50+ Estimation Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Research potential vendors, evaluate their capabilities, negotiate terms and conditions, and establish a contract.

• Conduct market research to identify potential vendors

• Evaluate vendor capabilities and quality of materials

• Negotiate terms and conditions, including pricing and delivery schedules

• Establish a contract with the selected vendor

• Ensure vendor compliance with safety and quality standards

The limitations of star delta and DOL starters

• Star delta starters are not suitable for high starting torque applications

• DOL starters can cause high inrush current during motor starting

• Both starters require manual switching between star and delta configurations

• Star delta starters are not suitable for motors with high starting current

• DOL starters do not provide smooth acceleration and can cause mechanical stress on the motor

There are several types of cement brands available in Tamil Nadu including Chettinad Cement, Ramco Cement, Dalmia Cement, and Ultratech Cement.

• Chettinad Cement

• Ramco Cement

• Dalmia Cement

• Ultratech Cement

The first law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, the second law states that entropy always increases in a closed system, and the third law states that it is impossible to reach absolute zero.

• First law: Conservation of energy

• Second law: Entropy always increases

• Third law: Absolute zero is unattainable

Different types of bills used in construction management include preliminary bill, interim bill, final bill, and supplementary bill.

• Preliminary bill: Prepared before the start of the project to estimate costs.

• Interim bill: Issued periodically during the project to request payment for work completed.

• Final bill: Issued at the completion of the project to settle the remaining costs.

• Supplementary bill: Issued for additional work or changes not included in the original contract.

Fabrication time depends on design complexity, material type, and production methods outlined in the engineering drawing.

• Assess the complexity of the design; intricate parts may take longer.

• Identify the materials required; some materials have longer processing times.

• Consider the manufacturing methods; CNC machining may differ in time from 3D printing.

• Evaluate the availability of resources and workforce; delays can occur if resources are scarce.

• Account for any post-processing ...read more

Identifying materials from engineering drawings involves analyzing specifications, dimensions, and intended use.

• Review the engineering drawing for material specifications, such as steel, aluminum, or plastic.

• Check for any notes indicating specific grades or types of materials required.

• Identify components that may require special materials, like heat-resistant alloys for high-temperature applications.

• Consider the finish or treatment required, such as anodizing for aluminum or ...read more

Different types of conditions found in contracts include precedent conditions, concurrent conditions, and subsequent conditions.

• Precedent conditions: These are conditions that must be met before a party is obligated to perform under the contract.

• Concurrent conditions: These are conditions that must be performed simultaneously by both parties.

• Subsequent conditions: These are conditions that come into effect after a certain event or action has taken place.

• Examples: A precedent ...read more

Passive fire protection is built into the structure of a building to prevent the spread of fire, while active fire protection requires manual or automatic activation to suppress or extinguish a fire.

• Passive fire protection includes fire-resistant materials, fire barriers, and compartmentalization to slow the spread of fire.

• Active fire protection includes fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers to actively suppress or extinguish a fire.

• Passive fire protection is...read more

I have 5 years of experience in the field of fireproofing.

• I have worked on various projects involving fireproofing materials and techniques.

• I have experience in estimating the quantity of fireproofing materials needed for different structures.

• I am familiar with industry standards and regulations related to fireproofing.

• I have collaborated with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure proper fireproofing measures are implemented.

• I have successfully completed projects w...read more

Ferranti effect is the voltage rise at the receiving end of a long transmission line due to capacitive charging current.

• Occurs in long transmission lines (>250 km)

• Voltage at receiving end can be higher than at sending end

• Capacitive charging current causes voltage rise

• Can cause overvoltage and damage to equipment

• Compensators can be used to mitigate the effect

To make a quotation, gather all relevant information, calculate costs, and provide a detailed breakdown of the pricing.

• Gather all necessary information about the project or product being quoted.

• Calculate the costs involved, including materials, labor, and any additional expenses.

• Provide a detailed breakdown of the pricing, including itemized costs and any applicable taxes or fees.

• Consider any discounts or special offers that may apply.

• Ensure the quotation is clear, profession...read more

A single line diagram of a motor control circuit shows the electrical connections and components in a simplified manner.

• A single line diagram uses standardized symbols to represent various components such as motors, switches, and control devices.

• It shows the power supply, control circuit, and motor connections in a single line format.

• The diagram helps in understanding the overall circuit layout and how different components are interconnected.

• Example: A single line diagram of ...read more

Search online directories or use location-based search engines to find vendors near the site.

• Use online directories like Yellow Pages or Yelp

• Use location-based search engines like Google Maps or Bing Maps

• Ask for recommendations from local businesses or contractors

• Check with local trade associations or chambers of commerce

• Use social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to search for vendors

IS codes are Indian standards that provide guidelines for concrete, plaster, and gypsum.

• IS 456:2000 - Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete

• IS 3370:1965 - Code of practice for concrete construction

• IS 269:1989 - Specification for ordinary and low heat Portland cement

• IS 2547:1976 - Specification for gypsum plaster

• IS 2542:1992 - Specification for gypsum building plaster

The estimation process affects project timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and overall project success.

• Estimation process helps in determining the project timeline and setting deadlines.

• Accurate estimation ensures proper allocation of resources like manpower, materials, and equipment.

• Estimation impacts the project budget by forecasting costs and preventing cost overruns.

• Poor estimation can lead to delays, budget issues, and ultimately project failure.

Notifier single loop detectors typically have 126 devices.

• Notifier single loop systems usually support up to 126 detectors

• The number of detectors in a Notifier single loop system can vary based on the specific model and configuration

• It is important to consult the product specifications for the exact number of detectors supported

Bar bending schedule is a document that provides details of reinforcement steel bars used in construction.

• It includes the diameter, length, shape, and number of bars required for each structural element.

• It helps in estimating the quantity of steel required for a project and ensures that the reinforcement is placed correctly.

• It is prepared by a structural engineer or a detailer based on the design drawings.

• It is an important document for contractors and workers involved in the...read more

Mode of measurement refers to the most frequently occurring value in a set of data.

• Mode is a measure of central tendency in statistics.

• It is the value that appears most frequently in a dataset.

• Mode can be used to describe categorical or discrete data.

• For example, in a dataset of test scores, if 80 appears most frequently, then 80 is the mode.

LT and HT panels are electrical distribution panels used to control and distribute power supply.

• LT panels are used for low voltage distribution up to 415V while HT panels are used for high voltage distribution above 415V.

• LT panels are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings while HT panels are used in industries and power plants.

• LT panels are equipped with circuit breakers, fuses, and relays while HT panels have additional equipment like transformers, isolators,...read more

Bar bending schedule is calculated by determining the quantity of steel required for each bar in a structure.

• Calculate the total length of each type of bar required in the structure

• Determine the number of bends and shape of each bar

• Calculate the total weight of steel required for each bar

• Prepare a detailed schedule showing the dimensions, shape, and quantity of each bar

• Use software like AutoCAD or Excel for accurate calculations

Windows come in various types, each serving different aesthetic and functional purposes in architecture.

• Casement Windows: Hinged on one side, they open outward for maximum ventilation.

• Double-Hung Windows: Feature two movable sashes that slide vertically, allowing for versatile airflow.

• Sliding Windows: Operate by sliding horizontally, ideal for spaces with limited exterior clearance.

• Awning Windows: Hinged at the top, they open outward, providing ventilation while keeping rain ...read more

Finishes in buildings enhance aesthetics and functionality, including materials for walls, floors, ceilings, and exteriors.

• Paint: Used for walls and ceilings, providing color and protection.

• Tiles: Commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens for flooring and walls.

• Wood paneling: Adds warmth and texture to interior spaces.

• Carpet: Soft flooring option for comfort in living areas and bedrooms.

• Stucco: An exterior finish that provides durability and a textured look.

• Brick veneer: Used f...read more

Fences are boundaries that define limits or constraints in various contexts, including engineering and project management.

• Fences can refer to physical barriers that protect a site or area from unauthorized access.

• In project estimation, fences define the scope of work, ensuring that all stakeholders understand project limits.

• For example, a construction site may have a fence to keep the area secure and delineate where work is being done.

• Fences can also represent budgetary const...read more

Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system, while pressure is the force exerted per unit area.

• Entropy is a thermodynamic property that describes the degree of disorder or randomness in a system.

• It is denoted by the symbol S and is measured in units of joules per kelvin.

• Pressure is the force exerted per unit area and is measured in units of pascals.

• It is denoted by the symbol P and is a measure of the intensity of a force per unit area.

• Both entropy and pressure...read more

Cementitious fireproofing is a type of passive fire protection that is applied to structural steel to increase fire resistance.

• Cementitious fireproofing is a spray-applied material made of cement, aggregates, and fibers.

• It is used to protect steel structures from fire by insulating them and delaying the increase in steel temperature during a fire.

• Cementitious fireproofing can be applied to beams, columns, and other structural elements in buildings.

• Examples of cementitious fir...read more

Corona in electrical refers to a phenomenon where a discharge occurs around conductors due to high voltage stress.

• Corona is a luminous discharge that happens when the electric field strength around a conductor exceeds a certain threshold.

• It can occur in high voltage transmission lines, transformers, insulators, and other electrical equipment.

• Corona causes energy losses, audible noise, radio interference, and can lead to equipment damage.

• Reducing the electric field strength, u...read more