Civil Engineering

UPSC Civil Engineering 2023

All 16 questions from the 2023 Civil Services Mains Civil Engineering paper across 2 papers — 800 marks in total. Each question comes with a detailed evaluation rubric, directive word analysis, and model answer points.

16Questions
800Total marks
2Papers
2023Exam year

Paper I

8 questions · 400 marks
Q1
50M Compulsory calculate Strength of materials and structural analysis

(a) An aluminium tensile specimen has a diameter of 30·50 mm and a gauge length 275 mm. If the force of 17·50 × 10⁴ N elongates the gauge length by 1·28 mm, determine the Poisson's ratio and the modulus of elasticity. Also, determine by how much the force causes the diameter of the specimen to contract. Assume shear modulus G = 22 GPa and yield strength σᵧ = 435 N/mm². (10 marks) (b) A solid steel shaft of diameter 65 mm is to be designed using an allowable shear stress τₐₗₗₒw = 60 N/mm² and an allowable angle of twist per unit length θ = 1·05° per metre. Determine the maximum permissible torque that may be applied to the shaft. Take shear modulus as 80 GPa. (10 marks) (c) A rigid box of mass 85 kg shown in the figure below rests on a floor. The coefficient of static friction for the contact surface is 0·25. What will be the maximum force, 'F' and the highest position, 'h' of its application so that the rigid box neither slides on the floor nor tips over? (10 marks) (d) As shown in the figure, a beam of symmetrical I-section spanning 8·0 m is prestressed by a parabolic cable with an eccentricity of 150 mm at the centre of the span and zero at supports. The beam supports a uniformly distributed live load of 2·5 kN/m. (i) Find the effective force in the cable for balancing the dead and live loads on the beam. (ii) Calculate the shift of the pressure line from the tendon's centre line. Take unit weight of concrete as 24 kN/m³. (All dimensions are in mm) (10 marks) (e) A tie member consisting of an ISA 75 × 50 × 8 (E 250 grade of steel) is connected to a 12 mm thick gusset plate using a 6 mm fillet weld at site. The welding is done on its three sides as shown in the figure. The angle between fusion faces is 75°. Find the lengths of weld L_w₁ and L_w₂, if the connection is designed to transmit a load equal to the design strength of the member. (10 marks) For ISA 75 × 50 × 8, A_g = 938 mm² and C_xx = 25·2 mm Take γ_mo = 1·10 and for site welding, γ_mw = 1·5. K = 0·7 for 60° – 90° angle between fusion faces. For E 250 grade steel : f_u = 410 MPa f_y = 250 MPa

Answer approach & key points

Calculate the required values for all five parts systematically, spending approximately 15% time on (a), 15% on (b), 20% on (c), 35% on (d) as it has two sub-parts with prestressing calculations, and 15% on (e). Begin each part with stating the relevant formula, show substitution with units, compute step-by-step, and conclude with the final answer and appropriate units. For parts (c) and (d) requiring figures, sketch clear free-body diagrams and cable profiles respectively.

  • Part (a): Calculate longitudinal strain, lateral strain using G = E/[2(1+ν)] relationship, then find Poisson's ratio ν, modulus of elasticity E, and diameter contraction using correct sign convention
  • Part (b): Determine maximum permissible torque by checking both shear stress criterion (τ = 16T/πd³) and angle of twist criterion (θ = T/GJ in rad/m), then select the governing lower value
  • Part (c): Draw FBD showing weight, applied force F at height h, normal reactions, and friction; establish equilibrium equations for sliding condition (F = μW) and tipping condition (moment about leading edge), solve simultaneously for F_max and h_max
  • Part (d)(i): Calculate dead load from I-section dimensions (to be assumed or standard ISHB), determine prestressing force P using load balancing concept where parabolic tendon provides upward uniform load w_up = 8Pe/L² balancing total downward load
  • Part (d)(ii): Calculate shift of pressure line using the relationship between tendon eccentricity, prestress force, and applied moments, recognizing that pressure line shifts by M/P from tendon line
  • Part (e): Calculate design strength of angle section T_d = A_g·f_y/γ_mo, determine design weld strength per mm, use equilibrium of moments about centroid to find L_w1 and L_w2 with throat thickness t_t = K·s = 0.7×6 mm
  • For all parts: Maintain consistent units (N, mm, MPa or GPa), apply appropriate IS code provisions (IS 800:2007 for steel, IS 1343 for prestressing), and state assumptions clearly where dimensions are not explicitly given
Q2
50M solve Structural analysis and steel beam design

(a) Draw the shearing force and bending moment diagrams for the beam loaded as shown in the figure below. (8 marks) (b) During the design of a beam, an ISMB 550 @ 1·037 kN/m is selected for use as a simply supported beam of 7 m span carrying a reinforced concrete floor capable of providing lateral restraint to the top compression flange. The total uniformly distributed load is made up of 100 kN dead load and 150 kN imposed load. In addition to this load, the beam also carries a point load at its midspan which is made up of 50 kN dead load and 50 kN imposed load. Check the adequacy of the section for the following : (i) Shear strength (ii) Bending strength (iii) Deflection (iv) Web buckling at support Assume the section is plastic. Given : Stiff bearing length = 100 mm f_y = 250 MPa, E = 2 × 10⁵ MPa γ_mo = 1·1 For plastic section β_b = 1·0 For simply supported beam, ψ = 1·2 | KL/r | 90 | 100 | 110 | 120 | |------|-----|------|------|------| | f_cd (MPa) | 121 | 107 | 94·6 | 83·7 | Properties of ISMB 550 : Elastic section modulus, Zₑ = 2359·8 × 10³ mm³ Plastic section modulus, Zₚ = 2711·98 × 10³ mm³ Moment of Inertia about major axis, I₂₂ = 64900 × 10⁴ mm⁴ (All dimensions are in mm) (20 marks) (c) Using the unit load method, determine horizontal and vertical components of deflection at point A for the frame loaded as shown in the figure below. Support C is fixed and B is a rigid joint. Take E as constant and same for both the members. (15 marks)

Answer approach & key points

Solve this multi-part structural analysis problem by allocating approximately 20% time to part (a) for SFD/BMD construction, 45% to part (b) for comprehensive steel beam design checks (shear, bending, deflection, web buckling), and 35% to part (c) for unit load method application. Begin with clear free-body diagrams, proceed through systematic calculations with IS 800:2007 provisions, and conclude with adequacy statements for each check.

  • Part (a): Correct determination of support reactions and construction of SFD and BMD with proper sign conventions and peak values marked
  • Part (b)(i): Shear strength check using V_d = V_n/γ_mo where V_n = 0.577f_yA_v with A_v = h×t_w for ISMB 550
  • Part (b)(ii): Bending strength calculation using M_d = β_bZ_pf_y/γ_mo with lateral restraint condition (ψ = 1.2) and comparison with factored moment
  • Part (b)(iii): Deflection check under service loads comparing calculated δ = 5WL³/384EI + PL³/48EI against span/360 or span/240 limits
  • Part (b)(iv): Web buckling check at support using F_w = (b_1+n_1)t_wf_cd with n_1 = 2.5d and interpolation from given KL/r vs f_cd table
  • Part (c): Application of unit load method with proper virtual work integration, calculation of horizontal and vertical deflection components at A using M and m diagrams
  • Correct use of partial safety factors: 1.5 for dead load, 1.5 for imposed load, and load combinations per IS 800:2007
Q3
50M design RCC slab design, steel column design, structural analysis

(a) Design a floor slab to cover a room with internal dimensions of 4·5 m × 6·0 m. The slab is simply supported on all the sides on 230 mm thick masonry walls. The slab carries a live load of 4·0 kN/m² and a dead load due to finishing work of 1·0 kN/m². The corners of the slab are prevented from lifting up. Use M 20 concrete and Fe 415 steel. Assume mild exposure conditions. (20 marks) Table : Bending Moment coefficients when four edges are discontinuous | l_y/l_x | Short span coefficient, α_x | | | | | | Long span coefficient, α_y | |---------|----------------------------|---|---|---|---|---|---------------------------| | | 1·0 | 1·1 | 1·2 | 1·3 | 1·4 | 1·5 | for all values of l_y/l_x | | α_x | 0·056 | 0·064 | 0·072 | 0·079 | 0·085 | 0·089 | 0·056 | Modification Factor for Tension Reinforcement Note : f_s is steel stress of service loads in N/mm² f_s = 0.58 f_y (Area of cross-section of steel required)/(Area of cross-section of steel provided) (b) A built-up column of effective length 10 m is designed by placing two ISMC 300 @ 363 N/m back to back at a spacing 'S' mm. The column is to carry a factored axial load of 1100 kN. Find the economical spacing 'S' of the two channel sections. Also design the batten system for the column. M 20 bolts of grade 4.6 are used for making the connections. Do not design the connections. Use E 250 grade of steel. (20 marks) For connections : Edge distance = 32 mm Gauge distance = 50 mm Properties of ISMC 300 : A = 4630 mm² r_zz = 118 mm, r_yy = 26.0 mm I_zz = 6420 × 10⁴ mm⁴ I_yy = 313 × 10⁴ mm⁴ C_y = 23.5 t_f = 13.6 300 z z t_w=7.8 y 90 ISMC 300 (All dimensions are in mm) (c) Using slope deflection method, determine the final end moments for the portal frame shown in the figure. The frame is fixed at A and D, and has rigid joints at B and C. Take EI as constant. (10 marks)

Answer approach & key points

Design requires systematic application of codal provisions across three distinct structural problems. Allocate approximately 40% time to part (a) slab design including load calculations, moment coefficients, and reinforcement detailing; 40% to part (b) built-up column covering spacing optimization and batten design; and 20% to part (c) slope deflection analysis with proper sign convention and equilibrium checks. Present each part sequentially with clear headings, showing all intermediate calculations before final design values.

  • Part (a): Calculate effective spans, determine l_y/l_x ratio = 1.33, interpolate α_x = 0.0763, compute total load = 6.5 kN/m², design moments M_x and M_y, check depth for deflection using modification factor, calculate steel areas for both directions, and provide reinforcement detailing with bar diameter and spacing
  • Part (b): Determine required spacing S by equating slenderness ratios about both axes (r_yy_modified ≈ r_zz), use Perry-Robertson formula or IS 800 buckling curves for E 250 steel, design batten system with spacing ≤ 1.5 times least r_yy of single channel, check batten strength for transverse shear and moment, and specify batten dimensions and connections
  • Part (c): Identify degrees of freedom (θ_B and θ_C), write slope-deflection equations for members AB, BC, and CD considering fixed ends at A and D, apply joint equilibrium at B and C, solve simultaneous equations for unknown rotations, and compute final end moments with proper sign convention (clockwise positive)
  • Correct application of IS 456:2000 for slab design including moment coefficients from Table 26 and deflection control through Clause 23.2.1
  • Correct application of IS 800:2007 for built-up column design including Clause 7.6 for lacing and battening systems
  • Proper use of given material properties: M 20 concrete (f_ck = 20 N/mm²), Fe 415 steel (f_y = 415 N/mm²), E 250 structural steel (f_y = 250 N/mm²)
Q4
50M solve Truss deflection, plastic analysis, water tank design

(a) Determine the horizontal component of deflection of joint D of the truss loaded as shown in the figure. The cross-sectional area of each member is tabulated below. Take E = 200 kN/mm². Length of the members are indicated in the figure. Use Castigliano's theorems. (15 marks) Table : Area of cross-section | S.No | Member | Area of cross-section | |------|--------|----------------------| | 1. | AB | 765 mm² | | 2. | AD | 390 mm² | | 3. | DB | 575 mm² | | 4. | BC | 765 mm² | | 5. | CD | 390 mm² | (b) Determine the collapse load in case of propped cantilever of span 'l' and subjected to uniformly distributed load 'P' per metre length as shown in the figure. Take the plastic moment capacity of beam as M_P. (15 marks) (c) A circular water tank with flexible base is to be designed for a capacity of 450 kL. The depth of water is to be 4 m including a free board of 250 mm. Find the dimensions of the tank and design and detail the wall of the tank. Use M 20 concrete and Fe 250 steel. (20 marks) Given : Tensile stress in steel under direct tension for plain mild steel bars, σ_s = 115 MPa Permissible direct tensile stress in concrete (M 20), σ_ct = 1·2 MPa Unit weight of water, γ = 9800 N/m³

Answer approach & key points

Solve all three sub-parts systematically, allocating time proportional to marks: approximately 35% for part (a) truss deflection using Castigliano's theorem, 30% for part (b) plastic collapse analysis of propped cantilever, and 35% for part (c) complete water tank design including dimensioning, wall thickness calculation, and reinforcement detailing. Begin each part with clear identification of given data, show complete derivations with formulae, and conclude with boxed final answers. For part (c), present design calculations followed by a neat sketch showing reinforcement arrangement.

  • Part (a): Correct application of Castigliano's first theorem by placing unit horizontal load at D, calculation of member forces P due to actual loading and ∂P/∂Q due to dummy load, summation of (P·L/AE)·(∂P/∂Q) for all members
  • Part (b): Identification of correct collapse mechanism for propped cantilever with UDL—formation of plastic hinge at fixed end and within span, use of virtual work or equilibrium method to relate external work to internal energy dissipation
  • Part (c): Calculation of tank diameter from capacity (450 kL) and effective depth (3.75 m), determination of hoop tension and bending moment coefficients from IS 3370 tables for H²/Dt ratio, design of vertical and horizontal reinforcement
  • Part (c): Check for tensile stress in concrete against permissible σ_ct = 1.2 MPa, calculation of steel area using σ_s = 115 MPa, provision of minimum reinforcement as per IS 3370
  • Part (c): Detailing showing distribution steel, vertical steel on both faces, development lengths, and proper lap splices for circular tank wall
Q5
50M Compulsory solve Fluid mechanics and geotechnical engineering problems

The flow rate of water over a weir is 3 m³/s. A 1 : 10 scale model of the weir is tested in a water channel. Answer the following : (i) What flow rate should be used for the model ? (ii) If a force of 15 N is experienced on the model, what force would be expected on the prototype ? 10 A rectangular wing on a small airplane has a 1·3 m chord and a 10 m span. When flying in air at 250 km/hour, the wing experiences a total aerodynamic force of 20 kN. If the lift to drag ratio is 3, what would be the lift coefficient of the wing ? Take density of air as 1·20 kg/m³. 10 An idealized radial turbine is rotating at 140 rev/min as shown in the figure. The absolute flow enters at 30° and leaves radially inward. The flow rate is 4·0 m³/s of water at 20°C. The blade thickness is constant at 10 cm. If density of water is 1000 kg/m³, what would be the theoretical power developed by the turbine ? 10 The shear stress induced at a depth of 7·0 m due to construction of a nearby foundation is 50 kN/m². The soil properties at the site are given below : Unit weight (γ) = 18 kN/m³ Effective cohesion (C') = 12 kN/m² Effective friction angle (φ') = 30° Compute the factor of safety against shear failure assuming water table located far below the point. Also compute the percentage reduction in factor of safety if water table rises to the ground level. Take unit weight of water = 9·81 kN/m³. 10 Excavation is made in a soil whose porosity is 35% and specific gravity of soil grains is 2·65. A 3·0 m layer of this soil is subjected to an upward seepage head of 4·0 m. What factor of safety exists against boiling (piping) ? If a factor of safety of 2 is required against boiling, what depth of gravel is required to be placed above the soil stratum ? Assume unit weight of gravel and the soil to be the same and loss of head in the layer to be negligible. Assume γw = 9·81 kN/m³.

Answer approach & key points

Solve all five numerical problems systematically, allocating approximately 20% time to each part. Begin with dimensional analysis for the weir model (parts i-ii), then proceed to aerodynamic lift coefficient, turbine power calculation, factor of safety in shear failure, and finally seepage/boiling analysis. Present each solution with clear problem identification, formula application, substitution, and final answer with units.

  • Part (i-ii): Apply Froude's model law correctly — Qm/Qp = (Lr)^(5/2) = (1/10)^(5/2) = 0.00316, giving Qm = 9.49 L/s; Force ratio Fp/Fm = (Lr)^3 = 1000, giving Fp = 15,000 N
  • Part (iii): Calculate lift coefficient using CL = 2L/(ρV²A) where L = 15 kN (from 3:1 ratio), V = 69.44 m/s, A = 13 m²; yields CL ≈ 0.40
  • Part (iv): Apply Euler turbine equation P = ρQ(u1Vu1 - u2Vu2) with u2=0 (radial exit), u1 = ωr1, Vu1 = V1cos30°; requires geometric interpretation from figure for radius
  • Part (v): Compute σ = γz + Δσ = 18×7 + 50 = 176 kPa; τf = c' + (σ-u)tanφ' = 12 + 176×tan30° = 113.6 kPa; FS = τf/τ = 113.6/50 = 2.27; for WT at GL, FS reduces to ~1.14 (50% reduction)
  • Part (vi): Calculate critical hydraulic gradient ic = (Gs-1)/(1+e) = (2.65-1)/1.538 = 1.073; actual i = 4/3 = 1.333; FS = ic/i = 0.805 (unsafe); for FS=2, required gravel depth h gives total head loss 4m over (3+h)m with revised gradient
Q6
50M solve Open channel flow, fluid mechanics and retaining wall analysis

A flow of 9·0 m³/s occurs in a long rectangular channel of 3·0 m width with 1·5 m depth of water flow. There is a smooth constriction in the channel to 2·0 m width in the downstream direction. Answer the following : (i) What depths are to be expected in and just upstream of the constriction, if losses are neglected ? (ii) Classify the gradually varied flow profile upstream of the constriction, with proper justification. 15 A two-dimensional incompressible flow field is given by V = 2xy î + (x² – y²) ĵ , where î and ĵ are the unit vectors along x and y axes, respectively. Answer the following : (i) Determine the magnitude and the angle the velocity vector makes with x-axis at x = 3 m and y = 1 m. (ii) Is the flow physically possible ? If so, determine an expression for stream function. (iii) What is the discharge between the streamlines passing through (1, 0) and (0, 1) ? (iv) Is the flow irrotational ? Justify your answer with appropriate reasons. 15 A retaining wall is shown in the figure below : Layer ① γ = 17 kN/m³ φ' = 28° C = 0 Ground Water Table Layer ② γsat = 20 kN/m³ φ' = 35° C = 0 Assuming that the wall can yield sufficiently, determine the Rankine active force per unit length of the wall and also determine the location of the resultant line of action.

Answer approach & key points

Solve this multi-part numerical problem by allocating approximately 35% time to the open channel flow sub-parts (i)-(ii), 40% to the fluid mechanics sub-parts (iii)-(iv), and 25% to the retaining wall problem. Begin with clear identification of given data, apply relevant governing equations (specific energy, continuity, stream function theory, Rankine earth pressure), show all computational steps, and conclude with physical interpretation of results including flow classification and pressure distribution diagrams.

  • For (i): Calculate critical depth (yc = 0.972 m) and specific energy (E = 2.028 m), then solve for conjugate depths using specific energy equation at constriction, identifying supercritical and subcritical alternatives
  • For (ii): Classify the GVF profile as M1 curve with proper justification based on normal depth > critical depth and mild slope conditions upstream of constriction
  • For (iii)-(iv): Verify continuity equation (∂u/∂x + ∂v/∂y = 0), derive stream function ψ = x²y - y³/3, calculate velocity magnitude (6.32 m/s) and angle (18.43°), compute discharge between streamlines (0.333 m³/s/m), and check irrotationality via vorticity (ωz = 0)
  • For retaining wall: Calculate active earth pressure coefficients (Ka1 = 0.361, Ka2 = 0.271), determine effective stresses at layer interfaces and groundwater table, compute resultant force per unit length (≈ 180-200 kN/m), and locate centroid of pressure distribution
  • Present clear free-body diagrams for the retaining wall showing pressure distribution with hydrostatic component below GWT and effective stress above
Q7
50M solve Soil mechanics and fluid mechanics problems

(a) A 3·0 m high sandy fill material was placed loosely at a relative density of 50%. Laboratory studies indicated that the maximum and minimum void ratios of the fill material are 0·90 and 0·52 respectively. Construction specifications required that the fill be compacted to a relative density of 80%. If Gs = 2·65, determine : (i) Dry unit weight of the fill before and after compaction. (ii) Final height of the fill after compaction. Take γw = 9·81 kN/m³. (15 marks) (b) A group of 9 driven cast in situ piles is installed in a layered cohesive soil deposit as shown in the figure below. Piles are 40 cm in diameter and 15 m long. The spacing between the piles is 1·2 m and the cutoff level is 2·0 m below the ground level. Determine the safe load of the piles with a factor of safety of 2·5. (15 marks) (c) Glycerin is flowing through a 2·5 cm diameter horizontal pipe of 30 m length that discharges it into the atmosphere at 101 kPa. The flow rate through the pipe is 0·05 litres/second. Dynamic viscosity (μ) and density of glycerin are 0·25 kg/m-s and 1250 kg/m³, respectively. Answer the following : (i) What is the absolute pressure at 30 m length just before the exit of pipe ? (ii) At what angle (θ) must the pipe be inclined downward from the horizontal for the pressure in the entire pipe to be atmospheric pressure and the flow rate to be maintained the same ? (20 marks)

Answer approach & key points

Solve all three numerical parts systematically, allocating approximately 30% time to part (a) on soil compaction, 30% to part (b) on pile group capacity, and 40% to part (c) on pipe flow hydraulics. Begin each part with stated assumptions and formulae, proceed through step-by-step calculations with proper units, and conclude with clearly boxed final answers for each sub-part.

  • Part (a): Correct application of relative density formula to find void ratios before and after compaction, then dry unit weight using γd = Gs·γw/(1+e), and height reduction using mass conservation
  • Part (a)(ii): Calculation of final height using relationship H2 = H1 × (1+e2)/(1+e1) based on constant mass and plan area
  • Part (b): Determination of individual pile capacity in layered clay using α-method for skin friction and bearing capacity for base, then application of group efficiency factors for 3×3 pile group
  • Part (b): Consideration of block failure mode versus individual pile failure for closely spaced piles (spacing/diameter = 3)
  • Part (c)(i): Application of Hagen-Poiseuille equation for laminar flow to find pressure drop, verification of Reynolds number, and calculation of absolute pressure at pipe exit
  • Part (c)(ii): Derivation of required inclination angle using energy equation where pressure gradient due to elevation head balances viscous losses, maintaining same flow rate
Q8
50M solve Soil mechanics and fluid mechanics problems

(a) At a site, fine sand exists to a depth of 10 m and below this lies a soft clay layer 7·0 m thick. Water table is 4·0 m below the ground surface. Saturated unit weight of sand is 20·0 kN/m³ and the wet unit weight above the water table is 18 kN/m³. The water content of the normally consolidated clay is 42%, liquid limit is 46% and the specific gravity of the solid particles is 2·75. The proposed construction will transmit a net stress of 130 kN/m² at the centre of the clay layer. Find the average settlement of the clay layer. (15 marks) (b) A strip footing of width 2·8 m as shown in the figure is founded at a depth of 2·5 m below the ground surface in a C – φ soil. Water table is at a depth of 6 m below the ground surface. The average moist weight of soil above the water table is 18 kN/m³. Determine the ultimate bearing capacity, net ultimate bearing capacity, net allowable bearing pressure and the load/m for a factor of safety of 2·5. Use the general shear failure theory of Terzaghi. Given : For φ = 30°, Nc = 37·2 Nq = 22·5 Nγ = 19·7 What will be the percent decrease in ultimate bearing capacity if during the flooding, water level rises 2 m above around surface ? (15 marks) (c) Water at 20°C flows through a pipe of inlet diameter of 10 cm and passes further through a circular nozzle of diameter 2·5 cm, exits into the air as a jet, and strikes a vertical plate as shown in the figure. A force, F = 100 N is required to hold the plate stationary. Assuming steady, frictionless, one-dimensional flow and densities of water and mercury as 1000 kg/m³ and 13550 kg/m³ respectively, answer the following : (i) Determine the velocities at sections ① and ②. (ii) Determine the mass flow rate of water. (iii) Determine the mercury manometer reading 'h'. (20 marks)

Answer approach & key points

Solve all three parts systematically, allocating approximately 30% time to part (a) settlement calculation, 30% to part (b) bearing capacity with Terzaghi's theory, and 40% to part (c) fluid mechanics with continuity, momentum and manometry. Begin each part with clear identification of given data, apply relevant formulas with proper unit conversions, and conclude with boxed final answers. For part (c), solve sub-parts (i)-(iii) sequentially as they are interdependent.

  • Part (a): Calculate initial effective stress at mid-clay layer using submerged unit weights; determine compression index Cc from liquid limit using Cc = 0.009(LL-10); compute settlement using ΔH = (CcH₀/1+e₀)log₁₀[(σ'₀+Δσ)/σ'₀]
  • Part (b): Apply Terzaghi's general shear failure equation for strip footing: qu = cNc + γDfNq + 0.5γBNγ; calculate net ultimate and allowable bearing pressures; determine percent decrease when water table rises to ground surface using submerged unit weight
  • Part (c)(i): Apply momentum equation F = ρQ(V₂-0) = ρA₂V₂² to find V₂, then continuity equation A₁V₁ = A₂V₂ to find V₁
  • Part (c)(ii): Calculate mass flow rate ṁ = ρA₁V₁ = ρA₂V₂ using velocity from (i)
  • Part (c)(iii): Apply Bernoulli's equation between sections ① and ② including manometer reading h with mercury-water interface; solve for h using pressure balance ρw(V₁²-V₂²)/2 = (ρm-ρw)gh
  • For all parts: Show proper unit conversions (kN/m³ to kg/m³ where needed), use g = 9.81 m/s², and state all assumptions clearly

Paper II

8 questions · 400 marks
Q1
50M Compulsory explain Civil Engineering - Construction Materials and Surveying

(a) What are the approximate limits of chemical (oxide) composition in hydraulic cement ? Also state the function of oxides in brief. (10 marks) (b) (i) Explain with neat sketches, how Work Breakdown Structure can be defined with respect to Construction Project Management. (ii) With an example, explain how the work breakdown structure can be classified. (10 marks) (c) What do you understand by workability of concrete ? Write the procedure for any one measurement method available to check the workability of concrete. (10 marks) (d) A 100 km length railway line is to be constructed for doubling the existing track. Calculate the quantity of track material required to construct the track. Consider the length of rail as 13 m, density of sleepers as (n + 4) and width of sleeper as 250 mm. (10 marks) (e) The Fore Bearing of side AB of regular hexagonal polygon ABCDEFA in whole circle bearing system is 120°. Find the Fore Bearings and Back Bearings of all the other sides. Also find the bearings of line BE and BF. (10 marks)

Answer approach & key points

This multi-part question requires explaining theoretical concepts in (a), (b), (c), solving numerical problems in (d) and (e). Allocate approximately 15-18 minutes per 10-mark sub-part: spend ~15% time on (a) cement chemistry, ~20% on (b) WBS with sketches, ~15% on (c) workability procedure, ~25% on (d) track material calculations, and ~25% on (e) bearing computations. Begin each part with clear headings, use sketches for (b), show all calculations for (d)-(e), and conclude with practical implications where relevant.

  • (a) Chemical composition limits: CaO (60-67%), SiO₂ (17-25%), Al₂O₃ (3-8%), Fe₂O₃ (0.5-6%), MgO (<2%), SO₃ (<3%); functions: CaO for C-S-H formation, SiO₂ for strength, Al₂O₃ for quick setting, Fe₂O₃ for color and flux
  • (b)(i) WBS definition: hierarchical decomposition of project deliverables into manageable work packages; sketch showing Level 1 (Project) → Level 2 (Major deliverables) → Level 3 (Work packages) → Level 4 (Activities)
  • (b)(ii) WBS classification: by phase (planning, design, construction, commissioning), by system (structural, MEP, finishes), by geography (zone-wise), or by organizational unit; example: Metro Rail Project WBS
  • (c) Workability definition: ease with which concrete can be mixed, transported, placed, compacted and finished without segregation; Slump Test procedure: cone filling in 3 layers with 25 tamps each, lifting cone vertically, measuring subsidence
  • (d) Track material calculations: number of rails = (100,000 × 2)/13 = 15,385 rails; sleepers = (100,000/0.6) × 2 = 333,333 sleepers (assuming n=6, spacing 60cm); ballast volume ≈ 1,00,000 m³; fastenings, fish plates
  • (e) Bearing calculations: hexagon internal angle = 120°, FB of BC = 120° + 60° = 180°, CD = 240°, DE = 300°, EF = 0°/360°, FA = 60°; BB = FB ± 180°; BE bearing = 300°, BF bearing = 0°
Q2
50M solve Project Management and Railway Engineering

(a) For a project consisting of several activities, the allotted time and the dependencies of the activities are presented below: | Activity | Duration (days) | Predecessor | | P | 5 | – | | Q | 4 | – | | R | 6 | Q | | S | 5 | P | | T | 7 | P | | U | 4 | T, R | (i) Prepare a network and mark critical path in it. (ii) Calculate Float, Earliest start, Earliest finish, Latest start and Latest finish times. (20 marks) (b) Trains of different speeds are to be run on a 2° curve on a broad gauge. The average speed of trains to be run on the track is 80 kmph. Calculate the value of equilibrium cant. Also calculate the maximum permissible speed on the track allowing the maximum cant deficiency. (15 marks) (c) (i) An aircraft flew at the altitude of 5000 m above the mean sea level. Two consecutive photographs were taken with the camera of focal length 300 mm on the flat ground having elevation of 2000 m above mean sea level. The longitudinal overlap is 65% and photograph print size is 300 mm × 300 mm. Calculate the scale of the photograph and distance between the two consecutive exposure stations. (5 marks) (ii) What is spectral reflectance curve ? Explain its significance in Remote Sensing. (10 marks)

Answer approach & key points

Solve all five sub-parts systematically, allocating time proportionally to marks: spend ~40% on part (a) network analysis (20 marks), ~30% on part (b) railway cant calculations (15 marks), ~20% on part (c)(i) photogrammetry (5 marks), and ~10% on part (c)(ii) spectral reflectance theory (10 marks). Begin with clear problem identification, show all calculations with proper units, draw neat diagrams for (a)(i) and label critical path distinctly, and conclude with practical implications for each engineering application.

  • For (a)(i): Construct correct AOA or AON network with proper node numbering and activity arrows; identify critical path as Q-R-U (14 days) or equivalent based on correct forward/backward pass
  • For (a)(ii): Calculate ES, EF, LS, LF for all activities and determine total float (TF = LS-ES or LF-EF) and free float correctly; show tabular presentation
  • For (b): Calculate equilibrium cant using e = GV²/127R (or e = 0.0007V²/R for BG) with V=80 kmph, R=875m (from 2° curve); calculate cant deficiency using IRC limit of 75mm for BG and find maximum permissible speed
  • For (c)(i): Calculate scale as f/(H-h) = 300mm/(5000-2000)m = 1:10,000; compute ground coverage and exposure station spacing using 65% overlap formula
  • For (c)(ii): Define spectral reflectance curve as plot of reflectance vs wavelength; explain significance for land cover classification, vegetation health monitoring, and band selection in Indian remote sensing applications (IRS/LANDSAT)
Q3
50M solve Traffic surveys, tunnel surveying, bulking of sand

(a) (i) Explain any two traffic surveys carried out to decide the geometric design features of a road. (5 marks) (ii) The relationship between speed and density for a given section of road was found to be v = 100 – 1·2 k, where v is speed in kmph and k is the density in vehicles per km. Calculate the speed and density in which maximum flow could occur. Also draw the speed-density, speed-flow and flow-density diagrams indicating critical values. (15 marks) (b) Starting from ground point A having elevation of 100·500 m, levels from points B to F were taken inside a tunnel. The points B to F were marked in the ceiling of the tunnel keeping the staff inverted. Above staff readings were observed during the survey. Calculate the levels of all the points marked inside the tunnel. Also apply the regular checks for calculations. (15 marks) (c) Explain in brief (with neat sketches), the Phenomenon of Bulking of Sand. How does bulking of sand affect the concrete mix ? (15 marks)

Answer approach & key points

This multi-part question requires solving numerical problems in (a)(ii) and (b) while explaining concepts in (a)(i) and (c). Allocate approximately 35% time to (a)(ii) for its 15 marks involving traffic flow calculations and three diagrams, 30% to (b) for the 15-mark levelling problem with inverted staff, 20% to (c) for the 15-mark bulking explanation with sketches, and 15% to (a)(i) for the 5-mark traffic survey description. Begin with clear statements of given data, show all formulae and substitutions, and conclude with practical implications.

  • (a)(i): Identification and explanation of any two relevant traffic surveys (e.g., speed and delay study, origin-destination survey, traffic volume study, spot speed study) with their specific application to geometric design
  • (a)(ii): Derivation of q = vk, calculation of optimum speed v₀ = vₘ/₂ = 50 kmph, optimum density k₀ = kⱼ/₂ = 41.67 veh/km, and maximum flow qₘₐₓ = vₘkⱼ/₄ = 2083.33 veh/hr using v = 100 - 1.2k
  • (a)(ii): Correct plotting of three fundamental diagrams (speed-density, speed-flow, flow-density) with proper axes, curves, and critical values marked (vₘ, kⱼ, qₘₐₓ, v₀, k₀)
  • (b): Application of inverted staff correction (reading subtracted from height of instrument), correct calculation of HI at each setup, and computation of levels for points B through F with proper sign convention
  • (b): Application of arithmetic check (ΣBS - ΣFS = Last RL - First RL) and closure check for the levelling operation
  • (c): Explanation of bulking phenomenon due to surface moisture forming films around sand particles, increase in volume by 20-40% at 5-8% moisture content, and peak bulking at 4-6% moisture
  • (c): Neat sketches showing dry sand, moist sand with water films causing particle separation, and fully saturated sand where bulking disappears
  • (c): Effects on concrete mix: reduced strength if volume batching used without correction, need for weight batching or bulking factor adjustment, and field practices in Indian construction sites
Q4
50M calculate Depreciation, dampness in buildings, flexible pavement design

(a) A machine was purchased for ₹4,50,000 on 1st January 2001 and erection and installation work costed ₹80,000. The same machine is replaced by a new one on 31st December 2020. If the scrap value was estimated at ₹1,50,000 (i) What should be the rate of depreciation fund on 15th June 2010 ? (ii) If after 12 years of running, some assemblies are replaced and the replacement cost is ₹1,50,000, what will be the new rate of depreciation ? (20 marks) (b) What is dampness in a building ? What are the main causes of dampness and what are the remedies being suggested for making a building damp-proof ? (15 marks) (c) A flexible pavement has been designed for two lane single carriageway of width 7 m with the following data : (i) Commercial vehicle per day in each direction = 750 (as on 31.03.2018) (ii) Date of completion of construction = 31.03.2020 (iii) Rate of traffic growth = 10% per annum (iv) Design life = 10 years (v) Vehicle damage factor = 2·0 (vi) Lane distribution factor (LDF) for 2-lane single carriageway road = 0·75 (vii) LDF of 4-lane dual carriageway road = 0·75 in each direction Due to some issues, starting of construction got delayed and work started on 01.04.2023. In the meantime government has decided to develop the road as four lane dual carriageway. Considering the same design data as planned earlier, calculate the new design life of the project. Assume any additional data required for the design suitably. (15 marks)

Answer approach & key points

This is a multi-part calculation-based question requiring precise numerical work across depreciation accounting, building science, and pavement engineering. Allocate approximately 40% time/effort to part (a) given its 20 marks weightage, 30% to part (b) for 15 marks, and 30% to part (c) for 15 marks. Begin with clear identification of given data, show all formulas with standard notations (IRC:37 for pavement, IS 1893/standard depreciation methods), present step-by-step calculations with proper units, and conclude with practical interpretations of results.

  • Part (a)(i): Calculate depreciation rate using sinking fund method or straight line method for period 1.1.2001 to 15.6.2010 (9.5 years), considering total first cost ₹5,30,000 and scrap value ₹1,50,000
  • Part (a)(ii): Recalculate depreciation rate after capital addition of ₹1,50,000 at year 12, adjusting book value and remaining useful life till 31.12.2020
  • Part (b): Define dampness as unwanted moisture intrusion; enumerate causes (capillary action, rain penetration, condensation, ground water); describe remedies (DPC at plinth, waterproof plaster, surface treatments, proper drainage)
  • Part (c): Calculate cumulative standard axles (MSA) for original 2-lane design using N = 365×A×[(1+r)^n-1]/r × VDF × LDF with A=750, r=0.10, n=10
  • Part (c) continued: Recalculate design life for 4-lane dual carriageway using same total MSA but revised LDF=0.75 each direction (effectively 0.375 per lane), solving for new n when traffic starts 1.4.2023 with updated base year CVPD
Q5
50M Compulsory calculate Hydrology and water quality

(a) A 6-hour unit hydrograph has the following ordinates : If φ index is 0·3 cm/hr and base flow is 25 m³/s, determine the ordinates of resulting hydrograph of flow in the catchment due to the storm given below : (10 marks) (b) The annual precipitation and evaporation from each of the sub-areas P, Q, R and S are given below for a catchment. Calculate the following for catchment : (i) Annual average precipitation (ii) Annual average evaporation (iii) Annual runoff coefficients for the sub-areas and for the total catchment taken as a whole assuming no change in the ground water storage on an annual basis. (10 marks) (c) Route the above flood hydrograph through a river reach : The value of x and K in the Muskingham equation have been identified as 0·25 and 8 hr. The initial outflow discharge from the reach is 10 m³/s. (10 marks) (d) Explain the significance of the following from the point of view of water quality criteria : (i) Nitrites (ii) Nitrates (iii) E-coli (iv) B.O.D. (v) Dissolved oxygen (10 marks) (e) In a continuous flow settling tank 4 m deep and 80 m long, calculate the flow velocity for effective removal of 0.03 mm particles at 25°C. The specific gravity of the particles is 2.65 and kinematic viscosity (v) for water may be taken as 0.01 cm²/sec. (10 marks)

Answer approach & key points

This is a multi-part numerical question requiring precise calculations across hydrology and water quality. Begin with part (a) by constructing the storm hydrograph using φ-index and base flow separation, allocating approximately 25% time. For part (b), compute weighted averages for precipitation and evaporation using area-weighting, then derive runoff coefficients—allocate 20% time. Part (c) demands Muskingham routing with given x and K values; set up the routing equation systematically—20% time. Part (d) requires concise but comprehensive explanations of five water quality parameters with their health/ecological significance—20% time. Conclude with part (e) applying Stokes' law for settling velocity and checking against scour velocity—15% time. Present all calculations in tabular format where possible.

  • Part (a): Correct application of φ-index (0.3 cm/hr) to determine effective rainfall, convolution with 6-hour UH ordinates, and addition of base flow (25 m³/s) to obtain total storm hydrograph ordinates
  • Part (b): Area-weighted calculation of annual average precipitation and evaporation for the catchment; computation of runoff coefficients for sub-areas P, Q, R, S using water balance equation (P - E = R), and overall catchment runoff coefficient
  • Part (c): Application of Muskingham routing equation with x = 0.25, K = 8 hr, initial outflow = 10 m³/s; correct determination of routing coefficients C₀, C₁, C₂ and computation of outflow hydrograph ordinates
  • Part (d): Explanation of nitrites (toxicity, methemoglobinemia), nitrates (eutrophication, drinking water limit 45 mg/L), E-coli (fecal contamination indicator), BOD (organic pollution load, deoxygenation), and dissolved oxygen (aquatic life support, minimum 4-5 mg/L for warm-water fish)
  • Part (e): Calculation of settling velocity using Stokes' law for 0.03 mm particles at 25°C (v = 0.01 cm²/s, G = 2.65), verification of Reynolds number < 1 for Stokes' validity, and determination of flow velocity ensuring detention time allows particle removal (L/v_flow = H/v_settling)
Q6
50M solve Groundwater hydrology and water supply

(a) (i) A 50 cm well in an unconfined aquifer of saturated thickness 45 m yields 600 lpm under a drawdown of 3 m at the pumping well. What will be the discharge under a drawdown of 6 m ? Consider the radius of influence as 500 m. (ii) What will be the discharge in a 30 cm well under a drawdown of 3 m for the unconfined aquifer as mentioned in part (i). (20 marks) (b) How does the peak hour demand affect the design of a water supply scheme ? Sketch the fluctuation in demand for typical Indian conditions. (15 marks) (c) (i) The B.O.D. of a sewage incubated for one day at 25°C has been found to be 100 mg/l. What will be the 5 day, 20°C B.O.D. ? Assume K₂₀ = 0·12 at 20°C. Take temperature coefficient, φ = 1·056. (ii) Despite widespread use of B.O.D., it has some limitations. Mention all those limitations. (15 marks)

Answer approach & key points

Solve the numerical problems in parts (a) and (c) using appropriate groundwater and BOD formulae, while explaining and sketching for part (b). Allocate approximately 40% time to part (a) given its 20 marks, 30% to part (b) for the demand curve sketch and explanation, and 30% to part (c) for temperature correction calculations and limitations discussion. Present derivations clearly with stated assumptions before substituting values.

  • Part (a)(i): Apply Dupuit-Thiem equation for unconfined aquifer to find discharge at 6m drawdown, recognizing that transmissibility remains constant and discharge is proportional to (2H-s)s
  • Part (a)(ii): Calculate discharge for 30cm well using same aquifer properties, applying well radius scaling in the logarithmic term of Dupuit equation
  • Part (b): Explain peak hour factor (typically 1.5-2.5 for Indian cities) and its impact on distribution main sizing, service reservoir capacity, and pumping station design
  • Part (b): Sketch typical Indian diurnal demand curve showing morning and evening peaks, with minimum night flow and seasonal variation for summer/winter
  • Part (c)(i): Apply temperature correction formula K_T = K_20 × φ^(T-20) to find K_25, then use BOD_t = L_0(1-e^(-Kt)) relationship to find ultimate BOD and 5-day 20°C BOD
  • Part (c)(ii): Enumerate BOD limitations: 5-day delay in results, inhibition by toxic substances, nitrification interference, dilution requirements, and non-representative of actual stream conditions
Q7
50M discuss Environmental and Water Resources Engineering

(a) Discuss the following operational difficulties encountered in the operation of Activated Sludge process : (i) Rising Sludge or Floating Sludge (ii) Sludge Bulking What kind of impact these are having in the operation of Activated Sludge process ? 20 (b) Explain the following : (i) Specific capacity of a well (ii) Specific yield of an aquifer (iii) Perched water table (iv) Intrinsic permeability (v) Bulk pore velocity 15 (c) (i) Define Delta, Duty and Base Period, and derive the relationship among them. 7 (ii) Discuss the factors influencing the selection of site for a proposed dam. 8

Answer approach & key points

The directive 'discuss' in part (a) demands critical examination with causes, effects and remedies; parts (b) and (c) require 'explain' and 'define/derive' respectively. Allocate approximately 40% time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks weightage, 30% to part (b) for 15 marks, and 30% to part (c) for 15 marks. Structure: brief introduction on activated sludge process relevance → systematic treatment of each sub-part with definitions, mechanisms, impacts/diagrams → concluding synthesis on operational challenges in Indian STPs.

  • Part (a)(i): Rising/floating sludge — denitrification mechanism (NO₃⁻ → N₂ gas bubbles), sludge density reduction, identification by sludge volume index, remedies like increasing sludge wasting or reducing MLSS
  • Part (a)(ii): Sludge bulking — filamentous bacteria (Sphaerotilus, Thiothrix) vs. floc-forming bacteria competition, low DO/high F/M ratio causes, SVI>150 mL/g indicator, control by chlorination or selector basins
  • Part (b): Specific capacity (Q/s, m³/day/m), specific yield (Sy = ΔV/Δh·A, dimensionless), perched water table (localized saturated zone above main aquitard), intrinsic permeability (k, m², fluid-independent), bulk pore velocity (v = K·i/n, actual interstitial velocity)
  • Part (c)(i): Delta (Δ, depth of water required), Duty (D, area irrigated per cumec), Base Period (B, crop duration); derivation: Δ = 8.64·B/D in cm, with unit consistency demonstration
  • Part (c)(ii): Dam site factors — narrow gorge with wide upstream valley, sound foundation rock, adequate catchment, sediment-free water, proximity to demand, seismic stability, environmental/social acceptability (cite Tehri or Sardar Sarovar context)
Q8
50M design Irrigation, Environmental and Air Pollution Engineering

(a) (i) Design a trapezoidal concrete lined channel to carry a discharge of 300 m³/s at a slope of 1 in 4000. The side slope of the channel may be taken as 1·5 : 1. The value of n for the lining material may be taken as 0·0125. Assume the B/D ratio as 5. 10 (ii) Describe briefly different type of spillways used in dams and methods used for dissipating energy of water discharged from them. 10 (b) Mention the sources and health effects on human being of the following elements with reference to Air pollution : Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Mercury, Carbon Monoxide 15 (c) (i) Discuss the factors that must be considered in evaluating potential sanitary landfill sites. (ii) How does the occurrence of gases and leachate in sanitary landfill take place ? Explain with the help of chemical reactions taking place. 15

Answer approach & key points

The directive 'design' in part (a)(i) demands a complete hydraulic design with numerical solution, while other parts require descriptive and explanatory responses. Allocate approximately 25% time to (a)(i) for rigorous Manning's equation application with B/D=5 constraint, 20% to (a)(ii) for spillway classification and energy dissipators, 25% to (b) for systematic coverage of five pollutants with sources and health effects, and 30% to (c) for landfill site selection criteria and biochemical processes. Structure with clear sub-headings, present calculations in tabular format, and conclude with practical implications for Indian conditions.

  • (a)(i) Correct application of Manning's equation with given B/D=5 ratio to solve for normal depth and base width, verification of hydraulic parameters
  • (a)(ii) Classification of spillways (ogee, chute, shaft, siphon, side channel) with sketches; energy dissipation methods (hydraulic jump, ski jump, roller buckets) with Indian dam examples like Bhakra or Hirakud
  • (b) Systematic presentation of five pollutants: sources (industrial, vehicular, thermal power) and specific health effects (neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, Minamata disease, CO poisoning)
  • (c)(i) Site selection criteria: hydrogeological isolation, distance from water bodies, accessibility, soil permeability, climatic factors, social acceptance referencing CPHEEO/MSW Rules
  • (c)(ii) Anaerobic decomposition phases, gas generation (CH₄, CO₂, H₂S), leachate formation chemistry with relevant equations; leachate migration and control measures

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