INTERVIEW NO 24

1. What material is used for joints in

concrete❓

• Expansion joint filler: Rubber, cork,

bitumen (absorbs thermal expansion).
• Contraction joint filler: Silicone or
polyurethane sealants (prevents
shrinkage cracks).
• Water stops: PVC, rubber (prevents
leakage).
• Dowel bars: Allows controlled
movement between adjacent slabs.

2. What are the grades of bitumen and

its uses❓

• Penetration Grade: 30/40, 60/70,

80/100 (for flexible pavements).
• Viscosity Grade (VG):
• VG-10 (cold regions).
• VG-30 (normal roads).
• VG-40 (high-traffic roads).
1. Performance Grade (PG): PG 64-22,
PG 76-10 (for extreme climates). 4. What is the flashing point value of
2. Cutback &Emulsion: Used in cold bitumen❓
weather paving and patchwork.
• Range: 220°C to 250°C.
3. What is the softening point value of • Test method: Cleveland Open Cup test.
bitumen❓

• Range: 35°C to 70°C (depends on the

grade).
• Test method: Ring and Ball test.

Softening point of bitumen to be used for road

construction at a place where the maximum
temperature is 40°C should be:

1. less than 40°C

2. greater than 40°C ✓✓
3. equal to 40°C
4. None of the above
5. What is a critical path❓ 8. What is a cavity wall❓

• The longest sequence of activities in a • A double-layered wall with a

project that determines its duration. cavity(air gap) for insulation.
• Activities on the critical path cannot • Advantages: Moisture resistance,
be delayedwithout delaying the project. thermal insulation, soundproofing.
• Found using network diagrams and • Uses: Cold climate buildings,
float analysis. soundproof structures.

6. What is the difference between a

lintel and a beam❓

• Lintel: Supports doors and windows,

carries masonry load.
• Beam: Supports floors, slabs, and walls,
carries structural loads.
• Material: Lintels are made of concrete,
wood, or stone, while beams are made
of concrete, steel, or timber.

7. What is a piling wall❓

• A deep foundation retaining

structurefor soft soil and waterlogged
areas.
• Types: Secant Pile Wall, Contiguous
Pile Wall, Sheet Pile Wall.
• Uses: Basement walls, bridge abutments,
excavation protection. 9. What is built-up and super built-up
area❓

• Built-up area= Carpet area + Wall

thickness + Balcony.
• Super built-up area= Built-up area +
Common areas (stairs, lobby, lift).
10. What is the technical name of the Special Bonds:
hole in bricks, and what is its
5. Dutch Bond – A variation of the English bond
purpose❓
with adjustments for better alignment.
• Technical name:
• Frog(in solid bricks).
• Perforation(in perforated bricks).
3. Purpose:
• Improves cement grip.
• Reduces weight and increases insulation.

6. Rat Trap Bond – Bricks are laid on edge,

creating a cavity for thermal insulation.

11. What are the names of brick

bonds❓

Basic Bonds:

1. Stretcher Bond – Only stretchers (long side)

are visible. Used for half-brick walls.
7. Herringbone Bond – Zigzag pattern, often
2. Header Bond – Only headers (short side) are
used for pavements.
visible. Stronger than stretcher bond.

3. English Bond – Alternating courses of

headers and stretchers. High strength.

4. Flemish Bond – Alternating headers and

stretchers in each course. Decorative.

12. Which bond is used in Pakistan❓

• English Bond(for strength).

 • Flemish Bond(for aesthetics). 14. What is the meaning of 60000
PSI❓
13. What is the purpose of the liquid
limit❓ • 60000 PSI = 60,000 pounds per square
inch.
The liquid limit (LL) is the water content • For concrete: Refers to high-strength
compressive strength.
at which a soil changes from a plastic • For steel: Indicates reinforcement bar or
state to a liquid state. It is an important structural steel tensile strength.
property in geotechnical engineering
and is determined using the Casagrande 15. What is the standard size of a
apparatus or cone penetrometer test. brick❓

Purpose of the Liquid Limit: • Standard size (Pakistan &India)= 190

mm × 90 mm × 90 mm(without mortar).
• With mortar= 200 mm × 100 mm ×
1. Soil Classification – Helps in 100 mm.
identifying soil type (e.g., clay, silt)
based on the Atterberg Limits.

2. Shear Strength Indicator – Soils with

a higher liquid limit tend to have lower
shear strength and greater
compressibility.

3. Foundation Design – Helps in

determining soil behavior under load
and its suitability for construction.
16. What is CBR❓
4. Compaction and Stability – Guides • California Bearing Ratio
engineers in selecting the right soil for (CBR)measures soil's load-bearing
embankments, roads, and other capacity.
structures. • Expressed as a percentage.
• Used in road and pavement design.
5. Shrink-Swell Potential – High LL soils
17. What is a termite, and how can it
(like expansive clays) have greater
be prevented❓
volume changes with moisture variation.
Termites are wood-eating insects that damage
structures by feeding on wood and cellulose
materials.

Prevention Methods:

1. Pre-Construction:
 • Apply termiticides to soil.

• Use termite-resistant materials.

• Install physical barriers.

2. Post-Construction:

• Use chemical treatments.

• Conduct regular inspections.

• Reduce moisture and fix leaks.

• Remove wood debris near buildings.