How to build traditional structures
  • 1. What is the primary building material used in cob construction?
A) Clay, sand, and straw
B) Steel and concrete
C) Wood and nails
D) Cement, gravel, and water
  • 2. Which type of roof is commonly found on traditional timber frame structures?
A) Flat roof
B) Mansard roof
C) Gable roof
D) Butterfly roof
  • 3. What is the purpose of a wattle and daub wall?
A) To act as a foundation
B) To provide insulation and enclosure
C) To channel rainwater
D) To support the roof
  • 4. In timber framing, what is a mortise and tenon joint?
A) A type of adhesive
B) A joint held together with screws
C) A joint where one piece fits into a hole in another
D) A decorative molding
  • 5. Which material is typically used for thatching roofs?
A) Asphalt shingles
B) Straw or reeds
C) Concrete tiles
D) Metal sheets
  • 6. What is lime mortar primarily composed of?
A) Clay and water
B) Gypsum and water
C) Cement, sand, and water
D) Lime, sand, and water
  • 7. What is the purpose of a stone foundation?
A) To insulate the building
B) To decorate the exterior
C) To collect rainwater
D) To provide a stable base for the structure
  • 8. What is the main advantage of using natural materials?
A) Sustainability and environmental friendliness
B) Lower cost
C) Easier installation
D) Increased durability
  • 9. What is rammed earth construction?
A) Covering a structure with earth
B) Compacting earth within a form
C) Using earth to make bricks
D) Mixing earth with concrete
  • 10. What is the function of a purlin in a roof structure?
A) Forms the ridge
B) Covers the roof
C) Provides drainage
D) Supports the rafters
  • 11. Which of these is a common type of traditional Japanese construction?
A) Tipi
B) Minka
C) Igloo
D) Yurt
  • 12. What is a 'nogging' in timber framing?
A) A type of decorative timber carving
B) A structural support beam
C) Infill between timbers, often brick or wattle and daub
D) A specialized tool for timber framing
  • 13. Which type of traditional building utilizes sun-dried bricks?
A) Wattle and Daub
B) Adobe
C) Rammed Earth
D) Cob
  • 14. What is the purpose of 'chinking' in log cabin construction?
A) To fill gaps between logs
B) To decorate the exterior of the cabin
C) To provide structural support
D) To protect the logs from the elements
  • 15. What is the benefit of using clay plaster?
A) Breathability and moisture regulation
B) Low cost
C) High strength and durability
D) Water resistance
  • 16. What is a common characteristic of timber frame construction?
A) Asphalt shingle roofing
B) Hidden structural supports
C) Exposed timber beams
D) Concrete foundations
  • 17. What is 'lime wash' used for?
A) Strengthening mortar
B) Insulating foundations
C) Waterproofing roofs
D) Protecting and whitening walls
  • 18. Which of these is NOT a characteristic of sustainable building?
A) Energy efficiency
B) Waste reduction
C) Reliance on non-renewable resources
D) Use of locally sourced materials
  • 19. What is the role of straw in cob or adobe mixtures?
A) To provide tensile strength
B) To increase insulation
C) To improve water resistance
D) To make the mixture lighter
  • 20. Why is proper ventilation important in traditional structures?
A) To improve aesthetics
B) To reduce heating costs
C) To increase structural strength
D) To prevent moisture buildup and rot
  • 21. What is a scribe fit in timber framing?
A) Fitting timbers precisely to irregular shapes
B) Calculating the exact amount of timber needed
C) Using a laser level for alignment
D) A type of decorative timber carving
  • 22. Which natural material is commonly used for insulation in traditional buildings?
A) Fiberglass
B) Sheep's wool
C) Asbestos
D) Spray foam
  • 23. What is the purpose of a sill plate in timber frame construction?
A) To act as a decorative element
B) To connect the frame to the foundation
C) To support the roof
D) To provide insulation
  • 24. What is a 'French drain' used for in traditional building?
A) Providing irrigation for plants
B) Collecting rainwater for storage
C) Controlling groundwater and drainage
D) Draining sewage
  • 25. Which type of wood is generally considered the most durable for exterior applications?
A) Fir
B) Spruce
C) Pine
D) Cedar
  • 26. What is the benefit of using reclaimed or salvaged materials?
A) Guarantees higher quality
B) Simplifies the construction process
C) Is always cheaper
D) Reduces environmental impact and waste
  • 27. What is a key aspect of designing for passive solar heating?
A) Orienting the building to maximize sunlight exposure
B) Planting trees around the building
C) Using dark-colored materials throughout
D) Installing large windows on all sides
  • 28. What is a 'rubble trench foundation'?
A) A type of raised foundation
B) A foundation made entirely of concrete
C) A trench filled with rubble to provide drainage and support
D) A shallow trench filled with soil
  • 29. What is the purpose of a 'fire clay' liner in a wood-fired oven?
A) To improve the oven's insulation
B) To make the oven easier to clean
C) To add a decorative element to the oven
D) To protect the oven structure from high temperatures
  • 30. What type of nails should be used to attach wood shingles?
A) Stainless steel or aluminum nails
B) Iron nails
C) Concrete nails
D) Drywall screws
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