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