10+ S.M. Consultants Interview Questions and Answers

The minimum grade of concrete in an RCC structure should be M20.

• The minimum grade of concrete in an RCC structure is typically M20, which means the concrete mix has a compressive strength of 20 megapascals after 28 days.

• Higher grades of concrete such as M25, M30, M35, etc., can also be used depending on the structural requirements.

• The grade of concrete is specified in the structural design based on factors like the type of structure, load-bearing capacity, and environmental c...read more

The minimum % of steel in a RCC column is typically around 1% to 2%.

• The minimum % of steel in a RCC column is usually around 1% to 2% to provide adequate strength and reinforcement.

• The exact percentage may vary depending on the design requirements and load conditions.

• Using too little steel can compromise the structural integrity of the column, while using too much steel can lead to excessive costs.

• For example, a typical RCC column may have a steel reinforcement percentage of ...read more

To find the area of an irregular figure, break it down into simpler shapes and calculate their areas separately.

• Break down the irregular figure into simpler shapes like rectangles, triangles, circles, etc.

• Calculate the area of each simpler shape using the appropriate formula (e.g. area of a rectangle = length x width, area of a triangle = 0.5 x base x height).

• Add up the areas of all the simpler shapes to get the total area of the irregular figure.

The unit weight of steel is typically around 7850 kg/m^3.

• The unit weight of steel is commonly used in structural engineering to calculate the weight of steel members in a structure.

• The unit weight of steel is approximately 7850 kg/m^3, but can vary slightly depending on the specific type of steel.

• For example, the unit weight of stainless steel is around 7480 kg/m^3, while the unit weight of carbon steel is around 7850 kg/m^3.

The super-elevation of a district road with a 1000 m horizontal curve for a design speed of 75 km/h.

• Super-elevation is the banking of a road to counteract the centrifugal force on vehicles during a curve.

• The formula to calculate super-elevation is e = (v^2) / (g * r), where e is the super-elevation, v is the design speed in m/s, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and r is the radius of the curve.

• First, convert the design speed from km/h to m/s: 75 km/h = 20.83 m/s.

• Next, ca...read more

Reinforcement detailing is crucial for the stability and durability of a retaining wall.

• Reinforcement bars should be placed in both horizontal and vertical directions to resist lateral earth pressure.

• Proper spacing and cover requirements must be followed as per design specifications.

• Additional reinforcement like shear reinforcement or tie bars may be needed at specific locations.

• Examples: Using stirrups at regular intervals, providing dowels at the base of the wall for anchor...read more

Volume of earthwork in a road can be calculated using cross-sectional area and length of the road.

• Calculate the cross-sectional area of the road at regular intervals

• Measure the length of the road

• Multiply the cross-sectional area by the length to get the volume of earthwork

• For example, if the cross-sectional area is 100 square meters and the length of the road is 1 kilometer, the volume of earthwork would be 100 cubic meters

A beam is a horizontal or inclined structural member that carries loads perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, while a slab is a flat, horizontal structural element that is typically used in floors and roofs.

• Beams are used to support vertical loads, while slabs are used to support horizontal loads.

• Beams are typically deeper than they are wide, while slabs are typically wider than they are deep.

• Beams are often used in bridges, buildings, and other structures, while slabs are ...read more

Reinforcement detailing of a column involves specifying the size, spacing, and arrangement of steel bars to ensure structural strength.

• Specify the size and grade of reinforcement bars to be used

• Determine the spacing between the bars based on structural requirements

• Ensure proper cover to protect the reinforcement from corrosion

• Provide adequate lap lengths for splicing of bars

• Consider any special detailing requirements such as seismic design provisions

Reinforcement detailing of a chajja involves providing steel bars to support the overhanging structure.

• Chajja is a projecting eave or sunshade typically found in Indian architecture.

• Reinforcement detailing includes providing horizontal and vertical steel bars to support the chajja.

• The size and spacing of the steel bars are determined based on the load and span of the chajja.

• Proper anchoring of the steel bars into the main structure is crucial for structural stability.

Cover requirement for extreme condition is essential for structural integrity and safety.

• Ensure materials used can withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, or forces.

• Consider factors like seismic activity, wind loads, and snow loads in design.

• Include redundancy and fail-safe measures to prevent catastrophic failure.

• Regular inspections and maintenance to ensure continued performance under extreme conditions.

The area of a trapezium can be calculated by taking the average of the two parallel sides and multiplying it by the height.

• Find the length of the two parallel sides of the trapezium.

• Determine the height of the trapezium, which is the perpendicular distance between the two parallel sides.

• Use the formula: Area = (a + b) * h / 2, where a and b are the lengths of the parallel sides and h is the height.

The deflection angle of a transcurve is the angle between the tangent lines at the beginning and end of the curve.

• The deflection angle of a transcurve is typically denoted by delta (Δ).

• It is the angle formed between the tangent lines at the beginning and end of the curve.

• The deflection angle is used in civil engineering for designing curved roads, railways, and other infrastructure.

• It helps in determining the curvature and alignment of the curve for smooth and safe transporta...read more

Design steps for a column include determining load requirements, selecting materials, calculating dimensions, and creating a detailed drawing.

• Determine load requirements based on the intended use of the column

• Select appropriate materials based on load requirements and aesthetic preferences

• Calculate dimensions of the column based on load requirements and material properties

• Create a detailed drawing of the column design, including all necessary dimensions and specifications

SFD and BMD for an overhanging beam

• Determine the reactions at the supports

• Draw the SFD by taking sections and finding the net force

• Draw the BMD by taking sections and finding the net moment

• Account for any point loads or moments

• Check for equilibrium at each section

Zero correction in post-tensioning refers to the adjustment made to the prestressing force to account for the elongation of the tendons.

• Zero correction compensates for the elongation of the tendons due to the relaxation of steel and creep of concrete.

• It ensures that the desired prestressing force is achieved after the relaxation of the tendons.

• The correction is calculated based on the initial elongation of the tendons and the expected relaxation.

• For example, if the initial el...read more

Strength of concrete refers to its ability to withstand loads or stresses without breaking or deforming.

• Strength of concrete is typically measured in terms of compressive strength, which is the maximum load it can bear before failure.

• Factors affecting concrete strength include water-cement ratio, curing conditions, aggregate quality, and admixtures.

• Concrete with higher strength is often used in structural applications like bridges, high-rise buildings, and dams.

• Commonly used ...read more