Sample interview questions: Have you ever had to work on a project that required you to design mechanical structures for underground or tunnel applications? If so, what considerations did you take?
Sample answer:
-
Seismic considerations: Underground structures and tunnels are often located in areas with a high risk of seismic activity. Therefore, it is important to design these structures to withstand potential earthquakes. This involves considering the seismic load on the structure and designing the structure to resist these loads.
-
Hydrostatic pressure: Underground structures are often subjected to hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding soil or water. This pressure can cause the structure to collapse if it is not properly designed. Therefore, it is important to consider the hydrostatic pressure when designing underground structures and to design the structure to withstand these loads.
-
Thermal Considerations: Underground structures can experience significant temperature variations, which can cause thermal expansion and contraction of the materials used in the structure. This can lead to stresses and strains in the structure, which can compromise its integrity. Therefore, it is important to consider thermal loads when designing underground structures and to design the structure to withstand these loads.
-
Material Selection: The materials used in the construction of underground structures must be carefully selected to ensure that they can withstand the harsh conditions present in these environments. Factors to consider include strength, durability, resistance to corrosion, and permeability. Common materials used in underground construction include concrete, steel, and geosynthetics.
-
Construction Methods: Underground structures and tunnels are often constructed using specialized construction methods, such as tunneling, cut-and-cover, and jacking…. Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/3_1_7/Structural%20Engineer%20%28Mechanical%29