The most important part of preparing for an interview is to be aware of what kind of civil engineering interview questions might be thrown in your direction. That way, you will be in a great position to prepare your answers well in advance and feel confident that your responses will impress the interviewer.
Here’s a list of 8 must-know civil engineering interview questions and answers to ensure your next interview is a success.
1. Can you describe what a projection line is?
Projection line can be described as the way in which the earth is displayed on a flat piece of paper.
2. Can you list out the various steps involved in the concreting process?
The main steps involved in the concreting process are as follows:
• Batching
• Mixing
• Transporting and placement of concrete
• Compacting
3. List out the reinforcements that are used in the process of prestressing.
There are three primary types of reinforcements that are used in the prestressing process. They are:
• Spalling Reinforcements.
• Equilibrium Reinforcements.
• Bursting Reinforcements.
4. How would you describe the soundness of cement?
Cement soundness can be described as a property which ensures that the cement does not go through any appreciable expansion or experience any change in volume once it has been set. This process helps get rid of any possibilities of the mortar or concrete from getting disrupted.
5. Explain Fatigue. Can you point out some of the structures that may be subjected to fatigue?
Fatigue can be described as the gradual damage to a structure that occurs when it is subjected to cyclic loading (repeated loading and unloading). Some of the structures that may be subjected to fatigue include:
• Bridges that are heavily loaded
• Hydraulic Presses
• Aircrafts
• Concrete Reservoirs
• Pylons
• Turbines
• Overhead cranes
• Transmission towers
• Offshore platforms
• Burners trains
6. Describe the various types of slump test indications.
Slump tests are initiated to empirically measure the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets. They can also be used to check for an improperly mixed batch of concrete as well. There are three different types of slumps that occur in slump tests listed as below:
• True Slump
• Shear Slump
• Collapse Slump
7. Explain the concept of built-up area and super built-up area.
The built-up area includes the carpet area as well as any space occupied by walls, pillars, and ducts. In most cases, the built-up area is calculated as an excess of 10% of the carpet area.
The super built-up area covers the built-up area as well as any areas that used by building amenities such as life passages, lobby, stairs, gym, clubhouse, etc.
8. What are some of the common roof types?
There are several types of roofs available. Some of the commonly used ones include:
• Gable roof
• Gambrel roof
• Shed roof
• Half-hipped roof
• Dutch Hip roof
• A-Frame roof
• Skillion roof
• Folded Plate roof
• Gull wind roof
• Bell cast roof
• Sawtooth roof
Here is an additional list of eight civil engineering interview questions that may be asked by your interviewer during the interview.
a. Can you point out the various methods of curing concrete?
b. Explain how to calculate the least count of the theodolite.
c. What do you mean by the fineness of cement?
d. Can you explain why separation membranes are used between concrete pavement slab and sub-base?
e. Can you point out why steel plates are inserted inside bearings in case of elastomeric bearings?
f. Can you list out some of the common ways of demolition?
g. Why should you avoid curing by ponding and polythene sheets?
h. Point out the major differences that exist between auto level and dumpy level.