--- title: "WBS with example, levels and code" subject: "Project Engineering" chapter: 3 key: "semester_7/project_engineering:wbs-example-levels-code" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/wbs-example-levels-code site: BCT Engineering --- # WBS with example, levels and code Project Engineering · Chapter 3: Project Planning and Scheduling - Asked in: 2076 Asoj, 8 marks; 2067 Asar (old course), 4 marks; 2076 Chaitra, 4 marks; 2082 Bhadra, 3 marks (asked 4 times) - Video: [14 What are Outline Numbering and WBS Codes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWHai0kEl0E) — CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/wbs-example-levels-code - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/project_engineering/chapter-3 ## Question Define Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with an example specifying levels and code. (Prepare a 4-level WBS of an engineering project of your interest.) ## Short answer WBS is a deliverable-oriented hierarchical breakdown of a project scope. A four-level WBS for a rural road project includes Level 1: project, Level 2: major deliverables like Road works, Level 3: work packages like Earthwork, and Level 4: activities like Clearing. Codes reflect the parent-child relationship, enabling cost and time assignment. ## Answer A **Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)** is a hierarchical, deliverable-oriented breakdown of the total project scope into smaller, manageable parts. Each level adds detail, and each item carries a code. #### Four-level WBS of a rural road with a bridge project ```text Level 1 1.0 Rural road project Level 2 1.1 Preliminary works Level 3 1.1.1 Survey and design Level 4 1.1.1.1 Topographic survey Level 4 1.1.1.2 Geotechnical investigation Level 3 1.1.2 Land and permits Level 2 1.2 Road works Level 3 1.2.1 Earthwork Level 4 1.2.1.1 Clearing and grubbing Level 4 1.2.1.2 Cutting and filling Level 3 1.2.2 Pavement Level 4 1.2.2.1 Sub-base and base Level 4 1.2.2.2 Bituminous surfacing Level 2 1.3 Bridge works Level 3 1.3.1 Substructure Level 4 1.3.1.1 Excavation and foundation Level 4 1.3.1.2 Abutments and piers Level 3 1.3.2 Superstructure Level 4 1.3.2.1 Girders Level 4 1.3.2.2 Deck slab Level 2 1.4 Closure Level 3 1.4.1 Testing and handover ``` #### Levels and coding | Level | Meaning | Code form | |---|---|---| | 1 | Whole project | 1.0 | | 2 | Major deliverables | 1.1, 1.2 | | 3 | Sub-deliverables / work packages | 1.2.1 | | 4 | Activities / tasks | 1.2.1.1 | The code shows the parent of each item (1.2.1.1 belongs to 1.2.1, which belongs to 1.2). Cost, duration and the responsible person are attached at level 3 or 4. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. In the 4-level WBS, level 1 is: A. Activities B. Whole project, code 1.0 C. Sub-deliverables D. Major deliverables Answer: B. Level 1 is the entire project. (Key point: Level 1) 2. Code 1.2.1.1 belongs to which parent? A. 1.1 B. 1.2.1 C. 1.2.2 D. 1.0.1 Answer: B. Code drops the last digit to give the parent: 1.2.1, then 1.2. (Key point: Coding) 3. Level 4 represents: A. Major deliverables B. Whole project C. Activities/tasks D. Closure Answer: C. Level 2 major deliverables, level 3 sub-deliverables/work packages, level 4 activities/tasks. (Key point: Level meaning) 4. At which levels are cost, duration and responsible person attached? A. Level 1 only B. Level 3 or 4 C. Level 2 only D. None Answer: B. They are attached at level 3 or 4. 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