Module 1 Introduction

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Questions and Answers

Which sector of the construction industry primarily focuses on public works like roads and bridges?

Industrial

Institutional and Commercial

Residential

Heavy/Civil Engineering (correct)

What is the largest product producing industry in the United States?

Health Services

Construction (correct)

Manufacturing

Information Technology

Which of the following is NOT a type of Residential construction mentioned?

Condominium/Co-op

Multi-Family Home

Industrial Facility (correct)

Single-Family Home

Which component is included in the Industrial construction sector?

Manufacturing Facilities Signup and view all the answers

Institutional and Commercial construction caters mainly to what kind of purposes?

Commercial and Institutional Use Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following construction sectors involves constructing roads, aqueducts, and power lines?

Heavy/Civil Engineering Signup and view all the answers

What type of facility is primarily associated with the Industrial construction sector?

Storage Facilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a specific example of Heavy/Civil Engineering construction?

Electricity Lines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles is primarily associated with Construction Contractors?

Schedulers Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of industrial buildings constructed between the 1920s and onward?

Skeleton framing and curtain walls Signup and view all the answers

During which period were significant advances made in construction methods for industrial buildings?

1874-1904 Signup and view all the answers

What role did railroads play in the development of the United States?

They were the engine of growth and expansion to the West. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following man-made canals was completed first?

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Signup and view all the answers

Which construction feature became prevalent in industrial buildings during the 1920s?

Curtain walls Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about early canals in relation to civilization?

They played a major role in the development of early civilization. Signup and view all the answers

What development occurred in industrial building construction methods after 1904?

Emergence of concrete building systems Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant limitation of buildings in the 1800s regarding their height?

Walls were load bearing and up to 5 feet thick. Signup and view all the answers

Which engineering innovation was NOT essential for the development of skyscrapers?

Precast concrete Signup and view all the answers

What does the caisson method refer to in the context of construction?

A foundation construction method. Signup and view all the answers

How did the management of construction change from ancient times to modern practices?

It shifted from a Master Builder approach to one involving various management roles. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines the demand for different types of construction products?

Governmental policy decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which construction type is NOT mentioned as a traditional material compared to modern materials?

Glass Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic aspect of construction projects in terms of pricing?

Each project has a discrete price determination process. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best characterizes modern construction practices?

The construction industry integrates a diverse group of stakeholders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern management addresses in construction projects?

Time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the 4 M’s that drive construction projects?

Methodology Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of national GDP is attributed to the construction industry?

8-13% Signup and view all the answers

Which management level focuses on project attributes and physical components?

Project Management Signup and view all the answers

What is the average size of a construction company?

Less than 10 employees Signup and view all the answers

Which stage comes first in the linear project life cycle?

Owner’s need Signup and view all the answers

What is the failure rate of construction businesses?

20% Signup and view all the answers

How much of the overall construction work is performed by the top 40 companies?

25-35% Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Construction Industry Overview

The construction industry is the second largest industry in the United States, behind health services, and the largest product-producing industry.
The industry is comprised of four sectors: residential, heavy/civil engineering, industrial, and institutional and commercial.

Residential Construction

Residential construction includes single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and multi-family homes.

Heavy/Civil Engineering

Heavy/civil engineering includes the construction of public and private works, such as roads, aqueducts, sewers, bridges, dams, power lines, and natural gas pipelines.

Industrial Construction

Industrial construction includes facilities used for mineral resource exploitation, raw materials transformation, and goods production.
Examples include manufacturing facilities, warehouses, construction equipment storage, and machinery storage.

Institutional and Commercial Construction

Institutional and commercial construction includes structures used for institutional and commercial purposes.
Examples include educational centers, entertainment facilities, financial institutions, hotels, libraries, religious centers, restaurants, and tenant improvements.

Construction Industry Importance

The construction industry generates over $1 trillion in annual volume.
The top 40 companies perform between 25-35% of the construction work.
It contributes between 8-13% of the national GDP.
The industry employs over 10 million people.
The construction industry has a low investment in research and development (R&D), at approximately 0.4% of sales.
It is considered an "easy entry" industry, with businesses failing at a rate of 20%, with an average company size of less than 10 employees.

Construction Projects

Projects are resource driven, requiring manpower, machines, materials, and money.
Management concerns include time, cost, quality, safety, and environmental impact.

Project Development

The project life cycle follows a linear process, starting with the owner's need and ending with the disposal process.
Key stages include feasibility assessment, preliminary and final engineering and design, bidding and contract award, construction activities and management, facility use and management.
Success requires effective collaboration and good relations between the owner, engineer, and contractor.

Management in Construction

Construction management is divided into organizational, project, operational (and process), and task levels.
Organizational level - focuses on project attributes and physical components.
Project level - focuses on project activities and management.
Operational and process level - focuses on field actions and technological processes.
Task Level - focuses on individual work tasks.

Construction Industry Differences

The modern construction industry differs from ancient construction in several ways:
- Increased mechanization
- Specialized management compared to master builders
- Use of steel and concrete frames, compared to wood and stone.
- Larger project scales
- Use of improved and new building materials.

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Description

This quiz explores the key sectors of the construction industry, including residential, heavy/civil engineering, industrial, and institutional and commercial construction. Understanding these areas is essential for anyone interested in the dynamics of the largest product-producing industry in the U.S.