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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.

351.

How can one understand the completion of the burning of lime?(a) Blue flame at the top disappears(b) Blue flame appears at the top(c) Smoke is released in huge quantity(d) Red flame appears at the topThe question was posed to me at a job interview.This key question is from Calcination and Slaking of Lime topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) Blue flame at the TOP disappears

The best EXPLANATION: A blue flame indicates complete COMBUSTION, IMPLYING no wastage of resources.Hence, we can ensure the PROPER burning of lime.

352.

An ideal sand should comprise of which of the following grain types?(a) Cubical, fine(b) Angular, coarse(c) Round, coarse(d) Irregular, fineI got this question during an internship interview.Question is from Properties of Sand in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (b) Angular, coarse

Easy explanation: For SAND to be USED in every type of construction, the grains MUST suit all requirements.Angular, coarse grained sand is the one SUITABLE for all work.

353.

What happens if bulking is not accounted for while preparing concrete?(a) Concrete gets hardened(b) Concrete is not affected(c) Concrete gets softened(d) Concrete becomes wateryThe question was posed to me during a job interview.Enquiry is from Bulking of Sand in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (a) Concrete gets hardened

Explanation: If CARE is not TAKEN while volume BATCHING, concrete is likely to be undersanded and gets hard eventually.

354.

Adhesive becomes strong immediately after its application.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.My question comes from Adhesives topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (b) False

The explanation is: Adhesive TAKES TIME to completely adhere to a surface and form films for bonding. It may take anywhere from MINUTES to hours to attain full strength.

355.

Pure PVC is ____________ in colour.(a) Grey(b) Blue(c) White(d) BlackI had been asked this question in an interview for internship.My enquiry is from PVC topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (c) White

The best I can explain: Pure PVC is white in COLOUR. It can be coloured according to colour SCHEME followed in various countries for electrical usage, PLUMBING, ETC.

356.

Rubber bricks are generally used for:(a) Roofing(b) Walls(c) Floorings(d) Lining pizza ovensI got this question during an online interview.I want to ask this question from Rubber topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (c) Floorings

For explanation I would say: Rubber bricks are manufactured from recycles tyres.They are resistant to water and don’t BECOME slippery when wet.They are extensively used as FLOORING in TOILETS, pavements and horse STABLES.

357.

How is PVC recycled commonly?(a) Feedstock process(b) VinyLoop process(c) Mechanical process(d) Chemical processThe question was posed to me in an internship interview.My enquiry is from PVC topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (B) VinyLoop process

Easiest explanation: VinyLoop process is most COMMONLY employed. It INVOLVES filtering out composite materials and GRINDING it down to PVC granules.

358.

Glass is a mixture of:(a) Non-metallic silicates(b) Metallic silicates(c) Metallic acetates(d) Non-metallic acetatesI had been asked this question in an international level competition.This intriguing question comes from Glass topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (b) METALLIC SILICATES

To EXPLAIN: Glass is a SOLIDIFIED super-cooled solution of various metallic silicates having infinite VISCOSITY.

359.

In how many ways can sieve analysis be carried out?(a) 5(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4This question was posed to me during an online exam.My doubt is from Sieve Analysis topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) 5

To explain: The 5 methods are throw-action, HORIZONTAL, tapping, WET and air circular jet.

360.

The specific gravity for sand is:(a) 2.6(b) 2.65(c) 2.8(d) 2.75The question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My question is from Fine Aggregates in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) 2.6

To explain I WOULD SAY: As per the results from SPECIFIC gravity test in PYCNOMETER, this specific gravity for SAND is 2.6.

361.

Which of the below is not an artificial resin?(a) Vinyl(b) Alkyl(c) Phenolic(d) ShellacI have been asked this question in an online interview.The query is from Varnish in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (d) Shellac

For explanation: Shellac is a natural resin OBTAINED from the SECRETION of the female LAC bug.All other options are ARTIFICIALLY obtained.

362.

How does drier act as a catalyst?(a) Releasing oxygen(b) Releasing water(c) Absorbing oxygen(d) Absorbing waterI got this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.The doubt is from Characteristics and Ingredients of Paint in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (c) Absorbing OXYGEN

Easiest explanation: Drier accelerates the rate of DRYING of paint film.It absorbs oxygen from the ATMOSPHERE and transfers it to a vehicle, which in TURN hardens.

363.

Which of the below is the most commonly used base?(a) Red lead(b) Zinc white(c) White lead(d) Oxide of ironThe question was asked in an internship interview.The question is from Characteristics and Ingredients of Paint topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (c) White lead

The BEST explanation: White lead possess good BULK, it is dense, permanent and water proof.It is a carbonate of lead and forms the base in lead paints.

364.

The carbon content of steel is:(a) Less than 0.15%(b) 2% – 4%(c) 0.08%(d) 0.002% – 2.1%This question was addressed to me in my homework.This is a very interesting question from Market Forms and Uses of Steel topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (d) 0.002% – 2.1%

The explanation: Cast iron CONTAINS 2-4% of carbon, WROUGHT iron contains LESS than 0.15% of carbon and stainless steel contains maximum 0.08% carbon.

365.

Which of the below is a natural defect occurring in timber?(a) Twist(b) Split(c) Shakes(d) BowThis question was addressed to me in a job interview.I would like to ask this question from Defects and Preservation of Timber in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (C) Shakes

To EXPLAIN I would say: The other options are those defects that OCCUR after the felling of the tree.

366.

Which is the most rapid and effective method of seasoning?(a) Chemical seasoning(b) Electric seasoning(c) Kiln seasoning(d) Natural seasoningThe question was posed to me during an online interview.My question is from Seasoning of Timber topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (b) Electric seasoning

Easy explanation: Electric seasoning involves PASSING high electricity through timber.Since it is a BAD CONDUCTOR of electricity, it gets HEATED up.It results in RAPID seasoning and it is effective as it provides uniform seasoning.

367.

Seasoning of timber is the process of:(a) Burning timber(b) Adding preservatives(c) Removing water(d) Adding glazeThis question was addressed to me during an online interview.I want to ask this question from Seasoning of Timber topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT choice is (c) Removing water

The explanation: Tree when felled CONTAINS SAP and high moisture content.To use it for engineering purpose, it has to be dried.The PROCESS of drying timber to REMOVE water is called seasoning.
368.

The water permeability of timber is greater:(a) Along centre(b) Along Fibres(c) Along annual rings(d) Along barkI had been asked this question in homework.This question is from Qualities of Timber topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (b) Along Fibres

Best explanation: WATER PERMEABILITY of timber should essentially be zero.If it ABSORBS water, it is prone to decay.Fibres are most POROUS.

369.

Which step removes volatiles from the material during firing?(a) Glost firing(b) Single firing(c) Fly firing(d) Bisque firingThis question was posed to me in unit test.The query is from Manufacture of Tiles topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) BISQUE firing

Easiest EXPLANATION: Tile prepared by DRY grinding requires 2 STEP process.In the first step, tile passes through low TEMPERATURE firing, called bisque firing.

370.

Fire clay bricks are made by burning them at high temperatures in a closed chamber.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in semester exam.This interesting question is from Types of Bricks topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT answer is (b) False

Best explanation: FIRE clay bricks are manufactured by using fire clay.It is extracted by mining at great depths.It is capable of withstanding HIGH TEMPERATURES of 1775^0C.
371.

The process of kneading brick earth is called:(a) Pugging(b) Blending(c) Ramming(d) TampingThis question was addressed to me in unit test.I would like to ask this question from Manufacture of Brick in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (a) Pugging

Easiest EXPLANATION: Pugging or tempering is DONE by ADDING water to brick EARTH and kneading until a homogenous mass and required plasticity is attained.
372.

Which of the following is not a pozzolanic material?(a) Fly ash(b) Silica fume(c) Cinder(d) SlagThe question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.This intriguing question comes from Types of Cement and Uses in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (c) Cinder

Easiest explanation: Pozzolans are silicate BASED materials that FORM cementitious materials.Fly ASH, silica fumes and slag are composed of OXIDE of silicon.Cinder is a coal residue.

373.

What is the required minimum fineness for grade 53 OPC?(a) 370 m^2/kg(b) 370 cm^2/g(c) 580 m^2/kg(d) 580 cm^2/gI had been asked this question during an online exam.This interesting question is from Grades of Cement topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT option is (a) 370 m^2/kg

The EXPLANATION is: The value is in ACCORDANCE with the IS code 12269 for 53 grade OPC.Table 3 gives PHYSICAL requirements and fineness is one of them.
374.

Lime obtained from calcination of Pure Limestone is called:(a) Quick Lime(b) Pure Lime(c) Lean Lime(d) Rich LimeThe question was posed to me during an interview for a job.My question is taken from Source and Classification of Lime topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (a) Quick Lime

To explain I WOULD say: Quick lime is pure LIMESTONE product.It consists of oxides of calcium and is not crystalline.Pure Lime and Rich Lime are different names of FAT Lime.Lean Lime is also ANOTHER name of Poor Lime.

375.

Sand does not show any bulking when:(a) Completely saturated(b) Partially saturated(c) Contains small amount of impurities(d) Voids are partially filled with airThis question was posed to me in quiz.I'm obligated to ask this question of Bulking of Sand in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Completely saturated

The EXPLANATION: A completely saturated sand has no void space left to ABSORB any more water and UNDERGO BULKING.

376.

Which of the following pairs is matched properly?(a) Class A – Concrete work(b) Class B – Mortar(c) Class C – Masonry work(d) Class D – White washingI got this question in an interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Source and Classification of Lime topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

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The CORRECT answer is (b) Class B – Mortar

To explain I WOULD say: Based on PERCENTAGE of CaCO3 in limestone, lime is classified into 3 – Class A, B & C.Class A is used for masonry work, Class C is used for white WASHING and there is no class D.

377.

By how much percentage does the volume increase when the moisture content is 5-10%?(a) 10-20%(b) 20-40%(c) 30-40%(d) 20-30%This question was addressed to me during an interview.My question is from Bulking of Sand in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

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Correct choice is (B) 20-40%

To explain: The STUDIES on bulking have shown this result.It is VISIBLE in the graphical representation of bulking also.

378.

What are the specifications for tamping rod used in impact test?(a) 16 mm steel rod with rounded end(b) 16 mm steel rod with square face(c) 16 mm copper rod with rounded end(d) 16 mm copper rod with square faceThis question was addressed to me in an online interview.This intriguing question comes from Tests on Stones in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT ANSWER is (a) 16 mm steel rod with rounded end

To explain: ACCORDING to the IS code 2386, a 16 mm steel rod with rounded edge is used for tamping the sample filled INSIDE the cylinder in THREE layers, 25 times each.

379.

Which apparatus is used to test the hardness of stones?(a) Los Angeles(b) Deval’s(c) CTM(d) Dorry’sI got this question in quiz.Question is taken from Tests on Stones in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (d) Dorry’s

The best I can EXPLAIN: Los Angeles is used for abrasion test, Deval’s for attrition and CTM for compression or CRUSHING test.

380.

In abrasion test, what material is placed in addition to the specimen in the testing apparatus?(a) Metal piece(b) Stone piece smaller than specimen(c) Cast iron ball(d) Stainless steel ballThe question was posed to me in class test.I need to ask this question from Tests on Stones topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (C) Cast iron ball

To elaborate: Abrasion TEST is used to check compatibility of stone with other material by allowing them to rub against each other, NOTING the wear RESISTANCE. Cast iron BALLS of48 mm diameter are placed in the apparatus along with the specimen.

381.

For crushing test what is the size of a specimen to be used?(a) 50 × 50 × 50mm(b) 100 × 100 × 100mm(c) 45 × 45 × 45mm(d) 40 × 40 × 40mmThis question was posed to me in examination.I would like to ask this question from Tests on Stones in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (d) 40 × 40 × 40mm

Best explanation: As per the IS codes, 40 × 40 × 40 mm SIZE cube of stone is to be used to perform the CRUSHING test. The specimen is then placed in compression testing machine (CTM) and loaded at 14 N/mm^2.

382.

Which IS code gives details regarding the tests for weathering on building stones?(a) IS 1121 part 2(b) IS 1125(c) IS 1121 part 4(d) IS 1126I had been asked this question during an interview.This intriguing question comes from Tests on Stones topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) IS 1125

To EXPLAIN I would say: IS 1121 part 2 GIVES details about transverse strength, IS 1121 part 4 about SHEAR strength and IS 1126 about the durability of building STONES.

383.

In what solution is the stone sample placed in an Acid test?(a) HCl of strength .5%(b) H2SO4 of strength .5%(c) H2SO4 of strength 1%(d) HCl of strength 1%I had been asked this question in an interview.My doubt stems from Tests on Stones topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) HCl of strength 1%

For EXPLANATION: As per the test procedure, the SAMPLE weighing about .5 – 1 N is placed in a solution of HCl for 7 days.

384.

Which test is used to find the rate of wear of stones?(a) Crushing test(b) Abrasion test(c) Attrition test(d) Acid testI had been asked this question in exam.My enquiry is from Tests on Stones topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (c) Attrition TEST

For explanation: Crushing test is used to find crushing STRENGTH of stones. Abrasion test to find SUITABILITY of stone for road work. Acid test is used to find the QUALITY of the stone.

385.

A percentage wear of 3% indicates a good stone.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question in a job interview.This interesting question is from Properties of Stones topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT CHOICE is (b) False

Explanation: A percentage wear of less than 3% INDICATES a non-satisfactory stone. A percentage wear of 3% indicates a tolerable stone and GREATER than 3% indicates a good QUALITY stone.
386.

Toughness index of a good stone should be more than:(a) 17(b) 18(c) 13(d) 19I had been asked this question during an internship interview.Asked question is from Properties of Stones in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (d) 19

For EXPLANATION I would say: Toughness is the ability to resist impact FORCES. A good building stone should have high toughness index to resist VIBRATIONS from MACHINERY, moving loads, etc…

387.

A percentage wear of 3% indicates a good stone.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question during an online exam.The question is from Properties of Stones in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»
388.

Seasoning is required for stones.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me during an interview for a job.My question comes from Properties of Stones in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (a) True

To explain: A stone should be properly dried before USING for STRUCTURAL WORKS. The sap contained in freshly quarried stones will MAKE them soft and lead to decay eventually.

389.

The percentage absorption by weight of a good stone, after how many hours should not exceed .6?(a) 6 hrs(b) 12 hrs(c) 48 hrs(d) 24 hrsThe question was posed to me in class test.This is a very interesting question from Properties of Stones topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (d) 24 HRS

To EXPLAIN: As per IS STANDARDS, 24 hrs is the time a stone has to be immersed in water to check for water absorption. Time less or more than this would not RESULT in providing the APPROPRIATE data.

390.

What texture should a building stone possess?(a) Loose grains(b) Crystalline structure(c) Cavities(d) CracksI have been asked this question during an online exam.I want to ask this question from Properties of Stones in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (b) Crystalline structure

Easiest explanation: TEXTURE is the GRAINS composing the STONE in the strata. Crystalline structure is the required texture. Other OPTIONS are UNDESIRED textures.

391.

What is the required specific gravity for a good building stone?(a) Greater than 2.7(b) Less than 3(c) Greater than 3(d) Less than 2.7I got this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.The above asked question is from Properties of Stones topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (a) Greater than 2.7

Explanation: As per IS standards. Heavy stones are used in the construction of ABUTMENTS, DAMS, DOCKS. LIGHTER ONES are used in building construction.

392.

Hardness is an important parameter considered in the construction of:(a) Slabs(b) Walls(c) Bridges(d) ArchesI have been asked this question during an interview.My question is from Properties of Stones topic in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (c) Bridges

To EXPLAIN I would say: It’s REQUIRED in structures SUBJECTED to heavy loading. Bridge is one such structure. Slabs, walls and ARCHES are not subjected to heavy loadings as a bridge.

393.

Why are stones with lighter shades of colour preferred?(a) Easy to clean(b) Easily available(c) Don’t spoil the appearance(d) Darker shades are heavierThe question was posed to me in final exam.This intriguing question comes from Properties of Stones topic in section Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (c) Don’t spoil the appearance

For explanation: Even if the stone fades a little BIT it will not show a striking DIFFERENCE and doesn’t spoil the look of it. They don’t need to be painted or maintained much COMPARED to darker SHADES.

394.

What is a freestone?(a) Stone free from impurities(b) Stone that doesn’t require dressing(c) Metamorphic stone(d) Stone free from veins and planes of cleavageThis question was addressed to me at a job interview.Question is from Properties of Stones topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right OPTION is (d) STONE free from veins and planes of cleavage

The BEST explanation: For the ease of quarrying a stone must be soft, compact-grained, HOMOGENEOUS, free from veins and planes of cleavage.

395.

For a good building stone how much is the required crushing strength?(a) Less than 50 N/mm^2(b) Greater than 100 N/mm^2(c) 155 N/mm^2(d) 10 N/mm^2I got this question in an interview for job.I would like to ask this question from Properties of Stones topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (b) Greater than 100 N/mm^2

To explain I WOULD say: Crushing strength or COMPRESSIVE strength of a STONE is the load per UNIT area at which the stone starts cracking. It should be greater than 100 N/mm^2 to ensure sufficient strength for use in construction.

396.

Which of the following is a good fire-resistant stone?(a) Clay(b) Granite(c) Quartz(d) LimestoneI had been asked this question at a job interview.This intriguing question originated from Properties of Stones in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (a) Clay

Explanation: Granite and Quartz undergo sudden EXPANSION and flies into splinters. LIMESTONE gets easily crumbled. Clay can WITHSTAND higher temperature and is used in pizza ovens, FIREPLACES, etc…

397.

What is sand blasting?(a) Process of making carvings on stone surface(b) Quarrying technique(c) Dressing type(d) Process of using sand to blast stone surfaceThe question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt stems from Quarrying and Dressing of Stones topic in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) Process of making carvings on STONE surface

For explanation: It’s used to carve or CLEAN a surface with a high VELOCITY jet of abrasive MATERIAL (sand, walnut, steel bits, ETC..).

398.

Dynamite is a more effective explosive than gelignite.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in quiz.I'd like to ask this question from Quarrying and Dressing of Stones in division Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (B) False

Easy explanation: Gelignite is more CONVENIENT to use and can be USED underwater also. Hence, it’s effective than DYNAMITE.

399.

Quarry faced finished stones are also called:(a) Reticulated finish(b) Hammer faced finished(c) Rock faced stones(d) Plain finishThe question was posed to me in an interview for internship.The origin of the question is Quarrying and Dressing of Stones in chapter Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» CORRECT answer is (c) ROCK FACED stones

To explain I would say: QUARRY faced finished stone is directly AVAILABLE from the quarry and has a smooth surface. It doesn’t require any further dressing. They are also called self-faced stones.
400.

How many types of dressings are there with respect to the place of work?(a) 4(b) 3(c) 2(d) NoneThis question was posed to me in an international level competition.My question is from Quarrying and Dressing of Stones topic in portion Materials for Construction of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (c) 2

Best explanation: There are two types of dressings based on the place of work. They are quarry DRESSING and site dressing. Quarry dressing is carried out right after quarrying whereas site dressing is DONE after transporting the quarried ROCK to the site.