BCM Bachelor of Construction Management MCQ 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which construction method involves pouring concrete walls on a flat surface and tilting them up into vertical position?
- Slip form construction
- Tilt-up construction (Correct answer)
- Precast panel construction
- Flying form construction
Correct answer: Tilt-up construction
Tilt-up construction casts concrete wall panels flat on the slab, then uses cranes to tilt them up into their final vertical position once cured.
Question 2: What does Building Information Modeling (BIM) primarily enable in construction projects?
- Automated permit submission to local authorities
- A digital 3D model integrating design, cost, and schedule data for all stakeholders (Correct answer)
- Wireless communication between field workers and the office
- Automated material ordering based on project schedules
Correct answer: A digital 3D model integrating design, cost, and schedule data for all stakeholders
BIM creates a shared digital model that integrates spatial, material, cost, and schedule information, improving coordination and reducing conflicts among all project teams.
Question 3: Under the Miller Act, what is required on US federal construction contracts exceeding $150,000?
- A certified minority-owned subcontractor for at least 10% of the work
- Performance and payment bonds from the prime contractor (Correct answer)
- A licensed professional engineer as project manager
- Mandatory third-party safety audits every 30 days
Correct answer: Performance and payment bonds from the prime contractor
The Miller Act requires contractors on federal projects over $150,000 to furnish performance bonds (protecting the government) and payment bonds (protecting subcontractors and suppliers).
Question 4: What is the purpose of a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in a construction contract?
- To guarantee the subcontractors a minimum payment amount
- To cap the owner's maximum cost exposure while allowing shared savings (Correct answer)
- To ensure the contractor earns a minimum profit margin
- To set a fixed price for all future change orders
Correct answer: To cap the owner's maximum cost exposure while allowing shared savings
A GMP contract caps the total amount the owner will pay; if final costs are lower, savings are typically shared between the owner and contractor per a predetermined formula.
Question 5: Which organization publishes the Master Format used for organizing construction specifications in North America?
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) (Correct answer)
- Associated General Contractors (AGC)
- National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
Correct answer: Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
CSI publishes MasterFormat, the standard numbering and organizational system for construction specifications, which divides work into divisions and sections.
Question 6: What is the primary role of a geotechnical investigation (soil report) in construction project planning?
- To verify property boundary lines and survey data
- To determine soil bearing capacity and subsurface conditions for foundation design (Correct answer)
- To identify underground utility locations before excavation
- To test air and water quality on the project site
Correct answer: To determine soil bearing capacity and subsurface conditions for foundation design
A geotechnical investigation uses borings and lab tests to characterize subsurface soil and groundwater conditions, providing data essential for foundation design and earthwork planning.
Question 7: In construction cost estimating, what is the difference between direct costs and indirect costs?
- Direct costs are paid to subcontractors; indirect costs go to suppliers
- Direct costs are tied to specific work activities; indirect costs support the project overall but cannot be assigned to a single activity (Correct answer)
- Direct costs occur on-site; indirect costs are incurred at the home office only
- Direct costs are fixed; indirect costs vary with project duration
Correct answer: Direct costs are tied to specific work activities; indirect costs support the project overall but cannot be assigned to a single activity
Direct costs (labor, materials, equipment for specific tasks) are traceable to individual work items, while indirect costs (supervision, site utilities, insurance) support the project as a whole.
BCM Bachelor of Construction Management MCQ 5
Which construction method involves pouring concrete walls on a flat surface and tilting them up into vertical position?