PAST PAPER Assistant Director (Civil Engg) [SOLVED]
1. What is the primary purpose of a retaining wall?
A) To support a structure
B) To prevent soil erosion
C) To hold back soil and water
D) To enhance aesthetics
Answer: C) To hold back soil and water
2. Which of the following materials is most commonly used in concrete?
A) Steel
B) Sand
C) Brick
D) Gravel
Answer: B) Sand
3. What is the unit of measure for structural load?
A) Kilograms
B) Newtons
C) Pascals
D) Meters
Answer: B) Newtons
4. What does the term “shear strength” refer to in soil mechanics?
A) The ability to resist compressive forces
B) The ability to resist lateral forces
C) The ability to support weight
D) The ability to retain water
Answer: B) The ability to resist lateral forces
5. Which of the following is a common foundation type for buildings?
A) Shallow foundation
B) Deep foundation
C) Pile foundation
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
6. What is the main purpose of a bridge?
A) To provide aesthetic value
B) To connect two points across a barrier
C) To act as a support structure
D) To manage water flow
Answer: B) To connect two points across a barrier
7. What is the typical compressive strength of normal concrete?
A) 10 MPa
B) 20 MPa
C) 30 MPa
D) 40 MPa
Answer: C) 30 MPa
8. In civil engineering, what does the abbreviation “RC” stand for?
A) Reinforced Concrete
B) Road Construction
C) Residual Compression
D) Rapid Cure
Answer: A) Reinforced Concrete
9. Which type of load does a cantilever beam primarily resist?
A) Shear load
B) Torsional load
C) Bending load
D) Axial load
Answer: C) Bending load
10. What does “FEM” stand for in structural analysis?
A) Finite Element Method
B) Framework Element Method
C) Functional Engineering Model
D) Fabrication and Engineering Management
Answer: A) Finite Element Method
11. What type of survey is conducted to determine the area and volume of land?
A) Topographic survey
B) Hydrographic survey
C) Geodetic survey
D) Engineering survey
Answer: A) Topographic survey
12. Which type of concrete is specifically designed for high-strength applications?
A) Lightweight concrete
B) High-performance concrete
C) Standard concrete
D) Mass concrete
Answer: B) High-performance concrete
13. What is the primary function of a cross-bracing in a structure?
A) To reduce weight
B) To increase aesthetics
C) To resist lateral loads
D) To enhance thermal insulation
Answer: C) To resist lateral loads
14. What does the term “dead load” refer to in structural engineering?
A) Live load
B) Permanent load
C) Temporary load
D) Wind load
Answer: B) Permanent load
15. Which material is commonly used for reinforcing concrete?
A) Wood
B) Aluminum
C) Steel
D) Plastic
Answer: C) Steel
16. What is the primary purpose of an arch in a bridge?
A) To support only vertical loads
B) To transfer loads to the supports
C) To act as a barrier
D) To enhance the visual appeal
Answer: B) To transfer loads to the supports
17. Which is the most commonly used method for measuring soil density?
A) Sand cone method
B) Nuclear density method
C) Core sampling
D) Water displacement method
Answer: A) Sand cone method
18. What is the main purpose of a drainage system in civil engineering?
A) To increase soil fertility
B) To manage stormwater runoff
C) To reduce construction costs
D) To enhance soil stability
Answer: B) To manage stormwater runoff
19. Which type of cement is most commonly used for general construction?
A) Portland cement
B) Fly ash cement
C) Sulfate-resisting cement
D) Quick-setting cement
Answer: A) Portland cement
20. What does the term “load factor” indicate in structural engineering?
A) The ratio of live load to dead load
B) The safety margin in design
C) The material strength
D) The environmental impact
Answer: B) The safety margin in design
21. Which of the following is a primary concern in geotechnical engineering?
A) Building design
B) Soil behavior
C) Water quality
D) Structural loads
Answer: B) Soil behavior
22. What is the primary purpose of a concrete mix design?
A) To enhance aesthetics
B) To determine the strength and durability
C) To minimize costs
D) To simplify construction
Answer: B) To determine the strength and durability
23. Which structural element primarily resists compressive forces?
A) Beam
B) Column
C) Slab
D) Bracket
Answer: B) Column
24. What is the typical lifespan of a well-designed concrete structure?
A) 10 years
B) 25 years
C) 50 years
D) 100 years
Answer: C) 50 years
25. What is the role of a structural engineer?
A) To design landscapes
B) To ensure structural integrity
C) To manage construction schedules
D) To create architectural designs
Answer: B) To ensure structural integrity
26. Which type of foundation is best for buildings on unstable soil?
A) Shallow foundation
B) Mat foundation
C) Spread footing
D) Slab-on-grade
Answer: B) Mat foundation
27. What is the term for the maximum load a structure can support before failure?
A) Working load
B) Ultimate load
C) Design load
D) Service load
Answer: B) Ultimate load
28. Which of the following is NOT a component of concrete?
A) Water
B) Cement
C) Aggregate
D) Glass
Answer: D) Glass
29. What type of bridge uses cables suspended from towers?
A) Arch bridge
B) Beam bridge
C) Suspension bridge
D) Truss bridge
Answer: C) Suspension bridge
30. In a building, what does the term “elevation” refer to?
A) The height of the building
B) The view from a particular angle
C) The vertical distance above a reference point
D) The design of the roof
Answer: C) The vertical distance above a reference point
31. What is the primary factor in determining the size of a beam?
A) Aesthetics
B) Material cost
C) Load it needs to support
D) Construction speed
Answer: C) Load it needs to support
32. Which method is commonly used to analyze structural systems under seismic loads?
A) Linear static analysis
B) Nonlinear static analysis
C) Response spectrum analysis
D) Finite element analysis
Answer: C) Response spectrum analysis
33. What is the primary purpose of asphalt in road construction?
A) To reduce costs
B) To provide a smooth surface
C) To improve drainage
D) To increase load-bearing capacity
Answer: B) To provide a smooth surface
34. Which of the following is a type of soil testing?
A) Soil compaction test
B) Water quality test
C) Air quality test
D) Concrete strength test
Answer: A) Soil compaction test
35. What is the primary benefit of using precast concrete elements?
A) Lower weight
B) Faster construction
C) Higher strength
D) Better aesthetics
Answer: B) Faster construction
36. What does the term “settlement” refer to in civil engineering?
A) The decrease in soil volume
B) The sinking of a structure
C) The foundation’s weight
D) The soil’s moisture content
Answer: B) The sinking of a structure
37. Which type of dam is built primarily for storage?
A) Gravity dam
B) Embankment dam
C) Arch dam
D) Roller-compacted dam
Answer: B) Embankment dam
38. What is the main purpose of a construction schedule?
A) To allocate budgets
B) To ensure timely project completion
C) To evaluate employee performance
D) To manage supplier relationships
Answer: B) To ensure timely project completion
39. Which of the following is a common method for soil stabilization?
A) Adding more water
B) Compaction
C) Increasing load
D) Removing topsoil
Answer: B) Compaction
40. What is the main function of a drainage ditch?
A) To collect water
B) To channel excess water away
C) To enhance landscape aesthetics
D) To improve soil fertility
Answer: B) To channel excess water away
41. Which of the following is NOT a type of retaining wall?
A) Gravity wall
B) Cantilever wall
C) Counterfort wall
D) Truss wall
Answer: D) Truss wall
42. What is the main advantage of using steel in construction?
A) Light weight
B) High tensile strength
C) Low cost
D) Easy to work with
Answer: B) High tensile strength
43. What does the term “load distribution” refer to in structural analysis?
A) How loads are transferred to supports
B) The maximum load a material can carry
C) The method of calculating material costs
D) The spacing of structural members
Answer: A) How loads are transferred to supports
44. Which type of concrete has the highest durability?
A) High-strength concrete
B) Fiber-reinforced concrete
C) Lightweight concrete
D) Mass concrete
Answer: A) High-strength concrete
45. What is the primary function of soil compaction in construction?
A) To improve drainage
B) To increase stability and strength
C) To enhance aesthetics
D) To reduce costs
Answer: B) To increase stability and strength
46. Which type of soil is best suited for foundations?
A) Clay
B) Sand
C) Gravel
D) Silt
Answer: C) Gravel
47. What is the term for the failure of a structure under excessive load?
A) Deflection
B) Collapse
C) Deformation
D) Settlement
Answer: B) Collapse
48. Which type of construction material is most susceptible to corrosion?
A) Concrete
B) Wood
C) Steel
D) Brick
Answer: C) Steel
49. What is the primary objective of a geotechnical site investigation?
A) To assess environmental impacts
B) To evaluate soil conditions for foundation design
C) To determine project costs
D) To enhance structural aesthetics
Answer: B) To evaluate soil conditions for foundation design
50. What does the term “superstructure” refer to in civil engineering?
A) The foundation of a structure
B) The part of a building above the foundation
C) The design of the roof
D) The landscaping around a building
Answer: B) The part of a building above the foundation
51. Which material is commonly used for road surfaces?
A) Asphalt
B) Brick
C) Concrete
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
52. What is the primary benefit of using a truss in construction?
A) Increased weight
B) Improved aesthetics
C) Efficient load distribution
D) Increased cost
Answer: C) Efficient load distribution
53. Which of the following is a characteristic of good-quality concrete?
A) High permeability
B) High compressive strength
C) Low durability
D) High shrinkage
Answer: B) High compressive strength
54. What does the term “expansive soil” refer to?
A) Soil that increases in volume when wet
B) Soil that decreases in volume when wet
C) Soil that is highly compressible
D) Soil that has low plasticity
Answer: A) Soil that increases in volume when wet
55. What is the primary role of a civil engineer?
A) To design landscapes
B) To plan and oversee construction projects
C) To create architectural designs
D) To manage budgets
Answer: B) To plan and oversee construction projects
56. Which type of test is used to determine the moisture content of soil?
A) Sieve analysis
B) Atterberg limits test
C) Proctor compaction test
D) Moisture content test
Answer: D) Moisture content test
57. What is the primary purpose of using geotextiles in civil engineering?
A) To improve aesthetics
B) To enhance soil stability
C) To increase soil fertility
D) To reduce costs
Answer: B) To enhance soil stability
58. Which of the following is a method of soil improvement?
A) Compaction
B) Grouting
C) Drainage
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
59. What is the primary function of a stormwater management system?
A) To collect rainwater for irrigation
B) To prevent flooding and manage runoff
C) To enhance groundwater recharge
D) To improve soil quality
Answer: B) To prevent flooding and manage runoff
60. What does “structural integrity” refer to?
A) The aesthetics of a structure
B) The ability of a structure to withstand its intended load
C) The construction speed
D) The materials used in construction
Answer: B) The ability of a structure to withstand its intended load
61. Which type of foundation is best for high-rise buildings?
A) Shallow foundation
B) Deep foundation
C) Spread footing
D) Mat foundation
Answer: B) Deep foundation
62. What is the primary purpose of an earth dam?
A) To generate electricity
B) To store water
C) To provide irrigation
D) To control flooding
Answer: B) To store water
63. What is the primary factor affecting the bearing capacity of soil?
A) Moisture content
B) Soil type
C) Compaction
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
64. What does the term “live load” refer to?
A) Permanent load
B) Temporary load that can vary
C) Dead load
D) Environmental load
Answer: B) Temporary load that can vary
65. Which of the following is a type of flexible pavement?
A) Asphalt
B) Concrete
C) Brick
D) Composite
Answer: A) Asphalt
66. What is the main disadvantage of using wooden structures?
A) High strength
B) Low cost
C) Susceptibility to decay and insects
D) Aesthetic appeal
Answer: C) Susceptibility to decay and insects
67. What does “slope stability” refer to?
A) The ability of a slope to resist failure
B) The angle of a slope
C) The type of vegetation on a slope
D) The cost of slope construction
Answer: A) The ability of a slope to resist failure
68. Which type of analysis is used to evaluate the performance of structures under loads?
A) Linear analysis
B) Nonlinear analysis
C) Dynamic analysis
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
69. What is the purpose of a construction cost estimate?
A) To evaluate environmental impacts
B) To determine project feasibility
C) To plan construction schedules
D) To assess contractor performance
Answer: B) To determine project feasibility
70. What does the term “earthwork” refer to?
A) The construction of foundations
B) The excavation, transportation, and placement of soil
C) The design of landscapes
D) The installation of drainage systems
Answer: B) The excavation, transportation, and placement of soil
71. Which type of retaining wall is built with a cantilever design?
A) Gravity wall
B) Counterfort wall
C) Modular wall
D) Sheet pile wall
Answer: B) Counterfort wall
72. What is the primary purpose of using a leveling instrument in surveying?
A) To measure distances
B) To determine elevations
C) To assess soil quality
D) To calculate angles
Answer: B) To determine elevations
73. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of soil compaction?
A) Increased porosity
B) Decreased density
C) Increased shear strength
D) Decreased stability
Answer: C) Increased shear strength
74. What does the term “buoyancy” refer to in civil engineering?
A) The upward force exerted by fluid
B) The downward force exerted by weight
C) The compressive strength of materials
D) The tensile strength of materials
Answer: A) The upward force exerted by fluid
75. Which type of bridge is supported by arches?
A) Beam bridge
B) Truss bridge
C) Arch bridge
D) Suspension bridge
Answer: C) Arch bridge
76. What is the primary function of pile foundations?
A) To distribute loads evenly
B) To support structures in weak soil conditions
C) To provide aesthetic value
D) To reduce construction costs
Answer: B) To support structures in weak soil conditions
77. What type of concrete is used when high early strength is required?
A) Lightweight concrete
B) High-early-strength concrete
C) Fiber-reinforced concrete
D) Prestressed concrete
Answer: B) High-early-strength concrete
78. What is the purpose of reinforcement in concrete structures?
A) To add weight
B) To prevent cracking and add tensile strength
C) To improve aesthetics
D) To make the concrete waterproof
Answer: B) To prevent cracking and add tensile strength
79. What is the main reason for using expansion joints in structures?
A) To reduce construction costs
B) To allow for temperature-induced expansion and contraction
C) To make cleaning easier
D) To increase load-bearing capacity
Answer: B) To allow for temperature-induced expansion and contraction
80. What is the main purpose of a culvert in road construction?
A) To support road traffic
B) To allow water to pass beneath the road
C) To stabilize the soil
D) To enhance road aesthetics
Answer: B) To allow water to pass beneath the road
81. Who is the current Prime Minister of Pakistan as of 2024?
A) Imran Khan
B) Shehbaz Sharif
C) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
D) Anwar ul Haq Kakar
Answer: D) Anwar ul Haq Kakar
82. What is the largest continent in terms of area?
A) Africa
B) Asia
C) North America
D) Europe
Answer: B) Asia
83. What is the national flower of Pakistan?
A) Jasmine
B) Rose
C) Sunflower
D) Tulip
Answer: A) Jasmine
84. Which planet is known as the Red Planet?
A) Venus
B) Mars
C) Jupiter
D) Saturn
Answer: B) Mars
85. What is the synonym of the word “abundant”?
A) Rare
B) Scarce
C) Plentiful
D) Insufficient
Answer: C) Plentiful
86. The famous Indus Valley Civilization was located in present-day:
A) China
B) Pakistan
C) India
D) Iran
Answer: B) Pakistan
87. Which device is used to measure temperature?
A) Barometer
B) Thermometer
C) Hygrometer
D) Anemometer
Answer: B) Thermometer
88. In computer studies, CPU stands for:
A) Central Processing Unit
B) Computer Processing Unit
C) Control Processing Unit
D) Central Program Unit
Answer: A) Central Processing Unit
89. What is the capital city of Canada?
A) Toronto
B) Vancouver
C) Ottawa
D) Montreal
Answer: C) Ottawa
90. Which Urdu poet is famous for writing “Bang-e-Dra” and “Shikwa”?
A) Mirza Ghalib
B) Faiz Ahmed Faiz
C) Allama Iqbal
D) Ahmed Faraz
Answer: C) Allama Iqbal
91. In mathematics, what is the value of pi (π) approximately?
A) 3.14
B) 2.72
C) 1.61
D) 1.41
Answer: A) 3.14
92. Which chemical element has the symbol “O”?
A) Oxygen
B) Osmium
C) Oganesson
D) Ogium
Answer: A) Oxygen
93. Which river is considered the longest in Pakistan?
A) Ravi
B) Chenab
C) Indus
D) Jhelum
Answer: C) Indus
94. The Lahore Resolution, which led to the creation of Pakistan, was passed in:
A) 1930
B) 1940
C) 1942
D) 1947
Answer: B) 1940
95. In English grammar, which of the following is a verb?
A) Quickly
B) Run
C) Blue
D) Happiness
Answer: B) Run
96. What is the Urdu translation of “Peace”?
A) جنگ
B) امن
C) جنگجو
D) فتح
Answer: B) امن
97. Which gas is commonly known as laughing gas?
A) Oxygen
B) Nitrous Oxide
C) Carbon Dioxide
D) Hydrogen
Answer: B) Nitrous Oxide
98. Which is the smallest unit of computer data?
A) Byte
B) Bit
C) Kilobyte
D) Megabyte
Answer: B) Bit
99. What is the highest peak in Pakistan?
A) K2
B) Nanga Parbat
C) Rakaposhi
D) Tirich Mir
Answer: A) K2
100. Who wrote the national anthem of Pakistan?
A) Allama Iqbal
B) Hafeez Jalandhari
C) Faiz Ahmed Faiz
D) Ahmed Faraz
Answer: B) Hafeez Jalandhari