Interview Questions - Structural Design Engineer: Steel

"Success favours the prepared mind", This article puts together regular interview questions related to steel design.

1. Could you share the type of bolted joints? Give an example of an application for each type.
2. Share the key differences between the two seismic analysis methods, Equivalent Static and Response Spectrum Analysis.
3. The value of angle used in the Whitmore section is _____ Degrees a) 15 b) 30 c) 45 d) 60
4. Share parameters impacting steel sub-grade ( JR/JO/J2/K2/NL/ML) selection for the projects
5. What are the recommended limits on the slenderness ratio, Kl/r, for compression and tension members?
6. In the design of building structures, Which seismic design categories (SDC) permit the use of steel systems not specifically detailed for seismic resistance?
7. What is the plumbness tolerance for a typical structural steel column reference to AISC 360? a) L/400 b) L/500 c) L/600 d) There are no published plumbness tolerances
8. The weight of the steel profile as per Standard is 100 kg/m, and received on site is weighing 97.5 kg/m. Is it acceptable for use for fabrication? If No provide reason and mitigation if any
9. Share members or components which will be designed as Fuse ( Deformation controlled) and Force Controlled for Seismic Design for following Lateral Force Resisting System a) Special Concentrically Braced Frame (SCBF) b) Eccentrically Braced Frame (EBF) and c) Special Moment Resisting Frame (SMRF)
10. Calculate the Elastic Neutral Axis (ENA), Plastic Neutral Axis (PNA), Elastic Section Modulus (Sx) and Plastic Section Modulus (Zx) for the section shown below ( Figure 1)

11. Draw weld for welded joints shown in Figure 2 below

12. Match weld symbol with names in the list below, Example A) is fillet weld other side

13. True or False: Similar to a straight girder, the design of a concentrically loaded curved girder accounts for vertical shear and bending effects only; torsion is not a consideration.

14. True or False: For bolted connection with Direct Tension Indicator (DTI) flat washer is not required

15. Which of the following are ductile limit states used to create system fuses in the seismic structural systems prescribed in the AISC Seismic Provisions?

a) Member and connection yielding

b) Bearing deformation at bolt holes

c) Buckling of compression elements

d) All of the above

16. Weldability of steel profile is linked to _____ a) Only Carbon content b) Carbon Equivalent Value (CEV) c) Ductility d) Yield strength

17. Could you share the type of Non-Destructive Evaluations (NDE) for welded connections, its limitations, % of total length to be tested

18. Can you draw a welded splice joint for the beam (I Profile) and its preferred location for a simply supported beam with a span of 16 m.

19. For a Freestanding Built-up Column with Two I Profile sections, connected by batten plates what will be the value of X for optimum design ( h 500 mm, b = 200 mm , tf = 16mm and tw = 10.2 mm)

20. How is the effective throat of fillet welds measured per AWS D1.1? Is it constant for the range of values of angle between connected plates? if no through sketch explain

21. Explain the procedure/basis of weld design between the web and flange of the Plate Girder. Or Explain the process of shear stud number/diameter calculation for composite floor design

22. When determining the amount of beam camber needed, it is common practice to specify a camber equivalent to ____ of the estimated simple-span deflections resulting from the dead load. a. 90% b. 80% c. 70% d. 100%

23. What purpose does a weld access hole serve?

24 True or False: Weathering steel grade members requires a protective coating when used in an external environment.

25 which cross-section property of the steel profile governs the thickness of fireproofing paint/coating.

If you would like to share interview questions, please share them in the comments below.

All the best for your upcoming interview, "Fortune favours the Bold."

References

1. Modern Steel Publication, AISC
2. www.steelconstruction.info
3. istructe.org