← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions — 2020
How many levels of rating does the Indian Green Building Council have for residential sectors?
A)
4
B)
5
C)
3
D)
6
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) residential rating system has 5 levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Net Zero/Platinum+ depending on the specific framework, but for the standard residential sector rating the commonly cited levels are 5. Therefore, the correct option is 5. The other options do not match the IGBC residential rating structure.
As per NBC 2006 norms, provision of lifts shall be made for buildings ________m or more in height.
A)
15m
B)
18m
C)
12m
D)
20m
As per NBC 2006, lifts are required to be provided in buildings of 15 m or more in height. Hence, the correct option is (a) 15m. The other options (12 m, 18 m, and 20 m) do not match the NBC 2006 threshold for lift provision.
Young’s Modulus of elasticity is
A)
Tensile stress / Tensile strain
B)
Shear stress / Shear strain
C)
Tensile stress / Shear strain
D)
Shear stress / Tensile strain
Young’s modulus of elasticity is defined as the ratio of tensile (or normal) stress to tensile strain within the elastic limit. Mathematically, E = stress / strain. Option (b) is the definition of modulus of rigidity (shear modulus), while (c) and (d) mix different types of stress and strain incorrectly.
What is the time period for which the water is stored in fill and draw type of sedimentation tank?
A)
24 hours
B)
48 hours
C)
52 hours
D)
76 hours
In a fill-and-draw sedimentation tank, the tank is filled, water is allowed to remain quiescent for settling, and then the clarified water is drawn off. The usual storage/settling period is about 48 hours. Hence, option (b) is correct. The other options do not match the standard detention period for this type of tank.
The property by which a body returns to its original shape after removal of force is called
A)
Ductility
B)
Elasticity
C)
Malleability
D)
Plasticity
Elasticity is the property of a material by which it returns to its original shape and size after the deforming force is removed. Ductility is the ability to be drawn into wires, malleability is the ability to be hammered into sheets, and plasticity means permanent deformation remains after removing the force.
What does BOD stand for with reference to waste water?
A)
basis of distribution
B)
biodegradable oxygen demand
C)
biochemical oxygen demand
D)
basis of design
BOD stands for Biochemical Oxygen Demand. It is the amount of dissolved oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic matter in wastewater. The other options are incorrect because BOD is not related to basis of distribution, biodegradable oxygen demand, or basis of design.
What is the first step of Environmental Impact Assessment?
A)
Project Monitoring
B)
Project Appraisal
C)
Project Implementation
D)
Project Identification and Proposal
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) begins at the earliest planning stage. The first step is identifying the project and preparing the proposal, because the likely environmental effects can only be assessed after the project is defined. Project appraisal, implementation, and monitoring come later in the process. Therefore, option (d) is correct.
Up to which point on the stress-strain curve is Hooke’s law valid?
A)
Elastic limit
B)
Yield point
C)
Proportionality limit
D)
Fracture point
Hooke’s law states that stress is directly proportional to strain, but only in the linear region of the stress-strain curve. This relation remains valid up to the proportionality limit. Beyond this point, stress is no longer exactly proportional to strain, although the material may still behave elastically up to the elastic limit. Therefore, the correct answer is proportionality limit. Elastic limit is a broader concept, yield point marks the start of plastic deformation, and fracture point is the failure point.
What is a solar chimney?
A)
a type of solar heating and cooling system
B)
a cooking stove that uses solar energy
C)
a solar water heater
D)
none of these
A solar chimney is a passive solar device that uses solar energy to create airflow for ventilation, heating, and cooling. It works by heating air in a vertical shaft, causing the warm air to rise and exit, which draws cooler air in. So it is best described as a solar heating and cooling system. The other options are incorrect because it is not a cooking stove and not specifically a water heater.
What is night soil?
A)
Soil containing urea
B)
Human excreta
C)
Animal excreta
D)
Human excreta, animal excreta and urea
Night soil means human excreta collected from toilets or pit latrines, especially in old sanitation systems. It does not refer to soil containing urea or animal excreta. Therefore, option (b) is correct.
As per Council of Architecture Schedule of Payment, how many stages of payment are there excluding retainer?
A)
5
B)
6
C)
7
D)
8
As per the Council of Architecture (COA) Schedule of Payment, the payment is typically divided into 7 stages in total, including the retainer. If the retainer is excluded, the remaining stages of payment are 6. Hence, option (b) is correct. The other options do not match the standard COA fee schedule structure.
What is the maximum letter size allowed for advertisement for an Architect in an office or construction site?
A)
9 cm
B)
9.5 cm
C)
10 cm
D)
10.5 cm
The standard limit for lettering size in an architect’s advertisement/signboard at an office or construction site is 10 cm. Hence option (c) is correct. The other options (9 cm, 9.5 cm, and 10.5 cm) do not match the prescribed maximum size.
What is the pipe diameter of domestic water supply from distribution point to home?
A)
20mm
B)
25mm
C)
30mm
D)
10mm
For domestic water supply from the distribution point to a home, the usual service connection pipe diameter is 25 mm. A 10 mm pipe is too small for normal domestic supply, while 20 mm is more typical for smaller service lines; 30 mm is not the standard option here. Hence, 25 mm is the correct answer.
Right to acquire light and air from the neighbor’s land is an example of
A)
Easement by express grant
B)
Easement by implied grant
C)
Easement by custom
D)
Easement by prescription
Under the Indian Easements Act, a right to receive light and air through a neighbor’s land is typically acquired by continuous, open, and uninterrupted enjoyment for the statutory period. That is an easement by prescription. It is not an express grant (created by agreement), not an implied grant (arising from circumstances of transfer), and not by custom (based on local usage).
A Demolition Contract for a building is awarded to the
A)
Lowest bidder
B)
Highest bidder
C)
Second lowest bidder
D)
Second highest bidder
In a demolition contract, the contractor gets value from the salvaged materials (bricks, steel, wood, fixtures, etc.). So the party willing to pay the most to take over the building is selected. Therefore, a demolition contract is awarded to the highest bidder. The other options are generally used in ordinary works contracts where the client pays the contractor, but here the contractor may pay for the right to demolish.
For one way slab, the ratio in between length and breadth of the slab should be
A)
less than 1
B)
between 1.0 to 1.5
C)
less than 2
D)
more than 2
A one-way slab is defined as a slab in which the longer span is more than twice the shorter span, i.e., the ratio of length to breadth is greater than 2. In such slabs, load is mainly carried in one direction. If the ratio is less than 2, the slab behaves as a two-way slab. Therefore, the correct option is 'more than 2'.
In sewage treatment plants, the oil and grease is removed by:
A)
filtration
B)
oxidation
C)
screening
D)
skimming
In sewage treatment plants, oil and grease are lighter than water and float on the surface. They are therefore removed by skimming, where the floating layer is collected from the top. Filtration is used for solids, oxidation for organic matter decomposition, and screening removes large debris, not oil and grease.
What is the SI unit of Bending moment?
A)
kN
B)
kN2
C)
kNm
D)
km
Bending moment is the product of force and perpendicular distance, so its SI unit is Newton-metre (N·m). In structural engineering, it is commonly expressed as kN·m. Option (c) is correct.
(a) kN is only force, not moment.
(b) kN2 is not a valid unit.
(d) km is a unit of length, not moment.
The floor of a septic tank should be sloping towards
A)
the inlet side
B)
the outlet side
C)
should not be sloping
D)
should be lowest at the middle of the tank
In a septic tank, the floor is made to slope slightly towards the outlet side so that sludge can move toward the sludge-digestion zone and be removed more easily during cleaning. A slope toward the inlet would oppose flow and cause unwanted accumulation near the inlet. The floor should also not be flat or lowest at the middle, as that would not help sludge collection and maintenance.
If the ph of water is 10, it indicates that the sample is
A)
acidic
B)
alkaline
C)
neutral
D)
none of these
pH 7 is neutral. Values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline/basic. Since the pH of the water is 10, it is alkaline. Therefore, option (b) is correct.
What is the curing period of concrete work under normal weather conditions when using Ordinary Portland Cement?
A)
20 days
B)
12 days
C)
14 days
D)
25 days
For concrete work using Ordinary Portland Cement under normal weather conditions, the standard curing period is 14 days. This allows sufficient hydration of cement for proper strength development. The other options are not the usual standard period for OPC concrete curing under normal conditions.
As per IS 2502-1963, the hook allowance for stirrups of RCC columns and beams should not be less than
A)
50mm
B)
75 mm
C)
100mm
D)
25 mm
As per IS 2502:1963 (bending and fixing of bars for concrete reinforcement), the hook allowance for stirrups in RCC columns and beams should not be less than 50 mm. This is the standard minimum hook extension provided for proper anchorage. Hence, option (a) is correct. The other values are not the prescribed minimum allowance for stirrups.
Intercepting trap has a water seal of?
A)
200 mm
B)
150 mm
C)
100 mm
D)
75 mm
An intercepting trap is used in drainage systems to prevent foul gases from the public sewer from entering the house drain. It is designed with a deep water seal, typically 200 mm, to ensure effective blockage of sewer gases. By comparison, common traps like P-traps or S-traps generally have smaller water seals such as 75 mm or 50 mm. Hence, the correct answer is 200 mm.
Sewers are designed to run
A)
Partially/ half full
B)
Full
C)
2/3rd full
D)
1/3rd full
Sewers are generally designed to run partially full, approximately half full, rather than completely full. This allows for ventilation, free flow, and some margin to handle fluctuations in sewage flow. If a sewer runs full all the time, pressure flow can occur, which is not desirable in normal gravity sewer design. Hence, option (a) is correct.
A steel truss with parallel upper and lower chords and inclined connecting members forming a series of equilateral triangles is known as
A)
Bowstring Truss
B)
Warren Truss
C)
Kingpost Truss
D)
Scissors Truss
A truss having parallel upper and lower chords with inclined members forming a series of equilateral triangles is a Warren truss. Its defining feature is the alternating triangular web system, which efficiently carries loads. Bowstring truss has a curved top chord, kingpost truss is a simple triangular roof truss with one central vertical member, and scissors truss has crossed/angled lower chords for vaulted roof forms.