CE200 Final Exam | Update 2026 | 200 Practice Questions and
Answers with Explanations | 100% Correct
Question 1: In Portland cement concrete (PCC), what is the primary function of fine aggregates (such as
sand)?
A) To act as a binder by reacting with water
B) To provide strength and economic volume by filling spaces between coarse aggregates
C) To accelerate the setting time of cement
D) To prevent corrosion within the concrete matrix
Answer: B — Fine aggregates fill the voids between coarse aggregates, increasing the density and overall
strength of the concrete while also contributing to the volume of the mixture in an economical manner.
Question 2: The term "fineness modulus" (FM) is an index of how fine or coarse an aggregate is. If a
sample of fine aggregate has a fineness modulus of 2.3, it is generally considered:
A) Extra Coarse
B) Medium to Fine
C) Very Fine
D) Unacceptable for use in PCC
Answer: B — Fineness Modulus (FM) is used to describe the gradation of aggregates. Typical values for
fine aggregates range from 2.3 to 3.1. A value of 2.3 usually falls on the fine side of medium but is still
considered standard for many concrete mixtures.
Question 3: According to ASTM C 136, which describes the "Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of
Fine and Coarse Aggregates," what is the required condition for the sieving process to be considered
complete?
A) The mass of material retained on any sieve changes by less than 10% after an additional minute of
sieving
,B) The mass of material retained on any sieve changes by less than 5% after an additional minute of
sieving
C) The mass of material retained on any sieve changes by less than 1% after an additional minute of
sieving
D) The sieves are agitated for exactly 10 minutes, and then the test is complete
Answer: C — ASTM C 136 specifies that sieving should continue until the mass of material retained on
any individual sieve does not vary by more than 1% after an additional minute of manual or mechanical
agitation.
Question 4: In the context of PCC, if an aggregate sample is found to have more than 45% of its particles
passing one sieve and retained on the next consecutive standard sieve, this often indicates:
A) The aggregate is gap-graded
B) The aggregate is too well-graded and will produce low-strength concrete
C) The aggregate is poorly graded and may not qualify for use in PCC
D) The aggregate has a very high moisture content
Answer: C — If more than 45% of a sand sample is retained between two consecutive sieves, it indicates
a concentration of particles in that specific size range (gap-grading). This is generally undesirable for PCC
as it creates voids that require more cement paste to fill.
Question 5: The primary reason an aggregate with high alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) is excluded from PCC
mixtures is that:
A) It makes the concrete too heavy and difficult to transport
B) It causes a chemical reaction that leads to premature cracking and expansion of the concrete
C) It prevents the hydration reaction of the cement
D) It absorbs too much water, causing the mix to become too dry
Answer: B — Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) is a harmful chemical reaction where alkalis in cement react
with certain types of silica in aggregates. This reaction produces a gel that absorbs water and expands,
causing cracks and structural failure over time.
,Question 6: Which type of cement is most commonly specified for general concrete construction where
there are no special environmental or exposure conditions (i.e., when moderate sulfate resistance is not
required)?
A) Type I (Normal)
B) Type II (Moderate Sulfate Resistance)
C) Type III (High Early Strength)
D) Type V (High Sulfate Resistance)
Answer: A — Type I Portland cement is the general-purpose cement used in most standard concrete
applications. It is suitable for pavements, sidewalks, buildings, and other structures not exposed to
aggressive conditions like high sulfates or extreme heat generation..
Question 7: The material "Lime" has historical significance in construction. Why is lime considered a
desirable ingredient in modern masonry mortar?
A) It significantly increases the load-bearing capacity of the wall
B) It decreases the setting time, allowing for faster construction
C) It improves workability, reduces shrinkage by retaining water, and enhances impermeability
D) It acts as a waterproofing agent
Answer: C — Lime provides plasticity (workability), allowing the mortar to spread easily. Its water-
retentive properties prevent the mortar from drying out too quickly, which reduces shrinkage cracks,
and it contributes to a denser, less permeable final product..
Question 8: In masonry construction, what is the primary function of the mortar?
A) To provide the main structural load-bearing capacity
B) To act as a thermal break between masonry units
C) To provide a bond between the masonry units and accommodate minor movements
D) To waterproof the exterior surface of the wall
Answer: C — The primary role of mortar is to bond individual masonry units (bricks, blocks) into a single
structural element. It also helps seal the joints against air and moisture infiltration and accommodates
slight movements without cracking..
, Question 9: According to ASTM D 143 ("Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber"),
when testing wood in compression parallel to the grain, what is a key factor to interpret a successful
test?
A) The force must be applied in 5-second intervals
B) The load is applied perpendicular to the grain orientation
C) The load is applied parallel to the grain orientation until failure occurs
D) The specimen must be dried in an oven at 300°F for 48 hours prior to testing
Answer: C — ASTM D 143 specifies testing small, clear wood specimens free from defects. For
compression parallel to the grain, the load is applied along the length of the specimen (parallel to the
wood fibers) until it fails, which helps determine the maximum compressive strength of the wood..
Question 10: In reinforced masonry construction, the component that fills the hollow cavities and
surrounds the steel reinforcement bars (rebar) is called:
A) Masonry Mortar
B) Masonry Grout
C) Masonry Cement Paste
D) Masonry Epoxy
Answer: B — Masonry grout is a flowable mixture of Portland cement, aggregates (often pea gravel not
exceeding 3/8"), and lime. It is poured or pumped into the hollow cores of masonry units where
reinforcement is placed, binding the steel to the masonry..
Question 11: The slump test (ASTM C 143) is performed to measure the:
A) Compressive strength of hardened concrete
B) Consistency and workability of fresh concrete
C) Tensile strength of steel reinforcement
D) Absorption rate of aggregates
Answers with Explanations | 100% Correct
Question 1: In Portland cement concrete (PCC), what is the primary function of fine aggregates (such as
sand)?
A) To act as a binder by reacting with water
B) To provide strength and economic volume by filling spaces between coarse aggregates
C) To accelerate the setting time of cement
D) To prevent corrosion within the concrete matrix
Answer: B — Fine aggregates fill the voids between coarse aggregates, increasing the density and overall
strength of the concrete while also contributing to the volume of the mixture in an economical manner.
Question 2: The term "fineness modulus" (FM) is an index of how fine or coarse an aggregate is. If a
sample of fine aggregate has a fineness modulus of 2.3, it is generally considered:
A) Extra Coarse
B) Medium to Fine
C) Very Fine
D) Unacceptable for use in PCC
Answer: B — Fineness Modulus (FM) is used to describe the gradation of aggregates. Typical values for
fine aggregates range from 2.3 to 3.1. A value of 2.3 usually falls on the fine side of medium but is still
considered standard for many concrete mixtures.
Question 3: According to ASTM C 136, which describes the "Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of
Fine and Coarse Aggregates," what is the required condition for the sieving process to be considered
complete?
A) The mass of material retained on any sieve changes by less than 10% after an additional minute of
sieving
,B) The mass of material retained on any sieve changes by less than 5% after an additional minute of
sieving
C) The mass of material retained on any sieve changes by less than 1% after an additional minute of
sieving
D) The sieves are agitated for exactly 10 minutes, and then the test is complete
Answer: C — ASTM C 136 specifies that sieving should continue until the mass of material retained on
any individual sieve does not vary by more than 1% after an additional minute of manual or mechanical
agitation.
Question 4: In the context of PCC, if an aggregate sample is found to have more than 45% of its particles
passing one sieve and retained on the next consecutive standard sieve, this often indicates:
A) The aggregate is gap-graded
B) The aggregate is too well-graded and will produce low-strength concrete
C) The aggregate is poorly graded and may not qualify for use in PCC
D) The aggregate has a very high moisture content
Answer: C — If more than 45% of a sand sample is retained between two consecutive sieves, it indicates
a concentration of particles in that specific size range (gap-grading). This is generally undesirable for PCC
as it creates voids that require more cement paste to fill.
Question 5: The primary reason an aggregate with high alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) is excluded from PCC
mixtures is that:
A) It makes the concrete too heavy and difficult to transport
B) It causes a chemical reaction that leads to premature cracking and expansion of the concrete
C) It prevents the hydration reaction of the cement
D) It absorbs too much water, causing the mix to become too dry
Answer: B — Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) is a harmful chemical reaction where alkalis in cement react
with certain types of silica in aggregates. This reaction produces a gel that absorbs water and expands,
causing cracks and structural failure over time.
,Question 6: Which type of cement is most commonly specified for general concrete construction where
there are no special environmental or exposure conditions (i.e., when moderate sulfate resistance is not
required)?
A) Type I (Normal)
B) Type II (Moderate Sulfate Resistance)
C) Type III (High Early Strength)
D) Type V (High Sulfate Resistance)
Answer: A — Type I Portland cement is the general-purpose cement used in most standard concrete
applications. It is suitable for pavements, sidewalks, buildings, and other structures not exposed to
aggressive conditions like high sulfates or extreme heat generation..
Question 7: The material "Lime" has historical significance in construction. Why is lime considered a
desirable ingredient in modern masonry mortar?
A) It significantly increases the load-bearing capacity of the wall
B) It decreases the setting time, allowing for faster construction
C) It improves workability, reduces shrinkage by retaining water, and enhances impermeability
D) It acts as a waterproofing agent
Answer: C — Lime provides plasticity (workability), allowing the mortar to spread easily. Its water-
retentive properties prevent the mortar from drying out too quickly, which reduces shrinkage cracks,
and it contributes to a denser, less permeable final product..
Question 8: In masonry construction, what is the primary function of the mortar?
A) To provide the main structural load-bearing capacity
B) To act as a thermal break between masonry units
C) To provide a bond between the masonry units and accommodate minor movements
D) To waterproof the exterior surface of the wall
Answer: C — The primary role of mortar is to bond individual masonry units (bricks, blocks) into a single
structural element. It also helps seal the joints against air and moisture infiltration and accommodates
slight movements without cracking..
, Question 9: According to ASTM D 143 ("Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber"),
when testing wood in compression parallel to the grain, what is a key factor to interpret a successful
test?
A) The force must be applied in 5-second intervals
B) The load is applied perpendicular to the grain orientation
C) The load is applied parallel to the grain orientation until failure occurs
D) The specimen must be dried in an oven at 300°F for 48 hours prior to testing
Answer: C — ASTM D 143 specifies testing small, clear wood specimens free from defects. For
compression parallel to the grain, the load is applied along the length of the specimen (parallel to the
wood fibers) until it fails, which helps determine the maximum compressive strength of the wood..
Question 10: In reinforced masonry construction, the component that fills the hollow cavities and
surrounds the steel reinforcement bars (rebar) is called:
A) Masonry Mortar
B) Masonry Grout
C) Masonry Cement Paste
D) Masonry Epoxy
Answer: B — Masonry grout is a flowable mixture of Portland cement, aggregates (often pea gravel not
exceeding 3/8"), and lime. It is poured or pumped into the hollow cores of masonry units where
reinforcement is placed, binding the steel to the masonry..
Question 11: The slump test (ASTM C 143) is performed to measure the:
A) Compressive strength of hardened concrete
B) Consistency and workability of fresh concrete
C) Tensile strength of steel reinforcement
D) Absorption rate of aggregates
