GATE CE 2014 Set 2 — Question 16

MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumCement PropertiesConstruction MaterialsStructural EngineeringAggregates & PropertiesShort-Term Properties

Structural Engineering → Construction Materials → Aggregates & Properties

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Group I contains representative stress-strain curves as shown in the figure, while Group II gives the list of materials. Match the stress-strain curves with the corresponding materials. Group I Group II P. Curve J 1. Cement paste Q. Curve K 2. Coarse aggregate R. Curve L 3. Concrete

Correct answer (B) P - 2; Q - 3; R - 1 Solution In the stress-strain diagram, the slope of the curve represents the stiffness (Modulus of Elasticity) of the material. 1. Curve J has the highest slope, representing the stiffest material, which is Coarse aggregate (P-2). 2. Curve L has the lowest slope among the linear curves, representing the most compliant constituent, which is Cement paste (R-1). 3. Curve K is non-linear and lies between the two, representing Concrete (Q-3), which is a composite material whose behavior is influenced by the interaction (micro-cracking) between the aggregate and the paste. Thus, the correct match is P-2, Q-3, R-1. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (B) P - 2; Q - 3; R - 1 Solution In the stress-strain diagram, the slope of the curve represents the stiffness (Modulus of Elasticity) of the material. 1. Curve J has the highest slope, representing the stiffest material, which is Coarse aggregate (P-2). 2. Curve L has the lowest slope among the linear curves, representing the most compliant constituent, which is Cement paste (R-1). 3. Curve K is non-linear and lies between the two, representing Concrete (Q-3), which is a composite material whose behavior is influenced by the interaction (micro-cracking) between the aggregate and the paste. Thus, the correct match is P-2, Q-3, R-1.

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