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1.

Which seismic code states the Indian standard guidelines for repair and seismic strengthening of the buildings?(a) IS 1893(b) IS 1897(c) IS 1390, 1998(d) IS 13935, 1993This question was addressed to me in an internship interview.My doubt is from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings topic in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» RIGHT option is (d) IS 13935, 1993

Best explanation: IS 13935, 1993 states the Indian standard guidelines for repair and seismic strengthening of the buildings. The REGULATIONS in these standards ensure that the structures can RESPOND to the EARTHQUAKE shakings to the possible extent.
2.

The instrument which is used to measure the earthquake shaking is called _______(a) Seismograph(b) Anemometer(c) Barometer(d) NomographI got this question in an online quiz.This intriguing question comes from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) Seismograph

The explanation is: The instrument which is used to measure the EARTHQUAKE SHAKING is called seismograph. There are THREE components of a seismograph. These are the RECORDER, the sensor and the timer.

3.

The speed of P-waves in granite is ________(a) 0.5 cm/sec(b) 0.5 km/sec(c) 1.8 cm/sec(d) 1.8 km/secThe question was posed to me in an international level competition.This intriguing question originated from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings topic in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT ANSWER is (d) 1.8 km/sec

For EXPLANATION: P-waves stand for Primary Waves and S-waves stand for Secondary Waves. The speed of P-waves in GRANITE is 1.8 km/sec while the speed of S-waves in granite in 3.0 km/sec.
4.

Earthquake force is a function of __________(a) Mass(b) Thickness(c) Length(d) BreadthThis question was posed to me during an interview.My query is from Earthquake Resistant topic in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (a) Mass

For explanation I WOULD say: Earthquake force is a function of mass. Because of this fact, it is RECOMMENDED that the building should be as light as POSSIBLE. Roofs and upper STOREYS of BUILDINGS should also be designed as light as possible.

5.

The first formal seismic code in India is _________(a) IS 1893(b) IS 1920(c) IS 1937(d) IS 1993This question was posed to me in my homework.My doubt stems from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct option is (a) IS 1893

To elaborate: The FIRST FORMAL SEISMIC code in India is IS 1893. This code was published in 1962. Seismic CODES are unique to a specific country or region.

6.

According to the Indian Standard considerations, the most severe earthquake effects are ________(a) DBE(b) DBS(c) MSE(d) MCEThe question was asked during a job interview.This is a very interesting question from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings topic in chapter Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (d) MCE

For explanation I WOULD SAY: According to the Indian STANDARD considerations, the most severe earthquake effects is MCE. MCE STANDS for the maximum considered earthquake.

7.

Which of the following instruments is used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake?(a) Seismograph(b) Speedometer(c) Ammeter(d) Richter scaleThis question was posed to me during a job interview.My question is taken from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The CORRECT CHOICE is (d) Richter scale

For explanation: Richter scale is used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake. Magnitude of an earthquake refers to the QUANTITATIVE measure of the actual size of an earthquake. Therefore, the magnitude of an earthquake is a number that is a measure of the energy released in the earthquake.

8.

In viscous dampers, energy gets absorbed by _______ fluid which passes between the piston-cylinder arrangement.(a) Aluminium-based(b) Iron-based(c) Silicone-based(d) Copper-basedThis question was posed to me in an internship interview.This key question is from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) Silicone-based

To elaborate: There are two technologies to protect buildings from the effects of earthquakes – SEISMIC DAMPERS and base isolation devices. Various types of seismic dampers used are VISCOUS dampers, yielding dampers and friction dampers. In viscous dampers, energy gets ABSORBED by silicone-based fluid which passes between the piston-cylinder arrangement.

9.

The earthquakes which occur along the boundaries of the tectonic plates are known as __________(a) Inter-Plate Earthquakes(b) Intra-Plate Earthquakes(c) Internal earthquakes(d) External earthquakesThe question was asked in exam.My doubt stems from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»
10.

The four-storeyed building of Bhuj Hospital was built after the __________(a) 2001 Bhuj earthquake(b) 1996 Bhuj earthquake(c) 2006 Bhuj earthquake(d) 1893 Bhuj earthquakeThis question was addressed to me in an international level competition.This interesting question is from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings topic in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) 2001 Bhuj earthquake

To explain: The four-storeyed building of Bhuj HOSPITAL was BUILT after the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. It was built using the BASE isolation technique. The idea BEHIND this technique is to isolate the building from the GROUND in a way to avoid the transmission of earthquake motions up through the building.

11.

A spiral column should be preferred if the axial load is greater than ________ times the balanced axial load.(a) 0.25(b) 0.4(c) 0.85(d) 0.96I had been asked this question in unit test.Question is taken from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»
12.

While considering the design of R.C. buildings for providing ductility, the minimum grade of concrete limited by the Indian Code is _________(a) M 10(b) M 20(c) M 35(d) M 50I have been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.Question is taken from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings in chapter Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (b) M 20

Easiest explanation: While considering the design of R.C. buildings for providing ductility, the minimum grade of CONCRETE limited by the Indian Code is M 20. The higher grade of concrete leads to a lower ULTIMATE compressive strain which results in a reduction in ductility.

13.

The depth of the focus from the epicentre is known as __________(a) Shock depth(b) Epicentre depth(c) Focal depth(d) Earthquake depthI have been asked this question in homework.My query is from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT CHOICE is (c) Focal depth

For EXPLANATION I would say: The point which is vertically above the focus on the surface of the earth is called the epicentre. The depth of the focus from the epicentre is known as focal depth. It is an essential parameter to DETERMINE the damaging POTENTIAL of an earthquake.
14.

While considering the design of R.C. buildings for providing ductility, IS codes prohibit the steel grade greater than _________(a) Fe 250(b) Fe 320(c) Fe 415(d) Fe 550I had been asked this question in an interview for job.Origin of the question is Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings topic in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (c) FE 415

To EXPLAIN: While considering the design of R.C. buildings for providing ductility, IS codes PROHIBIT the steel grade greater than Fe 415. It should be kept in mind that relatively low-grade steel should be preferred.

15.

It is desirable to design the RC frame in a way that the plastic hinges are formed in the columns than in beams.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question at a job interview.I need to ask this question from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (b) False

Best EXPLANATION: It is desirable to DESIGN the RC frame in a way that the plastic HINGES are formed in the beams than in the COLUMNS. This is because only localized failure takes place due to the collapse of a beam while due to the collapse of a column, global failure OCCURS.

16.

Inertia forces generated by the earthquake shakings primarily develop at the floor of the building.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.I want to ask this question from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) True

To EXPLAIN: Inertia forces GENERATED by the earthquake shakings primarily develop at the floor of the building. This is because most of the MASS of the building is present at the floor levels. These inertia forces travel downwards through BEAMS and slabs to walls and columns and then to the foundations from where they are finally dispersed to the ground.

17.

Masonry bearing walls should not be built of height greater than _________ subject to a maximum of four storeys when measured from the mean ground level to the ride level during the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings.(a) 15 metres(b) 30 metres(c) 60 metres(d) 75 metresThis question was addressed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.Query is from Earthquake Resistant topic in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) 15 metres

The explanation: MASONRY bearing walls should not be built of HEIGHT greater than 15 metres subject to a maximum of four storeys when MEASURED from the mean ground level to the ride level during the CONSTRUCTION of earthquake-resistant buildings. As far as possible, the bearing walls should be SYMMETRICAL in the plan in both the directions.

18.

The window and door openings increase the lateral load resistance of the walls.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.The doubt is from Earthquake Resistant topic in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right OPTION is (b) False

To explain I would SAY: The window and DOOR openings reduce the LATERAL load resistance of the walls. Therefore, they should be more centrally located and should PREFERABLY be small.

19.

According to the recommendations of IS 13920: 1993, the thickness of any part of the wall should not be less than __________(a) 50 mm(b) 100 mm(c) 150 mm(d) 200 mmI have been asked this question during an interview for a job.This intriguing question comes from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (c) 150 mm

To explain I would SAY: According to the recommendations of IS 13920: 1993, the THICKNESS of any part of the wall should not be less than 150 mm. The requirements of this section apply to the SHEAR walls that are a part of the lateral force-resisting system of the structure.

20.

The inner core of the earth consists of light materials while the crust is solid and comprises of heavy metals.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me in final exam.I need to ask this question from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (B) False

Easy explanation: The crust of the earth consists of light materials while its inner core is SOLID and comprises of HEAVY metals. The heavy metals include NICKEL and iron while the light materials include granites and basalts.

21.

The design of the projecting parts during the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings should be per ________(a) IS 1833: 2000(b) IS 1873: 2001(c) IS 1893: 2002(d) IS 1993: 2004This question was posed to me in an internship interview.I would like to ask this question from Earthquake Resistant topic in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (c) IS 1893: 2002

To explain I would SAY: During the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, projecting parts should be avoided as far as possible. In CASE, they cannot be avoided then the design of the projecting parts should be per IS 1893: 2002.

22.

The system which comprises of the reinforced concrete column and connecting beams is known as __________(a) RC frame(b) RC shutter(c) RC style(d) RC hingeI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My enquiry is from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) RC frame

For explanation: The SYSTEM which comprises of the reinforced concrete column and CONNECTING beams is known as RC frame. A typical RC building is made of both VERTICAL and horizontal members. The horizontal members are the beams and slabs while the vertical members are the columns and WALLS.

23.

The full form of DBE is _________(a) Depth basis earthquake(b) Depth breadth earthquake(c) Design basis earthquake(d) Design breadth earthquakeI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.This intriguing question originated from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct option is (C) Design basis earthquake

The best explanation: The full FORM of DBE is depth basis earthquake. DBE is defined as an earthquake that can be reasonably EXPECTED to occur at least one time during the LIFE of the structure.

24.

Where the masonry is provided with steel reinforcing bars, the bars should be embedded with adequate cover in cement concrete of grade _________(a) M 5(b) M 10(c) M 35(d) M 15I had been asked this question during an interview for a job.My enquiry is from Earthquake Resistant topic in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (d) M 15

Explanation: Where the masonry is provided with steel reinforcing BARS, the bars should be EMBEDDED with adequate cover in cement concrete of grade M 15. This is done to achieve corrosion RESISTANCE and a good bond.
25.

During the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, ceiling plaster should be avoided. In case it cannot be avoided, it should be as thick as possible.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in an online quiz.I need to ask this question from Earthquake Resistant topic in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct option is (B) False

The best I can EXPLAIN: During the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, ceiling plaster should be avoided. In case it cannot be avoided, it should be as THIN as possible. The suspended ceiling should also be avoided as FAR as possible.

26.

The maximum acceleration which is experienced by the ground during shaking is known as ________(a) Shaking acceleration(b) Sky acceleration(c) Peak ground acceleration(d) Radar accelerationThe question was asked in homework.My doubt is from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (C) Peak ground acceleration

The best I can EXPLAIN: The maximum acceleration which is experienced by the ground during shaking is KNOWN as peak ground acceleration. It is a way to quantify the SEVERITY of the ground shaking.

27.

Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale ranges from _________(a) I-XII(b) I-V(c) I-IX(d) I-VIIIThe question was posed to me in a job interview.Asked question is from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings topic in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (a) I-XII

Explanation: Intensity of earthquakes is assigned as Roman Capital NUMERALS. There two intensity scales commonly used are the MSK scale and the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. Both these scales range from I-XII, with I corresponding to the least perceptive and XII corresponding to the most severe.

28.

Which of the following waves has the highest velocity?(a) S-waves(b) Love waves(c) P-waves(d) Rayleigh wavesI have been asked this question at a job interview.Origin of the question is Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (c) P-WAVES

Easiest explanation: There are two types of seismic waves. These are surface waves and BODY waves. Surface waves CONSIST of Rayleigh waves and Love waves while the body waves consist of S-waves and P-waves. The waves having the HIGHEST velocity are the P-waves. The decreasing ORDER of velocity of others is S-waves, Love waves and Rayleigh waves.

29.

The width of the reinforced concrete band is taken the same as the __________ of the wall.(a) Thickness(b) Height(c) Mass(d) LengthThe question was asked in an online interview.I need to ask this question from Earthquake Resistant topic in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (a) Thickness

To explain I WOULD SAY: The width of the REINFORCED CONCRETE band is taken the same as the thickness of the wall. The thickness of the wall should be 200 mm minimum.

30.

The earthquakes which occur within the tectonic plate itself away from the plate boundaries are known as __________(a) Internal earthquakes(b) External earthquakes(c) Intra-Plate Earthquakes(d) Inter-Plate EarthquakesThis question was posed to me in a national level competition.This intriguing question originated from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings topic in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (c) Intra-Plate Earthquakes

To EXPLAIN: The earthquakes which occur within the tectonic plate itself away from the plate boundaries are known as Intra-Plate Earthquakes. An EXAMPLE of this TYPE of earthquake is the Latur earthquake of 1993.
31.

Base isolation technique was first demonstrated in India after the ________(a) 2005 Kashmir earthquake(b) 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake(c) 1993 Killari earthquake(d) 1950 Assam earthquakeThe question was posed to me in quiz.This is a very interesting question from Earthquake Resistant R.C. Buildings topic in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The CORRECT OPTION is (c) 1993 Killari EARTHQUAKE

Explanation: Base isolation technique was first DEMONSTRATED in India after the 1993 Killari earthquake. This technique is used for protecting the buildings from damaging earthquake effects.

32.

The concrete used in coastal areas during the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings should be of grade __________(a) M 10(b) M 15(c) M 20(d) M 35The question was posed to me during an internship interview.This interesting question is from Earthquake Resistant in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT ANSWER is (c) M 20

Best explanation: The CONCRETE used in coastal areas during the CONSTRUCTION of earthquake-resistant buildings should be of GRADE M 20. Also, the filling mortar should be of the ratio 1:3.
33.

The vertical thickness of the reinforced concrete band should be _______ minimum where four longitudinal bars are specified.(a) 75 mm(b) 100 mm(c) 150 mm(d) 180 mmI got this question during a job interview.My doubt stems from Earthquake Resistant in portion Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) 150 MM

Easiest explanation: The vertical THICKNESS of the reinforced CONCRETE band should be 150 mm minimum where FOUR bars are specified. However, it should be 75 mm where bars are specified, one on each face.

34.

During the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, it should be kept in mind that those solid concrete blocks should be used which have crushing strength not lesser than _________(a) 10 MPa(b) 20 MPa(c) 35 MPa(d) 60 MPaThis question was addressed to me in an interview for internship.The origin of the question is Earthquake Resistant topic in chapter Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» RIGHT answer is (c) 35 MPa

The best I can EXPLAIN: During the construction of earthquake-resistant BUILDINGS, it should be kept in mind that those solid concrete blocks should be used which have crushing strength not lesser than 35 MPa. However, depending on the thickness of walls and the number of STOREYS, masonry units of higher strength may be required.
35.

Indian standard criteria for earthquake resistant design of structures (first part, fifth revision) is stated by ____________(a) IS 1899, 2000(b) IS 1894, 2000(c) IS 1893, 2002(d) IS 1896, 2001The question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Query is from Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in division Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right choice is (C) IS 1893, 2002

Explanation: INDIAN standard criteria for earthquake resistant design of structures (first part, fifth REVISION) is stated by IS 1893, 2002. And, Indian standard CODE of practice for earthquake resistant design and construction of buildings (second revision) is stated by IS 4326, 1993.