Construction Management Flashcards

What is the work breakdown structure (WBS) in construction management?

Answer: A hierarchical decomposition of the total project scope into manageable work packages

The WBS decomposes the entire project scope into progressively smaller, manageable components (phases → deliverables → work packages → activities), forming the basis for scheduling, costing, and control.

Quality control in construction involves:

Answer: Systematic inspection and testing to verify work meets specifications and standards

Construction QC includes incoming material testing, in-process inspection (rebar placement, concrete pour, compaction), testing (cube tests, soil density), and documentation, all per approved quality plans.

The Gantt chart is used in construction for:

Answer: Visually displaying the project schedule with activity bars against a time axis

Gantt charts show activities as horizontal bars on a time axis, displaying start/finish dates, duration, dependencies, and progress. They are the most common scheduling visualization tool in construction management.

In Saudi construction contracts, a variation order is:

Answer: A formal instruction to change the scope, specification, or timing of contracted work

Variation orders (change orders) formally document changes to the original contract scope, including additions, deletions, or modifications. They must be properly documented and valued per contract provisions.

What is the purpose of a project risk register in construction?

Answer: To identify, assess, and plan responses to potential project risks

A risk register documents identified risks, their probability and impact, risk owners, and planned mitigation/response strategies. In Saudi construction, risks include extreme heat, supply delays, and regulatory changes.

Resource leveling in construction scheduling aims to:

Answer: Smooth out resource demand over time by adjusting non-critical activity timing

Resource leveling uses available float to reschedule non-critical activities, preventing resource peaks and valleys. This reduces mobilization/demobilization costs and improves efficiency.