SCE Civil Engineering Fundamentals 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of using sulphate-resistant cement in Saudi Arabian construction?

Accepted Answer

To resist chemical attack from sulphate-rich soils and groundwater common in the region

Answer

To increase early strength

Answer

To reduce cost

Answer

To improve workability

Question 2

In structural steel design, the slenderness ratio of a compression member affects its:

Accepted Answer

Buckling capacity

Answer

Tensile strength

Answer

Weld quality

Answer

Corrosion resistance

Question 3

What is sabkha soil and why is it problematic for construction in Saudi Arabia?

Accepted Answer

Salt-encrusted soil that is highly compressible, corrosive, and subject to volume changes

Answer

A type of bedrock

Answer

Imported fill material

Answer

A stabilized soil type

Question 4

The standard Proctor compaction test determines:

Accepted Answer

The optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of soil

Answer

The shear strength of soil

Answer

The permeability of soil

Answer

The consolidation properties of soil

Question 5

What is the purpose of cover to reinforcement in concrete structures?

Accepted Answer

To protect steel from corrosion and provide fire resistance

Answer

To increase concrete strength

Answer

To reduce the amount of steel needed

Answer

To improve aesthetics only

Question 6

In soil mechanics, the effective stress principle states:

Accepted Answer

σ' = σ - u, where total stress equals effective stress plus pore water pressure

Answer

Effective stress equals total stress

Answer

Pore pressure has no effect on soil strength

Answer

Effective stress is always greater than total stress