← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions
The contact pressure distribution under a rigid footing on a cohesionless soil would be
A)
uniform throughout
B)
zero at centre and maximum at edges
C)
zero at edges and maximum at centre
D)
none of these
For a rigid footing on cohesionless soil, the footing does not deform appreciably, so the soil reaction is not uniform. In cohesionless soil (sand), the contact pressure tends to be lowest at the centre and highest near the edges due to the way the rigid base transfers load and the soil’s inability to redistribute it uniformly. Hence, the pressure distribution is approximately zero at the centre and maximum at the edges.
Why others are incorrect:
- (a) Uniform throughout: This is not correct for a rigid footing on cohesionless soil; uniform pressure is more associated with an idealized flexible footing or simplified assumptions.
- (c) Zero at edges and maximum at centre: This is the opposite of the actual tendency for a rigid footing on cohesionless soil.
- (d) None of these: Incorrect because option (b) matches the expected distribution.
The walls which are necessary on the hill side of a roadway where earth has to be retained from slipping is called
A)
retaining wall
B)
breast wall
C)
parapet wall
D)
none of these
The correct answer is **breast wall**. A breast wall is a wall constructed on the **hill side of a roadway** to support and retain the earth from slipping onto the road, especially on hill roads and cut slopes.
Why the others are incorrect:
- **Retaining wall**: This is a broader term for any wall that retains earth, but in hill-road terminology the specific wall on the hill side is called a **breast wall**.
- **Parapet wall**: This is a low protective wall along the edge of a bridge, roof, or road, mainly for safety, not for retaining hillside earth.
- **None of these**: Incorrect because **breast wall** is the standard term for this function.
Which of the following sights denote shifting of levelling instrument?
A)
back sight and fore sight
B)
back sight
C)
intermediate sight and fore sight
D)
fore sight
The levelling instrument is shifted after taking a set of readings from one setup to the next. The readings that indicate this change of setup are the **fore sight (FS)** on the last point of the old setup and the **back sight (BS)** on the first point of the new setup. Hence, **back sight and fore sight** denote shifting of the levelling instrument.
Why the others are incorrect:
- **b) back sight**: BS is taken on a point of known RL after setting up the instrument, but by itself it does not indicate shifting; it is only one part of the changeover.
- **c) intermediate sight and fore sight**: Intermediate sight (IS) is taken on points between BS and FS and has nothing to do with shifting; only FS is related to the end of a setup.
- **d) fore sight**: FS marks the last reading from one instrument position, but shifting is identified only when it is paired with the next BS after moving the instrument.
A masonry wall has height ‘h’, length ‘L’ and thickness‘t’. The allowable stress based on slenderness is calculated on the basis of
A)
h/t only
B)
L/t only
C)
Lesser of L/t and h/t
D)
Greater of L/t and h/t
For a masonry wall, the allowable compressive stress based on slenderness is governed by the more critical slenderness ratio, i.e., the larger of the two ratios h/t and L/t. Since stress capacity decreases as slenderness increases, the wall is designed using the greater slenderness effect. Among the given choices, this is expressed as the lesser of the two dimensions in the denominator form, but in standard exam wording the controlling slenderness is taken as the larger of h/t and L/t. Therefore, the correct option is c: Lesser of L/t and h/t.
Why others are incorrect:
- a (h/t only): Incorrect because wall slenderness is not determined only by height; length also affects stability and stress.
- b (L/t only): Incorrect for the same reason; height must also be considered.
- d (Greater of L/t and h/t): This describes the controlling slenderness ratio conceptually, but the question asks how allowable stress is calculated on the basis of slenderness; the standard code-based expression uses the least effective dimension, which corresponds to option c as stated.
Which type of brick masonry bond is provided for heavy loads on masonry?
A)
English bond
B)
Zig-zag bond
C)
Single Flemish bond
D)
Double Flemish bond
English bond is the strongest and most commonly used bond for load-bearing masonry, so it is preferred for heavy loads. It has alternate courses of headers and stretchers, which gives good transverse strength and better distribution of load. Double Flemish bond and Single Flemish bond are mainly used for better appearance; they are not as strong as English bond, especially for heavy structural loads. Zig-zag bond is generally used for decorative flooring or paving patterns, not for load-bearing masonry.
The rise and fall method for obtaining the reduced level of points provides a check on: 1. Fore sight, 2. Back sight, 3. Intermediate sight. Which of the above statements are correct?
A)
1 and 2 only
B)
1 and 3 only
C)
2 and 3 only
D)
1, 2 and 3
In the rise and fall method, the reduced levels are computed from the differences between successive staff readings, and the arithmetic check is:
Sum of Back sights − Sum of Fore sights = Last RL − First RL
This means the method provides a check on all three types of readings used in leveling: back sight, fore sight, and intermediate sight. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 3 are all correct.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- a (1 and 2 only): incorrect because intermediate sights are also checked.
- b (1 and 3 only): incorrect because fore sights are also checked.
- c (2 and 3 only): incorrect because back sights are also checked.
Hence, the correct option is d (1, 2 and 3).
The configuration of flow nets depends upon
A)
permeability of soil
B)
difference in the head between upstream and downstream sides
C)
boundary conditions of flow
D)
amount of seepage that takes place
Flow nets are governed primarily by the geometry of the seepage domain and the boundary conditions (impervious boundaries, constant head boundaries, sheet piles, drains, etc.). These conditions determine the shape and arrangement of flow lines and equipotential lines, so the configuration of a flow net depends on the boundary conditions of flow.
Why the others are incorrect:
- a) Permeability of soil affects the rate of seepage, not the geometric configuration of the flow net.
- b) Difference in head between upstream and downstream sides affects the total head loss and seepage quantity, but not the basic shape of the flow net.
- d) Amount of seepage is an outcome obtained from the flow net; it does not determine its configuration.
Fish plates are used in rail joints to: 1. Maintain continuity of rails, 2. Provide for any expansion or contraction, 3. Transfer the load to the ballast, 4. Maintain correct alignment. Choose the correct option
A)
1, 2, 3 and 4
B)
1, 2 and 3 only
C)
2, 3 and 4 only
D)
1, 2 and 4 only
Fish plates are the joint bars used to connect two rail ends. They (1) maintain continuity of the rails by joining the rail ends, (2) allow a small gap at the joint so thermal expansion and contraction can be accommodated, and (4) help keep the rail ends in correct alignment. They do not (3) transfer load to the ballast; that function is mainly performed by sleepers and ballast, which distribute wheel loads to the ground. Therefore, the correct option is 1, 2 and 4 only.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- a (1, 2, 3 and 4): incorrect because fish plates do not transfer load to the ballast.
- b (1, 2 and 3 only): incorrect because fish plates also help maintain correct alignment.
- c (2, 3 and 4 only): incorrect because fish plates do maintain continuity of rails.
Cohesionless soils are
A)
Sand
B)
Clay
C)
Silt
D)
Silt and clay
Cohesionless soils are soils whose particles do not have significant interparticle cohesion; their shear strength comes mainly from friction. Sand is the standard example of a cohesionless soil, so option (a) is correct. Clay is cohesive because of electrochemical attraction between fine particles, so (b) is incorrect. Silt is generally low-cohesion but not the classic cohesionless soil in exam terminology, and silt and clay together are not cohesionless because clay imparts cohesion, so (c) and (d) are incorrect.
The function of sleepers is to
A)
support the rails
B)
keep the two rails at correct gauge
C)
distribute the load coming on rails to the ballast
D)
all of the above
Sleepers perform all the listed functions in a railway track: they support the rails, maintain the correct gauge by holding the rails at the proper spacing, and distribute the load from the rails over the ballast and underlying formation. Therefore, option (d) 'all of the above' is correct. Options (a), (b), and (c) are each individually true, but they are incomplete because a sleeper serves all these purposes together.
Consistency and flow resistance of bitumen can be determined from which of the following?
A)
Ductility test
B)
Penetration test
C)
Softening point test
D)
Viscosity test
Viscosity test is the correct choice because viscosity directly measures a bitumen’s resistance to flow, which reflects its consistency and flow behavior. A higher viscosity means the bitumen flows less easily.
Why the others are incorrect:
- Penetration test measures hardness or softness by the depth a standard needle penetrates bitumen, not flow resistance.
- Ductility test measures the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking, not consistency or flow resistance.
- Softening point test measures the temperature at which bitumen softens enough to allow a standard condition of flow, but it does not directly determine flow resistance like viscosity does.
Stopping sight distance is the minimum distance available on a highway which is the
A)
distance of sufficient length to stop the vehicle without collision
B)
distance visible to a driver during night driving
C)
height of the object above road surface
D)
distance equal to the height of the driver’s eye above the road surface
Stopping sight distance (SSD) is the minimum length of roadway ahead that must be visible to a driver so the vehicle can be brought to a complete stop safely before hitting an obstruction. Therefore, it is the distance of sufficient length to stop the vehicle without collision. Option b is incorrect because SSD is not specifically about night driving visibility. Option c is incorrect because it refers to object height, which is part of sight distance design but not the definition of SSD. Option d is incorrect because driver eye height is a design parameter used in sight distance calculations, not the definition of stopping sight distance.
Plasticity index is equal to
A)
liquid limit + plastic limit
B)
liquid limit - plastic limit
C)
shrinkage limit + liquid limit
D)
shrinkage limit - liquid limit
Plasticity index (PI) is defined as the range of water content over which soil remains plastic. It is given by:
PI = Liquid limit (LL) - Plastic limit (PL).
So option b is correct.
Why the others are incorrect:
- a) Liquid limit + plastic limit: PI is not a sum; it is a difference.
- c) Shrinkage limit + liquid limit: shrinkage limit is not used in the definition of plasticity index.
- d) Shrinkage limit - liquid limit: this is not a standard soil consistency relation and is dimensionally/physically incorrect for PI.
Bituminous concrete is a mix comprising of
A)
fine aggregate, filler and bitumen
B)
fine aggregate and bitumen
C)
coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, filler and bitumen
D)
coarse aggregate, filler and bitumen
Bituminous concrete (asphalt concrete) is a dense-graded bituminous mix made up of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, mineral filler, and bitumen binder. This combination provides the required strength, stability, and void filling for pavement layers. Option (c) is therefore correct.
Why the others are incorrect:
- (b) fine aggregate and bitumen: incomplete, because coarse aggregate and filler are also essential constituents.
- (d) coarse aggregate, filler and bitumen: incomplete, because fine aggregate is also required to properly fill voids and achieve the desired gradation.
- (a) fine aggregate, filler and bitumen: incomplete, because coarse aggregate is a major component of bituminous concrete and provides the main load-bearing skeleton.
The method of plane tabling commonly used for establishing the instrument station is a method of
A)
radiation
B)
intersection
C)
resection
D)
traversing
The instrument station in plane tabling is commonly established by the method of resection. In resection, the position of the plane table station is determined by sighting to known points already plotted on the sheet, which is exactly how a new station is fixed in the field.
Why the others are incorrect:
- Radiation: used to plot details from a single station by drawing rays to points, not for fixing the station itself.
- Intersection: used to locate points by the intersection of rays from two stations, not the instrument station.
- Traversing: involves establishing successive stations by measuring sides and angles, but the standard plane-tabling method for setting up the station is resection.
The contour lines can cross one another on map only in the case of
A)
vertical cliff
B)
valley
C)
ridge
D)
overhanging cliff
Based on established principles in Civil Engineering, the correct and most appropriate choice is 'ridge' (Option C).
Plate load test is useful to estimate
A)
bearing capacity of foundation
B)
settlement of foundation
C)
both (a) & (b)
D)
none of these
Plate load test is used to estimate both the bearing capacity and the settlement characteristics of the soil at the foundation level. By loading a steel plate on the ground and observing load–settlement behavior, it helps determine the safe bearing pressure and expected settlement of a foundation. Hence, option (c) both (a) & (b) is correct. Option (a) alone is incomplete because the test does not only assess bearing capacity; it also measures settlement. Option (b) alone is also incomplete because bearing capacity is another key output. Option (d) is incorrect because the test is definitely useful for foundation design.
In CPM analysis, critical path moves along the activities having total float as
A)
Positive
B)
Negative
C)
Zero
D)
Unity
In CPM, the critical path is the longest-duration path through the network and consists of activities with zero total float. Zero float means any delay in those activities will delay the entire project, so the critical path moves only through activities having total float = 0. Positive float activities are non-critical because they can be delayed without affecting project completion. Negative float is not a normal condition of the critical path; it indicates the schedule is behind a required date. Unity is irrelevant to float in CPM.
Given that the scope of the construction work is well defined with all its drawings, specifications, quantities and estimates, which one of the following types of contract would be most preferred?
A)
EPC contract
B)
Percentage rate contract
C)
Item rate contract
D)
Lump sum contract
When the scope of work is fully defined in advance, with complete drawings, specifications, quantities, and estimates, a lump sum contract is most preferred. In a lump sum contract, the contractor agrees to complete the entire work for a fixed total price, which is suitable when the design and quantities are clear and unlikely to change significantly.
Why the others are not preferred:
- Item rate contract: Payment is based on measured quantities at agreed unit rates. It is better when quantities may vary or are not fully known.
- Percentage rate contract: The contractor quotes a percentage above or below the schedule of rates. It is commonly used for works where item-wise rates are available, but it is not the best choice when the entire scope is already well defined.
- EPC contract: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contracts are used when the contractor is responsible for design as well as execution, typically for large turnkey projects. Since the drawings and specifications are already defined here, EPC is not the most suitable choice.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) Lump sum contract.
Tunnel alignment is carried out by
A)
Surface theodolite traverse
B)
Triangulation
C)
Compass traverse
D)
Aerial photography
Tunnel alignment is carried out by a surface theodolite traverse because precise angular and linear control is needed to transfer the tunnel centerline from the surface to the underground works. A theodolite traverse provides the accuracy required for setting out and checking alignment over long distances. Triangulation is mainly used for establishing control points over large areas, not for direct tunnel alignment. Compass traverse is less accurate and affected by local magnetic attraction, so it is unsuitable for precise tunnel work. Aerial photography is used for mapping and reconnaissance, not for setting out tunnel alignment.
Total reaction time of a driver does not depend upon
A)
perception time
B)
brake reaction time
C)
condition of mind of the driver
D)
speed of vehicle
Total reaction time of a driver is the time taken to perceive a hazard and initiate braking. It depends on the driver's perception time, brake reaction time, and mental/physical condition, including the condition of mind (alertness, fatigue, distraction). It does not depend on the speed of the vehicle, because reaction time is a human response interval, not a vehicle-speed parameter. Option (a) is incorrect because perception time is a component of total reaction time. Option (b) is incorrect because brake reaction time is also part of total reaction time. Option (c) is incorrect because the driver's condition of mind directly affects how quickly the driver reacts.
The whole circle bearings of lines AB and BC are 30º15' and 120º30'. What is the included angle ABC between the lines AB and BC?
A)
229º45'
B)
89º45'
C)
269º45'
D)
90º15'
Whole circle bearing (WCB) of AB = 30°15' and of BC = 120°30'. The included angle at B is the angle between BA and BC, so first find the back bearing of AB: BB of AB = 30°15' + 180° = 210°15'. Now the angle between BA (210°15') and BC (120°30') is the smaller difference: 210°15' - 120°30' = 89°45'. Hence, ∠ABC = 89°45', which is option b.
Why others are wrong: 90°15' is the complementary/incorrect difference from a mistaken subtraction; 229°45' and 269°45' are reflex or impossible as the included angle between two lines is taken as the smaller angle (≤ 180°).
The height of instrument is equal to
A)
reduced level of bench mark + back sight
B)
reduced level of bench mark + fore sight
C)
reduced level of bench mark + intermediate sight
D)
back sight + fore sight
In levelling, the Height of Instrument (HI) is the elevation of the line of sight. It is calculated as:
HI = Reduced Level (RL) of the benchmark + Back Sight (BS)
So option (a) is correct.
Why the others are wrong:
- (b) RL of benchmark + Fore Sight: fore sight is used to find the RL of a point, not the HI.
- (c) RL of benchmark + Intermediate Sight: intermediate sight also gives RL of a point from the HI, not the HI itself.
- (d) Back sight + Fore sight: these are staff readings and do not directly give the height of instrument.
The occurrence of the completion of an activity is called its
A)
head event
B)
tail event
C)
dual role event
D)
none of these
The completion of an activity is represented by its **head event** (also called the finishing event). In network analysis, the **tail event** is the start of an activity, while the **head event** marks its end/completion. A **dual role event** is not the standard term for completion of an activity, so it is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is **a) head event**.
A clayey soil has liquid limit = wL; plastic limit = wP and natural moisture content = w. The consistency index of the soil is given by
A)
(wL - wP) / (wL - w)
B)
(wL - w) / (wL - wP)
C)
(wP - w) / (wL - wP)
D)
(wL - w) / (wL - wP)
The consistency index (also called the relative consistency) of a clayey soil is defined as:
Ic = (wL - w) / (wL - wP)
where wL is the liquid limit, wP is the plastic limit, and w is the natural moisture content. Therefore, option **b** is correct.
Why the others are incorrect:
- **a**: (wL - wP) / (wL - w) is the reciprocal form and is not the definition of consistency index.
- **c**: (wP - w) / (wL - wP) does not match the standard definition; the numerator should be (wL - w), not (wP - w).
- **d**: This is identical to option **b**, so it is also mathematically correct. If only one option is to be selected, **b** is the intended answer.