CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT – NCE603
B.Tech (SEM VI) | Section-wise Solved Answers
SECTION – A
(Explain the following – 2 marks each)
(a) What is planning?
Planning is the systematic process of deciding in advance what work is to be done, how it is to be done, when it is to be done, and by whom. It ensures optimum use of time, resources, and money in a construction project.
(b) Classification of scheduling
Scheduling can be classified into bar chart scheduling, CPM scheduling, PERT scheduling, and milestone scheduling. Each method helps in planning and controlling project activities.
(c) Limitations of Bar Chart
Bar charts do not show logical relationships between activities clearly. They are unsuitable for complex projects and do not identify critical activities.
(d) Use of learning curves in estimating duration
Learning curves show that as workers repeat a task, efficiency improves and time required decreases. They help estimate realistic activity durations.
(e) Break-even cost analysis
Break-even cost analysis determines the point at which total income equals total cost, indicating no profit or loss in a project.
(f) Total cost curve
The total cost curve represents the sum of direct and indirect costs of a project and helps determine the optimum project duration.
(g) Arbitration
Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside the court by appointing a neutral third party whose decision is binding.
(h) Land acquisition
Land acquisition is the legal process by which government or authorized agencies acquire private land for public purposes such as roads, dams, or buildings.
(i) Methods of tunneling
Common tunneling methods include cut-and-cover, drilling and blasting, shield tunneling, and NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method).
(j) Factors affecting selection of equipment
Equipment selection depends on project size, nature of work, site conditions, availability, cost, and time constraints.
SECTION – B
(Attempt any five – explained properly)
(a) Organization and its types
Organization refers to the structured arrangement of roles and responsibilities. Types include line organization, line and staff organization, and functional organization.
(b) Principles of planning
Planning principles include clear objectives, proper sequencing, flexibility, economy, and coordination. While planning improves efficiency, it may be time-consuming and requires accurate data.
(c) Network & Critical Path (CPM)
Using the given activities, a network diagram is drawn showing precedence relationships.
The critical path is the longest duration path, and it determines the project completion time.
(d) Depreciation and break-even analysis
Depreciation accounts for the reduction in equipment value over time. Break-even analysis helps compare ownership and hiring costs of construction equipment.
(e) Crashing & optimum cost and time
Project crashing reduces activity duration at extra cost. By comparing cost slopes, the optimum time and minimum total cost are calculated.
(f) Tendering procedure
Tendering involves invitation, opening, evaluation, acceptance of tender, and execution of agreement. It ensures transparency and fair competition.
(g) Types of contract systems
Common contracts include lump sum, item rate, percentage rate, cost-plus, and turnkey contracts. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages depending on project nature.
SECTION – C
(Attempt any two – long answers)
(3)
(i) Classification of scheduling
Scheduling may be classified as bar charts, CPM, PERT, and milestone charts, each differing in complexity and application.
(ii) Difference between CPM and PERT
CPM is deterministic and time-cost oriented, while PERT is probabilistic and suitable for uncertain activity durations.
(4)
(i) Direct vs Indirect costs
Direct costs relate directly to construction work, such as materials and labor. Indirect costs include overheads like supervision and administration.
(ii) Legal aspects of contracts
Construction contracts are governed by laws such as the Indian Contract Act, ensuring legality, validity, and enforceability.
(5) Earthwork equipment
Earthwork equipment includes excavators, bulldozers, scrapers, graders, and loaders, each designed for specific excavation, hauling, or leveling tasks.
