20+ Assistant Highway Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

The maximum speed of paver during DBM laying should be around 2-3 km/h to ensure proper compaction and quality of the road surface.

• The maximum speed of the paver should be controlled to allow for proper compaction of the DBM layer.

• Excessive speed can lead to inadequate compaction, resulting in a weaker road surface and potential future issues.

• A speed of 2-3 km/h is generally recommended for DBM laying to achieve optimal compaction and quality.

• It is important for the operator ...read more

I have experience working with various pavers including Caterpillar, Volvo, and Dynapac.

• I have used Caterpillar pavers on a highway resurfacing project in my previous job.

• I have also worked with Volvo pavers on a bridge construction project.

• Dynapac pavers were used on a road widening project that I was a part of.

• I am familiar with the features and capabilities of each of these pavers.

The maximum camber in the superelevation portion of a highway is the maximum slope or tilt of the road surface.

• Camber is the slope provided to the road surface to counteract the centrifugal force acting on vehicles during turns.

• Superelevation is the banking of the road at curves to allow vehicles to safely negotiate the turn at higher speeds.

• The maximum camber in the superelevation portion is determined by various factors such as design speed, curve radius, and vehicle charac...read more

DVIR stands for Driver Vehicle Inspection Report, used for vehicle safety checks and compliance in transportation.

• DVIR is crucial for ensuring vehicle safety and compliance with regulations.

• It helps identify maintenance needs before they become serious issues.

• Example: A driver notes a broken tail light in the DVIR, prompting immediate repair.

• DVIRs are often required by law for commercial vehicles to ensure road safety.

• They serve as a record for inspections, aiding in accounta...read more

The width of a 4-lane highway can vary, but it is typically around 60 to 80 feet.

• The width of a 4-lane highway depends on various factors such as traffic volume, design standards, and available space.

• In urban areas, the width can be narrower, around 60 to 70 feet, while in rural areas it can be wider, around 70 to 80 feet.

• Additional width may be required for shoulders, medians, and barriers.

• Specific design guidelines and regulations determine the exact width of a 4-lane highw...read more

Crossfall, height of embankment, and type of stability are important factors in highway engineering.

• Crossfall refers to the slope of the road surface from the centerline to the edge of the road.

• The height of the embankment is the vertical distance between the road surface and the natural ground level.

• Stability can refer to the stability of the embankment itself, as well as the stability of the road surface on top of the embankment.

• Factors that affect stability include soil ty...read more

Highways are typically composed of multiple layers to ensure durability and stability.

• Highway layers include subgrade, subbase, base, and surface layers.

• Subgrade is the natural soil or rock beneath the highway.

• Subbase layer is added to improve the strength and stability of the subgrade.

• Base layer provides additional strength and support to the pavement structure.

• Surface layer is the topmost layer that provides smoothness and skid resistance.

• Different materials like asphalt, c...read more

PQC laying refers to the process of laying a Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) layer on a highway.

• Prepare the subgrade by compacting and leveling the surface.

• Place a layer of granular sub-base material and compact it.

• Construct the edge forms to define the boundaries of the PQC.

• Pour the PQC mix onto the prepared surface and spread it evenly.

• Use a paver machine or manual methods to level and compact the PQC.

• Cure the PQC by applying water or curing compounds.

• Ensure proper jointing...read more

The laying temperature for DBM (Dense Bituminous Macadam) typically ranges from 140 to 160 degrees Celsius.

• Laying temperature for DBM is crucial for achieving proper compaction and bonding of the material.

• The temperature range of 140-160 degrees Celsius ensures that the DBM is workable and can be compacted effectively.

• Excessive heat can lead to premature cooling and inadequate compaction, while lower temperatures may result in poor bonding and durability.

• It is important to mo...read more

The maximum speed of a compactor varies depending on the type and model, but typically ranges from 2 to 6 miles per hour.

• The maximum speed of a compactor is usually between 2 to 6 miles per hour.

• The speed can vary based on the type of compactor (e.g. vibratory, smooth drum) and the model.

• Higher speed compactors are often used for larger projects where efficiency is key.

• Lower speed compactors are used for more precise compaction in smaller areas.

Median opening locations are designated points on highways for safe access to and from adjacent properties.

• Located at intervals to minimize traffic disruption.

• Commonly found near intersections or traffic signals.

• Examples include openings for gas stations or shopping centers.

• Designed to enhance safety by providing controlled access.

The bitumen percentage in Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) typically ranges from 5-7%.

• Bitumen percentage in DBM is usually around 5-7%

• The exact percentage may vary based on the specific mix design and project requirements

• Higher bitumen content provides better durability and resistance to weathering

• Lower bitumen content may result in a more rigid mix but may be prone to cracking

• Proper testing and quality control measures are essential to ensure the correct bitumen percentage

Soil bearing can be improved by various methods.

• Compaction of soil

• Adding stabilizers like lime, cement, or fly ash

• Preloading the soil with a heavy load for a period of time

• Improving drainage to prevent water accumulation

• Using geotextiles or geogrids to reinforce the soil

• Modifying the soil with chemical agents like sodium silicate or calcium chloride

The stages in DPR of a road project include survey and investigation, planning and design, preparation of estimates, approval, and construction.

• Survey and investigation to gather data on existing conditions

• Planning and design to determine alignment, cross-section, and other details

• Preparation of estimates for cost analysis

• Approval from relevant authorities

• Construction phase to execute the project

Dowel bars are used in PQC to transfer load and prevent faulting in joints.

• Dowel bars help in transferring loads between adjacent slabs, reducing stresses at joints

• They prevent faulting by maintaining alignment and load transfer across joints

• Improves overall performance and durability of the pavement

• Commonly made of steel or fiberglass materials

Superelevation is the banking of a road or railway track around a curve to counteract the effects of centrifugal force.

• Superelevation is the tilt or slope provided to the outer edge of a road or railway track on a curve.

• It helps vehicles or trains to navigate the curve at higher speeds safely by counteracting the centrifugal force.

• The amount of superelevation required depends on factors like design speed, curve radius, and friction between tires/wheels and road surface.

• Excess...read more

Soil stabilizer is a chemical or mechanical additive used to improve the properties of soil.

• Soil stabilizers can improve soil strength, durability, and resistance to erosion.

• Chemical stabilizers include lime, cement, and asphalt emulsions.

• Mechanical stabilizers include geotextiles and grids.

• Soil stabilizers are commonly used in road construction and building foundations.