Construction Management MCQ Practice Set — 35 Questions with Answers
35 exam-oriented Construction Management multiple-choice questions with the correct answer and a clear explanation for each. Frequently asked in AE Level Civil Engineering, JE Level Civil Engineering. Solve the full set below for free — no login required.
- 1Construction EquipmentMEDIUM
A concrete batching plant produces 0.5 m³ per batch with a cycle time of 3 minutes. Working at 50 productive minutes per hour, the output per hour is:
A5.0 m³/hrB6.25 m³/hrC8.33 m³/hrD10.0 m³/hrAnswer: C. 8.33 m³/hr
Explanation: Productive cycles/hr = 50 min ÷ 3 min = 16.67 cycles. Output = 16.67 × 0.5 m³ = 8.33 m³/hr. Efficiency factor accounts for changeover, setup and minor delays; a 50/60 ratio (83%) is standard for batching plants.
- 2Contract ManagementMEDIUM
In a lump sum contract, cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions are borne by:
AThe client — all risks lie with the ownerBThe contractor — who quoted a fixed price for the entire scopeCShared equally between client and contractorDCovered by the contingency fund maintained by the governmentAnswer: B. The contractor — who quoted a fixed price for the entire scope
Explanation: In a lump sum/fixed-price contract, the contractor bears cost overrun risk as they have quoted one total price. This contrasts with item-rate contracts where payment adjusts to actual quantities. Contractors factor site risks into their lump sum quote.
- 3Original practiceMEDIUM
A brick wall is 5 m long, 4 m high and 0.35 m thick. Quantity of brick masonry is
A20 m³B3.5 m³C7 m³D14 m³Answer: C. 7 m³
Explanation: Volume of brick masonry = Length × Height × Thickness = 5 × 4 × 0.35 = 7 m³ m³. In building estimation, brick wall quantities are computed as the gross volume (deductions for openings done separately). Standard brick sizes in India: 190×90×90 mm with mortar joints of 10 mm.
- 4Project CrashingMEDIUM
An activity has normal duration 10 days, normal cost Rs.8,000, crash duration 7 days and crash cost Rs.14,000. The cost slope is:
ARs. 1,000/dayBRs. 2,000/dayCRs. 4,000/dayDRs. 6,000/dayAnswer: B. Rs. 2,000/day
Explanation: Cost slope = (Crash cost − Normal cost)/(Normal duration − Crash duration) = (14,000 − 8,000)/(10 − 7) = 6,000/3 = Rs. 2,000/day. Lower cost slope = cheaper to crash; crash this activity first in network crashing.
- 5Tender DocumentsMEDIUM
Which of the following is issued AFTER a contract is awarded and is NOT a tender document?
ANotice Inviting Tender (NIT)BBill of Quantities (BOQ)CLetter of Acceptance (LOA)DGeneral Conditions of Contract (GCC)Answer: C. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Explanation: NIT, BOQ, GCC, drawings and technical specifications are all tender documents issued to bidders before bid submission. LOA is sent to the successful bidder after evaluation to formally accept their offer — it is a post-tender document that converts the accepted bid into a contract.
- 6Original practiceMEDIUM
One face of a wall 5 m by 3 m is to be plastered. Plastering area is
A15 m²B30 m²C8 m²D7.5 m²Answer: A. 15 m²
Explanation: Plastering area (surface area) = length x height (m^2) for one face of a wall. Per IS 1200 Part 14, plastering is measured as the actual plastered area in m^2. Deductions are made for openings (doors, windows) above 0.5 m^2; additions for reveals, jambs, and soffits if not measured separately. Area = length × height = 15 m².
- 7PYQ/PYQ-PatternMEDIUM
If concrete quantity is 5 m³ and rate is Rs. 5000/m³, amount is
ARs. 12500BRs. 25000CRs. 50000DRs. 5005Answer: B. Rs. 25000
Explanation: Bill of quantities amount = measured quantity x unit rate (Rs.). In building estimation, cost = measured volume/area x analysis-of-rates unit cost. The abstract of cost aggregates all item amounts to give project total cost. Add GST and contractor overhead/profit to arrive at the contract (tender) value. Amount=quantity×rate=5×5000=Rs. 25000.
- 8Network AnalysisMEDIUM
Independent float of an activity is the maximum delay that can be used without affecting:
AThe early start of successor activitiesBThe early start of successor activities and the late finish of predecessor activitiesCThe total float of preceding activitiesDThe critical path length of the projectAnswer: B. The early start of successor activities and the late finish of predecessor activities
Explanation: Independent float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the early start of any successor activity or the late finish of any predecessor activity. It is calculated as: IF = ES_successor - LF_predecessor - Duration_activity (if negative, IF = 0).
- 9Construction ManagementMEDIUM
In the PERT technique, the critical path has slack equal to
Aalways zeroBpositive valueCnegative valueDzeroAnswer: D. zero
Explanation: In PERT/CPM, the critical path is defined as the path with zero slack (or minimum slack in a network). While negative slack can exist in constrained projects, the standard definition of the critical path is zero slack.
- 10Contract Types ClassificationMEDIUM
A lump-sum (fixed-price) contract is most appropriate when:
AThe scope of work is uncertain and likely to change frequentlyBThe scope, drawings, and specifications are well-defined at the time of tendering, and the contractor takes the risk of cost overrunCThe project involves complex unknowns best managed on cost-plus basisDSpeed of construction is the only priorityAnswer: B. The scope, drawings, and specifications are well-defined at the time of tendering, and the contractor takes the risk of cost overrun
Explanation: Lump-sum contract: total price fixed at award; scope fully defined in tender documents. Contractor bears cost-overrun risk; employer bears scope-change risk (variations). Suitable for building construction with complete designs. Cost-plus (reimbursable) is used for uncertain scope (emergency, refurbishment). Unit-rate contract is used for earthwork, road work where quantities vary.
- 11Estimating, Costing and Construction ManagementEASY
The process of determining present worth of a property is called:
ATenderingBValuationCIndentingDGaugingAnswer: B. Valuation
Explanation: Valuation estimates the current monetary worth of a property or asset.
- 12GeneralMEDIUM
A revised estimate is prepared when
Aonly measurement book is lostBsanctioned estimate is likely to be exceeded beyond permissible limitCno design change occursDwork is completed exactly at original amountAnswer: B. sanctioned estimate is likely to be exceeded beyond permissible limit
Explanation: Revised estimate is needed for material changes or cost escalation beyond allowed limits.
- 13Quality ControlMEDIUM
As per IS 456:2000, the minimum number of samples of concrete to be taken per day's pour for a structure is:
A1 sample per 5 m³ — no minimum frequencyB1 sample per 50 m³ but not less than 4 samples per day of pourC2 samples per day regardless of volumeD1 sample per batch regardless of volumeAnswer: B. 1 sample per 50 m³ but not less than 4 samples per day of pour
Explanation: IS 456:2000 Cl. 15.2.2: Minimum frequency of sampling = 1 sample per 50 m³ or per day of pour, whichever requires more samples, but not less than 4 samples for a day's pour when volume > 30 m³. Each sample = 3 cubes (tested at 7 days, 28 days). This ensures statistical validity.
- 14Construction SequenceMEDIUM
The correct sequence for brick masonry construction of a load-bearing wall is:
AFoundation → scaffolding → brick laying → curing → plasteringBFoundation → brick laying → scaffolding → plastering → curingCScaffolding → foundation → brick laying → curing → plasteringDFoundation → brick laying → curing → scaffolding → plasteringAnswer: A. Foundation → scaffolding → brick laying → curing → plastering
Explanation: Foundation is excavated and laid first. Scaffolding is erected at ground level before masonry begins and raised as height increases. Brick laying proceeds course by course. Curing of mortar joints must begin soon after laying and continue for 7 days. Plastering after masonry has set sufficiently (7–14 days minimum).
- 15GeneralMEDIUM
The plinth area of a building is measured at
Afloor level including wall thicknessBfoundation bottom onlyCcentre line of roadDroof top only excluding wallsAnswer: A. floor level including wall thickness
Explanation: Plinth area is covered built-up area measured at floor/plinth level.
- 16GeneralMEDIUM
In rate analysis, contractor’s profit is commonly added as a percentage of
Aonly cement weightBonly water chargesCcost of materials, labour, equipment and overheadsDonly salvage valueAnswer: C. cost of materials, labour, equipment and overheads
Explanation: Contractor’s profit is added over the estimated cost components.
- 17Estimate TypesMEDIUM
A 'revised estimate' in public works is prepared when the sanctioned amount is likely to be exceeded by more than:
A2.5%B5%C10%D15%Answer: B. 5%
Explanation: As per general financial rules, a revised estimate must be prepared when the probable cost of the work exceeds the sanctioned amount by more than 5%. It must be submitted for fresh approval before expenditure exceeds sanction. A supplementary estimate is prepared for additional work not included in original scope.
- 18Formwork StrikingMEDIUM
As per IS 456:2000, the minimum period after casting before formwork (shuttering) of vertical faces of columns and walls may be removed is:
A6 hoursB16–24 hoursC3 daysD7 daysAnswer: B. 16–24 hours
Explanation: IS 456:2000 Table 5 (Stripping times): Vertical faces of beams and columns = 16–24 hrs. Soffit of slabs (with props) = 3 days. Soffit of beams (props remaining) = 7 days. Removal of props for beams spanning ≤6 m = 14 days. Earlier stripping risks cold joint and surface damage.
- 19Earned ValueMEDIUM
A project has SPI (Schedule Performance Index) = 0.85. This indicates that the project is:
A15% ahead of scheduleBBehind schedule — earning only 85 paise of work for every rupee of planned workC15% over budgetD85% physically completeAnswer: B. Behind schedule — earning only 85 paise of work for every rupee of planned work
Explanation: SPI = EV/PV. SPI < 1 means project is behind schedule (earning less value than planned). SPI = 0.85 means for every Rs.100 of work planned, only Rs.85 worth is actually accomplished. CPI = EV/AC measures cost performance. SPI > 1 = ahead of schedule; SPI < 1 = behind.
- 20TenderMEDIUM
The earnest money deposit (EMD) in a public tender serves to:
ACover the contractor's material procurement costsBEnsure the successful bidder does not withdraw before executing the contract agreementCProvide a fund for defect rectification after project completionDAct as an advance payment for mobilisationAnswer: B. Ensure the successful bidder does not withdraw before executing the contract agreement
Explanation: EMD (bid security) protects the tender authority: if the L1 bidder withdraws after acceptance or refuses to sign, EMD is forfeited. Typically 2–5% of estimated project cost. EMD of unsuccessful bidders is refunded promptly; successful bidder's EMD is adjusted against security deposit after signing.
- 21Contract ManagementMEDIUM
The defects liability period (DLP) in most standard public works contracts in India runs for:
A6 months from award of contractB12 months from virtual/practical completion of the workC24 months from the date of contract signingD36 months from first beneficial use of the structureAnswer: B. 12 months from virtual/practical completion of the work
Explanation: DLP = 12 months from Virtual Completion Certificate (VCC) date — the contractor must rectify all defects notified during this period at their own cost. After satisfactory DLP, the Final Completion Certificate is issued and security deposit is released. FIDIC recommends 12 months; varies with contract type.
- 22PYQ/PYQ-PatternMEDIUM
For an activity, ES=2, LS=3, EF=7, LF=8. Total float is
A2 daysB5 daysC3 daysD1 daysAnswer: D. 1 days
Explanation: Total float (TF) = LS - ES = LF - EF, where LS = Latest allowable Start, ES = Earliest possible Start, LF = Latest allowable Finish, EF = Earliest possible Finish. TF = 0 implies a critical activity (on the critical path); any delay directly delays project completion. Free float = min(ES_successors) - EF of that activity. Total float = LS-ES = LF-EF = 1 days.
- 23ScaffoldingMEDIUM
An independent scaffold (freestanding scaffold) differs from a putlog scaffold in that:
AIndependent scaffold is supported by the building wall at all levelsBIndependent scaffold has two rows of standards and does not rely on the building for supportCIndependent scaffold is used only for painting and finishing workDIndependent scaffold cannot exceed 5 m in heightAnswer: B. Independent scaffold has two rows of standards and does not rely on the building for support
Explanation: Putlog scaffold: one row of standards + putlogs projecting into the wall (needs to lean on building). Independent scaffold: two parallel rows of standards, fully self-supporting — used when wall cannot be disturbed (renovation, repairs) or for multi-storey work. Independent is stronger and safer.
- 24PERTMEDIUM
In PERT analysis, individual activity durations are assumed to follow a probability distribution because:
ANormal distribution best fits all construction activitiesBBeta distribution is bounded (has minimum and maximum values), suitable for activity durationsCPoisson distribution applies to random events on construction sitesDExponential distribution models the decay of activity uncertainty over timeAnswer: B. Beta distribution is bounded (has minimum and maximum values), suitable for activity durations
Explanation: PERT uses the Beta distribution because activity durations are bounded: they cannot be negative and have a definite maximum. Beta is flexible — it can be symmetric or skewed — and requires only three time estimates (a, m, b). The project duration approximates a normal distribution via CLT.
- 25PYQ/PYQ-PatternMEDIUM
Contingencies in an estimate are provided for
AUnforeseen minor expensesBTax onlyCDepreciation onlyDContractor profit onlyAnswer: A. Unforeseen minor expenses
Explanation: Contingencies cover small unforeseen items not specifically measured.
- 26Original practiceMEDIUM
A detailed estimate is prepared from
AOnly soil colourBWorking drawings and specificationsCOnly rough guessDOnly rainfall dataAnswer: B. Working drawings and specifications
Explanation: Detailed estimate is quantity take-off based on drawings, rates and specifications.
- 27Critical ActivityMEDIUM
In a CPM network, a critical activity is one with:
AMaximum resource requirementBZero total floatCMaximum duration among all activitiesDLongest predecessor chainAnswer: B. Zero total float
Explanation: Critical activities lie on the critical path — any delay increases project duration. They have zero total float (TF = LS − ES = LF − EF = 0). Non-critical activities have positive TF and can be delayed within limits without delaying the project.
- 28Quality ControlMEDIUM
Acceptance sampling in construction quality control involves:
ATesting every unit in every batch delivered to siteBAccepting or rejecting an entire lot based on results from a random sampleCDetermining the characteristic compressive strength of concrete onlyDNon-destructive testing of structural elements in serviceAnswer: B. Accepting or rejecting an entire lot based on results from a random sample
Explanation: Acceptance sampling (IS 2500) is a statistical QC technique: a sample is drawn from a lot, tested against AQL (Acceptable Quality Level), and the decision to accept/reject the whole lot is made. It balances inspection cost against risk of accepting defective material.
- 29Original practiceMEDIUM
In long wall-short wall method, length of long wall is measured
AOut-to-outBIn-to-inCCentre-to-centre onlyDAt plinth onlyAnswer: A. Out-to-out
Explanation: Long walls are measured out-to-out and short walls in-to-in.
- 30Earned ValueMEDIUM
During an JE solution review on Earned Value, what is the safest statement about cost and schedule performance? Avoid the common trap that earned value uses only rainfall.
Aearned value compares planned value, earned value and actual costBearned value uses only rainfallCschedule variance is always zeroDactual cost is never recordedAnswer: A. earned value compares planned value, earned value and actual cost
Explanation: EVM integrates scope, cost and schedule progress. Correct option: A.
- 31Performance BondHARD
In a CPWD (Central Public Works Department) contract, the performance security (security deposit) withheld from running bills is typically:
A1–2% per bill until 10% of contract value is retainedB5% deducted from each running bill until 5% of contract value is accumulatedC10% of each running bill until 15% of contract value is accumulatedD2.5% per bill until full contract amount is paidAnswer: B. 5% deducted from each running bill until 5% of contract value is accumulated
Explanation: CPWD GCC: security deposit = 5% of contract value. Recovered at 5% per running bill until the full 5% is accumulated. Also accepted as Bank Guarantee or FDR upfront. Released after successful DLP completion. FIDIC contracts typically require 10%; World Bank projects may require higher depending on risk profile.
- 32Construction Materials, Practices, Planning and ManagementHARD
The critical path in a CPM network is the path with:
Amaximum duration and zero total floatBmaximum number of activities onlyCminimum cost onlyDminimum duration and maximum floatAnswer: A. maximum duration and zero total float
Explanation: Critical activities have zero total float and the critical path governs project completion time.
- 33Construction ManagementMEDIUM
While submitting a tender, the amount a contractor deposits with the department as a guarantee of the tender is known as
Abank guaranteeBearnest moneyCsecurity depositDcaution moneyAnswer: B. earnest money
Explanation: Tender security deposited with department is earnest money.
- 34Construction ManagementMEDIUM
The critical path
Ais always the longestBis always the shortestCmay be longerDmay be shortestAnswer: A. is always the longest
Explanation: Critical path is the longest path in project network.
- 35Safety ManagementMEDIUM
Which of the following about construction site hazard control is correct?
Ahazards cannot be identified before workBsafety is considered only after accidentsCrisk assessment and PPE are part of safety planningDPPE replaces structural designAnswer: C. risk assessment and PPE are part of safety planning
Explanation: Construction safety requires proactive planning. Correct option: C.