BArch Bachelor of Architecture Building Materials & Construction Technology

Question 1

What is the water-to-cement (w/c) ratio's primary effect on hardened concrete?

Accepted Answer

Lower w/c ratio produces higher strength and durability

Answer

A lower water-to-cement ratio produces denser, stronger concrete because excess water creates voids (capillary pores) that reduce strength and increase permeability.

Question 2

Which roofing membrane system consists of multiple layers of bitumen-saturated felts bonded with hot asphalt or coal tar?

Accepted Answer

Built-up roofing (BUR)

Answer

Built-up roofing (BUR) is a traditional flat roof system composed of alternating layers of bituminous felts and hot mopped asphalt or coal tar, topped with aggregate.

Question 3

In masonry construction, what is the purpose of a weep hole at the base of a cavity wall?

Accepted Answer

Allow water that enters the cavity to drain out

Answer

Weep holes are small openings left in mortar joints at the base of cavity walls to allow moisture that infiltrates the cavity to drain to the exterior.

Question 4

Gypsum board (drywall) achieves its fire-resistant properties primarily because:

Accepted Answer

It contains chemically combined water that absorbs heat when released

Answer

Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) contains about 21% chemically combined water by weight; when exposed to fire, this water is driven off as steam, absorbing heat and delaying temperature rise.

Question 5

What is the primary difference between tempered glass and laminated glass in terms of failure behavior?

Accepted Answer

Tempered glass shatters into small cubes; laminated glass holds together in a sheet

Answer

Tempered glass is heat-strengthened and, when broken, shatters into small, relatively blunt cubes; laminated glass has a PVB interlayer that holds broken pieces together.

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Building Materials & Construction Technology