Can you explain the role of QA/QC in construction projects?

Ans: Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in construction are essential to
ensure that the project meets specified standards and requirements. QA focuses on
the processes used in construction, while QC focuses on the product's quality.
QA/QC engineers are responsible for creating and implementing quality plans,
performing inspections, and ensuring compliance with codes and standards.

2. What are the key elements of a Quality Control Plan for a construction project?

Ans: A QC plan typically includes:

- Inspection and testing procedures

- Material Control

- Document Control

- Non-conformance reporting

- Corrective and preventive actions

- Calibration of measuring instruments

3. How do you ensure compliance with building codes and regulations on a

construction site?

Ans: I ensure compliance by:

- Regularly reviewing local building codes and regulations

- Conducting inspections at various stages of construction

- Verifying that construction materials meet code requirements

- Collaborating with relevant authorities for inspections and approvals

4. What is the purpose of conducting material inspections on a construction project,

and how do you perform them?

Ans: Material inspections are crucial to verify that materials meet project
specifications.
I perform them by:

- Checking material certifications and test reports

- Inspecting materials for damage or defects

- Performing tests such as concrete slump tests or soil compaction tests

- Maintaining records of inspections and test results

5. How do you handle non-conformance or quality issues on a construction site?

Ans: When I encounter non-conformance:

- I document the issue, including details and photos.

- Notify the relevant parties, such as the contractor or project manager.

- Work with the team to develop corrective and preventive action plans.

- Verify the implementation of corrective actions.

- Ensure that the issue is resolved before proceeding with the project.

6. What types of testing methods are commonly used in QA/QC for civil engineering
projects?

Ans: Common testing methods include:

- Concrete strength testing (compression tests)

- Soil testing (proctor compaction test, sieve analysis)

- Non-destructive testing (ultrasonic, radiographic)

- Welding inspections (visual, radiographic)

- Structural inspections (dimensional checks, load tests)

7. How do you stay updated with the latest industry standards and best practices in
QA/QC?

Ans: I stay updated by:

- Regularly attending workshops, seminars, and training programs

- Reading industry publications and journals

- Participating in relevant professional associations

- Networking with colleagues to share knowledge and experiences

8. Can you provide an example of a challenging quality issue you've encountered on

a previous project and how you resolved it?**

Ans: (Provide a specific example from your experience, highlighting your problem-
solving skills and attention to detail.)

9. What software tools or applications are you proficient in for QA/QC tasks?

Ans: I am proficient in using software such as AutoCAD for reviewing drawings, Excel
for data analysis and reporting, and specific QA/QC software like Procore or Aconex
for document control and collaboration.

QUE 1 - How will trucks be checked on-site when receiving concrete?

ANS 1 - A. Revolution Counter

B. Ticket Checked for Concrete Batching time and Slump Value at the plant.
C. Slump Test.
D. Temperature Test (32 C maximum @ Site).
E. Assure Lab Technician is present at the site and performs testing.
F. 6 Cubes or 4 Cylinders should be taken per 50cum or recommended in the project
specification
QUE 2 - What is the purpose of the slump test?

ANS 2 - To determine the consistency of the workability of the concrete mix and to
check for the required slumps.

QUE 3 - What are allowable slumps?

ANS 3 - 2.5cm to 7.5cm (for vibrated structure and without admixture) and If with
admixture and plasticizer, Slump depends upon the design mix. Slump shall be checked
as per design mix.

QUE 4 - What is a plasticizer?

ANS 4 - Usually applied at a low water-cement ratio concrete to make it workable.

QUE 5 - What is the maximum temperature of concrete that can be poured into a
concrete structure?
ANS 5 - 32 Degrees C.

QUE 6 - Min and Max atmospheric (ambient) temperature prior to paving?

ANS 6 - Min is 5 Degree C in cold weather and 45 degrees C max for hot weather.

QUE 7 - Min and Maximum temperature of concrete at the site prior to pouring?
ANS 7 - Min Concrete temp is 10 degrees, and Max is 32 degrees C

QUE 8 - What is the purpose of curing?

ANS 8 - 1. To maintain the amount of water in the concrete mix.

2. To minimize hairline cracks

QUE 9 - Types of Curing?

ANS 9 -
Water Curing - as in ponding, spraying, wet sand and wet earth
Membrane Curing - as in plastic film, liquid membrane curing compound, and reinforced
paper
Steam Curing.

QUE 10 - When will you apply the curing of the concrete?

ANS 10 - After the concrete has initially set (35 to 40 minutes is the initial setting time
of concrete)
QUE 11 - For how many days are you going to cure a structure?

ANS 11 - Seven days (in some cases like PPC types of cement, 14 days of curing are
recommended)

QUE 12 - What is hydration?

ANS 12 - It is the formation of a compound by the combination of water and other

substances or in concrete; it is the chemical reaction between water and cement

QUE 13 - How many times do you apply the curing membrane?

ANS 13 - At least two times. The second application is perpendicular to the first and
applied after the first application has set.

QUE 14 - Concrete Curing Water shall not have more than …………….. Of total
dissolved solids (TDS).

ANS 14 - 1000 ppm

QUE 15 - Concrete can be dropped freely at a height of …………

ANS 15 - 1.5 meter

QUE 16 - Max and min slope of chutes used in pouring concrete?

ANS 16 - Max slope is 1:2 (Vertical to Horizontal), Min slope is 1:3

QUE 17 - Advantages of reducing the water-cement ratio of concrete mix?

ANS 17 - Increased strength, Increase water tightness, Lower absorption, Increased

resistance to weathering, a better bond between concrete and reinforcement.

QUE 18 - What are the two basic types of concrete?

ANS 18- Structural and non-structural concrete.

QUE 19 - How would you compare 7 days and 28 days compressive strength of
concrete?

ANS 19 - 70 to 75 % of that of 28 days strength.

QUE 20 - What is a composite structure?

ANS 20 -It is a structure composed of two materials as in steel and concrete.

QUE 21 - What is a non-composite structure?

ANS 21 - It is a structure made of either concrete or steel.

QUE 22 - What are the reasons behind the cracks?

ANS 22 - Poor Curing Practice, Poor design, Poor Vibration which results in segregation,
less rebar covering, poor quality of concrete, movement of falsework or forms, higher
water-cement ratio, Severe atmospheric attack which shows the effect on the heat of
hydration with water initially

QUE 23 - What are the concrete samples?

ANS 23 - The cylinder and the cubes for the compressive strength test.

QUE 24 - Within how many hours should concrete mix be discharged after leaving the
batching plant or after all the aggregates, cement, and water are in the mixer?

ANS 24 - Within one hour if the mixer is an agitated mixer (Also depends on the design
mix) And Within 30 minutes if the mixer is a non-agitated mixer.

QUE 25 - What is the initial setting time of Concrete Mix?

ANS 25 - 35 to 40 minutes.
QUE 26 - What is the mixing time of a stationary or central batching plant
(concrete)?

ANS 26 - 50 to 90 seconds

QUE 27 - What is the agitating speed of the mixer?

ANS 27 - 2 to 6 revolutions per minute (rpm)

QUE 28 - What is the mixing speed of the mixer?

ANS 28 - 6 to 18 rpm

QUE 29 - What is concrete fatigue?

ANS 29 - It is the weakening of a material caused by repeated loads.

QUE 30 - What is creep?

ANS 30 - It is deformation due to the sustained load.

QUE 31 - How would you know if the concrete has gained its initial set?

ANS 31 - If there is no more water seen (brightness) on the surface of the concrete, or if
there is no water on the surface of the concrete.

QUE 32 - If agitated concrete is discharged after more than one hour, what will
happen?

ANS 32 - The concrete is over mixed, becomes hot, and the strength is reduced

QUE 33 - How many layers are in the concrete cube?

ANS 33 - Concrete Cube is cast in 3 layers.

QUE 34 - How many strokes are done in one layer in a concrete cube?

ANS 34 - 35 Strokes in one layer.

QUE 35 - What is the size of rode used in concrete cube casting and slump test?

ANS 35 - Dia - 16mm and 600mm length.

QUE 36 - What is the size of a concrete cube?

ANS 36 - 150mm X 150mm X 150mm.

QUE 37 - What is the size of slump cones?

ANS 37 - Height - 30cm, Top of Cone - 10cm, and Bottom of cone - 20cm.

QUE 38 - How many layers are in the slump test??

ANS 38 - 3 Layers in ASTM and BS but 4 Layers in Indian standards.

QUE 39 - How many strokes are done in one layer in a slump test?

ANS 39 - 25 Strokes