Q1: Define Settlement in buildings.
Ans:The failure or the dislocation of a portion of a structure due to unequal compression happening in the foundation.
Q2: Define P.W.D.
Ans:P.W.D stands for Public Works Department. This department is responsible for constructing and maintaining public infrastructure like roads, buildings, and water systems.
Q3: State some causes of settlement in buildings.
Ans:
Some of the causes are:- ➔ Weak bearing soil
- ➔ Poor compaction
- ➔ Changes in moisture content
- ➔ Maturing trees & vegetation
- ➔ Soil consolidation
- ➔ Defective building materials
Q4: Define Crack.
Ans:A crack is a complete or incomplete separation of concrete into two or more parts produced by breaking or fracturing.
Q5: Define Minor Crack.
Ans:A minor crack is a small and shallow crack that usually affects only the surface and doesn’t threaten the structure’s strength. For example: Plaster cracks.
Q6: Define Major Crack.
Ans:A major crack is a large and deep crack that can weaken a structure and compromise its safety. For example: Cracks in foundation.
Q7: Define Hairline Crack.
Ans:Hairline Crack is a very thin and narrow crack on the surface of a material, usually less than 0.3 mm wide. It is mostly superficial and does not affect the structural strength.
Q8: Name some types of cracks.
Ans:
Some types of cracks are:- ➔ Active & Dormant cracking
- ➔ Rust Cracking
- ➔ Shrinkage Cracking
- ➔ Settlement Cracking
Q9: What are the causes of cracks?
Ans:
Cracks are caused due to:- ➔ Structural deficiency
- ➔ Overloading
- ➔ Temperature and shrinkage effects
- ➔ Poor construction practice
Q10: Define Tension Cracking.
Ans:Occurs only in reinforced concrete and is caused by elongation of reinforcement in tension zones. Often seen around columns in flat slabs and on beam soffits near mid-span.
Q11: Define Rust Cracking.
Ans:A serious structural crack caused by inadequate reinforcement cover. It develops gradually based on how well the reinforcement is protected by the concrete.
Q12: Define Guniting.
Ans:A method where a mixture of cement and water is applied using a cement gun on surfaces to make them waterproof.
Q13: Define Gunite.
Ans:Gunite is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water, shot into place using compressed air.
Q14: Define Sealant.
Ans:Sealant is a material used to fill gaps or joints between surfaces to prevent the passage of air, water, dust, or other substances. It helps to make structures airtight and watertight, providing protection and durability.
Q15: Name 4 Sealants.
Ans:
Some of the sealants are:- ➔ Silicone sealant
- ➔ Acrylic sealant
- ➔ Polyurethane sealant
- ➔ Bituminous sealant
Q16: Write Blanket method of crack repairing.
Ans:In the Blanket method, a fabric or mesh is placed over the crack and bonded with adhesive or resin to strengthen and prevent further cracking.
Q17: Define Expansion Joints.
Ans:Expansion joints are gaps or spaces intentionally provided in structures (like buildings, bridges, roads, and pipelines) to allow for the expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature changes, moisture, or other factors. These joints prevent cracks, structural damage, and deformation by absorbing movements.
Q18: Define Differential Settlement.
Ans:Differential Settlement is the uneven sinking or settling of different parts of a structure's foundation. It occurs when one part of the foundation settles more than another, causing cracks or structural damage due to uneven support.
Q19: Define Base Isolated.
Ans:Base isolated refers to a structural engineering technique used to protect buildings from earthquake damage. In this method, the building is separated from its foundation using flexible bearings or pads, called base isolators.
Q20: Name some methods used to repair cracks.
Ans:
Some of the methods are:- ➔ Using Epoxies
- ➔ Grouting
- ➔ Stitching
- ➔ Blanketing
- ➔ External Stressing
Q21: Define Dampness.
Ans:Presence of unwanted moisture in the structure of a building is called dampness.
Q22: How is guniting done to prevent dampness?
Ans:A mixture of cement and water is forced by a cement gun onto the surface. Then a 1:3 or 1:4 cement mortar is applied with pressure using compressed air to create an impervious layer.
Q23: Define Waterproofing
Ans:Waterproofing is the process of making a structure or surface resistant to water penetration. It prevents water from entering or passing through walls, roofs, basements, or other parts of a building, thereby protecting it from leakage, dampness, and damage.
Q24: Write some general guidelines of water proofing.
Ans:
General guidelines include:- ➔ Keep building materials dry
- ➔ Provide a clear path for water to exit roofs
- ➔ Install proper insulation in wall cavities
- ➔ Avoid placing pipes in exterior walls
- ➔ Use water-resistive barriers behind showers
- ➔ Dry concrete floors before covering
- ➔ Ventilate during construction
Q25: Name some methods used to detect dampness in a building.
Ans:
Some of the methods are:- ➔ Pressure Diagnostics
- ➔ Polyethylene Test
- ➔ Standing Water Test
- ➔ Spray Test
Q26: Name some methods used to prevent dampness.
Ans:
Some of the methods are:- ➔ Providing D.P.C. course
- ➔ Providing cavity walls
- ➔ Surface treatment
- ➔ Integral treatment
- ➔ Guniting
- ➔ Pressure grouting
Q27: Write some effects of dampness in buildings.
Ans:
Some common effects are:- ➔ Peeling of paint or plaster
- ➔ Growth of mold and fungus
- ➔ Rusting of metal parts
- ➔ Damage to wooden structures
- ➔ Unpleasant smell and unhealthy environment
- ➔ Weakening of the building structure
Q28: Name some defects in buildings.
Ans:
Some common building defects are:- ➔ Cracks in walls and foundations
- ➔ Leaky roofs and plumbing
- ➔ Faulty electrical wiring
- ➔ Spalling concrete (pieces of concrete falling off)
- ➔ Peeling paint and water stains
- ➔ Uneven floors and doors that do not close properly
- ➔ Mold and mildew growth
