Civil Engineering – Chapter 2 (Engineering
Materials) Questions & Answers edited on 2025-
2026 by Brian
What are engineering materials?
They are materials used in construction such as concrete, steel, wood,
and bitumen.
What are the main types of building materials?
Natural materials and artificial materials.
What is the most widely used construction material?
Concrete.
What is cement made from?
Limestone, clay, and gypsum.
What is the function of cement in construction?
It acts as a binding agent.
What is Portland cement?
The most common type of cement used in construction.
What is hydration of cement?
The chemical reaction between cement and water that causes
hardening.
What is concrete?
A mixture of cement, sand, aggregates, and water.
What is reinforced concrete?
Concrete strengthened with steel bars.
Why is steel used in concrete?
To resist tensile forces.
