BASIC CIVIL ENGINEERING

1. Explain role of civil engineer.

 Civil engineers create, improve and protect the environment in which we live.
 They plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building
structures and infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours,
dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and sewerage systems.
 Civil engineer should have qualities like scientific attitude of mind, imaginative
and intuitive approach.
 He should have a good analysis and decision power procured by study and
training.
 He should be able to carry out proper planning and scheduling for execution for
the project.

2. Enlist the various branches of Civil Engineering

Below are the various branches of Civil Engineering.
(i) Architecture & Town Planning.
(ii) Building Materials
(iii) Construction Technology
(iv) Environmental Engineering
(v) Geotechnical Engineering
(vi) Water Resource & Irrigation Engineering
(vii) Structural Engineering
(viii) Earthquake Engineering
(ix) Surveying

3. Explain duties of Civil engineer related to fields of civil engineering.

Below are the duties of Civil engineering related to fields of civil engineering: -
(i) Managing, designing, developing, and maintaining construction projects.
(ii) Conducting on-site investigations and analysing data.
(ii) Assessing potential risks, materials and costs.
(iv) Manage budget and purchase equipment/materials.
(v) Comply with guidelines and regulations including permits, safety etc. and deliver
technical files and other technical documentation as required.

4. Define (i) Surveying (ii) Levelling

(i) Surveying – Surveying is the art and science of determining the relative positions
of various points or stations on the surface of the earth by measuring the
horizontal and vertical distances, angles and taking the details of these points and
by preparing a map or plan to any suitable scale.
(ii) Levelling: Levelling is a branch of surveying which deals with the measurements of
relative heights of different points on or below the surface of the earth. Thus, in
levelling, the measurements (elevations) are taken in the vertical plane.
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5. Write aim and application of surveying.

The aim of surveying is to prepare a map or plane to show the relative positions of
the objects on the surface of the earth. The map or plane is drawn to some suitable
scale.
Below are the applications of the surveying:
 To prepare a topographical map which shows hills, valleys, rivers, forests,
villages, tons etc.
 To prepare a cadastral map which shows the boundaries of fields, plots, houses
and other properties.
 To prepare an engineering map which shows the positions of engineering works
such as buildings, roads, railways, dams, canals etc.
 Surveying is also used to prepare military map, geological map, archaeological
map etc.
 For setting out of works and transferring details from the map on the ground.

6. Explain primary division of surveying.

We know that the shape of the earth is spheroidal. Thus, the surface is obviously
curved. Surveying is primarily divided into two types considering the curvature of the
earth’s surface.
(1) Plane surveying
(2) Geodetic surveying.

7. Differentiate between plane surveying and geodetic surveying.

Plane Surveying Geodetic Surveying
The earth surface is considered as a The earth surface is considered as a
plane surface curved surface.
The curvature of the earth is ignored. The curvature of the earth is taken into
account.
Line joining any two stations is The line joining any two stations is
considered to be straight. considered as a curved line.
The triangle formed by any three points The triangle formed by any three points
is considered as a plane. is considered as spherical.
The angles of the triangles are The angles of the triangles are
considered as plane angles. considered to be spherical angles.
2 Carried out for a large area > 250 km2.
Carried out for a small area < 250 km

8. Explain the fundamental principal of surveying.

The fundamental principles of surveying are as follows:
(1) Always work from the whole to the part, and
(2) To locate a new station by at least two measurements (linear or angular) from
fixed reference points.
 Always work from the whole to the part:
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According to the first principle, the whole survey area is first enclosed by main
stations (i.e. control stations) and main survey lines. The area is then divided
into a number a number of divisions by forming well-conditioned triangles.
 To located a new station by at least two measurements (linear or angular)
from fixed reference points :
According to the second principle the points or stations are located by linear or
angular measurement or by both in surveying. If two control points are
established first, then a new station can be located by two linear or two angular
measurements or by one linear and one angular measurement.

9. Discuss classification of surveying.

Surveys can be classified into various categories depending on the purposes,
instruments and methods used and the nature of the field.
 Classification based on Instruments:
 Chain Survey
 Compass Survey
 Chan and Compass Survey
 Plane Table Survey
 Theodolite Survey
 Tacheometry Survey
 Levelling Survey
 Photogrammetric Survey:
 EDM Survey
 Classification based on Methods:
 Triangulation
 Traversing
 Classification based on purposes:
 Geological Survey
 Mine Survey
 Archaeological Survey
 Military Survey
 Classification based on Nature of Field:
 Land Survey
 Hydrographic Survey
 Astronomic Survey
 Aerial Survey

10. Define (i) Map (ii) Plan (iii) Scale (iv) R.F.
 Map:
If the scale f graphical projection on a horizontal plane is small, the plan is called
a map. Thus graphical representation is called a plan if scale is large while it is
called a map if the scale is small.
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 Plan:
A plan is the graphical representation, to some scale, of the features on, near or
below the surface of the earth as projected on a horizontal plane. The horizontal
plane is represented by the plane of the drawing sheet on which the plan is
drawn to some scale.
 Scale:
It is the basic requirement for the preparation of plans or maps. Scale is used to
represent large distance on paper. The ratio by which the actual length is
reduced or increased in the drawing is known as scale. (For example, if 1 cm on
map represents a distance of 10 meters on ground, the scale of map is said to be
1 cm = 10 m
 Representative Fraction (RF):
The ration of the distance on the drawing to the corresponding actual length of
the object on the ground is known as representative fraction. Units of distance
in both will be same.

11. What are the different methods of making linear measurements? Discuss them.
There are three methods of making linear measurements:
 Direct methods:
In direct method, the distance is actually measured during field work using a
chain or a tape. This is the most commonly used method for linear
measurements.
 Optical methods:
In the optical methods, principles of optics are used. The distance is not actually
measured in field but is computed indirectly. The instrument used for making
observations is called tacheometer.
 E.D.M. methods:
Electromagnetic Distance Measuring (E.D.M.) instruments have been developed
quite recently. These are practically replacing the measurements of distances
using chains or tapes. There is a large variety of such instruments and depending
upon the precision required, a particular EDM instrument should be used.

12. What are the various instruments used in chaining. Describe in briefly.
Various types of chains used in surveying are:
 Metric chain:
Normally, this chain consists of galvanised mild steel wire of 4mm diameter
known as link. The ends of the links are bent into a loop and connected together
by means of three oval or circular rings which provide flexibility to the chain and
make it less liable to kinking.
 Gunter’s chain or Surveyor’s chain:
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A 66 feet long chain consists of 100 links, each of 0.66 ft. is known as Gunter’s
chain. This chain is suitable for taking length in miles and areas in acre.
 Engineer’s Chain:
A 100ft. long chain consists of 100 links each of 1 foot is known as Engineer’s
chain.
 Revenue Chain:
Revenue chain is 33 ft. long chain consisting of 16 links. This chain is used for
distance measurements in feets & inches for smaller areas.
 Steel Band or Band Chain:
Steel bands are preferred than chains because they are more accurate, but the
disadvantage is that they get broken easily and are difficult to repair on the field.
They are 20 and 30 m long, 12 to 16 mm wide and 0.3 to 0.6 mm thick.

13. Differentiate between Gunter’s chain and Engineer’s chain.

Gunter’s chain Engineer’s chain
Gunter’s chain is a 66 feet long chain A 100 ft. long chain consisting of 100
consist of 100 links, each of 0.66 ft. is links each of 1 foot is known as
known as Gunter’s chain. Engineer’s chain.
This chain is suitable for taking length in This chain is used to measure length is
miles and areas in acre. feet and area in square yards.

14. Discuss various approximate methods of linear measurements.

Here are the different methods of approximate methods:
 Pacing
A distance between two points can approximately be determined by counting
the number of paces and multiplying it with average length of the pace.
 Passometer:
It is a small instrument which counts the number of paces.
 Pedometer:
This instrument directly gives the distance by multiplying the instrument of
paces with the average pace length of the person carrying the instrument.
 Odometer:
An odometer is a simple device which can be attached to the wheel of the
bicycle or any such vehicle. The odometer registers the number of revolutions
made by the wheel. The distance covered is equal to the product of the number
of revolutions and the perimeter of the wheel.
 Speedometer:
This is used in automobiles for measuring distances.
 Measuring Wheel:
It is a wheel fitted with a fork and handle. The wheel is graduated and shows a
distance per revolution. There is a dial which records the numbers of
revolutions. Thus the distance can be computed.

15. Enlist the various materials used nowadays in construction of buildings.

 BASIC CIVIL ENGINEERING

Below are the various materials used nowadays in construction of buildings:-

(i) Cement
(ii) Aggregate
(ii) Brick
(iv) Steel
(v) Concrete
(vi) Stone
(vii) Soil
(viii) Mortar
(ix) Timber
(x) Plastic
(xi) Epoxy
(xii) Flyash
(xiii) Steel slag
(xiv) Copper slag
(xv) Bitumen
(xvi) Pipe
(xvii) Wire
(xviii) Cable
(xix) Smart material
(xx) ERP-Optical Fiber

16. Describe the sizes and requirements of bricks as a civil engineering materials.
Brick is one of the oldest building material continues to be most popular and leading
construction material because of cheap, durable and easy to handle and work with.
A brick is rectangular in shape and of size that can be convenient handled with one
hand.

A brick should contain: Silica, Alumina, Lime, Iron Oxide and Magnesia
The length, width and height of a brick are interrelated as:
(i) Length of brick = 2 X width of brick + thickness of mortar
(ii) Height of brick = Width of brick
Size of a standard brick (also known as modular brick) should be 19 x 9 x 9 cm and
Weight of such a brick is 3.0 kg.

17. Enlist a properties of a good timber.

Following are the characteristics or qualities or properties of a good timber:
 A freshly cut timber should exhibit a hard and shinning appearance.
 It should have a dark-brown and uniform colour.
 It should be from the heart-wood
 A good timber should be free from all defects.
 A good timber should be durable.
 It should have straight, close fibres.
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 A good timber should be capable of retaining the shape during conversion or

seasoning.
 A freshly cut timber should smell sweet.
 Timber should be easily workable.

18. Enlist types of cement and explain in details about Ordinary Portland cement &
Low heat Portland cement.
Below are the types of cements.
 Ordinary Portland Cement
 Rapid hardening Portland cement
 Low heat Portland cement
 Sulphate resisting Portland cement
 Pozzolanic cement
 White Portland Cement
 Expansive cement
 Quick setting Portland cement

Ordinary Portland Cement:

 Most common type of cement in general use around the world.
 Facts: 95% of construction industries uses this, often referred to as OPC.
 Use in construction when there is no exposures to sulphates
 Fineness – not less than 2250 cm2/g.

Low heat Portland cement:

 Heat generated in ordinary Portland cement at the end of 3 days is 80 cal/gm.
While in low heat Portland cement it is about 50 cal/gm of cement.
 It has low percentage of C3A and relatively more C2S and less C3S than OPC.
 Most suitable for large mass concrete works such as dams, large raft
foundations, etc.

19. Explain in short about Aggregate classification based on size.

Aggregates are the materials basically used as filler with binding material in the
production of mortar and concrete.
Classification of Aggregate based on size:
 Coarse Aggregate (C.A) – Passed from 80mm and Retained on 4.75 mm sieve
Size > 4.75mm & Size < 80mm
 Fine Aggregate (F.A) – Passed from 4.75 mm and Retained on 80 micron sieve
Size < 4.75 mm & Size > 80 micron.

20. Write a short note on First Class Bricks.

 Water absorption should be 12-15% of its dry weight when immersed in cold
water for 24 hours.
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 The surface should be smooth and rectangular, with parallel, sharp and straight
edges and square corners.
 The crushing strength of the brick should not be less than 10 N/mm^2
 Recommend for pointing, exposed face work in masonry structures, flooring and
reinforced brick work.

21. Write a short note on Thermoplastic plastic and Thermosetting plastic.

Thermoplastic
 It softens on heating and hardens on cooling, i.e., their hardness is a temporary
property subjected to change with the rise or fall of temperature and can be
brought again to plastic stage on heating.

Thermosetting

 Plastic cannot be reused. They require great pressure and momentary head
during moulding and finally get hardened on cooling.
 Uses are in electrical equipment, plugs, sockets, switches etc.

22. What is the concept of smart city and explain its features as well as pillars of smart
city.
Smartness in the city means different hings to different people. It could be smart
design, smart building, smart utilities, smart mobility, smart technology etc.
Therefore smart city is just a term for better cities.
Features of smart city:
The city must be planned in coherence with all level of development
 At city level
 At neighbourhood level
 At individual building level
Pillars of smart city:
 A smart city should provide holistic urban environment embedded with the
fundamental values along with options to grow and prosper.
 It should provide the chance to participate in the city’s management and a
satisfactory lifestyle for the generations to come.
 It has to be a living city with respiratory system supported by both its citizens
and technology and its governance, management and functioning.
 It has to be technologically sound and effective with smart grids in infrastructure
and energy.
 It should offer decent living options of every citizen and provide better
infrastructure like 24X7 enough quality water supply, 27X7 electricity, etc.

23. Describe the role of transportation in detail.

There is a lot of importance of transportation in nation development.
 Transportation contributes to the economic, industrial, social and cultural
development of any country. Transport has affected economic development
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from the beginning of human civilization. Transportation is the key

infrastructure of a country.
 Transportation is vital for the economic development of any region since every
commodity produced, whether it is food, clothing, agricultural products,
industrial products or medicine, needs transportation at all stages from the
production to distribution.
 It has been recognized that the provision of a high quality transport system is a
necessary precondition for the full participation of remote communities in the
benefits of national development.
 The contribution of transport performance to regional economic development
has obvious implications for poverty alleviation and personal welfare.
 In addition, transport system performance can have a direct and significant
impact on a range of other dimensions of development like health and
education.
By all the above points we can conclude that a country’s economic status depends
on how well served the country is by its transport system. Therefore it is very
important for a country to improve its transport facilities, and India is also working in
the same direction.

24. Explain elements of traffic engineering.

Below are the elements of traffic engineering.
 The basic object of traffic engineering is to achieve efficient, free and rapid flow
of traffic, with least number of traffic accidents. This is achieved by systematic
traffic studies, scientific analysis and engineering applications.
 In order to address the above requirement, the traffic engineer must first
understand the traffic flow behaviour and characteristics by extensive collection
of traffic flow data and analysis.
 Based on this analysis, traffic flow is controlled so that the transport
infrastructure is used optimally as well as with good service quality.
 The study of traffic engineering may be divided into six major sections which
are as follows:
 Traffic characteristics
 Traffic studies and analysis
 Traffic operation control and regulation
 Planning and analysis
 Geometric design
 Administration and management.

25. Write a short note on various Mass Transportation System modes in detail.
Mass Transportation deals with study of transportation system that meets the travel
need of several people by sharing a vehicle.
Below are the various modes of Mass Transportation.
 Travelling by bus:
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 Each city has a local bus network.

 Though fares are cheap, buses can get very crowded during peak hours and
this is not the fastest mode of transportation.
 The conductor collects fares and issues tickets. Bus passes are also available.
 The bus service serve as a cheap and convenient mode of transport of all
classes of society.
 Services are mostly run by municipal corporation owned transport
corporation (i.e Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Corporation provides bus
services in the Ahmedabad City)
 Travelling by taxi
 Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata have old fashioned black, yellow or balc and
yellow taxis, which run on a meter and can be flagged down in the street.
 Depending on city/state, taxis can either be hailed or hired from taxi stands.
 In cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, taxis need to be hired
over phone, whereas in cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, taxis can be hailed
on street.
 According to Government of India regulations, all taxis are required to have
a fair meter installed. There are additional surcharges for luggage, late-night
rides and toll taxes are paid by passenger.
 There are many private taxis companies in every city running out of
roadside offices.
 Travelling by auto-rickshaw
 An auto-rickshaw is three-wheeler vehicle for hire that has no doors and is
generally characterised by a small cabin for the driver in the front and seat
for passengers in the rear.
 Generally it is pained in yellow, green or black colour and has a black, yellow
or green canopy on the top, but designs vary considerably from place to
place.
 The colour of the auto rickshaw is also determined by the fuel that is
powered by, for example Ahmedabad and Delhi has green autos indicating
the use of (CNG), whereas the autos of Mumbai, Bangalore have green or
black autos indicating the use of LPG.
 The auto-rickshaws generally run on a meter system and are a convenient
mode of transport.
 Travelling by metro trains
 Delhi and Kolkata have an extensive metro system, which is the quickest
way to get around, especially during peak hours.
 Currently rapid transit systems have been deployed in these cities and more
are under construction or in planning in several major cities of India.
 Government of Gujarat is also planning metro train service between
Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar cities.
 Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS):
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 New initiatives like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems and air conditioned
buses have been taken by the various state government ot improve the bus
public transport system in cities.
 Bus Rapid Transit Systems already exist in Pune, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai
and Jaipur with new ones coming up in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow,
Bangalore, Surat and Rajkot