Questions and Answers in Bridge Engineering

Interview with highways
SOILS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Q-
How will you prepare sample for proctor if there are soft particles in the sample?
A-
By preparing 5 individual samples having different moisture content. Discard sample

every each test.
Q-
What is the minimum surcharge weight place in doing a C.B.R. test ?
A-
10 lbs. (4.54 kg).
Q-
How do you calculate actual surcharge weight for C.B.R ?
A-
By equation :
Where
Q-
W=dxvxA
A = AREA OF MOLD.
W = Actual surcharge weight
d = Density of material,
V = Thickness of Layers.
What is the difference between a standard proctor test & a modified proctor test ?
:
A-
Aside from the compactive energy which is 5 times greater than in the standard test, the
maximum density and optimum water content obtained from the two compaction test is
greater in fine-grained that for a coarse-grained soils.
Q-
What is S.P.T. ? Describe the procedure of this test in detail.
A-
S.P.T. or Standard Penetration Test:

The standard split-tube sampler, 18 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter is driven
into the soil, with a drive weight of 63.5 kg. At 30 inches free falling. The blow count
for the first 6 inches is not used, as this is to seat the sampler below the disturbed soil in
the bottom of the borehole. The number of blows to drive the final 12 inches is the
penetration resistance. If it is not practical to drive the sampler the full 12 inches
because of very dense, cemented hardpan, rock, etc., the boring log dense, cemented
hardpan, rock, etc., the boring log will indicate the blow count and penetration as ratio
i.e. 70:4 for 70 blows and 4 inches in penetration.
6.
Q-
Define liquid limit and plastic limit. How do you calculate plasticity index ? How many
strokes are specified for rolling the thread of soil when determining plastic limit ? and
How many revolution per second when determining liquid limit ?
A-
Liquid limit is the % water content in which the soil mass has a capacity to flow as a
liquid. It is in between the liquid and plastic state. The rate is 2 revolution per second.
Plastic limit is the % water content in which the soil mass can be molded without
crumbling. It is in between the plastic and semi-solid state. The rate is 80 to 90 strokes
per minute.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Q-
Could we used sand for embankment material ?
A-
Yes, (by plating) it is a method of covering or confining of unstable fills with a suitable,
stable material.
Q-
Why is wadi sand preferable to wind blown sand as a construction material ?
A-
Because wadi sand are free from clay and other organic matters and also meet grading
requirements for fineness modulus.
Q-
What are the test you run to determine the suitability of a sub grade material ?
A-
a) Sieve analysis
b) Atterberg test
c) Proctor test
d) C.B.R. test
e) Field Density test.
What are the basic test normally carried out to determine soil characteristics and
conditions ?
Q-
Soil
A11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Q-
a) C.B.R. test
b) Sieve analysis
c) Atterberg test.
How do you determine the shear strength of a soil ?
A-
By tri-Axial test: The basic principle is that a cylindrical soil specimen is first encased
in a thin rubber membrane and subjected to fluid pressure around the cylindrical
surface. The lateral pressure is held constant while an axial load is applied and
increased until failure occurs.
Q-
Why and when C.B.R. value needs adjustment ? What is the rate of loading ?
A-
When the curve is concave upward shape because of swell, adjustment is made by
adjusting the point of origin by extending the line of stress-strain curve downward until
it intersect the abscissa. Rate of loading is 0.05 inch per minute.
Q-
How do you take a sand sample from a sand stockpile ?
A-
Take sample at inner middle of stockpile at random.
Q-
How would you carry-out in-situ density test on prepared sub grade ?
A-
By sand cone method.
Q-
How do you reduce the size of field samples ?
A-
By splitting or quartering of samples.
Q-
How will you distinguished A-1 and A-7 soil visually ?
A-
A-1 materials is a well-graded gravel or sand or a mixture of sand and gravel with or
without non-plastic soil binder. Whereas, A-7 material is a clayey soil.
Q-
What is C.B.R. ?
A-
C.B,R, or California Bearing Ratio : It is a ratio of a force required to penetrate a

sample to a certain depth (with a 5 cm. piston) to a force required to penetrate the
sample of high quality crushed stone with the same depth and piston.
Q-
Where will you fix the penetration gauge in C.B.R. test ?
A-
In a plunger, to determine the accurate relationship between the load and penetration.
Q-
How do you classify soils ?
A-
Soils are classified as coarse-grained and fine-grained soils. Materials passing the 3
inches sieve and retained #4 sieve are considered coarse-grained while material passing
#4 sieve and retained #200 sieve are fine-grained soils.
Q-
What is the pressure in pneumatic rollers ?
A-
80 psi.
Q-
How much thickness is allowed for rockfill ?
A-
Maximum thickness
Maximum unit of weight for
Of Free Layer (cm.)
Vibrating (kg./unit of width,m.)
40
2,300 2,900
60
2,900 3,600
80
3,600 4,300
100
4,300 5,000
* For multi vibrating, unit of weighing shall be limited in accordance with unit of axial
weight.
Q-
What is the construction procedure for preparing natural ground to receive the
embankment layers ?
A-
Removal of undesirable materials such as logs, tress, stumps, weeds, heavy grass, etc.
Soil
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Q-
What is the allowable tolerance of the top of sub grade layer and how it can be
measured ?
A-
Refer to Tolerance Table.
Q-
What is A-3 soil ? can we used sand in subgrade and embankment ?
A-
A-3 soil is a fine-beach or desert blown sand without fines or with a small amount of
non-plastic silt. This kind of material cannot be used for subgrade because of the
following reasons;
Q-
a) Poor load sustaining qualities

b) Highly permeable
c) Compressible under sustained loads
d) Subject to changes in strength and volume du to variation in water content, For
embankment yes, by method of plating.
If water is not available for this kind of job, what will you do ?
A-
Either by spraying sand stabilizer or by using vibratory roller with high frequency low
amplitude.
Q-
How will you compact rock-fill ?
A-
As mentioned above (Q-21) Refer to M.O.C. circular.
Q-
What do you understand by the material of aggregate base coarse ?
A-
This materials consist of clean, tough, durable, sharp angle fragments free of soft,
disintegrated or decomposed stone and free from any deleterious matter. Max. size of
agg. Is 2, LL = 25 max., P.I = 6 max. (Look Q-55).
Q-
What types of soil are well suitable for sub grade ?
A-
A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4.
Q-
What do you mean my type A, AA, AAA in the compaction of soil ?
A-
Type A
Compacted density of a soil shall be equal or greater that

90% of Maximum Density or 70% of Relative density.
Type AA
Compacted density of a soil shall be equal or greater than

95% of maximum density or 74% of relative density.
Type AAA
Compacted density of a soil shall be equal or greater than

100% of maximum density or 78% of relative density.
Q-
What do you mean by relative density ? What is the formula ?
A-
It is the state of compactness of a soil with respect to the loosest and densest state at
which it can be placed.
% R.D. =
31.
32.
(r field r min.) x r max.

x 100
(r max. r min.) x r field
Q-
What is the maximum allowable percentage of friable particles for aggregate base
coarse mix ?
A-
0.25%
Q-
What is the proportion of natural sand to dunes sand to minimize the phenomena of
rutting ?
A-
The proportion of natural sand should not exceed 155 of the percentage passing a #4
sieve. The natural sand should not contain more than 50% of the dunes sand, for
instance : if per the design mix, the percentage passing a #4 sieve is 50% of all the
quantity of aggregates, the allowable percentage of dune sand will be 7.5%, it could
also reach 1.2 of this proportion or 4%.
Soil
33.
34.
Q-
When you are establishing gradation, what is your target ?
A-
To meet the gradation requirements of the specification and yield a mix design to the
criteria of the design method. The gradation should be made up to the most economical
proper aggregates to be found.
Q-
What is fineness modulus and how to determine it ?
A-
It is a numerical number, which outlines the grain size of the material by fineness point
of view. It is determined through sieve analysis by adding total percentage retained on
sieve , 3/8, #4, #8, #16, #30, #50, #100 and dividing the sum by 100.
F.M. = 3.58 is coarser than F.M = 1.63
35.
36.
Limit (2.3 3.1)
Q-
In sand equivalent why the heavy particles goes down, what is the reason ?
A-
Those particles whose specific gravity is heavier than water will go down and those
particles whose specific gravity is lighter than water will be in the upper portion due to
sedimentation process.
Q-
What is uniformity coefficient and effective grain size ?
A-
Uniformity Coefficient, is the ratio of the diameter corresponding to percent finer (P =

60%) and the effective grain size.
Effective Grain size, is the diameter of particles corresponding to percent finer ( P =
10%) on the grain size curve.
U.C =
37.
Sieve at 60%
Sieve at 10%
Q-
What are the factors affecting density of soil ?
A-
a) Relative volume of solid and void spaces : The greater the volume of solids or the
less the volume of voids, the greater is the density.
b) Specific gravity of soil particles : The greater the specific gravity of solids, the
greater is the density, all other factors being equal.
c) Amount of water is void spaces: This factor affect only the wet density. It is obvious
that the amount of water the greater is the wet density.
38.
39.
40.
Q-
What is permeability and its significance ?
A-
Is that hydraulic property of a soil which indicates the case with which water will flow
through the soil mass. It is significant on numerous engineering problems such as
seepage through dams and irrigation canals, lowering the water table to improve
stability of foundations, selecting capacity of pumps for lowering the ground-water
level during excavations, and settlement of structures resting on compressible soils.
Q-
What is a shrinkage limit ?
A-
A- highest water content at which a soil mass attained a minimum volume but continue
to loose weight.
Q-
What is consolidation in soil ?
A-
It is the escape of water and a gradual transfer of stress from the water to solid in a soil
mass.
* It is not synonymous with compaction which is artificial compression of a soil by rearrangement of its particles aided by lubricating effect of water.
41.
Q-
What is a proctor test ?
A-
It is the determination of the amount of mixing water that a soil mass can be compacted
to higher density.
Soil
42.
43.
Q-
What is scalping ?
A-
It is the removal of deleterious fines.
Q-
What is the significance of C.B.R. test ?
A-
It is useful in evaluating subgrade soils and sub-base & base coarses material containing
a small amount of material retained on 3/4" sieve.
* The higher the C.B.R. value, the greater the bearing capacity of the soil and thereby
lesser the thickness of the pavement.
44.
45.
Q-
How many trucks we can allow for grizzly ?
A-
Only One (1) truck.
Q-
What are the type of test to determine the strength of subgrade?
A-
1. In in-situ:
a) Loading test
b) Plate bearing test.
2. In laboratory:
a) California Bearing Ratio (C.B.R)
b) Tri-axial test
c) Hveem Stabilometer test
3. Estimation based on classification of soil.
46.
Q-
What do you mean by group index and how to it is determine?
A-
It is an emperical value used to evaluate the kind/type of soil to be use for subgrade
material. It could be determine by equation:
G.I. = (F-35) (0.2 0.005 (LL-40)) 0.001 (F-15) (PI 10)
Where :
G.I. Group Index
F - % passing 0.074mm (#200) sieve.
LL Liquid Limit
PI Plasticity Index.
47.
Q-
What are the engineering properties of soils ?
Soil
A-
1. Granular Soils:
a)
Good load bearing qualities
b)
Permeable
c)
Comparatively incompressible when subjected to static loads.
d)
Not subject to changes in strength or volume due to vibration and water

content, However loose granular materials will undergo considerable reaction
in volume when subjected to vibratory loads.
2. Fine-Grain Soils:
a)
Poor load sustaining quality
b)
Highly impermeable
c)
Compressible under sustained loads
d)
Subject to changes in strength and in volume due to variation in water content.
3. Organic Soils
Inferior than fine-grained soils with
properties stated under the latter group.
48.
Q-
What are the 2 methods for sampling ?
A-
1. Disturbed sampling
respect to the
2. Undisturbed sampling.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
Q-
What is Soil Stabilization ?
A-
It is the process which improve the properties of materials by additives to improve

strength, plasticity, workability and shrinkage.
Q-
What do you know about Lime Stabilization ?
A-
Lime stabilization is the most economic and effective with clay soils, where pH = 12.30
added to soil by about 3% to 7% by weight of dry material.
Q-
What do you know about compaction of sand ?
A-
Compaction is performed on sand in cases of;

1. Water content are between dry and saturated state.
2. Completely watered (saturated)
3. Completely dry (Unsaturated)
* Compaction in completely dry state give the highest dry density and layer thickness
can be increase by using of dry compaction.
Compaction should be made by roller vibratory with Low Amplitude and High
Frequency.
What is the relation between modified and standard proctor ?
QA-
The standard and modified proctor test give result nearly closed together for granular
soil, but for plastic clay soil modified gives higher results than standard.
Q-
What is the energy for compacted test ?
A-
Energy is equal to the number of layer multiplied by the number of blows, Weight of
Hammer and height divided by the volume of the mold.
Q-
What are the causes of sub-surface soil ?
A-
1. Jaw Hammer
2. Fan Hammer
3. Conical Hammer.
55.
Q-
Describe the Aggregate Base Course material.
Soil
A-
Materials: (Crushed Stone or Crushed Gravel)

1.
Hard
2.
Durable
3.
Free from dirt
4.
Shall obtain not more than 85 of flat elongated, soft, disintegrated pieces.
5.
90% by weight of particles with at least two fractured faces and 100% by weight
of particles at least one fractured face.
6.
Minimum Abrasion loss is 45%.
7.
Soundness loss by sodium sulphate not more than 12% subjected to 5 cycles.
8.
Liquid Limit not more than 25 and Plasticity Index not more than 6 for material
passing sieve #40.
9.
The amount of material passing sieve #200 not more than one half of the material
passing sieve no. 40.
10.
The maximum size of aggregate not more than 2/3 of the thickness of the layer.
Plant Mix:
1.
Central proportioning and mixing plant.
2.
Traveling plant.
Placing, Spreading and Compaction:

1.
The base aggregate shall be spread by spreader boxes.
2.
The layer should not be less than 7 cm. Nor more than 15 cm. Of compacted
thickness.
3.
The aggregate shall not be spread more than 2,000 sq.m. in advance of the rolling.
4.
After the course has been completely compacted the surface shall be tested for
smoothness and accuracy of grade and crown.
5.
The finished surface shall not vary more than 9 mm from a 5 m straightedge when
applied to the surface parallel with and at right angles to the centerline.
Thickness:
56.
57.
58.
59.
1.
Thickness shall represent not more than 300 m2 getting by cores.
2.
When the difference is more than 12 mm, the contractor shall correct such areas
by scarifying, adding base mixture, rolling, reshaping and finishing.
Q-
Did we can use A6, A7 in embankment ? If yes, How. If No, Why ?
A-
Yes, we can use A6, A7 in embankment after stabilization by lime and run the tests
required to know the actual required classification.
Q-
In Sabkh area did we can use rock fill? And if rock fill not available what type of soil
we use ?
A-
Yes, we can use rock fill or soil type A-1a, A-1b, A-2-4 for the first 1.5 m from the
natural ground.
Q-
What is the min required No of Passes for rollers in rock fill.
A-
Min. 5 times.
Q-
What is the purpose of compaction?
Soil
A- ase the shear strength of soil.

ase permeability and water absorption.
ase settlement of embankment under repeated loads.
60.
61.
Q-
What are the factors affect degree of compaction?
AQ-
- Optimum moisture content.

- Type of soil.
- Compacted effort.
State five reasons behind compaction of soil?
A-
Five reasons behind compaction of soil are:

a)
b)
c)
d)
62.
Q-
Decrease settlement
Increase resistance to shear stresses and erosion.
Decrease swelling and shrinkage of soil when exposed to water.
Increase soil resistance against seepage of water and absorption of water by
capillarity rise.
e) Increase density of soil.
State four factors affecting density of soil?
A-
The factors affecting density of soil are:

a) Water content
b) Rate of compaction
c) Rate of compaction
d) Granular size.
63.
Q-
Can pure clay be used as an embankment material? If not, why not? If yes, under what
conditions?
A-
Clay soils are poor soils having higher plasticity index 11 minimum. Shrinkage is likely
to take place in such soils. Materials which expands and contracts a great deal such as
clay offers an undesirable base for supporting surfaces.
Soils may be fully compacted, but as water penetrates, the materials expand and as the
water evaporates, the materials contract, attain the flexibility and damage to the surface
area. This is extremely critical on rigid surfaces such as concrete highways or buildings.
Such clayey soils are compacted at their OMC which happens to be higher than
shrinkage limit. So clayey soils should be avoided to use in the embankment.
If any better material is not available than clayey soils can be used provided it is
compacted with sheep foot roller.
The typical sheep foot roller can be self-propelled or towed, and compacts with a
kneading action on the soil. These units generally range in weight from 2 tons to 20
tons and vary in coverage width normally between 30 and 100 inches. The feet or pads
can be of various shapes and are normally less than 10 inches in length.
The sheep foot compactor is operated on the theory that the feet will compact the lower
layers of the soil first and work towards the surface in successive passes.
64.
65.
66.
Q-
If you find loss material on top of sub grade about 1 cm, what your action?
A-
Clean the surface by approved equipments.
Q-
When you stop the contractor?
A-
1) If he did not correct unsafe condition for workmen or general public.

2) For failure to carry out provisions of the contract.
3) For failure to carry out orders and directives.
4) Due to unsuitable weathers.
How to know during compaction of the materials if the water is more or less by eyes,
and by hands?
Q-
Soil
A-
1) Rollers will make shoving in layer.

2) Tires trucks will make holls in layer.
Sheep roller in case of clay will pick up the materials from layer.
By hands:
67.
QA-
68.
69.
70.
Q-
We take mass of soil and press in hand.

1) If water goes out indicate more water.
2) If it is plastic mass indicate proper water.
3) If it is loss in hand indicate less water.
What is the R Relative Plasticity Index of soil?
R=
Wc PL
or (Liquidity Index).
P.I
To know degree of softening of soil and consistency.

Max R = 1 at liquid limit
If near to zero this mean stiff soil.
R = Zero at plastic limit.
R = (-) solid or semisolid state.
If you have different materials ready to use in embankment. How to use it?
A-
When we have materials such as clay, chalk or sand shall be spread in alternate layers
over the full width of embankment.
Q-
What is the meaning of reinforcement layer and what are its uses ?
A-
It is a layer between compacted sand or compacted Rock fill provided every 10 m

height approx. To decrease settlement of layers.
Q-
What are the advantages of plating?
A-
1- Confining A-3 material.

2- Protect A-3 against erosion and scouring.
71.
Q-
How we can say soil is non plastic?
A-
1- When liquid limit can not be determined.

2- When plastic limit is higher than liquid limit.
3- When a soil can not be rolled into threads.
72.
73.
Q-
What is the time elapse bet. Two embankment layers to get proper compaction?
A-
Not more than 3 days prior to the application of subsequent layers or prime coat, should
be retested.
Q-
Define those terms: compression, consolidation, shrinkage, compaction, rebound,

expansion, swelling, loosening or scarifying.
A-
74.
Compression:
The loss in external volume under sustained load.
Consolidation:
The loss in volume with time.
Shrinkage:
The loss in volume resulting from capillary stresses during drying soil.
Compaction:
The loss in volume due to artificial temporary loads as rolling, tamping, vibration.
Rebound:
The increase in volume due to remove sustained load.
Expansion:
The increase in volume with time.
Swelling:
The increase in volume resulting from increasing of water content.
Loosening or scarifying:
The increase in volume due to artificial operations.
Q- What are the ideal soils for road?
Soil
A75.
should be dense, free from excessive moisture, high in internal friction and cohesion
and possess low compressibility and capillarity.
Q- What are the types of soil stabilization?

A-
Mechanical stabilization.
Soil cements stabilization.
Lime stabilization.
Chemical stabilization.
10
Soil
ASPHALT
1.
2.
3.
Q-
What is the temperature of water in getting specific gravity of asphalt?
A-
25*C 1'C
Q-
How will you get the specific gravity of molded specimen if voids are present in the
sample ?
A-
Coat the specimen with paraffin by chilling the specimen in a refrigerating unit to a
temperature of approximately 4.5 'C for 30 minutes and then dipping the specimen in
warm paraffin (5.5'C above melting point).
Q-
What is the rate of application of MC-1 & RC-2 ?
A-
0.65 lit./sq.m to 1.75 lit./ sq.m. for NC-1

0.10 lit./sq.m to 0.20 lit./sq.m. for RC-2.
4.
Q-
What is the method normally used for preparing asphalt mix design ? Describe the
essential steps and procedures.
A-
Marshall method; The essential steps are;

1.
Selection of quality of aggregates.

Important properties to be considered are shape, surface texture & wetting
characteristics of aggregate particles.
2.
Selection of aggregate gradation.

Important properties are workability of mix, surface texture of pavement & overall economy.
3.
Selection of type & grade of bituminous binders. Important properties are

workability, climatic conditions, aging considerations & gradation of aggregate.
4.
Determination of correct amount of bituminous binders.
Procedures:
1.
2.
Preliminary calculation
a)
Calculate surface area of aggregates.
b)
Calculate percent emulsion.
Determine optimum asphalt content by immersion compression stability test.

a) Prepare trial mix specimen at different emulsified asphalt content at 1%
increments using the specified compaction method.
b) Calculate theoretical maximum density (D) of each specimen from equation,
D, g/cc =
100
% agg.
% asp.
S.G. (agg.) S.G. (asp)
c)
Determine actual density (d) of each compacted specimen and determine

dry stability by unconfined compression test.
d)
Calculate percent air voids in total mix from equation,

%V=
e)
5.
Dd
x 100
D
Determine wet stability to evaluate resistance to water action on duplicate

specimens after immersion in water for 4 days. Losing strength is
considered measure of water action.
Q-
How would you adjust the mix if air void and stability is low ?
A-
Either by increase little asphalt content or by increasing the amount of aggregate

particles.
*Air void is kept above 4 to allow film thickness of asphalt to the aggregate particle
Asphalt
which give durable and stable asphalt mix.

6.
7.
Q-
How would you classify cutback asphalt and their respective spraying temperature ?
A-
a) Slow curing cutback
(S.C) - - - - - - 10'C 130'C
b) Medium curing
(M.C) - - - - - - 50'C 80'C
c) Rapid curing
(R.C) - - - - - - 65'C 95'C
Q-
What are the tests you should run on a compacted asphalt pavement ?
A-
a) Density & Thickness test

b) Riding quality.
8-
Q-
What is rutting and its causes ?
A-
It is the channel-like grooves that occur in the wheel track of a pavement. The main
causes are;
a) Poor compaction
b) Fine-graded mix
c) Excessive asphalt content, Low air voids.
d) High temperature
e) Excessive wheel and traffic loads
f) Natural aggregates
g) Dune sand more than 7.5% of fine aggregates
h) Low softening point.
9.
Q-
On the mixing plant, How can you say the hot mix is okey or not okey ?
A-
a) Required temp. should be uniform

b) Mix should be free from excessive fines
c) Mix should be free from free asphalt
d) Larger aggregates should not be uncoated
e) Appearance should be uniform
f) Should not be burned
g) Should not be too brown or gray
h) Should not be too fat
i) Should not steam in truck.
10.
11.
Q-
When do you put the flow meter to determine the flow of an asphalt mix ?
A-
Before Marshall testing start.
Q-
How many blows will you apply on each face of asphalt specimen ?
A-
*75 blows for heavy loads (Use by M.O.C. in all type of traffic.
50 blows for medium loads
35 blows for light loads.
12.
Q-
What are the requirements for bituminous coarses in respect of the following;
a) Voids in mineral aggregates
b) Percent air voids
c) Marshall stability
d) Hveem stability
e) Marshall flow
A-
Limits
Wearing course
Base course
Asphalt
13.
Q-
a) V.M.A.
15
b) Percent air voids
47
c) Marshall stability (min.)
1000
d) Hveem stability (min.)
40
e) Marshall flow (mm)
2 3.5
What is the Marshall mixing and compacting temp. of hot mix?
A-
Mixing temp. 160'C 5'C
13
58
1000
40
2 3.5
Compacting temp. 145'C 5'C.

14.
Q-
Where will you get asphalt sample during production and paving operation ?
A-
During production, samples should be taken from that him, One sample consisting of
four soil samples taken in a small sample units to form a composite sample.
During paving, samples should be taken behind the paver, sample units taken from
different locations constituting of minimum of four sub-samples to make one composite
asphalt samples for grading, Marshall and extraction.
* M.O.C. circular 513, section 1.4.3.
15.
Q-
What is MC-1 and RC-2 ?
A-
MC-1 or Medium curing cutback is a liquid bituminous material having kerosene as a

solvent. Its purpose is to stabilized and waterproof the absorbent surface and to promote
adhesion to the bituminous course to follow.
RC-2 or Rapid curing cutback is a liquid bituminous material having gasoline or
naphtha as a solvent. Its purpose is to provide bond with a super imposed course.
16.
Q-
What is raveling and its causes ?
A-
It is a progressive loosening or separation of aggregate particles in a pavement surface

coarse from the surface downward or from the edge inward.
The causes are;
a) Lack of compaction
b) Construction in thin lift during cold weather
c) Dirty or disintegrated aggregates
d) Too little asphalt in the mix
e) Overheating of asphalt mix
f) Mix is very close to coarse
g) Action of water
h) Sensitive aggregate refuse coating due to special charge (anti-stripping materials
must be used)
17.
Q-
What is softening point and its use ?
A-
It is an indicative measurement of temperature at which the harden asphalt reach an

arbitrary degree of softening.
This is useful in the classification of certain asphalts (bitumens) and tars.
18.
Q-
What is stripping test and its purpose ?
A-
It is a test to estimate the coated area as above 95% or below 95% by static-immersion
in water.
Its purpose is to determine the retention of a bituminous film on an aggregate
surface in the presence of water.
19.
Q-
What is the reason for some spots appear after every 20 meter behind the paver ?
Asphalt
A-
a) Dirty lumps of old asphalt from the paver

b) Temperature of the mix is low
c) Auger is not distributing the mix properly
d) Paver operator is folding the hopper sides after each load
e) Screed is tilted or uneven
f) Screed is not vibrating properly
g) Screed is not heated properly
h) Stopping of continuity.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
Q-
What is the maximum aggregate size for B.B.C. & B.W.C. ?
A-
1 inch, inch.
Q-
What is the rang eof temperature for bituminous mixture delivered to the paver at site ?
A-
140'C 150'C.
Q-
What is the pressure at the nozzles of the bitumen distributor is equal to ?
A-
2.00 3.50 kg/sq.m.
Q-
What is the maximum variation allowed for asphalt content ?
A-
0.30%.
Q-
What is the minimum capacity of power unit and pump distribution system of a bitumen
distributor ?
A-
950 liters/minute.
Q-
What is the minimum capacity of asphalt distributor ?
A-
4,000 liters.
Q-
What is the max. loss of Marshall stability allowed for asphalt?
AQAQ-
Q-
25%
What is the min. temp. required for applying prime coat ?
15'C
What is the max. plasticity index for combined mineral aggregated of B.B.C. and
B.W.C. ?
B.B.C. = 6 & B.W.C. = 4
How do mineral filler improve properties of mix ?
When voids is high but stability is satisfactory in the mix, it leads to higher permeability
resulting in premature hardening of the asphalt. To reduced voids, filler is increased
which improves the properties of the mix.
What will happen if we over-used the filler ?
Over-used of filler may bring the voids low in the mix, consequently instability or
flushing after the pavement is exposed to traffic.
During paving operation if there is much fine particles, what will happen ?
Excessive fines can cause a mix to have a lean, brown, dull appearance like a mix too
little asphalt.
If soundness is higher, stability is equal to 1000 kg. Exactly, would you let the
contractor to proceed ?
A higher soundness not allowed but it does not help in the longer stability and
durability of the pavement in general. So, it is better to adjust the mix to achieved
higher stability than just to trust on soundness of aggregate alone. The contractor should
be instructed accordingly.
What factors affecting the compaction of asphalt mix ?
A-
a) Mix properties:
AQA-
30.
QA-
31.
QA-
32.
QA-
33.
Asphalt
1. Aggregate,
2. Asphalt,
3. Mix temp.,
If maximum aggregate size or percentage of coarse agg. in the

mix increases, the workability decreases and greater compactive
effort is required to achieve the target density. Natural sand often
turns the mixes tender which are easily over-stressed by heavy
rollers and too much rolling. Combination of filler and asphalt
produces necessary cohesion when the mix cools. But too many
fines will make the mix gummy and very difficult to compact.
Proper compaction can be achieved only when asphalt is still
fluid enough. Consequently, compaction of the mix is extremely
difficult once the mix has cooled to 85'C. Grade of asphalt is
also important. Higher viscosity asphalt in the mix requires
higher compaction, temperature and/or greater compactive
effort. If quantity of asphalt in mix increases, film thickness of
asphalt on aggregate also increases, which make the mix
workable and easy in compaction and vice versa.
Up to a certain point, the hotter the mix, the more fluid the
asphalt and less resistant to compaction and vice versa if it cools.
b) Environmental conditions:
Ambient temperature, humidity, wind and the temp. of the surface under the mix also
affects the compaction.
c) Layer (lift) thickness:
Generally, it is easier to achieved target density in thicker layers of asphalt concrete
than in thinner ones, because of the difference in rate of cooling.
34.
35.
Q-
What produces a workable mix and non-workable mix ? Do you have to adjust bitumen
content or agg. ?
A-
Q-
Basic causes of workability are;

1. Larger maximum sizes of particle
2. Excessive coarse aggregate
3. Too low a mix temperature
4. Too much medium-sized sand
5. Low mineral filler content
6. High mineral filler content
So, instead of adjusting bitumen content, the aggregate should be adjusted.
What do you check, when you go to the mixing plant ?
A-
a) Inspection of truck beds

b) Mixing of aggregate is enough-mixing time
c) Weighing of ingredients i.e., aggregate, filler & bitumen
d) Temperature of the mixture is uniform
e) Appearance of mix
f) Rate of mixing should coordinate with paving requirements.
36.
Q-
During production of aggregate what do you look for the stockpiled materials ?
A-
a) Do aggregate meet quality specifications

b) Are proper sizes being produced
c) Satisfactory storage
d) Separation of stockpiles
e) No segregation allowed
f) Mineral filler kept dry
g) No deleterious materials to acceptable limits
37.
Q-
As asphalt inspector, what important properties you are looking for and what is your
target on site ?
Asphalt
A-
a) Asphalt content should check job-mix formula

b) Aggregate gradation should check job-mix formula
c) Required temperature should be uniform
d) Mix should be free from excessive fines
e)
"
"
"
"
"
free asphalt
f)
"
"
not be burned
g) "
"
not be too brown or gray
h) "
"
not be too fat
i)
"
"
not steam in truck
j)
"
"
smoke on discharge from hopper
k) Larger agg should not be uncoated, etc.

38.
Q-
What do you watch during pavement ?
A-
a) Temperature of the paving mixtures

b) Appearance of the paving mixtures
c) Alignment and thickness of the pavement
d) Rolling at correct time and temperature
e) Sufficient rolling
f) Surface irregularities and its repairs
g) Quantity paved during the day
h) Stations/Locations paved in each shift
i) Coordination with the mixing plant to maintain the rate of mixing and rate of paving
j) Weather conditions of the day, etc.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
Q-
What is Marshall stability tests ?
A-
Q-
It is the method that covers the measurement of the resistance to plastic flow of
cylindrical specimens of bituminous paving mixtures loaded on the lateral surface by
means of Marshall apparatus. The method outlines are as follows;
a) Bulk specific gravity determination
b) Stability and flow test
c) Density and voids analysis
d) Loss of stability
What is the rate of loading of test machine in the Marshall stability test ?
A-
2 inches (51 mm) per minute
Q-
What are the test involved for liquid asphalt ?
A-
a) Penetration
b) Viscosity
c) Flashpoint
d) Thin-film oven test
e) Rolling thin-film oven test
f) Ductility
g) Solubility
h) Specific gravity, etc.
If asphalt sample in laboratory is cooled then reheated for 2 or 3 times (for a breakdown
in equipment), what will heating do to the sample ?
QA-
Re-heating of asphalt sample in laboratory is not permissible because by this process

the asphalt looses its viscous properties which will not yield the stability, voids in the
mix, and flow etc., and aside re-heated samples will no longer be a representative of the
in-situ pavement.
Q-
Why not to use high penetration asphalt say 100 120, Do air voids affected ?
Asphalt
44.
A-
Harder asphalt cements are recommended for heavy duty pavements and for hot
weather construction. Generally asphalt of penetration grade 60 70 is used in medium
to heavy types of pavements. Higher penetration grade like 100 120 will not produce
a thick film of coating around the particles. This will turn the mix instable, indurable
and low in voids. This will filled the air voids more comparatively, making the mix
more brittle and easily disintegrated when exposed to traffic.
Q-
If stability is low say 400 which is less than the specification, what is the problem ?
A-
Stability of asphalt pavement is its ability to resist shoving and rutting under loads
(traffic). Stability depends on internal friction and cohesion. Inter-practical friction is
related to shape and surface texture of the aggregate.
Following are the possible causes and their effects for the instability of pavement:
Causes
45.
46.
47.
Q-
Effects
1. Excessive asphalt in mix.
Wash hoarding, rutting and flushing or

bleeding.
2. Excessive medium size sand in mixture.
Tenderness during rolling and for period

after construction, difficult in compaction.
3. Rounded aggregate, little or no crushed

surfaces.
Rutting and channeling.
What is the maximum variation in specific gravity of marshall mold ?
A-
0.02.
Q-
What are the type of asphalt mix ?
A-
a) Dense graded type :
Aggregate is well-graded from coarse to fine, and

contains an appreciable amount of material passing
#200 sieve.
b) Open graded type :
Have a poor grading or it may differ from the dense

graded only in the amount of material passing #200
sieve.
Q-
How to improve filler ?
A-
By adding certain amount of :

a) Portland Cement
b) Crusher powder
c) Caolina clay
d) Earth fillers
e) Asbestos powder
f) Limestone powder.
Asphalt
48.
QA-
49.
How to determine the mixing time of asphalt ?

Mixing time in second =
Pugmill dead capacity in kilos

Pugmill output in kilos / second
Q-
How to determine the maximum theoretical specific gravity without using rice method ?
A-
By equation:
Gmm =
W
Vsb Vb Vab
Where:
W- Weight of compacted mix (grans)
Vsb Vol. Of agg. (by bulk sp. gr., g/cc)
Vb Volume of bitumen, cc.
Vab Volume of absorbed bitumen, cc.
50.
QA-
What is the formula in determining Percent Index of Retained Strength ?

% (IRS) =
Wet stability
x 100 (loss of stability)
Dry stability
% IRS - - - - - - 70% minimum.

51.
Q-
What is the Job-mix formula ?
A-
a) Definite grading of aggregate

b) Definite percentage of asphalt
c) Delivery temperature
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
Q-
What do you mean by effective asphalt content ?
A-
It is the asphalt content that serve as a binder.
Q-
What do you mean by Voids of Mineral Aggregate (VNA) ?
A-
It is an intergranular space between the mineral aggregate particles.
Q-
Did asphalt affect by acids, alkalis, and salts ?
A-
No
Q-
Why was that material called a thermoplastic material ?
A-
Because it softens as it is heated and hardens as it is cooled.
Q-
Tell us about the difference of the following materials;

a) Cutting back asphalt
b) Cutback asphalt
c) Emulsified asphalt
d) Emulsion breaks or sets
e) Liquid asphalt
A-
a) Dissolving the asphalt in selected petroleum solvents.

b) The diluted asphalt.
c) By emulsifying the asphalt with water.
d) When the asphalt and water separate.
e) Combination of cutback asphalt and emulsified asphalt.
57.
58.
Q-
What is the percentage of aggregate in asphalt mix ?
A-
Normally from 90% to 95%.
Q-
How to classify crude oil ?
Asphalt
A-
1. Asphaltic base crude

2. Paraffin base crude
3. Mixed base crude
59.
60.
Q-
What is the desired properties of asphalt cement ?
A-
1. Consistency:
Is the term used to describe the degree of plasticity of asphalt

at any particular temperature specified and measured by
penetration test or a viscosity test.
2. Purity:
Refined asphalts are almost pure bitumen and are usually more
than 99.5% soluble in carbon disulfide (Solubility test).
3. Safety:
Asphalt not foam at temperature up to 175'C and flash point of

asphalt should be known.
Q-
Why you added filler to mix ?
A-
a) To improve resistance to weathering.

b) To improve strength.
c) To increase stability.
d) To close the space between coarse and fine aggregate, etc.
61.
Q-
What are the test for asphalt and its definition ?
A-
1) Penetration -
Measures the distance that a standard needle will penetrate a

sample at a specified temperature and at a given time.
Standard Needle - - - 100 grams

Specified temp. - - - 25'C
Time - - - - - - - - - - - 5 seconds
2) Viscosity:
a) Saybolt Furol Number of seconds required for 60 cc of liquid
asphalt to flow thru an orifice of standard size (0.124
cm) at a specified temperature.
NC 30 - - - - - 25'C
70 - - - - - 50'C
250 - - - - - 60'C
E.A - - - - - - 25'C
Viscosity - - - 60 seconds
b) Kinematic
Time measured for a fixed volume of the liquid to flow
through a calibrated capillary glass viscometer under
accurately reproducible head at a controlled temperature
(60'C).
Approx. time (Sec.) x Viscometer
Kinematic =
Calibration.
3) Ductility Ability of the asphalt to stretch before breaking. Distance
(cm.) that a standard briquette of asphalt cement will
stretch before breaking.
4) Flash point Indicates the temperature at which the asphalt can be
heated without the danger of spontaneous flask in the
presence of an open flame.
5) Loss on Heating Determine the loss of volatile oils and change in
penetration cause by excessive heating.
6) Distillation
Determine the amount of diluents that distills off at
(E.A & Cutback) specified temperature denoting its evaporation
characteristics. It also determine the proportion of
asphalt present in the mixture.
7) Specific Gravity See definition of terms.
8) Spot test Dissolving the sample to xyleneheptane, If result is;
Negative ( - ), asphalt is okey
Positive ( + ), asphalt is not okey (burned)
Asphalt
9) solubility -
62.
QA-
63.
QA-
64.
Q-
Determine the bitumen content of the asphalt.

Bitumen Content - - - - 99%
Solvent used - - - - Trichlorothylene
10) Cement Mixing (E.A) By mixing 100 cc of E.A. with 50 gram
Portland cement. (passing #14) sieve.
11) Sieve Test (E.A) Determine the amount of asphalt that is present in
emulsion in relatively large globule.
*Passing #20 sieve the amount retained is the
large globule which is 0.1%
12) Storage Stability To detect the tendency of asphalt globule to settle
during storage.
13) Softening Point Indicates the temperature at which the harden
asphalt reach an arbitrary degree of softening.
What are the grades of asphalt cement ?
a) 40 50 penetration grade
b) 60 70
"
"
c) 85 - 100
"
"
d) 120 - 150 "
"
e) 200 300 "
"
How to determine the grade of asphalt ?
a) By Penetration Test : Old Method
b) By Viscosity Test : Modern Method 0 temp. of 60'C to 135'C.
What are the uses of blown asphalt ?
A-
1. Application for roofing

2. Pipe coating
3. Fill cavities of concrete pavement
4. Use as water proofing membrane, etc.
* Very rare to use in asphalt aggregate mixtures.
65
66.
Q-
What do you understand about artificial aggregate ?
A-
Blast-furnace slag is the most commonly used artificial aggregate, have unusual
resistance to wear and use in bridge deck & roof deck.
Q-
What is the suitability of aggregate for use in asphalt construction ?

1. Size and Grading
a) Dense-graded
b) open-graded
c) One size
d) Coarse graded
e) Fine graded
f) Gap graded
2. Cleanliness
3. Toughness
4. Soundness
5. Particle shape Affect workability & strength.
6. Surface texture
7. Absorption A certain degree of porosity is desirable as it permits
aggregate to absorb asphalt which then forms a mechanical
linkage between the asphalt film and the stone particle.
8. Affinity for asphalt:
10
Asphalt
Stripping -
67.
Separation of the asphalt film from the aggregate through the action
of water, such material is referred to as (Water Loving) such as
siliceous aggregates (quartzite & some granites).
Aggregates that exhibit a high degree of resistance to film stripping
in the presence of water are usually most suitable in asphalt paving
mixes, such material is referred to as (water hating) such as
limestone, and dolomite usually high resistance to asphalt film
stripping.
Q-
What is the desired properties of asphalt mix ?
A-
a) Stability -
Resistance to displacement and shearing stress caused by

stationary and moving loads.
b) Durability -
Resistance to disintegration due to the effects of traffic, water,

and temperature change.
c) Flexibility -
Ability of the pavement to adjust to the settlement of the base

without cracking.
d) Skid Resistance e) Workability f) Fatigue Resistance g) Impermeability -
The frictional resistance between the surface of the

pavement and the vehicle tire to resist motion.
Is the ease by which the material can be placed to its
desired form and compacted to required density.
Resistance to wear and aging.
Resistance to the penetration of water.
11
Asphalt
68.
Q-
What are the factors affecting the stability ?
A-
a) Gradation of aggregate
b) Hardness
c) Shape and surface texture of aggregate
d) Quantity of asphalt
e) Degree of compaction : at least 95% compacted
69.
Q-
What are the factors affecting durability ?
A-
a) Density of the compacted pavement

b) Properties of the aggregate
c) Quality of the asphalt
70.
Q-
What are the factors affecting flexibility ?
A-
a) Quality of the asphalt

b) Quality of the mineral filler
* The more viscose the asphalt the more flexible.
71.
Q-
What are the factors affecting skid resistance ?
A-
a) Quality of asphalt
b) Surface texture of the aggregate
72.
Q-
What are the factors affecting workability ?
A-
a) Graduation of aggregate
b) Consistency of the asphalt
c) Temperature of the mix
73.
74.
Q-
What is the effect of hydrated lime on asphalt ?
A-
Hydrated Lime which is highly alkaline starts a chemical reaction to change the
character of the aggregate surface and neutralized any acidic properties present in
asphalt. It improves the coatability and bonding process of asphalt without reveling or
bleeding with durable surface. It is usually added to aggregate at the pugmill.
Q-
What is the chemical composition of asphalt ?
A-
1. Carbon
2. Hydrogen
: 7% - 12%
3. Nitrogen
4. Sulphur
5. Oxygen
75.
76.
70% - 85%
:
:
0% - 1%
1% - 7%
0% - 5%
Q-
What are the test recommended on fillers ?
A-
1. Particle size analysis by hydrometer (Mineral Filler)

2. Plasticity Index (Mineral Filler)
3. Immersion Compression test (Joint Filler)
What will be you recommendation to minimize rutting ?
QA-
1. Gravel should be scalped on at least 1.5" screen before feed to the crusher.
2. Natural sand limited to 15% from fine aggregate and should not contain more than
50% dune sand.
3. Trial section should be made to determine the maximum density in the field and air
voids in the mix at that density.
4. Filler to asphalt cement ratio should be between 1.3 to 1.5 to get softening point of
85'C to 95'C maximum.
5. Use asphalt 40/50 instead of 60/70 penetration in the desert areas.
6. Follow the M.O.C Circular 2401 & 2403.
12
Asphalt
77.
Q-
7. The total thickness of the asphalt layers shall not exceed 15 cm. Or as shown on the
drawings not more than 20 cm.`
What are the types of asphalt cracks ?
A-
1. Alligator Cracks:
Causes:
Excessive deflection of the surface over unstable subgrade or

lower course of the pavement. The unstable support usually is
the result of saturated granular bases of subgrade.
Deep patch, skin patch, agg. seal coat patch, slurry seal patch.
Repair:
2. Edge Cracks:
Causes:
These are inter-connected cracks forming a series of

small blocks resembling an alligators skin or
chicken wire.
Longitudinal cracks, 1/3 meter from the edge of

pavement with or without transverse cracks branching
towards the shoulders.
1. Due to lack of lateral (shoulder) support.
2. Settlement or yielding of the material underlying the cracked
area due to result of poor drainage, frost heave or shrinkage
from drying out of the surrounding earth.
Repair:
1. Fill as for reflection cracks.

2. Fill with asphalt emulsion slurry or emulsified or cutback
asphalt mixed with sand.
3. Edge Joint Cracks:

Causes:
Is really a Seam; It is the separation of the Joint

between the pavement and the shoulder.
Alternate wetting and drying beneath the shoulder surface.

Shoulder settlement, mix shrinkage, and trucks straddling the joint.
Repair:
Improve the drainage by getting rid of the condition that traps

water.
Same as reflection cracks.
4. Lane Joint Cracks:
Are longitudinal separations along the seam

between two paving lanes.
Causes:
A weak seam between adjoining spreads in the courses of the

pavement.
Repair:
See reflection cracks.
5. Reflection Cracks:
Causes:
Repair:
1.
Vertical or horizontal movements in the pavement beneath the

overlay, brought on by expansion and contraction with
temperature or moisture changes.
2.
Traffic or earth movement.
3.
Loss of moisture in sub-grades with high clay contents.

Fill with asphalt emulsion slurry or light grade of emulsified asphalt
mixed with fine sand. Also, special asphalt compounds or heavier
bodied asphalt material may be used to fill large cracks.
6. Shrinkage Cracks:
Causes:
In asphalt overlays which reflect the crack pattern

in the pavement structure underneath.
Are interconnected crack forming a series of large

blocks usually with sharp corners or angles.
1. Volume change in the asphalt mix or in the base of subgrade.

2. Volume change of fine aggregate asphalt mix that have a high
content of low penetration asphalt.
Repair:
Fill cracks with asphalt emulsion slurry followed by a surface

treatment or a slurry seal over the entire surface.
13
Asphalt
7. Slippage Cracks:
Causes:
Crescent-shape cracks that point in the direction of

the thrust of wheels on the pavement surface.
1. Lack of a good bond between the surface layer beneath, may be due
to dust, oil, rubber, dirt, water, or other non-adhesive material
between the two courses.
2. Mixture having a high sand content.
3. Can occur whether the sand is sharp or rounded.
4. Improper compaction during construction causes the bond layers to
be broken.
Repair:
Remove the surface layer from around the crack to the point where
good bond between the layers is found, then fill the area with plant
mixed asphalt material.
8. Widening Cracks:
78.
Are longitudinal reflection cracks that show up in

the asphalt overlay above the joint between the
old and new sections of a pavement widening.
Causes:
See reflection cracks
Repair:
See reflection cracks
Q-
What are the causes of distortion in asphalt ?
A-
1. Too little compaction of the pavement courses.

2. Too many fines in surface mixture.
3. Too much asphalt
4. Swelling of underlying courses or settlement.
79.
Q-
What are the different forms of distortion ?
A-
1. Grooves or ruts
2. Shoving
3. Corrugations
4. Depressions
5. Upheaval
Ruttin
g:
These are channelized depressions which may develop in the wheel

tracks of an asphalt pavement.
Causes
:
(Mentioned before)
Repair:
Level the pavement by filling the channels with hot

plant mixed asphalt material, followed with a thin
asphalt plant-mix overlay.
Corrugations & Shoving:
Is a form of plastic movement typified by

ripples across the asphalt pavement surface.
SHOVING is a form of plastic movement
resulting in localized bulging of the
pavement surface. These occur usually at
points where traffic starts and stops, on hills
where vehicles brake on the downgrade, on
sharp curves, or where vehicles hit a bump
and bounce up and down.
14
Asphalt
Causes
:
Lack of stability which is caused by:

1. Too much asphalt in the mix
2. Too high a proportion of fine aggregate.
3. Too smooth texture or too round soft coarse or fine agg.
4. Too soft asphalt cement.
5. Excessive moisture.
Repair:
Shoved areas must be removed and patched. (Thick asphalt surface)

To repair corrugations in a thin surface treatment;
1. Scarify and break up the surface with a rotary tiller.
2. Mix the broken-up surface material with the base material to a depth
of 10 cm (4 in.)
3. Compact and reshape the base.
4. Prime the base.
5. Apply a new surface treatment.
Grade
Depressions:
They dip several centimeter or more below grade and water

will collect in them. These birdbaths make deterioration in
pavement and give hazards to motorists.
Causes
:
1. Poor construction method

2. Settlement of lower pavement layers.
Repair:
Upheaval:
Depressions should be filled with hot plantmixed asphalt material and compacted to bring
them up to the same grade as the surrounding
pavement.
Is the localized upward displacement of a pavement due to

swelling of the subgrade or some portion of the pavement
structure.
Causes
:
1. Expansion of ice in the lower courses of the

pavement or the subgrade.
2. Swelling effect of moisture on expansive soils.
Repair:
80.
QA-
See alligator cracks Deep patched.
What is disintegration in asphalt pavement ?

Disintegration is the breaking up of a pavement into small loose fragments.
Two (2) common types are;
1. Potholes
2. Raveling
Potholes:
These are bowl-shaped holes of various sizes in the pavement

resulting from localized disintegration.
Causes
:
Weakness in the pavement resulting from:

1. Little asphalt
2. Too thin an asphalt surface
3. Too much fines
4. Too few fines
5. Poor drainage
15
Asphalt
Repair:
(Temporary) Filling with a pre-mixed asphalt

patching material.
(Permanent) By cutting out the hole to solid material
on both sides and bottom and filling it with new base
and surface material.
Raveling:
This is the progressive separation of aggregate particles in the

pavement from the surface downward or from the edges inward.
Usually fine aggregate comes off first and leaves little pock
marks on the pavement surface. As the erosion continues, large
and large particles are broken free and the pavement soon has the
rough and jagged appearance typical of surface erosion.
Causes:
1. Lack of compaction during construction.

2. Construction during wet or cold weather.
3. Dirty or disintegrating aggregate.
4. Too little asphalt in the mix.
5. Overheating of the asphalt mix.
Repair:
81.
Surface treatment (Slurry seal, Sand seal, Aggregate

seal, Plant-mixed surface treatment).
Q-
What are the causes of skid hazard or slipping ?
A-
1. A thin film of water on a smooth or slipping ?

2. A thick film of water which at high speeds, causes the vehicle to leave the
pavement surface and skim over the water like an aquaplane.
3. May also develop from surface contamination, such as from oil spillage or
certain types of clay.
Treatment:
82.
Cleaning the surface of contamination to removal of excess

asphalt and resurfacing to improve surface drainage.
Q-
What is bleeding in asphalt ?
A-
Bleeding or flushing is the upward movement of asphalt in an asphalt pavement

resulting in the formation of a film of asphalt on the surface.
Causes
:
83.
QA-
1. Too much asphalt in one or more of the pavement courses.

2. Too heavy a prime or tack coat
3. Overweight traffic.
Repair: 1. Repeated applications of hot sand
2. Hot slag screening
3. Hot rock screening to blot up the excess asphalt.
What is polished aggregate ?
These are aggregate particles in the surface of a pavement that have been polished
smooth. This includes both naturally smooth uncrushed gravels and crushed rock
that wears down quickly under the action of traffic.
Causes:
1. Some aggregates, particularly some types of limestone will become

polished rather quickly under traffic.
2. Some types of gravel are naturally polished and if they are used in a
pavement surface without crushing they will be a skid hazard. These
polished aggregate are quite slippery when wet.
Repair:
1. Cover the surface with a skid resistance treatment.

2. Application of a hot plant mixed surface treatment and sand seal.
84.
Q-
What is Loss of cover aggregate ?
A-
The whipping-off of aggregate under traffic from a surface-treatment pavement, leaving

the asphalt.
16
Asphalt
Causes:
Repair:
85.
QA-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Cold mix
Too dusty aggregate
too wet aggregate
Poor compaction
When steel-wheeled roller alone is used for compaction, aggregate
may be lost from low spots that are bridged over by the roller.
6. Too cool the weather
7. Too soon of fast traffic
8. Surface which absorbs part of the asphalt leaving too little to hold the
aggregate.
Hot coarse sand, spread over the affected areas.
What is a longitudinal streaking in asphalt ?

Alternating lean and heavy lines of asphalt running parallel to the centerline of the
road.
Causes:
1. Spray bar on the asphalt distributor not set at the correct height for the
spray fans to overlap properly.
2. Spray bar rising as load in distributor lightens.
86.
87.
Q-
What are the classification of asphalt treatment ?
A-
Q-
1) Sprayed asphalt treatment:

a. Dust laying
b. Road oiling
c. Prime coating
d. Tack coating
e. Fog sealing.
2) Sprayed asphalt and cover aggregate treatment:
a. Single surface treatment
b. Multiple surface treatment
c. Sand seal.
3) Asphalt aggregate mixtures:
a. Emulsion slurry seal
b. Road mix
c. Plant mix
What are the advantages of pneumatic roller in asphalt paving?
A-
1. They provide a more uniform degree of compaction than steel wheel roller.
2. They improve the seal near the surface thus decrease the permeability of layer.
3. They orient the aggregate particles for greatest stability, as high pressure truck tires
do after using the asphalt surface for some time.
4. Pneumatic rollers not increase density but increase stability which assures minimum
distortion under heavy traffic.
88.
89.
Q-
What is the case or appearance of subgrade before applying prime coat ?
A-
Clean surface shall be given a light application of water and allowed to dry to a surfacedry condition.
Q-
How will you determine the defficiences of asphalt mixtures ?
A-
1. Too Hot:
2. Too Cold:
Blue smoke rising from the mix indicates an overheated batch.

a) Stiff appearance
b) Improper coating of the larger aggregate particles.
3. Too much asphalt:
Mix in truck appears lying flat.
17
Asphalt
4. Too little asphalt:
a) It has a lean
b) Granular appearance
c) Improper coating
d) Brown appearance.
5. Non-uniform mixing :
a) Spots of lean
b) Brown dull appearance.
6. Excessive Coarse Agg.:
a) Poor workability
b) Coarse appearance
7. Excessive fine Agg. :
a) Different texture from a properly graded

mix after it has been rolled.
8. Excessive moisture :
a) The mix may also foam so that it appears

to have too much asphalt.
9. Segregation:
a) Improper handling
b) Loads have become contaminated.
90.
Q-
What are the rolling procedures ?
A-
1. Transverse joints rolling

2. Longitudinal joints rolling
3. Outside edge rolling
4. Initial or breaking rolling
5. Second or intermediate rolling
6. Finish rolling.
91.
92.
Q-
Why the contractor start the rolling operation on the low side of spread ?
A-
The reason for these is that the asphalt mixture when hot, tend to migrate towards
the low side of the spread under the action of the roller.
Q-
What are the stops in rolling paving mixtures ?
A-
1. Rolling shall begin as soon as the mixture will bear the roller without undue
displacement.
2. Rolling shall be longitudinally, beginning at the low side of the spread of material
and proceeding toward the high side.
3. Slow and uniform speed, 3 mph for steel rollers and 5mph for pneumatic rollers.
4. Roller wheels should kept moist with only enough water to avoid picking-up the
material.
93.
QA-
94.
QA-
What are the types of roller required for compacting hot mix asphalt ?
Function
Types
Breakdown
Steel
Intermediate
Pneumatic
Finishing
Steel
Weight
In tons
Number of
passes
10 12
10
8- 12
58
What are the reasons for drainage in asphalt pavement ?

1. To collect and drain surface and sub-surface water.
2. To prevent or retard embankment erosion.
3. To intercept water from surrounding area and carry it out from the area.
4. To lower the ground water table.
95.
Q-
Which requires more prime coat, A-1-a or A- 2-4 material ?
18
Asphalt
96.
97.
98.
A-
A2-4 material because it absorbs more prime coat due to more surface area.
Q-
If while performing the test of coating and stripping of bitumen aggregate mixture,
it is observed that the estimated coated area is below 95%. What to do ?
A-
Antistripping agent to be used to promote coating and adhesion. Additives are used
to aid the coating of aggregates, particularly when in a damp or wet condition. They
are also used to increase the resistance of asphalt film to stripping by the action of
water.
Q-
What is the use of silicones in hot mix ?
A-
Silicones are added to asphalt under certain conditions to reduce the effects of
moisture or other conditions. For example, silicones may be added to hot asphalt
to prevent foaming while in storage. Silicones in asphalt mixes have been used to
prevent hardening of asphalt concrete in storage, to prevent slumping and
segregation of the mixture during transportation, and tearing of the mix during lay
down.
Q-
What is the use of hydrated lime in hot mix ?
A-
Hydrated lime is added to some low grade aggregates to render them suitable for
use in asphalt mixture in highway construction. Sometimes it is difficult to coat
certain aggregates with asphalt because of their siliceous or acidic surfaces.
Hydrated lime, which is highly alkaline, starts a chemical reaction that changes
the character of aggregate surfaces and neutralizes any acidic properties present in
asphalt. Adding hydrated lime often improves the coatability and bonding
properties of asphalt to these aggregates. Hydrated lime may serve as a filler in
the aggregate material.
With the addition of hydrated lime, up to (1) percent additional asphalt over the
normal asphalt content can be used in the mix without raveling or bleeding of the
finished pavement. This produces a firmer, denser pavement with a more durable
surface.
99.
Q-
What is the use of rubber in asphalt ?
A-
Natural synthetic and reclaimed rubber in the form of powder, crumbs, pellets and
latex has been used in asphalt to alter certain properties. Studies have shown that
adding rubber in amounts as little as 0.1 percent but usually in amounts ranging
from 1 to 5 percent, materially changes the properties of asphalt.
The purpose of using rubberized asphalt has been to obtain a material possessing
improved elasticity, increased adhesion and greater resistance to fracture at low
temperature.
100.
101.
102.
Q-
Where you add anti-stripping material ?
A-
At Bug mill, Asphalt storage.
Q-
How you get softening point of asphalt after paving ?
A-
By ABESON method. (A.A.S.H.T.O T-170-82).
Q-
What are the forms of filler Bit. Ratio ?
A-
(Filler/Bit.) for getting highest softening point are zero:1, 1:1, 1.5.1, 2.3:1
(Zero/100%, 50/50%, 60/40%, 70/30%)
103.
104.
Q-
What is the initial compaction acting by paver ?
A-
80% of required compaction.
Q-
What is the Asphalt macadam ?
A-
Asphalt macadam is compacted crushed rock affect as base construction.
19
Asphalt
105.
Q-
How you express penetration and ductility ?
A-
Penetration by mm/10
Ductility by cm.
106.
Q-
What do you mean by dense graded mix in asphalting work ? How it differs from
open graded mix ? When it is used ?
A-
Open graded asphalt mix differ from dense graded ones in that they (1) Contain
much little no fine aggregates/dust (2) Asphalt content of open graded mixes
generally is set as high as possible. (3) Open graded mixes are often applied in a
thin inch. Overlay over old pavements (4) Open graded mixes better resist the
reflection of cracks from the old pavement upward to the surface.
Definitions:
107.
108.
a) Open Graded Mix
A well graded asphalt mix containing little or

no fines with a high percentage of aggregate
voids.
b) Dense Graded Mix:
Continuously graded mix from a specified

max. size of aggregate to dust, so as to have a
low aggregate voidage.
Q-
What is value Engineering ?
A-
Value Engineering : An organized effort directed at analyzing the function or

highway components with the purpose of achieving the required function at the
lowest possible cost.
Q-
What precautionary measures are adopted in case of high loss of stability?
A-
Stripping value lest of asphalt should be rechecked. Less coating of asphalt

(below 95%) can give the more loss.
Checking of asphalt batching plant and proportion of natural and crushed
sand is necessary, as the higher quantity of natural sand gives the more loss.
It is necessary to check the plasticity index of fine aggregates as more
plasticity in premix reflects the swelling properties of clay.
Check the bitumen content % of hot mix as little asphalt content % gives
more loss. Therefore it is necessary to determine the optimum asphalt content of
asphalt with care.
Rechecking of Sand Equivalent test is also necessary as less value of Sand
Equivalent also gives the indication of more plasticity in material.
It is also necessary to recheck the compaction temperature of Marshall
molds.
The temperature of the bot water in which the Marshall molds are being kept
to know the stability and loss of stability may be carefully checked.
109.
110.
Q-
What is the precautionary measure taken if a hot mix results in excessive voids?
A-
The percentage of air voids can be decreased by increasing asphalt content. Voids can
also be reduced by increasing the mineral filler contents. Care should be taken that
asphalt content may be increased upto a certain limit to avoid further problems of
rutting and bleeding.
Q-
What is the meaning of open Graded and Gap Graded?
A-
The same meaning, Gap Graded means some sizes are deleted we have only more fine
and more coarse, it will be harsh mix.
20
Asphalt
111.
QA-
What are the types of protections in road construction?

Slope protection.
Irish crossing.
Grouted and loss rip rap.
Borrow ditch.
Culverts and Bridges.
Guard rails.
Gabons.
Dykes.
New jersey Barrier.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
Q-
What is the difference between sand equivalent and material passing No 200 sieve?
A-
Sand equivalent gives the proportion of clay and dust percentage by volume, while
gradation determines the same percentage by weight.
Q-
Who gives more sand equivalent and fineness modules natural sand or crushed sand?
Why?
A-
Natural sand gives more sand equivalent and fineness modulus because less filler and
clay.
Q-
What is the function of loss of stability?
A-
To know the durability of asphalt.
Q-
What is the relation between Gmm and asphalt content?
A-
As asphalt content increase Gmm decrease.
Q-
What is the relation between (V.M.A) and Asphalt content?
A-
(V.M.A) increase as asphalt content increase.
Q-
What is the relation between air voids and Asphalt content?
A-
Voids are more at low asphalt content.
Q-
What is the relation between Asphalt content and stability?
A-
As per curve.
Q-
What is the relation between ac and loss of stability?
A-
More Ac the low the loss of stability.
Q-
Can bitumen absorption be higher than the water absorption in asphalt mix design?
A-
Bitumen absorption can not be higher or even equal to water absorption in

any case. As Bitumen is more viscous and has high molecular volume as copared
to water.
Bitumen penetrates less in agg. compared to water.
121.
Q-
In case bitumen absorption is higher than the water absorption in your asphalt mix
design?
What does it mean?
A-
It means either Gse is abnormally higher or Gsb Is lower in case Gse is higher value
of Gmm is also.
So both G.s.e. and G.s.b need to be rechecked. This is all due to the experimental
error.
21
Asphalt
( G.S.a > G.s.e. > G.s.b >

apparent
122.
effective Bulk.
Q-
what is the rigidity or stiffness how it is caused in asphalt mix and what does it harm?
A-
Rigidity or stiffness is caused in hot mixes where low penetration asphalt is used.
Cause the volume changes making the pavement ridge and give higher value of
marshal stability and low flow values.
Pavement of such hot mix is cracked under heavy volume of traffic.
Rigidity
123.
QA-
stability
(kg/m m )
flow
What causes of high loss of stability?

Stripping more than 5%.
Natural sand is more.
Plasticity index is more. (more clay)
More asphalt content.
Less value of Sand equivalent. (more clay)
Temperature of marshal mold. and water temperature.
& of filler asphalt ratio.
124.
125.
126.
Q-
How to clean Trucks during Asphalt production?
A-
By thin film of paraffin oil or calcium hydroxide solution.
Q-
What is the tolerance of marshal stability?
A-
+ 200 from the design value.
QWhat are the limits of (

AThe flat
Where
t
w
thin
) and elongated pieces?
flat
= 1/3, the elongated
w1
= 1/3
L
w 2 w1 (width)
L (Length)
T (thickness)
127.
128.
129.
130.
Q-
What is the riding quality?
A-
Special equipment to measure the tolerance of surface.
Q-
What is the difference in temperature allowed bet. aggregate and asphalt cement.
A-
Asphalt temperature not less than 14oc from the aggregate temperature at Time of
entrance to bug mill.
Q-
What is asphalt plank?
A-
Asphalt plank consists of asphalt, finder and mineral aggregate to produce uniformly
dense mass.
Q-
What is the plasticity index for mineral filler?
A-
Not more than 4 except hydrated lime and hydraulic cement.
22
Asphalt
Interview with Highway Construction
CONCRETE
1.
2-
Q.
AQ.
A-
In construction, what are the main problems we can face in Saudi Arabia?
Cracks on concrete due to hot whether condition.
In slab, the drawing shows certain bars and their spacing, suppose that particular bar size is
not available at site, what will you do?
Calculate the areas of steel bars available at site against the area of steel bars on the
drawing by equation;
A 1 = D 2 ; N1 = N2
D12
D 22
N1 x
N 2x
4
4
N1 (D1)2 = N2 (D2)2
N 1 ( D1 ) 2
(D 2 ) 2
N2
3.
4-
QAQA-
5-
QA-
6-
QA-
Q-
Where:
: Diameter of steel bar on the drawing
D1
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.
What is the maximum spacing of bars for slab?
Max. Spacing = 20cm. (5 bars in one meter)
How to make a dense concrete?
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.
What is tremie in concrete?
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.
What is the use of plasticizer and super plasticizer in concrete?
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
strength; possibility for reduction of cement
surface tension of the water.
content.
Reduce W/C ratio
Super Plasticizer:
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.
What is the function of calcium chloride in hot weather concreting?
Concrete
A-
8-
910-
Q-
QAQA-
11-
QA-
12-
QA-
13-
QAQA-
14-
15-
QA-
16-
QA-
When added to concrete mixtures impart as an accelerating agent. Increasing the rate of
hydration; speeding up the setting, and early strength development. (Never use in Hot
Weather).
What is the effect of chloride and sulfate in concrete?
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
moisture, 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.
What type of cement are you going to use in sulfate area?
Type V or sulfate resisting cement.
What are the methods for curing concrete?
a)
Water curing method
b) Membrane curing method
c)
Steam curing method
d) Cold weather curing method
When do you start curing concrete?
Right after the final placement of concrete mix, when the water sheen or mixing water just
begun to disappear.
What is the rate of application of curing membrane?
One (1) liter /5 sq. m. ; If applied by hand spray.
One (1) liter /3 sq. m. ; If mechanically applied.
What is the initial and final setting time of concrete?
45 minutes ; 8 hours
What are the types of admixtures?
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
What is the effect of retarded in concrete mix?
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 1015%. The common chemical used is Lignosulfic acid.
What are the precautionary measures during cold weather concreting?
a)
Avoid overheating of fresh concrete
Concrete
17-
QA-
18-
QA-
19.
QA-
20-
QAQAQ-
2122-
A-
2324-
QAQA-
b) Appropriate equipment should be available for heating the concrete materials.

c)
Maintaining favorable temperature after concrete is place, etc.
At what time concrete should be placed after mixing water?
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.
What are the precautions during hot weather concreting?
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 sub grade 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.
Describe procedures in performing slump test.
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.
What is the allowable tolerance for slump test?
15 mm; if slump (0 75mm) & 25mm : If more than 75mm slump.
Which aggregate will have less mixing water, natural or crushed aggregate? Why?
Natural aggregate, because has less surface area.
What is the rate of loading in crushing concrete cylinders? What will happen if rate was
increased?
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.
Approximately how many kilograms of concrete mix in one cubic meter?
About 2,500 kg.
What are the test you should run for the aggregates to check suitability for concrete and for
asphalt before preparing a mix design?
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.
Concrete
2526-
QAQA-
27-
QA-
28-
QA-
29-
QA-
30-
QA-
31-
QA-
Why the sand equivalent are being made?

To determine the proportion of fine dust or claylike material in the soil or in the aggregate.
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?
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.
Which one gives more concrete strength, standard cubes or standard cylinders? Why?
Standard cubes, because of the ratio L/D is equal to 1 and also the test load applied is
parallel to layers.
What is the purpose of curing concrete?
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.
What is bleeding in concrete?
It is the upward movement of mixing water due to settlement of aggregates in concrete
mix.
What are the methods used for concrete mix design?
Which do you prefer and why?
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.
How to adjust the amount of water for batching concrete?
By equation:
ADJUSTED WT. OF WATER Design wt. Of water
wt. Of C.A. x
wt. of F.A. x
32-
QA-
% absorption % moisture
100
% absorption % moisture
100
How will you calculate the Saturn Survey Drag aggregate with 1.5% absorption?
By equation:
CORRECTED WT. OF AGG. = Uncorrected wt.
33-
QA-
34-
QA-
35-
Q-
1 % absorption
100
How do you reduce water content in a mix design and what are the advantages of reducing
water in a concrete mix?
By using water reducing admixture. The advantage are less cracking, possibilities and
increase compressive strength.
What is alkali reactivity? What type of cement are you going to use if aggregate is
susceptible?
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
What are the different types of cement?
Concrete
A-
36-
3738394041-
QA-
QAQAQAQAQA-
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43-
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44-
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45-
QAQ-
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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
What is pre-tensioning and post-tensioning?
Pre-tensioning:
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.
Post-tensioning
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.
What is the effect of humidity on creep and shrinkage?
It contribute losses of water in concrete thereby causing cracks due to volume change.
What could be the maximum depth of a structure you can cast in one (1) lift?
1.5 meters
What is the required slump for class "A" vibrated concrete?
25mm 75mm (1 3 inches)
In the grouted riprap, what is the proportion for the mortar to be used for grouting?
1 part cement and 2 part sand.
What is the limiting temperature for concreting?
Not less than 5oC during cold weather, and
not more than 33oC during hot weather.
What is the effect of aluminum pipe during pumping of concrete mix?
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.
What are the Non-Destructive test to determine strength and other properties of concrete?
a)
Indentation Rebound test (Schmidt Rebound Hammer)
b) Sonic test
c)
Pulse-transmission at sonic & ultra-sonic frequencies
d) Radioactive test
e)
Penetration Probe test
What are the curing procedures?
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.
How shrinkage cracks and honey-combing are repaired?
By guniting or shot-concreting.
What is the max. storage period of cement before you request test for its quality?
Concrete
A47-
QA-
48-
QA-
a)
Every 3 months ; if cement stored in bags.
b) Every 6 months ; if cement stored in bulk.
What are the types of cracks before hardening of concrete?
a)
Plastic settlement cracks
b) Plastic Shrinkage cracks
c)
Early Frost Damage cracks
d) Constructional Movement cracks
What is pH?
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
pH = log
49.
1
H
Q-
For example a solution of 4.5 pH has an hydrogen ion concentration of (10-4.5).

What is the causes of plastic shrinkage and plastic settlement?
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:
5051-
52-
QAQA-
QA-
a)
Excessive bleeding
b)
Rapid early drying condition
What is the main problem in bridges in the Kingdom?

Cracks
What are the kinds of bearing?
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
What is construction joints and cold joints?
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 water-tightness.
Concrete
53-
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54-
QA-
55-
QA-
56-
QA-
57-
QA-
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.
Where to provide metal beam guardrail?
aIn the sharp curve.
b- In the hilly area.
cIn the steeper slopes
d- To structural location
What are the necessary precautions to be taken while applying thermoplastic paint?
aPavement shall be free from foreign matters and dust.
b- Should dry and clean.
cShould have good weather condition.
d- Barricades should be installed, etc.
What is to be done if shifting of box culvert is required?
aSelect the low lying areas.
b- Locate catch main area.
cDetermine the level of water.
d- Calculate actual vent dimension.
eCalculate velocity or discharge of water by equation:
Q = VA
where :
Q : is the discharge, m3/hr.
V : is the velocity, km/hr.
A : cross-sectional area, m2
Cores are taken for what purpose?
aIf the samples failed from the required strength.
b- To determine the actual thickness of the structure.
cTo determine the formation of harden concrete, etc.
What criteria as to spacing of stirrups be followed in a beam?
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;
qst =
58-
QA-
59-
Q-
A x f
x n
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
How many times do you apply curing membrane?
Two (2) times, first application is parallel to the pavement, and the second application is
perpendicular to the first application or vice versa.
What is the minimum and maximum slope of chutes during pouring concrete?
Concrete
A-
60-
Q-
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62-
AQA-
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
What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete cylinders after 28 days for prestressed concrete?
At least 350k 3/cm2
What should be the minimum strength of concrete before applying the force for posttensioning?
300 kg/cm3
When do you start counting the mixing time of concrete and what is the mixing time for a
stationary or central batching plant?
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.
6465-
Q-
What is the agitating speed of the mixer?
A-
2 to 6 revolution per minute.
Q-
What is the mixing speed of the mixer?
A-
6 to 18 revolution per minute.
Q-
How many cylinder or cube samples are you going to get in every pouring?
A66-
QA-
67-
Q-
One (1) set or six (6) pieces for every 50 cu.m. of concrete mix or fraction thereof in each
days pouring.
Why do we cure concrete samples while structure has a different curing procedures?
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,
losing of water of hydration is minimal.
How will you choose or specify the maximum size of the aggregate?
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 un-reinforced slabs.
6869-
707172-
73-
Q-
What is the variation of the fineness modulus of the sand?
A-
0.20
Q-
What is the minimum length for splicing of re-bars?
A-
a)
40 x dia. Of re-bars : In case of tension
b)
20 x dia. Of re-bars : In case of compression
Q-
What is the effect of lime in curing samples?
A-
To accelerate strength-gain.
Q-
What will happen if you mix lime to water?
A-
Water will become salty.
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.
Q-
What is the minimum frequency for vibrators used for concrete?
Concrete
7475-
7677-
A-
4,500 cycles or impulse per minute.
Q-
According to ASTM, what is the temperature for storing concrete cylinders in laboratory?
A-
16'C to 27'C
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.
QAQ-
As per ACI standard, what is the temperature of cement allowed to be used for concrete?
77oC maximum
What is the pumping pressure of the standby flushing grouting equipment used for prestressed concrete?
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).
What are the methods used to check air content of fresh concrete in the laboratory?
1- Gravimetric method
2- Pressure method
3- Volumetric method
What are the usual test for Portland cement?
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
If you have a ready mix design, how to inspect batch plant?
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.
On what basis is the adjustment of water on batch plant according to mix design?
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.
A78-
QA-
79-
QA-
80-
QA-
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QA-
83-
Typical temp. is 23'C 1.7' C
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.
Q-
What do you mean by the term workability in concrete?
Concrete
A-
84-
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 re molded.
3-
Stability or the ability of concrete to remain a stable homogenous mass during

handling and vibration without segregation.
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.
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-
QA-
87-
QA-
88-
QA-
What is the effect of efflorescence in concrete?

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.
What are the types of piles and where do we used them?
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
Where do we provide pile foundation?
1- In a soil whose bearing capacity cannot sustained the weight of the structure.
85-
10
Concrete
2389-
QA-
In high level of water table where excavation is not possible.

If the hardpan area of the soil is too depth, wherein excavation of soil are too costly,
etc.
What is necking in piling?
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.
909192-
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94-
95-
96-
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.
Q-
For lifting, were will you put the hook to lift the beam?
A-
Form both ends.
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.
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.
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.
Q-
Did you do any precaution to shutters of precast pre-stressed beams while dimensioning ?
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.
Q-
When will you start steam curing of precast pre-stressed pre-tensioned beams, incase the
steam is used ?
After final finishing, beams were immediately covered with thick polyethylene sheeting to
maintained the temperature of 10C in the curing chamber by low pressure steam. After
waiting ? 2-3 hours, the temperature will be raised at he rate of 10C/hr. until the
temperature at concrete surface is 71C. An average of 13-16 hours was taken in attaining
28 days required strength.
In pre-stressed concrete, How will you transfer the force to the beam ?
By accomplishing a slow gradual detensioning by releasing jacks instead of cutting the
strands.
What will be the strength required for pre-stressed concrete at transfer of prestress and the
28 days ultimate strength ?
At transfer ---------------- 300 kgs/cm2
At 28 days ---------------- 360kgs/cm2
What is stopping distance ?
A-
97-
QA-
98-
QA-
99.
Q-
11
Concrete
A-
100.
QA-
101.
QA-
102.
QA-
103.
104.
105.
QAQA-
Q-
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)
What is passing sight distance ?
It is a measured clear maximum distance from a travelling vehicle.
Passing sight distance (P.S.D.) = 2D
Where: D- Stopping distance, m.
What are the types of joints ? Explain
(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.
How will you evaluate these results, kg/cm2
85 95 105 110 120 kg/cm2 ; specified strength.
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.
When the action of bleeding stop ?
When the concrete is in the process of sedimentation.
What is consistency ? Give 3 methods for measuring,
See definition of terms.
There Methods for measuring consistency.
1- Slum test
2. Compacting factor
3. Ball test (V-B test)
What is the chemical composition of cement ?
12
Concrete
A-
108.
QA-
109.
Q-
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.
What chemical affect the strength?
Tricalcium Silicate (C3S).
If a mix is prone to segregate, How would you overcome it ?
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.
What the 2 basic states of properties of concrete?
(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
What is the advantages of reducing water?
A-
a)
Increase strength
b)
Increase impermeability
c)
Increase resistance to weathering
d)
Increase Water-tightness
e)
Increase resistance to chloride attack and sulfate attack
f)
Increase resistance to corrosion, etc.
106.
107.
110.
QAQA-
(1)
Q-
What is pozzolanic material?
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.
QA-
112.
Q-
How will you compare steel grade 40, 60, and 75?
Ultimate Strength
Yield Strength
70,000 psi
40,000 psi
Grade 40
90,000 psi
60,000 psi
Grade 60
270,000 to 300,000 psi
75,000 psi
Grade 75
What are the methods used to accelerate curing of concrete cylinder samples?
13
Concrete
A-
113.
114.
115.
QAQAQA-
116.
QA-
117.
QA-
118.
QA-
119.
QA-
120.
Q-
a)
b)
To boil the cylinder a certain period of time.

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.
Why do we provide capping on concrete cylinder samples?
To provide flat, smooth ends that are perpendicular to the axis of the sample.
Where is the weakest point in a concrete structure?
In the joints.
What is the difference between formwork and false work?
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.
False work:
The extensive supporting on the framework such as in bridges and other
large structures.
What s fatigue and creep in concrete?
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-elastic deformations under
sustained loading increase with time. Concrete usually subjected to both types of
deformation.
What is the natural composition of cement?
1- Calcium Oxide or Lime (CaO)
2- Silica (SiO2)
3- Alumina (Al2O3)
4- Iron Oxide (Fe2O3)
Give the Chemical Composition of the cement.
CaO
:
Lime
1.
Calcium Oxide
SiO2
:
Silica
2.
Silicone Dioxide
:
Alumina
3.
Al2O2
:
Gypsum
4.
Calcium Sulphate
CaSO4
:
Iron
5.
Hematite
Fe2O3
:
Magnesia
6.
Magnesium Oxide
MgO
:
Alkalics
7.
Sodium Oxide
Na2O
Potassium Oxide
K2O
What is the purpose of water in concrete mixture?
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.
What is Auto-genous Volume Change?
14
Concrete
A-
121.
QA-
122.
QA-
123.
QA-
124.
QA-
125.
QA-
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
What is the effect of weathering on concrete?
aDisintegration of poor concrete.
b- Disruptive action of freezing and thawing
cAlternate wetting and drying
d- Undesirable chemical activity
eTemperature variation in concrete mass
What is the effect of sea-water on concrete?
Wetting and drying
a)
Loaching
b)
Temperature variations
c)
Corrosion of reinforcing steel
d)
Battering by waves and tides
e)
Sulphate attack
f)
Freezing and Thawing
g)
What is the factor affecting rate of evaporation?
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.
What is the effect of sewage on concrete?
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. 4Use of high alumina cement
What is standard deviation
Is the average disportion of each individual test result, regardless of the sign, from the
arithmetic mean, and is calculated from the formula:
S.D.
x x
n 1
where:
x
= Individual test result
= Mean
= Number of results
= Summation of
15
Concrete
126.
QA-
127.
QA-
128.
QAQA-
139.
130.
QA-
131.
QA-
132.
QA-
133.
QA-
Limits of S.D. from 28 kg/cm2 to 84 kg/cm2

Decree of Control
S.D. Kg/cm2
23
Excellent
42
Good
56
Average
70
Poor
84
None
What are the three (3) basic functions of concrete in structure?
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.
What are the types of bridge forms?
1- The beam form
2- The arch form
3- The suspension form
What is Bank Seat?
It is a Dwarf Abutment for very shallow depth.
When do we use caissons (wells) in foundation?
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.
What are the precautions for concreting underwater?
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.
What are the types of reinforced concrete and pre-stressed super structure?
For Reinforced Concrete:
aSolid slab
b- Slab and Girder (T-Beam)
cHollow box girder
For Pre-Stressed:
aVoided slab
b- Slab and Girder (T-Beam)
cHollow box girder
What is the difference between Reinforce Concrete and Pre-Stressed Concrete in super
structures?
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.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of continuos type superstructures ?
Advantages:
16
Concrete
1.
2.
134.
QA-
135.
QA-
136.
QA-
137.
QA-
138.
QA-
139.
QA-
140.
Q-
Reduces span moments due to support moments.

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.
What are the causes of horizontal deck movement ?
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).
What is P.T.F.E. ?
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.
What is the difference between substructure and superstructure ?
Substructure:
The portion of bridge that supports the
Superstructure.
Superstructure: Being that part which carries the roadway.
What are the type of foundations ?
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.
What is the difference between Abutments and Pier ?
Abutments:
These are the end-supports of superstructure.
Pier:
These are the bridge supports in-between
abutments.
What are the component of bridge Superstructure ?
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)
What are the components of bridge substructure ?
17
Concrete
A-
141.
QA-
142.
QA-
143.
QA-
144.
Q-
1.
Abutments.
2.
Piers.
3.
Debris on beam scats and bearings.
What are the factors causing deterioration of steel ?
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.
What are the minimum requirements for concrete exposed to sea water ?
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
What are the construction procedure for Post-tensioning ?
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.
Are Grade 40 & Grade 60 steel could be welded ?
18
Concrete
A-
145.
146.
QAQA-
147.
QA-
148.
Q-
149.
AQA-
150.
151.
152.
Q-
Grade 40 steel:
Grade 60 steel:
could be welded.
welding is in a special process involving special
electrodes (otherwise its properties will change
and its yield strength reduce.. nearly becoming
Grad 40).
What is the minimum temperature of forms and steel in cold weather concreting ?
5' C
What is the significance of Tricalcium Aluminate in manufacturing of cement ?
1.
It reduces the temperature of fusion.
2.
Facilitates the combination of lime and silica.
What are the important steps for grouting ducts ?
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.
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 ?
The cylinder with smaller size always has greater compressive strength.
Do you think it is justified to crush the cylinders immediately after taking them out from
the water tank ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
19
Concrete
Magnesium oxide is limited to 6% as larger percentages are opt to result in excessive

expansion if the concrete is moist.
20
Concrete
153.
Q-
If the maximum size of aggregates is 2" how will you measure the compressive
strength of concrete?
A-
If the maximum size of aggregates is 2 inches then we can use the cylinder of
concrete having dimension 6" x 12".
The diameter of the cylinder should be three times as compared to the maximum size
of the aggregate. If the maximum size of aggregate is 2" then concrete cylinder
should be prepared with 7" diameter and 15" in length.
154.
155.
Q-
After taking out the cylinder from the pond what precautionary measures you will
take before crushing ?
A-
The cylinders are kept in the shade for drying till there is no sputtering when they are
capped. Even after capping the cylinder are kept moist till they are crushed. The
cylinders should be capped on both sides and the thickness of capping should not be
more than 8 mm.
Q-
What is water reducing and retarding admixture, What are its affects?
A-
It is normally based on sugar, tartaric acid, lingo sulphonates and carbohydrate

derivatives that delay the setting time of concrete.
It is designed to improve the quality and durability of all types of concrete. It
improves the workability without loss of strength. It increase the compressive
strengths also. It reduces bleeding and segregation in concrete. It makes concrete
denser, more durable, more waterproof and less permeable. It reduces the heat of
hydration and temperature rises within the massive concrete. This is type D
admixture according ASTM or AASTHO.
156.
Q-
What is the effect of using Sea water in concrete?
A-
Sea water concrete develops higher early strength than normal water concrete but at
later ages the strength is slower than normal. Sea water concrete increases the risk of
corrosion of steel reinforcement. If sea water is used as mixing water, the strength of
concrete is weakened and cracks occur because of crystallization of salt which
increases cracking pressure if there are no enough air voids in the mix.
If not avoidable, sea water containing up to 35,000 PPM or 3.5% of salt is generally
suitable as mixing water for non-reinforced concrete (concrete without steel).
Sea water should not be used for making pre-stressed concrete where pre-stressing
steel is in contact with concrete.
157.
158.
Q-
What are the precautionary measures if O'C pouring of concrete is unavoidable?
A-
Either heats the mixing water or aggregates. Heat the equipment and forms by steam
heating to equal or greater than 5'C.
Q-
What are the correction factors for concrete coring samples?
A-
Ratio of length
To diameter L/D
Strength correction
Factor
1.75
0.98
1.50
0.96
1.25
0.93
1.00
0.87
Length = Height of samples + capping compound

159.
Q-
What are the qualities required to produce proper concrete?
A-
Workability
Durability
Economy
21
Concrete
160.
161.
Q-
What are the types of concrete mix design?
A-
Water cements ratio method.
Weight method
Absolute volume method.
Q-
What is the max. temp. Allowable for concreting?
A-
40oC at 90% Humidity.
32oC at 60%
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
24 C at 30%
"
"
Q-
How you reduce concrete temp. ?
A-
By reducing aggregate temp. 1oC will reduce concrete temp. 0.5oC, because
aggregates are 80 to 85% from the hole mix.
Q-
What is the allowable percentage in loss by ignition in cement ?
A-
Not more than 2% after heating cement to 1000oC.
Q-
What is the function of Sp. Gr. Of cement & Fineness module?
A-
Sp. Gr. Use in mix design calculation also fineness modulus.
Q-
What is the effect of excessive silt and clay in concrete mixture?
A-
Clay and silt break the adhesive bond between cement paste and aggregates, lead to
less strength and increase water requirements.
Q-
Give an idea about (General notes) in Prestress ?
A-
1-
Stress at 350 kg/cm2 or 7 days after pouring.
2-
Steel Grade 60.000 P.S.I. at yield point and 90.000 ultimate strength.
3-
coefficient of friction = 0.22/radian.
4-
K wobble coefficient = 0.0022/m.
5-
Es = 2 x 106 kg/cm2.
6-
Expected slip (wedge slippage) = 10 mm.
7-
Elongation =
8-
Jacking force for

tendon
9-
Tolerance of elongation 5% of required elongation.
7xL
1000
=
75% ultimate strength x No of strand x Area of

strand.
Q-
If the contractor submit Bearing, How you accept it ?
A-
The contractor shall submit calculations, shop working drawings and manufactures
specifications to the engineer which include all details about bearing.
Q-
State five main situations where you are allowed to stop concreting ?
A-
Stopping concreting is allowed when:

a)
Air temp. is below 5oC.
b)
Concrete temp. is below 10oC
22
Concrete
c)
Truck transit time is more than 30 minutes for non agitating equipment, one
hour for truck agitator or truck mixer.
d)
Slump is not within the specified limits.
e)
If contractor add water to mix on site without approval.
f)
Air temperature is more than 32oC.
g)
Cement temperature is more then 77oC.
23
Concrete
169.
Q-
What chlorides and sulphates attack in concrete? What is their effect on strength and
what do you do to overcome this effect?
A-
Chlorides attack steel bars while sulphates attack the cement. Both increase early
strength of concrete but later strength decreased.
To overcome this effect the following are
a)
Use dense concrete by:

Water content to optimal min. (0.4 or less by wt.)
170.
Increasing the min. cement content (by 10-25%).
Use plasticizer or retarder or super-plasticizer.
Early and adequate curing is necessary.
Increase cover to rft. Bars at design stage.
Avoid casting in hot and windy weather.
Q-
What is pleasticizers ? And super plasticizers ? When do you use ? and what is its
good & bad effects on concrete ?
A-
Plasticizer is a type of admixture used usually for low water cement ratio concrete to
increase its workability. They plasticize the mix by reducing friction between the
ingredients and hence give better workability of concrete, i.e., water content can be
reduced and this can permit higher strength.
Super plasticizers can give highly increased workability, and permit flowing concrete
of high strength i.e. of considerable reduction in water content ratio. They may be
used with retarders in hot weather concreting or where long hauls are involved. The
bad effect of plasticizer is that their effect is of relatively short duration 30 to 60
minutes and is followed by rapid loss in workability, also effect on other properties of
concrete as shrinkage is unpredictable. Increase air content and bleeding.
171.
Q-
What are the general test according to AASHTO required to check the suitability of
water for concrete ?
A-
The test required to check the suitability of water for concrete are:
1) Chemical Analysis: Acidity and alkalinity.
If the hydrogen ion concentration is determined and PH value is less than 4.5 or
more than 8.5 the water is refused. PH value shall be determined either by
electrometric or colorimetric method.
2) Total solids and inorganic matter (Water containing less than 2000 PPM of
dissolved solids can be used for concrete).
3) Action on setting time by using a cement paste tested by vicat needle apparatus:
Any marked change in setting time is sufficient to reject the water under test.
4) Strength of the same cement paste: A reduction more than 10 percent in strength
from paste mixed with distilled water is sufficient to reject the water under test.
172.
Q-
Compare quality assurance with quality control ?
A-
Quality assurance: The activities that have to do with making sure that the quality of a
product is what it should be.
Quality control: The activities that have to do with making the quality of a product
what it should be.
173.
Q-
What are the advantages of gap grading ?
A-
Recommend for mixes of relative low workability that are to be compacted by

vibration.
Lower resistance to freezing and thawing.
24
Concrete
174.
Q-
What are the factors affecting the grading of aggregate ?
A-
1) Surface area of aggregate.

2) Workability of mix.
3) Segregation of the mix.
4) Relative volume occupied by the aggregate.
175.
Q-
What are the types of segregations ?
A-
1) The coarser particles tend to separate.

2) Grout separate out from the mix.
176.
177.
178.
179.
180.
Q-
What are the types of accelerating agents ?
A-
Calcium chloride, aluminum chloride, sodium chloride, the sulphate of sodium and
potassium, caustic soda, caustic potash certain silicates and carbonates.
Q-
What are the types of retardering agents ?
A-
Sugar, starches, ammonia, iron chlorides, sodium bicorbonate, humic, sulphonic

acids, carbohydrate derivatives, soluble zinc, soluble borates.
Q-
Did we can have chloride and sulphate in admixature ?
A-
Yes, calcium chloride as accelerator, lignosulfic acid as plastizer sulphonic acids as

retarders.
Q-
If we face broken-down in concrete trucks and can not be discharge what is your
action ?
A-
We add large quantity of sugar to prevent setting of concrete. (2%) by weight of

cement.
Q-
What are the difference between air entrainment and air entrapped ?
A-
Air entrapped is the air inside the mix.

Air entrainment is external air add to the mix.
181.
182.
183.
184.
Q-
What are the types of air entraining agents ?
A-
1)
Animal and vegetable fats, oils, fatty acids.
2)
Natural wood resin.
3)
Wetting agents such as alkalisalts of sulphated and sulphonated organic

compounds (trade name darex, cormix).
Q-
What are the types of water reducing agents (plastsizer) ?
A-
1)
Ligno sulphonic acids and their salts.
2)
Hydroxylated carboxylic acids and their salts.
Q-
What are the factors affecting on workability ?
A-
1)
Water content.
2)
Size of aggregate.
3)
Coarser and fine aggregate ratio.
4)
Admixtures.
5)
Surface texture of aggregate.
Q-
How to reduced bleeding in concrete mix ?
A-
1)
Use fine cement.
2)
Calcium chloride.
25
Concrete
185.
3)
More C3A un cement.
4)
Rich mixes.
5)
Air entraining admixture.
Q-
What are the factors affecting the strength of concrete ?
A-
1)
Age of concrete.
2)
Coarse aggregate.
3)
Richness of the mix.
4)
Curing of concrete.
5)
Temperature of concrete.
6)
W/c ratio.
7)
Surface texture.
8)
Percentage of cement.
9)
Fineness of cement.
10) Type of cement.

11) type of water.
186.
QA-
What is the coefficient of variation ?

Coefficient of variation =
Standard deviation
x 100
mean strength
Coeefficient of variation
Degree of control
20%
Very poor
Fair
Very good
15%
105
187.
188.
189.
Q-
What are the types of finishing operations ?
A-
1) Screeding
2) Floating
3) Trowelling
1) Screeding:
To get true and uniform concrete.
2) Floating:
Removing the irregular surface of the concrete
3) Trowelling:
The final operation of finish to get smooth surface.
Q-
What are the types of vibrators ?
A-
1)
Q-
What are the factors affecting the shrinkage ?
A-
1)
Composition and fineness of cement.
2)
Cement and water content.
3)
Type and gradation of agg.
4)
Amount of agg. content.
5)
Use of admixtures.
6)
Moisture and temperature conditions.
7)
Size and shape of specimen.
8)
Amount and distribution of reinforcement.
Internal vibrator
2) External
(form)
26
vibrator
3)
Surface vibrator
Concrete
190.
Q-
What are the factors affecting creep ?
A-
1)
Agg. cement ratio.
2)
Water cement ratio.
3)
Kind of agg. and its grading.
4) Composition and fineness of cement.

5) Humidity and ambient temperature.
6) Size of the mass.
191.
Q-
What are the factors affecting the type of foundation ?
A-
1) The nature of the structure.

2) The loads from structure.
3) The properties of soil.
4) The allowable cost of foundation.
192.
193.
194.
Q-
Which is prefer within the specification limits, the higher the fineness modulus or the
lower the fineness modulus ?
A-
The higher the fineness modulus is superior and better to use in cold and hot weather.
Q-
What are the factors affecting in test results of compressive strength ?
A-
1)
Method of taking sample.
2)
Method of taking specimen in cylinder.
3)
Curing of specimen.
4)
Method of capping before testing.
5)
Rate of application of compressive strength machine.
Q-
If for concrete the fineness modulus is not within the specified limit but passing 200
is according to specified requirement, what action will be taken ? is the concrete
acceptable.
A-
Not acceptable. Because different tests.

Fineness gives the fineness or coarseness of sand where material passing 200 gives
the percentage of clay and silt in the material.
195.
196.
Q-
What is the difference between truck mixed and transit mixed concrete ?
A-
1)
Truck mixed concrete : Fully mixed in truck.
2)
Transit mixed concrete : Partially mixed in a central plant and partially in transit
mixer.
QA-
What is yield of concrete ?

Yield of concrete =
W. of material kgs in batch

Unit weight of concrete kg/m 3
To compute the actual cement content.

197.
Q-
How to reduce bleeding in concrete mixes ?
27
Concrete
A-
198.
1-
By using fine cement.
2-
By using accelerator agents.
3-
Increase C3A in cement.
4-
Rich mixes.
5-
By using air entraining admixture.
Q-
What are the tests required for pipe culverts ?
A-
1-
Three edge bearing test.

For not less than 3% of pipes.
2199.
200.
The loading to destruction of selected pieces of pipe to determine ultimate

strength, area and placement of steel and absorption.
Q-
What is potential reactivity of agg. test ?
A-
Show the reaction bet. agg. and alkalies in cement as indicated by the amount of
reaction during 24 Hr. at 80oC bet. sodium hydroxide solution and agg. that has been
crushed and sieved to pass a No 50 sieve retained sieve No 100.
Q-
What is petrographic examination of aggregate ?
A-
To know the followings:

1-
Physical and chemical properties of aggregate.
2-
To describe and classify the constituents of agg.
3-
To identify the constituents of agg.

e.g. Granite, Diorite, Baslat, Lime-stone chest and Marble.
201
202.
203.
204.
Q-
If the contractor decided to use a different prestressing system. What are the required
?
A-
The contractor shall submit shop working drawings include:

1-
The prestressing system.
2-
The size of strand and all strand properties.
3-
The friction and wobble coefficents.
4-
The required extension in each cable according to Es Value of the strand given
in the test certificate.
Q-
What is the hydraulic cement ?
A-
All types of Portland cement are hydraulic cement.
Q-
How to pass the water in out let of Box culvert in case of cut section ?
A-
By providing a basin with ditch lining in direction of slope.
Q-
How to calculate the pile load ?
A-
Pult.
Qult. x A + F x S
Where
205.
Q-
Pult.
Total resistance of pile load.
Qult.
Bearing capacity of soil at end.
Area of pile.
Friction stresses
Surface area of pile.
What are the cases of increase cement in concrete ?
28
Concrete
A-
206.
207.
208.
219.
210.
1-
To protect from disentegration and sulphate and chloride attack by adding 10%
without additional payment.
2-
Due to wind losses (10%).
3-
Due to pouring under water (10%).
Q-
What is the sequence of adding water during mixing concrete in patching plant ?
A-
1-
Part of water will enter before cement and agg.
2-
Rate of water must be gradually.
3-
All water must be in drum after 15 seconds from the required mixing time.
Q-
What are the causes of foundation movement ?
A-
1-
Differential settlement.
2-
Slide failure.
3-
Bearing failure.
4-
Consolidation.
5-
Seepage effect.
6-
Water table variations.
7-
Scouring.
Q-
What are the causes affecting on friction pile ?
A-
1-
Soil consolidation.
2-
Ground water table.
3-
Pile Group.
4-
Type of soil.
Q-
What are the factors affecting anchorage sleepage ?
A-
1-
Wedge sleepage due to rust.
2-
Elastic deformation of wedge.
3-
Yielding of concrete under the anchorage plate.
Q-
What are the Types of Jacks ?
A-
1-
H.Z.
4000/250
(4000KN, 250mm strock)
2211.
H.Z.
1750/150
Q-
What are the causes of yielding at anchorage ?
A-
1-
Concrete not reach to the required strength.
2- Hony comping or air voids.

3- Over vibration.
212.
Q-
What are the factors affecting tensial strength of concrete ?
29
Concrete
A-
Ft =8 10
Fc'
where Fc' by P.S.I

strength of concrete.
213.
214.
215.
216.
217.
Ft
1
10
1-
Strength of concrete.
2-
Cover.
3-
Spacing bet. bars.
Fc where Fc Kg/cm2
Q-
What are the causes of structure cracks ?
A-
1-
Over loads.
2-
Over stresses.
3-
Dynamic load.
4-
Impact load.
5-
Fire.
6-
Foundation movement.
7-
Superstructure movement.
8-
Bearing failure.
Q-
What is the effect of over vibration ?
A-
1-
Bleeding.
2-
Plastic settlement.
3-
Segregation.
Q-
What are the types of culverts ?
A-
1-
Box culvert. Wear Box culvert.
2-
Pipe culvert.
3-
Arch culvert.
Q-
What are the hydrology data ?
A-
1-
Drainage area.
2-
Slope factor.
3-
Silt factor/ Roughness coefficient.
4-
Run off coefficient.
5-
Design discharge.
6-
Slope of channel.
7-
High water level.
8-
Hydraulic radius.
Q-
What are the types of Irish crossing ?
A-
Type A, B, C, D
A
> 500 m3, B = 50-500 m3, C < 50 m3, D < 5 m3
(look at Drawings attached here)

218.
Q-
What are the tests required for fresh concrete ?
30
Concrete
A-
1- Slump Test.
2- Bleeding Test.
3- Ball Test.
4- Compacting factor.
5- % of air in fresh concrete. (entrapped air).
219.
220.
Q-
In cylinder sample what is the result if 5 layers ?
A-
It will give more strength due to more compaction.
Q-
How to calculate cable elongation ?
A-
L = F average x Es
Where
L = Elongation cm
L = length cm, Es = 2x 106 kg/ cm2
F
F jacking Fx
2
Modulus of elasticity of
steel = Es
221.
Q-
What are the chemical effect on concrete ?
A-
1- chloride attack (corrosion).

2- Sulphate attack (Disintegration).
3- Alkali aggregate reaction.
4- Carbonation and efflorescence.
222.
Q-
What is the function of approach slab ?
A-
1- To absorb impact effect.

2- To protect entrance of bridge from sudden effect.
223.
Q-
How to calculate jacking force ?
A-
Fj = Ultimate strength of strands x 75% x N0 of strand x area of strand.

= t/Tendon.
224.
225.
226.
227.
228.
229.
Q-
How open abutment resist earth pressure ?
A-
No effect because its open (columns and footings).
Q-
How HL force transfer to sub-structure ?
A-
HL force it will absorb by bearings and never reach to substructure.
Q-
How to put voided slab on cross-head ?
A-
Voided slab put on columns directly.
Q-
What is the value of friction for free sliding Bearing ?
A-
0.03
Q-
Where did you prefer to put fixed bearing abutment or pier ?
A-
On pier.
Q-
What are the types of protections in road construction ?
31
Concrete
A-
1-
Slope protection.
2-
Irrish crossing.
3-
Grouted and loss rip rap.
4-
Gabions.
5-
Borrow ditch.
6-
Culverts and bridges.
7-
Retaining walls.
8-
Dykes.
9-
Sacked concrete riprap.
10- New Jersy Barrier.

11- Polting, Meshing, Shot creating.
12- Benching.
13- Curb and Gutter.
230.
231.
232.
233.
234.
Q-
If the boundary of road limited and no chance to make proper embankment slope.
What to do ?
A-
Provide any type of protection to prevent movement of side slope due to internal
friction.
Q-
How to calculate the value of camber ?
A-
We calculate the deflection, if within the tolerance O.K. the more the deflection than
specified use in camber.
Q-
How to accept the ducts profile in the prestressed Beam ?
A-
By using level and measuring tape in 3 directions.
Q-
What is the max. temperature of cement allowed ?
A-
70oC.
Q-
What is the recommended admixture in General Specification ?
A-
Type D
plastsizer with retardering agent

Plastsizer = water reducing agent.
235.
236.
Q-
How to approve the water source without checking in lab. To give direct action to the
contractor ?
A-
We drink it, if good taste O.K. otherwise reject.
Q-
How to calculate stressing force at Distance x ?
A-
Fx
Fj x e (d + Kx)
Where:
Fx
Jacking froce at distance x. kg/cm2
Friction coefficient. Say 0.2/radian.
Wobble coefficient. Say 2 x 10-3 /m.
FJ =
237.
238.
Angle of tendon by radians.

Jacking Force. Kg/cm2.
Q-
What is end block ?
A-
Enlarged end section of member designed to reduce anchorage stresses.
Q-
What is Wrapping or Sheeting ?
32
Concrete
239.
240.
241.
A-
Enclosure around a prestressing tendon to avoid temporary or permanent bond

between prestressing tendon and surrounding concrete.
Q-
What are the factors affecting the rate of stiffining in concrete ?
A-
1-
Type of cement and aggregate.
2-
Admixtures.
3-
Ambient temperature.
4-
Mechanical heat of mixing.
5-
Grinding of aggregate particles.
Q-
What is the bad affect of more revolutions in agitating trucks?
A-
Unnecessary abrasion.
Q-
What are the uses of sodium and calcium chloride ?
A-
Sodium chloride use as deicer and road construction or maintenance purposes.

Calcium chloride use for dustlaying, stabilization ice removal, accelerator for
concrete, curing of concrete.
242.
243.
Q-
How to control pumping under concrete pavement ?
A-
The materials must meet the following requirements:

1-
Max. size not more than 1/3 thickness of sub base.
2-
Materials passing sieve # 200 max 15%.
3-
P.I Max 6.
4-
Liquid limit max. 25.
Q-
What are the unit weight of light weight aggregates ?
A-
As per AASHTO
Fine agg. = 1.121 gm/cm3
Coarse agg. = 0.881 gm/cm3
244.
Q-
What are the general notes consists of ?
A-
1-
Codes and references.
2-
Live loads
a. Truck (per lane) 600 KN (61.2T) -Axle- Truck.
Axel loads:
Front axel : 4.08 x 2 = 8.16 T

Other axel : 13.26 x 2 = 26.52 T
Distance between rear axles : (4.30 m to 9.00 m).

b. Lane load
Uniformly distributed load
2.04 t linear meter of lane/lane.
15.30 t concentrated load (for moment)/lane.
22.43 t concentrated load (for shear) lane.
3-
Design has been carried out by the load factor method according to AASHTO
1983.
33
Concrete
4-
Materials and stresses.

a.
Concrete for superstructure

28 days standard cylinder crushing compressive strength 350.
Prestress applied when the concrete is at least 7 days old and its minimum
crushing strength is at least 300 kg/cm2 for piers, columns, Abtuments,
foundations, and approach slab : 28 days standard cylinder crushing
compressive strength = 250 kg/cm2.
For leveling course under footings : 28 days
Standard crushing compressive strength = 150 kg/cm2
ASTM C- 150 type V sulphate resisting cement shall be used for concrete
in foundation.
b.
Reinforcing steel.
- High bond, high yield strength, deformed bars having the following
characteristics. (Grade 60).
-
Minimum yield stresses = 4200 kg/cm2.
Minimum ultimate tensile stresses = 6300 kg/cm2.
5-
Prestressing. (As before).
6-
Concrete cover.
Deck slab Top 4 cm
Dec slab Bottom 2.5 cm.
Beams 4 cm.
Columns and piers 4 cm.
Concrete walls in concrete with earth 5 cm.
7-
All exposed edges of concrete shall be chamfered 20 mm.
8-
Splice length.
9-
Foundation.
All foundations shall be placed on undisturbed soil of allowable Bearing
capacity not less than 40 t/m2 (4 kg/cm2) and shall be subject to the approval of
the engineer.
Prior to commencing construction the contractor shall perform at least 1 plate
Bearing test at each bridge location.
The plate Bearing test shall be executed at the depth of foundation of the
footing.
The location at which the test shall be made shall indicated by the resident
engineer.
10- Elastomeric laminated bearing shall conform to AASHTO specifications, the

contractor shall submit calculations, shop drawings and manufactures spec. to
the engineer.
Abtument Bearing Go x 70 x 11 cm. (Example)
*
Dead load reaction on each bearing
= 331 t.
Live load reaction on each bearing
= 160 t.
Horizontal displacement
34
= 5.1 cm.
Concrete
11- No dimensions to be scaled from the drawings.
35
Concrete
Interview With Highway Construction
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
1.
2.
Q-
If the contractor get the strength of concrete more than the specified, with lesser cement
factor than the required will you pay him? Why?
A-
No, because durability of concrete was affected,
Q-
If you are to select any one of the following for control, which one you will select?
General Specification
Special Specification
Bill of Quantities (B.O.Q.)
Drawing
A-
From starting of the project, control shall goes this way;

First Drawing
Second Special Specification
Third Bill of Quantities
Fourth General specification
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Q-
Based on your experience, what is your opinion about the works in the climate in Saudi
Arabia?
A-
As I experienced during pouring operation at daytime on hot weather condition, setting

time of concrete accelerate rapidly, thereby producing cracks and difficult to finished. So,
it is more typical if concreting will be done at night time when temperature Lower to
specified limits. During cold weather, it is better if it is done at daytime to minimize in
using heating system for mixing concrete and to prevent the manpower of having colds
caused by too much exposure.
Q-
What will be the number of trucks with a capacity of 30 tons are required in an asphalt
plant producing 180 tons/hour, if the truck takes 2 hours in going and coming from the
pavers?
A-
12 trucks. Hence, for 2 hours asphalt plant produces 360 tons of mix. 6 trucks will load
180 tons while the remaining trucks will load another 180 tons while 6 trucks (early
batch) are coming back from the pavers for continuous operation of the plant.
Q-
If in cut section the 20 cm. material are okay but below it the soil has natural compaction
of 90% and the contractor are asking for a payment, are you going to pay?
A-
No
Q-
How will you prepare monthly report?
A-
By summarizing the daily activities of the contractor.
Q-
Supposing there are many activities going on that day, and same day request for next day
activities was submitted by the contractor, what will be the flow of those request and such
request be acted?
A-
Distribute the request to fieldsman and instruct them to finish first the previous request by
doing overtime work if necessary, so that so that new request will be acted immediately
the following day.
Technical Questions
8.
9.
10
Q-
If the contractor request to use salty water for concreting, is it possible to used such for
concrete?
A-
If potable water is not available, salty water could be used for non-reinforced slab. To
reinforced structure, concrete must be dense and proper and strict supervision to be
adopted. For pre-stressing, salty water cannot be used.
Q-
what Back Slopes you would adopt in the rocky area and sandy area?
A-
By plotting their monthly accomplishment in a bar chart.
Q-
Steps taken in the preparation of a monthly certificate. what deduction are usually
applied?
A-
Monthly payment for contractor

Monthly payment for Consultant
Monthly Resident Engineers report
Monthly Materials report
Following report which consist of;
Beginning of project
End of project
Cost of project
Percentage of progress
percentage of progress
Equipment list of contractor & his staff
List of consultant
Approval certificate for materials like steel and cement.
Deduction are Insurance which is 2%
11
12.
13.
Q-
what is C.P.M. ?
A-
CPH or Critical Path Method for making program for a construction project. It consist of
a series of Line inter-connected each indicate an activity. The project is divided into a
number of such activities and a time duration is determined. Keeping in mind the number
of manpower and equipment.
Q-
What is the difference between bar chart and CPM?
A-
Bar chart is a graphical representative of activities drawn horizontally representing the

sequence, order and time duration. It may not necessarily be based upon list and average
production of equipment, Whereas the CPM is basically based upon average production
of equipment and availability of manpower.
Q-
What is the difference between Planning and Scheduling?
A-
Planning Refers to various activities that

constitutes the project.
Scheduling Refers to various events that
constitute an activity.
14.
Q-
What are the procedure for payment in Common Excavation, Bock Excavation, Borrow
Excavation & Unclassified Exc. ?
Technical Questions
A-
In (B.O.Q.) Common Excavation, Bock Excavation and Borrow Excavation :

1. Common Excavation = Highway Exc. Unsuitable
matls. in fill Bock Exc.
2. Borrow Excavation = Separate Fill Highway Exc.
+ Unsuitable in cut
3. Bock Excavation = Separate from x- section sheets.
* In (B.O.Q.) Unclassified Excavation, Borrow Excavation :
Unclassified Excavation = Highway Excavation
Unsuitable Exc. in fill
2. Borrow Excavation = same as above
** In (B.O.Q.) Unclassified Excavation :
Unclassified Exc. = highway fill Unsuitable in
cut and fill.
15.
QA-
Why you start X-sec. at the first item?

To know the quantity and inform M.O.C.
To stablise the work correctly by knowing the stick slope for embankment.
To construct industrial work such as culverts. bridges, and all types of
protection.
16.
17.
Q-
How many critical path for one project?
A-
Only one.
Q-
If the contractor submit his schedule or program for work. How will you deal with it?
A-
As per special specification we check his staff and people and all equipments.
Check the program as per actual activities.
Correct the program and send to the contractor for. Revise it for approval.
Technical Questions

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Questions and Answers in Bridge Engineering

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Interview with highways

By preparing 5 individual samples having different moisture content. Discard sample

What is the minimum surcharge weight place in doing a C.B.R. test ?

10 lbs. (4.54 kg).

How do you calculate actual surcharge weight for C.B.R ?

What is S.P.T. ? Describe the procedure of this test in detail.

S.P.T. or Standard Penetration Test:

Could we used sand for embankment material ?

Why is wadi sand preferable to wind blown sand as a construction material ?

Interview with highways

How do you take a sand sample from a sand stockpile ?

Take sample at inner middle of stockpile at random.

By sand cone method.

How do you reduce the size of field samples ?

By splitting or quartering of samples.

How will you distinguished A-1 and A-7 soil visually ?

C.B,R, or California Bearing Ratio : It is a ratio of a force required to penetrate a

Where will you fix the penetration gauge in C.B.R. test ?

How do you classify soils ?

What is the pressure in pneumatic rollers ?

How much thickness is allowed for rockfill ?

Interview with highways

Refer to Tolerance Table.

What is A-3 soil ? can we used sand in subgrade and embankment ?

a) Poor load sustaining qualities

How will you compact rock-fill ?

As mentioned above (Q-21) Refer to M.O.C. circular.

What do you understand by the material of aggregate base coarse ?

What types of soil are well suitable for sub grade ?

A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4.

What do you mean my type A, AA, AAA in the compaction of soil ?

Compacted density of a soil shall be equal or greater that

Compacted density of a soil shall be equal or greater than

Compacted density of a soil shall be equal or greater than

What do you mean by relative density ? What is the formula ?

(r field r min.) x r max.

Interview with highways

When you are establishing gradation, what is your target ?

What is fineness modulus and how to determine it ?

Limit (2.3 3.1)

What is uniformity coefficient and effective grain size ?

Uniformity Coefficient, is the ratio of the diameter corresponding to percent finer (P =

What are the factors affecting density of soil ?

What is permeability and its significance ?

What is a shrinkage limit ?

What is consolidation in soil ?

What is a proctor test ?

Interview with highways

It is the removal of deleterious fines.

What is the significance of C.B.R. test ?

How many trucks we can allow for grizzly ?

Only One (1) truck.

What are the type of test to determine the strength of subgrade?

What do you mean by group index and how to it is determine?

What are the engineering properties of soils ?

Interview with highways

Good load bearing qualities

Comparatively incompressible when subjected to static loads.

Not subject to changes in strength or volume due to vibration and water

Poor load sustaining quality

Compressible under sustained loads

Subject to changes in strength and in volume due to variation in water content.

What are the 2 methods for sampling ?

What is Soil Stabilization ?