Building Construction Questions

• Comparative bearing capacity — which ground has the least allowable capacity? Among the following ground types, which generally exhibits the lowest safe/allowable bearing capacity for shallow foundations under typical conditions?
• Expansion joints in brick masonry — nominal thickness guideline In building construction practice, the nominal thickness of an expansion joint provided in brick walls is generally kept more than which of the following values? Select the closest standard threshold.
• Stair terminology — name of vertical members between steps and the handrail In staircase construction, what are the vertical members fixed between the treads/steps and the handrail that support the railing system called?
• Flat RCC roofs — recommended slope (fall) for drainage For a reinforced cement concrete flat roof, what is the recommended practical slope to ensure positive drainage and avoid water ponding?
• Temporary support of unsafe structures — identify the arrangement In building repairs and emergencies, what is the arrangement called that is made to temporarily support an unsafe or distressed structure until permanent measures are provided?
• Brick bonds — correct uses and characteristics Evaluate the following statements about common brick bonds and choose the correct comprehensive option.
• Cavity walls — start/termination of cavity and damp-proofing practice Choose the correct combined statement about where a cavity in a cavity wall should start and terminate, and how damp-proof courses (DPC) are laid in the two leaves.
• Types of pointing — identify the description Which pointing type is described as having the upper side of mortar joints kept about 12 mm inside the masonry face while the bottom edge is kept flush with the wall surface?
• Plastering exposed brickwork — recommended cement:sand proportion For plastering exposed brick walls (external plaster), which cement–sand mortar proportion is generally recommended among the following choices?
• Modes of failure of arches — identify comprehensive causes Which of the following can cause failure in a masonry or concrete arch under service or overload conditions?
• Damp-proofing — most effective metal sheet material Among the following choices, which metal sheet is generally considered the most effective for preventing dampness when used as a damp-proof course (DPC) or waterproofing layer?
• Concrete Construction – Stripping time for slab formwork (excluding props) According to standard site practice for normal Portland cement and moderate ambient conditions, after how many days may the soffit formwork (sheathing) of slabs be removed while keeping the props in place for continued support?
• Deep Foundations – Best steel pile type for soft clay with low bearing capacity In soft clay or similar low-capacity soils, which type of steel (or metal) pile is generally preferred to mobilize capacity effectively during installation and service?
• Building Acoustics – Name for sound persisting after the source stops In room acoustics, the sound that continues in an enclosure even after the source is switched off is called:
• Piles with Enlarged Shafts – Identification of bulbs on the vertical pile A pile that has one or more enlarged bulbs formed along its vertical shaft is generally known as:
• Steel Piles – Preferred type for soft clay or loose sand with low capacity Which steel (or metal) pile is most commonly used in soft clay or loose sand where the natural bearing capacity is low?
• Concrete Formwork – Stripping time for sides of beams After how long can the side forms of reinforced concrete beams generally be removed under normal conditions (no frost, ordinary Portland cement), assuming the beam is not loaded and soffit props remain as required?
• Concrete Workability – Recommended slump range for foundations What is the commonly recommended slump (workability) range for concrete used in foundations and mass footings under normal placement methods?
• Masonry & Retaining Structures – Stepped lateral support element Which stepped structural form is specifically provided to give lateral support to a wall or similar structure?
• Soil Exploration – Practical depth limit for open test pits Open test-pit exploration is generally considered suitable only up to what approximate depth under safe and practical site conditions?