CE-404 Transportation Engineering-I - Dec 2024 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aWhat is the equilibrium cant on a 20 curve on a BG track, if the speed of various trains are 10 trains at 50 kmph., 8 trains at 55 kmph. and 4 trains at 60 kmph. Respectively.
   How to answer

   • Formula for equilibrium cant e = G*V^2/(127*R) and R = 1720/D for BG
   • Compute weighted mean speed from given train numbers and speeds
   • Compute radius for given curve and cant value
   • Check against maximum permissible cant
2. 7 Marks
   bExplain the functions and requirements of rails.
   How to answer

   • Definition of rails as running surface and load carrier
   • Functions: bear loads, guide wheels, transfer load to sleepers
   • Requirements: strength, hardness, wear resistance, economy
3. 7 Marks
   aExplain the concept of points and crossings in railway infrastructure design. How are simple turnouts designed, and what factors are considered?
   How to answer

   • Define points/switches and crossings/frogs
   • Working of simple turnout with diagram
   • Design parameters: switch angle, curve lead, crossing number
4. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss the types, locations, and general equipment used in marshalling yards. What are their layout considerations?
   How to answer

   • Types of marshalling yards: flat, gravity, hump
   • Suitable locations and site requirements
   • Equipment: humps, retarders, shunting locos
   • Layout considerations and capacity
5. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the factors influencing the economical span, clearance, and afflux in bridge design for both roads and railways.
   How to answer

   • Definition of economical span, clearance, afflux
   • Factors: discharge, velocity, foundation, traffic, cost
   • Differences for road vs railway bridges
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain the design loads and forces acting on bridges, including the impact factor. What are the Indian loading standards for railway and highway bridges?
   How to answer

   • Dead, live, impact, wind, braking, centrifugal forces
   • Impact factor formula and its variation with span
   • IRC loading for highway and IRS/BG loading for railway
7. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the construction methods for building cofferdams in bridge construction projects. What are their purposes and how are they utilized?
   How to answer

   • Purpose of cofferdams: exclude water for foundation work
   • Types: earthen, rockfill, single/double wall, cellular
   • Construction steps and dewatering/utilization
8. 7 Marks
   bProvide details on the construction processes for bridges both underwater and above water. How do these processes differ, and what challenges are associated with each?
   How to answer

   • Underwater: caissons, cofferdams, tremie concreting
   • Above water: staging, launching, formwork
   • Comparison and challenges: seepage, pressure, safety, quality
9. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the design considerations for tunnel approaches and shafts, including the importance of pilot shafts.
   How to answer

   • Functions of approaches and shafts for access, ventilation, mucking
   • Design factors: location, size, ground, drainage
   • Role of pilot shafts for exploration and alignment control
10. 7 Marks
    bWhat are the challenges and techniques involved in constructing tunnels in soft soil, hard soil and rock? How do these conditions affect the choice of lining and construction methods?
    How to answer

    • Problems in soft soil: collapse, water; hard soil/rock: drilling, blasting
    • Techniques: shield, cut-cover, drill-blast, NATM
    • Effect on lining type and construction method selection
11. 7 Marks
    aProvide examples of important tunnels in India and abroad, highlighting their significance and the engineering challenges they overcame.
    How to answer

    • Examples: Pir Panjal, Atal, Konkan tunnels in India; Channel, Gotthard abroad
    • Significance for transport connectivity
    • Engineering challenges: geology, water, length, altitude
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain the process of route surveys and alignment in transportation infrastructure development.
    How to answer

    • Stages: reconnaissance, preliminary, location surveys
    • Alignment factors: gradient, curvature, obligatory points
    • Use of maps, aerial, geotechnical data
13. 7 Marks
    aDefine signaling and interlocking in transportation systems. What are the principles behind signaling, and how does interlocking enhance safety and efficiency?
    How to answer

    • Define signalling and interlocking
    • Principles: block working, fail-safe, route locking
    • How interlocking prevents conflicts and improves throughput
14. 7 Marks
    bExplain the design loads and forces acting on bridges, including the impact factor. What are the Indian loading standards for railway and highway bridges?
    How to answer

    • Dead, live, impact, wind, braking forces on bridges
    • Impact factor concept and codal values
    • IRC and IRS loading standards for highway and railway
15. 7 Marks
    aDescribe the methods and techniques used for strengthening bridges. What are the common reasons for bridge strengthening, and how is it carried out?
    How to answer

    • Reasons: increased load, deterioration, distress
    • Methods: jacketing, plating, prestressing, FRP
    • Procedure: assessment, design, execution and monitoring
16. 7 Marks
    bExplain the process of mucking operation in tunnel construction and the importance of drainage and ventilation systems.
    How to answer

    • Mucking: loading, hauling and disposal of excavated rock
    • Need for drainage to control seepage and stability
    • Ventilation for fresh air, dust and fume removal