Construction Blueprint Reading and Estimating 3

Question 1

What is 'general conditions' cost in a construction estimate?

Accepted Answer

Indirect project costs like supervision, temporary facilities, and insurance

Answer

General conditions costs cover indirect expenses required to complete a project, including project management, temporary utilities, site trailers, and insurance.

Question 2

On a structural drawing, what does the symbol 'W12×53' represent?

Accepted Answer

A wide-flange steel beam 12 inches deep weighing 53 pounds per linear foot

Answer

W12×53 is the designation for a wide-flange (W-shape) steel beam with a nominal depth of 12 inches and a weight of 53 pounds per linear foot.

Question 3

What is 'value engineering' in a construction project?

Accepted Answer

A systematic method to improve the value of a project by analyzing function vs. cost

Answer

Value engineering is a systematic approach to improving project value by identifying and eliminating unnecessary costs while maintaining required functions and quality.

Question 4

What does the abbreviation 'BM' stand for on surveying and site plans?

Accepted Answer

Benchmark

Answer

BM stands for Benchmark, a reference point of known elevation used by surveyors to establish elevations for a construction project.

Question 5

In construction scheduling, what is a 'critical path'?

Accepted Answer

The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines project duration

Answer

The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the minimum project completion time; any delay on the critical path delays the entire project.

Construction Practice Test

Construction Practice Test

Construction Blueprint Reading and Estimating 3