A concrete slab requires 250 cubic yards of concrete. If concrete costs $120 per cubic yard delivered, and there is typically 3% waste factor, what is the total material cost for concrete?
Correct Answer
C) $30,900
Calculate: 250 cubic yards × 1.03 (waste factor) = 257.5 cubic yards. Then 257.5 × $120 = $30,900. The waste factor accounts for spillage, over-excavation, and other typical losses during concrete placement.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B correctly applies the 3% waste factor to the base concrete quantity before calculating the total cost. The calculation multiplies 250 cubic yards by 1.03 to get 257.5 cubic yards, then multiplies by $120 per cubic yard to reach $30,900. This accounts for the industry-standard waste allowance that contractors must include in their material estimates to cover spillage, over-excavation, and placement losses.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: $30,000
This option fails to include the 3% waste factor, calculating only the base quantity (250 × $120 = $30,000) without accounting for typical concrete losses during placement.
Option D: $33,750
This option appears to use an incorrect waste factor of approximately 8% (250 × 1.08 × $120 = $32,400) rather than the specified 3% waste factor.
Memory Technique
Remember 'WAC' - Waste factor Applied first, then Calculate cost. For concrete, 3% waste is standard (think '3% for Concrete spills and Chills').
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code - Chapter 19 (Concrete) and construction estimating references for standard waste factors
More Contract Admin Questions
A project experiences a 30-day delay due to unusually severe weather. The contract includes a liquidated damages clause of $1,000 per day for delays. If the weather delay is excusable but not compensable, what liquidated damages apply?
A commercial project requires a total of 12 inspections. The building department charges $85 per inspection for the first 5 inspections, $65 for inspections 6-10, and $45 for any additional inspections. What is the total inspection fee?
What document must be posted at the job site before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building?
A mixed-use development requires a variance for reduced setbacks. The property is located within 500 feet of a hospital. What additional consideration must be addressed?
A LEED project requires tracking of regional materials. Materials are considered regional if they are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within what distance of the project site?
An indemnification clause in a construction contract typically requires the contractor to:
A property owner wants to convert a single-family home into a duplex in an area zoned for single-family residential use. The conversion meets all building codes but violates density requirements. What approval is needed?
As-built drawings are typically required to be submitted:
AIA Document A401 is primarily used for:
A general contractor is building a 12,000 square foot commercial warehouse. The building permit fee is calculated at $8.50 per $1,000 of construction value. If the project value is $2,400,000, what is the building permit fee?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass