20+ Diploma Civil Engineer Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

The width of pavement in a two-lane road without kerb depends on the traffic volume and speed.

• The width can range from 6 to 12 meters.

• Higher traffic volume and speed require wider pavement.

• The pavement width should also consider the type of vehicles using the road.

• The absence of kerb means the pavement should be wider to accommodate vehicles that may stray off the road.

• The width of pavement should also consider the road alignment and terrain.

• A wider pavement can also provide ...read more

The weight of steel can be calculated using the formula: weight = volume x density.

• Calculate the volume of the steel component using appropriate geometric formulas.

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

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

• For example, to calculate the weight of a steel beam, you would measure its dimensions and use the formula: weight = volume x density.

The quantity of cement, sand, and coarse aggregate required for M25 design mix concrete depends on the mix ratio.

• The mix ratio for M25 design mix concrete is 1:1:2 (cement:sand:coarse aggregate).

• To calculate the quantity of cement, multiply the volume of concrete by the ratio of cement in the mix.

• To calculate the quantity of sand, multiply the volume of concrete by the ratio of sand in the mix.

• To calculate the quantity of coarse aggregate, multiply the volume of concrete by t...read more

The maximum super elevation for plain roads is 1 in 20 and for rolling roads is 1 in 15.

• Super elevation is the banking of roads on curves to counteract centrifugal force.

• It helps in providing a comfortable and safe driving experience.

• For plain roads, the maximum super elevation is 1 in 20, which means for every 20 units of horizontal distance, there is a rise of 1 unit.

• For rolling roads, the maximum super elevation is 1 in 15, indicating a steeper banking compared to plain ro...read more

Compressive strength of bat bricks refers to the maximum load-bearing capacity of the bricks under compression.

• Compressive strength is an important property of bricks used in construction.

• It is measured in units of force per unit area, such as N/mm² or psi.

• The compressive strength of bat bricks can vary depending on factors such as the type of clay used, the firing temperature, and the moisture content.

• For example, a typical compressive strength for bat bricks might be around...read more

Retaining wall

• A wall constructed to resist the pressure of an earth filling is known as a retaining wall

• Retaining walls are commonly used in civil engineering to prevent soil erosion and provide stability to slopes

• They are designed to withstand lateral pressure exerted by the soil or other materials behind them

• Retaining walls can be made of various materials such as concrete, stone, or timber

• Examples of retaining walls include gravity walls, cantilever walls, and anchored wal...read more

The ruling gradient of a road is the maximum gradient allowed for a particular stretch of road.

• It is the steepest gradient that can be used for a particular stretch of road.

• It is determined by factors such as the type of vehicle, road conditions, and safety considerations.

• The ruling gradient is usually expressed as a percentage or a ratio.

• For example, a ruling gradient of 1 in 20 means that for every 20 meters of horizontal distance, the road can rise by 1 meter.

• Exceeding the...read more

Common methods of curing concrete include water curing, membrane curing, and steam curing.

• Water curing involves keeping the concrete moist by spraying or ponding water on the surface.

• Membrane curing involves covering the concrete with a waterproof membrane to prevent moisture loss.

• Steam curing involves applying heat and steam to accelerate the curing process.

• Other methods include using curing compounds, wet coverings, and curing blankets.

• Proper curing helps in achieving desir...read more

The weight of steel can be calculated using the formula: weight = volume × density

• The formula for weight of steel is weight = volume × density

• The volume of steel can be calculated using the formula: volume = length × width × height

• The density of steel is typically around 7850 kg/m³

• Example: If the dimensions of a steel plate are 1m × 1m × 0.01m, the volume would be 0.01 m³ and the weight would be 78.5 kg

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

• Water cement ratio determines the strength and workability of the concrete.

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

• The water cement ratio should be carefully controlled to achieve the desired properties of the concrete.

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

1 cum cement requires 28.8 bags of cement.

• 1 cum of cement is equivalent to 1440 kg

• 1 bag of cement is equivalent to 50 kg

• Therefore, 1 cum of cement requires 28.8 bags of cement (1440 kg / 50 kg per bag)

Cement is a binding material used in construction to hold together different components of concrete.

• Cement is a fine powder made from a mixture of limestone, clay, and other minerals.

• It reacts with water to form a paste that hardens and binds the aggregates together.

• It is a key ingredient in the production of concrete, mortar, and grout.

• Different types of cement are available for specific construction purposes, such as Portland cement, slag cement, and fly ash cement.

• Cement p...read more

1 cubic meter of sand weighs approximately 1,600 kg.

• The weight of sand varies depending on its density and moisture content.

• The density of sand ranges from 1,400 to 1,900 kg/m³.

• Assuming a density of 1,600 kg/m³, 1 cubic meter of sand would weigh 1,600 kg.

• To convert cubic meters to kilograms, multiply the volume by the density.

An estimate is a calculated approximation of the cost, time, or quantity of a project or task.

• An estimate is used to determine the approximate cost, duration, or quantity of materials required for a project.

• It is based on available information, historical data, and expert judgment.

• Estimates are essential for budgeting, planning, and decision-making in construction projects.

• Estimates can be prepared for various aspects such as construction costs, labor hours, material quantiti...read more

Curing is the process of maintaining moisture and temperature conditions in freshly placed concrete to ensure proper hydration and strength development.

• Curing is essential for the hydration of cement in concrete.

• It helps in preventing moisture loss from the concrete surface.

• Curing promotes the development of strength and durability in concrete.

• Common methods of curing include water curing, membrane curing, and curing compounds.

• Curing should start as soon as possible after con...read more

Site engineering involves the planning, design, and management of construction projects on-site.

• Site engineering includes tasks such as surveying, setting out, and leveling the site.

• It involves coordinating with architects, contractors, and other professionals to ensure the project is executed according to plans.

• Site engineers are responsible for monitoring construction progress, quality control, and resolving any issues that may arise.

• They also ensure compliance with safety ...read more

The density of steel is approximately 7.85 grams per cubic centimeter.

• Density of steel is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of steel.

• It is commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

• The density of steel can vary depending on its composition and specific type.

• For example, the density of carbon steel is around 7.85 g/cm³, while stainless steel has a slightly lower density of about 7.80 g/cm³.

• Knowing the ...read more

WMM stands for Wet Mix Macadam and WBM stands for Water Bound Macadam.

• WMM is a type of road construction method where aggregates are mixed with water to form a base course.

• WBM is a type of road construction method where aggregates are bound together with water and compacted to form a base course.

• WMM is commonly used for highways and heavy traffic roads.

• WBM is commonly used for low-traffic roads and rural areas.

• WMM provides better strength and durability compared to WBM.

PCC stands for Plain Cement Concrete. It is a mixture of cement, sand, and coarse aggregates used as a base for flooring and foundation.

• PCC is used to provide a level surface for the construction of flooring and foundations.

• It helps in distributing the load evenly and preventing the direct contact of the structure with the soil.

• PCC also acts as a protective layer against moisture and dampness.

• It is commonly used in the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial b...read more

Types of beams include simply supported, cantilever, continuous, and fixed beams.

• Simply supported beams are supported at both ends and have no restraint at the supports.

• Cantilever beams are supported at one end and have no support at the other end.

• Continuous beams have more than two supports and are capable of transferring moments.

• Fixed beams are supported at both ends and are capable of transferring moments and shear forces.

Orientation refers to the positioning of a building or structure in relation to its surroundings.

• Orientation is important in civil engineering as it can affect the energy efficiency of a building.

• The orientation of a building can impact the amount of natural light it receives.

• The orientation of a road can affect its safety and ease of use.

• Orientation can also refer to the process of introducing new employees to a company's culture and policies.

RCC stands for Reinforced Cement Concrete. It is a composite material made of concrete and reinforcement bars.

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

• The reinforcement bars, usually made of steel, are embedded in the concrete to provide additional strength.

• RCC structures are commonly used in buildings, bridges, dams, and other infrastructure projects.

• The combination of concrete and reinforcement bars allows RCC to withstand heavy loads and resist cr...read more

Pile under concrete casted work provides foundation support and prevents settlement.

• Piles are deep foundation elements made of concrete, steel, or timber.

• They are driven into the ground to transfer the load of the structure to a deeper, more stable soil or rock layer.

• Piles help distribute the load evenly and prevent excessive settlement.

• They are commonly used in construction of bridges, high-rise buildings, and structures on soft or unstable soil.

• Examples of pile types includ...read more

1 m = 1000 mm

• 1 meter is equal to 1000 millimeters

• mm is a smaller unit of length than m

• Conversion factor is 1000

A distribution bar is a reinforcement bar used in concrete structures to distribute loads evenly.

• It is also known as a distribution steel.

• It is placed perpendicular to the main reinforcement bars.

• It helps to evenly distribute the load across the structure.

• It is commonly used in beams, slabs, and columns.

• It is usually smaller in diameter than the main reinforcement bars.

Piling work involves the process of driving piles into the ground to provide foundation support for structures.

• Piling work starts with site investigation and soil testing to determine the type and depth of piles required.

• Pile driving equipment such as hydraulic hammers or vibratory drivers are used to install the piles.

• Piles can be made of various materials like concrete, steel, or timber depending on the project requirements.

• Pile caps or pile caps are constructed on top of t...read more