Question 1

Subsurface exploration: Auger boring is generally not suitable under which site condition?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Auger borings (hand or power augers) are common for shallow subsurface investigations. The method is economical and fast in certain soils but has limitations where borehole stability is poor without casing or drilling mud. Given Data / Assumptions: Auger borings advance an open hole without continuous casing. Groundwater and granular soils can cause side collapse. Objective is to identify conditions where augering is not common. Concept / Approach: In cohesionless sands and gravels or in soils with high groundwater and low apparent cohesion, the bore walls tend to ravel and cave, necessitating temporary casing or drilling fluids. Because simple auger methods do not provide sustained lateral support, they are not preferred in such conditions. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify soil requiring lateral support: loose sands/gravels, saturated strata.Recognize method limitation: auger borings lack inherent wall support.Conclude: not common where lateral support is required. Verification / Alternative check: Geotechnical manuals recommend wash boring, rotary with mud, or cased drilling in unstable, cohesionless, or saturated formations instead of simple augers. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Cohesive soils: augers work well because walls stand temporarily. Soft soils and residual soils: can be augered with care and shallow depths. “None of the above” contradicts the known limitation. Common Pitfalls: Attempting deep augers below water table without casing; misclassifying silty sands as cohesive. Final Answer: Soils that require lateral support to prevent side collapse

Question 2

Architectural finishes: where is a dado (wall lining up to a certain height to resist splashes and abrasion) most commonly provided in buildings?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: A dado is a durable lining or cladding (often tile, stone, or washable paint) applied to the lower portion of interior walls to resist moisture, staining, and physical wear. It is specified in spaces where splashing or frequent cleaning occurs. Given Data / Assumptions: Dado height commonly ranges from 900 mm to 1200 mm (varies by use). Surface must be washable and water-resistant. Functional priority over pure aesthetics. Concept / Approach: Bathrooms and toilets experience regular water splashes and require sanitary, easily cleaned surfaces. Dado tiling protects plaster from dampness and staining, reducing maintenance. While dining rooms and living rooms may include decorative wainscoting, functional dados for moisture control are characteristic of bathrooms. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify moisture-prone areas: bathrooms, W.C., wash areas, kitchens.Match with dado purpose: moisture and abrasion resistance; easy cleaning.Select bathrooms as the primary and most common location. Verification / Alternative check: Building specifications routinely call for ceramic/porcelain tile dado in bathrooms and W.C. partitions; kitchens use similar splash-back arrangements. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Dining/living rooms: may have decorative panels but not typically moisture-control dados. Verandah: exterior finishes differ; wainscot/dado is not standard. Roofs: dado concept does not apply. Common Pitfalls: Confusing decorative wall panelling with sanitary dado; ignoring hygiene requirements of wet areas. Final Answer: Bath rooms

Question 3

In building construction, what are the “studs” of a common wooden partition, considering the standard framing terminology used on site?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Wooden partitions and stud walls are ubiquitous in residential and light commercial construction. Knowing the names and roles of individual components—studs, plates, and noggings/blocking—is essential for accurate detailing, quantity take-off, and site supervision. This question checks the correct identification of “studs.” Given Data / Assumptions: The partition is of standard light-frame timber construction. Terminology follows common site vocabulary: studs, top plate, bottom (sole) plate, and intermediate horizontal members (noggings/blocking). No special systems like metal studs; the concept remains the same even then. Concept / Approach: In a typical stud wall, vertical members carry loads from the top plate to the bottom plate and brace the sheathing. The top plate (upper horizontal) and sole/bottom plate (lower horizontal) tie the studs, while intermediate horizontal members provide lateral restraint to prevent stud buckling and to support fixtures or sheathing edges. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify roles: vertical elements = studs; upper horizontal = top plate; lower horizontal = sole/bottom plate; intermediate horizontals = noggings/blocking.Match terms: the only option that correctly describes studs is “are vertical wooden members.”Hence, select the option that defines studs as vertical members. Verification / Alternative check: Any carpentry manual or building code glossary confirms that studs are the vertical framing members within a wall or partition, spaced typically at 400 mm or 600 mm centers (or 16 in/24 in). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Upper horizontal member = top plate, not studs. Lower horizontal member = sole/bottom plate, not studs. Intermediate horizontal members = noggings/blocking, not studs. Common Pitfalls: Using “stud” generically for any wall member; precise terminology improves communication and safety. Confusing noggings with studs due to their role in stiffening the frame. Final Answer: are vertical wooden members

Question 4

Formwork stripping sequence in multi-storey construction: which parts are removed first to ensure safety and quality?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Formwork removal (stripping) in multi-storey buildings must follow a safe sequence to prevent overstressing fresh concrete and to avoid collapse or excessive deflection. Site engineers must remember which elements can be removed early and which require longer curing and strength gain. Given Data / Assumptions: Normal Portland cement concrete under typical ambient conditions. Formwork to columns, beams, and slabs with adequate propping and reshoring practices. Standard practice: remove non-load-carrying parts first. Concept / Approach: Sides (web formwork) of beams and girders do not carry significant vertical reactions once the concrete has set; they primarily shape the member. Hence, they can be removed earlier. Soffits (bottom forms) of beams and slabs continue to support self-weight and construction loads; their removal is delayed until sufficient strength is achieved. Column forms, though vertical, typically remain until enough strength allows safe removal without damaging edges or cover. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify non-load-carrying formwork: side forms of beams/girders.Retain load-carrying formwork: soffits and props to beams/slabs.Therefore, remove sides of beams and girders first; delay soffits and column forms as per code/strength checks. Verification / Alternative check: Concrete codes and site handbooks prescribe earliest removal for side forms, with specific minimum times/strength for soffits and props (often tied to cube strength percentages). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Bottom of beams/girders: still load-bearing early on. Column forms: premature removal can cause edge damage and instability. All at the same time: unsafe, violates staged stripping principles. Common Pitfalls: Confusing set time with strength gain; removal depends on strength, not just hours elapsed. Final Answer: sides of beams and girders

Question 5

Geophysical exploration for civil engineering: which methods are most commonly adopted for subsurface investigation of foundations, alignment studies, and groundwater?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Geophysical methods help infer subsurface conditions without extensive drilling. For most civil engineering tasks—like assessing depth to rock, rippability, cavities, and groundwater—some methods are more practical and widespread than others. Given Data / Assumptions: Routine civil works: roads, bridges, buildings, dams. Need rapid coverage and interpretable contrasts (velocity or resistivity). Budget/time constraints compared to oil/mineral exploration. Concept / Approach: Seismic methods (mainly refraction in civil work) estimate shear/pressure wave velocities to map bedrock depth and rippability. Electrical resistivity profiles detect groundwater, clay layers, fractures, and contamination by mapping resistivity contrasts. Gravity and magnetic methods are important in regional geophysics but are less commonly adopted for standard civil site investigations due to lower resolution for shallow engineering targets. Step-by-Step Solution: Match common civil objectives: depth to bedrock, groundwater, weak zones.Select practical methods: seismic and resistivity meet these efficiently.Thus, “Both (a) and (b)” is correct. Verification / Alternative check: Case histories of highways, dams, and foundations frequently cite seismic refraction and resistivity surveys in the preliminary stages. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Gravity/magnetic: valuable for regional mapping but less used for typical shallow engineering decisions. Common Pitfalls: Assuming one method fits all; often a combination of seismic and resistivity provides complementary insight. Final Answer: Both (a) and (b)

Question 6

Foundations with a connecting cantilever (strap) beam: which type of foundation uses a cantilever beam to join two individual footings to balance eccentric loads?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When a column is close to a property line, its isolated footing may experience large eccentricity. A strap (cantilever) beam can connect this footing to an interior footing, transferring moment and balancing soil pressure. Identifying this system is a fundamental foundation engineering task. Given Data / Assumptions: Two separate pad footings supporting two columns. A connecting beam carries bending to equilibrate eccentricity. Soil pressure under both pads intended to be uniform/non-negative. Concept / Approach: A strap footing (cantilever footing) consists of two isolated footings joined by a rigid beam (strap). The strap does not bear on soil; it transmits moment and shear between the pads to keep resultant loads within kerns. A combined footing is a single enlarged footing under both columns. A raft is a large mat supporting multiple columns. A strip footing supports a continuous wall, not individual columns. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize the cantilever beam between footings → strap beam.Confirm that pads remain separate; hence not a combined/raft footing.Therefore, the correct term is “strap footing.” Verification / Alternative check: Textbook diagrams show property-line column connected to interior column via a strap to realign resultants. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Combined footing: a single slab under both columns. Raft: large mat under many columns. Strip footing: for walls, not isolated columns. Common Pitfalls: Confusing strap with combined footing due to plan similarity; the presence of a rigid beam between distinct pads is the key. Final Answer: strap footing

Question 7

Serviceability limit for timber roof beams: what is the maximum permissible deflection (as a span fraction) for a timber beam supporting a roof?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Deflection control is a serviceability requirement to protect finishes, roofing, and occupant comfort. Timber beams supporting roofs often have stricter limits when brittle coverings or long-term creep are concerns. Given Data / Assumptions: Beam supports roof sheeting/coverings (not a floor). Standard practice emphasizes tighter deflection limits to prevent ponding and cracking of finishes. Allowable deflection expressed as L divided by a limit number. Concept / Approach: While limits vary across codes, a widely adopted criterion for roof beams is approximately L/360 for total load. This reduces visible sag and potential damage to roofing membranes or ceiling finishes below. Looser limits like L/240 are sometimes permitted for live load only, but L/360 remains a conservative and commonly taught benchmark for roof members in competitive exams. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify member usage: roof support → serviceability sensitive.Choose the stricter common limit for total load: L/360. Verification / Alternative check: Many timber and steel design guides cite L/360 for roof members with ceilings/finishes; some jurisdictions allow L/240 for live load-only, but the exam standard typically expects L/360. Why Other Options Are Wrong: L/100 or L/150 allow excessive deflection. L/260 is less stringent than the commonly required roof criterion. “None of these” is incorrect because L/360 is available and appropriate. Common Pitfalls: Confusing live-load deflection limits with total-load limits. Ignoring creep; timber deflection increases over time. Final Answer: L/360

Question 8

Air-entrained (entrained-air) concrete used in wall and roof linings provides which types of insulation benefits in buildings?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Air-entrained concrete contains uniformly distributed microscopic air voids. While originally introduced to enhance freeze–thaw durability and workability, such voids and lower density can also contribute to thermal and acoustic performance in lightweight linings and blocks. Given Data / Assumptions: Application: lining walls and roofs (non-primary structural layers). Air content increased via admixtures or foaming agents. Focus on insulation benefits rather than structural capacity. Concept / Approach: Entrainment creates countless closed, microscopic voids that reduce thermal conductivity compared with dense concrete, improving heat insulation. The porous internal structure disrupts sound transmission paths to some degree, aiding sound insulation (though specialized acoustic assemblies perform better). Hence, for lining purposes, both heat and sound insulation benefits are recognized. Step-by-Step Solution: Relate micro-voids to lower thermal conductivity → heat insulation.Relate discontinuities/voids to scattering and damping of sound waves → sound insulation.Therefore, select “both (a) and (b).” Verification / Alternative check: Thermal conductivity tables show lightweight/air-entrained concretes having lower k-values than normal dense concrete; acoustic tests show improved sound reduction indices in suitable assemblies. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Picking only heat or only sound ignores the dual benefit. “Neither” contradicts known material behavior. Common Pitfalls: Confusing air-entrained (micro voids) with aerated/foamed cellular concrete; both lower density, but production methods differ. Final Answer: both (a) and (b)

Question 9

Terrazzo flooring procedure: identify the incorrect step among the following commonly specified operations for laying a terrazzo floor.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Terrazzo is a decorative, durable flooring made by embedding marble or stone chips in a rich cement matrix and finishing by grinding and polishing. A correct step sequence ensures bond, flatness, and appearance. This question asks you to spot the incorrect step among typical specifications. Given Data / Assumptions: Traditional in-situ terrazzo over a concrete base. Use of divider (glass/brass/aluminium) strips to control cracking and create panels/patterns. Final grinding and polishing with oxalic acid slurry is standard in legacy specs. Concept / Approach: The terrazzo topping is not ordinary 1:2:4 concrete. It is a rich terrazzo mix (often 1:2 by volume cement to marble chips with pigments) of about 12–20 mm thickness laid over a base concrete layer (for example, 1:2:4 or 1:3:6) that provides support. Divider strips are set before the topping stiffens, and grinding/polishing reveal the chips. Step-by-Step Solution: Base course: correct—similar to cement concrete flooring base.Topping composition: should be terrazzo mix with marble chips, not plain 1:2:4 concrete, and usually much thinner than 32 mm.Divider strips: correctly installed to form panels/patterns and control shrinkage cracks.Final finishing: oxalic acid rubbing/polishing is a recognized traditional step.Therefore, the incorrect step is describing the topping as a 32 mm thick 1:2:4 plain concrete layer. Verification / Alternative check: Standard BOQ items specify terrazzo topping 12–20 mm (varies) with marble chips; thicknesses like 32 mm are atypical for topping and mischaracterize the mix. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Base preparation, divider strips, and oxalic polishing are all standard steps. “None of these” is incorrect because one statement is indeed wrong. Common Pitfalls: Confusing base concrete with the terrazzo topping mix. Skipping divider strips, leading to random cracking. Final Answer: a 32 mm thick layer of 1:2:4 cement concrete is laid as the terrazzo topping and trowelled smooth

Question 10

Rock core recovery during subsurface investigation: in which boring/drilling method is a solid cylindrical core of rock formed inside the core barrel?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Geotechnical investigations require representative samples of soil and rock. While many methods retrieve disturbed cuttings, core drilling specifically recovers relatively undisturbed cylindrical cores used for geomechanical testing and stratigraphic logging. Given Data / Assumptions: Target material includes rock or very hard strata. Need for intact core for UCS, RQD, and petrographic studies. Equipment includes core barrel with diamond-set bit and drilling fluid circulation. Concept / Approach: Diamond core drilling uses a hollow, diamond-tipped bit to cut an annulus, leaving a solid core within the barrel. The core is broken at the bottom and retrieved. Auger boring is suitable for soils; it produces cuttings, not intact rock cores. Percussion drilling breaks material by repeated blows, yielding fragments. Wash boring erodes material with water jetting, again producing disturbed samples. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify method that yields a solid core: diamond core drilling.Exclude soil-only or destructive methods that do not preserve core continuity (auger, percussion, wash). Verification / Alternative check: Standard geotechnical texts discuss core barrels (single/double/triple tube) and RQD measurements only possible with core drilling. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Auger, percussion, and wash borings mainly produce cuttings/spoil; core continuity is lost. Common Pitfalls: Using non-coring methods in rock and expecting high-quality lab specimens. Final Answer: diamond core drilling

Question 11

Surface preparation before plastering: what is the process of roughening the background (e.g., brick or concrete) called to improve mechanical key and bond?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Plaster adherence depends on a good mechanical key and clean surface. Site teams prepare masonry or concrete backgrounds appropriately to prevent debonding, hollow sounds, and delamination of plaster coats. Given Data / Assumptions: Background is dense or smooth (e.g., concrete, RCC, or well-burnt bricks). The goal is to improve bond for the first plaster coat (scratch or rendering coat). Terminology reflects common site practice. Concept / Approach: Hacking involves chipping/roughening the surface to create indentations so that plaster can key into the background. Dubbing means leveling out major undulations before finishing coats. Peeling and blistering are defects in finished plaster, not preparation processes. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the preparation step for roughening: hacking.Exclude defect terms (peeling/blistering) and leveling term (dubbing). Verification / Alternative check: Specifications often require a quantified hacking density (e.g., number of hacks per square meter) on RCC surfaces before plastering. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Peeling/blistering: symptoms of failure, not preparatory steps. Dubbing: pre-leveling of hollows, not roughening for key. Common Pitfalls: Skipping hacking on smooth RCC, leading to plaster debonding. Final Answer: hacking

Question 12

Foundations and soils: identify the incorrect statement regarding shallow foundations, trench timbering, made-up ground, grillage footings, and black cotton soils.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Selecting and detailing foundations requires understanding soil behavior and construction safety. Certain soils, like expansive clays (black cotton soils), are notoriously problematic for shallow foundations due to volumetric changes. Also, trenching safety and the classification of foundation types are standard knowledge. Given Data / Assumptions: Statements include one or more potentially false claims. We seek the clearest incorrect statement in standard construction practice questions. General site conditions; special ground improvement not assumed unless stated. Concept / Approach: Black cotton soils are expansive, undergoing large swelling and shrinkage with moisture variations, causing severe foundation distress. Therefore, calling them “very good” foundation beds is incorrect without substantial treatment. Foundations distribute loads to soil—this is correct. Grillage foundations (layers of steel/wood beams embedded in concrete to spread heavy column loads) are indeed shallow foundations. Timbering/shoring may still be necessary even for shallow trenches depending on soil type and depth; the blanket statement that no timbering is required is unsafe but often exam framers single out the black cotton soil statement as the clearly incorrect one among otherwise generally accepted points. Step-by-Step Solution: Evaluate each statement: load distribution = correct.Grillage shallow foundation = correct.Made-up ground: possible only after adequate compaction/improvement; as a generality it is questionable, but not the typical “clear incorrect” in exam context.“No timbering is required”: unsafe generalization; context-dependent. However, the most evidently false and widely taught is about black cotton soil being “very good.”Hence, choose “Black cotton soil is very good for foundation bed” as the incorrect statement. Verification / Alternative check: Foundation textbooks flag expansive clays as problematic; mitigation includes under-reamed piles, moisture barriers, soil replacement, or chemical stabilization. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Distribution function: correct definition of foundation purpose. Grillage = shallow: correct classification. Made-up soil statement is incomplete rather than outright false; feasibility depends on engineered improvement. “No timbering” is not universally true, but the question expects the unmistakably wrong statement on black cotton soil. Common Pitfalls: Overlooking that expansive clays need special foundation systems. Final Answer: Black cotton soil is very good for foundation bed

Question 13

Foundations in building construction are generally placed below the natural ground level primarily to increase overall stability of the structure and ensure safe load transfer—what is the correct reason?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In civil engineering, foundations are the structural elements that transfer building loads safely to the ground. They are typically placed below the natural ground level so that the structure remains stable under gravity loads, wind, seismic forces, and settlement effects. This question focuses on the core purpose of putting foundations below grade and asks you to identify the most appropriate reason. Given Data / Assumptions: The foundation supports columns, walls, or load-bearing elements. Soil strata closer to the surface may be weaker or more susceptible to moisture and frost action. Lower levels often offer more uniform and adequate bearing capacity. Concept / Approach: The main driver for embedding foundations is to ensure stability: adequate bearing capacity, reduced differential settlement, protection from erosion/frost, and improved lateral resistance. While material strength and workability are important, these are properties of the materials and construction processes—not the reason foundations are placed below ground. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the principal function: foundations must provide a stable base on suitable soil.Subsurface placement reaches competent strata and minimizes seasonal moisture/frost effects.Strength and workability are not directly enhanced by depth; rather, stability is.Therefore, the best choice is “stability of structure.” Verification / Alternative check: Texts emphasize that depth is chosen to satisfy safe bearing capacity, avoid scour/frost, and achieve serviceability limits on settlement—all aspects of stability. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Strength: material strength does not inherently increase by placing elements deeper. Workability: depth can complicate, not improve, workability. All the above: overstates the effect; the key is stability. Economy of materials: depth often increases excavation cost. Common Pitfalls: Confusing material properties with geotechnical performance; assuming deeper automatically means stronger materials. Final Answer: Stability of structure

Question 14

In brick masonry, identify the piece cut such that one corner equals half the length and half the width of a full brick (used to maintain proper bond at quoins and junctions).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Bond in brickwork relies on specially cut units to break continuous vertical joints and maintain interlock. Among these, closers are used at the ends of courses (quoins). This question asks you to recognize which cut brick has one corner equal to half the length and half the width of a standard brick—an important detail in English and Flemish bonds. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard modular brick dimensions are assumed. Terminology: king closer, queen closer, bevelled closer, etc. Application: maintaining quoin bonding and joint staggering. Concept / Approach: A king closer is formed by cutting off a triangular portion from a brick so that at one end the width is half and at the adjacent face the length is also half; in effect, at the corner, the dimensions correspond to half-length and half-width. A queen closer is cut longitudinally into two equal halves (half the width across the full length). Step-by-Step Solution: Recall definitions: queen closer = longitudinal half; king closer = triangular cut producing half-length and half-width corner.Match the description to the definition: the described piece is a king closer.Select “King closer.” Verification / Alternative check: Standard masonry references show king closers placed next to quoin headers to maintain alternate bonding. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Queen closer: only half-width along full length, not the described triangular corner. Bevelled closer: cut at an angle but not forming half-length and half-width at the corner. Half king closer: nonstandard term in most specifications. Half bat: cut across length; different application. Common Pitfalls: Confusing queen closer (longitudinal half) with king closer (triangular cut for quoins). Final Answer: King closer

Question 15

Grillage foundation in structural engineering: identify the correct comprehensive statement about its purpose, construction, depth, and economy.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Grillage foundations distribute heavy concentrated loads—commonly from steel stanchions—over a larger soil area where the allowable bearing pressure is relatively low. This is achieved without deep excavation by arranging steel sections in tiers encased in concrete to spread the load effectively. Given Data / Assumptions: Heavy loads from steel columns (stanchions). Shallow depth preferred due to soil or construction constraints. Use of rolled steel joists (RSJs) in one or two tiers. Concept / Approach: The grillage transfers load laterally through steel beams embedded in concrete, increasing the effective bearing area. It is a classic solution where isolated footing size becomes very large yet deep excavation is undesirable. Encasing RSJs in concrete protects steel from corrosion and ensures composite action with the surrounding mass. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify purpose: spread heavy loads on low-capacity soil—true.Construction: RSJs in one or two layers within concrete—true.Depth: large area achieved at shallow depth—true.Economy: avoids deep, expensive excavation and heavy concrete blocks—true. Verification / Alternative check: Design guides illustrate grillage footing sizing via allowable bearing pressure and spacing/layout of RSJs to control pressures and settlement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each single statement is correct but incomplete alone; “All the above” captures the full picture. Common Pitfalls: Treating grillage as a deep foundation; omitting concrete encasement around RSJs. Final Answer: All the above

Question 16

Brickwork terminology: the portion of a brick that is cut across its width (used to adjust length in bonding) is called what?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Accurate terminology in brick masonry helps in communicating details of bond, coursing, and special units. “Bats” and “closers” are two common categories of cut bricks, distinguished by the direction of the cut relative to the brick's length and width. Given Data / Assumptions: A standard rectangular brick is considered. Cut direction across the width is specified. Used for maintaining bond and adjusting brick lengths in a course. Concept / Approach: A bat is a portion of a brick cut across its length (i.e., across the width dimension), resulting in segments such as half bats or three-quarter bats. A closer is cut along the length (longitudinally), producing pieces like queen closers (half-width along the full length). Step-by-Step Solution: Interpret “cut across the width” → a crosswise cut to adjust effective brick length in the course.By definition, such a piece is a bat.Select “Bat.” Verification / Alternative check: Bond diagrams in English/Flemish bonds show half-bats at returns and junctions to maintain quoin alignment. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Closer: longitudinal cut, not crosswise. Half brick: generic term; the specific technical term is bat. Bed: the surface on which a brick is laid, not a cut piece. Arris: the sharp edge, unrelated to cutting classification. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the direction of cut; assuming “half brick” is a precise technical term for all cross-cuts. Final Answer: Bat

Question 17

English garden wall bond in brickwork: identify which detailed statements about course arrangement and closers are correct for this decorative yet structurally sound bond.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: English garden wall bond is a variant of English bond used in garden walls and light-duty walls. It aims to combine an attractive face with adequate structural interlock by interspersing courses of stretchers with occasional courses of headers. Given Data / Assumptions: Garden wall bond patterns vary (e.g., 1:3 or 1:5 header-to-stretcher ratio). Queen closers are commonly used next to quoin headers. Joints must be properly staggered to avoid continuous vertical joints. Concept / Approach: In a typical English garden wall bond, you place one heading course after every three or five stretcher courses. To preserve bond at corners and maintain vertical joint offsets, a queen closer is used next to each quoin header. Occasionally, a stretcher course may begin with a header unit to continue the staggering of joints across the wall’s thickness. Step-by-Step Solution: Confirm (a): ratios 1:3 or 1:5 are standard—correct.Confirm (b): queen closers at heading courses ensure proper bond near quoins—correct.Confirm (c): starting a middle stretcher course with a header prevents vertical alignment—correct.Thus, all statements are correct. Verification / Alternative check: Masonry handbooks illustrate garden wall patterns with periodic header courses and closers for bond integrity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any subset misses part of the standard practice; “All the above” best reflects the full specification. Common Pitfalls: Confusing English garden wall bond with Flemish garden wall bond; omitting closers at quoins leading to joint misalignment. Final Answer: All the above

Question 18

Staircase layout: the wedge-shaped steps used to change direction of stairs without a landing are commonly known as what in building construction?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When a staircase turns (commonly by 90° or 180°) without a square landing, triangular or wedge-shaped treads are often used to effect the change in direction. Identifying the correct term is a frequent topic in architectural drafting and building construction exams. Given Data / Assumptions: Steps taper from a wide outer edge to a narrow inner edge around a newel or turning point. No intermediate landing is present in the turn zone. Terminology distinguishes form and function. Concept / Approach: These wedge-shaped treads are called winders. They replace a flat landing to change direction within a compact footprint. While “radial” or “circular” may describe geometry generically, the technical term used in plans and specifications for such steps is “winder.” Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize wedge-shaped treads → winders.Other names (round/circular/radial) are descriptive, not standard specification terms.Choose “Winders.” Verification / Alternative check: Building codes and drafting standards label these steps as winders and provide minimum goings for safety. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Radial/round/circular/angular steps: informal or ambiguous; not the specific term for wedge treads used in turning stairs. Common Pitfalls: Using winders where codes require landings for accessibility; insufficient going at the narrow end causing unsafe stairs. Final Answer: Winders

Question 19

Masonry arches: arches formed from arcs struck from more than four centres (complex multi-centred profiles) are commonly referred to as which type?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Arch profiles are defined by the number and arrangement of centres used to strike their arcs. Beyond simple circular or two-centred pointed forms, multi-centred arches create distinctive architectural effects. This question targets recognition of the arch type associated with more than four centres. Given Data / Assumptions: Terminology includes lancet (two-centred), drop/segmental (three-centred), Tudor (four-centred), and ogee (compound, often multi-centred with reverse curvature). “More than four centres” suggests a complex, multi-centred layout. Concept / Approach: An ogee arch features a concave and a convex curve meeting at a point, typically generated from multiple centres to achieve the S-shaped profile; many historical treatises describe ogees using four or more centres, and complex variants may use more than four to refine curvature. Step-by-Step Solution: Match “more than four centres” to arch families.Lancet (two), drop (three), Tudor or typical Gothic (four) are fewer-centred.Ogee (compound S-curve) often employs multiple centres; fits the description.Select “Ogee arches.” Verification / Alternative check: Architectural references depict ogees struck from multiple centres for refined curvature beyond four-centred Tudor profiles. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Gothic/Tudor: characteristically four-centred, not more. Drop gothic: three-centred depressed arch. Two-curved/lancet: two-centred. Common Pitfalls: Equating all pointed arches with “Gothic” regardless of centre count; overlooking the reverse curvature in ogee profiles. Final Answer: Ogee arches

Question 20

Brick orientation in wall faces: a brick laid with its breadth (shorter side) parallel to the wall face is termed as which type of course unit?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Understanding the names of brick orientations is essential for reading and producing masonry drawings. The appearance of the brick on the wall face depends on whether its length or breadth is presented to the exterior. Given Data / Assumptions: Wall face shows either the long face (stretcher) or the short face (header). Standard modular brick dimensions apply. Concept / Approach: When the breadth (short side) of a brick is parallel to and visible on the face, the unit is a header. When the length is parallel to the face, it is a stretcher. “Closer” is a cut unit used for bonding at ends. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify orientation: breadth along the face → header.Therefore, choose “Header.” Verification / Alternative check: Bond diagrams distinguishing stretcher and header courses confirm these definitions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Stretcher shows the long face, not breadth. Closer is a cut piece, not an orientation. Soldier is a vertical orientation of bricks, not relevant here. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up stretcher and header when reading elevations; forgetting that “header” exposes the short face. Final Answer: Header

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