PAST PAPER Assistant Director (Engg) PPSC [SOLVED]
1. What is the main purpose of reinforced concrete?
A) Increase flexibility
B) Increase compressive strength
C) Increase tensile strength
D) Reduce weight
Answer: C) Increase tensile strength
2. What is the unit of modulus of elasticity?
A) Pascal
B) Newton
C) Meter
D) Joule
Answer: A) Pascal
3. In Civil Engineering, which cement type is best for underwater construction?
A) Ordinary Portland Cement
B) White Cement
C) Rapid Hardening Cement
D) Sulphate Resisting Cement
Answer: D) Sulphate Resisting Cement
4. Which of the following is a non-destructive test for concrete?
A) Compression test
B) Slump test
C) Rebound hammer test
D) Tensile test
Answer: C) Rebound hammer test
5. What is the purpose of a slump test in concrete?
A) Check durability
B) Measure compressive strength
C) Determine workability
D) Check tensile strength
Answer: C) Determine workability
6. Which structure type is best suited for earthquake-resistant design?
A) Fixed base
B) Shear wall
C) Inverted V-brace
D) Cantilever
Answer: B) Shear wall
7. The minimum curing period for cement concrete recommended by IS codes is:
A) 3 days
B) 7 days
C) 14 days
D) 28 days
Answer: B) 7 days
8. Which soil type has the highest water retention capacity?
A) Sand
B) Clay
C) Silt
D) Gravel
Answer: B) Clay
9. Which foundation type is preferred for weak soil conditions?
A) Strip foundation
B) Raft foundation
C) Pad foundation
D) Trench fill foundation
Answer: B) Raft foundation
10. In concrete mix design, what does the water-cement ratio affect the most?
A) Workability
B) Color
C) Setting time
D) Aggregate size
Answer: A) Workability
11. What is the primary function of a retaining wall?
A) Support floors
B) Retain soil
C) Divert water flow
D) Improve aesthetics
Answer: B) Retain soil
12. The main component in Ordinary Portland Cement responsible for strength is:
A) Gypsum
B) Alumina
C) Silica
D) Calcium Silicate
Answer: D) Calcium Silicate
13. Which type of brick is used in the facework of walls?
A) Common bricks
B) Engineering bricks
C) Facing bricks
D) Refractory bricks
Answer: C) Facing bricks
14. The process of adding extra steel to a beam to resist bending is called:
A) Reinforcing
B) Prestressing
C) Tensioning
D) Welding
Answer: A) Reinforcing
15. The most common type of dam used for water storage is:
A) Gravity dam
B) Arch dam
C) Buttress dam
D) Embankment dam
Answer: A) Gravity dam
16. Which load type acts horizontally on buildings?
A) Dead load
B) Live load
C) Wind load
D) Snow load
Answer: C) Wind load
17. What is the main reason for providing expansion joints in concrete structures?
A) Reduce material usage
B) Allow thermal expansion
C) Improve aesthetics
D) Increase compressive strength
Answer: B) Allow thermal expansion
18. Which of the following is a method of soil stabilization?
A) Wetting
B) Cement grouting
C) Polishing
D) Compaction only
Answer: B) Cement grouting
19. What is the standard size of a brick used in construction in Pakistan?
A) 230 x 110 x 75 mm
B) 240 x 120 x 90 mm
C) 250 x 130 x 100 mm
D) 200 x 100 x 70 mm
Answer: A) 230 x 110 x 75 mm
20. In which type of soil is pile foundation generally used?
A) Rocky soil
B) Firm soil
C) Soft soil
D) Sandy soil
Answer: C) Soft soil
21. Which type of cement is best for underwater concrete structures?
A) Rapid Hardening Cement
B) High Alumina Cement
C) Sulphate Resisting Cement
D) White Cement
Answer: C) Sulphate Resisting Cement
22. What is the usual maximum allowable slope for highways?
A) 1 in 10
B) 1 in 20
C) 1 in 40
D) 1 in 50
Answer: C) 1 in 40
23. Which material is commonly used for damp-proof courses?
A) Cement mortar
B) Asphalt
C) Lime
D) Sand
Answer: B) Asphalt
24. A material’s resistance to deformation under load is called:
A) Strength
B) Elasticity
C) Stiffness
D) Hardness
Answer: C) Stiffness
25. In Civil Engineering, BOD stands for:
A) Biological Oxygen Demand
B) Bacterial Oxygen Demand
C) Bio-organic Decomposition
D) Bacterial Organic Demand
Answer: A) Biological Oxygen Demand
26. What is the purpose of admixtures in concrete?
A) Reduce water content
B) Increase setting time
C) Enhance concrete properties
D) Decrease compressive strength
Answer: C) Enhance concrete properties
27. The specific gravity of cement is generally around:
A) 1.2
B) 2.0
C) 3.15
D) 4.5
Answer: C) 3.15
28. Which survey method is used for large area measurement?
A) Chain surveying
B) Compass surveying
C) Plane table surveying
D) Triangulation surveying
Answer: D) Triangulation surveying
29. The type of bond commonly used in constructing one brick thick walls is:
A) Flemish bond
B) Header bond
C) Stretcher bond
D) English bond
Answer: C) Stretcher bond
30. In RCC beams, the steel reinforcement is placed to resist:
A) Compressive stresses
B) Shear stresses
C) Tensile stresses
D) None of the above
Answer: C) Tensile stresses
31. Which is the main factor affecting the workability of concrete?
A) Aggregate size
B) Temperature
C) Cement grade
D) Water-cement ratio
Answer: D) Water-cement ratio
32. What type of soil is typically used in earthen dams?
A) Gravel
B) Silt
C) Sand
D) Clay
Answer: D) Clay
33. The structural member designed to carry only tensile loads is called a:
A) Beam
B) Column
C) Tie rod
D) Girder
Answer: C) Tie rod
34. Which surveying instrument measures vertical and horizontal angles?
A) Compass
B) Level
C) Theodolite
D) Clinometer
Answer: C) Theodolite
35. In soil mechanics, permeability is typically measured in:
A) cm²/sec
B) m²/sec
C) m/sec
D) kg/m³
Answer: C) m/sec
36. Which dam type is best suited for narrow gorges?
A) Gravity dam
B) Arch dam
C) Buttress dam
D) Embankment dam
Answer: B) Arch dam
37. What is the commonly used method for compaction in road construction?
A) Ramming
B) Kneading
C) Rolling
D) Vibrating
Answer: C) Rolling
38. What is the full form of RCC in construction?
A) Reinforced Concrete Cement
B) Reinforced Concrete Column
C) Reinforced Cement Concrete
D) None of the above
Answer: C) Reinforced Cement Concrete
39. The ratio of the unit weight of soil to the unit weight of water is known as:
A) Bulk density
B) Dry density
C) Specific gravity
D) Relative density
Answer: C) Specific gravity
40. Which test is used to determine the consistency of fresh concrete?
A) Rebound hammer test
B) Compression test
C) Slump test
D) Tensile test
Answer: C) Slump test
41. The property of fluid to resist gradual deformation is called:
A) Viscosity
B) Surface tension
C) Density
D) Buoyancy
Answer: A) Viscosity
42. Which construction material is best known for its resistance to fire?
A) Steel
B) Concrete
C) Timber
D) Plastic
Answer: B) Concrete
43. What is the ideal water-cement ratio for high-strength concrete?
A) 0.2
B) 0.4
C) 0.6
D) 0.8
Answer: B) 0.4
44. Which type of surveying uses aerial photographs?
A) Plane surveying
B) Hydrographic surveying
C) Photogrammetric surveying
D) Topographic surveying
Answer: C) Photogrammetric surveying
45. The type of soil transported by wind is called:
A) Alluvial
B) Colluvial
C) Aeolian
D) Glacial
Answer: C) Aeolian
46. In a beam, the maximum bending stress occurs at the:
A) Neutral axis
B) Top fiber
C) Bottom fiber
D) Ends
Answer: B) Top fiber
47. Which method is used to determine soil density in the field?
A) Oven drying method
B) Nuclear density test
C) Pycnometer method
D) Sand replacement method
Answer: B) Nuclear density test
48. What is the main purpose of scaffolding?
A) Provide support to formwork
B) Transport materials
C) Provide a working platform
D) Serve as a protective shield
Answer: C) Provide a working platform
49. The minimum grade of concrete for RCC is:
A) M5
B) M10
C) M15
D) M20
Answer: D) M20
50. Which is the best material for soundproofing walls?
A) Concrete
B) Foam
C) Fiberboard
D) Wood
Answer: C) Fiberboard
51. In a simply supported beam, the point of maximum deflection is located at:
A) The support
B) The midpoint
C) The third-point
D) The quarter-point
Answer: B) The midpoint
52. What type of soil compaction method is suitable for clayey soil?
A) Vibration
B) Impact
C) Static rolling
D) Kneading
Answer: D) Kneading
53. A 1:2:4 concrete mix indicates:
A) 1 part water, 2 parts sand, 4 parts cement
B) 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts aggregate
C) 1 part sand, 2 parts cement, 4 parts water
D) None of the above
Answer: B) 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts aggregate
54. What is the unit of measurement for deflection in beams?
A) Meters
B) Newton
C) Pascal
D) Radians
Answer: A) Meters
55. In geotechnical engineering, SPT stands for:
A) Soil Pressure Test
B) Standard Pressure Test
C) Standard Penetration Test
D) Soil Penetration Test
Answer: C) Standard Penetration Test
56. The minimum reinforcement for slabs is:
A) 0.12% of cross-sectional area
B) 0.15% of cross-sectional area
C) 0.20% of cross-sectional area
D) 0.25% of cross-sectional area
Answer: A) 0.12% of cross-sectional area
57. Which is not a type of retaining wall?
A) Gravity wall
B) Cantilever wall
C) Sheet piling wall
D) Suspension wall
Answer: D) Suspension wall
58. Which instrument is used to measure angles in horizontal and vertical planes?
A) Theodolite
B) Tachometer
C) Plumb bob
D) Spirit level
Answer: A) Theodolite
59. In concrete technology, OPC stands for:
A) Optical Portland Cement
B) Ordinary Portland Cement
C) Optimal Portland Cement
D) Original Portland Cement
Answer: B) Ordinary Portland Cement
60. The water table represents the:
A) Saturated zone below the ground
B) Boundary of groundwater and surface water
C) Unsaturated soil layer
D) Area where roots are found
Answer: A) Saturated zone below the ground
61. What is a slump test used to measure?
A) Flexibility
B) Durability
C) Workability
D) Density
Answer: C) Workability
62. Which part of the dam absorbs water pressure?
A) Spillway
B) Abutment
C) Core
D) Face
Answer: C) Core
63. Soil compaction improves:
A) Permeability
B) Density
C) Plasticity
D) Water content
Answer: B) Density
64. Cement hydration is an example of a:
A) Physical change
B) Chemical reaction
C) Mechanical process
D) Biological process
Answer: B) Chemical reaction
65. The modulus of elasticity of steel is approximately:
A) 210 GPa
B) 300 GPa
C) 100 GPa
D) 500 GPa
Answer: A) 210 GPa
66. The setting time of cement is determined using a:
A) Slump cone
B) Vicat apparatus
C) Rebound hammer
D) Pycnometer
Answer: B) Vicat apparatus
67. In surveying, EDM stands for:
A) Electronic Data Measurement
B) Electronic Distance Measurement
C) Elevation Data Measurement
D) Electronic Data Mapping
Answer: B) Electronic Distance Measurement
68. The main purpose of using coarse aggregates in concrete is to:
A) Improve workability
B) Increase strength
C) Reduce shrinkage
D) Control setting time
Answer: B) Increase strength
69. The minimum clear cover for a reinforced concrete column is:
A) 10 mm
B) 20 mm
C) 25 mm
D) 40 mm
Answer: D) 40 mm
70. The process of adding water to soil to increase its moisture content is known as:
A) Compaction
B) Consolidation
C) Moisture treatment
D) Wetting
Answer: C) Moisture treatment
71. A flat slab system is ideal for:
A) High-rise buildings
B) Large column-free spaces
C) Multi-story buildings
D) Small rooms
Answer: B) Large column-free spaces
72. Which device is used for measuring small vertical distances in surveying?
A) Theodolite
B) Altimeter
C) Dumpy level
D) Laser scanner
Answer: C) Dumpy level
73. A structure’s strength to resist loads depends on its:
A) Density
B) Modulus of elasticity
C) Strength
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
74. Which cement is best suited for marine construction?
A) Ordinary Portland Cement
B) Quick-setting Cement
C) Sulfate-resistant Cement
D) Low heat Cement
Answer: C) Sulfate-resistant Cement
75. The factor of safety is the ratio of:
A) Yield stress to ultimate stress
B) Ultimate stress to yield stress
C) Working stress to ultimate stress
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Ultimate stress to yield stress
76. A shear wall resists:
A) Lateral forces
B) Axial forces
C) Torsional forces
D) Gravity loads
Answer: A) Lateral forces
77. The bearing capacity of soil is measured in:
A) Newtons
B) Pascal
C) Newton per meter squared
D) Kilonewton per meter squared
Answer: D) Kilonewton per meter squared
78. In fluid mechanics, Bernoulli’s equation is based on the law of:
A) Conservation of mass
B) Conservation of energy
C) Conservation of momentum
D) Conservation of density
Answer: B) Conservation of energy
79. The primary purpose of scaffolding is to:
A) Transfer loads
B) Provide access for construction
C) Increase structure strength
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Provide access for construction
80. The lateral ties in RCC columns resist:
A) Axial forces
B) Shear forces
C) Lateral forces
D) Buckling
Answer: D) Buckling
81. The national flower of Pakistan is:
A) Jasmine
B) Rose
C) Sunflower
D) Tulip
Answer: A) Jasmine
82. Which planet is known as the ‘Red Planet’?
A) Earth
B) Mars
C) Jupiter
D) Venus
Answer: B) Mars
83. In which year did Pakistan become a nuclear power?
A) 1988
B) 1990
C) 1998
D) 2000
Answer: C) 1998
84. The currency of Saudi Arabia is called:
A) Dirham
B) Riyal
C) Dinar
D) Dollar
Answer: B) Riyal
85. What is the synonym of the word “Eloquent”?
A) Unclear
B) Quiet
C) Fluent
D) Harsh
Answer: C) Fluent
86. The Indus River originates from which country?
A) India
B) China
C) Pakistan
D) Afghanistan
Answer: B) China
87. Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations?
A) António Guterres
B) Ban Ki-moon
C) Kofi Annan
D) Boutros Boutros-Ghali
Answer: A) António Guterres
88. In geometry, a triangle with all sides of equal length is called:
A) Isosceles
B) Scalene
C) Equilateral
D) Right-angle
Answer: C) Equilateral
89. The book “Shahab Nama” was written by:
A) Faiz Ahmed Faiz
B) Qudrat Ullah Shahab
C) Mumtaz Mufti
D) Ibn-e-Insha
Answer: B) Qudrat Ullah Shahab
90. Which is the smallest ocean in the world?
A) Atlantic Ocean
B) Indian Ocean
C) Pacific Ocean
D) Arctic Ocean
Answer: D) Arctic Ocean
91. Which programming language is known as the foundation of web development?
A) JavaScript
B) Python
C) C++
D) Swift
Answer: A) JavaScript
92. The square root of 144 is:
A) 10
B) 11
C) 12
D) 13
Answer: C) 12
93. Who was the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan?
A) Fatima Jinnah
B) Asma Jahangir
C) Benazir Bhutto
D) Malala Yousafzai
Answer: C) Benazir Bhutto
94. The boiling point of water is:
A) 90°C
B) 100°C
C) 110°C
D) 120°C
Answer: B) 100°C
95. In Urdu grammar, “Jumla Khabriya” refers to a:
A) Negative Sentence
B) Interrogative Sentence
C) Statement Sentence
D) Imperative Sentence
Answer: C) Statement Sentence
96. Which part of the computer is known as its “brain”?
A) RAM
B) Hard Disk
C) CPU
D) Monitor
Answer: C) CPU
97. Which country is the largest producer of oil in the world?
A) Russia
B) Saudi Arabia
C) United States
D) Canada
Answer: C) United States
98. In mathematics, the value of π (pi) is approximately:
A) 2.14
B) 3.14
C) 4.14
D) 5.14
Answer: B) 3.14
99. Which element has the chemical symbol ‘O’?
A) Oxygen
B) Osmium
C) Orlon
D) Oganesson
Answer: A) Oxygen
100. What is the capital of Australia?
A) Sydney
B) Melbourne
C) Canberra
D) Brisbane
Answer: C) Canberra