MEASUREMENT

OF

BUILDINGS

AND

CIVIL WORKS (CEQ 216)

COURSE OUTLINE
Measuring the quantities of building works and the use of SMM (BW) Measurement of Building services and the use of SMM (BW) Measurement of Civil Works the use of CESMM Preparation of bills of quantities Importance, requirements, definition and pricing preliminaries

Integrated Method of Assessment Written examination, Course work and Assignment Continuous Assessment Components Final Examination 40% 60%

1. Two Assignments 2. Two Tests 3. End Semester Examination

References 1. Seeley I. (1993), Quantity surveying, Mac Millan Education Ltd London 2. N.A. Shah (1988), Quantity Surveying & Valuation, Khanna Publishers. Delhi 3. Seeley. I (1974) Building Quantities explained, Macmillan Press Ltd. Great Britain, 4. Drawings of different structures. 5. SMM for building works

INTRODUCTION When a person wants to build a house, he goes to an Architect or a Consulting Engineer and places his requirements before him. After the Architect prepares the plans to the owners requirements, the owners question is, as to what the house will cost. If one wants to find out exactly what a house will cost, he has to take out the quantities of the different items of construction involved in the house, and then, assuming suitable market rates he has to arrive at the cost of the proposed house. The subject of taking out the quantities, assuming suitable rates and working out the costs of a house or any other civil engineering structure, is known as quantity surveying. This Module will deal with one part of taking out the quantities of the different items of construction involved in the house and other civil engineering works assuming that other jobs (preparation of drawings and assuming suitable rates and working out the costs have already done or will be done by the concerned parties.

CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS AND BUILDING WORKS Civil Engineering Works Vs Building Works There are two separate and distinct practice of measurement operating for civil engineering works and building works such as:-

(i)

Building works are generally measured in accordance with Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) FOR East Africa

(ii)

Civil Engineering works are generally measured in accordance with Civil Engineering Method of Measurement (CESMM)

Methods of measurement in Civil Engineering Works and Building Works.

The comparisons between the two types of works that necessitate different method of measurement are as follows:-

(i)

Details in measurement The details of building works are usually in a far more precise stage at the time of preparation of Bills of Quantities than in the case of Civil Engineering works.

Building works cover more trade/works sections and in consequence subject to more detailed measurement. Much large number of items has to be measured separately with various labors and other incidental works itemized but this is not in civil engineering works, e.g. in building works, backfilling trenches, leveling and compacting bottom trench can each be measured separately, whereas in civil works, most of these items are included in excavation rates. In Civil Engineering works, one big item is deemed to include different other smaller items.

(ii)

Small rates Some rates in building works are very small as a result of small items measured separately.

(iii)

Risk in pricing There is a greater risk in pricing civil works than building works due to the uncertainty nature of the works involved.

(iv)

Variations In building works, no much variations since almost all the items can be measured with certainty. In the absence of variations in design most building works with the exception of sub-structure, drainage and external works will not be subject to re-measurements and the contractor will be paid for the quantities incorporated in the Bills of Quantities.

(v)

Bills of Quantities Building work Bills of Quantities full describes and accurately represents the works to be executes. If this cannot be achieved the works is described as provisional or given a bill of approximate quantities. In the Introduction to BW SMM state that more detailed information than is demanded in the documents should be given where necessary in order to define the precise nature and extent of the required. CE BOQ a list of items giving brief identifying description and estimated quantities of the woks comprised in contract.

In building contracts the specification is not a contract documents hence the BOQ in building works is lengthier and more detailed than CE BOQ as it contained the specification / preamble.

(vi)

Mixed types of works In some larger civil engineering contracts, there are also some building works, take for example a large Power Station contract. The best procedure would appear to measure the main superstructure, the 5

supplementary buildings and probably the chimneys in accordance with the SMM for building works. The reminder of the power station comprising heavy foundation of piling, cooling towers, roads, sewers etc. are best measured in accordance with CESMM.

(vii)

Administration. The structure of the team concerned with the construction of a civil engineering project is similar to that for building works. In Civil engineering works, the head of construction team is an engineer assisted by Resident engineer while for buildings is an Architect assisted by the clerks of works.

MEASUREMENT OF BUILDING WORKS

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Measurement of building works is also known as quantity surveying. According to the records available, the earliest quantity surveying firm to operate was in 1785 in the United Kingdom (UK). In 1802, a number of Scottish quantity surveyors met and produced the first method of measurement. Up to the middle of 19 th century it was the practice to measure and value the building work after it had been completed.

The architect was responsible for the creation of buildings as well as their design, and he/she employed a number of master craftsmen who performed the work in each trade. On completion each master craftsmen submitted an account for the materials used and labor employed on the work.

The need of quantity surveyors became obvious for the following reasons:(i) (ii) Building work increased in volume. Building owners became dissatisfied with the method adopted for settling the costs of the work. (iii) Some craftsmen were not conversant on the preparation of these cost accounts and hence they engaged surveyors or measurers. (iv) There were problems on making reconciling the amount of materials listed on invoices with the measured quantity on the completed job. (v) Some of the craftsmen made extravagant claims for the waste of material on being worked on the site. Due to the above reasons, general contractors became established during the period of the industrial revolution and they submitted inclusive estimates covering the work of all trade. Furthermore, they engaged surveyors to prepare bills of quantities on which their estimates were based.

As competitive tendering became more common the general contractors began to combine to appoint a single surveyor to prepare a bill of quantities, which all the contractors priced. In addition, the architect on behalf of the building owner usually appointed a second surveyor, who collaborated with the surveyor for the contractors in preparing the bill of quantities, which was used for tendering purposes.

In later years, it became the practice to employ one surveyor only who prepared an accurate bill of quantities and measured any variation that arose during the progress of the job. This was the origin of the independent and unbiased quantity surveyor as he operates today. COMMON TERMS:-

1. Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) - This is document which provides a Uniform basis for measuring building works and it represent the essentials of good practice. It provides the rules of measuring all items in building works. Also provides the units of items such as cubic, square, linear etc. 2. Taking off measuring of quantities in which the dimensions are scaled or read from drawings and entered in a recognized form or specially ruled paper, called dimension paper. 3. Quantities refers to the estimated amounts of labour and materials required in the execution of the various items of the work and together these items give the total requirements of the building contract. 4. Contractor Is a person or corporate body whose bid to carry out the works has been accepted by the employer and eventually engaged to undertake the works.

5. Employer - Is the party who employs the contractor to carry out the works.

6. Provisional Sums works which cannot be measure accurately during taking off. It is a sum provided for work or for costs which cannot be entirely foreseen,, defined or detailed at the time tendering documents are issued. Examples are such as testing of materials, progress photographs and contingencies. The sum is to be used under instruction. 7. Prime Cost Sum (P.C) Cost for works provided by nominated sub contractors for example, electrical installations, telephone installation, lifts installation etc. Since this is a specialist work carried out by persons other than the general contractors provision is to be made for profit to the general contractor and for attendance. 8. Preliminaries - items in the bill of quantities entered for the purpose of setting out all general liabilities and obligations of the contractor. These are items required to be executed pre-commencement of the actual required work, during the work and after the work completion.

9. Variations- the alterations or modifications of the design, quality or quantity of works as shown upon the contract drawings and described by or referred to in the contract bills. This includes the additions, omissions or substitution of any work or the alteration of the type of standard or any materials. 10. Preambles able clauses inserted at the head of each work section bill covering matters relating to the specific work section that should be brought to the attention of the estimator as they will affect the rates that he inserts against billed items of measured work. 11. Bills of quantities a fully described and accurately representation of the works to be executed. Bills of quantities consist of preliminaries, prime cost sums, provisional sums and measured works.

12. Ditto/do: that which has been said before/above.

MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES In any measurement there are a number of essential factors that should always be considered and applied to follow good established practice as follow:-

1.

Examine the drawing carefully to become familiar with the work and to identify any parts where information is lacking.

2.

Interpret carefully and apply in a sound and logical way of provisions in Standard Method of Measurement of building works. (SMM).

3.

Ensure a high standard of accuracy in dimensions.

4.

Make full use of sub-headings throughout the dimensions to facilitate identification and waste to preliminary calculations, explanatory notes and location description.

5.

All descriptions should be adequate, concise and written in a logical and easily understood format following the sequence adopted in SMM.

6.

Adopt a logical sequence of items so that each one following the preceding one in a natural progression.

7.

Seek to achieve a good standard of presentation.

10

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TAKING OFF

1. General rules: Bills of quantities shall fully describe and accurately represent the works to be executed. The billed description is to be comprehensive and sufficient to enable the estimator to fully understand what is required and to give a realistic price. Those works whose extent cannot be determined with reasonable degree of accuracy should be described as Provisional. Works are to be measured net as fixed in position each measurement are to be taken to the nearest 10mm i.e > 5mm regarded as 10mm while < 5mm are disregarded. Openings under the measured area shall be deducted. The order of stating dimensions in descriptions shall be consistent and generally in the sequence of length, width and height. Billed items are generally deemed to include i.e. without the need for specific mention of labour; materials unloading, storing handling, fixing, use of plant, waste of materials, square cutting, establishment charges and profit it is essential that the estimator is fully aware of all these items as he must include for them when building up unit rates. Work under water shall be so described stating where canal, river or sea water and the levels of high and low water. Work in compressed air shall be so described.

2. Dimension paper: Measured items, scaled or taken from drawings are entered on a special paper known as dimension paper. This dimension sheet is split into two identically ruled parts each consisting of four columns as follows:1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

11

Key: Column 1 Timesing column Multiplying figures are entered when there is more than one of the particular items being measured.

3/

5.00

This means that the length of 5.00m of the same item appears three times in the measured drawing Column 2 dimension column. Actual dimension as scaled or taken direct from the drawing are entered here.

5.00 The length 5.00m is in dimension column. Column 3 - Squaring column. The length, area or volume obtained by multiplying the figures in columns 1 & 2 is recorded.

3/

5.00 15.00

15.00m is in Squaring column. This is the result of multiplying column 1 and 2 Column 4 Description column. In which the right description of each item is entered. Also, the right hand side of this column is used to accommodate preliminary calculations and other important information.
3.00 1.50 0.50 5.00 Hor. Dpc. 110mm wide of single layer of Hessian base bit. to B.S. 743 Lapped 100mm at jts and bedded in c.m (1:3)

3/

5.00

15.00

Hor. Dpc.. are in Description column.

12

1. Entering of Dimensions:(a) Order of Dimensions- For convenience a constant order of entering dimensions should be maintained throughout i.e (i) length, (ii) breath or width, (iii) depth or height. For example: Concrete item is measured in cubic meter. Say concrete with 10m long, 690mm wide and 230 deep will be entered as follows:10.00 0.69 0.23
Conc. Grade 20 in foundations

(b) Spacing of items - It is essential that ample space is left between all items on the dimension sheets so that it is possible to enable any items which may have been omitted when the dimensions were first taken off to be subsequently inserted without cramping the dimension disproportionately. 10.00 0.69 0.23 4.00 0.69 0.23
Conc. Grade 20 in foundations

(c) Waste - The right hand side of the description column is used for preliminary calculations, built up lengths, explanation notes, location of measured work etc. This should not be overlooked. All steps that have been taken in arriving at dimensions, no matter how elementary or trivial they may appear should be entered in the waste section. (d) Timesing If there were five such items, then this dimension would be multiplied by five in the timesing column:5/ 10.00 0.69 0.23 7.94 13
Conc. Grade 20 in beds

(e) Grouping of Dimensions (i) Where the same dimension applies to more than one item the best procedure is to segregate each of the separate description by & sign and to bracket the descriptions.
Site clearance by removing up bushes, shrubs and the like including grubbing up their roots & Exc. O`site av. 150m deep to remove all veg. matter wheel 20m

100.00 50.00

then spread and level.

100 mm thick bed of conc. (1:2:4/20 mm apg) laid on ashes (m/s)

20.00 18.00

&
50m thick bed of ashes laid and consolidated to rec. cons. bed incl. levllg and compactg grd.under

(ii) Where more than one set of dimensions relate to the same description, the dimensions should be suitably bracketed. 25.00 3.50 17.00 3.50 15.00 3.50 10.00 3.50 21.10 20.30 15.10 12.50 18.75 10.00 Exc osite av. 150mm db to revome all veg. matter wheel 20m then s &l

230 mm bwk laid & jtd in c.m (1.3)

14

(f) Abbreviations Abbreviations are used in the description space in order to save space and time. There are standard and acceptable abbreviations used in measurement such as follows:conc. a.b a.b.d n.e bldg B.S Bwk Ddt b&j bott. - Concrete - as before - as before described - not exceeding - building - British Standard - Blockwork - Deduct - bed and joint - Bottom

(g) Deductions After measuring an item of construction it is sometimes necessary to deduct for voids or opening in the main area or volume.

When measuring areas of excavation, concrete oversite, blockwork etc the best practice is to measure the full area in the first instance and, subsequently adjust for any voids or openings. e.g Adjustment for blockwork are done when taking off the windows & door openings. 21.30 20.30 5.00 4.50 2.00 2.00 Ddt ditto
Exc. o`site av. 150m dp to remove all veg. matter wheel 20m then S&L

Note: underline the word Ddt

3/

2.10 0.90

Ddt: solid bllockwall

15

2. Measurement of Irregular figures It is often necessary to measure the areas of triangles and circles, the circumferences of circles and volumes of cylinders, etc., and the usual method of entering the dimensions is illustrated in the following examples: / 4.00 3.00

Area of triangle with a base of 4m and a height of 3m (area=base x height)

22 7

2.00 2.00

Area of circle with 2 m radius 2 (area = r ) Circumference of semi-circle with 2 m radius (circumference of whole circle = 2r) Volume of cylinder, 1 m diameter and 3 m high. (area of circle x height of cylinder)

/2/ 22
7

2.00

22 7

0.50 0.50 3.00

3. Alterations to dimensions It is sometimes necessary to substitute amended dimensions in place of those which have already been entered on the dimension paper. It is advised never to alter the original figures, as apart from looking most untidy it is often extremely difficult to read between the lines the correct figures. If it is necessary to amend figures the better procedure is to cross out the original figures and neatly write the new figures above them.

Where it is required to omit dimensions which have previously been recorded the easiest method is to write the word nil in the squaring column as shown in the following example.

16

23.50 0.75 0.80 | 8.20 Nil 0.75 | 0.80

Exc. fdn. tr. n.e. 1.50m dp.comm.at stripd.level

&
Backfill exc. mat. ard. fdns

4. Figured Dimensions When taking-off it is most desirable to use figured dimensions on the drawing in preference to scaling, as the drawing are almost invariably in the form of prints, which are not always true-to-scale. It is sometimes necessary to build-up overall dimensions from a series of figured dimensions and this work is best set down in waste on the right-hand site of the description column. 5. Number & titles of dimension Sheets a. Sheets should be suitably headed with the title and section of the job at the top and numbered at the bottom. Example Drawing 10, doors section can be seen as below. CONSTRUCTION OF PHYSCIS LABORATORY Drwgs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, . Site Clearance

1.1

Doors

10.1

b. At the top of the first dimension sheet for a job, it is good practice to enter a list of the drawings from which the measurements have been taken with the precise drawing number of each contract drawing carefully recorded. 17

6. Order or Taking off The order of taking off mostly follows the order of construction. In simple building the order of taking off would probably be as follows:a. Site clearance b. Foundations
excavations concrete footing blockwork hard core Concrete bed cover bed

c. Blockwork d. Floors e. Roof

f. Finishing (Plaster, ceiling & floors ) g. Windows h. Doors i. j. Fittings Plumbing installation

k. Drainage work l. Other services (electrical etc)

m. External works (roads, paths, fences and grassed areas) 7. Descriptions a. General requirements description must abide with or cover all matters detailed in the SMM and include all information which the estimator will require to build-up a realistic price for the item in question. b. Order of wording the first few words of a description should clearly indicate the nature of the item being described. c. Number of units in some cases it necessary to give the number of units involved in a superficial or linear item, in order that the estimator can determine the average area or length of unit being priced. 4/ 20.00 3.00 230mm Thick c&s solid blockwall ...

18

8. Query Sheet When taking off any doubt/queries will be forwarded to the architect on query sheets normally divided down the centre to accommodate the queries on the left-hand side and the answers on the right hand side. During examinations the candidate will have to decide the queries as they arise, but it will often be desirable for him/her to indicate briefly in waste why the has adopted a certain cause of action.

QUERY SHEET S/N QUERY ANSWER

19

SUBSTRUCTURES
The Substructure of any building is a base or the underneath or the foundations of that building. Building construction can be divided into two faces namely,- the Substructure and the Superstructure. The constructions after the foundations are of the Superstructure.

MEASUREMENT OF EXCAVATION & FOUNDATIONS It is very important to that the taking off process is done in logical order. This simplifies the process and reduces the risk of omission of items.

A. EXCAVATIONS In a small building, a satisfactory order of items would be as follows:-

1. Site clearance/site preparation this will include:(i) Site preparation generally including anti-termite treatment if any. This is given in square meters.

(ii) Excavating vegetable soil - This normally forms the first item in the Excavation section of the Bill. The area is measured in square meters to the extremities of the foundations and the average depth, often 150mm, is included in the description together with the method of disposal on the site. 15.00 12.00
Exc. veg. soil, av.150mm dp. & dep. on site in spoil heaps, av. 20 m from excavn

(iii) Removing trees and hedges SMM D4 (iii)(a) Cutting down trees and grubbing up their roots shall be enumerated in groups stating their girth starting with 600mm. girth and in further stages of 300mm. 10
Cutting down small trees n.e 600mm girth and grubbing up their roots

20

(iii)(b) Cutting down hedges and grubbing up their roots shall be given in linear meters stating the nature and height of each hedge or its location. 15.00 Cutting down Michongoma hedges and grubbing up their roots.

(iii)(c) Clearing site of bushes, scrub, undergrowth and the like and grubbing up their roots shall be given in square meters or hectares.

15.00 12.00

Clearing site of bushes, scrub, undergrowth and the like and grubbing up their roots.

2. Excavation and Earthworks:- SMM D5 D15 (i) Excavation to reduce levels - Where the site is sloping and further

excavation is required to reduce the level of the ground down to the specified formation level, this excavation is measured as surface excavation in square meters when not exceeding 300mm in depth, otherwise in cubic meters.

Measurement of Earthwork The following is an example of measuring the volume of earthworks on sloping sites:

It is frequently difficulty in measuring the volume of earthworks, particularly on sloping sites. The following examples are designed to indicate the main principles involved and generally clarity the method of approach.

Sloping site excavation 21

The quantity surveyor is often called upon to calculate the volume of excavation and /or fill requirement on a sloping site and the following example indicates a comparatively simple method of approach. 12m r 2.500 r
2.750 3.000

3.000

3.250

3.500

12m

3.500

3.750

4.000

Assuming that in the example illustrated above, it is required to excavate down to a level of 2.00m, including excavating vegetable soil to a depth of 150 mm. In this case the whole of the site is to be excavated.

The average depth of excavation over the site is most conveniently found by suitably weighting the depth at each point on the grid of levels, according to the area that each level affects. This involves taking the depths at the extreme corners of the area once, intermediate points on the boundary twice and all other intermediate points four times. The sum of the weighted depths is divided by the total number of weightings (number of squares x 4) to give the average weighted depth for the whole area. This method can only be used when the levels are spaced the same distance apart in both directions.

22

The volume in this example is now calculated: Corner depths 2.50-2.00= 3.00-2.00= 4.00-2.00= 3.50-2.00= 2.75-2.00=0.75x2= 3.00-200=1.00x2= 3.50-200=1.50x2= 3.75-200=1.75x2= 0.50 1.00 2.00 1.50 1.50 2.00 3.00 3.50

Depths at intermediate point on boundary

Depth at centre point 3.25-2.00=1.25x4= 5.00 Sum of weighted depths 16) 20.00 Average total depth 1.25 less vegetable soil 0.15 average adjusted depth 1.10m

The dimensions would then appear as follows: 12.00 12.00

Exc. veg. soil, av.150mm dp. & dep. on site in spoil heaps, av. 20 m from excavn

12.00 12.00 1.10

Exc. surf. to red. levels. & Remove from site

(ii) Excavation of foundation trenches Foundation trench excavation is measured in cubic meters in 1.50m stages of depth, stating the starting level of excavation, which is usually stripped level. For example for foundation trench 2m deep below the stripped level will have to be split in two sections:-

(1) Not exceeding 1.50m deep, and (2) Exceeding 1.50m deep and not exceeding 3.00m deep. It is advisable to separate the trenches to external and internal walls.

23

Excavation in rock and in silt or running sand shall be given in cubic meters as extra over all kind of excavations irrespective of the depth. These are to be separated from normal excavations because they have different cost implication during pricing.

Example: Excavation of foundation trenches 22.50 0.75 1.50

Exc. fdn. tr. n.e 1.5m. dp starting at stripped lev. & Backfill exc. mtls. ard. Fdns

22.50 0.75 1.00

Extra over exc. in rock & Backfill exc. mtls. ard. Fdns

22.50 0.75 0.50

Ditto .exc/over 1.5m. dp but n.e 3.0m dp starting at stripped lev. & Backfill exc mtls. ard. fdns

22.50 0.75 1.00

Extra over exc. in running silt & Backfill exc mtls. ard. Fdns

Girth of Buildings e.g Rectangular buildings Girth is a perimeter of a building. This length is required for foundations, external walls etc. also it is a base to calculate dimensions for trench excavation, planking and strutting, concrete in foundations, blockwork and damp proof course.

Example

Say 230mm wall 10.00m

20.00m

24

Girth l = 20.00 w = 10.00 sum of l & w 2/30.00 sum of all for sides 60.00 less corners 4/230 0.92 girth of bldg 59.08 Fdn depth 1.20m Fdn width 700mm

59.08 0.70 1.20

Exc. fdn. tr. n.e 1.5m. dp starting at stripped lev. & Backfill exc. mtls. ard. Fdns

Working space allowances. D5 (f) Note: The working space is required if the face requires formwork. All reinforced insitu concrete require formwork hence working space should be provided.

For insitu plain concrete footing, concrete is poured against the sides of trenches hence no working space is required.

(a)

Working space of 0.30 from the face work requiring the formwork not exceeding 1m high

(b) (c)

2m for trenches to receive post tensioned concrete ground beams 1m for work which is over 1m high from below the starting level of excavation

25

formwork

690mm

Width of foundation trench = Add working space allowance = 2/0.30 Total width

0.69 0.60 1 .29

(iii) Excavation of pits for column bases (if any)

Excavating pits to receive columns, isolated piers and the like are given in cubic meters stating the starting level and the depth. Allowances for working space are to be considered depending on the depth of pits and the formwork requirements.

For example, a column of 1.50m height and 1.00m base can be recorded as follows:-

3.00 3.00 1.50

Exc. column pit. n.e 1.5m. dp starting at stripped lev. & Backfill exc. mtls. ard. Fdns

26

3. Disposal of excavated materials (a) Disposal of excavated materials Except in case of vegetable soil, the subsequent disposal of the excavated material forms a separate billed item, either of soil to be backfilled or to be removed from site. In the first instance, when measuring the trench excavation, it is usual to take the full volume as backfill.

22.50 0.75 1.50

Exc. fdn. tr. n.e 1.5m. dp starting at stripped lev. & Backfill exc. mtls. ard. Fdns

(b) Surplus spoil is given in cubic meter. Either deposited on site in permanent spoil heaps or spread on site shall be so described stating the location or the average distance from the excavations.

22.50 0.75 1.50

Remove from site and deposit on site in permanent spoil heaps 100m away from excavations

(c) Earth filling to make up levels:If the filling is over than 300mm thick shall be given in cubic meters and for the filling less than 300mm thick, shall be given in square meters stating the average thickness.

27

20.00 15.00 0.45

Imported sand to make up levels

20.00 15.00

Imported sand 280mm average depths to make up levels

4. Leveling and compacting trench bottoms Surface treatment including leveling and compacting This is done at the bottom of excavations to receive concrete. Ii is measured in square meters.

22.50 0.75

L. & C. bott. of excns.to rec. conc.

5. Disposal of water Disposal of water This is done to keep excavation free from water and is given as item Item Allow for keeping excavations free from general water

6. Planking and strutting

Planking and strutting - Earthwork support which include the use of timber Planking and strutting to uphold the sides of excavation, plywood trench sheeting and light steel trench sheeting and strutting. It is measured to the sides of trenches and given as an item. section D19 or can be measured in square meters 23.00 1.20 Planking and strutting to uphold the sides of excavations

Item

Planking and strutting to uphold the sides of excavations

28

B. MEASUREMENT OF FOUNDATIONS

When the excavation is complete, the excavated trench is filled with foundations which include:1. Concrete in foundations including adjustment shall be given in cubic meters as stating the mix and thickness (SMM F3). The adjustment of excavated soil disposal will be taken with this item (i.e. Ddt. Backfill and Add. Removal from site)
Conc.(1:3:6/40mm agg) in fdns. 1.725 & Ddt. Backfill & Add. Remove from site & Ddt. Backfill & Add. Remove from site

20.00 0.75 0.23

Conc.(1:3:6/40mm agg) in fdns.

10.00 0.75 0 .23

3.45

2. Reinforcements Bar reinforcement will be entered by length on the dimension sheets and are billed in kilogrammes. (Section F16) Weights of Groups of Bars per Metre Size (mm 1 ) 6 0.22 2 8 0.39 5 10 0.61 6 12 0.88 8 16 1.57 9 20 2.46 6 Number of Bars 5 6 1.110 1.975 3.080 4.440 7.895 12.33 0 29 1.332 2.370 3.696 5.328 9.474 14.79 6

2 0.444 0.790 1.232 1.776 3.158 4.932

3 0.666 1.185 1.848 2.664 4.737 7.398

4 0.888 1.580 2.464 3.552 6.316 9.864

7 1.554 2.765 4.312 6.216 11.05 3 17.26 2

8 1.776 3.160 4.928 7.104 12.63 2 19.72 8

9 1.998 3.555 5.544 7.992 14.21 1 22.19 4

10 2.220 3.950 6.160 8.880 15.79 0 24.66 0

25 32 40

3.85 4 6.31 5 9.86 6

7.708 12.63 0 19.73 2

11.56 2 18.94 5 29.59 8

15.41 6 25.26 0 39.46 4

19.27 0 31.57 5 49.33 0

23.12 3 37.89 0 59.19 6

26.97 8 44.20 5 69.06 2

30.83 2 50.52 0 78.92 8

34.68 6 56.83 5 88.79 4

38.54 0 63.15 0 98.66 0

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Example: If the foundation footing is reinforced with mild steel bars, the measurements and entries will be as follows:-

4/ 4/ 4/

8.50 34.00 4.00 3.80

34.00 16.00 15.20 65.20

16.00 12mm dia. Mild steel bars in fdn footing 15.20 65.20x 0.888kg/m = 57.8976 Say 58kg 3. Formwork section F19

Formwork for most of the surfaces are given in square meters classifying them in groups according to the position requiring formwork.

4. Blockwork/ walling (SMM G) in foundations is measured in square meters stating the thickness, mix of mortar for bedding and jointing. The adjustment of excavated soil disposal will be taken with this item (i.e. Ddt. Backfill and Add. Removal from site)

Example: Measurement of blockwork 8.00 1.20 9.60 230mm blk b & j in c.m (1:3) &
Ddt. Backfill 9.6 x 0.23 = 2.208 & Add. Remove from site 9.6 x 0.23 = 2.208

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Example

Say 230mm wall 10.00m

20.00m

Girth l = 20.00 Less sprd 2/235 0.47 19.53 w = 10.00 Less sprd 2/235 0.47 9.53

57.20 1.19

sum of l & w 2/29.06 sum of all for sides 58.12 less corners 4/230 0.92 Length of blkwk 57.20 Blkwk thickness 230mm depth 1.19

230mm blk b & j in c.m (1:3) &

Ddt. Backfill x 0.23 = .. & Add. Remove from site .. x 0.23 = ..

5. Damp proof course Normally measured in linear meter. The description of Damp proof course must include particulars of materials used, thickness/gauge, number of layers and the nature of bedding (section G96 G97)

32

Example: Measurement of Damp proof course

80.00

Hor dpc 110mm wide of single layer of Hessian base bit. To b.s.743. lapped 100mmat jts &bedded in c.m (1 3)

Solid floors (a) Ground floor consisting of a concrete bed usually supported on a bed of hardcore Hardcore This is measured as equal to the area of the void being filled (D20 in SMM). It is measured in square meters if it does not exceed 300mm thick, otherwise it is in cubic meters. Damp proof membrane This is laid on top of the hardcore and normally measured in square meter. The description of Damp proof membrane must include particulars of materials used, thickness/gauge, number of layers and the nature of bedding (section G96 G97)

Example: Measurement of Hardcore & Damp proof membrane

4.50 5.70

Hardcore filling av.150mm. th., consisting of gravel rejects, blinded to receive conc. Including levellg and compacting. & Polythene hor. Membrane not less than 0.125 mm th., lapped 100mm at jts. & laid on hardcore

Concrete bed Rarely exceeds 300mm in thickness and so are normally measured in square meters stating the thickness. (SMM. section F5) 33

Example: Measurement of Concrete bed

4.50 5.70

25.65

1oomm th.conc. bed (1:2:4/20 agg.)

(b) Upper floors consisting of suspended concrete slabs. (SMM. section F7 (a)) Suspended floors and the like shall be given in square meters stating the thickness.

The floors will be measured together with the associated items such as reinforcements Section F16 and formwork section F19

34

SUPERSTRUCTURES
Superstructure elements of any building are those constructed on top of a base or of the foundations of that building. Building construction can be divided into two faces namely,- the Substructure and the Superstructure. For a simple building, superstructure elements are such as walling, roofing, floors, doors, windows, staircases, fittings, electrical installation, plumbing installation etc.

WALLING (SMM SECTION G) Walling can be of blocks, bricks, concrete, natural stones and other light materials recommended be the design team to be used for walling.

MEASUREMENTS

It is essential to measure the wall in a sequential order starting with external wall, internal wall together with their incidental works if any.

(a) Particulars of the following shall be given:(i) (ii) Material, kind, type, finish and size of blocks shall be so described. Any requirement as to the stone and the quarry

(iii) Type of bond for blockwork (iv) Composition and mix of mortar for bedding and jointing

(b) External walls The length of external walling will be obtained by the method of girthing and the height will normally be taken up to some convenient level, such as the general eaves line. Any additional areas of the external wall such as gables parapets, wall up to higher eaves level, etc, will be then taken off.

In measuring the wall the measurer takes the whole area regardless that there are some voids and the adjustment of wall for window and doors openings will be made when measuring the windows and doors. 35

The measurement of areas of external walls will be followed by incidental labours, etc, such as rough cutting, eaves-filling, projecting courses etc.

(c) Internal walls The measurement of external wall is usually followed by the internal walls. A careful check should be made on the type and thickness of each partition, and where there are a number of different types of partition it is often helpful to color each type in a different color on the floor plan. Internal wall is also measured in square meters stating all essential particulars as before described.

MEASUREMENT OF ROOFS - (SMM SECTION J, K AND SECTION L

Roofs are of two types namely; Pitched roofs and flat roofs. Both types can conveniently be subdivided into two main sections for purposes of measurement, i.e. construction and coverings. The order of measurement of these two sections varies in practice, but on balance it is probably better to take the construction first as this follows the order of construction on site.

PITCHED ROOFS

(a) Construction

The order of items should follow a logical sequence such as plates, rafters, ceiling joist, collars, purlins, struts, ridge boards, and hip and valley rafters.

(i) a Timber works The roof timbers such as rafters, ceiling joist, collars, purlins, struts, fascia board, barge board, hip and valley rafters are all measured in linear meters stating the size (thickness x width)

36

60

25X250mm hardwood/softwood timber Fascia board 150x150mm h/wd Wall plate 50x100mm swd ceiling joist Size Thickness x Width Kind and quality of timber Preliminary treatment of timber ( e.g. Pressure impregnated)

50

50

The quantity of timber required can be calculated by various formulas:-

For example, L/S - 1 = number of Trusses L = Length S = Spacing of Truss Now if the length is 18m and the spacing of rafters is 1.5m, then the number of Trusses will be 18/1.5 - 1 = 11 Trusses

18m

Hipped ends 7m

Ni of Trusses L/S -1 =11

18m No of Trusses = L/S + 1 18/1.5 +1 = 13

Gable ends

37

18m One Hipped end and One Gabled end No of Trusses L/S 18/1.5 =12

If the length of rafters is calculated as 5m in each side, then the taking off will be as follows:-

11/2/ 5.00

50X150mm Rafters

(i) b Lengths of Rafters Where roof sections are drawn to a sufficiently large scale, the easiest method is to scale the length of rafter off the drawing, taking the length from one extremity to other of the rafter.

Another alternative is to calculate the length by multiplying the natural secants of the angle of pitch by half the total span of the roof. The natural secants of the more usual pitches of the roof are as follows:-

The use of four figure mathematical table for values of natural secants is recommended.

Pitch of roof Natural secant

15 1.036

30 1.155

40 1.305

45 1.414

50 1.555

38

40

4.175m

Half total span of roof is 4.175m, and the secant 40 is 1.305, therefore, Length of rafter = 4.175 x 1.305 = 5.448m

(b) Coverings Roof covering are of various types such as slates or tiles, corrugated or toughed sheets, thatch, bitumen felt , etc.

Slates or Tile roofing (SMM K2 -K15)

Particulars of the following shall be given: Kind, size, type and quality of slates or tiles Extent of lap Method of fixing and the number of nails or pags per slate or tile Size and type of laths or battens Measurements: Roof coverings shall be measured in square meters

39

Square cutting around openings, raking cuttings , curved cuttings, valleys, hips and vertical angles shall be given in linear meter separately.

Corrugated or troughed sheets SMM K16 K26

Particulars of the following shall be given: Kind of sheeting Quality and gauge of sheeting and type Extent of side and end laps Nature and general spacing of the structural supports ( eg. Purlins) Method of fixing the sheeting Roof coverings shall be measured in square meters

Measurements:-

12.00 6.00

26 Gauge (SWG) Corrugatted Alumium roofing Sheet 150mm both sides and ends laps fixed to timber purlins with galv. Screws and plastic washers

Square cutting around openings, raking cuttings , curved cuttings, valleys, hips and vertical angles shall be given in linear meter separately.

FLAT ROOF COVERINGS (a) Asphalt (SMM SECTION J) The main areas of asphalt are measured in square meters stating the thickness and number coats of asphalt. Furthermore, the asphalt item is to include the underlay of felt, cork, fiberboard or similar material and any reinforcement. (b) Bitumen felt (SMM K36) The unit of measurement is the square meter and it is classified by slope. Full particulars of felt are to be given such as extent of laps, nature

40

of base and method of securing felt to it and the nature of surface treatment if any. The measurement of the main areas of roof covering will be followed by such linear items.

FINISHING (SECTION S) Major Finishing classifications are walls, floors and ceiling. The classifications depend on which kind of materials eg. -Cement sand screed -Terrazo -Ceramic floor tiles etc

Materials can be further grouped into:- Insitu finishing - Tiles, slab, block finishing - Plain sheeting finishing e.g plywood, soft board

They should be stated either - Internal finishing work or - External finishing work

INSITU FINISHINGS A) SAND & CEMENT SCREED FINISHING (i) (ii) Composition and mix ratio ( i.e, 1:3, 1:4) Thickness 20 60mm thick ( common 40mm)

(iii) Number of coats normally laid one coat (iv) Nature of surface treatment such as (v) (vi) wood floated Steel trowelled smooth Nature of base eg. Concrete blockwork background

Preparatory work so as to form keys e.g. hacking concrete Any other special curing on finishing such as steam curing, should be given in your description 41

Typical description 40mm Thick cement and sand screed (1:3) steel trowelled smooth laid to floor to keyed concrete base.

B) TERRAZO FINISHING (i) Composition and mix ratio 1st coat consist of cement and sand screed (1: 3), (1: 4), (1: 6) 2nd coat consist of cement marble chipping white or any color 1 :21/2 (ii) (iii) (iv) Thickness 20 60mm thick ( minimum thickness is 16) Number of coats 2coat or 1coat it the thickness is less than 30mm Nature of surface treatment - Grind the surface - Polish the surface (v) (vi) Nature of base concrete, blockwork or brickwork Special curing

Typical description 40mm Thick terrazzo to floor to keyed concrete base in two coats 1st coat of 20mm thick (sand and cement 1:3) 2nd coat of 20mm coloured and marble chipping 1:21/2) includind grinding the surface and polishing.

Floor and paving (S 3) - Horizontal floor and paving , cross falls and slopes not exceeding 15 degrees from horizontal shall be given separately in square meters

Ceiling Finishing (S 4) Work to walls and ceilings shall each be given separately in square meters describing if to battering walls, to sloping walls etc.

The area of ceiling is measured between wall surfaces in square meters, followed by any associated labor such as arises to beams. 42

Wall Finishing (S 4) The measurement is taken from the floor to ceiling. Work behind wood skirting and the like shall be dealt with the work of walls disregarding any ground.

Skirting and picture rails (S.8) Timber skirtings and picture rails as well as cornices, fillets etc. are measured in linear meters stating the size and describing the labours and including any supporting grounds.

Dividing strips S. 7 Dividing strips are given in linear meters stating end, angles and intersections shall be deemed to be included with the item.

Schedule of finishings

Location

Floor

Skirting

Walls

Ceiling

RI

150X20 40mm Terrazzo Terrazzo

Plaster

Plaster

R2

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

R3 R4

40mm. C & S 150x20 C & S Screed Screed Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto

Ditto Ditto

43

230

3000

230

3500

230

4000

230

4000

230

R1

R2

R3

R4

44

FLOOR FINISHING
40mm. thick terrazzo floor finish laid to falls and cross falls n.e 15 degree from horizontal to keyed conc. Base in 2 coats 1st coat of 20mm thick c & s (1:3) 2nd coats of 20mm coloured cement and marble (1:21/2) and including grinding the surface with carborundum and polishing internally (R 1)

SKIRTING

5.00 3.00

2/

3.00

2/

5.00

2/

3.50

2/
40mm thick Terrazzo floor finish laid to keyed conc. base in 2 coats ditto. (R2)

5.00

5.00 3.50

20mm thick x 150 mm high terrazzo skirting with top rounded edge and covered junction with paving in one coat in white and cement marble (1:21/2) to blockwork / concrete work background including grinding with carborundum stone and polishing to the surface.

2/

4.00 5.00

40mm thick Steel toweled smooth laid to floor to keyed concrete R (3 & 4)

2/2 4.00 2/2 5.00

20mm thick x 150 mm high cement and sand screed (1:3) skirting to blockwork/ concrete work background. R (3 8 4)

WALL FINISHINGS (R(1& 2) ht = 3.00 Less floor 0.04 Less Skirting 0.15 Finishing ht (R(1& 2) Ht = 3.70 Less 0.19 3.51 CEILING FINISHING 15 mm thick plaster to concrete ceiling in two coat 1st coat 12mm thick in cement, sand and line ( 1: 4: 5); 2nd coast 2mm thick in cement sand and line putty (1: 1: 5) with wood floated surface internally.

0.19 2.81

45

2/

3.00 2.81 5.00 2.81

2/

15mm thick plaster to blockwork/ concrete work or brickwork walls in two coats, 1st coat 12mm thick in cement, sand and lime (1:4:5) 2nd coat 3mm thick. &

2/

3.50 2.81 5.00 2.81

2/

3mm thick in cement, sand and lime putty ( 1:1:5) with wood floated surface internally

2/2 4.00 3.51

2/2 5.00 3.51

46

DOORS AND WINDOWS - SECTION M

A. DOORS Door shutters The measurement of doors can be subdivided into internal and external doors, and the dimensions of each of these two classes of door broken down into;

1. Door 2. Adjustment of opening

Measurements Doors shall be given in square meters stating the thickness and the number of doors (each leaf being counted as one door).

Doors may also be enumerated stating the size

Classification (i) Flash doors stating the construction of the core, the finished thickness of the door, the kind, quality and the thickness of the facing materials and the method of fixing of facing material to the core.

(ii)

Boarded doors stating the thickness of the boarding, ledges, braces and framing and the method of jointing the board covering or filling.

(iii) Panelled doors stating the nominal thickness of the framing, the number and nominal thickness of the panels and where molded stating whether the moldings are worked on the solid or planted on and whether on one or both side. Pannelled doors with open panels for glass shall be so described.

47

Door frames and linings

Door frames and linings are measure in linear meters giving full description of all the labours and the size of the member.

Adjustments

When adjusting the opening for care must be taken to cover all the appropriate items by adopting a logical order of taking off such as deduction of walls, external and internal finishings, - skirting, and flooring Sundries Plugging - Plugging to concrete, blockwork and stonework shall be given in squire meters or enumerated or may be given in the description. Holes in timber Holes for bolts and the like shall each be enumerated separately stating the size of bolts and the thickness of timber.

Iron-mongery

Particulars of the following shall be given:-

Kind and quality of Iron-mongery Surface finish Nature of the background (e.g. timber, metal) to which items are fixed

48

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS - SECTION M28 Cupboards, Tables, Work-benches, Counters, Bookcase etc., shall be given in detail or may be enumerated and fully described.

Those of similar character may be grouped together.

Drawers shall be enumerated stating the overall dimensions, the thickness of component parts and the method of joining. Applied covering In square meters stating the method of securing.

PAINTING AND DECORATIONS SECTION (U) Work is grouped into:-

Internal work External work

Generally, work on surface over 300mm girth shall be given in square meters. Those not exceeding 300mm girth shall be in linear meters Those not exceeding 0.10 square meter shall be enumerated

Particulars of the following shall be given 1. Kind and quality of material 2. Nature of work (e.g. lime whiting, painting, varnishing) 3. Nature of base on which work is executed 4. Preparatory work- (rubbing down, repairing cracks, scrubbing) 5. Number of priming or sealing coats 6. Number of undercoat 7. Number of finishing coat

49

Measured on groups according to the nature of the background such as:-

On general surfaces On wood, frames, wood windows and glazed wood doors On metal windows and glazed metal doors On structural steelwork On grilles, balustrades, railing and mesh On gutters On pipes On bars, cables, conduits, straps and ducting

50

BILLS OF QUANTITIES
Bills of quantities is a fully described and accurately representation of the works to be executed. Bills of quantities consist of preliminaries, prime cost sums, provisional sums and measured works. Purposes of bill of quantities (a) It enables all contractors tendering for a job to price on exactly the same information with a minimum effort. In the absence of a bill of quantities being prepared by the building owner each contractor would have to preparing his own Bill of Quantities in the limited amount of time allowed for tendering. These places a heavy burden on each contractor and also involve him, in additional costs. (b) It provides a basis for the valuation of variations which often occur during the progress of the work. (c) It gives an itemized list of the component parts of the building, with a full description and the quantity of each part, and this may assist the successful contractor in ordering materials and assessing his labour requirements for the job. (d) After being priced, it provides a good basic for cost planning and cost analysis work.

Forms of Bills of Quantities

Elemental bills In Elemental bills, items are grouped according to their position in the building. Each element comprises an integral part of the building such as external walls, roofs or floors, which each perform a certain design of function. Within each element, the items, may be billed in trade order or grouped in building sequence.

51

Trade bills In Trade bills, items are arranged in trade order under the main headings of the separate trades.

Sectionalized Trades bills This can be presented either as a trade bill or with elements as the main subdivision.

Operational bills The description of the billed work follows the actual building process, with materials shown separately from labour, all described in terms of the operations necessary for the construction of the building. An operation for the purpose of the operational bill is the work performed by a man or gang between definite breaks in the pattern, such as bricklaying from damp-proof course to first floor joists in housing work.

BILL PREPARATION PROCESSES Working up After the taking - off the quantities, squaring the dimensions and entering the resultant lengths, areas and volumes in the third or squaring column on the dimension paper follows. The next stage is transferring the squared dimensions to the abstract or

transferring the items directly from the dimension sheet to the bill. In the bill of quantities, the various items of work making up the job are listed under the appropriate trade or section headings, with descriptions printed in full and quantities given in recognized units of measurement as per SMM. The above narrated process is known as working up.

52

Ruling of Bill of Quantities

Column No. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Use of column Item Description Quantity Unit Rate Amount

Item

Description

Quantity

Unit

Rate

Amoun t

SUBSTRUCTURE Vegetable soil A

Excavation of vegetable. soil, average150mm deep and deposit. on site in spoil heaps, average. 20 metres away from excavations

20

M2

20,000

400,000

Trees and Hedges B

Cutting down small trees n.e 600mm girth and grubbing up their roots

10

NO

3000

30,000

C D E

Cutting down Michongoma hedges and grubbing up their roots. . .. 15 M

1500

22,500

TO COLLECTION Pg. 8/3/1/1

53

Item

Description

Quantity

Unit

Rate

Amount

ELEMENT NO 1: SUBSTRUCTURE Trench excavation and Disposal A

Excavation of foundation trenches.. not exceeing 1.5 meter deep starting at stripped levels.

20

M3

Backfill excavation materials around foundation

M3

C D E

.. . Concrete bed 100mm Thick concrete bed (1:2:4) mix ratio 20) aggregate.

30

M2

TO COLLECTION

COLLECTION

Pg. 8/3/1/1 Pg. 8/3/1/2 TOTAL COLLECTION ELEMENT NO.1 CARRIED TO SUMMARY

xxxxxx xxxYYY

YXYXY

Pg.

8/3/1/2

54

Item

Description

Quantity

Unit

Rate

Amount

ELEMENT NO 2: ROOFING Roof structure A B C D E

.. .

. .. .. ..

.. . Roof coverings .

.. .

M2

TOTAL ELEMENT NO 2 CARRIED TO SUMMARY

Pg. 8/3/2/1

Units of Measurement The commonly used in the Bills of Quantities are Linear, Square and cubic respectively They are abbreviated as M, M2, M3, Kg, Prs Entering Quantities in the Bill Quantities are to be billed to the nearest whole unit. Fractions of units which are less than one half are. Disregarded When the above application causes an entire item to be eliminated, the item is to be enumerated stating the size or weight.

55

General Rule of Billing Items will be grouped under suitable section and sub-section headings and will follow the order and terms adopted in the SMM. The preamble clauses will be inserted at the head of each section Each item to be priced in the bill is indexed by letters and or numbers in the first column Words in the bill will written in full without any abbreviation Provision is made for the total sum on each page of the bill relating to a given section of work to be transferred to a collection at the end of the section The total of each of the collections is transferred to a summary at the end of the bill Note: On completion of the draft bill must be very carefully checked against the abstract or the squared items and those items suitably marked in colored ink or pencil as each item is dealt with.

Numbering the BOQ Pages

The bidding document is divided in various sections such as:Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Etc. etc - Invitation to Tender - Instruction to Tenderers - Tender Data Sheet -General conditions of contract

Numbering of the pages in the Bill of Quantities follows the sequence of section; bill No., Element No and the page No.

For example the page below indicate that, fencing work is placed at section number 9, it is in bill number 3, Element No. 1 on page 1. Here below is an example of the Bill of Quantities

56