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civil engineering questions on stone sand and limestone /A+/ 2026 approved grade A master, Exams of Civil Engineering

Princeton University Civil Engineering

Prepare for your Civil Engineering exams with this comprehensive Stones, Sand, and Limestone Exam Questions and Answers study guide. This resource covers the source and classification of stones, quarrying and dressing of stones, properties of stones, and tests on stones used in construction. It also includes questions on the source and classification of sand, bulking of sand, and the properties of sand, along with the source and classification of limestone and its engineering applications. Designed for civil engineering students and professionals, these exam-style questions and detailed answers help reinforce key concepts, improve problem-solving skills, and build confidence for university exams, competitive tests, and professional certification preparation.

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2025/2026

Available from 07/01/2026

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Basic civil engineering questions and answers on stones

,sand and limestone 2026 verified with answers

Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers – Source and Classification of Stones

This set of Basic Civil Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on

“Source and Classification of Stones”.

1. Stones are obtained from rocks that are made up of:

a) Ores

b) Minerals

c) Chemical compounds

d) Crystals

b

2. Which one of the following is not a classification of stones?

a) Physical Classification

b) Mineralogical Classification

c) Chemical Classification

d) Practical Classification

b

3. The hot molten material occurring naturally below the surface of the Earth is called:

a) Lava

b) Slag

c) Magma

d) Tuff

c

4. At what depth and rate is a hypabyssal rock formed?

a) Slow cooling of magma at considerable depth

b) Quick cooling of magma at a shallow depth

c) Rapid cooling of magma at Earth’s surface

d) Rapid cooling of magma at a shallow depth

b

5. What is a sedimentary deposit?

a) Weathered product remains at site

b) Weathered product carried away in solution

c) Weathered product gets carried away agents

Discover Exams of Civil Engineering Princeton University

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Basic civil engineering questions and answers on stones

,sand and limestone 2026 verified with answers

Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers – Source and Classification of Stones This set of Basic Civil Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Source and Classification of Stones”.

Stones are obtained from rocks that are made up of: a) Ores b) Minerals c) Chemical compounds d) Crystals b
Which one of the following is not a classification of stones? a) Physical Classification b) Mineralogical Classification c) Chemical Classification d) Practical Classification b
The hot molten material occurring naturally below the surface of the Earth is called: a) Lava b) Slag c) Magma d) Tuff c advertisement
At what depth and rate is a hypabyssal rock formed? a) Slow cooling of magma at considerable depth b) Quick cooling of magma at a shallow depth c) Rapid cooling of magma at Earth’s surface d) Rapid cooling of magma at a shallow depth b
What is a sedimentary deposit? a) Weathered product remains at site b) Weathered product carried away in solution c) Weathered product gets carried away agents

d) Insoluble weathered product is carried away in suspension d

Which factor disturbs the equilibrium of rocks, commencing metamorphism? a) Increase in temperature b) Decrease in temperature and pressure c) Increase in temperature and pressure d) Decrease in pressure c
Which of the following is not a metamorphic change? a) Calcite to schist b) Limestone to marble c) Shale to slate d) Granite to gneisses a
Which of the following rocks are hard and durable? a) Argillaceous rocks b) Siliceous rocks c) Calcareous rocks d) Carbonaceous rocks b
Foliated structure is very common in case of: a) Sedimentary rocks b) Plutonic rocks c) Igneous rocks d) Metamorphic rocks d
Granite is a type of: a) Plutonic rock b) Metamorphic rock c) Hypabyssal rock d) Volcanic rock a Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers – Quarrying and Dressing of Stones

d) Fine tooling Answer: d Explanation: Fine tooling involves removing projections till a fairly smooth surface is obtained. In pitch faced dressing, the edges are levelled and the flaws on the face of the stone is allowed to remain. In furrowed finish, a fixed margin is sunk on all sides with a central portion projecting. In the combed finish, a comb with steel teeth is rubbed on the surface.

What is used to accelerate the process of rubbing in rubbed finish dressing? a) Water b) Water and sand c) Clay d) Pebbles Answer: b Explanation: In rubbed finish dressing, a piece of stone is rubbed against a surface or machine. Water and sand together act as accelerators and help in the rubbing action.
Dressing of stones is carried out to: a) To provide employment to people b) To make transport of stones to site easy and economic c) To reduce water content of stone d) To avoid further works on the stone Answer: b Explanation: Dressing reduces the excess weight of the stone and helps in easy transport from the quarry to the site of use, also proving the process to be economic.
How many types of dressings are there with respect to the place of work? a) 4 b) 3 c) 2 d) None Answer: c Explanation: There are two types of dressings based on the place of work. They are quarry dressing and site dressing. Quarry dressing is carried out right after quarrying whereas site dressing is done after transporting the quarried rock to the site.

Circular finished stones are generally used for: a) Pillar b) Tombstone c) Landscaping d) Column Answer: d Explanation: Circular finish dressing yields in a stone with a surface that is round and circular. This is exactly the type of dressed stone which meets the requirements of stone required for column construction.
Quarry faced finished stones are also called: a) Reticulated finish b) Hammer faced finished c) Rock faced stones d) Plain finish Answer: c Explanation: Quarry faced finished stone is directly available from the quarry and has a smooth surface. It doesn’t require any further dressing. They are also called self-faced stones.
Dynamite is a more effective explosive than gelignite. a) True b) False Answer: b Explanation: Gelignite is more convenient to use and can be used underwater also. Hence, it’s effective than dynamite.
What is sand blasting? a) Process of making carvings on stone surface b) Quarrying technique c) Dressing type d) Process of using sand to blast stone surface Answer: a Explanation: It’s used to carve or clean a surface with a high velocity jet of abrasive material (sand, walnut, steel bits, etc..)

Answer: c Explanation: Even if the stone fades a little bit it will not show a striking difference and doesn’t spoil the look of it. They don’t need to be painted or maintained much compared to darker shades.

Hardness is an important parameter considered in the construction of: a) Slabs b) Walls c) Bridges d) Arches Answer: c Explanation: It’s required in structures subjected to heavy loading. Bridge is one such structure. Slabs, walls and arches are not subjected to heavy loadings as a bridge.
What is the required specific gravity for a good building stone? a) Greater than 2. b) Less than 3 c) Greater than 3 d) Less than 2. Answer: a Explanation: As per IS standards. Heavy stones are used in the construction of abutments, dams, docks. Lighter ones are used in building construction.
The percentage absorption by weight of a good stone, after how many hours should not exceed .6? a) 6 hrs b) 12 hrs c) 48 hrs d) 24 hrs Answer: d Explanation: As per IS standards, 24 hrs is the time a stone has to be immersed in water to check for water absorption. Time less or more than this would not result in providing the appropriate data.
What texture should a building stone possess? a) Loose grains b) Crystalline structure c) Cavities

d) Cracks Answer: b Explanation: Texture is the grains composing the stone in the strata. Crystalline structure is the required texture. Other options are undesired textures.

Seasoning is required for stones. a) True b) False Answer: a Explanation: A stone should be properly dried before using for structural works. The sap contained in freshly quarried stones will make them soft and lead to decay eventually.
Toughness index of a good stone should be more than: a) 17 b) 18 c) 13 d) 19 Answer: d Explanation: Toughness is the ability to resist impact forces. A good building stone should have high toughness index to resist vibrations from machinery, moving loads, etc…
A percentage wear of 3% indicates a good stone. a) True b) False Answer: b Explanation: A percentage wear of less than 3% indicates a non-satisfactory stone. A percentage wear of 3% indicates a tolerable stone and greater than 3% indicates a good quality stone. Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers – Tests on Stones
Which test is used to find the rate of wear of stones? a) Crushing test b) Abrasion test c) Attrition test d) Acid test

Cast iron balls of 48 mm diameter are placed in the apparatus along with the specimen.

Which apparatus is used to test the hardness of stones? a) Los Angeles b) Deval’s c) CTM d) Dorry’s ✅✅Answer: d Explanation: Los Angeles is used for abrasion test, Deval’s for attrition and CTM for compression or crushing test.
Which stone has a hardness of 7 in the Mohr’s hardness scale? a) Quartz b) Calcite c) Gypsum d) Topaz ✅✅Answer: a Explanation: Mohr’s hardness scale ranks stones according to their hardness numbers. Calcite has a hardness of 3, gypsum 2 and topaz 8. advertisement
Why CaSO 4 is not used in the crystallisation test? a) Costly compound b) Low solubility in water c) Increases time taken for test d) Releases toxic fumes ✅✅Answer: b Explanation: Crystallisation of CaSO 4 in pores causes decay of stones and the low solubility in water prevent the use of this compound in the test.
Which of the below given formulas is used to calculate hardness coefficient? a) (Final hardness / initial hardness) × 100% b) 20 – (loss in weight / 2) c) 20 – (loss in weight / 3) d) ((20 – loss in weight) / 3) × 100% ✅✅Answer: c Explanation: The coefficient of hardness is expressed as a number and not a percentage.
What are the specifications for tamping rod used in impact test? a) 16 mm steel rod with rounded end b) 16 mm steel rod with square face c) 16 mm copper rod with rounded end

d) 16 mm copper rod with square face ✅✅Answer: a Explanation: According to the IS code 2386, a 16 mm steel rod with rounded edge is used for tamping the sample filled inside the cylinder in three layers, 25 times each.

Why is attrition test performed? a) To find resistance to scratch b) To find resistance to weathering c) To find resistance to wear d) To find resistance to dressing ✅✅Answer: c Explanation: Attrition test is performed to test the rate of wear of stones that are used in road construction. It checks the rubbing against the same material of stone and is expressed in percentage.
What parameter is being checked for in freezing and thawing test? a) Weathering b) Durability c) Water absorption d) Texture ✅✅Answer: b Explanation: Durability refers to the resistance of stones to atmospheric conditions such as rain, heat, snow; temperature gradients; chemical impurities; cracks, creeks. Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers – Source and Classification of Sand
What is sand composed of? a) Silica b) Silicon c) Silicon oxide d) Quartz Answer: a Explanation: Sand is composed of small grains of silica (SiO 2 ). It’s also called silicon dioxide.
Which of the following sand type is excellent for use in mortar and concrete work? a) Sea sand b) Clayey sand c) Pit sand

Sand is a fine grained component in soil. a) True b) False Answer: b Explanation: Sand size lies in the range 4.75 mm to 75 microns. A fine grained component of a soil has a size less than 75 microns.
How many classifications are there for sand based on the grain size distribution? a) 3 b) 2 c) 5 d) 4 Answer: a Explanation: There are three types of sands based on grain size distribution. They are fine (passes through 1.5875 mm sieve), coarse (passes through 3.175 mm sieve) and gravelly sand (passes through 7.62 mm sieve).
Fine sand is generally used for which of the following works? a) Masonry b) Concrete structures c) Plastering d) Grinding and polishing Answer: c Explanation: Plastering is the act of applying a layer of plaster over a wall. It gives the wall a smooth and decorative appearance. Hence, for achieving the smoothness, fine grained sand is employed.
How is M-sand produced? a) Crushing bricks b) Quarrying c) Reusing the debris of demolished building d) Crushing granite stones Answer: d Explanation: M-sand stands for Manufactured sand and contains cubical grains with grounded edges. These are the perfect replacement for sand to be used in construction works.

Which one of the following is not an advantage of using M-sand? a) Cost effective b) Available in single size c) Dust and impurity free d) Can be obtained from hard rock Answer: b Explanation: M-sand is obtained by crushing specific hard rock and since it’s manufactured in factories, any size can be manufactured depending on the need. Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers – Bulking of Sand
What is the meaning of bulking of sand? a) Increase in volume of sand due to moisture absorption b) Increase in weight of sand due to moisture absorption c) Increase in mass of sand due to moisture absorption d) Increase in strength of sand due to moisture absorption Answer: a Explanation: When water is added to sand, a thin film of water is formed around the sand particles. The film exerts surface tension on particles, making them move apart. This leads to an increase in volume because there is no direct contact among particles.
How is bulking related to moisture content? a) Keeps on increasing with moisture content b) Increases to a certain point and then decreases c) Keeps on decreasing with moisture content d) Decreases to a certain point and then increases Answer: b Explanation: The volume i.e. bulking increases as sand absorbs moisture. At about 6- 10%, the film starts breaking and the volume reduces. If sand absorbs further moisture, no bulking takes place.

d) Shows variable relation View Answer Answer: c Explanation: Finer particle size will have more voids compared to coarser once. They tend to absorb more water and hence exhibit more bulking.

What does ‘h’ represents in the formula used to calculate the bulking factor? a) Height of jar b) Height of saturated sample c) Height of dry sample d) Height of water View Answer Answer: b Explanation: The formula used to calculate bulking factor is (H-h/h) x 100%. ‘H’ represents height to which dry sand sample is filled in jar and ‘h’ represents the height of the saturated sample.
Bulking is the phenomenon applicable to both fine and coarse aggregates. a) True b) False View Answer Answer: b Explanation: Bulking is possible only in fine aggregates. In coarse aggregate, size of particle is large, void space is less and so water absorption is not possible up to the extent of fine aggregates.
Sand does not show any bulking when: a) Completely saturated b) Partially saturated c) Contains small amount of impurities d) Voids are partially filled with air Answer: a Explanation: A completely saturated sand has no void space left to absorb any more water and undergo bulking.
What effect does bulking have on fresh concrete? a) Strength reduces b) Shrinkage increases c) Volume reduces

d) Workability increases Answer: d Explanation: The excess water in the sand can be used to maintain water-cement ratio. It improves workability and hence it is easier to place fresh concrete. Strength is a property of hardened concrete. Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers – Properties of Sand

The fineness modulus of sand lies in the range: a) 1- 2 b) 0.5- 1 c) 2- 3 d) 2.5-3. Answer: c Explanation: Fineness modulus is an index number which represents average size of sand particles. It is calculated after conducting sieve analysis.
An ideal sand should comprise of which of the following grain types? a) Cubical, fine b) Angular, coarse c) Round, coarse d) Irregular, fine Answer: b Explanation: For sand to be used in every type of construction, the grains must suit all requirements. Angular, coarse grained sand is the one suitable for all work.
Sand in mortar helps in adjusting the strength requirements: a) True b) False Answer: a Explanation: The grade and amount of sane used in making mortar help in adjusting the strength parameter. It also helps in increasing resistance against crushing.
A sand is not said to be ideal if: a) Chemically inert b) Free from organic salts

d) 2% Answer: c Explanation: If more silt content is present, it will lead to the improper measurement of volume or weight. It should be washed off to bring it to the allowable limit.

Which one of the below cannot to be used as a substitute of sand? a) Surkhi b) Quarry dust c) Glass d) M-sand Answer: b Explanation: Surkhi is pieces of burned clay, M-sand is manufactured sand, glass can be powdered and these form excellent substitutes for sand. Quarry dust has flaky grains and is not recommended to use in concrete or masonry works, though it can be used for low strength works.
The density of wet sand is: a) 1922 kg/m^3 b) 1682 kg/m^3 c) 1281 kg/m^3 d) 1522 kg/m^3 Answer: a Explanation: 1682 kg/m^3 is density of rammed sand, 1281 kg/m^3 is density of dry sand and 1522 kg/m^3 is of silica sand. Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers – Source and Classification of limestone
By which of the following ways is lime obtained? a) Naturally b) Quarrying c) Burning limestone d) Crushing limestone Answer: c Explanation: It is not available naturally. It is obtained by burning limestone, shells of sea animals and boulders of limestone from old river beds.

Which of the following pairs is matched properly? a) Class A – Concrete work b) Class B – Mortar c) Class C – Masonry work d) Class D – White washing Answer: b Explanation: Based on percentage of CaCO 3 in limestone, lime is classified into 3 – Class A, B & C.Class A is used for masonry work, Class C is used for white washing and there is no class D.
Lime has been conventionally classified into how many types? a) 4 b) 2 c) 5 d) 3 Answer: d Explanation: The three conventional classifications of lime are, Fat Lime, Hydraulic Lime and Poor Lime.
Which of the following is a property of Fat Lime? a) Shakes very slowly b) Contains clay c) High degree of plasticity d) Poor binding property Answer: c Explanation: Fat Lime is pure lime. The rest of the 3 options describe properties of poor lime.
Lime obtained from calcination of Pure Limestone is called: a) Quick Lime b) Pure Lime c) Lean Lime d) Rich Lime Answer: a Explanation: Quick lime is pure limestone product. It consists of oxides of calcium and is not crystalline. Pure Lime and Rich Lime are different names of Fat Lime. Lean Lime is also another name of Poor Lime.

civil engineering questions on stone sand and limestone /A+/ 2026 approved grade A master, Exams of Civil Engineering

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Partial preview of the text

Download civil engineering questions on stone sand and limestone /A+/ 2026 approved grade A master and more Exams Civil Engineering in PDF only on Docsity!

Basic civil engineering questions and answers on stones

,sand and limestone 2026 verified with answers