Mixed Deck — All AIC Topics Flashcards

Resource leveling in project scheduling is used to:

Answer: Smooth resource demand by shifting non-critical activities within their float

Resource leveling shifts non-critical activities within available float to smooth peaks and valleys in resource demand.

Which scheduling technique is best suited for repetitive construction tasks such as highway paving?

Answer: Line of Balance

Line of Balance is designed for repetitive work, showing production rates and crew continuity across multiple identical units.

A constructor who provides false information on a project progress report to the owner is violating which fundamental ethical principle?

Answer: Honesty and integrity

Providing false information directly violates the core ethical principle of honesty and integrity that underpins all professional relationships.

Under AIA A201, if the Architect rejects work that does not conform to the contract documents, who bears the cost of correcting it?

Answer: The contractor

The contractor must promptly correct rejected work at its own expense, including added testing and compensation for design services.

Under AIA A201, what is the purpose of the Architect's site visits during construction?

Answer: To become generally familiar with progress and quality and determine if work is in general accordance with the contract documents

A201 states the Architect is not required to make exhaustive or continuous inspections.

What does the doctrine of contra proferentem require when a contract term is ambiguous?

Answer: It is construed against the party that drafted it

Ambiguity is resolved against the drafter, provided the other party's reading is reasonable.

Which ASTM standard is the test method for compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens?

Answer: ASTM C39

ASTM C39 covers compressive strength testing of concrete cylinders; C143 is slump, C31 is making and curing specimens, and C231 is air content.

Under the IBC, what is the maximum riser height and minimum tread depth for most commercial stairways?

Answer: 7 inches riser, 11 inches tread

IBC 1011.5.2 sets a 7-inch maximum riser and 11-inch minimum tread, while the IRC allows 7-3/4 and 10 inches for dwellings.

What is a critical path in a construction schedule?

Answer: The longest sequence determining project duration.

In a construction schedule, the critical path is the longest sequence of activities that must be completed on time for the entire project to finish by its deadline. Any delay in an activity on the critical path will directly delay the project's overall completion. Identifying and managing the critical path is essential for effective project control and ensuring timely delivery.

In multistory concrete construction, what is reshoring?

Answer: Placing shores under a slab after the original forms and shores have been removed

Reshores are placed after stripping to support young slabs and spread construction loads to the floors below.

In American Institute of Constructors, which factor MOST influences the selection of appropriate tools & equipment operation?

Answer: The specific requirements and constraints of the situation

The specific requirements and constraints of each situation should drive technique selection to ensure the most effective and appropriate approach.

Which statement best distinguishes quality assurance (QA) from quality control (QC) on a construction project?

Answer: QA focuses on planned processes that prevent defects, while QC inspects and tests the work to detect defects

QA is process-oriented and preventive, while QC is product-oriented verification through inspection and testing.

Which of the following is a key responsibility of a construction superintendent regarding workforce management?

Answer: Coordinating crew scheduling, production targets, and field discipline

The superintendent manages field crews by scheduling labor, monitoring productivity, enforcing site rules, and maintaining the work pace.

When conducting a safety protocols & compliance review in American Institute of Constructors, which approach yields the BEST results?

Answer: Systematic analysis using established frameworks and checklists

Systematic analysis using established frameworks ensures comprehensive coverage of all potential risks and provides consistent, reliable results.

Which cost is classified as an ownership cost rather than an operating cost for construction equipment?

Answer: Depreciation

Depreciation, interest, insurance, and taxes are ownership costs that accrue whether or not the equipment runs.

How can client communication & service be improved in a American Institute of Constructors setting?

Answer: Regular feedback mechanisms and training in communication skills

Regular feedback mechanisms identify communication gaps while training develops the skills needed to address them effectively.

In CSI MasterFormat (2004 and later editions), Division 31 covers:

Answer: Earthwork

Division 31 is Earthwork, while Electrical is 26, Plumbing is 22, and Finishes is 09.

Under OSHA 1926.453, what fall protection is required for workers in a boom-supported aerial lift?

Answer: A body belt or harness with lanyard attached to the boom or basket

Workers in boom lifts must wear fall protection with the lanyard attached to the boom or basket, never to a nearby structure.

Which equipment metric compares the hours a machine actually works with the hours it is available on site?

Answer: Utilization rate

Utilization rate shows how effectively equipment is used, and low utilization points to excess fleet or poor scheduling.

Which international standard specifies requirements for a quality management system that construction firms may be certified to?

Answer: ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is the quality management system standard; 14001 is environmental and 45001 is safety.