Interview with Highway Construction

CONCRETE
1. Q. In construction, what are the main problems we can face in Saudi Arabia?
A- Cracks on concrete due to hot whether condition.
2- Q. In slab, the drawing shows certain bars and their spacing, suppose that particular bar size is
not available at site, what will you do?
A- Calculate the areas of steel bars available at site against the area of steel bars on the
drawing by equation;
A1 = D2 ; N1 = N2
D12 D 22
N1 x  N2x
4 4
N1 (D1)2 = N2 (D2)2
N 1 ( D1 ) 2
N2 
(D 2 ) 2
Where:
D1 : Diameter of steel bar on the drawing
D2 : Diameter of steel available on site
N1 : No. of bars required on the drawing
N2 : Calculated No. of bars using steel bars available at site.
3. Q- What is the maximum spacing of bars for slab?
A- Max. Spacing = 20cm. (5 bars in one meter)
4- Q- How to make a dense concrete?
A- a) Proper proportion of water-cement ratio.
b) Aggregate must be well-graded.
c) Concrete should be air-entrained.
d) Good vibration, etc.
e) Use plasticizer.
5- Q- What is tremie in concrete?
A- It is a method of placing concrete underwater. A tube called “tremie” about 10" – 12" in
diameter, rigid and watertight are held vertically in water during pouring operation to
avoid washing-out of concrete mix.
6- Q- What is the use of plasticizer and super plasticizer in concrete?
A- Plasticizer:
Primary Action Practical Effect
Reduction of the force of attraction between Increasing plasticity; reduction of w/c ratio
the cement particles and/or reduction of the by up to 10%; resultant 15% increase in
surface tension of the water. strength; possibility for reduction of cement
Reduce W/C ratio content.
Super Plasticizier:
Primary Action Practical Effect
Extreme lowering of the force of attraction Extreme increases in workability or
between the cement particles. reduction of water content by 20-30%;
strength can increase by 50% owing to
lesser water demand.
Q- What is the function of calcium chloride in hot weather concreting?
A- When added to concrete mixtures impart as an accelerating agent. Increasing the rat eof
hydration; speeding up the setting, and early strength development. (Never use in Hot
Weather).
8- Q- What is the effect of chloride and sulfate in concrete?

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Chloride attack:
a) When the lime in cement react with carbon dioxide (CO2) it will produce calcium
carbonate.
b) The presence of calcium carbonate in water, increases the amount of alkalinity up to
11%, thereby the water will attack the reinforcement which lead to corrosion.
c) While rust increases, the volume of the bars also increases leading to produce cracks
in concrete.

Sulfate attack:
a) When tricalcium aluminate (C3A) in cement react with sulfate due to the presence of
miosture, it produces “gel” expansion in concrete and the volume will also increases
leading to cracks in concrete.
b) Also contribute to disintegration of the aggregates.
9- Q- What type of cement are you going to use in sulfate area?
A- Type V or sulfate resisting cement.
10- Q- What are the methods for curing concrete?
A- a) Water curing method
b) Membrane curing method
c) Steam curing method
d) Cold weather curing method
11- Q- When do you start curing concrete?
A- Right after the final placement of concrete mix, when the water sheen or mixing water just
begun to disappear.
12- Q- What is the rate of application of curing membrane?
A- One (1) liter /5 sq. m. ; If applied by hand spray.
One (1) liter /3 sq. m. ; If mechanically applied.
13- Q- What is the initial and final setting time of concrete?
A- 45 minutes ; 8 hours
14- Q- What are the types of admixtures?
A- a) Plasticizer
b) Retarder
c) Accelerator
d) Plasticizer with retarding agent – Type D
e) Plasticizer with accelerating agent
f) Superplasticizer
g) Superplasticizer with retarding agent
15- Q- What is the effect of retarded in concrete mix?
A- To delay the setting time of about 1 – 4 hours over normal setting time and reduces the
mixing water by about 3-9 kg/cu.m. and increased the compressive strength by about 10-
15%. The common chemical used is “Lignosulfic acid”.
16- Q- What are the precautionary measures during cold weather concreting?
A- a) Avoid overheating of fresh concrete
b) Appropriate equipment should be available for heating the concrete materials.
c) Maintaining favorable temperature after concrete is place, etc.
17- Q- At what time concrete should be placed after mixing water?
A- As soon as possible; not more than 30 minutes if truck mixer is used or not more than one
hour if truck agitator is used 60.
18- Q- What are the precautions during hot weather concreting?

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A- 1- During mix production:

a) Lower the fresh concrete temperature by using cool aggregates and
cool mixing water.
b) Dampen the aggregate if they are dry and absorptive.
c) Under shed.
2- During Construction:
a) Dampen the subgrade and forms.
b) Erect windbreaks to reduce wind velocity over the concrete surface.
c) Erect sunshades to reduce concrete surface temperature.
d) Protect the concrete with covering during any appreciable delay between
placing and finishing.
e) reduce time between placing and start of curing by improved construction
procedures.
f) Protect the concrete during the first few hours after placing and finishing to
minimize evaporation, by application of moisture to the surface, using a light
fog of spray.
19. Q- Describe procedures in performing slump test.
A- Damper the slump cone and base plate. Take fresh flowing concrete by scoop or pail. Mix
thoroughly if necessary to have uniform paste. Placed it in a cone in 3 equal layer rodding
each layer with 25 blows. Lift the cone vertically in 5 seconds, completing the test in 2.5
minutes, then measure and record the sag.
20- Q- What is the allowable tolerance for slump test?
A- 15 mm; if slump (0 – 75mm) & 25mm : If more than 75mm slump.
21- Q- Which aggregate will have less mixing water, natural or crushed aggregate? Why?
A- Natural aggregate, because has less surface area.
22- Q- What is the rate of loading in crushing concrete cylinders? What will happen if rate was
increased?
A- The rate of loading is 20 – 50 psi/second. If the rate of loading was increased, result of
concrete strength will also increased due to the sudden impact of force, thereby leading to
inaccurate strength result.
23- Q- Approximately how many kilograms of concrete mix in one cubic meter?
A- About 2,500 kg.
24- Q- What are the test you should run for the aggregates to check suitability for concrete and for
asphalt before preparing a mix design?
A- a) Sieve analysis
b) specific gravity and absorption
c) Unit weight
d) Abrasion test
e) Soundness test
f) Sand equivalent
g) Organic impurities
h) Thin & Elongated pieces
i) Fineness modulus
j) Friable particles, etc.
25- Q- Why the sand equivalent are being made?
A- To determine the proportion of fine dust or claylike material in the soil or in the aggregate.
26- Q- Why do you crushed cylinders after 7 days, why not after 27 days or after 30 days? And
why the cylinders are crushes after 28 days for ultimate strength?
A- After 7 days to determine the strength-gain or development of concrete, results should not
be lesser than 75% of the specified strength at 28 days. Then it is tested after 28 days
because this is the estimated 100% strength development of the concrete.
27- Q- Which one gives more concrete strength, standard cubes or standard cylinders? Why?

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A- Standard cubes, because of the ratio L/D is equal to 1 and also the test load applied is
parallel to layers.
28- Q- What is the purpose of curing concrete?
A- a) To maintain the moist environment and to prevent the escape of mixing water
required for hydration processes and helps in the development of strength.
b) To prevent cracks.
c) To increase strength.
29- Q- What is bleeding in concrete?
A- It is the upward movement of mixing water due to settlement of aggregates in concrete
mix.
30- Q- What are the methods used for concrete mix design?
Which do you prefer and why?
A- The methods are: ACI method and CP 110 method.
ACI method are more preferable because the specific gravity of individual materials are
included in the computation.
31- Q- How to adjust the amount of water for batching concrete?
A- By equation:
ADJUSTED WT. OF WATER – Design wt. Of water
 % absorption  % moisture 
 wt. Of C.A. x
100
 % absorption  % moisture 
 wt. of F.A. x
100
32- Q- How will you calculate the Saturn Survey Drag aggregate with 1.5% absorption?
A- By equation:

CORRECTED WT. OF AGG. = Uncorrected wt.

1  % absorption 
100
33- Q- How do you reduce water content in a mix design and what are the advantages of reducing
water in a concrete mix?
A- By using water reducing admixture. The advantage are less cracking, possibilities and
increase compressive strength.
34- Q- What is alkali reactivity? What type of cement are you going to use if aggregate is
susceptible?
A- It is the reaction of certain aggregate containing silica or silica alumina which react alkali
is cement producing "gel" which lead to cracking due to osmatic pressure. The type of
cement to be used are;
a) Low alkali cement; having less than 0.6% alkali by weight of cement.
b) Pozzolanic cement
35- Q- What are the different types of cement?
A- Type I or Ordinary Portland Cement
Type II or Moderate Sulfate Resisting Cement
Type III or High Early Strength Cement
Type IV or Low Heat Resisting Cement
Type V or High Sulfate Resisting Cement
36- Q- What is pretensioning and posttensioning?
A- Pretensioning:
The tendons or cables are held in a stretched condition during placing of plastic
concrete until the concrete has hardened. Then as the tension of the reinforcing
steel is released, it compresses the concrete.

Posttensioning

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The pre-stressing tendons or cables are placed in ducts before concrete is casts, after
the concrete has hardened, the tendons or cables are stretched to a predetermined
tension by jacking and are wedged in its position. The tubes may also be pressure
grouted.
37- Q- What is the effect of humidity on creep and shrinkage?
A- It contribute losses of water in concrete thereby causing cracks due to volume change.
38- Q- What could be the maximum depth of a structure you can cast in one (1) lift?
A- 1.5 meters
39- Q- What is the required slump for class "A" vibrated concrete?
A- 25mm – 75mm (1 – 3 inches)
40- Q- In the grouted riprap, what is the proportion for the mortar to be used for grouting?
A- 1 part cement and 2 part sand.
41- Q- What is the limiting temperature for concreting?
A- Not less than 5oC during cold weather, and
not more than 33oC during hot weather.
42- Q- What is the effect of aluminum pipe during pumping of concrete mix?
A- It will exhibit decreased strength due to chemical reaction of abraded aluminum particles
with the alkalies in the portland cement, resulting in the formation of hydrogen gas and
thereby increasing in volume of fresh concrete.
43- Q- What are the Non-Destructive test to determine strength and other properties of concrete?
A- a) Identation Rebound test (Schmidt Rebound Hammer)
b) Sonic test
c) Pulse-transmission at sonic & ultra-sonic frequencies
d) Radioactive test
e) Penetration Probe test
44- Q- What are the curing procedures?
A- a) By maintaining a moist environment by the application of water through pounding,
sprays, steam or saturated cover materials such as earth, sawdust, have or burlap.
Care should be taken to insure that saturated cover materials do not dry out and
absorb water from the concrete.
b) By prevention of loss of mixing water from the concrete by means of sealing
materials such as impervious sheets of paper or plastic or by application of a
membrane forming curing compound to the freshly placed concrete.
45- Q- How shrinkage cracks and honey-combing are repaired?
A- By guniting or shotcreting.
46- Q- What is the max. storage period of cement before you request test for its quality?
A- a) Every 3 months ; if cement stored in bags.
b) Every 6 months ; if cement stored in bulk.
47- Q- What are the types of cracks before hardening of concrete?
A- a) Plastic settlement cracks
b) Plastic Shrinkage cracks
c) Early Frost Damage cracks
d) Constructional Movement cracks
48- Q- What is pH?
A- a) A scale of numbers 0-14 which indicate the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Numbers below 7 indicate acidity and numbers above 7 indicate alkalinity.
b) The pH value of the solution is the logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration (H)
in moles per liter
1
pH = log
H 
For example a solution of 4.5 pH has an hydrogen ion concentration of (10-4.5).
49. Q- What is the causes of plastic shrinkage and plastic settlement?

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A- The primary causes of plastic shrinkage are;

a) Rapid early drying
b) Reinforcing steel are very near the surface of the pavement.
c) Low rate of bleeding and fast surface evaporation.
The primary causes of plastic settlement are:
a) Excessive bleeding
b) Rapid early drying condition
50- Q- What is the main problem in bridges in the Kingdom?
A- Cracks
51- Q- What are the kinds of bearing?
A- 1- Single "roller" bearing
2- Multiple “roller” bearing
3- Linear “rocker” bearing\
4- Point “rocker” bearing
5- Knuckle “pin” bearing
6- Knuckle “cylindrincal” bearing
7- Knuckle “spherical” bearing
8- Knuckle “leaf” bearing
9- Plate “sliding” bearing
10- Elastomeric laminated bearing
52- Q- What is construction joints and cold joints?
A- Construction joints:
It is merely a stopping places of construction. They separate the areas of concrete
placed at different times and should bond new concrete to existing concrete and
not permit neither horizontal nor vertical movement. A good quality construction
joint should provide complete watertightness.
Cold joints:
When the placement of concrete is delayed for any reason and the concrete takes
it initial set, a cold joint is said to be occurred. When this happens, the contractor
shall have to removed the previously partially placed-concrete from the forms
immediately.
53- Q- Where to provide metal beam guardrail?
A- a- In the sharp curve.
b- In the hilly area.
c- In the steeper slopes
d- To structural location
54- Q- What are the necessary precautions to be taken while applying thermoplastic paint?
A- a- Pavement shall be free from foreign matters and dust.
b- Should dry and clean.
c- Should have good weather condition.
d- Barricades should be installed, etc.
55- Q- What is to be done if shifting of box culvert is required?
A- a- Select the low lying areas.
b- Locate catch main area.
c- Determine the level of water.
d- Calculate actual vent dimension.
e- Calculate velocity or discharge of water by equation:
Q = VA

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where :
Q : is the discharge, m3/hr.
V : is the velocity, km/hr.
A : cross-sectional area, m2
56- Q- Cores are taken for what purpose?
A- a- If the samples failed from the required strength.
b- To determine the actual thickness of the structure.
c- To determine the formation of harden concrete, etc.
57- Q- What criteria as to spacing of stirrups be followed in a beam?
A- 1- Put the maximum spacing in the center of the beam.
2- Put the minimum spacing at both ends, to resist the maximum shear, using equation;
A x fs x n
s
qst =
exb
where :
qst = Allowable stresses carried by stirrups.
AS = Cross-sectional area of bar.
fS = Steel stresses (working stress)
n = Number of legs
e = Spacing between stirrups
b = Width of concrete section
58- Q- How many times do you apply curing membrane?
A- Two (2) times, first application is parallel to the pavement, and the second application is
perpendicular to the first application or vice versa.
59- Q- What is the minimum and maximum slope of chutes during pouring concrete?
A- Minimum slope is 1: 3
Maximum slope is 1 : 2
Maximum height of chute : 1.5 meters
Typical height not less than 1.0 meters
60- Q- What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete cylinders after 28 days for pre-
stressed concrete?
A- At least 350k 3/cm2
61- Q- What should be the minimum strength of concrete before applying the force for post-
tensioning?
A- 300 kg/cm3
62- Q- When do you start counting the mixing time of concrete and what is the mixing time for a
stationary or central batching plant?
A- Mixing time shall be measured from the time all materials “except water” are in the drum.
Mixing time should not less than 50 seconds nor more than 90 seconds.
63. Q- What is the agitating speed of the mixer?
A- 2 to 6 revolution per minute.
64- Q- What is the mixing speed of the mixer?
A- 6 to 18 revolution per minute.
65- Q- How many cylinder or cube samples are you going to get in every pouring?
A- One (1) set or six (6) pieces for every 50 cu.m. of concrete mix or fraction thereof in each
days pouring.
66- Q- Why do we cure concrete samples while structure has a different curing procedures?
A- In sample, volume is less comparing to surface area. So the water needed for hydration
will be easy to loss. Whereas, in structure the volume is bigger comparing to area. So,
lossing of water of hydration is minimal.
67- Q- How will you choose or specify the maximum size of the aggregate?

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A- a) 1/5 of the narrowest dimension between the sides of forms.

b) 3/4 of the minimum clear spacing between the reinforcing bars and forms and
between adjacent bars.
c) 1/3 of the depth of unreinforced slabs.
68- Q- What is the variation of the fineness modulus of the sand?
A-  0.20
69- Q- What is the minimum length for splicing of rebars?
A- a) 40 x dia. Of rebars : In case of tension
b) 20 x dia. Of rebars : In case of compression
70- Q- What is the effect of lime in curing samples?
A- To accelerate strength-gain.
71- Q- What will happen if your mix lime to water?
A- Water will become salty.
72- Q- According to AASTHO what is the proportion of volume of concrete to whole capacity of
gross drum volume of truck mixer to agitator?
A- 63% for truck mixer and 80% for agitators.
73- Q- What is the minimum frequency for vibrators used for concrete?
A- 4,500 cycles or impulse per minute.
74- Q- According to ASTM, what is the temperature for storing concrete cylinders in laboratory?
A- 16'C to 27'C Typical temp. is 23'C  1.7' C
75- Q- According to ACI, what is the criteria in accepting concrete cores?
A- No individual samples should be less than 75% of the required compressive strength and
their average strength should not lesser than 85% of the required compressive strength.
76- Q- As per ACI standard, what is the temperature of cement allowed to be used for concrete?
A- 77oC maximum
77- Q- What is the pumping pressure of the standby flushing grouting equipment used for pre-
stressed concrete?
A- Pumping pressure not more than 20 kg/sq.cm. (2Mpa) and capable of pumping at a
pressure of at least 10 kg/sq.cm. (1 Mpa).
78- Q- What are the methods used to check air content of fresh concrete in the laboratory?
A- 1- Gravimetric method
2- Pressure method
3- Volumetric method
79- Q- What are the usual test for Portland cement?
A- 1- Chemical test:
a) Chemical composition
b) Loss on ignition
c) Insoluble residue
2- Physical test:
a) Initial and Final setting time
b) Compressive strength of the mortar
c) Air content of the mortar
d) Fineness
e) Autoclave expansion
80- Q- If you have a readymix design, how to inspect batch plant?

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A- 1- Calibration of plant
2- Accurate weighing as per mix design
3- Dry mixing of aggregate prior to adding of water
4- Wet mixing of mix should be sufficient
5- Dozes of admixture should be controlled
6- Temperature of concrete should be (15oC – 33oC)
7- Should meet slump requirement
8- Rate of batching should meet rate of pouring at site.
9- Avoid segregation of stockpiles, etc.
81- Q- On what basis is the adjustment of water on batch plant according to mix design?
A- Appropriate adjustments should be made in the mixing water if the slump is incorrect, or
in water/cement ratio if the required strength is not achieved. Then new batch weights
must be calculated.
Q- How soon after making cylinders samples, they must be in laboratory?
A- After 24 hours, samples should be brought to laboratory for proper curing until the time of
test.
83- Q- What do you mean by the term “workability” in concrete?
A- The term workability is difficult to define precisely but it could be defined in at least three
separate properties:
1- Compatibility – or the ease with which the concrete can be compacted and the air
voids removed.
2- Mobility - or the ease with which the concrete can flow into moulds, around steel,
and be remoulded.
3- Stability – or the ability of concrete to remain a stable homogenous mass during
handling and vibration without segregation.
84- Q- Can we use snow water in concrete? What is the effect?
A- No, because this kind of water carries carbon dioxide (CO2) that when this element react to
lime in cement will lead to cracking of concrete by the action of carbon oxide (CO). It also
produces erosion on the mix during the flow of water thereby carrying away the sand in
the mix.
85- Q- What is the effect of leaching by water on concrete?
A- In the process of cement – hydration, soluble calcium hydroxide is formed. The leakage of
water through cracks or joints or porous concrete may carry the calcium hydroxide in
solution through the concrete structure. The reaction between the calcium hydroxide and
carbon dioxide will cause precipitation of calcium carbonate in the surface will form of a
white deposits, that over along period of time it will cause disintegration.
86- Q- What is the effect of efflorescence in concrete?
A- Efflorescence may be described as the deposition of salts (e.g. white powdery sulphates)
on the surface and within the pores of concrete, masonry, mortar or plaster, which occurs
when a slat solution evaporates. Due to evaporation from concrete, dissolved salts are left
behind the surface as it will appear to be dry, and the deposition takes place within the
pores under the surface. Which will result in the disruption and corrosion of reinforcement
on concrete.
87- Q- What are the types of piles and where do we used them?

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A- 1- Timber piles – is used in light construction such as in drainage system, wherein it

can be driven by light application of load.
2- Concrete Piles
3- Steel Piles
Concrete & steel piles – is used in a massive construction, such as in dams and high
rise structures.
Types of Loading Piles
1- End bearing piles
2- Friction piles
Classes of Piles
1- Driven pre-cast piles – can be driven in
impervious strata by not more
than 24 meters and can
sustained light loads.
2- Driven cast in-situ piles – can be driven in impervious strata by more than 50
m. and can carry heavy loads.
3- Driven steel piles – same as cast in-situ piles but more expensive.
4- Bored pre-cast piles – by replacement of soil
5- Bored cast in-situ piles by replacement of soil
88- Q- Where do we provide pile foundation?
A- 1- In a soil whose bearing capacity cannot sustained the weight of the structure.
2- In high level of water table where excavation is not possible.
3- If the hardpan area of the soil is too depth, wherein excavation of soil are too costly,
etc.
89- Q- What is necking in piling?
A- It is the effect in bore cast in-situ piles during removal of casing due to suction effect of
entrapped air.
To avoid necking, casing are being removed by tamping it twice in every lifting.
90- Q- If a choice is given, where will you start pouring concrete for your ordinary beam?
A- From the center of the beam, according to recent ACI findings.
91- Q- For lifting, were will you put the hook to lift the beam?
A- Form both ends.
92- Q- What is wrong with the steel beam under a concrete slab with no connection except surface
contact?
A- It must possess SHEAR CONNECTRS, which are in the shape of studs, welded at beam
top flange.
93- Q- Where the stud spacing should be least & why ?
A- The spacing of shear connectors (studs) should be lesser towards the ends of the beams as
compared to beam center, because of horizontal shear intensity.
94- Q- What criteria as to spacing be followed in a beam ?
A- The spacing should be closer towards ends and at the mid supports in case of simple and
continuous beams respectively.
95- Q- Did you do any precaution to shutters of precast pre-stressed beams while detensioning ?
A- Yes, the side shutters were folded outside and the end shutters removed completely so as
to provide free movement without any restrictions while the transfer of pre-stress would be
completed and the beams will slide along the bed and bow upwards to develop “Initial
Camber”.

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96- Q- When will you start steam curing of precast pre-stressed pre-tensioned beams, incase the
steam is used ?
A- After final finishing, beams were immediately covered with thick polyethylene sheeting to
maintained the temperature of 10’C in the curing chamber by low pressure steam. After
waiting ? 2-3 hours, the temperature will be raised at he rate of 10’C/hr. until the
temperature at concrete surface is 71’C. An average of 13-16 hours was taken in attaining
28 days required strength.
97- Q- In pre-stressed concrete, How will you transfer the force to the beam ?
A- By accomplishing a slow gradual detensioning by releasing jacks instead of cutting the
strands.
98- Q- What will be the strength required for pre-stressed concrete at transfer of prestress and the
28 days ultimate strength ?
A- At transfer ---------------- 300 kgs/cm2
At 28 days ---------------- 360kgs/cm2
99. Q- What is stopping distance ?
A- It is the maximum measured distance representing the non-steady state skid-resistance on
four locked wheels as vehicles decelerates over a wetted pavement surface under specified
limits of static wheel load while the vehicle remain essentially parallel to its original
direction of motion. The formula;
D = 0.75V – V2/2gf
Where:
v- velocity, km/hr.
g- Gravitational acceleration, (9.8m/sec2)
f- frictional force. (0.4)
100. Q- What is passing sight distance ?
A- It is a measured clear maximum distance from a travelling vehicle.
Passing sight distance (P.S.D.) = 2D
Where: D- Stopping distance, m.
101. Q- What are the types of joints ? Explain
A- (1) Construction Joint or Bonded Joint:
- These joints are merely stopping places of construction; i.e. where concreting work
concludes for the day. They separate the areas of concrete placed at different times.
A true construction joint should bond new concrete to existing concrete and not
permit neither horizontal nor vertical movement. A good quality construction joint
should provide complete water – tightness.
(2) Cold Joint – When the placement of concrete is delayed for any reason and the
concrete takes its initial set a cold joint is said to be occurred. The contractor
shall have to remove the previously partially placed concrete from the forms
immediately.
(3) Expansion joint or Isolation Joint:
- A narrow space left between two parts of a concrete structure to allow for
expansion of concrete with changes in temperature and loading. These joints are
provided to permit both horizontal and vertical movement at adjoining parts of the
structure.
(4) Contraction Joint or Control Joint or dummy joint – These joints are needed to
permit horizontal differential movement in the plane of a slab or wall and to induce
cracking caused by drying shrinkage at preselected locations. These joints are the
most effective method of preventing unsightly cracking.
102. Q- How will you evaluate these results, kg/cm2
85 – 95 – 105 – 110 – 120 kg/cm2 ; specified strength.

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A- Failed, because the difference between the highest and lowest reading are more than 20%,
from average strength.
b- Individual result, passed
c- Average result, passed.
103. Q- When the action of bleeding stop ?
A- When the concrete is in the process of sedimentation.
104. Q- What is consistency ? Give 3 methods for measuring,
A- See definition of terms.
There Methods for measuring consistency.
1- Slum test
2. Compacting factor
3. Ball test (V-B test)
105. Q- What is the chemical composition of cement ?
A- (1) Tricalcium Silicate (C-S) – Hardens rapidly and is mainly responsible for the initial
sot and early strength.
(2) Dicalcium Silicate (C2S) – Hydrates slowly and is the main source of increased
strength after the first wok of hardening.
(3) Tricalcium Aluminate (C3A) – reacts very quickly and adds a small amount of
strength. (heat of hydration).
(4) Tetracalcium Alumina Ferrate (C4AF) – reacts slowly, and reducing clinking
temperature.
106. Q- What chemical affect the strength?
A- Tricalcium Silicate (C3S).
107. Q- If a mix is prone to segregate, How would you overcome it ?
A- By reducing the water content or increasing the overall specific surface by :
a) Adding more cement
b) Adding more sand
c) Adding the same weight of sand out of a finer sand.
d) Decrease the maximum size of aggregate.
e) Use of admixtures or additions.
108. Q- What the 2 basic states of properties of concrete?
A- (1) Plastic State:
a) Water / Cement ratio
b) Workability
c) Segregation
d) Bleeding
(2) Hardened State:
a) Strength, both compressive & tensile
b) Durability
c) Shrinkage and Creep
d) Surface finish
109. Q- What is the advantages of reducing water?
A- a) Increase strength
b) Increase impermeability
c) Increase resistance to weathering
d) Increase Watertightness
e) Increase resistance to chloride attack and sulfate attack
f) Increase resistance to corrosion, etc.
110. Q- What is pozzolanic material?

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A- These includes certain types of soils, certain ground rocks, and fly ash that react with
calcium hydroxide to form weak cementing compounds. They may be used to help control
temperature rise in concrete, to aid in controlling potential expansion due to reactive
aggregates, to improve workability or to provide economy, with the pozzolan replacing
some of the portland cement (at the expense of strength, of course).
111. Q- How will you compare steel grade 40, 60, and 75?
A- Yield Strength Ultimate Strength
Grade 40 40,000 psi 70,000 psi
Grade 60 60,000 psi 90,000 psi
Grade 75 75,000 psi 270,000 to 300,000 psi
112. Q- What are the methods used to accelerate curing of concrete cylinder samples?
A- a) To boil the cylinder a certain period of time.
b) To cure the cylinder in an autogenous curing box, that is insulated, allowing curing
to accelerate due to the rise in temperature from hydration.
In both methods the cylinder can be tested at 2 days age and the 2S day strength
estimated very reliably.
113. Q- Why do we provide capping on concrete cylinder samples?
A- To provide flat, smooth ends that are perpendicular to the axis of the sample.
114. Q- Where is the weakest point in a concrete structure?
A- In the joints.
115. Q- What is the difference between formwork and falsework?
A- Formwork : Is a temporary structure built to contain fresh concrete so as to form it to
the required shape and dimensions and to support it until it harness
sufficiently to become self-supporting. Formwork includes the
surface in contact with the concrete and all necessary supporting
structure.
Falsework : The extensive supporting on the framework such as in bridges and other
large structures.
116. Q- What s fatigue and creep in concrete?
A- Fatigue is the fail of concrete after a number of repeated loads, whereas creep is the elastic
deformations occur immediately when concrete is loaded. Non-calstic deformations under
sustained loading increase with time. Concrete usually subjected to both types of
deformation.
117. Q- What is the natural composition of cement?
A- 1- Calcium Oxide or Lime (CaO)
2- Silica (SiO2)
3- Alumina (Al2O3)
4- Iron Oxide (Fe2O3)
118. Q- Give the Chemical Composition of the cement.
A- 1. Lime : CaO Calcium Oxide
2. Silica : SiO2 Silicone Dioxide
3. Alumina : Al2O2
4. Gypsum : CaSO4 Calcium Sulphate
5. Iron : Fe2O3 Hematite
6. Magnesia : MgO Magnesium Oxide
7. Alkalics : Na2O Sodium Oxide
K2O Potassium Oxide
119. Q- What is the purpose of water in concrete mixture?
A- 1- To react chemically with the cement and cause it to harden (this is the water required
for hydration).
2- To make the mix plastic or workable enough to be used as intended.
120. Q- What is “Autogenous Volume Change”?

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A- It is a volume change due to cement hydration but not due to variation in moisture
temperature or stress. This may be either an expansion or contraction.
 Expansion of “gel” due to absorption of pores to water.
 contraction of “gel” due to extraction of water by the remaining unhydrated cement.
Autogenous Volume Change are influenced by:
1- Composition and fineness of cement.
2- Quantity of mixing water.
3- Mix proportions.
4- Curing conditions
5- Time
121. Q- What is the effect of weathering on concrete?
A- a- Disintegration of poor concrete.
b- Disruptive action of freezing and thawing
c- Alternate wetting and drying
d- Undesirable chemical activity
e- Temperature variation in concrete mass
122. Q- What is the effect of sea-water on concrete?
A- Wetting and drying
Loaching
Temperature varations
Corrosion of reinforcing steel
Battering by waves and tides
Sulphate attack
Freezing and Thawing
123. Q- What is the factor affecting rate of evaporation?
A- 1- Air temperature
2- Relative humidity
3- Concrete temperature
4- Wind Velocity
 Normal rate of evaporation is 0.8 kg/m2/hr. at 20oC air, 60% humidity, 25oC concrete
temp., 20 km./hr. wind velocity. The maximum rate of evaporation is 4 kg./m2/hr.
124. Q- What is the effect of sewage on concrete?
A- Hydrogen sulphide formed by bacteria above 10oC and combines with oxygen to form
sulfuric acid.
To Prevent: 1. Keep the sewage at low temp. 2- Ventilation. 3- Running the sewer. 4-
Use of high alumina cement
125. Q- What is standard deviation
A- Is the average disportion of each individual test result, regardless of the sign, from the
arithmetic mean, and is calculated from the formula:
 x  x
2

S.D. 
n 1
where:
x = Individual test result
x = Mean
n = Number of results
 = Summation of

 Limits of S.D. from 28 kg/cm2 to 84 kg/cm2

Decree of Control S.D. Kg/cm2

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Excellent 23
Good 42
Average 56
Poor 70
None 84
126. Q- What are the three (3) basic functions of concrete in structure?
A- 1- It must be strong enough to meet the requirements of the designer.
2- The finished work should be pleasing to look at.
3- It must protect the reinforcing steel from attack.
127. Q- What are the types of bridge forms?
A- 1- The beam form
2- The arch form
3- The suspension form
128. Q- What is “Bank Seat”?
A- It is a “Dwarf Abutment” for very shallow depth.
139. Q- When do we use caissons (wells) in foundation?
A- 1- Required to extend the well below the river bed in order to attract necessary not soil
resistance against overturning, heavy scour rolling boulders, floating debris, where
pile foundation be unstable.
2- The sub-strata contains large boulders which obstruct penetration of piles.
3- The foundation is subjected to large lateral forces.
130. Q- What are the precautions for concreting underwater?
A- 1- Concreting must be completed in one operation.
2- Rich Cement (370 kg/m3), slump not less than 150 mm.
3- Temporary casing (standby)
4- Use the tremie pipe.
131. Q- What are the types of reinforced concrete and pre-stressed super structure?
A- For Reinforced Concrete:
a- Solid slab
b- Slab and Girder (T-Beam)
c- Hollow box girder
For Pre-Stressed:
a- Voided slab
b- Slab and Girder (T-Beam)
c- Hollow box girder
132. Q- What is the difference between Reinforce Concrete and Pre-Stressed Concrete in super
structures?
A- 1- In reinforced concrete construction live load nearly doubles the stresses in steel and
concrete while in pre-stressed concrete this increases very little.
2- In pre-stressed concrete crack is free at working load than in reinforced concrete.
133. Q- What are the advantages and disadvantages of continuos type superstructures ?
A- Advantages:
1. Reduces span moments due to support moments.
2. Span to Depth ratio 10-15 for reinforced concrete and 20 or more for pre-stressed
concrete.
3. Lesser foundations.
4. Lesser foundations.
Disadvantages:
1. Sensitive to differential settlement of foundation.
2. Requires more skill in construction and formwork.
134. Q- What are the causes of horizontal deck movement ?

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A- 1. Shrinkage of concrete
2. Creep of compressed concrete
3. Elastic shortening of concrete (due to P.S.C.)
4. Change in body mean temperature.
5. Movement due to externally applied loads.
(Earthquake, wind, vehicle-braking).
135. Q- What is P.T.F.E. ?
A- It is Poly-Tetra-Flouro-Ethylene, use in sliding bearing.
1. The mating surface must be smooth and flat.
2. P.T.F.E., should be retained on rigid backing plate.
3. must be provided with a self aligning feature.
136. Q- What is the difference between substructure and superstructure ?
A- Substructure: The portion of bridge that supports the
“Superstructure”.
Superstructure: Being that part which carries the roadway.
137. Q- What are the type of foundations ?
A- 1. Shallow type: Placed on sub-strata after open excavation
and are called “open” foundation.
2. Deep Type: Constructed by special means.
3. Piles: Giant sized nails of steel joist, R.C., or-timber
ranging from 4m. to 50m. or more in length,
diameter or side of square ranging from 20 to
200cm. Or more.
138. Q- What is the difference between Abutments and Pier ?
A- Abutments: These are the and suppurate of superstructure.
Pier: These are the bridge supports in-between
abutments.
139. Q- What are the component of bridge “Superstructure” ?
A- 1. Deck.
2. Beams / Girders (longitudinal)
3. Diaphragms of cross frames.
4. Truss components.
5. Bearing Devices.
6. Arch components.
7. Connectors.
8. Bridge machinery (If applicable)
9. Collision/Damage/Preventers/Reducers (if applicable)
140. Q- What are the components of bridge “substructure” ?
A- 1. Abutments.
2. Piers.
3. Debris on beam scats and bearings.
141. Q- What are the factors causing deterioration of steel ?

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A- 1. Air (oxygen) and moisture – rust.

2. Rust from carbonation effect in moist concrete.
3. Rust from chloride-ion attack in moisture.
4. Industrial fumes (e.g. presence of hydrogen sulphide causes traces of sulphuric acid
when mixed with dioxidc and moisture).
5. De-icing salt (chloride attack).
6. Yield/Buckle/Crack….. due to
a. Thermal strain & restraint.
b. Overloads.
7. Fatigue from pulsating loads.
8. Fatigue from stress – concentrations (at re-entrant corners, insufficient bearing
width).
9. Fire-extreme heat will cause deformation and prior to that there will be loss of
strength if it is steel higher than grade 40.
10. Collision & Kinks – by live load etc. may bend / buckle / break steel elements.
11. Animal Waste – can cause rusting (chemical attack)
12. Welds – where welding is poor, technique is improper, the weld may crack.
13. Galvanic Action: Other metals that are in contact with steel may cause corrosion
similar to rust.
142. Q- What are the minimum requirements for concrete exposed to sea water ?
A- 1. Minimum cement content not less than 350kg/m3
2. Minimum cover not less than 10cm.
3. Portland Blast Furnace slag cement or Sulphate Resistant cement.
4. Dense mix.
5. Vibration.
6. Minimum strength 300kg/cm2
143. Q- What are the construction procedure for Post-tensioning ?
A- 1. All tendons are free to move between jacking points.
2. No application of tensions before the concrete reach to the required compressive
strength.
3. Arrange datum point to measure extension and jack pressure.
4. Add jack losses and friction due to duct alignment and curvature.
5. the stresses in tendons shall not exceed 70% of their ultimate tensile strength, not
more than 80%.
6. If the measured extension differs by more than 5% from the estimated extension,
corrective action shall be taken.
7. Stressing shall be from both ends.
8. After applying the force, the tendons shall be anchored and jack pressure shall be
released to avoid shock to the anchorage of tendons.
9. The tendons shall not be cropped less than 3 days after grouting.
144. Q- Are Grade 40 & Grade 60 steel could be welded ?
A- Grade 40 steel: could be welded.
Grade 60 steel: welding is in a special process involving special
electrodes (otherwise its properties will change
and its yield strength reduce.. nearly becoming
Grad 40).
145. Q- What is the minimum temperature of forms and steel in cold weather concreting ?
A- 5' C
146. Q- What is the significance of Tricalcium Aluminate in manufacturing of cement ?

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A- 1. It reduces the temperature of fusion.

2. Facilitates the combination of lime and silica.
147. Q- What are the important steps for grouting ducts ?
A- 1. Water-cement ratio should be low as possible, not higher than 0.45.
2. Admixture containing chlorides or nitrates shall not be used.
3. Efflux time immediately after mixing = 11 seconds.
4. The grout consist of only ordinary Portland Cement (Type I) and water.
5. Bleeding not exceed more than 2% after 3 hours and 4% maximum.
6. The water caused by bleeding should be re-absorbed after 24 hours.
7. Grout shall be mixed for 2 minutes (minimum)
8. Grout should be tested for (longitudinal change)
9. The grout mixer shall produce the grout under pressure or 7 kg/cm2.
10. Grout temperature shall not be above 32'C during mixing and if necessary the mixing
water should be cooled.
11. Grout shall be injected in one continuous operation and allowed to flow from the
vents until the consistency is same as injected.
148. Q- If you have two (2) cylinders, one is six (6) inches in diameter and twelve (12) inches
height and the other is four (4) inches in diameter and eight (8) inches height (length:
diameter ratio same), Is there a difference if they are to be compressed ?
A- The cylinder with smaller size always has greater compressive strength.
149. Q- Do you think it is justified to crush the cylinders immediately after taking them out from
the water tank ?
A- No, the cylinders should be dried first for a few hours at room temperature, not directly
under the sun before crushing. Even if they are not fully dried then they can be
capped in moist condition.
150. Q- Does the use of a pozzolan increase mixing water requirement ?
A- In general, flyash pozzolans (the by-product from power plant burning of powdered coal)
reduce water requirement a few percent, whereas other pozzolans (made from certain
clays, shales, and other earth materials) increase it a few percent.
151. Q- Is it preferable to minimize the percentage of fine aggregates in the mix and why ?
A- Yes, fine aggregates should be kept at low percentage. It is better to keep them within the
range of 37 to 42%. The concrete mix if towards the coarser side will give better results
like higher strength and durable structure.
152. Q- Why excess quantities of magnesium oxide, free lime, or sodium oxide in cement are
considered undesirable ?
A- The uncombined or free lime should not exceed 1.02% of silica, alumina and iron oxide,
since large quantities of it will cause an expansion and a disruption of the concrete at some
later period.
Magnesium oxide is limited to 6% as larger percentages are opt to result in excessive
expansion if the concrete is moist.

18 Concrete