Multiple choice question for engineering
Set 1
1. How many components are mainly used to prepare concrete?
a) 5
b) 3
c) 2
d) 4
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Concrete is prepared by mixing cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate with water. It is a thick paste and hence has high bulk density.
2. Which of the below is most common alternative to cement in concrete?
a) Slag
b) Fly ash
c) Asphalt
d) Lime
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Asphalt is the highly cementitious material. It possesses almost all qualities of cement and is widely used as an alternative to cement.
3. What is the ideal water-cement ratio to be used while hand mixing?
a) 0.4-0.5
b) 0.5-0.6
c) 0.6-1
d) 1.6-2
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Ideal water cement ratio for general works is 0.45. During machine mixing, it can be in the range of 0.4-0.5. Hand mixing is done by labourers and maximum 0.6 can be allowed.
4. Which IS code gives details regarding water to be used in concrete?
a) IS 456
b) IS 383
c) IS 565
d) IS 3012
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Normally, potable water is to be used for preparing concrete. In case where potable water is not available, certain amount of impurities are permissible in the water to be used. Those are given in Table in IS 456.
5. How many types of chemical admixture are there?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Admixtures are compounds added to concrete to attain specific properties. The chemical admixtures are added in small amounts. The 4 types are accelerators, retarders, plasticizers and air entraining agents.
6. Retarders are used for:
a) Construction of high rise building
b) Repair works
c) Cold weather conditions
d) Grouting deep oil wells
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Retarders are used to slow down the initial rate of hydration and extend initial setting time. It is therefore used to grout deep oil wells, transport RMC (Ready Made Concrete) and avoid cold joints. Accelerator is used for first 3 options.
7. _________ is added to make white concrete.
a) Fly ash
b) Metakaolin
c) Rise husk
d) Pigments
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Fly ash, Rise husk are dark in colour. Metakaolin is usually bright white in colour and is the preferred choice for architectural concrete where appearance is important.
8. As water cement ratio increases, ________ also increases.
a) Compressive strength
b) Tensile strength
c) Bleeding
d) Workability
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] More water improves workability of mix, but compromises on the strength requirements. Hence, ideal w/c ratio of 0.45 is to be used.
9. Which of the below is an example of plasticizer?
a) Hydroxylated carboxylic acid
b) Fluoro-silicate
c) Gypsum
d) Surkhi
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Fluoro-silicate is an accelerator. Gypsum is a retarder and surkhi is a type of mineral admixture.
10. Which component of concrete gives it desired compressive strength?
a) Water
b) Cement
c) Aggregates
d) Admixture
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Aggregates used are sand, gravel or crushed stones. These have high compressive strength. Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension due to this reason.
11. What is the ratio of component in grade M20 concrete?
a) 1:3:6
b) 1:1.5:3
c) 1:1:2
d) 1:2:4
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Concrete is graded into many types as per IS 456-2000. M stands for mix and the number, say, 20 is compressive strength after 28 days in N/mm2. Generally, M20 grade is used. The ratio of cement: fine: coarse aggregate for M20 is 1:1.5:3. For M10 it is 1:3:6, M15 it is 1:2:4 and M25 it is 1:1:2.
Set 2
1. The computer-aided design (CAD) hardware doesn’t include.
a) Graphic display terminals
b) Computer
c) Computer programmes
d) Keyboard
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] CAD has both hardware and software components. The hardware components are option a, b and d. The software components include all computer programmes that implement computer graphics.
2. How many types of CAD are there?
a) 6
b) 4
c) 2
d) 5
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] The five types are 2D CAD (flat drawings of product), 2.5D CAD (Prismatic models), 3D CAD (3D objects), 3D wireframe and surface modelling (skeleton like inner structure) and solid modelling (solid geometry).
3. Modem CAD systems are based on:
a) ICG
b) GCI
c) GIF
d) IFG
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] ICG is interactive computer graphics. It denotes a user-oriented system in which computer is used to create, transform and display data in pictoral or symbolic forms.
4. The computer communicates with the user via:
a) CPU
b) CRT
c) Graphics
d) Display button
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screen gives the user the design crated as an image. It is done by entering commands to get specific functions performed.
5. The process of designing consists of __________ identifiable steps.
a) 8
b) 5
c) 4
d) 6
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] The six steps are recognition of need, definition of problem, synthesis, analysis & optimization, evaluation and presentation.
6. Implementing CAD improves communications.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] The use of CAD system provides better understanding of engineering drawings by standardising them. It has fewer errors, proper documentation and greater legibility.
7. The functionality areas of CAD application can be grouped into __________ categories.
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] The four categories are geometric modelling, engineering analysis, design review and evaluation and automated drafting.
8. The colour on CRT screen is obtained by combination of:
a) Red, yellow, blue
b) Red, green, blue
c) Green, black, yellow
d) Red, black, yellow
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] The three primary colour red, green and blue are combined to produce variety of colours. Colour CRT uses electron beams of these triad colours on phosphor screen to display objects.
9. Who formulated the six ground rules to be considered in designing graphics software?
a) Newman and Sproull
b) Schaffer G
c) Fitzgerald W
d) Krouse and Lerro
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] They gave six ground rules which were simplicity, consistency, completeness, robustness, performance and economy.
10. The input devices in CAD can be divided into:
a) 2
b) 5
c) 3
d) 4
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] The input devices can be divided into three general categories. These are cursor control devices (direct keys on keyboard, joysticks, tracker ball, etc.), digitizers (large smooth board with electronic tracking device) and alphanumeric and other keyboard terminals.
11. The typical ICG system consists of software component.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] It consists of both hardware and software. Hardware includes CPU, workstations and peripheral devices. Software consists of computer programmes required to implement graphics.
Set 3
1. Contours can be found in a __________ map.
a) Political
b) Topographical
c) Physical
d) Thematic
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] These are imaginary lines, which passes through points of same or equal elevations. These are found in topographical maps to represent features like mountains, valleys, etc.
2. Contour Maps are not mandatory in civil engineering projects like road works, dams, canals,
etc.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] To identify a suitable site for these projects, to study the nature of ground and slopes and to make an estimate for earth work, a contour map of that region is required.
3. How many methods of contouring are present?
a) 5
b) 3
c) 2
d) 4
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] There are 2 methods of contouring: direct and indirect. In direct method, the points of elevation are located physically and then plotted on the map. Indirect method uses contouring with the help of grids.
4. Indirect methods uses how many methods?
a) 3
b) 4
c) 2
d) 6
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] The three methods are: method of square (area divided into squares and grid point taken), method of cross-section (cross sectional points taken) and tacheometric method (adopted for very steep hills).
5. The commonly used squares in method of square is:
a) 10m x 10m to 5m x 5m
b) 10m x 10m to 15m x 15m
c) 5m x 5m to 20m x 20m
d) 5m x 5m to 10m x 15m
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] The size of the square varies from 5m x 5m to 20m x 20m. These grid points are found by levelling and then plotted on drawing sheets.
6. Which of the below methods is used for interpolating contour points between 2 points?
a) Arithmetic calculation
b) Using measuring tapes
c) Taking pictures of area
d) Using a theodolite
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] There are 3 different ways to interpolate contour points between 2 points; arithmetic calculation, estimation and graphical or mechanical method.
7. The contour interval is the same for all purposes.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] The interval is kept as 2m for large projects like highways, railways, etc and 0.5m for earth work, building sites, etc.
8. The curves used for drawing lines between points in a contour line is:
a) Radial curve
b) French curve
c) C-curve
d) Inverted curve
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] The contour points are first located. Corresponding points are joined by a smooth line and for curves, a French curve is used.
9. Which shaped lines indicate presence of a ridge?
a) V-shaped
b) U-shaped
c) L-shaped
d) S-shaped
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] The contour line with U-shape, which has convexity towards a lower ground shows the presence of a ridge.
10. The line which separates the catchment basin from the rest of the area is:
a) Ridge line
b) Dam line
c) Catchment line
d) Watershed line
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] The area where rain water drains into the river is the catchment area of the river. The watershed line is then marked. The area inside this line is measured in order to study flood levels.
Set 4
1. DPM stands for:
a) Damp Proof Material
b) Damp Proof Mix
c) Damp Proof Member
d) Damp Proof Membrane
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] DPM is a membrane material applied to prevent dampness. It can be used for a DPC (Damp Proof Course). An example is laying a polyethylene sheet under concrete slabs.
2. If the soil is dry, DPC for ground floor consists of layer of:
a) Metal
b) Coarse sand
c) Fine sand
d) Concrete
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Coarse sand layer of about 75-100mm thickness is provided over the entire area under the floor. Over this, a layer of plain concrete with a ratio of 1:4:8 of 100mm thickness is laid.
3. Dampness spreads upwards from ground only.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Dampness does spread from the ground upwards. In addition to this, dampness can also spread from roof downwards due to rain water.
4. At roof slab level over the DPC, __________ are provided.
a) Tiles
b) Concrete
c) P.C.C
d) Rubber sheet
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Tiles are provided to reduce the dampness. The treatment of dampness at roof level involves treating parapet and roof slab. A PCC is provided on parapet, then DPC and then tiles on roof slab.
5. DPC materials can be classified into:
a) 3
b) 4
c) 2
d) 5
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] The materials can be classified into 3 categories. They are flexible material, semi rigid materials and rigid materials.
6. DPC materials should ideally be flexible, where differential thermal movements occur.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] Although semi rigid and rigid materials can be used, flexible materials are the best. These do not tend to crack or puncture under differential thermal movements, between the material of roof and parapet.
7. Which of the below is an example of semi rigid DPC material?
a) Plastic sheeting
b) Cement concrete
c) Asphalt
d) Stone
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Plastic sheeting is an example of flexible material. Cement concrete and stone are examples of rigid materials.
8. For DPC at plinth level, which grade of concrete is used?
a) M10
b) M20
c) M25
d) M15
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Cement concrete is used to provide DPC at plinth level. 38-50mm thickness of M15 (1:2:4) cement concrete is provided and it serves the purpose under normal conditions.
Set 5
1. Which of the below is the earliest known dam?
a) Sadd-el-Kafara dam
b) Dam of Marib
c) Jawa Dam
d) Ha-ilar Dam
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Jawa Dam is in Jordan. It is 100 kms northeast of capital Amman. It is a gravity dam with stone wall. It is dated to 3000 BC.
2. Portion of dam in contact with ground at downstream side is __________
a) Crest
b) Toe
c) Foot
d) Heel
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] Toe is position of dam in contact with ground at upstream side. Crest is top of dam. There is no part called foot.
3. Based on function of dam, it can be classified into: –
a) 5
b) 8
c) 10
d) 6
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] The five types are storage, diversion, detention, debris and coffer dams.
4. The cross section below shows a
a) Earth
b) Buttress
c) Gravity
d) Arch
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] The figure shows a gravity dam. It is a massive sized dam built using concrete or stone masonry. They can hold back large volume of water.
5. Which of the below is example for earth dam?
a) Bhakra Nangal Dam
b) Banasura Sagar Dam
c) Idukki Dam
d) Bisalpur Dam
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Bhakra Nangal Dam is an example of gravity dam. Idukki dam is an arch dam. Bisalpur Dam is also a type of gravity dam.
6. ___________ is the arrangement made near top of dam for passage of excess water from reservoir.
a) Sluice way
b) Spillway
c) Gallery
d) Abutments
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Spillway is kind of a passage to allow water from upstream side to downstream side of a dam. They have floodgates to control the flow.
7. Hydroelectric power plants at dam supplies about _________ of world’s electricity.
a) 19%
b) 25%
c) 42%
d) 50%
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] It also contribute to over 63% of renewable energy. Most of this is generated by China (large dams) and contributes about 50% of world use of the power generated.
8. Natural dam is not created usually by:
a) Glacial activity
b) Volcanic activity
c) River meandering
d) Moraine deposit
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] River meandering refers to formation of member by a river by altering its straight course and following a sinuous winding path. It can’t form a dam naturally. Volcanic dams form when lava flows and intercepts a river or lake, resulting in natural impoundment. Glacial activity and moraine deposits can also form dams.
9. Arch-gravity dams are thinner dams and save resources.
a) True
b) False
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] It is a combination of arch and gravity dam. It is inward compression by water reduces lateral force acting on dam. Gravitational force required is less. Hence, it saves resources and doesn’t need to be massive.
10. Buttress dams are of __________ types.
a) 6
b) 4
c) 8
d) 3
Answer
Answer: d [Reason:] The three types of buttress dam are deck type, multiple-arch type and massive-head type. Deck type consists of a sloping deck supported by buttresses. In massive-arch type, deck is replaced by horizontal arches. There is no deck slab in massive-head type.
11. _________ is a temporary dam constructed to exclude water from a specific area.
a) Debris dam
b) Diversion dam
c) Coffer dam
d) Storage dam
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Coffer dam is constructed on the upstream side of the site where a dam is to be constructed, so that site is dry.
12. Based on material of construction, ___________ types are there.
a) 2
b) 4
c) 6
d) 8
Answer
Answer: a [Reason:] There are two types – rigid and non-rigid. Rigid material includes steel, concrete, masonry, stone, etc. and non-rigid materials are earth (earth dam), tailings (waste from mine), rock fill (rock).
13. Earth dams are _________ in shape.
a) Triangular
b) Rectangular
c) Trapezoidal
d) Circular
Answer
Answer: c [Reason:] Earth dams are generally built using gravel, sand and clay. They are trapezoidal in shape so as to hold the non-rigid materials properly.
14. Hydraulic head for a small dam is:
a) 5-7.5m
b) 7.5-12m
c) 12-13m
d) 5-10m
Answer
Answer: b [Reason:] Based on size, there are three types of dam. Small with hydraulic head 12-15m, intermediate with 12-30m and large with greater than 30m.