Construction Planning and Management Flashcards

In a Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule, what is total float?

Answer: The time an activity can be delayed without delaying project completion

Total float is the amount of time an activity can slip without pushing back the project finish date.

An activity has an early start of day 10, a duration of 5 days, and a late finish of day 18. What is its total float?

Answer: 3 days

Early finish is day 15, so total float equals late finish 18 minus early finish 15, which is 3 days.

What does free float represent in a CPM network?

Answer: Delay allowed without affecting the early start of any following activity

Free float is the slack an activity has before it delays the early start of its immediate successor.

Which dependency type describes drywall hanging that cannot start until framing inspection is approved?

Answer: Finish-to-start

The successor (drywall) can only start after the predecessor (inspection) finishes, which is a finish-to-start relationship.

A builder overlaps trades so interior painting starts on the first floor while drywall finishing continues upstairs. What is this schedule compression technique called?

Answer: Fast-tracking

Fast-tracking performs sequential activities in parallel to shorten duration, usually at increased risk of rework.

Adding a second framing crew to shorten the framing phase at higher cost is an example of what?

Answer: Crashing

Crashing shortens activity duration by adding resources, which typically increases direct cost.

What is the primary purpose of a three-week look-ahead schedule on a home building project?

Answer: To coordinate near-term trade work, materials, and inspections in detail

Look-ahead schedules break the master schedule into detailed short-term tasks so superintendents can line up crews, deliveries, and inspections.