Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Civil Exam 2026: Comprehensive
University & Professional Certification Practice Examination — 190
Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers & Detailed Ration
Question 1
A simply supported beam of length L is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of w over
its entire length. What is the maximum bending moment in the beam?
A. wL²/4
B. wL²/8
C. wL²/2
D. wL²/16
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For a simply supported beam with a uniform load, the maximum moment is at
midspan and equals wL²/8.
Question 2
A soil sample has a void ratio of 0.65 and a specific gravity of solids of 2.70. What is its dry
unit weight?
A. 15.8 kN/m³
B. 16.5 kN/m³
C. 17.2 kN/m³
D. 18.1 kN/m³
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Dry unit weight γd = (Gs * γw) / (1 + e) = (2.70 * 9.81) / (1 + 0.65) ≈ 16.05
kN/m³, closest to 15.8.
Question 3
A 10-year precipitation event has a 10% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given
year. What is the probability that this event will be equaled or exceeded at least once in a 5-
year period?
A. 10%
B. 25%
C. 41%
D. 50%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Risk = 1 - (1 - 1/T)^n = 1 - (1 - 0.1)^5 = 1 - 0.9^5 ≈ 0.41 or 41%.
Question 4
Which of the following is the primary purpose of a sedimentation basin in a water treatment
plant?
A. To remove dissolved gases
B. To kill pathogenic bacteria
C. To remove settleable solids
D. To add fluoride to the water
,Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedimentation, or clarification, is a physical process designed to remove
suspended particles that settle out of the water by gravity.
Question 5
A horizontal curve on a highway has a radius of 300 m. If the design speed is 80 km/h and
the superelevation is 6%, what is the required side friction factor?
A. 0.10
B. 0.12
C. 0.14
D. 0.16
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Using the equation f = (v² / (gR)) - e, where v is in m/s: f = (22.2² / (9.81*300)) -
0.06 ≈ 0.167 - 0.06 = 0.107.
Question 6
What is the primary chemical reaction that occurs during the hardening of Portland cement?
A. Oxidation
B. Hydration
C. Carbonation
D. Dehydration
, Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement compounds and water that
forms a solid, hardened paste.
Question 7
A watershed has an area of 5 km². A rainfall of 50 mm occurs over the watershed. If the
runoff coefficient is 0.6, what is the total volume of runoff?
A. 150,000 m³
B. 250,000 m³
C. 300,000 m³
D. 500,000 m³
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Runoff Volume = C * P * A = 0.6 * 0.050 m * 5,000,000 m² = 150,000 m³.
Question 8
Which of the following is a primary advantage of using structural steel in high-rise
construction?
A. High fire resistance
B. High strength-to-weight ratio
C. Low material cost
D. Ease of field modification
University & Professional Certification Practice Examination — 190
Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers & Detailed Ration
Question 1
A simply supported beam of length L is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of w over
its entire length. What is the maximum bending moment in the beam?
A. wL²/4
B. wL²/8
C. wL²/2
D. wL²/16
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For a simply supported beam with a uniform load, the maximum moment is at
midspan and equals wL²/8.
Question 2
A soil sample has a void ratio of 0.65 and a specific gravity of solids of 2.70. What is its dry
unit weight?
A. 15.8 kN/m³
B. 16.5 kN/m³
C. 17.2 kN/m³
D. 18.1 kN/m³
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Dry unit weight γd = (Gs * γw) / (1 + e) = (2.70 * 9.81) / (1 + 0.65) ≈ 16.05
kN/m³, closest to 15.8.
Question 3
A 10-year precipitation event has a 10% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given
year. What is the probability that this event will be equaled or exceeded at least once in a 5-
year period?
A. 10%
B. 25%
C. 41%
D. 50%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Risk = 1 - (1 - 1/T)^n = 1 - (1 - 0.1)^5 = 1 - 0.9^5 ≈ 0.41 or 41%.
Question 4
Which of the following is the primary purpose of a sedimentation basin in a water treatment
plant?
A. To remove dissolved gases
B. To kill pathogenic bacteria
C. To remove settleable solids
D. To add fluoride to the water
,Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedimentation, or clarification, is a physical process designed to remove
suspended particles that settle out of the water by gravity.
Question 5
A horizontal curve on a highway has a radius of 300 m. If the design speed is 80 km/h and
the superelevation is 6%, what is the required side friction factor?
A. 0.10
B. 0.12
C. 0.14
D. 0.16
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Using the equation f = (v² / (gR)) - e, where v is in m/s: f = (22.2² / (9.81*300)) -
0.06 ≈ 0.167 - 0.06 = 0.107.
Question 6
What is the primary chemical reaction that occurs during the hardening of Portland cement?
A. Oxidation
B. Hydration
C. Carbonation
D. Dehydration
, Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement compounds and water that
forms a solid, hardened paste.
Question 7
A watershed has an area of 5 km². A rainfall of 50 mm occurs over the watershed. If the
runoff coefficient is 0.6, what is the total volume of runoff?
A. 150,000 m³
B. 250,000 m³
C. 300,000 m³
D. 500,000 m³
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Runoff Volume = C * P * A = 0.6 * 0.050 m * 5,000,000 m² = 150,000 m³.
Question 8
Which of the following is a primary advantage of using structural steel in high-rise
construction?
A. High fire resistance
B. High strength-to-weight ratio
C. Low material cost
D. Ease of field modification
