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81. An 'accident investigation' involving a suspected track-related cause (e.g., derailment) would typically require the civil engineering department to examine:
- A. Only the catering quality on that train
- B. Track geometry parameters (gauge, alignment, level, twist) and maintenance records at the accident site
- C. Only the signalling colour-light bulb wattage
- D. Only the ticket sales figures for that train
Answer: Track geometry parameters (gauge, alignment, level, twist) and maintenance records at the accident site
Explanation: Track geometry parameters (gauge, alignment, level, twist) and maintenance records at the accident site — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
82. An 'Engineering Indication' or caution given to the Station Master/Loco Pilot due to a track defect is typically issued by the:
- A. The Commercial department
- B. The Personnel department
- C. The Catering department
- D. Permanent Way department (PWI or authorized official)
Answer: Permanent Way department (PWI or authorized official)
Explanation: Permanent Way department (PWI or authorized official) — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
83. 'Patrolling' of track during heavy rain, cyclonic weather, or after an earthquake is a critical safety practice mainly to:
- A. Count the number of passengers boarding trains
- B. Measure rainfall for meteorological records only
- C. Verify ticket validity of passengers
- D. Detect track washouts, landslides, or other hazards before a train reaches the affected location
Answer: Detect track washouts, landslides, or other hazards before a train reaches the affected location
Explanation: Detect track washouts, landslides, or other hazards before a train reaches the affected location — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
84. A 'Keyman' in track maintenance organization is primarily responsible for:
- A. Daily patrolling of a defined length of track to detect and attend to loose fittings/defects before trains pass
- B. Issuing tickets at the nearest station
- C. Operating points and signals at a station
- D. Preparing engineering drawings for new bridges
Answer: Daily patrolling of a defined length of track to detect and attend to loose fittings/defects before trains pass
Explanation: Daily patrolling of a defined length of track to detect and attend to loose fittings/defects before trains pass — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
85. Gangmen (trackmen) working under a PWI/Keyman are primarily responsible for:
- A. Designing new bridge structures
- B. Operating the station's signalling panel
- C. Preparing the railway budget
- D. Routine day-to-day physical maintenance and patrolling of an assigned length of track
Answer: Routine day-to-day physical maintenance and patrolling of an assigned length of track
Explanation: Routine day-to-day physical maintenance and patrolling of an assigned length of track — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
86. A 'PWI section' (Permanent Way Inspector's section) is the basic field unit of track maintenance, and PWIs are generally responsible for ensuring:
- A. Loading and unloading of freight wagons
- B. Ticket checking on trains passing through their section
- C. The track within their section is safe and maintained to prescribed standards for the sanctioned speed
- D. Rostering of train crew
Answer: The track within their section is safe and maintained to prescribed standards for the sanctioned speed
Explanation: The track within their section is safe and maintained to prescribed standards for the sanctioned speed — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
87. The 'Permanent Way Inspector' (PWI) is a key field-level civil engineering official whose primary duty is:
- A. Operating and controlling railway signals only
- B. Driving locomotives on the assigned section
- C. Day-to-day inspection, maintenance supervision, and safety of track within an assigned section (PWI section)
- D. Selling railway tickets to passengers
Answer: Day-to-day inspection, maintenance supervision, and safety of track within an assigned section (PWI section)
Explanation: Day-to-day inspection, maintenance supervision, and safety of track within an assigned section (PWI section) — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
88. A division is further divided into smaller civil engineering charges typically headed by a:
- A. Chief Mechanical Engineer
- B. Assistant Engineer (AEN) / Divisional Engineer (DEN)
- C. Station Master alone
- D. Traffic Inspector only
Answer: Assistant Engineer (AEN) / Divisional Engineer (DEN)
Explanation: Assistant Engineer (AEN) / Divisional Engineer (DEN) — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
89. At the divisional level, the senior-most civil engineering officer is typically designated as:
- A. Divisional Commercial Manager
- B. Divisional Security Commissioner
- C. Chief Operations Manager
- D. Senior Divisional Engineer (Sr. DEN)
Answer: Senior Divisional Engineer (Sr. DEN)
Explanation: Senior Divisional Engineer (Sr. DEN) — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
90. Each railway zone is further sub-divided into administrative units known as:
- A. Wards
- B. Divisions
- C. Districts only, as in state government
- D. Municipalities
Answer: Divisions
Explanation: Divisions — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
91. At the zonal headquarters level, the senior-most civil engineering officer is typically designated as:
- A. Principal Chief Engineer (PCE)
- B. Chief Personnel Officer
- C. Chief Commercial Manager
- D. Chief Security Commissioner
Answer: Principal Chief Engineer (PCE)
Explanation: Principal Chief Engineer (PCE) — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
92. Indian Railways is organizationally divided into zones, each headed administratively by a:
- A. Station Master
- B. General Manager (GM)
- C. Permanent Way Inspector
- D. Loco Pilot
Answer: General Manager (GM)
Explanation: General Manager (GM) — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
93. One of the principal roles of RDSO with respect to civil engineering is to:
- A. Carry out research and lay down standard designs, specifications and guidelines for track, bridges and structures
- B. Sell railway tickets to passengers
- C. Operate passenger reservation counters
- D. Recruit Group D railway staff
Answer: Carry out research and lay down standard designs, specifications and guidelines for track, bridges and structures
Explanation: Carry out research and lay down standard designs, specifications and guidelines for track, bridges and structures — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
94. RDSO's headquarters is located in which city?
- A. Kolkata
- B. Lucknow
- C. New Delhi
- D. Mumbai
Answer: Lucknow
Explanation: Lucknow — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
95. RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) functions under which apex body of Indian Railways?
- A. The Zonal Railway Headquarters independently, with no link to the Railway Board
- B. The Railway Board / Ministry of Railways
- C. The State Public Works Department
- D. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Answer: The Railway Board / Ministry of Railways
Explanation: The Railway Board / Ministry of Railways — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
96. 'Borrow area investigation' before embankment construction typically checks:
- A. Only the political ownership of the land
- B. Only the vegetation type present
- C. Only the market price of nearby land
- D. The suitability, quantity, and haulage distance of soil available for use as fill material
Answer: The suitability, quantity, and haulage distance of soil available for use as fill material
Explanation: The suitability, quantity, and haulage distance of soil available for use as fill material — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
97. 'Subgrade' in railway earthwork refers to:
- A. The overhead traction wire
- B. The rail itself
- C. The sleeper only
- D. The prepared natural or filled ground surface upon which the ballast bed rests
Answer: The prepared natural or filled ground surface upon which the ballast bed rests
Explanation: The prepared natural or filled ground surface upon which the ballast bed rests — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
98. 'Formation level' of a railway track refers to:
- A. The level of the overhead electrification wire
- B. The level of the nearest station platform only
- C. The level of the rail head only
- D. The finished level of the earthwork (top of subgrade) on which the ballast and track are laid
Answer: The finished level of the earthwork (top of subgrade) on which the ballast and track are laid
Explanation: The finished level of the earthwork (top of subgrade) on which the ballast and track are laid — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
99. 'Offsets' in chain surveying refer to:
- A. The vertical height of a survey point
- B. Lateral measurements taken from the chain line to locate nearby features/objects
- C. The total area enclosed by the survey
- D. The main chain line itself
Answer: Lateral measurements taken from the chain line to locate nearby features/objects
Explanation: Lateral measurements taken from the chain line to locate nearby features/objects — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
100. A 'Gunter's chain', historically used in land surveying, is:
- A. 66 feet long, divided into 100 links
- B. 33 feet long, divided into 100 links
- C. 1000 feet long, divided into 10 links
- D. 100 metres long, divided into 50 links
Answer: 66 feet long, divided into 100 links
Explanation: 66 feet long, divided into 100 links — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
101. An 'engineer's chain' traditionally used in chain surveying is:
- A. 100 feet long, divided into 100 links
- B. 10 feet long, divided into 1000 links
- C. 100 metres long, divided into 100 links
- D. 1 kilometre long, divided into 10 links
Answer: 100 feet long, divided into 100 links
Explanation: 100 feet long, divided into 100 links — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
102. 'Check levelling' is periodically carried out during a levelling survey mainly to:
- A. Verify that no significant error has accumulated by closing back to a known bench mark
- B. Replace the need for a bench mark altogether
- C. Determine the type of soil at each survey point
- D. Increase the total length of the survey unnecessarily
Answer: Verify that no significant error has accumulated by closing back to a known bench mark
Explanation: Verify that no significant error has accumulated by closing back to a known bench mark — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
103. 'Fly levelling' is generally conducted to:
- A. Determine soil bearing capacity in the field
- B. Quickly connect a bench mark to the survey area/starting point, without detailed intermediate readings
- C. Take detailed cross-sections of the entire alignment
- D. Measure horizontal angles between survey stations
Answer: Quickly connect a bench mark to the survey area/starting point, without detailed intermediate readings
Explanation: Quickly connect a bench mark to the survey area/starting point, without detailed intermediate readings — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
104. 'Reciprocal levelling' is a technique used to eliminate the effect of which error when levelling across a wide obstacle like a river?
- A. Errors due to instrument maladjustment (collimation error), curvature, and refraction
- B. Errors caused by the observer's height only
- C. Errors due to the colour of the levelling staff
- D. Errors in the chain length only
Answer: Errors due to instrument maladjustment (collimation error), curvature, and refraction
Explanation: Errors due to instrument maladjustment (collimation error), curvature, and refraction — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
105. A 'temporary adjustment' of a dumpy level before taking readings (setting up, levelling up, and focusing) is necessary to:
- A. Increase the weight of the instrument for stability
- B. Change the magnification of the telescope permanently
- C. Permanently recalibrate the instrument for all future use
- D. Ensure the line of sight of the instrument is truly horizontal for accurate readings
Answer: Ensure the line of sight of the instrument is truly horizontal for accurate readings
Explanation: Ensure the line of sight of the instrument is truly horizontal for accurate readings — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
106. 'Curvature and refraction correction' is applied in precise levelling over long sight distances because:
- A. The instrument always reads exactly zero without any correction needed
- B. The levelling staff is always slightly bent
- C. The curvature of the Earth and atmospheric refraction both cause a small error in the staff reading over long distances
- D. Only magnetic declination affects levelling accuracy
Answer: The curvature of the Earth and atmospheric refraction both cause a small error in the staff reading over long distances
Explanation: The curvature of the Earth and atmospheric refraction both cause a small error in the staff reading over long distances — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
107. In India, elevations on topographic maps and engineering surveys are typically referenced to:
- A. Mean Sea Level (MSL), as established by the Survey of India
- B. The height of the nearest railway station platform only
- C. An arbitrary value chosen freshly for each project with no national standard
- D. The base of the nearest mountain only
Answer: Mean Sea Level (MSL), as established by the Survey of India
Explanation: Mean Sea Level (MSL), as established by the Survey of India — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
108. 'Datum' in surveying and levelling refers to:
- A. The exact centreline of the railway track
- B. An arbitrary or standard reference level (e.g., Mean Sea Level) from which elevations are measured
- C. A type of surveying instrument
- D. The final constructed formation level only
Answer: An arbitrary or standard reference level (e.g., Mean Sea Level) from which elevations are measured
Explanation: An arbitrary or standard reference level (e.g., Mean Sea Level) from which elevations are measured — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
109. The 'Rankine method' (or method of tangential angles) is a technique used to:
- A. Design the cross-section of a bridge girder
- B. Calculate the bearing capacity of foundation soil
- C. Set out a circular curve in the field using a theodolite and chain/tape
- D. Estimate rainfall over a catchment area
Answer: Set out a circular curve in the field using a theodolite and chain/tape
Explanation: Set out a circular curve in the field using a theodolite and chain/tape — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
110. 'Setting out' of a railway curve on the ground, using methods like the offset method or the theodolite method, is done to:
- A. Determine the ballast type required
- B. Calculate the exact axle load of future trains
- C. Physically mark the correct curved alignment on the ground for construction
- D. Measure the electrification voltage needed
Answer: Physically mark the correct curved alignment on the ground for construction
Explanation: Physically mark the correct curved alignment on the ground for construction — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
111. A 'cross-section' at a given chainage on a railway alignment shows:
- A. The complete route map of the entire railway line
- B. The signalling layout of the nearest station
- C. Only the gradient of the line over its full length
- D. The ground profile and formation shape perpendicular to the centreline at that point
Answer: The ground profile and formation shape perpendicular to the centreline at that point
Explanation: The ground profile and formation shape perpendicular to the centreline at that point — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
112. A 'longitudinal section' (L-section) prepared for a railway alignment shows:
- A. Only the horizontal curvature of the alignment
- B. The electrical wiring layout of the section
- C. Only the width of the track at each point
- D. The ground profile and proposed formation level along the centreline of the alignment
Answer: The ground profile and proposed formation level along the centreline of the alignment
Explanation: The ground profile and proposed formation level along the centreline of the alignment — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
113. GPS/GNSS-based survey methods are increasingly used in railway alignment surveys primarily because they offer:
- A. Usability only indoors, never outdoors
- B. Complete elimination of the need for any ground survey ever
- C. Rapid, accurate positioning over large areas without requiring intervisibility between stations
- D. Lower accuracy than traditional chain surveying in all cases
Answer: Rapid, accurate positioning over large areas without requiring intervisibility between stations
Explanation: Rapid, accurate positioning over large areas without requiring intervisibility between stations — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
114. A 'total station' instrument used in modern railway surveying combines the functions of:
- A. An electronic theodolite and an electronic distance measuring (EDM) device
- B. A dumpy level and a compass only
- C. A chain and a tape only
- D. A GPS receiver only, with no angle measurement
Answer: An electronic theodolite and an electronic distance measuring (EDM) device
Explanation: An electronic theodolite and an electronic distance measuring (EDM) device — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
115. 'Slope stability' analysis of an embankment or cutting evaluates the risk of:
- A. Rail fracture due to fatigue only
- B. Shear failure of the soil mass along a potential slip surface
- C. Loss of superelevation on curves only
- D. Excessive ballast wear only
Answer: Shear failure of the soil mass along a potential slip surface
Explanation: Shear failure of the soil mass along a potential slip surface — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
116. 'Toe drains' provided at the base of an embankment slope primarily help to:
- A. Serve as the primary walking path for gangmen
- B. Collect and remove seepage/surface water, reducing risk of slope instability
- C. Provide additional track for shunting
- D. Increase the compaction of the embankment fill
Answer: Collect and remove seepage/surface water, reducing risk of slope instability
Explanation: Collect and remove seepage/surface water, reducing risk of slope instability — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
117. A 'retaining wall' constructed alongside a railway cutting or embankment primarily serves to:
- A. Resist lateral earth pressure and prevent slope failure/land movement
- B. Act as the main drainage channel only
- C. Support the overhead electrification mast exclusively
- D. Provide the running surface for the track directly
Answer: Resist lateral earth pressure and prevent slope failure/land movement
Explanation: Resist lateral earth pressure and prevent slope failure/land movement — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
118. 'Consolidation settlement' in soft clay subgrade beneath an embankment occurs primarily due to:
- A. Instantaneous elastic deformation with no time dependency
- B. Gradual expulsion of pore water from the clay under sustained load, reducing its volume over time
- C. Wind erosion of the embankment surface
- D. Chemical corrosion of the soil particles
Answer: Gradual expulsion of pore water from the clay under sustained load, reducing its volume over time
Explanation: Gradual expulsion of pore water from the clay under sustained load, reducing its volume over time — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
119. 'Settlement' of an embankment after construction refers to:
- A. The increase in gauge over time
- B. The gradual vertical subsidence of the embankment/foundation soil under its own weight and traffic loads over time
- C. The lateral shift of the embankment centreline
- D. The chemical weathering of ballast stones
Answer: The gradual vertical subsidence of the embankment/foundation soil under its own weight and traffic loads over time
Explanation: The gradual vertical subsidence of the embankment/foundation soil under its own weight and traffic loads over time — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
120. 'Standard Penetration Test' (SPT), a common in-situ geotechnical test, is used to estimate:
- A. The colour classification of surface vegetation
- B. The magnetic field strength of the site
- C. The relative density/consistency and approximate bearing capacity of subsurface soil layers
- D. The exact chemical composition of groundwater
Answer: The relative density/consistency and approximate bearing capacity of subsurface soil layers
Explanation: The relative density/consistency and approximate bearing capacity of subsurface soil layers — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
121. 'Geotechnical investigation' (soil investigation) before railway formation/bridge construction typically includes:
- A. Only visual inspection of the soil surface colour
- B. Only measurement of ambient air temperature
- C. Only counting the number of trees on the site
- D. Boring/trial pits, soil sampling, and laboratory testing to determine soil strength and classification
Answer: Boring/trial pits, soil sampling, and laboratory testing to determine soil strength and classification
Explanation: Boring/trial pits, soil sampling, and laboratory testing to determine soil strength and classification — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
122. A 'spoil bank' refers to the location where:
- A. Track fittings are stored during maintenance
- B. Water is stored for construction use
- C. Excess excavated material from a cutting, not required for nearby filling, is deposited
- D. Ballast is stored before being laid on track
Answer: Excess excavated material from a cutting, not required for nearby filling, is deposited
Explanation: Excess excavated material from a cutting, not required for nearby filling, is deposited — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
123. A 'borrow pit' in railway earthwork construction is:
- A. A drainage sump alongside the track only
- B. A pit used exclusively to dispose of waste ballast
- C. A location from which additional earth is excavated to make up a fill/embankment when cutting material is insufficient
- D. The final resting place of decommissioned sleepers
Answer: A location from which additional earth is excavated to make up a fill/embankment when cutting material is insufficient
Explanation: A location from which additional earth is excavated to make up a fill/embankment when cutting material is insufficient — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
124. 'California Bearing Ratio' (CBR) test results are commonly used in railway/highway formation design to assess:
- A. The rainfall pattern of the region
- B. The exact age of the soil deposit
- C. The chemical composition of the local river water
- D. The strength/bearing capacity of subgrade soil for supporting the formation and traffic loads
Answer: The strength/bearing capacity of subgrade soil for supporting the formation and traffic loads
Explanation: The strength/bearing capacity of subgrade soil for supporting the formation and traffic loads — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
125. The 'Proctor compaction test' is used in geotechnical practice to determine:
- A. The magnetic properties of a soil sample
- B. The optimum moisture content at which a soil achieves its maximum dry density under a given compactive effort
- C. The chemical pH of groundwater only
- D. The exact colour classification of a soil
Answer: The optimum moisture content at which a soil achieves its maximum dry density under a given compactive effort
Explanation: The optimum moisture content at which a soil achieves its maximum dry density under a given compactive effort — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
126. 'Compaction' of embankment soil during construction is carried out primarily to:
- A. Eliminate the need for any drainage
- B. Reduce the strength of the soil deliberately
- C. Increase soil density and reduce future settlement under train loads
- D. Increase the natural moisture content of the soil permanently
Answer: Increase soil density and reduce future settlement under train loads
Explanation: Increase soil density and reduce future settlement under train loads — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
127. 'Side slopes' provided in an embankment or cutting are primarily determined by:
- A. The length of the railway line only
- B. The type of soil/rock and its natural angle of repose/stability characteristics
- C. The gauge of the track only
- D. The colour of the soil only
Answer: The type of soil/rock and its natural angle of repose/stability characteristics
Explanation: The type of soil/rock and its natural angle of repose/stability characteristics — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
128. A 'cutting' in railway earthwork is constructed when:
- A. The ground is perfectly flat with formation level identical to ground level
- B. The formation level of the track is below the natural ground level, requiring excavation
- C. The formation level is above natural ground level, requiring filling
- D. Only for station buildings, never for track
Answer: The formation level of the track is below the natural ground level, requiring excavation
Explanation: The formation level of the track is below the natural ground level, requiring excavation — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
129. An 'embankment' in railway earthwork is constructed when:
- A. The formation level of the track is above the natural ground level, requiring filling
- B. No difference exists between formation and ground level
- C. The formation level is below natural ground level, requiring excavation
- D. Only bridges are being constructed, never for open track
Answer: The formation level of the track is above the natural ground level, requiring filling
Explanation: The formation level of the track is above the natural ground level, requiring filling — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
130. The 'trapezoidal method' (or mean sectional area method) for earthwork volume calculation assumes that the volume between two cross-sections equals:
- A. The average of the two end cross-sectional areas multiplied by the distance between them
- B. The area of only the larger cross-section multiplied by the distance
- C. The sum of the two areas without any distance factor
- D. The product of the two areas, ignoring distance entirely
Answer: The average of the two end cross-sectional areas multiplied by the distance between them
Explanation: The average of the two end cross-sectional areas multiplied by the distance between them — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
131. 'Earthwork calculation' for a railway embankment/cutting is important primarily to estimate:
- A. The exact colour of the soil at the site
- B. The gauge of the track to be laid
- C. The magnetic bearing of the alignment
- D. The volume of soil to be excavated or filled, for cost estimation and construction planning
Answer: The volume of soil to be excavated or filled, for cost estimation and construction planning
Explanation: The volume of soil to be excavated or filled, for cost estimation and construction planning — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
132. Closely spaced contour lines on a map indicate:
- A. Flat, level ground
- B. An area with no elevation change at all
- C. Steep ground slope
- D. A water body only
Answer: Steep ground slope
Explanation: Steep ground slope — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
133. 'Contour lines' on a topographic map represent:
- A. Lines of equal rainfall only
- B. Underground water table depth only
- C. Points of equal elevation above a reference datum
- D. Political/administrative boundaries only
Answer: Points of equal elevation above a reference datum
Explanation: Points of equal elevation above a reference datum — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
134. The 'final location survey' for a new railway line is the stage where:
- A. The line is opened for commercial train operation
- B. The exact centreline of the selected alignment is set out on the ground with pegs, ready for construction
- C. Ballast is procured for the project
- D. Only rough sketches of possible routes are made without any ground work
Answer: The exact centreline of the selected alignment is set out on the ground with pegs, ready for construction
Explanation: The exact centreline of the selected alignment is set out on the ground with pegs, ready for construction — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
135. After reconnaissance, the 'preliminary survey' for a new railway alignment is carried out to:
- A. Collect more detailed topographic, geotechnical and other data along the shortlisted corridor(s) to compare alternative alignments
- B. Lay the final track and commission the line
- C. Procure locomotives for the new line
- D. Weld the rails into long welded rail
Answer: Collect more detailed topographic, geotechnical and other data along the shortlisted corridor(s) to compare alternative alignments
Explanation: Collect more detailed topographic, geotechnical and other data along the shortlisted corridor(s) to compare alternative alignments — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
136. For a new railway line, the 'reconnaissance survey' is the stage that primarily involves:
- A. Final detailed setting out of the track centreline with pegs
- B. A preliminary rapid examination of the terrain to identify feasible broad alignment corridors
- C. Actual construction of the formation
- D. Detailed cost estimation of the entire project down to the last rupee
Answer: A preliminary rapid examination of the terrain to identify feasible broad alignment corridors
Explanation: A preliminary rapid examination of the terrain to identify feasible broad alignment corridors — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
137. A 'theodolite' is a surveying instrument primarily used to measure:
- A. Only elevation differences between two points
- B. Horizontal and vertical angles precisely
- C. Only the magnetic declination of a place
- D. Only the area enclosed by a boundary
Answer: Horizontal and vertical angles precisely
Explanation: Horizontal and vertical angles precisely — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
138. 'Chain surveying' is most suitable for surveying:
- A. Large hilly terrains requiring only angular measurements
- B. Only for measuring vertical heights of towers
- C. Underwater topography exclusively
- D. Relatively small, flat areas with few obstructions, using linear measurements only
Answer: Relatively small, flat areas with few obstructions, using linear measurements only
Explanation: Relatively small, flat areas with few obstructions, using linear measurements only — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
139. The 'Height of Instrument' (HI) method of reducing levels calculates the reduced level of a point as:
- A. The distance from the instrument to the staff, in metres
- B. Staff reading at that point multiplied by a fixed constant
- C. The sum of all back sights only, ignoring fore sights
- D. HI minus the staff reading at that point, where HI = RL of benchmark plus back sight
Answer: HI minus the staff reading at that point, where HI = RL of benchmark plus back sight
Explanation: HI minus the staff reading at that point, where HI = RL of benchmark plus back sight — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
140. In levelling, a 'fore sight' (FS) reading is taken on a staff held at a point:
- A. Only at a permanent bench mark
- B. Whose elevation is to be determined, typically the last reading before shifting the instrument
- C. Only at the exact starting point of the survey
- D. At a point with no relation to the survey line
Answer: Whose elevation is to be determined, typically the last reading before shifting the instrument
Explanation: Whose elevation is to be determined, typically the last reading before shifting the instrument — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
141. In levelling, a 'back sight' (BS) reading is taken on a staff held at a point of:
- A. The farthest visible point regardless of elevation
- B. Unknown elevation whose reduced level is to be found
- C. Known or previously determined elevation, to establish the height of the instrument
- D. The exact location of the next instrument station only
Answer: Known or previously determined elevation, to establish the height of the instrument
Explanation: Known or previously determined elevation, to establish the height of the instrument — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
142. A 'dumpy level' is an instrument primarily used for:
- A. Measuring distances directly without a staff
- B. Determining magnetic bearing only
- C. Measuring horizontal and vertical angles precisely
- D. Determining differences in elevation between points (levelling)
Answer: Determining differences in elevation between points (levelling)
Explanation: Determining differences in elevation between points (levelling) — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
143. A 'bench mark' in levelling refers to:
- A. A temporary wooden peg used only once during survey
- B. A fixed point of known/assumed elevation used as a reference for other level readings
- C. The exact centreline of the proposed track
- D. The final finished level of the railway formation
Answer: A fixed point of known/assumed elevation used as a reference for other level readings
Explanation: A fixed point of known/assumed elevation used as a reference for other level readings — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
144. 'Levelling' in surveying is the technique used to determine:
- A. The exact area of a plot of land
- B. The relative heights (elevations) of different points with respect to a reference datum
- C. The magnetic bearing of a survey line
- D. The horizontal angle between two survey lines
Answer: The relative heights (elevations) of different points with respect to a reference datum
Explanation: The relative heights (elevations) of different points with respect to a reference datum — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
145. 'Return period' (e.g., a 50-year or 100-year flood) used in bridge hydrology refers to:
- A. The average interval of time within which a flood of a given magnitude is statistically expected to be equalled or exceeded
- B. The exact number of years the bridge will physically last
- C. The time taken to construct the bridge
- D. The number of years between two consecutive bridge inspections
Answer: The average interval of time within which a flood of a given magnitude is statistically expected to be equalled or exceeded
Explanation: The average interval of time within which a flood of a given magnitude is statistically expected to be equalled or exceeded — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
146. A bridge's 'design discharge' (design flood) is typically determined using hydrological analysis based on:
- A. The width of the railway track gauge only
- B. The number of trains scheduled to cross the bridge daily
- C. Catchment area characteristics and historical rainfall/flood frequency data, often for a specified return period
- D. The colour of the riverbed material only
Answer: Catchment area characteristics and historical rainfall/flood frequency data, often for a specified return period
Explanation: Catchment area characteristics and historical rainfall/flood frequency data, often for a specified return period — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
147. 'Hydrographic survey' conducted before designing a new river bridge primarily provides data on:
- A. Only the vegetation cover on the riverbanks
- B. River cross-sections, flow velocity, discharge, and bed levels
- C. Only the population of nearby villages
- D. Only the mineral composition of nearby rock outcrops
Answer: River cross-sections, flow velocity, discharge, and bed levels
Explanation: River cross-sections, flow velocity, discharge, and bed levels — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
148. 'Painting' of steel bridge girders is a critical maintenance activity primarily to:
- A. Reduce the weight of the girder
- B. Protect the steel from corrosion caused by moisture and atmospheric exposure
- C. Increase the load-carrying capacity of the girder
- D. Increase the span length of the bridge
Answer: Protect the steel from corrosion caused by moisture and atmospheric exposure
Explanation: Protect the steel from corrosion caused by moisture and atmospheric exposure — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
149. 'Camber' provided in a bridge girder during fabrication is intended to:
- A. Pre-compensate for the anticipated deflection under dead and live loads so the girder appears level/true in service
- B. Increase the span length of the girder
- C. Reduce the amount of steel required to zero
- D. Provide electrical insulation for the girder
Answer: Pre-compensate for the anticipated deflection under dead and live loads so the girder appears level/true in service
Explanation: Pre-compensate for the anticipated deflection under dead and live loads so the girder appears level/true in service — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
150. Why must bridge girders be checked for 'lateral buckling' during design, particularly for long spans with slender compression flanges?
- A. It is relevant only to concrete bridges, never to steel bridges
- B. It has no relevance to bridge safety, only to aesthetics
- C. Lateral buckling only affects the colour of the paint finish
- D. A slender compression flange can buckle sideways under load before reaching its full bending capacity if not adequately braced
Answer: A slender compression flange can buckle sideways under load before reaching its full bending capacity if not adequately braced
Explanation: A slender compression flange can buckle sideways under load before reaching its full bending capacity if not adequately braced — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
151. 'Limit State Method' of design, increasingly referenced alongside working stress method in modern structural codes, checks structural adequacy against:
- A. Only the cost of construction materials
- B. Only the age of the structure
- C. Defined limit states of collapse (ultimate strength) and serviceability (deflection, cracking)
- D. Only the colour and finish of the concrete surface
Answer: Defined limit states of collapse (ultimate strength) and serviceability (deflection, cracking)
Explanation: Defined limit states of collapse (ultimate strength) and serviceability (deflection, cracking) — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
152. Under IRS (Indian Railway Standard) bridge design philosophy, 'permissible stress method' historically based allowable stresses on:
- A. A factor of safety applied to the material's yield/ultimate strength
- B. The number of years since the bridge was built, with no reference to material strength
- C. The distance of the bridge from the nearest workshop
- D. The colour of the material only
Answer: A factor of safety applied to the material's yield/ultimate strength
Explanation: A factor of safety applied to the material's yield/ultimate strength — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
153. 'Cofferdams' used during bridge foundation construction serve to:
- A. Measure the flow velocity of the river
- B. Temporarily exclude water/soil from a work area so foundation construction can proceed in dry conditions
- C. Serve as the final permanent foundation of the bridge
- D. Permanently store construction materials underwater
Answer: Temporarily exclude water/soil from a work area so foundation construction can proceed in dry conditions
Explanation: Temporarily exclude water/soil from a work area so foundation construction can proceed in dry conditions — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
154. An 'open foundation' (spread/shallow footing), as opposed to a well or pile foundation, is suitable for bridges where:
- A. The bridge span exceeds 500 metres
- B. A firm, good-bearing-capacity stratum is available at shallow depth
- C. The river carries very high floods and deep scour is expected
- D. No bearing stratum exists at any depth
Answer: A firm, good-bearing-capacity stratum is available at shallow depth
Explanation: A firm, good-bearing-capacity stratum is available at shallow depth — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
155. 'Spandrel filling' in a masonry arch bridge refers to the material used to:
- A. Reinforce the arch ring with steel bars only
- B. Replace the need for an arch ring altogether
- C. Fill the space above the arch ring and below the roadway/track level to support the deck
- D. Waterproof the riverbed beneath the arch
Answer: Fill the space above the arch ring and below the roadway/track level to support the deck
Explanation: Fill the space above the arch ring and below the roadway/track level to support the deck — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
156. For a masonry arch bridge, the maximum compressive thrust is transmitted through the arch ring to the:
- A. Abutments/springings at the base of the arch
- B. The deck slab directly, bypassing the arch ring
- C. The crown of the arch only, with none reaching the base
- D. The expansion joints at midspan
Answer: Abutments/springings at the base of the arch
Explanation: Abutments/springings at the base of the arch — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
157. 'Rail level' and 'bed block level' are terms encountered in bridge design; the 'bed block' is:
- A. A type of ballast used only on bridges
- B. A concrete/masonry block placed on top of the pier/abutment to distribute the girder's bearing load
- C. The lowest layer of the foundation caisson
- D. The name given to the bridge's expansion joint
Answer: A concrete/masonry block placed on top of the pier/abutment to distribute the girder's bearing load
Explanation: A concrete/masonry block placed on top of the pier/abutment to distribute the girder's bearing load — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
158. 'Retrofitting' or strengthening of an old bridge is undertaken mainly when:
- A. The bridge needs to carry higher axle loads/speeds than it was originally designed for, or shows signs of distress
- B. A new station is being constructed nearby, unrelated to the bridge's capacity
- C. The bridge is being permanently closed and dismantled
- D. The bridge needs to be repainted for appearance only
Answer: The bridge needs to carry higher axle loads/speeds than it was originally designed for, or shows signs of distress
Explanation: The bridge needs to carry higher axle loads/speeds than it was originally designed for, or shows signs of distress — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
159. An 'Important Bridge' classification (a category between Major and Minor) on Indian Railways is typically used for bridges that:
- A. Are always longer than any Major Bridge
- B. Carry no rail traffic at all
- C. Do not meet the Major Bridge criteria by span/waterway but are considered critical due to factors like foundation depth or strategic importance
- D. Are exclusively pedestrian-only bridges
Answer: Do not meet the Major Bridge criteria by span/waterway but are considered critical due to factors like foundation depth or strategic importance
Explanation: Do not meet the Major Bridge criteria by span/waterway but are considered critical due to factors like foundation depth or strategic importance — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
160. A bridge classified as a 'Major Bridge' on Indian Railways is generally distinguished from a 'Minor Bridge' based on:
- A. The colour of paint used on the structure
- B. The distance of the bridge from the nearest station only
- C. The number of trains that cross it per day only
- D. Overall waterway/span length and/or height of the structure exceeding defined thresholds
Answer: Overall waterway/span length and/or height of the structure exceeding defined thresholds
Explanation: Overall waterway/span length and/or height of the structure exceeding defined thresholds — verified fact for Railway Civil Engineering Group B LDCE.
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