Project Planning, Means and Methods
Project Planning
Planning the work
Project planning questions test whether you can turn a scope into an executable, controllable plan. Know the work breakdown structure (WBS), the difference between a milestone and an activity, and how the critical path method (CPM) produces total float and free float. Understand procurement and submittal lead times, permit sequencing, temporary facilities, and the QA/QC and safety plans that must be in place before mobilization. Also know earned value terms-PV, EV, AC, SV, CV, SPI, CPI-and how resource leveling differs from resource smoothing.
Traps
Common traps include confusing total float with free float; forgetting that the critical path can change after a duration update; ignoring lag/lead and calendar effects; and treating float as schedule slack that belongs to the contractor without contract language. In earned value, a negative CV is over budget, while a negative SV is behind schedule-questions often reverse these. Crashing questions are also common: crashing the critical path helps only until a new path becomes critical.
Worked example: Activities A (5 d) and B (4 d) run in parallel from start; C (6 d) follows both; D (3 d) follows C. The longest path is A-C-D = 14 d, so the project duration is 14 d. B has total float = 14 − (4+6+3) = 1 d. If B increases to 6 d, B-C-D also equals 15 d and both paths become critical.
Rule of thumb: The critical path is the longest path through the network and has zero total float.
Means and Methods
Temporary works and construction operations
Means-and-methods questions focus on how work is safely and practically built. Understand excavation and support systems-sloping, shoring, trench boxes-and dewatering. Know formwork design for fresh-concrete pressure, lateral loads, and construction loads; understand reshoring versus backshoring. Review scaffolding, crane selection and rigging, concrete placement and consolidation, and construction sequencing. OSHA excavation rules matter: a competent person, daily inspections, a protective system for trenches 5 ft or deeper, ladders every 25 ft, and spoil set back from the edge.
Traps
Do not assume formwork removal depends only on time; it depends on concrete strength and member type. Do not confuse reshoring with backshoring. Crane charts are configuration-specific: capacity depends on radius and boom length, not just load weight. Ignoring rigging weight, eccentric loads, or ground bearing pressure under outriggers is a frequent error. Also watch soil classification and sloping requirements.
Worked example: A crane chart gives 12,000 lb capacity at 40 ft radius. Load = 8,000 lb plus 500 lb rigging = 8,500 lb, so the lift is acceptable. At 55 ft radius the chart may drop to 7,500 lb, making the same lift unacceptable. Check ground bearing using outrigger load divided by mat area.
Rule of thumb: Trenches 5 ft or deeper require a protective system unless the excavation is in stable rock.