NABTEB Block-laying & Concreting
Past Questions
19+ verified Block-laying & Concreting past questions for NABTEB. Step-by-step worked answers in 5 Nigerian languages.
Block-laying & Concreting topics (2)
Sample Block-laying & Concreting past questions
1. A standard concrete block is typically how many inches?
- A. 5
- B. 6
- C. 9
- D. 12
Answer: C
2. Mortar is a mix of cement, sand and:
- A. Petrol
- B. Water
- C. Salt
- D. Sugar
Answer: B
3. Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, sand and:
- A. Salt
- B. Gravel/aggregate
- C. Oil
- D. Clay
Answer: B
4. A tool used to check vertical alignment is the:
- A. Trowel
- B. Plumb line
- C. Float
- D. Shovel
Answer: B
5. Curing of concrete means keeping it:
- A. Dry
- B. Moist
- C. Hot
- D. Painted
Answer: B
6. A right angle measures:
- A. 45°
- B. 90°
- C. 180°
- D. 360°
Answer: B
7. Foundations transfer building load to the:
- A. Roof
- B. Ground
- C. Walls
- D. Doors
Answer: B
8. Cement is mixed with sand and ___ to form mortar:
- A. oil
- B. petrol
- C. water
- D. alcohol
Answer: C
AI Explanation
Mortar = cement + sand + water (and sometimes lime).
9. Standard size of a sandcrete block in Nigeria is approximately:
- A. 230×100×450 mm (9-inch)
- B. 100×100×100 mm
- C. 300×300×300 mm
- D. 500×500×500 mm
Answer: A
AI Explanation
Standard Nigerian sandcrete block: 9-inch (~230×100×450 mm).
10. A 'trowel' is used to:
- A. measure length
- B. spread mortar
- C. drill holes
- D. level ground
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Trowel — flat tool for applying and spreading mortar.
11. A 'spirit level' checks:
- A. weight
- B. horizontal/vertical alignment
- C. temperature
- D. colour
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Spirit level has a bubble in liquid that centres when surface is level.
12. The correct mix ratio of cement to sand for mortar is typically:
- A. 1:1
- B. 1:3 or 1:4
- C. 1:10
- D. 1:20
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Common mortar mix: 1 part cement to 3 or 4 parts sand by volume.
13. 'Bonding' in block-laying refers to:
- A. paying workers
- B. the pattern in which blocks overlap for strength
- C. selling materials
- D. mixing concrete
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Bonding patterns (English, Flemish, stretcher) ensure overlapping joints for wall strength.
14. Which is a hand tool used in block-laying?
- A. welding machine
- B. trowel
- C. spanner
- D. screwdriver
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Trowel is essential for spreading mortar and laying blocks.
15. Curing concrete means:
- A. allowing it to dry quickly
- B. keeping it moist to gain strength as it hardens
- C. painting it
- D. breaking it apart
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Curing maintains moisture so cement hydration completes — increases final strength.
16. The first row of blocks at the base of a wall is called the:
- A. coping
- B. course
- C. header
- D. ledger
Answer: B
AI Explanation
A 'course' is a single horizontal row of blocks/bricks.
17. Reinforcement bars (rebars) are used to:
- A. decorate walls
- B. add tensile strength to concrete
- C. increase weight only
- D. lower cost
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Steel rebars resist tension; concrete handles compression. Together they make reinforced concrete.
18. Lintels are placed:
- A. below windows and doors
- B. above window and door openings to support load
- C. at the floor level
- D. on the roof
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Lintels span over openings, carrying the wall load above to the supports beside the opening.
19. 'Plumb' refers to:
- A. horizontal alignment
- B. perfect verticality
- C. diagonal alignment
- D. weight measurement
Answer: B
AI Explanation
A plumb wall is perfectly vertical, checked using a plumb line/level.
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