Construction Management Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the project manager during the pre-construction stage?

Ensure materials are delivered on time

Conduct site investigations

Assist with contract details

Oversee the entire project team (correct)

Which role is primarily responsible for coordinating on-site construction activities?

Field engineer

Contract administrator

Project manager

Superintendent (correct)

What is the purpose of a site investigation during the pre-construction stage?

To determine the budget for the project

To finalize the bid process with contractors

To identify specific subcontractors

To prepare the site for construction and address unforeseen conditions (correct)

Which of the following best describes a purchase order in the procurement stage?

An agreement specifying the price and product specifications Signup and view all the answers

When does the construction stage officially start?

During the pre-construction meeting led by the superintendent Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main roles of the contract administrator?

Help manage construction contract details Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of procurement involves hiring specialized contractors?

Subcontracting Signup and view all the answers

Why is a soil test conducted during pre-construction?

To establish if the soil is suitable for construction Signup and view all the answers

What must occur if endangered species are found on a construction site?

The site must be temporarily shut down. Signup and view all the answers

What measures may be taken to protect specific vegetation during construction?

Installing fences or security tape. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if historical or cultural artifacts are discovered during construction?

Work must pause until the artifacts can be examined and removed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required form of documentation for construction activities?

Monthly progress reports. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the construction manager (CM) in an agency CM model?

Providing impartial advice to the owner Signup and view all the answers

In which type of contract is the design-builder responsible for both the design and construction phases?

Design-build contracts Signup and view all the answers

Why are project diaries maintained by team members?

To keep track of daily activities and observations. Signup and view all the answers

How should any liquid spills be handled to protect wetlands during construction?

Spills must be maintained to prevent contaminants from entering the wetland. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the software-application field of construction collaboration technology play in construction management?

It helps in applying information technology to construction management Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of project meetings in construction activity documentation?

To discuss concerns and document decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of CM at-risk delivery method?

Guaranteeing a maximum price for project completion Signup and view all the answers

During which phase does the construction manager's ability to affect cost savings diminish?

Design phase Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly included in logs associated with construction projects?

Phone logs and delivery logs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the construction manager in agency CM?

Performing all physical construction tasks Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the design-builder fulfill regarding the owner's concept in design-build contracts?

Completing a detailed design based on the owner’s concept Signup and view all the answers

What is one role of the construction manager to prevent scope creep?

To enhance project design quality Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the pre-construction meeting?

To make decisions about work hours, material storage, quality control, and site access Signup and view all the answers

How are progress payments typically scheduled?

Monthly, based on project milestones or specified dates Signup and view all the answers

When does the warranty period begin for a construction project?

Once the owner occupies the building Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method for controlling dust at a construction site?

Using a water truck to spray water on dry dirt Signup and view all the answers

What environmental issue can arise from construction activities?

Soil displacement leading to storm water pollution Signup and view all the answers

What might warranties in construction refer to?

Obligations arising from a signed document or implied by law Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of mud created by construction vehicles?

Unclean roads due to mud on tires Signup and view all the answers

What role does proper preparation of payment information play in construction projects?

It helps contractors financially complete the project Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the construction manager during the preconstruction services phase?

To consult with the owner in development and design Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a GMP agreement?

A contract that includes adjustments in responsibility for the construction manager Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using a CM at-risk arrangement?

It encourages the construction manager to act in the owner’s interest Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a drawback of the CM at-risk model?

It may lead to reduced scope of work to fit within the GMP Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'CM at-risk' imply about the construction manager's responsibilities?

The manager has a financial stake in controlling construction costs Signup and view all the answers

How does the CM manage costs before design completion?

By conducting site management and purchasing major items Signup and view all the answers

In what type of projects is the CM at-risk delivery method most beneficial?

Projects with chances of scope changes and complex requirements Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does the construction manager encounter with a GMP that is set before the design begins?

It makes it hard to determine if the best possible bid was secured Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Construction

The pre-construction stage begins when the owner issues a notice to proceed to the contractor.
The project team is assigned, including the project manager (PM), contract administrator, superintendent, and field engineer.
A site investigation takes place to identify any necessary steps for site preparation.
Unforeseen conditions, such as historical artifacts or environmental problems, are assessed.
A soil test is conducted to determine the soil's suitability for construction.

Procurement

Procurement involves purchasing labor, materials, and equipment needed for the project.
General contractors may handle procurement if they perform all construction work themselves.
Subcontractors, specializing in specific construction aspects, are hired through bidding processes.
Purchase orders are used as agreements between buyers and sellers, ensuring product specifications and price adherence.

Construction Stage

A pre-construction meeting, led by the superintendent, establishes decisions on work hours, material storage, quality control, and site access.
The construction site is set up with necessary equipment and materials.
A contractor progress payment schedule outlines payments to contractors and suppliers based on project milestones or set dates.
Progress payments are made on a monthly basis or adjusted for specific milestones.

Owner Occupancy

A warranty period begins when the owner occupies the building, ensuring materials, equipment, and quality meet contractual expectations.

Issues Resulting from Construction

Dust and mud are created by construction vehicles, especially during dry months.
Water trucks are used for dust control by spraying water on dry dirt.
Mud created by water can be removed by street sweepers.
Storm water pollution can result from soil displacement, potentially contaminating water bodies.
Endangered species discovered on a construction site necessitate site closure until authorities assess the situation.
Protective measures are needed for vegetation and wetlands to prevent damage.
Historical or cultural artifacts require work stoppage until examination and removal.

Construction Activity Documentation

Project meetings are held to discuss construction progress, concerns, and issues.
Meeting discussions and decisions are documented.
Diaries, logs, and daily field reports record daily job site activities.
Project team members are expected to maintain diaries detailing daily work, conversations, observations, and relevant information.
Logs track various job site activities, including phone calls, transmissions, deliveries, and requests for information (RFIs).
Daily field reports are formal records of construction activities.

Design, Bid, Build Contracts

Design, bid, build is a prevalent construction management model where the general contractor is selected through a tender process following design completion.

Design-Build Contracts

In design-build contracts, the construction team, known as the design-builder, is responsible for design and construction.
Virtual design and construction technologies are used to optimize construction timelines.

Architect and Engineers

Architects and engineers perform work inspections, handle change orders, review payments, manage materials and samples, review shop drawings, and create 3D images.

Agency CM (Construction Manager)

Construction cost management is a fee-based service where the CM represents the owner's interests at every project stage.
Benefits of agency CM include:
- Optimal fund usage
- Work scope control
- Project scheduling
- Design and construction firm talent utilization
- Delay, change, and dispute prevention
- Enhanced project design and construction quality
- Flexibility in contracting and procurement
- Cash flow management
- Comprehensive project management starting from the initial concept.
The agency CM supports the owner in selecting design and construction teams, managing design, and staying within a pre-determined budget.

CM at Risk

CM at-risk involves a construction manager's guarantee to complete a project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
The construction manager acts as a consultant during design development and preconstruction phases and as a general contractor during construction.
The CM's focus shifts beyond representing the owner to controlling construction costs within the GMP.
CM at-risk aims for budget management before design completion and project mobilization.
Advantages include incentive for the CM to efficiently manage construction costs and handle design or scope changes.
Drawbacks include potential financial burden on the CM in case of cost overruns and potential reduction in work scope to fit the GMP.

CM at Risk: Bottom Line

CM at-risk is suited for large, complex projects with changing scope or tight deadlines.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential stages of construction management, including pre-construction, procurement, and the construction stage. It highlights key processes such as site investigation, soil testing, and procurement methods, providing a comprehensive understanding of project execution. Test your knowledge on the roles involved and the challenges faced during these stages.