Interview Questions

Some Common Questions asked in every interview are as follows:

1) Introduce Yourself and tell me about your achievements (if any).
2) Why do you think this job is best for you or why you are the best person for this
job ?
3) In which company you are doing job and why you want to leave it ?
4) Some People would also ask you about your strengths and weaknesses.
5) What is your current Salary ?
6) Some people would also inquire about your hobbies etc.
Q: What are your weaknesses?
Give a negative reply that in real sense is a positive one and in no makes the
interviewer feel ill about your performance. Your weakness should be a boon to the
company.
Sample answer- I am too much focused on my work; you can even say that I am a
workaholic! So, I think that I should get some time out for my family and hobbies.
Q: What are your salary expectations for this job?
Make sure to strike a balance when it comes to answering such questions. You may
say that though money forms an integral part, yet its not everything, theres
something beyond it, what we refer to as JOB SATISFACTION!
Sample answer- Salary is certainly not a criterion for better opportunity but then it
should be at par with the present industry norms.
Q: How would you do justice to the job?
Talk about your qualities and approach that your prefer implementing so as to do
justice to your job.
Sample answer- I believe to do justice to any job, what matters is motivation and
self discipline and I have these two qualities inbuilt in me.
Q: Describe yourself
Give a short rundown including your educational background, past job titles and
total work experience. Dont put forward your personal profile.
Sample answer- I am a hard working and ambitious person and appreciate
hardworking and serious people. I had joined by first company as a programmer
analyst and presently working as a senior associate. I have a total work experience
of 5 years.

1.

Technical Questions Asked in an interview depends on the type of job like if the
job is related to Inspecting a Site (Site Engineer) then most of the questions will be
related to field and tests performed in field and in lab. The Most Important thing
which a person should keep in mind is that the person who is taking your interview
will look for the confidence in you.It is not compulsory that you answer all the
questions perfectly or you to know each any every answer of the questions asked
but what ever you say with confidence and if u dont know an answer always
remember that dont give wrong answer as it will have bad effect on them. Say that
i dont have the answer in mind right now or just say sorry i dont know. Eye contact
is important while giving answer it will also make a good impression on them. Dress
Properly and speak like an engineer. Try to give answer in the same language the
question was asked.

2.

Some of the General Questions can be found as follows:-

What happens to Load at yielding ?

What is Critical Path in Ms-Project ?
where will be the reinforcement of slab placed when there is an inverted beam and
the bottom of the beam and slab are at same level ?
What is Passive earth pressure ?
Which condition will prevail for the design of a swimming pool ? when th e pool is
empty or when it is filled ?
What will be the effect of over reinforcement ?
What is Planning ?
What is the comprevsive strength of Brick ?
What is the water absorption of first class brick ?
Why we provide steel in Concrete ?
Define Shear Force and in a structure subjected to gravity loads where will be the
shear force ?
Which are the Steel tests ?

Which are the concrete Tests?

Initial & final setting time of concrete?
Brick strength is more or concrete block?
Why in Pakistan Bricks are used so much?
In a cantilever where will the steel be provided and why?
What is Plinth Level and Sill Level?
How many bricks are there in 100cft?
28 days compressive strength of concrete in PSI?
What is slump Test?
How can u check the diameter of steel after the construction?
What is specific gravity?
How cracks in concrete can be avoided?
Types Of DPC and its Thickness used?
28 Days Strength of Concrete (1:2:4)?
Strength of brick?
what is Brest Wall?
what is Brick crushing strength(PSI)?
what is Bearing Capacity,How to determine it?
How much is the curing time period?
How many types of slabs are there & how to design it?
How many are the types of joints?
Why joints are provided?

How many bricks are there in 100cft?

Types Of DPC and its Thickness used?
How many bricks are there in 100 cft?
Which are the Steel tests ?
How much is the cover for slab?
Interview Questions for MSc-Structures
What is Packing Factor ?
Forces in a Shear Wall are in plane or out of plane ?
What is fineness modulus ? and its sieve # ?
What is Base Shear ?
What is Time period of a building and its relation with frequency ?
There are two buildings one taller and one shorter whose time period will be grater
and similarly the frequency ?
Workability ?
Sulphate Resisting Cement ?
Special thing in designing a overhead reservoir ? which is different from an ordinary
design
Maximum %age of Steel in columns and beams ?
how many cft in one cement bag?
what are 5c and 5m in project management?
Types of foundation?
Bearing Capacity of Lahore soil?
Why we perform compaction ?

Dimentions of Foundation are calculated on basis of ??

Density of steel in lb/inch^3?
Dimentions of Standard Brick?
Slump Value ?
forces in truss ?
what are Building standards ?
If every other thing remains constant (including load) then Strain will be higher in ?
Grade 60 or Grade 40 ?

3.

1)uniformty of cofficient
2)mass of water in voids to mass of solids
3)for well graded soils a)trend is linear b)gap graded c)contains wide range of
particle sizes d)Cu is less than 4
4)test condition when there is no drainage at all stages of triaxial test UU,CU,CD
5)Flat dilatometer is used for a)penetration b)consistancy and relative density c)a n
b d)none
6)pile supported at hard strata called
7)test used for expansive soils is??
8)soils which pand in vol on wetting and shrink consideably on drying are called
9)density and water content are calculated insitu by ????
10)20psi water pressure is equal to how much height ??
11)Shear strength od soft soil is find out insitu by which method?
12) if shear plane is above toe then failure is called (slope failure,toe,base)
13)coefficient of active earth pressure is 1-sin@/1+sin@
14)effect of pore water pressure (vol increase frictional resistance decrease,vol
increase frictional resistance increase,both decrease,none)
15)odeometer is used for ???
16)minimum steel in column ??
17)minimum temp and shrinkage steel for 60 grade
18)minimum cover for exposed concrete
19)max negative momemt will be at for continueus beam
20)max positive moment for 3 continueous beams will be at
21)section modulous equal to???
22)swere earthquake zone is z1 z3 2A 2B
23)special moment resistance frame for Z1 Z3 2A 2B
24)ratio of height to least linear dimention exceeding 3 callad
beam,column,slab,padestral
25)max moment in punching shear will be at d,d/2,d/4

26max shear and moment in cantiliver will be at

27)shear diagram for cantiliver having UDL will be ???
28)curing is used for prevents concrete properties,avoid shrinkage,avaid
evaporation ,all
29)slimp test is used for (workbility,soundness,bla bla)
30)D/B=1 then foundation is called ???
31)plate load test is used for (modulous of elasticity,bearing capasity,resistance)
31)ratio of load and settlement is called(modulous of
subgrade,consolidation.elasticity)
32)lowest part of flexible pavemnet is???
33)for soil we can peform whivh tests on undisturbed samples
(CBR,TRIAXIAL,UNCONFINED Compaction ,all)
34)max superelevation in hilly areas (5,7,10,none)
35)breaking ability of driver depends on (break reaction time,peception time,breaks
efficiency and resistance bw tire AND ROAD,ALL)
36)ARRANGEMENT FOR CHANGE OF TRAIN FROM ONE TRACK TO ANOTHER TRACK
CALLED???
37)MOST EFFECTIVE SECTION IS
SEMICIRCULAR,RIAHGULAR.RACTANGULAR,TRAPAZOIDAL)
38)MAX VELOCITY OF FLUID IN PIPE WILL BE AT??
39)HEAD LOSS IN PIPES CAN BE CALCULATED USING WHICH FORMULA
40)SURGE TANK IS PROVIDED TO AVOID???
41)VAPOUR PRESSURE IS FUNCTION OF???
42)CRITICAL DEPTH OF FLOW IN TERMS OF CRITICAL ENERGY???
43)ARTIFICIAL APPLICATION OF WATER IN LANDS CALLED??
44)BARRAGE IS PROVIDED TO DIVERT WATER TO CANAL,INCREASE SUPPLY
LEVEL,SILT CONTROL.ALL
45)DEVICE FOR SILT CONTROL IN CANALS IS SILT EXCLUDER,SILR
EXTRACTOR,DIVIDE WALLS
46)MAX UPLIFT PRESSURE WILL BE AT UPSTREM PAKKA FLOOR,D/S PAKKA FLOOR,AT
MID
47)WHAT HAPPENS IF PILE LENGTH IS INREASED BELOW APRON
48)HYDROLIC RADIOUS OF CIRCULAR SECTION IS???
49)CANAL BELOW,DRAINAGE UP,,,STRUCTURE IS CALLED??
49)CANAL VS RIVER ROAD,DRAIN RAILWAYY WE PROVIDE(CROSS DRAINAGE
WORK,AQUDUCK,SYPHON,SUPER PASSEGE,ALL)
50)RETURN PERIOD OF FLOOD IN PUNJAB(10,100,1000,MFL)
51)UNLINED CANALS OF PUNJAB ARE DESIGNED USING WHICH FORMULA
52)EVAPORATION,TRANSPIRATION,PRESIPITATION INFILTRATION CALLED
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE??
53)METREOLOGICAL FACTORS FOR AIRPORT DESIGN(AIR DENSITYN AIR
DIRECTION,ATMOSPHERE PRESSURE,ALL)
54)DUMMY ACTIVITY IS ONE(DOTTED LINE,ARTIFICIAL ACTIVITY,ALL)
55)PERT DEPENDS ON

56)AERATION IS USED TO REMOVE (ODOR,BECTERIA,BLA BLA )

57)PPM MEANS
58)BOD GIVES US>????
59)WHICH COAGULANT IS USED???
60)WATER SCHEME IS DESIGNED ON (PEAK,AVG,MAX DAILY DEMAND, ALL)
61)HOOKS LAW IS DEFINED AS
62)STRESS IS PROPORYIONAL TO STRAIN WITHIN ELASTIC LIMITS
63)MOST RELIABLE ESTIMATE IS ???
64)CRITCAL PATH METHOD USES (MAX TIME,MIN TIME, MIN COST)
65)WEIGHT IS 60N AND ITS WEIHT IN WATER IZ 20N SO SPECIFIC GRAVITY IS???
66)fRAUDS NUMBER IS FUNCTION OF
67)RATIO OF INERTIA TO VISCOUS FORCES
68)CANTILIVER RETAINING WALLSS K LYA FAILURE CRITERIA.SLIDING
OVERTURNING,BASE SHEAR, ALL
69)DAM WHICH DEPENDS ON ITS WEIGHT FOR STABILITY CALLED
70)M.C IS EQUAL TO
71)QUANTITY OF WASTE IN EFFLUENT (80,40,120 MG/LTR)

4.

1. Eulers Crippling Load for Column with one end fixed and one end free will
be _____less than Eulers Crippling Load for Column with both ends Hinged.
2. After Tension test on two specimens, the specimen having %age reduction in area
of 60% has ______more ductility than that of having 40%.
3. The Shear force diagram of a simply supported beam carrying Uniformly
distributed load consists of _______ two right angled triangles.
4. If a member is subjected to stress (tensile) of 20KN/m2 along one axis and stress
(Compressive) of 10 KN/m2 perpendicular to first axis, then the Shear stress will be
__________. a-5KN/m2, b-10KN/m2, c-15KN/m2, d-20KN/m2
5. A cantilever beam is subjected to point load at free end, the maximum
compressive stress will be developed at __________ extreme bottom fibres at free
end)
6. A rectangular Beam of Cross sectional Area A, LengthL, width B and depth
D will have ________ less, more, same elastic strength than rectangular Beam of
Cross sectional Area A, LengthL, width B and depth 2D.
7. The shear strength of a hollow shaft(Outer diameter=D, Inner Diameter= D/2) will
be _____ 15/16 times shear strength of a solid shaft of diameter D.
8. When a closed helix spring is subjected to axial compressive load then the
deformation in the spring will be _____ a-Crushing, (b-torsion), c- bending, d-shear

9. Ratio between change in volume to original volume is _______ (a-Vol. Strain), bPoissons Ratio,
10. In Shear force Diagram, where Shear Force is zero, Bending Moment at that
point will be ________ Maximum
11. Ductility of a material _______ with increase in %age reduction in Area of
member during Tension Test. (a-decreases), b-increases, c-remains same
12. Rankine Theory Assumptions
13. Strain Energy Stored in a spring under Maximum Load without sufficient
permanent deformation is called ________ a-Impact Energy, b-Proof Resilience, cProof Stress, (d-Modulus of Resilience)
14. Beam will have uniform strength throughout the length of the member if:
(a- Beam has same cross-sectional properties throughout the length)
b- if loading throughout the length is same
15. If ($) normal stress is acting along longitudinal axis of member, then Resultant
of stresses along a plane at angle (@) w.r.t. applied normal stress will be:
a- $sin@, b- $cos@, c- $sin2@ , d- $cos2@
16.. Assumptions of Bending Theory
17. If a cylinder is subjected to internal hoop stresses (burst pressure) then the
cylinder will ______
(a- increase in Vol. and decrease in Length)
b- decrease in Vol. and decrease in Length
c- decrease in Vol. and increase in Length
d- increase in Vol. and increase in Length
18. Point of Contra flexure occur in
a- Simply Supported Beams
(b- Fixed Ended Beams)
c- Cantilever Beams
d- Overhanging Beams
19- Buckling in Compression Members takes place along:
(a- Least Radius of Gyration)
b- Parallel to Load Axis
c- Perpendicular to Load Axis
d- minimum x-sectional Dimensions

20. Along Principal Plane, shear stresses are:

(a- zero)
b- minimum
c- maximum
d- constant
21. Cubic Parabola Shear Force diagram of Cantilever Beams occurs incase of:
a- Uniformly distributed Load
(b- Uniformly varying load)
c- in between points where no load acts
d- point loading
22. Slenderness is Ratio between:
a- Least Radius of Gyration to Length
(b- Length to Least Radius of Gyration)
23. For Two Shafts of equal Length including one hollow, have equal Torque and
equal Maximum Shear Stress, they should have equal:
a- angle of twist
(b- Polar Moment of Inertia)
c- Polar Modulus
d- diameter
24. Type of Welds usually used in construction now a day:
(a- Fillet Weld)
b- Beam Weld
c- Rivet Weld
d- Structure Weld
25. In practical, drawing prepared by practicing drafters for 3-d views are:
a- isometric
b- orthographic
c- auxiliary
d- perspective
26. Purpose of Curing of concrete is to stop:
a- increase in temperature of concrete
b- decrease in moisture of concrete
c- loss of moisture
d- dry shrinkage cracking
27. Shear stress in rectangular x-sec beam for torque will be Maximum at:
a- Center of Longer side of x-sec

b- Center of Shorter side of x-sec

c- Corners
(d- maximum distance away from Centroid).
28. Limiting Strain in Concrete is :
a- 0.001
b- 0.002
(c- 0.003)
d- 0.004
29. Split Cylinder test is performed to determine:
(a- MOR)
b- Durability
c- Slump
d- Compressive Strength
30. In I-section beam, subjected to transverse loading, Shear Stress will be
maximum at:
a- bottom of flange in flange portion
b- bottom of flange in web portion
c- extreme fibers
(d- Neutral Axis)
31. Member subjected to bi-axial stresses, Radius of Mohr Circle will be:
(a- Half of difference of stresses)
b- half of summation of stresses
c- differences of stresses
32. A short column is subjected to Axial Compressive Load, the failure will be:
a- Concrete Crushes first
b- Steel Yields first
c- Concrete Crushing & Steel Yielding is expected to take place at same time with
sufficient margin of safety
d- Strength depends upon presence of ties and spiral in member
33. During tension test on Mild Steel specimen, cause of Cup-Cone failure is
(a- Shear Stress)
b- Principal Stress
c- Principal Strain
d- Strain Energy
34. In fixed ended beam, Ratio between moment at center to moment at end
support is:
(a- 1:2)

b- 1:1
c- 2:3
d- 1:4
35. Depth of footing is controlled by:
a- one-way shear
b- punching shear
c- both by one-way & punching shear
d- flexure
36. Critical Section in Isolated Footings for One way Shear occurs at ____ of depth
from face of column?
37. Critical Section in Isolated Footings for Punching Shear occurs at ____ of depth
from face of column?
38. Shrinkage of Concrete depends upon:
a- Humidity
b- Time
c- Ambient temperature
(d- all)
39. SPT is performed in borehole, where bottom discharge bit was used for drilling:
a- SPT strength/resistance will increase
b- SPT will decrease
c- SPT will remains same
d- Not able to say anything
40. End Platten Effect during compression test:
(a- increases the lateral confinement at ends of sample)
b-, c-, d- not correct
41. A rectangular beam has x-sectional dimensions (b= 100mm, d= 150mm) is
subjected to a force _______, results in shear stress of 2N/mm2.
a- 20 N
(b- 30 N)
c- 40 N
d- 25 N
42. Which Steel is more brittle having:
(a- High Carbon)
b- Medium Carbon
c- Low Carbon
d- Twisted Steel

43. Method of Reducing Differential Settlement of building on sand:

a- increase dimensions of large footing
b- increase dimensions of smallest footing
c- bla bla ( c option was not satisfying)
(d- none)
44.Barrage is constructed for the purpose of:
a- (River diversion)
b- Storage
c- both a&b
d- recreation
45. Dry unit weight of a moist soil is _____ than bulk unit weight.
(a- less)
b- more
c- equal
d- no specific relation
46. Short Duration Hydro graph can be converted to Long one by:
a- Rating Curve
b- S curve
c- Hyetograph
d- Composite Hydrograph
47. Type of Hydraulic Jump for Froude No. 4.5 to 9 is:
a- Strong
b- Steady
c- Undular
d- weak
48. First Method for management of different activities in Project management is
______:
a. Milestone Chart Method
b. Bar Chart Method
c. PERT
d. CPM

5.

1). Tensile strength of good quality bricks. (100psi).

2). What is scouring depth & its formula?
3). What is superelevation & it formula?
4). Slab is designed for shear? (No, in slabs dsn shear check is always ok we dont
provide any shear reinforcement in slabs as we provide in beams & columns).
5). Can we use mild steel plates instead of round steel bars?

6). Concrete can take how much tensile strength? (15%).

7). Why we use high strength concrete in prestressed members? (Because we
produce high compressive stresses & concrete should be hard enough to take care
these stresses).
8). Steel can take how much compressive & tensile stresses? (it is strong both in
tension & compression).
9). Types of outlet with names?
10). What is level of service? In whole day it will remain same or will change?
11). How can we make concrete with constant strength with high w/c ratio without
use of plasticizer?
12). What is the purpose of bearing pads? (to absorb the shocks of impact loading)
13). What is fish ladder? it is installed at u/s or d/s of river?
14). Draw BMD for different beams?
15). Write names of different components of barrage?
16). Tell me new techniques which are being used for piling?
17). Precast girders ko chamber k liye dsn krte h?

6.

Initial and FinaL Setting time of cement ?

Cements initial setting time should be 30 min(Minimum) and 90 min(maximum).
Final setting time of cement should be=10 hours

7.What type of test should perform for a roads improved subgrade sand filling:
1.FM of fine aggregates
2.California bearing ratio
3.Dynamic cone penetration test
4.MDD of fine aggregate
5.Field Dry Density.
What type of test should perform for earth filling in Embankment with specified soil:
1.Plasticity index.
What type of test should perform for Concrete Work:
1.Setting time of cement
2.Compressive strength of cement
3.Gradation of Coarse aggregates.
4.FM of fine aggregates.
5.Water absorption of coarse aggregates
6.Loss angels abrasion test
7.Concrete cylinder casting & testing
What type of test should perform for M.S High strength deform bar

1.Tensile strength,Elongation and unit wt.

What type of test should be perform for Brick work:
1.Setting time of cement
2.Compressive strength of cement
3.FM of fine aggregates
4.Compressive strength of brick
5.Water absorption of brick
6.Efflorescence of brick.
1 cum cement=how much bag?
answer:30 bags.
1cum =how much brick?
answer=300 nos
1bag cement= volume ?
0.0347 cum cement.
What is the volume of per bag cement?
Answer:1.25 cubic ft
what is the weight of per bag cement?
Answer:50kg or 112pb
How much water absorb of a brick if the brick take rest for 24 hours in under neath
the water?
answer:1/5or1/6 of the brick wt.
what is the measurement of a brick?
answer:9.5in*4.5in*2.75in(without mortar)
answer:10in*5in*3in(with mortar)

8.

Some Imp points

Local sand FM limit should be 0.5 to 0.8

Toak sand FM limit should be 1.2 to 1.8
Coarse sand or shylhet sand FM should be 2.5
At improved sub grade 0.5 to 0.8 FM sand should be used.
Ms Flat bar weight determine equation=0.00785A
Brick require for 1 square meter one brick flat soling=32nos.
Brick require for 1 square meter one layer herring bone bond soling=52nos.

Cement require for 9.3 square meter neat cement finishing=1/2bag or 25kg
A head mason can work 25-30 cum brick work in a day.
Lintel thickness should be 15cm.
Parapet wall height should be 1 meter.
Window height should be 120cm.
D.P.C thickness should be 2.5cm
Plinth height should be 45cm.
Measurement of riser should be 15cm.
Building height should be 315 cm
plaster thickness at ceiling should be 6mm.

9.What are the steps involved in the concreting process, explain?

The major steps involved in the process of concreting are as follows:
1. Batching
2. Mixing
3. Transporting and placing of concrete
4. Compacting.
> Batching: The process of measurement of the different materials for the making
of concrete is known as batching. batching is usually done in two ways: volume
batching and weight batching. In case of volume batching the measurement is done
in the form of volume whereas in the case of weight batching it is done by the
weight.
> Mixing: In order to create good concrete the mixing of the materials should be
first done in dry condition and after it wet condition. The two general methods of
mixing are: hand mixing and machine mixing.
> Transportation and placing of concrete: Once the concrete mixture is created it
must be transported to its final location. The concrete is placed on form works and
should always be dropped on its final location as closely as possible.
> Compaction of concrete: When concrete is placed it can have air bubbles
entrapped in it which can lead to the reduction of the strength by 30%. In order to
reduce the air bubbles the process of compaction is performed. Compaction is
generally performed in two ways: by hand or by the use of vibrators.

10.

Describe briefly the various methods of concrete curing.

Curing is the process of maintaining the moisture and temperature conditions for
freshly deployed concrete. This is done for small duration of time to allow the
hardening of concrete. The methods that are involved in saving the shrinkage of the
concrete includes:

(a) Spraying of water: on walls, and columns can be cured by sprinkling water.
(b) Wet covering of surface: can be cured by using the surface with wet gunny bags
or straw
(c) Ponding: the horizontal surfaces including the slab and floors can be cured by
stagnating the water.
(d) Steam curing: of pre-fabricated concrete units steam can be cured by passing it
over the units that are under closed chambers. It allows faster curing process and
results in faster recovery.
(e) Application of curing compounds: compounds having calcium chloride can be
applied on curing surface. This keeps the surface wet for a very long time.

11.Why are steel plates inserted inside bearings in elastomeric bearings?

In order to make a elastomeric bearing act/ function as a soft spring it should be
made to allow it to bulge laterally and also the stiffness compression can be
increased by simply increasing the limiting amount of the lateral bulging. In many
cases in order to increase the compression stiffness of the bearing the usage of
metal plates is made. Once steel plates are included in the bearings the freedom of
the bulge is restricted dramatically, also the deflection of the bearing is reduced as
compared to a bearing without the presence of steel plates. The tensile stresses of
the bearings are induced into the steel plates. But the presence of the metal plates
does not affect the shear stiffness of the bearings.

12.What reinforcements are used in the process of prestressing?

The major types of reinforcements used in prestressing are:
> Spalling Reinforcement: The spalling stresses leads to stress behind the loaded
area of the anchor blocks. This results in the breaking off of the surface concrete.
The most likely causes of such types of stresses are Poisson`s effects strain
interoperability or by the stress trajectory shapes.
> Equilibrium reinforcements: This type of reinforcements are required where
several anchorages exist where the prestressing loads are applied in a sequential
manner.
> Bursting Reinforcements: These kinds of stresses occur in cases where the stress
trajectories are concave towards the line of action of load. In order to reduce such
stresses reinforcements in the form of bursting is required.

13.What do you understand by preset during the installation process of bridge

bearings?
During the installation of bridge bearings the size of the upper plates is reduced to
save the material costs. This process is known as preset. Generally the upper

bearing plate comprises of the following components:

> Length of bearing
> 2 x irreversible movement.
> 2 x reversible movement.
The bearing initially is placed right in the middle point of the upper bearing plate.
No directional effects of irreversible movement is considered. But since the
irreversible movement usually takes place in one direction only the displaced
direction is placed away from the midpoint. In such cases the length of the upper
plate is equal to the length of the length of the bearing + irreversible movement +
2 x reversible movement.

14.In the design of bridge arguments what considerations should be made to

select the orientation of the wing walls?
Some of the most common arrangements of wing walls in cases of bridge
arguments are as follows:
> Wing walls parallel to abutments: This method is considered to take least amount
of time to build and is simple as well. But on the downside this method is not the
most economical. The advantage of this type of design being that they cause the
least amount of disturbance to the slope embankment.
> Wing walls at an angle to abutments: This design method is considered to be the
most economical in terms of material cost.
> Wing walls perpendicular to abutments: The characteristic of this design is it
provides an alignment continuous with the bridge decks lending a support to the
parapets.

15.In case if concrete box girder bridges how is the number of cells determined?
When the depth of a box girder bridge exceed 1/6th or 1/5th of the bridge width
then the design recommended is that of a single cell box girder bridge. But in case
the depth of the bridge is lower than 1/6th of the bridge width then a twin-cell or in
some cases multiple cell is the preferred choice. One should also note that even in
the cases of wider bridges where there depths are comparatively low the number of
cells should be minimized. This is so as there is noticeably not much improvement
in the transverse load distribution when the number of cells of the box girder is
higher than three or more.

16.Under what circumstances should pot bearings be used instead of elastomeric

bearings?
Pot bearings are preferred over elastomeric bearings in situations where there are
chances of high vertical loads in combinations of very large angle of rotations.
Elastomeric bearings always require a large bearing surface so that a compression

is maintained between the contact surfaces in between the piers and the bearings.
This is not possible to maintained in high load and rotation environment. Also the
usage of elastomeric bearings leads to the uneven distribution of stress on the
piers. This results in some highly induced stresses to be targeted at the piers
henceforth damaging them. Due to the above reasons pot bearings are preferred
over elastomeric bearings in such cases.

17.Why should pumping be not used in case of concreting works?

During the pumping operation the pump exerted pressure must overcome any
friction between the pumping pipes and the concrete, also the weight of the
concrete and the pressure head when the concrete is placed above the pumps.
Since only water is pump able, all the pressure generated is by the water that is
present in the concrete. The major problem due to pumping are segregation effects
and bleeding. In order to rectify and reduce these effects, generally the proportion
of the cement is increased in order to increase the cohesion , which leads to the
reduction of segregation and bleeding. Also if a proper selection of the aggregate
grading can vastly improve the concrete pump ability.

18.Why should curing not be done by ponding and polythene sheets?

The primary purpose of curing is to reduce the heat loss of concrete that is freshly
placed to the atmosphere and in order to reduce the temperature gradient across
the cross-section of the concrete. Ponding is not preferred for curing as this method
of thermal curing is greatly affected by cold winds. In addition to that in ponding
large amounts of water is used and has to be disposed off from the construction
sites. Polythene sheets are used on the basis that it creates an airtight environment
around the concrete surface henceforth reducing the chances of evaporation over
fresh concrete surfaces. But the usage of polythene can be a drawback as it can be
easily blown away by winds and also the water lost by self-desiccation cannot be
replenished.

19.What are the different type of slump test indications?

Slump tests are performed to empirically measure the workability of fresh concrete.
It is used to measure the consistency of the concrete. In general there are three
different types of slumps that occur in slump tests. They are as follows:
> True Slump
> Shear Slump
> Collapse Slump
True Slump: This type of slump is characterized by the general drop of the concrete
mass evenly without visible signs of deterioration or disintegration.

Shear Slump: It indicates that the concrete mix is deficient in cohesion. This type of
slump leads to segregation and bleeding. Henceforth in the long run effecting the
durability of the concrete.
Collapse Slump: This type of slump is indicates that the mix of concrete is simply
too wet. The mix is considered to be harsh and lean.
Why is propping required for long structures once the formwork is removed?
Once the process of concreting is performed the striking of the formworks should be
done as soon as possible as delay in this process can lead to the discoloration of the
concrete structures. In case of long structures particularly long span structures once
the structures have attained enough strength to support themselves it is essential
to provide them with propping as creep deflection can take place which can greatly
reduce the integrity of the structure. Due to the above mentioned reasons propping
should be done after the removal of formwork. Also the props should not be made to
stand long as it can lead to overstress for the structures.

20.

Explain the mechanism of cavitations in pipes and drains?

The formation of air bubbles in a fluid due to low pressure conditions lower than the
saturation pressure is known as cavitations. This is considered to be a high potential
damage condition where the strength and durability of the pipes can be greatly
reduced. Cavitation works on the principle of Bernoulli's Equation. When fluids are
at high velocities the pressure head of fluids reduce accordingly. But since the fluid
pressure is lower than the saturation pressure the dissolved gases get released from
the flowing fluid. These air bubbles suddenly collapse on entering a region of high
pressure. This leads to the damage of the pipelines as a high level of dynamic
pressure is created.

21.

For what purpose bedding is used under storm water drains, explain?

Beddings are primarily made up of granular or concrete materials. They are

primarily used for the following purposes:
> They are used to provide a more uniform support for the under pipes so that the
bending moment longitudinally can be reduced greatly.
> In order to enable the pipes to get more load-supporting strength.
> They are also used to act as a platform to achieve a more correct alignment and
level pre and post construction.
> In case of pipes which contain spigot and socket joints, it enables pipes to get
supported along pipe lengths in place of sockets. Otherwise it can lead to uneven
stress being induced on the pipes eventually damaging it.

22.1. How can you distinguish between sorption, absorption and adsorption?
2. What is modular elasticity?
3. Discuss some applications of modular elasticity.
4. What is difference between engineering stress and true stress?
5. What are some structures that are subjected to fatigue?
6. What is the tensile strength of wood?
7. Explain soil analysis?
8. What is soil enforcement?
9. How can you achieve soil enforcement?
10. What is a bearing capacity of soil?
11. Why does the pressure increase under soil?
12. How to increase a bearing capacity of soil?
13. What you understand by building codes?
14. Explain moment of inertia and its importance.
15. Which is the best book for building construction?
16. How do we determine the specific gravity of a cement?
17. What are the causes of building collapse?
18. Explain the latest method to detect a crack in a building?
19. How do we test on design and style in a software?
20. Explain different types of RCC pipes.
21. Explain the design for RCC multi-storied building?
22. What are the benefits of RCC pipes over steel designed pipes?
23. Elaborate advantages & disadvantages of using crusher dust instead of sand in
RCC work.
24. How can you produce desired alloys and discuss their applications in daily life.
25. Can inverted beams used in pipes during construction? If yes, explain how it can
be implemented?
26. What is rigging?
27. What are the techniques to measure road difference?
28. Explain major differences between routing maintenance and major
maintenance.
29. What you understand by Richter scale?
30. How do we calculate the power of centrifugal pump?
31. What is a tensile strength? What is the tensile strength of wood?
32. Difference between pre-tensioning and post-tensioning.
33. Explain the difference between shear and tensile strength.
34. Why the statue of liberty is made of Copper?
35. What is the difference between TOR steel and TMT steel?
36. Which code is used for TOR & TMT steel bar?
37. Explain major difference between auto level and dumpy level?
38. What is the L/D ratio of cantilever beam?
39. What is the ratio of steel and concrete to use in slabs , beams, columns ?
40. What is pre-stressed concrete?

41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.

What are the ingredients of pre-stressed concrete?

What do you mean by honeycomb in concrete?
Why is concrete cube test carried out?
How do you calculate the power of centrifugal pump?
What is aggregate?
What is absolute pressure? How absolute pressure is calculated?
What is the absolute pressure scale?
What is gravity flow?
What is a projection line?
What is horizon or horizontal mining?

23.State the applications of modulus of elasticity.

Modulus of elasticity is related to the flexibility of the material. The value of
modulus of elasticity is pretty important in case of deflection of different materials
used in building construction.

24.What is soil analysis?

Soil analysis is the testing of soil to determine the nutritional and elemental
composition of soil. It is generally tested for knowing the contents of nitrogen,
potassium and phosphorous.

25.State the building codes.

These codes are the set of specifications to ensure the safety associated with any
building construction. These codes are associated with the height, spacing, and
installation of the building. These codes play an important role in vacating the
building in case of any emergency situations.

26.Under-Reinforced vs Over-Reinforced sections in beam design.

Under-Reinforced structures fail by the failure of steel which is ductile in nature.
Hence the failure is gradual and ductile and presents itself with sufficient warning.
Though Over-Reinforced structures have a greater load bearing capacity than the
former, they fail by the failure of concrete which is brittle. Hence the failure is
usually sudden.

27.What are some quick tests to differentiate between silt and clay in the field?
Dilatancy test - A wet soil sample placed in the palm of the hand is shaken rapidly.
In case of silt, water will be reflected on the palm on account of greater
permeability.

Dispersion test - A small quantity of soil is added in a glass of water. If soil settles in
a few minutes(10-15 minutes), it is silt. If a turbid suspension is formed its clay.

28.What advantage does an arch have over a beam?

An arched structure carries less bending moment than a beam structure for the
same loading and span. A part of the moment due to vertical loading is offset by the
horizontal thrust in case of arches.
For a parabolic arch subjected to a uniformly distributed load, bending moment is
zero at every section of the arch.

29.

30.Civil engineer interview questions

What do you see as the key challenges faced by Civil Engineers on site day to day?
What arm of civil engineering most appeals to you, and why?
Do you prefer to be working in the office or on site?
What relevant civil engineering qualifications do you already have and what would
you like to gain over the next few years?
Describe to me what you see as a typical day in the life of a civil engineer

31.General interview questions

Where do you see yourself professionally within Civil Engineering in five years
time?
Why are you looking to move roles?
What are your most relevant skills that you bring to this job?
Are there are any areas where you feel you could develop your skills?

32.Scenario interview questions

Explain to me a situation in which you needed to think logically to solve an
engineering problem.
Describe a previous project which you had to lead or work with a diverse team of
colleagues to reach a successful conclusion
Tell me about the least successful project or role you have had. What did you learn
from it?
Tell me how you would go about motivating a team when the last set of plans and
dates have been returned for revision.

33.Q.1 What is soil analysis?

ANS..Soil analysis is the testing of soil to determine the nutritional and elemental
composition of soil. It is generally tested for knowing the contents of nitrogen,
potassium and phosphorous.
Q.2 State the applications of modulus of elasticity?
ANS...Modulus of elasticity is related to the flexibility of the material. The value of
modulus of elasticity is pretty important in case of deflection of different materials
used in building construction.
Q.3 What is the basic difference in absorption, adsorption, and sorption?
ANS...Absorption refers to the phenomenon where an atom, molecule or ions enter
any bulk phase like gas, solid or liquid. Absorption refers to the phenomenon where
energy of photon is transferred to other entity.
Adsorption is similar to absorption. It refers to the surface rather than a volume.
Adsorption takes place when the gas or liquid solute accumulates on the surface of
solid. A substance diffuses in liquid or solid to form a solution.
Q.4 How are the freeway bridges built?
ANS..The traffic that is likely to go over the bridge at a time is estimated and the
cement, rocked with rubber stanchions is placed over the freeway to build a bridge.
Off-ramp from freeway to the bridge and on-ramp from the bridge to the freeway
are constructed. Cement slabs are used to build a platform.
Q.5 A flat slab is capable to withstand ?
Ans..concentrated loads.

Q.6 State the applications of modulus of elasticity?

ANS...Modulus of elasticity is related to the flexibility of the material. The value of
modulus of elasticity is pretty important in case of deflection of different materials
used in building construction.
Q.7 Difference between routine maintenance and major maintenance for school
facilities?
Ans..Routine maintenance is handling the minor repairs of the school campus. Major
maintenance can be total reconstruction or renovation of the school.
Q.8 Cantilever retaining walls can safely be used for a height not more than?
Ans..6 m
Q.9 An R.C.C. column is treated as long if its slenderness ratio is greater than?
Ans..50
Q.10 The minimum number of main steel bars provided in R.C.C.?
Ans. .rectangular columns is 4
circular columns is 6
octagonal columns is 8

34.Q.1 The maximum area of tension reinforcement in beams shall not exceed?
Ans..4%
Q. 2 What is the tallest man made structure in the world?
Ans. KVLY-TV mast is one of the tallest man made structure in the world. Its height is
2063 feet.
The second one is Burj Dubai. Its height is 800 meter.
Q.3 How we can measure the concrete?
Ans. Cubic Feet, Cubic Yard and Cubic Meter are the three method which are mostly
preferred to measure the concrete.
Q. 4 What is braced excavation all about?

Ans. Excavation are braced to reduce the cave-in of surrounding unstable soil. It is
useful to confirm the strength of the basement.
Q. 5 What do you understand by aggregate?
Ans. To resist the compression stress of a composite material,an special component
is used This special component is known as aggregate.

35.Q. 1 What is Punching Shear?

Ans. Punching shear is a type of failure of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to
high localized forces. In flat slab structures this occurs at column support points.
Q. 2 The standard sand now a days used in India is obtained from ?
ANS..Ennore (madras)
Q.3 The mixture of different ingredients of cement is burnt at temperature of ?
ANS...1400 degree centigrade
Q. 4 For ensuring quality of concrete which aggregates are used?
ANS... Graded aggregates
Q.5 IN Quality Control of Portland Cement, the test essentially done is ?
ANS... Setting time, Soundness, tensile strength,consistency.
Q.6 Why we are not provide bar in the center of the column and bar?
Ans... Steel are provided for tension. In column max. tesile stresses are generated
along the column face.
Q.7 What is the difference between BC and SDBC ?
Ans BC- Bituminous Concrete
SDBC- SemiDense Bituminous Concrete
Q.8 What is the meaning of Fe415 ?
Ans Fe stands for Ferrous material ie iron from which the reinforcement steel bars
are manufactured. The number 415 indicates that the Yield Strength (tensile
strength when it is subjected to elongation) of steel is 415 N/mm2.

The reinforcement steel bars used in RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) are
designated in grades of Fe250, Fe415 or Fe500 depending on their Yield Strength.
(The numbers 215, 415 and 500 tell about this Yield Strength in N/mm2 the bars are
designed and manufactured to have.)
Q.9 what is the difference between sill beam,Tie beam and plinth beam?( asked in
l&T )
Ans sill beam:- flexural member
Tie beam:- fully compression member
plinth beam :- loading from bottom (soil mass) is UDL so
main reinforcement is in top of beam.
Q.10 The foundation in which a cantilever beam is provided to join two footings, is
known as?
Ans..strap footing
Q).11 The foundations are placed below ground level, to increase?
Ans.
a. strength
b. work ability
c. stability of structure
Q. 12 Dado is usually provided in?
Ans..bath rooms
Q.13 The wall shown in the below figure has failed. The cause of failure or the error
made in the design of the failded wall is ?
Ans.. overturning
Q. 14 A flat slab is capable to withstand ?
Ans..concentrated loads.
Q.15 why we are using crank length in rcc slab reinforcement?
Ans. Crank lengths are used because the moments at the edge strips are negative
while that at mid span are positive so reinforcement are alternatively provided at

the top and bottom respectively.. so just to have connection between the
reinforcement and for the slab to behave as a single unit by providing continuous
bars, cranking is done in slabs

36.

Building materials and Construction

What are the dimensions of the standard brick?

What are thin shell roofs? Why are they becoming popular?
Name the different types of retaining walls
Structural Analysis
What is buckling or crippling load?
Define slenderness ratio. What is its effect on design of compression members?
What is meant by specific yield and specific retention?
Shear force and BM diagrams for different types of loadings on beams
Mechanics of structures
Differentiate between bending moment and twisting moment
Differentiate between mild steel and HYSD bars
Differentiate between proof resilience and modulus of resilience
What is meant by strain energy?
Fluid Mechanics
What is a spillway?
What is total energy line?
What is a flow net? Discuss its uses
Why isnt a venturimeter used commonly for measuring discharge in houses?
What is critical hydraulic gradient?
Differentiate between weir, notch and barrage
Geotechnical Engineering
What is geosynthetics? Mention its applications in civl engineering field
What do you understand by 80/100 bitumen?
Which is commonly used-bitumen or tar? Why?
What are the precautions to be taken for construction in marshy soil?
What is the relation between submerged unit weight and submerged weight?
What are the different types of foundations adopted for different soils?
What is differential settlement?
Discuss the importance of Attenbugs limits in soil engineering
Differentiate between activity and sensitivity of soils

Differentiate between soil stabilization and ground improvement

How does machine foundation differ from an ordinary foundation?
What is the permanent solution applied for the restoration of leaning Tower of Pisa?
Reinforced Concrete Structures
What is pre stressed concrete? What are its ingredients?
What do 53 stand for in 53-grade cement?
How do you construct a 25 storey building with no columns?
What are the loads to be considered for the design of bridges?
Differentiate between pre-tensioning and post-tensioning
What is the L/D ratio of a cantilever beam?
What type of dam is the Idukki dam? Give its details and peculiarity
Transportation Engineering
What is camber?
What is cutback bitumen? What are its special uses?
Draw a typical C.S. of a permanent way
What does IRC stand for?
Define angularity number and give practical applications
What material as ballast would you suggest for a high speed track? Why?
What is the usual width of a single lane and a double lane road?
Environmental Engineering
Distinguish between slow and rapid sand filters
What is super chlorination?
What is canopy?
Differentiate between BOD and COD
Advanced Construction and Construction Technology
What is batching? Differentiate between volume and weight batching
How is underwater concreting carried out?
What are the forces involved in underwater construction?
What do 20 stand for in M20 mix concrete?
Engineering Geology
What is littoral drift?
Differentiate between faults and folds
Surveying
How is a theodolite leveled?

What are advantages of electronic theodolite over transit theodolite?

Give the standard lengths of chains used in surveying
What is a benchmark? Name the different types

37.

What are tectonic plates?

Tectonic plates are the pieces of the Earths lithosphere. The lithosphere lies over
the asthenophere, which has a higher density and makes the tectonic plates on the
lithosphere to move. The movement of the tectonic plates is said to be the cause of
earthquakes. Ocean trenches, volcanoes and mountains exist at the meeting points
of two tectonic plates.
What is the Richter scale?
The Richter scale, a base 10 logarithmic scale, is a measure to quantify the seismic
energy from an earthquake.