20 Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers Preparing for a career in civil engineering requires a strong grasp of fundamental concepts, which is why understanding basic civil engg questions is essential. These questions often cover topics like the standard sizes of construction materials, the water-cement ratio for concrete, and the importance of reinforcement in structural elements. For instance, a common query among basic civil engg questions includes understanding the compressive strength of concrete grades like M20 and M25 or knowing the purpose of different types of foundations such as raft or pile foundations. Additionally, practical knowledge about tests like the slump test for concrete and the water absorption test for bricks is often evaluated. Familiarity with these basic civil engg questions not only helps during interviews but also ensures that engineers are well-prepared for real-world challenges on-site. By mastering these basic civil engg questions, aspiring engineers can build a solid foundation for their professional journey.
Basic Civil Engineering Questions and Answers
1. What is Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering is a professional discipline that deals with designing, constructing, and maintaining the physical and naturally built environment, including structures like roads, bridges, buildings, and dams.
2. What is the Unit Weight of Concrete?
The unit weight of concrete typically ranges from 24 to 25 kN/m³, depending on the type of concrete.
3. What is the Standard Size of a Brick?
In India, the standard size of a brick is 190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm (without mortar). Including mortar, it becomes 200 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm.
4. What is the Purpose of Reinforcement in Concrete?
Reinforcement is used in concrete to resist tensile stresses, which concrete alone cannot handle effectively.
5. What is the Water-Cement Ratio?
The water-cement ratio is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement in a concrete mix. For ordinary concrete, it ranges from 0.4 to 0.6.
6. What is the Difference Between a Beam and a Column?
- Beam: A horizontal structural member that resists bending and shear.
- Column: A vertical structural member that resists axial and compressive loads.
7. What are the Grades of Concrete?
Concrete grades are denoted as M10, M15, M20, M25, etc., where “M” represents the mix and the number indicates the compressive strength of the concrete in N/mm² after 28 days.
- M10: 1:3:6 (Cement: Sand: Aggregate)
- M20: 1:1.5:3
8. What is the Function of Sand in Concrete?
Sand acts as a fine aggregate in concrete. It provides workability, reduces shrinkage, and fills voids in the mix.
9. What is Honeycombing in Concrete?
Honeycombing refers to voids or air pockets in hardened concrete due to improper compaction or poor mix design.
Civil Engineering Questions and Answers
10. What are the Types of Foundations?
- Shallow Foundation: Spread footing, raft footing.
- Deep Foundation: Pile foundation, well foundation.
11. What is a Slump Test?
A slump test measures the workability of concrete.
- True Slump: Concrete retains its shape.
- Shear Slump: Concrete slides sideways.
- Collapse Slump: Concrete collapses entirely.
12. What is the Curing Period for Concrete?
The standard curing period is 7–14 days, depending on the ambient conditions and the type of concrete.
13. What is a Cantilever Beam?
A cantilever beam is a beam that is fixed at one end and free at the other. It is used in balconies, canopies, and overhangs.
14. What is the Formula for the Weight of Steel?
The weight of steel can be calculated using the formula: Weight (kg)=D2×L162\text{Weight (kg)} = \frac{{D^2 \times L}}{{162}}
Where DD is the diameter in mm and LL is the length in meters.
15. What are the Common Methods of Curing Concrete?
- Spraying water.
- Wet covering (with jute or hessian cloth).
- Ponding.
- Steam curing.
16. What is a Gantt Chart?
A Gantt chart is a project management tool that represents a construction schedule with tasks and their timelines.
17. What are the Different Types of Cement?
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).
- Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC).
- Rapid Hardening Cement.
- Sulphate Resisting Cement.
18. What is Workability in Concrete?
Workability is the ease with which concrete can be mixed, transported, placed, and compacted without segregation.
19. What is the Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement?
- Initial Setting Time: 30 minutes.
- Final Setting Time: 10 hours.
20. What is Bearing Capacity of Soil?
Bearing capacity is the maximum load per unit area that the soil can support without failure.
- Typical values:
- Loose sand: 50 kN/m².
- Dense sand: 200–300 kN/m².
These basic questions and answers cover essential knowledge required for civil engineers during interviews or practical applications.
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