CDS Demolition Project Planning & Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a pre-demolition survey?
- To estimate material salvage value
- To identify hazardous materials and structural conditions before work begins (Correct answer)
- To determine the project timeline
- To calculate equipment rental costs
Correct answer: To identify hazardous materials and structural conditions before work begins
A pre-demolition survey identifies hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, etc.) and assesses structural conditions to ensure safe and compliant demolition.
Question 2: Which document must a demolition contractor typically file with local authorities before starting work on a structure over a certain size?
- A material salvage manifest
- A demolition permit application (Correct answer)
- An equipment inspection log
- A subcontractor agreement
Correct answer: A demolition permit application
Most jurisdictions require a demolition permit application that documents the scope of work, methods, and safety measures before demolition begins.
Question 3: When developing a demolition work plan, which factor most directly affects the sequencing of structural element removal?
- Client preference for aesthetics
- Structural load paths and stability (Correct answer)
- Equipment availability schedule
- Neighboring property values
Correct answer: Structural load paths and stability
Load paths and structural stability dictate the safest sequence of element removal to prevent premature or uncontrolled collapse.
Question 4: A project manager discovers mid-project that the structure contains more asbestos than initially surveyed. What is the FIRST action?
- Continue work and note it in the daily log
- Stop work in affected areas and notify the project owner and regulators (Correct answer)
- Have workers wear additional PPE and continue
- Accelerate work to minimize exposure time
Correct answer: Stop work in affected areas and notify the project owner and regulators
Discovery of additional hazardous materials requires stopping affected work and notifying the owner and appropriate regulatory agencies before resuming.
Question 5: What does a 'progress schedule' in demolition project management typically use to track task dependencies?
- Gantt chart or Critical Path Method (CPM) (Correct answer)
- Material safety data sheets
- OSHA 300 logs
- Equipment maintenance records
Correct answer: Gantt chart or Critical Path Method (CPM)
Gantt charts and CPM scheduling are standard tools for tracking task sequences, durations, and dependencies in demolition project planning.
Question 6: In demolition budgeting, which cost category typically represents the largest single expense?
- Permit fees
- Labor and equipment (Correct answer)
- Material testing
- Office administrative costs
Correct answer: Labor and equipment
Labor and equipment costs typically dominate demolition project budgets due to the intensive use of heavy machinery and skilled workers.
Question 7: Which stakeholder communication method is MOST effective for keeping neighboring businesses informed about demolition noise and dust schedules?
- Posting notices only on the project site fence
- Proactive written notices combined with a project contact hotline (Correct answer)
- Waiting for complaints before responding
- Verbal notifications only at project start
Correct answer: Proactive written notices combined with a project contact hotline
Written advance notices with a contact hotline allows neighbors to plan around disruptions and resolve concerns before they escalate to complaints or regulatory action.
CDS Demolition Project Planning & Management 2
What is the primary purpose of a pre-demolition survey?