Civil Engineer (BS-17) Past Papers — KPPSC & PPSC Solved MCQs — Part 1

As per standard ASTM C191 and BS EN 197 specifications, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) must have an initial setting time of not less than 30 minutes (to permit handling and placement) and a final setting time of not more than 10 hours (600 minutes).

Traditional and modular standard brick dimensions in Pakistani construction specifications (C&W, MES, WAPDA) are 9" x 4.5" x 3" (approximately 228 mm x 114 mm x 76 mm). With mortar joint, it forms the nominal 9" x 4.5" x 3" modular unit.

In classical working stress design (WSD/IS 456), m = 280 / (3 * σcbc). In general elastic mechanics, the modular ratio is defined as the ratio of modulus of elasticity of steel to concrete (m = Es / Ec).

Abram's cone standard dimensions are: Top internal diameter = 100 mm (10 cm), Bottom internal diameter = 200 mm (20 cm), and Height = 300 mm (30 cm). It is filled in three equal layers with 25 tamping strokes per layer.

For a simply supported beam with total uniform load w across span L, the reaction at each end is wL/2. The bending moment equation is M(x) = (wL/2)*x - (w*x^2)/2. Maximum moment occurs at mid-span (x = L/2), yielding M_max = wL^2 / 8.

Under ACI 318 and standard structural codes, the maximum allowable instantaneous live load deflection for floors not supporting non-structural elements likely to be damaged by large deflections is L / 360.

In circular closed conduit flow, the flow regime is laminar when Reynolds number Re < 2,000. It is in transitional state between 2,000 and 4,000, and fully turbulent when Re > 4,000.

Terzaghi formulated his ultimate bearing capacity equation (qu = c*Nc + q*Nq + 0.5*γ*B*Nγ) specifically for continuous shallow strip foundations where the embedment depth Df does not exceed the width B (Df/B <= 1).

According to Atterberg limits: Liquid Limit separates liquid from plastic state; Plastic Limit separates plastic state from semi-solid state; Shrinkage Limit separates semi-solid from solid state. Plasticity Index PI = LL - PL.

In surveying, Height of Instrument (HI) = Known Elevation of Benchmark (BM) + Backsight reading (BS). The elevation of any subsequent point = HI - Foresight (FS) or Intermediate sight (IS).

A nominal concrete mix of 1:2:4 (cement : sand : coarse aggregate) corresponds to M15 grade, delivering a 28-day cube strength of ~15 N/mm² (equivalent to 2000 - 2200 psi cylinder strength). Standard structural 1:1.5:3 delivers ~3000 psi (M20).

Manning's uniform velocity equation in SI units is V = (1/n) * R^(2/3) * S^(1/2), where n is Manning's roughness coefficient, R is hydraulic radius (A/P), and S is channel bed slope.

For a cantilever beam carrying a concentrated tip load P, the maximum bending moment at fixed support is P*L, and the maximum tip deflection is δ = P*L^3 / (3*E*I).

The penetration test measures the depth (in tenths of a millimeter) that a standard loaded needle (100 g) penetrates a bitumen sample at 25°C in 5 seconds. Standard road bitumen in Pakistan is graded 60/70 or 80/100 penetration grade.

Euler's column buckling formula for both ends pinned (effective length Le = L) is Pcr = π^2 * E * I / L^2. If both ends are fixed, Le = 0.5L and Pcr becomes 4 * π^2 * E * I / L^2.