Civil Engineering MCQs
Civil Engineering MCQs are vital for students, graduates, and professionals preparing for government jobs and engineering tests. This category includes questions on structural analysis, concrete technology, geotechnical engineering, construction materials, fluid mechanics, transportation engineering, and surveying. The MCQs are designed in alignment with the syllabus of exams conducted by PPSC, FPSC, NTS, and engineering universities. Each question aims to strengthen your theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. By practicing these MCQs, candidates can boost their confidence and ensure thorough preparation for civil engineering exams and interviews.
Q: Prestressed concrete is used to
A) Increase height
B) Reduce cost
C) Introduce tension to resist loads
D) Improve aesthetics
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Prestressing induces internal stresses to counter external loads, enhancing load capacity.
Q: A cantilever beam is supported at
A) Free ends
B) Centre only
C) Both ends
D) One end
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cantilevers are fixed at one end and free at the other to resist bending.
Q: The density of steel used in RCC design is taken as
A) 8050 kg/m³
B) 7850 kg/m³
C) 7500 kg/m³
D) 8200 kg/m³
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Standard density of steel is 7850 kg/m³ for structural calculations.
Q: Boussinesq’s theory is used in soil mechanics to determine
A) Vertical stress distribution
B) Shear strength
C) Compaction
D) Settlement
✅ Correct Answer: A
Explanation: It predicts how vertical stress is distributed in soil due to surface loads.
Q: A well point system is commonly used for
A) Excavation
B) Pile driving
C) Cleaning
D) Dewatering
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Well point systems lower the groundwater table for dry excavation work.
Q: The ratio of voids to solids in soil is called
A) Porosity
B) Void ratio
C) Degree of saturation
D) Air content
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Void ratio is the volume of voids divided by volume of solids in soil.
Q: The water that occupies all the pores of soil is called
A) Hygroscopic water
B) Capillary water
C) Gravitational water
D) Saturation water
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Saturation water fills all the pore spaces, representing full saturation.
Q: The standard size of a modular brick as per Indian Standard is
A) 20x10x10 cm
B) 23x11x7.5 cm
C) 22x10x10 cm
D) 19x9x9 cm
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: IS 1077 defines modular bricks as 190x90x90 mm.
Q: The characteristic strength of concrete is taken at
A) 28 days
B) 3 days
C) 7 days
D) 14 days
✅ Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Characteristic compressive strength is generally taken after 28 days of curing.
Q: The term “bleeding” in concrete refers to
A) Aggregate cracking
B) Separation of water
C) Steel rusting
D) Color change
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bleeding is the upward movement of water in freshly placed concrete.