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Past Questions — 2016
Which of the following is included in the basic assumptions for design of riveted joints?
A)
load is equally shared by all rivets
B)
the end rivets get maximum loads.
C)
the middle rivets get maximum loads.
D)
the load decreases from support end to the free end.
In the basic design assumptions of riveted joints, it is assumed that the external load is distributed equally among all rivets in the joint. This simplifies analysis and design. Options (b) and (c) relate to actual non-uniform load distribution in some joint configurations, but they are not the basic assumption. Option (d) is not a standard assumption for riveted joint design.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is conducted on this layer to determine pavement thickness in modern flexible pavement construction. Identify the layer.
A)
Sub-grade
B)
Granular Sub-base
C)
Water Bound Macadam
D)
Wet Mix Macadam
The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is primarily conducted on the sub-grade soil to assess its bearing strength. In modern flexible pavement design, the pavement thickness is determined based on the CBR value of the sub-grade. Granular sub-base, WBM, and WMM are pavement layers, but the CBR test is not mainly used to determine their thickness in this context.
As per IRC, the theoretical compacted thickness of an Water Bound Macadam layer is always in multiples of
A)
6.00 cm
B)
6.50cm
C)
7.00 cm
D)
7.50cm
As per IRC recommendations for Water Bound Macadam (WBM), the compacted thickness of a layer is specified in multiples of 6 cm. This is because WBM is laid in a loose thickness that compacts to about 6 cm, and higher thicknesses are achieved by placing multiple such compacted layers. Hence, the correct answer is 6.00 cm. The other options do not match the standard IRC compacted layer thickness.
If V= Volume of cutting or banking, D=Distance between the Sections, A1, A2, etc the areas of different cross-sections, then the Volume is given by, V= D/2 { (A1 + An) + 2(A2 + A3 + ... + An-1) }. The Method for Volume calculation as above is
A)
Prismoidal Method
B)
Mid —Sectional Area Method
C)
Trapezoidal Method
D)
Mean-Sectional Area Method
The given formula is
V = D/2 × [(A1 + An) + 2(A2 + A3 + ... + An−1)]
which is the standard formula for the **Trapezoidal Method** of calculating earthwork volume from cross-sections.
Why this is correct:
- It uses the end areas and the intermediate sectional areas with weight 2 for the middle sections.
- This is exactly the rule applied in the trapezoidal approximation.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- **Prismoidal Method** uses the formula involving the mid-area and usually a 1:4:1 type relation, not this one.
- **Mid-Sectional Area Method** uses the area at the mid-section between two stations.
- **Mean-Sectional Area Method** uses the average of two consecutive sectional areas multiplied by distance, i.e., V = D × (A1 + A2)/2 for each interval.
So the correct answer is **Trapezoidal Method**.
The Fore Bearing of a line AB in the Whole Circle Bearing System is 132°38'. What will be its Fore Bearing in the Quadrantal Bearing System?
A)
S47°22'W
B)
S 42°38'E
C)
S47°22'E
D)
S47°22'W
In the Whole Circle Bearing (WCB) system, bearings are measured clockwise from north. A fore bearing of 132°38' lies between 90° and 180°, so it is in the south-east quadrant. For the Quadrantal Bearing (QB) system, convert it as:
QB = S(180° - 132°38')E
= S47°22'E
So the correct answer is S47°22'E. The other options place the line in the wrong quadrant or have the wrong angle.
In a compression steel member, the maximum slenderness ratio may be defined as the ratio of effective length to the appropriate
A)
Modulus of Elasticity
B)
Compressive stress
C)
Radius of gyration
D)
Moment of Inertia
For a compression steel member, slenderness ratio is defined as the ratio of effective length to the least radius of gyration, i.e., λ = Le / r. This measures the tendency of the member to buckle under compression. The other options are not used in the definition of slenderness ratio: modulus of elasticity and moment of inertia are material/section properties, while compressive stress is a load effect, not the geometric ratio required here.
The Fore Bearing of a line AB in the Whole Circle Bearing System is 142°18'. What will be its Back bearing in the same System?
A)
322°18'
B)
284°36'
C)
232°18'
D)
52°18"
In the Whole Circle Bearing (WCB) system, the back bearing is obtained by adding 180° to the fore bearing if the fore bearing is less than 180°.
Given fore bearing = 142°18'
Back bearing = 142°18' + 180°00' = 322°18'
So, the correct option is (a) 322°18'.
Why others are incorrect:
- (b) 284°36' is not obtained by the WCB rule.
- (c) 232°18' is also incorrect; adding 90° or other values is not relevant here.
- (d) 52°18" is not the back bearing and also has a different minute/second format.
Sand Replacement method is adopted for testing WMM layer in a flexible pavement construction work in progress. What properties of the WMM layer is being tested?
A)
California Bearing Ratio
B)
Aggregate Impact Value
C)
Gradation
D)
Field Density
The sand replacement method is a field test used to determine the in-situ density of a compacted layer, such as WMM (Wet Mix Macadam), in pavement construction. It helps check whether the required compaction has been achieved.
Why not the others?
- (a) California Bearing Ratio: CBR is a strength test, not measured by sand replacement.
- (b) Aggregate Impact Value: This is a laboratory test on aggregates for toughness.
- (c) Gradation: This is determined by sieve analysis, not by sand replacement.
- (d) Field Density: Correct, because sand replacement measures the density of the compacted WMM layer at site.
What section of steel beams are normally utilised for fabrication of square and rectangular steel water tanks?
A)
ISLB
B)
ISMB
C)
ISWB
D)
ISHB
Square and rectangular steel water tanks need beams/sections with high flange width and good bending resistance. Among the given options, ISHB (Indian Standard Heavy Beam) is normally used because its broad flanges make it suitable for such fabrication and support. ISLB and ISMB are lighter/moderate beam sections, while ISWB is not the usual choice here.
In comparison to riveted joints, welded joints are
A)
heavier
B)
lessrigid
C)
lighter
D)
costlier
Welded joints are generally lighter than riveted joints because they do not require rivets, gusset plates, cover plates, and overlapping of members to the same extent. This reduces the overall weight of the connection. Riveted joints are usually heavier and more labor-intensive. Welded joints are also typically more rigid, not less rigid. They are often economical in fabrication and construction, so 'costlier' is not the correct general comparison.
Zoning theory is used in valuation of land in the
A)
Flat Rate System
B)
Comparative System
C)
Belting System
D)
Development System
Zoning theory is applied in the valuation of land under the Belting System. In this method, land is divided into belts based on distance from the main road or frontage, and different rates are assigned to each belt. The nearer belt has higher value, which is exactly the idea behind zoning. The other options do not use this land-value zoning approach: Flat Rate System applies one uniform rate, Comparative System compares similar properties, and Development System estimates value after considering development potential.
A contract is said to be induced by X where the relations subsisting between the parties are such that one of the parties is in a position to obtain an unfair advantage over the other. Find the appropriate replacement for X.
A)
misrepresentation
B)
coercion
C)
undue influence
D)
fraud
Under Section 16 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, a contract is said to be induced by 'undue influence' when the relations between the parties are such that one party is in a position to dominate the will of the other and obtain an unfair advantage. This exactly matches the statement in the question. Misrepresentation, coercion, and fraud are different vitiating factors and do not describe a situation where one party can unfairly dominate the other through their relationship.
The next number in the following sequence would be 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, an
A)
22
B)
55
C)
53
D)
47
This is a Fibonacci-type sequence, where each term is the sum of the previous two terms: 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. So the next term is 21 + 34 = 55. Hence, option (b) is correct. The other options do not follow the pattern.
Normally 3% of the Estimated Cost has to be provided to meet unforeseen expenditures while preparing Estimates. Such provisions are known as
A)
Deviations
B)
Extra and substituted items
C)
Expenditure Sanction
D)
Contingencies
In civil engineering estimates, about 3% of the estimated cost is usually added to cover unforeseen expenses. This provision is called contingencies.
- Deviations: changes from the original plan, not a standard allowance in estimates.
- Extra and substituted items: items added or replaced during execution.
- Expenditure sanction: administrative approval for spending.
- Contingencies: correct term for provision to meet unforeseen expenses.
Los Angeles Abrasion (LAA) test is conducted on this layer in flexible pavement construction. Identify the layer.
A)
Sub-grade
B)
Granular Sub-base
C)
Wet Mix Macadam
D)
Sand Seal Coat
The Los Angeles Abrasion (LAA) test is used to determine the hardness and abrasion resistance of aggregates. In flexible pavement construction, it is especially important for granular layers where aggregates are subjected to crushing and rubbing action, such as the Granular Sub-base (GSB). Sub-grade is soil and not tested by LAA, Wet Mix Macadam is a base layer but the question specifically points to the layer for which aggregate abrasion resistance is required in such construction context, and Sand Seal Coat uses fine material, not coarse aggregate requiring LAA. Hence, Granular Sub-base is the correct answer.
3, 4 and 5 method is adopted using a chain or tape for setting out a/an
A)
acute angle
B)
right angle
C)
obtuse angle
D)
straight angle
The 3-4-5 method is based on the Pythagorean theorem. If the sides measured are 3, 4, and 5 units, the angle between the 3 and 4 sides is 90°, so it is used to set out a right angle with a chain or tape. It is not used for acute, obtuse, or straight angles.
A rivet may fail due to Bearing and
A)
Buckling
B)
Tearing
C)
Shearing
D)
Packing
A rivet in a steel connection commonly fails in two main ways: (1) bearing failure, where the rivet or plate is crushed due to contact pressure, and (2) shearing failure, where the rivet is cut across by the force acting on it. Hence, the correct completion is "Bearing and Shearing". Buckling is not a typical failure mode of a rivet, tearing relates mainly to the plate rather than the rivet itself, and packing is not a failure mode.
Road Rollers of various types are extensively used in modern highway construction projects. They are used for
A)
Consolidation
B)
Compression
C)
Contraction
D)
Compaction
Road rollers are used to compact soil, granular layers, and bituminous mixes during highway construction. Their purpose is to increase density, reduce air voids, and improve strength and stability. The other options are not the standard term used in highway engineering: consolidation is mainly associated with soil settlement under load, compression is a general mechanical term, and contraction is unrelated here.
In which of the general processes does ‘Screening process’ included in Sewage Treatment Methods?
A)
preliminary
B)
secondary
C)
settlement
D)
biological
Screening is a **preliminary treatment process** in sewage treatment. It is used at the very beginning to remove large floating and coarse materials like rags, sticks, plastics, and debris before further treatment. It is not part of secondary, settlement, or biological treatment. Therefore, the correct answer is **(a) preliminary**.
The majority of Indian cities derive their water supply from
A)
lakes
B)
rivers
C)
wells
D)
springs
In India, the main source of municipal water supply for most cities is surface water from rivers, since rivers provide large, continuous quantities of water that can be treated and distributed. Lakes are important in some cities, but not the majority. Wells and springs are generally local or supplementary sources and do not supply most Indian cities.
The centre to centre distance between two consecutive rivets measured parallel to the direction of force is known as :
A)
gauge
B)
pitch
C)
line
D)
lap
In riveted connections, the centre-to-centre distance between two consecutive rivets measured parallel to the direction of force is called the pitch. Gauge is the transverse distance between rivet lines, line is not the standard term here, and lap refers to the overlapping part of connected plates.
Which of the following Estimates is prepared for execution of additional items or items of work not included in the original detailed estimate?
A)
Revised Estimate
B)
Preliminary Estimate
C)
Supplementary Estimate
D)
Detailed Estimate
A supplementary estimate is prepared when additional items of work, or extra items not included in the original detailed estimate, are required during execution. It is used to cover these new works without replacing the original estimate. A revised estimate is prepared when the original estimate is likely to exceed the sanctioned amount or when there are major changes in quantities/rates. Preliminary estimate is an approximate rough cost estimate, and detailed estimate is the complete item-wise estimate prepared before execution.
The committing, or threatening to commit, any act forbidden by the IPC or the unlawful detaining, or threatening to detain, any property, to the prejudice of any person whatever, with the intention of causing any person to enter into an agreement is
A)
misrepresentation
B)
coercion
C)
undue influence
D)
fraud
This is the definition of **coercion** under Section 15 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872. Coercion means committing or threatening to commit any act forbidden by the IPC, or unlawfully detaining/threatening to detain property, with the intention of causing any person to enter into an agreement.
Why others are incorrect:
- **Misrepresentation** involves false statements without intent to deceive.
- **Undue influence** involves one party dominating the will of another.
- **Fraud** involves intentional deception to induce another party into a contract.
The method of levelling in which the difference in elevation between two points is accurately determined by two sets of observations when it is not possible to set up the level midway between the two points is
A)
Check Levelling
B)
Reciprocal Levelling
C)
Differential Levelling
D)
Profile Levelling
Reciprocal levelling is used when the level cannot be set up midway between two points, such as when a river or obstruction lies between them. Two sets of observations are taken from opposite sides, and the true difference in elevation is obtained by eliminating errors due to collimation, curvature, and refraction. Check levelling is used to verify previous levelling work, differential levelling is for finding elevation differences over long distances, and profile levelling is for obtaining ground profile along a line.
The term ‘Procurement’ essentially means
A)
buying
B)
selling
C)
acquisition
D)
exchange
In estimation and costing, 'procurement' refers to the process of obtaining or acquiring goods, materials, or services. Hence, the term essentially means acquisition. 'Buying' is close in meaning, but procurement is broader and formally denotes acquisition through purchase or other means. Selling and exchange are not correct.