1. Do you know what is floating slab foundation?
A floating concrete foundation is a type of mat foundation that consists of the hollow mat formed by a grid of thick reinforced concrete walls between two thick reinforced concrete slabs.
2. Tell me what is 1/8 on the architect ruler denotes?
1/8 on the ruler is infact a scale that converts 1/8 inch on to the drawing to 1 foot. It would represent a drawing with a scale of 1/8”= 1 foot.
3. Tell me what is change order request?
Change order request is a written document issued or given by the owner, requesting an adjustment to the contract sum or an extension of the contract time. Usually, it is issued by the architect or owners representative.
4. Tell me what is alternate bid?
Alternate bid is the amount stated in the bid to be deducted or added from the base bid amount. Alternate bid is proposed when there is a use of alternate materials or methods of construction.
5. Explain me what made you choose the profession of a laborer?
To be honest, I came into this profession by sheer chance. I was an ace student in shop class in high school and when I graduated from high school, I realized that this was my vocation. I have been working as a laborer ever since.
6. Tell me what is Hybrid Foundation?
Hybrid Foundation is usually used for high rise building, it contains both soil supported mat and piles. This type of foundation is helpful in reducing the amount of the settlement.
7. Tell me what is structural frames or systems?
Structural frames are a load bearing assembly of beams and columns on a foundation. Normally, the columns and beams are generally fabricated off site and assembled on site.
8. Tell us how do you measure your performance as labourer?
I believe that I am highly qualified for this position as I have performed quite well over the years. With a lot of experience over the past nine years, I would rate myself at least an 8 on a scale of 10.
9. Do you know what is flashing?
Flashing is an extended construction that is done to seal and protects joints in a building from water penetration. Flashing is installed at the intersecting roofs, walls and parapets.
10. Tell me what are the problems one might face while having a Cantilever balcony?
Cantilever balcony are usually unsupported and extend outwards, so the problem with Cantilever balconies are
☛ Excess deflection or bounce
☛ Weakness of the deck structure
☛ Rot and water damage to the interior of the house
☛ Unevenness inside the house
☛ Can't use the balcony for gardening or other purposes as it is not designed to lift excess amount of weight
11. Explain me how would you rate your mathematical skills?
My numeracy skills are fairly good. I can easily calculate required percentages of various construction materials to be added in the mixture. I am also well versed in calculating cost estimates based on the given market rates and client's construction plan
12. Tell me what is the release of lien?
Release of lien is a written document executed by an individual or firm supplying labor, material or professional service on a project, which release his mechanic's lien against the project property.
13. Explain what are the different types of foundation?
Three main types of foundation are
☛ Basement: In this a basement is prepared first on top of it building is constructed
☛ Crawl space: A crawl space is a raised foundation, it is built above the ground, just allowing enough space to crawl underneath
☛ Slab: In this foundation, concrete is directly poured into the pit made in the ground.
14. Explain what is labor and material payment bond?
It is a bond between the owner and the main contractor. Where a contractor guarantees for payment to the owner if he fails to pay for all labor, materials, equipment's or services in accordance with the contract.
15. Tell us what is the most recent skill that you have learned?
I had worked with almost everything except building scaffolding which I had the opportunity to learn three months ago for a construction project.
16. Explain what should be the standard roof height like to be?
For inhabited building, standard height for roof should be one or two storeys tall. If you don't need to make roof taller and yet you want make it look bigger from outside use a mansard roof containing multiple floors. The roof of the room can be adjusted by changing its pitch or by adding a parapet.
17. Tell me what is the difference between built area and super built up area?
☛ Built up area: It includes your carpet area plus area covered by walls, pillars and ducts. It is usually 10% more from the carpet area
☛ Super built up area: It includes your built up area plus the area that you use as building amenities like passage to lift, stairs and lifts, gym, club, etc.
18. Do you know what are the key responsibilities of a construction worker?
Major responsibilities of a construction worker include breaking up concrete using jackhammers, operating drill machines as needed, shoveling construction material into cement mixers, positioning and aligning concrete and steel structures, signaling heavy machinery operators for correct placement of portable structures and setting up and removing of scaffoldings for support.
19. Explain me which are the top apps for you civil engineeer?
Some of the best apps
☛ Evernote
☛ STEEL
☛ Dropbox
☛ Instagram
☛ Sketchbook
☛ Photoshop Express
☛ Flipboard
☛ Magic Plan
☛ Houzz
☛ AutoCAD Ws
20. Explain what does a construction cost covers and what does not?
A construction cost covers material, labor, equipment and services, contractor's overhead and profit and other direct construction costs. While, it does not cover compensation paid to the architect, consultant or engineers, cost of the land and other cost that is owner's responsibility.
21. Explain what are the composition of a landfill?
For secure landfill, there are four critical elements
☛ The bottom liner
☛ A leachate collection system
☛ A cover
☛ Natural hydrogeologic settings
22. Tell me what are the common ways of demolition?
☛ Hydro-demolition
☛ Pressure Bursting
☛ Dismantling
23. Tell me what is Critical Path Method (C.P.M)?
Critical Path Method is strategy and method of representing the respective tasks and activities involved in the construction through a symbolic diagram.
24. Tell me what are the skills required to become an architect?
☛ Conceptual understanding of designing models
☛ Basic knowledge of computer and architect related software programs
☛ Engineering ability
☛ Business aptitude
☛ Legal knowledge
☛ Designing 3D models
25. Tell me how to build the floor to ceiling bookcase?
To build a floor to ceiling bookcase
☛ First measure the distance between the floor and ceiling
☛ Cut two boards of the length of that distance
☛ Cut two boards with the width you require
☛ Attach top and bottom boards to the side with 2 inch nails. Keep a gap about one or two inches between each nail
☛ Attach top and bottom boards to the side boards with 2 inch nail. This will create a frame of your bookcase. Add the shelves to the bookcase the way you want and then paint it.
26. Tell me why do you want this job as Construction Labor?
I want this job because I want to deliver my skills and expertise to maximize the efficiency of construction projects
27. Explain me how will your previous work experience support you in this job?
In my previous role I have been mainly responsible for cement mixing, loading and unloading of material and spreading concrete mixtures to dry and form structures. Fine tasks might vary a little but I believe the core duties I have mentioned are all required by the position in question as well and my experience will give me an edge over other inexperienced candidates
28. Explain me how do you manage the safe use of construction equipment?
I have been especially trained in the use of tools and equipment that is used in a laborer's work. I can read manuals and ensure that I read and re-read safety instructions before I use a new tool or equipment.
29. List out the types of roofs?
☛ Half hipped roof
☛ Dutch gable roof
☛ Skillion roof
☛ Gambrel roof
☛ Gull wind roof
☛ Mansard roof
☛ Bell cast roof
☛ Sawtooth roof
☛ Monitor roof, etc.
30. List out some of the software program that can be useful for architect?
☛ AutoCAD
☛ Revit
☛ 3DS Max
☛ Sketchup
☛ Photoshop
☛ Adobe creative suites
☛ Microsoft office
☛ Digital Media
31. List out the potential risk factors for workers on the construction site?
Potential risk factors for worker on the construction site
☛ Falls from heights
☛ Scaffold and Trench collapse
☛ Electric shock and arc blast
☛ Repetitive motion injuries
☛ Not using personal protective equipment correctly
32. Explain different types of roof systems?
☛ Slate or Stone roofs
☛ Wood shingle roofs
☛ Metal roofing systems
33. Tell me for what building Built-on balconies are preferable? What are the advantages?
Built on balconies are mainly designed for retrofitting older buildings. This free standing balcony is supported in front of the facade on four columns. They are backed to the wall with brackets.
The advantage of built-on balconies are
☛ Old balconies can be dismantled, and the new ones can be erected immediately in front of the faced without disturbing the inner structure of the building
☛ The work takes place outside of the house, so there is no interference to the interior of the building
34. Tell us how important is it to be able to read and interpret blueprints and electrical drawings?
There is nothing more important than being able to read and interpret blueprints and electrical drawings. This is because all activities of a construction worker depend on these two. If one cannot read and interpret these, one cannot plan and execute construction activities.
35. Explain me what is the ideal size of the living room ranges from small to large size?
☛ Very small size living room= 7x10ft ( for two seater sofas on one side of the room)
☛ Small living room= 10x13ft ( for two 2 seater sofa)
☛ Medium living room= 12×18 (for 3 Seater sofa)
☛ Large living room= 15×20 ( for 4 seater or 5 seater sofa)