Civil Engineering Interview Questions With Answers Asked From Candidates in CCE Engineering Cadre In 2018
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the limit stress design method? | It is a structural design approach that ensures safety by considering ultimate loads and material strengths. |
| What is the allowable stress design method? | A method where allowable stress is determined by applying a safety factor to material yield stress. |
| What is the LRFD method? | Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) applies factors to both loads and material strengths to achieve safety. |
| Why is the reduction factor used? | It accounts for uncertainties in material properties, loading conditions, and structural behavior. |
| Why are live loads increased by 60% and dead loads by 20%? | Live loads vary over time, requiring higher safety margins, whereas dead loads are constant and more predictable. |
| How do you design a beam using software? | Software like ETABS, SAP2000, and STAAD.Pro is used for analysis and design based on loading conditions. |
| What is the practical/manual method of beam design? | It involves calculating bending moments, shear forces, and deflections using formulas and tables. |
| What are the types of columns? | Common types include square, rectangular, circular, and L-shaped columns based on structural needs. |
| What is a retaining wall, and what are its types? | A retaining wall supports soil laterally; types include gravity, cantilever, and anchored walls. |
| What is the live load for a single-room hospital design? | It varies by code but is generally around 2.5–4 kN/m². |
| What is the load for a dancing club? | Higher than residential structures, typically 5–7 kN/m² due to dynamic movement. |
| Why is the main reinforcement used on top of a cantilever beam? | To resist tensile forces that occur on the top side due to bending. |
| Why are old structures heavy? | They use traditional materials like stone and unreinforced masonry, which are denser. |
| Which book do you use for RCC? | Standard references include “Reinforced Concrete Design” by Pillai & Menon or IS 456:2000. |
| What is the difference between old and new RCC codes? | New codes incorporate updated safety factors, materials, and seismic considerations. |
| What is the cross-section of a road and canal? | Road sections include layers like subgrade, base, and pavement; canals have trapezoidal or rectangular sections. |
| What are the tests for road pavement? | Common tests include CBR, Benkelman beam test, and skid resistance test. |
| Where are construction joints given, and why? | Given at intervals to control cracking due to shrinkage and thermal expansion. |
| What is the material test for roads? | Includes aggregate impact test, Los Angeles abrasion test, and bitumen penetration test. |
| Is the interview room slab one-way or two-way? | It depends on slab dimensions; typically, if L/B < 2, it is a two-way slab. |
| What is shear force (SF) and bending moment (BM) in beams? | SF is the force causing one part of a structure to slide against another, and BM is the internal moment resisting bending. |
| What is an oxidation pond? | A wastewater treatment method using natural biological processes. |
| How does a tube well work? | It draws groundwater through a borehole using a pump. |
| How is drainage along the roadside maintained? | Through proper slope, culverts, and stormwater drains. |
| How is the slope of a road maintained? | By setting gradients based on road design standards. |
| Who gifted the crown to Hazrat Suleiman? | It is said to be a gift from Allah in Islamic tradition. |
| What is the scientific name of ladyfinger (okra)? | Abelmoschus esculentus. |
Interview Questions With Answers Asked From candidate in CCE Engineering Cadre In 2018
Engineering & Technical Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is bearing capacity? | The ability of soil to support the loads applied to the ground. |
| Types of foundations? | Shallow (strip, raft, isolated, combined) and deep (pile, pier, caisson). |
| What is the depth of foundation beyond which it is deep? | More than the width of the foundation (>3m). |
| What are sand piles? | Sand columns used to improve soil stability. |
| Difference between Pre-cast and Cast-in-situ piles? | Pre-cast is made off-site; Cast-in-situ is made on-site. |
| Which test is performed on piles at the site? | Static load test and dynamic load test. |
| What is cantilever footing and where is it provided? | A footing that supports a column at one end; used for boundary walls. |
| What is negative skin friction? | Downward drag on piles due to soil settlement. |
| Why are Standard and Proctor tests performed? | To find maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of soil. |
| What is a road carpet? | The top layer of flexible pavement (bitumen/asphalt). |
| Where is asphalt prepared? | In an asphalt plant. |
| What is TST and DST? | TST (Triple Surface Treatment), DST (Double Surface Treatment) for road surfaces. |
| What is premix, and which is better: TST or premix? | Premix is pre-mixed bitumen; suitability depends on road conditions. |
| What are the tests of bitumen? | Penetration, softening point, viscosity, ductility, flash & fire point. |
| What is the temperature of asphalt in an asphalt plant? | 140°C–160°C. |
| What is the Marshall Test? | Measures stability and flow properties of bituminous mixes. |
| Grades of bitumen and strongest grade? | 60/70, 80/100, 30/40; lower penetration is stronger. |
| What are load factors? | Factors in structural design to account for load uncertainties. |
| What is a doubly reinforced beam? | A beam reinforced on both tension and compression sides. |
Structural & Road Engineering
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is dual carriageway? | A road with two lanes separated by a divider. |
| What is camber and why is it provided? | Road convexity for drainage to prevent water accumulation. |
| What is an inverted beam? | A beam with reinforcement on top instead of bottom. |
| What is a simply supported beam? | A beam supported at both ends without fixed connections. |
| What is a cantilever beam? | A beam fixed at one end and free at the other. |
| Why is reinforcement at the top of a cantilever beam? | Because tension occurs at the top due to bending. |
| Where does maximum shear force occur in a cantilever beam? | At the fixed support. |
| What is a fixed beam? | A beam with both ends fixed to prevent rotation. |
| Difference between plaster and pointing? | Plaster covers surfaces; pointing is for mortar joints. |
| Properties of 1st class bricks? | Uniform shape, good strength (>10 N/mm²), water absorption <15%. |
| What is the side embankment slope ratio? | Typically 1:1.5 or 1:2 depending on soil type. |
| What is a median? | A central divider separating road traffic. |
| Difference between rigid and flexible pavement? | Rigid uses concrete; flexible uses bitumen. |
| What is the point of contraflexure? | The point where the bending moment changes sign. |
| What is an abrasion test? | Measures resistance of aggregates to wear. |
| What is a gradient and its types? | Road slope; ruling, limiting, and exceptional gradients. |
| How is asphalt temperature measured at the site? | Infrared thermometer or probe thermometer. |
| At what temperature should asphalt be rejected? | Below 110°C or above 180°C. |
General Knowledge Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a bicameral system? | A legislature with two houses (e.g., Senate & National Assembly). |
| Who are the leader and opposition leader of the Upper House? | Senate Chairman and Opposition Leader (varies by country). |
| Who are the leader and opposition leader of the Lower House? | Prime Minister and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly. |
| Who is the Foreign Minister of Pakistan? | (Varies, check latest update). |
| Abbreviations of CPEC and OPEC? | CPEC: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, OPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. |
| Which country is called the Land of the Rising Sun? | Japan. |
| Which country is called the Land of the Morning Calm? | South Korea. |
| Which country has the same currency as Pakistan? | None; Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). |
| Where is the HQ of Amnesty International? | London, UK. |
| Old name of Switzerland? | Helvetia. |
| Length of the Great Wall of China? | About 21,196 km. |
| Where is the Leaning Tower of Pisa? | Italy. |
| Height of the minar of Masoom Shah in Sukkur? | Around 84 feet (26 meters). |
| Area of India? | About 3.28 million square km. |
| Population of America? | Around 330 million (subject to change). |
Computer
Abbreviations, Acronyms & Terms
Follow Us on WhatsApp