← Junior Engineer
Past Questions — 2024
As per IRC, the minimum width of shoulder should be -
A)
3.5m
B)
2.5m
C)
4.5m
D)
5.5m
According to the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines for the design of highways, the shoulder is the portion of the roadway contiguous with the traveled way, provided for emergency use and lateral support of the pavement. For National Highways (NH) and State Highways (SH), the IRC generally recommends a minimum shoulder width of 2.5 meters. This width is essential to provide sufficient space for broken-down vehicles to pull over without obstructing the main traffic flow and to ensure the structural stability of the pavement edges.
Comparing the options:
- 3.5m: This is typically the standard width of a single traffic lane, not the minimum shoulder.
- 2.5m: This aligns with the IRC standard for minimum shoulder width on major highways.
- 4.5m and 5.5m: These widths are excessively large for a minimum requirement and would be inefficient in terms of land acquisition and construction costs.
When put together properly, the top three puzzle pieces will create one of the following shapes (A - D). Note that a side marked X has to touch X and a side marked Y has to touch Y. Choose the correct answer.
A)
A
B)
B
C)
C
D)
D
The three top pieces can only fit together if the X-marked edge of one piece meets the X-marked edge of the next piece, and likewise for Y. When the pieces are rotated and matched by these labels, they form the outline shown in **B**: the outer boundary and the internal joins align without any label mismatch.
Why the others are wrong:
- **A**: requires an X edge to meet a Y edge in one of the joins, so the labels do not match.
- **C**: the piece orientations force a mismatch in the central connection; the required X-to-X and Y-to-Y contacts cannot both be satisfied.
- **D**: the shape is not achievable from the given three pieces because one piece would have to be flipped into an impossible orientation, causing label mismatch.
Therefore, the correct option is **B**.
The portion of a road surface which is used normally by high speed vehicular traffic is known as -
A)
Expressway
B)
Highway
C)
Carriage way
D)
Right of way
In highway engineering, the terminology for road components is strictly defined:
1. **Carriageway**: This is the specific portion of the road surface intended for the movement of vehicular traffic. It is the paved width where vehicles actually travel at high speeds.
2. **Expressway**: This is a type of high-speed road (a classification of road), not a 'portion' of a road surface.
3. **Highway**: This is a general term for a main public road connecting major cities or towns (a classification), not a specific surface component.
4. **Right of Way (ROW)**: This is the total area of land acquired for the road, which includes the carriageway, shoulders, sidewalks, and drainage systems. It is the legal boundary of the road project, not just the surface used by traffic.
Therefore, the specific part of the road surface used by vehicular traffic is the carriageway.
Reciprocal ranging is adopted when the following is encountered -
A)
A river
B)
A tall building
C)
A dense forest
D)
A hillock
Reciprocal ranging is a surveying technique used to establish intermediate points on a straight line between two stations when the stations are not mutually visible due to a high intervening obstacle.
1. **The Scenario**: In reciprocal ranging, the surveyor cannot see from Station A to Station B because of an obstruction (like a hill or a ridge). However, the surveyor can see from A to some point in the middle, and from B to some point in the middle.
2. **The Process**: By using two surveyors and two ranging rods, the line is established by moving the rods back and forth (reciprocating) until they align perfectly with the stations on both ends.
3. **Why 'A hillock' is correct**: A hillock (a small hill) is a classic example of an intervening obstacle that blocks the line of sight between two points but allows visibility to a central point, making reciprocal ranging the necessary method.
4. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **A river (a)**: A river usually does not block the line of sight; it is a physical barrier to crossing, not a visual barrier. One can typically see across a river.
- **A tall building (b)**: While a building blocks sight, it is usually a localized obstacle. If a building is in the way, one typically uses an offset or a different method, as the 'reciprocal' movement is specifically designed for terrain-based obstructions like hills.
- **A dense forest (c)**: A forest often blocks sight over a wide area, making it difficult to find any clear line of sight to a central point, often requiring the clearing of a line or the use of electronic distance measurement (EDM) tools.
The fillet welds are effective in resisting -
A)
Axial stresses
B)
Torsion
C)
Bending stress
D)
Shear stresses
In structural steel design, fillet welds are designed based on the assumption that the failure occurs along the throat of the weld. The load acting on a fillet weld is typically perpendicular to the axis of the weld (transverse) or parallel to it (longitudinal). In both cases, the primary stress induced in the weld metal is shear stress. According to standard design codes (such as IS 800 or AISC), the strength of a fillet weld is calculated based on its shear capacity. While fillet welds can be used in joints subjected to axial, bending, or torsional loads, the internal mechanism by which the weld resists these external forces is through shear stress across the throat area. Therefore, fillet welds are specifically effective in resisting shear stresses.
The following tools can be used to generate the project schedule:
A)
Microsoft Excel
B)
Microsoft Project
C)
Primavera
D)
All of these
Project scheduling involves creating a timeline for tasks, milestones, and resource allocation.
1. **Microsoft Project**: This is a dedicated project management software specifically designed for scheduling, Gantt charts, resource leveling, and critical path analysis. It is an industry standard for this purpose.
2. **Primavera (P6)**: This is a high-end, professional project management tool used primarily in large-scale construction and engineering projects. It is highly specialized for complex scheduling and portfolio management.
3. **Microsoft Excel**: While not a dedicated project management tool, Excel is widely used to generate project schedules through the creation of manual Gantt charts, task lists, and timelines using its spreadsheet and charting capabilities.
Since all three tools are capable of being used to generate a project schedule, the correct option is 'All of these'.
Identify the word that is most opposite in meaning to “Mendacious”: His mendacious nature made it difficult to trust anything he said.
A)
Untruthful
B)
Honest
C)
Sincere
D)
Deceitful
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Mendacious' is an adjective derived from the Latin 'mendax' (lying). It means not telling the truth; lying or habitually dishonest. In the context of the sentence ('His mendacious nature made it difficult to trust anything he said'), it clearly refers to a lack of truthfulness.
Step 2: Identify the requirement. The question asks for the word 'most opposite in meaning' (the antonym).
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) Untruthful: This is a synonym of mendacious, not an antonym.
- (b) Honest: This means free of deceit and untruthfulness; truthful. This is the direct opposite of mendacious.
- (c) Sincere: While sincerity involves honesty, it specifically refers to the absence of pretense or hypocrisy. 'Honest' is a more precise and direct antonym for the act of lying (mendacity).
- (d) Deceitful: This is a synonym of mendacious.
Step 4: Conclusion. Since 'mendacious' means lying, the most accurate opposite is 'honest'.
Choose the correct word that best completes the sentence: The professor’s explanation was so __________ that even the most attentive students struggled to grasp the concept.
A)
Perspicuous
B)
Obfuscating
C)
Lucid
D)
Articulate
The sentence contains a contrast indicator: 'even the most attentive students struggled to grasp the concept.' This implies that the professor's explanation was unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand.
1. **Obfuscating (Correct):** To obfuscate means to render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. If an explanation is obfuscating, it makes the subject harder to understand, which aligns perfectly with the students' struggle.
2. **Perspicuous (Incorrect):** This means clearly expressed and easily understood. If the explanation were perspicuous, the students would not have struggled.
3. **Lucid (Incorrect):** This means expressed clearly; easy to understand. Like 'perspicuous,' this contradicts the context of the sentence.
4. **Articulate (Incorrect):** This means having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently. An articulate professor would typically be easy to understand, making this option incorrect in this context.
In the __________ mean depth is to be calculated first by averaging the depths of two consecutive sections.
A)
Trapezoidal formula
B)
Mid - Section formula
C)
Prismoidal formula
D)
Simpson’s rule
In the context of earthwork calculations for estimating and costing in Civil Engineering, there are three primary methods used to calculate volume: the Mid-Section formula, the Trapezoidal formula, and the Prismoidal formula.
1. **Mid-Section Formula**: In this method, the volume is calculated by taking the area of a section midway between two consecutive sections. The depth (or area) at this mid-section is calculated as the average of the depths (or areas) of the two consecutive end sections. Specifically, the mean depth is calculated first to find the mid-sectional area, which is then multiplied by the distance between the sections.
2. **Trapezoidal Formula (Average End Area Method)**: This method calculates the volume by taking the average of the areas of two consecutive end sections and multiplying it by the distance between them. It does not calculate a 'mean depth' for a mid-section; it averages the final areas.
3. **Prismoidal Formula**: This is the most accurate method. It uses the areas of the two end sections and the area of the mid-section (calculated based on the average of the linear dimensions, not just a simple average of depths). The formula is V = (L/6) * [A1 + A2 + 4Am].
4. **Simpson's Rule**: This is essentially the mathematical basis for the Prismoidal formula and is used for calculating areas or volumes under curves, but the specific terminology of 'calculating mean depth first' refers to the Mid-Section approach in earthwork estimation.
If B is the width of formation, d is the height of the embankment, side slope S : 1, for a highway with no transverse slope, the area of cross section is -
A)
B+d+S8d
B)
Bd +Sd²
C)
B+d
D)
5 (Bd + Sd*)
To find the area of the cross-section of a highway embankment with no transverse slope (flat top), we treat the cross-section as a trapezoid.
1. **Given Parameters:**
- Width of formation (top width) = B
- Height of embankment = d
- Side slope = S : 1 (Horizontal : Vertical). This means for every 1 unit of height, the horizontal distance increases by S units.
2. **Calculating the Bottom Width:**
Since there are two side slopes, the total width at the base is the top width plus the horizontal projection of the slopes on both sides.
Bottom Width = B + 2 * (S * d)
3. **Calculating the Area of a Trapezoid:**
The area (A) of a trapezoid is given by the formula:
A = [(Top Width + Bottom Width) / 2] * Height
A = [(B + (B + 2Sd)) / 2] * d
A = [(2B + 2Sd) / 2] * d
A = (B + Sd) * d
A = Bd + Sd²
Comparing this result to the options provided:
- Option (a) is mathematically incorrect.
- Option (b) matches our derivation: Bd + Sd².
- Option (c) is incorrect as it ignores the geometry of the embankment.
- Option (d) is incorrect and contains typographical errors (Sd*).
Scrap value =
A)
Cost of asset - Useful life
B)
Cost of asset - (D x Useful life)
C)
Cost of asset + (D x Useful life)
D)
Depreciation
In valuation and accounting, Scrap Value (also known as Salvage Value) is the estimated value of an asset at the end of its useful life. Using the Straight-Line Method of depreciation, the total depreciation over the life of the asset is calculated as the annual depreciation amount (D) multiplied by the useful life of the asset. Therefore, the Scrap Value is the original cost of the asset minus the total accumulated depreciation.
Formula: Scrap Value = Original Cost - (Annual Depreciation × Useful Life).
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because you cannot subtract 'years' (life) from 'currency' (cost).
- Option (b) is correct as it represents the original cost minus total depreciation.
- Option (c) is incorrect because adding depreciation would increase the value of the asset over time, which contradicts the concept of wear and tear.
- Option (d) is incorrect because scrap value is the remaining value, not the depreciation amount itself.
Find the next number in the series: 1, 2, 6, 24, 120, ?
A)
240
B)
360
C)
720
D)
1440
The given series is 1, 2, 6, 24, 120, ?. To find the pattern, we examine the relationship between consecutive terms:
1. The first term is 1.
2. The second term is 1 × 2 = 2.
3. The third term is 2 × 3 = 6.
4. The fourth term is 6 × 4 = 24.
5. The fifth term is 24 × 5 = 120.
This is a factorial series where the n-th term is n! (n factorial).
- 1! = 1
- 2! = 2
- 3! = 6
- 4! = 24
- 5! = 120
Following this pattern, the next term (the 6th term) must be 120 × 6 (or 6!):
120 × 6 = 720.
Comparing this to the options:
- a. 240 (Incorrect: 120 × 2)
- b. 360 (Incorrect: 120 × 3)
- c. 720 (Correct: 120 × 6)
- d. 1440 (Incorrect: 120 × 12)
The basic principle of surveying is working from -
A)
Part to whole
B)
Whole to part
C)
Lower to higher level
D)
Higher to lower level
The fundamental principle of surveying is to work from the 'whole to the part'. This means that a large area is first covered by establishing a few main control points with high precision (the 'whole'). Once these primary control points are fixed, the area is divided into smaller sections, and detailed surveying is carried out within these sections (the 'part').
Reasoning for this approach:
1. Prevention of Error Accumulation: If surveying were done from 'part to whole', small errors made in the initial measurements would accumulate and multiply as the survey expanded, leading to a significant discrepancy in the final boundary.
2. Error Localization: By working from whole to part, any errors made during the detailed filling-in of the 'parts' are localized and contained within the established control framework, preventing them from affecting the overall accuracy of the survey.
Other options (a, c, d) are incorrect because they do not describe the methodology used to maintain geometric accuracy and prevent the propagation of cumulative errors in surveying.
The detention period in a septic tank is assumed -
A)
20 minutes
B)
15 minutes
C)
30 minutes
D)
40 minutes
In Environmental Engineering, the detention period (the time sewage remains in the tank) for a standard septic tank is typically designed to be between 24 to 48 hours (usually assumed as 24 hours for standard calculations). This duration is necessary to allow for the sedimentation of settleable solids and the anaerobic digestion of organic matter. The options provided (15, 20, 30, and 40 minutes) are far too short for a septic tank; such short durations are more characteristic of grit chambers or primary screening processes, not septic tanks. Therefore, based on standard engineering textbooks (such as S.K. Garg or B.C. Punmia), none of the provided options are technically correct.
Lump Sum contract is -
A)
Followed by many agencies
B)
Followed only by local bodies
C)
Followed only in private contracts
D)
Followed only by Govt. Departments
A Lump Sum contract is a type of construction contract where a single, fixed price is agreed upon for the entire scope of work.
1. **Analysis of Lump Sum Contracts**: In this arrangement, the contractor agrees to complete the project for a predetermined sum. This is common when the project scope and drawings are well-defined.
2. **Evaluating Option (a)**: Lump sum contracts are widely used across various sectors. They are employed by private developers, corporate entities, and even some government agencies for specific types of turnkey projects or small-scale works. Therefore, it is 'followed by many agencies'.
3. **Evaluating Options (b), (c), and (d)**: These options use the word 'only'.
- It is not followed *only* by local bodies (b).
- It is not followed *only* in private contracts (c), as some public works use this model for specific designs.
- It is not followed *only* by Govt. Departments (d); in fact, government departments typically prefer 'Item Rate' or 'Percentage Rate' contracts to ensure transparency and payment based on actual measurements (as per PWD manuals).
Since the contract type is versatile and used across different organizational structures, option (a) is the most accurate statement.
Which of the following is not a compression member?
A)
Strut
B)
Tie
C)
Principal rafter
D)
Boom
In structural engineering, members are classified based on the type of internal force they resist.
1. **Compression Member**: A structural element that resists axial loads that tend to shorten it (pushing together). Examples include struts, columns, and booms of a crane.
2. **Tension Member**: A structural element that resists axial loads that tend to elongate it (pulling apart). A 'Tie' is the quintessential example of a tension member, used to hold two parts of a structure together to prevent them from spreading.
Evaluating the options:
- **Strut (a)**: By definition, a strut is a compression member used to support a load.
- **Tie (b)**: A tie is designed specifically to resist tension. Therefore, it is NOT a compression member.
- **Principal rafter (c)**: In a roof truss, the principal rafter primarily carries the roof load and is subjected to compression (though it may experience bending).
- **Boom (d)**: In cranes or derricks, the boom is the main structural arm that supports the load and is primarily a compression member.
Therefore, the 'Tie' is the only member listed that is not a compression member.
Obsolescence refers to the decline in the useful life of an asset because of one of the factors -
A)
Technological advancement
B)
Accidents
C)
Profit or losses
D)
Replacement of assets
In the context of valuation and depreciation, 'Obsolescence' is a specific type of depreciation that occurs when an asset becomes outdated or no longer useful, even if it is still in good physical condition. This typically happens due to: 1. Technological advancement (new, more efficient machinery or methods making the old ones obsolete), 2. Changes in market demand, or 3. Changes in legislation/laws.
Analyzing the options:
- (a) Technological advancement: This is the primary driver of obsolescence. When a newer technology is introduced, the existing asset loses value because it is less efficient or costly to operate.
- (b) Accidents: This causes 'Physical Depreciation' or 'Sudden Damage,' not obsolescence.
- (c) Profit or losses: These are financial outcomes of operating the asset, not a cause for the decline in the asset's useful life.
- (d) Replacement of assets: This is the action taken *because* of depreciation or obsolescence, not the cause of the obsolescence itself.
The shortest distance between the point of commencement and the point of tangency of a Circular curve is known as -
A)
Long chord
B)
Normal chord
C)
Sub - chord
D)
Half- chord
In surveying, specifically in the design of circular curves used for roads or railways:
1. The 'Point of Commencement' (PC) is the point where the straight line (tangent) ends and the circular curve begins.
2. The 'Point of Tangency' (PT) is the point where the circular curve ends and the next straight line (tangent) begins.
3. The shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. Therefore, the straight line connecting the PC and the PT is the chord of the arc.
4. Because this chord spans the entire length of the curve from start to finish, it is specifically termed the 'Long Chord'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Normal chord: This is not a standard term for the distance between PC and PT.
- Sub-chord: These are smaller chords used to divide the long chord into smaller segments for setting out the curve on the ground.
- Half-chord: This refers to half the length of the long chord, often used in the 'bisecting' method of setting out curves.
The process of calculating and assigning a value to a company or an asset is called -
A)
Scrap value
B)
Cost
C)
Valuation
D)
Asset value
The question asks for the term used to describe the process of calculating and assigning a monetary value to an asset or a company.
1. **Valuation (Option c):** This is the formal process of estimating the market value of an asset, a business, or a company. In civil engineering and real estate, valuation is used to determine the present value of a property based on various factors like location, condition, and income potential.
2. **Scrap Value (Option a):** This refers specifically to the estimated value of an asset at the end of its useful life, typically based on the value of its materials (e.g., steel or copper) if it were dismantled.
3. **Cost (Option b):** Cost is the amount of money spent to acquire or produce an asset. While cost is a factor used in valuation (e.g., the Cost Approach), it is not the process of assigning a current value.
4. **Asset Value (Option d):** This is the result or the outcome of the valuation process (the actual value assigned), not the 'process' of calculating it.
Therefore, the correct term for the process itself is Valuation.
The center line method is specially adopted for estimating -
A)
Circular buildings
B)
Hexagonal buildings
C)
Octagonal buildings
D)
All of these
In civil engineering estimation, there are two primary methods for calculating quantities: the Long Wall-Short Wall method and the Center Line method.
1. **Center Line Method**: In this method, the total length of the center line of all walls is calculated. This total length is then multiplied by the width and depth of the wall to find the volume. To avoid over-calculating the volume at junctions (T-junctions and L-junctions), deductions are made.
2. **Applicability**: While the Long Wall-Short Wall method is common for simple rectangular buildings, the Center Line method is significantly more efficient and simpler for buildings with complex shapes or symmetrical layouts.
3. **Complex Geometries**: For circular, hexagonal, or octagonal buildings, calculating individual 'long' and 'short' walls becomes mathematically tedious and prone to error. However, the center line of these shapes is a continuous perimeter (or a set of equal segments). By calculating the total center line length, the estimator can quickly derive the total quantity of masonry and concrete for the entire structure regardless of the number of sides or the curvature.
Therefore, the center line method is specially adopted for circular, hexagonal, and octagonal buildings to simplify the calculation process.
The distance from the centre line of road on either side, within which construction of building is not permitted is called -
A)
Road boundary
B)
Central line
C)
Building line
D)
Setback distance
In Highway Engineering and Urban Planning, specific boundaries are defined to ensure road safety and future expansion.
1. **Building Line**: This is the line along the road, parallel to the center line, beyond which the construction of buildings is permitted. The distance from the center line to the building line is the zone where no permanent structure can be built. This ensures that the road can be widened in the future without demolishing existing structures and maintains visibility for drivers.
2. **Road Boundary (or Right of Way)**: This is the total area of land acquired for the road, including the carriageway, shoulders, and drains. While the building line is about where a structure can start, the road boundary defines the legal ownership of the land by the road authority.
3. **Central Line**: This is simply the longitudinal axis of the road used as a reference point for measurements.
4. **Setback Distance**: While similar in concept, a setback is generally the minimum distance a building must be offset from a property line, street, or other structure as per local zoning laws. In the specific context of highway engineering terminology regarding the restriction zone from the road center, 'Building Line' is the standard technical term.
Bar charts are suitable for -
A)
Minor works
B)
Major works
C)
Large projects
D)
All of these
A Bar Chart (also known as a Gantt Chart) is a basic project management tool used for scheduling. It represents activities as bars on a timeline.
1. Why 'Minor works' is correct: Bar charts are simple to construct and easy to understand. However, they do not show the interdependencies (logical relationships) between activities. For minor works with few activities and simple sequences, this lack of dependency tracking is acceptable.
2. Why 'Major works' and 'Large projects' are incorrect: In large or complex projects, the sequence of activities is critical. A delay in one activity often impacts several others. Because bar charts cannot effectively illustrate the 'Critical Path' or the complex network of dependencies, they are unsuitable for large-scale projects. For such works, Network Techniques like CPM (Critical Path Method) or PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) are used.
3. Conclusion: Since bar charts are only efficient for simple, small-scale scheduling, they are most suitable for minor works.
The damp proof course (DPC) is measured in -
A)
sq.m
B)
cum
C)
m
D)
tm
In civil engineering estimation and costing, the unit of measurement for an item depends on its nature and thickness. A Damp Proof Course (DPC) is a layer of water-repellent material (like bitumen or cement concrete with waterproofing compounds) applied to prevent moisture from rising by capillary action. Since the thickness of a DPC is typically small and constant (usually ranging from 2.5 cm to 5 cm), it is treated as a surface area measurement rather than a volume measurement. Therefore, it is measured in square meters (sq.m).
Breakdown of other options:
- b. cum (cubic meters): Used for bulk items like excavation, concrete in foundations, or masonry.
- c. m (meters/running meters): Used for linear items like pipes, cornices, or skirting.
- d. tm (tonne): Used for weight-based items like structural steel.
The minimum width of a septic tank is taken -
A)
60cm
B)
65cm
C)
70cm
D)
75cm
In Environmental Engineering and Public Health Engineering, the design of a septic tank is governed by specific standards to ensure proper anaerobic digestion and sedimentation of solids. According to standard engineering practices and various building codes (such as the National Building Code), the minimum width of a septic tank is specified as 75 cm (0.75 m). This minimum width is essential to maintain a reasonable length-to-width ratio (typically between 2:1 and 4:1) and to ensure that the tank is structurally stable and functional for the intended volume of sewage. Options a, b, and c (60cm, 65cm, and 70cm) are below the standard minimum requirement for a functional septic tank design.
The plinth area of a building does not include -
A)
Area of the walls at the floor level
B)
Internal shaft for sanitary installations up to 2 sqm in area
C)
Lift and wall including landing
D)
Area of cantilevered porch
Plinth area is the built-up covered area of a building measured at the floor level of the lowest floor. According to IS 3861, the plinth area includes: 1) Area of walls at the floor level, 2) Internal shafts for sanitary installations (up to 2 sqm), 3) Lift wells, stairs, and landings, and 4) Internal corridors. However, it specifically excludes: 1) Area of cantilevered porches, 2) Courtyards, 3) Open balconies, and 4) Open terraces. Therefore, the area of a cantilevered porch is not included in the plinth area calculation. Option (a), (b), and (c) are all standard inclusions in the plinth area measurement.