Questions and answers
Which IS codes did you refer to?
Name the relevant ones, for example IS 456 for plain and reinforced concrete, IS 875 for loads, IS 1893 for earthquake design and IS 10262 for mix design.
What grade of concrete and steel did you use?
State the grade, such as M25 and Fe500, and what the numbers mean: characteristic compressive strength in N/mm² at 28 days and yield strength of steel.
What is the water-cement ratio and why does it matter?
It is the mass of water divided by the mass of cement. Lower ratios give higher strength and durability but lower workability.
Which tests did you conduct on concrete?
Slump test for workability and cube compressive strength at 7 and 28 days; mention split tensile or flexural tests if done.
What loads did you consider?
Dead load, live load, and wind or earthquake loads, with the load combinations used.
What is the difference between one-way and two-way slabs?
A one-way slab spans mainly in one direction (longer to shorter span ratio greater than 2); a two-way slab spans in both.
What is the bearing capacity of soil at your site?
Give the value from the soil report or assumption and the type of foundation chosen.
How did you prepare the estimate?
Explain the method, such as long wall–short wall or centre line, and the schedule of rates used.
Which survey instruments did you use?
For example total station, auto level or GPS, and what each measured.
Which software did you use and how did you verify it?
For example STAAD.Pro or ETABS for analysis and AutoCAD for drawings, with a manual check of one beam or column.
What is curing and how long is it done?
Keeping concrete moist so hydration continues; commonly at least 7 days for ordinary Portland cement and longer for blended cements.
What did your results show?
Compare your values with the control mix or code limits and give the percentage change.
What are the limitations of your study?
For example limited samples, laboratory conditions or a single site.
What is the practical application?
Name where it can be used and what would be needed before field adoption.
FAQs
Should I memorise IS code clauses?
No, but know which code governs your work, the key limits you used, and where to find them.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-11. Always follow the format your own department gives you.