Chapter 1 of 815% of exam

Planning and Estimating

Planning and Estimating is about 15% of CSLB's Class A trade exam. CSLB lists five topics: reviewing plans and specifications, code compliance, evaluating job sites, coordinating with other trades, and estimating materials, equipment and labor. Expect computation: CSLB says some questions require math and provides a calculator. The PrepPass CSLB General Engineering (A) Study Guide covers this section in depth, with worked examples, named traps and a chapter quiz.

Reading the contract documents

On public civil work the plans and specifications are complementary parts of one contract, and when they conflict there is a ranking. Discrepancies go to the engineer in writing before the work is built.

Order of precedence (Caltrans)
Special provisions, then project plans, then standard specifications, revised standard plans and standard plans.
Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, 5-1.02
Written over scaled
Written numbers and notes on a drawing govern over graphics; a detail governs over a general drawing.
Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, 5-1.02
Stationing
One station is 100 feet; 12+50 is 1,250 feet from the start of the alignment.
Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, abbreviations

Before you dig

California's excavation-notification law sets the sequence for every trench: mark the area, notify the regional center, and wait for the operators.

Delineate
Mark the proposed excavation in white before calling.
Gov. Code 4216, 4216.2
Notice
At least two working days and not more than 14 calendar days before digging; the call day does not count.
Gov. Code 4216.2(b)
Ticket life
A ticket is valid for 28 days and must be renewed by the end of the 28th day.
Gov. Code 4216.2(e)

Estimating

Most estimating errors are unit errors. Work in feet and convert to cubic yards at the end.

Conversions
27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard; 43,560 square feet = 1 acre; 1 cubic foot is about 7.48 gallons.
NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C
Bid items
Unit-price items are paid on measured quantities; lump-sum items carry the quantity risk.
Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, definitions
Critical path
Only delays on the critical path, or beyond an activity's float, move completion.
Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, definitions

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