14/06/2025
Section - A (Marks-40)
1. What are the different types of lines used in engineering drawing? Differentiate between a plan view and an elevation view.
* Types of lines in engineering drawing:
* Continuous thick line: Visible outlines and edges.
* Continuous thin line: Dimension lines, extension lines, projection lines, leader lines, hatching.
* Dashe thin line: Hidden outlines and edges.
* Chain thin line: Centre lines, locus lines, pitch circles.
* Chain thin double dash line: Outlines of adjacent parts, alternate positions of movable parts.
* Thick chain line: Used to indicate sections.
* Continuous thin wavy/straight with zigzags: Used for long break lines.
* Differentiation between Plan View and Elevation View:
* Plan View (Top View): A view of an object from above, looking down. It shows the length and width of the object.
* Elevation View (Front/Side View): A view of an object from the front or side, looking straight at it. It shows the height and either the length (front elevation) or the width (side elevation).
2. What is depreciation? Describe preliminary estimate and detailed estimate.
* Depreciation: The decrease in the value of an asset over time due to wear and tear, obsolescence, age, or economic factors.
* Preliminary Estimate (Approximate Estimate): An estimate prepared at the initial stage of a project to get a rough idea of the probable cost. It's based on past data, approximate quantities, and general rates. Used for feasibility studies and budget allocation.
* Detailed Estimate: A very accurate estimate prepared after the design and drawings are complete. It involves calculating the exact quantities of all materials, labor, and other items required for the project, applying current market rates, and adding provisions for contingencies and supervision. Used for tender purposes and actual ex*****on.
3. Describe the temporary adjustment procedure of theodolite.
* Temporary adjustments of a Theodolite (Setting up the instrument):
* Setting up over the station: Place the tripod with the instrument approximately over the station mark.
* Centering: Adjust the tripod legs and/or use the plumb bob or optical plummet to bring the instrument's vertical axis directly over the station mark.
* Approximate leveling: Adjust the tripod legs to bring the circular bubble approximately to the center.
* Leveling precisely: Use the foot screws to bring the plate bubbles to the center. First, bring one bubble parallel to two foot screws and turn them equally inward or outward. Then turn the instrument 90 degrees and use the third foot screw to center the other bubble. Repeat until both bubbles are centered in all positions.
* Focusing the eyepiece: Focus the eyepiece on the crosshairs until they are sharp and distinct.
* Focusing the objective: Focus the objective lens on the object being viewed until it appears clear and sharp, eliminating parallax.
4. Write short notes on:
a) Paints and varnishes
b) Bricks
* a) Paints and Varnishes:
* Paints: A mixture of pigments, binders, solvents, and additives applied to surfaces for protection, decoration, and identification. They form an opaque film.
* Varnishes: A transparent coating made of resin, oil, and solvent. They provide a protective, glossy finish without obscuring the grain of the material.
* b) Bricks: Building units made from clay or shale, formed into rectangular blocks, and then fired in a kiln. They are widely used in masonry construction due to their durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
5. What is cement? Differentiate the OPC and PPC. Which type is more suitable for structural element, and why?
* Cement: A fine, grayish powder that, when mixed with water, forms a paste that hardens and acts as a binding agent for aggregates (sand, gravel) in concrete and mortar.
* Differentiation between OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) and PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement):
* OPC: Manufactured by grinding clinker and gypsum. It gains strength relatively quickly.
* PPC: Manufactured by grinding OPC clinker with pozzolanic material (like fly ash, volcanic ash, calcined clay) and gypsum. It has a slower rate of strength gain but offers better long-term strength, improved durability, lower heat of hydration, and better resistance to chemical attack.
* More suitable for structural element and why: OPC is generally more suitable for structural elements where early strength gain is critical, such as in high-rise buildings, pre-stressed concrete, and rapid construction. PPC, with its slower strength gain, is often preferred for mass concrete work, marine structures, and general construction where durability and long-term strength are paramount, and early strength is not a major concern.
6. What is rate analysis? Why is the rate analysis crucial in estimation? Explain the rate analysis of an item for cement concrete work in the mix ratio 1:1.5:3, with a suitable example.
* Rate Analysis: The process of breaking down the cost of a unit of work into its fundamental components: materials, labor, plant and machinery, overheads, and profit.
* Crucial in Estimation because:
* Provides an accurate and realistic cost for each work item.
* Helps in preparing competitive tenders.
* Facilitates cost control during project ex*****on.
* Aids in resource planning and management.
* Helps in evaluating variations and claims.
* Rate Analysis of Cement Concrete Work (1:1.5:3 Mix):
* Item: M20 (1:1.5:3) Grade Cement Concrete in Foundation.
* Unit: 1 cubic meter (m³)
* Assumptions:
* Wet volume of concrete = 1 m³
* Dry volume of concrete = 1.54 m³ (approximately, considering voids and bulking)
* Proportion of cement:sand:aggregate = 1:1.5:3
* Sum of ratios = 1 + 1.5 + 3 = 5.5
* Calculation of Materials:
* Cement: (1 / 5.5) * 1.54 m³ = 0.28 m³
* Convert to bags: 0.28 m³ * (1440 kg/m³ / 50 kg/bag) ≈ 8.06 bags (say 8.1 bags)
* Sand: (1.5 / 5.5) * 1.54 m³ = 0.42 m³
* Aggregate: (3 / 5.5) * 1.54 m³ = 0.84 m³
* Labor (approximate, varies):
* Masons
* Laborers
* Beldars (helpers)
* Plant and Machinery (if applicable):
* Concrete mixer
* Vi****or
* Costing (Example - Rates are illustrative and vary widely):
| S.N. | Description | Quantity | Unit | Rate (NPR) | Amount (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. | Materials | | | | |
| 1. | Cement | 8.1 | Bag | 900 | 7290 |
| 2. | Sand | 0.42 | m³ | 2000 | 840 |
| 3. | Aggregate | 0.84 | m³ | 1800 | 1512 |
| | Sub-Total (Materials) | | | | 9642 |
| II. | Labor | | | | |
| 1. | Mason | 0.2 | Day | 1200 | 240 |
| 2. | Laborer | 1.5 | Day | 900 | 1350 |
| | Sub-Total (Labor) | | | | 1590 |
| III | Plant & Machinery | | | | |
| 1. | Concrete Mixer | 0.1 | Day | 2000 | 200 |
| 2. | Vi****or | 0.05 | Day | 1000 | 50 |
| | Sub-Total (P&M) | | | | 250 |
| | Total Direct Cost (I+II+III) | | | | 11482 |
| IV. | Overheads & Profit | | | | |
| 1. | Overhead (10% of Direct Cost) | | | | 1148.2 |
| 2. | Contractor's Profit (15% of Direct Cost) | | | | 1722.3 |
| | Grand Total (Cost per m³) | | | | 14352.5 |
| * (Note: Rates are subject to market fluctuations and location.) | | | | | |
Section - B (Marks-40)
7. Define scaffolding and shoring. Describe the importance of curing.
* Scaffolding: A temporary structure, usually made of metal or bamboo, erected to provide a safe working platform for workers and support materials during construction, repair, or maintenance of buildings and other large structures.
* Shoring: A temporary support system used to support an unsafe or unstable structure, or to prevent the collapse of an existing structure during alterations, excavations, or demolition. It can be vertical, raking, or flying shoring.
* Importance of Curing (of concrete):
* Promotes Hydration: Ensures continuous hydration of cement, leading to full strength development.
* Prevents Cracking: Reduces plastic shrinkage cracking and drying shrinkage cracking.
* Increases Durability: Improves the concrete's resistance to weathering, abrasion, and chemical attack.
* Enhances Strength: Contributes significantly to the ultimate compressive and tensile strength of concrete.
* Reduces Permeability: Makes the concrete less porous, improving its watertightness.
* Improves Surface Finish: Leads to a better, more uniform surface appearance.
8. What are the different methods of irrigation? Define river training work.
* Different Methods of Irrigation:
* Surface Irrigation: Water is distributed over the surface of the land by gravity.
* Flood Irrigation: Water is simply flooded over the land.
* Furrow Irrigation: Water flows in small ditches (furrows) between crop rows.
* Basin Irrigation: Land is divided into small basins with dikes, and water is flooded into them.
* Border Strip Irrigation: Land is divided into strips by parallel dikes, and water flows down the strips.
* Subsurface Irrigation: Water is applied below the ground surface directly to the root zone, usually through a system of perforated pipes or ditches.
* Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is conveyed through pipes and sprayed into the air over the crop area through sprinklers, simulating rainfall.
* Drip/Trickle Irrigation: Water is applied slowly and directly to the root zone of plants using emitters, resulting in high water efficiency.
* River Training Work: Engineering works constructed to confine a river's flow within a specific, desired channel, improve its navigability, prevent bank erosion, control floods, or protect adjacent land. Examples include guide banks, groynes (spurs), pitching, and revetments.
9. Explain in short, the various processes in obtaining permission for building construction starting from the application process to the approval for commencing construction (as per Local Government Operation Act, 2074).
* Building Construction Permission Process (as per Local Government Operation Act, 2074 - Nepal Context):
* Preparation of Documents: The applicant (landowner/developer) prepares necessary documents including:
* Application form
* Land ownership certificate (Lal Purja)
* Tax clearance certificate of land
* Site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, structural drawings, electrical and plumbing drawings (prepared by licensed engineers/architects)
* Geotechnical report (if required)
* Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) (for larger projects)
* NOCs (No Objection Certificates) from relevant authorities (e.g., road department, airport authority, heritage sites, if applicable).
* Application Submission: The complete set of documents is submitted to the relevant local government body (e.g., Municipality/Rural Municipality office).
* Initial Scrutiny and Registration: The submitted documents are initially checked for completeness and registered.
* Technical Review: The technical team (engineers/architects) of the local government reviews the drawings and documents against building codes, zoning regulations, and other relevant acts/bylaws. They check for structural stability, setbacks, height restrictions, land use, fire safety, etc.
* Site Inspection: In some cases, a site inspection might be conducted to verify the ground conditions and actual site features against the submitted plans.
* Public Notice/Consultation (for specific projects): For certain types of projects (e.g., commercial buildings, large-scale developments), public notice might be issued, and public consultation may be required.
* Approval/Rejection with Recommendations: Based on the review, the concerned committee/authority of the local government either approves the building permit or rejects it, providing reasons and recommendations for necessary modifications.
* Issuance of Building Permit: Upon successful review and approval, the building permit is issued to the applicant. This permit authorizes the commencement of construction as per the approved plans.
* Commencement of Work Notification: Before actual commencement, the applicant often needs to inform the local authority about the start date of construction.
* Regular Inspections during Construction: The local authority may conduct periodic inspections during construction to ensure compliance with the approved plans and building codes.
10. Write short notes on:
a) Septic tank and soak pit
b) National building code of Nepal.
* a) Septic Tank and Soak Pit:
* Septic Tank: An underground watertight tank, usually made of concrete or fiberglass, used for the preliminary treatment of domestic wastewater. It separates solids from liquids through sedimentation and anaerobic digestion. The settled solids form sludge, and the lighter materials form scum, while the effluent flows out for further treatment or disposal.
* Soak Pit (Leach Pit/Seepage Pit): A pit dug into the ground, often filled with coarse aggregate (gravel/stones) and covered, designed to receive and disperse the effluent from a septic tank into the surrounding soil. It allows the wastewater to slowly seep into the ground, where it undergoes further natural purification.
* b) National Building Code of Nepal (NBC): A set of comprehensive regulations and guidelines established by the Government of Nepal (through the Ministry of Urban Development and Building Construction) to ensure public safety, health, and welfare in building construction. It covers various aspects like structural design, fire safety, accessibility, seismic resistance, materials, and construction practices. The NBC aims to standardize construction practices, minimize risks from natural disasters (especially earthquakes), and promote sustainable building.
Section - C (Marks-20)
11. Define head works. What are the types of head works? Describe the different components of head works with sketch.
* Head Works: The entire assembly of structures at the head (starting point) of a canal or a river diversion scheme, designed to divert water from a river or reservoir into an irrigation canal or water supply system, and to regulate the flow.
* Types of Head Works:
* Diversion Head Works: Constructed across a river to raise the water level and divert water into an off-taking canal. Examples include weirs and barrages.
* Storage Head Works (Dams): Involve the construction of a dam across a river to create a reservoir, storing water for later use (irrigation, power generation, water supply).
* Components of Diversion Head Works (with sketch - conceptual description):
* (Sketch would show a river flowing, a weir/barrage across it, a head regulator on the bank leading to a canal, undersluices, and maybe a divide wall and fish ladder.)
* Weir/Barrage: The main structure built across the river to raise the water level and create a pond.
* Weir: A low overflow dam, where water flows over the crest.
* Barrage: A series of gates provided across the river, allowing better control over water levels and sediment.
* Divide Wall: A long wall constructed perpendicular to the weir/barrage axis, separating the main weir portion from the undersluices. It helps in providing a still pond near the canal head and prevents silting of the canal.
* Undersluices (Scouring Sluices): Openings provided at the same level as the river bed, near the canal head regulator, on the upstream side of the divide wall. They are used to scour accumulated silt from the pond in front of the canal head and to pass flood waters.
* Head Regulator (Canal Head Regulator): A structure at the head of the off-taking canal, consisting of a series of gates. It regulates the flow of water entering the canal, controls the silt entry, and prevents floods from entering the canal.
* Silt Excluder/Ejector: Structures designed to prevent or remove silt from entering the canal or to remove it once it has entered.
* Fish Ladder (Fish Pass): A passage provided for fish to migrate upstream and downstream across the weir/barrage, essential for maintaining aquatic ecosystem.
* River Training Works (Guide Banks, Groynes): Structures upstream and downstream of the headworks to guide the river's flow smoothly, prevent erosion, and protect the main structure.
* Approach Channel: The widened and deepened channel on the upstream side leading to the head regulator.
12. Explain the special structures used in hill road. Describe the different layers in pavement structure with their function.
* Special Structures Used in Hill Roads: Due to the challenging topography (steep slopes, unstable soil, frequent landslides), hill roads require specific structures:
* Retaining Walls: Used to support vertical or near-vertical earth banks and prevent landslides or erosion. Can be gravity walls, cantilever walls, counterfort walls, etc.
* Breast Walls: Similar to retaining walls but typically shorter, constructed on the uphill side to retain loose soil or debris and prevent it from falling onto the road.
* Gabion Walls: Walls made of wire mesh cages filled with rocks, used for retaining earth, erosion control, and slope stabilization. They are flexible and porous.
* Revetments: Protective coverings (e.g., pitched stones, concrete blocks, gabions) applied to slopes or embankments to prevent erosion from water flow or weathering.
* Catch Drains/Side Drains: Ditches or channels constructed along the uphill side of the road to intercept surface runoff water and divert it away from the road formation, preventing erosion and saturation of the roadbed.
* Culverts and Bridges: Essential for crossing natural drainage lines, streams, and rivers. Culverts are typically for smaller crossings, while bridges are for larger spans.
* Causeways: Low-level crossings built across minor streams or depressions, designed to be submerged during high flows.
* Landslide Protection Measures: Includes bio-engineering (planting vegetation), rock bolting, netting, shotcreting, and debris flow barriers to stabilize slopes.
* Hairpin Bends/Switchbacks: Sharp turns on steep gradients to gain elevation gradually.
* Different Layers in Pavement Structure with their Function: Pavement is a layered structure that distributes wheel loads over a wider area to the subgrade.
* Subgrade:
* Function: The natural soil layer on which the pavement structure rests. It provides the ultimate support for the pavement and carries the load transmitted from the layers above. Its strength (CBR value) is crucial.
* Sub-base Course:
* Function: A layer of granular material (e.g., crushed stone, gravel) placed directly on the subgrade. It improves drainage, prevents intrusion of fine subgrade material into the base course, distributes loads, and provides an economical layer to build upon.
* Base Course:
* Function: A layer of superior quality granular material (e.g., crushed stone, slag, stabilized soil) placed on the sub-base. It provides the main structural support, distributes the concentrated wheel loads more uniformly to the sub-base, and contributes significantly to the pavement's strength and stability.
* Wearing Course (Surface Course):
* Function: The top layer of the pavement, in direct contact with traffic. It provides a smooth and even riding surface, resists abrasion and skidding, sheds surface water, and protects the underlying layers from the elements. This can be asphalt concrete, Portland cement concrete, etc.
