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ENCE 103Bachelor in Civil Engineering · Semester 12 Papers Available

Civil Engineering Materials

Past examination question papers and complete curriculum syllabus for Civil Engineering Materials (ENCE 103), Bachelor in Civil Engineering Semester 1 under Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University.

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Most Frequently Asked Questions

Top recurring IOE board exam questions for Civil Engineering Materials with verified mark schemes, formula notation, and recurrence frequency.

Showing 30 of 30 top repeated questions

Basics of Civil Engineering Materials

1 Question
#1Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Basics of Civil Engineering Materials
Explain fundamental mechanical properties of civil engineering materials: Elasticity, Plasticity, Ductility, Brittleness, Malleability, Toughness, Hardness, and Creep.
Appeared in:2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra

Stones

3 Questions
#1Repeated 4 Times[6 Marks]Stones
What is the natural bed of stone? Enumerate the characteristics and technical parameters for selecting good building stones. Describe methods of preservation and dressing of stones.
Appeared in:2082 Shrawan2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra
#2Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Stones
Explain the classification of building stones: Geological (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic), Physical (Stratified, Unstratified, Foliated), and Chemical (Siliceous, Argillaceous, Calcareous). Describe qualities of good building stone and quarrying methods.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2080 Chaitra2077 Magh
#3Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Stones
Describe standard laboratory tests on building stones: Compressive Strength test, Water Absorption test, Abrasion test (Los Angeles machine), and Impact test for road aggregate suitability.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2081 Chaitra2079 Chaitra

Clay and Clay Products

4 Questions
#1Repeated 4 Times[8 Marks]Clay and Clay Products
What are the essential constituents of good brick earth and their functions? What are the defects in bricks caused by excess of lime, silica, or magnesia? Describe the manufacturing process and standard field tests of bricks.
Appeared in:2082 Shrawan2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh2076 Ashwin
#2Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Clay and Clay Products
Explain the manufacturing of clay building bricks: Preparation of clay (unsoiling, digging, weathering, blending, tempering in pug mill), Molding (Hand vs Machine), Drying, and Burning in continuous kilns (Hoffman's and Bull's Trench Kiln).
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2080 Chaitra2076 Chaitra
#3Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Clay and Clay Products
Explain qualities of first-class building bricks and standard laboratory tests: Compressive Strength test, Water Absorption test, Efflorescence test, and Dimensional Tolerance tests according to Nepal Standard (NS).
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2081 Chaitra2078 Bhadra
#4Repeated 2 Times[4 Marks]Clay and Clay Products
What is efflorescence in bricks? What causes efflorescence and how can it be tested and prevented in masonry construction?
Appeared in:2082 Shrawan2080 Baishakh

Lime

2 Questions
#1Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Lime
What do you mean by calcination and hydration of lime? Differentiate between Fat Lime (Quick Lime) and Hydraulic Lime in terms of chemical setting, slaking nature, and engineering applications.
Appeared in:2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh2076 Ashwin
#2Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Lime
Explain the classification of Lime: Fat Lime (High Calcium Quick Lime), Hydraulic Lime (Feebly, Moderately, Eminently Hydraulic), and Poor/Lean Lime. Describe the calcination and slaking processes of limestone.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2080 Chaitra2078 Kartik

Cement

5 Questions
#1Repeated 4 Times[8 Marks]Cement
Describe the manufacturing process of 53 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with the help of a detailed flow diagram (dry vs wet process). Explain the role and chemical hydration reactions of Bogue's compounds: $C_3S, C_2S, C_3A, C_4AF$.
Appeared in:2083 Baishakh2082 Shrawan2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh
#2Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Cement
Define initial and final setting time of cement. What are the essential ingredients of cement and their percentages? Explain the significance of testing consistency, soundness (Le Chatelier test), and compressive strength of cement.
Appeared in:2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh2076 Ashwin
#3Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Cement
Explain the manufacturing process of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) by wet and dry processes. Describe raw materials, chemical reactions in rotary kiln zones, clinker formation, and the retarder role of gypsum ($CaSO_4 \cdot 2H_2O$).
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2081 Chaitra2078 Kartik
#4Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Cement
Explain Bogue's Compounds in Portland cement: Tricalcium Silicate ($C_3S$), Dicalcium Silicate ($C_2S$), Tricalcium Aluminate ($C_3A$), and Tetracalcium Aluminoferrite ($C_4AF$). Discuss their hydration rates, heat of hydration, and contribution to early versus ultimate strength.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2080 Chaitra2077 Magh
#5Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Cement
Describe laboratory testing of Ordinary Portland Cement: Fineness test (90-micron sieve and Blaine air permeability), Normal Consistency test (Vicat apparatus), Initial and Final Setting Time tests, and Soundness test (Le-Chatelier apparatus).
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2081 Chaitra2079 Chaitra

Mortar

2 Questions
#1Repeated 4 Times[6 Marks]Mortar
What is mortar? Write down the functions of mortar in civil engineering units. How is an appropriate type of mortar selected, and what are the characteristics of good cement mortar?
Appeared in:2083 Baishakh2082 Shrawan2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh
#2Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Mortar
Explain Mortar in civil engineering construction: types of mortar (Cement Mortar, Lime Mortar, Gauged Mortar, Mud Mortar), functions, preparation, and properties of good mortar.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2081 Chaitra2076 Chaitra

Timber

5 Questions
#1Repeated 4 Times[8 Marks]Timber
Describe with the help of neat sketches the cross-sectional growth and macrostructure of an exogenous tree (pith, heartwood, sapwood, cambium layer, medullary rays). Explain the characteristics of good timber and list major defects in timber.
Appeared in:2083 Baishakh2082 Shrawan2081 Bhadra2078 Bhadra
#2Repeated 4 Times[8 Marks]Timber
Why is seasoning of timber important prior to use? Explain the different methods of seasoning (natural air seasoning vs artificial kiln seasoning) and chemical preservative treatment against termites and dry rot.
Appeared in:2083 Baishakh2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra
#3Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Timber
Describe the cross-section of an exogenous tree trunk: Pith (Medulla), Heartwood, Sapwood, Cambium layer, Inner bark, Outer bark, and Medullary rays. Differentiate between Deciduous (Hardwood) and Coniferous (Softwood) timber.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2080 Chaitra2077 Magh
#4Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Timber
Explain the Seasoning of Timber: Natural Air Seasoning versus Artificial Seasoning (Kiln Seasoning, Chemical Seasoning, Boiling). Discuss why seasoning is essential to reduce moisture content and prevent warping, shrinking, and fungal decay.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2081 Chaitra2078 Bhadra
#5Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Timber
Explain defects in timber caused by natural growth forces (Knots, Shakes: Star, Heart, Cup shakes, Twisted fibers) and fungal decay (Dry Rot vs Wet Rot). Describe timber preservation methods using Creosote oil and ASCU preservative.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2080 Chaitra2079 Chaitra

Metals and Alloys

4 Questions
#1Repeated 4 Times[8 Marks]Metals and Alloys
Define heat treatment of steel and explain its objectives. Describe annealing, normalizing, quenching (hardening), and tempering with the resulting microstructures (ferrite, pearlite, martensite).
Appeared in:2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra2076 Ashwin
#2Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Metals and Alloys
Draw a typical stress-strain curve for mild structural steel under tension. Explain proportional limit, elastic limit, upper and lower yield points, ultimate tensile strength, strain hardening, and fracture point.
Appeared in:2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra2076 Ashwin
#3Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Metals and Alloys
Compare the composition, mechanical properties, and structural uses of Cast Iron, Mild Steel, and High Yield Strength Deformed (HYSD) / TMT bars.
Appeared in:2083 Baishakh2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra
#4Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Metals and Alloys
Compare Ferrous Structural Metals: Cast Iron, Wrought Iron, and Mild Steel in terms of carbon content, tensile and compressive strengths, malleability, weldability, and structural engineering applications.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2081 Chaitra2076 Chaitra

Paints and Varnishes

2 Questions
#1Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Paints and Varnishes
Distinguish between Paints and Varnishes. What are the essential constituents of an oil paint (base, vehicle, pigment, thinner, drier)? Explain the method of post-construction anti-termite treatment.
Appeared in:2081 Bhadra2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra
#2Repeated 3 Times[8 Marks]Paints and Varnishes
Explain Paints, Varnishes, and Distempers: constituents of oil paint (Base, Vehicle/Binder, Pigment, Drier, Thinner/Solvent) and their functions. Discuss common defects in painted surfaces: blistering, flaking, crawling, and chalking.
Appeared in:2082 Bhadra2080 Chaitra2078 Kartik

Miscellaneous Materials

2 Questions
#1Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Miscellaneous Materials
Describe the major differences between Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar. Explain their properties, penetration grade specifications, and engineering uses in flexible road pavements.
Appeared in:2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra2076 Ashwin
#2Repeated 3 Times[6 Marks]Miscellaneous Materials
Define polymers and polymerization. Differentiate between Thermoplastics and Thermosetting plastics and discuss their properties and structural uses in building construction.
Appeared in:2080 Baishakh2078 Bhadra2076 Ashwin

Curriculum Syllabus & Course Topics

Sourced from TU curriculum portal
Full Syllabus (PDF)
Chapter-wise Units & Micro-Syllabus Topics (10 Units)

  1. 1. Basics of Civil Engineering Materials

    • 1.1Materials used in engineering constructions: Buildings; Road and bridges; Irrigation and hydropower; Water, gas and petroleum supply
    • 1.2Classification of materials on various basis: Existence in nature, functions or usage; Metallurgy; Composition of materials
    • 1.3Properties: Physical; Chemical; Mechanical; Thermal; Optical; Electrical; Magnetic
    • 1.4Failure of materials: Ductile and brittle failure
    • 1.5Factors affecting selection of materials: Properties and performance; Attributes and suitability; Durability, safety and requirements; Availability, reliability and disposability; and Economy and environment
    • 1.6Material and environment interactions: Corrosion; Weathering; Erosion; Thermal strain; Exposure to moisture, sunlight, and chemicals

  2. 2. Stones

    • 2.1Classification of rocks and aggregates: Geological, physical and chemical classifications of rocks; Introduction to coarse and fine aggregates
    • 2.2Properties of stones: Physical, chemical and mechanical properties
    • 2.3Characteristics of good stones: Appearance; Structure; Strength; Porosity and absorption; Weathering; Fire resistance; Hardness and toughness; Specific gravity; Thermal properties
    • 2.4Selection and use of stones: Selection criteria; Various uses of stones in engineering constructions
    • 2.5Deterioration and preservation of stones: Deterioration and its retardation; Preservation and preservatives used in stones
    • 2.6Production, storage and handling of stones: Natural bed of stones; Selection of quarry site; Methods of quarrying; Dressing of stones

  3. 3. Clay and Clay Products

    • 3.1Clay: Use of clay in constructions; Classification/types of clays; Properties of clays
    • 3.2Brick earth: Constituents; Properties; Testing (Consistency test; Molding property test; Deformation and shrinkage test on burning; Strength and quality of brick test)
    • 3.3Bricks: Use of bricks; Manufacturing of local bricks; Classification and properties (Including mechanical properties) of bricks (Unburnt and burnt bricks); Characteristics of good bricks; Standard tests for bricks (Shape and size test; Colour test; Structure test; Soundness test; Hardness test; Water adsorption test; Efflorescence test; Compressive strength test)
    • 3.4Tiles: Use of tiles; Manufacturing process of tiles; Types and properties of tiles (Roof tiles, wall tiles, floor tiles, drain tiles); Characteristics of good tiles
    • 3.5Terracotta, earthenware and glazing: Properties; Use; Composition; Production
    • 3.6Storage and handling of clay and clay products

  4. 4. Lime

    • 4.1Sources and constituent of limestones: Limestones and stone lime; Kankar lime; Shell lime; Magnesian lime; Impurities in limestones
    • 4.2Classification/types of limes: Quick lime; Flat lime, hydraulic lime, poor lime; Hydrated lime; Milk lime; Lump lime
    • 4.3Characteristics of lime, hydration of lime, slaking nature of lime, solidification of lime
    • 4.4Manufacture/production of lime: Flow diagram of lime production from limestone and kankar
    • 4.5Storage, handling and use of different types of lime
    • 4.6Types of pozzolanic materials and use with lime: Volcanic ash; Calcinated clay products; Clay/kaolin pozzolana; Mineral slag; Ashes of organic origin

  5. 5. Cement

    • 5.1Fundamentals of cement: Ingredients of cement; Type and properties of cement; Storage, handling and use of cement; Characteristics of good cement
    • 5.2Classification of cements: Natural and artificial; Different types of cements, their composition, properties and applications (Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), rapid hardening cement, slow setting cement, Portland pozzolana cement (PPC), white cement, colored cement)
    • 5.3Manufacture of ordinary cement: Dry manufacturing process; Wet manufacturing process
    • 5.4Tests of cement: Field test; Laboratory tests (Fineness test, consistency test, initial and final setting time test, soundness test, compressive and tensile strength test)
    • 5.5Cement clinkers: Compounds of cement clinkers and their functions in cement
    • 5.6Hydration of cement and admixtures: Function and examples of admixture like water proofers, accelerators, retarders, plasticizers, air entraining agents

  6. 6. Mortar

    • 6.1Function and use of mortar
    • 6.2Properties of mortar: Workability, inertness, setting and hardening, adhesion
    • 6.3Types of mortars: Classification (On the basis of binding materials, bulk density, nature of applications; Special mortars); Properties and use of different types of mortar
    • 6.4Preparation, storage and handling of mortar: Hand mixing, machine mixing; Storage and handling of mortar
    • 6.5Selection of mortar for different construction works: Selection criteria; Characteristics of a good mortar
    • 6.6Testing of mortars: Crushing strength test, tensile strength test, adhesiveness test on building unit

  7. 7. Timber

    • 7.1Tree and timber: Growth and structure of tree; Properties (Including mechanical) and use of timber; Defects in timber (During growth of trees, after felling of trees); Characteristics of good timber
    • 7.2Classification of tree and properties of wood: Hard wood, soft wood
    • 7.3Seasoning of timber: Definition and importance of seasoning; Types of seasoning (Natural and artificial seasoning)
    • 7.4Deterioration and preservation of timber: Deterioration (Physical, chemical, biological); Types of preservatives; Methods of preservation
    • 7.5Commercial product of timber: Veneers and ply wood; Boards (Laminated boards, fiber boards, block boards, and batten boards); Impreg and compreg timbers
    • 7.6Bamboo: Properties (Including mechanical) of bamboo; Structural use of bamboo

  8. 8. Metals and Alloys

    • 8.1Metals: Classification (Ferrous and nonferrous metals); Properties (Physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, magnetic)
    • 8.2Sources, composition, properties and uses of ferrous metals: Pig iron, cast iron, wrought iron, steel, alloys of steel
    • 8.3Sources, properties and uses of nonferrous metals: Aluminum, copper, lead, tin, zinc, magnesium, nickel
    • 8.4Heat treatment process and its importance in metals: Annealing, normalizing, quenching or hardening, tempering, surface hardening (Case hardening, nitriding, cyaniding, flame/ induction/laser hardening), defects in heat treatments
    • 8.5Commercial forms of metals and their uses: Sheets, channel sections (I, C, angle, tubular), bars
    • 8.6Corrosion and its prevention in steel: Theory of corrosion and its prevention with enameling; Applying metal coatings–Galvanizing, tin plating, electroplating; applying coatings – Painting and tarring

  9. 9. Paints and Varnishes

    • 9.1Paints: Function and ingredients of paints; Characteristics of good paint
    • 9.2Type, composition, properties and uses of paints: Oil paints; Aluminum paints; Asbestos paints; Bituminous paints; Cellulose paints; Cement paints; Colloidal paints; Emulsion paints; Enamel paints; Graphite paints; Silicate paints; Anticorrosion paints; Plastic paints; Synthetic rubber paints; Distempers
    • 9.3Varnishes: Function and ingredients of varnishes; Characteristics of good varnishes
    • 9.4Type, composition, properties and uses of varnishes: Oil varnish; Turpentine varnish; Spirit varnish; Water varnish; Asphalt varnish; Spar varnish; Flat varnish
    • 9.5Process of application of different paints and varnishes: Application in new surfaces; Application in old surfaces
    • 9.6Defects in paints and varnishes: Effects of background (Dampness, cleanness, movement, reactions); Effects of weather (Blistering, peeling, checking, cracking, flaking, chalking, alligatoring, wrinkling, running and sagging, mildew, bloom, flashing, grining)

  10. 10. Miscellaneous Materials

    • 10.1Asphalt: Origin, composition, properties, types and uses
    • 10.2Bitumen: Origin, composition, properties, types and uses
    • 10.3Tar: Origin, composition, properties, types and uses
    • 10.4Other materials: Composition, properties, types and uses of – Glass, plastic materials, rubber materials, insulating materials, gypsum products, adhesive and sealant materials, anti-termite treatment, water proofers, geosynthetics, carbon fiber
    • 10.5Composite materials: Composition, properties, types and uses of – Cement steel reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, glass fiber reinforced cement concrete or plastics, metal matrix composite
    • 10.6Emerging materials: Calcium silicate bricks; Concrete blocks; Aerated autoclave concrete blocks (AAC blocks); Interlocking compressed stabilized earth blocks (Interlocking CSEB), panels and boards

Examination Scheme & Marks Distribution

Evaluation Structure

  • Final Board Theory Exam: 60 Marks (Pass mark: 24)
  • Internal Assessment: 40 Marks (Pass mark: 16)
  • Practical / Lab Exam: 25 or 50 Marks (Continuous lab evaluation + viva, where applicable)

* This is the general current IOE 60/40 scheme; verify course-specific details in the syllabus above.

Exam Preparation Guidelines

  • Review the 2 available past examination papers to identify recurring patterns, core problem types, and chapter weightage.
  • Cross-reference key answers with official syllabus units, standard textbooks, and lecture notes.
  • Structure answers with labeled diagrams, concise bullet points, and highlight final answers in numerical solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (Civil Engineering Materials)

Q: How can I download Civil Engineering Materials past question papers?

You can preview or download the Civil Engineering Materials question papers (PDF) directly using the built-in viewer on this page with zero redirects or paywalls.

Q: What is the pass mark for Civil Engineering Materials?

The general current scheme is a 60-mark final theory exam and a 40-mark internal assessment, with pass marks of 24 and 16. Verify the course-specific syllabus above.

Q: Where can I find the complete syllabus for this subject?

The available chapter-wise syllabus and topic breakdown is indexed in the Syllabus section above, with links to the curriculum PDF source.

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