Q41. Which of the following represents the nominal size (mm) of a modular brick?
  • 100 × 100 × 100
  • 100 × 100 × 50
  • 200 × 100 × 100
  • 200 × 200 × 100

Correct Answer: C. 200 × 100 × 100

Solution:

The nominal size of a brick is its standard size plus the thickness of the mortar joint. This is used for calculating masonry dimensions.

  • Standard (Modular) Size: 190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm
  • Mortar Thickness (Standard): 10 mm
  • Nominal Size: (190+10) mm x (90+10) mm x (90+10) mm = 200 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm.
Q42. In the composition of good bricks, the total content of silt and clay, by weight, should not be less than–
  • 20%
  • 30%
  • 50%
  • 75%

Correct Answer: C. 50%

Solution:

For good brick earth, the combined proportion of clay and silt is critical for plasticity. The ideal composition includes about 20-30% clay and 20-35% silt. Together, their total content should be at least 50% to ensure the clay can be moulded effectively without cracking.

Q43. Refractory bricks are generally used to resist.
  • Chemical action
  • dampness
  • high temperature
  • weathering action

Correct Answer: C. high temperature

Solution:

Refractory bricks, also known as fire bricks, are specially manufactured to withstand extremely high temperatures without melting, spalling, or deforming. They are used to line furnaces, kilns, fireplaces, and other high-heat industrial applications.

Q44. For checking the length of bricks as per Indian standards how many bricks are to be taken :
  • 10
  • 15
  • 20
  • 25

Correct Answer: C. 20

Solution:

According to IS 1077, for the dimensional tolerance test, a sample of 20 bricks is selected at random. These bricks are then laid end-to-end, and the total length is measured to check if it falls within the permissible limits specified in the standard. This ensures consistency in the brick size.

Q45. Terra cotta, in buildings, is used for____:
  • insulation
  • ornamental work
  • sewage lines
  • sanitary services

Correct Answer: B. ornamental work

Solution:

Terra cotta, which means "baked earth" in Italian, is a type of earthenware clay ceramic. Due to its versatility and ability to be moulded into intricate shapes, it is widely used for decorative and ornamental work on building facades, such as cornices, mouldings, and decorative panels.

Q46. In case of absorption test on burnt clay building bricks as per IS 3495 (part 2):1992, bricks shall be soaked in cold water for a duration of______
  • 16 hours
  • 9 hours
  • 12 hours
  • 24 hours

Correct Answer: D. 24 hours

Solution:

The Indian Standard IS 3495 (Part 2) specifies the procedure for the water absorption test. It requires the dry brick sample to be completely submerged in clean, cold water for a period of 24 hours to ensure maximum absorption for an accurate measurement.

Q47. The temperature at which vitrification of low melting clay bricks occurs is at a temperature of_____.
  • 300ºC-500ºC
  • 900ºC-1100ºC
  • 600ºC-800ºC
  • 1200ºC-1400ºC

Correct Answer: B. 900ºC-1100ºC

Solution:

Vitrification is the process during firing where clay particles begin to fuse together, making the brick hard, dense, and strong. For common low-melting clay bricks, this process occurs in the temperature range of 900°C to 1100°C. Firing below this range results in under-burnt, weak bricks, while firing above it can cause over-burning and distortion.

Q48. As per IS 3495 part-3 (1992), soluble salts, if present in bricks, will cause efflorescence on the surface of bricks. If the white deposits cover about 10% of the surface, the efflorescence is said to be ________.
  • nill
  • moderate
  • slight
  • heavy

Correct Answer: C. slight

Solution:

IS 3495 (Part 3) provides a visual classification for efflorescence. When the area covered by the white, powdery salt deposits is more than nil but does not exceed 10% of the brick's surface area, the efflorescence is rated as slight.

Q49. The addition of Fly-Ash as an additive in the brick mix proportions results in:
  • reduced drying shrinkage
  • loss of compressive strength
  • reduced fineness
  • less fire resistance

Correct Answer: A. reduced drying shrinkage

Solution:

Adding fly ash to the brick mix helps to control the plasticity of the clay. Because fly ash is a non-plastic material, it reduces the overall shrinkage that occurs as the bricks dry, leading to fewer cracks and less warping.

Q50. Based on their physical and mechanical properties, clay bricks are classified into_____classes.
  • two
  • one
  • six
  • four

Correct Answer: D. four

Solution:

Based on general quality, appearance, and strength, burnt clay bricks are commonly classified into four categories: First Class, Second Class, Third Class, and Fourth Class (or Jhama bricks), with each class having progressively lower quality and strength.

Q51. If (W1) is the weight of a dry brick and (W2) is the weight after immersion in water for 24 hours, then the percentage of brick water absorption is calculated as:
  • (W1 / W2) × 100
  • ((W2 - W1) / W2) × 100
  • (W2 / W1) × 100
  • ((W2 - W1) / W1) × 100

Correct Answer: D. ((W2 - W1) / W1) × 100

Solution:

The percentage of water absorption is calculated as the ratio of the weight of water absorbed to the original dry weight of the brick, multiplied by 100.

  • Weight of water absorbed = (Wet weight) - (Dry weight) = W2 - W1
  • Original dry weight = W1
  • Percentage absorption = ((W2 - W1) / W1) × 100
Q52. A construction firm has decided to use burnt clay bricks of class 20 and above (as per IS 1077: 1977) for the construction of a residential complex. The table below gives the details of Samples with Id (S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5) taken from five different suppliers. The criteria to be adopted are the percentage of water absorption and average compressive strength of bricks corresponding to bricks of class 20 and above. Select the Id of the samples which can be recommended for use in brick wall construction
IdWater absorption (%)Average compressive strength (kN/m²)
S11817500
S22021000
S31220000
S41014000
S51527000
  • S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5
  • S3 and S5 only
  • S2, S3, S4 and S5 only
  • S1, S2, S3 and S4 only

Correct Answer: B. S3 and S5 only

Solution:

As per IS 1077, for bricks of class higher than 12.5 (including Class 20), the following criteria must be met:

  1. Average Compressive Strength: Should be ≥ 20 N/mm² (or 20,000 kN/m²).
  2. Water Absorption: Should be ≤ 15% after a 24-hour immersion test.

Let's evaluate each sample:

  • S1: Water absorption (18%) is > 15%. FAIL.
  • S2: Water absorption (20%) is > 15%. FAIL.
  • S3: Water absorption (12%) is ≤ 15% and Compressive strength (20,000 kN/m²) is ≥ 20,000 kN/m². PASS.
  • S4: Compressive strength (14,000 kN/m²) is < 20,000 kN/m². FAIL.
  • S5: Water absorption (15%) is ≤ 15% and Compressive strength (27,000 kN/m²) is ≥ 20,000 kN/m². PASS.

Only samples S3 and S5 meet both criteria for Class 20 bricks.

Q53. According to IS 2180: 1988, what is the minimum bulk density of heavy duty burnt clay bricks?
  • 2.5 g/cm³
  • 7.5 g/cm³
  • 8.5 g/cm³
  • 4.5 g/cm³

Correct Answer: A. 2.5 g/cm³

Solution:

IS 2180: 1988 specifies the requirements for heavy-duty burnt clay bricks, which are used for structures carrying heavy loads like bridges and industrial foundations. The standard states that the minimum average bulk density for these bricks shall be 2.5 g/cm³.

Q54. According to IS: 654-1962, the maximum water absorption percentage of Class AA Type Mangalore pattern tiles is:
  • 29%
  • 35%
  • 18%
  • 24%

Correct Answer: C. 18%

Solution:

IS: 654-1962 classifies Mangalore pattern roofing tiles into two classes based on quality. Class AA is the superior quality. The standard specifies that for Class AA tiles, the average water absorption shall not exceed 18 percent. For Class A tiles, the limit is 24 percent.

Q55. Precast concrete tiles with marble chips on the surface are known as:
  • lime tiles
  • granite tiles
  • mosaic tiles
  • marble tiles

Correct Answer: C. mosaic tiles

Solution:

Mosaic tiles are precast concrete tiles where the top layer consists of a mixture of cement and small chips of marble, granite, or other colored stones. After setting, the surface is ground and polished to expose the decorative aggregate, creating the characteristic mosaic pattern.