Advanced Building Construction & Earthquake Engineering MCQs for APSC PWD & WRD JE 2025: 2

Advanced Building Construction & Earthquake Engineering MCQs for APSC JE 2025

Topics Covered

• Advanced Construction Materials
• Construction Techniques
• Structural Systems
• Earthquake Resistant Design
• Seismic Analysis and Retrofitting

Topic: Advanced Construction Materials

1. What is the benefit of using high-performance concrete?

a) Lower cost b) Enhanced durability and strength c) Faster setting time d) Reduced weight

Answer: b) Enhanced durability and strength
It resists harsh environments and high loads.

Topic: Advanced Construction Materials

2. Which material is used for sustainable construction?

a) Bamboo b) PVC c) Asbestos d) Mild steel

Answer: a) Bamboo
It is renewable, strong, and eco-friendly.

Topic: Advanced Construction Materials

3. What is the advantage of using aerated autoclaved concrete?

a) High density b) Lightweight and thermal insulation c) Rapid curing d) Low compressive strength

Answer: b) Lightweight and thermal insulation
It reduces structural load and energy costs.

Topic: Advanced Construction Materials

4. What is translucent concrete used for?

a) Structural support b) Aesthetic lighting effects c) Thermal insulation d) Waterproofing

Answer: b) Aesthetic lighting effects
It allows light to pass through embedded fibers.

Topic: Advanced Construction Materials

5. Why is recycled aggregate concrete preferred?

a) Higher cost b) Environmental sustainability c) Lower strength d) Faster curing

Answer: b) Environmental sustainability
It reuses waste, reducing landfill use.

Topic: Advanced Construction Materials

6. What is the role of silica fume in concrete?

a) Increase porosity b) Enhance strength and durability c) Reduce setting time d) Lower density

Answer: b) Enhance strength and durability
It fills voids, improving concrete performance.

Topic: Construction Techniques

7. What is the purpose of tilt-up construction?

a) Build underground structures b) Erect precast walls on-site c) Create flexible joints d) Insulate buildings

Answer: b) Erect precast walls on-site
Panels are cast on-site and tilted into place.

Topic: Construction Techniques

8. What is the advantage of using a climbing formwork system?

a) Low cost b) Continuous construction of tall structures c) Reduced labor d) Improved insulation

Answer: b) Continuous construction of tall structures
It moves upward as construction progresses.

Topic: Construction Techniques

9. What is guniting?

a) Decorative plastering b) Spraying concrete onto surfaces c) Soil stabilization d) Waterproofing

Answer: b) Spraying concrete onto surfaces
It strengthens structures like tunnels and slopes.

Topic: Construction Techniques

10. What is the purpose of diaphragm wall construction?

a) Roof support b) Deep foundation and earth retention c) Insulation d) Aesthetic finishing

Answer: b) Deep foundation and earth retention
It supports excavations in urban areas.

Topic: Construction Techniques

11. What is the benefit of using 3D printing in construction?

a) Increased labor b) Rapid and precise building c) Higher material cost d) Reduced strength

Answer: b) Rapid and precise building
It automates complex designs with less waste.

Topic: Construction Techniques

12. What is the role of a cofferdam?

a) Permanent water storage b) Temporary enclosure for underwater construction c) Roof support d) Soil stabilization

Answer: b) Temporary enclosure for underwater construction
It creates a dry work area for foundations.

Topic: Structural Systems

13. What is a diagrid structural system?

a) Flat slab system b) Diagonal grid of beams c) Load-bearing walls d) Rigid frame system

Answer: b) Diagonal grid of beams
It provides stability for tall buildings with less material.

Topic: Structural Systems

14. What is the purpose of a portal frame?

a) Support large roofs b) Insulate walls c) Reduce foundation load d) Enhance aesthetics

Answer: a) Support large roofs
It is used in industrial buildings for wide spans.

Topic: Structural Systems

15. What is a composite structural system?

a) Timber-only system b) Steel and concrete combination c) Brick masonry d) Rigid joints only

Answer: b) Steel and concrete combination
It optimizes strength and reduces weight.

Topic: Structural Systems

16. What is the advantage of a space frame?

a) High material use b) Lightweight and large spans c) Poor stability d) Complex assembly

Answer: b) Lightweight and large spans
It efficiently covers wide areas like stadiums.

Topic: Structural Systems

17. What is a folded plate structure?

a) Flat concrete slab b) Thin, folded concrete elements c) Steel truss system d) Shear wall system

Answer: b) Thin, folded concrete elements
It provides strength with minimal material for roofs.

Topic: Structural Systems

18. What is the role of a transfer girder?

a) Insulate walls b) Redistribute loads over columns c) Reduce building height d) Enhance aesthetics

Answer: b) Redistribute loads over columns
It supports structures above irregular layouts.

Topic: Earthquake Resistant Design

19. What is the purpose of a tuned mass damper?

a) Support foundations b) Counteract building vibrations c) Increase weight d) Reduce insulation

Answer: b) Counteract building vibrations
It reduces sway in tall buildings during earthquakes.

Topic: Earthquake Resistant Design

20. Why is symmetry important in seismic design?

a) Reduces cost b) Balances seismic forces c) Improves aesthetics d) Increases weight

Answer: b) Balances seismic forces
It prevents twisting during earthquakes.

Topic: Earthquake Resistant Design

21. What is a strong column-weak beam design?

a) Weak columns for flexibility b) Columns stronger than beams c) Equal strength components d) Lightweight beams

Answer: b) Columns stronger than beams
It ensures beams yield first, preventing collapse.

Topic: Earthquake Resistant Design

22. What is the benefit of flexible materials in seismic zones?

a) Higher cost b) Absorb seismic energy c) Reduced durability d) Increased weight

Answer: b) Absorb seismic energy
They deform without failing, enhancing safety.

Topic: Earthquake Resistant Design

23. What is the role of a seismic joint?

a) Connect buildings b) Allow independent movement c) Increase rigidity d) Reduce insulation

Answer: b) Allow independent movement
It prevents damage between building segments.

Topic: Earthquake Resistant Design

24. Why is a deep foundation preferred in seismic zones?

a) Lower cost b) Transfers loads to stable soil c) Increases building height d) Reduces insulation

Answer: b) Transfers loads to stable soil
It ensures stability during ground shaking.

Topic: Seismic Analysis and Retrofitting

25. What is a pushover analysis?

a) Cost estimation b) Nonlinear seismic analysis c) Foundation design d) Material testing

Answer: b) Nonlinear seismic analysis
It evaluates a structure’s capacity under increasing loads.

Topic: Seismic Analysis and Retrofitting

26. What is the purpose of fiber-reinforced polymer in retrofitting?

a) Reduce weight b) Strengthen structural elements c) Improve insulation d) Increase cost

Answer: b) Strengthen structural elements
It enhances strength with minimal added weight.

Topic: Seismic Analysis and Retrofitting

27. What is a time-history analysis?

a) Cost analysis b) Dynamic seismic response study c) Material durability test d) Construction scheduling

Answer: b) Dynamic seismic response study
It simulates a structure’s behavior under real earthquake data.

Topic: Seismic Analysis and Retrofitting

28. What is the role of a steel brace in retrofitting?

a) Reduce building height b) Increase lateral stiffness c) Improve insulation d) Decrease strength

Answer: b) Increase lateral stiffness
It resists seismic forces in existing structures.

Topic: Seismic Analysis and Retrofitting

29. What is seismic vulnerability assessment?

a) Cost estimation b) Evaluating earthquake risk c) Material selection d) Aesthetic design

Answer: b) Evaluating earthquake risk
It identifies weaknesses in structures.

Topic: Seismic Analysis and Retrofitting

30. What is the benefit of external post-tensioning in retrofitting?

a) Reduced durability b) Increased structural capacity c) Higher cost d) Lower strength

Answer: b) Increased structural capacity
It strengthens beams and slabs without major demolition.