Top 50 MCQ on Basic of Cement for GATE | RRB | SSC JE | Exams
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| Top 50 MCQ on Basic of Cement for GATE | RRB | SSC JE | Exams |
- What is
concrete primarily composed of? - a) Cement,
water, and aggregates - b) Cement,
steel, and water - c) Water,
sand, and lime - d) Steel,
lime, and aggregates
Answer: a) Cement, water,
and aggregates
Explanation: Concrete is a composite material made up of
cement, water, and aggregates (sand, gravel, or crushed stone).
- Which component
in concrete acts as the binder? - a) Water
- b) Cement
- c) Aggregates
- d) Sand
Answer: b) Cement
Explanation:
Cement acts as the binder that holds the aggregates together once it hardens
and sets.
- What role does
water play in concrete? - a) Increases
strength - b) Acts as a
filler - c) Initiates
the chemical reaction - d) Reduces
setting time
Answer: c) Initiates the
chemical reaction
Explanation: Water initiates the hydration process of
cement, which leads to the hardening and gaining strength of concrete.
Importance and Applications in Civil
Engineering
- Which of the
following is NOT a common use of concrete in civil engineering? - a) Bridges
- b) Dams
- c) Roads
- d) Insulation
material
Answer: d) Insulation
material
Explanation: Concrete is widely used in construction for
bridges, dams, and roads due to its strength and durability, but it is not
commonly used as an insulation material.
- Why is concrete
preferred in the construction of skyscrapers? - a) It’s
lightweight - b) High
compressive strength - c)
Recyclability - d) Color
variety
Answer: b) High compressive
strength
Explanation: Concrete’s high compressive strength makes it
ideal for supporting the loads and stresses involved in skyscraper
construction.
- What is one of
the main advantages of using concrete in road construction? - a) Flexibility
- b) Durability
- c) Light
weight - d) High cost
Answer: b) Durability
Explanation:
Concrete roads are known for their long lifespan and durability under heavy
traffic conditions.
- Who is credited
with the invention of Portland cement, which is a key ingredient in modern
concrete? - a) Thomas
Edison - b) Joseph
Aspdin - c) Leonardo da
Vinci - d) Albert
Einstein
Answer: b) Joseph Aspdin
Explanation:
Joseph Aspdin, an English bricklayer, patented Portland cement in 1824.
- When was the
earliest known use of concrete-like materials in construction? - a) Ancient
Egypt - b) Roman
Empire - c) Ancient
China - d) Mesopotamia
Answer: b) Roman Empire
Explanation:
The Romans developed early forms of concrete and used it extensively in their
constructions around 300 BC.
- What ancient
structure is an example of early use of concrete by the Romans? - a) Pyramids of
Giza - b) Colosseum
- c) Great Wall
of China - d) Eiffel
Tower
Answer: b) Colosseum
Explanation:
The Colosseum in Rome is one of the many structures built using Roman concrete,
showcasing its early use and durability.
- Which of the
following advancements significantly improved the quality and versatility
of concrete in the 20th century? - a)
Introduction of rebar (reinforcing steel) - b) Use of
natural pigments - c) Development
of plastic formworks - d)
Introduction of glass fibers
Answer: a) Introduction of
rebar (reinforcing steel)
Explanation: The introduction of reinforcing
steel (rebar) significantly enhanced the tensile strength and versatility of
concrete in the 20th century.
- What is the
process called when concrete hardens over time? - a) Setting
- b) Curing
- c) Hydration
- d) Calcination
Answer: b) Curing
Explanation:
Curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time
to allow the concrete to achieve its desired properties for its intended use.
- Which type of
aggregate is typically used in the production of concrete? - a) Fine
aggregates - b) Coarse
aggregates - c) Both fine
and coarse aggregates - d) Lightweight
aggregates
Answer: c) Both fine and
coarse aggregates
Explanation: Concrete is usually made using a
combination of fine (sand) and coarse (gravel or crushed stone) aggregates to
achieve the desired strength and durability.
- Which property
of concrete is crucial for its performance in structures like bridges and
buildings? - a) Flexibility
- b) Compressive
strength - c) Color
- d) Weight
Answer: b) Compressive
strength
Explanation: Compressive strength is essential for concrete
used in structural applications to withstand the loads and stresses imposed on
it.
- Concrete is
preferred in construction due to its ability to: - a) Resist
weathering and chemical attacks - b) Be
lightweight - c) Be easily
deformed - d) Conduct
electricity
Answer: a) Resist
weathering and chemical attacks
Explanation: Concrete’s durability and
resistance to weathering and chemical attacks make it ideal for long-lasting
construction.
- What is one of
the reasons for using reinforced concrete in construction? - a) Increased
flexibility - b) Enhanced
tensile strength - c) Improved
color consistency - d) Reduced
cost
Answer: b) Enhanced tensile
strength
Explanation: Reinforcing concrete with steel bars (rebar)
significantly improves its tensile strength, making it suitable for various
structural applications.
16. Which
ancient civilization is credited with the extensive use of pozzolanic materials
in concrete?
- a) Greeks
- b) Egyptians
- c) Romans
- d) Mayans
Answer: c) Romans
Explanation: The Romans
extensively used pozzolanic materials, which enhanced the durability and
strength of their concrete structures.
17. What
is the significance of the Pantheon in Rome in terms of concrete history?
- a) It’s the
oldest concrete structure - b) It has the
largest unreinforced concrete dome - c) It’s the
tallest concrete structure - d) It was the
first concrete structure to use rebar
Answer: b) It has the largest unreinforced concrete dome
Explanation:
The Pantheon’s dome is an architectural marvel and the largest unreinforced
concrete dome in the world, showcasing the advanced use of concrete by the
Romans.
18.
How did the development of Portland
cement revolutionize concrete technology?
- a) It made
concrete lighter - b) It improved
the setting time and strength - c) It reduced
the cost of concrete - d) It changed
the color of concrete
Answer: b) It improved the setting time and strength
Explanation:
Portland cement significantly improved the setting time and strength of
concrete, making it more reliable and versatile for construction.
19. When
did the widespread use of concrete in modern construction begin?
- a) 17th
century - b) 18th
century - c) 19th
century - d) 20th
century
Answer: c) 19th century Explanation: The
widespread use of concrete in modern construction began in the 19th century
with the development of Portland cement and reinforced concrete techniques.
20. What
is the primary benefit of using fly ash in concrete production?
- a) It
increases weight - b) It reduces
shrinkage - c) It improves
thermal insulation - d) It enhances
workability and strength
Answer: d) It enhances workability and strength
Explanation:
Fly ash improves the workability and strength of concrete, and its use in
concrete production also helps in the disposal of industrial waste.
- Which of the
following is a characteristic property of hardened concrete? - a) Elasticity
- b) Ductility
- c) Brittleness
- d) Flexibility
Answer: c) Brittleness
Explanation:
Hardened concrete is known for its brittleness, meaning it can crack or break
under stress without significant deformation.
- What is the
term used for the fine, powdered form of calcium silicates and aluminates
that react with water to form concrete? - a) Lime
- b) Cement
- c) Gypsum
- d) Slag
Answer: b) Cement
Explanation:
Cement is the fine powdered material that reacts with water to form a paste
that binds aggregates together, resulting in concrete.
- What is the
primary reason for using concrete in underwater construction? - a) Lightweight
- b) High
tensile strength - c)
Impermeability - d) Aesthetic
appeal
Answer: c) Impermeability
Explanation:
Concrete’s impermeability makes it ideal for underwater construction as it can
prevent water from seeping through, ensuring structural integrity.
- Which method is
commonly used to increase the early strength of concrete? - a) Adding more
water - b) Using
high-early-strength cement - c) Reducing
aggregate size - d) Increasing
curing time
Answer: b) Using
high-early-strength cement
Explanation: High-early-strength cement is
used to accelerate the strength gain of concrete, especially in situations
where quick form removal or load application is necessary.
- In the context
of concrete technology, what does “workability” refer to? - a) Durability
- b) Ease of
mixing and placing - c) Strength
development - d) Aesthetic
finish
Answer: b) Ease of mixing
and placing
Explanation: Workability refers to how easily concrete can
be mixed, placed, and finished without segregation or excessive bleeding.
26. Which
civilization first used hydraulic lime mortar, a precursor to modern cement?
- a) Egyptians
- b) Greeks
- c) Romans
- d) Chinese
Answer: b) Greeks
Explanation: The Greeks
used hydraulic lime mortar, which could set under water, paving the way for
advancements in cement technology.
27. What
was the main drawback of ancient Roman concrete compared to modern concrete?
- a) Longer
setting time - b) Lower
tensile strength - c) Limited
availability - d) High cost
Answer: b) Lower tensile strength
Explanation:
Ancient Roman concrete had lower tensile strength compared to modern concrete,
which is enhanced with reinforcing materials like steel.
Answer: a) Joseph Monier
Explanation:
Joseph Monier, a French gardener, patented the use of reinforced concrete in
the 19th century, significantly advancing concrete technology.
28. Which
of the following innovations in the 20th century greatly influenced modern
concrete construction?
- a) Plastic
formworks - b)
Post-tensioning techniques - c) Synthetic
aggregates - d) Green
concrete
Answer: b) Post-tensioning techniques
Explanation:
Post-tensioning techniques involve applying tension to steel tendons after the
concrete has hardened, enhancing its strength and performance in structures.
29. What
role did the introduction of ready-mix concrete play in the construction
industry?
- a) Reduced
concrete costs - b) Improved
concrete quality control - c) Decreased
construction time - d) Increased
environmental impact
Answer: b) Improved concrete quality control
Explanation:
The introduction of ready-mix concrete allowed for better quality control,
consistency, and efficiency in the construction process.
- What does the
term “aggregate gradation” refer to in concrete mix design? - a) Size
distribution of aggregate particles - b) Color
variation of aggregates - c) Chemical
composition of aggregates - d) Shape of
aggregate particles
Answer: a) Size
distribution of aggregate particles
Explanation: Aggregate gradation
refers to the distribution of particle sizes in aggregates, which affects the
workability and strength of concrete.
- Which of the
following is a method to test the workability of concrete? - a) Compressive
strength test - b) Slump test
- c) Tensile
strength test - d) Flexural
strength test
Answer: b) Slump test
Explanation:
The slump test is a common method to measure the workability or consistency of
fresh concrete.
- What is the
primary function of admixtures in concrete? - a) Increase
weight - b) Enhance
specific properties - c) Change
color - d) Increase
curing time
Answer: b) Enhance specific
properties
Explanation: Admixtures are added to concrete to enhance
properties such as workability, durability, and setting time.
- What is the
purpose of using air-entraining agents in concrete? - a) Increase
strength - b) Improve
workability - c) Increase
resistance to freezing and thawing - d) Decrease
curing time
Answer: c) Increase
resistance to freezing and thawing
Explanation: Air-entraining agents
introduce tiny air bubbles into the concrete to improve its resistance to
freezing and thawing cycles.
- In which type
of construction is high-performance concrete (HPC) particularly useful? - a) Pavements
- b) Skyscrapers
- c) Low-cost
housing - d) Sidewalks
Answer: b) Skyscrapers
Explanation:
High-performance concrete is used in skyscrapers and other structures requiring
high strength, durability, and resistance to environmental conditions.
- Which
innovation in concrete technology allows for the creation of long-span
bridges without joints? - a) Precast
concrete - b)
Post-tensioned concrete - c) Reinforced
concrete - d) Shotcrete
Answer: b) Post-tensioned
concrete
Explanation: Post-tensioned concrete allows for long spans
without joints, making it ideal for bridges and other large structures.
- What was a
significant contribution to concrete technology by John Smeaton in the
18th century? - a) Invention
of reinforced concrete - b) Development
of hydraulic lime - c)
Introduction of admixtures - d) Creation of
fiber-reinforced concrete
Answer: b) Development of
hydraulic lime
Explanation: John Smeaton developed hydraulic lime, which
could set under water, marking a significant advancement in concrete
technology.
- Which
20th-century innovation led to the widespread use of concrete in the
construction of large infrastructure projects? - a) Ready-mix
concrete - b)
Fiber-reinforced concrete - c)
Self-compacting concrete - d) Lightweight
concrete
Answer: a) Ready-mix
concrete
Explanation: Ready-mix concrete revolutionized the construction
industry by providing a convenient and consistent concrete mix for large
infrastructure projects.
- What was the
primary reason for the development of fiber-reinforced concrete? - a) Reduce cost
- b) Increase
tensile strength - c) Improve
aesthetics - d) Decrease
weight
Answer: b) Increase tensile
strength
Explanation: Fiber-reinforced concrete was developed to enhance
the tensile strength and crack resistance of concrete.
- Which
innovation in concrete technology helps in reducing the environmental
impact of concrete production? - a) Green
concrete - b)
High-strength concrete - c)
Air-entrained concrete - d) Precast
concrete
Answer: a) Green concrete
Explanation:
Green concrete incorporates recycled materials and is designed to have a lower
environmental impact compared to traditional concrete.
- What is the
effect of using too much water in a concrete mix? - a) Increased
strength - b) Decreased
strength - c) Improved
workability - d) Enhanced
durability
Answer: b) Decreased
strength
Explanation: Using too much water in a concrete mix dilutes the
cement paste, leading to lower strength and increased porosity.
- Which of the
following is NOT a type of concrete? - a)
Self-compacting concrete - b)
High-performance concrete - c)
Fiber-reinforced concrete - d) Elastic
concrete
Answer: d) Elastic concrete
Explanation: Elastic concrete is not a recognized type of concrete.
Concrete is generally not known for its elasticity.
- How does silica
fume enhance the properties of concrete? - a) Increases
workability - b) Reduces
setting time - c) Enhances
strength and durability - d) Changes
color
Answer: c) Enhances
strength and durability
Explanation: Silica fume is a highly reactive
pozzolanic material that enhances the strength and durability of concrete.
- What is the
purpose of curing concrete? - a) To increase
temperature - b) To maintain
moisture and temperature - c) To change
the color - d) To decrease
the setting time
Answer: b) To maintain
moisture and temperature
Explanation: Curing involves maintaining
moisture and temperature conditions to ensure proper hydration and strength
development in concrete.
- Which of the
following materials is commonly used as a pozzolan in concrete? - a) Sand
- b) Gravel
- c) Silica fume
- d) Fly ash
Answer: d) Fly ash
Explanation:
Fly ash is a commonly used pozzolan that reacts with calcium hydroxide to form
compounds that enhance the properties of concrete.
- What is the
term for the chemical reaction between cement and water in concrete? - a) Fusion
- b) Hydration
- c)
Solidification - d)
Polymerization
Answer: b) Hydration
Explanation:
Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement and water, which leads to the
hardening and strength development of concrete.
- Which type of
cement is often used for structures exposed to sulfate-rich environments? - a) Ordinary
Portland cement - b) Rapid
hardening cement - c)
Sulfate-resisting Portland cement - d) Low heat
cement
Answer: c)
Sulfate-resisting Portland cement
Explanation: Sulfate-resisting
Portland cement is formulated to withstand the harmful effects of sulfates,
making it suitable for structures in sulfate-rich environments.
- What property
of concrete makes it suitable for use in radiation shielding? - a) High
density - b) Low
permeability - c) Flexibility
- d) Color
variety
Answer: a) High density
Explanation:
The high density of concrete makes it effective at absorbing and blocking
radiation, making it ideal for use in radiation shielding structures.
- How does the
addition of silica fume affect the properties of concrete? - a) Increases
porosity - b) Reduces
strength - c) Enhances
durability and strength - d) Decreases
workability
Answer: c) Enhances
durability and strength
Explanation: Silica fume, a byproduct of silicon
and ferrosilicon production, enhances the durability and strength of concrete
by filling in voids and reducing porosity.
- In what type of
construction are lightweight concrete blocks commonly used? - a) Skyscraper
foundations - b) Thermal
insulation in buildings - c) Underwater
structures - d)
High-traffic pavements
Answer: b) Thermal
insulation in buildings
Explanation: Lightweight concrete blocks are
commonly used for thermal insulation in buildings due to their lower density
and insulating properties.
