Civil Engineering Interview Questions and Answers
Ques 1. What is the purpose of a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is designed to retain soil, preventing it from sliding or eroding, and providing support to vertical or near-vertical grade changes.
Example:
For instance, a retaining wall might be used to create a level surface for a building foundation on a sloped site.
Ques 2. Explain the concept of structural load.
Structural load refers to the forces and deformations that act on a structure. It includes dead loads, live loads, and environmental loads.
Example:
Dead load is the weight of the structure itself, while live load is the dynamic load imposed on the structure, such as people or furniture.
Ques 3. What is the significance of the modulus of elasticity in materials?
The modulus of elasticity, or Young's modulus, measures the stiffness of a material. It quantifies how much a material deforms under stress.
Example:
For instance, steel has a high modulus of elasticity, making it stiff and less prone to deformation compared to rubber.
Ques 4. Define the term 'soil bearing capacity.'
Soil bearing capacity is the maximum load that can be applied to the soil without causing excessive settlement or shear failure.
Example:
Before constructing a building, engineers assess soil bearing capacity to ensure it can support the structure's weight.
Ques 5. What is the purpose of a geotechnical investigation?
A geotechnical investigation assesses subsurface conditions to provide information for foundation design and construction.
Example:
It involves soil sampling, testing, and analysis to determine the soil's properties and behavior.
Most helpful rated by users: