Transportation Engineering MCQs for APSC JE (PWD & WRD) - 2

Transportation Engineering MCQs for APSC JE (PWD & WRD) - Additional Topics

1. Bridge Engineering

Q1. What is the primary function of a bridge abutment?

a) Support the bridge deck b) Resist lateral earth pressure and support ends c) Provide aesthetic appeal d) Increase traffic flow

Answer: b) Resist lateral earth pressure and support ends
Explanation: Abutments support the bridge ends and retain the approach embankment.

Q2. Which type of bridge is best suited for long spans?

a) Arch bridge b) Suspension bridge c) Beam bridge d) Truss bridge

Answer: b) Suspension bridge
Explanation: Suspension bridges can span long distances due to their cable-supported design.

Q3. The term 'skew bridge' refers to a bridge where:

a) The deck is curved b) The alignment is not perpendicular to the obstacle c) The span is unusually short d) The foundation is shallow

Answer: b) The alignment is not perpendicular to the obstacle
Explanation: Skew bridges cross obstacles at an angle other than 90 degrees.

Q4. What is the purpose of a bridge bearing?

a) Increase bridge height b) Transfer loads and allow movement c) Improve aesthetic design d) Reduce construction time

Answer: b) Transfer loads and allow movement
Explanation: Bearings transmit loads while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.

Q5. Which test is used to assess the load-carrying capacity of a bridge?

a) Penetration test b) Load test c) CBR test d) Flakiness test

Answer: b) Load test
Explanation: Load tests verify a bridge's ability to withstand design loads safely.

2. Tunnel Engineering

Q6. The primary purpose of tunnel lining is to:

a) Improve aesthetics b) Provide structural stability c) Increase tunnel length d) Reduce construction cost

Answer: b) Provide structural stability
Explanation: Lining supports the surrounding ground and prevents collapse.

Q7. Which method is commonly used for tunneling in soft ground?

a) Drill and blast b) Shield tunneling c) Cut and cover d) Open excavation

Answer: b) Shield tunneling
Explanation: Shield tunneling protects workers and controls ground settlement in soft soils.

Q8. Ventilation in tunnels is critical to:

a) Reduce construction time b) Remove exhaust gases and ensure air quality c) Increase tunnel width d) Enhance lighting

Answer: b) Remove exhaust gases and ensure air quality
Explanation: Ventilation systems maintain safe air conditions for users.

Q9. The term 'invert' in tunnel engineering refers to:

a) The tunnel roof b) The tunnel floor c) The side walls d) The entrance portal

Answer: b) The tunnel floor
Explanation: The invert is the bottom portion of the tunnel, often curved for stability.

Q10. Which instrument is used to monitor ground settlement during tunneling?

a) Theodolite b) Settlement gauge c) Tachometer d) Barometer

Answer: b) Settlement gauge
Explanation: Settlement gauges measure surface and subsurface movements.

3. Harbour and Dock Engineering

Q11. The primary function of a breakwater is to:

a) Facilitate ship anchoring b) Protect the harbour from waves c) Increase water depth d) Enhance cargo handling

Answer: b) Protect the harbour from waves
Explanation: Breakwaters reduce wave energy to ensure safe berthing.

Q12. A dry dock is used for:

a) Cargo loading b) Ship repair and maintenance c) Passenger boarding d) Water storage

Answer: b) Ship repair and maintenance
Explanation: Dry docks allow ships to be repaired out of water.

Q13. The term 'fender' in dock engineering refers to:

a) A navigation aid b) A protective device for berthing c) A type of crane d) A water barrier

Answer: b) A protective device for berthing
Explanation: Fenders absorb impact energy during ship docking.

Q14. Dredging in a harbour is performed to:

a) Increase wave height b) Maintain navigable depth c) Reduce ship speed d) Improve aesthetics

Answer: b) Maintain navigable depth
Explanation: Dredging removes sediment to ensure safe passage for ships.

Q15. The entrance channel of a harbour should be aligned with:

a) Local roads b) Prevailing currents and winds c) Harbour size d) Ship length

Answer: b) Prevailing currents and winds
Explanation: Alignment minimizes navigation hazards and ensures safe entry.

4. Transportation Planning and Management

Q16. The primary goal of transportation planning is to:

a) Increase road construction b) Optimize mobility and accessibility c) Reduce vehicle production d) Ignore environmental impacts

Answer: b) Optimize mobility and accessibility
Explanation: Planning ensures efficient and sustainable transport systems.

Q17. A travel demand model is used to:

a) Design pavements b) Forecast future traffic needs c) Measure soil strength d) Construct bridges

Answer: b) Forecast future traffic needs
Explanation: Models predict travel patterns to guide infrastructure planning.

Q18. The term 'modal split' refers to:

a) Division of road lanes b) Distribution of trips among transport modes c) Splitting of traffic signals d) Separation of pavements

Answer: b) Distribution of trips among transport modes
Explanation: Modal split analyzes preferences for cars, buses, trains, etc.

Q19. Which factor is considered in urban transportation planning?

a) Only construction costs b) Land use patterns c) Random route selection d) Ignoring population density

Answer: b) Land use patterns
Explanation: Land use influences travel demand and infrastructure needs.

Q20. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) primarily aim to:

a) Increase road width b) Enhance safety and efficiency using technology c) Reduce vehicle speed d) Eliminate public transport

Answer: b) Enhance safety and efficiency using technology
Explanation: ITS uses sensors, cameras, and data to optimize traffic flow.

5. Environmental Aspects of Transportation

Q21. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a highway project evaluates:

a) Only construction costs b) Effects on ecosystems and communities c) Vehicle speed limits d) Pavement materials

Answer: b) Effects on ecosystems and communities
Explanation: EIA identifies and mitigates environmental and social impacts.

Q22. Noise barriers along highways are installed to:

a) Increase traffic speed b) Reduce noise pollution c) Improve road aesthetics d) Strengthen pavements

Answer: b) Reduce noise pollution
Explanation: Barriers shield nearby areas from vehicle noise.

Q23. Which gas is primarily emitted by vehicles contributing to air pollution?

a) Oxygen b) Carbon monoxide c) Nitrogen d) Helium

Answer: b) Carbon monoxide
Explanation: Vehicle exhausts release CO, harmful to health and the environment.

Q24. Green highways incorporate:

a) Only aesthetic plants b) Sustainable materials and eco-friendly design c) Wider lanes only d) Reduced safety measures

Answer: b) Sustainable materials and eco-friendly design
Explanation: Green highways minimize environmental impact through sustainable practices.

Q25. Wetlands are protected during road construction to:

a) Increase construction speed b) Preserve biodiversity and water quality c) Reduce material costs d) Enhance road alignment

Answer: b) Preserve biodiversity and water quality
Explanation: Wetlands support ecosystems and filter water, requiring protection.

6. Transportation Economics

Q26. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) is used to:

a) Measure pavement thickness b) Evaluate project economic viability c) Calculate vehicle speed d) Determine soil strength

Answer: b) Evaluate project economic viability
Explanation: BCR compares benefits (e.g., time savings) to costs.

Q27. Vehicle operating cost (VOC) includes:

a) Only road construction costs b) Fuel, maintenance, and depreciation c) Traffic signal installation d) Environmental taxes only

Answer: b) Fuel, maintenance, and depreciation
Explanation: VOC reflects expenses incurred by vehicle users.

Q28. The term 'externalities' in transportation refers to:

a) Internal project costs b) Unintended impacts like pollution c) Vehicle design features d) Road alignment

Answer: b) Unintended impacts like pollution
Explanation: Externalities include societal costs not borne by users.

Q29. A toll road is an example of:

a) Free public infrastructure b) User-pay financing c) Non-revenue transport d) Temporary road closure

Answer: b) User-pay financing
Explanation: Toll roads recover costs through user fees.

Q30. Time savings in transportation projects are considered a:

a) Construction cost b) Economic benefit c) Environmental cost d) Design flaw

Answer: b) Economic benefit
Explanation: Reduced travel time increases productivity and efficiency.