SAMPLE INTERVIEW

QUESTIONS IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING

MASTERLINK

MUCHAPIWA GERE
CHINYEPE
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

Speak about the variety of civil engineering assignments and construction projects you
have worked on. Describe your professional background and express any related
strengths and special accomplishments in the field.

DEFINE CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN?

A professional trained in the design of static structures such as buildings, roads,

tunnels, and bridges and the control of water and its contaminants.

WHAT ARE THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RDC

ENGINEER AND WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR THIS
POST?

 Infrastructure development, planning, designing, construction and

commissioning.
 Maintenance of infrastructure under RDC jurisdiction.
 Administration and financial management of the RDC technical department,
staff, equipment, contractors and casuals.

DIFFERENTIATE THE ROLES OF THE CEO AND THE COUNCIL

CHAIRPERSON?

 Council Chairperson is the head of the deliberate body which makes the
council policy and decisions regarding Council activities.
 The Chief Executive Officer is the head of the Executive which consists of
officers and employees he/she is entrusted with the duty to ensure that Council
Resolutions are translated into action.

STATE AT MOST 5 COMPONENTS THAT CONSTITUTE A TYPICAL

CONTRACT DOCUMENT?

 General conditions of contract.

 General specifications.
 Drawings.
 Bill of quantities.
 Tender form.
 Form of agreement.
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EXPLAIN FULL WATER TREATMENT FROM THE DAM TO THE

CONSUMER AND CLARIFY ON THE PURPOSE OF EACH STAGE.

 Screening: - is the first treatment station, both for surface and wastewater. It's
purpose to protect the structure downstream against large objects which could
create obstructions in some of the facility's units, and easily separate and
remove large matter carried along by the raw water, which might negatively
affect the efficiency of later treatment procedures or make their implementation
more difficult.
 Pre-treatment (flocculation and coagulation) : - During coagulation, liquid
aluminium sulphate (alum) and/or polymer is added to untreated (raw) water.
When mixed with the water, this causes the tiny particles of dirt in the water to
stick together or coagulate. Next, groups of dirt particles stick together to form
larger, heavier particles called flocs which are easier to remove by settling or
filtration.
 Sedimentation: - As the water and the floc particles progress through the
treatment process, they move into sedimentation basins where the water moves
slowly, causing the heavy floc particles to settle to the bottom. Floc which
collects on the bottom of the basin is called sludge, and is piped to drying
lagoons. In Direct Filtration, the sedimentation step is not included, and the
floc is removed by filtration only.
 Filtration: - Water flows through a filter designed to remove particles in the
water. The filters are made of layers of sand and gravel, and in some cases,
crushed anthracite. Filtration collects the suspended impurities in water and
enhances the effectiveness of disinfection. The filters are routinely cleaned by
backwashing.
 Chlorination: - Water is disinfected before it enters the distribution system to
ensure that any disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites are destroyed.
Chlorine is used because it is a very effective disinfectant, and residual
concentrations can be maintained to guard against possible biological
contamination in the water distribution system.
 Pumping storage tank: - after chlorination, the treated water is pumped (in
series/parallel) to storage reservoir. Storage reservoirs can be either elevated
reservoir (ER), also called over head tank (OHT) or ground level reservoir
(GLR), also called underground sump.
 Distribution to consumers.

NAME 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTRACTS USED IN ZIMBABWE?

 Fixed price contract.

 Turnkey.
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 Build own operate transfer (BOOT).

 Cost reimbursed contract.
 Schedule of rates.
 Measurement rates (Bill of Quantities).
 Lump sum.

WHEN DESIGNING ROADS WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT THE

ENGINEER NEEDS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION IN ORDER TO
COME UP WITH A REALISTIC DESIGN?

 Traffic volume.
 Physical characteristics – geometry, alignment, topography.
 Geometric designs.
 Pavement design.
 Drainage.

WHAT FACTORS DO YOU CONSIDER TO DETERMINE THE COST OF

ROAD MAINTENANCE?

 Road length.
 Material required.
 Road condition. Labour requirements.
 Equipment and plant requirements.

CAN YOU PLEASE STATE, GIVING BRIEF EXPLANATIONS, ALL THE

VARIOUS STAGES OF A PROJECT CYCLE?

 Pre-feasibility and Feasibility study – gather facts, come up with feasible

options of solving the problem.
 Planning – coming up with designs and project proposals.
 Appraisal – assess affordability and funding.
 Implementation – getting the works done.
 Monitoring – assess whether you are still on course during implementation and
taking corrective steps to achieve the target as planned.
 Evaluation – assess whether the initially set target shave been met.
 Reporting.

CAN YOU PLEASE HIGHLIGHT THE STAGES OF A TENDERING

PROCESS?

 Advertising.
 Selling of tender document.
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 Opening of tender.
 Adjudication.
 Awarding.
 Signing of contract.

LIST FACTORS AFFECT THE DECISION TO TENDER A CONTRACT

 Nature, Size, Complexity of the work

 Time allowed for tendering
 Principal parties involved
 Contract details
 The value of main contractor‘s work
 Firm or fluctuating price required

THERE ARE A LOT OF ILLEGAL DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE

DISTRICT. HOW DO YOU INTEND TO STOP THIS?

 Serving enforcements orders.

 Serving prohibition orders.
 Demolition.
 Preparation of layout plans and house plans to be adhered to.
 Preparation and enforcement of by-lwas.

AS HEAD OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, WHAT ROLE ARE

YOU GOING TO PLAY IN THE COORDINATION OF THE DISTRICT’S
DEVELOPMENT?

 Secretariat to the Rural District Development Commitee.

 Coordinate sector ministries and development partners’ input in the District
plans.
 Coordinate preparation of District Annual Plan, District Annual Programme
and Review.
 Preparation of projects estimates.

NAME ANY FIVE TYPES OF TENDERING

 Open tendering
 Negotiated tendering
 Serial tendering
 Selective tendering
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CLASSIFY TYPES OF MAINTENANCE DONE TO A HIGHWAY AND THE

ACTIVITIES DONE?

(i) Routine maintenance – scheduled on 2 to 6 weeks basis: frequently

(once/more per year for small scale simple works: patching, potholes,
vegetation cutting)
(ii) Periodic maintenance – special maintenance scheduled on annual basis:
after period of several years’ large scale, more equipment and skilled
workers
(iii) Urgent maintenance – emergency needs from flood damage, earth slips,
overturned trees etc.

Maintenance activities are specified in the following areas: (i) Asphalt pavement
(ii) Unpaved roads (iii) Roadside areas (iv) Drainage system (v) Traffic control
devices

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF LONGITUDINAL JOINTS IN CONCRETE

ROAD PAVEMENTS?

A longitudinal joint consists of a tie bar placed at the mid-depth of a concrete

pavement and it is not intended for joint lateral movement. Then one may
doubt the reasons of placing longitudinal joints in concrete pavements. In fact,
longitudinal joints are normally designed at a regular spacing e.g. 4.5m to
accommodate the effect of differential settlement of pavement foundation. When
uneven settlement occurs, the tie bars in longitudinal joints perform as hinges
(Ministry of Transport (1955)) which allow for the settlement of concrete
carriageway. Moreover, it also serves to cater for the effect of warping of concrete due
to moisture and temperature gradients by permission of a small amount of
angular movement to occur so that stresses induced by restrained warping can be
avoided.

Dowel bars are provided in longitudinal joints for the following reasons:

(i) In case of the occurrence of uneven settlement between adjacent

panels, it helps to maintain a level surface by transfer of loads through
dowel bars.
(ii) (ii) Keep the longitudinal joints close.

IF THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE CARRIAGEWAY IS

CARRIED OUT IN SUMMER, CAN EXPANSION JOINTS BE OMITTED?

If the construction of concrete carriageway is carried out in summer, expansion joints

may not be necessary as suggested by Arthur Wignall, Peter S. Kendrick and
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Roy Ancil. Expansion of concrete carriageway is mainly due to seasonal

changes with an increase in temperature from that during construction to the
ambient temperature (i.e. the temperature in summer). However, if the construction of
concrete carriageway takes place in summer, the concrete carriageway will undergo
contraction in the following winter, thus the space available in contraction joints
can accommodate the future expansion in the next summer.

ARE KERBS NECESSARY IN ROAD PAVEMENTS?

In general, kerbs are essential in road pavements due to the following reasons
(based on Arthur Wignall, Peter S. Kendrick and Roy Ancil):

(i) They provide strength to the sides of road pavements and avoid lateral
displacement of carriageway due to traffic loads.
(ii) In terms of road safety, they serve as a separation line between
footway and carriageway and aid car drivers in driving safely.
(iii) They act as a vertical barrier to guide the surface runoff collected in road
pavements to the gullies.

WHAT ARE THE PAVEMENT DESIGN INPUTS?

(i) Determine what E80 traffic is expected during the design life of the road –
say 20 years.
(ii) How many lanes and what the distribution of heavy vehicles is on each lane
(iii) The strength of the sub-grade measured by CBR
(iv) What surfacing type is to be used
(v) The availability and strength of pavement materials in the area.

OUTLINE THE PAVEMENT DESIGN PROCEDURES?

1. Study for determination of distribution of axle loading: For dual carriageway

multilane highway to find the greatest proportion of heaviest and slowest vehicles
using the outside lane – or study of similar loads. This means axle loading and growth
rate.

2. Climate input: For dry west areas traffic multiplied by a factor of 0,8; for wet east
areas (Eastern Highlands) multiply by factor 1,2, but considered as unnecessary
sophistication. Positive steps to ensure that in doubtful areas the top of sub-grade is
kept well drained.

3. Estimation of heavy vehicle equivalents – three methods:

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(i) To weigh a sample of traffic using the Axle Weight Analyzer (or similar
instrument) by direct weighting of axles using portable scales in the manner normally
used for enforcement (W/8,2)n , n=exponent 4,5, 4,2 or 4,0 (for Zimbabwe).

(ii) Visual survey of trucks (empty, partly or fully loaded) based on contact length of
tyre on the road.

Empty trucks: E80 equivalent of 0,1 per axle; Partly loaded – 0,3 E80/axle; Fully
loaded – 1,0 E80/axle; Steering axle – E80 of 0,1.

(iii) To use the countrywide truck axle E80 equivalent taken from routine axle weight
survey.

Traffic studies give daily average number of axle using the road. Truck traffic growth
rates are greater than mixed traffic growth rates.

4. The worst lane E80 traffic is calculated once the average daily E80 is determined.
It is multiplied by the growth factor. If the daily ESA is 1 (one E80 load per day) the
factor represents the number of times this load is likely to move on the road during its
design life.

5. The design traffic is = daily ESA x f x 100.

6. The design is based on the cumulative number of standard axles. The design
equivalent axles are calculated for the design life: D=365xAADT x [(1+r)n – 1] / r
where D=design equivalent axles; AADT=Average Annual Daily Traffic; n=design
life; r=growth rate

LIST AND EXPLAIN FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE PAVEMENT DESIGN

IN GENERAL?

1. Traffic factors: Volume and type as wheel load causing stress and strain in layers
and sub-grade related to tyre pressure – E80, ESA; impact in surface imperfections;
heavy vehicles; slow vehicles; repetition/passes of wheel load for plastic and elastic
deformation; number of passes; position across the width; percentage using outside
lane; design based on worst lane.

2. Climatic factors: Rainfall affects drainage; temperature variations; frost if any, not
in Zimbabwe.

3. Road geometry: Curvature - extra stress; junctions; vertical profile, grades, extra
forces due to acceleration, deceleration and braking.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

4. Soil and drainage: Soil types, sub-grade classification, grain distribution, density,
thickness, water table, drainage, adjoining land.

NAME ANY TEST THAT IS CARRIED OUT ON AGGREGATES ON ROAD

SURFACING?

Sieve analysis; Specific gravity; LAA (Los Angeles Abrasion test); ACV (Aggregate
Crushing Value); AIV (Aggregate Impact Value).

NAME ANY TEST THAT IS CARRIED OUT ON BITUMEN ON ROAD

SURFACING?

Penetration test: for determining the consistency of bitumen to identify its grade and
hardness. mm.

Softening point: for consistency and tendency to flow.

DEFINE SURFACING SEAL AND RESEAL IN GENERAL?

Surfacing seal is a thin layer providing durable, skid-resistant all-weather dust-free

surface for service to users and protection of structural layers.

Reseal is a surfacing seal for maintenance purposes.

WHAT ARE THE EXISTING CONDITIONS OF A ROAD SURFACE THAT

REQUIRE RESEAL?

(i) An old seal surface of old and dry appearance due to aging of the binder becoming
hard and “lifeless”.

(ii) Aggregate loss from the surface due to aging of the binder - it was not sufficient or
dusty stones were used.

(iii) The surface has an excess of binder, it is too smooth and bleeding. The surface is
impermeable, will last longer, but is hazardous with low skid resistance and
inconvenient to traffic.

(iv)The surface seal is cracked and permits ingress of water into the pavement. The so
called “crocodile cracks” show fatigue and deformation of some pavement layers.

(v) The existing surface has a fine texture due to aggregate that are polished under
traffic.

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE PERFORMANCE OF

SURFACING SEALS?
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a) Characteristics of stone and bituminous binder

b) The rate of application of stone and binder

c) Initial development of good adhesion, which to be retain throughout the life of the
seal

d) The initial compaction at construction to obtain dense interlocking of stone

e) The construction technique and traffic during construction and early life of the seal

f) The strength and flexural properties of pavement layers, particularly the upper base

g) The type and conditions of existing road surface

h) Volume and type of traffic

i) The Climate and road surface drainage conditions

j) The road geometry, steep upgrades and sharp curves

k) The impermeability of seal

l) Embedment of stone into the underlying surface

m) the presence of salts in the base.

NAME TYPES OF RESEALS COMMONLY USED AND CONDITIONS

UNDER WHICH THEY ARE USED?

(i) Asphalt wearing course: High cost, used only on roads of high traffic volumes. It is
preferred on roads with uneven surfaces and poor riding quality where the road
pavement structure is good

(ii) Single seal of 19, 16, 13.2, 9.5 or 6.7mm aggregate; with larger stones a second
spray of binder may be used; in high traffic volumes larger stones used, followed by a
thin layer of crushed sand to decrease stone loss

(iii) Double seal using 13.2 and 6.7mm aggregate; each with larger void content; suits
for some heavy traffic

(iv) Double seal using 19 and 9.5mm aggregate; suitable for heavy traffic or where the
conditions are poor but the road should be retain for further service; more binder is
used due to larger voids, more expensive
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(v) Slurry seal applied successfully on roads of various textures where aggregates are
stripped in patches or on extensively patched roads; it is rich in binder, not used on
smooth textures; used also as pre-treatment

(vi) Surfacing enrichment with spraying diluted emulsion or cut-back bitumen on

textures where the mixture can penetrate not remaining on surface, can be applied
more than one time on porous and coarse existing seal

(vi) Diluted emulsion plus slurry is applicable on dry porous seal with lost
aggregate; firstly the surface is pre-treated with emulsion to prevent
trapping of air in voids that can fill with water, then slurry is used.

DESCRIBE HOW YOU CONSTRUCT A ROAD IN A NEWLY PEGGED AND

TITLE SURVEYED AREA?

 Obtain road design drawings.

 Identify the pegs showing extend of the road.
 Set out the road and the drains.
 Clear the area of trees, stones etc using a dozer.
 Remove top soil, humus using the dozer and cut to waste.
 From the road using the grader, water and compact the base material to 90‰
hce.
 Gravel the width 150mm layers, spread, water and compact.

HOW DO YOU CONTROL QUALITY OF THE ROAD BEING

CONSTRUCTED?

 Setting out using profiles, theodolite, total station.

 Ensuring correct road finished levels using a level.
 Visual inspection to ensure anthills, humus and that all unsuitable materials are
included.
 Performing bearing capacity tests, compaction tests.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO ENSURE THAT YOUR TEAM
CAN TAKE TO ACHIEVE YOUR ROAD CONSTRUCTION TARGETS?

 Communicate your targets to the team.

 Communicated individual targets to the team and the resources available for
use.
 Motivate team and monitor progress.
 Take appropriate action to ensure road construction and maintenance targets
are achieved.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

YOU ARE THE ROAD SUPERVISOR, THEN YOU FIND THE GRADER
OPERATOR PARKED DURING WORKING HOURS AND DRINKING
ALCHOL. WHAT STEPS TO YOU TAKE?

 Retrieve the keys of the machinery and call an approved driver to collect it.
 Then ask the grader operator to explain himself/herself in writing.
 Then deal with the misconduct according to the company’s code of conduct

WHAT IS A ROAD ACQUITTAL REPORT AND ITS IMPORTANCE?

A road acquittal report is a document prepared by the roads engineer being assisted by
the accountant, it reveals the costs inquired through the construction phase of the road.

 Transparency
 Progress of project
 Accountability of funds

WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF DRAINING WATER FROM A ROAD?

 Culverts
 Storm water drains
 Drifts
 Cambering

WHO ARE THE ROADS RESPONSIBILITY AUTHORITIES IN

ZIMBABWE?

 DDF
 RDC and city councils
 Ministries of Transport

WHAT ARE THE ROAD TYPES/ CLASSIFICATION OF ROADS.

 Primary system - its consists of following categories of roads

(a)Express roads (b) National roads
 Secondary system – it consists of the following categories of road
(a)State highways (b) Major district roads
 Tertiary system – it consists of the following categories of roads
(a) Other district roads (ODR) (b) Village roads

STATE THE SCHEDULE OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION STAGES?

1. Establishment and general.
 Establishment on site.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

 Provision of water supplies.

2. construction of detours.
 Clearing of detours.
 Construction of detours.
 Gravel detours.
 Maintenance grading of detours.
 Provision and overhaul of water.
 Barricades and signs for detours

3. fencing.

 Erection of standard fencing.

 Install pedestrian openings.
 Supply and erect temporary fencings.

4. cattle grids.

 Install grids (6m wide).

5. culverts.

 Excavation, culvert foundation (special treatment), stabilising agent

(lime/cement).

6. subgrade.

 Clearing right of way, including stacking and disposal of timber.

 Preparing roadbed (normal conditions, collapsing soils).
 Excavation of expansive material to waste.
 Mixing and compacting (controlled) subgrade.
 Stabilising agent |(lime/agent).

7. drains.

 Common excavation for subsoil drains.

 Supply and place filter material in subsoil drains.

8. pavement.

 Clear and rehabilitate gravel pit area.

 Removal of overburden.
 Stabilising agent.

Compaction
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HOW DO YOU PREPARE PROGRAM OF WORKS?

Before taking any decision for the development or new construction certain factual
data is collected which is known as Planning the survey /Road survey. On Road
survey two factors should be studied carefully

(i)For any area to assess the road length requirement

(ii)Prepare the master plan showing phasing program of construction work

The planning surveys include the detailed of:

(I)Economic study (ii) Financial study

(iii)Road use study (traffic study) (iv) Technical studies/ Engineering

studies

Road signs and specification

Under this heading the following factors are discussed

(i)Road design (ii)Pavement designs

(iiI)Masonry works (iv) Specifications

Materials, Labour and equipment

Materials

The types of material presented are:

-Results of soil and other materials survey

-Borrow area and quarry charts

-Sustainability report of the available material and their estimate quantity

-Facilities available for transport of the materials

Labour

-Requirement of labour for the work and the type of labour we are using in the district.

Equipment
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-Requirement of different types of equipment and its availability

Rates

-Reference and years of publication of the schedule of rates adopted should be given.
If the rates of certain item are not available, analysis of rates should be mentioned

Construction programming

The program of work should show whether the work is proposed to be executed
departmentally or through contract, proposed period of completion of the work.
Construction schedules in form of bar charts or network planning and or Critical path
method (CPM)

Estimates

The project estimate should give a clear picture of financial commitment

involved and be realistic.

-Abstract of costs

-Estimate of quantity

-Analysing rates for items not covered by schedule of rates

-Material source or quarry charts

Preparation and presentation of Program of works

-The project data collected during survey and investigations and the proposal worked
out on that basis should be presented in a proper form for the approval of the
appropriate authority. The whole project /program of works may be divided into three
parts

(i)Project report

(ii)Estimate

(iii)Drawings

WHAT ARE THE METHODS THAT RURAL DISTRICT COUNCILS GET

ITS FUND?

 Grants.
 Donors.
 Development levies.
 Rate payers.
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 Untied funds.

WHAT DO WE USE IN RDC TO MONITOR AND CONTROL

DEVELOPMENT?

 Bylaws.
 Regional and Town Planning Act and other Acts as endorsed by the Minister.
 RDC Act
 EMA Act

WHAT DO WE CONSIDER WHEN SITING A BUSINESS CENTRE?

 Population of the area (sphere of influence).

 Availability and accessibility of water and electricity
 Land or space available.
 Type of soil
 Road networks
 Distance from one business centre to another

WHAT DO YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN SELECTING

BETWEEN ONSITE AND OFFSITE SEWER TREATMENT?

 Population.
 Size of stand.
 Soil type of the area.
 Cost of the project.
 Source of water supply.

WHEN INSPECTING A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION, WHAT

STAGES AND DETAILS DO YOU CONCENTRATE ON?

 Setting out: - check the positions by measuring the diagonals, the lengths of te
diagonals should be within 6mm of each other on a medium size house. Check
the correct location of profile boards.
 Foundation excavation/trenching: - the marking out of the excavation must
adhere to the saw cuts on the profile boards. The sides of excavation should be
trimmed to size and the digger driver must dig down into the bearing strata (not
too little, not too much).
 Levelling of pegs: - checking of levels must be done using a traveller as shown
below.
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 Footing: - the concrete must be laid to the correct thickness. Too thin means a
weak foundation, failing in bending and shear, and too thick means a waste of
money on too much concrete. See figure below for inspecting the concrete
foundation thickness.

 Sub-structure brickwork :- check the stability of the bonding, application of

brickforce in every course, and whether the corner of wall on the foundation
are in line with the builder’s line.
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 Slab level: - check whether the backfilling of imported material is well

compacted. A pick is used on inspection, the pick is driven in the compacted
layer, if the tip of the pick sinks more than 50mm/5cm then the builder must
re-do. There must be correct application of dpm and gauging of concrete for
the slab.
 Window level:- check for the stability of the wall and type of bond.
 Wall plate level:- check for the stability of the wall , type of bond and clear
height of walls.
 Gable level:- check for the stability of the wall and type of bond
 Roof level
 Roof trusses:- check for correct spacing of trusses and stability of truss.
 Roof tiles/sheets:- check for alignment.
 Plastering
 Floors
 Doors
 Painting
 Finishes

IF A PERSON APPLIES FOR LAND TO DEVELOP IN A DISTRICT OR

RURAL SERVICE CENTRE, WHAT SYSTEM(S) OF STAND ALLOCATION
DO YOU RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL?

Usually, it is first come, first serve. But if there is lack of availability of stand then you
will recommend the waiting list.

DEFINE A WAITING LIST?

A list of people waiting for reservation.

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WHAT IS THE MINIMUM ROOF PITCH FOR THE FOLLOWING?

 Asbestos roofing sheets - 10°
 I.B.R roofing sheets - 1°
 Concrete tile covering – 17.5°

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM EARTH COVER OF A DRAIN?

 300mm

GIVE THREE POSITIONS OF A RODDING WAY?

 Head of drain
 Change of direction
 On a rump junction/before a manhole

WHAT ARE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM GRADIENTS USED IN

DRAINAGE?
 1 in 60
 1 in 10

DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BUILDING AND SEPTIC TANK?

 9000mm, this applies in the medium to low density

WHICH CHAPTER IN THE MODEL BUILDING BY-LAWS DEALS WITH

PLACES OF ASSEMBLY?
 Chapter 11 Section 34

WHAT SPECIFIC INSTRUMENTS SPELLS OUT BUILDING LINES?

 Circular no. 070/2004 local government

IN A CASE OF AN ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION, WHAT ACTION DO YOU

TAKE AND HOW WOULD YOU ADVISE UNDER SUCH
CIRCUMSTANCES?

 Report to the supervisor

 Issue an Enforcement order
 Issue a Prohibition order

SOMEONE IN A POSITION OF AUTHORITY E.G. A LOCAL POLITICIAN

OR AN INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS PERSON APPROACHES YOU FOR
SOME FAVOURS TO DO WITH CONSTRUCTION, HOW DO YOU
PROCEED?

 Be very professional in approach

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 Advise of the procedure

 If persistent refer to superior

WHAT LEGAL DOCUMENT DO YOU USE I THE DAY TO DAY

DISCHARGE OF YOUR DUTIES?

 Model Building By-Laws.

WHAT QUICK METHODS ARE USED IN QUALITY CONTROL FOR

BUILDING MATERIAL ESPECIALLY BRICKS?

 Knock them against each other to produce a metallic sound.

WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUILDING LINE AND BOUNDARY

LINE?

 Demarcation of structures
 Demarcation of properties (stands)

WHAT IS REQUIRED MINIMUM FOUNDATION DEPTH?

 450mm, to avoid frost heave

WHAT IS THE REQUIRED MINIMUM DPC HEIGHT FROM NGL?

 150mm

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM CLEAR HEIGHT OF THE FOLLOWING?

 Dwelling house - 2400mm

 Shop – 2600mm

CAN YOU STATE THE STANDARD COLOURS CODES FOR BUILDING

PLANS?

 Red – brick
 Light green – concrete
 Brown - rock(hardcore)
 Yellow – timber, dressed
 Blue – steel, galvanised iron, lead flashing
 Grey – bituminous products.

WHAT ARE THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND REQUIREMENTS OF A

BUILDING PLAN?

 A site plan
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

 Layout drawings
 A fire insulation drawing
 Drainage installation drawings
 Particulars of any existing building or structure that is going to be demolished –
and you need to state how it will be demolished
 Any other plans and particulars that your local authority requires

WHAT IS THE VALIDITY OF A BUILDING PLAN AFTER APPROVAL?

 It varies from municipality both in general your building plans will be valid for
one year after approval, you can renew for a further year, but thereafter the
plans would be treated as new submission. In some cases you can get away
with putting the foundations in and then finishing the building at a later date.

WHAT IS BRICKFORCE?

 Brickforce is the steel reinforcing that strengthens a wall. It is placed in the

cement between courses of bricks. Brickforce is used in every course of the
foundations and every course above lintel height (2140mm). Otherwise
brickforce is used every fourth course in between the foundations and lintel
height or a concrete slab and lintel height.

DO I NEED TO INSTALL A FIRE DOOR BETWEEN MY GARAGE AND A

HABITABLE ROOM?

 You will need to install a fire door-Model building ByLaws of 1977 states that
any door between a garage and a habitable room shall be a solid timber door
not less than 40mm thick and with a fire resistance of 1 hour. You will also
need to make sure that a firewall has been built between the garage and the
house. This is a 230mm wide wall to the roof/underside of concrete slab.

WHAT IS A LINTEL AND MATERIALS USED AS A LINTEL?

A lintel is a horizontal member which is placed across an opening to support the

portion of the structure above it. At present, the lintels of R.C.C are widely used to
span the openings for doors, windows, etc in a structure. The common materials used
in the construction of lintels are as follows:

 Wood or timber lintels: These lintels consist of pieces of timber which are
placed across the opening. The timber lintels are the oldest types of lintels and
they have become obsolete except in hilly areas or places where timber is
easily available.
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 Stone Lintels: These lintels consist of slabs of stones which are placed across
the openings. The stone lintels may be formed of a single piece or more than
one piece.
 Brick Lintels : These lintels consist of bricks which are generally placed on
end or edge
 Steel Lintels: These lintels consist of steel angles or rolled steel joists. The
formed is used for small spans and light loading and the latter is used for large
spans and heavy loading.

Reinforced cement concrete Lintels : These lintels consist of the reinforced cement
concrete and they have replaced practically all other materials for the lintels The
R.C.C Lintels are fire proof, durable , strong, economical and easy to construct No
relieving arches are necessary when the R. C.C Lintels are adopted. The usual
concrete mix for R.C.C lintel is 1:2:4 i.e. I part of cement, 2 parts of sand and 4 parts
of aggregates by volume. The plain concrete lintels can be used puts a span of about
800 mm. But some form of reinforcement is necessary in the R.C.C lintels as plain
concrete is weak in tension. The amount of reinforcement depends on lintels as plain
concrete is weak in tension. The amount of reinforcement depends on the span of
lintel, width of opening and the total load to be supported by the lintel. The span of
lintel, width of opening and the total load to be supported by the lintel. The R.C.C.
Lintels may be pre-cast of cast-in-situ. The pre-cast R.C.C lintels are convenient for
small span up to 2 meters or so and they are economical as the same mould can be
used of prepare a number of lintels. The pre-cast R.C.C lintels increase the speed of
construction and allow sufficient time for the curing before fixing.
One precaution of be taken in case of pre-cast. R.C.C. lintels is that the top
of lintel should be properly marked with tar of paint this will help I placing the lintel
correctly. Fore cast-in-situ R.C.C lintels, the centering is prepared. Reinforcement is
placed and concreting is done as usual.

HOW DO YOU SET OUT A BUILDING?

 Walk round the site and identify the fixed reference points used for the original
survey. Look for nails, pins, hooks or loops, marks, etc. to or from which
measurements were taken. Confirm these points by re-measuring.
 Initially the ends of building lines and corners of walls of new building works
are marked by placing a wooden peg in the ground and placing a nail in the top
of the peg, as shown.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

If there is no building line, mark the corners of the building(s) by placing pegs in the
ground. Figure below illustrates how it is done. Using a steel tape from each of the
known fixed points, measure the distance given on the site plan to the end(s) of the
base line or building corner. Where readings coincide, drive in a peg. Measure again
across the top of the peg and put in a nail.

In the case of a building line, with the position of the ends fixed, stretch a builder’s
line from nail to nail, and using a steel tape measure along the line to establish
building corners. Mark each corner with a peg and nail, as shown below.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

 Having found two corners of the proposed building, set out and mark the
others. Use the Pythagoras theorem in any combination of right angled
triangles, as shown below.

 Having placed pegs at all four corners, check their positions by measuring the
diagonals as shown below. The lengths of the diagonals should be within 6 mm
of each other on a medium size house.

 We now know where the corners of the building ’s walls will be. When we
place foundations we excavate and place concrete in the bottom. Both
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

excavation and concrete are wider than the walls. The pegs marking the corners
will therefore be displaced and we lose our markers. This is shown below.

 We need profile boards, as illustrated in Fig-ure 2.31. Profile boards are set up
at each corner of the building. Each set ‘looks ’ two ways along adjacent walls,
as shown in Figure [Link]‘see’ the outline of the building ’s concrete
foundation and walls, builder ’s lines may be stretched from profile to profile.
With all that string around, there is no room to get in to excavate for the
foundation,
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DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN FALSEWORK AND FORMWORK?

False work: - temporary bracing for supporting work under construction which
cannot yet sup-port itself.

Formwork: -a temporary construction to contain wet concrete in the required shape

while it is cast and setting.

WHAT IS A CILL AND ITS USE?

Alternative spelling, sill, is a unit or construction at the bottom of a window opening

in a wall designed to deflect water running off a window away from the face of the
wall below.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BONDS USED IN HOUSING

CONSTRUCTION?

 Stretcher or common bond

 English bond
 Flemish bond
 Quetta bond
 Scotch and garden wall bond
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM FOUNDATION DEPTH?

The bottom of the foundation must be deep enough to avoid frost heave. This depth
can vary with local weather conditions but generally 450 mm is sufficient according to
British Standard.

LIST EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR SETTING OUT?

 Dumpy level, tripod and staff

 50× 50 wooden pegs 600 –750 mm long
 2 lb hammer and a claw hammer
 65 mm plain wire nails
 Two steel measuring tapes 30 or 100 m long
 Builder’s line and builder ’s level
 Measuring rods
 Crosscut hand saw
 94× 19 wrot boarding.

WHAT STEPS DO YOU TAKE IN DESIGNING A WATER SUPPLY TO A

RSC?

 Demand (Determine current and future demand)

 Source capacity (size of dam, yield of boreholes etc)
 Topography (gradient)
 Availability of local materials
 Raw water quality
 Degree of industrialisation

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS INFLUENCING SELECTION OF SANITATION

TECHNOLOGY?

 Geology
 Availability of water
 Population density or stand size
 Cost
 Social factors
 Educational facilities / materials

WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF SEWAGE TREATMENT IN

ZIMBABWE?

 Prevention of Eutrophication
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 Reduction of organic compounds

 Prevention of transmission of water communicable diseases eg bilharzia,
intestine worms
 To manage natural resources in a sustainable manner
 To protect the environment
 Environment consideration

GIVE ME 7 WAYS OF GOOD SANITATION?

 Water purification
 solid waste management
 Waste treatment
 Construction of Blair toilets
 Drilling ,rehabilitation of boreholes, shallow and dip wells
 Septic tanks
 PHHE
 CBM

ONE OF THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE MET IN YOUR PROFESSION

AND HOW HAVE SOLVED IT?

 Resisting of the community because of different perceptions on developmental

projects
 We sat down with the community leadership also involving senior civil
servants like DA to map the way forward

WHAT IS THE INDICATION OF SHEAR SLUMP AND COLLAPSE SLUMP

IN SLUMP TESTS?

There are three types of slump that may occur in slumps test, namely, true
slump, shear, slump and collapse slump.

True slump refers to general drop of the concrete mass evenly all around
without disintegration.

Shear slump implies that the concrete mix is deficient in cohesion.

Consequently, it may undergo segregation and bleeding and thus is undesirable for
durability of concrete.

Collapse slump indicates that concrete mix is too wet and the mix is deemed to be
harsh and lean.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

CAN A CONCRETE STRUCTURE BE COMPLETELY FREE OF

EXPANSION JOINTS AND CONTRACTION JOINTS?

Consider that the concrete structure is not subject to the problem of differential
settlement.

For contraction joints, it may be possible to design a concrete structure without

any contraction joints. By using sufficient steel reinforcement to spread evenly the
crack width over the span length of the structure, it may achieve the
requirement of minimum crack width and cause no adverse impact to the
aesthetics of the structure. However, it follows that the amount of reinforcement
required is higher than that when with sufficient contraction joints.

For expansion joints, the consequence of not providing such joints may be difficult to
cater for. For example, a concrete structure has the coefficient of thermal expansion of
9x10-6 /oC and a Young’s modulus of 34.5kN/mm2. With an increase of temperature
of 20oC and it is restricted to free expansion, then the structure is subject to an
axial stress of 6.21MPa. If the structure is very slender (e.g. concrete carriageway),
buckling may occur. Therefore, the structure has to be designed to take up these
thermal stresses if expansion joints are not provided. However, for water retaining
structures, most of them are not affected by weather conditions because they are
insulated from the water they contain internally and soil backfill that surround
them. Therefore, it is expected that a smaller amount of thermal movement will
occur when compared with normal exposed concrete structure. Consequently,
expansion joints may be omitted in this case with the view that the
compressive stress induced by thermal expansion toughens the structure to limit
the development of tensile stress.

DOES THE PRESENCE OF RUST HAVE ADVERSE IMPACT TO THE

BOND PERFORMANCE OF BAR REINFORCEMENT?

In fact, the presence of rust in bars may not have adverse impact to the bond
performance and it depends on the types of bar reinforcement under consideration.

For plain round bars, the rust on bars improves the bond performance by the formation
of rough surfaces which increases the friction between steel and concrete.

However, for deformed bars, the same theory cannot apply. The presence of rust
impairs the bond strength because corrosion occurs at the raised ribs and subsequently
fills the gap between ribs, thus evening out the original deformed shape. In essence,
the bond between concrete and deformed bars originates from the mechanical
lock between the raised ribs and concrete. On the contrary, the bond between
concrete and plain round bars derives from the adhesion and interface friction.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

With such differences in mechanism in bonding, the behaviour of bond between

deformed bars and plain round bars in the presence of rust varies.

WHAT IS THE MECHANISM OF CAVITATION IN PIPES AND DRAINS?

Cavitation refers to the formation of air bubbles in fluid in low-pressure condition

which is lower than the saturation pressure. It is a potentially damaging condition in
which the fluid in pipes or sewers is at high velocities. By Bernoulli’s Equation, at
high flow velocities, the pressure head of fluid is reduced accordingly. As the fluid
pressure is less than saturation pressure, dissolved gases are released from the
fluid and these air bubbles will suddenly collapse when the flow enters into a
region of higher pressure. This produces a high dynamic pressure which causes
damage to the pipelines due to its high frequency.

WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF BEDDING UNDER STORM WATER

DRAINS?

 To enhance a uniform support under pipes in order to reduce the

bending moment longitudinally;
 To increase the load-supporting strength of the pipes;
 For pipes with spigot and socket joints, it enables pipes to be supported
along pipe lengths instead of pipe sockets. Otherwise, uneven stress may be
induced and it may damage the pipes;
 To provide a platform for achieving correct alignment and level during
and after construction.

WHAT ARE THEFACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A SITE

FOR INTAKES?
 The best quality should be available for ease and economic purification.
 Little or no current of water.
 The site should allow drawing of water even in the worst condition.
 Site should allow future expansion.
 Should not be in the navigation area to minimize pollution such as toilets and
other discharges from ships.
 Should be as near to the water works as possible to reduce conveyance cost.
 Should not be near the vicinity of a sewerage disposal point.

WHAT ARE THE NORMAL TYPES OF WATER DEMANDS FOR AN

URBAN AREA?
 Domestic water demand: - Domestic water supply is usually made up water for
drinking, for cooking, bathing, clothes washing, flushing.
 Commercial and Industrial demand:- Commercial demands includes such
demands as from office buildings, warehouses, stores, hotels, shopping centres, health
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

centres, schools, churches, cinema houses, bus stations etc. It is common to express
demand from commercial places either per capita or per unit area of the building or
stand.
 Fire – demand: - Fire protection is provided for by fire hydrants, which are
generally expensive gadgets to install. Fire demand is the quantity of water required
for fighting a fire outbreak.
 Demand for public uses: - The water for public utility purposes is for such uses
as washing and sprinkling of roads, watering of public parks, public fountains etc.
Demand for losses: - Part of the water in the distribution process is lost due to the
following.
1. Defective joints
2. Faulty valves
3. Cracks in the network
4. Public taps left open
5. Illegal (unmetered) connections

WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF POPULATION GROWTH PROJECTION?

Arithmetic Increase Method:- Usually applicable to old and large cities with the
potential for future growth. In this method the average population increase per decade
is computed from past census reports. The increase is then added to the present
population to find the next population in the next decade.

Incremental Method:- This is more of a modification of the arithmetic method and is

suited for average size cities. The basic assumption is that there will be increments in
increase of population in each decade.
Geometric Method:- The method assumes that the average percentage increase is
used to find out the future increment in population,
Pn  Po (1  r )n
Where Pn - population after n years
Po - present or initial population
n - number of years
r - growth rate as a decimal

Graphical or Comparative Method:- This is done by extending (smoothly) the

population curve to get the future value. Experience and reference to population
curves (population vs year) of similar towns experiencing similar conditions of growth
is essential as a guide.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A SEWERAGE SYSTEM?
A sewerage system generally consists of the following components:-

 A stand connection which can be a 1m, 100mm diameter off take from the
manhole or a Y-junction forming part of the pipeline
 A rodding eye which is usually for drainage within a stand (internal drainage)
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

 Pipes
 Manholes
 Pumping or lifting stations
 Other structures such as grease and oil traps and siphons.

WHAT ARE METHODS OF TESTING SEWERS?

Air test:- The procedure for an air test is specified in section 13.3 of BS 8005 Part1,
1987. In essence the test involves plugging both ends of the section to be tested. A
means of introducing air and a U-tube manometer are fixed to one of the plugging end
caps. Air is introduced by mouth or a hand pump to achieve a pressure of slightly
more than 100mm in the U-tube. Five minutes is allowed for stabilization of air after
which pressure is adjusted to 100mm. The pressure must not fall by more than 25mm
in 5 minutes. If a fault exist i.e. a fall of over 25mm in 5 minutes, then a smoke test
can be used to identify the leaking point.

Water test:- The procedure for a water test as is the air test is detailed in BS8005,
Part 1, 1987. In summary the test involves placing suitable plugs at the upstream and
downstream ends of the section under test. Water is then introduced through a hose
from the upper end to a pressure head of 1.2m above the crown at the top end and
ensuring that the length maintains a pressure not exceeding 6m at the lower end. Care
must be taken to avoid air pockets and also propping and strutting is done where
necessary to avoid lateral movement of the pipe. The pipe is given 2 hours to saturate
and topping of water may be necessary. After saturation the amount of water loss in
30minutes is determined as that used to top up at 5 minutes intervals to maintain the
level. The water loss should be less than 1 litre per hour per meter diameter per meter
of pipe run.
total water for topping (l )
loss 
0.5(hrs)  Dia(m)  L(m)

Infiltration:- After backfilling there is also a need to check for infiltration. The sewer
is inspected from manholes after ensuring that all inlets and junctions are plugged.
Any flow observed in the manholes is an indication of infiltration and should be
investigated. Various ways are available for the investigations. The infiltration is
acceptable if it is less than 1l per hr per m diameter per m run.

Straightness:- The straightness of a sewer can be checked using the following

methods;
 Surveyor’s level and staff (theodolite and target)
 Sight rails and boring rods and travelers
 Laser beam with citing targets
 Lamp (torch) and mirror

HOW DO YOU CALCULATE FALLS AND GRADIENTS FOR DRAINAGE?

 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

All above ground and below ground horizontal drainage pipes should be laid to an
adequate gradient. Gradients from 1 in 40 to 1 in 110 will normally give adequate
flow velocities. A gradient of 1 in 80 is suitable for commencing calculations for pipe
schemes. If a gradient is too steep i.e. steeper than 1 in 40, the liquid may run faster
than the solids in the sloping foul water pipe thus leaving the solids stranded, which
could then block the pipe. If the gradient is not steep enough, i.e. less than 1 in 110,
then the pipe could still block if the solids slow down and become stranded. The fall
in a pipe may be defined as the vertical amount by which the pipe drops over a
distance. The distance can be between sections of pipe or between manholes. The
diagram below show pipe fall and distance.

A gradient may be defined as fall divided by distance.

GRADIENT = FALL / DISTANCE
For example is a 24 metre section of drainage pipe has a fall of 0.30 meters, calculate
the gradient.
Gradient = 0.30 / 24
Gradient = 0.0125
This can be converted into a gradient written as a ratio or 1: some number.
Gradient = 1 / 0.0125 = 80
Gradient = 1 in 80
The above formula may be rearranged for Fall if the gradient is known:
FALL = GRADIENT X DISTANCE
For example, calculate the fall in a 50 metre section of foul water pipework if the
gradient is to be 1 in 80.
A gradient of 1 in 80 is converted to a number instead of a ratio.
1 / 80 = 0.0125
Fall = Gradient x Distance
Fall = 0.0125 x 50
Fall = 0.625 metres or 625mm.
The previous diagram may be completed by adding a pipe gradient.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Invert Levels
The Invert Level of a pipe is the level taken from the bottom of the inside of the pipe
as shown below.

The level at the crown of the pipe is the Invert level plus the internal diameter of the
pipe plus the pipe wall thickness. It may be necessary to use this in calculations when
level measurements are taken from the crown of a pipe.

Describe a manhole and its component?

A manhole or access chamber is required to gain access to a drainage system for un-
blocking, cleaning, rodding or inspection. A typical manhole is shown below.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Manholes may be manufactured from masonry or precast concrete. Sometimes several

precast concrete rings are used to form a manhole which speeds up the on-site
construction process. Normally deep manholes below 1.0 metre in depth require step
irons to assist access for a workman.

Manholes and access chambers are also manufactured in PVC. An access chamber is
not usually large enough to admit a person but is suitable for access by cleaning rods
or hose and they are used for domestic applications, a common size of plastic access
chamber is 450mm diameter. For the domestic market plastic, fiberglass or galvanized
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

steel lids may be used but cast iron lids are required where traffic crosses.

\
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

A back drop manhole is used in areas where the surface level slopes as shown below.

If the undergroung sewer pipe is to stay below ground it must follow the average
gradient of the slope. This invariably means that the pipe gradient becomes too steep,
resulting in the solids being left stranded in the pipe therefore causing a blockage.

To overcome this problem the back drop manhole was developed, as shown below.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

An easier way to construct a back drop manhole is to use an internal vertical section of
pipe as shown below.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT?

For the successful execution of a project, effective planning is essential. Those

involved with the design and execution of the infrastructure in question must consider
the zoning requirements, the environmental impact of the job, the
successful scheduling, budgeting, construction site safety, availability and
transportation of building materials, logistics, inconvenience to the public caused
by construction delays and bidding, etc.

SHOULD AIR TEST OR WATER TESTS BE SELECTED TO TEST THE

LEAKAGE OF CONSTRUCTED GRAVITY PIPELINES?

For gravity pipes, air tests or water tests are carried out after completion of
laying and jointing of the pipes. These tests are conducted to check the water
tightness of joints and to ensure the pipelines are free from damage where leakage
may occur.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Air test has the advantage that the test itself is simple and faster to be carried out. It
does not require the disposal of significant quantities of water used in the test
which is a mandatory requirement for water test. However, in case leakage
exists in the constructed segment of gravity pipelines, the position of leakage
can hardly be located in air test. Moreover, the rate of water leakage cannot be
determined from air tests. In addition, air test is readily affected by atmospheric
condition because air has a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. The test
is also influenced by the moisture condition of the test pipelines because it
affects the passage of air through the pipelines.

For water test, though it is comparatively slow, it can detect the location of water
leakage. However, the leakage rate results from water test may not truly reflect
its actual leakage because pipeline materials like concrete and clay are porous and
would absorb water during the test.

WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF PAINT?

For normal paint application, there are mainly three main components of paint,
namely primer, undercoat and finishing coat.

Primer: This is the first layer of a typical painting system and it is used to inhabit
corrosion and provide a good bond for subsequent coats.

Undercoat: This component acts as a barrier to corrosion agents and even out
irregularities of bonding surface. It also serves to hide the underlying background and
prevent the details and colour of the area of application to affect the designed colour
and finishing details of paint.

Finishing coat: This is the final layer of a typical painting system and it
protects the underlying layers from the effect of adverse weather conditions
(e.g. sunlight) and to provide the designed properties of paint like colour,
impermeability, wearing resistance, etc.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FASTENERS, BOLTS AND

SCREWS?

Fastener is a general term to describe something which is used as a restraint

for holding things together or attaching to other things.

The main physical distinction between screws and bolts is that screws are
entirely full of threads while bolts contain shanks without threads. However, a better
interpretation of the differences between the two is that bolts are always fitted
with nuts. On the contrary, screws are normally used with tapped holes.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF WASHERS WHEN USING BOLTS?

The purpose of installing washers in a typical bolting system is to distribute the loads
under bolt heads and nuts by providing a larger area under stress. Otherwise, the
bearing stress of bolts may exceed the bearing strength of the connecting materials
and this leads to loss of preload of bolts and creeping of materials. Alternatively,
flanged fasteners instead of using washers could be adopted to achieve the same
purpose.

HOW DO YOU EVALUATE SUCCESS?

I evaluate success in different ways:-

 At work, it is meeting the goals set by my supervisors and fellow workers.

 After work, I enjoy playing softball, so success on the field is catching the
winning pop up.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH?

 When working on a project, I don’t want just to meet deadlines. I prefer to

complete the project ahead of schedule.
 I have excellent time management skills. I am organised, efficient, and take
pride in my work. (be prepared to give a brief example).

HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS AND PRESSURE?

 I react to situations, rather than stress. That way, the situation is handled and
doesn’t become stressful.
 I find that when lm under the pressure of a deadline, l can do some of my most
creative work. (be prepared to give real examples of these statements?

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE OVERQUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION?

 No. It is not like that. I am sure I am the perfect candidate for this post. You are
taking my interview which also indicates that I am the suitable candidate.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I GIVE YOU

 As a company/organisation, you have your own ways or strategies of paying

workers/ employee so can you pay me according to my grade, qualifications
and experience.
 I am sure the company has already established a salary range for this position.
Can you tell me that what is or I want an income commensurate with my ability
and qualifications.
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

IN YOUR AREA OF SPECIALISATION WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS OR

CHALLENGES YOU HAVE COME ACROSS AND HOW DID YOU TACKLE
THEM?

 I was tasked to monitor the progress of the construction of an 800m loop road
when my supervisor was away, a portion of the road failed. Then l solved the
case by tasking the grader operator to rip the portion in order for the existing
and new layers to blend.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS INVOLVED IN THE CONCRETING PROCESS,

EXPLAIN?

The major steps involved in the process of concreting are as follows:

1. Batching
2. Mixing
3. Transporting and placing of concrete
4. Compacting.

> Batching: The process of measurement of the different materials for the making of
concrete is known as batching. batching is usually done in two ways: volume batching
and weight batching. In case of volume batching the measurement is done in the form
of volume whereas in the case of weight batching it is done by the weight.
> Mixing: In order to create good concrete the mixing of the materials should be first
done in dry condition and after it wet condition. The two general methods of mixing
are: hand mixing and machine mixing.
> Transportation and placing of concrete: Once the concrete mixture is created it must
be transported to its final location. The concrete is placed on form works and should
always be dropped on its final location as closely as possible.
> Compaction of concrete: When concrete is placed it can have air bubbles entrapped
in it which can lead to the reduction of the strength by 30%. In order to reduce the air
bubbles the process of compaction is performed. Compaction is generally performed
in two ways: by hand or by the use of vibrators.

DESCRIBE BRIEFLY THE VARIOUS METHODS OF CONCRETE CURING.

Curing is the process of maintaining the moisture and temperature conditions for
freshly deployed concrete. This is done for small duration of time to allow the
hardening of concrete. The methods that are involved in saving the shrinkage of the
concrete includes:
 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

(a) Spraying of water: on walls, and columns can be cured by sprinkling water.
(b) Wet covering of surface: can be cured by using the surface with wet gunny bags or
straw
(c) Ponding: the horizontal surfaces including the slab and floors can be cured by
stagnating the water.
(d) Steam curing: of pre-fabricated concrete units steam can be cured by passing it
over the units that are under closed chambers. It allows faster curing process and
results in faster recovery.
(e) Application of curing compounds: compounds having calcium chloride can be
applied on curing surface. This keeps the surface wet for a very long time.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME (INTERVIEW PANEL)?

The best approach is to ask an open-ended question that will generate further
conversation and allow an exchange of ideas to take place. Open-ended questions
generally begin with “who”,”why”,”how”, or “when”.

Avoid questions that can be answered with a straightforward “yes” or “no”. Closed-
ended questions typically start with:-Is, -Does, -Did, -Would, -Has.

Answer samples

 What does the company value the most, and how can my work further these
values?
 What kind of processes are in place to help me work collaboratively?
 What is the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my
employment?