Building Materials and Their Importance in Architecture

30 Questions

Which of the following types of rocks can be easily split along a definite direction?

Foliated or laminated rocks

What is the main characteristic of Sedimentary rocks?

They have distinct layers of stratification

Which of the following rocks is an example of an Unstratified rock?

Granite

What is the main content of Silicious rocks?

Silica (SiO2)

Which of the following rocks cannot withstand shock?

Laterite

What is the characteristic structure of Unstratified rocks?

Compact granular

What is the primary factor that determines the building type and choice of building material?

The site selected and the nature of the surroundings

Which of the following is NOT a role of building materials in architecture?

Providing a functional purpose only

What is the significance of building materials in terms of structural importance?

They signify structural existence

How do building materials contribute to the concept of ‘building materials’ in architecture?

By glorifying the endurance and visual aspects of design

What is the relationship between building materials and the technique of construction?

Building materials select the appropriate technique of construction

What is the role of building materials in tracing the evolution of the art of construction?

They help decipher the time and era of construction

What is the primary reason for placing stone in walls with layers at right angles to the face of the wall?

To offer the greatest resistance to disintegration of the stone by frost and other weather actions

In the case of arches, how should the bedding plane be placed?

Radial and at right angles to the face of the arch

What is the primary factor that affects the cost of stone?

The proximity of the quarry and the transport facilities available

What is the minimum crushing strength of stone required for ordinary building works?

100N/mm2 or 100 kg/cm2

In what type of structures should the maximum stress developed in the stone not exceed 1/10th the crushing strength of the stone?

Dams, major bridge piers, and abutments, retaining walls, etc.

What is the purpose of keeping the natural bed of the stone vertical in cornices and strong courses?

To prevent the stone from becoming unsupported

What is the minimum fracture quality of stone that should be accepted?

Sharp, even and clear

Which test is used to determine the presence of soluble matter in the stone?

Smith’s Test

What is the process of extracting suitable stones from their natural rock beds or layers called?

Quarrying of Stones

What is the purpose of the Attrition Test?

To test the resisting power of the stone against grinding or rubbing action

Which test is used to determine the percentage of porosity by volume, density, S.G, and saturation coefficient of the stone?

Water Absorption Test

What is the term for the site from where stones are excavated?

Quarry Site

What is the primary reason for seasoning of stones?

To achieve full hardening of the stones

What is the main component of quarry sap?

Mineral solution

Why are stones dressed soon after quarrying?

To achieve the required shape and size

What is the recommended duration for exposing stones to open air for full hardening?

Six to twelve months

What is the purpose of keeping the store-house key in safe custody?

To prevent unauthorized access to the stones

What is the primary tool used for dressing of stones?

Chisel

Study Notes

Importance of Building Materials in Architecture and Engineering

Building materials form an integral part of the field of architecture, determining the type and form of structure, enhancing aesthetic quality, and establishing a relationship between visual quality and structural stability.
Building materials help to: • Select the appropriate technique of construction • Provide character and visual appeal to the structure • Decipher the time and era of construction of a building • Trace the evolution of the art of construction • Mix aesthetic elements with practicality • Highlight the theme and concept of design of the building project • Determine the budget of building projects • Establish a relationship between quantity and quality

Classification of Rocks

Physical Classification: • Stratified Rocks (e.g., Breccia, Conglomerates, Dolomite, Gypsum, Sandstone, Limestone, Chalk, Clay Slate, and Shale) • Unstratified Rocks (e.g., Granite, Basalt) • Foliated or Laminated Rocks (e.g., Metamorphic Rocks)
Chemical Classification: • Silicious Rocks (e.g., Granite, Quartzite, Trap, Basalt, Sandstones) • Argillaceous or Clayey Rocks (e.g., Laterite, Slate, Porphyry) • Calcareous Rocks

Natural Bed of Stone and Stone Characteristics

Natural Bed of Stone: • In case of arches, the bedding plane should be radial and at right angles to the face of the arch. • In case of cornices and strong courses, natural bed of the stone should be kept vertical.
Stone Characteristics: • General Structure • Fineness of Grains • Compactness • Durability • Strength • Hardness • Weight • Percentage of wear • Appearance • Ease in dressing or working • Porosity & absorption • Toughness

Tests of Stone

1. Smith's Test: to find out the presence of soluble matter in the stone
1. Freezing and Thawing Test: to observe the effect of freezing and thawing on stone
1. Acid Test: to assess the weathering qualities of sandstone
1. Water Absorption Test: to determine % absorption, porosity, density, S.G., and saturation coefficient
1. Impact Test: to find out the toughness of the stone
1. Attrition Test: to assess the resisting power of the stone against grinding or rubbing action
1. Crushing Test: to find out the compressive strength of the stone
1. Hardness Test: to find out the hardness of the stone

Stone Quarrying and Seasoning

Stone Quarrying: the process of extraction of suitable stones from their natural rock beds or layers
Seasoning of Stones: • Freshly quarried stones have natural moisture known as Quarry Sap • Drying of the stone from quarry sap is known as Seasoning of the Stone • Stones are seasoned before they are used in structural work to achieve full hardening

Test your knowledge of building materials, their importance in architecture and engineering, and how they affect the design and structure of buildings. Learn about the objectives of building material study and its significance in the field. This quiz is ideal for architecture and engineering students.

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