CT Major Structural Contractor
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which type of foundation is most suitable for a building on weak,
compressible soil?
A. Shallow strip foundation
B. Raft foundation
C. Pad foundation
D. Pier foundation
B. Raft foundation
Rationale: Raft foundations distribute the load over a large area, making
them ideal for weak or compressible soils.
2. What is the primary purpose of a structural beam?
A. To provide aesthetic appeal
B. To resist vertical loads
C. To prevent soil erosion
D. To act as insulation
B. To resist vertical loads
Rationale: Beams transfer loads from floors and roofs to columns and
walls.
3. Which material has the highest compressive strength for structural
applications?
A. Timber
B. Steel
, C. Concrete
D. Glass
B. Steel
Rationale: Steel has the highest compressive and tensile strength among
common construction materials.
4. In reinforced concrete, what is the main purpose of steel reinforcement?
A. Improve thermal insulation
B. Resist tensile stresses
C. Enhance appearance
D. Reduce construction cost
B. Resist tensile stresses
Rationale: Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so steel
reinforcement handles tensile forces.
5. Which of the following is a load that changes in magnitude and
position over time?
A. Dead load
B. Live load
C. Soil load
D. Wind load
B. Live load
Rationale: Live loads vary depending on occupancy and use, unlike
permanent dead loads.
6. What is the recommended minimum concrete cover for steel
reinforcement in slabs exposed to weather?
A. 10 mm
B. 20 mm
C. 50 mm
D. 75 mm
B. 20 mm
Rationale: Adequate cover prevents corrosion and ensures durability of
reinforced concrete.
, 7. What is the function of a column in a structure?
A. Transfer loads from the roof to the foundation
B. Resist horizontal wind forces only
C. Act as decorative support
D. Store building utilities
A. Transfer loads from the roof to the foundation
Rationale: Columns primarily carry axial loads from slabs and beams to
the foundation.
8. Which construction method is most suitable for high-rise buildings?
A. Load-bearing masonry
B. Reinforced concrete frame
C. Timber frame
D. Rammed earth
B. Reinforced concrete frame
Rationale: Concrete frames efficiently handle vertical and lateral loads in
tall buildings.
9. What is the maximum span of a one-way reinforced concrete slab
without intermediate beams?
A. 2 m
B. 3–6 m
C. 8–10 m
D. 12–15 m
B. 3–6 m
Rationale: One-way slabs rely on bending in one direction and are limited
in span to prevent excessive deflection.
10. Which of the following is a lateral load on a building?
A. Roof dead load
B. Live load from occupants
C. Wind load
D. Soil bearing pressure
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which type of foundation is most suitable for a building on weak,
compressible soil?
A. Shallow strip foundation
B. Raft foundation
C. Pad foundation
D. Pier foundation
B. Raft foundation
Rationale: Raft foundations distribute the load over a large area, making
them ideal for weak or compressible soils.
2. What is the primary purpose of a structural beam?
A. To provide aesthetic appeal
B. To resist vertical loads
C. To prevent soil erosion
D. To act as insulation
B. To resist vertical loads
Rationale: Beams transfer loads from floors and roofs to columns and
walls.
3. Which material has the highest compressive strength for structural
applications?
A. Timber
B. Steel
, C. Concrete
D. Glass
B. Steel
Rationale: Steel has the highest compressive and tensile strength among
common construction materials.
4. In reinforced concrete, what is the main purpose of steel reinforcement?
A. Improve thermal insulation
B. Resist tensile stresses
C. Enhance appearance
D. Reduce construction cost
B. Resist tensile stresses
Rationale: Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so steel
reinforcement handles tensile forces.
5. Which of the following is a load that changes in magnitude and
position over time?
A. Dead load
B. Live load
C. Soil load
D. Wind load
B. Live load
Rationale: Live loads vary depending on occupancy and use, unlike
permanent dead loads.
6. What is the recommended minimum concrete cover for steel
reinforcement in slabs exposed to weather?
A. 10 mm
B. 20 mm
C. 50 mm
D. 75 mm
B. 20 mm
Rationale: Adequate cover prevents corrosion and ensures durability of
reinforced concrete.
, 7. What is the function of a column in a structure?
A. Transfer loads from the roof to the foundation
B. Resist horizontal wind forces only
C. Act as decorative support
D. Store building utilities
A. Transfer loads from the roof to the foundation
Rationale: Columns primarily carry axial loads from slabs and beams to
the foundation.
8. Which construction method is most suitable for high-rise buildings?
A. Load-bearing masonry
B. Reinforced concrete frame
C. Timber frame
D. Rammed earth
B. Reinforced concrete frame
Rationale: Concrete frames efficiently handle vertical and lateral loads in
tall buildings.
9. What is the maximum span of a one-way reinforced concrete slab
without intermediate beams?
A. 2 m
B. 3–6 m
C. 8–10 m
D. 12–15 m
B. 3–6 m
Rationale: One-way slabs rely on bending in one direction and are limited
in span to prevent excessive deflection.
10. Which of the following is a lateral load on a building?
A. Roof dead load
B. Live load from occupants
C. Wind load
D. Soil bearing pressure
