Spirit varnish is quick drying.It is not very RESISTANT to weathering and is generally used for FURNITURE.

60.

The appearance of potash-lime glass in colour is:(a) Black(b) Green to colourless(c) Reddish brown(d) WhiteThis question was addressed to me during an interview.My query is from Glass in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (b) Green to colourless

Easiest explanation: The potash-lime glass has a greenish COLOUR as a RESULT of high IRON content in the sand used to MAKE the glass.

61.

What is used to make paints odourless to an extent?(a) Flat latex(b) Celluloid sheets(c) Acrylic compound(d) Plioway resinsThe question was asked in homework.Enquiry is from Types and Uses of Paints in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (d) Plioway resins

Best explanation: These eliminate the odour present in alkyd, stain blocking primers.It ALSO aims to REDUCE VOC content (volatile organic compound), which is harmful.

62.

The word varnish is derived from the word:(a) Latin varne(b) Latin Vernix(c) Greek Vernix(d) Green varneThis question was posed to me during an online interview.My question is based upon Varnish topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (b) LATIN Vernix

Easy EXPLANATION: VARNISH comes from Latin word vernix, which means odorous RESIN.

63.

Before peeling in the production of plywood, what has to be carried out?(a) Conditioning(b) Seasoning(c) Debarking(d) SortingI have been asked this question in a job interview.My question is taken from Manufacture of Timber topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Conditioning

The EXPLANATION is: Plywood is made by pressing plys of WOOD.To peel wood, it must be soft. Conditioning involves EXPOSING wood to MOISTURE by soaking in hot WATER or live stream.

64.

The felling of the tree is usually carried out in:(a) Winter(b) Summer(c) Rainy season(d) SpringThis question was addressed to me in a job interview.The query is from Manufacture of Timber in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (a) Winter

Easiest EXPLANATION: In winter season, the productivity of tree DECREASES DUE to lack of sun light. The sap and moisture CONTENT is less. During the SUMMER, there is 50% more sap content.

65.

A good brick when dropped from the height of 1 metre can:(a) Shatter(b) Not break(c) Break into 2 halves(d) Develop small cracksThe question was posed to me in an online interview.The query is from Qualities of Good Brick in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (b) Not break

The BEST I can explain: A good brick should be able to withstand rough HANDLING and TRANSPORTING. If it breaks into pieces, then it cannot be trusted for USE for HIGH strength requirements.

66.

The figure below represents:(a) Cownose brick(b) Paving brick(c) Curved sector brick(d) Bullnose brickI had been asked this question at a job interview.I would like to ask this question from Types of Bricks in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (d) Bullnose brick

For explanation I would say: Bullnose brick is a brick moulded with ROUNDED angle.It is used for a rounded quoin (CONNECTION formed when wall takes a turn).
67.

Which one of the below is the first step in the preparation of brick earth process?(a) Digging(b) Site selection(c) Cleaning(d) UnsoilingThis question was posed to me in a national level competition.This key question is from Manufacture of Brick topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right OPTION is (d) Unsoiling

The explanation: SITE SELECTION is the step in the manufacturing of brick process.The FIRST step, in order for preparation for brick earth is unsoiling.It involves scraping off top LAYER, about 150-250mm deep.

68.

What is the abbreviation of PPC?(a) Perfect Portland Cement(b) Portland Produced Cement(c) Portland Pozzolana Cement(d) Productive Portland CementI have been asked this question during an interview.I need to ask this question from Types of Cement and Uses topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (c) PORTLAND POZZOLANA CEMENT

The explanation is: Pozzolana is a material containing silica.PPC is formed by intergrinding ordinary Portland cement, clinker, gypsum and POZZOLANIC material.

69.

Green cement is:(a) Green coloured cement(b) Cement mixed with plant products(c) Cement mixed with recycled materials(d) Cement mixed with green algaeI got this question during a job interview.Origin of the question is Properties of Cement topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (c) Cement mixed with recycled materials

To elaborate: GREEN cement is a cementitious material which employs the use of OPTIMIZED recycled materials.These can meet or even EXCEED the FUNCTIONAL performance of Portland cement.

70.

Which of the following ions causes the cement to set quickly?(a) Sulphate(b) Carbonate(c) Chloride(d) NitrateThe question was asked in semester exam.I need to ask this question from Source and Classification of Lime in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (a) SULPHATE

To EXPLAIN I WOULD say: Sulphate arrests slaking and hence cement can set QUICKLY and become stronger.

71.

What is the meaning of soundness of cement?(a) Ability to flow when mixed(b) Ability to make ringing noise when struck(c) Ability to form strong and sound structure(d) Ability to retain volume after setting.I got this question during an online interview.My question comes from Properties of Cement in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (d) Ability to retain volume after setting.

Easy explanation: When cement PASTE HARDENS and sets, it should not undergo any volume change.Soundness ensures this and is TESTED using Autoclave expansion test.

72.

Which of the following is a property of Fat Lime?(a) Shakes very slowly(b) Contains clay(c) High degree of plasticity(d) Poor binding propertyThis question was addressed to me in an international level competition.My doubt is from Source and Classification of Lime topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (c) High degree of plasticity

Best explanation: FAT LIME is PURE lime.The rest of the 3 options describe properties of POOR lime.

73.

The fineness modulus of sand lies in the range:(a) 1-2(b) 0.5-1(c) 2-3(d) 2.5-3.5The question was asked in a national level competition.The doubt is from Properties of Sand topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (C) 2-3

The best explanation: Fineness MODULUS is an INDEX number which represents average size of sand particles.It is CALCULATED after conducting sieve analysis.
74.

What does the below PVC pipe fitting represent?(a) Reducer(b) Coupler(c) End cap(d) SaddleI got this question in an international level competition.This key question is from PVC topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (b) Coupler

To elaborate: Coupler has THREADED or PLAIN ends.It is a small piece used to CONNECT 2 PVC pipesin a pipe line.

75.

Natural rubber contains polymers of an organic compound:(a) Polyprene(b) Neoprene(c) Thiokol(d) IsopreneI had been asked this question during an online exam.This interesting question is from Rubber topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (d) Isoprene

Easiest explanation: Rubber PRIMARILY consists of Isoprene.It MAY contain certain impurities LIKE organic compounds and WATER.

76.

What is a receiver in a sieve analyser?(a) Round pan on top(b) First sieve(c) Last sieve(d) Round pan at baseI got this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.Asked question is from Sieve Analysis in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (d) Round PAN at base

Easy explanation: At the base of all the sieve sets, round pan is PLACED to COLLECT the particles finer than the last sieve size.It is CALLED the receiver.

77.

Gravel is a type of:(a) Rounded aggregate(b) Angular aggregate(c) Flaky aggregate(d) Irregular aggregateThe question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.This key question is from Coarse Aggregates topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT choice is (d) Irregular aggregate

To explain I would SAY: All gravel PARTICLES have an irregular shape and sharp edge.Sand has a ROUNDED shape.Laminated rocks have flaky shape and crushed rocks have an angular shape.
78.

In the ratio 1:4:8, which number indicates the quantity of fine aggregates?(a) 1(b) 4(c) 8(d) NoneI had been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My query is from Fine Aggregates in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) 4

To EXPLAIN: For plain cement CONCRETE (PCC), RATIO 1:4:8 is usually used.The ratio is of cement: fine aggregates: COARSE aggregates.Hence, 4 is the quantity of fine aggregates.

79.

How many types of fine aggregates are there based on source?(a) 3(b) 2(c) 4(d) 6I had been asked this question in final exam.My doubt stems from Fine Aggregates in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT option is (a) 3

To ELABORATE: Three types are natural sand (river BANKS), CRUSHED stone sand (hard stone) and crushed gravel sand (gravel).
80.

Which of the below is an oil based varnish?(a) Urethane(b) Acrylic(c) Polyurethane(d) UreaThe question was asked during an online exam.My question comes from Varnish in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (C) Polyurethane

The EXPLANATION: Urethane and Acrylic are water BASED RESINS.
81.

The figure below represents:(a) Twisted fibre(b) Knots(c) Wind cracks(d) UpsetsI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My question is from Defects and Preservation of Timber topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (d) Upsets

Explanation: Upsets INDICATES wood FIBRES that are INJURED by crushing or compression. It is due to improper FELLING of trees.

82.

In kiln seasoning, the temperature of air inside chamber and humidity is high.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me in my homework.Asked question is from Seasoning of Timber in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) False

The best I can explain: Seasoning starts at LOW temperature and HIGH HUMIDITY.As it proceeds, conditions are gradually altered. At the end, in the chamber, temperature is high and the humidity is low.

83.

Which of the below changes do not occur after seasoning?(a) Increase durability(b) Decrease stiffness(c) Workable timber(d) Reduction in weightThe question was posed to me in an online quiz.This interesting question is from Seasoning of Timber in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (b) Decrease stiffness

Best explanation: SEASONING increases the stiffness of TIMBER.It TAKES away sap and MOISTURE content and imparts stiffness to timber.
84.

Timbers with ___________ annular rings are generally the strongest.(a) Narrow(b) Wide(c) Distinct(d) IndistinctI got this question in final exam.The query is from Qualities of Timber topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Narrow

Easiest explanation: Annular RINGS are formed every year and they consist of innumerable cells of FIBRES and tissues.Total number of annular rings INDICATE an age of tree.Narrow annular rings indicate the strength of tree.

85.

Where is the property of shock resistance an important parameter?(a) Furniture(b) Utensils(c) Tool handles(d) DoorsI had been asked this question during an interview.This question is from Qualities of Timber in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (C) Tool handles

Explanation: A good TIMBER should be capable of resisting shocks.Tool handles, PARTS of motor cars, AEROPLANES should use timber that has good shock resistance.

86.

Which of the below is a property of soft wood?(a) Medullary rays are less distinct(b) Annual rings are less distinct(c) Dark in colour(d) Close grained structureThis question was addressed to me in a national level competition.Question is from Classification of Timber in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (a) Medullary rays are less distinct

For explanation: The other 3 options are PROPERTIES of hard wood.Soft wood is LIGHT in colour, annual rings are clearly visible and it has RESINOUS STRUCTURE.

87.

What is the life time of a moderately durable timber?(a) 10-20 years(b) 1-5 years(c) 10-15 years(d) 5-10 yearsThe question was posed to me during an interview for a job.This key question is from Classification of Timber topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (d) 5-10 years

Explanation: The LIFE time of high durability timber is more than 10 years, for moderately it is between 5-10 years and for low, it is less than 5 years.

88.

How many Mangalore tiles are required to cover 1 square metre of roof?(a) 20(b) 18(c) 10(d) 16This question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.This key question is from Types of Tiles topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) 16

To elaborate: The SIZE of conventional Mangalore TILE is either of the following:- 410x235mm or 420x250mm or 425x260mm.Approximately 16 tiles can be used in one METER square of a roof.

89.

How many layers is the encaustic tile made up of?(a) 2(b) 4(c) 3(d) 1I got this question in my homework.The doubt is from Types of Tiles topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (c) 3

Explanation: The body is made of coarser clay, FACE of finer clay and colouring MATERIAL and BACK of THIN coat of clay to prevent warping.

90.

When observed efflorescence is more than 10% but less than 50% of the exposed area, it is:(a) Moderate efflorescence(b) Serious efflorescence(c) Heavy efflorescence(d) Light efflorescenceThis question was addressed to me during an online interview.My question comes from Tests on Bricks in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (a) Moderate EFFLORESCENCE

Explanation: For SLIGHT efflorescence, it should not cover more than 10% of the exposed surface and for HEAVY efflorescence, area should be more than 50%.

91.

End of a brick is placed in a glass dish containing water and it is tested for efflorescence after it is absorbed or evaporated.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me during a job interview.I want to ask this question from Tests on Bricks topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (B) False

To elaborate: After FIRST evaporation, SAMPLE is dried.Then again same procedure is repeated.It is after second evaporation, brick is TESTED for efflorescence.

92.

What is the maximum permissible tolerance for length and width respectively?(a) ± 3mm and ± 6mm(b) ± 6mm and ± 3mm(c) ± 3cm and ± 6cm(d) ± 6cm and ± 3cmI had been asked this question in an online quiz.The doubt is from Tests on Bricks in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (B) ± 6mm and ± 3mm

The explanation is: The standard SIZE of brick is length – 190mm and width – 90mm.When manufactured, size variations may OCCUR by expansion or contraction while DRYING and BURNING process.Permissible tolerance is ± 6mm for length and ± 3mm for width and height.

93.

The depression provided in the face of a brick during its manufacturing is called:(a) Frog(b) Furrow(c) Groove(d) ScallopI have been asked this question during an interview for a job.I'd like to ask this question from Manufacture of Brick in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (a) Frog

Best explanation: Frog is the depression provided in the face of the brick.It forms a KEY of MORTAR, reduces the weight of the brick, provides the place for COMPANIES to put their trade MARK.

94.

Grade 43 OPC is used widely for:(a) High rise buildings(b) Plastering(c) House construction(d) Finishing worksThe question was asked during an interview.The question is from Grades of Cement topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (c) House construction

To explain I would SAY: GRADE 43 OPC has higher strength than grade 33 and lower than grade 53.Grade 33 USED for finishing works under normal condition.Grade 53 is used for high RISE building.

95.

Water proof cement is prepared by mixing ordinary cement with:(a) Resins(b) Water repellent chemicals(c) Sulpho-aminate(d) Metal stearatesI got this question in an internship interview.This question is from Types of Cement and Uses topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (d) Metal stearates

Best explanation: Resins are added in air entraining cement.WATER repellent chemicals in hydrophobic cement.Sulpho-aminate is added in expanding cement.Metal stearates (Ca, Al, etc) are added in small percentage during grinding to get water PROOF cement.

96.

Rate of hydration (slaking) does not depend on:(a) Degree of burning of lime(b) Degree of agitation(c) Atmospheric conditions(d) Composition of limeI had been asked this question in a job interview.Question is taken from Calcination and Slaking of Lime in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (c) Atmospheric conditions

Easiest EXPLANATION: Over and under burned lime is undesirable.Composition of lime (PURE, clay) are IMPORTANT to determine slaking.Pure lime slakes vigorously.Slaking is carried in tank in CLOSED conditions.Too little agitation results in uneven mixing and LEADS to drowning or unhydrated particles of CaO.

97.

Slaking of lime refers to:(a) Mixing NaCl in hydraulic lime(b) Mixing water in quick lime(c) Mixing water in limestone(d) Mixing NaCl in quick limeThe question was asked in final exam.This question is from Calcination and Slaking of Lime topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (b) Mixing water in QUICK lime

Best explanation: SLAKING refers to the process of mixing water in quick lime.Only after this, it can be USED in CONSTRUCTION works.

98.

Which stone has a hardness of 7 in the Mohr’s hardness scale?(a) Quartz(b) Calcite(c) Gypsum(d) TopazThe question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt stems from Tests on Stones in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (a) Quartz

The best explanation: MOHR’s hardness scale ranks stones ACCORDING to their hardness numbers. CALCITE has a hardness of 3, gypsum 2 and topaz 8.

99.

Which of the below is a limitation of performing sieve analysis?(a) Time consuming(b) Costly(c) Particle shape(d) Particle sizeI have been asked this question in homework.I would like to ask this question from Sieve Analysis in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (c) PARTICLE SHAPE

To elaborate: The shape of PARTICLES is assumed to be NEARLY round or SPHERICAL so that they pass through the square opening.For elongated, flaky particles it will be difficult.

100.

Which size coarse aggregate is ideal for use in a concrete mix?(a) Smaller(b) 4.75-10mm(c) Larger(d) 10-20mmThe question was posed to me in an online interview.I need to ask this question from Coarse Aggregates in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (c) Larger

Explanation: Using the LARGEST size will RESULT in a reduction of CEMENT, water and shrinkage in the concrete mix.