Home » Exam Prep » PE (Professional Engineer) Practice Exam

PE (Professional Engineer) Practice Exam

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Practice Test

PE (Professional Engineer) Practice Exam

1. Which of the following best represents the primary responsibility of a professional engineer?

A. To meet project deadlines and budgets
B. To serve the client’s interest above all else
C. To ensure public health, safety, and welfare
D. To follow the employer’s instructions exactly

Answer: C
Explanation: The foremost duty of a licensed professional engineer is to uphold the public health, safety, and welfare, even when it conflicts with client or employer demands.

✅ 2. A simply supported beam carries a uniformly distributed load. What is the maximum bending moment?

A. wL24\frac{wL^2}{4}4wL2​
B. wL28\frac{wL^2}{8}8wL2​
C. wL22\frac{wL^2}{2}2wL2​
D. wL26\frac{wL^2}{6}6wL2​

Answer: B
Explanation: For a uniformly distributed load (w) on a simply supported beam of span L, the maximum bending moment occurs at the center and is M=wL28M = \frac{wL^2}{8}M=8wL2​.

✅ 3. What is the Reynolds number used to characterize in fluid flow?

A. Compressibility
B. Surface tension
C. Laminar vs. turbulent flow
D. Fluid pressure

Answer: C
Explanation: The Reynolds number helps determine whether fluid flow is laminar (Re < 2000) or turbulent (Re > 4000) by comparing inertial forces to viscous forces.

✅ 4. An ethical engineer receives a lucrative offer to leak a competitor’s design. What is the most appropriate response?

A. Accept privately
B. Report the request to authorities
C. Decline and stay silent
D. Accept to gain leverage

Answer: B
Explanation: Any request for unethical behavior should be reported, especially if it involves confidentiality or intellectual property violations.

✅ 5. A steel rod elongates 2 mm under a tensile force of 50 kN. If the original length was 1 m, what is the strain?

A. 0.002
B. 0.0002
C. 0.02
D. 0.2

Answer: B
Explanation: Strain ϵ=ΔLL=21000=0.002\epsilon = \frac{\Delta L}{L} = \frac{2}{1000} = 0.002ϵ=LΔL​=10002​=0.002.

✅ 6. In thermodynamics, what does the First Law state?

A. Entropy of the universe is constant
B. Energy cannot be destroyed or created
C. Heat cannot transfer without work
D. Systems move toward equilibrium

Answer: B
Explanation: The First Law states that energy is conserved; it can change form but not be created or destroyed.

✅ 7. What is the unit of kinematic viscosity in SI?

A. m²/s
B. N·s/m²
C. m/s²
D. Pa

Answer: A
Explanation: Kinematic viscosity is the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density, measured in m²/s.

✅ 8. Which of the following is NOT a typical failure mode in brittle materials?

A. Shear
B. Tensile fracture
C. Plastic deformation
D. Cleavage

Answer: C
Explanation: Plastic deformation is characteristic of ductile, not brittle, materials.

✅ 9. Which scheduling method identifies the longest path through a project?

A. PERT
B. CPM
C. Gantt
D. Monte Carlo

Answer: B
Explanation: The Critical Path Method (CPM) is used to determine the longest sequence of dependent tasks and the minimum project duration.

✅ 10. What is the main purpose of a factor of safety (FoS)?

A. Reduce costs
B. Increase profit
C. Prevent failure under uncertainty
D. Meet aesthetic goals

Answer: C
Explanation: FoS accounts for unknowns and variations, ensuring structures or systems remain safe under unexpected loads or conditions.

✅ 11. The primary mode of heat transfer through a vacuum is:

A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. Diffusion

Answer: C
Explanation: Radiation is the only heat transfer mode that does not require a medium and occurs even in a vacuum.

✅ 12. What is Bernoulli’s equation based on?

A. Newton’s Second Law
B. Conservation of Energy
C. Conservation of Mass
D. Pascal’s Principle

Answer: B
Explanation: Bernoulli’s equation expresses conservation of mechanical energy in fluid flow.

✅ 13. Which document legally protects a design engineer’s drawing?

A. Trademark
B. Copyright
C. Trade secret
D. Patent

Answer: B
Explanation: Engineering drawings are typically protected by copyright, not patents (unless they describe an invention).

✅ 14. What is the modulus of elasticity also known as?

A. Yield strength
B. Young’s modulus
C. Shear modulus
D. Bulk modulus

Answer: B
Explanation: The modulus of elasticity is the slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic region, also called Young’s modulus.

✅ 15. When is backflow prevention required in a piping system?

A. When pressure is constant
B. To reduce temperature
C. To avoid contamination
D. For noise reduction

Answer: C
Explanation: Backflow can cause contamination, especially in potable water systems; hence, backflow preventers are essential.

✅ 16. Which steel shape offers the best moment of inertia per unit weight for bending?

A. Circular bar
B. Rectangular plate
C. I-beam
D. Square tube

Answer: C
Explanation: The I-beam has most of its material at the top and bottom flanges, maximizing moment of inertia for bending resistance.

✅ 17. A fluid is incompressible if:

A.Its density varies with temperature
B. Its viscosity is zero
C. Its density does not change under pressure
D. It has constant velocity

Answer: C
Explanation: Incompressibility implies density remains constant, even under varying pressures.

✅ 18. What does LEED certification measure?

A. Cost efficiency
B. Structural safety
C. Environmental sustainability
D. Electrical load balancing

Answer: C
Explanation: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) assesses environmental sustainability in construction.

✅ 19. Which type of stress is most critical in shaft design under torque?

A. Axial
B. Bending
C. Shear
D. Thermal

Answer: C
Explanation: Torque causes shear stress, which is the main design criterion for shafts under torsion.

✅ 20. What is the likely consequence of cavitation in pumps?

A. Increased efficiency
B. Noise reduction
C. Damage to impellers
D. Decreased flow rate

Answer: C
Explanation: Cavitation causes bubble collapse, which can erode pump impellers and damage the equipment.

✅ 21. In concrete design, what does rebar help resist?

A. Compression
B. Shear
C. Tension
D. Torsion

Answer: C
Explanation: Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so rebar (reinforcing steel) is used to resist tensile forces.

✅ 22. What is the main role of an expansion joint in bridges?

A. Add aesthetic value
B. Strengthen the structure
C. Absorb temperature-induced movement
D. Reduce water seepage

Answer: C
Explanation: Expansion joints accommodate thermal expansion and contraction to prevent cracking.

✅ 23. Which project delivery method combines design and construction services?

A. Design-Bid-Build
B. Design-Build
C. Construction Manager at Risk
D. Turnkey

Answer: B
Explanation: In Design-Build, one entity provides both design and construction, promoting collaboration and efficiency.

✅ 24. A cantilever beam with a point load at the free end has maximum moment at:

A. The free end
B. The midpoint
C. The fixed support
D. Zero everywhere

Answer: C
Explanation: Maximum bending moment for a cantilever occurs at the fixed support, where moment = PL.

✅ 25. What defines a ductile material?

A. Fails without warning
B. Exhibits high stiffness
C. Yields and elongates before fracture
D. Is brittle under impact

Answer: C
Explanation: Ductile materials, like steel, undergo significant plastic deformation before failure.

✅ 26. How often must a PE license typically be renewed (in most U.S. states)?

A. Every year
B. Every 2 years
C. Every 5 years
D. Lifetime validity

Answer: B
Explanation: Most states require biennial renewal of PE licenses, with continuing education requirements.

✅ 27. Which system law does the continuity equation in fluid mechanics represent?

A. Conservation of mass
B. Conservation of energy
C. Conservation of momentum
D. Conservation of temperature

Answer: A
Explanation: The continuity equation ensures mass entering equals mass leaving a control volume.

✅ 28. What’s the most common cause of structural failure in buildings?

A. Design error
B. Material fatigue
C. Earthquakes
D. Construction error

Answer: A
Explanation: Studies show that design errors, such as incorrect assumptions or miscalculations, are leading causes of failure.

✅ 29. The primary purpose of QA (Quality Assurance) in engineering is to:

A. Reduce budget
B. Increase timeline
C. Ensure compliance with standards
D. Accelerate design

Answer: C
Explanation: QA ensures that products or processes meet engineering and industry standards consistently.

✅ 30. In structural steel design, lateral torsional buckling typically affects:

A. Columns
B. Short beams
C. Slender beams without bracing
D. Foundations

Answer: C
Explanation: Slender, unbraced beams can twist and bend laterally under bending loads—a phenomenon called lateral torsional buckling.

 

A simply supported beam with a span of 6 meters carries a uniformly distributed load of 5 kN/m. What is the maximum bending moment in the beam?

A. 45 kNm
B. 60 kNm
C. 90 kNm
D. 75 kNm

Answer: A. 45 kNm
Explanation: For a simply supported beam with a UDL:
Mmax=wL28=5×628=1808=22.5 kNmM_{max} = \frac{wL^2}{8} = \frac{5 \times 6^2}{8} = \frac{180}{8} = 22.5 \, \text{kNm}Mmax​=8wL2​=85×62​=8180​=22.5kNm
Wait — this seems off. Let’s recheck:
Mmax=wL28=5×368=1808=22.5 kNmM_{max} = \frac{wL^2}{8} = \frac{5 \times 36}{8} = \frac{180}{8} = 22.5 \, \text{kNm}Mmax​=8wL2​=85×36​=8180​=22.5kNm
Correct answer is 22.5 kNm, which is not in the choices — update needed.
🛠 Updated Question: A simply supported beam with a span of 6 meters carries a uniformly distributed load of 10 kN/m. What is the maximum bending moment?

Correct Calculation:
Mmax=10×628=3608=45 kNmM_{max} = \frac{10 \times 6^2}{8} = \frac{360}{8} = 45 \, \text{kNm}Mmax​=810×62​=8360​=45kNm
Answer: A. 45 kNm

Which of the following soil types has the highest shear strength under dry conditions?

A. Clay
B. Silt
C. Gravel
D. Peat

Answer: C. Gravel
Explanation: Under dry conditions, granular soils like gravel have the highest shear strength due to interlocking of particles. Clay has higher strength when wet due to cohesion but is weaker when dry compared to gravel.

What is the minimum concrete cover required for rebar in a cast-in-place concrete beam exposed to weather, as per ACI 318?

A. 20 mm
B. 25 mm
C. 30 mm
D. 40 mm

Answer: B. 25 mm
Explanation: According to ACI 318, the minimum cover for rebar exposed to weather is 25 mm (1 inch) for bars ≤ 20 mm diameter. For larger bars, it is 40 mm.

A 500 mm diameter pipe carries water at a velocity of 3 m/s. What is the flow rate in liters per second?

A. 1770 L/s
B. 2355 L/s
C. 589 L/s
D. 600 L/s

Answer: A. 1770 L/s
Explanation:
Q=A⋅V=(π⋅D24)⋅VQ = A \cdot V = \left( \frac{\pi \cdot D^2}{4} \right) \cdot VQ=A⋅V=(4π⋅D2​)⋅V
D=0.5 m→A=π⋅0.524=0.1963 m2D = 0.5 \, \text{m} \rightarrow A = \frac{\pi \cdot 0.5^2}{4} = 0.1963 \, m^2D=0.5m→A=4π⋅0.52​=0.1963m2
Q=0.1963⋅3=0.589 m3/s=589 L/sQ = 0.1963 \cdot 3 = 0.589 \, m^3/s = 589 \, L/sQ=0.1963⋅3=0.589m3/s=589L/s
Answer: C. 589 L/s

What is the factor of safety if the ultimate load is 100 kN and the allowable load is 25 kN?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Answer: D. 5
Explanation:
F.S.=Ultimate LoadAllowable Load=10025=4\text{F.S.} = \frac{\text{Ultimate Load}}{\text{Allowable Load}} = \frac{100}{25} = 4F.S.=Allowable LoadUltimate Load​=25100​=4
Correct Answer: C. 4
🛠 Fixed Choice Order

Which test is used to determine the liquid limit of soil?

A. Standard Proctor Test
B. Casagrande Test
C. Direct Shear Test
D. Triaxial Test

Answer: B. Casagrande Test
Explanation: The Casagrande apparatus is used to determine the liquid limit of soil by repeatedly dropping a cup and noting the number of blows required to close a groove.

The modulus of elasticity of concrete primarily depends on:

A. Water-cement ratio
B. Type of aggregate
C. Curing time
D. Cement content

Answer: B. Type of aggregate
Explanation: The stiffness of concrete (modulus of elasticity) is heavily influenced by the stiffness of the aggregates used. High-quality dense aggregates increase the modulus.

In a water treatment plant, what is the primary purpose of coagulation?

A. Remove dissolved salts
B. Reduce odor
C. Remove suspended solids
D. Disinfect pathogens

Answer: C. Remove suspended solids
Explanation: Coagulation destabilizes suspended particles so they can agglomerate into larger flocs and be removed through sedimentation and filtration.

What type of bridge is best suited for spanning very long distances without intermediate supports?

A.Beam bridge
B. Suspension bridge
C. Arch bridge
D. Truss bridge

Answer: B. Suspension bridge
Explanation: Suspension bridges use cables and towers to support loads over long spans, making them ideal for long-distance applications like river crossings.

For a slope to be considered stable, the factor of safety against sliding must be:

< 1
B. = 1
C. > 1
D. ≥ 2

Answer: C. > 1
Explanation: A factor of safety greater than 1 indicates that resisting forces exceed driving forces, implying stability.

Which type of pile is most suitable for transferring load through soft soil to a firm layer below?

A. Friction pile
B. End-bearing pile
C. Sheet pile
D. Compaction pile

Answer: B. End-bearing pile
Explanation: End-bearing piles transfer loads directly to a strong bearing stratum like rock or dense soil beneath the soft soil.

What is the main function of a weir in open channel hydraulics?

Increase flow speed
B. Reduce head loss
C. Measure discharge
D. Reduce sedimentation

Answer: C. Measure discharge
Explanation: Weirs are flow measurement structures, typically placed across open channels, to relate water height to discharge rate.

A reinforced concrete column has a slenderness ratio of 100. What does this imply?

Short column
B. Buckling is insignificant
C. Long column
D. Column is over-reinforced

Answer: C. Long column
Explanation: Slenderness ratio > 40 typically indicates a long column, which is more susceptible to buckling than short columns.

Which law governs the heat transfer through a wall by conduction?

Newton’s Law
B. Fourier’s Law
C. Hooke’s Law
D. Pascal’s Law

Answer: B. Fourier’s Law
Explanation: Fourier’s Law describes how heat flows through a material due to temperature gradients, applicable to conduction.

In transportation engineering, AADT stands for:

Average Annual Design Traffic
B. Actual Annual Daily Traffic
C. Annual Average Daily Traffic
D. Average Allocated Demand Traffic

Answer: C. Annual Average Daily Traffic
Explanation: AADT is a key traffic volume metric indicating the average number of vehicles per day over a year.

Which component in wastewater treatment is primarily responsible for breaking down organic matter biologically?

Bar screen
B. Grit chamber
C. Aeration tank
D. Chlorination unit

Answer: C. Aeration tank
Explanation: The aeration tank supplies oxygen to microbes that digest organic waste, forming the core of the activated sludge process.

Which of the following causes shrinkage in concrete?

Low water-cement ratio
B. High curing temperature
C. Loss of moisture
D. Use of pozzolanic materials

Answer: C. Loss of moisture
Explanation: Shrinkage in concrete is largely due to evaporation of water during curing and hardening.

Which of the following is an example of a brittle material?

Mild steel
B. Aluminum
C. Cast iron
D. Copper

Answer: C. Cast iron
Explanation: Brittle materials fracture with little deformation. Cast iron breaks suddenly under stress without significant elongation.

The design strength of steel is typically based on:

Yield strength
B. Ultimate strength
C. Proof load
D. Working load

Answer: A. Yield strength
Explanation: Structural steel design is based on yield strength, as yielding marks the end of elastic behavior and onset of plastic deformation.

Which surveying method is most appropriate for plotting details in a congested urban environment?

Triangulation
B. Traversing
C. Chain survey
D. Photogrammetry

Answer: B. Traversing
Explanation: Traversing, especially with total stations, is ideal for urban areas where visibility between stations may be obstructed.

The primary purpose of a sedimentation basin in water treatment is to:

Disinfect water
B. Adjust pH
C. Remove heavy particles
D. Remove odors

Answer: C. Remove heavy particles
Explanation: Sedimentation basins allow heavier suspended particles to settle by gravity before filtration and disinfection.

Which type of failure occurs in short, heavily reinforced concrete columns?

Buckling
B. Shear
C. Crushing
D. Torsion

Answer: C. Crushing
Explanation: Short columns fail by crushing due to compression once the concrete reaches its compressive strength, unlike slender columns, which may buckle.

The main disadvantage of using aluminum in structural applications is:

High density
B. Corrosion susceptibility
C. High cost
D. Low yield strength

Answer: C. High cost
Explanation: Aluminum has a good strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, but it’s more expensive than steel for structural use.

Darcy’s Law is valid only for:

Laminar flow in porous media
B. Turbulent flow in pipes
C. Open channel flow
D. Supersonic flow

Answer: A. Laminar flow in porous media
Explanation: Darcy’s Law relates flow rate to hydraulic gradient in saturated soils and is valid under laminar flow conditions.

A beam is considered statically determinate if:

Its supports resist moment
B. Reactions can be solved using only static equilibrium equations
C. It has redundant supports
D. Its deflection is zero

Answer: B. Reactions can be solved using only static equilibrium equations
Explanation: Statically determinate structures don’t require compatibility equations to solve for reactions or internal forces.

In HVAC systems, the process of removing latent heat is associated with:

Heating
B. Humidification
C. Cooling
D. Dehumidification

Answer: D. Dehumidification
Explanation: Latent heat removal refers to condensation of water vapor from air, which occurs during dehumidification.

The most economical section for a channel of trapezoidal shape is when:

Side slope = bed width
B. Hydraulic radius is maximum
C. Wetted perimeter is minimum
D. Depth = 2 × bed width

Answer: C. Wetted perimeter is minimum
Explanation: Minimizing wetted perimeter for a given area reduces friction losses, making the channel more efficient.

Which NDT method is best for detecting internal flaws in welds?

Visual inspection
B. Ultrasonic testing
C. Magnetic particle inspection
D. Liquid penetrant test

Answer: B. Ultrasonic testing
Explanation: Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal discontinuities like cracks and voids.

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of the Bernoulli Equation?

Incompressible fluid
B. Irrotational flow
C. Viscous effects considered
D. Steady flow

Answer: C. Viscous effects considered
Explanation: Bernoulli’s Equation neglects viscosity and is valid for ideal (non-viscous) fluids under steady, incompressible, and frictionless flow conditions.

Which concrete mix has the highest strength potential?

Mix with high water-cement ratio
B. Mix with more aggregate
C. Mix with low water-cement ratio
D. Mix with more air content

Answer: C. Mix with low water-cement ratio
Explanation: Lower water-cement ratios increase concrete strength by reducing porosity.

The primary cause of cavitation in pumps is:

Low outlet pressure
B. High suction head
C. High fluid velocity
D. Vapor pressure dropping below fluid pressure

Answer: D. Vapor pressure dropping below fluid pressure
Explanation: Cavitation occurs when the local fluid pressure drops below the vapor pressure, forming vapor bubbles that collapse and cause damage.

The structural design wind load on a building depends on:

Roof slope only
B. Window size only
C. Building location and geometry
D. Foundation type

Answer: C. Building location and geometry
Explanation: Wind load is influenced by building height, exposure category, terrain, and shape according to ASCE 7 standards.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of expansion joints in bridges?

Increase structural stiffness
B. Allow thermal movement
C. Strengthen connections
D. Resist lateral loads

Answer: B. Allow thermal movement
Explanation: Expansion joints accommodate changes in length due to temperature variations, reducing stress in the structure.

The Manning’s equation is used to calculate:

Pipe flow under pressure
B. Open channel flow
C. Soil permeability
D. Velocity of sound in fluids

Answer: B. Open channel flow
Explanation: Manning’s equation relates flow velocity to channel slope, roughness, and hydraulic radius in open channels.

What is the standard design life for highway bridges as per AASHTO guidelines?

25 years
B. 50 years
C. 75 years
D. 100 years

Answer: B. 50 years
Explanation: AASHTO recommends a minimum design life of 50 years for highway bridges.

The Poisson’s ratio for most metals lies in the range:

0.0 – 0.1
B. 0.2 – 0.4
C. 0.5 – 0.7
D. 0.8 – 1.0

Answer: B. 0.2 – 0.4
Explanation: Poisson’s ratio for metals typically falls within 0.25 to 0.35, indicating how lateral strain relates to axial strain.

In a CPM network, the critical path is:

The shortest path in the network
B. The path with the most slack
C. The path with zero total float
D. The path with the highest cost

Answer: C. The path with zero total float
Explanation: Critical path activities have no float and any delay in them delays the entire project.

The coefficient of permeability for coarse sand is generally:

Very low
B. Low
C. Medium
D. High

Answer: D. High
Explanation: Coarse sands and gravels have high permeability due to large voids, allowing easy water movement.

The purpose of providing shear reinforcement (stirrups) in a beam is to:

Increase bending resistance
B. Prevent concrete crushing
C. Resist diagonal tension
D. Improve ductility

Answer: C. Resist diagonal tension
Explanation: Shear reinforcement resists diagonal shear cracks due to high shear forces, especially near supports.

A thermoplastic material is one that:

Burns at high temperature
B. Cures through chemical reaction
C. Softens upon heating and hardens on cooling
D. Retains its shape permanently after molding

Answer: C. Softens upon heating and hardens on cooling
Explanation: Thermoplastics are recyclable polymers that can be reshaped multiple times with heat.

What does the Reynolds number indicate in fluid mechanics?

Compressibility
B. Surface tension
C. Type of flow (laminar or turbulent)
D. Pressure loss in pipe

Answer: C. Type of flow (laminar or turbulent)
Explanation: Reynolds number is a dimensionless value that determines flow regime: < 2000 is laminar, > 4000 is turbulent.

The main environmental concern with Portland cement production is:

Ozone depletion
B. CO₂ emissions
C. Soil contamination
D. Water usage

Answer: B. CO₂ emissions
Explanation: Cement production is a major source of CO₂ due to calcination of limestone and fuel combustion.

Which load combination typically governs the design of retaining walls?

Dead + Live Load
B. Earth pressure + Surcharge + Water pressure
C. Wind Load only
D. Snow + Live Load

Answer: B. Earth pressure + Surcharge + Water pressure
Explanation: Retaining walls must resist lateral soil pressure, surface surcharge loads, and hydrostatic pressure where applicable.

Which soil test provides unconfined compressive strength?

Direct shear
B. Triaxial test
C. Unconfined compression test
D. Sieve analysis

Answer: C. Unconfined compression test
Explanation: The unconfined compression test is used for cohesive soils and provides a quick measure of compressive strength.

A cantilever beam of length L carrying a point load P at the free end has maximum deflection:

At the fixed end
B. At the mid-span
C. At the free end
D. Uniform across the length

Answer: C. At the free end
Explanation: The deflection is zero at the fixed end and maximum at the free end in a cantilever.

Which property of a material indicates resistance to repeated loading?

Hardness
B. Creep
C. Fatigue strength
D. Yield strength

Answer: C. Fatigue strength
Explanation: Fatigue strength measures how well a material resists crack formation under cyclic loading.

Which of the following instruments measures atmospheric pressure?

Hygrometer
B. Manometer
C. Barometer
D. Anemometer

Answer: C. Barometer
Explanation: A barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure, important in weather forecasting.

Which test is conducted to determine the abrasion resistance of aggregates?

Los Angeles Abrasion Test
B. Aggregate Impact Test
C. Flakiness Index
D. Sieve Analysis

Answer: A. Los Angeles Abrasion Test
Explanation: The LA Abrasion test evaluates the hardness and wear resistance of aggregates by measuring weight loss.

What does a high BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) indicate about water quality?

Water is safe for drinking
B. Low organic pollution
C. High organic pollution
D. Excess of nitrogen compounds

Answer: C. High organic pollution
Explanation: BOD measures the amount of oxygen needed to decompose organic matter. High BOD = high pollution.

Which of the following is used to reduce settlement in soft clay before construction?

Vibroflotation
B. Preloading
C. Compaction grouting
D. Soil nailing

Answer: B. Preloading
Explanation: Preloading applies loads to consolidate soft soils before construction begins, reducing post-construction settlement.

Which of the following is a common cause of early-age cracking in concrete?

Sulfate attack
B. Alkali-silica reaction
C. Plastic shrinkage
D. Carbonation

Answer: C. Plastic shrinkage
Explanation: Plastic shrinkage occurs when surface moisture evaporates faster than it is replaced, typically within hours after placement.

A simply supported beam with a uniform distributed load has maximum bending moment at:

One-third span
B. Midspan
C. Support
D. Quarter span

Answer: B. Midspan
Explanation: For a uniform distributed load on a simply supported beam, the maximum bending moment occurs at the center.

The unit of kinematic viscosity in the SI system is:

Pa·s
B. m²/s
C. N·s/m²
D. kg/m³

Answer: B. m²/s
Explanation: Kinematic viscosity = dynamic viscosity/density, with SI units of m²/s.

A reinforced concrete beam is considered under-reinforced when:

Concrete fails before steel yields
B. Steel yields before concrete crushes
C. Both concrete and steel fail simultaneously
D. Beam has no reinforcement

Answer: B. Steel yields before concrete crushes
Explanation: An under-reinforced beam is ductile, providing warning before failure, making it desirable in design.

The primary function of a weir in open channel flow is to:

Measure flow
B. Remove sediment
C. Aerate water
D. Stabilize slope

Answer: A. Measure flow
Explanation: Weirs control and measure flow rate by relating head over the crest to discharge.

In project scheduling, “float” refers to:

Time saved by overlapping activities
B. Time delay with no impact on project duration
C. Lead time between procurement and delivery
D. Time added for safety

Answer: B. Time delay with no impact on project duration
Explanation: Float (slack) is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project’s completion date.

The modulus of resilience of a material is the area under the:

Entire stress-strain curve
B. Plastic region
C. Stress-strain curve up to elastic limit
D. Curve up to fracture point

Answer: C. Stress-strain curve up to elastic limit
Explanation: Modulus of resilience is the energy a material can absorb per unit volume without permanent deformation.

A fluid has a density of 1000 kg/m³ and dynamic viscosity of 0.001 Pa·s. Its kinematic viscosity is:

0.001 m²/s
B. 1.0 m²/s
C. 1 × 10⁻⁶ m²/s
D. 1.0 mm²/s

Answer: A. 0.001 m²/s
Explanation: Kinematic viscosity = μ/ρ = 0.001 / 1000 = 0.000001 m²/s or 1 × 10⁻⁶ m²/s.

The strength of a soil under saturated conditions is primarily governed by:

Total stress
B. Effective stress
C. Pore pressure
D. Capillary tension

Answer: B. Effective stress
Explanation: Effective stress = total stress − pore water pressure, and governs the strength and deformation of saturated soils.

In HVAC systems, the term “sensible heat” refers to:

Heat related to humidity
B. Heat related to air pressure
C. Heat causing temperature change
D. Latent heat of evaporation

Answer: C. Heat causing temperature change
Explanation: Sensible heat changes air temperature without changing moisture content.

Which steel type is best suited for high-strength bolt applications?

A36
B. A992
C. A325
D. A500

Answer: C. A325
Explanation: ASTM A325 bolts are high-strength bolts commonly used in structural steel connections.

The term “head loss” in pipe flow refers to:

Pressure gain due to pumps
B. Elevation gain
C. Energy loss due to friction
D. Height of fluid in reservoir

Answer: C. Energy loss due to friction
Explanation: Head loss represents the energy lost as water flows through a pipe, primarily due to friction and turbulence.

The deflection of a simply supported beam subjected to a point load at the center is proportional to:

L
B. L²
C. L³
D. L⁴

Answer: D. L⁴
Explanation: Maximum deflection = (PL³)/(48EI) for center-loaded simply supported beams, showing L⁴ dependency.

Which test is used to determine the plastic limit of soil?

Unconfined compression
B. Sieve analysis
C. Atterberg limits test
D. Proctor compaction

Answer: C. Atterberg limits test
Explanation: Plastic limit is one of the Atterberg limits used to classify soil consistency and behavior.

Which of the following describes ductile material behavior?

Breaks without warning
B. Exhibits large plastic deformation before fracture
C. Brittle failure
D. Sudden snap failure

Answer: B. Exhibits large plastic deformation before fracture
Explanation: Ductile materials stretch significantly before breaking, offering warning before failure.

The function of a vapor barrier in a building envelope is to:

Provide insulation
B. Prevent water infiltration
C. Block radon gas
D. Reduce moisture diffusion

Answer: D. Reduce moisture diffusion
Explanation: Vapor barriers limit the movement of water vapor through walls, ceilings, and floors.

A stormwater detention basin differs from a retention basin in that it:

Always has water
B. Temporarily stores water
C. Has no outlet
D. Promotes infiltration

Answer: B. Temporarily stores water
Explanation: Detention basins hold runoff temporarily and release it slowly, while retention basins permanently hold some water.

The minimum reinforcement in a concrete beam is provided to:

Resist maximum moment
B. Prevent cracking under service loads
C. Ensure ductile failure
D. Prevent sudden collapse

Answer: D. Prevent sudden collapse
Explanation: Minimum steel ensures the beam fails in a ductile manner rather than brittle concrete failure.

In soil mechanics, the “liquefaction” phenomenon is associated with:

Unsaturated soils
B. Low permeability soils
C. Seismic loading of saturated loose sands
D. Clayey soils during shrink-swell

Answer: C. Seismic loading of saturated loose sands
Explanation: Liquefaction causes soil to behave like a liquid under cyclic or dynamic loading, especially during earthquakes.

Which code governs the seismic design of buildings in the U.S.?

ASCE 10
B. ACI 318
C. AISC 360
D. ASCE 7

Answer: D. ASCE 7
Explanation: ASCE 7 provides minimum design loads, including for seismic, wind, snow, and more.

What is the typical slope for stormwater drainage pipes?

0.1%
B. 0.3% – 1.0%
C. 2.0% – 5.0%
D. 5.0% – 10.0%

Answer: B. 0.3% – 1.0%
Explanation: Storm pipes usually have gentle slopes to maintain flow and avoid sedimentation.

Which component in a steel frame resists lateral wind or seismic loads?

Beams
B. Columns
C. Bracing
D. Footings

Answer: C. Bracing
Explanation: Bracing stabilizes the frame against horizontal loads, especially in moment-resisting systems.

What is the main role of fly ash in concrete?

Increases setting time
B. Enhances shrinkage
C. Increases permeability
D. Reduces workability

Answer: A. Increases setting time
Explanation: Fly ash slows the hydration process and improves workability, making it beneficial in hot-weather concreting.

The term “factor of safety” is defined as:

Ratio of failure load to allowable load
B. Load × resistance
C. Resistance/load
D. Stress × strain

Answer: C. Resistance/load
Explanation: Factor of safety is the margin between actual strength and design load, usually >1 for safety.

The highest possible value of the coefficient of discharge (Cd) is closest to:

0.1
B. 0.5
C. 0.9
D. 1.5

Answer: C. 0.9
Explanation: Cd values typically range from 0.6 to 0.9 depending on flow geometry and orifice shape.

Settlement due to consolidation occurs:

Immediately after load application
B. When water is expelled from voids
C. Only in sandy soils
D. Only during seismic events

Answer: B. When water is expelled from voids
Explanation: Consolidation is time-dependent settlement due to water being squeezed from pores in saturated clays.

Which type of foundation is most suitable for weak soil?

Spread footing
B. Isolated footing
C. Raft foundation
D. Strip footing

Answer: C. Raft foundation
Explanation: Raft (mat) foundations distribute load over a large area and are ideal for weak or soft soils.

Bernoulli’s Equation can be applied between two points if:

Flow is turbulent
B. Viscosity is high
C. There is mechanical work input
D. Flow is incompressible and frictionless

Answer: D. Flow is incompressible and frictionless
Explanation: Bernoulli’s Equation assumes steady, incompressible, and non-viscous flow without energy losses.

In a CPM network, increasing the duration of a non-critical activity will:

Delay the project
B. Change the critical path
C. Increase total float
D. Reduce total float

Answer: D. Reduce total float
Explanation: Non-critical activities have float. If their duration increases, float decreases but project duration stays unchanged unless float = 0.

The primary purpose of a geotextile in road construction is to:

Increase surface roughness
B. Reduce tire noise
C. Separate soil layers and provide filtration
D. Add chemical resistance

Answer: C. Separate soil layers and provide filtration
Explanation: Geotextiles prevent mixing of subgrade and base materials and allow water to pass while retaining particles.