ME or MEng Master of Engineering Master of Civil Engineering 5

Question 1

In the context of environmental engineering, the term 'BOD5' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Biochemical oxygen demand measured over 5 days at 20°C

Answer

BOD5 is the standard measure of organic pollution—the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms decomposing organic matter in a sample over 5 days at 20°C.

Question 2

A prestressed concrete beam is post-tensioned. The primary advantage of post-tensioning over pre-tensioning is:

Accepted Answer

Tendons can be curved to follow the moment diagram, reducing eccentricity losses

Answer

Post-tensioned tendons can be profiled (draped) to align with the bending moment diagram, optimizing prestress efficiency throughout the beam length.

Question 3

The 'rational method' formula Q = CiA is used to estimate:

Accepted Answer

Peak stormwater runoff from small watersheds

Answer

The rational method estimates peak discharge Q where C is the runoff coefficient, i is rainfall intensity for the time of concentration, and A is watershed area.

Question 4

According to ASTM standards, the Standard Proctor compaction test uses a hammer energy of approximately:

Accepted Answer

12,375 ft-lbf/ft³

Answer

The Standard Proctor test (ASTM D698) applies approximately 12,375 ft-lbf/ft³ of compactive energy, while the Modified Proctor uses ~56,250 ft-lbf/ft³.

Question 5

In steel connection design, a 'slip-critical' bolt connection is required when:

Accepted Answer

Slip would be detrimental to serviceability or the connection is subject to fatigue loading

Answer

Slip-critical connections are required where joint slip would affect alignment, serviceability, or structural integrity, and in connections subject to fatigue or load reversal.

ME or MEng Master of Engineering Practice Test

ME or MEng Master of Engineering Practice Test

ME or MEng Master of Engineering Master of Civil Engineering 5