SSC JE Exam - items of work earthwork brickwork rcc shuttering timber work painting flooring plastering Question Bank with Options

1. Which of the following is a common type of 'formwork' material for RCC?

A) Brick masonry

B) Steel plates, plywood, and timber

C) Natural stone

D) Asphalt

2. What is the term for the process of applying a thin layer of cement paste to a surface to fill minor pores and create a smooth finish before painting?

A) Plastering

B) Pointing

C) Skimming

D) Whitewashing

3. What is the minimum thickness of concrete cover usually recommended for steel reinforcement in RCC exposed to mild conditions?

A) 10 mm

B) 15 mm

C) 20 mm

D) 25 mm

4. In earthwork, what is the purpose of 'banking' or 'filling'?

A) To remove excess soil

B) To create elevated areas or layers by placing and compacting soil

C) To level the ground surface

D) To dig trenches

5. What is the unit of measurement for 'distemper' application on walls?

A) Cubic meters (m³)

B) Running meters (m)

C) Square meters (m²)

D) Kilograms (kg)

6. What is the primary advantage of using 'engineered wood flooring' over solid 'hardwood flooring'?

A) Engineered wood is significantly cheaper

B) Engineered wood is more prone to scratching

C) Engineered wood is more stable and less susceptible to expansion and contraction due to humidity changes

D) Engineered wood offers a more natural look

7. What is a 'dado' in the context of wall finishing?

A) The ceiling finish

B) The lower part of a wall, typically finished with tiles or special plaster, extending from the floor up to a certain height

C) The process of applying primer

D) A type of flooring

8. Which type of paint is generally more durable and resistant to weather, often used for exterior surfaces?

A) Distemper

B) Emulsion paint

C) Enamel paint

D) Oil-based paint

9. What is the term for timber used for making doors, windows, and frames?

A) Structural timber

B) Joinery timber

C) Firewood

D) Plywood

10. What is the purpose of 'waterproofing' in RCC construction?

A) To increase the strength of the concrete

B) To prevent water penetration into the concrete structure

C) To improve the workability of the concrete mix

D) To reduce the cost of cement

11. Which of the following is a common method for estimating the quantity of RCC?

A) Measuring the surface area of the formwork

B) Calculating the volume of concrete required based on structural drawings

C) Weighing the steel reinforcement used

D) Counting the number of bricks used

12. What is the standard thickness of plaster applied to walls and ceilings?

A) 3-5 mm

B) 6-10 mm

C) 12-15 mm

D) 20-25 mm

13. What is the typical wastage percentage allowed for bricks during estimation?

A) 1-2%

B) 3-5%

C) 5-10%

D) 10-15%

14. For earthwork, what does 'shrinkage factor' account for?

A) The expansion of soil when wet

B) The reduction in volume of soil after excavation and before being used as fill

C) The loss of soil due to erosion

D) The increase in density due to compaction

15. What is 'skirting' in relation to plastering and flooring?

A) A decorative pattern applied to the plaster surface

B) A strip of material (e.g., tiles, stone, or wood) installed at the base of a wall where it meets the floor

C) The process of smoothing the plaster surface

D) A type of waterproofing treatment

16. In plastering, what is the purpose of adding lime or plasticizers to cement mortar?

A) To increase the setting time

B) To improve the workability and reduce the risk of cracking

C) To increase the compressive strength

D) To reduce the cost of cement

17. What is the main advantage of using 'vitrified tiles' over 'ceramic tiles' for flooring?

A) Vitrified tiles are softer and easier to cut

B) Vitrified tiles are less porous, more durable, and stain-resistant

C) Vitrified tiles are significantly cheaper

D) Vitrified tiles are only suitable for walls

18. Which flooring material is known for its natural beauty, warmth, and acoustic properties, but requires regular maintenance?

A) Vinyl flooring

B) Linoleum

C) Wooden flooring (Hardwood/Engineered wood)

D) Concrete flooring

19. What is the difference between 'emulsion paint' and 'enamel paint'?

A) Emulsion paint is oil-based, enamel is water-based

B) Emulsion paint provides a matte finish and is water-based, while enamel paint provides a gloss finish and is often oil-based

C) Emulsion paint is used for exterior, enamel for interior

D) There is no significant difference

20. When estimating painting, what is the typical allowance for wastage and overlapping of edges?

A) 0-5%

B) 5-10%

C) 10-15%

D) 15-20%

21. What is 'seasoning' of timber?

A) Cutting timber into specific shapes

B) Reducing the moisture content of timber to improve its stability and durability

C) Treating timber with preservatives

D) Assembling timber components

22. Which factor significantly influences the cost of timber work?

A) The brand of nails used

B) The type and grade of timber, and the complexity of the joinery

C) The color of paint applied

D) The thickness of the plaster

23. What is the term for the temporary support structure used to hold RCC formwork in place before and during concrete placement?

A) Scaffolding

B) Shoring

C) Centering

D) Falsework

24. What is the primary function of 'ribbed' or 'deformed' steel bars in RCC?

A) To reduce the cost of reinforcement

B) To increase the bond strength with concrete

C) To make the steel easier to bend

D) To improve the aesthetic appearance of the concrete

25. Which of the following is NOT a type of steel reinforcement bar used in RCC?

A) Mild Steel (MS)

B) High Yield Strength Deformed (HYSD) bars

C) Stainless Steel bars

D) Cast Iron bars

26. What is 'wastage' in the context of brickwork estimation?

A) Bricks broken during transportation or handling

B) Bricks cut to fit around openings

C) Bricks used for temporary structures

D) All of the above

27. When estimating earthwork, 'lead' and 'lift' refer to:

A) The depth and width of excavation

B) The horizontal distance and vertical height for transportation of excavated material

C) The type of soil and its moisture content

D) The tools used for excavation

28. What is the purpose of 'curing' in plastering?

A) To speed up the drying process

B) To allow the mortar to gain strength and prevent shrinkage cracks

C) To reduce the cost of plastering

D) To improve the color of the plaster

29. In plastering, what is the typical ratio of cement to sand for external plastering to ensure durability?

A) 1:1

B) 1:2

C) 1:4

D) 1:8

30. What is the main function of 'underlayment' in flooring installation?

A) To provide a decorative surface

B) To add structural support to the subfloor

C) To provide cushioning, insulation, and a moisture barrier

D) To increase the hardness of the flooring material

31. Which type of flooring is known for its durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance, often used in bathrooms and kitchens?

A) Wooden flooring

B) Carpet

C) Ceramic or Vitrified Tiles

D) Laminate flooring

32. What is the purpose of 'primer' in painting?

A) To provide the final color coat

B) To seal the surface and improve adhesion of subsequent coats

C) To dilute the paint

D) To add gloss to the surface

33. When estimating painting, what is usually considered as 'wastage'?

A) Paint spilled during application

B) Paint used for touch-ups and minor repairs

C) Paint absorbed by porous surfaces

D) All of the above

34. What is the common term for timber used in temporary structures like scaffolding and formwork?

A) Prime timber

B) Sawn timber

C) Rough timber

D) Construction grade timber

35. Which type of timber is generally preferred for structural purposes due to its strength and durability?

A) Softwood like Pine

B) Hardwood like Teak or Sal

C) Engineered wood products like MDF

D) Bamboo

36. What is the purpose of 'cover' in RCC?

A) To increase the bond between concrete and steel

B) To protect the steel reinforcement from corrosion and fire

C) To reduce the overall weight of the RCC member

D) To improve the workability of the concrete

37. In RCC, the term 'mild steel' refers to steel with:

A) High tensile strength

B) Low yield strength

C) Moderate tensile and yield strength

D) Corrosion resistance

38. What deduction is typically made when calculating brickwork for openings like doors and windows?

A) No deduction is made

B) A fixed percentage is deducted

C) The actual area of the opening is deducted if it exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., 0.5 m²)

D) Only half the area of the opening is deducted

39. When calculating brickwork, a standard brick size (e.g., 190mm x 90mm x 90mm) is often used as a basis, but the actual quantity is measured by volume to account for:

A) The weight of the bricks

B) The mortar joints and wastage

C) The color of the bricks

D) The type of clay used

40. What is the primary purpose of 'compaction' in earthwork?

A) To increase the moisture content of the soil

B) To reduce the density of the soil

C) To increase the strength and stability of the soil

D) To make the soil easier to excavate

41. Which type of earthwork involves removing soil to create space for foundations or underground structures?

A) Filling

B) Excavation

C) Compaction

D) Grading

42. Plastering work, which involves applying a layer of cement or lime mortar to walls and ceilings, is measured in:

A) Cubic meters (m³)

B) Square meters (m²)

C) Running meters (m)

D) Number of bags of cement

43. What is the standard unit for measuring flooring materials like tiles or marble laid over a prepared surface?

A) Running meters (m)

B) Cubic meters (m³)

C) Square meters (m²)

D) Kilograms (kg)

44. When estimating painting work, the surface area is typically measured in:

A) Cubic meters (m³)

B) Running meters (m)

C) Square meters (m²)

D) Liters

45. What is the common unit for measuring timber work in construction, especially for doors, windows, and structural elements?

A) Cubic meters (m³)

B) Square meters (m²)

C) Running meters (m)

D) Board feet

46. In RCC construction, 'shuttering' or 'formwork' is primarily used to:

A) Increase the strength of the concrete

B) Provide a mold for wet concrete to cure

C) Act as a permanent structural element

D) Reduce the cost of concrete

47. What is the primary material used for reinforcement in Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures?

A) Aluminum bars

B) Steel bars (rebar)

C) Copper wires

D) Fiberglass rods

48. When estimating brickwork, what is the standard unit of measurement for the quantity of bricks laid?

A) Number of bricks

B) Cubic meters (m³)

C) Square meters (m²)

D) Tons

49. What is the unit of measurement for earthwork in bulk excavation, typically for foundations or large trenches?

A) Square meters (m²)

B) Cubic meters (m³)

C) Running meters (m)

D) Kilograms (kg)

items of work earthwork brickwork rcc shuttering timber work painting flooring plastering - Question Bank