How do you handle and prevent common issues such as cracking or scaling in concrete?

Your Answer

How To Answer This Question?

When answering this question, it's important to demonstrate your understanding of the causes of common issues like cracking and scaling in concrete, as well as the methods to prevent and address them. Here's a structured way to answer:

1. Identify Causes: Start by explaining the common causes of cracking (e.g., rapid drying, excessive water in the mix) and scaling (e.g., freeze-thaw cycles, poor finishing techniques).

2. Preventive Measures: Discuss the preventive measures you take, such as proper curing techniques, using the right mix proportions, and ensuring adequate reinforcement.

3. Handling Issues: Explain how you address these issues if they occur, such as repairing cracks with appropriate sealants or resurfacing scaled areas.

4. Examples: Provide specific examples from your past experience where you successfully prevented or fixed these issues.

For example: "Cracking in concrete can often be caused by rapid drying or excessive water in the mix. To prevent this, I ensure proper curing by keeping the surface moist and using curing compounds. I also pay attention to the mix proportions and avoid adding too much water. If cracks do appear, I use high-quality sealants to repair them. In one of my previous projects, we faced a scaling issue due to freeze-thaw cycles, and I addressed it by applying a protective sealant and improving the finishing technique to ensure better durability."