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16 previous year questions for Civil Engineering from 3 years. Practice with year-wise breakdown.
16
Questions
3
Years
2
Papers
For the column section shown in the figure, determine the design strength components corresponding to the condition of 'balanced failure'. Assume M25 grade concrete and Fe 500 grade steel. Consider loading eccentricity with respect to the major axis alone. Assume 8 φ ties and 40 mm clear cover. Take Es = 2 × 10^5 N/mm².
Answer the following :
(a) A braced cut 7.0 m deep and 3.0 m wide is proposed in a cohesionless sand deposit. Assume that the first row of struts is located 0.5 m below ground level and the spacing of struts is 2.5 m as shown in the diagram. In plan, the struts are placed at a spacing of 2 m centre-to-centre. Using Peck’s empirical relation for pressure diagram, determine the design loads in the struts. The properties of sand are : Angle of shearing resistance = 30°, Bulk density = 16.5 kN/m³. [15M]
(b) A 5 m thick clay layer is subjected to drained condition both at top and bottom. It has few sand drains in square pattern. The spacing of sand drains is 3 m centre-to-centre. The coefficient of consolidation in vertical and radial directions are the same and equal to 5 × 10⁻³ m²/day. The radius of the sand drains is 0.25 m. Assuming that there is no smear at the periphery of drain wells, it has been estimated that a given uniform surcharge would cause a total consolidation settlement of 200 mm without sand drains. Find the consolidation settlement of the clay layer with the same surcharge and sand drains, at times of 6 months, 9 months and one year. Draw the variation of settlement with time. [15M]
(c(i)) A liquid whose specific gravity is 0.8 and dynamic viscosity is 1.8 poise flows in a vertical pipe of 8 cm diameter. Pressure gauges in the pipe, located 20 m apart, indicate a pressure of 180 kPa at the upper end and a pressure of 360 kPa at the lower end. Calculate the flow rate and find the direction of flow in the pipe. (Use Hagen–Poiseuille equation.) [10M]
(c(ii)) Water flows from A to B through a tapering pipe. The following data are given at sections A and B: Section A – Diameter of pipe : 12 cm; Elevation : 100.000 m; Gauge pressure : 30 kPa Section B – Diameter of pipe : 10 cm; Elevation : 101.000 m; Gauge pressure : 20 kPa Estimate the discharge in the pipe line. (Assume zero loss of energy between the two sections.) [10M]
Answer the following :
(a) The consolidated undrained (CU) tests were performed on four over-consolidated clay samples obtained from a site. The pre-consolidation pressure was 650 kN/m². The results of the triaxial test in CU condition are as follows: Sample 1 – Cell pressure 100 kN/m², Deviator stress 290 kN/m², Pore pressure –40 kN/m² Sample 2 – Cell pressure 200 kN/m², Deviator stress 430 kN/m², Pore pressure –20 kN/m² Sample 3 – Cell pressure 400 kN/m², Deviator stress 600 kN/m², Pore pressure 50 kN/m² Sample 4 – Cell pressure 600 kN/m², Deviator stress 840 kN/m², Pore pressure 110 kN/m² Determine the effective shear-strength parameters. Draw the variation of pore-pressure parameter ‘A’ (at failure) with over-consolidation ratio. [15M]
(b) A 250 mm diameter concrete pile 8 m long was driven by a double-acting hammer. The driving was carried out by a short dolly and cushion. The average penetration recorded in the last five blows was 3.0 mm per blow. Determine the safe pile load. As per IS 2911 (Part I) – 1979, the coefficient of restitution of the materials under impact for double-acting hammer striking on steel anvil and driving RCC pile is 0.5. The rated energy of hammer is 16.5 kJ and the mass of hammer is 22 kN. Assume that only 90 % of the rated energy is consumed. The density of RCC pile may be considered as 25 kN/m³. Assume the factor of safety as 2.5. [15M]
(c(i)) In a horizontal, rectangular channel, the sluice gate is opened. A hydraulic jump is formed downstream of the sluice gate. The depth of water before jump is 0.8 m and the specific energy before jump is 12.0 m. Find the sequent depth of the jump and the energy lost in the jump. What is the initial Froude number? Classify the jump based on the results obtained in the problem. [10M]
(c(ii)) A runoff-river plant is proposed to generate hydro-electric power. The net head available is 30 m. The river carries a sustainable flow of 30 m³/s in dry weather. Determine the maximum generating capacity. Daily load pattern indicates 20 h of average load and 4 h of peak load. Estimate the volume of pondage to be provided to supply the daily demand. Assume load factor = 85 % and efficiency = 80 %. [10M]
Design only the flexural reinforcement for a T-beam section to resist a service moment of 200 kNm. The details of the section are given below: Breadth of flange bf = 1400 mm Breadth of web bw = 300 mm Effective depth of the T-beam d = 455 mm Overall depth of the T-beam D = 500 mm Depth of flange Df = 125 mm Use M25 grade concrete and Fe 500 grade steel. Relevant portion of IS 456 : 2000 is enclosed.
A prestressed concrete T-beam having the cross-section of flange 1500 mm wide and 200 mm thick, rib 300 mm wide and 1200 mm deep. The beam carries a live load of 20 kN/m apart from its dead load, over a simply supported span of 20 m. The beam is prestressed with a straight cable having constant eccentricity ‘e’. Assume the losses of prestress as 16 %. Determine the initial prestressing force ‘Pi’ and its eccentricity ‘e’, if the permissible stresses are equal to zero tension and 5 MPa respectively at top and bottom fibres of the beam. The unit weight of concrete is 25 kN/m³.
A 125 mm diameter vertical cylinder rotates concentrically inside a fixed cylinder of diameter 130 mm. Both cylinders are 325 mm long. If a torque of 0·92 Nm is required to maintain a speed of 70 r.p.m., find the dynamic viscosity of the liquid that fills the space between the cylinders.
The resistance force F of a ship is a function of its length L, velocity V, acceleration due to gravity g and fluid properties like density ρ and viscosity μ. Write this relationship in a dimensionless form.
A canal is to be excavated through a soil with c = 20 kN/m², φ = 20°, e = 0·80 and G = 2·70. The side slope is 1 in 1. The depth of the canal is to be 8 m. Determine the factor of safety with respect to cohesion when the canal runs full. What will be the factor of safety if the canal is rapidly emptied? For β = 45°, the stability number for various φ values are as given above.
A retaining wall 8 m high, with a smooth vertical back is pushed against a soil mass having c = 50 kN/m², φ = 15° and unit weight 18 kN/m³. It carries a surcharge of 40 kN/m² uniformly on its top surface. Draw the passive pressure distribution diagram and find the point of application of the resultant thrust.
Q1. Answer all FIVE sub-parts: (a) An aluminium tensile specimen has a diameter of 30·50 mm and a gauge length of 275 mm. If a force of 17·50 × 10⁴ N elongates the gauge length by 1·28 mm, determine the Poisson’s ratio and the modulus of elasticity. Also, determine by how much the force contracts the diameter of the specimen. Assume shear modulus G = 22 GPa and yield strength σy = 435 N/mm². (b) A solid steel shaft of diameter 65 mm is to be designed using an allowable shear stress τallow = 60 N/mm² and an allowable angle of twist per metre θ = 1°05′. Determine the maximum permissible torque that may be applied to the shaft. Take shear modulus as 80 GPa. (c) In the figure shown below, a strong-box of mass 85 kg rests on a floor. The static coefficient of friction for the contact surface is 0·25. What is the largest force, F, and the highest position, h, for applying this force such that the strong-box will neither slip on the floor nor tip over? (d) As shown in the figure, a beam of symmetrical I-section spanning 8·0 m is prestressed by a parabolic cable with an eccentricity of 150 mm at mid-span and zero at supports. The beam supports a uniformly distributed live load of 2·5 kN/m. (i) Find the effective force in the cable that will balance the dead and live loads on the beam. (ii) Calculate the shift of the pressure line from the tendon’s centre-line. Take the unit weight of concrete as 24 kN/m³. (e) A tie member consisting of an ISA 75 × 50 × 8 angle (E-250 grade steel) is connected to a 12 mm thick gusset plate by a 6 mm fillet weld made in situ on three sides, as shown in the figure. The angle between fusion faces is 75°. Determine the lengths of weld Lw₁ and Lw₂ if the connection is to transmit a load equal to the design strength of the member. For ISA 75 × 50 × 8 : Ag = 938 mm² and Cxx = 25·2 mm. Take γm0 = 1·10; for site welding γmw = 1·5; K = 0·7 for 60°–90° angle between fusion faces. For E-250 grade steel: fu = 410 MPa, fy = 250 MPa.
(a) An aluminium tensile specimen has a diameter of 30·50 mm and a gauge length of 275 mm. If a force of 17·50 × 10⁴ N elongates the gauge length by 1·28 mm, determine the Poisson’s ratio and the modulus of elasticity. Also, determine by how much the force contracts the diameter of the specimen. Assume G = 22 GPa and σy = 435 N/mm². [10M]
(b) A solid steel shaft of diameter 65 mm is to be designed with an allowable shear stress τallow = 60 N/mm² and an allowable angle of twist of θ = 1°05′ per metre. Determine the maximum permissible torque that may be applied. Take shear modulus = 80 GPa. [10M]
(c) For the strong-box of mass 85 kg shown, determine the largest horizontal force F and the greatest height h at which it can be applied so that the box neither slips nor tips. The static coefficient of friction between box and floor is 0·25. [10M]
(d) A symmetrical I-section beam of 8·0 m span is prestressed by a parabolic cable having 150 mm eccentricity at mid-span and zero at supports. The beam carries a uniformly distributed live load of 2·5 kN/m. (i) Find the effective prestressing force in the cable that balances the dead and live loads. (ii) Compute the shift of the pressure line from the tendon’s centre-line. Use unit weight of concrete = 24 kN/m³. [10M]
(e) A tie member ISA 75 × 50 × 8 (E-250) is joined to a 12 mm gusset plate by 6 mm site fillet welds on three sides (angle between fusion faces = 75°). Find weld lengths Lw₁ and Lw₂ so that the joint transmits the full design strength of the member. Given: Ag = 938 mm², Cxx = 25·2 mm, γm0 = 1·10, γmw = 1·5, K = 0·7 (for 60°–90° angle), fu = 410 MPa, fy = 250 MPa. [10M]
SECTION 'A' 1.(a) What are the approximate limits of chemical (oxide) composition in hydraulic cement? Also state the function of oxides in brief. 1.(b) (i) Explain with neat sketches, how Work Breakdown Structure can be defined with respect to Construction Project Management. (ii) With an example, explain how the work breakdown structure can be classified. 1.(c) What do you understand by workability of concrete? Write the procedure for any one measurement method available to check the workability of concrete. 1.(d) A 100 km length railway line is to be constructed for doubling the existing track. Calculate the quantity of track material required to construct the track. Consider the length of rail as 13 m, density of sleepers as (n + 4) and width of sleeper as 250 mm. 1.(e) The Fore Bearing of side AB of regular hexagonal polygon ABCDEFA in whole circle bearing system is 120°. Find the Fore Bearings and Back Bearings of all the other sides. Also find the bearings of line BE and BF.
(a) What are the approximate limits of chemical (oxide) composition in hydraulic cement? Also state the function of oxides in brief. [10M]
(b) (i) Explain with neat sketches, how Work Breakdown Structure can be defined with respect to Construction Project Management. (ii) With an example, explain how the work breakdown structure can be classified. [10M]
(c) What do you understand by workability of concrete? Write the procedure for any one measurement method available to check the workability of concrete. [10M]
(d) A 100 km length railway line is to be constructed for doubling the existing track. Calculate the quantity of track material required to construct the track. Consider the length of rail as 13 m, density of sleepers as (n + 4) and width of sleeper as 250 mm. [10M]
(e) The Fore Bearing of side AB of regular hexagonal polygon ABCDEFA in whole circle bearing system is 120°. Find the Fore Bearings and Back Bearings of all the other sides. Also find the bearings of line BE and BF. [10M]
Q2. Answer both sub-parts: (a) Draw the shearing force and bending moment diagrams for the beam loaded as shown in the figure. (b) As per the limit-state method, a simply supported ISMB 550 @ 1·037 kN/m of 7 m effective span is required to carry a uniformly distributed load from a concrete slab, a central dead load of 100 kN, an additional live load of 150 kN, and its own distributed self-weight of 50 kN. Check the beam for (i) shear capacity, (ii) bending capacity, (iii) deflection, and (iv) bearing and web buckling at supports, using the data provided (fy = 250 MPa, E = 2 × 10⁵ MPa, γm0 = 1·1, βb = 1·0, ψ = 1·2, table of fcd values, etc.).
(a) Draw the shearing force and bending moment diagrams for the beam shown (load diagram provided). [15M]
(b) Using limit-state design, check the ISMB 550 beam (7 m span) carrying the given UDL of concrete slab, 100 kN central dead load, 150 kN live load and 50 kN self-weight for: (i) shear capacity, (ii) bending capacity, (iii) deflection, and (iv) bearing and web buckling at supports. Use fy = 250 MPa, E = 2 × 10⁵ MPa, γm0 = 1·1, βb = 1·0, ψ = 1·2 and the fcd values supplied. [35M]
2.(a) For a project consisting of several activities, the allotted time and the dependencies of the activities are presented below: Activity Duration (days) Pre-decessor P 5 – Q 4 – R 6 Q S 5 P T 7 P U 4 T, R (i) Prepare a network and mark critical path in it. (ii) Calculate Float, Earliest start, Earliest finish, Latest start and Latest finish times. 2.(b) Trains of different speeds are to be run on a 2° curve on a broad gauge. The average speed of trains to be run on the track is 80 kmph. Calculate the value of equilibrium cant. Also calculate the maximum permissible speed on the track allowing the maximum cant deficiency. 2.(c) (i) An aircraft flew at the altitude of 5000 m above the mean sea level. Two consecutive photographs were taken with the camera of focal length 300 mm on the flat ground having elevation of 2000 m above mean sea level. The longitudinal overlap is 65 % and photograph print size is 300 mm × 300 mm. Calculate the scale of the photograph and distance between the two consecutive exposure stations. (ii) What is spectral reflectance curve? Explain its significance in Remote Sensing.
(a) (i) Prepare a network and mark critical path in it. (ii) Calculate Float, Earliest start, Earliest finish, Latest start and Latest finish times for the given activities. [20M]
(b) Trains of different speeds are to be run on a 2° curve on a broad gauge. The average speed of trains is 80 km h⁻¹. Calculate the equilibrium cant and the maximum permissible speed allowing the maximum cant deficiency. [15M]
(c) (i) Determine the scale of aerial photographs and the spacing of two exposure stations for the flight data given. (ii) What is a spectral reflectance curve? Explain its significance in Remote Sensing. [15M]
A strip footing of width 2.8 m as shown in the figure is founded at a depth of 2.5 m below the ground surface in a C – φ soil. Water table is at a depth of 6 m below the ground surface. The average moist weight of soil above the water table is 18 kN/m³. Determine the ultimate bearing capacity, net ultimate bearing capacity, net allowable bearing pressure and the load per metre for a factor of safety of 2.5. Use the general shear failure theory of Terzaghi. Given : For φ = 30°, N_c = 37.2, N_q = 22.5, N_γ = 19.7 What will be the percent decrease in ultimate bearing capacity if, during flooding, the water level rises 2 m above ground surface?
3.(a) (i) Explain any two traffic surveys carried out to decide the geometric design features of a road. (ii) The relationship between speed and density for a given section of road was found to be v = 100 – 1.2 k, where v is speed in km h⁻¹ and k is density in vehicles km⁻¹. Calculate the speed and density at which maximum flow will occur. Also draw the speed-density, speed-flow and flow-density diagrams indicating the critical values. 3.(b) Starting from ground point A having elevation 100·500 m, levels from points B to F were taken inside a tunnel keeping the staff inverted. The above-staff readings observed are given in the table below. Calculate the levels of all the points marked inside the tunnel and apply the usual checks for calculations. (Complete staff readings table as provided.) 3.(c) Explain in brief (with neat sketches) the phenomenon of bulking of sand. How does bulking of sand affect the concrete mix?
(a) (i) Explain any two traffic surveys used in geometric design. (ii) Using v = 100 – 1.2 k, find speed and density for maximum flow and sketch the fundamental diagrams. [20M]
(b) From the staff readings observed inside the tunnel, compute the levels of points B to F and apply usual arithmetic checks. [15M]
(c) Explain, with neat sketches, the phenomenon of bulking of sand and discuss its effect on a concrete mix. [15M]
4.(a) A machine was purchased for ₹ 4,50,000 on 1st January 2001 and erection and installation cost was ₹ 80,000. The same machine was replaced by a new one on 31st December 2020. If the scrap value was estimated at ₹ 1,50,000: (i) What should be the rate of depreciation fund on 15th June 2010? (ii) If after 12 years of running, some assemblies are replaced and the replacement cost is ₹ 1,50,000, what will be the new rate of depreciation? 4.(b) What is dampness in a building? What are the main causes of dampness and what are the remedies being suggested for making a building damp-proof? 4.(c) A flexible pavement has been designed for two-lane single carriageway of width 7 m with the following data: (i) Commercial vehicles per day in each direction = 750 (as on 31-03-2018) (ii) Date of completion of construction = 31-03-2020 (iii) Rate of traffic growth = 10 % per annum (iv) Design life = 10 years (v) Vehicle damage factor = 2.0 (vi) Lane distribution factor (LDF) for 2-lane single carriageway road = 0.75 (vii) LDF for 4-lane dual carriageway road = 0.75 in each direction Due to some issues, starting of construction got delayed and work actually started on 01-04-2023. In the meantime, the government decided to develop the road as a four-lane dual carriageway. Considering the same design data as planned earlier, calculate the new design life of the project. Assume any additional data required for the design suitably.
(a) (i) Determine the rate of depreciation fund on 15 June 2010. (ii) After replacement of some assemblies costing ₹ 1,50,000, calculate the new rate of depreciation. [20M]
(b) Explain dampness in buildings, its main causes, and the remedies for making a building damp-proof. [15M]
(c) Using the given data, recalculate the design life of the flexible pavement when it is upgraded to a four-lane dual carriageway, assuming additional data wherever required. [15M]
We have 16 UPSC Mains Civil Engineering optional subject questions spanning 3 years (2023–2025).
Civil Engineering has 2 papers in UPSC Mains: Civil Engineering-I, Civil Engineering-II. Each paper carries 250 marks.