Transportation Engineering MCQs for APSC JE (PWD & WRD)

1. Highway Planning and Alignment

Q1. What is the primary objective of highway planning?

a) Maximize construction cost b) Ensure safe and efficient movement of traffic c) Increase road length unnecessarily d) Avoid environmental considerations

Answer: b) Ensure safe and efficient movement of traffic
Explanation: Highway planning aims to provide a safe, efficient, and economical transportation system.

Q2. Which factor is considered during highway alignment selection?

a) Proximity to industrial areas only b) Topography and soil conditions c) Random selection of routes d) Ignoring population centers

Answer: b) Topography and soil conditions
Explanation: Alignment is chosen based on terrain, soil stability, and cost-effectiveness.

Q3. What is the minimum width of a National Highway in plain areas?

a) 3.5 m b) 7.0 m c) 12.0 m d) 15.0 m

Answer: c) 12.0 m
Explanation: As per IRC, the standard width for a two-lane National Highway in plain areas is 12 m.

Q4. The term 'obligatory points' in highway alignment refers to:

a) Points where roads can be avoided b) Critical locations that the road must pass through c) Temporary survey points d) Points with no significance

Answer: b) Critical locations that the road must pass through
Explanation: Obligatory points include bridges, towns, or river crossings that dictate alignment.

Q5. Which survey is conducted first during highway planning?

a) Detailed survey b) Reconnaissance survey c) Preliminary survey d) Construction survey

Answer: b) Reconnaissance survey
Explanation: Reconnaissance survey is the initial step to assess feasibility and routes.

2. Traffic Engineering

Q6. What is the unit of traffic volume?

a) Vehicles per hour b) Passengers per km c) Tons per day d) Speed per minute

Answer: a) Vehicles per hour
Explanation: Traffic volume measures the number of vehicles passing a point per unit time.

Q7. The peak hour factor (PHF) is used to:

a) Measure road width b) Analyze traffic flow variation within an hour c) Calculate pavement thickness d) Determine soil strength

Answer: b) Analyze traffic flow variation within an hour
Explanation: PHF indicates the ratio of peak 15-minute flow to hourly flow.

Q8. What is the purpose of a speed breaker?

a) Increase vehicle speed b) Reduce vehicle speed for safety c) Improve road aesthetics d) Increase traffic volume

Answer: b) Reduce vehicle speed for safety
Explanation: Speed breakers are installed to slow down vehicles in critical areas.

Q9. Which device is used to measure spot speed?

a) Odometer b) Radar gun c) Tachometer d) Speedometer

Answer: b) Radar gun
Explanation: Radar guns accurately measure the instantaneous speed of vehicles.

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Q10. The term PCU stands for:

a) Passenger Car Unit b) Public Carrier Unit c) Pavement Condition Unit d) Pedestrian Control Unit

Answer: a) Passenger Car Unit
Explanation: PCU is used to standardize different vehicle types for traffic analysis.

3. Pavement Materials and Design

Q11. Which material is commonly used as a binder in bituminous pavements?

a) Cement b) Bitumen c) Lime d) Fly ash

Answer: b) Bitumen
Explanation: Bitumen acts as a binder to hold aggregates in bituminous pavements.

Q12. The CBR test is used to evaluate:

a) Bitumen viscosity b) Soil strength for pavement design c) Aggregate hardness d) Pavement thickness

Answer: b) Soil strength for pavement design
Explanation: California Bearing Ratio (CBR) measures subgrade soil strength.

Q13. A flexible pavement primarily distributes load through:

a) Beam action b) Grain-to-grain contact c) Slab action d) Tensile strength

Answer: b) Grain-to-grain contact
Explanation: Flexible pavements rely on aggregate interlocking to distribute loads.

Q14. The function of the base course in a pavement is to:

a) Provide drainage only b) Distribute load and provide strength c) Improve aesthetics d) Reduce construction cost

Answer: b) Distribute load and provide strength
Explanation: The base course supports the surface layer and spreads loads.

Q15. Which test determines the aggregate impact value?

a) Los Angeles abrasion test b) Aggregate impact test c) Penetration test d) Flakiness index test

Answer: b) Aggregate impact test
Explanation: This test measures the toughness of aggregates under impact.

4. Geometric Design of Highways

Q16. The minimum radius of a horizontal curve depends on:

a) Pavement width b) Design speed c) Traffic volume d) Road color

Answer: b) Design speed
Explanation: Curve radius is calculated based on the design speed for safety.

Q17. What is the purpose of superelevation?

a) Increase road width b) Counteract centrifugal force on curves c) Improve drainage only d) Reduce pavement thickness

Answer: b) Counteract centrifugal force on curves
Explanation: Superelevation tilts the road to balance lateral forces.

Q18. The stopping sight distance is influenced by:

a) Driver’s reaction time b) Road color c) Pavement material d) Vehicle weight

Answer: a) Driver’s reaction time
Explanation: SSD depends on speed, reaction time, and braking efficiency.

Q19. The extra widening of pavement on curves is provided for:

a) Aesthetic purposes b) Vehicle off-tracking c) Reducing construction cost d) Increasing speed

Answer: b) Vehicle off-tracking
Explanation: Extra widening accommodates the wider path of vehicles on curves.

Q20. The gradient of a road is expressed as:

a) Percentage or ratio b) Speed in km/h c) Width in meters d) Volume in vehicles

Answer: a) Percentage or ratio
Explanation: Gradient is the slope, given as a percentage or ratio like 1:20.

5. Highway Construction and Maintenance

Q21. The purpose of compaction in road construction is to:

a) Increase porosity b) Improve density and strength c) Reduce material usage d) Enhance water flow

Answer: b) Improve density and strength
Explanation: Compaction reduces voids, increasing pavement stability.

Q22. Which equipment is used for laying bituminous mix?

a) Bulldozer b) Paver c) Grader d) Excavator

Answer: b) Paver
Explanation: Pavers uniformly spread and level bituminous mixes.

Q23. A pothole in a road is an example of:

a) Structural failure b) Surface distress c) Design error d) Alignment issue

Answer: b) Surface distress
Explanation: Potholes indicate surface deterioration due to wear or water ingress.

Q24. The process of filling cracks in pavements is called:

a) Overlaying b) Seal coating c) Crack sealing d) Reconstruction

Answer: c) Crack sealing
Explanation: Crack sealing prevents water entry and further pavement damage.

Q25. What is the purpose of a tack coat?

a) Provide surface texture b) Bond pavement layers c) Increase pavement thickness d) Reduce construction time

Answer: b) Bond pavement layers
Explanation: Tack coat ensures adhesion between bituminous layers.

6. Railway and Airport Engineering

Q26. The gauge of a broad-gauge railway track is:

a) 1.000 m b) 1.435 m c) 1.676 m d) 0.762 m

Answer: c) 1.676 m
Explanation: Broad gauge in India is 1.676 m, as per Indian Railways standards.

Q27. The component of a railway track that holds rails in position is:

a) Ballast b) Sleeper c) Rail d) Fastening

Answer: b) Sleeper
Explanation: Sleepers provide support and maintain rail alignment.

Q28. The taxiway in an airport is used for:

a) Aircraft takeoff b) Aircraft movement to and from runway c) Passenger boarding d) Cargo loading

Answer: b) Aircraft movement to and from runway
Explanation: Taxiways connect runways to terminals and hangars.

Q29. The ballast in a railway track primarily provides:

a) Aesthetic appeal b) Stability and drainage c) Rail strength d) Noise reduction

Answer: b) Stability and drainage
Explanation: Ballast distributes loads and allows water to drain.

Q30. The runway orientation is primarily based on:

a) Local population b) Prevailing wind direction c) Airport budget d) Road connectivity

Answer: b) Prevailing wind direction
Explanation: Runways are aligned with wind direction for safe takeoffs and landings.