CNST 120 Final Exam Questions with Correct Answers Graded A+
Base Isolators - Answers Large shock absorbers constructed of alternating layers of rubber and steel,
attached to a building's foundation, to allow some movement of the structure without damage to the
building itself
Brownfield Sites - Answers Abandoned or near-abandoned property with environmental contamination
issues
Constructability Review - Answers Experienced constructors work with A/E designers to ensure that the
design can actually be built cost-effectively
Cofferdam - Answers Temporary watertight enclosures built to keep water out, so that construction can
take place inside the area
Curtain Wall - Answers An exterior wall designed to carry no weight other than its own weight; only
purpose is to keep the outside out and the inside in; nonload bearing
Infrastructure - Answers Roads, bridges, railroads, utility pipelines, the electrical grid; to support society
Lean Principles: - Answers Create more value for customers with less work and less waste
Program - Answers Written description of the Owner's or End User's needs and wants for a facility
Project Delivery - Answers The process by which a building or facility is designed and constructed
Self-Performed Work - Answers Work performed by a General Contractor's own labor force - not
subcontracted
Slip Forms - Answers Concrete formwork that "climbs" up a tall wall and is reused for higher and higher
concrete pours
Specifications - Answers Written instructions from the A/E, along with plans or drawings, to explain the
quality of materials and workmanship required for the project
Agency CM - Answers Construction manager acts in the Owner's best interest via advice & project
management services; not financially responsible for construction & does not self-perform
At-Risk CM: - Answers Construction manager acts as the Owner's advisor during design; financially
responsible during construction, can make or lose money & does self-perform like a general contractor
Construction Management - Answers The planning, scheduling, evaluation, & controlling of construction
tasks & activities to accomplish specific objectives outlined in the contract documents
Design / Bid / Build - Answers Owner hires a professional design firm for design, & separately hires (via
bid) a general contractor for construction
, Design/Build: - Answers Owner hires only one firm, & that firm is responsible for all design &
construction
Fast Tracking - Answers Speeding up construction by starting some activities (such as excavation or
footings) while the design is still being finished
Integrated Project Delivery - Answers Any project delivery method in which the prime contractor is hired
& under contract at the beginning of design
Multiple Prime - Answers Owner hires both a general contractor & multiple specialty trade contractors;
e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.
Scope of Work - Answers The overall extent of work on a project; all of the work shown on drawings &
specified in the project manual
Value Engineering - Answers A process in which alternative products or systems are evaluated for lower
cost (better value) relative to its overall benefit to the Owner
Advertisement for Bids - Answers A public notice (usually in newspapers or trade magazines) providing
information regarding bidding procedures for public projects
Best Value - Answers A selection process where proposals contain both price & qualitative components,
& where the award is based on a combination of price & qualifications
Closed Bids - Answers Used on private projects; bidding is by invitation only & is restricted to a select list
of bidders
Invitation for Bids - Answers A notification send to a list of selected bidders, furnishing information on
the submission of bids for a private project
Notice to Proceed (NTP) - Answers The Owner's official notification to the contractor to start work on
the project
Open Bids - Answers A competitive bidding requirement for all public projects; advertised publicly &
allows any qualified contractor to submit a bid
Prequalification - Answers A process used by an Owner to determine whether a contractor is qualified to
compete for a project or earn a spot on an invite list; based on financials, project history, & similar
Price Proposal - Answers Used with design/build; this stipulates the price for which the contractor will
provide all design & construction services
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) - Answers A business venture in which a public sector authority & a
private company join forces & pool their resources to deliver a government project aimed at serving a
public need
Base Isolators - Answers Large shock absorbers constructed of alternating layers of rubber and steel,
attached to a building's foundation, to allow some movement of the structure without damage to the
building itself
Brownfield Sites - Answers Abandoned or near-abandoned property with environmental contamination
issues
Constructability Review - Answers Experienced constructors work with A/E designers to ensure that the
design can actually be built cost-effectively
Cofferdam - Answers Temporary watertight enclosures built to keep water out, so that construction can
take place inside the area
Curtain Wall - Answers An exterior wall designed to carry no weight other than its own weight; only
purpose is to keep the outside out and the inside in; nonload bearing
Infrastructure - Answers Roads, bridges, railroads, utility pipelines, the electrical grid; to support society
Lean Principles: - Answers Create more value for customers with less work and less waste
Program - Answers Written description of the Owner's or End User's needs and wants for a facility
Project Delivery - Answers The process by which a building or facility is designed and constructed
Self-Performed Work - Answers Work performed by a General Contractor's own labor force - not
subcontracted
Slip Forms - Answers Concrete formwork that "climbs" up a tall wall and is reused for higher and higher
concrete pours
Specifications - Answers Written instructions from the A/E, along with plans or drawings, to explain the
quality of materials and workmanship required for the project
Agency CM - Answers Construction manager acts in the Owner's best interest via advice & project
management services; not financially responsible for construction & does not self-perform
At-Risk CM: - Answers Construction manager acts as the Owner's advisor during design; financially
responsible during construction, can make or lose money & does self-perform like a general contractor
Construction Management - Answers The planning, scheduling, evaluation, & controlling of construction
tasks & activities to accomplish specific objectives outlined in the contract documents
Design / Bid / Build - Answers Owner hires a professional design firm for design, & separately hires (via
bid) a general contractor for construction
, Design/Build: - Answers Owner hires only one firm, & that firm is responsible for all design &
construction
Fast Tracking - Answers Speeding up construction by starting some activities (such as excavation or
footings) while the design is still being finished
Integrated Project Delivery - Answers Any project delivery method in which the prime contractor is hired
& under contract at the beginning of design
Multiple Prime - Answers Owner hires both a general contractor & multiple specialty trade contractors;
e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.
Scope of Work - Answers The overall extent of work on a project; all of the work shown on drawings &
specified in the project manual
Value Engineering - Answers A process in which alternative products or systems are evaluated for lower
cost (better value) relative to its overall benefit to the Owner
Advertisement for Bids - Answers A public notice (usually in newspapers or trade magazines) providing
information regarding bidding procedures for public projects
Best Value - Answers A selection process where proposals contain both price & qualitative components,
& where the award is based on a combination of price & qualifications
Closed Bids - Answers Used on private projects; bidding is by invitation only & is restricted to a select list
of bidders
Invitation for Bids - Answers A notification send to a list of selected bidders, furnishing information on
the submission of bids for a private project
Notice to Proceed (NTP) - Answers The Owner's official notification to the contractor to start work on
the project
Open Bids - Answers A competitive bidding requirement for all public projects; advertised publicly &
allows any qualified contractor to submit a bid
Prequalification - Answers A process used by an Owner to determine whether a contractor is qualified to
compete for a project or earn a spot on an invite list; based on financials, project history, & similar
Price Proposal - Answers Used with design/build; this stipulates the price for which the contractor will
provide all design & construction services
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) - Answers A business venture in which a public sector authority & a
private company join forces & pool their resources to deliver a government project aimed at serving a
public need
