Masonry Construction MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Comparison of properties between brick masonry and stone masonry in building construction.

Step-by-step solution

1. Analyze brick masonry properties: uniform size, easy to cut and form openings, requires less skilled labor, uses more mortar joints, good fire resistance. 2. Analyze stone masonry properties: irregular shapes, requires highly skilled masons for dressing, uses less mortar, lower fire resistance due to spalling of certain stones (like limestone/sandstone). 3. Match the characteristics with the given options to find that forming openings is easier in brick masonry.

Explanation

Brick masonry is much easier to shape and cut, making the formation of openings (doors, windows, arches) simpler compared to stone masonry, which requires heavy dressing of irregular stones. Brick masonry requires less skilled masons, uses more mortar (due to smaller units), and has higher fire resistance than stone masonry.

Why the other options are wrong

A: Brick masonry requires less skilled masons, not more. B: Brick masonry requires more mortar due to thinner units and more joints. C: Brick masonry has higher fire-resistance than many stones.

Shortcut

Bricks are uniform and modular, making cutting, bonding, and forming door/window openings much faster and easier than hard, irregular stones.

Common mistake

Confusing mortar consumption: brick masonry uses more mortar because of a greater number of joints compared to stone masonry.