G+1 SAMPLE TEST

1) De-shuttering time for the sides of a concrete column?

*the vertical formwork (columns) can be removed after 16-24 hours.

2) Minimum period before striking formwork for vertical surfaces?

*Vertical formwork (columns, walls, beams) can be removed after 16-24 hours.

3) Minimum time before removing formwork from a non-cantilever slab?

* Minimum of 3 days provided that the concrete has reached sufficient strength and the props are re
fixed to support the slab.

4) When should the soffit formwork for slabs be removed?

*Should be removed after a minimum of 3 days.

5) Recommended time to keep props under slabs spanning up to 4.5 m after the formwork is removed?

*Props supporting slabs that span up to 4.5 m should remain in place for at least 7 days.

6) What is the purpose of using a release agent on formwork?

*To prevent adhesion of concrete to the formwork to ensure that the concrete does not stick to it.

7) Common method for testing the strength of concrete in situation?

*The rebound hammer (non-destructive method) used to estimate the compressive strength of
concrete by measuring the rebound of a spring-loaded hammer after it strikes the surface of the
concrete.

8) Main purpose of providing control joints in concrete pavements?

* To control the location of cracks (occur due to shrinkage as the concrete dries and hardens).

Help in maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of the pavement.

9) The formwork removal for footings, foundations, and mass concrete structures is generally done:

* Removed after 24-48 hours, these structures are in compression and gain strength relatively quickly.

10) Which method is commonly used to achieve a smooth finish on freshly laid concrete surfaces?

* Troweling is the process of smoothing and finishing the surface of freshly laid concrete using a trowel.
This process provides a dense, smooth, and durable finish to the concrete surface.
11) Minimum compressive strength for concrete used in structural elements?

* Must have a minimum compressive strength of 35 N/mm².

12) Minimum thickness for a concrete cover in reinforced concrete elements should be determined
based on which criteria?

* Should be designed to meet the requirements for durability and environmental exposure.

13) Minimum compressive strength required for concrete used in precast structural elements?

* Must have a compressive strength of at least 40 N/mm² measured at 28 days.

14) Primary difference in compressive strength requirements between concrete used for structural
elements and that used for blinding and screeds?

* Concrete used for structural elements has a higher strength requirement (fcu = 35 N/mm²) compared
to concrete for blinding and screeds (fcu = 20 N/mm²), reflecting the different roles and performance
needs of these materials.

15) Which of the following is NOT a recommended concrete mix component for achieving enhanced
durability?

*Uncoated rebar is not recommended for durability; protective measures, like coatings or using stainless
steel rebar, Fly ash , Silica fume , Ordinary Portland Cement are preferred for enhanced durability.

16) Which of the following is NOT a requirement for concrete structures under the sustainability
standards?

*While sustainability is encouraged, the code does not specifically mandate the use of high percentages
of recycled materials, but it does require compliance with durability standards, Specification of
minimum cement content and consideration of environmental conditions.

17) Which of the following is a key requirement for concrete mixes under the sustainability standards?

*Specifying minimum cement/binder content and maximum water/cement ratios, to ensure durability
and sustainability.

18) Minimum recommended clear concrete cover for reinforcement in substructures when concrete is
cast against blinding?

* The minimum recommended clear concrete cover for reinforcement in substructures is 50 mm.

19) What is the minimum recommended clear concrete cover for reinforcement in substructures when
concrete is cast directly against soil?

* For substructures where concrete is cast directly against soil, the minimum recommended clear
concrete cover for reinforcement is 75 mm.
20) What is the minimum recommended clear concrete cover for reinforcement in superstructures?

* Specifies a minimum clear concrete cover of 30 mm for reinforcement in superstructures.

21) Who is responsible for specifying the final concrete cover to reinforcement in construction?

* The Engineer is responsible for specifying the final concrete cover to reinforcement, taking into
account the structural and durability considerations of the building.

22) Why is the final concrete cover to reinforcement specified by the Engineer?

* Based on structural and durability considerations to ensure the longevity and performance.

23) Which may be added to concrete mixes to achieve required strength and durability?

* Silica fume may be added to concrete mixes to achieve the required strength and/or durability
requirements for any project.

24) Minimum recommended slab thickness for post-tensioned systems according to the guidelines?

* The minimum recommended slab thickness for post-tensioned systems is 200 mm, with localized
thickness reduction allowed if the PT system can be accommodated.

25) According to the Code, precast concrete elements should be designed in accordance with:

* Precast concrete elements, including those that are normally reinforced and/or prestressed, shall be
designed and specified in accordance with this subsection, supplemented by the requirements given in
ACI 318-19.

26) The process of removing air bubbles and voids from freshly poured concrete is known as:

* Compaction is the process of removing air bubbles and voids from freshly poured concrete. This is
usually done using vibrators to ensure that the concrete is dense and has the desired strength and
durability.

27) What is the main purpose of curing concrete?

* Curing is essential to prevent moisture loss from the concrete and ensure proper hydration of the
cement, which is necessary for the concrete to gain strength and durability.

28) In concrete mix design, what does the "M" in M25 concrete represent?

* The "M" in M25 concrete represents the mean compressive strength of the concrete after 28 days,
measured in MPa (Megapascals). In this case, M25 concrete has a compressive strength of 25 MPa.
29) Which of the following is a disadvantage of high-slump concrete?

* High-slump concrete, which has a higher water-cement ratio, often results in decreased strength
because the excess water leads to more voids and a less dense concrete structure.

30) What is the most commonly used method for compacting concrete in large structures?

* Vibrating is the most commonly used method for compacting concrete in large structures. It helps
remove air pockets and ensures a dense and homogeneous concrete mix.

31) Which of the following factors does NOT significantly affect the strength of concrete?

* While aggregate size does play a role in the overall mix design, the water-cement ratio, curing process,
and ambient temperature have a much more significant impact on the strength of concrete.

32) What is the function of admixtures in concrete?

* Admixtures are added to concrete to modify its properties(To alter the properties of the concrete
mix), such as workability, setting time, strength, and durability.

33) What is the primary purpose of providing reinforcement in concrete beams?

* Reinforcement in concrete beams is primarily provided to resist tensile stresses, which concrete alone
cannot handle effectively.

34) Which of the following is a common type of joint used to prevent cracking in long concrete
structures?

* Expansion joints are commonly used in long concrete structures to accommodate the expansion and
contraction of concrete due to temperature changes, preventing uncontrolled cracking.

35) What is the effect of increasing the water-cement ratio in a concrete mix?

* It increases the workability of the concrete, making it easier to mix, place, and compact. However, this
comes at the cost of reduced strength and durability.

36) The typical spacing for expansion joints in concrete pavements is:

* Expansion joints in concrete pavements are typically spaced 20 to 25 meters apart to accommodate
the expansion and contraction of the concrete due to temperature changes.

37) For a long concrete wall, expansion joints should typically be provided at intervals of:

* Expansion joints in long concrete walls are generally provided at intervals of about 30 meters to
manage the effects of thermal expansion and contraction.
38) Concrete generally reaches about 70% of its compressive strength in:

* Within 7 days of curing. This early strength gain is crucial for the formwork removal and early loading
of structures.

39) What is the main disadvantage of using timber formwork?

*Timber formwork can be reused but often has a limited lifespan(Limited reusability) due to wear and
tear from repeated use, making it less economical in the long run compared to other materials like steel
or aluminum.

40) The minimum curing period for concrete in normal conditions is:

*ACI 318 recommends a minimum curing period of 7 days for concrete exposed to normal conditions to
ensure adequate hydration and strength development.

41) The standard period for curing to ensure it has achieved its specified compressive strength is:

*The standard period for curing concrete to ensure it has achieved its specified compressive strength is
28 days, which is used as a benchmark for evaluating the concrete's performance.

42) The spacing of contraction joints in a concrete slab is typically determined by:

*The spacing of contraction joints in a concrete slab is typically based on the thickness of the slab, with
a general guideline being 24 to 36 times the slab thickness.

43) After how many days is concrete typically tested to determine its compressive strength according to
standard practices?

*Concrete compressive strength is commonly tested after 28 days, as this period provides a reliable
measure of the concrete's final strength under standard curing conditions.

44) Which of the following factors affects the rate at which concrete gains strength?

*The rate at which concrete gains strength is influenced by factors such as the type of cement used,
ambient temperature, and curing conditions.

45) The strength gain of concrete is most rapid during the first ______ days after casting:

*Concrete gains strength most rapidly during the first 1 to 3 days after casting due to the early
hydration of cement particles. After this initial period, the rate of strength gain slows down.

46) What is the main purpose of providing cover to the reinforcement in concrete structures?

*The primary purpose of providing cover to the reinforcement is to protect it from environmental
factors, such as moisture and chemicals, that could cause corrosion, which would weaken the structure.
47) What is the primary factor that influences the durability of concrete?

* The water-cement ratio is the primary factor that influences the durability of concrete. A lower water-
cement ratio typically results in a denser, less permeable concrete, which is more durable and resistant
to environmental factors.

48) Which type of cement is most suitable for use in cold weather conditions?

* Rapid Hardening Cement is particularly suitable for use in cold weather conditions as it sets and gains
strength quickly, reducing the risks associated with frost damage during early curing stages.

49) Which of the following is a disadvantage of using steel formwork?

* Steel formwork, while highly durable and capable of producing a superior surface finish, is more
expensive than other types of formwork like timber or plywood. This higher cost is considered a
disadvantage, especially for smaller projects.

50) What is the most common cause of honeycombing in concrete?

* Honeycombing in concrete, which refers to the presence of voids within the concrete mass, is most
commonly caused by insufficient compaction. Proper vibration of the concrete mix is crucial to avoid
this defect.

51) What is the typical minimum thickness for a slab on grade in residential construction?

*This thickness (100 mm) provides adequate strength and durability for typical residential loads and
usage.

52) In which scenario is the use of a water-reducing admixture most beneficial?

* When a high slump is required for better workability, but without increasing the water. This helps
maintain the desired strength and durability of the concrete.

53) What is the minimum time required before removing formwork for footings?

*Footing formwork can generally be removed after 1 day as the concrete gains enough strength to
support its own weight and the surrounding soil.

54) What is the main function of an isolation joint in concrete construction?

*Isolation joints are used to separate adjacent structures, such as columns and slabs, to prevent
transfer of stresses between them.

55) Which method is typically used for placing concrete in high-rise buildings?

*Pumping is commonly used for placing concrete in high-rise buildings, allowing for efficient and precise
delivery of concrete to elevated areas.
56) During concrete casting, what is the most critical factor to ensure uniform strength?

*Consistent mix proportion is vital during concrete casting to ensure uniform strength and quality
throughout the structure.

57) The technique of placing concrete underwater without washing out cement is known as:

*The Tremie method, ensuring that cement is not washed out during the process, which is critical for
maintaining the integrity of the mix.

58) Which type of cement is typically used in normal slabs?

*Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is commonly used for general construction purposes, including
normal slabs.

59) Contractors use blankets over fresh concrete to:

*Blankets are used to reduce evaporation from the surface of fresh concrete, preventing rapid moisture
loss which can lead to surface cracking and compromised strength.

60) The primary purpose of using air-entrained concrete in construction is to:

*Air-entrained concrete is used to improve resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, reducing the risk of
cracking due to freezing water within the concrete.

61) What factor primarily determines the thickness of a concrete slab?

*The thickness of a concrete slab is designed based on the expected load it needs to bear, ensuring
structural integrity and durability.

62) The depth of the concrete bed in a foundation primarily depends on:

*The depth of the concrete bed is influenced by the soil's bearing capacity, ensuring the foundation can
adequately support the structure's weight.

63) For reinforced concrete beams, the main reinforcement is typically placed:

* In reinforced concrete beams, the main reinforcement is placed at the bottom because it is the
tension side where tensile stresses are highest.

64) What is the main advantage of using pre-stressed concrete in construction?

*Pre-stressed concrete is designed to handle higher tensile stresses, making it ideal for structures
requiring enhanced strength and durability.
65) In reinforced concrete construction, what is the purpose of using stirrups?

* Stirrups are used in beams to resist shear forces and to prevent diagonal cracking, ensuring the
structural integrity of the concrete.

66) Which type of formwork material is most commonly used in large-scale concrete construction
projects?

* Steel formwork is widely used in large-scale construction due to its durability, strength, and ability to
be reused multiple times, making it cost-effective for repetitive tasks.

67) What is the primary purpose of using fiber reinforcement in concrete?

* To control cracking due to shrinkage, enhance impact resistance, and improve the overall durability of
the concrete. While it may contribute to some increase in tensile strength, its main purpose is to
prevent cracking and extend the lifespan of the concrete structure.

68) What is the recommended maximum free fall height for placing concrete to avoid segregation?

*The recommended maximum free fall height for placing concrete is typically 1.5 meters. This limit
helps prevent segregation, where the heavier aggregates separate from the cement paste, leading to a
weaker and less uniform concrete mix.

69) In post-tensioned concrete construction:

*In post-tensioned concrete construction, steel tendons are placed within ducts in the concrete and
tensioned after the concrete has hardened. This process imparts a compressive force to the concrete,
which enhances its ability to resist tensile stresses, leading to a more efficient and durable structure.

70) In slip-form concrete construction:

*In slip-form construction, the formwork is continuously moved upward or horizontally as the
concrete is being poured, allowing for a continuous pour of concrete, which is particularly useful for tall
structures like towers and silos .This method speeds up construction and results in a more uniform
structure.

71) In a flat slab concrete floor system:

*In a flat slab concrete floor system, the slab is directly supported by columns without the use of
beams. To provide additional strength and reduce shear stress around the columns, drop panels are
often used. This design allows for a flat ceiling, which is advantageous in many architectural and
structural applications.

72) The primary purpose of providing a footing in a structure is to:

*Footings spread the load of the building over a larger area, reducing the pressure on the underlying
soil and preventing excessive settlement.
73) The minimum depth of footing should be based on:

*The depth of the footing is determined by the type of soil to ensure that it rests on a stable layer and
provides sufficient bearing capacity.

74) A trapezoidal footing is generally used when:

*Trapezoidal footings are used when the loads on the columns are unequal, allowing for an even
distribution of pressure across the base.

75) The main function of a beam in a structural system is to:

*Beams carry vertical loads from floors, roofs, and walls, and transfer them to columns or foundations.

76) The primary purpose of a column in a building structure is to:

*Columns transfer loads from the beams and slabs down to the foundation, playing a crucial role in
maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

78) The slenderness ratio of a column is defined as:

* The slenderness ratio is used to determine the buckling tendency of a column. Higher slenderness
ratios indicate a greater likelihood of buckling. (The ratio of effective length to its radius of gyration)

79) The primary purpose of providing a parapet wall at the edge of a roof is to:

*Parapet walls are constructed at the edge of roofs to provide safety by preventing falls and to serve as
a barrier against wind and water.

80) The main purpose of providing a damp proof course (DPC) in the construction of a building is to:

*DPC is a layer of material applied to prevent moisture from rising through the walls and floors of a
building.

81) The most suitable type of cement for marine structures is:

*Sulfate Resisting Cement (SRC) is used in structures exposed to sulfate environments, such as marine
structures, to prevent sulfate attack, which can cause expansion and cracking of the concrete.

82) The initial setting time of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) should not be less than:

*It is the time required for the cement paste to start hardening and lose its plasticity. It should not be
less than 30 minutes to allow enough time for placing and finishing the concrete.

83) In hot weather concreting, the use of a retarder is recommended to:

*Retarders are chemical admixtures used to delay the setting time of concrete, which is particularly
useful in hot weather conditions to prevent the concrete from setting too quickly.
84) The concrete slump recommended for mass concrete work is:

*Mass concrete work, such as dam or foundation construction, generally requires a lower slump to
ensure the mix is stiff enough to support itself and to minimize segregation. The lower slump also helps
in maintaining uniformity in large pours.( 25 to 50 mm)

85) The roof type that is characterized by having all four sides sloping downwards towards the walls

*A hip roof has all four sides sloping downwards towards the walls, with no vertical ends. This design
provides better stability and drainage compared to gable roofs, especially in areas with heavy snowfall.

86) Which type of roof has a central ridge and slopes downwards in two directions, often with
overhanging eaves?

*A gable roof features a central ridge with two sloping sides, creating a triangular shape at the ends of
the building. This design is effective for shedding water and snow and is a common roof style in many
residential buildings.

87) The primary purpose of a shear key in a retaining wall is to:

*A shear key is a projection at the base of a retaining wall that helps resist lateral forces acting on the
wall, thereby preventing sliding. It effectively increases the wall's stability against horizontal earth
pressures.

88) The horizontal member of a truss which supports the common rafters of a sloping roof is called:

* Purlins are horizontal members in a truss that support the common rafters in a sloping roof. They are
placed between the rafters and the roofing material to provide intermediate support and reduce the
span of the rafters.

89) In a roof truss, the member which is subjected to compressive forces & helps in resisting buckling is:

* Struts are members of a roof truss that are subjected to compressive forces. They help resist buckling
and provide additional support to the rafters or other truss members.

90) The sequence of operations for laying a concrete slab is:

* The correct sequence for laying a concrete slab is:  Placing formwork  Pouring the concrete
 Compacting the concrete  Leveling the surface  Curing the slab

91) The inclined timber member of a roof truss that extends from the eaves to the ridge and supports
the roof covering is called:

* Rafters are inclined members that run from the eaves to the ridge of the roof. They support the roof
covering and are a crucial part of the roof's structural framework.
92) The horizontal member connecting the tops of the opposite rafters in a roof truss to prevent them
from spreading is known as:

* A tie beam is a horizontal member that connects the tops of opposite rafters in a roof truss,
preventing them from spreading outward and maintaining the structural integrity of the roof.

93) In reinforced concrete columns, the function of lateral ties is to:

* Lateral ties in a reinforced concrete column provide lateral support to the longitudinal bars,
preventing them from buckling under load, especially in compression members.

94) The minimum number of longitudinal bars required in a circular reinforced concrete column is:

* For a circular reinforced concrete column, a minimum of 6 longitudinal bars is required to ensure
adequate reinforcement and load distribution.

95) For a concrete mix, the slump value is observed to be zero. This indicates:

* A slump value of zero indicates very low workability, meaning the concrete is very stiff and may not
be suitable for areas requiring easy placement and compaction.

96) The addition of admixtures like plasticizers to a concrete mix primarily:

* Plasticizers are chemical admixtures added to concrete to increase its workability without adding
more water. This allows for easier placement and compaction of the concrete.

97) The presence of fines (fine aggregates) in the concrete mix:

* The presence of fines in the mix helps to fill voids between larger aggregate particles, reducing
segregation and contributing to a more cohesive and workable mix.

98) Which of the following is the main reason for providing contraction joints in concrete pavements?

* Contraction joints are provided in concrete pavements to control shrinkage cracks that occur as the
concrete dries and shrinks.

99) Which of the following admixtures is used to improve the workability of concrete without increasing
water content?

*Superplasticizers are high-range water reducers that improve the workability of concrete without the
need to add extra water, thus maintaining the strength of the concrete.

100) The main function of coarse aggregates in concrete is to:

* Coarse aggregates provide bulk, volume, and strength to the concrete mix. They also help reduce the
cost of concrete by replacing some of the cement content.
101) What is the effect of excessive water in the concrete mix?

* Excessive water in the concrete mix can lead to increased porosity, which weakens the concrete and
reduces its compressive strength.

102) To increase the strength of concrete at an early age, which type of admixture is typically used?

* Accelerators are used to speed up the setting and hardening of concrete, thereby increasing its early
strength development.

103) The moisture content of aggregates in concrete affects:

*The moisture content of aggregates affects both the workability and strength of concrete. Excess
moisture can lead to over-wet mixes, while insufficient moisture can cause issues with mixing and
compaction.

104) For the proper design of concrete mixes, aggregates should ideally be:

*Well-graded and clean aggregates are ideal for concrete mix design as they contribute to better
workability, strength, and durability of the concrete.

105) Which of the following is primarily used to accommodate the movement of concrete due to
temperature changes?

*Expansion joints are designed to accommodate the movement of concrete structures due to
temperature changes, preventing cracking and structural damage.

106) The key difference between a construction joint and an expansion joint is:

*Construction joints allow for the continuation of work between concrete pours, while expansion
joints are specifically designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.

107) When placing a construction joint in a concrete wall, the joint should ideally be located:

*Construction joints in concrete walls should ideally be located at points of minimum shear stress to
minimize the potential for structural weaknesses.

108) How do angular aggregates affect the workability of a concrete mix?

*Angular aggregates have sharp, irregular shapes that tend to interlock more tightly within the concrete
mix. This increased interlocking raises the friction between particles, making the concrete mix stiffer and
harder to work with, thereby reducing its workability( Decrease workability by increasing the internal
friction between particles).

109) To improve the workability of concrete without increasing the water content, one might:

* Using rounded aggregates can improve workability without the need to increase the water content, as
rounded aggregates have lower friction and allow the mix to flow more easily.
110) The primary purpose of using admixtures in concrete is to:

* Admixtures are used in concrete to modify its properties, such as setting time, workability, and
durability, to suit specific construction requirements

111) What is the primary reason for adding gypsum to cement?

* Gypsum is added to cement to control the setting time (hardening too quickly). Without gypsum,
cement would set too quickly, which would not allow adequate time for mixing, transporting, and
placing the concrete. Gypsum ensures that cement has a workable setting time.

112) The primary purpose of using fly ash in concrete is to:

*Fly ash is a pozzolanic material that improves the workability, durability, and long-term strength of
concrete. It helps reduce the heat of hydration and increases resistance to sulfate attack.

113) In the context of concrete, what does the term 'workability' refer to?

*Workability refers to how easily concrete can be mixed, transported, placed, and finished. It affects
the ease of handling and the quality of the finished concrete surface.