Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Civil Engineers - LCETED

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Civil Engineers

Civil engineering is an overwhelmingly vast field, covering a wide portion of concepts, measurements, materials, and methods. The following is an exhaustive guide to some of the key aspects any civil engineer should know.

This FAQ format gives a clear, concise answer to popular questions in civil engineering and allows the reader to view more detailed articles for further information.

1. How do you convert square meters to square feet?

• Answer: To convert square meters (sqm) to square feet (sqft), multiply the area in square meters by 10.764. For example, 1 sqm equals 10.764 sqft.
• Learn more: How to Convert Square Meter to Square Feet | Sqm to sqft | m2 to ft2

2. What are interlocking bricks, and are they good for construction?

• Answer: Interlocking bricks are specially designed bricks that fit together without the need for mortar. They are eco-friendly and cost-effective but are typically used in low-rise structures.
• Learn more: What is Interlocking Bricks? | Is Interlocking Brick Good for Construction? | Pros and Cons

3. What is the difference between plot area, plinth area, carpet area, and other related terms?

• Answer:
• Plot Area: The total area of the land.
• Plinth Area/Built-Up Area: The area covered by the building, including walls.
• Carpet Area: The area inside the walls where you can lay a carpet.
• Setback Area: The open space around the building.
• Super Built-Up Area: Built-up area plus a share of common areas.
• Learn more: What Is Plot Area, Plinth Area/Built-Up Area, Carpet Area, Setback Area, Super Built-Up Area In Civil Engineering?

4. What is the brass unit of measurement, and how is it calculated?

• Answer: A brass is a traditional unit of measurement in India, equivalent to 100 cubic feet, often used for measuring construction materials like sand and gravel.
• Learn more: What is the Brass unit of measurement? | Brass calculations

5. How do you convert cubic meters to cubic feet?

• Answer: To convert cubic meters (cum) to cubic feet (cft), multiply the volume in cubic meters by 35.3147. For example, 1 cum equals 35.3147 cft.
• Learn more: How to Convert Cubic Meter to Cubic Feet

6. What is the difference between tension and compression forces?

• Answer: Tension is a force that pulls or elongates a material, while compression is a force that pushes or shortens a material.
• Learn more: Tension Vs Compression – Difference Between Tension & Compression forces

7. What are crank bars, and why are they provided in slabs?

• Answer: Crank bars are bent reinforcement bars provided in slabs to resist bending moments and shear forces, especially at corners and supports.
• Learn more: What is Crank Bars? Why it's provided in Slab?

8. How can you calculate the load on columns and beams?

• Answer: Load calculation involves determining the forces acting on a structure and using this information to design safe and efficient columns and beams.
• Learn more: Load Calculator on Column and Beam | Column Design Calculator | Beam Load Calculator

9. What are hollow clay bricks, and what are their benefits?

• Answer: Hollow clay bricks are lightweight and provide good thermal insulation, making them an eco-friendly choice for construction.
• Learn more: Hollow Clay Bricks | Benefits of Hollow Clay Bricks | Properties

10. What is fly leveling, and why is it done?

• Answer: Fly leveling is a surveying technique used to quickly determine the difference in elevation between two points. It's essential for ensuring that a structure is level.
• Learn more: Fly Levelling | Why We Do Fly Levelling? | Procedure

11. What are the methods for computing reduced levels in surveying?

• Answer:
• Height of Collimation Method: This method involves calculating reduced levels by determining the height of the instrument and subtracting the readings.
• Rise and Fall Method: This method compares the rise and fall of the ground to determine the difference in elevation between points.
• Learn more:
• Height of Collimation Method
• Rise and Fall Method