Mahesh IES Academy, Chennai (The Best Coaching Centre for Civil Engineers): JDO 2025 Exam: 100 Most important MCQs from Bridge Engineering

1. Which component of a bridge provides intermediate support?

(a) Abutment

(b) Pier

(d) Handrail

2. What is the function of an apron in bridge construction?

(a) Acts as a decorative layer

(b) Guides water flow

(d) Prevents vehicle skidding

3. Which IRC loading class is primarily used for military vehicles?

(a) IRC Class A

(b) IRC Class B

(d) IRC Class 70R

4. The foundation of a bridge is:

(a) Above the girders

(b) The decorative topping

(d) Made only of steel

5. The term "economic span" refers to:

(a) The longest possible span

(b) The most aesthetic span

(d) The shortest bridge span

6. What is the purpose of revetment?

(a) Decoration

(b) Prevent corrosion

(d) Support superstructure

7. Which component of a bridge allows for movement and distributes loads?

(a) Handrails

(b) Decking

(d) Wing walls

8. What is the primary purpose of afflux?

(a) To reduce water velocity

(b) To increase bridge height

(d) To strengthen the pier

9. Which IRC loading type is used for temporary structures?

(a) Class AA

(b) Class A

(d) Class 70R

10. What does H.F.L. refer to?

(a) Half-Flood Level

(b) Highest Foundation Line

(d) High Flow Length

11. Assertion (A): Wing walls are constructed at both ends of abutments.
Reason (R): Wing walls help retain embankments and guide water flow.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

12. Assertion (A): Pier shapes affect the scouring effect on a bridge.
Reason (R): Streamlined pier shapes help prevent eddies and currents.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

13. Match the components in List I with their respective definitions in List II:

List I	List II
A. Abutment	1. Structural component to prevent erosion on river banks
B. Girder or Truss	2. Support at the end of a bridge
C. Free Board	3. Vertical distance between HFL and bridge road crown
D. Revetment	4. Structural element used in small bridges for shorter spans

Codes:

(a) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

(b) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

(d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

14. What is the main function of handrails on a bridge?

(a) Distribute load to substructure

(b) Prevent corrosion

(d) Ensure safety of vehicles and pedestrians

15. In bridge site selection, what is the preferred crossing angle of a stream?

(a) Acute

(b) Right angle

(d) Spiral

16. What is the primary factor causing scour?

(a) High sedimentation

(b) High velocity of stream

(d) Excessive traffic

17. Assertion (A): Lacey’s silt factor (F) is used in calculating scour depth.
Reason (R): It represents soil's resistance to erosion.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

18. Match List I (Bridge Load Classes) with List II (Descriptions):

List I	List II
A. IRC Class A	1. Military and industrial routes
B. IRC Class B	2. Temporary timber bridges
C. IRC Class AA	3. Common road bridges
D. IRC Class 70R	4. Revised classification with 7-axle wheeled vehicle

Codes:

(a) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4

(b) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

(d) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

19. Which of the following foundations is most suitable when good soil is available at a greater depth and soil at the site is very soft?

(a) Grillage foundation

(b) Spread foundation

(d) Raft foundation

20. What is the function of a foundation in a structure?

(a) To support roofs only

(b) To decorate the building base

(d) To store groundwater

21. A well foundation is ideally used when:

(a) Loads are not heavy

(b) Good soil is available 3m below the bed level

(d) Rock bed is exposed

22. Which method of groundwater control uses high voltage to reduce water movement through soil?

(a) Cement grouting

(b) Electro-osmosis

(d) Chemical consolidation

23. Box caisson foundations are used under which of the following conditions?

(a) Heavy loads at great depths

(b) Shallow bearing stratum with light loads

(d) Soft clay with low bearing capacity

24. Match the following types of caisson foundations with their features:

List I	List II
A. Open Caisson	1. Uses compressed air to maintain a dry working chamber
B. Box Caisson	2. Both ends open, used for larger depths
C. Pneumatic Caisson	3. Closed at bottom, used in shallow waters
D. Grillage Foundation	4. Uses tiered beams to distribute heavy loads on weak soil

Options:

(a) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

(b) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

(d) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

25. Which type of foundation is used when good soil is not available within 1.5 to 2.5 meters depth?

(a) Spread foundation

(b) Raft foundation

(d) Invert arch foundation

26. Which factor is not typically considered in selecting a type of foundation?

(a) Type of bridge

(b) Foundation painting type

(d) High Flood Level of stream

27. What is the primary function of a cofferdam?

(a) To support bridge decks

(b) To store excess construction material

(d) To add weight to the foundation

28. Assertion (A): Braced cofferdams are economical for moderate heights.
Reason (R): They consist of vertical or horizontal sheeting supported with internal struts.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

29. Match the following groundwater control methods with their key characteristics:

List I	List II
A. Open sumps	1. Makes soil impermeable by injecting chemicals
B. Cement grouting	2. Creates temporary ice walls to hold back water
C. Chemical consolidation	3. Shallow method to collect and pump water
D. Freezing	4. Fills soil voids with cement slurry

Options:

(a) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

(b) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

(d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

30. Match the following types of caisson with their structural features:

List I	List II
A. Open caisson	1. Used to form airtight chambers
B. Box caisson	2. Closed bottom, open top
C. Pneumatic caisson	3. Allows concrete to be poured underwater
D. Crip	4. Uses compressed air for dry working environment

Options:

(a) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1

(b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

(d) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

31. What is the primary function of a culvert?

(a) To carry railway traffic

(b) To provide a totally enclosed drain, sewer, or watercourse

(d) To act as a suspension bridge

32. Which type of culvert is most suitable where depth of flow and discharge is small?

(a) Box culvert

(b) Pipe culvert

(d) Steel girder culvert

33. What is the maximum diameter usually used for reinforced and cast iron pipe culverts?

(a) 1000mm

(b) 1200mm

(d) 2500mm

34. Which of the following is a classification of bridges based on position of the bridge floor?

(a) Slab bridge

(b) Through bridge

(d) Arch bridge

35. What is the typical span of stone slab culverts?

(a) Up to 1m

(b) Up to 2.5m

(d) Up to 6m

36. Which material is NOT commonly used in bridge construction?

(a) Timber

(b) Masonry

(d) Reinforced concrete

37. What is another name for steel girder culverts used in railways?

(a) Box culverts

(b) Open deck culverts

(d) Suspension culverts

38. A viaduct is a type of bridge used to cross which of the following?

(a) River

(b) Valley

(d) Pedestrian walkway

39. What is the main characteristic of a flush causeway?

(a) Vents are provided for drainage

(b) It is submerged under floodwaters for most of the year

(d) It is only used for railways

40. Assertion (A): Pipe culverts are commonly used where the depth of flow and discharge is small.
Reason (R): Pipe culverts use circular pipes to enhance discharge capacity.

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

41. Match the following types of bridges with their descriptions.

List I (Bridge Type)	List II (Description)
A. Slab bridge	1. Uses cables for support
B. Truss bridge	2. Uses horizontal beams and vertical supports
C. Arch bridge	3. Uses a curved design for load distribution
D. Suspension bridge	4. Simple flat surface without beams

Choose the correct code:

(a) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1

(b) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

(d) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

42. Which type of bridge is used to carry a canal over a waterway?

(a) Viaduct

(b) Aqueduct

(d) Pedestrian bridge

43. What is the minimum clearance required between the Highest Flood Level (HFL) and the crown of a pipe culvert?

(a) 50mm

(b) 100mm

(d) 200mm

44. What is the purpose of a curtain wall in a culvert?

(a) To support the roadway

(b) To prevent scouring

(d) To reinforce the pipe joints

45. What is the maximum recommended span for a box culvert?

(a) 2m

(b) 3m

(d) 5m

46. Which of the following is NOT a classification of bridges based on superstructure type?

(a) Slab bridge

(b) Beam bridge

(d) Box culvert

47. Which material is NOT typically used for constructing an arch culvert?

(a) Stone masonry

(b) Brick masonry

(d) Steel

48. Assertion (A): Steel girder culverts are primarily used for railway bridges.
Reason (R): They provide additional flexibility and support under railway loading conditions.

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

49. Match the following types of culverts with their characteristics.

List I (Culvert Type)	List II (Characteristic)
A. Pipe Culvert	1. Suitable for soft soils, made of RCC or masonry
B. Box Culvert	2. Economical for spans of 2-3m, uses stone/brick masonry
C. Arch Culvert	3. Used for small flow, circular shape preferred
D. Steel Girder Culvert	4. Used in railway bridges, consists of main girders

Choose the correct code:

(a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

(b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

(d) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2

50. Which of the following components is not considered a part of the bridge substructure?

(a) Abutments

(b) Girders

(d) Wing walls

51. What is the function of weep holes in abutments?

(a) Aesthetic purpose

(b) To prevent tilting

(d) Drainage of subsoil water

52. Which pier type provides maximum moment of inertia with light reinforcement?

(a) Dump-bell pier

(b) Solid pier

(d) Pile pier

53. The face of an abutment towards the water side is generally:

(a) Stepped

(b) Curved

(d) Battered

54. What type of wing wall is preferred for very high embankments?

(a) Splayed wing walls

(b) Curved wing walls

(d) Straight wing walls

55. Which pier is commonly used in viaducts and made of steel frames with considerable height?

(a) Trestle pier

(b) Dump-bell pier

(d) Solid pier

56. What shape is not mentioned for Cut-water and Ease-water ends?

(a) Triangular

(b) Semicircular

(d) Parabolic

57. Which abutment type is specifically designed for vertical loads from the superstructure?

(a) R.C. arch bridge abutment

(b) Masonry arch bridge abutment

(d) Steel arch bridge abutment

58. Assertion (A): Solid piers are designed to resist impacts from floating bodies.
Reason (R): Solid piers consist of columns connected by webs and are lighter in weight.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

59. Assertion (A): In long arch bridges, every third and fourth pier is made larger.
Reason (R): Larger piers resist unbalanced thrust in case of intermediate arch failure.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

60. Match the following types of piers with their features.

List I (Pier Type)	List II (Feature)
A. Dump-bell Pier	1. Mild steel cylinders filled with concrete
B. Solid Pier	2. Braced columns with light reinforcement
C. Cylindrical Pier	3. Solid section made of concrete/masonry
D. Trestle Pier	4. Used in viaducts with wind pressure resistance

Codes:

(a) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

(b) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1

(d) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

61. What type of abutment is designed specifically for the thrust and hinges of an R.C. arch?

(a) Masonry arch bridge abutment

(b) Girder bridge abutment

(d) Steel girder abutment

62. What is the typical slope used for battering the back face of an abutment?

(a) 1 in 2

(b) 1 in 4

(d) 1 in 8

63. Which pier type is designed as a framed structure with vertical, rectangular, and diagonal members?

(a) Column pier

(b) Dump-bell pier

(d) Solid pier

64. What are the types of piles used in pile piers?

(a) Flat and curved piles

(b) Screw type and disc type piles

(d) Steel and wooden piles

65. What is the purpose of wing walls in bridge construction?

(a) Carrying sewage

(b) Supporting arch thrust

(d) Reducing superstructure weight

66. What defines a return wing wall?

(a) It is splayed at a 30° angle.

(b) It curves inward with the embankment.

(d) It runs parallel to the riverbank.

67. What is the function of the space between beams in column bent piers?

(a) Aesthetic appeal

(b) Reinforcement support

(d) Reducing wind pressure

68. Assertion (A): Dump-bell piers are preferred where well foundations are provided.
Reason (R): Dump-bell piers provide high moment of inertia and use light reinforcement.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

69. Assertion (A): The girder bridge abutment may tilt forward.
Reason (R): This is due to eccentric loads and deflection in the girder.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

70. Match the types of wing walls with their characteristics.

List I (Type of Wing Wall):	List II (Characteristic):
A. Straight Wing Wall	1. Inclined at 45°
B. Splayed Wing Wall	2. Preferred for very high embankments
C. Return Wing Wall	3. Constructed in line with abutment
D. Curved Wing Wall	4. Variation of splayed wall

Codes:

(a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

(b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

(d) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

71. Which of the following bridge types uses a structure where the main load-carrying elements are suspended from cables?

(a) Truss Bridge

(b) Suspension Bridge

(d) Cantilever Bridge

72. What is a key feature of a balanced cantilever bridge?

(a) Hinges are provided at the base

(b) All spans are of equal length

(d) Only steel is used for construction

73. What is the simplest and least expensive type of bridge?

(a) Arch bridge

(b) Truss bridge

(d) Suspension bridge

74. Which of the following is not a classification of arch bridges based on spandrel condition?

(a) Filled spandrel arches

(b) Closed spandrel arches

(d) Segmental arches

75. Which bridge type is most suitable for long single-span steel bridge construction?

(a) Cantilever bridge

(b) Beam bridge

(d) Rigid frame bridge

76. Assertion (A): Cantilever bridges require more steel and concrete than other types.
Reason (R): Cantilever bridges have high reaction forces at supports.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

77. Assertion (A): Continuous bridges experience more bending moment at supports than at mid-span.
Reason (R): Moment of inertia at support is less than that at mid-span.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

78. Assertion (A): Suspension bridges are economical and provide more headroom.
Reason (R): They avoid the need for piers in the riverbed and use slender support sections.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

79. Match the bridge types in List I with their correct characteristics in List II.

List I	List II
A. Beam Bridge	1. Uses connected straight elements under tension or compression
B. Arch Bridge	2. Weight is diverted through abutments
C. Truss Bridge	3. Main load-carrying elements hung from cables
D. Suspension Bridge	4. Horizontal beams supported at both ends

Matching Codes:

(a) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

(b) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2

(d) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

80. Match the types of steel arch bridges in List I with their specific features in List II.

List I	List II
A. Rigid Arch Bridge	1. Maximum flexibility with two movable supports
B. One-Hinged Arch Bridge	2. No hinges; fixed at both ends
C. Two-Hinged Arch Bridge	3. One movable joint allows moderate flexibility
D. Three-Hinged Arch Bridge	4. Highly flexible with three joints

Matching Codes:

(a) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

(b) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

(d) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1

81. In a semi-through type bridge, where is the flooring supported?

(a) On the bottom flange

(b) On the top flange

(d) Directly on the piers

82. Which of the following is not a merit of open arch spandrel bridges?

(a) Reduced dead load

(b) Increased bending moment

(d) Reduced tensile stress

83. What is the purpose of suspenders in a bow-string girder bridge?

(a) To connect tie beam to roadway

(b) To transfer loads from flooring to arch rib

(d) To allow bridge expansion

84. What type of structural frame is used in rigid frame bridges?

(a) Hinged frame only

(b) Curved frame

(d) Composite frame

85. What is used to seal expansion gaps in rigid frame bridges?

(a) Steel plates

(b) Tar paper

(d) Aluminium foil

86. Assertion (A): Cantilever bridges require skilled labor for construction.
Reason (R): The construction of cantilever bridges involves complex reinforcement detailing.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

87. Assertion (A): Suspension bridges are ideal for long spans.
Reason (R): They can be constructed with minimal material and allow spans up to 600 meters.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

88. Assertion (A): Continuous steel bridges are vulnerable to sinking of supports.
Reason (R): Sinking affects the bending and shear forces significantly.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

89. Match types of simple bridges in List I with their support characteristics in List II:

List I	List II
A. Deck Type	1. Flooring supported on top flange
B. Through Type	2. Flooring supported on bottom flange via cross girder
C. Semi-Through Type	3. Flooring supported at mid-height
D. Balanced Cantilever	4. Intermediate spans between contra flexure points

Matching Codes:

(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

(b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

(d) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

90. Match the bridge types in List I with the materials used in List II:

List I	List II
A. Masonry Arch Bridge	1. Brick or Stone
B. Cantilever Bridge	2. R.C. or Steel
C. Rigid Frame Bridge	3. R.C., Steel, Masonry, or Prestressed Concrete
D. Arch Bridge	4. Requires complex support fixity and hinges

Matching Codes:

(a) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3

(b) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

(d) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1

91. Which type of bearing is best suited for small spans up to 12 meters?

(a) Rocker Bearing

(b) Fixed Bearing

(d) Knuckle Bearing

92. What is the key purpose of a bridge bearing?

(a) To beautify the bridge structure

(b) To prevent corrosion of girders

(d) To support lighting fixtures

93. Which bearing allows only angular movements of the girder?

(a) Sliding Plate Bearing

(b) Knuckle Bearing

(d) Sole Plate Bearing

94. What feature distinguishes a Free Sliding Pot Bearing?

(a) No movement allowed

(b) Movement allowed only in one direction

(d) Does not allow rotation

95. Which bearing is made of steel-reinforced neoprene?

(a) Rocker-Roller Bearing

(b) Elastomeric Bearing

(d) Sliding Plate Bearing

96. What is the main advantage of pot bearings over elastomeric bearings?

(a) Smaller in size

(b) No requirement of steel reinforcement

(d) Higher load capacity

97. Assertion (A): Pot bearings are suitable for bridges requiring large bearing reactions.
Reason (R): Pot bearings have a high load capacity exceeding 50,000 kN.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

98. Assertion (A): Rocker Bearings are not ideal for small span bridges.
Reason (R): Rocker Bearings are used for spans over 21 meters.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

99. Assertion (A): Guided Pot Bearings restrict movement in all directions.
Reason (R): They are equipped with a steel guide edge for restricted movement.
Options:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

100. Matching Type Questions
Match List I (Types of Bearings) with List II (Key Features):
List I:
A. Fixed Bearing
B. Sliding Plate Bearing
C. Rocker-Roller Bearing
D. Pot Bearing
List II:
1. Suitable for large horizontal displacements
2. Prevents longitudinal movement of girders
3. Sole plate slides over wall plate
4. Bottom shoe rests on cylindrical roller
Codes:

(a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

(b) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2

(d) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4

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