1. What are the purposes of stiffener on plate girder?
The main purpose of Stiffener in a plate girder is to prevent the buckling of web.
2. What precautions must be taken when placing concrete in hot dry weather and freezing
weather?
Hot Dry Weather:
Use shade or wet covers to protect the concrete from direct sunlight.
Keep the concrete cool by using chilled mixing water and ice.
Start work early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak temperatures.
Use admixtures to extend setting time and improve workability.
Freezing Weather:
Ensure concrete is above freezing (at least 40°F or 4°C) during placement.
Use heated materials or insulated blankets to maintain adequate temperature.
Add accelerators to speed up setting time.
Cover freshly placed concrete with insulating blankets to prevent freezing until it gains sufficient
strength.
3. When fresh concrete is exposed to rapid drying conditions, what precautions shall be taken to
keep the concrete moist and for how long of period?
When fresh concrete is exposed to rapid drying conditions, keep it moist by:
1. Applying curing compounds, wet burlap, or curing blankets immediately after finishing.
2. Maintaining continuous moisture for at least 7 days in normal conditions and up to 14 days in
hot and dry conditions to prevent surface cracking and promote proper curing.
4. In freezing weather what precautions shall be taken to prepare the materials for making
concrete and with what care and for what length of time shall the concrete be protected after
pouring?
In freezing weather:
1. Preheat mixing water and aggregates to ensure they are above 40°F (4°C).
2. Use hot water or steam to warm the mixing equipment.
3. Add accelerators to the mix to speed up setting.
4. Protect the concrete for at least 7 days by covering it with insulated blankets or other
insulating materials to prevent freezing and promote proper curing.
5. How would you protect steel from rusting if welding is to be done upon it at a later date?
To protect steel from rusting for future welding:
1. Store the steel in a dry, covered area to prevent exposure to moisture and humidity.
2. Apply a rust-inhibiting coating or a layer of oil to the steel surface.
3. Use desiccants or dehumidifiers in the storage area to maintain low humidity levels.
4. If stored outdoors, cover the steel with a waterproof tarp or plastic sheet.
5. Inspect and reapply protection as needed until welding is performed.
6. What functions are the stirrups called upon to play?
Stirrups in reinforced concrete play the following functions:
1. **Shear Reinforcement:** Resisting shear forces in the concrete member.
2. **Lateral Support:** Preventing the longitudinal reinforcement (usually bars) from buckling
under load.
3. **Confinement:** Restraining concrete in compression, particularly in columns, to enhance
its strength and ductility.
4. **Spacing:** Maintaining the correct spacing between longitudinal bars, ensuring structural
integrity.
7. Why are stirrups not needed in slabs?
Stirrups are typically not needed in slabs because the primary reinforcement (usually mesh or
rebar) in slabs is designed to resist the bending and shear forces, and the depth of the slab is
relatively shallow, making stirrups unnecessary for shear and lateral support.
8. How far above the ground should you place the reinforcement in a footing?
Reinforcement in a footing is typically placed near the bottom, approximately 3 inches (75mm)
to 6 inches (150mm) above the ground or the excavation surface. This positioning helps ensure
that the reinforcement is well-embedded in the concrete and provides the necessary structural
support for the footing.
9. Describe at least three methods of compacting fill and discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of each?
Three methods of compacting fill materials are:
1. **Vibratory Compaction:**
- **Advantages:** Effective for granular soils, increases density, quick process, suitable for large areas.
- **Disadvantages:** Less effective on cohesive soils, may not reach desired density in deep or
confined areas.
2. **Static Roller Compaction:**
- **Advantages:** Effective for cohesive soils, good for achieving high compaction density, suitable for
thicker layers.
- **Disadvantages:** Slower process, requires multiple passes, not as effective for granular soils.
3. **Pneumatic Compaction:**
- **Advantages:** Effective for both granular and cohesive soils, suitable for confined areas, fewer
passes needed.
- **Disadvantages:** Limited to certain soil types, may cause over-compaction in some cases, noisy.
The choice of method depends on the specific soil type, project requirements, and available equipment.
It's often necessary to conduct soil tests and engineering analysis to determine the most suitable
compaction method for a particular construction site.
10. What is meant by shrinkage when used in connection with earthwork? What determine the
amount of shrinkage?
Shrinkage in the context of earthwork refers to the reduction in volume that occurs when soil or fill
material loses moisture. The amount of shrinkage is determined by the soil type and its moisture
content. Different soil types have varying shrinkage characteristics, with clay soils generally experiencing
more significant shrinkage than granular soils. The percentage of moisture content and the specific
properties of the soil determine the extent of shrinkage. When soil is compacted, it can lose moisture
and volume, leading to settlement or subsidence in construction projects.
