SSC JE–level MCQs on Classification of Building Materials with clear answers and short explanations

SSC JE–level MCQs on Classification of Building Materials with clear answers and short explanations.
All questions are strictly aligned with the SSC JE (Civil Engineering) syllabus.

PART–A : MCQs (1–50)

1. Stone, sand and timber are classified as
2. A) Artificial materials
   B) Natural materials
   C) Composite materials
   D) Metallic materials

Answer: B
Explanation: These are obtained directly from nature with minimal processing.

2. Cement belongs to which category?
3. A) Natural material
   B) Artificial material
   C) Metallic material
   D) Composite material

Answer: B
Explanation: Cement is manufactured from limestone and clay.

3. Which of the following is a ferrous metal?
4. A) Aluminium
   B) Copper
   C) Steel
   D) Zinc

Answer: C
Explanation: Ferrous metals contain iron; steel is iron-based.

4. Aluminium is classified as
5. A) Ferrous metal
   B) Non-ferrous metal
   C) Non-metallic material
   D) Binding material

Answer: B
Explanation: Aluminium contains no iron → non-ferrous.

5. Which is a non-metallic material?
6. A) Steel
   B) Copper
   C) Brick
   D) Aluminium

Answer: C
Explanation: Bricks are clay-based, not metallic.

6. Cement is mainly used as
7. A) Load bearing material
   B) Binding material
   C) Finishing material
   D) Waterproofing material

Answer: B
Explanation: Cement binds aggregates in mortar and concrete.

7. Bitumen is classified as
8. A) Natural binding material
   B) Artificial binding material
   C) Metallic material
   D) Structural material

Answer: B
Explanation: Bitumen is processed petroleum product used as binder.

8. Which of the following is a natural binding material?
9. A) Cement
   B) Lime
   C) Bitumen
   D) Epoxy

Answer: B
Explanation: Lime occurs naturally and acts as a binder.

9. Which material is load bearing?
10. A) Glass
    B) Gypsum board
    C) RCC
    D) PVC panel

Answer: C
Explanation: RCC resists structural loads.

10. AAC blocks are classified as
11. A) Natural materials
    B) Traditional materials
    C) Modern materials
    D) Metallic materials

Answer: C
Explanation: AAC blocks are lightweight modern construction materials.

11. Which is an artificial non-metallic material?
12. A) Stone
    B) Brick
    C) Timber
    D) Sand

Answer: B
Explanation: Brick is manufactured and non-metallic.

12. Timber is classified as
13. A) Artificial & metallic
    B) Natural & non-metallic
    C) Artificial & non-metallic
    D) Natural & metallic

Answer: B
Explanation: Timber comes from trees and has no metal.

13. Glass belongs to
14. A) Metallic group
    B) Non-metallic group
    C) Ferrous group
    D) Composite group

Answer: B
Explanation: Glass is silica-based, non-metallic.

14. Which material is used mainly for finishing?
15. A) Concrete
    B) Brick
    C) Marble
    D) Steel

Answer: C
Explanation: Marble is mainly a finishing material.

15. Which is a traditional building material?
16. A) FRP
    B) AAC block
    C) Brick
    D) Geotextile

Answer: C
Explanation: Brick has been used for centuries.

16. Which of the following is a modern construction material?
17. A) Stone
    B) Lime
    C) Fly ash brick
    D) Timber

Answer: C
Explanation: Fly ash bricks are industrial by-product based.

17. Which material is classified as composite?
18. A) Steel
    B) RCC
    C) Timber
    D) Brick

Answer: B
Explanation: RCC = concrete + steel → composite.

18. Which material is both structural and metallic?
19. A) Timber
    B) Brick
    C) Steel
    D) Glass

Answer: C
Explanation: Steel is metallic and carries loads.

19. Which is a non-load bearing material?
20. A) Column
    B) Beam
    C) Glass partition
    D) Foundation

Answer: C
Explanation: Glass partitions do not carry loads.

20. Which is an example of eco-friendly building material?
21. A) Cement
    B) Fly ash brick
    C) Steel
    D) Plastic

Answer: B
Explanation: Fly ash bricks utilize industrial waste.

21. Which material is obtained from clay and fired in kiln?
22. A) Cement
    B) Brick
    C) Stone
    D) Timber

Answer: B
Explanation: Bricks are kiln-burnt clay products.

22. Which is a manufactured metallic material?
23. A) Stone
    B) Steel
    C) Sand
    D) Clay

Answer: B
Explanation: Steel is manufactured from iron ore.

23. Which material is classified as flexible binder?
24. A) Cement
    B) Lime
    C) Bitumen
    D) Gypsum

Answer: C
Explanation: Bitumen is flexible and used in roads.

24. Which material is best categorized as durable?
25. A) Mud brick
    B) Timber
    C) Stone
    D) Gypsum board

Answer: C
Explanation: Stone has very long service life.

25. Which material is least durable?
26. A) Steel
    B) Stone
    C) Mud mortar
    D) Concrete

Answer: C
Explanation: Mud mortar deteriorates easily in water.

26. Which is a non-ferrous metal?
27. A) Cast iron
    B) Mild steel
    C) Aluminium
    D) Wrought iron

Answer: C
Explanation: Aluminium has no iron.

27. Which of the following is a binding + waterproofing material?
28. A) Cement
    B) Lime
    C) Bitumen
    D) Gypsum

Answer: C
Explanation: Bitumen seals and binds.

28. Which is a lightweight building material?
29. A) Stone
    B) AAC block
    C) Steel
    D) Brick

Answer: B
Explanation: AAC blocks have low density.

29. Which of the following is a natural metallic material?
30. A) Iron ore
    B) Steel
    C) Aluminium sheet
    D) Brass

Answer: A
Explanation: Iron ore occurs naturally.

30. Which material is mainly used for partition walls?
31. A) RCC
    B) Brick masonry
    C) Gypsum board
    D) Stone masonry

Answer: C
Explanation: Gypsum boards are lightweight and non-structural.

31. Which is a hydraulic binder?
32. A) Lime
    B) Cement
    C) Clay
    D) Gypsum

Answer: B
Explanation: Cement sets and hardens in water.

32. Which is an air-setting binder?
33. A) Cement
    B) Bitumen
    C) Lime
    D) Epoxy

Answer: C
Explanation: Lime sets in presence of air.

33. Which material is both artificial and composite?
34. A) Brick
    B) RCC
    C) Stone
    D) Timber

Answer: B
Explanation: RCC is man-made and composite.

34. Which of the following is non-combustible?
35. A) Timber
    B) Plastic
    C) Steel
    D) PVC

Answer: C
Explanation: Steel does not burn.

35. Which material is mainly used as reinforcement?
36. A) Aluminium
    B) Copper
    C) Steel
    D) Brass

Answer: C
Explanation: Steel bars reinforce concrete.

36. Which is an inorganic non-metallic material?
37. A) Timber
    B) Plastic
    C) Glass
    D) Rubber

Answer: C
Explanation: Glass is inorganic and non-metallic.

37. Which is a traditional roofing material?
38. A) GI sheet
    B) Thatch
    C) FRP sheet
    D) Polycarbonate

Answer: B
Explanation: Thatch is traditional roofing.

38. Which of the following is a modern roofing material?
39. A) Clay tiles
    B) Thatch
    C) FRP sheets
    D) Stone slabs

Answer: C
Explanation: FRP is a modern composite material.

39. Which is a structural non-metallic material?
40. A) Glass
    B) Timber
    C) Plastic
    D) Gypsum

Answer: B
Explanation: Timber can carry loads in structures.

40. Which material is classified as man-made stone?
41. A) Marble
    B) Granite
    C) Concrete block
    D) Sandstone

Answer: C
Explanation: Concrete blocks imitate stone.

41. Which material is least fire resistant?
42. A) Steel
    B) Stone
    C) Timber
    D) Brick

Answer: C
Explanation: Timber is combustible.

42. Which is a chemical-resistant material?
43. A) Mild steel
    B) Timber
    C) Plastic
    D) Brick

Answer: C
Explanation: Plastics resist many chemicals.

43. Which of the following is a load-bearing masonry unit?
44. A) Glass block
    B) Brick
    C) Gypsum board
    D) PVC panel

Answer: B
Explanation: Bricks can carry compressive loads.

44. Which is a finishing + decorative material?
45. A) Cement
    B) Marble
    C) Concrete
    D) Brick

Answer: B
Explanation: Marble is used for aesthetics.

45. Which is a renewable building material?
46. A) Steel
    B) Cement
    C) Timber
    D) Brick

Answer: C
Explanation: Timber comes from trees and is renewable.

46. Which material is classified as synthetic?
47. A) Stone
    B) Plastic
    C) Clay
    D) Lime

Answer: B
Explanation: Plastics are chemically synthesized.

47. Which is an example of industrial waste based material?
48. A) Burnt clay brick
    B) Fly ash brick
    C) Stone block
    D) Timber

Answer: B
Explanation: Fly ash is thermal power plant waste.

48. Which of the following is not a binding material?
49. A) Cement
    B) Lime
    C) Bitumen
    D) Brick

Answer: D
Explanation: Brick is a masonry unit, not a binder.

49. Which material is mainly used for false ceiling?
50. A) Stone slab
    B) Gypsum board
    C) Brick
    D) Concrete

Answer: B
Explanation: Gypsum boards are light and suitable for ceilings.

50. Which is a structural composite material?
51. A) Glass
    B) RCC
    C) Timber
    D) PVC

Answer: B
Explanation: RCC combines steel + concrete.

PART–B : MCQs (51–100)

51. Which material is classified as heavy construction material?
52. A) AAC block
    B) Stone
    C) Gypsum board
    D) PVC

Answer: B
Explanation: Stone has high density.

52. Which material is best classified as inorganic binder?
53. A) Bitumen
    B) Cement
    C) Epoxy
    D) Resin

Answer: B
Explanation: Cement is inorganic hydraulic binder.

53. Which is an example of organic building material?
54. A) Cement
    B) Brick
    C) Timber
    D) Glass

Answer: C
Explanation: Timber comes from plants.

54. Which is a non-structural finishing material?
55. A) RCC
    B) Brick masonry
    C) Marble tile
    D) Steel girder

Answer: C
Explanation: Marble tiles are not load-bearing.

55. Which material is classified as brittle?
56. A) Steel
    B) Aluminium
    C) Glass
    D) Timber

Answer: C
Explanation: Glass breaks without deformation.

56. Which material is ductile?
57. A) Brick
    B) Stone
    C) Steel
    D) Glass

Answer: C
Explanation: Steel stretches before failure.

57. Which is a fire-resistant building material?
58. A) Timber
    B) Plastic
    C) Brick
    D) PVC

Answer: C
Explanation: Brick resists fire well.

58. Which material is best for waterproofing?
59. A) Cement
    B) Lime
    C) Bitumen
    D) Gypsum

Answer: C
Explanation: Bitumen prevents water penetration.

59. Which material is categorized as green building material?
60. A) Marble
    B) Fly ash brick
    C) Steel
    D) Glass

Answer: B
Explanation: Uses waste and reduces pollution.

60. Which of the following is a non-renewable material?
61. A) Timber
    B) Bamboo
    C) Steel
    D) Jute

Answer: C
Explanation: Steel depends on finite iron ore.

61. Which is a lightweight partition material?
62. A) Brick
    B) Stone
    C) Gypsum board
    D) Concrete

Answer: C
Explanation: Gypsum boards are easy to install.

62. Which material belongs to traditional flooring?
63. A) Vitrified tile
    B) Marble
    C) Mud floor
    D) Epoxy floor

Answer: C
Explanation: Mud floors are traditional.

63. Which is an advanced composite?
64. A) Brick
    B) Stone
    C) FRP
    D) Timber

Answer: C
Explanation: FRP = Fiber Reinforced Polymer.

64. Which material is corrosion resistant?
65. A) Mild steel
    B) Aluminium
    C) Cast iron
    D) Wrought iron

Answer: B
Explanation: Aluminium forms protective oxide layer.

65. Which is a traditional binding material?
66. A) Epoxy
    B) Cement
    C) Lime
    D) Resin

Answer: C
Explanation: Lime was used before cement.

66. Which is a manufactured masonry unit?
67. A) Stone
    B) Brick
    C) Timber
    D) Sand

Answer: B
Explanation: Bricks are factory made.

67. Which material is used mainly in temporary structures?
68. A) RCC
    B) Steel
    C) Timber
    D) Stone

Answer: C
Explanation: Timber is easy to assemble and remove.

68. Which is classified as rigid pavement binder?
69. A) Lime
    B) Cement
    C) Bitumen
    D) Gypsum

Answer: B
Explanation: Cement concrete forms rigid pavements.

69. Which is a flexible pavement binder?
70. A) Cement
    B) Lime
    C) Bitumen
    D) Gypsum

Answer: C
Explanation: Bitumen is used in flexible pavements.

70. Which material is inorganic, non-metallic, artificial?
71. A) Timber
    B) Brick
    C) Stone
    D) Sand

Answer: B
Explanation: Brick is artificial, clay-based.

71. Which material is used mainly for sound insulation?
72. A) Steel
    B) Brick
    C) Glass wool
    D) Stone

Answer: C
Explanation: Glass wool absorbs sound.

72. Which of the following is a prefabricated material?
73. A) Stone
    B) Brick
    C) Precast concrete panel
    D) Timber log

Answer: C
Explanation: Precast panels are factory made.

73. Which material is best classified as rigid?
74. A) Rubber
    B) Bitumen
    C) Concrete
    D) Plastic

Answer: C
Explanation: Concrete does not deform easily.

74. Which is a chemically bonded material?
75. A) Brick
    B) Cement
    C) Timber
    D) Stone

Answer: B
Explanation: Cement hardens by chemical reaction.

75. Which is a thermoplastic building material?
76. A) PVC
    B) Brick
    C) Glass
    D) Steel

Answer: A
Explanation: PVC softens on heating.

76. Which material is mainly used in heritage structures?
77. A) Steel
    B) RCC
    C) Stone
    D) FRP

Answer: C
Explanation: Old monuments used stone masonry.

77. Which material is dimensionally stable?
78. A) Timber
    B) Steel
    C) Brick
    D) Plastic

Answer: C
Explanation: Bricks show minimal shrinkage.

78. Which material is best classified as porous?
79. A) Steel
    B) Glass
    C) Brick
    D) Aluminium

Answer: C
Explanation: Bricks absorb water due to pores.

79. Which of the following is a non-porous material?
80. A) Brick
    B) Stone
    C) Glass
    D) Timber

Answer: C
Explanation: Glass does not absorb water.

80. Which is a structural lightweight material?
81. A) Stone
    B) AAC block
    C) Brick
    D) Concrete

Answer: B
Explanation: AAC blocks reduce dead load.

81. Which is a high tensile strength material?
82. A) Brick
    B) Stone
    C) Steel
    D) Timber

Answer: C
Explanation: Steel has very high tensile strength.

82. Which material is classified as low tensile strength?
83. A) Steel
    B) Concrete
    C) Aluminium
    D) Glass

Answer: B
Explanation: Concrete is weak in tension.

83. Which is an example of recycled building material?
84. A) Fly ash brick
    B) Stone block
    C) Clay brick
    D) Timber

Answer: A
Explanation: Made from waste fly ash.

84. Which is a synthetic binding material?
85. A) Lime
    B) Cement
    C) Epoxy resin
    D) Bitumen

Answer: C
Explanation: Epoxy is chemically synthesized.

85. Which material is mainly used for window frames?
86. A) Stone
    B) Aluminium
    C) Brick
    D) Cement

Answer: B
Explanation: Aluminium is light and corrosion resistant.

86. Which is a traditional walling material?
87. A) Glass block
    B) Brick
    C) FRP panel
    D) Gypsum board

Answer: B
Explanation: Brick masonry is traditional.

87. Which is a non-structural decorative material?
88. A) RCC
    B) Steel beam
    C) Wallpaper
    D) Stone column

Answer: C
Explanation: Wallpaper adds aesthetics only.

88. Which material is best classified as fireproof?
89. A) Timber
    B) Brick
    C) Plastic
    D) PVC

Answer: B
Explanation: Brick withstands high temperature.

89. Which is a load-bearing metallic material?
90. A) Aluminium sheet
    B) Copper wire
    C) Steel girder
    D) Zinc sheet

Answer: C
Explanation: Steel girders carry structural loads.

90. Which is an example of surface finishing material?
91. A) Cement
    B) Plaster of Paris
    C) Brick
    D) Concrete

Answer: B
Explanation: POP is used for smooth finishes.

91. Which is a moisture sensitive material?
92. A) Stone
    B) Steel
    C) Timber
    D) Brick

Answer: C
Explanation: Timber swells and decays with moisture.

92. Which is a non-combustible, non-metallic material?
93. A) Timber
    B) Brick
    C) Plastic
    D) Rubber

Answer: B
Explanation: Brick neither burns nor is metallic.

93. Which is an example of structural masonry?
94. A) Glass wall
    B) Brick wall
    C) Gypsum partition
    D) PVC panel

Answer: B
Explanation: Brick walls can be load bearing.

94. Which is a lightweight metallic material?
95. A) Cast iron
    B) Mild steel
    C) Aluminium
    D) Wrought iron

Answer: C
Explanation: Aluminium has low density.

95. Which material is classified as high durability, natural?
96. A) Timber
    B) Stone
    C) Mud brick
    D) Lime

Answer: B
Explanation: Stone lasts for centuries.

96. Which is an example of engineered wood?
97. A) Teak
    B) Sal
    C) Plywood
    D) Bamboo

Answer: C
Explanation: Plywood is manufactured wood product.

97. Which is a temporary binding material?
98. A) Cement
    B) Lime
    C) Mud mortar
    D) Epoxy

Answer: C
Explanation: Mud mortar has low strength and durability.

98. Which is a factory-made structural unit?
99. A) Stone
    B) Brick
    C) Precast beam
    D) Timber

Answer: C
Explanation: Precast beams are manufactured.

99. Which material is best classified as inorganic aggregate?
100. A) Timber chips
     B) Plastic granules
     C) Sand
     D) Rubber crumbs

Answer: C
Explanation: Sand is mineral based.

100. Which of the following is a complete composite building material?
101. A) Brick
     B) Steel
     C) RCC
     D) Timber

Answer: C
Explanation: RCC combines steel + concrete for strength.