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