5.2. Productivity and Cost Estimation

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is equipment planning?

   Hint

   Think about what is involved in organizing equipment for a construction project.

2. 2.

   Name two types of costs associated with owning equipment.

   Hint

   Consider costs incurred just from having equipment.

3. 3.

   What is the primary purpose of equipment planning?

   • To select the cheapest machinery
   • To ensure efficient project execution
   • To increase operational costs

   Hint

   Consider the overall goals of equipment use in construction.

4. 4.

   True or False: Special equipment is always more cost-effective than standard equipment.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the long-term implications of equipment investment.

5. 5.

   You have a project requiring both earth excavation and concrete pouring. Estimate the most efficient equipment mix for these tasks, considering both cost and productivity.

   Hint

   Think about the productivity rates and unit costs for each machinery type.

6. 6.

   A contractor is tasked with estimating the total ownership cost of a new excavator, inclusive of depreciation and maintenance. What methodologies should they apply?

   Hint

   Consider all aspects of cost over the lifespan of the equipment.