PAST PAPER Assistant Director Engineering (Civil) PPSC [SOLVED]
1. What is the primary purpose of a foundation in a structure?
A) To support the load of the structure
B) To provide insulation
C) To improve aesthetics
D) To reduce vibrations
Answer: A) To support the load of the structure
2. What does the term “shear strength” refer to in soil mechanics?
A) The ability of soil to resist vertical loads
B) The resistance of soil to sliding
C) The maximum load a soil can bear
D) The compressive strength of soil
Answer: B) The resistance of soil to sliding
3. Which of the following is a type of structural steel shape?
A) T-beam
B) I-beam
C) L-beam
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
4. What is the unit of measurement for pressure in the International System of Units (SI)?
A) Pascal
B) Newton
C) Bar
D) Psi
Answer: A) Pascal
5. Which type of bridge is known for its use of tension cables?
A) Arch bridge
B) Beam bridge
C) Suspension bridge
D) Truss bridge
Answer: C) Suspension bridge
6. What is the main ingredient in concrete?
A) Sand
B) Gravel
C) Cement
D) Water
Answer: C) Cement
7. In which type of soil is a shallow foundation most appropriate?
A) Clay
B) Sand
C) Silt
D) All of the above
Answer: B) Sand
8. What is the primary purpose of a retaining wall?
A) To support horizontal loads
B) To retain soil and prevent erosion
C) To provide aesthetic appeal
D) To serve as a barrier
Answer: B) To retain soil and prevent erosion
9. What is the modulus of elasticity in materials science?
A) A measure of a material’s ductility
B) A measure of a material’s stiffness
C) A measure of a material’s toughness
D) A measure of a material’s weight
Answer: B) A measure of a material’s stiffness
10. Which test is commonly used to determine the compressive strength of concrete?
A) Slump test
B) Flexural test
C) Cube test
D) Tensile test
Answer: C) Cube test
11. What is the term for the amount of water needed to achieve a desired consistency in concrete?
A) Water-cement ratio
B) Workability
C) Slump
D) Viscosity
Answer: A) Water-cement ratio
12. Which type of load acts on a structure due to environmental conditions, such as wind or earthquake?
A) Dead load
B) Live load
C) Environmental load
D) Dynamic load
Answer: D) Dynamic load
13. What is the main purpose of a survey in civil engineering?
A) To analyze soil properties
B) To measure land and determine boundaries
C) To design structures
D) To evaluate materials
Answer: B) To measure land and determine boundaries
14. Which material is commonly used for making pipes for drainage systems?
A) PVC
B) Steel
C) Copper
D) Glass
Answer: A) PVC
15. What is the typical compressive strength of normal concrete (20 MPa)?
A) 10 MPa
B) 20 MPa
C) 30 MPa
D) 40 MPa
Answer: B) 20 MPa
16. In soil mechanics, what does the term “void ratio” refer to?
A) The ratio of the volume of voids to the volume of solids
B) The ratio of the weight of water to the weight of soil
C) The ratio of the total volume to the volume of solids
D) The ratio of the height of soil to its width
Answer: A) The ratio of the volume of voids to the volume of solids
17. What is the primary function of an expansion joint in a bridge?
A) To support additional loads
B) To allow for thermal expansion and contraction
C) To increase the lifespan of the bridge
D) To enhance aesthetics
Answer: B) To allow for thermal expansion and contraction
18. Which software is commonly used for structural analysis in civil engineering?
A) AutoCAD
B) SAP2000
C) MS Excel
D) Adobe Photoshop
Answer: B) SAP2000
19. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using steel as a construction material?
A) High tensile strength
B) Corrosion susceptibility
C) Lightweight
D) Recyclable
Answer: B) Corrosion susceptibility
20. What is the angle of repose in geotechnical engineering?
A) The angle at which water flows through soil
B) The maximum angle at which a slope of loose material is stable
C) The angle of a foundation
D) The angle of a load applied to a structure
Answer: B) The maximum angle at which a slope of loose material is stable
21. What is the term for the load that a structure can safely support?
A) Ultimate load
B) Working load
C) Design load
D) Live load
Answer: C) Design load
22. What is the purpose of a slope stability analysis?
A) To determine the weight of soil
B) To evaluate the potential for landslides
C) To measure the temperature of soil
D) To assess drainage efficiency
Answer: B) To evaluate the potential for landslides
23. Which material is known for its high resistance to compression?
A) Wood
B) Plastic
C) Concrete
D) Rubber
Answer: C) Concrete
24. What is the primary factor that affects the durability of concrete?
A) Water-cement ratio
B) Aggregate size
C) Temperature
D) Humidity
Answer: A) Water-cement ratio
25. What is the main cause of soil erosion?
A) Water
B) Wind
C) Human activities
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
26. Which of the following is a renewable construction material?
A) Steel
B) Concrete
C) Bamboo
D) Glass
Answer: C) Bamboo
27. In structural engineering, what does the term “buckling” refer to?
A) The failure of a material under tension
B) The lateral deflection of a column under axial load
C) The bending of beams
D) The cracking of concrete
Answer: B) The lateral deflection of a column under axial load
28. Which type of cement is commonly used for underwater construction?
A) Ordinary Portland Cement
B) Rapid Hardening Cement
C) Sulfate Resisting Cement
D) Waterproof Cement
Answer: B) Rapid Hardening Cement
29. What does a slump test measure?
A) The compressive strength of concrete
B) The workability of concrete
C) The density of soil
D) The tensile strength of steel
Answer: B) The workability of concrete
30. Which type of load is caused by the weight of the structure itself?
A) Dead load
B) Live load
C) Wind load
D) Seismic load
Answer: A) Dead load
31. What is the common term for a cross-section of a structural element?
A) Profile
B) Elevation
C) Section
D) Blueprint
Answer: C) Section
32. What is the main purpose of a geotechnical investigation?
A) To assess material costs
B) To determine soil properties
C) To design structural elements
D) To evaluate construction methods
Answer: B) To determine soil properties
33. What is the role of a civil engineer in the construction industry?
A) To design electrical systems
B) To oversee construction projects
C) To create architectural designs
D) To manage human resources
Answer: B) To oversee construction projects
34. What is the primary function of asphalt in road construction?
A) To provide strength
B) To prevent moisture penetration
C) To enhance durability
D) To provide a smooth surface
Answer: D) To provide a smooth surface
35. What is the main purpose of a drainage system in civil engineering?
A) To enhance soil strength
B) To control water flow
C) To improve aesthetics
D) To support structures
Answer: B) To control water flow
36. Which of the following is an example of a live load?
A) The weight of the building materials
B) The weight of furniture and occupants
C) The weight of the structural frame
D) The weight of the roof
Answer: B) The weight of furniture and occupants
37. What is the main function of a concrete mixer?
A) To test the strength of concrete
B) To mix ingredients for concrete
C) To pour concrete into molds
D) To transport concrete to the site
Answer: B) To mix ingredients for concrete
38. Which type of wall is specifically designed to hold back soil?
A) Load-bearing wall
B) Shear wall
C) Retaining wall
D) Curtain wall
Answer: C) Retaining wall
39. What is the main characteristic of a cantilever beam?
A) It is supported on both ends
B) It extends beyond its support
C) It is fixed at both ends
D) It has no support
Answer: B) It extends beyond its support
40. What is the primary objective of a traffic impact study?
A) To assess structural integrity
B) To evaluate pedestrian safety
C) To determine the effect of a project on traffic patterns
D) To measure road materials
Answer: C) To determine the effect of a project on traffic patterns
41. Which type of bridge uses triangular units to distribute weight?
A) Arch bridge
B) Beam bridge
C) Suspension bridge
D) Truss bridge
Answer: D) Truss bridge
42. In concrete design, what does the term “curing” refer to?
A) The mixing of concrete
B) The process of maintaining adequate moisture in concrete
C) The pouring of concrete
D) The testing of concrete strength
Answer: B) The process of maintaining adequate moisture in concrete
43. Which material is primarily used for making reinforcement bars (rebars)?
A) Aluminum
B) Steel
C) Copper
D) Plastic
Answer: B) Steel
44. What is the purpose of using formwork in concrete construction?
A) To mix concrete
B) To shape and support the concrete until it hardens
C) To cure the concrete
D) To test the strength of concrete
Answer: B) To shape and support the concrete until it hardens
45. What is the primary advantage of using precast concrete?
A) Lower cost
B) Faster construction
C) Higher strength
D) Better aesthetics
Answer: B) Faster construction
46. Which method is used to calculate the load-carrying capacity of a foundation?
A) Soil compaction test
B) Bearing capacity analysis
C) Shear strength test
D) Compression test
Answer: B) Bearing capacity analysis
47. What is the main disadvantage of using timber in construction?
A) High strength-to-weight ratio
B) Vulnerability to pests and decay
C) Easy availability
D) Sustainability
Answer: B) Vulnerability to pests and decay
48. What does the term “thermal expansion” refer to?
A) The increase in volume of a material due to heat
B) The decrease in strength of a material due to heat
C) The change in color of a material due to heat
D) The decrease in weight of a material due to heat
Answer: A) The increase in volume of a material due to heat
49. Which type of survey involves measuring distances, angles, and elevations?
A) Topographic survey
B) Hydrographic survey
C) Geodetic survey
D) Construction survey
Answer: A) Topographic survey
50. What is the primary function of a civil engineer during the design phase?
A) To construct the building
B) To create the architectural layout
C) To ensure structural integrity and safety
D) To manage construction workers
Answer: C) To ensure structural integrity and safety
51. Which of the following materials is typically used for road bases?
A) Clay
B) Gravel
C) Sand
D) Silt
Answer: B) Gravel
52. What is the main purpose of using additives in concrete?
A) To reduce costs
B) To enhance specific properties of concrete
C) To simplify the mixing process
D) To change the color of concrete
Answer: B) To enhance specific properties of concrete
53. What is the primary factor that affects the choice of construction materials?
A) Aesthetics
B) Cost
C) Availability
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
54. Which type of concrete is specifically designed for rapid setting?
A) High-strength concrete
B) Lightweight concrete
C) Fast-setting concrete
D) Reinforced concrete
Answer: C) Fast-setting concrete
55. What is the purpose of a geosynthetic material in civil engineering?
A) To reduce costs
B) To enhance drainage and stability
C) To provide aesthetic appeal
D) To replace concrete
Answer: B) To enhance drainage and stability
56. What is the primary purpose of a vibration dampener in a structure?
A) To improve aesthetics
B) To reduce noise
C) To minimize vibrations and movement
D) To enhance strength
Answer: C) To minimize vibrations and movement
57. Which type of dam is primarily used to store water?
A) Gravity dam
B) Arch dam
C) Embankment dam
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
58. What is the main advantage of using fiber-reinforced concrete?
A) Lower cost
B) Improved tensile strength
C) Easier to work with
D) Enhanced aesthetics
Answer: B) Improved tensile strength
59. Which of the following is a common type of construction error?
A) Design flaws
B) Material defects
C) Improper installation
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
60. What is the main purpose of using a construction schedule?
A) To estimate project costs
B) To outline the project timeline
C) To determine material quantities
D) To evaluate labor costs
Answer: B) To outline the project timeline
61. What does the term “load factor” refer to in structural engineering?
A) The ratio of live load to dead load
B) The safety margin applied to loads
C) The weight of a structure
D) The ratio of material strength to load
Answer: B) The safety margin applied to loads
62. What is the primary purpose of conducting a site analysis?
A) To determine aesthetic values
B) To assess site conditions and constraints
C) To calculate project costs
D) To evaluate material properties
Answer: B) To assess site conditions and constraints
63. What is the term for the pressure exerted by the weight of water in soil?
A) Effective stress
B) Total stress
C) Pore water pressure
D) Soil pressure
Answer: C) Pore water pressure
64. Which of the following is a common type of geotechnical failure?
A) Landslide
B) Sinkhole
C) Settlement
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
65. What is the primary purpose of a soil compaction test?
A) To determine the moisture content of soil
B) To evaluate the strength of soil
C) To assess the density of soil
D) To measure the temperature of soil
Answer: C) To assess the density of soil
66. What is the function of a construction manager?
A) To design structures
B) To oversee project execution and coordination
C) To conduct surveys
D) To evaluate material costs
Answer: B) To oversee project execution and coordination
67. Which of the following is a commonly used method for measuring concrete strength?
A) Rebound hammer test
B) Slump test
C) Compaction test
D) Compression test
Answer: A) Rebound hammer test
68. What is the primary role of a project engineer?
A) To manage human resources
B) To design structural elements
C) To ensure project specifications are met
D) To conduct safety audits
Answer: C) To ensure project specifications are met
69. Which of the following is a common type of earthwork operation?
A) Excavation
B) Backfilling
C) Grading
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
70. What does the term “dead load” refer to?
A) The load from live loads
B) The weight of the structure and its permanent components
C) The weight of environmental factors
D) The weight of moving vehicles
Answer: B) The weight of the structure and its permanent components
71. Which construction material is known for its high thermal insulation properties?
A) Steel
B) Concrete
C) Brick
D) Wood
Answer: D) Wood
72. What is the primary function of a highway design?
A) To improve aesthetic appeal
B) To enhance vehicle flow and safety
C) To reduce construction costs
D) To increase land value
Answer: B) To enhance vehicle flow and safety
73. Which type of concrete is specifically formulated to be lightweight?
A) High-density concrete
B) Self-compacting concrete
C) Lightweight concrete
D) Reinforced concrete
Answer: C) Lightweight concrete
74. What is the purpose of a retaining wall?
A) To support structures
B) To hold back soil or water
C) To divide property lines
D) To provide aesthetic value
Answer: B) To hold back soil or water
75. Which type of construction project is most likely to require an environmental impact assessment?
A) Small residential projects
B) Road construction
C) Renovation of existing buildings
D) Interior remodeling
Answer: B) Road construction
76. What is the primary goal of sustainable construction?
A) To maximize profit
B) To minimize environmental impact
C) To reduce construction time
D) To enhance aesthetic appeal
Answer: B) To minimize environmental impact
77. Which construction method uses steel rods to enhance concrete strength?
A) Precast concrete
B) Reinforced concrete
C) Post-tensioned concrete
D) Shotcrete
Answer: B) Reinforced concrete
78. What is the function of a sewer system?
A) To transport stormwater
B) To treat wastewater
C) To carry away sewage
D) To provide clean drinking water
Answer: C) To carry away sewage
79. What is the primary advantage of using asphalt in road construction?
A) Low cost
B) High durability
C) Flexibility in design
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
80. What does the term “bridge span” refer to?
A) The distance between two bridge supports
B) The length of the entire bridge
C) The height of the bridge
D) The weight capacity of the bridge
Answer: A) The distance between two bridge supports
81. What is the capital city of Pakistan?
A) Lahore
B) Karachi
C) Islamabad
D) Peshawar
Answer: C) Islamabad
82. Which of the following rivers is known as the lifeline of Pakistan?
A) Chenab
B) Ravi
C) Indus
D) Jhelum
Answer: C) Indus
83. Who was the first President of Pakistan?
A) Allama Iqbal
B) Liaquat Ali Khan
C) Iskander Mirza
D) Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Answer: C) Iskander Mirza
84. What is the currency of Pakistan?
A) Dollar
B) Rupee
C) Pound
D) Yen
Answer: B) Rupee
85. Which country shares the longest border with Pakistan?
A) India
B) Afghanistan
C) Iran
D) China
Answer: A) India
86. What is the national language of Pakistan?
A) Urdu
B) Punjabi
C) Sindhi
D) Pashto
Answer: A) Urdu
87. Which of the following is the highest peak in Pakistan?
A) Nanga Parbat
B) K2
C) Gasherbrum
D) Rakaposhi
Answer: B) K2
88. What is the main objective of the Pakistan Resolution passed in 1940?
A) To declare independence
B) To create a separate nation for Muslims
C) To establish a democracy
D) To unite all provinces
Answer: B) To create a separate nation for Muslims
89. Which organ of the United Nations is responsible for maintaining international peace and security?
A) General Assembly
B) Security Council
C) International Court of Justice
D) Economic and Social Council
Answer: B) Security Council
90. In mathematics, what is the value of π (pi) up to two decimal places?
A) 2.14
B) 3.14
C) 3.41
D) 4.14
Answer: B) 3.14
91. Which gas is known as a greenhouse gas?
A) Oxygen
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon Dioxide
D) Hydrogen
Answer: C) Carbon Dioxide
92. What is the process by which plants make their food using sunlight called?
A) Respiration
B) Digestion
C) Photosynthesis
D) Fermentation
Answer: C) Photosynthesis
93. What does CPU stand for in computer terminology?
A) Central Processing Unit
B) Computer Personal Unit
C) Central Performance Unit
D) Control Program Unit
Answer: A) Central Processing Unit
94. Which programming language is known for its use in web development?
A) Java
B) C++
C) Python
D) HTML
Answer: D) HTML
95. Which of the following is an example of an operating system?
A) Microsoft Word
B) Google Chrome
C) Windows
D) Photoshop
Answer: C) Windows
96. What is the primary function of RAM in a computer?
A) To store data permanently
B) To process data
C) To temporarily store data
D) To run software
Answer: C) To temporarily store data
97. Which of the following is the largest planet in our solar system?
A) Earth
B) Mars
C) Jupiter
D) Saturn
Answer: C) Jupiter
98. In English grammar, what is the term for a word that has the opposite meaning of another word?
A) Synonym
B) Antonym
C) Homonym
D) Adjective
Answer: B) Antonym
99. Which disease is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C?
A) Rickets
B) Scurvy
C) Pellagra
D) Beriberi
Answer: B) Scurvy
100. What is the smallest continent by land area?
A) Africa
B) Europe
C) Australia
D) Antarctica
Answer: C) Australia