100+ Civil Site Engineer Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

The consumption per floor material varies depending on the design and specifications of the project.

• The amount of steel required per floor depends on the design and load-bearing capacity of the structure.

• The quantity of shuttering material needed per floor depends on the size and shape of the floor slab.

• The consumption of other materials like concrete, cement, and aggregates also varies per floor.

• The project specifications and drawings provide the necessary information on the...read more

Civil engineering is the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and buildings.

• Civil engineers design and oversee the construction of roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure.

• They ensure that structures are safe, functional, and meet environmental and regulatory standards.

• Civil engineers also maintain and repair existing infrastructure to ensure it remains safe and functional.

• Examples of civil engineering projects include the Golden Gate Bridge, the...read more

A civil engineer is a professional who designs, constructs, and maintains infrastructure projects.

• Civil engineers are responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of various structures such as buildings, roads, bridges, and dams.

• They ensure that the projects meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

• Civil engineers use their technical skills and knowledge of materials to create efficient and sustainable designs.

• They work closely with archite...read more

The density of 1 bag of cement varies depending on the type of cement and packaging.

• The density of cement ranges from 1100 to 1600 kg/m³

• The density of a 50 kg bag of cement is typically around 1440 kg/m³

• The density can be affected by factors such as moisture content and temperature

• Different types of cement have different densities, for example, Portland cement has a density of 1506 kg/m³

High rise buildings require careful planning, design, and construction techniques.

• Site selection and analysis

• Structural design and analysis

• Foundation design and construction

• Use of high-strength materials

• Installation of elevators and other building systems

• Safety measures for workers and occupants

• Quality control and testing

• Regular maintenance and inspections

Concrete grades are used to determine the strength and durability of concrete.

• Concrete grades range from M5 to M100, with M20 being the most commonly used grade.

• The number after 'M' represents the compressive strength of the concrete in megapascals (MPa).

• Higher grades of concrete are used for structures that require greater strength and durability, such as bridges and high-rise buildings.

• Lower grades of concrete are used for non-structural elements, such as sidewalks and driv...read more

To find out the steel weight, calculate the volume of steel and multiply it by the density of steel.

• Calculate the volume of steel by multiplying the length, width, and height of the steel member.

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

• Multiply the volume of steel by the density to get the weight of steel.

Steel quantity in a slab can be calculated by multiplying the total volume of steel required by the unit weight of steel.

• Calculate the total volume of steel required for the slab

• Determine the unit weight of steel

• Multiply the total volume of steel by the unit weight of steel to get the quantity needed

RCC and PCC are different types of concrete used in construction. Steel behavior depends on its grade and application.

• RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) contains steel reinforcement bars to increase its strength and durability, while PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) does not.

• RCC is used in structures that require high strength and load-bearing capacity, such as bridges and high-rise buildings, while PCC is used for non-structural elements like flooring and paving.

• The behavior of ste...read more

Grouting is a process of injecting a fluid material into the ground or structures to fill voids, strengthen soil, or provide support.

• Grouting is commonly used in construction and civil engineering projects.

• It is used to improve the stability and strength of soil or rock formations.

• Grouting can be done using various materials such as cement, epoxy, or chemical grouts.

• It is used to fill gaps or voids in structures like tunnels, dams, or foundations.

• Grouting can also be used to ...read more

Curing is the process of maintaining moisture and temperature conditions for freshly placed concrete to promote its hydration and strength gain.

• Curing is essential for the strength and durability of concrete.

• It involves keeping the concrete moist and at a proper temperature for a specific period of time.

• Curing can be done using various methods such as water curing, membrane curing, and steam curing.

• The duration of curing depends on factors such as the type of concrete, weathe...read more

The weight of steel can be determined by calculating its volume and multiplying it by its density.

• Calculate the volume of the steel using its dimensions (length, width, and height)

• Determine the density of the specific type of steel being used

• Multiply the volume by the density to obtain the weight of the steel

• Example: If the steel has a volume of 10 cubic meters and a density of 7850 kg/m^3, the weight would be 78,500 kg

Piles are used to transfer loads from superstructure to the soil. Types include timber, concrete, steel, and composite piles.

• Timber piles are made of wood and are suitable for light loads.

• Concrete piles are made of reinforced concrete and can bear heavy loads.

• Steel piles are made of steel and are used for heavy loads and in corrosive environments.

• Composite piles are made of a combination of materials and are used in special situations.

• Load bearing capacity depends on factors ...read more

M stands for Mix in M20.

• M20 is a designation for the mix ratio of concrete.

• The M stands for Mix, indicating the mix ratio of cement, sand, and aggregate.

• M20 represents a mix ratio of 1:1.5:3, where 1 is cement, 1.5 is sand, and 3 is aggregate.

• Different grades of concrete have different mix ratios, with M20 being a commonly used grade.

Yes, I am familiar with calculating shuttering quantity using MS Excel.

• I have experience using Excel formulas to calculate shuttering quantity.

• I can use functions like SUM, COUNT, and IF to accurately calculate the required quantity.

• I am also proficient in creating charts and graphs to visualize the data.

• For example, I recently used Excel to calculate the shuttering quantity for a construction project that required 500 square meters of formwork.

• I can also use Excel to create ...read more

Beam and column schedules are tables that provide information about the dimensions, materials, and placement of structural elements.

• The schedule typically includes a unique identifier for each beam or column.

• It also lists the length, width, and height of each element.

• The schedule may specify the type of material used, such as concrete or steel.

• It may also indicate the location of each element within the building.

• Reading the schedule is important for ensuring that the correct ...read more

BBS calculation is used to determine the quantity of reinforcement steel required in a structural drawing.

• BBS stands for Bar Bending Schedule.

• It involves calculating the length, weight, and number of steel bars needed for reinforcement in a structure.

• Concrete calculations involve determining the mix proportions, water-cement ratio, and aggregate content for concrete.

• Cement testing includes assessing the quality and strength of cement through various tests like compressive str...read more

The density of cement varies depending on the type of cement being used.

• The density of ordinary Portland cement is around 1440 kg/m³

• The density of white cement is around 2300 kg/m³

• The density of rapid hardening cement is around 1250 kg/m³

• The density of low heat cement is around 1400 kg/m³

Water quaring duration depends on various factors such as rainfall, soil type, and drainage system.

• The duration of water quaring can range from a few hours to several days.

• Factors such as rainfall intensity, duration, and frequency affect the duration of water quaring.

• Soil type and drainage system also play a crucial role in determining the duration of water quaring.

• In areas with poor drainage systems and impermeable soils, water quaring can last for several days.

• On the other...read more

The steel unit weight varies depending on the type of steel used.

• The unit weight of mild steel is 7850 kg/m³

• The unit weight of stainless steel is 7480 kg/m³

• The unit weight of high tensile steel is 7850-8000 kg/m³

• The unit weight of cast iron is 6800-7800 kg/m³

The size of a parapet wall can vary depending on the specific design requirements and building codes.

• The typical height of a parapet wall is around 3 feet, but it can be higher for safety reasons or aesthetic purposes.

• The thickness of a parapet wall is usually around 8 inches to provide structural support.

• The length of a parapet wall will depend on the length of the building facade it is protecting.

• Parapet walls can be made of various materials such as brick, concrete, or met...read more

Plaster thickness and types of plastering are important aspects of civil site engineering.

• Plaster thickness is determined based on the type of surface and the desired finish.

• Types of plastering include cement plaster, lime plaster, gypsum plaster, and clay plaster.

• Cement plaster is commonly used for external walls and provides good durability.

• Lime plaster is suitable for historical buildings and offers breathability.

• Gypsum plaster is used for interior walls and ceilings due t...read more

The minimum cement content required for M20 concrete is 320kg.

• M20 concrete is a mix of concrete with a compressive strength of 20 MPa.

• The minimum cement content is specified to ensure the desired strength and durability of the concrete.

• Exceeding the minimum cement content can lead to higher strength but may also increase costs.

• Insufficient cement content can result in weaker concrete with reduced durability.

• Proper mix design is crucial to achieve the desired properties of con...read more

Curing of columns typically takes 7 days.

• Columns generally require 7 days of curing to achieve the desired strength.

• Curing helps in reducing cracks and increasing the durability of the concrete.

• Proper curing is essential for the long-term performance of the column.

• Factors like temperature, humidity, and type of concrete used can affect the curing time.

To maintain the laborers, proper planning, communication, and motivation are necessary.

• Provide proper training and safety measures

• Ensure fair wages and timely payments

• Encourage teamwork and positive work environment

• Regularly communicate with laborers to address their concerns

• Recognize and reward good performance

• Provide opportunities for growth and development

• Maintain good relationships with labor unions

DPC stands for Damp Proof Course, which is a layer of material used to prevent moisture from rising up from the ground into a building.

• DPC is typically made of materials such as bitumen, asphalt, or plastic.

• It is installed horizontally in the walls of a building, usually at a height of 150mm above ground level.

• DPC helps to prevent dampness, which can cause structural damage and health problems.

• It is an important component of building construction and is required by building c...read more

My favorite core subject is Structural Engineering, as it combines creativity with technical skills to design safe and efficient structures.

• Structural Engineering focuses on analyzing and designing structures like bridges and buildings.

• It involves understanding material properties, load distribution, and safety factors.

• For example, designing a bridge requires knowledge of tension and compression forces.

• I enjoy using software like AutoCAD and SAP2000 for modeling and analysis....read more

M20 is a grade of concrete used in construction. M stands for mix and 20 represents the compressive strength of the concrete in megapascals (MPa).

• M stands for mix, indicating the type of concrete mix used

• 20 represents the compressive strength of the concrete in MPa

• M20 is commonly used for general construction purposes

• Higher grades like M25, M30, etc., have higher compressive strengths

Compressive strength is the ability of a material to withstand loads that reduce the size of the material without undergoing any deformation.

• Compressive strength is a measure of the maximum load a material can withstand under compression before failure.

• It is an important property in construction materials like concrete, masonry, and rock.

• Compressive strength is typically measured in units of force per unit area, such as psi or MPa.

• Higher compressive strength indicates a stron...read more

The weight of shuttering board varies depending on the material used, typically ranging from 15-30 kg per square meter.

• Weight of shuttering board depends on the material used (plywood, steel, etc.)

• Typically ranges from 15-30 kg per square meter

• Heavier materials like steel will have higher weight compared to plywood

Basic BBS formulae are used in civil engineering for calculating quantities of reinforcement steel in construction projects.

• BBS = (Length x Width x No. of bars x Length of bars) / 1000

• Weight of steel = (D^2/162) x Length of bar

• Total weight of steel = Weight of steel x No. of bars

To check Guniya and plumb, use a plumb bob and a spirit level respectively.

• To check Guniya, use a plumb bob to ensure that the vertical alignment of the structure is correct.

• To check plumb, use a spirit level to ensure that the structure is perfectly vertical.

• Ensure that the plumb bob and spirit level are calibrated and accurate.

• Check Guniya and plumb at various points along the structure to ensure consistency.

• Make adjustments as necessary to correct any deviations from verti...read more

The slope of stairs refers to the angle at which the stairs are inclined or the ratio of the vertical rise to the horizontal run.

• The slope of stairs is typically expressed as a ratio, such as 1:2 or 1:3, where the first number represents the vertical rise and the second number represents the horizontal run.

• Building codes often specify the maximum allowable slope for stairs to ensure safety and accessibility.

• The slope of stairs can vary depending on the design and purpose of t...read more

Quantity estimation of concrete, steel, and earthwork involves calculating the amount of materials needed for a construction project.

• Calculate the volume of concrete required by multiplying the dimensions of the structure (length, width, height) and adding a suitable wastage factor.

• Estimate the quantity of steel by determining the total length of bars needed based on the structural drawings and specifications.

• For earthwork, calculate the volume of excavation or filling requir...read more

DLR stands for Design Load Rating and DPR stands for Detailed Project Report.

• DLR is a calculation of the maximum load a structure can safely support.

• DPR is a comprehensive report that outlines the details of a construction project including scope, costs, timelines, and resources.

• DLR is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of a structure, while DPR is essential for planning and executing a construction project efficiently.

Column cover size refers to the dimensions of the material used to cover or encase a structural column.

• Column cover size is typically specified in terms of width, depth, and height.

• It is important to consider the aesthetic and functional requirements when determining the column cover size.

• Examples of column cover materials include metal, wood, stone, or composite materials.

• Column cover size can vary depending on the design and structural requirements of the building.

Beam cover is the distance between the outer face of the concrete beam and the outer face of the column or slab.

• Beam cover is important for protecting the reinforcement bars from corrosion and fire damage.

• It also helps in providing adequate strength and durability to the structure.

• The beam cover requirement may vary based on the type of structure and environmental conditions.

• For example, in coastal areas where there is a higher risk of corrosion, a larger beam cover may be re...read more

Concrete setting is the process in which concrete hardens and gains strength over time.

• Concrete setting is the transformation of concrete from a plastic state to a hardened state.

• It involves a chemical reaction called hydration, where water reacts with the cement in the concrete mixture.

• The setting time of concrete can vary depending on factors like temperature, humidity, and mix design.

• Proper curing is essential to ensure the concrete reaches its full strength potential.

• Exam...read more

Lapping zone is the area where two reinforcing bars overlap to provide continuity and strength.

• Lapping zone is important for columns and beams to ensure structural integrity.

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

• Lapping zone should be free from rust, oil, grease, or any other contaminants that can weaken the bond between the bars.

• Proper lapping of reinforcing bars can prevent cracking and failure of the stru...read more

Cement grade refers to the strength and quality of cement used in construction.

• Cement grade is determined by the compressive strength of cement mortar cubes after 28 days of curing.

• The most commonly used cement grades are 33, 43, and 53, indicating their respective compressive strengths in megapascals (MPa).

• Higher cement grades are used for structures that require higher strength, such as bridges and high-rise buildings.

• Lower cement grades are suitable for general constructio...read more

The strength of cement depends on its grade and type.

• The strength of cement is measured in terms of compressive strength.

• The grade of cement determines its strength. Higher the grade, higher the strength.

• Type of cement also affects its strength. For example, Portland cement has higher strength than lime cement.

• The strength of cement is also influenced by factors such as curing time, temperature, and humidity.

Column ring size depends on the load-bearing capacity and height of the column.

• Column ring size is determined by the structural engineer during the design phase.

• It is important to choose the appropriate ring size to ensure the column can support the load it will bear.

• Factors that affect the ring size include the height of the column, the material used, and the load it will bear.

• Ring sizes can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter depending on the column's specif...read more

Sand bulking is the increase in volume of sand due to the presence of moisture.

• Sand bulking can cause errors in volume calculations for construction projects.

• It is important to account for sand bulking when determining the amount of sand needed for a project.

• The amount of bulking can vary depending on the type of sand and the amount of moisture present.

• For example, a sand with a bulking factor of 1.5 means that 1 cubic meter of sand in the ground will increase to 1.5 cubic me...read more

Grade of concrete and reinforcement diameter are important factors in civil engineering design.

• The grade of concrete determines its strength and durability.

• Common grades of concrete include M20, M25, and M30.

• Reinforcement diameter affects the strength and stability of the structure.

• Common reinforcement diameters include 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm.

• The appropriate grade of concrete and reinforcement diameter depend on the specific project requirements.

The density of steel is approximately 7.85 g/cm³.

• Density of steel is measured in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).

• The density of steel varies depending on the alloy and composition.

• The density of stainless steel is around 7.9 g/cm³, while the density of carbon steel is around 7.85 g/cm³.

• The density of steel is important in determining the weight and strength of structures made from steel.

Drawing reading is important for BBS and level calculations in civil engineering.

• Drawing reading involves understanding the architectural and structural drawings of a project.

• BBS or Bar Bending Schedule is a document that lists the details of reinforcement steel required for a particular structure.

• Level calculations are important for ensuring that the structure is built on a level surface and to determine the height of various elements of the structure.

• Reading drawings accura...read more

RCC stands for Reinforced Cement Concrete.

• RCC is a composite material made of cement, sand, aggregates, and steel reinforcement.

• It is widely used in construction for its strength and durability.

• The steel reinforcement provides tensile strength to the concrete, while the cement, sand, and aggregates provide compressive strength.

• RCC is commonly used in the construction of buildings, bridges, dams, and other structures.

• Example: RCC beams, columns, slabs, and foundations.