1000+ Civil Site Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

The minimum grade of concrete used in R.C.C. works is M20.

• R.C.C. stands for Reinforced Cement Concrete.

• M20 grade concrete has a compressive strength of 20 N/mm² after 28 days of curing.

• The minimum grade of concrete used in R.C.C. works may vary depending on the structural requirements.

• Higher grades of concrete are used for structures that require higher strength and durability.

• Lower grades of concrete may be used for non-structural elements like paving and landscaping.

• The mix...read more

Approximately 278 tiles will be required for the 10x10 feet room.

• Convert the room dimensions to the same unit as the tile size.

• Calculate the area of the room.

• Divide the room area by the tile area to get the number of tiles required.

• Round up the result to the nearest whole number.

If M50 concrete cube test result is below 100%, next procedure is to investigate the cause and take corrective measures.

• Check if the mix design was correct and if the materials used were of good quality.

• Inspect the curing process and ensure it was done properly.

• Consider conducting additional tests like rebound hammer test or ultrasonic pulse velocity test to assess the strength of the concrete.

• Take corrective measures like increasing the cement content, improving the curing p...read more

Plastering is a process of covering rough surfaces of walls, columns, ceilings, etc. with a smooth finish.

• The thickness of plastering varies depending on the surface to be covered and the type of plaster used.

• The most common type of plastering done at site is cement plastering.

• In my past construction work, I have supervised the plastering work and ensured that the thickness and quality of plastering are as per the specifications.

• Questions on plastering may include types of pl...read more

The development length for M25 concrete and Fe 500 steel is determined based on various factors.

• Development length is the length of reinforcement required to transfer the stress between the concrete and steel.

• It depends on the bond strength between concrete and steel, concrete cover, and the diameter of the steel bar.

• For M25 concrete and Fe 500 steel, the development length can be calculated using empirical formulas or as per design codes.

• The development length ensures that t...read more

Civil engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure.

• Civil engineering involves the planning, design, and construction of buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other structures.

• It encompasses various sub-disciplines such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering.

• Civil engineers use principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science t...read more

The minimum thickness of grade slab depends on the load it will bear and the soil conditions.

• The thickness of the grade slab should be determined by a structural engineer.

• It should be thick enough to support the weight of the structure and any additional loads.

• The soil conditions should also be taken into consideration when determining the thickness.

• For example, if the soil is soft or unstable, a thicker slab may be required.

• The minimum thickness of the grade slab can vary fr...read more

The process of covering concrete placed on the exposed top of an external wall involves several steps.

• Clean the surface of the concrete to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.

• Apply a primer or bonding agent to enhance the adhesion of the covering material.

• Choose a suitable covering material such as paint, plaster, tiles, or cladding.

• Prepare the covering material according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Apply the covering material evenly and smoothly over the concrete surface...read more

Mix design is the process of determining the proportions of ingredients to be used in concrete or asphalt.

• Mix design ensures the desired strength and durability of the construction material.

• It takes into account factors such as the type of aggregate, cement, water, and admixtures.

• Mix design is used in various construction projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, and dams.

• For example, a mix design for a high-rise building may differ from that of a bridge due to different re...read more

Construction joints and expansion joints are used in construction to accommodate movement, but they serve different purposes.

• Construction joints are used to separate different sections of a structure that are poured at different times.

• Expansion joints are used to allow for the expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature changes.

• Construction joints are typically formed by placing a keyway or dowel between the two sections to provide load transfer.

• Expansion joints...read more

Work progress to timely complete target involves planning, monitoring, and adjusting activities to ensure timely completion.

• Develop a detailed project schedule with clear milestones and deadlines

• Regularly monitor and track progress against the schedule

• Identify potential delays or issues and take proactive measures to address them

• Allocate resources effectively to ensure tasks are completed on time

• Regularly communicate with the project team to ensure everyone is aware of the pr...read more

The lapping zone in beams, columns, and slabs is the area where reinforcement bars overlap to ensure structural integrity.

• Lapping zone is typically located at the ends of beams, columns, and slabs.

• It is necessary to provide sufficient overlap of reinforcement bars to transfer loads effectively.

• The length of the lapping zone depends on the design requirements and the diameter of the reinforcement bars.

• Lapping helps in maintaining continuity of reinforcement and prevents struct...read more

Different types of slabs include one-way slab, two-way slab, flat slab, waffle slab, and ribbed slab.

• One-way slab is supported on two opposite sides and is designed to bend in only one direction.

• Two-way slab is supported on all four sides and is designed to bend in two directions.

• Flat slab is a two-way reinforced concrete slab that does not have beams and is supported directly by columns.

• Waffle slab is a two-way slab with a grid of ribs on the underside, creating a waffle-lik...read more

To calculate the weight of an 8mm diameter steel rod, use the formula: weight = volume x density.

• Calculate the volume of the rod using the formula: volume = π x (diameter/2)^2 x length

• Find the density of steel, which is typically around 7850 kg/m^3

• Multiply the volume by the density to get the weight of the rod

Extra bars in beams should be provided at locations of high bending moments or where additional reinforcement is required.

• Extra bars should be provided at supports and near the mid-span of the beam where bending moments are highest.

• Additional reinforcement may be required at locations where concentrated loads or point loads are applied.

• Extra bars should also be provided at locations where there are openings or cutouts in the beam.

• In seismic zones, extra bars should be provide...read more

A site engineer is responsible for overseeing construction projects and ensuring they are completed according to plans and specifications. A supervisor is a higher-level position that manages and coordinates the work of site engineers and other construction personnel.

• Site engineer: responsible for overseeing construction projects, ensuring compliance with plans and specifications

• Supervisor: higher-level position that manages and coordinates the work of site engineers and othe...read more

The formula for cutting length of stirrup is 2L + 2B + 10D, and weight of 1m steel of dia 12mm is 0.888 kg.

• Cutting length of stirrup formula: 2L + 2B + 10D

• Weight of 1m steel of dia 12mm: 0.888 kg

• L = Length of the stirrup

• B = Breadth of the stirrup

• D = Diameter of the stirrup

The lapping location for top and bottom bars of a beam is typically at the mid-span of the beam.

• The lapping location is where two reinforcement bars are overlapped and connected to ensure continuity and strength in the beam.

• For top bars, the lapping location is usually at the mid-span of the beam, where the bending moment is maximum.

• For bottom bars, the lapping location is also at the mid-span of the beam, but it can vary depending on the design and structural requirements.

• Th...read more

Water leakage can be controlled through various methods and techniques.

• Identify the source of the leakage and repair it

• Apply waterproofing materials to surfaces prone to leakage

• Install proper drainage systems to redirect water away from structures

• Regularly inspect and maintain plumbing systems

• Use water-resistant construction materials

• Implement effective landscaping techniques to prevent water accumulation near structures

The least count of an Auto level is the smallest measurement that can be read. Auto levels are used for leveling and measuring heights.

• The least count of an Auto level is usually 0.5 mm

• Auto levels are used for leveling and measuring heights of different points on a site

• They are used to determine the difference in height between two points

• Auto levels are also used to establish a horizontal line of sight

• They are commonly used in construction and surveying

Concrete grades indicate the strength and mix ratio of concrete, essential for structural integrity in construction.

• Concrete grades are classified by their compressive strength, e.g., M20, M25, M30.

• M20 concrete has a mix ratio of 1:1.5:3 (Cement: Sand: Aggregate).

• Higher grades like M30 require a mix ratio of 1:1:2.

• The grade affects the load-bearing capacity of structures.

• Different grades are used for different applications, e.g., M25 for residential buildings.

Key checks for structures include assessing material quality, alignment, and structural integrity to ensure safety and durability.

• Check plaster for cracks and adhesion to ensure a smooth finish and durability.

• Inspect brickwork for alignment, bonding, and any signs of moisture damage.

• Examine columns for vertical alignment and any signs of buckling or cracking.

• Assess walls for plumbness, levelness, and any visible defects or moisture issues.

• Evaluate beams for deflection, cracks...read more

The minimum use diameter of bar in a column depends on various factors such as load, column size, and design requirements.

• The minimum use diameter of bar in a column is determined by the structural engineer during the design phase.

• It is influenced by the load that the column will bear and the size of the column.

• The design requirements, such as the desired strength and durability of the column, also play a role in determining the minimum bar diameter.

• The minimum use diameter o...read more

To check waterproofing area, follow these procedures

• Inspect the surface for cracks or gaps

• Ensure proper slope for drainage

• Apply primer before waterproofing

• Use appropriate waterproofing material

• Check for leaks after application

• Perform regular maintenance

• Examples: bituminous coating, polyurethane coating, cementitious coating

Construction joints are prepared to allow for the placement of concrete in stages.

• Clean the surface of the existing concrete before placing new concrete.

• Apply a bonding agent to the surface of the existing concrete.

• Place a form at the joint location to contain the new concrete.

• Install dowels or other reinforcement as needed.

• Pour the new concrete into the form and finish as desired.

• Remove the form after the concrete has cured.

• Apply a joint sealant to the joint to prevent water...read more

Pipe laying, sewer networking, and road restoration are essential tasks for civil site engineers.

• Pipe laying involves the installation of pipes for water supply, drainage, and sewage systems.

• Sewer networking involves connecting pipes to create a network for the transportation of sewage and wastewater.

• Road restoration involves repairing and maintaining roads and pavements that have been damaged due to construction work.

• Civil site engineers are responsible for ensuring that the...read more

The depth of bore pile is decided based on soil investigation report and load-bearing capacity of soil.

• Soil investigation report helps to determine the soil type and its load-bearing capacity.

• The load-bearing capacity of soil is determined by conducting Standard Penetration Test (SPT) or Cone Penetration Test (CPT).

• The depth of bore pile is decided based on the load-bearing capacity of soil and the design load of the structure.

• Factors like groundwater level, presence of rock ...read more