Detailed Solutions

ESE-2018 Civil Engineering

Mains Test Series Test No : 1

Section A : Geo-technical & Foundation Engineering

Q.1 (a) Solution:

In situations where the strength of soil at shallow depths is poor, in order to transmit the load
safely, the depth of foundation has to be increased till a suitable soil stratum is met. In view of
increased depth; such foundation are called deep foundations.
• Pile load test : The pile load test is the only direct method for determining the allowable load
on the piles. It is considered the most reliable due to the fact that it is an in-situ test. Pile load
test is very useful for cohesionless soils. However in case of cohesive soils, the data from the
Pile load test should be used with caution on account for disturbance due to pile driving,
development of pore pressure and inadequate time allowed for consolidation settlement.
The allowable load on single pile shall be lesser of the following:
(i) Two-third the final load at which the total settlement attains a value of 12 mm, unless it is
specified that total settlement different from 12 mm is permissible.
(ii) Fifty percent of the final load at which the total settlement equal to 10% of the pile diameter in
case of uniform diameter piles and 7.5% of bulb diameter in case of under-reamed piles.
The vertical cyclic pile load test is specifically carried out when it is required to separate the
pile load into the skin friction and point bearing on single piles of uniform diameter. It is
limited to initial test only.

Q.1. (b) Solution:

Given: H0 = 3 m
Let kH(eq) and kV(eq) are equivalent horizontal and vertical conductivities respectively.
1
∴ kH(eq) = H0
(
k H 1 × h1 + k H 2 × h 2 + k H 3 × h 3 )
10 | ESE 2018 : MAINS TEST SERIES

=
1
3
(
2.3 × 10 −5 × 1 + 5.2 × 1.5 × 10 −5 + 0.2 × 10 −5 × 0.5 )
= 3.4 × 10–5 cm/sec
H0
kV(eq) =
 h1 h2 h3 
k + k + k 
 V1 V2 V3 

3.0
= = 0.931 × 10 −5 cm/s
1  1 1.5 0.5 
 + + 
10 −5  2.3 5.2 0.2 
k H ( eq ) 3.4 × 10 −5
= = 3.65
kV ( eq ) 0.931 × 10 −5
For below the canal;
H0 = 1.50 + 1.2 + 3.0 = 5.7 m

H0
kV(eq) =
 h1 h2 h3 
k + k + k 
 V1 V2 V3 

5.70
= = 7.2 × 10 −6 cm/sec
 1.5 1.2 3 
 + + −6 
2 × 10 −6
30 × 10 −6
800 × 10 

Q.1 (c)(i) Solution:

0.15 m 0.15 m
0.9 m 0.9 m 0.9 m

The negative frictional load is maximum on the pile group is the maximum of
(a) Fng = nFn and (b) Fng = cuLnPg + γLnAg

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 11

q u 60
where Pg = 4 × 3 = 12 m and Ag = 3 × 3 = 9 m2, cu = = = 30 kN/m 2
2 2
(a) Fng = n α cu × As = 16 × 0.6 × 30 × π × 0.3 × 3 = 814.302 kN

(b) Fng = 30 × 3 × 12 + 15 × 3 × 9 = 1485 kN

The negative frictional load on the group = 1485 kN.

(ii)
The depth below the centre of the loaded area (raft), Z = 4 m. Dividing the loaded area into four
equal squares of 2 m size as shown below, the load from each small square may be taken to act
through its centre.
Thus, the point loads at A, B, C and D are each :
QA = QB = QC = QD = 200 × 2 × 2 = 800 kN = Q

The radial distance of each of the load from the center of load area is 2 m.

r 2 1
∴ = =
Z 4 2 2

2m 2m

A B
2m

m
√2

D C
2m

Loaded area

By symmetry the stress increment, ∆σz at 4 m depth is four times that caused by one load.

Q (3 / 2 π ) 4 × 800 ( 3 / 2π )
∴ ∆σz = 4 × 2
× = ×
Z  2  5/2 4×4  2 5/2
r  1  
1 +    1 +  

 Z 
   2 2  

= 71.14 kN/m2

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Q.1 (d) Solution:

(i) Dry unit weight of borrow pit soil,
γ 17
γd = = = 16.2 kN/m 3
1 + w 1 + 0.05
Volume of borrow pit soil required per m3 (without consideration of swell factor)

( γ d )compacted soil 18
= = = 1.11 m 3
( γ d ) borrow pit soil 16.2

∴ Volume of soil required = Swell factor × Volume of borrow pit soil required
= 1.2 × 1.11 = 1.33 m3
(ii) Weight of solids per unit volume of borrow pit soil
γ 17
Ws = = = 16.2 kN/m 3
1 + w 1 + 0.05
Additional water content = (7 – 5)% = 2%
Weight of water, WW = wWS = 0.02 × 16.2 = 0.324 kN
W W 0.32
∴ Volume of water, VW = = = 0.033 m 3 = 33 litres
γw 9.81

Q.1 (e) Solution :

WS
(i) We know, G=
WS − ( W3 − W4 )
Here, in this case; WS = 1.04 N; W3 = 5.38 N and W4 = 4.756 N
1.04
∴ G= = 2.50
1.04 − (5.38 − 4.756)
(ii) If some air is entrapped while the weight, W3 is taken, the observed value of W3 will be
lower than if water occupied the air space. Since W3 occurs with negative sign in the
denominator, the computed value of G would be lower than the correct value.
Since, the air entrapped is given as 3 ml, this space if occupied by water, would have
enhanced the weight W3 by 0.03 N.
1.04 1.040
∴ Correct value of G = = = 2.694
1.04 − (5.41 − 4.756) 0.386

 2.694 − 2.50 
Percentage error =   × 100 = 7.2%
2.694 

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 13
Q.2 (a) Solution:

(i)

Dam (A) Axisymmetric compression

Failed soil mass

Slip surface

(C) Axisymmetric extension

(B) Simple shear/direct shear

Let us select three points A, B and C on the possible failure surface. The rotational slip surface will
cause compression on element A, shear on element B, and extension on element C.
The stresses on element A are analogeous to a triaxial compression test.
Element B will deform in a manner compatible with simple shear, while element C will suffer an
upward thrust that can be simulated by triaxial extension test.
The following strength tests are recommended:
(a) Triaxial CU compression test with pore water pressure measurements. Parameters required
are φ ′p , φ cs and C u .

(b) Direct simple shear constant-volume tests.

If a direct simple shear stress apparatus is unavailable, then direct shear (shear box) test should
be conducted.
Undrained test should be carried out at the maximum anticipated stress on the soil.

(ii)
φ = 35°
Active pressure coefficient of Rankine for inclined surcharge.
 cos β − cos 2 β − cos 2 φ 
kai = cos β  
 cos β + cos 2 β − cos 2 φ 
When β = 0° for horizontal surface of the backfill.
1 − sin φ
ka =
1 + sin φ
kai for β = 20° and φ = 35° is given by
 cos 20° − cos 2 20° − cos 2 35° 
kai = cos 20°  
 cos 20° + cos 2 20° − cos 2 35° 
⇒ kai = 0.322
ka for β = 0 and φ = 35° is given by

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1 − sin 35°
ka = = 0.271
1 + sin 35°
Percentage error in the computed active thrust by assuming a level fill when it is actually inclined
at 20° to horizontal.
 0.322 − 0.271 
⇒   × 100 = 15.84%
0.322

Q.2(b)(i) Solution:
Given:
Total head at A, hA = Datum head + Peizometric head
= 2+5=7m
⇒ At B, hB = 0 + 6.8 = 6.8 m
⇒ Head loss, ∆H = hA – hB = 7 – 6.8 = 0.2 m
Length, L = 2 m
∆H
Hydraulic gradient, i =
L
0.20
⇒ i = = 0.10
2.0
Assuming this hydraulic gradient as the average hydraulic gradient for the entire soil mass, then
effective stress is

= ( γ sat − γ w ) z + iγ w z
= (18.5 – 9.81)6 + 0.1 × 9.81 × 6 = 58.1 kPa

(ii)
(a) We know,
Settlement of foundation on cohesionless soil,

( )
2
 B b p + 0.3 
 
Sf = SP  
 b p ( B + 0.3 ) 
2
 2(0.3 + 0.3) 
= 10   = 30.25 mm
 0.3(2 + 0.3) 
(b) A load intensity of 160 kN/m2 induces a settlement of 30.25 mm.
Assuming the load-settlement to be linear within small range,
q2 S f2
=
q1 S f1
S f2
⇒ q2 = q 1 ×
S f1
where q1 = 160 kN/m2, Sf = 30.25 mm and Sf = 40 mm, substituting the known value,
1 2

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 15

40
q2 = 160 × = 211.57 kN/m 2
30.25

Q.2 (c) Solution:

We know,
TV d 2
Coefficient of consolidation, CV =
t
(2.0) 2
CV = 0.196 × = 0.784 m 2 /year
1
Also,
k
mv = C γ where k = coefficient of permeability of soil
V w
0.020
⇒ mv = = 2.60 × 10 −3 m 2 /kN
0.784 × 9.81

Now, Sf = m v H 0 ∆σ

= 2.60 × 10–3 × 4 × 55 = 0.572 m

∴ Settlement after one year = 0.5 × 0.572 = 0.286 m

Settlement rate : Since U is proportional to t for U < 0.60, the settlement is also proportional to

t . Thus,
S2 ∝ t
or, t = CS 2
when t = 1 year, S = 0.286 m.
1
Therefore, C = 2
= 12.226 year/m 2
(0.286)

t
∴ t = 12.226S 2 ⇒ S=
12.226
dS 1 1 1
⇒ = = = = 0.143 m/year
dt 2 t 12.226 2 × 12.226 6.993
0.143
Discharge per unit area in one year = = 0.072 m 3 /year/m 2
2

Q.3 (a) Solution:

 σ ′1 − σ ′3  300 − 100 2 1
(i) sin φ′ =  σ ′ + σ ′  = 300 + 100 = 4 = 2
1 3

φ′ = 30°

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σ1 ′ + σ 3 ′  σ1 ′ − σ 3 ′ 
(ii) σ′n = +  cos 2θ
2  2

300 + 100 ( 300 − 100 )

= + cos ( 2 × 60 )
2 2
σ′n = 150 N/mm2

(iii) τ′c = c′ + σ′n tan φ′

= 150 tan 30°
= 86.6 N/mm2

 σ ′1 − σ ′3   300 − 100 
(iv) τmax =   =   = 100 kPa
2 2
= τmax > τ′c
Hence, shear stress is greater than the failure shear stress.

Q.3. (b) Solution:

Once a flow net is constructed, its graphical properties can be used to obtain solutions for many
seepage problems, such as the estimation of seepage losses from reservoirs, determination of seepage
pressures, uplift pressure below dams, to check against the possibility of piping and many others.

∆h

∆h

Flow path

a3
b3
a1 3

Flow line b1 a2
1
2 b2 ∆q

Equipotential lines

Part of Flow Net

The average dimensions of the two fields along and normal to the flow are b1, a1 and b2, a2,
respectively. Consider a third field 3 in such a way that field 2 and 3 lie within the same equipotential
lines. The dimensions of field 3 are b3, a3.
From Darcy’s law, flow per unit width perpendicular to the plane of the section is given by

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 17

∆h 1 ∆h ∆h
∆q1 = k a1 × 1; ∆q 2 = k 2 a 2 × 1; ∆q 3 = k 3 a3 × 1
b1 b2 b3

All fields in a flow net are drawn as “elementary squares”, thus

a1 a2 a3
= = =1
b1 b2 b3

Fields 1, 2 and 3 are within the same flow channels, thus

∆q1 = ∆q2 = ∆q3 = ∆q
Since fields 1, 2 and 3 are within the same equipotential lines, thus
∆h1 = ∆h2 = ∆h3 = ∆h
Thus, in a flow net constructed such that all its fields are elementary squares, the quantity of flow
through each field will be equal and the head loss across each field will also be equal. Thus,
∆q = k∆h
If H is the total head loss during the flow, and Nd = number of equipotential drops, then
H
∆h = Nd

H
∴ ∆q = k
Nd
If the number of flow channels in a flow net is Nf , the rate of flow q through all the flow channels
per unit length is given by
q = ∆q × Nf

Nf
q = kH
Nd

For Seepage in Anisotropic Soil conditions

If soil deposit have different permeability values, the equation of continuity assumes the form

∂2h ∂2h
kx + kz = 0
∂x 2 ∂z 2

∂2h ∂2h
⇒ + = 0
kz 2 ∂z 2
∂x
kx
Substituting for x a new coordinate variable xt such that

kz
xt = x
kx
kz
( ∂x t ) 2 = ∂x
2
kx

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18 | ESE 2018 : MAINS TEST SERIES

∂2h ∂2h
∴ + = 0
∂xt2 ∂z 2

The above equation envisages a scale transformation in the x-direction to transfer a given anisotropic
medium into a fictitious isotropic medium for which the Laplacian equation is valid, so that a flow
net can be constructed. The flow net is drawn for the transformed section - a section obtained by

kz
shortening the horizontal dimensions of the new section by the ratio , while keeping the
kx

vertical dimensions unchanged. The flow net on the transformed section will have orthogonal
intersections of flow lines and equipmential lines with all its field being elementary squares.
The value of coefficient of permeability applicable to the transformed section is

k eq = kx kx

Q.3 (c) Solution:

1 − sin φ 1 − sin 20°
We know, kA = = = 0.49
1 + sin φ 1 + sin 20°

⇒ kA = 0.70

3
γsat = 17.3 kN/m
H1 = 4.57 m φ = 20°
2
c = 12 kN/m

WT

H2 = 2.75 m

H1 = (7.32 – 2.75) = 4.57 m

H2 = 2.75 m
H1 – Z0 = (4.57 – Z0 ) m
2c 2 × 12
Also, Z0 = = = 1.98 m
γ kA 17.3 × 0.7

∴ H1 – Z0 = 4.57 – 1.98 = 2.59 m

The base pressure is detailed below:

1. γ sat H 1 k A − 2c k A = 17.3 × 4.57 × 0.49 − 2 × 12 × 0.70 = 21.94 kN/m 2

2. γ sub H 2 k A = (17.3 − 9.81) × 2.75 × 0.49 = 10.1 kN/m 2

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 19

3. γ w H 2 = (9.81 × 2.75) = 26.95
27 kN/m 2

Z0 = 1.98 m

2.59 m

a b
Pa = 140 kN/m
2.75 m
1.66 m
c d e f
2
21.94 10.1 27 kN/m

2
59.04 kN/m ; 59

Total pressure, Pa = Pressure due to soil + water

Pa = area(∆oab) + area(  acdb) + area(∆bde) + area(∆bef)

1 1 1
= × 2.59 × 21.94 + 2.75 × 21.94 + × 2.75 × 10.1 + × 2.75 × 27
2 2 2

= 28.41 + 60.34 + 13.89 + 37.13

= 139.8 kN/m or say 140 kN/m
The point of application of Pa may be found by taking moments of each area and Pa about the base.
Let h be the height of Pa above the base.

1  2.75 2.75
Now, 140 × h = 28.41 ×  × 2.59 + 2.75 + 60.34 × + 13.89 × +
 3  2 3
37.13 × 2.75
+
3
= 102.65 + 83 + 12.7 + 34.0 = 232.40

 232.40 
∴ h =  = 1.66 m above base
 140 

Q.4 (a) Solution :

qu 3.0
cu = = = 1.5 kg/cm2 = 15 t/m2
2 2
α = 0.9
Case I: When piles are acting individually:

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Ultimate load carrying capacity of each individual pile (Qf) is given by

Qf = qb· Ab + qs· As
(qb · Ab is the bearing action at base, which is to be neglected)
∴ Qf = qs · As

where, qs = α· cu

Here cu is averaged cu over entire depth. Since change of cu with depth is not given, we may take

cu = cu = 15 t/m 2 .
∴ qs = 0.9 × 15 = 13.5 t/m2
As = Skin friction area of the pile

= π × 0.3 × 10 m = 9.42 m 2
∴ Qf = 13.5 × 9.42 = 127.17 t
Therefore, ultimate load carrying capacity of each individual pile = 127.17t
Case II: When piles are acting in a group.

0.9 m 0.9 m

2.1 m

2.1 m

Let us assume that the 9 piles are arranged in square pattern, with side
= 2s + d = 2 × 0.9 + 0.3 = 2.1 m
The ultimate load carrying capacity (Qfg ) is now given as:

Qfg = qb· Abg + cug· Asg

Neglecting end bearing term (qb · Ab), we get

Qfg = cug· Asg

where cug = cu = cu = 15 t/m 2

Asg = Skin friction area of pile group as a block

= 4 × 2.1 m × 10 m = 84 m2

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 21
∴ Qfg = 15 × 84 = 1260t

Q fg 1260
∴ Efficiency of pile group = = = 1.10
n· Q f 9 × 127.17

Q.4 (b) Solution:

(i) The worst-case scenario occurs when the ground water rises to the surface.
The uplift pressure is pw = h γ w = (4 + 1)9.81 = 49.05 kPa
49 kPa
Uplift force, Pup at the base of the culvert is Bpw
∴ P up = 4 × 49 = 196 kN/meter length
Assume a wall thickness of t m
Weight per unit length, W = [(4 × 5) – (4 – 2t) (5 – 2t)] × 24
W = Pup × FOS
⇒ 24 [(4 × 5) – (4 – 2t)(5 – 2t)] = 196 × 1.2
∴ 4t 2 – 18t + 9.8 = 0
∴ t = 0.633 m
= 633.67 mm
635 mm
(ii) One potential method to prevent uplift is to use ground anchors, as shown below. The anchors
must support the difference between the uplift force and the net downward resistance (weight
plus side shear resistance) with sufficient factor of safety (> 1.2).

Ground surface

1m

4m

Ground anchors

Q.4 (c) Solution:

(i) Terzaghi’s method
For φ = 0°, Nc = 5.70, Nq = 1.0 and Nγ = 0
 0.3B   0.2 B 
qu = C u N c  1 +  + qN q + 0.5BγN γ  1 − 
 L  L 

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 3
= 45.24 × 5.7  1 + 0.3 ×  + γ sub D f × 1
 6
= 45.24 × 5.7 × 1.15 + (18 – 9.81) × 2 = 312.93 kN/m2
or, qnu = qu – γ ′Df = 312.93 – (18 – 9.81) × 2 = 296.55 kN/m2
q nu 296.55
or, qna = = = 98.85 kN/m 2
Fs 3
(ii) Skempton’s method,
We know,
qu = CuNcr + qNq
 Df   0.2 B 
For φ = 0, Ncr = 5  1 + 0.2   1 + 
 B  L 

 2  0.2 × 3 
= 5  1 + 0.2   1 +  = 6.23
 3  6 
⇒ qu = 45.24 × 6.23 + (18 × 2) = 317.84 kN/m2
qnu = 317.84 – 18 × 2 = 281.84 kN/m2
q nu 281.84
qna = = = 94 kN/m 3
Fs 3

Section B : Environmental Engineering

Q.5 (a) Solution:

(i) Sludge density index : Sludge density index is used in a way similar to the sludge volume
index to indicate the settleability of a sludge in a secondary clarifier or effluent. The weight in
grams of one millilitre of sludge after settling for 30 minutes and is calculated as;
100
SDI =
SVI
where, SDI = Sludge density index, g/ml, SVI = Sludge volume index, ml/g
A sludge with good settling characteristics has an SDI between 1.0 and 20. Whereas an SDI of
0.50 indicates a bulky or non settleable sludge.

1 n 
(ii) Leq = 10 log 10  ∑ (10)Li /10 × ti 
T i=1 
where T = 1 hour

1 0.1 L 0.1 L 
Leq = 10 log 10  (10 1 × ∆t1 + 10 2 × ∆t2 )
T 
where ∆t1 = 5 min and L1 = 75 dB
∆t2 = 55 min and L2 = 55 dB

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 23

1 
Leq = 10 log 10  (107.5 × 5 + 10 5.5 × 55) = 64.66 dB
 60 

Q.5 (b) Solution:

Year Population Increment Geometrical increase Rate of growth

1961 858545 —
1971 1015672 157127 (157127/858545) = 0.18
1981 1201553 185881 (185881/1015672) = 0.18
1991 1691538 489985 (489985/1201553) = 0.41
2001 2077820 386282 (386282/1691538) = 0.23
2011 2585862 508042 (508042/2077820) = 0.24

Geometric mean, IG = (0.18 × 0.18 × 0.41 × 0.23 × 0.24)1/5

= 0.236 i.e. 23.6%
∴ Population in year 2021 is P2021 = 2585862 × (1 + 0.236)1 = 3196125
Similarly, for year 2031 and 2041;
P2031 = 2585862 × (1 + 0.236)2 = 3950411
P2041 = 2585862 × (1 + 0.236)3 = 4882708

Q.5 (c) Solution:

Primary pollutants: Primary pollutants are chemicals or pollutants emitted directly from the source.
Example: SO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx ), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
and other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Particulate matter emitted from combustion process
such as automobile exhaust , industrial process or heating and cooking is also considered as primary
pollutant.
Secondary pollutants : Pollutants that form from chemical or photochemical reactions in the
atmosphere are called secondary pollutants. Secondary pollutants are produced most efficiently on
bright, sunny days in the summer, when VOCs and NOx react photochemically in a complex series
of reactions in the presence of sunlight. Ozone is a important secondary pollutant because of its
potential adverse effects on vegetation, human health and property damage. Other secondary
pollutants are PAN, HNO3, formaldehyde etc.

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Source Primary pollutant Secondary pollutant

Power SO2
Particulate matter, acid
Production – sulphate and nitrate,
NOx NO 3 organic matter
NOx
Automobile exhaust
CO
VOC + NOx → O3 O3 (Ozone) + HNO3,
PAN, Aldehydes etc.
VOCs

Industrial HAPs
Sources
Particulate matter
Multiple
organic-matter +
Source
-------------

Q.5 (d) Solution:

∑ ( D1 − D2 )
Average DO uptake, x =
3
( 8.86 − 5.49 ) + ( 8.88 − 5.65 ) + ( 8.83 − 5.53 )
= = 3.30 mg/l
3
75
Dilution ratio, P = = 0.25
300
x 3.3 mg/l
∴ BOD5 = = = 13.2 mg/l
P 0.25

5. (e) Solution :
Gross Air Gas flow rate
=
Cloth Total fabric area
Given : Gas flow rate = 1,200,000 m3/min
(i) To calculate the total fabric area, calculate bag area using equation for area of cylinder.
Area of bag, A = πdh
= π × 11 × 30
= 1036.7 m2/bag
Total number of bags = 360 × 20 = 7200
∴ Total fabric area = 7200 × 1036.2
= 7.46 × 106 m2
Air 1200000
∴ (Gross) = = 0.161 m/min
Cloth 7.46 × 106
(ii) The net air to cloth ratio is calculated by subtracting out the compartment which are not in
filtering service.

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 25
Total no. of bags = 360 × 18 = 6480 bags
∴ Total fabric area = 6480 × 1036.7 = 6.718 × 106 m2
Air 1200000
∴ (Net) = = 0.178 m/min
Cloth 6.718 × 10 6

Q.6 (a) Solution:

Activated sludge : Activated sludge is the sludge which is obtained by settling sewage in presence
of abundant oxygen so as to be supercharged with favourable aerobic micro-organisms. The activated
sludge process of sewage treatment is based on providing intimate contact between the sewage
and biological active sludge. Such sludge is developed initially by prolonged aeration under
conditions which favour the growth of organisms with special ability to oxidise the organic matter.
Working of activated sludge process:
Primary Aeration tank Secondary
clarifier clarifier
Influent

Return Activated Sludge

Sludge Sludge
Complete mix activated sludge process

Activated sludge treatment process has three basic components:

1. A reactor in which the micro-organisms responsible for treatment are kept in suspension and
aerated.
2. Liquid solid separation usually occurs in sedimentation tank.
3. Recycle system for returning solids removed from the liquid-solids separation unit back to
the reactor.
In activated sludge process, wastewater containing organic matter is aerated in an aeration
basin in which the micro-organisms metabolize the suspended and soluble organic matter.
Part of organic matter is synthesized into new cells and part is oxidized to CO2 and water to
derive energy. In activated sludge systems, the new cells formed in the reaction are removed
from the liquid stream in the form of flocculent sludge in settling tanks. A part of this settled
biomass, described as activated sludge is returned to the aeration tank and the remaining
forms waste or excess sludge.

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26 | ESE 2018 : MAINS TEST SERIES

O2 CO2

Influent Unused
BOD effluent BOD
Assimilative
respiration
(synthesis) New
cell
Return growth
activated
sludge
Endogenous
respiration
(Resynthesis)
Excess
Sludge

CO2 O2

Generalized biological process reaction in an activated sludge process

6. (b) Solution :
(i) When only one well is discharging, the discharge is given by equation;
2.728 bks
Q=
 R
log 10  
 r
where, b = 12 m; s = 3 m; k = 60 m/day

 R  250 
log 10   = log 10  = 3.398
r  0.10 

2.728 × 12 × 60 × 3 3
∴ Q= m /day
3.398
= 1734 m3/day = 72.25 m3/hour
(ii) When both the wells are discharging, the discharge from the well is given by
2.728 kbs
Q1 = Q2 = =
 R2 
log 10  
 rB 

2.728 × 60 × 12 × 3 2.728 × 60 × 12 × 3
= =
 250 × 250  3.796
log 10 
 0.1 × 100 
= 1552 m3/day = 64.67 m3/hour

 72.25 − 64.67 
∴ % decrease in the discharge =   × 100 = 10.49%
72.25

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 27
Q.6 (c) Solution:
Population of colony = 6000
⇒ Quantity of sewage produced from residential colony = 150 × 6000
= 0.9 × 106 litres/day
BOD5 of sewage = 250 mg/l
⇒BOD content in sewage produced = 250 × 0.9 × 106
= 225 kg/day
For hot climate conditions, assuming the organic loading in the oxidation pond as 300 kg/ha/day.
BOD content
∴ Surface area of pond required =
Organic loading

225
= = 0.75 ha = 7500 m 2
300
Assuming length to width ratio of pond as 1 : 2
∴ L × B = 7500
⇒ 2B × B = 7500
⇒ B = 61.24 m say 61.50 m
∴ L = 2B = 123.0 m
Using pond with effective depth as 1.2 m, we get
Capacity of pond = 123 × 61.50 × 1.2 = 9077.4 m3
But capacity of pond = Sewage flow per day × Detention time in days

0.9 × 10 6
⇒ 9077.4 = × Detention time in days
10 3
⇒ Detention time = 10 days
Hence, provide an oxidation pond with length = 123 m, width = 61.5 m and overall
depth = 1.2 + 1 = 2.2 m and detention period = 10 days.

Q.7 (a) Solution :

For a stream deficient in DO but without BOD load, the empirical formula is
dD
= –kRD
dt

dD
where is absolute change of DO deficit in D mg/l over an increment of time dt.
dt

kR = Reaeration constant/day
Integrating the above equation from t1 to t2 gives
D2 t2
dD
∫ D
= − k R ∫ dt
D1 t1

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28 | ESE 2018 : MAINS TEST SERIES

D2
⇒ ln = − k R (t 2 − t1 )
D1

⇒ D2 = D1 e − k R ∆t where ∆t = (t2 – t1)

D 
ln  2 
 D1 
⇒ kR = −
∆t
For temperature correction
T − 20
kR (@T) = k R( @ 20° ) ( 1.02 )

where, kR (@T) = kR value at any temperature T°C

kR (@20°) = kR value at 20°C
Now, at 26.5°C

D   2.77 
ln  2  ln 
 D1   3.55 
kR(26.5°) = − =−
∆t 0.67
( −0.248)
= − = 0.37 day −1
0.67
0.370 0.370
∴ kR(@20°C) = 26.5 − 20
= = 0.325 day −1
(1.02) 1.137

Q.7 (b) Solution:

2 πrn
(i) Velocity of paddle, Vp =
60
2 × 3.14 × 1.68 × 2
= = 0.35 m/sec
60
∴ Velocity differential, V = Vp (1 – 0.28)
= 0.35 × 0.72 = 0.252 m/sec
(ii) Paddle Area, A = 4 shafts × 6 paddles/shaft × 0.25 × 11.6
= 69.60 m2
1
∴ P = C D ρAV 3
2
1
= × 1.90 × 1000 × 69.60 × (0.252) 3
2
= 1.058 kW
1058 watts

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 29

1.058 kW 1 hr
×
( )
(iii) E = 3
0.566 m /sec (3600 sec)

1.058 kW att. hour

= = 0.519 kW/Ml
10 3 × 0.566 lit × 3600
(iv) Basin volume, V = 4.88 m × 12.2 m × 24.4 m
= 1452.68 m3

V 1452.68
∴ Detention time, t = = = 42.78 minutes
Q 0.566 × 60

(v) We have
1/2
 P 
G = 
 µV 
1/2
 1.058 × 10 3 
=  −6  (∵ µ = νρ)
 1452.68 × 1.31 × 10 × 1000 
= 23.57 sec–1
Gt = 23.72 × Detention time
= 23.72 × 42.78 × 60 = 60522.13
Q 0.566
(v) Loading rate, = × 24 × 60 × 60
V 1452.68
33.66 × 1000 lit/day
= = 33.66 kl/day/m 3
m3
Q.7 (c) Solution:
(i) For average flow conditions, the required surface area

Q 20000 m 3 /day
A = = = 500 m 2
Overflow rate 40 m 3 /m 2 day

Let L be the tank length, assuming 2 units of clarifiers having width of 6 m.

Area 500 m 2
L = = = 41.7 m
Width 2 × 6 m

However, for sake of convenience, the surface dimensions will be counted to 6 m × 42 m.

∴ Tank volume = 4 m × 2(42 m × 6 m) = 2016 m3

Q 20000 m 3 /day
Overflow rate on average flow = = = 39.70 m 3 /m 2 d
A 2(6 m × 42 m)

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30 | ESE 2018 : MAINS TEST SERIES

Volume 2016 × 24 hr
Detention time = = = 2.42 hours
Q (20000 m 3 / day)
Detention time and overflow rate at peak flow

Overflow rate =
3
Q 50000 m /day
=
( )
= 99.2 m 3 /day/m 2
A 2(6 m × 42 m)

Volume (2016 m ) ( 24 h/day )

3
Detention time, t = = = 0.97 hour
Q (
50000 m 3 /day )
(ii) We know,
1
 8 k(Gs − 1) gd  2
Scour velocity, Vs =  
 f 
1
 8 × 0.05 ( 1.25 − 1) × 9.81 × 100 × 10 −6  2
Vs =   = 0.063 m/sec
 0.025 

Peak flow
Peak flow horizontal velocity, VH =
Cross-sectional area

 50000   1 
=    = 0.012 m/sec
 2 ( 6 m × 4 m )   24 h/ d× 3600 s/h 
∵ VH < V S
Therefore, settled matter should not be resuspended.

Q.8 (a) Solution:

(i) Importance of BOD test : BOD is amount of oxygen (dissolved oxygen or DO) required for
the biological decomposition of organic matter. The oxygen consumed is related to the amount
of biodegradable organics.
It is a chemical procedure for determining how fast biological organisms use up oxygen from
a body of water.
• It is used in water quality management and assessment, ecology and environmental science.
• There are two stages of decomposition of BOD test : a carbonaceous stage I and nitrogenous
stage II.
(ii) Essential differences between BOD and COD:
• COD is measure of oxygen required for complete oxidation of both biodegradable and non-
biodegradable matter. COD always oxidize the things that the BOD cannot or will not measure,
therefore COD is always higher than BOD. The common compounds which cause COD to be
higher than BOD include sulphides, sulphites, thiosulphate, and chloride.

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 31
• The general relationship between COD and BOD for sewage and human waste is about BOD
= 0.64 to 0.68 of COD. The relationship is not consistent and it may vary considerably for
industrial wastewaters.
(iii)Population equivalent : Population equivalent (PE) is an important parameter for characterising
industrial wastewater. PE reflects the equivalence between the polluting potential of an industry
(commonly in terms of biodegradable organic matter) and a certain population which produces
the same polluting load.
The formula of calculation of population equivalent based on BOD test is
BOD load from industry (kg/day)
PE (Population equivalent) =
Per capita BOD load (kg/person/day)

BOD BOD
(iv) Significance of ratio: The typical values of ratio for untreated municipal
COD COD

BOD
wastewater are in the range from 0.3 to 0.80. If the ratio for untreated wastewater is
COD
0.50 or greater, the waste is considered to be easily treatable by biological means. If the ratio
is below about 0.30, either the waste may have some toxic components or acclimated
microorganisms may be required in its stabilization.
Type of wastewater BOD/COD
1. Untreated 0.30 – 0.80
2. After primary settling 0.40 – 0.60
3. Final effluent 0.10 – 0.30

As BOD is predominantly a biochemical parameter, it generally reflects biodegradability of

BOD
organic matter, thus making ratio, a good indicator of the proportion of biochemically
COD
BOD
degradable organic matter to total organic matter. Thus ratio is typically a measurement
COD
used to describe the organic composition of wastewater.

Q.8 (b) Solution:

We know,

Ws Wf Wv
= +
Gs ρ w G f ρw G vρw

Ws = Weight of solids, Gs = Specific gravity of solids in sludge, ρw = Density of water

Gv and Gf = Specific gravity of volatile and fixed solids respectively.
Wf and Wv = Weight of fixed solids (mineral solids) and volatile solids respectively
1 0.6 0.4
1. ∴ = + = 0.64
Gs 2.5 1.0

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32 | ESE 2018 : MAINS TEST SERIES

1
⇒ Gs =
0.76
= 1.56 (Primary solids )
2. Specific gravity of primary sludge
1 0.05 0.95
= +
Gsludge 1.56 1
1
Gsludge = = 1.02
0.99
500 kg
3. ∴ Volume of primary sludge = 3
= 9.9 m 3
(1000) kg/m × 1.02 × 0.05
4. Percentage of volatile matter after digestion,
Total volatile solids after digestion
Volatile matter, % = × 100
Total solids after digestion

0.4(0.6 × 1000)
= × 100 = 37.5%
400 + 0.4 × 600
5. Average specific gravity of all solids in the digested sludge
1 0.625 0.375 1
= + =
Gs 2.5 1 0.625
Gs = 1.6
6. Specific gravity of the digested sludge (Gds)
1 0.10 0.90
= + = 0.96
G ds 1.6 1.0
1
Gds = = 1.04
0.96
200 + 0.4 × 300
7. Volume of digested sludge, V = = 3.1 m 3
(1000 kg/m 3 )(1.04 × 0.10)
8. Percentage reduction in sludge volume after digestion

 9.8 − 3.1  3
=   m × 100 = 68.36%
9.8 

Q.8 (c) Solution:

Alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) radiations are mainly responsible for radioactivity (radiation)
pollution. Alpha radiation contains energetic-alpha particles.
Beta radiation is made up of energetic electrons. Each beta particle carries one unit of negative
charge and interacts strongly with matter. Gamma radiations are made up of high energy photons
that bring about strong electromagnetic interaction with matter.
Sources of radioactive pollution:

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 Test No : 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING | 33

Sources
Natural Manmade
1. Radioactive minerals 1. Nuclear power plants
2. Cosmic rays 2. Radio-active wastes
3. Radio nuclides 3. Nuclear explosions
4. Radio-isotopes

Radio-active wastes from nuclear power plants:

Radio-active waste is produced at all stages of the nuclear fuel cycle-the process of producing
electricity from nuclear materials. The fuel cycle involves the mining and milling of uranium ores,
its processing and fabrication into nuclear fuel, its use in the reactor, it reprocessing, the treatment
of the used fuel taken from the reactor and finally disposal of waste.
Nuclear Waste Categorization
Description of waste Volume Radioactive content
1. High level waste: 3% 95%
• Used nuclear fuel left after
it has spent about 3 years
in reactor generating heat
for electricity.
2. Intermediate waste 7% 4%
• Includes used filters, steel
components from within
the reactor and some
effluents from reprocessing.
3. Low level waste: 90% 1%
• It is made up of lightly
contaminated items like
tools and work clothing
from power plant operation
and makes up the bulk of
radioactive wastes.

The categorization-high, intermediate and low-helps to determine how wastes are treated and
where they end up. High level wastes require shielding and cooling, low-level wastes can be handled
easily without shielding.
Low level and intermediate wastes are buried closed to the surface. For low level waste, its disposal
is not much different from a normal municipal landfill.
High level wastes are disposed off in deep underground engineered facilities built in stable
geological formations.



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