BUILDING TECH PREBOARD | 2025/2026 UPDATE | QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION!!
Question 1:
What type of cement is most commonly used for general construction purposes, such as in
pavements, floors, buildings, and bridges, when there is no exposure to sulfates in the soil or
water?
A) Type I - Normal
B) Type II - Moderate Sulfate Resistance
C) Type III - High Early Strength
D) Type IV - Low Heat of Hydration
Correct Answer: A) Type I - Normal
Rationale: Type I Portland Cement is the standard, all-purpose cement used in the majority of
construction projects where the special properties of other types are not required.
Question 2:
In concrete mix design, what is the primary purpose of adding admixtures like superplasticizers?
A) To increase the air content for freeze-thaw resistance.
B) To increase the workability of concrete without adding more water.
C) To slow down the curing process in hot weather.
D) To provide color to the concrete surface.
Correct Answer: B) To increase the workability of concrete without adding more water.
Rationale: Superplasticizers, also known as high-range water reducers, are added to concrete to
make it more fluid and workable. This allows for easier placement and consolidation without
compromising the water-cement ratio, which would weaken the concrete.
Question 3:
According to the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096), what is the minimum
required thickness for a load-bearing concrete hollow block (CHB) wall?
A) 100 mm
B) 150 mm
C) 200 mm
D) 250 mm
Correct Answer: B) 150 mm
Rationale: PD 1096 specifies that load-bearing masonry walls shall have a minimum thickness
of 150 mm (6 inches) to ensure adequate structural capacity and stability. 100 mm is typically
used for non-load-bearing partitions.
Question 4:
This test is performed on fresh concrete to determine its consistency and workability. It involves
filling a cone-shaped mold with concrete, removing the mold, and measuring the vertical drop of
the concrete.
,[Type here]
A) Slump Test
B) Compression Test
C) Rebound Hammer Test
D) Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
Correct Answer: A) Slump Test
Rationale: The Slump Test is the standard field method for measuring the consistency of freshly
mixed concrete. The "slump" is the measured subsidence, indicating how fluid or stiff the mix is.
Question 5:
What is the primary function of a vapor barrier (or vapor retarder) in a building assembly?
A) To provide structural support to the wall.
B) To prevent the passage of water vapor and moisture into the building envelope.
C) To increase the thermal insulation of the wall.
D) To act as a fire-resistant layer.
Correct Answer: B) To prevent the passage of water vapor and moisture into the building
envelope.
Rationale: A vapor barrier is a material used to resist the diffusion of moisture through walls,
floors, and ceilings. It is essential for preventing condensation within the building assembly,
which can lead to mold, rot, and reduced insulation effectiveness.
Question 6:
In timber construction, what is the difference between "platform framing" and "balloon
framing"?
A) Balloon framing uses smaller lumber sizes than platform framing.
B) Platform framing walls are built one story at a time, on top of the floor platform below.
C) Balloon framing is used for single-story structures only.
D) Platform framing uses vertical studs that extend continuously from the foundation to the roof.
Correct Answer: B) Platform framing walls are built one story at a time, on top of the floor
platform below.
Rationale: Platform framing is the modern standard where each floor level serves as a platform
for building the walls of the story above it. In contrast, balloon framing uses long, continuous
studs that run from the sill plate to the roof, with floor joists hung from these studs.
Question 7:
What is the primary purpose of a P-trap in a plumbing drainage system?
A) To increase the velocity of wastewater flow.
B) To provide an access point for cleaning the pipes.
C) To prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
D) To filter solid waste from the water.
, [Type here]
Correct Answer: C) To prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
Rationale: A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that retains a small amount of water after the fixture is
used. This water acts as a seal, blocking foul-smelling and potentially harmful sewer gases from
backing up through the drain and into the occupied space.
Question 8:
According to the Accessibility Law (BP 344), what is the maximum slope for a wheelchair
ramp?
A) 1:10
B) 1:12
C) 1:15
D) 1:20
Correct Answer: B) 1:12
Rationale: BP 344 mandates that the maximum slope for a ramp is 1:12 (one unit of rise for
every twelve units of run). This ensures that the ramp is navigable for people using wheelchairs
without requiring excessive effort.
Question 9:
Which of the following devices protects an electrical circuit from an overcurrent condition and
must be replaced after it has been activated?
A) Circuit Breaker
B) Fuse
C) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
D) Surge Protector
Correct Answer: B) Fuse
Rationale: A fuse contains a thin strip of metal that melts and breaks the circuit if the current
exceeds a safe level. Once it has "blown," it is a one-time use device and must be replaced. A
circuit breaker serves the same function but can be reset.
Question 10:
In HVAC terminology, what does the acronym "HVAC" stand for?
A) High Voltage Alternating Current
B) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
C) Heat Velocity and Air Circulation
D) High Volume Air Cooler
Correct Answer: B) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Rationale: HVAC is the standard acronym for the technology of indoor and vehicular
environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
Question 11:
This type of glass is manufactured by heating and then rapidly cooling the glass surface, making
ANSWERS | WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION!!
Question 1:
What type of cement is most commonly used for general construction purposes, such as in
pavements, floors, buildings, and bridges, when there is no exposure to sulfates in the soil or
water?
A) Type I - Normal
B) Type II - Moderate Sulfate Resistance
C) Type III - High Early Strength
D) Type IV - Low Heat of Hydration
Correct Answer: A) Type I - Normal
Rationale: Type I Portland Cement is the standard, all-purpose cement used in the majority of
construction projects where the special properties of other types are not required.
Question 2:
In concrete mix design, what is the primary purpose of adding admixtures like superplasticizers?
A) To increase the air content for freeze-thaw resistance.
B) To increase the workability of concrete without adding more water.
C) To slow down the curing process in hot weather.
D) To provide color to the concrete surface.
Correct Answer: B) To increase the workability of concrete without adding more water.
Rationale: Superplasticizers, also known as high-range water reducers, are added to concrete to
make it more fluid and workable. This allows for easier placement and consolidation without
compromising the water-cement ratio, which would weaken the concrete.
Question 3:
According to the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096), what is the minimum
required thickness for a load-bearing concrete hollow block (CHB) wall?
A) 100 mm
B) 150 mm
C) 200 mm
D) 250 mm
Correct Answer: B) 150 mm
Rationale: PD 1096 specifies that load-bearing masonry walls shall have a minimum thickness
of 150 mm (6 inches) to ensure adequate structural capacity and stability. 100 mm is typically
used for non-load-bearing partitions.
Question 4:
This test is performed on fresh concrete to determine its consistency and workability. It involves
filling a cone-shaped mold with concrete, removing the mold, and measuring the vertical drop of
the concrete.
,[Type here]
A) Slump Test
B) Compression Test
C) Rebound Hammer Test
D) Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
Correct Answer: A) Slump Test
Rationale: The Slump Test is the standard field method for measuring the consistency of freshly
mixed concrete. The "slump" is the measured subsidence, indicating how fluid or stiff the mix is.
Question 5:
What is the primary function of a vapor barrier (or vapor retarder) in a building assembly?
A) To provide structural support to the wall.
B) To prevent the passage of water vapor and moisture into the building envelope.
C) To increase the thermal insulation of the wall.
D) To act as a fire-resistant layer.
Correct Answer: B) To prevent the passage of water vapor and moisture into the building
envelope.
Rationale: A vapor barrier is a material used to resist the diffusion of moisture through walls,
floors, and ceilings. It is essential for preventing condensation within the building assembly,
which can lead to mold, rot, and reduced insulation effectiveness.
Question 6:
In timber construction, what is the difference between "platform framing" and "balloon
framing"?
A) Balloon framing uses smaller lumber sizes than platform framing.
B) Platform framing walls are built one story at a time, on top of the floor platform below.
C) Balloon framing is used for single-story structures only.
D) Platform framing uses vertical studs that extend continuously from the foundation to the roof.
Correct Answer: B) Platform framing walls are built one story at a time, on top of the floor
platform below.
Rationale: Platform framing is the modern standard where each floor level serves as a platform
for building the walls of the story above it. In contrast, balloon framing uses long, continuous
studs that run from the sill plate to the roof, with floor joists hung from these studs.
Question 7:
What is the primary purpose of a P-trap in a plumbing drainage system?
A) To increase the velocity of wastewater flow.
B) To provide an access point for cleaning the pipes.
C) To prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
D) To filter solid waste from the water.
, [Type here]
Correct Answer: C) To prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
Rationale: A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that retains a small amount of water after the fixture is
used. This water acts as a seal, blocking foul-smelling and potentially harmful sewer gases from
backing up through the drain and into the occupied space.
Question 8:
According to the Accessibility Law (BP 344), what is the maximum slope for a wheelchair
ramp?
A) 1:10
B) 1:12
C) 1:15
D) 1:20
Correct Answer: B) 1:12
Rationale: BP 344 mandates that the maximum slope for a ramp is 1:12 (one unit of rise for
every twelve units of run). This ensures that the ramp is navigable for people using wheelchairs
without requiring excessive effort.
Question 9:
Which of the following devices protects an electrical circuit from an overcurrent condition and
must be replaced after it has been activated?
A) Circuit Breaker
B) Fuse
C) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
D) Surge Protector
Correct Answer: B) Fuse
Rationale: A fuse contains a thin strip of metal that melts and breaks the circuit if the current
exceeds a safe level. Once it has "blown," it is a one-time use device and must be replaced. A
circuit breaker serves the same function but can be reset.
Question 10:
In HVAC terminology, what does the acronym "HVAC" stand for?
A) High Voltage Alternating Current
B) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
C) Heat Velocity and Air Circulation
D) High Volume Air Cooler
Correct Answer: B) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Rationale: HVAC is the standard acronym for the technology of indoor and vehicular
environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
Question 11:
This type of glass is manufactured by heating and then rapidly cooling the glass surface, making
