Construction Test 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The _______ is a vertical element that runs through the center of a shutter frame.

Reveal
Style
Post
Mullion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mullion

A mullion is a vertical structural element that divides adjacent window or door units, or in this case, sections within a shutter frame. It provides support and separates the panels or glazing. A reveal is the side of an opening, a style is a vertical member forming part of a frame, and a post is a general term for a vertical support, but mullion specifically describes this dividing element in a frame.

Question 2: _______ refers to the lower half of the arch between the crown and skew back.

Haunch (Correct answer)
Springing
Soffit
Spandril

Correct answer: Haunch

The haunch of an arch refers to the lower portion of the arch, specifically the section located between the springing line (where the arch begins to curve upwards from its supports) and the crown (the highest point of the arch). This area is crucial for the arch's structural integrity, as it transfers the load to the abutments. Springing is the starting point, soffit is the underside, and spandril is the triangular space above the haunch.

Question 3: The ________ could cause an arch to collapse.

Crushing of the material
Abutments that have settled unevenly
Moving voussoirs
All of the options are correct (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the options are correct

An arch can collapse due to several factors, making 'All of the options are correct' the right answer. Crushing of the material occurs if the compressive stress exceeds the arch's material strength. Uneven settlement of the abutments (the supports at the ends of the arch) can introduce differential forces, leading to instability. Lastly, moving voussoirs (the wedge-shaped stones or bricks forming the arch) indicate a loss of interlock or excessive movement, compromising the arch's structural integrity.

Question 4: _______ refers to the outside angle between a wall's outer faces.

Quion (Correct answer)
Junction
Turn
All of the options are correct

Correct answer: Quion

A quoin (pronounced 'coin') refers to the external angle or corner of a wall or building. In masonry construction, quoins are often distinguished by being built of larger, dressed stones or bricks, or by being laid in a different pattern, to provide both structural strength and aesthetic emphasis to the corner.

Question 5: In general, a flight of stairs shouldn't have fewer than _____ steps.

1
2
3 (Correct answer)
Limitless

Correct answer: 3

In general, a flight of stairs should not have fewer than three steps. This minimum number helps to clearly define a change in level, making the stairs more discernible and safer to use. Having too few steps can create a tripping hazard, as people may not perceive the elevation change adequately.

Question 6: Buildings with multiple stories have columns that are made to withstand _______.

Live loads
Dead loads
Wind loads
All of the options are correct (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the options are correct

Columns in multi-story buildings are designed to withstand a combination of various loads, making 'All of the options are correct' the appropriate answer. They must support dead loads (weight of the building structure and permanent fixtures), live loads (variable loads like people, furniture, and equipment), and wind loads (horizontal forces exerted by wind pressure). Comprehensive design considers all these forces to ensure structural integrity.

Question 7: _______ is the form of foundation that is typically offered in soils with poor bearing capacity.

Grillage footing
Raft footing
Column footing
All of the options are correct (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the options are correct

In soils with poor bearing capacity, foundations are designed to distribute the building's load over a larger area to reduce pressure on the soil. Grillage footings use a network of steel beams, and raft (or mat) footings are large concrete slabs covering the entire building footprint, both effectively spreading the load. While column footings alone might not suffice, when designed as large spread footings or integrated into a system like a raft, they also contribute to load distribution. Therefore, all listed options represent forms of foundation typically considered for poor bearing capacity soils.

Question 8: The mortar used in load-bearing brick masonry must have a minimum strength of _______.

100 N/cm² (Correct answer)
200 N/cm²
220 N/cm²
250 N/cm²

Correct answer: 100 N/cm²

For load-bearing brick masonry, the mortar must possess sufficient compressive strength to effectively transfer loads and ensure the stability of the structure. A minimum compressive strength of 100 N/cm² (or 10 MPa) is a common requirement specified in building codes and standards. This ensures the mortar can withstand the applied stresses without crushing, maintaining the integrity of the masonry.

Question 9: The thickness of joints in header course should be ________ in stretcher course.

Equal
More
Less (Correct answer)
Equal or more

Correct answer: Less

In brick masonry, the thickness of vertical joints (perpends) in a header course is often kept slightly less than in a stretcher course. This practice can contribute to a more compact and structurally sound bond, especially when headers are used to tie different wythes of a wall together. A thinner joint in these critical bonding elements can ensure a tighter fit and more direct load transfer, enhancing the overall stability of the masonry.

Question 10: To achieve strong bonding when masonry bricks,

Bats are used when necessary.
Alternate courses' vertical junctions are maintained plumb.
High-quality bricks are used.
All of the options are correct (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the options are correct

Achieving strong bonding in masonry requires a combination of good practices. Using high-quality bricks ensures the material itself is robust. Maintaining plumb vertical junctions in alternate courses (e.g., in English or Flemish bond) is crucial for structural stability and proper load distribution. Lastly, bats (half bricks) are essential for creating staggered joints and avoiding continuous vertical lines, which would significantly weaken the wall.

Question 11: _______ is a style of pointing in which the bottom of the mortar joints is flush with the face of the wall and the upper side is kept about 12 mm inside the face of the masonry.

Struck pointing (Correct answer)
Recessed pointing
Truck pointing
Grooved pointing

Correct answer: Struck pointing

Struck pointing is a specific type of mortar joint finish designed for both aesthetics and weather resistance. In this style, the bottom edge of the mortar joint is flush with the wall's face, while the upper edge is recessed inwards, typically by about 12 mm. This creates a sloped surface that effectively sheds rainwater away from the joint, preventing water penetration and enhancing durability.

Construction Test 2

The _______ is a vertical element that runs through the center of a shutter frame.