GPSC Civil Engineering (Combine Exam) Paper Solution (03-05-26) – Page 12

111) Match the following timber defects with their correct cause:

Defect

• P) Knots
• Q) Shakes
• R) Twisted Grain
• S) Upsets

Cause

• 1) Improper felling technique causing internal rupture
• 2) Branch growth
• 3) Wind action during growth
• 4) Shrinkage during seasoning

1. P-2, Q-4, R-3, S-1
2. P-1, Q-2, R-4, S-3
3. P-2, Q-1, R-4, S-3
4. P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1

112) Consider the following regarding the workability of concrete:

1. Slump test is most suitable for dry to very stiff mixes (slump 0-25 mm range).
2. Compaction factor test is more sensitive than slump test for low workability mixes.
3. Vee-Bee consistometer measures the time required for concrete to transform from a conical to cylindrical shape under vibration.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1, 2 and 3
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 2 and 3 only

113) Which of the following statements about ‘Ceramics’ used in construction is CORRECT?

1. Ceramics have high tensile strength but low compressive strength making them unsuitable for floor tiles.
2. Advanced ceramics like alumina and zirconia have higher fracture toughness than conventional ceramics and are used in load-bearing applications.
3. The water absorption of first quality vitrified ceramic tiles should not exceed 10% as per IS 15622.
4. Ceramic materials are generally good electrical conductors at room temperature.

114) Which of the following is NOT a type of portland cement as classified under Bureau of Indian Standards?

1. Rapid Hardening Portland Cement
2. Super Sulphated Cement
3. Sulphate-Resistant Portland Cement
4. White Portland Cement

115) Which of the following statements about flexible pavement design using the CBR method is INCORRECT?

1. CBR value of subgrade soil is inversely related to the pavement thickness requirement.
2. The design traffic is expressed in terms of cumulative standard axle loads (in million standard axles, MSA).
3. IRC:37-2018 uses an empirical approach based solely on CBR without considering traffic loading.
4. A standard axle load in India is defined as 80 kN (8.2 tonnes) on a single axle with dual wheels.

116) Consider the following statements about rigid pavement design:

1. The modulus of subgrade reaction(k) is a measure of stiffness of the subgrade for rigid pavement design.
2. Temperature stresses in rigid pavements are caused by differential temperature between top and bottom of the slab, leading to warping.
3. Expansion joints in rigid pavements are provided at closer intervals than contraction joints.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

117) The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is conducted at what moisture content and density conditions as per IRC for pavement design?

1. OMC (Optimum Moisture Content) and MDD (Maximum Dry Density) as obtained from Standard Proctor test
2. After 4-day soaking at Proctor MDD representing worst-case in-service moisture condition
3. At natural moisture content of the subgrade soil without any compaction
4. At equilibrium moisture content predicted from ESAL calculations

118) Consider the following statements about traffic engineering and intersection design:

1. A rotary (roundabout) is suitable for locations with high traffic volumes (> 5000 PCUs/hr) from all approaches.
2. Peak Hour Factor (PHF) is defined as the ratio of total hourly volume to four times the peak 15-minute volume.
3. The design vehicle used for intersection geometric design controls the minimum turning radius and lane widths.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 1, 2 and 3
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 2 and 3 only

119) Which of the following represents the CORRECT sequence of operations in the construction of a Bituminous Macadam (BM) road layer as per MoRTH specifications?

1. Aggregate spreading → Bitumen spraying → Rolling → Compaction
2. Primer coat → Profile correction → Aggregate placement → Binder application → Rolling → Seal coat
3. Profile correction course → Tack coat → BM layer placement → Compaction (vibratory roller) → Inspection
4. Sub-base preparation → Prime coat → Dense-Graded Macadam → Hot mix laying → Rolling

120) Consider the following statements about Bridge Engineering:

1. The IRC loading Class AA (tracked vehicle 70 tonnes) governs over Class A loading for all span lengths.
2. The Pigeaud’s method is used to determine the distribution of wheel loads on RCC bridge deck slabs.
3. Articulation in bridges refers to the provision of bearings and joints that allow relative movement between structural components.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3