JIMMA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JIMMA UNIVERSITY 2023 GC/2015 EC
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
EXIT EXAM SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Civil Engineering
Hydraulic Engineering
Environmental Engineering
SAMPLE Questions as per the Learning Outcomes of the
Exit Exam Courses
1. Which of the following is not an engineering property of concrete?
A. Compressive strength
B. Tensile strength
C. Flexural strength
D. Molecular structure
Explanation: Engineering properties of concrete include compressive strength,
tensile strength, and flexural strength. Molecular structure is a chemical property
and not an engineering property.
2. Which environmental factor has the most significant impact on the durability of concrete?
A. Temperature B. Humidity
C. Air quality D. Water exposure
Explanation: Water exposure has the most significant impact on the durability of
concrete. Over time, water can penetrate concrete and cause damage to the
structure, such as cracks and corrosion.
3. What is the primary component in steel that gives it its strength?
A. Iron B. Carbon
C. Nickel D. Chromium
Explanation: The primary component in steel that gives it strength is carbon. The
amount of carbon in steel is what determines its strength and hardness.
4. Which of the following is an engineering solution to problems associated with the use of
concrete?
A. Increasing water content in the mix
B. Using a lower grade of concrete
C. Enhancing the curing process
D. Neglecting regular maintenance
Explanation: Enhancing the curing process is an engineering solution to problems
associated with the use of concrete. Proper curing can increase the strength and
durability of concrete.
1
FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING / CEM
,JIMMA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JIMMA UNIVERSITY 2023 GC/2015 EC
5. What is the purpose of practical exercises relevant to the manufacture and properties of
concrete?
A. To test the conductivity of concrete
B. To observe the aesthetics of concrete
C. To measure the dimensions of concrete
D. To understand the behavior and properties of concrete
Explanation: The purpose of practical exercises relevant to the manufacture and
properties of concrete is to understand the behavior and properties of concrete.
This can help students gain a better understanding of how concrete is made and
how it behaves under different conditions.
6. Which of the following factors does not affect the performance of steel in construction?
A. Corrosion B. Temperature
C. Moisture content D. Chemical composition
Explanation: Chemical composition is not a factor that directly affects the
performance of steel in construction. However, it is an important consideration in
selecting the appropriate type of steel for a construction project.
7. Which environmental factor has the most significant impact on the behavior of concrete?
A. Temperature B. Humidity
C. pH level D. Wind speed
Explanation: Temperature has the most significant impact on the behavior of
concrete. Extreme temperatures can affect the setting, hardening, and strength of
concrete.
8. Which of the following is not an engineering property of steel?
A. Yield strength
B. Elastic modulus
C. Ductility
D. Porosity
Explanation: Porosity is a physical property and is not considered an engineering
property of steel. Engineering properties of steel include yield strength, elastic
modulus, and ductility.
9. Which type of cement is most commonly used in construction?
A. Type I
B. Type III
C. Type V
D. Type X
Explanation: Type I cement is the most commonly used type of cement in
construction. It is a general-purpose cement that is suitable for most applications.
2
FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING / CEM
,JIMMA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JIMMA UNIVERSITY 2023 GC/2015 EC
10. What is the primary factor that determines the compressive strength of concrete?
A. Water content
B. Aggregate size
C. Cement content
D. Sand content
Explanation: Cement content is the primary factor that determines the compressive
strength of concrete. The higher the cement content, the stronger the concrete will
be.
11. Which of the following is not a reason for the deterioration of concrete?
A. Corrosion of reinforcement
B. Exposure to freeze-thaw cycles
C. Use of high-quality aggregates
D. Chemical attack
Explanation: Use of high-quality aggregates is not a reason for the deterioration
of concrete. However, the use of low-quality aggregates can negatively impact the
strength and durability of concrete.
12. Which type of steel is commonly used for reinforcement in concrete structures?
A. Mild steel B. Carbon steel
C. Stainless steel D. Galvanized steel
Explanation: Mild steel is the most commonly used type of steel for reinforcement
in concrete structures. It is easy to work with and provides good strength and
ductility.
13. Which type of cement is recommended for use in environments with high sulfate
concentrations?
A. Type I B. Type II
C. Type III D. Type V
Explanation: Type V cement is recommended for use in environments with high
sulfate concentrations. It has a lower percentage of tricalcium aluminate, which
reduces the risk of sulfate attack.
14. What is the purpose of adding aggregates to concrete?
A. To increase the workability of the mixture
B. To reduce shrinkage
C. To increase the compressive strength of the mixture
D. To improve the appearance of the mixture
Explanation: The purpose of adding aggregates to concrete is to increase the
compressive strength of the mixture. Aggregates also improve the durability of
concrete by reducing the risk of cracking due to shrinkage.
3
FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING / CEM
, JIMMA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JIMMA UNIVERSITY 2023 GC/2015 EC
15. Why is it important to assess the environmental factors that can affect the behavior and
durability of construction materials?
A. To save costs on construction materials
B. To ensure compliance with building codes
C. To minimize the risk of structural failure
D. To improve the aesthetics of the building
Explanation: It is important to assess the environmental factors that can affect the
behavior and durability of construction materials to minimize the risk of structural
failure. Environmental factors can have a significant impact on the performance of
construction materials and can affect the safety of the structure.
16. Which type of steel is commonly used for long-span bridge construction?
A. Mild steel B. Carbon steel
C. Stainless steel D. High-strength low-alloy steel
Explanation: High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel is commonly used for long-span
bridge construction. It provides high strength while also being lightweight.
17. Which of the following is not a method to improve the workability of concrete?
A. Adding more water to the mix
B. Adding superplasticizers to the mix
C. Using a higher-grade of cement
D. Using a larger aggregate size
Explanation: Using a higher-grade of cement does not improve the workability of
concrete. However, it can increase the strength of the concrete.
18. Which environmental factor can lead to alkali-silica reactions in concrete?
A. High humidity
B. Low temperature
C. High pH level
D. Exposure to salt water
Explanation: Exposure to high pH levels can lead to alkali-silica reactions in
concrete. This can cause the concrete to crack and weaken over time.
19. Which type of concrete is commonly used for high-strength applications such as precast
concrete?
A. Normal concrete B. High-strength concrete
C. Lightweight concrete D. Self-consolidating concrete
Explanation: High-strength concrete is commonly used for high-strength
applications such as precast concrete. It has a compressive strength greater than
6,000 psi.
4
FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING / CEM
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
EXIT EXAM SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Civil Engineering
Hydraulic Engineering
Environmental Engineering
SAMPLE Questions as per the Learning Outcomes of the
Exit Exam Courses
1. Which of the following is not an engineering property of concrete?
A. Compressive strength
B. Tensile strength
C. Flexural strength
D. Molecular structure
Explanation: Engineering properties of concrete include compressive strength,
tensile strength, and flexural strength. Molecular structure is a chemical property
and not an engineering property.
2. Which environmental factor has the most significant impact on the durability of concrete?
A. Temperature B. Humidity
C. Air quality D. Water exposure
Explanation: Water exposure has the most significant impact on the durability of
concrete. Over time, water can penetrate concrete and cause damage to the
structure, such as cracks and corrosion.
3. What is the primary component in steel that gives it its strength?
A. Iron B. Carbon
C. Nickel D. Chromium
Explanation: The primary component in steel that gives it strength is carbon. The
amount of carbon in steel is what determines its strength and hardness.
4. Which of the following is an engineering solution to problems associated with the use of
concrete?
A. Increasing water content in the mix
B. Using a lower grade of concrete
C. Enhancing the curing process
D. Neglecting regular maintenance
Explanation: Enhancing the curing process is an engineering solution to problems
associated with the use of concrete. Proper curing can increase the strength and
durability of concrete.
1
FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING / CEM
,JIMMA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JIMMA UNIVERSITY 2023 GC/2015 EC
5. What is the purpose of practical exercises relevant to the manufacture and properties of
concrete?
A. To test the conductivity of concrete
B. To observe the aesthetics of concrete
C. To measure the dimensions of concrete
D. To understand the behavior and properties of concrete
Explanation: The purpose of practical exercises relevant to the manufacture and
properties of concrete is to understand the behavior and properties of concrete.
This can help students gain a better understanding of how concrete is made and
how it behaves under different conditions.
6. Which of the following factors does not affect the performance of steel in construction?
A. Corrosion B. Temperature
C. Moisture content D. Chemical composition
Explanation: Chemical composition is not a factor that directly affects the
performance of steel in construction. However, it is an important consideration in
selecting the appropriate type of steel for a construction project.
7. Which environmental factor has the most significant impact on the behavior of concrete?
A. Temperature B. Humidity
C. pH level D. Wind speed
Explanation: Temperature has the most significant impact on the behavior of
concrete. Extreme temperatures can affect the setting, hardening, and strength of
concrete.
8. Which of the following is not an engineering property of steel?
A. Yield strength
B. Elastic modulus
C. Ductility
D. Porosity
Explanation: Porosity is a physical property and is not considered an engineering
property of steel. Engineering properties of steel include yield strength, elastic
modulus, and ductility.
9. Which type of cement is most commonly used in construction?
A. Type I
B. Type III
C. Type V
D. Type X
Explanation: Type I cement is the most commonly used type of cement in
construction. It is a general-purpose cement that is suitable for most applications.
2
FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING / CEM
,JIMMA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JIMMA UNIVERSITY 2023 GC/2015 EC
10. What is the primary factor that determines the compressive strength of concrete?
A. Water content
B. Aggregate size
C. Cement content
D. Sand content
Explanation: Cement content is the primary factor that determines the compressive
strength of concrete. The higher the cement content, the stronger the concrete will
be.
11. Which of the following is not a reason for the deterioration of concrete?
A. Corrosion of reinforcement
B. Exposure to freeze-thaw cycles
C. Use of high-quality aggregates
D. Chemical attack
Explanation: Use of high-quality aggregates is not a reason for the deterioration
of concrete. However, the use of low-quality aggregates can negatively impact the
strength and durability of concrete.
12. Which type of steel is commonly used for reinforcement in concrete structures?
A. Mild steel B. Carbon steel
C. Stainless steel D. Galvanized steel
Explanation: Mild steel is the most commonly used type of steel for reinforcement
in concrete structures. It is easy to work with and provides good strength and
ductility.
13. Which type of cement is recommended for use in environments with high sulfate
concentrations?
A. Type I B. Type II
C. Type III D. Type V
Explanation: Type V cement is recommended for use in environments with high
sulfate concentrations. It has a lower percentage of tricalcium aluminate, which
reduces the risk of sulfate attack.
14. What is the purpose of adding aggregates to concrete?
A. To increase the workability of the mixture
B. To reduce shrinkage
C. To increase the compressive strength of the mixture
D. To improve the appearance of the mixture
Explanation: The purpose of adding aggregates to concrete is to increase the
compressive strength of the mixture. Aggregates also improve the durability of
concrete by reducing the risk of cracking due to shrinkage.
3
FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING / CEM
, JIMMA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JIMMA UNIVERSITY 2023 GC/2015 EC
15. Why is it important to assess the environmental factors that can affect the behavior and
durability of construction materials?
A. To save costs on construction materials
B. To ensure compliance with building codes
C. To minimize the risk of structural failure
D. To improve the aesthetics of the building
Explanation: It is important to assess the environmental factors that can affect the
behavior and durability of construction materials to minimize the risk of structural
failure. Environmental factors can have a significant impact on the performance of
construction materials and can affect the safety of the structure.
16. Which type of steel is commonly used for long-span bridge construction?
A. Mild steel B. Carbon steel
C. Stainless steel D. High-strength low-alloy steel
Explanation: High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel is commonly used for long-span
bridge construction. It provides high strength while also being lightweight.
17. Which of the following is not a method to improve the workability of concrete?
A. Adding more water to the mix
B. Adding superplasticizers to the mix
C. Using a higher-grade of cement
D. Using a larger aggregate size
Explanation: Using a higher-grade of cement does not improve the workability of
concrete. However, it can increase the strength of the concrete.
18. Which environmental factor can lead to alkali-silica reactions in concrete?
A. High humidity
B. Low temperature
C. High pH level
D. Exposure to salt water
Explanation: Exposure to high pH levels can lead to alkali-silica reactions in
concrete. This can cause the concrete to crack and weaken over time.
19. Which type of concrete is commonly used for high-strength applications such as precast
concrete?
A. Normal concrete B. High-strength concrete
C. Lightweight concrete D. Self-consolidating concrete
Explanation: High-strength concrete is commonly used for high-strength
applications such as precast concrete. It has a compressive strength greater than
6,000 psi.
4
FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING / CEM
