Multiple choice question for engineering
Set 1
1. How many constituents are there in brick earth?
a) 5
b) 4
c) 6
d) 8
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] For a good brick earth, 5 major constituents are needed. They are alumina, silica, lime, oxides of iron and magnesia.
2. Which one of the below is the most important ingredient in brick earth?
a) Alumina
b) Lime
c) Silica
d) Magnesia
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] The amount of silica present in brick earth is 50-60% and it prevents cracking and warping of raw bricks.
3. In what form should lime be present in brick earth?
a) Paste
b) Lump
c) Clinker
d) Powder
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Lime should be present in brick earth in the form of very finely powdered state so as to prevent the flaking of bricks.
4. Excess of oxides of iron makes the brick:
a) Red in colour
b) Black in colour
c) Dark blue in colour
d) Yellow in colour
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Iron oxide imparts red colour to the brick. Presence of magnesia makes brick yellowish and manganese makes it black. Excess of oxides of iron makes the brick dark blue on burning.
5. What happens to raw bricks if excess of alumina is present?
a) Becomes hard
b) Becomes brittle
c) Decay
d) Shrinkage
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Raw bricks develop shrinkage, cracks, warping in presence of excess alumina. Other three changes happen on burnt bricks or final brick product due to excess of other constituents.
6. What is the harmful effect of presents of alkali in brick earth on bricks?
a) Discolourises bricks
b) Efflorescence
c) Porous bricks
d) Flaking
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Alkali exists in the form of soda and potash. Alkalis absorb moisture and with passage of time, it gets evaporated, leaving white powdery deposits called efflorescence.
7. Why do bricks become brittle when excess silica is present?
a) Pores are created
b) Flaking occurs
c) Thermal stability is lost
d) Cohesion is lost
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Silica is present is either free or combined form. It is usually present as sand, which is cohesionless in nature. So, excess of silica would lead to loss of cohesion between particles and this make the brick brittle.
8. Which of the following leads to the formation of small pores in brick?
a) Iron pyrites
b) Pebbles
c) Organic matter
d) Alkalis
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Organic matter aids in burning process. If it does not get burnt completely, gases are released which will lead to formation of small pores, making brick porous.
9. The presence of which of the below renders clay totally unsuitable for brick manufacture?
a) Kallar
b) Kankar
c) Hay
d) Lime
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Kallar or Reh consists of sodium sulphate. Bricks do not burn properly in its presence. After burning, it causes surface of brick to peel off and crumble later on.
10. Carbonaceous material in small amounts is good for brick earth.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] It is a harmful ingredient that causes different colours in interior and exterior of brick. Their presence defaces the plastering by discolouration.
11. How many types of brick earth are there?
a) 3
b) 5
c) 2
d) 6
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] The three types are loamy, mild or sandy clay; marls, chalky or calcareous clay and plastic, strong or pure clay.
12. Loamy, mild or sandy clay has __________ percentage of alkali?
a) 5%
b) 1%
c) 4%
d) 0%
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] It does not contain any alkali contents. It contains 5% of organics matter, 1% of lime, magnesia and oxides of iron, 66% of silica and 27% of alumina.
Set 2
1. Which test is used to find rate of wear of stones?
a) Crushing test
b) Abrasion test
c) Attrition test
d) Acid test
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] 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 quality of stone.
2. 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%
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] As per the test procedure, the sample weighing about .5 – 1 N is placed in a solution of HCl for 7 days.
3. 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 1126
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] IS 1121 part 2 gives details about transverse strength, IS 1121 part 4 about shear strength and IS 1126 about durability of building stones.
4. For crushing test what is the size of specimen to be used?
a) 50 × 50 × 50mm
b) 100 × 100 × 100mm
c) 45 × 45 × 45mm
d) 40 × 40 × 40mm
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] As per the IS codes, 40 × 40 × 40 mm size cube of stone is to be used to perform crushing test. The specimen is then placed in compression testing machine (CTM) and loaded at 14 N/mm2.
5. 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 ball
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] 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 of 48 mm diameter are placed in the apparatus along with the specimen.
6. Which apparatus is used to test hardness of stones?
a) Los Angeles
b) Deval’s
c) CTM
d) Dorry’s
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Los Angeles is used for abrasion test, Deval’s for attrition and CTM for compression or crushing test.
7. Which stone has a hardness of 7 in the Mohr’s hardness scale?
a) Quartz
b) Calcite
c) Gypsum
d) Topaz
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Mohr’s hardness scale ranks stones according to their hardness numbers. Calcite has hardness of 3, gypsum 2 and topaz 8.
8. Why CaSO4 is not used in crystallisation test?
a) Costly compound
b) Low solubility in water
c) Increases time taken for test
d) Releases toxic fumes
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Crystallisation of CaSO4 in pores causes decay of stones and the low solubility in water prevent the use of this compound in the test.
9. Which of the below given formulas is used to calculate hardness coefficient?
a) (Final hardness / initial hardness) × 100%
b) 20 – (loss in weight / 2)
c) 20 – (loss in weight / 3)
d) ((20 – loss in weight) / 3) × 100%
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] The coefficient of hardness is expressed as a number and not a percentage.
10. 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 face
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] 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.
11. 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 dressing
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] 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.
12. What parameter is being checked for in freezing and thawing test?
a) Weathering
b) Durability
c) Water absorption
d) Texture
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Durability refers to the resistance of stones to atmospheric conditions such as rain, heat, snow; temperature gradients; chemical impurities; cracks, creeks.
Set 3
1. By which of the following ways is lime obtained?
a) Naturally
b) Quarrying
c) Burning limestone
d) Crushing limestone
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] It is not available naturally. It is obtained by burning limestone, shells of sea animals and boulders of limestone from old river beds.
2. 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 washing
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] 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.
3. Lime has been conventionally classified into how many types?
a) 4
b) 2
c) 5
d) 3
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] The three conventional classifications of lime are, Fat Lime, Hydraulic Lime and Poor Lime.
4. 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 property
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Fat Lime is pure lime. The rest of the 3 options describe properties of poor lime.
5. Lime obtained from calcination of Pure Limestone is called:
a) Quick Lime
b) Pure Lime
c) Lean Lime
d) Rich Lime
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] 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.
6. What is the speciality of Hydraulic Lime?
a) Contains impurities
b) Does not set under water
c) Contains clay
d) Perfectly white in colour
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] The clay content gives it the hydraulic property – capacity to set and harden even under water.
7. Which of the following slakes after few minutes?
a) Moderately Hydraulic Lime
b) Eminently Hydraulic Lime
c) Perfectly Hydraulic Lime
d) Feebly Hydraulic Lime
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Hydraulic Lime slakes at slower rate than Pure Lime. It is sub divided into three – Feebly Hydraulic, Moderately Hydraulic (1-2 hrs) and Eminently Hydraulic (slakes with difficulty).
8. Which of the following types of Lime does not exist?
a) Dolomitic Lime
b) Roman Lime
c) Semi-Hydraulic Lime
d) Selentic Lime
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Semi-Hydraulic Lime contains lesser clay content than Hydraulic Lime. Dolomitic Lime comprises of high magnesium carbonate (35-46%) content. Selentic Lime is cement of grey chalk, with added gypsum. Roman Lime does not exist, instead there is Roman Concrete which is obtained by mixing lime and volcanic ash.
9. Which of the following ions causes cement to set quickly?
a) Sulphate
b) Carbonate
c) Chloride
d) Nitrate
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Sulphate arrests slaking and hence cement can set quickly and become stronger.
10. Lime is widely used for:
a) Waste water treatment
b) Manufacturing tiles
c) Jewellery making
d) As an aggregate
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Hydrated Lime is highly efficient pH increasing agent. It is used as primary coagulant for waste water treatment and contribute to clarity of water.
Set 4
1. Soil-cement blocks help in reducing the amount of:
a) Sand
b) Cement
c) Water
d) Mortar
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] These are prepared by mixing pulverised soil and Portland cement in a specific amount. Water is added and it is compacted to high density. These reduce cement consumption.
2. Stone blocks help in saving materials by reducing wall thickness from:
a) 30-20mm
b) 20-10cm
c) 20-10mm
d) 30-20cm
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] The wall thickness of 30cm is reduced to 20cm by using stone blocks. It is manufactured in size of 30x20x15cm and weighs 18kg.
3. FRP stands for:
a) Fibre Reinforced Polymer
b) Fully Reinforced Polymer
c) Fire Resistant Polymer
d) Fibre Reconditioned Polymer
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] 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.
4. In ___________ cement mortar is reinforced with wire meshes.
a) Fibre Reinforced Cement
b) Wire Reinforced Cement
c) Ferro Cement
d) Mesh Mortar
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] 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.
5. Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) is used in:
a) Pavements
b) Foundation
c) Slab
d) Beam
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] It has superior fatigue, crack and impact resistance. Due to its high durability, it is used in roads, pavements, air fields, etc.
6. Concrete hollow bricks has the following characteristic:
a) Less thermal insulation
b) Costly
c) Fast construction
d) Decrease floor area
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Standard size of hollow brick is 39x19x30cm compared to 19x9x9cm of normal red brick. It is bigger in size and helps in speedy construction.
7. ___________ are widely used in rural areas for construction of walls?
a) Red bricks
b) Stabilised mud blocks
c) Lime based bricks
d) Hollow bricks
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Stabilised mud blocks involves mixing cementitious admixtures like cement and lime. It gets more compressive strength and erosion resistance than regular mud bricks.
8. Lime replaces the use of cement by 50% in lime based stone masonry.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Stone masonry is done with lime based binders. These provide compressive strength sufficient for use in load bearing walls of 3-5 storey heights. They can considerably reduce the amount of cement.
9. Recycling steel reduces:
a) Energy use by 75%
b) Energy use by 50%
c) Energy use by 35%
d) Energy use by 20%
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Six scrapped cars can yield a good strong steel frame. It requires less energy (75%) to produce recycled steel than normal steel. It also saves space in landfills.
10. Fluorogypsum, used in super sulphated cement or as binding agents, is waste product of
manufacture of:
a) Fluorine
b) Thermal power
c) Hydrofluoric acid
d) Phosphoric acid
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] 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.
11. Which of the below roofing materials is most cost effective?
a) Asphalt
b) Plastic
c) Rubber
d) Metal
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] 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.
Set 5
1. Which of the below adhesive is not attacked by water?
a) Starch glue
b) Albumin glue
c) Vegetable glue
d) Rubber glue
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Albumin glue is better quality glue and is used for furniture. Starch glue and Vegetable glue is not water resistant.
2. The process of applying an adhesive is:
a) Speedy
b) Slow
c) Costly
d) Cumbersome
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Adhesive is used to join two surfaces, forming a strong bond between them. It is easy, economic and fast to apply.
3. Nitrocellulose glue is prepared from:
a) Pyridine
b) Benzene
c) Pyroxylin
d) Resin
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Pyroxylin is a nitrated cellulose. It is derived by treating cellulose with nitric acid. It produces films which adheres to glass surface.
4. Which of the following glues is used to join light metals?
a) Metal glue
b) Cycle weld
c) Araldite glue
d) Special glue
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Special glue is used to join metals in general. Cycle weld is used to join aluminium sheet and araldite glue is used to join light metals.
5. Epoxy adhesives are used in the manufacturing of:
a) Glass
b) Fabric
c) Plywood
d) Plastic
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Epoxy adhesives can cure fast and bonds concrete surfaces as well. They can be used in automobile, aircraft and plywood manufacturing.
6. Which IS code gives details about tile adhesives?
a) IS 14458
b) IS 15477
c) IS 15478
d) IS 14557
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Adhesive specifications to be used when laying ceramic tiles and mosaics are given in IS 15477.
7. Which of the below glue can be made plastic again by re-heating?
a) Thermo-setting
b) Rubber glue
c) Animal protein glue
d) Thermo-plastic
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Glue from synthetic resins can be either thermo-setting or thermo-plastic. The thermo-setting one is permanent in nature. Thermo-plastic glue can be re-heated and made plastic again.
8. Which glue can bond a metal to wood?
a) Contact cement
b) Super glue
c) PVC cement
d) Gorilla glue
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] First the metal is cleaned and filed using sand paper. It is done to make it rough for the adhesive to grip onto. Then adhesive is applied to both surfaces and pressed. Super glue is used for porcelain to porcelain; PVC cement for plastic to plastic and gorilla glue for wood to wet wood.
9. Gorilla glue is made up of:
a) Resin
b) Epoxy
c) Polyurethane
d) Animal protein
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] It is a type of polyurethane adhesive. It is 100% water proof, easily bonds glass, wood, stone, metal, concrete, etc. It is also temperature resistant and incredibly strong.
10. The word adhesive has its origin from:
a) Greek Adhaerere
b) Latin Adherae
c) Greek Adherae
d) Latin Adhaerere
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] The Latin word Adhaerere means to stick on. French work adhésif and English word adhere further lead to the word adhesive.
11. Vegetable glue is used for:
a) Labelling
b) Joining glass
c) Plastic adhesion
d) Plywood manufacture
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] It is prepared from starch and natural gums. It can be used for preparing paperboard articles, labelling, etc.
12. Adhesive becomes strong immediately after its application.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] 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.