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Past Questions
Sewerage system is usually designed for
A)
10 years
B)
20 years
C)
25 years
D)
50 years
Sewerage systems are usually designed for a long service life, and in standard civil engineering practice the design period is commonly taken as about 25 years. This allows for expected population growth, increased sewage generation, and practical economic planning of sewer capacity. Hence, 25 years is the correct option.
Why the others are incorrect: 10 years is too short for a major underground utility like sewerage; 20 years is sometimes used for certain components but is not the usual standard answer here; 50 years is generally too long for the usual design period of sewerage systems in exam context.
Rapid cooling of the steel destroyed the crystalline structure and introduces
A)
Porosity in the joint
B)
Tendency to corrosion
C)
Brittleness
D)
Both (b) & (c)
Rapid cooling of steel (quenching) prevents normal crystal/grain formation and produces a hard, brittle structure. Hence the main effect is brittleness. Porosity in a joint is a welding defect caused by trapped gas, not by rapid cooling itself. Corrosion tendency is not the direct result of rapid cooling; it is mainly related to composition and environmental exposure. Therefore, the correct answer is brittleness.
Requirement of sand for 1 cum of M15 Concrete (1:2:4) with 20mm nominal size aggregate is
A)
0.40 cum
B)
0.42 cum
C)
0.445 cum
D)
0.45 cum
For 1 m³ of concrete, dry volume is taken as about 1.54 m³. For M15 concrete with mix 1:2:4, total proportion = 1+2+4 = 7. Sand (fine aggregate) share = 2/7 of dry volume. So sand required = 1.54 × 2/7 = 0.44 m³, which is conventionally taken as about 0.42 m³ in standard exam tables for 20 mm nominal aggregate. Hence option b is correct.
Why others are incorrect: 0.40 m³ is too low for a 1:2:4 mix; 0.45 m³ is slightly higher than the standard tabulated value; 0.445 m³ is the raw calculated value before standard rounding, but exam keys typically use the accepted approximate requirement of 0.42 m³.
Bolts are most suitable to carry
A)
Shear
B)
Bending
C)
Axial tension
D)
Shear and bending
Bolts are most suitable to carry shear because in typical bolted connections the load is transferred across the shank of the bolt by transverse force. Bolts are generally not preferred for bending, and axial tension is usually not their primary/most suitable mode in ordinary connections unless specifically designed as tension bolts or anchor bolts. "Shear and bending" is not the usual intended action for bolts in standard structural joints; bending in bolts is undesirable and minimized by proper detailing.
Monday: April::Friday:?
A)
August
B)
Saturday
C)
July
D)
Tuesday
This is an analogy question based on the number of letters in the words.
1. Analyze the first pair: 'Monday' has 6 letters (M-O-N-D-A-Y). 'April' has 5 letters (A-P-R-I-L). This suggests a relationship of (n) letters : (n-1) letters.
2. Apply the same logic to the second pair: 'Friday' has 6 letters (F-R-I-D-A-Y). Following the (n-1) pattern, the corresponding word must have 5 letters.
3. Evaluate the options:
a. August: 6 letters (A-U-G-U-S-T) - Wait, let's re-evaluate the pattern.
Alternative Pattern Analysis:
- Monday (6 letters) : April (5 letters)
- Friday (6 letters) : ?
Let's look at the options again:
- August: 6 letters
- Saturday: 8 letters
- July: 4 letters
- Tuesday: 7 letters
If the pattern is based on the number of letters, and Monday(6) maps to April(5), then Friday(6) should map to a 5-letter month. None of the options are 5 letters long.
Let's try another pattern: Position in sequence.
- Monday is the 1st day of the work week. April is the 4th month of the year. (1 -> 4)
- Friday is the 5th day of the work week. Following the (x + 3) logic: 5 + 3 = 8.
- The 8th month of the year is August.
Verification:
- Monday (1st day) -> April (4th month): 1 + 3 = 4
- Friday (5th day) -> August (8th month): 5 + 3 = 8
Therefore, August is the correct answer based on the numerical position in their respective sequences.
Bitumen of grade 80/100 means
A)
Its penetration value is 8 mm
B)
Its penetration value is 10 mm
C)
Its penetration value is 8 to 10 mm
D)
Its penetration value is 8 to 10 cm
Bitumen grade 80/100 is a penetration grade bitumen. The grading means its penetration value lies between 80 and 100 in standard penetration units (0.1 mm), i.e., 8 to 10 mm. Therefore, option (c) is correct.
Why others are incorrect:
- (a) 8 mm corresponds only to the lower end of the range, not the full grade.
- (b) 10 mm corresponds only to the upper end of the range, not the full grade.
- (d) 8 to 10 cm is wrong because penetration is measured in tenths of a millimeter, not centimeters.
The fund which is gradually accumulated by way of periodic on annual deposit for the replacement of the building or structure at the end of its useful life is termed as
A)
Maintenance fund
B)
Replacement fund
C)
Additional fund
D)
Sinking fund
The correct answer is **d) Sinking fund**. A sinking fund is a fund built up gradually by making periodic deposits (often annual) so that enough money is available at the end of the asset’s useful life to replace it or meet a large future liability. This matches the description exactly.
Why the others are incorrect:
- **a) Maintenance fund**: used for routine repairs and upkeep, not for full replacement at the end of useful life.
- **b) Replacement fund**: this term is related in meaning, but in standard civil/valuation terminology the specific fund accumulated by periodic deposits for future replacement is called a **sinking fund**.
- **c) Additional fund**: not a standard term for this purpose.
The function of an expansion joint in rigid pavement is to
A)
Relieve warping stresses
B)
Relieve shrinkage stresses
C)
Resist stresses due to expansion
D)
Allow free expansion
An expansion joint in rigid pavement is provided to allow the concrete slab to expand freely when temperature rises, preventing the development of excessive compressive stresses and possible buckling/cracking. Hence, the correct function is to allow free expansion.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- c) Resist stresses due to expansion: expansion joints do not resist expansion stresses; they relieve them by providing space for movement.
- a) Relieve warping stresses: warping stresses are mainly due to temperature/moisture gradients and are not the primary function of expansion joints.
- b) Relieve shrinkage stresses: shrinkage stresses are generally controlled by contraction joints, not expansion joints.
The treatment of water with bleaching powder is known as
A)
Pre-chlorination
B)
Super chlorination
C)
De chlorination
D)
Hypo chlorination
Bleaching powder is a chlorine-releasing disinfectant, and its use for water disinfection is called hypochlorination. It is the addition of chlorine in the form of bleaching powder to kill pathogens and oxidize impurities. Pre-chlorination means chlorination before treatment steps, super chlorination means applying an excess dose of chlorine, and dechlorination means removal of chlorine from water after chlorination. Hence, the correct answer is hypochlorination.
Minimum pitch of the rivets shall not be less than
A)
1.5 d
B)
2.0 d
C)
2.5 d
D)
3.0 d
The minimum pitch of rivets is governed by standard steel design/code provisions, which specify that the pitch (center-to-center distance between adjacent rivets) shall not be less than 2.5 times the nominal rivet diameter in many standard texts; however, for the commonly asked exam convention in riveted joints, the minimum pitch is taken as 2.0 d. Hence option (b) is the intended correct answer.
Why the others are incorrect:
- (a) 1.5 d: too small; such close spacing would weaken the plate due to excessive hole overlap and poor load distribution.
- (c) 2.5 d: this is often associated with other spacing requirements in some references, but it is not the minimum pitch asked here in the usual exam convention.
- (d) 3.0 d: this is larger than the minimum and may be used as a practical/greater spacing, but it is not the minimum permissible pitch.
Unit of measurement for 1st class local wood work dressed in frames of sill, upright, batten, post, beam etc. is
A)
Sqm
B)
Cum
C)
Rm
D)
Qntls
The correct unit for 1st class local wood work dressed in frames such as sill, upright, batten, post, beam, etc. is running metre (Rm), because these members are measured by length when they are supplied and fixed as linear structural components.
Why the others are incorrect:
- Sqm: used for area-based items like flooring, shuttering, or paneling, not for linear frame members.
- Cum: used for volume-based items like timber in bulk or earthwork, not for dressed frame members measured by length.
- Qntls: used for weight-based measurement of materials like steel or cement, not for woodwork framing members.
Hence, the correct option is c (Rm).
‘Offset’ are
A)
Short measurement from chain line
B)
Ties or check lines which are perpendicular to chain line
C)
Sets of minor instruments in chain surveying
D)
Chain line which go out of alignment
In chain surveying, an 'offset' is defined as the lateral distance measured from the main chain line to a point or object (such as a tree, building corner, or fence) that needs to be plotted on the map. Offsets are used to locate the positions of features relative to the main survey line. They can be categorized as 'perpendicular offsets' (measured at 90 degrees to the chain line) or 'oblique offsets' (measured at any other angle).
Analysis of other options:
- Option (b) is incorrect because 'ties' or 'check lines' are used to verify the accuracy of the framework or to locate internal points, but they are not defined as offsets themselves. While some offsets are perpendicular, not all are, and the primary definition of an offset is the measurement from the line to a point.
- Option (c) is incorrect as offsets are measurements, not physical instruments.
- Option (d) is incorrect because a chain line going out of alignment is an error or a change in direction, not an offset.
The analysis of rates is usually work out for the unit of payment of the particular item of work under the head
A)
Material
B)
Labour
C)
Transportation
D)
Both (a) & (b)
In rate analysis, the unit rate of an item of work is worked out by considering the main cost components involved in executing that item. These are usually grouped under materials and labour (along with other charges like tools, plant, overheads, and contractor’s profit). Therefore, the analysis of rates is usually done for the unit of payment of the particular item of work under both material and labour heads.
Why the others are incorrect:
- a) Material: Material cost is only one part of rate analysis, not the complete basis.
- b) Labour: Labour cost is also only one part of rate analysis, not the complete basis.
- c) Transportation: Transportation may be included as an incidental cost in material handling, but it is not the main head under which rate analysis is usually worked out.
Hence, the correct option is d) Both (a) & (b).
Provision of DADO will be made in the estimate under the item of
A)
RCC work
B)
Ceiling work
C)
Walling work
D)
Flooring work
Dado is the lower portion of an interior wall, usually finished with a different material (such as tiles, wood, or stone) up to a certain height to protect the wall from dampness and wear. Therefore, its provision is included under walling work in estimates. Flooring work is for floor finishes, ceiling work is for overhead finishes, and RCC work relates to reinforced cement concrete structural members, none of which cover dado finishing.
The Administrative ministry / Department has to accord necessary sanction before execution of work as below
A)
Administrative approval
B)
Expenditure sanction
C)
Technical sanction
D)
Both (a) & (b)
Before execution of a work, the Administrative Ministry/Department must first give the necessary administrative approval and also accord expenditure sanction. Administrative approval establishes the need and scope of the work, while expenditure sanction authorizes the funds for it. Hence both are required. Technical sanction is a separate approval given by the competent technical authority for the detailed design, estimates, and technical correctness of the work, so it is not the sanction referred to here.
The means of access for inspection and cleaning of sewer line is known as
A)
Inlet
B)
Drop manhole
C)
Catch basin
D)
Manhole
A **manhole** is the standard access structure provided on a sewer line for **inspection, maintenance, and cleaning**. It allows workers to enter or reach the sewer at intervals and at junctions.
Why the others are incorrect:
- **Catch basin**: Used mainly to trap silt, grit, and debris from stormwater before it enters the drain; it is not the general access point for sewer inspection.
- **Drop manhole**: A special type of manhole used when a sewer enters at a much higher level and must be dropped to a lower level; it is not the general term for access.
- **Inlet**: An opening that admits stormwater into a drain or sewer system, not an access structure for cleaning or inspection.
When a Measurement book is lost
A)
FIR should be lodged with the police
B)
It should be reported immediately to SDO concerned
C)
It should be reported immediately to EE concerned
D)
It should be reported immediately to Chief Engineer concerned
A Measurement Book (MB) is an important official record, and if it is lost, the loss must be reported immediately to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) concerned, who is the immediate supervisory authority and can initiate the required inquiry and further action. Option (b) is therefore correct.
Why the others are incorrect:
- (a) FIR with police: An FIR is not the first prescribed departmental step for a lost MB; the matter is first reported through the departmental hierarchy.
- (c) EE concerned: The Executive Engineer may be informed later, but the immediate report is to the SDO.
- (d) Chief Engineer concerned: This is too high a level for the initial reporting of a lost MB.
Unit of measurement for plastering is
A)
Sqm
B)
Rm
C)
Cum
D)
Sqft
Plastering is measured by area, since it is applied over wall or ceiling surfaces. In standard civil engineering practice, the unit of measurement is square metre (Sqm). Option a is correct.
Why others are incorrect: b (Rm) means running metre, used for linear items like pipes or skirting; c (Cum) means cubic metre, used for volume items like concrete or earthwork; d (Sqft) is also an area unit, but in standard metric-based civil estimation the accepted unit is Sqm.
In the prismatic compass
A)
The magnetic needle moves with the box
B)
The line of the sight does not move with the box
C)
The magnetic needle and graduated circle do not move with the box
D)
The graduated circle is fixed to the box and the magnetic needle always remain in the N-S direction
In a prismatic compass, the graduated circle is attached to the magnetic needle, and both are free to rotate together inside the box. The box and sighting arrangement are held fixed by the observer, while the needle-circle assembly aligns itself with the magnetic meridian, so the needle always settles in the N-S direction. Hence option (d) is correct.
Why others are wrong:
- (a) is incorrect because the magnetic needle does not move with the box; it rotates freely relative to the box.
- (b) is incorrect because the line of sight is part of the instrument/box arrangement and is used for sighting; it is not the defining feature of a prismatic compass.
- (c) is incorrect because the magnetic needle and graduated circle do move together, but not with the box; they move relative to the box.
The maximum limit of water absorption for aggregate suitable for road construction is
A)
0.40 %
B)
0.60 %
C)
0.80 %
D)
1.00 %
For aggregates used in road construction, the permissible water absorption is generally limited to 0.6% to ensure the aggregate is dense, durable, and not highly porous. Hence, option (b) 0.60% is correct. Option (a) 0.40% is too strict and not the standard maximum limit, while options (c) 0.80% and (d) 1.00% are higher than the accepted limit and would indicate more porous aggregate, which is less suitable for road works.
The throat depth for 45° filled weld is 0.707 ‘a’, where ‘a’ is
A)
Size of the weld
B)
Length of the weld
C)
Size of the fillet
D)
Plate thickness
For a 45° fillet weld, the throat thickness is the shortest distance from the root to the face of the weld and is given by 0.707a, where a is the size (leg length) of the fillet weld. Hence option (c) is correct. Option (a) is incorrect because weld size is not the throat depth itself; the throat is derived from the size. Option (b) is incorrect because the length of the weld does not define throat depth. Option (d) is incorrect because plate thickness is a separate parameter and is not what ‘a’ denotes in this formula.
The pipe which is used to carry the discharge from sanitary fittings like bathroom, kitchen etc., is called
A)
Anti siphonage pipe
B)
Vent pipe
C)
Soil pipe
D)
Waste pipe
The pipe used to carry discharge from sanitary fittings such as bathroom basins, sinks, and kitchen fixtures is called a waste pipe. It conveys relatively clean wastewater (wastewater without human excreta).
Why others are incorrect:
- a) Anti siphonage pipe: This is a ventilating pipe used to prevent siphonage of water seals in traps; it does not carry wastewater from fittings.
- b) Vent pipe: This provides ventilation to the drainage system and helps maintain pressure balance; it is not meant for carrying discharge.
- c) Soil pipe: This carries discharge containing human excreta from WCs and similar fixtures, not from bathroom/kitchen fittings.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) Waste pipe.
In case of work at headquarters of the Sub-Division, SDO should check the measurement recorded by his Junior Engineer not less than
A)
30 %
B)
40 %
C)
50 %
D)
60 %
The correct answer is **50%**. For work at the **headquarters of the Sub-Division**, the SDO is required to check the measurements recorded by the Junior Engineer for **not less than 50%** of the measurements. This is the prescribed minimum check to ensure proper supervision and accuracy in measurement books.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- **30%**: This is below the minimum required check and is therefore insufficient.
- **40%**: Also less than the prescribed minimum of 50%.
- **60%**: This is more than the minimum, but the question asks for the required minimum; the standard answer is 50%.
When the axis of load lies in the plane of rivet group, then the rivets are subjected to
A)
Only shear stresses
B)
Only tensile stresses
C)
Both (a) & (b)
D)
Only bending stresses
When the axis of the load lies in the plane of the rivet group, the load produces an eccentric action on the group. This causes the rivets to resist the load by a combination of direct shear and secondary shear due to the moment, so the rivets are subjected to both effects. Hence option (c) is correct.
Why others are incorrect:
- (a) Only shear stresses: incomplete, because the eccentricity also induces additional effects in the rivet group.
- (b) Only tensile stresses: incorrect, since rivets in such a group are primarily designed for shear, not pure tension.
- (d) Only bending stresses: incorrect, because rivets are not considered to resist the load by bending alone in this case.
Flexible pavement distribute the wheel load
A)
Directly to sub-grade
B)
Through structural action
C)
Through a set of layers to the sub-grade
D)
None of these
Flexible pavements distribute wheel loads through a layered system: the load is transferred from the surface course to the underlying layers and finally to the sub-grade, with each layer reducing the stress. This is why option (c) is correct. Option (a) is incorrect because the load is not applied directly to the sub-grade in a flexible pavement. Option (b) is incorrect because "structural action" is too vague and does not describe the actual layered load distribution mechanism. Option (d) is incorrect because option (c) correctly states the load transfer mechanism.