Top 24 Highway Engineering Interview Question and Answers | Interview Preparation || By CivilGuruji

Summary

In this informative video, viewers are guided through essential highway construction interview questions, covering both fundamental and technical aspects. Topics include types of pavements (flexible and rigid), differences between various levels in construction, compacting equipment, and specific techniques like joint sealing and curing rates. Additionally, the video delves into crucial topics such as the role of retaining walls, vertical clearance requirements, minimum compaction levels, and the design speeds for different terrains. The presenter offers practical advice, ensuring viewers are well-prepared for interviews in the field of highway engineering.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interview preparation is crucial for candidates seeking positions in highway construction companies.
• 😀 Understanding the differences between flexible and rigid pavements is essential, as they are commonly asked questions in interviews.
• 😀 The importance of correctly identifying original ground level (GML) and angel level in surveying for highway construction is emphasized.
• 😀 The use of double bars in PQC (Plain Concrete Pavement) is necessary for expansion joints and to prevent cracking due to thermal expansion.
• 😀 Shoulder width variations for plane and rolling terrains should be known for specific road construction projects, often asked in interviews.
• 😀 Knowledge about curing time and strength for PQC (Plain Concrete Pavement) is essential—28 days of curing is standard before it can be used.
• 😀 In highway construction, proper equipment selection for tasks like compaction is vital, with specific types like vibratory rollers recommended.
• 😀 Retaining walls, especially breast walls, are used to prevent sliding in hilly areas, a crucial consideration for hillside roads.
• 😀 Vertical clearance standards for underpasses are important, with different clearances required for UP (Underpasses), LBUP (Light-weight underpasses), and other types.
• 😀 Minimum Right of Way (RoW) dimensions for roads should be understood, as they directly affect road design, with requirements varying for four-lane, six-lane, and other roads.

Q & A

What are the types of payment used in highway construction?

There are two main types of payment in highway construction: flexible pavement and rigid pavement. Flexible pavement can adjust to the underlying conditions, while rigid pavement is more rigid and less adaptable.

What is the difference between original ground level and NGEL?

Original ground level (OGL) refers to the natural surface level of the ground, while NGEL (Natural Ground Elevation Level) is taken after the site has been leveled or prepared. OGL is taken before any mechanical work is done, while NGEL is measured after grading and compacting.

Why is double bar reinforcement used in PQC (Plain Cement Concrete)?

Double bar reinforcement is used in PQC to handle the thermal expansion and contraction between slabs, preventing cracks. It is placed at the joints to transfer loads between different sections of the slab.

What is the significance of shoulder width in plane and rolling terrain?

The shoulder width in highway construction can vary between 2 meters to 3.5 meters, depending on the terrain. For rolling terrain, a wider shoulder is typically required to accommodate the higher volume and complexity of traffic.

What is the curing period for PQC, and when can it be used?

PQC requires a curing period of at least 28 days to achieve the desired strength. After this curing period, the concrete can be safely used. This ensures the concrete is sufficiently hardened and capable of bearing loads.

What is the most suitable equipment for compacting in highway construction?

The most suitable equipment for compacting in highway construction is a vibrating roller, often referred to as a 'shivputrol roller.' This equipment helps achieve the required compaction levels for the base material.

What type of retaining wall is used on slopes to prevent sliding?

For slopes that need to be stabilized and prevent sliding, a breast wall is typically used. It serves as a barrier to retain soil and prevent the road structure from being damaged due to slippage.

What is the minimum percentage of compaction required for embankments and subgrades?

The minimum compaction required for embankments is 95%, while for subgrades, it is 92%. These compaction levels ensure the stability and durability of the road structure.

What is the role of joint sealers in highway construction?

Joint sealers are used to fill gaps between slabs in highway construction, preventing water infiltration, which could weaken the concrete. These sealers also help in accommodating the thermal expansion and contraction of the pavement.

What is the design speed for different types of roads in highway construction?

The design speed for various types of roads depends on the terrain: for national highways in plain terrain, it is 100 km/h; for rolling terrain, 80 km/h; and for mountainous areas, 50 km/h. Similarly, the design speed for district roads varies between 40 km/h and 80 km/h depending on the terrain type.