COSC 275 EXAM 1 PALMER EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Estimating - Answers - The process of determining the anticipated cost of materials,
labor, and equipment of a proposed project.
Take-Off - Answers - The process in which detailed lists are compiled, based on
drawings and specifications, of all the material and equipment necessary to construct a
project. The cost estimator uses this list to calculate how much it will cost to build the
project.
Quantities - Answers - Measured amounts of construction items expressed in their
customary units.
Quantification - Answers - In estimating an activity to translate project scope information
into resource quantities suitable for costing. In the engineering and construction
industry, a takeoff is a specific type of quantification that is a measurement and listing of
quantities of materials from drawings.
Quantity Survey - Answers - A detailed analysis of material and equipment required to
construct a project.
Area - Answers - A measurement of a given planar region or of the surface of a solid
Area Method - Answers - A construction cost estimating system employing unit square
foot costs multiplied by the adjusted gross floor area of a building.
Length - Answers - The longest dimension of an object
Linear Measurement - Answers - A unit or system of units for measuring length: 12" =
1', 3' = 1 yard, 1 yard = 0.9144 meters, 1 mile = 5,280 feet.
Dimension - Answers - A distance between two points, lines, or planes.
Specifications (SPECS) - Answers - Documents that define the qualitative requirements
for products, materials, and workmanship upon which the contract for construction is
based
Drawings - Answers - Graphic illustrations depicting the dimensions, design, and
location of a project. Generally including plans, elevations, details, diagrams, schedules,
and sections.
, Addendums - Answers - A document describing an addition, change, correction, or
modification to contract documents. Issued by the design professional during the
bidding period or prior to the award of contract, and is the primary method of informing
bidders of modifications to the work during the bidding process
Amendment - Answers - A modification of the contract by a subsequent agreement.
This does NOT change the entire existing contract but does alter the terms of the
affected provisions or requirements
Grade - Answers - The surface level of the ground
Level - Answers - A term used to describe any horizontal surface that has all points at
the same elevation and thus does not tilt or slope
Site - Answers - The location of the project geographically, usually defined by legal
boundaries
Elevation - Answers - A vertical distance relative to a reference point
Cut and Fill - Answers - An operation commonly used in road building and other rock
and earthmoving operations in which the material excavated and removed from one
location is used as fill material at another location.
Fill - Answers - The soil or other material used to raise the grade of a site area.
Foundation - Answers - The entire masonry substructure below the first floor or frame of
a building, including the footing upon which the building rests.
Grade Beam - Answers - A horizontal end supported (as opposed to ground supported)
load bearing foundation member that supports an exterior wall of a superstructure
Width - Answers - The measurement or extent of something from side to side.
Footing - Answers - That portion of the foundation of a structure which spreads and
transmits loads directly to the soil
Reinforced Concrete - Answers - Concrete containing adequate reinforcement,
prestressed or not prestressed, and designed on the assumption that the two materials
(steel and concrete) act together in resisting forces.
Reinforcing Bar - Answers - A steel bar, usually with manufactured deformations, used
in concrete and masonry construction to provide additional strength.
Footing Beam - Answers - A reinforced concrete beam connecting pile caps or spread
footings to distribute horizontal loads caused by eccentric loading.
ANSWERS
Estimating - Answers - The process of determining the anticipated cost of materials,
labor, and equipment of a proposed project.
Take-Off - Answers - The process in which detailed lists are compiled, based on
drawings and specifications, of all the material and equipment necessary to construct a
project. The cost estimator uses this list to calculate how much it will cost to build the
project.
Quantities - Answers - Measured amounts of construction items expressed in their
customary units.
Quantification - Answers - In estimating an activity to translate project scope information
into resource quantities suitable for costing. In the engineering and construction
industry, a takeoff is a specific type of quantification that is a measurement and listing of
quantities of materials from drawings.
Quantity Survey - Answers - A detailed analysis of material and equipment required to
construct a project.
Area - Answers - A measurement of a given planar region or of the surface of a solid
Area Method - Answers - A construction cost estimating system employing unit square
foot costs multiplied by the adjusted gross floor area of a building.
Length - Answers - The longest dimension of an object
Linear Measurement - Answers - A unit or system of units for measuring length: 12" =
1', 3' = 1 yard, 1 yard = 0.9144 meters, 1 mile = 5,280 feet.
Dimension - Answers - A distance between two points, lines, or planes.
Specifications (SPECS) - Answers - Documents that define the qualitative requirements
for products, materials, and workmanship upon which the contract for construction is
based
Drawings - Answers - Graphic illustrations depicting the dimensions, design, and
location of a project. Generally including plans, elevations, details, diagrams, schedules,
and sections.
, Addendums - Answers - A document describing an addition, change, correction, or
modification to contract documents. Issued by the design professional during the
bidding period or prior to the award of contract, and is the primary method of informing
bidders of modifications to the work during the bidding process
Amendment - Answers - A modification of the contract by a subsequent agreement.
This does NOT change the entire existing contract but does alter the terms of the
affected provisions or requirements
Grade - Answers - The surface level of the ground
Level - Answers - A term used to describe any horizontal surface that has all points at
the same elevation and thus does not tilt or slope
Site - Answers - The location of the project geographically, usually defined by legal
boundaries
Elevation - Answers - A vertical distance relative to a reference point
Cut and Fill - Answers - An operation commonly used in road building and other rock
and earthmoving operations in which the material excavated and removed from one
location is used as fill material at another location.
Fill - Answers - The soil or other material used to raise the grade of a site area.
Foundation - Answers - The entire masonry substructure below the first floor or frame of
a building, including the footing upon which the building rests.
Grade Beam - Answers - A horizontal end supported (as opposed to ground supported)
load bearing foundation member that supports an exterior wall of a superstructure
Width - Answers - The measurement or extent of something from side to side.
Footing - Answers - That portion of the foundation of a structure which spreads and
transmits loads directly to the soil
Reinforced Concrete - Answers - Concrete containing adequate reinforcement,
prestressed or not prestressed, and designed on the assumption that the two materials
(steel and concrete) act together in resisting forces.
Reinforcing Bar - Answers - A steel bar, usually with manufactured deformations, used
in concrete and masonry construction to provide additional strength.
Footing Beam - Answers - A reinforced concrete beam connecting pile caps or spread
footings to distribute horizontal loads caused by eccentric loading.
