1. What Drew You to Civil Engineering?
One of the most common civil engineering interview questions is, “Why do you want this job?” Employers in the construction industry look for candidates who see civil engineering as more than just a job. They want to know how passionate you are about the field and how much enthusiasm you’ll bring to the table.
Be sure to include the following details when answering:
- What do you like about being a civil engineer?
- Your career goals as a civil engineer.
- How you plan to help the company meet its goals.
2. What is reinforced cement concrete?
Sometimes, the interviewers are interested in discussing the details of reinforced cement concrete. They can ask this question to initiate a conversation on this topic. You can start by stating the definition of reinforced cement concrete and then discuss its importance in construction.
3. Who is known as the father of civil engineering?
George John Smeaton is known as the father of civil engineering. In the era of the industrial revolution in England, civil engineering emerged as one of the most prominent engineering disciplines because of many scientific inventions.
4. What Qualities Do Competent Civil Engineers Have?
Civil engineer interview questions regarding skills and qualities are designed to gauge your competency. When hiring civil engineers, employers look for excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills. Additionally, you must demonstrate good leadership, organization, math, and communication skills.
Consider including the following in your answer:
- How creativity and problem-solving skills are vital to civil engineering.
- The importance of decision-making and leadership in a civil engineering role.
5. What are the concrete tests?
Interviewers ask this question to see if you are aware of industry-standard quality checks on concrete. Try to list the critical tests and provide reasons. If you know all the tests, you can mention them afterward.
6. What is Cement, and what are the different types of cement?
Cement is a fine gray powder mixed with water and other substances to make mortar or concrete. This is one of the most important building materials used in both residential and commercial construction work.
There are many cement types such as Portland cement, high alumina cement, white cement, sulfate resisting cement etc. But, generally, cement can be categorized into the mainly following two types:
- Ordinary Portland cement: This is available in 33, 43 & 53 grades.
- Blended cement: This is available as PPC or slag cement.
7. Tell Me About an Issue You Solved in Your Last Job.
You likely already have your problem-solving skills laid out in your civil engineer resume. Now it’s time to provide some concrete examples during your interview. To best answer civil engineer interview questions regarding problem-solving, draw from your own experience and describe your personal approach to solving problems.
Ask yourself the following when devising an answer:
- What was the issue you faced?
- What was your strategy to solve it?
- What was the outcome of your effort?
8. What is the role of cement in construction?
In any construction, we have to use sand, bricks, jelly, water, steel, and many other raw materials. Cement is used to bind these elements together to provide strength and durability to the construction.
9. What is bleeding in concrete?
Sometimes, the interviewer may ask this follow-up question if you answered the previous question correctly. This question tests if you know the terminology or if you have just memorized the answers.
Example: “Bleeding is a process in which excess portion of unabsorbed water segregates to the surface in cement hydration.”
10. What Factors Do You Take into Consideration When Starting a Project?
To further demonstrate your knowledge and competency, be prepared for civil engineer interview questions regarding the construction design process.
Include the following factors in your answer:
- Locations.
- Construction costs.
- State and federal regulations.
- Building materials.
11. What is the chemical composition of Portland cement?
There are four main compounds in Portland cement. They are:
- Tricalcium Silicate (3CaO · SiO2)
- Dicalcium Silicate (2CaO · SiO2)
- Tricalcium Aluminate (3CaO · Al2O3)
- Tetra-calcium Aluminoferrite (4CaO · Al2O3Fe2 O3)