PAST PAPER Sub Divisional Officer PPSC [SOLVED]

1. What is the primary purpose of a foundation in civil engineering?

A) To support the structure B) To provide aesthetics C) To reduce costs D) To insulate the building Answer: A) To support the structure

2. Which of the following is NOT a type of foundation?

A) Shallow foundation B) Deep foundation C) Spread foundation D) Surface foundation Answer: D) Surface foundation

3. What is the unit of measurement for pressure?

A) Pascal B) Newton C) Joule D) Watt Answer: A) Pascal

4. The process of controlling water flow in a construction site is known as:

A) Dewatering B) Waterproofing C) Drainage D) Irrigation Answer: A) Dewatering

5. Which material is commonly used for road construction?

A) Asphalt B) Wood C) Glass D) Plastic Answer: A) Asphalt

6. The term “load-bearing wall” refers to:

A) A decorative wall B) A wall that supports weight C) A non-structural partition D) A wall used for insulation Answer: B) A wall that supports weight

7. What is the main component of concrete?

A) Sand B) Gravel C) Cement D) Water Answer: C) Cement

8. Which of the following is a common type of bridge?

A) Arch bridge B) Suspension bridge C) Beam bridge D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

9. The process of reinforcing concrete with steel bars is called:

A) Reinforcement B) Compaction C) Bonding D) Mixing Answer: A) Reinforcement

10. Which law states that stress is proportional to strain in elastic materials?

A) Hooke’s Law B) Newton’s Law C) Bernoulli’s Principle D) Pascal’s Law Answer: A) Hooke’s Law

11. The main function of a retaining wall is to:

A) Store water B) Support soil laterally C) Create an aesthetic view D) Provide drainage Answer: B) Support soil laterally

12. What is the purpose of a cross-section in civil engineering?

A) To show the side view of a structure B) To provide a 3D model C) To display landscaping D) To represent material types Answer: A) To show the side view of a structure

13. What is the maximum allowed slope for a wheelchair ramp according to ADA standards?

A) 1:8 B) 1:12 C) 1:20 D) 1:30 Answer: B) 1:12

14. Which of the following is a type of cement?

A) Portland cement B) Lime cement C) Hydraulic cement D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

15. In surveying, what does the term “benchmark” refer to?

A) A temporary marker B) A fixed reference point C) A type of measuring tool D) A standard of quality Answer: B) A fixed reference point

16. The phenomenon of soil consolidation is primarily caused by:

A) Water removal B) Soil expansion C) Soil erosion D) Soil freezing Answer: A) Water removal

17. What is the typical compressive strength of concrete after 28 days?

A) 10 MPa B) 20 MPa C) 30 MPa D) 40 MPa Answer: C) 30 MPa

18. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?

A) Sand B) Timber C) Coal D) Water Answer: C) Coal

19. What does the term “hydraulic” refer to in civil engineering?

A) Water movement B) Air pressure C) Earth stability D) Material strength Answer: A) Water movement

20. The angle of repose is defined as:

A) The angle of a slope B) The angle at which soil remains stable C) The angle of elevation D) The angle of inclination Answer: B) The angle at which soil remains stable

21. Which tool is used to measure the horizontal distance in surveying?

A) Theodolite B) Clinometer C) Measuring tape D) Level Answer: C) Measuring tape

22. Which of the following materials is commonly used for pipes?

A) Steel B) PVC C) Copper D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

23. The main purpose of a concrete mixer is to:

A) Mix concrete B) Transport concrete C) Pour concrete D) Cure concrete Answer: A) Mix concrete

24. In construction, what is scaffolding used for?

A) To support workers B) To hold materials C) To provide access to high areas D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

25. What does the acronym “CAD” stand for in engineering?

A) Computer Aided Design B) Computer Assisted Drafting C) Computer Automated Design D) Computer Analyzed Data Answer: A) Computer Aided Design

26. Which of the following is a method of soil stabilization?

A) Compaction B) Chemical treatment C) Geotextiles D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

27. The term “earthquake engineering” refers to:

A) Designing structures to withstand seismic activity B) Studying the geology of earthquake-prone areas C) Measuring earthquake intensity D) Predicting earthquake occurrences Answer: A) Designing structures to withstand seismic activity

28. Which type of bond is used to enhance the tensile strength of masonry?

A) English bond B) Flemish bond C) Stretcher bond D) Header bond Answer: A) English bond

29. What is the main purpose of a concrete slump test?

A) To determine concrete density B) To measure workability C) To assess curing quality D) To evaluate compressive strength Answer: B) To measure workability

30. The term “spalling” in concrete refers to:

A) Surface peeling or chipping B) Cracking C) Discoloration D) Shrinkage Answer: A) Surface peeling or chipping

31. Which of the following materials is used for sound insulation?

A) Concrete B) Wood C) Fiberglass D) Steel Answer: C) Fiberglass

32. The process of determining the boundaries of a piece of land is called:

A) Surveying B) Zoning C) Engineering D) Mapping Answer: A) Surveying

33. What is the primary function of a dam?

A) To control water flow B) To generate electricity C) To provide recreational activities D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

34. The type of stress that acts parallel to a surface is called:

A) Shear stress B) Tensile stress C) Compressive stress D) Bending stress Answer: A) Shear stress

35. What is the main environmental concern regarding construction activities?

A) Air pollution B) Water pollution C) Noise pollution D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

36. In construction terminology, “cut” refers to:

A) Excavated earth B) A type of joint C) A material defect D) A safety hazard Answer: A) Excavated earth

37. What is the function of a drainage system in civil engineering?

A) To store water B) To remove excess water C) To distribute water D) To purify water Answer: B) To remove excess water

38. The formula for calculating the area of a rectangle is:

A) Length × Width B) Length + Width C) Length – Width D) Length ÷ Width Answer: A) Length × Width

39. Which of the following is a key factor in the design of a road?

A) Traffic volume B) Soil type C) Topography D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

40. The primary purpose of an expansion joint in a bridge is to:

A) Allow for thermal expansion and contraction B) Provide aesthetic appeal C) Increase load capacity D) Decrease maintenance costs Answer: A) Allow for thermal expansion and contraction

41. In structural engineering, the term “load” refers to:

A) The weight supported by a structure B) The amount of stress in materials C) The total force applied to a beam D) The volume of materials used Answer: A) The weight supported by a structure

42. Which of the following is a common type of concrete?

A) High-strength concrete B) Lightweight concrete C) Reinforced concrete D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

43. The purpose of a geotechnical investigation is to:

A) Assess soil conditions B) Determine structural loads C) Design drainage systems D) Evaluate environmental impact Answer: A) Assess soil conditions

44. The load factor in structural design accounts for:

A) Material quality B) Uncertainties in loads C) Construction methods D) Aesthetic considerations Answer: B) Uncertainties in loads

45. What does the term “surcharge” refer to in civil engineering?

A) Additional load on a structure B) Extra material C) Maintenance cost D) Construction delay Answer: A) Additional load on a structure

46. Which of the following is a type of steel beam?

A) I-beam B) T-beam C) L-beam D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

47. The process of converting a liquid into a solid is known as:

A) Crystallization B) Solidification C) Precipitation D) Polymerization Answer: B) Solidification

48. The concept of “sustainability” in civil engineering refers to:

A) Short-term cost savings B) Long-term environmental impact C) Immediate structural needs D) Aesthetic design choices Answer: B) Long-term environmental impact

49. Which of the following is a common cause of concrete failure?

A) Excessive loading B) Poor curing C) Chemical attack D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

50. What is the main advantage of using precast concrete?

A) Faster construction time B) Lower costs C) Improved durability D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

51. Which type of cement is used for underwater construction?

A) Rapid-hardening cement B) Portland cement C) Sulfate-resisting cement D) Hydrophobic cement Answer: D) Hydrophobic cement

52. The role of a civil engineer primarily involves:

A) Designing structures B) Managing construction projects C) Ensuring safety and compliance D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

53. The term “shear force” refers to:

A) The force that acts perpendicular to the cross-section B) The force that acts parallel to the cross-section C) The total weight of a structure D) The bending moment in a beam Answer: B) The force that acts parallel to the cross-section

54. Which of the following is a renewable resource used in construction?

A) Coal B) Steel C) Bamboo D) Plastic Answer: C) Bamboo

55. The main purpose of a concrete curing process is to:

A) Increase temperature B) Maintain moisture C) Reduce weight D) Speed up construction Answer: B) Maintain moisture

56. In surveying, what does “contour” represent?

A) The layout of a building B) The elevation of the land C) The boundaries of a property D) The materials used Answer: B) The elevation of the land

57. Which of the following structures requires wind load considerations?

A) Bridges B) High-rise buildings C) Water tanks D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

58. What is the primary purpose of a culvert?

A) To provide support for structures B) To allow water to flow under roads or railways C) To collect rainwater D) To control erosion Answer: B) To allow water to flow under roads or railways

59. The process of designing a structure to withstand dynamic loads is known as:

A) Structural analysis B) Seismic design C) Load path analysis D) Material testing Answer: B) Seismic design

60. Which of the following is NOT a common type of soil?

A) Clay B) Sand C) Rock D) Plastic Answer: D) Plastic

61. The term “pavement” refers to:

A) The surface layer of a road B) The base layer of a road C) The subgrade of a road D) The drainage system of a road Answer: A) The surface layer of a road

62. What is the purpose of a spillway in a dam?

A) To manage water levels B) To generate electricity C) To store water D) To prevent flooding Answer: A) To manage water levels

63. In which area of civil engineering is the term “transverse” commonly used?

A) Structural design B) Hydraulics C) Geotechnical engineering D) Traffic engineering Answer: A) Structural design

64. The primary advantage of using geotextiles in civil engineering is:

A) Improved aesthetics B) Increased soil stability C) Cost reduction D) Increased flexibility Answer: B) Increased soil stability

65. What is the function of a traffic signal in urban planning?

A) To enhance aesthetics B) To manage vehicle flow C) To support road structures D) To monitor traffic speed Answer: B) To manage vehicle flow

66. The main disadvantage of using timber in construction is:

A) Durability B) Cost C) Environmental impact D) Fire resistance Answer: D) Fire resistance

67. What is the most common type of structural load in buildings?

A) Live load B) Dead load C) Wind load D) Seismic load Answer: B) Dead load

68. The term “retaining wall” refers to a structure that:

A) Holds back soil B) Provides aesthetics C) Supports water D) Is only used in landscaping Answer: A) Holds back soil

69. The process of removing soil to prepare for construction is called:

A) Excavation B) Backfilling C) Grading D) Compaction Answer: A) Excavation

70. What is the primary objective of quality control in construction?

A) To reduce costs B) To ensure safety and durability C) To speed up construction D) To enhance aesthetics Answer: B) To ensure safety and durability

71. The typical span range of a reinforced concrete beam is:

A) 5 to 10 feet B) 10 to 20 feet C) 20 to 40 feet D) 40 to 60 feet Answer: C) 20 to 40 feet

72. Which of the following factors can affect concrete strength?

A) Water-cement ratio B) Curing time C) Aggregate type D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

73. The primary purpose of a foundation inspection is to:

A) Ensure compliance with codes B) Assess aesthetic quality C) Evaluate cost-effectiveness D) Measure material strength Answer: A) Ensure compliance with codes

74. What does the term “hydraulic gradient” refer to?

A) The slope of a water body B) The change in water level over a distance C) The pressure in a fluid D) The velocity of water flow Answer: B) The change in water level over a distance

75. Which of the following is a characteristic of lightweight concrete?

A) Higher density B) Better insulation C) Increased compressive strength D) Lower thermal conductivity Answer: B) Better insulation

76. In construction, what does “load-bearing” refer to?

A) The capacity of a material to bear weight B) The type of construction material used C) The design of non-structural elements D) The method of construction Answer: A) The capacity of a material to bear weight

77. What is the primary cause of soil erosion?

A) Wind B) Water C) Human activity D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above

78. Which of the following is an example of a composite material?

A) Concrete B) Steel C) Reinforced concrete D) Wood Answer: C) Reinforced concrete

79. What is the main environmental benefit of using recycled materials in construction?

A) Cost savings B) Reduced waste C) Improved aesthetics D) Increased durability Answer: B) Reduced waste

80. The term “asphalt” refers to:

A) A type of concrete B) A bituminous material used for paving C) A steel alloy D) A type of plastic Answer: B) A bituminous material used for paving

General Knowledge

81. What is the capital city of Australia? A) Sydney B) Melbourne C) Canberra D) Brisbane Answer: C) Canberra 82. Who is known as the “Father of the Nation” in Pakistan? A) Allama Iqbal B) Liaquat Ali Khan C) Muhammad Ali Jinnah D) Benazir Bhutto Answer: C) Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Pakistan Studies

83. In which year did Pakistan become an independent country? A) 1945 B) 1947 C) 1950 D) 1952 Answer: B) 1947 84. The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the world’s oldest civilizations and is located in which modern-day country? A) India B) Pakistan C) Bangladesh D) Afghanistan Answer: B) Pakistan

Current Affairs

85. Which country recently hosted the G20 summit in 2023? A) India B) Brazil C) South Africa D) USA Answer: A) India 86. Who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023? A) Greta Thunberg B) Malala Yousafzai C) Abiy Ahmed D) Ales Bialiatski Answer: D) Ales Bialiatski

Geography

87. What is the largest desert in the world? A) Sahara Desert B) Arabian Desert C) Gobi Desert D) Kalahari Desert Answer: A) Sahara Desert 88. Which mountain range separates Europe and Asia? A) Andes B) Himalayas C) Ural Mountains D) Rocky Mountains Answer: C) Ural Mountains

English

89. What is the synonym of “happy”? A) Sad B) Joyful C) Angry D) Tired Answer: B) Joyful 90. Which of the following sentences is correct? A) She go to school every day. B) She goes to school every day. C) She going to school every day. D) She gone to school every day. Answer: B) She goes to school every day.

Urdu

91. “کتاب” کا انگریزی کیا ہے؟ A) Table B) Chair C) Book D) Pen Answer: C) Book 92. “محبت” کا مترادف کیا ہے؟ A) نفرت B) دوستی C) شوق D) پیار Answer: D) پیار

Basic Mathematics

93. What is 15% of 200? A) 20 B) 25 C) 30 D) 35 Answer: C) 30 94. If a triangle has a base of 10 cm and a height of 5 cm, what is its area? A) 15 cm² B) 25 cm² C) 30 cm² D) 50 cm² Answer: B) 25 cm²

Everyday Science

95. What is the boiling point of water in Celsius? A) 50°C B) 75°C C) 100°C D) 120°C Answer: C) 100°C 96. Which gas do plants primarily use for photosynthesis? A) Oxygen B) Carbon Dioxide C) Nitrogen D) Hydrogen Answer: B) Carbon Dioxide

Basic Computer Studies

97. What does the abbreviation ‘URL’ stand for? A) Universal Resource Locator B) Uniform Resource Locator C) Uniform Retrieval Locator D) Universal Retrieval Locator Answer: B) Uniform Resource Locator 98. Which device is used to connect a computer to the internet? A) Printer B) Modem C) Scanner D) Monitor Answer: B) Modem 99. What is the main function of the operating system? A) Run application software B) Manage hardware and software resources C) Provide internet access D) Store data Answer: B) Manage hardware and software resources 100. Which of the following is not an input device? A) Keyboard B) Mouse C) Monitor D) Scanner Answer: C) Monitor
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