BCM Trivia 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'constructability review' in the pre-construction phase?
- An analysis of design documents to identify construction issues before building begins (Correct answer)
- A review of contractor qualifications for bidding
- An inspection of completed construction for code compliance
- A financial audit of construction costs
Correct answer: An analysis of design documents to identify construction issues before building begins
A constructability review evaluates design documents early to catch conflicts, errors, and impractical details before they become costly field problems.
Question 2: What does 'MEP' stand for in building construction?
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (Correct answer)
- Materials, Equipment, and Procurement
- Management, Estimation, and Planning
- Mechanical, Envelope, and Passive systems
Correct answer: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
MEP refers to the three major building systems—Mechanical (HVAC), Electrical, and Plumbing—that are typically designed and installed by specialized subcontractors.
Question 3: Which type of soil is most susceptible to liquefaction during an earthquake?
- Loose, saturated, fine-grained sand (Correct answer)
- Dense, dry gravel
- Solid bedrock
- Stiff, over-consolidated clay
Correct answer: Loose, saturated, fine-grained sand
Loose, water-saturated sandy soils lose shear strength during seismic shaking and behave like a liquid, a process called liquefaction.
Question 4: In the context of building codes, what does 'IBC' stand for?
- International Building Code (Correct answer)
- Independent Building Certification
- Integrated Building Compliance
- Industrial Building Code
Correct answer: International Building Code
The International Building Code (IBC) is published by the International Code Council and adopted widely across the United States as the model building code.
Question 5: What is the purpose of 'shop drawings' submitted by a contractor?
- To show how the contractor intends to fabricate or install specific components (Correct answer)
- To provide architectural renderings for owner approval
- To document as-built conditions after installation
- To illustrate the overall project master plan
Correct answer: To show how the contractor intends to fabricate or install specific components
Shop drawings are detailed fabrication or installation drawings prepared by subcontractors or suppliers, submitted for review to confirm conformance with design intent.
Question 6: Which federal agency enforces workplace safety regulations on construction sites in the United States?
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) (Correct answer)
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
- NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
- DOL (Department of Labor)
Correct answer: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
OSHA, part of the US Department of Labor, sets and enforces standards for safe and healthful working conditions, including construction sites.
Question 7: What is the primary function of a 'construction manager' under a CM-as-Agent delivery model?
- To provide professional advisory services on behalf of the owner without assuming construction risk (Correct answer)
- To hold all subcontracts and bear financial risk for construction costs
- To design the project and then manage its construction
- To act as both owner and contractor simultaneously
Correct answer: To provide professional advisory services on behalf of the owner without assuming construction risk
In CM-as-Agent, the construction manager advises the owner and manages the project for a fee but does not hold subcontracts or guarantee a maximum price.
BCM Trivia 5
What is 'constructability review' in the pre-construction phase?