Let’s work on question 19-20 from the 2015 First-Class Constructor Examination, in the section on \"Engineering Economics\": multiple-choice questions 09-10

Thread Content

I’ve gathered some questions from this year’s First-Class Constructor exam, along with their answers. I’m sharing them here to boost everyone’s interest in participating. Instead of posting them all at once, I’ll present a few multiple-choice questions or one case study at a time, with the answers hidden. The answer will be visible after responding. Everyone is welcome to participate; the moderator will give a reward for correct answers. ******************************************9. The functional coefficients and cost coefficients of the four mutually exclusive construction plans are shown in the table below. From the perspective of value engineering, the optimal solution has a function coefficient of 1.20, 1.25, 1.05, or 1.15, and a cost coefficient of 1.15, 1.01, 1.05, or 1.20. Options: A. A; B. B; C. C; D. D. Answer: B. 【Expert Explanation】The optimal solution is the one with the highest value coefficient. The value coefficient is calculated as the functional evaluation value divided by the actual functional cost. Another way to calculate it is by using the function coefficient divided by the cost coefficient. However, this method isn’t covered in the textbook at all; therefore, this question goes slightly beyond the scope covered in the textbook. Nevertheless, based on the information given, the only approach available is to divide the values in the first row by those in the second row to determine which value is the highest. Refer to the textbooks for cost engineers or those dedicated to engineering economics. 10. When preparing the bill of quantities, the tenderer should add items that are not covered by the current (measurement standards) for various types of work. Regarding the coding of such additional items, which statement is correct? A. The code for such an item should consist of the code from the relevant measurement standard along with three Arabic digits. B. The person who prepares the bill of quantities should submit these additional items to the provincial or industry-based engineering cost management authority for record-keeping. C. The person preparing the bill of quantities can simply add these items after the last listed item, without assigning a code to them. D. Such items should be coded using the code of a similar item as specified in the measurement standards. Answer: B 【Expert Explanation】The basic principles for coding such additional items can be found on page 229 of the textbook. In option A, there is an additional element between the code and the three Arabic digits ； The errors in C and D can also be determined to be wrong based on common sense.