Unit 5: Building materials (1)

A material ______can be easily bent or torn apart may have great resistance to crushing load.

• which

• that

• who

• Both A&B are correct

Answer explanation

Both 'which' and 'that' can introduce relative clauses in this context. They correctly describe the material's properties, making 'Both A&B are correct' the right choice.

_________is the finest of all building materials in ancient times.

• Brick

• Cement

• Stone

• Timber

Answer explanation

Stone is considered the finest building material in ancient times due to its durability, strength, and availability. It was widely used in monumental structures, showcasing its importance in ancient architecture.

Steel, concrete, brickwork, masonry, and timber are the most important building ________.

• materials

• tools

• form

• products

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'materials' because steel, concrete, brickwork, masonry, and timber are all essential components used in construction, making them key building materials.

Materials such as ________, which can resist both crushing and tensile (or tearing) loads are most suitable for columns, beams, and girders.

• wood, steel, and reinforced concrete

• masonry, brickwork, and plain concrete

• wood, steel, and plain concrete

• masonry, brickwork and reinforced concrete

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'wood, steel, and reinforced concrete' because these materials effectively resist both crushing and tensile loads, making them ideal for structural applications like columns, beams, and girders.

Concrete is made from cement, stones, sand and__________.

• brick

• subsoil

• plastic

• water

Answer explanation

Concrete is a mixture of cement, stones, sand, and water. Water is essential for the chemical reaction that binds the materials together, making it the correct choice to complete the list.

A __________can fail in three ways when a load is applied.

• steel

• material

• quality

• building

Answer explanation

A material can fail in three ways when a load is applied, such as yielding, buckling, or fracturing. The term 'material' encompasses all substances that can experience these types of failures, making it the correct choice.

He shows a great __________at designing modern buildings.

• skill

• material

• quality

• distorted

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'skill' because it refers to the ability to design modern buildings effectively. 'Material' and 'quality' do not fit the context, while 'distorted' is unrelated to the positive aspect of designing.

Materials which resist crushing but are weak in ______ are used for building walls and arches.

• steel

• tension

• quality

• distorted

Answer explanation

Materials that resist crushing but are weak in tension are ideal for building walls and arches, as they can support compressive forces but may fail under tensile stress.

We should choose materials of good _______ for building our company.

• steel

• material

• quality

• distorted

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'quality' because it describes the standard of materials needed for building. 'Steel' and 'material' are types of materials, while 'distorted' is irrelevant. 'Quality' ensures durability and reliability.

Most materials can be cracked or ____________ by loads lower than those which produce complete failure.

• steel

• material

• quality

• distorted

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'distorted' because materials can undergo deformation or distortion under loads that are less than those causing complete failure, highlighting their ability to be damaged without breaking.