This document contains a question bank for the subject Transportation Engineering II covering Railway Engineering, Docks and Harbour Engineering, and Airport Engineering from Noorul Islam University, Kumaracoil Department of Civil Engineering. It includes 20 multiple choice questions related to railway planning, design, track construction, maintenance, and operation. The questions cover topics like advantages of railways, railway gauges, factors affecting gauge selection, railway components like ballast and sleepers, and railway infrastructure elements like points, crossings, and yards.

1. NOORUL ISLAM UNIVERSITY, KUMARACOIL
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
CV 213 – TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING II
RAILWAY ENGINEERING , DOCKS AND HARBOUR ENGINEERING AND
AIRPORT ENGINEERING
QUESTION BANK
2010-2011
Prepared by:
TanzeelHabeebulla
S5 ,CIVIL
NIU
Sumitted by:
Jean Molly Simon
Asst. Professor
Civil, NIU

2. UNIT I – RAILWAY PLANNING AND DESIGN
1. Mention some advantages of railways.
The various advantages of railways may be as follows:
a) It aids in the mass migration of people.
b) Trade development has increased ten folds after the growth of railways.
c) Land values have increased due to increased industrial growth.
d) Speedy distribution of finished product is achieved through railways.
2. What is meant by zonal railways?
The entire railway station has been divided into nine zonal railways having different territorial
jurisdictions which are responsible for all management and planning of works.
3. What is COFMOW and what are its responsibilities?
The Central Organization for Modernization of Workshop (COFMOW) is a specialized agency to
implement the various workshop modernization programs of Indian Railways. They are
responsible for the modernization of these workshops with the assistance of World Bank.
4. What do you mean by TACV or MAGLEV?
All advances in the development of railways have been to achieve the speed of Airways and
safety of railways at its best. This objective could be achieved by the usage of Track Air Cushion
Vehicles (TACV) or Magnetic Levitation Vehicles (MAGLEV) on purpose made special Railway
tracks using special locomotives and coaches to achieve a maximum speed of 250 km/hr.
5. What do you understand by the term “Buckling of rails”?
The railway track gets out of the original position due to the buckling if the expansion of rails is
prevented during hot weather. Such an action is known as “buckling of rails”.
6. What do you understand by the term “Ballast”?
Ballast is the granular material packed under and around the sleeper to transfer loads from
sleeper to ballast. It helps in providing elasticity to the truck.
7. What are the different types of gauges?
The different types of gauges are as follows:
a) Broad Gauge (B.G.) – 1.67 mtrs.
b) Meter Gauge (M.G.) – 1.00 mtrs.
c) Narrow Gauge (N.G.) – 0.762 mtrs.
d) Light Gauge or Freeder Track Gauge –0.610 mtrs.
8. Enumerate the various factors that govern the selection of various types of gauges.
There are numerous factors that are dependant in the selection of different gauges. However,
few of them are mentioned below:
a) Cost of Construction
b) Volume and nature of traffic
c) Development of the areas
d) Physical features of the country

3. e) Speed of movement
9. What are the advantages of “Coning of wheels”?
The various advantages of coning of wheels are:
a) To reduce the wear and tear of the wheel flanges and rails due to rubbing action of
flanges with the inside faces of the rail head.
b) To provide a possibility of lateral movement of axil to the wheels.
c) To restrict the wheels from slipping.
10. Define “Track modulus”.
Track modulus is an index for stiffness of track. It is defined as load per unit length of the rail
required to produce a unit depression in the track.
11. List down the various causes of “Track stresses”.
Stresses in the railway track are produced due to many causes as listed below:
a) Wheel loads
b) Dynamic effect of wheel loads
c) Hammer blow
d) Horizontal thrust
12. What do you understand by the term “Grade compensation”?
The reduction in the grading provided at an intersection of curve and gradiant is known as grade
compensation on curves.
13. What is a “Sleeper”?
A sleeper is a member laid transversely under the rails which are meant to support the rails over
them and transfer the load from rails to ballast.
14. What are the functions of a “sleeper”?
Sleepers perform the following functions:
a) To distribute the load from the rails to the index area of ballast underlying it or to the
girders in case of bridges.
b) They add to the lateral and longitudinal stability of the permanent track to support the
rails at a proper level in straight tracks and at proper super elevation on curves.
c) To hold the rails to correct gauge.
d) To act as an elastic medium in between the ballast and rails to absorb the vibrations of
moving loads.
15. What are the different types of sleepers?
Sleepers are classified into the following categories:
i. Wooden sleepers
ii. Metal sleepers

4. a) Cast Iron Sleepers
b) Steel sleepers
iii. Concrete Sleepers
a) Reinforced Concrete sleepers
b) Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers
16. What do you understand by the term “Fish Plates” and what are its uses?
Fish plates are used in rail joints to maintain the continuity of rails and to permit any expansion
or contraction of the rail due to thermal variations. They maintain the correct alignment of the
line both horizontally and vertically.
17. What are the different types of “Ballast”?
The different materials that are used vary from broken stone to sometimes earth. A few
commonly used types of ballast are the following:
a) Broken stone
b) Gravel or shingles
c) Ashes or cinders
d) Moorum
e) Blast furnace slag
f) Kankar
18. What are the objectives of “Reconnaissance Survey”?
The objectives of Reconnaissance Survey are as follows:
a) To decide maximum grading and curvature for proposed alignment
b) To locate various control points for getting an idea from where the alignment should
pass and where the alignment should not.
c) To have an idea about possible alternative alignments
d) To prepare rough estimates for different proposed alignment to know most economical,
efficient and safe alignment.
19. What are the instruments used in preliminary survey?
The various instruments used in preliminary survey are:
a) Theodolite - for traversing
b) Tacheometer – for plotting main features
c) Dumpy level – for drawing the longitudinal cross-sections
d) Plain Table – for plotting interior details
e) Prismatic Compass – for magnetic bearings of routes and main points.
20. What do you mean by “Transitional Curve”?

5. Transitional curve is defined as a curve of parabolic nature which is introduced between a
straight and circular curve to provide an easy change from tangent to the radius selected for a
particular curve.
UNIT II
RAILWAY TRACK CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
1. What is the necessity of points and crossings?
The knowledge of points and crossings are important in the following ways:
a) Points and crossings provide flexibility of movement by connecting one line to another.
b) They help in imposing restrictions over turn outs which necessarily retard the
movements.
c) In regard of safety aspects, points and crossings are weak kinks or points in the track
which are susceptible to derailments.
2. List down the different types of crossings.
Crossings may be classified as below:
a) V-Crossing
b) Diamond Crossing
c) Square Crossing
d) Spring Crossing
e) Ramped Crossing
3. What are the component parts of crossing?
a) Chairs at crossing toe and heel
b) Wing Rails
c) Check Rails
d) Pointed Splice Rails
e) Vee Piece
4. List down the characteristics of Crossing.
a) The assembly of crossing has to be rigid to stand against severe vibrations.
b) The vear on parts of wing rails opposite the nose and also of nose itself must be
protected.
5. What is flange way depth?

6. Flange way depth is the vertical distance between the top surface of the stock rail to the top
surface of the heel-block used between the stock rail and check rail.
6. List down the necessities of points and crossings?
a) Points and crossings provide flexibility of movement by connecting one line to another.
b) They also help for imposing restrictions over turnouts which necessarily retard the
movements.
7. List down the different types of track junctions.
The important track junctions commonly employed are:
a) Symmetrical split
b) Tandem
c) Diamond Crossing
d) Single Slip and Double Slip
e) Scissor Cross over
f) Ladder tracks
8. Define Platform.
Raised level surface from where either passengers board and alight from trains or loading and
unloading of goods is done is commonly known as platform. They are of two types, namely,
passenger platforms and goods platforms.
9. What do you understand by the term Stations yards?
Yard is defined as a system of tracks laid usually on a level within defined limits for receiving,
storing, sorting, making up new trains and dispatch of vehicles.
10. Classify the types of yards.
a) Passenger Bogie yards
b) Goods yards
c) Marshalling yards
d) Locomotive yards
11. What are the objectives of signaling?
The various objectives of providing and operating signals are as below:
a) To ensure safety between two or more trains which cross of approach each other’s
path.
b) To provide facilities for maximum utitlity of the tracks.
c) To guide the trains movements during maintenance and rpair of tracks.
d) To safeguard the trains at converging junctions and give directional indications at
diverging junctions.
12. What are the types of signals based on the various categories?

7. i. Operating characteristics
a) Fog or audible signals
b) Visual indication signals
ii. Functional characteristics
a) Shunting signals
b) Warner signals
c) Semaphore type signals
iii. Locational characteristics
a) Quoter signals (reception)
b) Advanced Starter (departure)
iv. Special characteristics
a) Point indicators
b) Modified lower quadrant semaphore signals
13. What are the various sources of moisture in a railway track?
The various sources of moisture affecting a railway track are:
a) Surface water due to rain, dew or snow.
b) Hydroscopic water or Held water.
c) Seepage water
d) Moisture by capillary action in sub grade
14. What are the requirements of a track drainage system?
a) The track alignment should be made to rest on pervious naturally drained soils.
b) The highest level of water table should be much below the level of sub grade.
c) Sub surface water should be efficiently drained off by the sub surface drainage system.
d) The surface water from adjoining land could be prevented from entering the track
formation.
15. What are the advantages of good maintenance of railway track?
The life of both track and rolling stock increases by proper maintenance. A well maintained track
imparts smooth quality riding surface for vehicles which results in comfort to passengers and
safety to goods.
16. What is meant by “Packing”?
Packing is the method of forcing stone ballast below the sleepers by ramming with a beater cum
pick-axe.
17. Define “Loops”.
When a branch line terminates from a previously terminated main line, it is called loop. They are
of three types: Split turnout, Trailing turnout, Straight and loop.
18. Enumerate the necessities of “Curves”.

8. a) To bypass natural or artificial obstacles
b) To provide easier gradiants by diversions from the straight route.
19. What are the three methods by which safe speed can be calculated?
a) Martin’s formula
b) Super elevation formula
c) Cant formula
20. What do you understand by the term “Ruling gradiant”?
Ruling gradiant is defined as the gradiant which determines maximum load that the engine can
haul on the section.
UNIT III
AIRPORT PLANNING AND DESIGN
1. What are the advantages of Air transport?
The advantages of air transport are:
a) It reduces travel time considerably.
b) It aims in the comfortable travel of passengers from point to point.
2. What are the limitations of Air transport?
The limitations of air transport are:
a) They are quite expensive
b) They cause considerable amount of environmental damage
3. What do you mean by “Air Traffic Potential”?
Air traffic potential refers to the maximum amount on aircrafts that the specified air space can
hold within its boundaries.
4. What do you understand by “Wind Rose Diagram”?
Wind Rose Diagram refers to the descriptive illustrative realization of the directional attitude of
wind flow with respect to the geographical position at a specified time frame.
5. What do you understand by the term “Minimum Separation Distance”?
Minimum Separation distance refers to the least distance that is to be maintained by two
successive aircrafts during their taxing along the apron or along the taxi way.
6. What do you understand by the term “Design Speed”?

9. Design speed is the speed estimated by the planning and design engineers for a specified airport
runway based on the type of airports and the aircrafts landing and taking off from them.
7. Define “Airport Zoning”.
Airport zoning is the process of dividing the whole airport into several zones as clear zone,
approach zone, buffer zone, turning zone for easy navigation and control and administration
activities including maintenance.
8. Define “Approach Zone”.
Approach Zone is defined as the specific zone in the airport which provides indication to the
pilot of the approach of the landing strip.
9. What do you understand by the term “Airport Drainage”?
Airport Drainage is the process of keeping the runway dry and accessible for aircrafts for the
safe landing and takeoff of aircrafts to and from the airports.
10. What is meant by “clearance over highways and railways”?
The minimum distance to be maintained vertically above the closest railway and highway zones
to eradicate disturbance that maybe caused by the jet explosion during the flight of an aircraft is
called its clearance over highways and railways.
Unit IV – AIRPORT LAYOUTS, VISUAL AIDS AND AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL
1. What are the objectives of master plan according to FAA?
The objectives according to FAA are:
a) To provide an effective graphical presentation of the ultimate development of the airport
b) To describe various concepts and alternatives which were considered in the establishment of
the proposed plan.
c) To present the backup of information and data which were essential to the development of the
master plan.
d) To establish a schedule of priorities and phasing for the various improvements proposed in the
plan.
2. What does the term ‘ Terminal area” mean?
The terminal area refers to the portion of an airport other than the landing area. It serves as the
focal point for activities on the airport which includes terminal and operational buildings, vehicle
parking area and aircraft service hangars.
3. List out the purpose of a building area in an airport.
The purpose for building area are:
a) To provide shelter and space for surface activities.

10. b) To accommodate the basic facilities as toilet, telephone and medical services.
c) To establish space for cargo handling and processing.
d) To provide an enquiry counter to reach to the needs of passengers.
4. Enumerate the requirements of site selection or the factors affecting site selection.
The suitability of site selection for terminal building is processed in accordance to the following:
a) Sufficient area for roadways
b) Central location with respect to runway
c) Proximity and ease of installation of utilities
d) Convenient access to the main highway.
5. List out the factors upon which the size of an apron is decided.
The paved area for parking of aircrafts, loading and unloading of passengers and cargo is an
apron and its size is dependent on:
a) Aircraft parking systems
b) Size of the loading are required for a type of aircraft or the gate position.
c) Number of gate positions
6. What are the different types of aircraft parking systems?
Aircrafts are grouped adjacent to terminal buildings in various patters as mentioned below:
a) Frontal system
b) Open apron system
c) Finger system
d) Satellite system
7. What do you mean by Blast Fences?
Blast fences are used to deflect and dissipate the energy of high velocity jet exhaust so as to
protect the passengers from the discomfort caused by the heat.
8. Classify the various types of runway markingbased on their utility.
The various markings are divided as follows:
a) Runway marking
Taxiway marking
Runway and taxiway shoulder marking
d) Apron marking
e) Wind direction indicator
f) Landing direction indicator
9. What are different types of airport lighting available?
a) Boundary lighting
b) Code beacon
c) Rotating beacon
d) Apron and hangar lighting
e) Approach lighting
f) Threshold lighting

11. 10. Why is threshold lighting so important in respect to landing?
The identification of runway threshold lighting has an important bearing on the pilot’s decision
whether to land or not. Thereby the area near the runway threshold is given special lighting
considerations.
11. Bring out the need of air traffic control.
The Air traffic Control (ATC) is primarily established to ensure a safe, economic and convenient
movement of the aircraft flight from one airport to another during the actions of takeoff till
landing at the desired port.
12. How is the wind indicator helpful in air traffic?
The wind indicator is a wind cone placed at the center of the segmented circle (airport) marker
which aids the pilot in locating the airport and the direction of wind.
13. What is a hangar and what is the main function of the same?
Hangar is an enclosure for servicing, overhauling and performing repairs of the aircrafts located
within the vicinity of a building area. These are usually constructed of steel frames and covered
with galvanized iron sheets.
14. State the requirements of selecting a hangar site.
The requirements of suitable hangar site are:
a) The site should be such that there is a convenient road access to it from the site to the aprons
and terminal building.
b) Favorable topography providing good natural drainage.
c) Reasonable proximity to the loading apron.
d) Sufficient area to provide car parking facilities for working personnel.
15. What are the typical airport layouts that are practiced nowadays?
The following are the basic airport layouts :
a) Two intersecting Runway layout
b) Non-intersecting runways layout
c) Three intersecting runways layout
d) Tangential runway layout
16. Enumerate the basic characteristics that a good airfield should possess.
a) Sufficient terminal building facilities
b) Lowest possible cost of construction
c) Landing, taxiing and taking off a independent operations without interference.
d) Excellent control tower visibility,
17. Write down the design considerations applied to taxiway lighting.
The design considerations that applies to taxiway lighting are mentioned below:
a) Crossing of taxiway and the runway should be clearly identified.
b) Effective and simple presentation of guidance elements to permit rapid aircraft movement
between runway and apron should be preferred.
c) There should be adequate guidance along the taxiway.

12. d) Taxiway should be clearly identified so that they cannot be confused with the runways.
18. Define runway capacity and feature the factors affecting them.
Runway capacity is the ability of a runway system to accommodate aircraft landings and take-
offs. The factors affecting them are:
a) Air traffic control
b) Characteristics of demand
c) Environmental factors
d) Layout and design of the runway system
19. List out the points to be remembered for an efficient airport vehicular circulation and parking
system.
a) Ease of passenger loading and unloading at the terminal building
b) One way traffic wherever possible
c) A minimum of driveway intersection
d) Adequate driveway width to permit overtaking
e) Sufficient and clearly defined parking and circulation routes.
20. Mention the various parking configurations of Aircrafts.
The various parking configurations that are used in the present days are as follows:
a) Nose-in
b) Angle nose-in
c) Nose-out
d) Angle Nose-out
e) Parallel
UNIT V
HARBOUR ENGINEERING AND OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORT
1. Define 12arbor.
Harbour is a sheltered area of sea where facilities for loading and unloading of cargo and
passengers are provided.
2. Classify the different types of harbors.
a) Natural harbor
b) Semi-natural harbor
c) Artificial harbor
3. What are the constituents of harbor?
a) Entrance channel
b) Approach channel
c) Birthing Basin
d) Breakwater

13. 4. What are the requirements of a good port?
a) It should be a place of defence and for resisting the sea borne invasion.
b) It should command extensive and valuable trade
c) The hinterland should be fertile with a good density of population.
d) It should provide maximum facilities to all visiting ships.
5. What do you understand by the term “Breakwater”?
Breakwaters are structures constructed to enclose the harbors to protect them from the effect
of wind generated waves by reflecting and dissipating their force or energy.
6. What are the types of breakwaters?
a) Vertical wall breakwater
b) Heap breakwater
c) Mound with super structure
7. Define dock.
Docks are defined as enclosed areas for berthing the ships to keep them afloat at uniform level
to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo.
8. What are the types of docks?
a) Wet docks – used for berthing of vessels to facilitate loading and unloading of
passengers and cargoes.
b) Dry or repair docks – are used for repair of ships
9. What is a cable?
A cable is a floating buoy consisting of a pendant which consists of a link chain (open) fitted with
a swivel in the upper half.
10. What is apron?
Apron is an open space used to expedite the unloading and loading of cargoes in vessels
immediately in front of the berth.
11. What are warehouses?
At times the port users need storage facilities for much longer periods than that provided by
transit sheds. This has brought to the construction of storage facilities known as storage go
downs or warehouses.
12. List out the types of dredging devices.
a) Dipper dredger
b) Grapple dredger
c) Continuous bucket elevator or ladder dredger

14. 13. What are locks and provide their components?
Locks are a device used to connect a dock with the sea or river at different levels. The
components of these are:
a) Steel lock gates
b) Granite sills
c) Culverts
d) Heavy masonry retaining walls
e) Heavy plumbing plant
14. What are wharves?
The platforms or loading places in the form of walls built near shores to berth are known as
wharves. In other words they may be defined as a wall erected along a shore or bank to berth
vessels for loading and unloading cargo.
15. What do you understand by the term ‘Dolphin’?
A structure constructed at the entrance of a locked basin or alongside a pier or wharf to absorb
the impact force of the vessel or to provide mooring facility is termed as dolphin due to their
form of a cluster of spaced piles.
16. Site the difference between transit sheds and apron.
Transit sheds are a temporary storage facility for goods in transit from vessel to consignee or
vice-versa. Apron is an open space left immediately in front of the berth for utilization in the
installation of mechanical devices as cranes.
17. What are the requirements of a signal?
The basic requirements of a marine signal are:
a) It should be positively recognizable and should not vary in character.
b) It should be simple to identify and should make its meaning clear at a glance.
c) It should permit time for easy response.
d) It should be clearly visible from a long distance.
18. List out the purpose of construction of shore protection works.
Shore protection works are usually provided to protect exposed beach line.However the
following purposes are also intended:
a) To stabilize the existing beach.
b) To restore the eroded beach.
c) To create and stabilize the artificial beaches.
d) To protect an exposed beach line.
19. Mention the various shore protection works.
The following shore protection works are usually adopted:
a) Sea walls, Bulk heads and revetments

15. b) Protective beaches
c) Sand dunes
d) Groynes
e) Off shore break waters
20. What are moorings?
These are devices which are provided where anchorage water is limited. It is absolutely
necessary to have some moorings n all harbours for vessels to discharge its passengers and
cargo to barges for taking the same right upto coast.
6 MARKS
UNIT I – RAILWAY PLANNING AND DESIGN
1. Write a short note on the engineering surveys for track alignment.
Railway project consists four different surveys – Traffic survey – Reconnaissance survey –
Preliminary survey – Detailed survey – objects of each of them – factors to be considered
2. Define a permanent way and site the various requirements of an ideal permanent way.
Definition of permanent way – requirements of an ideal permanent way ( any 6) – the typical
cross section of the permanent way on embankment to be drawn.
3. What are the different gauge types used by the Indian Railways and write down the selection of
gauge factors.
Definition of gauge – different types of gauge with their specific dimensions ( BG, MG, NG, LG) –
factors affecting the selection of a particular gauge ( any 4 )
4. The wheels are coned to keep it in the central position. Comment on the statement.
Definition of coning – advantage of coning – theory of coning – include a figure to depict the
process.
5. What is meant by creep? Discuss on the theories propounded to explain probable effects of
creep.
The longitudinal movement of rails with respect to sleepers in track – theories of creep ( Wave
theory, Percussion theory and Drag Theory) – (any 4) effects of creep
6. What are the function of sleepers and the requirements of a good one?
Sleepers are members laid transverse to rails on which rails are supported to transfer loads to the
ballast – function of sleepers ( any 6) – requirements ( Any 6)
7. Shed some light on the functions and requirements of a good ballast.
Ballast – granular material packed below and around sleepers to transmit load from sleepers to
formation to allow drainage of track – function of ballast (Any 4) – requirements of ballast (Any 4)

16. 8. Write a short note on the types of ballast.
Ballast materials used – explain in brief any 6 of the following – Broken stones – Gravel , River
Pebbles or Shingle – Ashes or Cinders – Sand – Moorum – Kankar – Brick Ballast – Blast Furnace
Slag – Selected Earth
9. What are formations and enumerate the various function of subgrade or formation.
Subgrade is the naturally occurring soil which is prepared to receive the ballast and other railway
structures for the track – Formation is a prepares surface for the purpose of laying track –
Function of sub grade or formation ( Any 4 )
10. Define the terms : (i) Super-elevation (ii) Negative super elevation (iii) Cant deficiency
The raised elevation of the outer rail with respect to the inner rail – The variation of the
elevation of the branch line to the main line –the difference between actual cant provided to
the equilibrium cant ( all the definitions to be elaborately explained with suitable values to be
offered wherever seemed necessary)
11. What are curves? Shed some light on the necessity and the effects of the curvature.
The curvature provided at certain geographical conditions to enable a smooth transfer of trains
– necessities to be furnished with the factors( any 4) - effects ( lateral bending of rails due to
rigid wheel base , extra vertical load on the inner or outer rail based on the superelevation and
speed of vehicle)
12. Write a short note on the widening of gauge on curves.
Provision to avoid the striking of outer wheel against outer rail and the inner wheel to the inner
is called widening of gauge. – lateral play may lead to derailment – extra gauge width formula
and explain the terms.
UNIT II – RAILWAY TRACK CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
1. Define points and crossings with their necessity to be adopted.
These are used to direct trains to different routes either parallel or diverging to make way for
movement from one route to another but also helps in marshaling and shunting work at station
yards – necessity of points and crossings ( Any 4 )
2. Write a short note on the various types of crossings.
Crossings are classified on two categories - Basis of shape of crossing – basis of assembly of
crossing – briefly explain about all with suitable sketches wherever necessary.
3. What are track junctions and briefly mention the various types of track junctions?
Track junctions are combinations of points and crossings with curves and straights to transfer the
trains from one track to another or to enable trains to cross over other tracks – mention the types of
track junctions ( Any 5 ) with suitable sketches.
4. Describe the factors that influence the selection of site for a railway station. How the railway
stations are classified?
Factors affecting the site selection (explain any 4 from following Acquisition of land , Proximity to
town or village, Nature of land area, Approach roads to station site, station site alignment, Site

17. drainage, Station amenities, type of station and yard, role of authorities) – operational classification
– functional classification
5. Explain briefly about the tractive resistances.
The resistance to movement of trains on the track is known as resistance or track resistance – four
categories ( Train resistance , Resistance due to profile, resistances due to starting and acceleration,
wind resistance).
UNIT III – AIRPORT PLANNING AND DESIGN
1. Point out the important parts of an aero plane and discuss it in brief.
With the help of a figure explaining the component parts of an aeroplane – Engine –Flaps –
Fuselage – Propeller – Three controls – Tricycle undercarriage – Wings
2. What are the factors that influence the selection of a location for an airport?
Necessary data regarding the airport is collected from previous surveys conducted – factors on
which site selection is performed ( Any 8) – explain any 6 of them in detail.
3. What are zoning laws and briefly put your understanding of the same?
Definition of zoning laws ( Height zoning , land-use zoning) – factors – legal interests – Nature of
ordinance – zoning map
4. What is meant by basic runway length and the three cases associated with them?
Assumptions in runway length ( Any 4) – Three cases ( Normal landing, Normal Take off, Stepping
in emergency) – explain briefly each case with suitable sketches.
5. What are the corrections to basic runway length?
Corrections are applied to get the actual length of runway – following corrections are considered
– correction for elevation – correction for gradient – correction for temperature – Airport reference
temperature formula – explain the three briefly with sufficient examples.
UNIT IV – AIRPORT LAYOUTS, VISUAL AIDS AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
1. Discuss briefly on the design objectives and space requirements in an airport.
Design objectives – classified into four categories ( airline objectives – airport management
objectives – community objectives – Passengers’ objectives ) – space requirements as per FAA – all
the points to be discussed in brief with suitable examples wherever possible.
2. The type of aircraft parking is very crucial in the planning of an airport. Substantiate the
statement with suitable patterns of aircraft parking.
The types of aircraft parking – five categories – nose in – nose out – angle nose in – angle nose
out – parallel (explain the types of parking configurations with neat sketches).
3. Explain on the systems of aircraft parking practiced these days in the airports of the world.
Based on the horizontal terminal concept – various groupings of aircraft can be parked adjacent
to the terminal building – known as parking systems – frontal or linear system – open-apron or
transporter system –pier or finger system – satellite system – explain all with neat sketches

18. 4. List out the aims of airport drainage and the function of airport drainage.
Adequate drainage required – any 4 points on the aims – any 2 functions of drainage – any 5
special characteristics of airport drainage.
5. Write a short note on the various airport markings.
Airport markings – guide pilots to the runways – marked with lines and numbers – to recognize
various airport elements – six groups – apron marking – landing direction indicator – runway
marking – shoulder marking – taxiway marking – wind direction indicator.
UNIT V – HARBOUR ENGINEERING AND OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORT
1. What is a breakwater and explain in brief the various types of breakwaters?
Protective barrier to enclose harbours to keep the waters undisturbed by the effect of heavy and
strong seas – types – Heap or mound breakwater – mound with superstructure or composite
breakwater – Upright wall breakwater – special breakwater – explain them briefly with their main
constituents and advantage over one another.
2. Pen down the major facilities to be available at a port.
Facilities to be categorized into two groups – facilities to be provided at land – facilities
connected with basin water ( Entrance facilities, Loading unloading platforms, Turning facilities,
Repairing facilities)
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of enclosed wet docks?
Advantages ( uniform water level to be maintained – prevents rubbing of sides of ships against
quays – prevents the constant attention to alternating mooring – effect of storms in outer sea
doesn’t affect the dock) – disadvantages – costly arrangement – locks and lock gates to be provided
– more time for entry and exit of ships.
4. What are the various types of dredging devices available in modern marine engineering?
Dipper dredge – Grapple dredge – ladder dredge – suction dredge – explain them in brief with
their working principles.
5. What are the moorings? Mention the accessories of fixed and floating types of moorings.
Moorings are provided at regions where water is insufficient for anchorage – accessories – fixed –
mooring part – bollard – capstan – floating type – buoys – cables – anchors
10 MARKS
UNIT I – RAILWAY PLANNING AND DESIGN
1. Railways are the significant and potential means of transporting men and materials over long
distances. Shed some light on the axiom.
Advantage of railways – political – social – economic – Techno-economical – various types of
trains in India – its influence in the masses of India – modern trends in Indian railways(GIS, GPS,
Remote Sensing).

19. 2. Discuss the various factors concerning the selection of rails. Mention the major defects seen in
rails.
A rail is designated by its weight per unit length – factors – speed of train – gauge of track – axle
load and nature of traffic - type of rails – spacing of sleepers – maximum permissible wear on top or
rails – corrugated rails – hogged rails – kinks in rails – buckling of rails – damaged rails.
3. Explain in detail the various types of rail joints with neat sketches.
Rail joints are necessary to hold together the adjoining ends of the rails in the correct position,
both in horizontal and vertical planes – Supported rail joints – Suspended rail joints – Bridge joint –
Base joint – Welded rail joints – Staggered or broken joint – Square or even joint – compromise joint
– Insulated joint – expansion joint- explain each of these with suitable sketches wherever necessary
4. Explain in detail the effects , measurement and prevention of creep.
Effects of creep – sleepers move out of position – stresses exerted on fish plates and bolts to
cause breaking – points and crossings distorted – difficulty to re-align or fix the removed track –
kinks at joints – forging of ballast – Measurement of creep – creep indicator – diagram – chisel mark
– IR practice – intervals of 3 months – not more than 150mm – prevention of creep – pulling back
the rails – provision of anchors – use steel sleepers.
5. a)Explain the factors that the speed of train isdependent upon. Derive the equations to determine
the safe speeds of trains in the presence and absence of transition curves.
M.G. track, the average speed of
different trains is 50 kph and allowable cant deficiency is half that of maximum cant deficiency.
Speed of trains – strength of rails – power of locomotive – safe speed dependent – gauge of track –
radius of curve – distance of resultant of weight of vehicle – amount of superelevation provided –
presence or absence of transition curve.
Martin’s formula – super elevation – length of transition curve – problem –
i) for MG track 0.8V2 = 9.3 cm
R
ii) Max e = 1/10 of gauge = 10cm
iii) Max theoretical cant = Max cant + cant deficiency = 5.1cm
iv) Max speed = 52 kph.
UNIT II – RAILWAY TRACK CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
1. What are crossings? What are the characteristics of crossings and various types of crossings?
Crossings – device through which two flange ways allow the wheels of the flanges to move during
an intersection – requirements- assembly to be rigid – wear or parts of wing rails, opposite nose and
the nose must be protected - crossing body should be long and rigid – nose of crossing should have
some thickness – explain any 2 from both the classifications with neat sketches – Based on shape –
acute angle – obtuse angle – square crossing – based on assembly – spring or movable wing –
ramped crossing
2. Explain in detail the classification and various typed of signals.
Operating characteristics – detonating – hand signals – fixed signals – functional characteristics –
semaphore type signals – warner signals – shunting signals – colored light signals – locational

20. characteristics – reception signals – quoter signals – home signals – departure signals – starter –
advance starter – special characteristics – repeater signals – routing signals – calling on signals –
point indicators – modified lower quadrant semaphore signals – miscellaneous signals.
3. Define interlocking and explain the principle of interlocking. Describe the various mechanical
devices used for interlocking.
Interlocking – technique to ensure that the signal is taken to OFF for route which the signal
controls, is properly set – interlocking principles ( 4 points ) – mechanical devices – Detectors –
stretcher bar – lock plunger – lock bar – tappet locking – slotting of signals – connecting devices such
as rods – cranks – temperature compensators.
4. What is the necessity of relaying a track? Describe the standard method of relaying the track in
India. Discuss the various considerations to be made for replacing a track.
Necessity – track materials are worn-out – heavier track replacement due to increased traffic –
old materials to be serviced and to be replaced by new materials for mail line – standard method of
relaying track – preliminary work – actual relaying of track – consolidation of relayed track and
removal of released materials – Considerations – traffic to be least affected - length of track to be
easily completed within working hours of a day – rails , sleepers and ballast to be replaces
simultaneously to be economical – super elevation and alignment to be checked on curves –at
points and crossing the set of them are arranged on an elevated platform
5. Explain in detail the tractive resistances. What is hauling capacity? Find out the hauling capacity of
a locomotive with 3 pairs of driving wheels and an axle load of 20 tons. Use 0.2 as coefficient of
frictions.
Track resistances – train resistances – resistances dependent of speed – resistance independent
of speed – atmospheric resistances – resistance due to track profile – resistance due to gradients –
resistance due to curves – Resistance de to starting and accelerating – Wind resistances – hauling
capacity – product of coeffie=cient of friction and weight on driving wheels – problem – H.C. = coeff
0f friction x weight on driving wheels = 12000kg – hauling capacity should exceed the tractive power
in excess.
UNIT III – AIRPORT PLANNING AND DESIGN
1. Explain in detail the airport site selection process and the survey conducted for the same.
Survey – Traffic survey – approach zone survey – drainage survey – meteorological survey –
natural resources survey – soil survey – topographical survey – any 5 from them – availability of land
for expansion – availability of utilities – development of surrounding areas – economy of
construction – ground accessibility – presence of other airports – regional plan – soil characteristics
– surrounding obstruction – topography – use of airport – any 5 of them .
2. Explain about the zoning laws. Shed some light on clear and turning zones. Mention the
particulars in regional planning.
Zoning laws – height zoning – land use zoning – legal interests – nature of ordinance – zoning
map – clear zone – innermost portion of approach zone – provided at ends of runways – sketch up
the clear zone – turning zone – area of airport other than the runway – intended for turning
operations of the aircraft – sketch up the turning zone – regional planning – advantages – ( Any 4 ) –
air traffic – existing airports – population – topographical features.

21. 3. Mention the preliminary information required for runway orientation. Describe the procedure
adopted to construct the wind rose.
Preliminary info – maps of area - records of direction – head wind – during landing – during take-
off – wind rose – cross wind component – Wind coverage – chart representation of wind graphically
– wind rose diagram.
4. Enumerate the factors on which the location of the exit taxiways depends. Why are holding
aprons provided and pen down the points to be taken care during its planning?
Location of exit taxiways – air traffic control – exit speed – location of runways – number of exits
– pilot variability – topographical features – types of aircraft – weather conditions – holding aprons –
for checking the engine operation prior to take off – points to be noted – configuration – entry of
runway – facility of bypass – holding bays – location – peak demands.
5. What are the principles that govern the design of the exit taxiway connecting runway and parallel
taxiway? Also mention the geometric standards for taxiway.
Principles – angle of turn – compound curve – exit speed – length L1 and L2 – occupancy time –
shape of taxiway – stopping distance – explain the points in detail – geometric standards – eight
elements – length of taxiway – longitudinal gradient – rate of change of longitudinal gradient – sight
distance – transverse gradient – turning radius – width of safety area – width of taxiway
UNIT IV – AIRPORT LAYOUTS, VISUAL AIDS AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
1. What are the design objectives of terminal building? Explain the two concepts of planning a
terminal building. Suggest the reasonable requirements for terminal building having peak hour
traffic of 100 passengers.
Objectives – Airline objectives – airport management objectives – community objectives –
passengers’ objectives – two concepts - Centralized system – Decentralized system – explain with
neat sketches –reasonable requirements to be noted in area needs for 100 passengers peak hour or
in percentage of area occupied by each service.
2. Sketch up the following:
a) Parallel parking
b) Open-apron system
c) Satellite system
d) Nose hangar
e) Plan of grouped T-hangars
3. Explain the methods adopted to grant protection from the jet blast.
Protection from jet blasts – inconvenience to passengers boarding aircraft – airport personnel –
damage to airport equipment – effects to components of airports – holding aprons – taxiways –
runway ends – terminal area – methods – blast fences – erosion control – explain with sketches.
4. Discuss some of the broad principles to be observed with respect to passenger flow in the design
of layout of terminal building.
Principles – arrival gates – departure gates – baggage delivery – information – movement – to be
explained in view of passenger – an explanation of passenger activities may also be mentioned.

22. 5. Explain in detail the factors affecting the type and intensity of airport lighting. Also mention the
elements of airport lighting.
Airport lighting – factors – airport classification – amount of traffic – availability of power –
nature of aircraft using the airport – type of night operations planned – type of landing surfaces
provided – weather condition – nine elements – airport beacon – approach lighting – apron and
hangar lighting – boundary lighting – lighting of landing direction indicator – lighting of wind
direction indicator – runway lighting – taxiway lighting – threshold lighting – explain all in brief.
UNIT V – HARBOUR ENGINEERING AND OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORT
1. How is the classification of harbor done on this basis of location? What are the factors considered
for the design of a harbor.
Layout of harbor – greatly influenced by location – classification – canal harbor – Lake Harbor –
river or estuary harbor – sea or ocean harbor – factors – site selection – shape of harbor – harbor
depth – marine surveys – hydrographic surveys – topographic surveys – harbor planning.
2. What is a breakwater? How is its alignment decided? Describe design information and
considerations. Mention the forces that act on a breakwater.
Breakwater – protective barrier constructed to enclose harbors and to keep the harbor waters
undisturbed by strong seas – alignment – straight converging arms – intersection angle should not
exceed 60 degrees – design information – character of coast – coat and availability of materials –
direction and force of winds – nature of foundation – height, force and intensity of waves –
considerations – design to be based on the extreme phenomena – material in foundation should not
scour – forces – hydrostatic force – external force – solvent action of sea water – sea insects .
3. Critically comment on jetties. Describe the several standard types of quay walls and their
construction.
Jetties – structures in the form of piled projections – built form shore to deep water – comment
on the forces acting – traffic on them – designed standards for the same – natural condition and
constituents –types of quay walls - solid quay walls – dwarf quay walls – timber lattice work – timber
crib quay walls – rubble mound quay walls – explain them with neat sketches
4. Describe the various types of harbor signals. What is a lighthouse and how is it constructed? What
are the basic requirements of a marine signal?
Types of signals – three categories – light signals ( Light ships, beacons, Buoys) – fog signals
(ordinary bells struck by hand, ordinary bells operated by mechanism, submarine bells struck by
mechanism, whistles or sirens blown by compressed air or stream) – audible signals – Light house –
lofty structure – built from masonry or concrete – constructional practice – requirements –visibility
from long distance – positively recognizable – simple for identification – permit time for easy
response.
5. What are the essential differences between a transit shed and warehouse as regards:
a) their use
b) their construction?
Transit shed – one or two storeys – handling and distribution – incoming and outgoing
cargo requiring protection – sorting of cargo to different consignees – free period to remove
consignment – compensation to be paid for detention –construction requirement – doors to be

23. provided for ready and rapid opening – construction to be light and fire-resistance – ample lightings
with long skylights – should have modern firefighting arrangements – warehouses – permanent
structures – provided on shore or directly behind transit sheds for longer storage periods – storage
godowns