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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.

201.

How is M-sand produced?(a) Crushing bricks(b) Quarrying(c) Reusing the debris of demolished building(d) Crushing granite stonesI had been asked this question in a job interview.The question is from Source and Classification of Sand in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (d) Crushing GRANITE stones

Easiest explanation: M-sand STANDS for MANUFACTURED sand and contains CUBICAL grains with grounded edges. These are the perfect REPLACEMENT for sand to be used in construction works.

202.

How many classifications are there for sand based on the grain size distribution?(a) 3(b) 2(c) 5(d) 4The question was asked in my homework.The question is from Source and Classification of Sand in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT option is (a) 3

To explain: There are three types of sands based on grain size DISTRIBUTION. They are FINE (passes through 1.5875 mm sieve), coarse (passes through 3.175 mm sieve) and gravelly sand (passes through 7.62 mm sieve).
203.

What parameter is being checked for in freezing and thawing test?(a) Weathering(b) Durability(c) Water absorption(d) TextureThe question was posed to me in an online quiz.This is a very interesting question from Tests on Stones in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) DURABILITY

Easy EXPLANATION: Durability refers to the resistance of stones to ATMOSPHERIC conditions such as rain, heat, snow; temperature gradients; chemical IMPURITIES; CRACKS, creeks.

204.

Which of the below roofing materials is most cost effective?(a) Asphalt(b) Plastic(c) Rubber(d) MetalI had been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.Question is taken from Cost Effective Materials in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (d) METAL

The best I can explain: Metal ROOF is the most durable one that can even last 100 years.It PROVIDES heat and cold RESISTANCE and it is easily installed. Asphalt, plastic and rubber are recycled materials but don’t last long.In terms of life, metal roofs are most COST effective.

205.

Which type of glass is used in the manufacture of artificial gems, bulbs, lenses, etc?(a) Soda-lime glass(b) Special glass(c) Potash-lead glass(d) Common glassI got this question in an interview.This intriguing question originated from Glass in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (c) Potash-lead glass

Best EXPLANATION: Potash-lead glass is a MIXTURE of potassium silicate and lead silicate.It possesses a bright lustre and has a GREAT refractive power, hence it is used in the manufacture of artificial gems, BULBS, lenses, etc.

206.

By which of the below process is Aluminium manufactured?(a) Bayer process(b) Ostwald process(c) Mayer process(d) Haber processThis question was addressed to me in examination.I need to ask this question from Properties and Uses of Aluminium in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT ANSWER is (a) Bayer process

Explanation: In the Bayer process, alumina in bauxite is dissolved in caustic soda solution and precipitated to OBTAIN ALUMINIUM hydroxide and calcinated to form pure Al2O3.

207.

Which of the below preservative, with their examples correctly match?(a) Type 1 –DDT(b) Type 2 – Coal(c) Type 3 – Boric acid(d) Type 4 – BenzeneThis question was addressed to me during an interview.I want to ask this question from Defects and Preservation of Timber topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (c) Type 3 – BORIC acid

The explanation: There are only 3 TYPES of preservative as per IS 401.Type 1 is oil type and coal, tar are examples of it. Type 2 is an ORGANIC solvent type with benzene, DDT as examples.Type 3 is water BORNE type and boric acid, zinc chloride are examples of it.

208.

A crack which separates wood fibres is called:(a) Warp(b) Check(c) Collapse(d) SplitI got this question in quiz.I'd like to ask this question from Defects and Preservation of Timber in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (b) Check

The best I can EXPLAIN: Check is CRACK that does not extend from one END to another.A check that extends from one end to other is called a split.

209.

How many types of shakes are there?(a) 3(b) 2(c) 6(d) 5I got this question in an interview for job.My question comes from Defects and Preservation of Timber topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (d) 5

The explanation: The 5 types of SHAKES are the STAR, heart, cup, RING and radial shakes.

210.

Which of the below chemicals is not used in chemical seasoning?(a) Sodium chloride(b) Urea(c) Sodium hypochlorite(d) Sodium nitrateI got this question in examination.This intriguing question comes from Seasoning of Timber in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (C) Sodium hypochlorite

To elaborate: Chemicals USED are dehydrating agents.Timber is IMMERSED in such salt solutions and allowed to reduce water content. Sodium hypochlorite is a DISINFECTANT.

211.

Which of the below is a disadvantage of air seasoning?(a) Power requirement(b) Skilled supervision(c) Elaborate equipment(d) Uniformity of seasoningThe question was asked in final exam.I want to ask this question from Seasoning of Timber topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT CHOICE is (d) Uniformity of SEASONING

For EXPLANATION I would say: Air or natural seasoning does not require power, skilled supervision and elaborate equipment.These are all advantage of air seasoning.It MIGHT not give uniformly seasoned timber.
212.

Timber should be light weight.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in examination.My query is from Qualities of Timber topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) False

To elaborate: Heavy and dense TIMBER is the one used for all purposes.Light weight WOOD RESULTS in WEAK, UNSOUND structure.

213.

Which of the following is a type of non-refractory timber?(a) Semul(b) Teak(c) Sheesham(d) SalThis question was posed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.The doubt is from Classification of Timber topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (a) Semul

For explanation: Bases on seasoning, timber has been CLASSIFIED into non-refractory, moderately refractory and eminent refractory timber. Teak and Sheesham are examples of moderately refractory and SAL of eminent refractory timber.
214.

What is the loading rate used in compressive strength test?(a) 14 N/mm^2 per hour(b) 14 N/mm^2 per minute(c) 20 N/mm^2 per minute(d) 40 N/mm^2 per hourI have been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.Query is from Tests on Bricks in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (B) 14 N/mm^2 PER minute

Easy explanation: As per IS codes, the LOADING on BRICK specimen in a CTM should be uniform at RATE of 14 N/mm^2 per minute.

215.

First class bricks are used for:(a) Brick ballast in R.C.C(b) Boundary walls(c) Low height walls(d) PavementsThis question was posed to me in an international level competition.Origin of the question is Types of Bricks topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (d) Pavements

For explanation I would say: First class bricks are strong, durable and have a GOOD appearance. These are USED for important work, load bearing works.Pavements, flooring, load bearing wall are some places of use.

216.

Which of the following ranges of dimensions of a good quality brick is correct?(a) Length: 368-392cm(b) Width: 180-210cm(c) Height: 180-210cm(d) Weight: 25-30NThe question was posed to me in an international level competition.I'm obligated to ask this question of Qualities of Good Brick topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (a) Length: 368-392cm

Explanation: The WIDTH and height of brick should be in the range of 174-186cm.The weight of 1m^3 of brick EARTH is 18kN. Hence, the AVERAGE weight of brick should be in the range 30-35N.

217.

A good brick should not absorb more than what percent of water when soaked?(a) 15%(b) 20%(c) 30%(d) 10%I have been asked this question in an interview.This is a very interesting question from Qualities of Good Brick topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT answer is (a) 15%

The EXPLANATION is: As per IS codes when a BRICK is soaked in water for 24 HOURS, it should not absorb more than 15% of its dry weight.
218.

The compressive strength of OPC increases with time:(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in an interview for internship.This key question is from Grades of Cement in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (a) True

The best I can explain: Cement blocks can be tested at 1 DAY, 3 days, 7 days and 28 days.Usually 1 day doesn’t GIVE any result.Strength of 43 grade OPC at the end of 3 days is 23, 7 days is 33 and 28 days is 43.So, it INCREASES with time.

219.

Which of the following is not an advantage of rapid hardening cement?(a) Faster construction(b) Short curing period(c) Light in weight(d) Higher final setting timeThis question was posed to me in an interview for job.I need to ask this question from Types of Cement and Uses in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (d) Higher final setting time

Easiest explanation: The INITIAL and final setting time of rapid hardening CEMENT is the same as that of ordinary cement.It attains higher STRENGTH in less time.It develops the same strength of ordinary cement in FOUR days rather than 28 days.

220.

Sands should pass through:(a) BIS 480 sieve(b) BIS 8 sieve(c) BIS 5 sieve(d) BIS 6 sieveThis question was posed to me in class test.This intriguing question comes from Properties of Sand topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (a) BIS 480 sieve

For explanation: The particle size of sand is between 4.75mm and 75 microns.BIS 480 sieve represents 4.75mm sieve OPENING.

221.

Which of the following adds a quick-setting property to cement?(a) Magnesium oxide(b) Silicon dioxide(c) Iron oxide(d) Aluminium oxideI had been asked this question during an online exam.I'm obligated to ask this question of Ingredients of Cement in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) Aluminium oxide

Explanation: Aluminium Oxide or ALUMINA is PRESENT in small quantity in cement and it helps in a quick-setting property.

222.

Deficiency of lime in cement leads to:(a) Unsound cement(b) Disintegration of cement(c) Quick setting of cement(d) Expansion of cementI had been asked this question during a job interview.My question is from Ingredients of Cement topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (C) Quick setting of cement

The BEST I can explain: Presence of lime in SUFFICIENT quantity is necessary to form silicates and aluminates of calcium.Excess lime leads to EXPANSION, disintegration and unsoundness of cement.

223.

Why is natural cement used very limitedly?(a) Brown in Colour(b) Standard consistency is not met with(c) Sets too quickly(d) Particle size is too fineThe question was posed to me in an online interview.My doubt stems from Properties of Cement topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (c) Sets too QUICKLY

The explanation: Natural CEMENT sets very quickly after the addition of water and HENCE it is not QUITE workable.Artificial cement is PREFERRED over this.

224.

Chromatic glass is used in:(a) ICU and meeting rooms(b) Aquariums(c) Mobile screen protectors(d) FloorsI got this question in semester exam.I'd like to ask this question from Glass in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (a) ICU and meeting rooms

The EXPLANATION is: It is used in ICU, meeting rooms as it can control the transparent efficiency of glass and PROTECTS the interiors from DAY LIGHT.

225.

M-Sand has ___________ type of particle shape.(a) Flaky(b) Round(c) Angular(d) CubicalThe question was asked at a job interview.The above asked question is from Fine Aggregates in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (d) CUBICAL

To explain I WOULD SAY: The stone is crushed to OBTAIN M-Sand.The shape of the crushed stone is cubical and it has ROUNDED edges.

226.

How much time does natural seasoning takes for timber to be properly seasoned?(a) 1-4 years(b) 6-12 months(c) 5-10 months(d) 5-7 yearsThe question was asked in an interview for internship.My enquiry is from Seasoning of Timber in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) 1-4 years

To ELABORATE: Natural seasoning is a very slow process, as TIMBER is stacked and blowing natural wind seasons it.It may TAKE ANYWHERE from 1-4 years for OBTAINING properly seasoned timber.

227.

Wood that has not been seasoned is also called:(a) Sap wood(b) Fresh wood(c) Heart wood(d) Green woodI had been asked this question during an online interview.I'd like to ask this question from Manufacture of Timber topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT choice is (d) GREEN wood

To EXPLAIN I would say: Green wood usually INDICATES wood that freshly cut.If not seasoned, it is called green wood. Very rarely green wood is sold in markets.
228.

Which of the following is a property of aluminium?(a) Hard material(b) Brittle(c) Noise control(d) MagneticI had been asked this question in my homework.My doubt stems from Properties and Uses of Aluminium topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (c) Noise control

For explanation: Aluminium is an excellent REFLECTOR of electromagnetic and sound waves.Therefore, it is less affected by EXTERNAL noise compared to other BUILDING MATERIALS.

229.

Which IS Code gives a classification of commercial timbers and their zonal distribution?(a) IS 620(b) IS 399(c) IS 401(d) IS 190I got this question during an interview.The question is from Classification of Timber in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (B) IS 399

To elaborate: IS 620 gives details about wooden tools handles.IS 401 specifies about the preservation of timber and IS 190 about CONIFEROUS sawn timber.

230.

What does grade 33 cement indicate?(a) Tensile strength of 33 kN/m^2(b) Tensile strength of 33 N/mm^2(c) Compressive strength of 33 kN/m^2(d) Compressive strength of 33 N/mm^2The question was posed to me during an online exam.This interesting question is from Grades of Cement topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (d) Compressive STRENGTH of 33 N/mm^2

To explain: The GRADES of cement are SPECIFIED by IS 1489-1991.Cements are usually graded based on their compressive strength.

231.

What property does air-entraining cement provide?(a) Workability(b) Soundness(c) Fineness(d) StrengthThe question was asked in homework.Question is from Types of Cement and Uses in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (a) Workability

Easiest explanation: Air-entraining agents are added to cement during manufacturing.These CREATE voids and in TURN increases workability when used in CONCRETE.
232.

Which pair of the compound and coloured cement mentioned below is wrong?(a) Iron oxide-yellow(b) Cobalt-black(c) Chromium oxide-green(d) Manganese dioxide-brownI have been asked this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.My question comes from Types of Cement and Uses topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT option is (b) COBALT-BLACK

To explain: Cobalt imparts blue colour to CEMENT.Iron oxide in different proportion imparts brown, red and yellow colour.Manganese dioxide produces brown and black coloured cement.
233.

In the figure below, what does ‘a’ represents?(a) Combustion chamber(b) Wash mill(c) Kiln(d) DryerThe question was asked by my college professor while I was bunking the class.I need to ask this question from Manufacture of Cement topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT ANSWER is (c) Kiln

Best EXPLANATION: After the raw MATERIALS are mixed thoroughly, they need to be burned.Hence, ‘a’ in the figure STANDS for kiln.
234.

What is the depth the needle in Vicat apparatus should penetrate into the cement paste in consistency test?(a) 33-35 cm from bottom of the mould(b) 33-35 mm from top of the mould(c) 33-35 cm from top of the mould(d) 33-35 mm from bottom of the mouldThe question was asked in examination.Origin of the question is Properties of Cement topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (b) 33-35 mm from TOP of the mould

The explanation is: The best procedure has been clearly mentioned in IS 4031 Part 4.According to the CODE, 33-35mm depth of PENETRATION is ideal.
235.

Which of the below mentioned is not a result of field test performed on cement?(a) There should not be any lumps(b) It should feel cold when you put your hand in bag of cement(c) The colour should be blackish grey(d) It should not be gritty when rubbed with fingerI have been asked this question in homework.My query is from Properties of Cement topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT ANSWER is (c) The COLOUR should be blackish grey

Best explanation: The colour of cement is normally grey with a greenish tint.There are DIFFERENT shades – lighter and DARKER, but it does not go as dark as blackish grey.

236.

Time elapsed from the instance of adding water until paste ceases to behave as fluid is called:(a) Initial setting time(b) Final setting time(c) Intermediate setting time(d) Absolute setting timeThis question was addressed to me in a national level competition.The question is from Properties of Cement in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (a) Initial setting time

The explanation is: Final setting time is the time required for CEMENT paste to REACH a certain state of hardness. Option C and d does not EXIST.

237.

How is the arrangement in a clamp, if the fuel used is coal?(a) Stacked in alternate layers(b) Placed on a platform(c) Mixed and poured into a basin(d) HeapedThis question was addressed to me during an interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Calcination and Slaking of Lime topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT answer is (d) Heaped

To EXPLAIN: If fuel used is WOOD, they are stacked together in alternative layer.In case of coal or CHARCOAL, it is mixed with limestone and placed in heap form.
238.

Why CaSO4 is not used in the crystallisation test?(a) Costly compound(b) Low solubility in water(c) Increases time taken for test(d) Releases toxic fumesThe question was asked in exam.The origin of the question is Tests on Stones topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT OPTION is (b) Low solubility in water

Easiest explanation: CRYSTALLISATION of CASO4 in pores CAUSES decay of stones and the low solubility in water prevent the use of this compound in the test.

239.

Sand is a fine grained component in soil.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked during an interview for a job.This key question is from Source and Classification of Sand topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (b) False

Easy explanation: Sand SIZE lies in the range 4.75 MM to 75 microns. A fine GRAINED component of a soil has a size less than 75 microns.

240.

Fluorogypsum, used in super sulphated cement or as binding agents, is a waste product of manufacture of:(a) Fluorine(b) Thermal power(c) Hydrofluoric acid(d) Phosphoric acidThe question was posed to me during an internship interview.My query is from Cost Effective Materials in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (c) Hydrofluoric acid

Explanation: Phosphogypsum is a waste PRODUCT of Phosphoric acid manufacture and flyash is of thermal power plants.Fluorogypsum is purified by neutralising its ACIDITY and then can be USED for bricks, tiles, plastering, ETC.

241.

Vegetable glue is used for:(a) Labelling(b) Joining glass(c) Plastic adhesion(d) Plywood manufactureThe question was asked at a job interview.Asked question is from Adhesives topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (a) LABELLING

To ELABORATE: It is prepared from starch and NATURAL gums.It can be USED for preparing paperboard articles, labelling, etc.

242.

RPVC can be made softer and more flexible using:(a) Reducers(b) Conditioners(c) Oils(d) PlasticizersThe question was posed to me in a national level competition.My question is from PVC topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (d) PLASTICIZERS

To elaborate: ADDITION of plasticizers makes RPVC SOFTER and more flexible.Most commonly USED form is phthalates.

243.

Epoxy adhesives are used in the manufacturing of:(a) Glass(b) Fabric(c) Plywood(d) PlasticI have been asked this question in homework.Question is taken from Adhesives in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (c) Plywood

The best I can explain: Epoxy ADHESIVES can CURE fast and bonds concrete surfaces as well. They can be used in automobile, AIRCRAFT and plywood manufacturing.

244.

Water based finishes have a blue tint to it.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me in unit test.My enquiry is from Varnish topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (a) True

The best I can EXPLAIN: The water BASED VANISHES have a BLUE tint and when applied to wood, it looks pale, cold and washed out.

245.

Which of the below is most commonly used resin in commercial varnishes?(a) Alkyd(b) Phenolic(c) Polyurethane(d) Satin GlossThe question was posed to me in unit test.My question is based upon Varnish topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT choice is (a) Alkyd

For explanation: Alkyd resin is LESS expensive.It is a TYPE of POLYESTER resin and its combined with alcohol and acid.It is cooked with oil to create varnish.
246.

Which of the below has a sheen and is highly washable?(a) Acrylic flat(b) Acrylic eggshell(c) Acrylic satin(d) Acrylic glossI had been asked this question in quiz.My question is taken from Types and Uses of Paints in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (C) ACRYLIC satin

The best EXPLANATION: It has a satin finish.Compared to other types, it is more DURABLE and WASHABLE.

247.

In how many layers is oil paint applied to a surface?(a) 3(b) 4(c) 2(d) 1This question was addressed to me in an internship interview.My question is taken from Types and Uses of Paints in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (a) 3

The explanation: THREE layers of varying compositions are applied.They are primers, undercoats and FINISHING coats.

248.

What is the full form of TMT bars?(a) Thermo Modified Treated(b) Thermo Mechanically Treated(c) Thermal Mechanic Twisted(d) Thermo Mechanically TwistedThis question was addressed to me in an online quiz.The above asked question is from Market Forms and Uses of Steel in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (b) Thermo Mechanically TREATED

For explanation: TMT bars are produced by sudden quenching of RED hot STEEL bars by spraying water.Hence it is CALLED Thermo Mechanically Treated bar.

249.

What property does steel impart to an R.C.C. structure?(a) Compression and tension(b) Tension(c) Shear(d) CompressionThe question was posed to me during an interview.I need to ask this question from Market Forms and Uses of Steel topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Compression and tension

Easiest explanation: Concrete and steel are primarily used in R.C.C – REINFORCED cement concrete.Concrete is STRONG in compression and weak in tension.Steel is strong in both PROPERTIES and hence provides STRENGTH to the structure.

250.

Which of the following makes the timber look sound but might fail it without pre-warning?(a) Marine borers(b) Wasps(c) White ants(d) BeetlesI had been asked this question in exam.This key question is from Defects and Preservation of Timber in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (c) White ANTS

For explanation I would say: BEETLES MAKE thousands of DEEP SMALL holes while the white ants or termites develop tunnels inside the timber in various directions.