Q1: What is the purpose of the Wall?
Ans:The purpose of a wall is to enclose or divide spaces, provide structural support to roofs and floors, offer privacy and security, and protect occupants from the external environment (weather, sound, fire, etc.).
Q2: Write the classification of walls.
Ans:
The classification is as follows:- ➔ Load Bearing Walls
- ➔ Non-Load Bearing Walls
- ➔ Retaining Walls
- ➔ Partition Walls
- ➔ Cavity Walls
- ➔ Shear Walls
- ➔ Boundary Walls
- ➔ Curtain Walls
Q3: Define Load bearing Wall.
Ans:A load bearing wall is a wall that carries the weight of the structure above it (such as floors and roofs) in addition to its own weight and transfers this load to the foundation.
Q4: Write 4 main features of Load bearing walls.
Ans:
The features are as follows:- ➔ They support structural loads from above (floors/roofs).
- ➔ Usually thicker than non-load bearing walls.
- ➔ Cannot be removed without compromising structural integrity.
- ➔ Constructed with strong materials like brick, stone, or concrete.
Q5: Define Non-Load bearing Wall.
Ans:A non-load bearing wall does not support any structural weight other than its own. It is used primarily to divide spaces and can be removed or altered without affecting the building's structural stability.
Q6: Are all exterior walls load bearing?
Ans:No, not all exterior walls are load bearing. While many exterior walls are structural, some may be curtain walls or façades that do not carry any load.
Q7: Write Cavity Wall foundation detail.
Ans:A cavity wall foundation typically includes two parallel walls (inner and outer leaves) with a cavity in between. Both leaves are supported by a common foundation with proper damp proofing and wall ties at regular intervals to bind them together.
Q8: Define Cavity Wall.
Ans:A cavity wall consists of two separate walls (called leaves) with a hollow space or cavity in between. The cavity reduces heat loss and prevents water penetration.
Q9: Write the purpose of Cavity Wall.
Ans:
The purposes are as follows:- ➔ Provides thermal insulation
- ➔ Prevents moisture penetration
- ➔ Reduces sound transmission
- ➔ Enhances structural strength when tied properly
Q10: Define Lintel.
Ans:A lintel is a horizontal structural element placed over openings like doors and windows to support the weight of the wall above the opening.
Q11: Name the types of lintel.
Ans:
Lintel is of following types:- ➔ Timber Lintel
- ➔ Stone Lintel
- ➔ Brick Lintel
- ➔ Reinforced Brick Lintel
- ➔ Reinforced Concrete Lintel
- ➔ Steel Lintel
Q12: Define Stone Lintel.
Ans:A stone lintel is a single piece or series of stone blocks used over an opening to bear the load above. Common in old buildings and temples.
Q13: Define Brick Lintel.
Ans:A brick lintel is constructed using bricks and sometimes reinforced with steel bars for added strength, used for small openings in brick walls.
Q14: Define Steel Lintel.
Ans:A steel lintel is made of steel angles, channels, or I-beams. It is used where high strength is needed, especially for wide openings.
Q15: Define Timber Lintel.
Ans:A timber lintel is a horizontal wooden beam used to span openings. It is rarely used in modern construction due to its susceptibility to decay and fire.
Q16: Define Sill.
Ans:A sill is a horizontal component at the bottom of a window or door opening. It provides structural support and helps shed water away from the wall.
Q17: Define Sill Level.
Ans:Sill level is the height from the floor to the bottom surface of the window opening, typically 900mm to 1100mm in residential buildings.
Q18: Define Arch.
Ans:An arch is a curved structural element used to span an opening and distribute loads evenly to the supports (abutments).
Q19: Write the purpose of the arch.
Ans:
The purpose of an arch is as follows:- ➔ To span large openings where lintels are not suitable
- ➔ To transfer loads to vertical supports
- ➔ Aesthetic enhancement
- ➔ Durable under compression
Q20: Define Voussoirs.
Ans:Voussoirs are wedge-shaped blocks forming the curved parts of an arch. The central voussoir is called the keystone.
Q21: Define Spandrel.
Ans:The spandrel is the roughly triangular space between the curve of the arch and the rectangular frame enclosing it.
Q22: Define Springer.
Ans:The springer is the first voussoir at the base of the arch, where the curve begins.
Q23: Define Springer Line.
Ans:The springer line is the horizontal line from which an arch begins to curve upward.
Q24: Define Intrados.
Ans:The intrados is the inner, concave surface of an arch.
Q25: Define Extrados.
Ans:The extrados is the outer, convex surface of an arch.
Q26: Define Key in an arch.
Ans:The key (keystone) is the central, topmost voussoir in an arch that locks the structure in place.
Q27: Define Crown in an arch.
Ans:The crown is the highest point of an arch located at the top center, usually at the keystone.
Q28: Define Abutments.
Ans:Abutments are the end supports of an arch that resist the horizontal and vertical forces from the arch.
Q29: Define One-centered Arch.
Ans:A one-centered arch (also called a semicircular arch) has a single center point from which the curve is drawn, forming a half-circle.
Q30: Define Two-centered Arch.
Ans:A two-centered arch (e.g., pointed or Gothic arch) is formed by two arcs with centers on either side of the span.
Q31: Define Three-centered Arch.
Ans:A three-centered arch is made from three arcs joined together, often used for flat or elliptical shapes in bridges.
Q32: Define Four-centered Arch.
Ans:A four-centered arch, commonly used in Tudor architecture, has four arcs forming a flatter curve.
Q33: Define D.P.C.
Ans:DPC stands for Damp Proof Course. It is a barrier, usually a layer of waterproof material, installed in walls or floors to prevent the rise of moisture by capillary action.
Q34: Name some damp proof materials.
Ans:
The materials are:- ➔ Bitumen
- ➔ Polyethylene sheets
- ➔ Metal sheets (lead, copper)
- ➔ Cement mortar with waterproofing compounds
- ➔ Bricks soaked in waterproofing solutions
Q35: State some causes of dampness in buildings.
Ans:
Some of the causes are:- ➔ Capillary rise of moisture from the ground
- ➔ Rainwater penetration
- ➔ Poor drainage around foundations
- ➔ Leakage from pipes and roofs
- ➔ Condensation due to temperature differences
Q36: Write some effects of dampness in buildings.
Ans:
Some of the effects are:- ➔ Efflorescence
- ➔ Peeling of paint
- ➔ Decay of timber
- ➔ Health issues (mold, allergies)
- ➔ Weakening of structural materials
Q37: Define Seepage.
Ans:Seepage is the slow movement of water through porous materials like concrete, walls, or soil due to hydrostatic pressure or capillary action.
Q38: Name the components of an arch.
Ans:
The components are as follows:- ➔ Voussoirs
- ➔ Keystone
- ➔ Intrados
- ➔ Extrados
- ➔ Spandrel
- ➔ Abutment
- ➔ Springing line
- ➔ Crown
Q39: State the purpose of Sill.
Ans:
The purpose of Sill is to:- ➔ Prevent water penetration.
- ➔ Provide support to windows’ frames.
- ➔ Provide a smooth bottom surface to the window.
Q40: Define Toe Wall.
Ans:A toe wall is a small retaining wall built at the base of a slope or structure to resist sliding or prevent soil erosion.
Q41: Define Partition Wall.
Ans:A partition wall is a non-load bearing wall used to divide spaces within a building. It can be made of brick, block, glass, or lightweight panels.
Q42: Define Retaining Wall.
Ans:A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil or rock from a building, road, or other area to prevent erosion or collapse.
Q43: Define Curing of Brickwork.
Ans:Curing of brickwork is the process of maintaining moisture in the masonry after construction to ensure proper hydration of cement and avoid cracking. Typically done by sprinkling water for 7–14 days.
Q44: Name the types of Non-load bearing Wall.
Ans:
The types are:- ➔ Facade Brick wall
- ➔ Hollow concrete block wall
- ➔ Hollow brick wall
- ➔ Brick wall (115mm, 225mm)
