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CONCRETE
Q. In construction, what are the main problems we can face in
Saudi Arabia?
A- Cracks on concrete due to hot whether condition.
Q. In slab, the drawing shows certain bars and their spacing,
suppose that particular bar size is not available at site, what will
you do?
A- Calculate the areas of steel bars available at site against the area
of steel bars on the drawing by equation;
A1 = D2 ; N1 = N2
N1 x

D12
D 22
N 2x
4
4

N1 (D1)2 = N2 (D2)2
N2
Where:
D1
D2
N1
N2
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:
:
:
:

N 1 ( D1 ) 2
(D 2 ) 2

Diameter of steel bar on the drawing

Diameter of steel available on site
No. of bars required on the drawing
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 the cement
particles and/or reduction of
the surface tension of the
water.
Reduce W/C ratio
Super Plasticizier:
Primary Action
Extreme lowering of the force
of attraction between the
cement particles.

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Increasing plasticity; reduction

of w/c ratio by up to 10%;
resultant 15% increase in
strength;
possibility
for
reduction of cement content.

Practical Effect
Extreme
increases
in
workability or reduction of
water content by 20-30%;
strength can increase by 50%
owing to lesser water demand.
Q- What is the function of calcium chloride in hot weather
concreting?
A- When added to concrete mixtures impart as an accelerating
agent. Increasing the rat eof hydration; speeding up the setting,
and early strength development. (Never use in Hot Weather).
Q- What is the effect of chloride and sulfate in concrete?
Chloride attack:
a) When the lime in cement react with carbon dioxide (CO 2) it
will produce calcium carbonate.
b) The presence of calcium carbonate in water, increases the
amount of alkalinity up to 11%, thereby the water will attack
the reinforcement which lead to corrosion.
c) While rust increases, the volume of the bars also increases
leading to produce cracks in concrete.
Sulfate attack:
a) When tricalcium aluminate (C3A) in cement react with
sulfate due to the presence of miosture, it produces gel
expansion in concrete and the volume will also increases
leading to cracks in concrete.
b) Also contribute to disintegration of the aggregates.
Q- What type of cement are you going to use in sulfate area?

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A- Type V or sulfate resisting cement.

Q- What are the methods for curing concrete?
A- a) Water curing method
b) Membrane curing method
c) Steam curing method
d) Cold weather curing method
Q- When do you start curing concrete?
A- Right after the final placement of concrete mix, when the water
sheen or mixing water just begun to disappear.
Q- What is the rate of application of curing membrane?
A- One (1) liter /5 sq. m. ; If applied by hand spray.
One (1) liter /3 sq. m. ; If mechanically applied.
Q- What is the initial and final setting time of concrete?
A- 45 minutes ; 8 hours
Q- What are the types of admixtures?
A- a) Plasticizer
b) Retarder
c) Accelerator
d) Plasticizer with retarding agent Type D
e) Plasticizer with accelerating agent
f) Superplasticizer
g) Superplasticizer with retarding agent
Q- What is the effect of retarded in concrete mix?
A- To delay the setting time of about 1 4 hours over normal
setting time and reduces the mixing water by about 3-9 kg/cu.m.
and increased the compressive strength by about 10-15%. The
common chemical used is Lignosulfic acid.
Q- What are the precautionary measures during cold weather
concreting?
A- a) Avoid overheating of fresh concrete
b) Appropriate equipment should be available for heating the
concrete materials.
c) Maintaining favorable temperature after concrete is place,
etc.
Q- At what time concrete should be placed after mixing water?
A- As soon as possible; not more than 30 minutes if truck mixer is
used or not more than one hour if truck agitator is used 60.
Q- What are the precautions during hot weather concreting?

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A- 1- During mix production:

a) Lower the fresh concrete temperature by using cool
aggregates and cool mixing water.
b) Dampen the aggregate if they are dry and absorptive.
c) Under shed.
2- During Construction:
a) Dampen the subgrade and forms.
b) Erect windbreaks to reduce wind velocity over the
concrete surface.
c) Erect sunshades to reduce concrete surface temperature.
d) Protect the concrete with covering during any
appreciable delay between placing and finishing.
e) reduce time between placing and start of curing by
improved construction procedures.
f) Protect the concrete during the first few hours after
placing and finishing to minimize evaporation, by
application of moisture to the surface, using a light fog
of spray.
Q- Describe procedures in performing slump test.
A- Damper the slump cone and base plate. Take fresh flowing
concrete by scoop or pail. Mix thoroughly if necessary to have
uniform paste. Placed it in a cone in 3 equal layer rodding each
layer with 25 blows. Lift the cone vertically in 5 seconds,
completing the test in 2.5 minutes, then measure and record the
sag.
Q- What is the allowable tolerance for slump test?
A- 15 mm; if slump (0 75mm) & 25mm : If more than 75mm
slump.
Q- Which aggregate will have less mixing water, natural or crushed
aggregate? Why?
A- Natural aggregate, because has less surface area.
Q- What is the rate of loading in crushing concrete cylinders? What
will happen if rate was increased?
A- The rate of loading is 20 50 psi/second. If the rate of loading
was increased, result of concrete strength will also increased due
to the sudden impact of force, thereby leading to inaccurate
strength result.

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Q- Approximately how many kilograms of concrete mix in one

cubic meter?
A- About 2,500 kg.
Q- What are the test you should run for the aggregates to check
suitability for concrete and for asphalt before preparing a mix
design?
A- a) Sieve analysis
b) specific gravity and absorption
c) Unit weight
d) Abrasion test
e) Soundness test
f) Sand equivalent
g) Organic impurities
h) Thin & Elongated pieces
i) Fineness modulus
j) Friable particles, etc.
Q- Why the sand equivalent are being made?
A- To determine the proportion of fine dust or claylike material in
the soil or in the aggregate.
Q- Why do you crushed cylinders after 7 days, why not after 27
days or after 30 days? And why the cylinders are crushes after
28 days for ultimate strength?
A- After 7 days to determine the strength-gain or development of
concrete, results should not be lesser than 75% of the specified
strength at 28 days. Then it is tested after 28 days because this is
the estimated 100% strength development of the concrete.
Q- Which one gives more concrete strength, standard cubes or
standard cylinders? Why?
A- Standard cubes, because of the ratio L/D is equal to 1 and also
the test load applied is parallel to layers.
Q- What is the purpose of curing concrete?
A- a) To maintain the moist environment and to prevent the escape
of mixing water required for hydration processes and helps
in the development of strength.
b) To prevent cracks.
c) To increase strength.

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Q- What is bleeding in concrete?

A- It is the upward movement of mixing water due to settlement of
aggregates in concrete mix.
Q- What are the methods used for concrete mix design?
Which do you prefer and why?
A- The methods are: ACI method and CP 110 method.
ACI method are more preferable because the specific gravity of
individual materials are included in the computation.
Q- How to adjust the amount of water for batching concrete?
A- By equation:
ADJUSTED WT. OF WATER Design wt. Of water
wt. Of C.A. x
wt. of F.A. x

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% absorption % moisture

100
% absorption % moisture
100

Q- How will you calculate the Saturn Survey Drag aggregate with
1.5% absorption?
A- By equation:
CORRECTED WT. OF AGG. = Uncorrected wt.

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1 % absorption
100

Q- How do you reduce water content in a mix design and what are
the advantages of reducing water in a concrete mix?
A- By using water reducing admixture. The advantage are less
cracking, possibilities and increase compressive strength.
Q- What is alkali reactivity? What type of cement are you going to
use if aggregate is susceptible?
A- It is the reaction of certain aggregate containing silica or silica
alumina which react alkali is cement producing "gel" which lead
to cracking due to osmatic pressure. The type of cement to be
used are;
a) Low alkali cement; having less than 0.6% alkali by weight
of cement.
b) Pozzolanic cement
Q- What are the different types of cement?
A- Type I or Ordinary Portland Cement
Type II or Moderate Sulfate Resisting Cement
Type III or High Early Strength Cement
Type IV or Low Heat Resisting Cement

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Type V or High Sulfate Resisting Cement

Q- What is pretensioning and posttensioning?
A- Pretensioning:
The tendons or cables are held in a stretched condition
during placing of plastic concrete until the concrete has
hardened. Then as the tension of the reinforcing steel is
released, it compresses the concrete.

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Posttensioning
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) Identation Rebound test (Schmidt Rebound Hammer)

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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 shotcreting.
What is the max. storage period of cement before you request
test for its quality?
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

1
H

For example a solution of 4.5 pH has an hydrogen ion

concentration of (10-4.5).

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Q- 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:
a) Excessive bleeding

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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
watertightness.
Cold joints:
When the placement of concrete is delayed for any reason
and the concrete takes it initial set, a cold joint is said to
be occurred. When this happens, the contractor shall have
to removed the previously partially placed-concrete from
the forms immediately.
Where to provide metal beam guardrail?

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A- a- In the sharp curve.

b- In the hilly area.
c- In the steeper slopes
d- To structural location
Q- What are the necessary precautions to be taken while applying
thermoplastic paint?
A- a- Pavement shall be free from foreign matters and dust.
b- Should dry and clean.
c- Should have good weather condition.
d- Barricades should be installed, etc.
Q- What is to be done if shifting of box culvert is required?
A- a- Select the low lying areas.
b- Locate catch main area.
c- Determine the level of water.
d- Calculate actual vent dimension.
e- Calculate velocity or discharge of water by equation:
Q = VA
where :
Q : is the discharge, m3/hr.
V : is the velocity, km/hr.
A : cross-sectional area, m2
Q- Cores are taken for what purpose?
A- a- If the samples failed from the required strength.
b- To determine the actual thickness of the structure.
c- To determine the formation of harden concrete, etc.
Q- What criteria as to spacing of stirrups be followed in a beam?
A- 1- Put the maximum spacing in the center of the beam.
2- Put the minimum spacing at both ends, to resist the
maximum shear, using equation;
qst =

where :
qst
AS
fS
n
e

x fs x n
exb

=
=
=
=
=

Allowable stresses carried by stirrups.

Cross-sectional area of bar.
Steel stresses (working stress)
Number of legs
Spacing between stirrups

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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?
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 pre-stressed concrete?
At least 350k 3/cm2
What should be the minimum strength of concrete before
applying the force for post-tensioning?
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.
What is the agitating speed of the mixer?
2 to 6 revolution per minute.
What is the mixing speed of the mixer?
6 to 18 revolution per minute.
How many cylinder or cube samples are you going to get in
every pouring?
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

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structure the volume is bigger comparing to area. So, lossing of

water of hydration is minimal.
Q- 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.

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b) 3/4 of the minimum clear spacing between the reinforcing

bars and forms and between adjacent bars.
c) 1/3 of the depth of unreinforced slabs.
What is the variation of the fineness modulus of the sand?
0.20
What is the minimum length for splicing of rebars?
a) 40 x dia. Of rebars : In case of tension

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b) 20 x dia. Of rebars : In case of compression

What is the effect of lime in curing samples?
To accelerate strength-gain.
What will happen if your mix lime to water?
Water will become salty.
According to AASTHO what is the proportion of volume of
concrete to whole capacity of gross drum volume of truck mixer
to agitator?
63% for truck mixer and 80% for agitators.
What is the minimum frequency for vibrators used for concrete?
4,500 cycles or impulse per minute.
According to ASTM, what is the temperature for storing
concrete cylinders in laboratory?
16'C to 27'C
Typical temp. is 23'C 1.7' C
According to ACI, what is the criteria in accepting concrete
cores?
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.
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 pre-stressed concrete?

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A- Pumping pressure not more than 20 kg/sq.cm. (2Mpa) and

capable of pumping at a pressure of at least 10 kg/sq.cm.
(1 Mpa).
Q- What are the methods used to check air content of fresh concrete
in the laboratory?
A- 1- Gravimetric method
2- Pressure method
3- Volumetric method
Q- What are the usual test for Portland cement?
A- 1- Chemical test:
a) Chemical composition
b) Loss on ignition
c) Insoluble residue
2- Physical test:
a) Initial and Final setting time
b) Compressive strength of the mortar
c) Air content of the mortar
d) Fineness
e) Autoclave expansion
Q- If you have a readymix design, how to inspect batch plant?
A- 1- Calibration of plant
2- Accurate weighing as per mix design
3- Dry mixing of aggregate prior to adding of water
4- Wet mixing of mix should be sufficient
5- Dozes of admixture should be controlled
6- Temperature of concrete should be (15oC 33oC)
7- Should meet slump requirement
8- Rate of batching should meet rate of pouring at site.
9- Avoid segregation of stockpiles, etc.
Q- On what basis is the adjustment of water on batch plant
according to mix design?
A- Appropriate adjustments should be made in the mixing water if
the slump is incorrect, or in water/cement ratio if the required
strength is not achieved. Then new batch weights must be
calculated.
Q- How soon after making cylinders samples, they must be in

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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?
A- The term workability is difficult to define precisely but it could
be defined in at least three separate properties:
1- Compatibility or the ease with which the concrete can be
compacted and the air voids removed.
2- Mobility - or the ease with which the concrete can flow into
moulds, around steel, and be remoulded.

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3- Stability or the ability of concrete to remain a stable

homogenous mass during handling and
vibration without segregation.
Can we use snow water in concrete? What is the effect?
No, because this kind of water carries carbon dioxide (CO 2) 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.
What is the effect of leaching by water on concrete?
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.
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.

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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.
2- In high level of water table where excavation is not possible.
3- If the hardpan area of the soil is too depth, wherein
excavation of soil are too costly, etc.
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.

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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 detensioning ?
A- Yes, the side shutters were folded outside and the end shutters
removed completely so as to provide free movement without any
restrictions while the transfer of pre-stress would be completed
and the beams will slide along the bed and bow upwards to
develop Initial Camber.
Q- When will you start steam curing of precast pre-stressed pretensioned beams, incase the steam is used ?
A- 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.
Q- In pre-stressed concrete, How will you transfer the force to the
beam ?
A- By accomplishing a slow gradual detensioning by releasing

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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 ?
It is the maximum measured distance representing the nonsteady 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

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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 ?
(1) Tricalcium Silicate (C-S) Hardens rapidly and is mainly
responsible for the initial sot and early strength.
(2) Dicalcium Silicate (C2S) Hydrates slowly and is the main
source of increased strength after the first wok of
hardening.
(3) Tricalcium Aluminate (C3A) reacts very quickly and adds
a small amount of strength. (heat of hydration).
(4) Tetracalcium Alumina Ferrate (C4AF) reacts slowly, and
reducing clinking temperature.
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

18

108. QA-

109. QA-

110. QA-

111. QA-

112. Q-

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) Increase strength
b) Increase impermeability
c) Increase resistance to weathering
d) Increase Watertightness
e) Increase resistance to chloride attack and sulfate attack
f) Increase resistance to corrosion, etc.
What is pozzolanic material?
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).
How will you compare steel grade 40, 60, and 75?
Yield Strength
Ultimate Strength
Grade 40
40,000 psi
70,000 psi
Grade 60
60,000 psi
90,000 psi
Grade 75
75,000 psi
270,000 to 300,000 psi
What are the methods used to accelerate curing of concrete

19

A-

113. QA114. QA115. QA-

116. QA-

117. QA-

118. QA-

cylinder samples?
a) To boil the cylinder a certain period of time.
b) To cure the cylinder in an autogenous curing box, that is
insulated, allowing curing to accelerate due to the rise in
temperature from hydration.
In both methods the cylinder can be tested at 2 days age and
the 2S day strength estimated very reliably.
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 falsework?
Formwork : Is a temporary structure built to contain fresh
concrete so as to form it to the required shape
and dimensions and to support it until it harness
sufficiently
to
become
self-supporting.
Formwork includes the surface in contact with
the concrete and all necessary supporting
structure.
Falsework : The extensive supporting on the framework such
as in bridges and other large structures.
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-calstic 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.
1. Lime
: CaO
Calcium Oxide
2. Silica
: SiO2
Silicone Dioxide
3. Alumina
: Al2O2

20

4.
5.
6.
7.
119. QA-

120. QA-

121. QA-

122. QAa)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Gypsum
Iron
Magnesia
Alkalics

:
:
:
:

CaSO4 Calcium Sulphate

Fe2O3
Hematite
MgO
Magnesium Oxide
Na2O
Sodium Oxide
K2O
Potassium Oxide
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 Autogenous Volume Change?
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?
a- Disintegration of poor concrete.
b- Disruptive action of freezing and thawing
c- Alternate wetting and drying
d- Undesirable chemical activity
e- Temperature variation in concrete mass
What is the effect of sea-water on concrete?
Wetting and drying
Loaching
Temperature varations
Corrosion of reinforcing steel
Battering by waves and tides
Sulphate attack

21

g)
Freezing and Thawing
123. Q- What is the factor affecting rate of evaporation?
A- 1- Air temperature
2- Relative humidity
3- Concrete temperature
4- Wind Velocity
Normal rate of evaporation is 0.8 kg/m2/hr. at 20oC air, 60%
humidity, 25oC concrete temp., 20 km./hr. wind velocity. The
maximum rate of evaporation is 4 kg./m2/hr.
124. Q- What is the effect of sewage on concrete?
A- Hydrogen sulphide formed by bacteria above 10oC and combines
with oxygen to form sulfuric acid.
To Prevent: 1. Keep the sewage at low temp. 2- Ventilation.
3- Running the sewer. 4- Use of high alumina cement
125. Q- What is standard deviation
A- Is the average disportion of each individual test result, regardless
of the sign, from the arithmetic mean, and is calculated from the
formula:
S.D.

x x
n 1

where:
x
x
n

=
=
=
=

Individual test result

Mean
Number of results
Summation of

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

Decree of Control
S.D. Kg/cm2
Excellent
23
Good
42
Average
56
Poor
70
None
84
126. Q- What are the three (3) basic functions of concrete in structure?
A- 1- It must be strong enough to meet the requirements of the
designer.
2- The finished work should be pleasing to look at.

22

127. QA-

128. QA139. QA-

130. QA-

131. QA-

132. QA-

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:
a- Solid slab
b- Slab and Girder (T-Beam)
c- Hollow box girder
For Pre-Stressed:
a- Voided slab
b- Slab and Girder (T-Beam)
c- Hollow box girder
What is the difference between Reinforce Concrete and PreStressed 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.

23

133. Q- What are the advantages and disadvantages of continuos type

superstructures ?
A- Advantages:
1. Reduces span moments due to support moments.
2. Span to Depth ratio 10-15 for reinforced concrete and 20 or
more for pre-stressed concrete.
3. Lesser foundations.
4. Lesser foundations.
Disadvantages:
1. Sensitive to differential settlement of foundation.
2. Requires more skill in construction and formwork.
134. Q- What are the causes of horizontal deck movement ?
A- 1. Shrinkage of concrete
2. Creep of compressed concrete
3. Elastic shortening of concrete (due to P.S.C.)
4. Change in body mean temperature.
5. Movement due to externally applied loads.
(Earthquake, wind, vehicle-braking).
135. Q- What is P.T.F.E. ?
A- It is Poly-Tetra-Flouro-Ethylene, use in sliding bearing.
1. The mating surface must be smooth and flat.
2. P.T.F.E., should be retained on rigid backing plate.
3. must be provided with a self aligning feature.
136. Q- What is the difference between substructure and superstructure ?
A- Substructure: The portion of bridge that supports the
Superstructure.
Superstructure:Being that part which carries the roadway.
137. Q- What are the type of foundations ?
A- 1. Shallow type:
Placed on sub-strata after open excavation
and are called open foundation.
2. Deep Type:
Constructed by special means.
3. Piles:
Giant sized nails of steel joist, R.C., or-timber
ranging from 4m. to 50m. or more in length,
diameter or side of square ranging from 20 to
200cm. Or more.
138. Q- What is the difference between Abutments and Pier ?
A- Abutments: These are the and suppurate of superstructure.

24

Pier:
139. QA-

140. QA-

141. QA-

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 ?
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)

25

142. QA-

143. QA-

144. QA-

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 ?
Grade 40 steel: could be welded.
Grade 60 steel: welding is in a special process involving special
electrodes (otherwise its properties will change
and its yield strength reduce.. nearly becoming

26

145. QA146. QA147. QA-

148. Q-

A149. Q-

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

27

after taking them out from the water tank ?

A- No, the cylinders should be dried first for a few hours at room
temperature, not directly under the sun before crushing.
Even if they are not fully dried then they can be capped in
moist condition.
150. Q- Does the use of a pozzolan increase mixing water requirement ?
A-

In general, flyash pozzolans (the by-product from power plant

burning of powdered coal) reduce water requirement a few
percent, whereas other pozzolans (made from certain clays,
shales, and other earth materials) increase it a few percent.

151. Q-

Is it preferable to minimize the percentage of fine aggregates in

the mix and why ?

A-

Yes, fine aggregates should be kept at low percentage. It is

better to keep them within the range of 37 to 42%. The concrete
mix if towards the coarser side will give better results like
higher strength and durable structure.

152. Q-

Why excess quantities of magnesium oxide, free lime, or sodium

oxide in cement are considered undesirable ?

A-

The uncombined or free lime should not exceed 1.02% of silica,

alumina and iron oxide, since large quantities of it will cause an
expansion and a disruption of the concrete at some later period.
Magnesium oxide is limited to 6% as larger percentages are opt
to result in excessive expansion if the concrete is moist.

28