CE-302 Construction Materials - Jun 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, and Metamorphic rocks
   • Physical classification: Stratified, Unstratified, and Foliated rocks
   • Chemical classification: Siliceous, Argillaceous, and Calcareous rocks
   • Key specifications and suitability for construction
2. 7 Marks
   bExplain the various properties of good brick in detail.
   How to answer

   • Physical properties: uniform color, sharp edges, standard size and shape
   • Mechanical properties: compressive strength (>10.5 N/mm² for first class)
   • Durability characteristics: water absorption limit (<20%), resistance to weathering
   • Soundness, hardness, and freedom from efflorescence
3. 7 Marks
   aWhat are the various engineering properties of timber explain in detail.
   How to answer

   • Mechanical properties: compressive strength, tensile strength, bending strength, and shear strength along/across the grain
   • Physical properties: specific gravity, density, moisture content, shrinkage, and swelling
   • Durability, workability, and fire resistance
4. 7 Marks
   bWrite about various structural properties of steel .
   How to answer

   • Yield strength ($f_y$) and ultimate tensile strength ($f_u$)
   • Modulus of elasticity ($E \approx 2 \times 10^5 \text{ N/mm}^2$) and Poisson's ratio
   • Ductility and elongation percentage
   • Hardness, toughness, fatigue resistance, and weldability
5. 7 Marks
   aExplain various advantages and disadvantages of timber.
   How to answer

   • Advantages: high strength-to-weight ratio, easy workability, thermal and electrical insulation, aesthetic appeal, renewable resource
   • Disadvantages: susceptibility to decay/fungi/termites, combustible, anisotropic, hygroscopic nature causing shrinkage and swelling
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat is Aluminum and discuss its uses, properties and available forms in market.
   How to answer

   • Definition and basic characteristics of aluminum
   • Key properties: low density/lightweight, corrosion resistance, ductility, high conductivity
   • Available market forms: sheets, plates, structural sections (angles, channels), bars, tubes, foil
   • Engineering uses: doors and windows, roofing, structural frames, electrical conductors
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain clearly about Thermal and Optical properties of glass.
   How to answer

   • Thermal properties: low thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal shock resistance, annealing
   • Optical properties: refractive index, light transmission, reflectance, absorption, clarity/transparency
8. 7 Marks
   bWhat are types of plaster boards and their uses?
   How to answer

   • Types of plasterboards: Standard wallboard, moisture-resistant (green board), fire-resistant (pink board), acoustic plasterboard, insulated board
   • Applications: dry-wall partitions, false ceilings, acoustic linings, thermal insulation linings
9. 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, calcite/dolomite, high polishing ability, decorative and flooring uses (5 marks)
   • Kota stone: fine-grained limestone, non-porous, durability, common uses in flooring and corridors (5 marks)
   • Stoneware pipes: vitrified clay/ceramic, corrosion resistant, smooth interior, applications in sewage and drainage disposal (4 marks)
10. 7 Marks
    aExplain the composition of oil paints and characteristic of an ideal paints.
    How to answer

    • Composition: Base (white lead, zinc oxide), Vehicle (linseed oil), Pigment (color), Drier (litharge), Thinner (turpentine)
    • Characteristics of ideal paint: uniform spread, good covering power, smooth finish, durability against atmospheric actions, quick drying without cracking
11. 7 Marks
    bWrite short notes on French Polish and Wax polish.
    How to answer

    • French Polish: Shellac dissolved in methylated spirit, gives high-gloss finish to timber, application technique and vulnerability to heat/alcohol
    • Wax Polish: Beeswax dissolved in turpentine, provides satin/matte natural finish, water repellent, application and maintenance
12. 14 Marks
    Briefly discuss with specifications on following terms a) Distempers b) Varnish
    How to answer

    • Distempers: powdered chalk/base mixed with water and size/glue, types (dry, oil-bound), application on plastered interior surfaces, specifications (7 marks)
    • Varnish: solution of resinous substance in oil, turpentine or alcohol; types (oil, spirit, water); forms transparent protective film over wood surfaces, specifications (7 marks)
13. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on: a) Sound proofing materials b) Chloride pipes
    How to answer

    • Sound proofing materials: porous materials, acoustic tiles, mineral wool, cork, foam panels; mechanism of sound absorption and isolation (7 marks)
    • Chloride pipes (PVC / CPVC - Polyvinyl Chloride pipes): manufacturing, properties (lightweight, non-corrosive, easy installation), uses in domestic water supply and drainage (7 marks)