Fichtner Consulting Engineers Site Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

Rolling margin is a financial term that refers to the difference between the revenue generated and the variable costs incurred over a specific period of time.

• Rolling margin is used to measure the profitability of a business or project.

• It helps in assessing the efficiency of operations and identifying areas for cost reduction.

• The formula for calculating rolling margin is: (Revenue - Variable Costs) / Revenue * 100.

• For e...read more

If the site quantity differs from the drawing quantity, I will take the following steps to address the issue.

• I will review the drawings and specifications to ensure accuracy.

• I will communicate with the project team, including the architect and engineer, to clarify any discrepancies.

• I will conduct a site visit to physically verify the quantities and compare them with the drawings.

• If there are significant differences, I ...read more

Reconciliation of steel involves comparing the actual quantity of steel used in a construction project with the estimated quantity.

• Reconciliation of steel is a process used in construction projects to ensure that the actual quantity of steel used matches the estimated quantity.

• It involves comparing the quantity of steel recorded in the project's documentation, such as drawings and specifications, with the quantity of s...read more

BBS stands for Bar Bending Schedule, which is a detailed list of reinforcement bars in a concrete element.

• BBS is prepared based on the structural drawings and specifications.

• It includes the diameter, length, shape, and number of reinforcement bars required for the element.

• BBS helps in estimating the quantity of steel required and also ensures the correct placement of reinforcement bars.

• It is an essential document for t...read more

Rate analysis is done by breaking down the cost of each item in a construction project to determine the overall cost.

• Rate analysis involves breaking down the cost of each item in a construction project.

• The cost of materials, labor, and equipment is analyzed to determine the overall cost.

• Quantities of each item are measured and multiplied by their respective rates to calculate the cost.

• Rate analysis helps in estimating ...read more

Margin for OH & Profits in rate analysis is the additional amount added to cover overhead costs and generate profit.

• Margin for OH & Profits is added to the direct cost of a project to cover indirect costs and generate profit.

• It is usually expressed as a percentage of the direct cost.

• The margin for OH & Profits varies depending on the nature of the project and market conditions.

• For example, if the direct cost of a proje...read more

The wastage percentage for reinforcement steel varies depending on factors such as project complexity and workmanship.

• Wastage percentage for reinforcement steel is typically estimated between 2-5%.

• Factors such as project complexity, workmanship, and site conditions can affect the wastage percentage.

• Proper planning, accurate cutting, and careful handling can help minimize wastage.

• Examples of wastage include incorrect cu...read more

The code for structural steel is typically governed by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) while reinforced steel is governed by the American Concrete Institute (ACI).

• Structural steel is commonly used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures.

• The AISC provides standards and guidelines for the design, fabrication, and erection of structural steel.

• Reinforced steel, also known as reba...read more

Layout of combined cycle power plant with different structures and components.

• Combined cycle power plant consists of gas turbine, heat recovery steam generator, and steam turbine.

• Gas turbine generates electricity by burning natural gas or oil.

• Heat recovery steam generator recovers waste heat from gas turbine exhaust and generates steam.

• Steam turbine generates additional electricity using the steam produced by heat reco...read more

Designing machine foundation for gas turbine involves several factors and types of foundations.

• Factors to consider include soil type, turbine size and weight, seismic activity, and environmental conditions.

• Types of foundations include block, pile, and raft foundations.

• Block foundations are suitable for smaller turbines on stable soil.

• Pile foundations are used for larger turbines or unstable soil.

• Raft foundations are us...read more

Ductile detailing for beam, column, and foundation involves following IS codes and ensuring proper reinforcement placement.

• For beams, IS 13920 is followed and reinforcement is placed at the bottom of the beam.

• For columns, IS 13920 and IS 456 are followed and reinforcement is placed in a spiral pattern.

• For foundations, IS 13920 and IS 2911 are followed and reinforcement is placed in a specific pattern based on the type ...read more

Pile foundations are used to transfer loads from structures to soil. Different types include driven piles, bored piles, and screw piles.

• Driven piles are installed by hammering or vibrating them into the ground.

• Bored piles are created by drilling a hole and then filling it with concrete and steel reinforcement.

• Screw piles are twisted into the ground using a hydraulic motor.

• Design considerations include soil type, load c...read more

Shear walls are designed to resist lateral forces. Detailing includes reinforcement placement and anchorage.

• Design shear walls based on the building code requirements and structural analysis.

• Select appropriate materials and thickness for the shear wall.

• Detail the reinforcement placement and anchorage to ensure proper load transfer.

• Provide adequate boundary elements and openings for ducts and pipes.

• Consider seismic and ...read more

I have experience with various software for structural analysis.

• STAAD.Pro

• SAP2000

• ETABS

• ANSYS

• AutoCAD Structural Detailing

To model raft foundation or shear wall in finite element method, one needs to follow certain steps.

• First, create a 3D model of the foundation or wall using a CAD software.

• Next, import the model into a finite element analysis software.

• Define the material properties and boundary conditions.

• Mesh the model to create finite elements.

• Solve the model to obtain the stresses and displacements.

• Finally, analyze the results and ma...read more

Water retaining structures are designed as per IS code and crack width is limited to ensure safety.

• Design of water retaining structures involves determining the loads, selecting materials, and ensuring stability.

• IS 3370 is the code used for design of water retaining structures in India.

• The crack width for water retaining structures is limited to 0.2 mm to ensure safety and prevent leakage.

• Various types of water retaini...read more

Yes, I have worked with both American and British codes.

• I have experience working with the International Building Code (IBC) which is based on American codes.

• I have also worked with British Standards (BS) such as BS 5950 for structural steel design.

• I am familiar with the differences between the two codes and can adapt accordingly.

Different load combinations for RCC and Steel structures.

• Load combinations for RCC structures include dead load, live load, wind load, earthquake load, and temperature load.

• Load combinations for Steel structures include dead load, live load, wind load, earthquake load, temperature load, and snow load.

• Load combinations are determined based on the design codes and standards applicable to the project.

• The load combinations...read more

Yes, I have extensive experience in site inspections and creating progress and quality reports.

• I have conducted site inspections for various projects in my previous roles.

• I am proficient in creating detailed progress and quality reports based on my observations during site inspections.

• I have also implemented corrective actions based on the findings of my inspections to ensure project success.

• For example, in my previous...read more

To draw a bending moment and shear force diagram for a portal frame with lateral force and UDL.

• Calculate the reactions at the supports

• Determine the shear force and bending moment at each section

• Plot the shear force and bending moment diagrams

• Identify the maximum shear force and bending moment

• Consider the sign conventions for shear force and bending moment

• Use appropriate software or tools for accurate results

Rate analysis is the process of determining the unit cost of a particular item or activity in a construction project.

• Identify the item or activity to be analyzed

• Determine the quantity of materials and labor required

• Calculate the cost of materials and labor

• Add overhead costs and profit margin

• Divide the total cost by the quantity to get the unit rate

• Compare the rate with market rates to ensure competitiveness

Components to be considered in Rate analysis

• Cost of materials

• Cost of labor

• Cost of equipment

• Overhead expenses

• Profit margin

• Taxes and duties

• Transportation costs

• Wastage and spoilage

• Contingencies

• Productivity rates

• Market rates

• Inflation rates

The documents required to certify the final bill as a Quantity Surveyor.

• Contract documents

• Measurement records

• Variation orders

• Payment certificates

• Final account statement

• As-built drawings

• Completion certificates

• Test reports

• Subcontractor invoices

• Material invoices