CE-302 Construction Materials - Dec 2023 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aExplain the classification of stones in detail with specifications.
   How to answer

   • Geological classification: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic
   • Physical classification: Stratified, Unstratified, Foliated
   • Chemical classification: Siliceous, Argillaceous, Calcareous
   • Engineering specifications (compressive strength, water absorption, durability)
2. 7 Marks
   bClearly explain the manufacturing process of Brick along with its characteristics.
   How to answer

   • Preparation of clay/brick earth (unsoiling, digging, weathering, blending, tempering)
   • Moulding (hand moulding and machine moulding)
   • Drying of green bricks
   • Burning in clamps or kilns (Hoffman's, Bull's trench)
   • Key characteristics of good quality bricks (color, shape, hardness, sound, water absorption)
3. 7 Marks
   aWhat are the various engineering properties of timber.
   How to answer

   • Mechanical properties: Compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, bending strength
   • Physical properties: Density, specific gravity, moisture content, shrinkage and swelling
   • Thermal and electrical conductivity
   • Fire resistance and acoustic properties
4. 7 Marks
   bWrite about various structural properties of steel.
   How to answer

   • Tensile strength and yield strength ($f_y$ and $f_u$)
   • Modulus of elasticity ($E \approx 2 \times 10^5 \text{ N/mm}^2$)
   • Ductility and elongation percentage
   • Hardness, toughness, fatigue resistance
   • Weldability and corrosion resistance
5. 7 Marks
   aExplain various defects in timber and justify the engineering properties of timber.
   How to answer

   • Defects due to natural forces: Knots, shakes (star, cup, ring, heart), rindgalls, twisted fibers
   • Defects due to fungi: Dry rot, wet rot
   • Defects due to seasoning: Warping, checking, splits, bow, cup
   • Impact of these defects on strength, durability, and workability of timber
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat is the need of wood Substitutes and what are applications of wood products?
   How to answer

   • Need for wood substitutes: Deforestation concerns, high cost of timber, environmental conservation, susceptibility to decay/termites
   • Types of engineered wood/substitutes: Plywood, blockboard, particle board, MDF, laminates
   • Applications: Doors, windows, formwork, furniture, interior paneling, false ceilings
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain clearly about thermal and optical properties of glass.
   How to answer

   • Thermal properties: Thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, heat insulation (U-value), thermal stress resistance
   • Optical properties: Visible light transmission (VLT), light reflection, absorption, refractive index, shading coefficient
   • Applications in energy-efficient buildings (low-e glass)
8. 7 Marks
   bWhat are types of plaster boards are there and give their uses?
   How to answer

   • Definition of plaster board (gypsum plasterboard)
   • Types: Standard wallboard, Moisture-resistant plasterboard, Fire-resistant plasterboard, Soundproof/Acoustic plasterboard, Impact-resistant board
   • Uses: Partition walls, false ceilings, lining of walls, thermal and acoustic insulation
9. 14 Marks
   Write in detail short notes on following materials a) Types of Roofing b) Types of Flooring c) Asbestos pipes
   How to answer

   • Types of Roofing: Pitched/sloped roofs (gable, hip, shed), flat roofs, curved roofs; roofing coverings (tiles, sheets, shingles)
   • Types of Flooring: Mud, brick, cement concrete, mosaic/terrazzo, tiled, marble, granite, timber flooring
   • Asbestos pipes: Manufacturing from asbestos fiber and cement, properties (lightweight, anti-corrosive), uses (drainage, rainwater, ventilation)
10. 14 Marks
    Write in detail short notes on following materials a) Marble b) Kota stone c) Stone ware pipes
    How to answer

    • Marble: Metamorphic rock formed from limestone, high polishing ability, aesthetic appeal, structural and architectural uses
    • Kota stone: Fine-grained sedimentary limestone, hard, non-porous, non-slip, widespread use in flooring and exterior paving
    • Stoneware pipes: Ceramic vitrified clay pipes, highly resistant to chemical corrosion, smooth interior, primarily used for underground drainage and sewerage
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain the composition of oil paints and characteristic of an ideal paints.
    How to answer

    • Components of oil paint: Base (white lead, zinc white), Vehicle/binder (linseed oil), Pigment (coloring matter), Drier (litharge), Thinner/solvent (turpentine)
    • Characteristics of ideal paint: High hiding/covering power, uniform spread, good drying rate, durable, weather-resistant, non-cracking, economical
12. 7 Marks
    bWrite short notes on French Polish and Wax polish.
    How to answer

    • French Polish: Composition (spirit varnish, shellac dissolved in methylated spirit), application technique, glossy transparent finish, suitable for fine woodwork
    • Wax Polish: Composition (beeswax dissolved in turpentine), matte/semi-gloss sheen, application, protection against moisture, easy maintenance
13. 14 Marks
    Briefly discuss with exact specifications on following terms: i) Bitumen ii) Ultra poly Vinyl
    How to answer

    • Bitumen: Definition, source (fractional distillation of crude petroleum), specifications (penetration test, ductility, softening point, viscosity grades VG-10/20/30/40), uses in road construction and waterproofing
    • Ultra poly Vinyl (uPVC / unplasticized polyvinyl chloride): Chemical nature, physical properties (rigidity, chemical and UV resistance), exact engineering specifications and applications in plumbing pipes, window frames, and exterior profiles