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Civl Engineer Interview Questions
Civl Engineer Interview Questions
UNIT – 1
1. Define reinforced concrete.
Reinforced cement concrete is a composite material is made of
concrete and steel reinforcement. The concrete may be assumed to work
purely in compression whereas the reinforcement is predominately subjected
to tension. For a large range of applications it is sufficient to consider the
uni-axial response of either material.
3. What are the advantages of RCC when compared with other building
materials?
Concrete is workable when fresh and strong when hardens.
It can be molded into any required shape and size.
The raw materials required are easily available.
Skill is not required for casting concrete elements.
Concrete is durable, fire resisting and rigid.
Concrete requires less maintenance.
𝐹𝑘 = 𝐹𝑚 + 𝐾 𝑆𝑑
Where,
Fk = characteristic load
Fm = mean load
K = constant = 2.645 ≏ 2.65
Sd = standard deviation for the load
26.Write down the value of partial safety factor for concrete and steel.
Partial factor of safety for concrete 𝛾𝑐 = 1.5
Partial factor of safety for steel 𝛾𝑠 = 1.15
33.Write down the basic values of span to effective depth ratio for the
different types of beam.
Basic values of span to effective depth ratios for spans up to 10m
Cantilever 7
Simply supported 20
Continuous 26
36.Draw the stress-strain curve for concrete, mild steel bars and HYSD
bars.
15.Write down the value of design bond stress for M30 grade of concrete.
Design bond stress in limit state methods for plain bars (mild steel) in
𝑁
tension is 𝜏𝑏𝑑 = 1.5
𝑚𝑚2
16.What is RC slab?
Reinforced concrete slabs are used in roofs of buildings. Slab is a
flexural member transmits imposed and dead load to the supports. Support
may be a wall, beam or column.
17.Reinforced concrete slabs are generally safe and do not require shear
reinforcement. Why?
Normally the thickness of slab is so chosen that the shear can be
resisted by concrete itself and the slab does not need extra shear
reinforcements.
22.Name the two types of two-way slabs. Explain their difference in the
design of slabs.
Slabs simply supported on the four edges, with corners not held down
and carrying UDL
Slabs simply supported on the four edges, with corners held down and
carrying UDL
Slabs with edges fixed or continuous and carrying UDL
UNIT – 3
1. Define column.
A column, in general, may be defined as a member carrying direct
axial load which causes compressive stresses of such magnitude that these
stresses largely control its design.
It transmits load coming from beam or slab and distributes to the
foundation usually columns are square, rectangle, circular and ‘I’
shaped in cross section.
It is reinforced with longitudinal and lateral ties.
Load carrying capacity of column is depending upon longitudinal
steel and cross sectional size of the column.
Lateral ties are giving lateral support to the longitudinal steel. The
columns are analyzed for axial force and moments.
Where,
l = unsupported length of the column
D = lateral dimension of the column
9. What is pedestal?
Pedestal is a compression member, the effective length of which does
not exceed three times the least lateral dimension.
10.Distinguish braced and un-braced column.
BRACED COLUMN UNBRACED COLUMN
In most of the cases, columns are Other columns, where the lateral
subjected to horizontal loads like wind, loads have to be resisted by
earthquake, etc. If lateral supports are them, in addition to axial loads
provided at the ends of the column, the and end moments, are considered
lateral loads are borne entirely by the as un-braced columns.
lateral supports. Such columns are
known as braced columns.
It is not subject to side sway. It is subject to side sway.
UNIT – 4
1. What are the types of foundations?
Deep foundation
Shallow foundation
the site.
13.Write down the formula for calculating maximum and minimum soil
pressures for a rectangular footing carries eccentric point load.
The structural design of the footing, which includes the design of the
depth and reinforcement, is done for factored loads using the relevant safety
factors applications for the limit state of collapse.
16.What are the normal range of tread and rise values of steps of a
staircase in residential building?
As per IS 456:2000 the normal range of tread and rise values of steps
of a staircase in residential building are,
Rise: 150mm to 180mm
Tread: 200mm to 250mm
21.How the effectively span of a stair is decided when the landing slab
spans in the same direction as the stair.
When the landing slab spans in the same direction as the stairs, they
should be considered as acting together to form a single slab and the span
determined at the distance centre to centre of the supporting beams or walls,
the going being measured horizontally.
22.Give the guidelines of the size of rise and tread as per IS code norms.
The following guidelines may be followed while deciding the size of
rise and tread of a stair.
400mm < (rise + tread) < 450mm
580mm < (rise + tread) < 630mm
25.How the load is distributed when flights or landings are embedded into
walls?
Where flights or landings are embedded into walls for a length not
less than 110 mm and designed to span in the direction of the flight, a 150
mm strip may be deducted from the loaded area and effective breadth of the
section increased to 75 mm for the purpose of design.
LIVE LOADS:
IS 875 parts II specifies the load to be considered as UDL of intensity
5kN/m2 for public buildings and 3kN/m2 for residential building where the
specified floor do not exceed 2kN/m2 and the staircases are should not liable
for overcrowding.
UNIT – 5
1. What is masonry?
Masonry is a structure built of in individual blocks of materials such
as stone, brick, concrete, hollow blocks, etc bonded together with some form
of mortar such as lime mortar, cement mortar.
4. Define Mortar.
Mortar is a combined material formed with intimately mixing a
binding material like lime or cement, with a fine aggregate like sand in
certain proportion and with adequate quantity of water.
HEEL:
The heel is subjected to soil pressure from the bottom acting towards
and the downward loads due to self-weight and the earth above the heel.
The downward load is more hence the heel acts like a cantilever is more
hence the heel acts like a cantilever bending downwards. Maximum
bending moment and shear force occur at the junction of the heel with stem.
TOE:
The toe is subjected to upward pressure from the soil and the
downward pressure is due to self-weight. Hence the toe is designed as
cantilever. Maximum bending moment and shear force occur at the face of
the stem.
32.What are the various loads considered in heel slab of Retaining Walls?
Weight of the backing
Dead load on heel slab
Vertical component of lateral
Upward soil reaction
36.What are the loads acting on the heel slab of the Counter fort Retaining
Wall?
Dead load of the strip
Weight of the earth above the strip
Vertical components of the lateral pressure in the case of the earth
surcharged at an angle.
Base slab:
The width of the base slab may be taken as 0.6H to0.7H
Where,
H= overall height of the retaining wall.
Heel slab:
The Heel slab should be designed as a continuous horizontal slab with
counter fort as the supports.
In general, 𝐸 = 𝑟 − 𝑒
For this case, 𝑟 = 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒 = 3
∴ 𝐸 = 4– 3 = 1
UNIT – 2
1. Distinguish between plane truss and plane frame.
Plane frames are two-dimensional structures constructed with straight
elements connected together by rigid and/or hinged connections. Frames are
subjected to loads and reactions that lie in the plane of the structure.
If all the members of a truss and the applied loads lie in a single plane,
the truss is called a plane truss.
2. What is meant by cambering technique in structures?
Cambering is a technique applied on site, in which a slight upward
curve is made in the structure/beam during construction, so that it will
straighten out and attain the straight shape during loading. This will
considerably reduce the downward deflection that may occur at later stages.
12.Give any two situations where sway will occur in portal frames.
Eccentric or Unsymmetrical loading
Non-uniform section of the members
18.What are the methods used to analyze the beam when it settle at
supports?
Kani’s method
Moment distribution method
Slope deflection method
19.Differentiate symmetry and anti-symmetry frames.
SYMMETRY FRAME ANTI-SYMMETRY FRAME
For symmetric loading, Symmetric For anti-symmetric loading,
quantities like bending moment, Symmetric quantities like bending
displacements are symmetrical moment, displacements are zero at
about the centroidal vertical axis. the point of centroidal vertical axis.
Anti-symmetric quantities like slope Anti-symmetric quantities like slope
and shear force are zero at the point and shear force are distributed about
of centroidal vertical axis. the centroidal vertical axis.
UNIT – 3
1. What are the assumptions made in slope deflection method?
This method is based on the following simplified assumptions.
All the joints of the frame are rigid, (i.e.) the angle between the
members at the joints does not change, when the members of frame
are loaded.
Between each pair of the supports the beam section is constant.
3. Write down the slope deflection equation for a fixed end support.
2𝐸𝐼 3𝛿
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝑀𝐹𝐴𝐵 + [ 2𝜃𝐴 + 𝜃𝐵 + ]
𝑙 𝑙
4. What are the moments induced in a beam member, when one end is
given a unit rotation, the other end being fixed. What is the moment at
the near end called?
When 𝜃 = 1,
4 𝐸𝐼 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = , 𝑀𝐵𝐴 =
𝑙 𝑙
𝑀𝐴𝐵 Is the stiffness of AB at B
6. What are the situations where in sway will occur in portal frames?
Eccentric or unsymmetrical loading
Unsymmetrical geometry
Different end conditions of the column
Non-uniform section of the members
Unsymmetrical settlement of supports
A combination of the above
9. A beam is fixed at its left end and simply supported at right. The right
end sinks to a lower level by a distance ‘∆’ with respect to the left end.
Find the magnitude and direction of the reaction at the right end if ‘l’ is
the beam length and EI, the flexural rigidity.
3 𝐸𝐼 𝛿
𝑀𝐴 (𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐵) =
𝑙2
10.How many slope deflection equations are available for a two span
continuous beam?
There will be 4 nos. of slope-deflection equations are available for a
two span continuous beam.
11.What are the quantities in terms of which the unknown moments are
expressed in slope-deflection method?
In slope-deflection method, unknown moments are expressed in terms
of
Slope (θ)
Deflection (∆)
Unknowns: 𝜃𝐴 , 𝜃𝐵 , 𝜃𝐶
Equilibrium equations used:
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0
𝑀𝐵𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0
𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 0
13.How do your account for sway in slope deflection method for portal
frames?
Because of sway, there will be rotations in the vertical members of a
frame. This causes moments in the vertical members. To account for this,
besides the equilibrium, one more equation namely shear equation
connecting the joint-moments is used.
14.Write down the equation for sway correction for the portal frame
shown in figure.
16.Write down the equilibrium equations for the frame shown in figure.
Unknowns: 𝜃𝐵 , 𝜃𝐶
Equilibrium equations used:
𝑀𝐵𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0
𝑀𝐶𝐵 + 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0
17.Write down the general slope-deflection equations and state what each
term represents.
General slope deflection equations:
2𝐸𝐼 3𝛿
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝑀𝐹𝐴𝐵 + [ 2𝜃𝐴 + 𝜃𝐵 + ]
𝑙 𝑙
2𝐸𝐼 3𝛿
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 𝑀𝐹𝐵𝐴 + [ 2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐴 + ]
𝑙 𝑙
Where,
MFAB, MFBA = Fixed end moment at A and B respectively due to given
loading
𝜃𝐴 , 𝜃𝐵 = Slopes at A and B respectively
𝛿 = Sinking of support A with respect to B
19.In a continuous beam, one of the support sinks. What will happen to
the span and support moments associated with the sinking of support.
Let support D sinks by 𝛿. This will not affect span moments. Fixed
end moments (support moments) will get developed as under
6 𝐸𝐼 𝛿
𝑀𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 𝑀𝐹𝐷𝐶 = −
𝑙12
6 𝐸𝐼 𝛿
𝑀𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 𝑀𝐹𝐸𝐷 = −
𝑙22
20.What is the basis on which the sway equation is formed for a structure?
Sway is dealt with in slope-deflection method by considering the
horizontal equilibrium of the whole frame taking into account the shears at
the base level of columns and external horizontal forces.
𝑀𝐴𝐵 + 𝑀𝐵𝐴 – 𝑃ℎ 𝑀𝐶𝐷 + 𝑀𝐷𝐶
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 + + 𝑝=0
𝑙 𝑙
UNIT – 4
1. Explain moment distribution method (Hardy cross method).
This method is first introduced by Professor Hardy Cross in 1932. It is
widely used for the analysis of indeterminate structures. It uses an iterative
technique. The method employs a few basic concepts and a few specialized
terms such as fixed end moments, relative stiffness, carry over, distribution
factor. In this method, all the members of the structure are first assumed to
be fixed in position and fixed end moments due to external loads are obtained.
10.A rigid frame is having totally 10 joints including support joints. Out of
slope-deflection and moment distribution methods, which method would
you prefer for analysis? Why?
Moment distribution method is preferable.
If we use slope-deflection method, there would be 10 (or more)
unknown displacements and an equal number of equilibrium equations. In
addition, there would be 2 unknown support moments per span and the same
number of slope-deflection equations. Solving them is difficult.
UNIT – 5
1. What is the value of rotation moment at a fixed end considered in
Kani’s method?
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 2𝐸 𝐾𝐴𝐵 𝜃𝐴
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 2𝐸 𝐾𝐵𝐴 𝜃𝐵
3. What are the various types of hinges in arch? (or) What are the types of
arches according to the support conditions?
Three hinged arch
Two hinged arch
Single hinged arch
Fixed or hinge less arch
11.A flexible cable 20m long is supported at two ends at the same level.
The supports are 16m apart. Determine the dip of the cable.
GIVEN DATA:
S = 20m
l = 16m
TO FIND:
d =?
SOLUTION:
8 𝑑2
𝑆=𝑙+
3 𝑙
( 𝑆 − 𝑙 ) × 3𝑙
𝑑= √
8
d = 4.89m
13.Explain with the aid of a sketch the normal thrust and radial shear in
an arch rib.
Let us take a section X of an arch. Let q be the inclination of the
tangent at X. If H is the horizontal thrust and V is the vertical shear at X,
from the free body of the RHS of the arch, it is clear that V and H will have
normal and radial components given by,
𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 ( 𝑅𝑥 ) = 𝑉𝑥 cos 𝜃 − 𝐻 sin 𝜃
𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡 ( 𝑁𝑥 ) = 𝑉𝑥 sin 𝜃 + 𝐻 cos 𝜃
18.Indicate the positions of a moving point load for maximum negative and
positive bending moments in a three hinged arch.
Considering a three hinged parabolic arch of span ‘l’ and subjected to
a moving point load W, the position of the point load for
Maximum negative bending moment is 0.25l from end supports.
Maximum positive bending moment is 0.211l from end supports.
𝑀𝑥 = 𝜇𝑥 − 𝐻𝑦
Here U is the strain energy of the arch and ΔH and ΔVA are the
displacements due to yielding of supports.
24.Write the formula to calculate the change in rise in three hinged arch.
𝑙 2 + 4𝑦𝑐2
𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 = ( ) × 𝛼𝑇
4𝑦𝑐
Where,
l = span length of the arch
yc = central rise of the arch
α = coefficient of thermal expansion
T = change in temperature
25.In a parabolic arch with two hinges how will you calculate the slope of
the arch at any point?
4𝑦𝑐
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ ( 𝜃 ) = tan−1 ( × ( 𝑙 − 2𝑥 ))
𝑙2
Where,
θ = slope at any point x (or) inclination of tangent at x
l = span length of the arch
yc = central rise of the arch
26.How will you calculate the horizontal thrust in a two hinged parabolic
arch if there is a rise in temperature?
𝛼𝑇𝑙𝐸𝐼
𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡 ( 𝐻 ) = 𝑙
∫0 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥
Where,
l = span length of the arch
y = rise of the arch at any point x
α = coefficient of thermal expansion
T = change in temperature
E = Young’s Modulus of the material of the arch
I = Moment of Inertia
29.What is a catenary?
Catenary is the shape taken up by a cable or rope freely suspended
between two supports and under its own self weight.
𝑇 = √𝐻 2 + 𝑉 2
Where,
H = horizontal component
V = vertical component
43.What are cables made of?
Cables can be of mild steel, high strength steel, stainless steel, or
polyester fibres. Structural cables are made of a series of small strands
twisted or bound together to form a much larger cable. Steel cables are either
spiral strand, where circular rods are twisted together or locked coil strand,
where individual interlocking steel strands form the cable (often with a spiral
strand core).
Spiral strand is slightly weaker than locked coil strand. Steel spiral
strand cables have a Young's modulus, E of 150 ± 10 kN/mm² and come in
sizes from 3 to 90 mm diameter. Spiral strand suffers from construction
stretch, where the strands compact when the cable is loaded.
UNIT – 2 & 3
1. Where do you get the rolling loads in practice?
Shifting of load positions is common enough in buildings. But they
are more pronounced in bridges and in gantry girders over which vehicles
keep rolling.
4. Name the type of rolling loads for which the absolute bending moment
occurs at the mid span of a beam.
Single concentrated load, UDL longer than the span, UDL shorter
than the span Also when the resultant of several concentrated loads crossing
a span, coincides with a concentrated load then also the maximum bending
moment occurs at the centre of the span.
7. State the location of a maximum shear force in a simple beam with any
kind of loading.
In a simple beam with any kind of load, the maximum positive Shear
force occurs at the left hand support and maximum negative Shear force
occurs at right hand support.
17.Draw the ILD for shear force shear force at a point x in a simply
supported beam AB of span l.
18.State Maxwell – Betti’s theorem.
19.Draw the influence line for radial shear at a section of a three hinged
arch.
24.Define similitude.
Similitude means similarity between two objects namely the model
and the prototype with regard to their physical characteristics.
Geometric similitude is similarity of form
Kinematic similitude is similarity of motion
Dynamic and / or mechanical similitude is similarity of masses and /
or forces
30.What are the three types of connections possible with the model used
with Begg’s deformeter?
Hinged connection
Fixed connection
Floating connection
31.What are the uses of a micrometer microscope in model analysis with
Begg’s deformeter?
Micrometer microscope is an instrument used to measure the
displacement of any point in the x and y directions of a model during tests
with Begg’s deformeter.
UNIT – 4
1. What is meant by yield stress?
Most structural materials have under gradually increasing strain an
elastic and plastic stage.
Plastic stage mark the stage at which increased strain does not produce
in stress.
The stress consequent to stretching stabilize at a value is known as
yield stress.
Equilibrium condition
The summation of the forces and moments acting on a structure must
be equal to zero.
Plastic moment condition
The bending moment anywhere must not exceed the fully plastic
moment.
4. List out the shape factors for the rectangular, triangular, circular and
diamond section.
Rectangular section, S = 1.5
Triangular section, S = 2.346
Circular section, S = 1.697
Diamond section, S = 2
UNIT – 5
1. State the principle of super position of forces?
When a body is subjected to a number of external forces, the forces
are split up, and their effects are considered on individual sections. The
resulting deformation, of the body is equal to the algebraic sum of the
deformations of the individual sections. Such a principle of finding the
resultant deformation is called the principle of superposition.
11.Describe the uses of force method. What are the basic steps in the force
method to find internal forces in statically indeterminate structure?
With the advent of computers, matrix methods of solving structures
have become very popular. The behavior of a structure can largely be
defined by defining the force – displacement relationship in the form of a
matrix.
Steps:
Applying a force on the structure
Working out the internal forces and moments
Computing displacement (and rotations) at specific locations making
use of the values in the above step.
26.What are the types of structures that can be solved using stiffness
matrix method?
Structures such as simply supported, fixed beams and portal frames
can be solved using stiffness matrix method.
27.Give the formula for the size of the global stiffness matrix.
The size of the Global Stiffness Matrix (GSM) = number of nodes *
degrees of freedom per node.
28.List the properties of the stiffness matrix.
It is a square matrix and always it should be a square matrix.
It is a symmetric matrix
[𝑘] = [𝑘]𝑇
The sum of elements in any column must be equal to zero.
It is an unstable element therefore the determinant is equal to zero.
The order of stiffness is equal to the number of co – ordinates.
𝟐 −𝟏
32.If the flexibility matrix is given as[𝑭] = [ ]. Write the
−𝟏 𝟒
corresponding stiffness matrix.
1
𝑆𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑥 =
𝐹𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑥
(i.e.) [𝐾] = [𝐹]−1
2. Define Repair.
Repair is the process of restoring something that is damaged or
deteriorated or broken, to good condition.
3. Define Rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation is the process of returning a building or an area to its
previous good conditions.
18.What are the possible decisions that can be made after evaluating the
strength of a structure?
To permit deterioration to continue
To make measures to preserve the structure in its present condition
without strengthening
To strengthen the construction
If deterioration is exceptionally severe, to reconstruct or possibly
abandon it
UNIT – 2
1. How can you prevent the effect of freezing and thawing in concrete?
Concrete can be restricted from frost action, damage of the structure
by the entrainment of air. This entrainment of air is distributed through the
cement paste with spacing between bubbles of no more than about 0.4mm.
18.Define corrosion?
The gradual deterioration of concrete by chemically aggressive agent
is called “Corrosion”.
19.Give some examples for corrosion inhibitors?
Anodic inhibitors
Cathodic inhibitors
Mixed inhibitors
Dangerous & safe inhibitors
UNIT – 3
1. What is expansive cement?
A slight change in volume on drying is known as expansion with time
will prove to be advantage for grouting purpose. This type of cement which
suffers no overall change in volume on drying is known as “Expansive
cement”.
19.Define sealants.
Sealants are flexibilized polymeric materials which are used for two
purposes. They are,
To plug irregular gap between two rigid surfaces
To provide a dynamic bridge across the gap between two surfaces
3. What is Gunite?
Gunite can be defined as mortar conveyed through a hose and
pneumatically projected at a high velocity on to a surface.
6. What is shotcrete?
Shotcrete is a recent development on the similar principle of guniting
for achieving greater thickness with small coarse aggregate.
UNIT – 5
1. Define stitching.
The tensile strength of a cracked concrete section can be restored by
stitching in a manner similar to sewing cloth.
2. What do you mean by blanketing?
This is the simplest and most common technique for sealing cracks
and is applicable for sealing both fine pattern cracks and larger isolated. The
cracks should be dormant unless they are opened up enough to put in a
substantial pattern in which case the repair may be more properly termed as
“Blanketing”.
5. What is overlay?
Overlays may be used to restore a spelling or disintegrated surface or
to protect the existing concrete from the attack of aggressive agents.
Overlays used for this purpose include concrete or mortar, bituminous
compounds etc. Epoxies should be used to bond the overlays to the existing
concrete surface.
6. Give short note on Jacketing.
Jacketing consists of restoring or increasing the section of an existing
member by encasing it in a new concrete. This method is useful for
protection of section against further deterioration by providing additional to
in member.
9. Define grouting.
Grouting can be performed in a similar manner as the injection of an
epoxy. However the use of an epoxy is the better solution except where
considerations for the resistance of cold weather prevent such use in which
case grouting is the comparable alternative.
10.Give a short note on epoxy coatings.
These are organic compound which when activated with suitable
hardening agents form strong chemically resistant structures having
excellent adhesive properties. They are used as binders or adhesives to bond
new concrete patches to existing surfaces or hand together cracked portions.
Once hardened, this compound will not melt, flow or bleed. Care should be
taken to place the epoxy within the pot life period after mixing.