Pavement Design MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Interlocking paver blocks are durable, easy to repair and need very little maintenance.

Step-by-step solution

1. Paver blocks are precast concrete blocks laid on a sand bed with joint sand. 2. Their main advantages are long life, quick laying, no curing needed, and easy lifting and relaying for repairs. 3. These advantages together mean low maintenance cost. 4. Size, water absorption and efflorescence are not reasons to choose them (water absorption and efflorescence are defects). 5. Answer = (B).

Explanation

Paver blocks are strong and last long, and a damaged block can be lifted and replaced easily. Because of this, maintenance is low, so they are widely recommended for footpaths, parking areas and low-traffic roads.

Why the other options are wrong

A: Block size is a design detail, not the main reason for recommending them. C: High water absorption is a defect and is limited by codes, so it is not a benefit. D: Efflorescence (white salt patches) is a defect, not an advantage.

Shortcut

Choose the only option that is a real advantage; water absorption and efflorescence are defects.

Common mistake

Choosing water absorption, thinking it relates to drainage. Permeable pavers drain water through their joints, not by absorbing it into the blocks.