250 Most Asked Civil Engineering Interview Questions & Answers: Essential Q&A for GATE, IES, Jobs | SciLitpulse Guide

This guide lists 250 of the most frequently asked civil engineering interview questions with answers, covering construction, structural, geotechnical, and more. Aligned with Indian Standards, it prepares freshers and professionals for technical interviews.

1. Basic and Construction Questions

1. What is the unit weight of concrete?
   Answer: 24 kN/m³ for PCC, 25 kN/m³ for RCC (IS 456:2000).
2. What is the standard brick size in India?
   Answer: 190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm without mortar; 200 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm with 10 mm joint (IS 1077:1992).
3. What is the difference between one-way and two-way slabs?
   Answer: One-way slab (length/breadth >2, bends one direction); two-way slab (length/breadth <2, bends both directions, IS 456:2000).
4. What is the minimum curing period for concrete?
   Answer: 7 days for OPC (IS 456:2000).
5. What is the maximum free fall of concrete?
   Answer: 1.5 m to prevent segregation (IS 456:2000).
6. What is the pH value of water for concrete?
   Answer: 6–8 (IS 456:2000).
7. What is the initial setting time of cement?
   Answer: 30 minutes for OPC (IS 4031:1988).
8. What is the final setting time of cement?
   Answer: 10 hours for OPC (IS 4031:1988).
9. How many cement bags per m³ of concrete?
   Answer: 28.8 bags (IS 10262:2019).
10. What is the difference between PCC and RCC?
    Answer: PCC (unreinforced, foundation); RCC (steel-reinforced, beams/slabs, IS 456:2000).
11. What is the water-cement ratio?
    Answer: Weight of water to cement; 0.45–0.50 for M20 (IS 456:2000).
12. What is the compressive strength of bricks?
    Answer: Minimum 3.5 N/mm² (IS 1077:1992).
13. What is the maximum water absorption of bricks?
    Answer: 15% for first-class bricks (IS 3495:1992).
14. What are the ingredients of cement?
    Answer: Lime (62–67%), silica, alumina, calcium sulphate, iron oxide (IS 269).

2. Structural Engineering Questions

1. What is the minimum slab thickness?
   Answer: 125 mm for RCC slabs (IS 456:2000).
2. What is the minimum bar diameter in slabs?
   Answer: 8 mm (IS 456:2000).
3. What is the minimum bar diameter in columns?
   Answer: 12 mm (IS 456:2000).
4. What is the maximum bar diameter for lapping?
   Answer: 36 mm (IS 456:2000).
5. What is the minimum number of bars in columns?
   Answer: 4 for square/rectangular, 6 for circular (IS 456:2000).
6. What is binding wire requirement?
   Answer: 8 kg per MT of steel (IS 456:2000).
7. What is the F.O.S for concrete?
   Answer: 1.5 (IS 456:2000).
8. What is the F.O.S for steel?
   Answer: 1.15 (IS 456:2000).
9. What is the modulus of elasticity for concrete?
   Answer: Ec = 5000√fck (IS 456:2000).
10. What is the modulus of elasticity for steel?
    Answer: Es = 2×10&sup5; N/mm² (IS 1786).
11. What is shear force?
    Answer: Transverse force causing shear stress, max at supports (IS 456:2000).
12. What is bending moment?
    Answer: Internal moment causing beam curvature (IS 456:2000).
13. What is the staircase riser height?
    Answer: 150–200 mm (IS 456:2000).
14. What is the staircase tread width?
    Answer: 250–300 mm (IS 456:2000).

3. Geotechnical Engineering Questions

1. What is soil bearing capacity?
   Answer: Maximum load per unit area; safe = ultimate / 1.5 (IS 1904).
2. What is soil liquefaction?
   Answer: Saturated soil loses strength during seismic activity (IS 1893).
3. What is Terzaghi’s bearing capacity formula?
   Answer: q = cNc + γDNq + 0.5γBNγ (IS 6403).
4. What is effective stress?
   Answer: σ' = σ - u (total stress minus pore pressure, IS 2720).
5. What is Darcy’s law?
   Answer: Q = k i A (k = permeability, IS 2720).
6. What is the standard penetration test?
   Answer: Measures soil resistance by blow count (IS 2131).
7. What is consolidation?
   Answer: Volume reduction under load (IS 2720).
8. What is shear strength?
   Answer: τ = c + σ tanφ (IS 2720).
9. What is a shallow foundation?
   Answer: Width > depth, e.g., footings (IS 1904).
10. What is a deep foundation?
    Answer: Depth > width, e.g., piles (IS 2911).
11. What is soil compaction?
    Answer: Increases density to reduce settlement (IS 2720).
12. What is OMC and MDD?
    Answer: Optimum Moisture Content, Maximum Dry Density (IS 2720).
13. What is the CBR test?
    Answer: California Bearing Ratio for pavement design (IS 2720).
14. What is foundation settlement?
    Answer: Vertical deformation; allowable 25 mm (IS 1904).

4. Water Resources Engineering Questions

1. What is hydrology?
   Answer: Study of water cycle, rainfall-runoff (IS 4890).
2. What is the rational method for runoff?
   Answer: Q = C i A (C = runoff coefficient, IS 4890).
3. What is the Manning’s formula?
   Answer: V = (1/n) R²/³ S¹/² (n = roughness, IS 6966).
4. What is the hydraulic jump?
   Answer: Abrupt rise in water surface in channels (IS 6966).
5. What is the water table?
   Answer: Upper surface of groundwater (IS 1498).
6. What is a confined aquifer?
   Answer: Bounded by impermeable layers (IS 1498).
7. What is an unconfined aquifer?
   Answer: Open to atmosphere (IS 1498).
8. What is the unit hydrograph?
   Answer: Runoff response to 1 cm rainfall (IS 4890).
9. What is the standard for drinking water pH?
   Answer: 6.5–8.5 (IS 10500).
10. What is chlorine demand?
    Answer: Chlorine needed for disinfection (0.5–1 mg/L, IS 10500).
11. What is the design of a septic tank?
    Answer: 1–2 days detention time (IS 2470).
12. What is BOD?
    Answer: Biochemical Oxygen Demand, organic pollution measure (IS 3025).
13. What is the difference between stormwater and sewage?
    Answer: Stormwater (rain runoff); sewage (wastewater, IS 2470).
14. What is environmental clearance?
    Answer: Mandatory for Category A/B projects (MoEFCC, 2006).

5. Environmental Engineering Questions

1. What is primary treatment in wastewater?
   Answer: Physical removal of solids via sedimentation (IS 2470).
2. What is secondary treatment?
   Answer: Biological treatment, e.g., activated sludge (IS 2470).
3. What is the COD test?
   Answer: Chemical Oxygen Demand, measures total organic matter (IS 3025).
4. What is the difference between BOD and COD?
   Answer: BOD (biodegradable organics); COD (total organics, IS 3025).
5. What is the sludge volume index?
   Answer: Measures settleability of sludge (mL/g, IS 2470).
6. What is the purpose of a clarifier?
   Answer: Removes suspended solids in wastewater (IS 2470).
7. What is the role of aeration in treatment?
   Answer: Supplies oxygen for microbial activity (IS 2470).
8. What is the standard for wastewater discharge pH?
   Answer: 5.5–9.0 (IS 2490).
9. What is the TSS limit for discharge?
   Answer: 100 mg/L for inland waters (IS 2490).
10. What is the purpose of a trickling filter?
    Answer: Biological treatment using biofilm (IS 2470).
11. What is the role of chlorination?
    Answer: Disinfects wastewater (IS 2470).
12. What is the purpose of a bar screen?
    Answer: Removes large debris from sewage (IS 2470).
13. What is the difference between point and non-point pollution?
    Answer: Point (specific source); non-point (diffuse, runoff).
14. What is the environmental standard for BOD in rivers?
    Answer: Max 3 mg/L for drinking water sources (IS 2296).

6. Transportation Engineering Questions

1. What is superelevation?
   Answer: Road tilt at curves; e = V² / (127R) (IRC:37-2018).
2. What is the sight distance?
   Answer: Distance visible to driver for safe stopping (IRC:66).
3. What is the design speed of highways?
   Answer: 80–100 km/h for expressways (IRC:37-2018).
4. What is the camber in roads?
   Answer: Cross-slope for drainage; 2–3% (IRC:SP:20).
5. What is the CBR value for subgrade?
   Answer: Minimum 8% for highways (IRC:37-2018).
6. What is the difference between flexible and rigid pavements?
   Answer: Flexible (bitumen, load spreads); rigid (concrete, slab action, IRC:58).
7. What is the purpose of a road shoulder?
   Answer: Provides lateral support and emergency space (IRC:SP:20).
8. What is the traffic volume study?
   Answer: Counts vehicles for road design (IRC:9).
9. What is the Marshall test?
   Answer: Tests bitumen mix stability (IRC:37-2018).
10. What is the function of a culvert?
    Answer: Allows water passage under roads (IRC:SP:13).
11. What is the purpose of road signs?
    Answer: Guide and control traffic (IRC:67).
12. What is the minimum curve radius for highways?
    Answer: 150 m for 80 km/h speed (IRC:38).
13. What is the role of a base course?
    Answer: Distributes load to subgrade (IRC:37-2018).
14. What is the purpose of a tack coat?
    Answer: Bonds asphalt layers (IRC:16).

7. Surveying Questions

1. What is surveying?
   Answer: Measures land features for planning (IS 1498).
2. What is a theodolite?
   Answer: Measures angles in horizontal/vertical planes (IS 1492).
3. What is leveling?
   Answer: Determines elevation differences (IS 1492).
4. What is a contour line?
   Answer: Connects points of equal elevation.
5. What is the chain survey?
   Answer: Uses chains for linear measurements (IS 1492).
6. What is the compass survey?
   Answer: Uses magnetic bearings for angles (IS 1492).
7. What is the purpose of a total station?
   Answer: Measures angles and distances electronically.
8. What is the principle of triangulation?
   Answer: Uses triangles for accurate positioning (IS 1492).
9. What is the difference between RL and FGL?
   Answer: RL (reduced level, datum-based); FGL (finished ground level).
10. What is the error of closure in surveying?
    Answer: Difference between start and end points in a traverse.
11. What is the purpose of a dumpy level?
    Answer: Simple leveling instrument (IS 1492).
12. What is the difference between back sight and fore sight?
    Answer: Back sight (previous point); fore sight (next point, IS 1492).
13. What is the purpose of a contour map?
    Answer: Shows terrain elevation for design.
14. What is the purpose of a plumb bob?
    Answer: Establishes vertical alignment (IS 1492).

8. Steel Structures Questions

1. What is the yield strength of mild steel?
   Answer: 250 MPa (IS 800:2007).
2. What is a gusset plate?
   Answer: Connects truss members (IS 800:2007).
3. What is the purpose of a base plate?
   Answer: Transfers column load to foundation (IS 800:2007).
4. What is the slenderness ratio?
   Answer: λ = L/r (L = length, r = radius of gyration, IS 800:2007).
5. What is the purpose of a stiffener?
   Answer: Prevents buckling in beams/columns (IS 800:2007).
6. What is the difference between bolted and welded connections?
   Answer: Bolted (removable); welded (permanent, IS 800:2007).
7. What is the purpose of a purlin?
   Answer: Supports roof cladding (IS 800:2007).
8. What is the buckling load?
   Answer: Euler’s formula: P = π²EI/L² (IS 800:2007).
9. What is the purpose of a bracing system?
   Answer: Resists lateral loads (IS 800:2007).
10. What is the role of a cleat angle?
    Answer: Connects beams to columns (IS 800:2007).
11. What is the design of a steel column?
    Answer: Based on axial load and slenderness (IS 800:2007).
12. What is the difference between ISMB and ISMC sections?
    Answer: ISMB (I-beam, bending); ISMC (channel, purlins, IS 800:2007).
13. What is the role of a shear connection?
    Answer: Transfers shear between members (IS 800:2007).
14. What is the design of a steel beam?
    Answer: Based on bending moment and shear (IS 800:2007).

9. Construction Management Questions

1. What is the Critical Path Method (CPM)?
   Answer: Identifies longest activity sequence (IS 15883).
2. What is PERT?
   Answer: Program Evaluation Review Technique, uses probabilistic times (IS 15883).
3. What is a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?
   Answer: Lists materials, labor, costs (CPWD norms).
4. What is crashing in project management?
   Answer: Reduces duration by adding resources (IS 15883).
5. What is float in scheduling?
   Answer: Time an activity can be delayed (IS 15883).
6. What is the purpose of a Gantt chart?
   Answer: Visualizes project schedule (IS 15883).
7. What is resource leveling?
   Answer: Balances resource use to avoid peaks (IS 15883).
8. What is the purpose of a work breakdown structure?
   Answer: Divides project into manageable tasks (IS 15883).
9. What is Earned Value Management?
   Answer: Tracks project progress and costs (IS 15883).
10. What is the role of a project manager?
    Answer: Oversees planning, execution, closure (IS 15883).
11. What is the purpose of a safety plan?
    Answer: Ensures worker safety (IS 3696).
12. What is the purpose of a quality control plan?
    Answer: Ensures compliance with standards (IS 456:2000).
13. What is the role of a bar bending schedule?
    Answer: Details reinforcement quantities (IS 456:2000).
14. What is the purpose of a risk register?
    Answer: Lists potential risks and mitigation (IS 15883).

10. Quality Control Questions

1. What is the slump test?
   Answer: Measures concrete workability; 50–100 mm for RCC (IS 1199:1959).
2. What is the compacting factor test?
   Answer: Assesses concrete compaction (IS 1199:1959).
3. What is the Vee-Bee test?
   Answer: Measures workability for stiff concrete (IS 1199:1959).
4. What is the rebound hammer test?
   Answer: Non-destructive test for concrete strength (IS 13311).
5. What is the ultrasonic pulse velocity test?
   Answer: Assesses concrete quality via wave speed (IS 13311).
6. What is the compressive strength test for concrete?
   Answer: Tests 150 mm cubes at 28 days; M20 ≥20 MPa (IS 516:1959).
7. What is the water absorption test for bricks?
   Answer: Max 15% for first-class bricks (IS 3495:1992).
8. What is the efflorescence test for bricks?
   Answer: Checks salt deposits; nil to slight acceptable (IS 3495:1992).
9. What is the Vicat’s apparatus test?
   Answer: Measures cement setting time (IS 4031:1988).
10. What is the purpose of a sieve analysis?
    Answer: Determines aggregate size distribution (IS 2386).
11. What is the flakiness index?
    Answer: Measures elongated aggregates; max 35% (IS 2386).
12. What is the impact value test?
    Answer: Tests aggregate toughness; max 30% (IS 2386).
13. What is the Los Angeles abrasion test?
    Answer: Measures aggregate wear; max 40% (IS 2386).
14. What is the specific gravity test for aggregates?
    Answer: Measures density; 2.6–2.8 for coarse aggregates (IS 2386).

11. Fluid Mechanics Questions

1. What is Bernoulli’s equation?
   Answer: P/ρg + V²/2g + z = constant (P = pressure, ρ = density).
2. What is the continuity equation?
   Answer: A₁V₁ = A₂V₂ (A = area, V = velocity).
3. What is the difference between laminar and turbulent flow?
   Answer: Laminar (smooth, Re < 2000); turbulent (chaotic, Re > 4000).
4. What is the Reynolds number?
   Answer: Re = ρVD/μ (V = velocity, D = diameter, μ = viscosity).
5. What is the purpose of a venturi meter?
   Answer: Measures flow rate in pipes (IS 4477).
6. What is the hydraulic gradient?
   Answer: Energy loss per unit length in flow (IS 6966).
7. What is the specific energy in open channels?
   Answer: E = y + V²/2g (y = depth, V = velocity).
8. What is the purpose of a weir?
   Answer: Measures discharge in open channels (IS 6966).
9. What is the Froude number?
   Answer: Fr = V/√(gL) (V = velocity, L = length).
10. What is the purpose of a spillway?
    Answer: Releases excess water from dams (IS 6966).
11. What is the difference between dynamic and kinematic viscosity?
    Answer: Dynamic (μ, force-based); kinematic (ν = μ/ρ).
12. What is the purpose of a flow net?
    Answer: Visualizes groundwater flow (IS 1498).
13. What is the Darcy-Weisbach equation?
    Answer: h_f = f (L/D) (V²/2g) (f = friction factor).
14. What is the purpose of a flume?
    Answer: Measures flow in open channels (IS 6966).

12. Building Materials Questions

1. What is the purpose of fly ash in concrete?
   Answer: Improves workability, reduces CO2; 35% max (IS 1489).
2. What is the difference between OPC and PPC?
   Answer: OPC (pure cement); PPC (blended with fly ash, IS 269).
3. What is the role of gypsum in cement?
   Answer: Controls setting time (IS 269).
4. What is the purpose of seasoning timber?
   Answer: Reduces moisture to 10–12% to prevent defects (IS 1141:1993).
5. What is the difference between air and kiln seasoning?
   Answer: Air (6–12 months); kiln (4–5 days, IS 1141:1993).
6. What is the compressive strength of concrete?
   Answer: M20 = 20 MPa at 28 days (IS 456:2000).
7. What is the purpose of admixtures?
   Answer: Enhances concrete properties, e.g., plasticizers (IS 9103).
8. What is the difference between coarse and fine aggregates?
   Answer: Coarse (>4.75 mm); fine (<4.75 mm, IS 383).
9. What is the specific gravity of cement?
   Answer: 3.15 (IS 269).
10. What is the purpose of a plasticizer?
    Answer: Increases workability without extra water (IS 9103).
11. What is the difference between mild steel and HYSD bars?
    Answer: Mild steel (250 MPa); HYSD (415–500 MPa, IS 1786).
12. What is the role of sand in mortar?
    Answer: Fills voids, improves workability (IS 2116).
13. What is the difference between cement and concrete?
    Answer: Cement (binder); concrete (cement + aggregates, IS 456:2000).
14. What is the purpose of a curing compound?
    Answer: Retains moisture for curing (IS 456:2000).

13. Concrete Technology Questions

1. What is the water-cement ratio for M25 concrete?
   Answer: 0.40–0.45 (IS 456:2000).
2. What is the purpose of a mix design?
   Answer: Optimizes strength and workability (IS 10262:2019).
3. What is the role of a slump cone?
   Answer: Measures slump (IS 1199:1959).
4. What is the compressive strength of M30 concrete?
   Answer: 30 MPa at 28 days (IS 456:2000).
5. What is the purpose of a retarder?
   Answer: Delays setting time (IS 9103).
6. What is the difference between nominal and design mix?
   Answer: Nominal (fixed ratios); design (lab-tested, IS 10262:2019).
7. What is the purpose of a superplasticizer?
   Answer: High workability with low water (IS 9103).
8. What is the standard cube size for testing?
   Answer: 150 mm (IS 516:1959).
9. What is the purpose of a cover block?
   Answer: Maintains cover for reinforcement (IS 456:2000).
10. What is the minimum cover for slabs?
    Answer: 20 mm (IS 456:2000).
11. What is the purpose of a vibrating table?
    Answer: Compacts concrete (IS 1199:1959).
12. What is the difference between M20 and M25?
    Answer: M20 (20 MPa); M25 (25 MPa, IS 456:2000).
13. What is the purpose of a slump test?
    Answer: Checks workability of fresh concrete (IS 1199:1959).
14. What is the tensile strength of concrete?
    Answer: 0.7√fck (IS 456:2000).

14. RCC Design Questions

1. What is the purpose of a shear reinforcement?
   Answer: Resists shear stresses in beams (IS 456:2000).
2. What is the minimum cover for beams?
   Answer: 25 mm (IS 456:2000).
3. What is the purpose of a stirrup?
   Answer: Provides shear resistance in beams (IS 456:2000).
4. What is the design of a cantilever beam?
   Answer: Based on moment and shear (IS 456:2000).
5. What is the difference between singly and doubly reinforced beams?
   Answer: Singly (tension steel); doubly (tension + compression steel, IS 456:2000).
6. What is the purpose of a development length?
   Answer: Ensures bond strength for reinforcement (IS 456:2000).
7. What is the minimum cover for columns?
   Answer: 40 mm (IS 456:2000).
8. What is the purpose of a tie in columns?
   Answer: Prevents buckling of bars (IS 456:2000).
9. What is the design of a footing?
   Answer: Based on soil bearing capacity and load (IS 456:2000).
10. What is the difference between short and long columns?
    Answer: Short (failure by crushing); long (buckling, IS 456:2000).
11. What is the purpose of a slab design?
    Answer: Ensures load distribution and deflection control (IS 456:2000).
12. What is the maximum span for a slab?
    Answer: 7 m for RCC (IS 456:2000).
13. What is the purpose of a retaining wall?
    Answer: Resists earth pressure (IS 456:2000).
14. What is the difference between fixed and pinned supports?
    Answer: Fixed (resists moment); pinned (no moment, IS 456:2000).

15. Highway Engineering Questions

1. What is the purpose of a road base?
   Answer: Distributes load to subgrade (IRC:37-2018).
2. What is the minimum pavement thickness?
   Answer: 150 mm for rural roads (IRC:SP:20).
3. What is the role of a road sign?
   Answer: Guides traffic (IRC:67).
4. What is the purpose of a road median?
   Answer: Separates opposing traffic (IRC:SP:20).
5. What is the Benkelman beam test?
   Answer: Measures pavement deflection (IRC:81).
6. What is the traffic capacity of a road?
   Answer: Max vehicles/hour/lane, e.g., 1,500 PCU (IRC:64).
7. What is the difference between WBM and WMM?
   Answer: WBM (graded aggregates); WMM (mixed aggregates, IRC:19).
8. What is the purpose of a road marking?
   Answer: Guides traffic flow (IRC:35).
9. What is the role of a subgrade?
   Answer: Supports pavement layers (IRC:37-2018).
10. What is the difference between bituminous and concrete roads?
    Answer: Bituminous (flexible); concrete (rigid, IRC:58).
11. What is the purpose of a road shoulder?
    Answer: Provides emergency space (IRC:SP:20).
12. What is the design life of a pavement?
    Answer: 20 years for flexible pavements (IRC:37-2018).
13. What is the purpose of a tack coat?
    Answer: Bonds asphalt layers (IRC:16).
14. What is the minimum curve radius for highways?
    Answer: 150 m for 80 km/h speed (IRC:38).

16. Irrigation Engineering Questions

1. What is the duty of irrigation?
   Answer: Area irrigated per cumec, e.g., 1800 ha/cumec (IS 5968).
2. What is the difference between canal and distributary?
   Answer: Canal (main channel); distributary (branch, IS 5968).
3. What is the purpose of a canal lining?
   Answer: Reduces seepage (IS 3873).
4. What is the design of a canal?
   Answer: Based on discharge and velocity (IS 5968).
5. What is the purpose of a sluice gate?
   Answer: Controls flow in canals (IS 5968).
6. What is the difference between lined and unlined canals?
   Answer: Lined (less seepage); unlined (more seepage, IS 3873).
7. What is the purpose of a head regulator?
   Answer: Controls water entry into canals (IS 5968).
8. What is the base period in irrigation?
   Answer: Time from sowing to maturity (IS 5968).
9. What is the delta in irrigation?
   Answer: Total water depth applied during crop growth (IS 5968).
10. What is the purpose of a cross regulator?
    Answer: Maintains water level in canals (IS 5968).
11. What is the difference between sprinkler and drip irrigation?
    Answer: Sprinkler (sprays water); drip (direct to roots, IS 14483).
12. What is the purpose of a barrage?
    Answer: Diverts water for irrigation (IS 6966).
13. What is the design of a weir?
    Answer: Based on discharge and height (IS 6966).
14. What is the purpose of an outlet in canals?
    Answer: Releases water to fields (IS 5968).

17. Estimation and Costing Questions

1. What is the purpose of estimation?
   Answer: Predicts project costs (CPWD norms).
2. What is the difference between detailed and abstract estimate?
   Answer: Detailed (item-wise); abstract (summary, CPWD).
3. What is the rate analysis for RCC?
   Answer: Includes material, labor, equipment (CPWD).
4. What is the purpose of a plinth area estimate?
   Answer: Calculates cost based on floor area (CPWD).
5. What is the difference between direct and indirect costs?
   Answer: Direct (materials, labor); indirect (overheads, CPWD).
6. What is the purpose of a contingency?
   Answer: Covers unforeseen costs (CPWD).
7. What is the difference between tender and contract?
   Answer: Tender (bidding); contract (agreement, CPWD).
8. What is the purpose of a schedule of rates?
   Answer: Lists unit costs for items (CPWD).
9. What is the role of a quantity surveyor?
   Answer: Prepares BOQ and estimates (CPWD).
10. What is the purpose of a cost index?
    Answer: Adjusts costs for inflation (CPWD).
11. What is the difference between lump sum and item rate contract?
    Answer: Lump sum (fixed price); item rate (unit-based, CPWD).
12. What is the purpose of a measurement book?
    Answer: Records work quantities (CPWD).
13. What is the role of escalation in costing?
    Answer: Accounts for price rise (CPWD).
14. What is the purpose of a valuation?
    Answer: Assesses project worth (CPWD).

18. Miscellaneous Questions

1. What is the purpose of a bar bending schedule?
   Answer: Details reinforcement quantities (IS 456:2000).
2. What is BIM?
   Answer: Building Information Modeling for 3D design (IS 16560:2016).
3. What is the role of a site layout plan?
   Answer: Organizes site activities (IS 15883).
4. What is the purpose of a method statement?
   Answer: Describes work execution plan (IS 15883).
5. What is the role of a site engineer?
   Answer: Supervises construction activities (IS 456:2000).
6. What is the difference between primavera and MS Project?
   Answer: Primavera (complex projects); MS Project (simpler scheduling).
7. What is the purpose of a safety audit?
   Answer: Ensures compliance with safety standards (IS 3696).
8. What is the role of a formwork?
   Answer: Supports fresh concrete until set (IS 456:2000).
9. What is the difference between scaffolding and formwork?
   Answer: Scaffolding (worker platform); formwork (concrete mould, IS 3696).
10. What is the purpose of a pile cap?
    Answer: Transfers load from column to piles (IS 2911).
11. What is the role of a shoring system?
    Answer: Supports excavations or structures (IS 3764).
12. What is the purpose of a construction joint?
    Answer: Joins concrete pours (IS 456:2000).
13. What is the difference between pre-tensioning and post-tensioning?
    Answer: Pre-tensioning (before casting); post-tensioning (after casting, IS 1343).
14. What is the purpose of a damp proof course?
    Answer: Prevents moisture rise; 2.5 cm thick (IS 1597).