Building Construction — Part 1 MCQs with Explanations

The correct answer is (A) Cleat . Let's break down why: * A cleat is a small piece of wood, often triangular, that is fixed to a post or wall. * It acts as a stop or support for something, like a door. * In this case, the wooden block hinged on a post, serving as an outside door stop, perfectly describes a cleat. Let's look at why the other options aren't quite right: * Stop: While a cleat *functions* as a stop, the question asks for the *name* of the wooden block itself. * Horn: A horn is a projection, but it's not typically associated with a hinged wooden block or door stops. * None of these: Since Cleat is a valid answer, this isn't correct. So, the most accurate term for a hinged wooden block acting as a door stop is a Cleat .

The window provided in the flat roof of a room is known as a Sky window . This type of window is designed to allow natural light to enter from above, enhancing the illumination within the room. It is also commonly referred to as a "roof window" or "rooflight." Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: Sky window .

The Dutch bond is a modified form of the English bond . In this bond, headers and stretchers are laid in alternate courses , similar to the English bond. The distinguishing feature is that each stretcher course starts at the quoin with a three-quarter brick bat . In alternate stretcher courses, a header is also placed next to the three-quarter brick bat to provide proper bonding at the corner. Option A: English cross bond Incorrect. Although it is related to the English bond arrangement, the use of a three-quarter brick bat at the beginning of every stretcher course is a characteristic feature of Dutch bond. Option B: Dutch bond Correct. In Dutch bond , alternate courses consist of headers and stretchers, and every stretcher course starts with a three-quarter brick bat . Option C: Monk bond Incorrect. Monk bond is a type of garden-wall bond in which the arrangement of headers and stretchers differs from the Dutch bond. Option D: Rat-trap bond Incorrect. Rat-trap bond is a cavity-type brick masonry arrangement in which bricks are laid on edge to create a cavity within the wall. Hence, Option B — Dutch bond is the correct answer.

The relationship between the offset (a) and depth (d) of a concrete bed comes from the standard slope provided for bed concrete in foundations. In practice, the concrete bed is laid with side slopes of approximately 63° 26′. Using this slope, the ratio between depth (d) and offset (a) becomes: d = a × tan(26° 34′) ≈ 0.557 a Thus, the correct proportional relationship between depth and offset of a concrete bed is: d = 0.557 a

When a brick is laid on its side with its frog (the indented part) in the vertical plane, it is referred to as a "Brick on end." This terminology is commonly used in construction to describe the orientation of bricks during building.

The correct answer is C: The discontinuous corbels are used to carry heavy concentrated loads Here's why: A: The maximum projection of the corbel should not be more than the thickness of the wall - This statement is correct . A corbel that projects too far beyond the wall's thickness would be unstable. B: The maximum projection of each corbel course should be limited to a quarter brick at a time - This statement is also correct . Limiting the projection per course ensures a gradual and stable build-up of the corbel. This prevents excessive stress on the lower courses. C: The discontinuous corbels are used to carry heavy concentrated loads - This statement is incorrect . Discontinuous corbels are not suitable for heavy concentrated loads. They are weaker and more likely to fail under such stress. Continuous corbels, or other structural solutions, are required for heavy loads. D: Stretcher bond is generally used for the construction of brick corbel - This statement is correct . Stretcher bond, where bricks are laid lengthwise, is a common and structurally sound pattern for corbel construction.

In the context of brick masonry and building construction, a "bat" refers to a portion of a brick that is cut across the width to fit within the brickwork. Bats are commonly used to ensure that bricks fit properly into a pattern or layout, especially at the ends or edges of a wall. Bats can be cut in various ways to achieve the desired dimensions. The other options are: Option A: Closer - A closer is a brick that is cut along its length to fit within the brickwork, typically at the end of a wall to maintain the bond. Option B: Half brick - A half brick is simply a whole brick that has been divided into two equal parts along its length. Option C: Bed - The bed is a term that typically refers to the horizontal surface of a brick or the surface on which it rests in a wall. So, the correct answer is Option D: Bat , which specifically refers to a portion of a brick cut across its width to fit into masonry work.

Let's understand this question about Grillage Foundations . First, what is a Grillage Foundation ? Imagine you have a very heavy column, and the soil below isn't super strong. To spread out this heavy load over a larger area of soil, we use a grillage foundation. It's like a criss-cross pattern of strong steel beams (like I-beams) placed in layers (called tiers), one on top of the other, usually at right angles. All these steel beams are then completely covered and encased in concrete . Now, what does "cover" mean here? In civil engineering, "cover" is the thickness of concrete between the steel (whether it's reinforcement bars or steel beams) and the outside surface of the concrete structure. Its main job is to protect the steel . Why is protection important? Steel can rust (corrode) if it's exposed to moisture, air, or harmful chemicals, especially those found in the soil. Rust weakens the steel, which can make the whole foundation fail. So, the concrete cover acts as a shield! The question asks about a minimum 15 cm cover . Where is this crucial? Think about which part of the grillage foundation is most exposed to the harsh conditions of the soil. It's the very bottom part of the foundation, specifically the beams of the lowest tier that are directly resting on or very close to the soil. If the concrete cover below these lowest beams is not enough, moisture and chemicals from the soil can easily seep through and reach the steel beams, causing them to corrode quickly. A large cover, like 15 cm (which is 150 mm) , provides excellent protection against these elements, ensuring the foundation lasts a very long time. Let's look at the options: Option A: Upper flange of top tier - While it's covered by concrete, this isn't the most vulnerable spot for corrosion from the soil compared to the bottom. Option B: Lower beam of lower tier - This is the critical location. The bottom of the lowest tier is in direct contact with or very close to the soil. A large cover here is essential to protect the steel from soil moisture and chemicals. Option C: Ends of external beams - Protection at the ends is also important, but the continuous bottom surface of the lowest tier is generally considered the most vulnerable and requires this substantial cover for overall durability. Option D: None of these - This is incorrect as Option B is clearly the most appropriate answer. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Lower beam of lower tier because it is the part most exposed to the corrosive environment of the soil and requires the maximum concrete cover for durability and protection of the steel beams.

In building construction, expansion joints are provided to accommodate the expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature variations and other factors. These joints help prevent cracks and damage to the structure. The general guideline for providing expansion joints in masonry walls is when the length of the wall exceeds a certain threshold. The correct option is 30 m . Expansion joints are typically provided if the length of the masonry wall exceeds this limit. This allows for the necessary movement and helps maintain the structural integrity of the wall. Therefore, in the context of the question, the expansion joints in masonry walls are provided if the length exceeds 30 m .

A couple roof is a type of roof framing system commonly used for spans within a specific range. In the context of this question, the correct option is 5 m but less than 6.5 m . This means that a couple roof is suitable for spans that are at least 5 meters but less than 6.5 meters . Couple roofs are characterized by having rafters leaning against each other at the ridge. They are well-suited for moderate spans and provide a stable and economical roof structure. Therefore, in the context of the question, a couple roof is used for spans within the range of 5 m to less than 6.5 m

Ashlar masonry is a type of stone masonry where finely dressed stones of uniform size and shape are arranged in horizontal layers. In this masonry, stones of the same height are laid in regular courses, ensuring minimal mortar joints and a neat appearance. It is one of the strongest and most durable forms of masonry, often used in important buildings, monuments, and bridges due to its aesthetic and structural advantages. Since this masonry consists of stones laid in layers with the same height, it is classified as Ashlar Masonry.

In constructing a terrazzo floor, the statement that glass strips are driven into the layer according to the pattern required is incorrect. Instead, the glass chips or aggregates are mixed with the terrazzo binder before being spread over the surface, not driven into it. The correct process involves preparing a base course, laying a thick layer of cement concrete, and then applying the terrazzo mixture on top. After laying the terrazzo, it is ground to a smooth finish, and oxalic acid is used to enhance the surface's shine.

1. Distance of C.G. of the loads from the smaller column = 3.00 m - The center of gravity (C.G.) of the loads is calculated based on the moment balance principle considering the load distribution. 2. The length of the foundation slab = 7.00 m - The slab length is determined by considering the center-to-center distance between columns and the permissible projection of the footing beyond the smaller column. 3. Area of footing slab = 11.00 m 2 - The total area is calculated as the total load divided by the permissible bearing capacity of the soil. 4. Width of the footing = 1.57 m - The width of the footing is derived by dividing the area of the footing by its length. 5. All the above - All the given options satisfy the design conditions and are correct.

V-pointing is a type of pointing in which the mortar joint is finished to form a V-shaped projection outside the wall surface. This shape is achieved by using a special tool that creates a neat and defined V-groove or ridge along the joint. It not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of the masonry work but also helps in shedding water effectively. Other types like recessed pointing are set back from the surface, weather pointing is sloped, and tuck pointing is decorative with contrasting mortar. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: V-pointing .

Definition: A cleat is a small wooden block fixed to the back side of a door frame (on its post) to aid in fixing the frame to the surrounding wall or structural support. Purpose: It provides a firm fixing point during installation, keeping the door frame stable and correctly aligned until it is permanently anchored. Not a stop: A stop is a strip along the inside of the frame that the door shuts against; it prevents the door from swinging through, not for fixing the frame. Not a horn: A horn is a projection/extension of the frame beyond the jamb used for bonding into masonry or for appearance; it is not a separate fixing block.

This question asks you to identify a projecting piece (something that sticks out) that is usually used to support a truss (a frame, often triangular, used to hold up roofs or bridges). Let's look at each option: Option A: Cornice A cornice is a decorative molding that projects (sticks out) from the top of a building or a wall. Think of it as a fancy, often horizontal, border near the roofline. While its primary role is often decorative, a strong, structural cornice can be part of the overall system that supports the roof structure, which includes trusses. Since it clearly fits the description of a "projecting piece" and is located where roof supports are needed, it is the most suitable answer among the given options. Option B: Coping Coping is the top layer of a wall, often shaped or sloped to shed rainwater. It might project a little to guide water away, but its main purpose is to protect the wall from weather, not to structurally support a heavy truss. Option C: Frieze A frieze is a decorative band, usually horizontal, found on a wall. It's mainly for decoration, often with sculptures or paintings, and it does not provide structural support for a truss. Option D: Lintel A lintel is a horizontal beam placed above an opening, like a door or window. Its job is to support the wall or load directly above that opening. While it is a structural support, it doesn't "project" from a wall to support a truss in the way the question describes; it spans across an opening. Therefore, based on the description " a projecting piece " that can be involved in supporting roof structures like trusses, Cornice is the best choice from the given options.

Hacking : This is the process of roughening a surface before plastering. Think of it like creating a texture so the plaster has something to really grip onto. This ensures the plaster sticks well and doesn't fall off later. Dubbing : Dubbing out refers to filling up uneven surfaces (like holes or gaps) to create a more even base before the final plaster layer. It's more about leveling than roughening the existing surface. Blistering : This is a *defect* in plastering, not a preparation method. It's when bubbles form under the surface. Peeling : Similar to blistering, peeling is also a *defect* where the plaster layer starts to separate and come away from the wall. So, to make the background rough before plastering, we use hacking to create a good bonding surface.

Let's understand what Construction Joints are and why they are important in buildings. Imagine you are building a very long concrete wall or a big concrete floor. It's practically impossible to pour all the concrete at once in one go. So, engineers plan specific places to stop pouring concrete for the day and then continue the next day. These planned stopping points are called Construction Joints . But these joints are not just about stopping work. They also serve a very important purpose related to the concrete itself: Concrete Shrinkage and Expansion: When concrete dries, it shrinks a little bit. Also, concrete can expand when it's hot and contract when it's cold. If you have a very long piece of concrete without any breaks, these changes in size can create a lot of stress and might cause the concrete to crack randomly. To prevent these unwanted random cracks, we put in Construction Joints (which often double as or are placed near Movement Joints or Expansion Joints ). These joints act like planned "breaks" in the concrete, allowing it to expand, contract, and shrink in a controlled way without causing damage. Now, about the spacing: How far apart should these joints be? This depends on many factors like the type of building, type of concrete, and climate. However, for general building construction, a common and recommended practice is to provide these joints at intervals of about 20 meters . So, if you have a very long wall or floor, you would put a construction joint roughly every 20 meters. This helps to keep the concrete structure stable and prevents uncontrolled cracking over time. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 20 m .

In a Flemish bond, each course of brickwork consists of alternating headers and stretchers. This type of bond is characterized by a pattern where each header is positioned centrally over the stretcher below it, creating a distinctive and visually appealing design. The use of both headers and stretchers in every course enhances the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the wall. Flemish bond is often preferred in decorative applications due to its intricate pattern and uniform appearance.

To drain off the water from the filling is the correct answer to “Weep holes are provided in retaining and breast walls”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Spandril is the correct answer to “The triangular space formed between the extrados and the horizontal line drawn through the crown of an arch is known as”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Rise is the correct answer to “The vertical distance between the springing line and highest point of the inner curve of an arch is known as”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Coastal regions is the correct answer to “Pitched and sloping roofs are suitable for”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Water logged soils is the correct answer to “Pile foundations are suitable for”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

12 is the correct answer to “The maximum number of steps in a flight should generally be restricted to”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Double Flemish bond facing and English bond backing in each course is the correct answer to “Single Flemish bond consists of”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

All the above is the correct answer to “Herringbone bond is used for”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Queen closer is the correct answer to “The piece of a brick cut along the centre of width in such a way that its length is equal to that of full brick, is called”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

All the above is the correct answer to “A pre-stressed concrete pile is”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Less is the correct answer to “As compared to stretcher course, the thickness of joints in header course should be”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Intrados and extrados is the correct answer to “The depth of an arch is the distance between”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Q = Wh/6 (S + 2.5) is the correct answer to “Engineering news formula for obtaining safe bearing capacity of pile for drop hammer, is,”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Mac-Arthur pile is the correct answer to “The pile which is provided with a bulb filled with concrete at its lower end, is known as”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Struck pointing is the correct answer to “The type of pointing in which upper side of mortar joints is kept about 12 mm inside the face of the masonry and bottom is kept flushed with face of wall, is”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

Equal to its projection beyond wall base is the correct answer to “Depth of lean concrete bed placed at the bottom of a wall footing, is kept”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

All the above is the correct answer to “In English garden wall bond”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

All the above is the correct answer to “To obtain good bonding in brick masonry”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

All the above is the correct answer to “The bearing capacity of piles is determined by”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

1 in 20 is the correct answer to “For effective drainage, the finished surface of flat roof should have a minimum slope of”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.

1 : 4 is the correct answer to “For plastering the exposed brick walls, the cement sand mortar should be”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Building Construction.