Civil Engineering - UPSC Civil Service Exam Questions MCQs Part 13

1. A river is the source of water for water supply to a town. Its water is very turbid and polluted. The correct sequence of steps for treating the river water would be :

A.
Presedimentation -> prechlorination -> coagulation -> sedimentation -> filtration -> post chlorination

B.
coagulation -> sedimentation -> post-chlorination

C.
coagulation -> filtration -> sedimentation -> post-chlorination

D.
sedimentation -> post-chlorination

 Answer Option A

2. What is the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) ?

A.
Projected precipitation for a 100-yr return period

B.
Maximum precipitation for all past recorded storms

C.
Upper limit of rainfall, which is justified climatologically

D.
Effective precipitable water

 Answer Option C

3. Westergaard's analysis for stress distribution beneath loaded area is applicable to

A.
sandy soils

B.
clayey soils

C.
stratified soils

D.
silty soils

 Answer Option C

4. Which of the following variations of magnetic declination are correctly matched ?1. Diurnal variation..........Variation whose time period varies from 100-350 years2. Annual variation.........Annual rate of change of secular variation3. Secular variaiion..........Variation of declination periodic in character4. Irregular variation.........Caused due to magnetic storms in earth's magnetic fieldSelect the correct answer using the codes given below :

A.
1, 3 and 4

B.
2 and 3

C.
1 and 4

D.
3 and 4

 Answer Option D

5. In order to find the resultant of a system of coplanar parallel system of forces, the correct sequence of the graphical procedure to be followed is

A.
force diagram, space diagram, funicular polygon and polar diagram

B.
funicular polygon, force diagram, space diagram and polar diagram

C.
space diagram, force diagram, polar diagram and funicular polygon

D.
space diagram, funicular polygon, force diagram and polar diagram.

 Answer Option C

6. Given that, t = thickness of the plates, b = width of the plates, d = diameter of the rivets, n = number of rivets in a line, σt = permissible tensile stress.The tearing strength of the joint is given by

A. t(b - nd)σt

B. t(b + nd)σt

C. (bt - nd/t)σt

D. (bt - nd/t)σt

 Answer Option A

7. Consider the following statements pertaining to a pile group and a single pile at failure :1. In loose and medium dense sands, the failure load per pile in a group will generally be greater than the failure load for a single pile.2. In cohesive soils, the failure load per pile in a group will be greater than failure load for a single pile.3. For piles driven in dense sands, the failure load per pile in a group is greater than the failure load for a single pile.4. When the pile spacing is greater than 10 times the pile diameter, the failure loads per pile in a group and forly same in both sands and clays.Of these statements :

A. 1 and 4 are correct

B. 2 and 4 are correct

C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

D. 2, 3 and 4 are correct

 Answer Option A

8. A surge tank is provided in a hydropower scheme to

A. provide additional storage close to the penstock

B. take care of change of slope, alignment or size of the water conductor system

C. reduce the pressures under transient conditions

D. provide convenient overspills

 Answer Option C

9. If the settlement of a single pile in sand is denoted by S and that of a group of N identical piles (each pile carrying the same load) by Sg, then the ratio Sg/S will

A. be equal to 1 irrespective of width of the group

B. be equal to N irrespective of width of the group

C. decrease as the width of the group increases

D. increase as the width of the group increases

 Answer Option D

10. For the analysis of flow in a water distribution network, the site engineers prefer the following head loss equation :

A. Darcy-Weisbach equation

B. Chezy's equation

C. Hazen-William's equation

D. Manning's equation

 Answer Option C

11. Consider the following factors :1. Period of construction, winter/summer2. Degree of foundation roughness3. Slab thickness4. Reinforced/unreinforcedWhich of these factors are considered as per IRC for obtaining the maximum expansion joint spacing in rigid pavements ?

A. 1, 2 and 3

B. 2, 3 and 4

C. 2 and 3

D. 1 and 4

 Answer Option A

12. The concentration of hardness producing cations may be estimated using which one of the following ?

A. Conductivity meter

B. pH meter

C. Spectrophotometer

D. Flame photometer

 Answer Option C

13. A vehicle is moving up on an inclined plane. The vehicle has rear-wheel drive. Force of friction on the rear wheels will be in a direction

A. along the plane but backward

B. backward at an angle φ with the plane, where φ is the friction angle

C. along the plane but forward

D. forward at an angle φ with the plane, where φ is the friction angle

 Answer Option C

14. Consider the following statements :In the case of close coiled spring carrying an axial loading the spring is subjected to : 1. torsion 2. axial force3. bending moment the effect of which can be neglected.Of these statements :

A. 1, 2 and 3 are correct

B. 1 and 2 are correct

C. 1 and 3 are correct

D. 2 and 3 are correct

 Answer Option C

15. The given figure shows a frame to be analysed by moment distribution method. The distribution factors for members GF, GH and GD will be respectively

A.

B.

C.

D.

 Answer Option B

16. Which one of the following equations correctly gives the relationship between the specific graivity of soil grains (G) and the hydraulic gradient (i) to initiate 'quick' condition in a sand having a void ratio of 0.5 ?

A. G = 0.5 i + 1

B. G = i + 0.5

C. G = 1.5 i + 1

D. G = 1.5 i - 1

 Answer Option C

17. What is the bending moment at A for the bent column shown in the D figure ?

A. 40 kNm

B. 20 kNm

C. 10 kNm

D. Zero C

 Answer Option D

18. Consider the following statements :The principle of superpositions is applied to :1. Linear elastic bodies2. Bodies subjected to small deformations. Of these statements :

A. 1 alone is corrrect

B. 1 and 2 are correct

C. 2 alone is correct

D. neither 1 nor 2 is correct

 Answer Option A

19. In which type of lakes, does a perfect ecological equilibrium among the producers, decomposers and consumer groups of organisms exist ?

A. Senescent lakes

B. Mesotrophic lakes

C. Oligotrophic lakes

D. Eutrophic lakes

 Answer Option C

20. A soil deposit has three layers having same thickness each but the permeabilities of the layers are in the ratio of 1 : 2 : 4 from top to bottom. What is the ratio of average permeability in the horizontal direction to that in the vertical direction ?

A. 7 : 2

B. 14 : 6

C. 28 : 24

D. 49 : 36

 Answer Option D

21. The three-point problem in hydrographic surveying considers the data on the location of three shore signals A, B and C and the angles α and β subtended by AP, BP and CP at the boat P; and then proceeds to plot the position of P. The problem may become indeterminate is special cases when

A. B and P are on opposite sides of the line AC

B. both B and P are on the same side of the line AC

C. P is within the triangle ABC

D. P is very close to the extension of one of the edges of the triangle ABC

 Answer Option D

22. Horizontal stiffeners are needed in plate girders if the thickness of web is(where d = distance between the flanges and L = span)

A. < 6 mm

B. < d/200

C. < L/500

D. nearly equal to flange thickness

 Answer Option B

23. What is the full width of the land aquired before finalizing highway alignment, known as ?

A. width of formation

B. right of way

C. Carriage way

D. Roadway

 Answer Option B

24. What is the superelevation for a horizontal highway curve of radius 500 m and speed 100 kmph in mixed traffic condition ?

A. 8.9%

B. 6.2%

C. 0%

D. 1%

 Answer Option D

25. Which one of the following is a compression member ?

A. Purlin

B. Boom

C. Girt

D. Tie

 Answer Option B

26. In the riveted connection shown in the given figure, the rivets subjected to maximum stress would include

A. A, B, C and D

B. C, D, E and F

C. E, F, G and H

D. A, B, G and H

 Answer Option D

27. An elementary structural frame ABC consists of a vertical member BC and a cantilever beam AB which carries a load P at the free end A, as shown in the given figure. The bending moment diagram consists of

A. triangle for both AB and BC

B. rectangle for both AB and BC

C. triangle for AB and rectangle for BC

D. rectangle for AB and triangle for BC

 Answer Option C

28. Approximate ratio of the permeabilities of two clean soils having D10 = 0.6 mm and D10 = 0.3 mm is

A. 4.0

B. 3.75

C. 4.25

D. 3.5

 Answer Option A

29. The ratio of the torsional moments of resistance of a solid circular shaft of diameter D, and a hollow circular shaft having external diameter D and internal diameter d is given by

A.

B.

C.

D.

 Answer Option A

30. The force in member AB is in the given figure

A. 5 kN compression

B. 2 kN compression

C. zero

D. 7 kN compression

 Answer Option C

31. Which one of the following systems of pre-stressing is suitable for pre-tensioned members ?

A. Freyssinet system

B. Magnel-Blaton system

C. Hoyer system

D. Gifford-Udall system

 Answer Option C

32. Consider the following statements :Liquefaction is a phenomenon1. observed in fine sands2. associated with development of positive pore pressure.Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

 Answer Option C

33. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched ?1. Eutrophication.... Nutrient accumulation leading to ecosystem change occurring in impounded water.2. Autotrophism.... Utilization, rearrangement and decomposition of complex materials predominate.3. Heterotrophism....Predominance of fixation of light energy, use of simple inorganic substances and built-up complex substances.Select the correct answer from the codes given below :

A. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 alone

C. 2 and 3

D. 1 and 3

 Answer Option B

34. Consider the following statements :A grillage base is checked for1. bending2. shear3. compression4. web cripplingWhich of these statements are correct ?

A. 1 and 4

B. 1 and 3

C. 2, 3 and 4

D. 1, 2 and 4

 Answer Option D

35. In the pin-jointed plane truss shown above, what is the magnitude and nature of force in member BC?

A. Zero

B. 50 kN (tensile)

C. 50 kN (compressive)

D.

 Answer Option A

36. A footing is resting on a fully saturated clayey strata. For checking the initial stability, shear parameters are used from which one of the following ?

A. Consolidated non-drained test

B. Unconsolidated drained test

C. Unconsolidated non-drained test

D. Unconsolidated non-drained test with pore pressure measurement

 Answer Option C

37. Consider the following factors :1. Reaction time 2. Speed3. Coefficient of longitudinal friction 4. Gradient Which of these factors are taken into account for computing braking distance ?

A. 1 and 3

B. 1, 2 and 4

C. 2, 3 and 4

D. 2 and 3

 Answer Option C

38. For the purpose of designing a well point system for lowering ground water table in a sandy silt deposit, the coefficient of permeability of the soil is to be determined. Which one of the following methods would be most suitable ?

A. Constant Head Permeameter Test

B. Variable Head Permeameter Test

C. Pumping out Test in the field

D. Pumping in Test in the field

 Answer Option C

39. Which of the following are associated with alum coagulation ?1. A decrease of alkalinity in treated water2. Formation of hydroxide flocs of aluminium 3. A slight decrease of pH in treated water4. An increase of permanent hardnessSelect the correct answer using the codes given below :

A. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1, 3 and 4

C. 1, 2, 3 and 4

D. 2 and 4

 Answer Option C

40. Consider the following statements :For an over-reinforced (singly reinforced) rectangular RC section.1. the lever arm will be less than that for a balanced section.2. the maximum stress developed by steel would equal the allowable stress in steel.3. the maximum stress developed by concrete would equal allowable stress in concrete.Of these statements :

A. 1 and 2 are correct

B. 1 and 3 are correct

C. 2 and 3 are correct

D. 1, 2 and 3 are correct

 Answer Option A

41. ABC is rigid bar. It is hinged at A and suspended at B and C by two wires BD and CE made of copper and steel respectively, as shown in the given figure. The bar carries load of 1t at F, mid-way between B and C. Given Ac = 4 cm2, A = 2 cm2, Ec = 1 x 106 kg/cm2, Es = 2 x 106 kg/cm2. Ps is the force in the steel wire and Pc is the force in the copper wire, the ratio Pc/Ps will be

A. 0.5

B. 4

C. 0.25

D. 2

 Answer Option D

42. A hydraulic model of a spillway is constructed with a scale 1 : 16. If the prototype discharge is 2048 cumec, then the corresponding discharge for which the model should be tested is

A. 1 cumec

B. 2 cumec

C. 4 cumec

D. 8 cumec

 Answer Option B

43. A beam has the same section throughout its length with I = 1 x 108mm4, It is subjected to a uniform B.M. = 40 kNm. E = 2 x 105 N/mm2, What is the radius of curvature of the circle into which the beam will bend in the form of an arc of a circle ?

A. 1000 m

B. 500 m

C. 400 m

D. 350 m

 Answer Option B

44. Consider the following statements in respect of plate girders :1. A large number of cover plates are provided over flange angles so that curtailed flanges match the bending moment diagram exactly.2. At least one cover plate should extend over the entire span so that rain water may not enter and corrode the connections.3. A minimum of one-third of flange area should be provided in flange angles and balance in flange cover plates for stability.Which of the statements given above are correct ?

A. 1 and 2

B. 2 and 3

C. 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

 Answer Option D

45. A rigid cantilever frame ABC is fixed at C. It carries a load P at A, as shown in the given figure. Neglecting axial deformation, the vertical deflection of the point A is given by (EI constant throughout the frame).

A. PIh2/2EI

B. PI2h/3EI

C. PI2(3h + I)/3EI

D. PI2(2h + I)/2EI

 Answer Option C

46. If R is the radius of the main curve, θ the angle of deflection S the shift and L the length of the transition curve, then the total tangent length of the curve is given by

A. (R - S) tan θ/2 - L/2

B. (R + S) tan θ/2 - L/2

C. (R + S) tan θ/2 + L/2

D. (R - S) tan θ/2 + L/2

 Answer Option C

47. Which one of the following, gives the correct decreasing order of the densities of a soil sample?

A. Saturated, submerged, wet, dry

B. Saturated, wet, submerged, dry

C. Saturated, wet, dry, submerged

D. Wet, saturated, submerged, dry

 Answer Option C

48. What does the critical path in PERT represent ?1. The shortest path for the earliest completion of the project.2. The longest path of the network from the initial to final event,

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

 Answer Option B

49. A simply supported beam of constant width and varying depth and uniform strength is subjected to a central concentrated load. The depth of the beam dx at a distance x from one of the supports is proportional to

A. x1/2

B. x1/3

C. x

D. x2

 Answer Option A

50. In the given figure, the maximum bending moment at the fixed end of the cantilever caused by the UDL is M. The bending moment at section 1/5 from the free end is

A. 4%of M

B. 5% of M

C. 10%of M

D. 20% of M

 Answer Option A