ASCE ASCE Construction Engineering and Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a submittal in the construction process?
- To verify that materials/equipment conform to contract requirements (Correct answer)
- To document field changes
- To request payment from the owner
- To report project progress
Correct answer: To verify that materials/equipment conform to contract requirements
Submittals—such as shop drawings and product data—are reviewed to confirm that proposed materials and methods meet the contract specifications.
Question 2: In construction scheduling, what is 'float' (or slack)?
- The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project (Correct answer)
- The extra material ordered above quantity takeoff
- The buffer added to a cost estimate
- The difference between planned and actual start dates
Correct answer: The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project
Float is the scheduling flexibility available for a non-critical activity before it impacts the overall project completion date.
Question 3: Which method of construction cost estimating is most detailed and accurate?
- Unit price (quantity takeoff) estimate (Correct answer)
- Parametric estimate
- Analogous estimate
- Order-of-magnitude estimate
Correct answer: Unit price (quantity takeoff) estimate
A unit price estimate, built from a detailed quantity takeoff multiplied by unit costs, is the most precise estimating method.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a Notice to Proceed (NTP) in construction contracts?
- To officially authorize the contractor to begin work (Correct answer)
- To notify the contractor of a deficiency
- To issue a change order
- To approve the contractor's schedule
Correct answer: To officially authorize the contractor to begin work
The NTP is an official written notice from the owner authorizing the contractor to mobilize and start construction.
Question 5: Which type of construction delivery method has the owner contracting separately with a designer and a contractor?
- Design-Bid-Build (Correct answer)
- Design-Build
- Construction Manager at Risk
- Integrated Project Delivery
Correct answer: Design-Bid-Build
In Design-Bid-Build, the owner holds separate contracts with the architect/engineer and the general contractor in a sequential process.
Question 6: What does a cost performance index (CPI) of 1.2 indicate?
- The project is getting $1.20 of value for every $1.00 spent (Correct answer)
- The project is 20% over budget
- The project is spending 20% more than planned
- The project is 20% behind schedule
Correct answer: The project is getting $1.20 of value for every $1.00 spent
A CPI greater than 1.0 means the project is under budget, earning more value than the money being spent.
ASCE ASCE Construction Engineering and Management 2
What is the primary function of a submittal in the construction process?