The Best Books for Building Materials in Civil Engineering for IES and ESE Exams

Preparing for the Indian Engineering Services (IES) and Engineering Services Examination (ESE) exams can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the building materials section of the civil engineering syllabus. However, with the right resources, candidates can significantly enhance their preparation. This article discusses the most highly recommended books to help you ace the building materials section of these exams.

Top Recommendations for IES and ESE Exams

Properties and Testing of Common Construction Materials

The lsquo;Properties and Testing of Common Construction Materialsrsquo; book is widely regarded as the best resource for the IES exam. It covers a comprehensive range of building materials such as cement, concrete, steel, timber, bricks, stones, and glass. The book elaborates on the behavior and applications of these materials in various civil engineering projects, along with their specifications, quality control, and latest advancements. It is particularly noted for its clear explanations, extensive illustrations, and focus on practical aspects relevant to the IES exam. Additionally, the book includes previous years' IES question papers and practice exercises to assist candidates in preparing effectively.

Convenient and Pocket-sized: SC Rangwala's Construction Materials

Another highly recommended book for the ESE exam is lsquo;Construction Materialsrsquo; by SC Rangwala. This book is not only known for its excellent content but also its portability, making it an ideal companion for candidates who need to carry their reference materials with them throughout their preparation journey.

Comprehensive Coverage with Rangawal and Punmia

For a more comprehensive approach, civil engineering aspirants and toppers often recommend taking the following books: lsquo;Building Materialsrsquo; by SC Rangawal, along with lsquo;Constructionrsquo; by B.C. Punmia. Besides these, many suggest using Made Easy Theory Books, which can be obtained xeroxed for convenience. However, note that while Made Easy Theory Books can be useful, the primary focus should be on SC Rangawal and B.C. Punmia for thorough preparation.

Utilizing Previous Year Question Papers

Regardless of which book you choose, it is essential to solve and revise previous year question papers extensively. Approximately 80% of the questions in the IES and ESE exams are repeated, so mastering these past-year questions can significantly boost your chances of scoring well.

Additional Resources: IES Master Notes

While there are many resources available, some candidates suggest referring to IES Master Notes for precision and relevance to the exams. However, it is important to note that SC Rangawal's book is generally considered standard and highly recommended, making it a solid choice for building materials preparation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right books is crucial for success in the IES and ESE exams. Whether you opt for lsquo;Properties and Testing of Common Construction Materialsrsquo; by an unnamed author or lsquo;Construction Materialsrsquo; by SC Rangawala, the key is to ensure thorough understanding and practice. Incorporate previous year question papers into your preparation routine to maximize your chances of success.