Correct Answer: all of the above
Explanation: The strength and quality of concrete are influenced by various factors. Aggregate shape, aggregate grading, and surface area of the aggregate all play crucial roles.
Correct Answer: all of the above
Explanation: A lower water-cement ratio in concrete leads to increased density, reduced creep and shrinkage, and enhanced bond between the components.
Correct Answer: increases workability
Explanation: Entrapped air in concrete enhances workability by providing better lubrication between particles.
Correct Answer: bleeding
Explanation: Bleeding is the property of fresh concrete where water separates from the mix during placement and compaction, rising to the surface.
Correct Answer: segregation
Explanation: Segregation in concrete occurs when the ingredients separate during transportation, leading to an uneven distribution.
Correct Answer: all of the above
Explanation: Segregation can result in various issues such as honeycomb concrete, porous layers, and sand streaks.
Correct Answer: shrinks
Explanation: Ordinary cement concrete tends to shrink upon drying as it loses moisture.
Correct Answer: more cement
Explanation: Increasing the amount of cement in the mix can improve the workability of concrete.
Correct Answer: decrease the size of aggregate
Explanation: Decreasing the size of the aggregate can enhance the workability of concrete by providing better particle distribution.
Correct Answer: grading of the aggregate
Explanation: The workability of concrete is directly related to the grading of the aggregate, as it influences the ease of placing and compacting the mix.
Correct Answer: time of transit
Explanation: Workability refers to the ease with which concrete can be mixed, placed, and compacted. In this context, workability decreases with an increase in the time of transit. During prolonged transportation, concrete may experience initial setting, making it less manageable upon arrival at the construction site.
Correct Answer: workability
Explanation: An air entraining agent, when introduced to concrete, improves its workability. This agent creates tiny, stable air bubbles within the concrete mix. These air bubbles act as lubricants, making the concrete more fluid and easier to work with during placement and compaction. Additionally, the entrained air enhances the durability of concrete by providing resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
Correct Answer: cement water ratio
Explanation: The strength of concrete is directly influenced by the cement-water ratio. A higher cement-water ratio generally leads to increased strength because it contributes to better hydration of the cement particles. Adequate hydration is essential for the development of concrete strength.
Correct Answer: size of aggregate
Explanation: The strength of concrete tends to increase with an increase in the size of aggregate. Larger aggregates provide better interlocking and contribute to higher compressive strength. This effect is particularly notable in high-strength concrete mixes where the aggregate plays a crucial role in achieving the desired strength.
Correct Answer: increase in fineness of cement
Explanation: The fineness of cement particles affects the surface area available for hydration. An increase in the fineness of cement allows for more efficient hydration, leading to a higher strength of concrete. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) increase in fineness of cement.
Correct Answer: decrease in water cement ratio
Explanation: The water-cement ratio is a critical factor in concrete strength. A lower water-cement ratio generally results in higher strength because it leads to a more complete hydration of the cement particles. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) decrease in water cement ratio.
Correct Answer: cement aggregate ratio
Explanation: The durability of concrete is influenced by various factors, including the correct proportion of cement to aggregate. A well-balanced cement aggregate ratio contributes to the overall durability of the concrete mix. Proper proportions ensure that the mix has the necessary strength and resistance to environmental factors over time.
Correct Answer: fck = K [C/W+C+A]2
Explanation: The expression represents the relationship between the strength of concrete (fck) and the absolute volumes of aggregate (A), cement (C), and water (W). The correct formula is (a), where the strength is proportional to the square of the ratio of cement volume to the sum of water and aggregate volumes.
Correct Answer: 0.10
Explanation: The approximate ratio of the direct tensile strength to direct compressive strength in concrete is around 0.10. This ratio provides insight into the relationship between tensile and compressive strengths, with the tensile strength generally being lower.
Correct Answer: 0.5
Explanation: The approximate ratio of direct tensile strength to flexural strength in concrete is around 0.5. This ratio is relevant in understanding the distribution of stresses in different loading conditions, where the flexural strength is typically higher than the direct tensile strength.
Correct Answer: increase in rate of loading
Explanation: The strength of concrete tends to increase with an increase in the rate of loading. This is because higher loading rates may activate additional mechanisms within the material, leading to a faster development of strength.
Correct Answer: 5000√fck
Explanation: The Young’s modulus (E) of concrete, as per IS 456-2000, is calculated using the formula 5000√fck, where fck is the characteristic compressive strength of concrete.
Correct Answer: decreases with a richer mix
Explanation: Poisson’s ratio for concrete typically decreases with a richer mix, indicating that a higher cement content contributes to reduced lateral expansion under load.
Correct Answer: 2-3.5
Explanation: The fineness modulus of fine aggregate generally falls within the range of 2-3.5, providing an indication of the fineness or coarseness of the aggregate.
Correct Answer: M500
Explanation: According to IS 456:2000, the grade of concrete M500 is not recommended. This is because the code suggests a maximum permissible concrete strength of M60.
Correct Answer: both (a) and (b)
Explanation: The durability of concrete can be affected by exposure to aggressive substances such as cider and vinegar. These substances can contribute to the deterioration of the concrete over time.
Correct Answer: 1:3:6 mix
Explanation: The proportion for M100 grade concrete is typically 1:3:6 (cement: sand: aggregate).
Correct Answer: 1:1.5:3
Explanation: The proportion for M20 grade concrete is typically 1:1.5:3 (cement: sand: aggregate).
Correct Answer: decreases
Explanation: High temperatures can have a detrimental effect on the strength of concrete. Elevated temperatures can lead to thermal cracking and a reduction in the overall strength of the material.
Correct Answer: hydration of cement
Explanation: Concrete gains strength primarily through the hydration of cement, where water reacts with cement particles to form a crystalline structure. Chemical action with coarse aggregate and evaporation of water also play roles in the strength development process.
Correct Answer: 27±2°C
Explanation: Concrete placement is preferably done at a temperature of 27±2°C. This temperature range is conducive to the proper curing and setting of concrete, ensuring optimal strength development.
Correct Answer: aggregate
Explanation: Inert material in a cement concrete mix refers to the aggregate. Aggregates, such as sand and gravel, provide bulk and stability to the concrete without actively participating in the chemical reactions.
Correct Answer: 45 m
Explanation: In reinforced concrete (RCC) buildings, expansion joints are typically provided if the length of the building exceeds 45 meters. These joints accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the building components.
Correct Answer: parabolic
Explanation: The shear stress diagram of a homogeneous beam is parabolic. This shape reflects the distribution of shear stresses across the cross-section of the beam.
Correct Answer: more
Explanation: The compressive strength determined from a 150mm × 150mm cylinder is generally higher than that determined from a 150mm cube due to differences in the stress distribution and size effect.
Correct Answer: increases but decreasing rate
Explanation: Generally, as the size of the cube increases, the strength also increases, but the rate of increase decreases. Larger cubes may experience lower stress concentrations, leading to a slower rate of strength gain.
Correct Answer: increase in setting time by about 4 hr
Explanation: Addition of sugar in concrete tends to increase the setting time. The sugar acts as a retarding agent, delaying the hydration process and extending the time it takes for the concrete to set.
Correct Answer: T = 540+t
Explanation: The relationship between the initial setting time (t) and final setting time (T) for ordinary Portland cement is approximately T = 540 + t.
Correct Answer: Le Chatelier’s apparatus
Explanation: Unsoundness of cement due to magnesia can be determined by using Le Chatelier’s apparatus. The test involves measuring the expansion of cement paste when subjected to autoclave conditions.
Correct Answer: electrical form kiln
Explanation: White cement is produced in electrical form kilns. These kilns are designed to provide the specific conditions required for the production of high-quality white cement.
Correct Answer: flexural tensile strength
Explanation: The modulus of rupture measures the flexural tensile strength of a material, specifically its ability to resist bending or flexural stresses.
Correct Answer: bond strength
Explanation: Shrinkage in concrete tends to increase its bond strength. However, it’s essential to note that excessive shrinkage can lead to cracking, affecting overall durability.
Correct Answer: age
Explanation: The modulus of elasticity for concrete improves with age. As concrete matures, its internal structure undergoes changes, resulting in increased stiffness and modulus of elasticity.
Correct Answer: needle
Explanation: Needle vibrators, or internal vibrators, are commonly used in concrete work. They are inserted into the concrete mix to consolidate and remove air voids.
Correct Answer: fcr > fcs > fct
Explanation: The relationship between modulus of rupture (fcr), splitting strength (fcs), and direct tensile strength (fct) is typically fcr > fcs > fct.
Correct Answer: fcr = 0.7√fck
Explanation: The relationship between modulus of rupture (fcr) and cube strength of concrete (fck) is generally expressed as fcr = 0.7√fck.
Correct Answer: fct = 0.35√fck
Explanation: The relationship between split tensile strength (fct) and compressive strength (fck) for a cube is generally expressed as fct = 0.35√fck.
Correct Answer: minimum near the support
Explanation: The center-to-center spacing of vertical stirrups in a rectangular beam is typically minimum near the support zones to enhance shear capacity.
Correct Answer: 280/3σcbc
Explanation: The modular ratio (m) is typically given by 280/3 times the permissible compressive stress (σcbc) due to bending in concrete cubes.
Correct Answer: reduces strength
Explanation: The presence of oils in water for concreting can reduce the strength of the concrete. Oils can act as contaminants, affecting the bonding between cement particles and overall concrete strength.
Correct Answer: 28
Explanation: In cold weather, concrete curing should be extended for at least 28 days to ensure proper hydration and development of strength.
Correct Answer: 13.33
Explanation: The modular ratio for concrete grade M20 is typically 13.33, and it is calculated as the ratio of the modulus of elasticity of steel to that of concrete.
Correct Answer: 20 cm
Explanation: Surface vibrators are most effective when the thickness of the concrete does not exceed 20 cm. They are used to consolidate the concrete surface and remove air voids.
Correct Answer: 1.40
Explanation: The maximum bulking factor for sand is generally considered to be 1.40. This factor represents the increase in the volume of sand due to the presence of moisture.
Correct Answer: 4
Explanation: The maximum bulking of sand typically occurs at a moisture content of around 4%. Beyond this point, the increase in volume due to moisture becomes less significant.
Correct Answer: P = (A-B/B-C)x100
Explanation: The proportion (P) of fine to combined aggregates is given by P = (A-B/B-C)x100, where A, B, and C are the fineness moduli of coarse aggregate, combined aggregates, and fine aggregates, respectively.
Correct Answer: 4.75 mm
Explanation: The size of fine aggregates typically does not exceed 4.75 mm. Fine aggregates, such as sand, are generally smaller in size compared to coarse aggregates.
Correct Answer: ultimate load /working load
Explanation: The factor of safety is calculated as the ratio of the ultimate load to the working load. It represents the margin of safety in a structure.
Correct Answer: higher
Explanation: The factor of safety for steel is generally higher compared to concrete. This reflects the higher tensile strength and ductility of steel, providing a greater margin of safety. Certainly, let’s provide more detailed explanations for each answer:
Correct Answer: yield stress
Explanation: The factor of safety for steel is based on its yield stress, which represents the stress at which the material undergoes a permanent deformation. This choice is made to ensure that the steel remains within its elastic range, preventing plastic deformation and maintaining structural integrity. By using the yield stress in design calculations, engineers account for the point at which the material begins to experience permanent changes.
Correct Answer: 18.67
Explanation: The modular ratio, used in concrete design calculations, is the ratio of the modulus of elasticity of steel to that of concrete. For M15 concrete, the standard practice is to take the modular ratio as 18.67. This factor is crucial in determining the distribution of loads between steel and concrete in a reinforced concrete structure.
Correct Answer: 0.33fck
Explanation: The allowable stress in bending compression for Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) is an essential parameter in design. For practical purposes, it is often taken as 0.33 times the characteristic compressive strength of concrete (fck). This factor ensures a safe design while considering the properties of the material.
Correct Answer: 0.25fck
Explanation: In axial compression, the allowable stress for RCC is commonly taken as 0.25 times the characteristic compressive strength of concrete (fck). This factor ensures the safety of the structure under axial loads, considering the behavior of concrete under compression.
Correct Answer: 0.1fck
Explanation: The tensile strength of concrete is a critical parameter in the design of reinforced concrete (RCC) beams. For practical design purposes, the tensile strength of concrete is often considered as 0.1 times the characteristic compressive strength of concrete (fck). This value reflects the limited tensile capacity of concrete and the need for reinforcement to resist tensile forces.
Correct Answer: 15 kg/cm2
Explanation: The permissible tensile strength of concrete is an important consideration in structural design. For M150 concrete, the permissible tensile strength is typically taken as 15 kg/cm2. This value is used in design calculations to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure under tensile loading conditions.
Correct Answer: 0.002
Explanation: In the working stress design of RCC, the allowable bending compressive strain is a critical parameter. This strain is often taken as 0.002, reflecting the permissible amount of compression that the concrete can undergo while remaining within the elastic range. This factor is crucial in ensuring that the structure behaves within safe limits under service loads.
Correct Answer: 0.0035
Explanation: The ultimate bending compressive strain in RCC is the maximum strain that the concrete can endure under extreme loading conditions. For practical design purposes, this value is often considered as 0.0035. This factor is essential in determining the ultimate capacity of the structure and ensuring that it can withstand high loads without failure.
Correct Answer: modular ratio
Explanation: The ratio of the modulus of elasticity of steel to that of concrete is known as the modular ratio. This ratio plays a crucial role in the distribution of loads between steel and concrete in a reinforced concrete structure. It is a fundamental factor in design calculations, influencing the behavior of the structure under various loading conditions.
Correct Answer: variation of B.M along the span
Explanation: Shear in a concrete beam is primarily caused by the variation of bending moment along the span. As the bending moment changes, it induces shear forces in the beam. Proper consideration of shear forces is essential in the design of reinforced concrete beams to ensure structural safety and integrity.
Correct Answer: 87 m³
Explanation: In a concrete mix with the proportion of 1:2:4 (cement: sand: coarse aggregate), the quantity of coarse aggregate required in 100 m³ of concrete is 87 m³. This proportion ensures the desired strength and workability of the concrete mix, and accurate calculations of material quantities are crucial in achieving the specified properties of the concrete.
Correct Answer: 20 kg/cm²
Explanation: The dimensions of a beam may need to be altered if the shear stress exceeds a certain limit to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. In general, if the shear stress surpasses 20 kg/cm², it indicates a potential risk, and adjustments to the beam’s dimensions or reinforcement may be necessary.
Correct Answer: 1.50 times the average
Explanation: The maximum shear stress in a rectangular homogeneous beam occurs at the neutral axis and is typically 1.50 times the average shear stress. This relationship is essential for calculating and designing beams to ensure that the structure can withstand shear forces without failure.
Correct Answer: 0.2 m³
Explanation: In the mixture 1:1.5:3 (cement: sand: aggregates), for every unit volume of the mixture, the volume of cement is 0.2 m³. This proportion is crucial for batching concrete accurately, ensuring the desired strength and properties of the concrete.
Correct Answer: M20
Explanation: The ratio of C:FA:CA (1:1.5:3) corresponds to concrete grade M20. This grade signifies the characteristic compressive strength of the concrete mix after 28 days of curing.
Correct Answer: M100
Explanation: The ratio 1:3:6 (cement: sand: aggregates) corresponds to concrete grade M100. This grade indicates the characteristic compressive strength of the concrete mix after 28 days of curing.
Correct Answer: 4
Explanation: If the shear stress in a beam exceeds the allowable shear stress by a factor of 4 or more, it is generally necessary to redesign the beam section to ensure structural safety. This is a common practice in engineering to prevent shear failure.
Correct Answer: all of the above
Explanation: The advantage of reinforced concrete lies in its monolithic character, economic benefits due to lower maintenance costs, and the ability to mold it into various shapes. These factors contribute to its widespread use in construction.
Correct Answer: 7850 kg
Explanation: The weight of steel per cubic meter is approximately 7850 kg. This value is crucial in estimating the quantity of steel reinforcement required in concrete structures.
Correct Answer: 2.5 t/m³
Explanation: The unit weight of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) is commonly taken as 2.5 t/m³. This value is essential in structural analysis and design calculations.
Correct Answer: 60%
Explanation: High Yield Strength Deformed (HYSD) bars exhibit higher bond strength compared to plain bars. The bond strength of HYSD bars is typically more by 60%, making them preferable in reinforced concrete structures where strong bond between steel and concrete is essential for structural performance.
Correct Answer: more
Explanation: The strength of tor steel is generally higher than that of mild steel. Tor steel, or twisted deformed bars, is a type of high-strength reinforcement commonly used in concrete construction.
Correct Answer: long column
Explanation: A slender column is characterized by having a relatively large length compared to its cross-sectional dimensions. In structural engineering, a column is considered slender when its effective length exceeds a certain limit, making it susceptible to buckling.
Correct Answer: stress in concrete × area of concrete + stress in steel × area of steel
Explanation: The load factor method considers both the contribution of concrete and steel in resisting the load on a column. The permissible load is calculated by summing the stress in concrete multiplied by the area of concrete and the stress in steel multiplied by the area of steel.
Correct Answer: 0.50
Explanation: The ratio of effective length of a column fixed at both ends to the distance between the supports is approximately 0.50. This ratio is a critical factor in column design and influences the critical buckling load.
Correct Answer: 2.0
Explanation: The ratio of the effective length of a cantilever column to its height is approximately 2.0. This ratio is significant in analyzing the stability and behavior of cantilevered columns.
Correct Answer: 25 mm
Explanation: The minimum cover to the ties or spiral in a reinforced concrete column should not be less than 25 mm. This cover is essential to protect the reinforcement from environmental conditions and ensure adequate durability.
Correct Answer: 25 mm or 2 θ of bar, whichever is greater
Explanation: The minimum cover provided at the end of reinforcement in a column is 25 mm or 2 θ of the bar, whichever is greater. This cover is crucial for maintaining the integrity and corrosion resistance of the reinforcement.
Correct Answer: 0.8% to 6%
Explanation: The permissible limits for the percentage of longitudinal reinforcement in a column are typically in the range of 0.8% to 6%. Adhering to these limits ensures the structural stability and performance of the column.
Correct Answer: 4%
Explanation: In practical design considerations, the maximum permissible reinforcement in a column is often limited to 4%. Exceeding this limit may lead to construction difficulties and affect the overall behavior of the column.
Correct Answer: 600 mm²
Explanation: The minimum amount of steel required in an RCC column with dimensions 230×350 mm is 600 mm². This minimum steel reinforcement is essential to ensure the strength and ductility of the column under various loading conditions.
Correct Answer: 6
Explanation: The minimum number of main bars in a circular column is typically 6. This provides adequate reinforcement to resist the various loads and ensure the stability of the column.
Correct Answer: 8
Explanation: The minimum number of main bars in an octagonal column is generally 8. This arrangement of bars helps distribute the load effectively and enhances the structural performance of the column.
Correct Answer: 12 mm
Explanation: According to IS 456:2000, the minimum diameter of reinforcement in a column should not be less than 12 mm. This specification ensures that the reinforcement provides sufficient strength and ductility.
Correct Answer: 12-25 mm
Explanation: The diameter of bars typically used in a column falls within the range of 12-25 mm. This range is common in practice and provides the necessary strength for column reinforcement.
Correct Answer: l/r
Explanation: The slenderness ratio (l/r) of an RCC column is calculated as the effective length (l) divided by the radius of gyration (r). It is a critical parameter in determining the column’s behavior, especially in terms of buckling.
Correct Answer: 40
Explanation: A column is considered as a long column if its slenderness ratio (l/r) exceeds a certain limit, often considered as 40. Long columns are more prone to buckling failure.
Correct Answer: 10
Explanation: According to IS: 456, a column is considered a short column if its slenderness ratio (l/r) is less than or equal to 10. Short columns are less susceptible to buckling.
Correct Answer: 55
Explanation: The slenderness ratio is calculated as the effective length divided by the radius of gyration. In this case, the slenderness ratio is 55.
Correct Answer: buckling
Explanation: Long columns take a lesser load compared to short columns due to their higher susceptibility to buckling failure.
Correct Answer: short column
Explanation: A column that fails by buckling is referred to as a long column, while a column that fails by crushing is called a short column. The distinction is based on the dominant mode of failure.
FAQs on Structural Design MCQs for Civil Engineers
▸ What are the fundamental principles of structural design?
The fundamental principles of structural design include understanding the load distribution, material properties, structural analysis, and ensuring stability and safety. Structural engineers must apply principles of statics, dynamics, and material mechanics to design structures that can safely carry loads and resist environmental forces.
▸ How do structural engineers ensure the safety of a building design?
Structural engineers ensure the safety of a building design by performing rigorous structural analysis to assess loads and stresses. They use codes and standards to guide their design, conduct safety checks, and often use software tools to simulate various conditions. The design must consider factors such as load-bearing capacity, material strength, and potential environmental impacts.
▸ What is the significance of load calculations in structural design?
Load calculations are crucial in structural design as they determine the amount of stress and strain that different parts of a structure will experience. Accurate load calculations ensure that the structure can support the expected loads, including live loads, dead loads, wind loads, and seismic loads, thus preventing potential failures and ensuring safety.
▸ How does material selection impact structural design?
Material selection significantly impacts structural design as different materials have varying strengths, durability, and properties. Engineers choose materials based on factors like load-bearing capacity, environmental resistance, cost, and aesthetics. Proper material selection ensures that the structure meets performance requirements and maintains safety and longevity.
▸ What role does structural analysis play in designing bridges?
Structural analysis is critical in bridge design as it helps engineers understand how different forces affect the bridge. It involves analyzing the effects of traffic loads, wind, seismic activity, and other factors. Accurate analysis ensures that the bridge can safely support these forces while maintaining stability and durability over time.
▸ What are some common structural design software tools used by engineers?
Common structural design software tools used by engineers include AutoCAD for drafting, SAP2000 for structural analysis, ETABS for building design, and STAAD.Pro for multi-disciplinary analysis. These tools help engineers model structures, perform complex calculations, and ensure compliance with design codes.
▸ How do seismic codes affect structural design?
Seismic codes affect structural design by providing guidelines to ensure structures can withstand earthquakes. These codes require engineers to incorporate specific design features such as reinforcement, flexible joints, and base isolation to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, minimizing damage and protecting occupants during seismic events.
▸ What are the best practices for designing earthquake-resistant structures?
Best practices for designing earthquake-resistant structures include using high-quality materials, ensuring proper reinforcement, designing flexible connections, and incorporating base isolators. Engineers also follow seismic codes and guidelines to enhance the structure’s ability to absorb and dissipate seismic forces, reducing the risk of damage during an earthquake.
▸ What factors should be considered when designing multi-story buildings?
When designing multi-story buildings, factors to consider include load distribution, lateral stability, structural connections, and material properties. Engineers must account for the increased loads on lower floors, ensure proper vertical and horizontal load transfer, and address challenges related to wind, seismic forces, and building settlement.
▸ How can I find online quizzes and practice questions for structural design?
You can find online quizzes and practice questions for structural design on educational websites such as https://gkaim.com. These resources offer a variety of practice materials to help you test your knowledge and prepare for exams related to structural engineering.