Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

The word Plinth is derived from ___________(a) Latin(b) Greek(c) Spanish(d) PolishI have been asked this question in final exam.The doubt is from Components in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (b) Greek

To explain: In architecture, a PLINTH (from Greek plinthos, “brick”) is the base or platform upon which a column, pedestal, STATUE, MONUMENT or STRUCTURE RESTS.

2.

The height of the Plinth should not be less than __________(a) 45 cm(b) 20 cm(c) 1 m(d) 500 cmI have been asked this question during an internship interview.My question is based upon Components topic in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (a) 45 cm

The best I can explain: According to Indian STANDARDS, the minimum height for the PLINTH is 45 cm. The height of the plinth depends upon architectural elevation, ground LEVEL, highest flood level, etc.
3.

What should be the average height of plinth?(a) 300-500 m(b) 1-2 m(c) 300-450 mm(d) 50-100 mmThe question was posed to me during an online interview.Question is taken from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right choice is (c) 300-450 mm

Easy EXPLANATION: GENERALLY the PLINTH level is provided at about 300 to 400 mm above finished ground level. It is suggested that plinth level should be decided by considering the top level of the ground and HENCE considering the level.

4.

_________ is a flexible material which is commonly used for the damp proofing.(a) Hot bitumen(b) Bituminous felts(c) Mastic asphalt(d) Metal sheetsThis question was posed to me in an interview.Origin of the question is Components in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT answer is (a) Hot bitumen

For explanation: Due to its PHYSICAL nature, hot bitumen remain flexible even after cooling and it is placed on the bedding of concrete or mortar. This material should be applied with a MINIMUM thickness of 3 mm. WHEREAS Mastic Asphalt is a semi rigid material and it forms and excellent impervious LAYER for damp proofing.
5.

In architecture, a _________ is generally the lower horizontal surface of a room, and/or the supporting structure underneath it.(a) Sill(b) Basement(c) Ramp(d) FloorI got this question during an online interview.My enquiry is from Components topic in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (d) FLOOR

Best explanation: A floor typically consists of a support structure called a sub-floor on the top of which is laid a floor COVERING to provide a WORKING surface. The floor is ACTUALLY constructed above the plinth.

6.

_________ is known as Substructure of the building.(a) Plinth(b) Trenches(c) Foundation(d) FootingI have been asked this question in an interview for job.This interesting question is from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (c) Foundation

Best explanation: Superstructure is the part of the BUILDING CONSTRUCTED about the plinth LEVEL. Foundation, plinth, BASEMENT, GROUND level, etc. comes under Superstructure.

7.

When the ground is sloping _____________ foundations are used to correct the levels of the sloping ground on which the building is to be constructed.(a) Shallow foundation(b) Combined foundation(c) Cantilever foundation(d) Steeped foundationThis question was posed to me in an interview for job.My question is from Components in portion Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»
8.

______ is the top most part of building which provides covering to the entire assembly and the occupants.(a) Roof(b) Ceiling(c) Coping(d) Parapet wallI had been asked this question in an internship interview.The origin of the question is Components in portion Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (a) ROOF

To elaborate: Roof is one of the most important building structures which provides safety and protect occupants from SUN light, storms and RAIN. Basic TYPES of a room DESIGNS are Flat roof, Shed roof, Gable roof, Hip roof, etc.

9.

Which type of foundation is used for the construction of building on black cotton soil?(a) Inverted arch foundation(b) Floating foundation(c) Mat foundation(d) Grillage foundationThis question was addressed to me in an interview for internship.My question is from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct answer is (C) Mat FOUNDATION

To explain: Black cotton soil is clay or loose type of soil and is considerably swells and SHRINKS by variation in moisture content. The variation in the volume of the soil is to the extent of 20 to 30% of the original volume. Hence, Raft Foundation or Mat Foundation plays important role in UNIFORM distribution of a LOAD of structure over black cotton soil.

10.

The termite, which are responsible for the destruction of wooden materials, are popularly known as _______(a) Red ants(b) White ants(c) Black ants(d) Big antsThe question was posed to me in homework.My query is from Components topic in chapter Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT choice is (b) White ants

Best EXPLANATION: There are over 2300 species of termites but only about 4% of the termite spaces are responsible for the damage of the buildings. The termites live in a colony and they are very fast in eating WOODEN and other cellulosic materials as food.
11.

__________ is special material used to make sure that no moisture leaks in those areas of a roof that are particularly vulnerable to penetration.(a) Dampers(b) Flashing(c) Ceramic(d) WaxThe question was posed to me in exam.This interesting question is from Components in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (b) Flashing

For explanation I would say: Flashing is a STRIP of metal used to STOP water penetrating the junction of a roof with another surface. Areas where flashing is commonly used: where ROOFS meet walls, wherever the roof is pierced by a Chimney, SKYLIGHT, air or plumbing vent.

12.

_______ is the part of building constructed above the plinth level.(a) Superstructure(b) Substructure(c) Foundation(d) PlinthThe question was asked in final exam.Enquiry is from Components topic in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Superstructure

For explanation I would SAY: Superstructure is constructed of above the plinth level which CONSISTS of RCC walls and COLUMNS, upper floors, sills, Lintels, etc. Whereas, substructure is a part of building constructed below the plinth level which consists of FOUNDATION plinth, etc.

13.

The part of the building above the ground level and up to the floor level immediately above the ground is known as __________(a) Plinth area(b) Formation level(c) Ground level(d) PlinthI have been asked this question in a national level competition.I need to ask this question from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (d) Plinth

For explanation: Plinth is THEREFORE DEFINED as the PORTION of the structure between the SURFACE of the surrounding ground and surface of the floor, immediately above the ground. Plinth is an important component of BUILDING which prevents crawling animals, water and other insects from coming inside the building.

14.

The process in which the difference of temperature between the outside air and the inside air tends to the deposition of moisture on the room surfaces is known as ____________(a) Saturation(b) Accumulation(c) Precipitation(d) CondensationThis question was addressed to me in examination.The question is from Components in chapter Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (d) Condensation

To ELABORATE: The TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE which leads to condensation can be effectively controlled by the PROVISION of suitable ventilation of a room.

15.

Construction of cavity walls as external walls to protect the building from the outside heat or cold as the hollow space between two walls act as an ________(a) Burning material(b) Insulating material(c) Destructive material(d) Building materialI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.This interesting question is from Components topic in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) INSULATING material

Explanation: Properly insulated building cuts down the cost of electric BURNING in summer as WELL as in winter. Cavity walls are one of the types of THERMAL insulation which consists of two walls with cavity in between them.

16.

The treatment given to the roof of a building to prevent the roof from the leakage of water is known as _________(a) Fire proofing(b) Damp proofing(c) Termite proofing(d) Sound proofingI have been asked this question in an internship interview.The above asked question is from Components topic in portion Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»
17.

In old times, the construction of superstructure was done by using _________ building material.(a) Rubber(b) Bamboo(c) Mud(d) TimberThe question was asked during an internship interview.Origin of the question is Components topic in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) Timber

To ELABORATE: Timber floor consists of Plank of wood with 25 mm thickness which is supported by joist with size of 50 mm×75 mm to 100 mm. Timber was most preferred building MATERIAL as compared to bamboo as Timber was CHEAP and easily available.
18.

________ are structural members design to carry and transfer transverse loads across space to support elements.(a) Beams(b) Columns(c) Lintels(d) SillsI got this question in class test.This question is from Components in portion Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) Beams

Explanation: A beam is a structural element that is capable of WITHSTANDING load primarily by resisting BENDING. The bending FORCE introduced into the MATERIAL of the bean as a result of external loads, own weight and external reactions to these loads is called a bending moment.

19.

In a market area, the plinth area should not exceed __________ of the area of site.(a) 75%(b) 25%(c) 95%(d) 55%I got this question in an interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Components in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (a) 75%

To explain: As per regulations, the PLINTH area should not exceed 75% of the area of commercial SITES, provided sufficient off-street parking facilities for loading and UNLOADING of vehicles are provided on the same plot as the BUILDING.

20.

________ is applied to the process of laying down certain lines and marks on the ground before the excavation of foundation trenches.(a) Ground tracing(b) Surveying(c) Dumpy level(d) DiggingI got this question during an interview for a job.My question comes from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (a) Ground TRACING

The EXPLANATION is: The sitting out or Ground tracing is mainly done for two purposes- firstly, the excavation of foundation trenches can be started immediately after this process is completed and secondly, the lines and marks ESTABLISHED by this process serve as a GUIDE.

21.

In architecture _________ refers to such super-structural element that also has certain proportional and decorative features.(a) Beam(b) Column(c) Lintels(d) SillsThis question was addressed to me during an interview.This intriguing question comes from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct choice is (B) Column

For explanation: Early columns were constructed of stone, some out of a single piece of stone, usually by turning on a lathe-like apparatus. Single piece columns are among the heaviest STONES used in ARCHITECTURE. MODERN columns are constructed out of STEEL, precast concrete, or brick.

22.

Foundations are more susceptible to ____________(a) Settlement(b) Corrosion(c) Fracture(d) ShocksThe question was asked in unit test.The above asked question is from Components in chapter Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (a) Settlement

To explain I would SAY: SETTLEMENTS is most commonly seen in foundation which are within the PERMISSIBLE limits, WITHOUT causing cracks in the superstructure and SOIL does not fail in shear.

23.

The ____________ provides support to the occupants, furniture, fixtures and equipments of a building.(a) Plinth(b) Ramp(c) Floor(d) LiftsI had been asked this question during an online interview.Asked question is from Components topic in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (c) FLOOR

The explanation: Different floors divide the building in two different LEVELS to PROVIDE more accommodation on a given plot of LAND. The floor of a building immediately above the GROUND is known as the ground floor.

24.

The part of a building constructed below ground level is known as _________(a) Plinth(b) Superstructure(c) Basement(d) FoundationThis question was addressed to me during a job interview.My question comes from Components topic in portion Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) Foundation

Best explanation: Foundation is laid below the ground level and it is in DIRECT contact with sub-strata and transmits all the loads to the sub-soil. The STRUCTURE below the ground level is also KNOWN as Substructure or Foundation (excluding plinth).
25.

The foundation in which the loading on the soil remains practically the same after the construction of the building is known as _______(a) Step foundation(b) Grillage foundation(c) Raft foundation(d) Inverted arch foundationThis question was addressed to me in quiz.This intriguing question comes from Components in portion Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (b) Grillage FOUNDATION

To elaborate: Grillage foundation or Floating foundation is so adjusted that the weight of the EXCAVATED earth is just equal to the total LOAD of the building. In such a case, the SETTLEMENT is REDUCED to a minimum extent.

26.

If the foundation of the structure is to be divided into two or more independent units ________ are provided to take care of unequal settlement.(a) Construction joints(b) Mechanical joints(c) Slip joints(d) Connecting jointsThe question was posed to me in an online interview.The question is from Components in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct option is (c) Slip joints

To explain: Slip joints are SITUATED on the BOUNDARY of independent units and they help in localising the effect of unequal SETTLEMENT in affected portion of the STRUCTURE only.

27.

Fire extinguisher extinguishes the small fires in the house bye using ___________(a) Carbon dioxide(b) Nitrogen gas(c) Water(d) FoamI had been asked this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.My question is taken from Components in chapter Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Carbon dioxide

For explanation: Standards of fire SAFETY or fire extinguishers are SPECIFIED in the BUILDING CODE should be provided with sufficient and QUICK fire exit. Fire extinguishers are one of the important building requirements which helps in extinguishing small fires.

28.

__________ in a building means the free passage of clean air in a building.(a) Habitation(b) Protection(c) Sanitation(d) VentilationI had been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.Enquiry is from Components in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) Ventilation

The explanation is: Ventilation is essential in every building. The MAIN cause of insisting proper ventilation in the industrial BUILDINGS is to control dust and other impurities from entering into the building ROOMS.

29.

In order to secure superstructure from an earthquake ________ technique is most preferred and used worldwide.(a) Reinforcement(b) Base Isolation(c) Energy Dissipation(d) Sesmic DampersThis question was addressed to me in my homework.I'd like to ask this question from Components topic in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (b) Base Isolation

Best EXPLANATION: Base Isolation technique separates the building from the building foundation by WEARING pads. It consists of lead rubber bearing or spherical sliding isolation system. In case of an earthquake, fix base building deform and damaged, whereas base isolated building ROCKS back and forth LIKE a boat and reduce the shock by 60%.

30.

________ is the structural method to maintain the favourable room temperature in every season of the year.(a) Condensation(b) Damping(c) Air conditioning(d) InsulationThe question was asked in my homework.This key question is from Components topic in chapter Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) Insulation

Easy explanation: Because HOT AIR rises,roof LOSE more heat than walls and does require greater degree of insulation. There is a MULTITUDE of different locations for the insulation in a roof such as resting above ceiling, ATTACHED between rafters, between substrate and roofing, etc.

31.

Which one of the given below is a chemical insecticide for termite proofing?(a) Dieldrin(b) Sulphuric acid(c) Rodenticide(d) PyrethrinsI had been asked this question in final exam.This interesting question is from Components topic in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (a) Dieldrin

The best I can EXPLAIN: Dieldrin is a chlorinated hydrocarbon. The application of this chemical serve as a chemical barrier between the building and the ground and this method has proved to be most effective method of termite PROOFING. WHEREAS, Rodenticide is used for killing RATS.

32.

The science which deals with the sound insulation in a building is known as ___________(a) Reverberation(b) Transmission(c) Acoustic(d) Air borneI have been asked this question at a job interview.The query is from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (c) Acoustic

The best I can explain: The terms sound INSULATION all soundproofing is used to INDICATE the reduction in the level of sound when it passes through a building component. ACOUSTICS BECOMES very essential in some buildings like cinema hall, Auditorium,Opera House, etc.

33.

For loose soil, the formula used to find the minimum depth of foundation is given by _______(a) Rankine’s formula(b) Hiley formula(c) Bernoulli’s formula(d) Newtonian formulaThis question was posed to me during an online interview.My question is from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Rankine’s formula

The explanation: The depth of foundations can also be obtained by drawing the lines of angles 45 DEGREES and 60 degrees from the base of the foundation TOWARDS ground LEVEL. Hence to SIMPLIFY the method, Rankine formula is used.

34.

The built up area measured and the plinth level is known as __________(a) Total area(b) Plinth area(c) Plot area(d) Floor areaI had been asked this question in an interview for job.My query is from Components topic in chapter Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT choice is (b) Plinth area

Explanation: Plinth area is NOTHING but the build-up covered area MEASURED at the floor LEVEL.
35.

A common footing provided for two or more columns is known as _________(a) Continues footing(b) Combined footing(c) Cantilever footing(d) Eccentric footingThis question was posed to me in semester exam.This intriguing question comes from Components topic in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (b) Combined footing

To explain I would SAY: Combined footing becomes useful when an exterior column is situated NEAR the BOUNDARY line of the plot and it is not possible to PROJECT its footing symmetrically on both SIDES.

36.

_________ method of increasing the bearing power of soil becomes very useful when the load coming on the soil is practically uniform.(a) Raft foundation(b) Grillage foundation(c) Mat foundation(d) Inverted arch foundationThe question was posed to me at a job interview.My question is from Components topic in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (a) Raft foundation

The explanation is: Raft foundations are very useful in the soil which is of yielding nature that is soft CLAY or reclaimed soil. The raft is DESIGNED as an inverted RCC ROOF with uniformly distributed load of the soil pressure and SUPPORTED by walls, beams and columns.

37.

The load of the structure distributed by the foundation is __________(a) Concentrated(b) Varying(c) Uniform(d) EccentricThe question was posed to me in a national level competition.My question is based upon Components topic in section Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» RIGHT choice is (c) Uniform

Explanation: The foundation is LAID below the GROUND in such a way that a LOAD of the structure is uniformly distributed to the ground to MAKE the structure stable.
38.

__________ wall is constructed in order to support load other than its own.(a) Load supporting(b) Load distributing(c) Load bearing(d) Load releasingThis question was addressed to me in an online quiz.This intriguing question originated from Components in portion Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (c) Load bearing

Explanation: Load bearing walls support all loads before TRANSFERRING them to the FOUNDATION the wall thickness is not money not less than one break or 215 mm. This wall also uses reinforcement Steel bars to strengthen its POSITION.

39.

The portion below the plinth level is known as ____________(a) Plinth area(b) Superstructure(c) Sub-structure(d) Formation levelThis question was posed to me in an online quiz.Question is taken from Components in division Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (c) Sub-structure

For explanation: SUBSTRUCTURE or foundation is the lower portion of the building which lies below the plinth LEVEL. Substructure transmits loads of the SUPERSTRUCTURE to the supporting soil.

40.

Which gas leads to suffocation and dizziness to the occupants when an increase in its quantity in the air.(a) Carbon monoxide(b) Hydrogen(c) Nitrogen(d) Carbon dioxideThe question was asked during an interview for a job.My query is from Components in chapter Important Building Components of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (d) Carbon dioxide

To explain: If the room is not properly ventilated, there will be an EXCESSIVE quantity of carbon dioxide in the air. It is observed that breathing is difficult when the amount of carbon dioxide by volume is about 6% and a man loses consciousness when it REACHES about 10% or so.