30+ Civil Engineer-Highway/Roadway Interview Questions and Answers

Questions related to railway engineering including rail length, types, bitumen ductility, sleepers, and load carrying capacity.

• The length of one rail is typically around 13 meters.

• There are several types of rails used in India including 60kg, 52kg, and 90R.

• Bitumen is a highly ductile material commonly used in road construction.

• There are approximately 26 sleepers in a 13m rail.

• Rails carry various loads when trains are running including the weight of the train itself and any ca...read more

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

Aggregate impact testing is a method to determine the toughness of aggregates used in road construction.

• It involves dropping a metal hammer on a sample of aggregate and measuring the amount of fragmentation.

• The apparatus used in this testing includes an impact testing machine, a cylindrical measure, a tamping rod, and a balance.

• The impact testing machine consists of a metal base, a vertical guide, and a hammer of weight 13.5 to 14 kg.

• The cylindrical measure is filled with agg...read more

The amount of lime in cement varies depending on the type of cement being used.

• The lime content in cement is typically expressed as a percentage of the total cement mass.

• Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) generally contains around 5-10% lime.

• However, different types of cement, such as sulfate-resistant cement or low-heat cement, may have varying lime content.

• The lime content affects the setting time, strength, and durability of the cement.

• Excessive lime content can lead to delaye...read more

The total thickness of the subgrade layer can be prepared using either 3 layers of 150, 150, and 200 mm or 2 layers of 250 mm each.

• The subgrade layer refers to the natural soil or compacted fill material beneath the pavement.

• The total thickness of the subgrade layer is important for determining the overall pavement design.

• The choice between using 3 layers or 2 layers depends on factors such as soil conditions, traffic loads, and design specifications.

• For example, if the soil ...read more

Yes, I have knowledge related to IS 456 and IS 516.

• IS 456 is the code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete in construction.

• IS 516 is the method of tests for strength of concrete.

• I am familiar with the requirements and specifications outlined in both IS 456 and IS 516.

• I have applied these standards in my previous projects, ensuring the quality and durability of the structures.

A 2/4 lane road section consists of multiple layers including subgrade, subbase, base, and surface. It has a camber in superelevation on both sides and requires filter media. The SBC in foundation depends on the soil type and location.

• A 2/4 lane road section typically consists of subgrade, subbase, base, and surface layers.

• The camber in superelevation on both sides helps to provide a smooth transition for vehicles traveling at high speeds.

• Filter media is used to prevent the s...read more

The maximum and minimum size of soil for subgrade top depends on the type of soil and its properties.

• The maximum size of soil for subgrade top should not exceed one-third of the thickness of the layer.

• The minimum size of soil for subgrade top should be at least 75% of the maximum size.

• The soil should be well-graded and have good bearing capacity.

• The type of soil and its properties should be considered when determining the maximum and minimum size.

• For example, sandy soils may ...read more

Centrifugal force is the apparent force that acts outward on a body moving in a curved path.

• Centrifugal force is not a real force but rather a perceived force due to inertia.

• It is experienced when an object moves in a curved path and feels like it is being pushed away from the center of the curve.

• The magnitude of centrifugal force depends on the mass of the object, its velocity, and the radius of the curve.

• Centrifugal force is often encountered in transportation engineering, ...read more

Stress strain diagram of mild steel shows the relationship between stress and strain during the deformation process.

• The diagram has two parts: elastic and plastic.

• In the elastic region, stress is proportional to strain.

• In the plastic region, stress increases with strain but without any increase in strain.

• The yield point is the point where plastic deformation begins.

• The ultimate strength is the maximum stress that the material can withstand.

• The fracture point is the point wher...read more

The use of maximum and minimum size soil in highway/roadway construction.

• The maximum size soil of 50mm is used to provide stability and strength to the road surface.

• The minimum size of 2mm is used to fill the voids between the larger soil particles.

• This helps to prevent water from seeping into the road surface and causing damage.

• The use of specific soil sizes is important for ensuring the longevity and durability of the road.

• Other factors such as soil type, compaction, and dr...read more

Tongue rail is a movable rail that guides the wheel flanges of a train, while stock rail is a fixed rail that supports the weight of the train.

• Tongue rail is also known as switch rail or point rail.

• Stock rail is also known as running rail or mainline rail.

• Tongue rail is usually shorter than stock rail.

• Tongue rail is designed to move and guide the train onto the desired track, while stock rail supports the weight of the train.

• Tongue rail is often made of softer steel than stoc...read more

Bridges consist of several components that work together to support the weight of the structure and the traffic it carries.

• Foundation: supports the weight of the bridge and transfers it to the ground

• Substructure: includes piers, abutments, and other supporting elements

• Superstructure: includes the deck, girders, and other components that support the roadway

• Deck: the surface on which vehicles travel

• Parapets: walls or barriers that prevent vehicles from falling off the bridge

• Exp...read more

Steel shape is round for better load distribution and we use steel in structures for its strength and durability.

• Round shape of steel distributes load evenly, reducing stress concentrations

• Steel has high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for structures

• Steel is durable and resistant to corrosion, making it a long-lasting material

• Examples of steel structures include bridges, skyscrapers, and stadiums

A load distributed system of rail is a system where the weight of the train is spread out over multiple axles.

• The weight of the train is distributed over multiple axles to prevent damage to the tracks.

• This system is commonly used in heavy haul rail transport.

• The load distribution is achieved through the use of bogies, which are sets of wheels that are attached to a frame.

• The bogies allow the weight of the train to be spread out over a larger area, reducing the pressure on the...read more

GSB, WMM, DBM, BC are different types of materials used in road construction.

• GSB stands for Granular Sub Base and is the lowest layer of the road construction.

• WMM stands for Wet Mix Macadam and is used as a base layer for the road.

• DBM stands for Dense Bituminous Macadam and is used as a binder course layer.

• BC stands for Bituminous Concrete and is the topmost layer of the road.

• The selection of these materials depends on factors like traffic volume, climate, and soil type.

Superelevation is the banking or tilting of a roadway on a curve to counteract the centrifugal force.

• Superelevation is used to increase the safety and comfort of vehicles traveling on curved roadways.

• It involves raising the outer edge of the road higher than the inner edge to create a sloping surface.

• The amount of superelevation required depends on factors such as design speed, curve radius, and vehicle characteristics.

• Superelevation is typically expressed as a percentage, re...read more

The unit weight of steel refers to the weight of a given volume of steel material.

• The unit weight of steel is typically measured in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

• The specific unit weight of steel can vary depending on the type and grade of steel being used.

• For example, the unit weight of mild steel is approximately 490 pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) or 7850 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

• On the other hand, the unit weight of stainless ...read more

Sleepers are structural elements used in railway tracks to support the rails and distribute the load.

• Sleepers provide stability and alignment to the railway tracks.

• They help in distributing the load from the trains to the underlying ballast.

• Sleepers also help in maintaining the gauge of the tracks.

• They absorb vibrations and reduce noise generated by the trains.

• Common types of sleepers include wooden, concrete, and steel sleepers.

Expensive gap refers to the difference in cost between the lowest and highest bids for a construction project.

• It is a common occurrence in the bidding process for construction projects.

• The gap can be significant and can impact the decision-making process for awarding the contract.

• Factors that can contribute to an expensive gap include market conditions, project complexity, and contractor availability.

• For example, if the lowest bid for a project is $1 million and the highest b...read more

Gap graded soil is a type of soil that has a wide range of particle sizes with little or no intermediate-sized particles.

• Gap graded soil has poor compaction characteristics and low permeability.

• It is commonly found in areas with high erosion rates such as river banks and hillsides.

• Examples of gap graded soil include gravelly soils and sandy soils with large void spaces.

• It requires special attention during construction to ensure proper compaction and stability.

• Gap graded soil ...read more

Formation width is the width of the prepared surface of the subgrade and the base course of a road or highway.

• Formation width is the width of the prepared surface of the subgrade and the base course of a road or highway.

• It is the width of the foundation of the road or highway.

• It is important to ensure that the formation width is sufficient to support the weight of the traffic that will use the road or highway.

• The formation width can vary depending on the type of road or highw...read more

Crown is the slope given to the surface of a road or highway to allow for proper drainage.

• Crown is the highest point of the road surface, usually at the centerline.

• It is designed to allow water to drain off the road surface and prevent pooling.

• The slope of the crown depends on the road's width and the amount of rainfall in the area.

• Crown is important for safety as it reduces the risk of hydroplaning and improves visibility.

• Improper crown can lead to water damage, potholes, an...read more

PQC stands for Pavement Quality Concrete. It is a type of concrete used for road construction.

• PQC is a high-quality concrete mix used for the top layer of road construction.

• It is designed to provide a smooth and durable surface for vehicles to travel on.

• PQC is typically used for highways, airports, and other high-traffic areas.

• It is made with a higher strength and lower water-cement ratio than regular concrete.

• PQC is also known as Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP).

There are different types of cement grades used in construction, each with specific properties and applications.

• Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is the most commonly used cement grade.

• Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) contains pozzolanic materials like fly ash, which enhances its strength and durability.

• Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC) gains strength quickly and is used in situations where early strength is required.

• Low Heat Cement (LHC) generates less heat during hydration and is su...read more

Types of foundation include shallow, deep, and pile foundations.

• Shallow foundations are used when the soil is strong enough to support the structure's load, such as spread footings and mat foundations.

• Deep foundations are used when the soil is weak or unstable, such as pile foundations and drilled shafts.

• Pile foundations are deep foundations that transfer the load to deeper, more competent soil or rock layers, such as driven piles and drilled piles.

Superelevation is the banking of a roadway on a curve to counteract the centrifugal force acting on a vehicle.

• Superelevation is also known as banked curve or cant.

• It is used to increase the speed of vehicles on curved roads.

• The amount of superelevation required depends on the design speed of the road and the radius of the curve.

• Superelevation is achieved by raising the outer edge of the road and lowering the inner edge.

• It is important to ensure that the superelevation is cons...read more

Comper is not a term used in civil engineering. It may be a misspelling or a term used in a different field.

• Comper is not a term used in civil engineering

• It may be a misspelling or a term used in a different field

• Without more context, it is difficult to provide a specific answer

DBM laying procedure involves preparation of subgrade, spreading of DBM mix, compaction and finishing.

• Subgrade preparation involves removing any loose soil or debris and compacting the surface.

• DBM mix is then spread over the subgrade in layers and compacted using a roller.

• The thickness of each layer depends on the design specifications and traffic volume.

• The final layer is finished using a paver to achieve a smooth surface.

• Curing is done for a minimum of 7 days before the roa...read more

CBR test is a measure of soil strength and bearing capacity.

• CBR stands for California Bearing Ratio.

• It is a penetration test that measures the strength of soil and its ability to bear loads.

• The test involves compacting soil into a mold and measuring the force required to penetrate it with a plunger.

• The ratio of the force required to penetrate the soil to the force required to penetrate a standard material is the CBR value.

• CBR values are used to design pavement thickness and d...read more

Staging refers to the process of dividing a construction project into smaller parts or stages.

• Staging helps in better project management and reduces the risk of delays and cost overruns.

• Types of staging include linear staging, concurrent staging, and phased staging.

• Linear staging involves completing one section of the project before moving on to the next.

• Concurrent staging involves working on multiple sections of the project simultaneously.

• Phased staging involves completing t...read more

Fly ash is added to improve the strength and durability of concrete.

• Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion and is rich in silica, alumina, and calcium oxide.

• It reacts with calcium hydroxide in the presence of water to form additional cementitious compounds, improving the strength and durability of concrete.

• It also reduces the amount of cement needed in concrete, making it more sustainable and cost-effective.

• Fly ash is commonly used in highway and roadway construction to im...read more

Tests of aggregate in civil engineering are important to ensure quality and durability of roadways.

• Aggregate tests include sieve analysis, specific gravity, absorption, and abrasion resistance.

• Sieve analysis determines the particle size distribution of the aggregate.

• Specific gravity measures the density of the aggregate compared to water.

• Absorption measures the amount of water absorbed by the aggregate.

• Abrasion resistance measures the ability of the aggregate to resist wear a...read more