(SEM-VI) THEORY EXAMINATION 2017-18 CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT

Construction Technology & Management (NCE-603)

Complete Section-Wise Explanation – B.Tech Semester VI

Introduction to the Subject

Construction Technology & Management focuses on how civil engineering projects are planned, organized, executed, monitored, and completed successfully. This subject bridges technical construction methods with management principles such as planning, scheduling, costing, contracts, finance, safety, and equipment management.

The paper evaluates:

Understanding of project planning and management concepts

Knowledge of construction equipment and methods

Ability to analyze cost, time, and resources

Familiarity with contracts, tenders, safety, and finance

Skill in solving numerical and network-based problems

The question paper is divided into three sections: A, B, and C.

SECTION A – Fundamental Concepts (Short Answers)

Pattern:
Attempt all questions
10 questions × 2 marks = 20 marks

Nature of Section A

Section A checks whether your basic terminology and definitions are clear. Answers must be short but meaningful, written in one or two lines, and technically correct.

Explanation of Section A Topics

Project Cycle
The project cycle refers to the sequence of stages a project goes through, starting from project identification, planning, execution, monitoring, and finally completion and evaluation.

Construction Team
A construction team includes the client, consultants, project manager, engineers, supervisors, contractors, and workers who collectively plan and execute a construction project.

Bar Chart
A bar chart is a graphical planning tool that shows project activities against time. It helps in scheduling, monitoring progress, and coordination.

Dummy Activity
A dummy activity is an activity with zero duration used in network diagrams to show dependency between activities without consuming time or resources.

Depreciation
Depreciation is the reduction in value of construction equipment or assets due to wear and tear, age, and usage over time.

Break-Even Cost Analysis
Break-even analysis determines the level of output or sales at which total cost equals total revenue, resulting in no profit and no loss.

Project Contract
A project contract is a legal agreement between the owner and contractor defining scope of work, payment terms, responsibilities, and conditions.

Land Acquisition
Land acquisition is the process of legally acquiring land for public or private construction projects, usually involving compensation to owners.

Operational Cost
Operational cost includes recurring expenses such as fuel, labour, maintenance, and repairs required to run construction equipment or projects.

Types of Cranes
Cranes include tower cranes, mobile cranes, crawler cranes, gantry cranes, and overhead cranes, each used for lifting and moving heavy materials.

SECTION B – Descriptive Theory & Applications

Pattern:
Attempt any three questions
3 × 10 marks = 30 marks

Nature of Section B

Section B requires detailed explanations written in paragraphs. Answers should explain concepts clearly, include examples, and maintain logical flow.

Explanation of Important Questions

Job Layout and Factors Affecting It

Job layout refers to the arrangement of materials, equipment, storage, offices, and pathways at a construction site. A good job layout reduces material handling cost, improves safety, saves time, and increases efficiency. Factors affecting job layout include site size, type of project, sequence of operations, equipment used, safety requirements, and availability of utilities.

CPM and PERT – Meaning and Differences

CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) are project scheduling techniques. CPM is deterministic and used when activity durations are known accurately, while PERT is probabilistic and used when time estimates are uncertain. CPM focuses on cost and time optimization, whereas PERT emphasizes time analysis using optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic times.

Debt Financing – Advantages and Disadvantages

Debt financing involves borrowing funds for a project. Its advantage is that ownership control is not lost and interest is tax-deductible. However, it increases financial risk, requires regular repayment, and may burden the project with interest obligations.

Tender, EMD, Dispute Settlement, Commissioning

A tender is an offer submitted by contractors to execute work at quoted rates.

Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) ensures contractor seriousness and is forfeited if conditions are violated.
Settlement of disputes involves resolving conflicts through arbitration, negotiation, or legal methods.
Commissioning of project is the final stage where systems are tested and handed over for operation.

Hauling Equipment – Types and Comparison

Hauling equipment includes dump trucks, tippers, tractors, trailers, and conveyors. Dump trucks are suitable for long hauls, while conveyors are ideal for continuous short-distance transport. Selection depends on distance, material type, capacity, and cost.

SECTION C – Numerical Problems & Management Analysis

Pattern:
Attempt any one part from each question
5 × 10 marks = 50 marks

This section carries the highest weightage and plays a crucial role in scoring high marks.

Question 3

Organizational Structures

Line organization has a simple structure with clear authority but lacks specialization.
Line and staff organization combines direct authority with expert advice, improving efficiency but sometimes causing conflicts.

Types of Construction

Construction types include residential, commercial, industrial, heavy engineering, and infrastructure projects. Each type differs in scale, technology, planning, and execution methods.

Question 4

Network Construction Problem

This numerical tests understanding of project networking using given predecessor relationships. You must draw a proper network diagram showing events and activities.

Cost Terminologies

Direct costs relate directly to construction work, while indirect costs include overheads.
Crash time and crash cost relate to reducing project duration at extra cost.
Cost slope indicates cost increase per unit time reduction.
Optimum time and cost represent the most economical project duration.

Question 5

Break-Even Analysis Numerical

This problem involves calculating break-even point and margin of safety using fixed cost, variable cost, selling price, and sales volume. A break-even chart visually represents these relationships.

Cash Flow Diagram

A cash flow diagram shows cash inflow and outflow over time. It is classified into uniform, non-uniform, and mixed cash flows.

Question 6

Labour Safety on Construction Site

Labour safety includes use of PPE, training, safe scaffolding, proper signage, first-aid facilities, and adherence to safety regulations. Safety planning reduces accidents and improves productivity.

Importance of Construction Contracts

Contracts define responsibilities, reduce disputes, ensure quality, and provide legal protection. They are essential for timely and successful project completion.

Question 7

Dump Truck Requirement Numerical

This numerical tests equipment planning. You calculate cycle time considering loading, hauling, return, and unloading to estimate the number of trucks required.

Central Batching and Mixing Plant

A central batching plant produces concrete in large quantities with controlled quality. It improves uniformity, speed, and efficiency in large construction projects like dams and highways.