Estimation and Costing MCQ Practice Set — 26 Questions with Answers
26 exam-oriented Estimation and Costing 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.
- 1Plinth Area Rate MethodMEDIUM
The plinth area rate method for estimating building cost is based on:
AVolume of the buildingBTotal area covered at the plinth level (floor area) multiplied by the plinth area rate per m2 for that type of constructionCLength of external walls onlyDNumber of roomsAnswer: B. Total area covered at the plinth level (floor area) multiplied by the plinth area rate per m2 for that type of construction
Explanation: Plinth area = area of building at plinth level (excluding walls, including internal spaces). Plinth area rate (PAR) is obtained from similar buildings in the locality, adjusted for finishes and current market rates. This is a rough method for preliminary estimate with accuracy of +-15 to +-20%.
- 2Estimating, Costing and Construction ManagementHARD
For 1:4:8 concrete, total proportion is:
A8B4C12D13Answer: D. 13
Explanation: Concrete mix 1:4:8 means cement : fine aggregate (sand) : coarse aggregate (gravel) in proportions 1:4:8. Total parts = 1 + 4 + 8 = 13. Each ingredient's fraction: cement = 1/13, fine agg = 4/13, coarse agg = 8/13. Nominal mixes (IS 456): M10 = 1:3:6, M15 = 1:2:4, M20 = 1:1.5:3, M25 = 1:1:2.
- 3Estimating, Costing and Construction ManagementEASY
Sinking fund method of depreciation considers:
AOnly physical wearBNo salvage value at allCOnly arithmetic average costDCompound interest on annual depositsAnswer: D. Compound interest on annual deposits
Explanation: Equal annual deposits earn interest and accumulate to replace the asset.
- 4ContingenciesMEDIUM
Which of the following about allowance for unforeseen minor items in civil engineering is correct?
Acontingency means contractor profit onlyBit replaces detailed quantitiesCit is always negativeDa percentage provision is included in estimatesAnswer: D. a percentage provision is included in estimates
Explanation: Contingencies cover minor unpredictable costs. Correct option: D.
- 5PERT Beta DistributionMEDIUM
In PERT, the expected duration te of an activity with optimistic time a, most likely time m, and pessimistic time b (beta distribution) is:
Ate = (a + m + b) / 3Bte = (a + 4m + b) / 6Cte = (a + b) / 2Dte = m onlyAnswer: B. te = (a + 4m + b) / 6
Explanation: PERT: te = (a + 4m + b)/6; variance sigma^2 = ((b-a)/6)^2. Expected project duration = sum of te on critical path. Variance of project = sum of variances on critical path. Project completion time follows normal distribution. Probability of completing by time T: Z = (T - sum_te) / sqrt(sum_sigma^2).
- 6Resource LevelingMEDIUM
Resource leveling in project scheduling aims to:
AAlways reduce project durationBReduce peak resource demands and smooth resource utilization by shifting non-critical activities within their float, often at the expense of project durationCIncrease resource peaksDRemove all float from the scheduleAnswer: B. Reduce peak resource demands and smooth resource utilization by shifting non-critical activities within their float, often at the expense of project duration
Explanation: Resource leveling: shifts activities (within their float for non-critical; allows duration extension for critical) to reduce resource peaks. Heuristic methods: minimum float priority (critical activities done first), minimum slack, most resources. May extend project duration. Resource smoothing: same as leveling but does not extend project duration.
- 7Detailed Project EstimateMEDIUM
A Detailed Project Estimate (DPE) is prepared from:
AApproximate dimensions onlyBCompleted working drawings, specifications, and detailed rate analyses for every item of workCThumb rules onlyDPlinth area methodAnswer: B. Completed working drawings, specifications, and detailed rate analyses for every item of work
Explanation: DPE (most accurate estimate, +-5% accuracy): based on complete working drawings and specifications. Compute quantities item-by-item per IS 1200 (measurement), analyze rates per DSR/market rates, add contingency and supervision charges. DPE is the basis for tender documents and project sanction. Requires complete design.
- 8CPM Critical PathMEDIUM
In the Critical Path Method (CPM), the total float of an activity is:
AThe amount of time by which the activity duration can be reducedBThe maximum time the activity can be delayed without delaying the overall project completion (= LFT - EST - Duration)CThe free float minus the independent floatDThe sum of all activity durationsAnswer: B. The maximum time the activity can be delayed without delaying the overall project completion (= LFT - EST - Duration)
Explanation: Total float TF = LFT - EST - D = LST - EST = LFT - EFT (where LFT = latest finish time, EST = earliest start time, D = duration). Critical activities have TF = 0. Free float = EFT(next activity) - EFT(current). Independent float = EST(next) - LFT(preceding) - D (can be negative). Critical path = longest duration path with TF = 0.
- 9Arch CenteringMEDIUM
The effective span of an arch in masonry is measured as:
ADistance between outer faces of abutmentsBClear span between inner faces of supports plus the depth of skewbacks (bearing on abutments), typically = clear span for semicircular archesCHeight of arch onlyDWidth of arch barrelAnswer: B. Clear span between inner faces of supports plus the depth of skewbacks (bearing on abutments), typically = clear span for semicircular arches
Explanation: Arch effective span = clear span between faces of supports (for flat or segmental arches with no defined skewback). For semicircular arch: effective span = clear span. Arch masonry is measured as the volume of masonry in the arch ring (length x width x thickness of ring). Centring (temporary support during construction) is measured separately.
- 10Cement Mortar Mix VolumeMEDIUM
If a cement mortar mix is 1:4 (cement:sand) by volume, and wet mortar shrinks approximately 33% after setting, the dry volume of materials required per m3 of finished mortar is:
A1 m3 cement + 4 m3 sandB1.5 m3 of mixed materials (0.3 m3 cement + 1.2 m3 sand in dry volume)CExactly 1 m3 of sand + 0.25 m3 cementD5 bags cement + 1 m3 sandAnswer: B. 1.5 m3 of mixed materials (0.3 m3 cement + 1.2 m3 sand in dry volume)
Explanation: Wet to dry conversion: 1 m3 wet mortar = 1.3 to 1.5 m3 dry materials (due to bulking and water absorption). For 1:4 mix: dry materials = 1.5 m3 total; cement = 1.5/5 = 0.3 m3 = about 8.6 bags (50 kg, 0.035 m3/bag); sand = 1.2 m3. Actual values depend on bulking of sand.
- 11Painting MeasurementMEDIUM
Painting of walls and ceilings is measured in:
ACubic metresBSquare metres of surface area, with number of coats specified in the item descriptionCRunning metres of length onlyDNumber of paint tins usedAnswer: B. Square metres of surface area, with number of coats specified in the item description
Explanation: Painting: measured in m2 of surface area. Rates are specified per m2 for a stated number of coats (e.g., 2 coats priming + 2 coats enamel). For cornices, bands: per running metre. For grills, railings with complex geometry: measured flat face area or as multiple of equivalent flat area. Quantity = area x rate.
- 12Plastering QuantityMEDIUM
For computing the quantity of plastering on walls, the area measured is:
AOnly external face areaBNet wall face area (length x height), with deductions for openings (doors, windows) above a threshold area, and additions for reveals, jambs, and soffits of openingsCGross area without any deductionDFloor area onlyAnswer: B. Net wall face area (length x height), with deductions for openings (doors, windows) above a threshold area, and additions for reveals, jambs, and soffits of openings
Explanation: CPWD plastering measurement: length x height (net area) minus openings > 0.5 m2 (some codes: > 0.1 m2). Additions: reveal (width x height of wall at door/window opening), sill (width x depth), lintels (soffit). Mortar quantity = (volume of plaster coat) / (1 - bulking factor). Typical plaster thickness: 12-18 mm (2 coats).
- 13Flooring Area MeasurementMEDIUM
When computing the quantity of flooring in a room, the area is measured as:
AExternal dimensions of walls onlyBClear floor area between walls (internal dimensions of the room), without deduction for columns or fixtures unless area of each column exceeds 0.1 m2CExternal area of the buildingDArea including the thickness of all wallsAnswer: B. Clear floor area between walls (internal dimensions of the room), without deduction for columns or fixtures unless area of each column exceeds 0.1 m2
Explanation: CPWD measurement: flooring = net area between walls (internal dimensions). No deduction for areas < 0.04 m2; deductions for columns, pillars, piers > 0.04 m2. Skirting measured separately in running metres. Different rates for different flooring types (tiles, marble, mosaic, PCC, etc.).
- 14Overhead ChargesMEDIUM
In rate analysis, overhead charges (establishment charges) typically include:
ACost of raw materialsBSalaries of office staff, rent of contractor office, electricity bills, insurance, and administrative expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a specific work itemCLabour wages at siteDPlant hire directly on siteAnswer: B. Salaries of office staff, rent of contractor office, electricity bills, insurance, and administrative expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a specific work item
Explanation: Overheads: indirect costs not directly attributable to specific work items. Includes: contractor office expenses, engineer salaries, insurance, bonding, site supervision, quality control, accounting. As a percentage of direct cost: usually 10-15%. Plus profit margin: 5-10%. Together = 15-25% mark-up on direct cost.
- 15Lead and Lift EarthworkMEDIUM
In earthwork estimation, "lead" refers to the horizontal distance of transport and "lift" refers to the vertical height of lifting. Which statement is correct?
ALead is always 30 m; lift is always 1.5 mBLead and lift affect the rate of earth carriage; extra lead and lift beyond the standard lead (30 m) and lift (1.5 m) attract extra rate per unit distance/height in DSRCLead increases cost; lift decreases costDLead and lift are irrelevant for manual labourAnswer: B. Lead and lift affect the rate of earth carriage; extra lead and lift beyond the standard lead (30 m) and lift (1.5 m) attract extra rate per unit distance/height in DSR
Explanation: DSR (Delhi Schedule of Rates) classifies earthwork into standard lead (30 m) and standard lift (1.5 m). For additional lead beyond 30 m: extra rate per 50 m lead (in graduated slabs). For additional lift beyond 1.5 m: extra rate per 1.5 m lift. Both affect the total earthwork carriage cost in highways and irrigation projects.
- 16ContingenciesMEDIUM
Which of the following statements about allowance for unforeseen minor items is technically sound?
Aa percentage provision is included in estimatesBcontingency means contractor profit onlyCit replaces detailed quantitiesDit is always negativeAnswer: A. a percentage provision is included in estimates
Explanation: Contingencies cover minor unpredictable costs. Correct option: A.
- 17Highway Engineering, Estimating, Costing and ContractsHARD
Lift in earthwork means:
Awidth of trenchBvertical height through which earth is raisedChorizontal transport distanceDdensity of soilAnswer: B. vertical height through which earth is raised
Explanation: Lift is the vertical movement of excavated earth.
- 18Construction Materials, Practices, Planning and ManagementHARD
In rate analysis, contractor's profit and overhead are generally added to:
Aonly cement costBdirect cost of materials, labour, equipment and carriageConly water chargesDonly depreciationAnswer: B. direct cost of materials, labour, equipment and carriage
Explanation: Rate analysis builds item rates from direct costs and adds overheads and profit as per practice/specifications.
- 19Estimating, Costing and Construction ManagementEASY
Plinth area estimate is obtained by multiplying plinth area by:
ANumber of doorsBPlinth area rateCExcavation depthDCarpet area onlyAnswer: B. Plinth area rate
Explanation: Approximate cost can be estimated using known plinth area rates for similar buildings.
- 20Estimating, Costing and Construction ManagementEASY
For openings in masonry, no deduction is generally made when each opening area does not exceed:
A0.1 square metreB1.0 square metreC0.5 square metreD2.0 square metreAnswer: A. 0.1 square metre
Explanation: Very small openings are often ignored as the labour of forming edges balances material saved.
- 21Estimating, Costing and Construction ManagementHARD
If 1 bag cement occupies 0.0347 cubic metre, cement bags for 0.071 cubic metre cement are approximately:
A0.50 bagsB1.05 bagsC2.05 bagsD3.50 bagsAnswer: C. 2.05 bags
Explanation: Number of bags = 0.071/0.0347, about 2.05.
- 22Estimating, Costing and Construction ManagementEASY
In earthwork, lead refers to the:
AHorizontal distance of transportBVertical height of liftCDepth of excavationDSide slope ratioAnswer: A. Horizontal distance of transport
Explanation: Lead is the average horizontal distance through which excavated material is carried.
- 23Estimation and CostingMEDIUM
Generally the unit of measurement of partition wall is:
AvolumeBareaClengthDnumberAnswer: B. area
Explanation: Partition walls are commonly measured by area when their thickness is small or standardized
- 24Estimation and CostingMEDIUM
Working out the exact quantities of various items of work is known as
AestimatingBmensurationCquantity surveyingDvaluationAnswer: C. quantity surveying
Explanation: Working out quantities for construction items is quantity surveying
- 25Estimation and CostingMEDIUM
If the cross-sectional areas of an embankment at 30 m intervals are 20, 40, 60, 50 and 30 m² respectively, then the volume of the embankment by the prismoidal rule is
A5300 m³B8300 m³C9300 m³D9400 m³Answer: A. 5300 m³
Explanation: Prismoidal rule volume using given areas and spacing gives 5300 m3.
- 26Lead and LiftEASY
For field interpretation of Lead and Lift, the issue is earthwork costing. What should be selected?
Alead is cement setting timeBboth are ignored in earthwork ratesClead is horizontal transport distance and lift is vertical raising distanceDlift is aggregate sizeAnswer: C. lead is horizontal transport distance and lift is vertical raising distance
Explanation: Earthwork rates depend on transport and vertical movement. Correct option: C.