50+ Civil Structural Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

A metric chain is 20 meters long and consists of 100 links, so each link is 0.2 meters long.

• A metric chain is a measuring tool used in land surveying.

• It is 20 meters long and consists of 100 links.

• Each link is therefore 0.2 meters long.

• Metric chains are used to measure distances on land with high accuracy.

Various codes are used in structural design, including ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360, and IBC.

• ASCE 7: American Society of Civil Engineers standard for minimum design loads for buildings and other structures

• ACI 318: American Concrete Institute standard for the design and construction of concrete structures

• AISC 360: American Institute of Steel Construction standard for the design and construction of steel structures

• IBC: International Building Code, a model building code adopted by ...read more

Structural engineers work to combat factors like wind, snow, rain, and gravity on various structures.

• Structural engineers design and analyze structures to ensure they can withstand different environmental conditions.

• They consider factors such as wind loads, snow loads, seismic forces, and the effects of gravity on buildings and bridges.

• Structural engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software and mathematical calculations to create safe and efficient structures.

• They colla...read more

Concrete grades are classifications of concrete based on its strength and durability.

• Concrete grades range from M5 to M100, with M representing mix and the number representing the compressive strength in megapascals (MPa)

• The ratio of concrete mix varies depending on the grade, with higher grades requiring more cement, sand, and aggregate

• For example, M20 concrete has a mix ratio of 1:1.5:3, meaning 1 part cement, 1.5 parts sand, and 3 parts aggregate

Auto level parts are components of an auto level instrument used in surveying and construction.

• Auto level parts include the telescope, leveling screws, bubble level, focusing knob, and tripod.

• The telescope is used to sight and measure vertical and horizontal angles.

• Leveling screws are used to adjust the instrument's level.

• The bubble level helps in ensuring the instrument is properly leveled.

• The focusing knob is used to adjust the focus of the telescope.

• A tripod is used to sup...read more

CRC stands for Construction Risk Consultant. If unable to pay monthly, options include renegotiating payment terms, seeking financing, or pausing work.

• Negotiate new payment terms with client

• Seek financing options such as loans or lines of credit

• Pause work until payment can be made

• Consider legal options if necessary

M20 is a designation for a concrete mix with a compressive strength of 20 N/mm² after 28 days of curing.

• M stands for mix and refers to the mix ratio of cement, sand, and aggregate.

• 20 refers to the compressive strength of the concrete in N/mm² after 28 days of curing.

• M20 is a commonly used designation for concrete in construction projects.

Cracks in concrete can be caused by various factors such as shrinkage, settlement, overloading, and temperature changes.

• Shrinkage due to drying and cooling of concrete

• Settlement of the foundation or subgrade

• Overloading beyond the capacity of the concrete

• Temperature changes causing expansion and contraction

• Chemical reactions causing corrosion or deterioration

• Improper mixing, placing, or curing of concrete

• Design flaws or inadequate reinforcement

Yes, I have knowledge of design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SAP2000. I am also proficient in Excel.

• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and SAP2000

• Skilled in using Excel for data analysis and modeling

• Familiar with other design software such as SketchUp and Rhino

• Continuously learning and updating my skills in design software and Excel

Various tests are performed on concrete to ensure its quality and strength.

• Compression test to determine the compressive strength of concrete

• Slump test to measure the consistency of fresh concrete

• Air content test to determine the amount of air in concrete

• Water permeability test to assess the durability of concrete

• Chloride permeability test to determine the resistance of concrete to chloride ion penetration

Deduction of steel for a 45 & 90 degree bend

• For a 45 degree bend, deduct 1.5 times the diameter of the bar

• For a 90 degree bend, deduct 2 times the diameter of the bar

• This deduction is necessary to account for the length of the bend

• The deduction varies based on the diameter of the bar being bent

• The deduction is typically specified in the design drawings or codes

Shear force and bending moment diagram can be drawn for a given system of support and loading to analyze the structural behavior.

• Identify the support and loading conditions

• Calculate the reactions at the supports

• Draw the shear force diagram by plotting the values of shear force at different points

• Draw the bending moment diagram by plotting the values of bending moment at different points

• Analyze the diagrams to determine the maximum shear force and bending moment

• Use the maximum...read more

Steel and concrete structures and connections design involves the selection of appropriate materials and designing connections to ensure structural integrity.

• Designing steel and concrete structures involves selecting appropriate materials based on the intended use and load-bearing capacity.

• Connections between structural elements must be designed to ensure stability and prevent failure.

• Factors such as wind, seismic activity, and temperature changes must be taken into account d...read more

OMRF and SMRF are two different seismic force-resisting systems used in building construction.

• OMRF stands for Ordinary Moment Resisting Frame and is used for low to moderate seismic zones.

• SMRF stands for Special Moment Resisting Frame and is used for high seismic zones.

• OMRF is designed to resist lateral forces through flexural strength of beams and columns.

• SMRF is designed to resist lateral forces through a combination of flexural and axial strength of beams and columns.

• SMRF ...read more

The quantity of cement & fly ash in M40 grade concrete varies based on the mix design.

• M40 grade concrete requires a minimum of 400 kg of cement per cubic meter of concrete.

• Fly ash can be used as a partial replacement for cement in concrete.

• The percentage of fly ash used in the mix design can range from 0-30%.

• The exact quantity of cement and fly ash in M40 grade concrete depends on the specific mix design being used.

The volume of concrete refers to the amount of space occupied by concrete.

• Volume of concrete is measured in cubic units (e.g., cubic meters or cubic feet).

• It is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the concrete element.

• For example, if a concrete slab has a length of 5 meters, width of 3 meters, and height of 0.15 meters, the volume of concrete would be 5 x 3 x 0.15 = 2.25 cubic meters.

The steps of structure design involve planning, analysis, design, and construction.

• Planning involves determining the purpose, location, and materials for the structure.

• Analysis involves calculating the loads and stresses the structure will experience.

• Design involves creating a detailed plan for the structure, including dimensions and materials.

• Construction involves building the structure according to the design plan.

Steel wastage can be controlled by proper planning, material handling, and inventory management.

• Use accurate measurements and cutting techniques to minimize scrap

• Ensure proper storage and handling of steel to prevent damage and corrosion

• Implement inventory management systems to track usage and reduce over-ordering

• Train workers on proper handling and cutting techniques to minimize errors

• Reuse or recycle scrap steel whenever possible

Comp strength refers to the compressive strength of a material.

• It is the maximum compressive stress a material can withstand before failure.

• It is an important factor in designing structures that can withstand heavy loads.

• For example, the comp strength of concrete is typically measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

Moments are released in trusses at points where the truss is supported by a fixed joint or a roller joint.

• Moments are released to prevent the truss from rotating at the support point.

• Fixed joints do not allow any rotation, so moments are released at those points.

• Roller joints allow rotation in one direction, so moments are released in the perpendicular direction.

• Releasing moments also helps to distribute the load evenly across the truss members.

• Moments can also be released at...read more

Wind loads on steel structures are applied using relevant codes and standards, considering factors like building height, shape, and location.

• Determine the wind speed and direction based on the location of the structure.

• Calculate the wind pressure using the relevant code (e.g. ASCE 7 for US projects).

• Consider factors like building height, shape, and openings to determine the wind load.

• Apply the wind load on the steel structure using appropriate load combinations.

• Ensure the str...read more

BMD stands for bending moment diagram which shows the variation of bending moment along the length of a beam under given loading.

• BMD is a graphical representation of the bending moment at different points along the length of a beam.

• It is used to determine the maximum bending moment and the location of maximum bending moment in a beam.

• BMD is plotted by taking the first derivative of the shear force diagram.

• The area under the BMD curve between two points gives the change in slo...read more

The ratio of M20 is 1:1.5:3

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

• The ratio of M20 is 1 part cement : 1.5 parts sand : 3 parts aggregate

• This ratio is commonly used in construction for foundations, columns, and beams

Pipe rack design involves determining layout, sizing, and support requirements for pipes in an industrial facility.

• Start by determining the layout of the pipe rack based on the piping system requirements and plant layout.

• Calculate the pipe sizes and materials based on the flow rates, pressure, and temperature requirements.

• Design the supports for the pipe rack to ensure stability and safety.

• Consider factors such as seismic loads, wind loads, and thermal expansion in the design...read more

Beam detailing of reinforcement involves adding steel bars to the beam to increase its strength and durability.

• Determine the required amount of reinforcement based on the load and span of the beam

• Place the steel bars in the beam according to the design specifications

• Ensure proper spacing and cover of the reinforcement to prevent corrosion

• Use stirrups or ties to hold the bars in place and prevent buckling

• Label the reinforcement on the drawing for easy identification during con...read more

Water cement ratio is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement used in a concrete mix.

• It is an important factor in determining the strength and durability of concrete.

• A lower water cement ratio generally results in stronger and more durable concrete.

• The water cement ratio can vary depending on the type of concrete mix and its intended use.

• For example, a water cement ratio of 0.5 means that for every 1 kg of cement, 0.5 kg of water is used.

Importance factor is a multiplier used to adjust the design load for different types of structures.

• It is used to account for the consequences of failure and the level of risk associated with the structure.

• It is based on the occupancy category, seismicity of the region, and the structural system used.

• Higher importance factors are used for structures with higher consequences of failure, such as hospitals and emergency response facilities.

• Lower importance factors are used for st...read more

Welded connections are commonly used in civil structural engineering to transfer forces between structural members.

• Welded connections involve joining two structural members by melting and fusing the materials together.

• The force transfer mechanism in welded connections is through the weld itself, which acts as a continuous and strong bond between the members.

• Welded connections are often used in steel structures, such as bridges and high-rise buildings.

• Other types of connection...read more

Short columns fail due to crushing of material, while long columns fail due to buckling.

• Short columns have a slenderness ratio less than a certain critical value, while long columns have a slenderness ratio greater than that value.

• Short columns are more likely to fail in compression, while long columns are more likely to fail in buckling.

• Examples of short columns include columns in buildings, while examples of long columns include columns in bridges.

SFD (Shear Force Diagram) and BMD (Bending Moment Diagram) show the variation of shear force and bending moment along the length of a beam or frame.

• SFD shows the variation of shear force along the length of a beam or frame.

• BMD shows the variation of bending moment along the length of a beam or frame.

• SFD and BMD are essential for analyzing the internal forces and moments in a structure.

• The diagrams help in determining the maximum shear force and bending moment in a beam or fra...read more

Volume of concrete refers to the amount of space occupied by concrete.

• Volume of concrete is measured in cubic meters or cubic feet.

• It is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the concrete structure.

• For example, if a concrete slab is 10 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 0.15 meters thick, the volume of concrete would be 7.5 cubic meters.

• The volume of concrete is an important factor in determining the amount of materials needed for a construction project.

M30 =M means 30Means

• M30 refers to a specific grade of concrete

• The 'M' stands for mix design

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

• For example, M30 means the concrete has a compressive strength of 30 MPa

GFC drawing stands for Good for Construction drawing, which is a final set of drawings used for construction purposes.

• GFC drawings are the final set of drawings used for construction purposes

• They include all the necessary details and dimensions required for construction

• GFC drawings are used by contractors and builders to construct the building as per the design

• They are also used for obtaining necessary permits and approvals from authorities

• GFC drawings are prepared by archite...read more

The density of steel is approximately 7.85 g/cm^3.

• The density of steel is commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm^3).

• The density of steel can vary slightly depending on the specific alloy and composition.

• For example, the density of stainless steel is around 7.9 g/cm^3, while carbon steel is around 7.85 g/cm^3.

Concrete grade refers to the strength of the concrete mix in terms of the minimum compressive strength it can withstand.

• Concrete grade is typically denoted by the M prefix followed by a number, such as M20, M30, etc.

• The number in the concrete grade represents the compressive strength of the concrete in megapascals (MPa) after 28 days of curing.

• Higher concrete grades indicate higher strength and are typically used for structural purposes, while lower grades are used for non-st...read more

A hunch purpose is a preliminary design or concept that is based on intuition or educated guess rather than detailed analysis.

• Hunch purpose is used in the early stages of a project to explore different design options.

• It helps engineers to quickly visualize and communicate ideas before investing time and resources into detailed analysis.

• Hunch purpose can be a rough sketch, a simple model, or a basic calculation to test the feasibility of a design concept.

Loads acting upon piperack include dead loads, live loads, wind loads, and seismic loads.

• Dead loads are the permanent loads from the weight of the structure itself and any permanent equipment or fixtures.

• Live loads are temporary loads from the weight of people, equipment, or materials on the piperack.

• Wind loads are forces exerted by wind on the structure, which can vary based on the location and design of the piperack.

• Seismic loads are forces caused by earthquakes or ground v...read more

Comparison of international standards in civil structural engineering.

• Different countries have their own set of standards for civil structural engineering.

• Standards may vary in terms of design codes, material specifications, and construction practices.

• For example, the United States follows the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standards, while Europe follows Eurocodes.

• Standards also consider factors such as seismic design, wind loads, and environmental conditions.

• Int...read more

Earthquake loads are calculated using seismic design codes and formulas based on the seismic hazard of the region.

• Determine the seismic hazard of the region using historical data and seismic maps

• Select a seismic design code such as ASCE 7 or Eurocode 8

• Calculate the seismic base shear using the formula V = CsW

• Distribute the seismic base shear to the structure using the appropriate load combinations

• Consider the effects of soil conditions and building height on earthquake loads

CRC stands for Corrosion Resistant Coating, which is a protective layer applied to steel structures to prevent corrosion.

• CRC is a type of coating applied to steel structures to protect them from corrosion

• It helps extend the lifespan of the structure and reduce maintenance costs

• Examples of CRC include galvanizing, epoxy coatings, and polyurethane coatings

One way slab is a type of reinforced concrete slab where the main reinforcement is provided in only one direction.

• Main reinforcement is provided in the shorter span direction

• Distribution bars are provided in the longer span direction

• Commonly used in buildings with rectangular floor plans

Two way slab is a type of reinforced concrete slab that is supported by beams in both directions.

• Two way slab is designed to carry loads in both directions, typically used in buildings with square or rectangular floor plans.

• The design of two way slab involves determining the thickness, reinforcement layout, and spacing of bars to ensure structural integrity.

• The slab is supported by beams on all four sides, allowing for a more efficient distribution of loads.

• Design considerati...read more

Site problem solutions involve identifying and addressing issues that may arise during construction or maintenance of civil structures.

• Conduct thorough site inspections to identify potential problems

• Develop and implement appropriate engineering solutions

• Collaborate with project team members to address site issues

• Ensure compliance with relevant codes and regulations

• Monitor construction progress and provide guidance as needed

Earth pressure diagram shows the distribution of lateral earth pressure on a retaining wall.

• Earth pressure diagram helps in designing retaining walls and other earth retaining structures.

• It shows the variation of lateral earth pressure with depth along the height of the wall.

• The diagram typically consists of a triangular or trapezoidal shape, representing the pressure distribution.

• The diagram is important for determining the stability and design of the retaining wall.

• Factors ...read more

Sfd bmd for portal frame refers to shear force diagram and bending moment diagram for a portal frame structure.

• SFD (Shear Force Diagram) shows the variation of shear force along the length of the portal frame.

• BMD (Bending Moment Diagram) shows the variation of bending moment along the length of the portal frame.

• Portal frame structures are commonly used in industrial buildings and warehouses.

• Calculating SFD and BMD helps in determining the internal forces and moments acting on...read more

Designing a staircase involves considering factors such as building codes, safety regulations, space constraints, and aesthetic appeal.

• Consider the height and width of each step to ensure comfortable and safe use.

• Calculate the rise and run of the staircase to determine the number of steps needed.

• Choose a suitable material for the staircase based on the design requirements and budget.

• Ensure proper handrails and guardrails are installed for safety.

• Incorporate landing platforms ...read more

Steel unit weight is the weight of a specific volume of steel material.

• Steel unit weight is typically around 7850 kg/m^3.

• It is important to consider the unit weight of steel when designing structures.

• Different types of steel may have slightly different unit weights.