CCT Construction Materials & Labor Costs 2

Question 1

Which cost index is most commonly used to adjust historical construction material costs to present-day values?

Accepted Answer

Engineering News-Record (ENR) Construction Cost Index

Answer

The ENR Construction Cost Index tracks changes in material and labor costs specifically for the construction industry.

Question 2

A concrete mix design calls for a water-cement ratio of 0.45. If cement costs $180/ton and water is negligible, how does reducing the w/c ratio to 0.40 primarily affect material cost?

Accepted Answer

Increases cost by requiring more cement per unit volume

Answer

Lowering the w/c ratio requires more cement to maintain workability and strength, increasing material cost per unit volume of concrete.

Question 3

In labor cost estimating, what does the term 'crew balance' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Matching crew composition to equipment production rates to minimize idle time

Answer

Crew balance ensures that crew size and skill mix align with equipment output so no resource sits idle waiting on another.

Question 4

Structural steel is typically priced per ton in the US. Which of the following best describes the 'fabricated steel' cost versus 'mill steel' cost?

Accepted Answer

Fabricated steel is more expensive because it includes cutting, drilling, and welding to specification

Answer

Fabricated steel adds shop labor, cutting, drilling, welding, and coating costs on top of the raw mill price.

Question 5

Which labor burden component is typically mandated by US federal law and must be included in all labor cost estimates?

Accepted Answer

FICA (Social Security and Medicare taxes)

Answer

FICA taxes (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%) are federally mandated employer contributions included in every labor burden calculation.

(CCT) Certified Cost Technician Practice Test

(CCT) Certified Cost Technician Practice Test

CCT Construction Materials & Labor Costs 2