Homework # 5

Due: Monday, 2 March, 2009

Problem statement:

Prepare a persuasive PowerPoint presentation aimed at convincing the chief estimator of your (imaginary) company that it is counterproductive to use the RS Means catalog as a base for estimating the costs of concrete block (CMU) walls. Suggest a new way of calculating the cost of CMU walls.

The presentation should contain:

• Your name and class section on the first slide
• Description of the activity according to the RS Means Catalog (One slide)

1. CSI code
2. Name and units, costs & crew

• Description of the activity as witnessed by you on a construction site of your choice

1. Description of the operations and quantity produced during your observation of the activity
2. Duration of each operation
3. Number of workers
4. Materials needed (and quantity)
5. Equipment needed

• 3 to 5 photos taken by you on the construction site
• At least one animation
• Calculation of the cost per unit ($/sf) based on your observation (NOT based on interviewing the construction personnel) and comparison with the Means Catalog
• A professional layout.
• Lecture notes for each slide.
• Maximum 10 slides.

Submission: Submission will be made to the drop-box of Blackboard.

Grading: The homework worth 100 points. 5 points will be deducted for failing to comply with each of the requirements above. Further deductions (5 points each) will be made for failing to adjust the size of the pictures (KB) to a minimum.