Construction materials and technology

Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman college of Engineering
Vadamavandal-604410.
Prepared by,
V.Umapathy,
Prof./Mech.
Imortant Questions and Answers
CE25201-Construction Materials and Technology
Syllabus
1. Stones, Bricks and Concrete Blocks: Stone as building material, Criteria for selection,
Tests on stones, Deterioration and preservation of stonework. Bricks, Classification,
Manufacturing of clay bricks, Tests on bricks, Compressive strength, Water absorption,
Efflorescence, Bricks for special uses, Refractory bricks. Concrete blocks, Types, Hollow
and solid blocks, Lightweight concrete blocks, Applications.
Activities: Visit to brick / block manufacturing plant.
2. Lime, Cement, Aggregates and Mortar: Types, Preparation of lime mortar, Applications.
Cement, Ingredients, Manufacturing process, Types and grades, Properties: hydration,
compressive and tensile strength, soundness, consistency, setting time. Fine aggregates,
River sand, crushed stone sand (M and P-Sand), Properties. Coarse aggregates, Crushing
strength, impact strength, flakiness and elongation index, abrasion resistance, Grading.
Mortar, Cement and lime mortars, Uses and proportions.
Activities: Virtual Demonstration of Cement Manufacturing.
3. Timber, Metals and Other Materials: Timber, Market forms, Industrial timber, Plywood,
Laminated panels. Metals, Steel, Aluminum, Composition, properties, Market forms,
Mechanical treatment, Aluminum composite panels. Surface finishes, Paints, Varnishes,
Distempers, Bituminous products. Sealants for joints, Insulating materials, Acoustic and
thermal insulation, Fire protection, Damp proofing, Ventilation, Air conditioning.
4. Construction Technology and Construction Practices: Masonry construction, Brick and
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stone masonry. Formwork, Centering, shuttering, Scaffolding, Shoring, Underpinning.
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Construction joints, Contraction, construction and expansion joints. Plastering, Pointing,
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Cavity and diaphragm walls.
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Activities: Virtual Demonstration of different types of masonry works.
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5. Advanced Materials: Advanced materials, Glass, Solar Panels - Ceramics, Clay products,
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, Refractories, Fibre reinforced plastics, Fibre textiles, Geomembranes, Geotextiles.
Composite materials, Types, Laminar composites, Applications in construction.
Activities: Visit to Construction sites, virtual demonstration of FRP.
6. Construction Equipment and Planning: Construction equipment, Selection for earthwork,
concreting, material handling, dewatering and pumping. Construction planning.
Activities: Case Study in Concrete Mixing Plan.
S.No Description
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Unit-I
Stones, Bricks and Concrete Blocks
Introduction
Introduction
Stones, bricks, and concrete blocks are fundamental building materials used in construction. Each has
unique properties, advantages, and applications.

Stone as Building Material
1. Natural, durable, aesthetic
2. Types: Granite, limestone, sandstone, marble
3. Criteria for selection:
- Strength and durability
- Appearance and texture
- Workability and cost
4. Tests on stones:
- Compressive strength
- Water absorption
- Abrasion resistance
5. Deterioration: Weathering, chemical attack, biological growth
6. Preservation: Cleaning, repair, protective coatings

Bricks
1. Classification: Clay, fly ash, concrete
2. Manufacturing of clay bricks:
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- Moulding
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- Drying
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- Burning
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3. Tests on bricks:
- Compressive strength (> 3.5 N/mm²)
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, - Water absorption (< 20%)
- Efflorescence (rating: nil to heavy)
4. Bricks for special uses:
- Refractory bricks (high-temperature)
- Engineering bricks (high strength)
5. Refractory bricks:
- Withstand high temperatures
- Used in furnaces, kilns

Concrete Blocks1. Types:
- Solid blocks
- Hollow blocks
- Lightweight concrete blocks
2. Advantages:
- Lightweight
- Thermal insulation
- Cost-effective
3. Applications:
- Walls and partitions
- Load-bearing structures
Basic Concepts
Stone as Building Material
- Natural, durable, aesthetic material
- Criteria for selection: Strength, durability, appearance, workability
- Tests: Compressive strength, water absorption, abrasion resistance
- Deterioration: Weathering, chemical attack, biological growth
- Preservation: Cleaning, repair, protective coatings

Bricks
- Classification: Clay, fly ash, concrete bricks
- Manufacturing (clay bricks): Moulding → Drying → Burning
- Tests:
- Compressive strength (typically > 3.5 N/mm²)
- Water absorption (< 20%)
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- Efflorescence (salt deposit check)
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- Special bricks: Refractory (high temp), engineering (high strength)
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Concrete Blocks
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- Types: Solid, hollow, lightweight blocks
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, - Advantages: Lightweight, thermal insulation, cost-effective
- Applications: Walls, partitions, load-bearing structures
Two Marks QA
1. What are the criteria for selecting stones as building material?
- Strength, durability, appearance, workability

2. What are the common tests conducted on stones?
- Compressive strength, water absorption, abrasion resistance

3. How does stonework deteriorate?
- Weathering, chemical attack, biological growth

4. Classify bricks.
- Clay bricks, fly ash bricks, concrete bricks

5. What are the stages in manufacturing clay bricks?
- Moulding, drying, burning

6. What are the common tests on bricks?
- Compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence

7. What is efflorescence in bricks?
- Salt deposit on brick surface due to water

8. What are refractory bricks used for?
- High-temperature applications like furnaces

9. What are the types of concrete blocks?
- Solid, hollow, lightweight blocks

10. What are the applications of concrete blocks?
- Walls, partitions, load-bearing structures
13 and 15 Marks QA
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1. Describe the criteria for selecting stones as a building material.
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