Sample interview questions: Have you ever worked on a project involving the design or construction of a bridge in a seismic zone? If so, what specific considerations did you have to address?
Sample answer:
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Seismic Hazard Assessment: Conducted a detailed seismic hazard assessment of the region to determine the potential for earthquake ground motions at the bridge site. This included analyzing historical earthquake records, evaluating active faults, and considering site-specific conditions such as soil type and liquefaction potential.
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Selection of Appropriate Bridge Type: Carefully selected the type of bridge that would be most resilient to seismic forces. This involved considering factors such as the bridge’s geometry, structural system, and materials. For example, bridges with simple spans and flexible piers are generally more resistant to earthquakes than bridges with continuous spans and stiff piers.
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Foundation Design: Designed the bridge’s foundations to resist seismic loads. This involved selecting appropriate foundation types and depths, as well as considering the soil conditions at the bridge site. For example, bridges in seismic zones are often founded on deep piles or caissons to provide additional stability.
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Seismic Retrofitting: If the bridge was an existing stru… Read full answer