UNESCO-NIGERIA TECHNICAL &

UNESCO
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
REVITALISATION PROJECT
PROJECT-PHASE II

NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN
QUANTITY SURVEYING

INTRODUCTION TO MEASUREMENT
COURSE CODE:
CODE QUS 101
YEAR I - SE MESTER I
THEORY/MEASUREMENT
Version 1: December 2008

GENERAL OBJECTVES:

1.0

Understand the history of Quantity

Surveying

2.0

Understand the duties and functions of a

Quantity Surveying

3.0

Know standard method of Measurement of

building works

4.0

Understand in detail the knowledge of

Measurement

TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Objectives
1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

History of quantity surveying and the duties of the quantity surveyor

1.1

Roots in Britain

1.2

Development of the Standard Method of measurement

1.3

History of quantity surveying in Nigeria

1.4

The Nigerian standard method of measurement

1.5

Recent developments in quantity surveying

1.6

Duties of the quantity surveyor

The role of the various professionals in the construction process

2.1

The quantity surveyor

2.2

The Architect

2.3

The structural, services and building engineer

2.4

The civil engineer

2.5

Professional bodies and regulatory bodies

The Standard Method of Measurement

3.1

The Standard Method of Measurement

3.2

The Building and Engineering Standard Method of Measurement

3.3

General rules

Building and engineering standard method of measurement general rules I

4.1

Quantities

4.2

Descriptions

4.3

Framing work item descriptions

4.4

Drawn information

4.5

Catalogues and standard components

4.6

Fixing base and backgrounds

4.7

Procedure when inadequate information is provided

4.8

Symbols and abbreviations

5.0

Building and engineering standard method of measurement general rules II

5.1

6.0

Building and engineering standard method of measurement general rules III

6.1

7.0

8.0

7.1

Taking-off

7.2

Descriptions

7.3

Spacing of dimensions

Applied Mensuration I

Work Group D

Groundwork

BESMM3 rules for Excavation and earthworks II

14.1

15.

More complex shapes

BESMM3 Rules for Excavation and Earthworks I

13.1

14.

Rectangular plan with recess

Centre line girth III

12.1

13.

Introduction

Centre line girth II

11.1

12.

Relationship between shapes and building measurement

Centre line girth I

10.1

11.0

Introduction

Applied Mensuration II
9.1

10.0

Cross referencing

Measurement procedures

8.1
9.0

Cross referencing

Classification rules

BESMM3 Rules for Excavation and earthworks III

15.1

More classification rules

WEEK 1: HISTORY OF QUANTITY SURVEYING & DUTIES OF

THE QUANTITY SURVEYOR

1.1

Roots in Britain

The Quantity Surveying profession has its root in Britain during the 17th century although the
earliest recorded firm, Henry Cooper and Sons of Reading was established in 1785. The first
recorded use of the term quantity surveyor was in 1858.

EARLY DAYS

Clients or building owner employed architects were

employed to design and erect buildings
Architects employed master craftsmen to carry out work
in each trade
Costs were not agreed at initial stage and craftsmen
submitted accounts on completion of work

IN TIME

Master craftsmen engaged measurers or surveyors to

prepare accounts
Disagreements arose as quantities claimed far exceeded
the measured finished work
Architects engaged their own measurers to contest the
claims of the master craftsmen

CONTRACT SYSTEM

Building owners had their work executed under contract

Tenders were called for before work was undertaken
Contract sums therefore had to be agreed before work
commenced on site

INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION

System of building procurement gained strength

Advent of the general contractor who submitted
inclusive estimates covering all the trades
Full drawings and specifications were prepared before
tenders were called for
Contractors tendered in competition with one another
based on the full drawings and specifications

THE BILL OF
QUANTITIES

The only way to prepare an accurate estimate cost or

tender is to measure the quantities of all the labour and
materials necessary to complete the works in other
words, preparing a bill of quantities.

THE

Initially each builder prepared his own bills of quantities

for each project, later it was considered more

QUANTITY
SURVEYOR

economical for all of them as a group to employ one

surveyor to measure the quantities for them all.
The cost of engaging the surveyor was shared
They would obtain an identical bill of quantities
ensuring that all contractors were pricing and tendering
on the same basis.
The client employed his own surveyor to work with the
contractors surveyor and protect his interests

THE
INDEPENDENT
QUANTITY

With time, the building owner found it to be to his own

advantage to appoint and pay the fees of the quantity
surveyor.

SURVEYOR

This was the origin of the independent and impartial quantity surveyor as it is found today.

1.2

Development of the Standard Method of Measurement

Up to the middle of the nineteenth century, it was the practice to measure and value
the building work after it had been completed and bills of quantities were not
prepared.

Dispute points in connection with building works were decided by the Surveyors
Institution and the Quantity Surveyors Association.

The frequency with which they were called to decide on areas of conflict pointed at
the necessity of achieving greater accuracy of work and uniformity of method.

1802

A number of Scottish quantity surveyors met to produce the

first method of measurement

1918

A Joint Committee was set up comprising, six surveyors and

four contractors to draw up a comprehensive set of Standard
Rules of Measurement of Building Works.

1922

In 1922, the first edition of the Standard Method of

Measurement (SMM 1) was thus published.

1927 - 1998

Subsequently, revisions were made and other editions were

published the most current for measurement of building works
being the 7th edition (SMM 7). First published in 1988 and a
revised edition in 1998.

1.2.1 Standard Methods of Measurement for Other Classes of Work

1.2.1.1 Civil Engineering Works

1991

The 3rd Edition of the Civil Engineering Standard Method of

Measurement (CESMM3) for use in the measurement of civil
engineering works was produced by a joint committee under the
auspices of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Federation
of the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors of Britain.

1.2.1.2 Industrial and Process Engineering Works

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors published the

Standard Method of Measurement of Industrial Engineering
Construction, SMMIEC which is used in the measurement of
heavy and process engineering works.

1.3

History of Quantity Surveying in Nigeria

Quantity Surveying originated in Great Britain and was imported into Nigeria by the British
who colonised Nigeria. It can be implied that the first set of quantity surveyors who practised
in Nigeria were British citizens.

The first set of Nigerian quantity surveyors trained in Britain in

EARLY DAYS

the early 50s

This set of Nigerian quantity surveyors started returning to
Nigeria in the 60s
By 1968 enough of them had returned to enable them set up an
association to develop the practice of the profession in Nigeria.
Thus, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) was
founded in 1969.

FIRST QUANTITY
SURVEYORS

Mr. Victor Akan is recorded as the first Nigerian Quantity

Surveyor
The first recorded Nigerian owned quantity surveying firm was
founded in 19 .

Soon after its formal set up, the Institute initiated efforts for the
TRAINING IN
NIGERIA

education and training of quantity surveyors in Nigerian tertiary

institutions.
Ahmadu Bello University was the first university to start
running the degree programme in 1971 graduating its first set in
1974.
Auchi Polytechnic was the first polytechnic to commence the
diploma programme in quantity surveying in

GOVERNMENT
RECOGNITION

The government of Nigeria is the largest client of the profession

Government recognised the quantity surveying profession as
one of the scheduled professions in 1978 under the Regulated
and other Professions Act.
Decree 31 of 1986 and CAP 383 LFRN 1991 gave legal
backing to the quantity surveying profession and also set up the
Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria to regulate
the profession

PRACTICE IN
NIGERIA

Practice of the profession of quantity surveying in Nigeria is

along the same pattern as in Britain and other commonwealth
countries.
The standard methods of measurement published in Britain are
largely in use in Nigerian practices starting with the fifth edition
of the SMM for building works and the second edition of the
CESMM.

1.4

The Nigerian Standard Methods of Measurement

The first edition of the Nigerian Standard method was produced

1988

by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

It and was titled Standard Method of Measurement of Building
Works and Services (SMMBWS)

The second edition was produced and it now encompassed rules

2002

for the measurement of both building and engineering works

Title changed to Building and Engineering Standard Method of
Measurement 2 (BESMM2)

The current edition was produced titled Building and

2008

1.5

Engineering Standard Method of Measurement 3 (BESMM3)

Recent Developments in Quantity Surveying

The practice of the profession of quantity surveying has evolved dramatically starting from
the 1970s from that of measurement and valuation to cover much wider areas of expertise in
the procuring and management of various types of construction projects. This evolution has
come about as a result of changes in:

Construction markets

Construction industry

Clients needs

Professions

Advent of ICT

Today the quantity surveyor is the financial consultant to the construction industry and more,
providing services ranging from:

Cost management

Life cycle costing

Project management

Construction management

Procurement

Value management

Facilities management, etc
1.6

Duties of the Quantity Surveyor

1.

Preliminary Cost Advice

The quantity surveyor gives practical advice on:

The likely cost of the scheme however complicated or unusual it may be.

The comparative costs of alternative layouts, materials, components and methods of

construction.

The likely duration of project.

The likely cost of future maintenance and operating costs.

The quantity surveyor can, from the clients brief, prepare a realistic budget and a cost plan
showing the distribution of costs over the various elements.

2.

Cost Planning

Cost planning is a specialist technique used by quantity surveyors, which aims to help all
members of the design team to arrive jointly at practical and efficient designs for the project
and to keep within the budget. Once a realistic estimate is set from the cost plan, constant
monitoring reduces the risk of overspending by noting problem areas at an early stage and
applying prompt corrective action.

3.

Contractual Methods

The quantity surveyor can advise on the best type of tendering and the best form of contract
that will best suit a specific project. The quantity surveyor prepares the documents for
obtaining the tenders and arranging the contract.

4.

Bill of Quantities

Competitive tendering remains a common basis for selection of contractor and bills of
quantities are fundamental to the process. Bills translate the drawings into a document listing
in detail all the component parts required for a project so that each contractor can calculate
tender prices on exactly the same basis as his competitors.

During construction, the bill forms the basis for preparing interim valuations, pricing of
variations and effective cost control.

5.

Choice of contractor

The quantity surveyor analyses tenders and makes recommendations to the client for
contractor selection after taking into consideration other factors such as the contractors
reputation and past performance.

6.

Contract Administration

The quantity surveyor acts with the architect or engineer to ensure that the financial
provisions of the contract are properly interpreted and applied so that the clients financial
interest is safeguarded and that the builder is paid the proper price for the work.

He also exercises control during construction so that the cost is not exceeded without
authority.

7.

Valuation of construction work

The quantity surveyor prepares interim valuations, values variations and prepares financial
statements during construction. He will also settle the final accounts at project completion. He
may also prepare statements of expenditure for tax or accounting purposes and assess the
projects replacement value for insurance purposes.

Other services of the quantity surveyor include:

8.

Construction management

Construction management uses latest management techniques and other applications of

programming, network analysis, risk analysis, cash flow forecasting, budgeting and other
control mechanisms.

9.

Building maintenance management

Building maintenance management involves planning, programming, controlling and costing

of maintenance and repair work.

10.

Dilapidations

The quantity surveyor prepares schedule of conditions at the beginning of a tenancy or lease
and a schedule of dilapidations at the end giving details of an outgoing tenants liability.

11.

Arbitration

This is a formal process for settling disputes

12.

Facilities management

This involves all aspects of providing, operating, maintaining, developing and improving
facilities which are property where people are accommodated and work.

13.

Contractor Organisations

The quantity surveyor may work in a contractors organisation.

The main function of the contractors quantity surveyor is to secure maximum payment for
work done by the contractor at the earliest possible time to avoid cash flow problems and to
maximise profits. These however have to be done within the provisions of the contract. The
contractor cannot receive more than he is entitled to by the contract.

In contrast with the consultant quantity surveyor who claims impartiality between the client
and the contractor, the contractors quantity surveyor will be representing his employers
interests alone. Wise contractors therefore always employ quantity surveyors to look after
their interests and in particular rely on them in the most controversial contractual areas.
The quantity surveyor working in a contractors organisation will therefore carry out the
following functions among others:

For design and build contracts or civil engineering contracts, the quantity surveyor
works with other professionals in the contractors organisation to produce initial plans,
drawings and estimates for the project and helps to calculate the most economical way
to do the job.

Prepares bills of quantities from which an estimation of the cost of a project can be
drawn up by the contractor

Assessing the quantity of labour, materials and equipment required to complete the
project

Follow the progress of the work to ensure that it is completed within budget

Represents the contractor when interim valuations and final accounts are prepared

Ensure that they receive the correct payment at the appropriate time for the work done
on site.

Estimating and negotiation of new contracts.

Site measurements for internal and external valuations, final accounts, cost and
bonusing, sub-contract payments and final accounts.

Domestic subcontractor arrangements and accounts.

Interpreting and progressing contractual issues and settlement of disputes and claims

Prepare network analysis

Prepare cash flow forecasts

Assess cost of alternative designs of temporary works (preliminary items).

Scheduling and monitoring of materials

Plant control

Reporting to management usually on a monthly basis on the overall financial state of

the contract giving comparisons of actual cost with the corresponding internal values
for the various cost centres and sub-trades.

WEEK 2: THE ROLE OF VARIOUS PROFESSIONALS IN THE

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
2.1

The Quantity Surveyor

The quantity surveyor is essentially an expert on construction cost and construction contracts
whose prime task is to ensure that the project is kept within budget and that the client gets
value for money. Although the quantity surveyor is employed by the client and is part of the
architects team, he must have a close relationship with the contractor during construction. He
must ensure that in his valuations of payments due to the contractor, he remains impartial to
both the client and the contractor and so produce harmony in his role as project accountant.

2.1.1 Pre-contract stage

The quantity surveyor:

Gives preliminary cost advice

Prepares cost plans

Advises on contractual methods

Prepares bills of quantities and other tender documents

Analyses tenders and makes recommendations for contractor selection.

2.1.2

Post-contract period
The quantity surveyor works with the architect or engineer to ensure that the financial
provisions of the contract are properly interpreted and applied so that the clients
financial interest is safeguarded and that cost is not exceeded without authority.

He prepares interim valuations

Values variations

Evaluates all financial claims made by the contractor who is allowed to be present at
such times so that agreement is ensured and disputes are avoided

He also prepares financial statements that keep the client informed as to the running
cost of the project.

2.1.4 Completion

He prepares the final account, again, with the assistance of and in agreement with the
contractor.

2.2

The Architect

The architect is regarded as the leader of the building team. However, project managers and
other professionals are currently taking over this traditional role. He often receives the
commission to design and supervise the construction of the building.
The complexities of modern construction require specialised knowledge, which no architect
can provide. He therefore requires the assistance of specialists such as structural engineers to
design the structural frame, mechanical engineers to design the M&E services and quantity
surveyors to advice on cost and contractual aspects. He will also need advice on ground
investigations, landscaping etc.
2.2.1 Pre-contract stage

He determines the clients requirements for a project, which is known as the clients
brief. If the client is unsure of what he wants, the architect can help in formulating
this brief.

Prepares the preliminary designs based on the brief with inputs from quantity
surveyors on comparative costs of alternative design proposals and from consulting
structural and service engineers on aspects of complex buildings.

After approval from the client, he produces detailed architectural designs while the
engineers produce detailed structural and service designs and the quantity surveyor
produces a cost plan based on which he cost checks to keep costs within clients
budget.

Prepares working drawings

Decides which aspects of the work are to be carried out by nominated subcontractors
and suppliers.

When design is completed:

He obtains all necessary planning approvals

Calls for tenders from suitable contractors either based on a bill of quantities or other
contractual arrangement.

He receives the tenders and advises the client on selection of contractor usually based
on quantity surveyors recommendation.

2.2.2 Post-contract stage

During construction, the architect:

Supervises the work, ensuring that the contractor keeps to the design and specification

Chairs site meetings, which are held regularly on site where problems and difficulties
are discussed and resolved.

Issues instructions to the contractor in relation to the work execution and any
variations required.

Certifies stage payments to the contractor

Keeps the client informed of progress on site.

2.2.3 Completion
At the end of the project the architect issues:

The certificate of practical completion

The certificate of making good defects usually six months after practical completion

The final certificate not later than two months after the end of the defects liability
period.

2.3

The Structural, Services & Building Engineers

On large complex building projects the architect will recommend to the client the
employment or appointment of consulting engineers, usually specialist in structural work and
mechanical and electrical services.

2.3.1 Pre-contract stage

The engineer prepares designs and specifications within the scope of their specialist
fields advising the architect on the buildability of his concepts. For instance, the
structural or building engineer must ensure structural stability with economy in mind
and avoidance of obstruction by structural members and also assist in producing a
logical and systematic construction process.

He may be required to obtain, check and recommend quotations from specialist

subcontractors in his speciality area.

2.3.2 Post-contract

During construction, the consulting engineers assist the architect by supervising their
specialist area of the work, modifying or re-designing work as may become necessary.

2.4

The Civil Engineer

These are specialists in civil engineering design and construction. In civil engineering
contracts they assume the leadership role in the design and construction team. Like architects
in building contracts they may require the inputs of other consultants, such as architects,
quantity surveyors, service engineers etc.

2.5

Professional Bodies and Regulatory Bodies

2.5.1 Who is a professional?

A professional is an individual who engages in a field of endeavour requiring specialised

education, knowledge and skills and who is a member of a self-regulatory body having
legislated authority to regulate its members when carrying out activities within a specified
field of endeavour.

The professional holds himself or herself out as an expert in a specified field. The person
must have the training, skills and experience to back up such a claim.

2.5.2 Professional and Regulatory Bodies

Professionals usually come together to form associations to protect members and advance
their interests. Governments on the other hand seek to regulate professions in a bid to protect
members of the public in relation to the activities of the professionals.

In some countries, the government allows the professional groups self-regulation whereas in
others, the government sets up a government agency that has the responsibility of regulating
the practice of the profession in that country.

COUNTRY

PROFESSIONAL BODY

REGULATORY BODY

United Kingdom

Royal Institution of Chartered

Surveyors (RICS)

Royal Institution of Chartered

Surveyors (RICS)

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

(HKIS)

Surveyors Registration Board,

Hong Kong

Malaysia

Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (ISM) Board of

Malaysia

Singapore

Singapore Institute of Surveyors and

Valuers (SISV)

Australia

Australian Institute of Quantity

Surveyors (AIQS)

South Africa

Association of South African Quantity

Surveyors (ASAQS)

Kenya

The Architectural Association of

Kenya, Chapter of Quantity Surveyors

Nigeria

Nigerian
Institute
Surveyors (NIQS)

of

Quantity

Surveyors

Board of Registration of
Architects and Surveyors in
Kenya

Quantity Quantity Surveyors Registration

Board Of Nigeria (QSRBN)

2.5.3 The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS)

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors was founded in 1969 by Nigerians who had
trained, qualified and practised quantity surveying in the United Kingdom but who returned to
Nigeria and felt the need to develop the profession in Nigeria.

The regulated and other Provisions) Act of 1978 recognised quantity surveying as one of the
scheduled professions. Decree No. 31 of 1986 gave legal backing and recognition to the
quantity surveying profession and also established the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board
of Nigeria (QSRBN) to regulate the profession.

The vision of the NIQS is To be the profession in Nigeria responsible for total cost and
procurement management, for the achievement of clients objectives in all types of capital
projects and developments, from conception to commissioning and maintenance, in all sectors
of the economy, for the attainment of sustainable national development and goals.

The aims and objectives of the institute are:

(a)

To promote the science and practice of the quantity surveying profession in all its
ramifications.

(b)

To provide a platform or forum for meeting and discussing matters of mutual interest
to quantity surveyors in Nigeria and to preserve and further the interest of quantity
surveyors.

(c)

To promote and stimulate the improvement of the technical and general knowledge of
persons engaged in the profession of quantity surveying.

(d)

To organise continuing education and professional training of those seeking to become

professional quantity surveyors and assist and procure its members to be registered by
the QSRBN.

(e)

To undertake research study and to collate information from any quantity surveying
bodies from any part of the world on the latest developments and technologies in the
practice of quantity surveying and to make available such information to its members.

(f)

To cooperate with the QSRBN in training of quantity surveyors and regulating and
controlling the practice of quantity surveying in Nigeria.

(g)

Generally to disseminate information and promote understanding of quantity

surveying

among members of the public and to cooperate with other professional

bodies in Nigeria.

(h)

The maintenance of the highest standards of discipline and professional conduct.

The services offered by the quantity surveyor include:

(a)

Feasibility studies of capital projects

(h)

Facilities management

(b)

Cost modelling

(i)

Direct labour project

procurement and management

(c)

Contract documentation and procurement

(j)

Arbitration

(d)

Contract administration and management

(k)

Expert witness

(e)

Monitoring of capital projects

(l)

Fire insurance assessment

(f)

Preparation of cost reports, pricing of bills etc

(m)

Dilapidation

(g)

Project management

Other Professional and Regulatory Bodies in the Nigerian Construction Industry

2.5.4 The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB)

The NIOB was founded in 1967 as the first overseas centre of the Chartered, Institute of
Building (CIOB), UK. The NIOB gained autonomy from CIOB in May 1970 and gained its
statutory backing in 1989 by the Builders (Registration etc) Decree No. 45 of the Federal
Govt. of Nigeria.

The vision of the NIOB is to provide Nigeria with the profession that will be responsible for
the complete construction of new buildings, maintenance of existing buildings and building
production management utilising high standards of practice and provide modern and
appropriate construction techniques with more emphasis on improved training, safety, quality
and value management for the benefit of the fatherland.

2.5.5 Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON)

CORBON was established by Builders (Registration etc.) Decree No. 45 of 1989 to control
and regulate the practice of the Building Technology profession in all its aspects and
ramifications.

Statutorily, a professional builder cannot practice the profession in Nigeria unless he/she is
registered with CORBON and remains registered throughout his/her professional career.

2.5.6 The Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV)

NIESV was founded in 1969 and was registered as a non-profit corporate body under the
Land (Perpetual Succession) Act of 1924. It gained formal government recognition in 1975 in
the promulgation of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers (Registration etc.) Decree Number 24
of 1975. This decree established the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of
Nigeria, ESVARBON, as a corporate body empowered to regulate the profession of Estate
Surveying and Valuation in Nigeria.

2.5.7 The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)

The NSE was founded in 1958 and is the national umbrella organisation for the engineering
professions in Nigeria. Engineers Registration Decree No. 55 of 1970 established Council for
the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). All the disciplines of the profession as
currently practiced in Nigeria are duly catered for. Some of the disciplines are organised as
divisions of the society to enhance individual career development.

Thirteen divisions have been duly recognised:

Aeronautical

Agricultural

Chemical

Civil

Electrical


Environmental

Geotechnical

Industrial

Mechanical

Metallurgical

Petroleum

Structural

Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN)
The objective NSE is to promote the advancement of engineering education, research and
practice in all its ramifications. This is with a view to maintaining and enhancing the
professional capabilities of its members so as to better equip them to fulfil the needs of the
profession for the good of the public and the nation.

2.5.8 The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

RICS can its history right back to 1792 when the Surveyors Club was formed. The
foundations of the current modern organisation however started to take shape when 20
surveyors met at Westminster Palace Hotel in London, UK under the Chairmanship of John
Clutton. He was later elected the first president of the Institution of Surveyors.
The Institution of surveyors later became the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
and has evolved into the pre-eminent organisation of its kind in the world. Today the RICS
remains the premier institution for quantity surveyors in the world. In terms of construction
professional bodies in the UK, the RICS is by far the largest and the most influential with a
total membership of over 100,000.
The key requirements expected from the RICS are:

Improving education and entry level to respond to challenges likely to be met by

individuals and firms

Change from protectionism to facilitator

Provide leadership in a fragmented construction industry

Accept that it is the commercial world that is the leading edge but use its position and
authority to influence and create and spot trends

Reflect the need for individuals to remain champions of property and fairness and
uphold the charter

Constantly upgrade professional skills, business skills and knowledge to a level which
is envied by other professionals

Promote the benefits of employing a chartered surveyor so that the currency value of
belonging to the RICS is as high as possible

Improve communications and develop the single profession culture among its
members

WEEK 3: THE STANDARD METHOD OF MEASUREMENT

3.1

The Standard Method of Measurement

Definition
The standard method of measurement is a document that sets out the rules for the
measurement and description of construction works.

Purpose
Its main purpose is to provide a uniform basis for measuring construction work. When bills of
quantities are prepared based on a particular standard method of measurement, all the parties
concerned are aware of what is included, assumed or not included. All contractors tendering
therefore tender on the same basis and their tenders can easily be evaluated and compared.

3.2

Building and Engineering Standard Method of Measurement 3 (BESMM 3)

The BESMM3 is made up of two main parts. The measurement and description rules in each
part are grouped under main headings as follows:

PART ONE (BUILDINGS AND THE LIKE)

1A

Preliminaries/General Conditions

Existing site/Buildings/Services

Ground work

In situ concrete/Large pre-cast concrete

Masonry

Structural carcassing metal/timber

Cladding/Covering

Waterproofing

Linings/Sheathing/Dry Partitioning

Windows/Doors/Stairs

Surface finishes

Furniture/Equipment

Building fabric sundries

Paving/Planting/Fencing/Site furniture

Disposal systems

Transport systems

Mechanical and electrical services measurement

PART TWO (CIVIL, INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING WORKS AND THE LIKE)

2A

General items

Demolition and site clearance

Ground work

In situ concrete/Large pre-cast concrete

Metalwork and timberwork

Paving Highways

Transport systems

The section preceding the two chapters contains general rules guiding the use of the standard
method. These rules need to be properly understood by the student before commencing actual
measurement and will therefore be treated studied in detail in for the next three weeks.
For this course we shall be treating the general rules covering the measurement and
description of building works only.

General Rules Introduction

The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) should contain all the items of cost required to complete a
construction project. The bill should therefore fully describe and accurately represent the
quantity and quality of the works to be carried out. Carefully following the rules prescribed in
the Standard Method of Measurement should ensure this.

The use of the SMM will be studied under the following headings:
 Tabulated Rules
 Quantities
 Descriptions
 Drawn Information
 Fixing, base and background
 Procedure when inadequate information is provided
 Symbols and abbreviations
 Cross referencing

Tabulated Rules
The rules of the BESMM3 are set out in tables. Rules covering each work group or section are
set out under three headings:
 Information to be provided
 Classification tables
 Supplementary rules
The horizontal lines divide the classification tables and supplementary rules into zones to
which different rules apply. Fig 1 shows a typical page from the BESMM3.

C90 Alterations spot Items

INFORMATION PROVIDED
P1 The following information is shown either on location drawings under 1A Preliminaries/General conditions
or on further drawings which accompany the bills of quantities:
(a) the scope and location of the work relative to the existing layout indicating the existing structure

MEASUREMENT RULES
M1 The rules within this
section apply to works in
existing buildings as
defined in the General rules
M2 any operation to
existing buildings involving
removal of existing
materials (other than for
bonding purposes or
renewal) is measured within
this Section

CLASSIFICATION TABLE
1 Removing
1. Details
components, fittings
sufficient for
and fixtures
identification
stated
2. Removing plumbing
and engineering
2. Dimensioned
installations
description
sufficient for
3. Removing finishing
identification
including type and
4. Removing coverings
thickness of
existing building
5. Cutting openings or
recesses

Item

1. Making good structures

2. Extending and making
good finishes
3. Inserting new work, details
stated
4. Toxic/Hazardous materials,
type stated

6. Cutting back
projections
7. Cutting to reduce
thickness
8. filling openings
9. Temporary roads
10 Temporary screens

Fig 1

1. Dimensioned
description

tem

1 Providing and erecting

2. maintaining, duration state

DEFINITION RULES
D1 Materials arising from
alterations spot items
are the property of the
Contractor unless
otherwise stated
D2 Location is stated
relative to the existing
building

COVERAGE RULES
C1 Shoring and scaffolding
incidental to the work and making
good all work disturbed is deemed
to be included within each item
C2 Alterations spot items are
deemed to include:
(a0 disposal of the materials other
than those remaining the property
of the Employer or those for re-use
(b) work incidental to alterations
spot items which is at the
discretion of the Contractor
(c) all new fixing or joining
materials required

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
S1 Method of operation, where by
specific means
S2 Setting aside and storing materials
remaining the property of the Employer
or those for re-use
S3 Employers restrictions on methods
of disposal of materials
S4 Employers restrictions on methods
of shoring and scaffolding to be used

Information to be provided
This section ensures that details about the work at hand which the tenderer requires to make accurate
estimates are provided either in location drawings, bill diagrams, specifications or preambles as the
case may be.
E.g. E05 In-situ concrete states that the relative position of concrete members, size of members,
thickness of slabs and permissible loads in relation to casting time must be clearly shown on location
drawings or bill diagrams.

Classification Tables
This section has five columns. The fourth column from the left which contains units of measurement
is usually not referred to when cross-referencing. For this reason, the classification table is in some
texts said to have four columns.
 Column 1

lists work items or processes commonly found in construction

works
 Column 2

contains subdivisions of the items in column 1

 Column 3

is even more specific as it gives a further breakdown of the

individual items contained in column 2

 Unit of measurement column states the unit of measurement appropriate for each item or unit
of work
 Column 4

contains more descriptive features that are meant to enhance the quality of the

descriptions of work built up from columns 1, 2 & 3

In building up a description for an item, one descriptive feature is taken from each of the first three
columns and as many as are applicable from the fourth column.
Supplementary Rules
The section on supplementary rules is made up of a further four columns namely:
 Measurement rules
 Definition rules
 Coverage rules
 Supplementary information

These rules are meant to guide the user of the SMM to properly measure the physical quantities and
to compose and phrase the work item descriptions appropriately.

Column 5 - Measurement Rules

These set out when work is to be measured and how the quantities are to be calculated. It states for
instance the voids in quantities that are to be deducted and those to be ignored, when to measure an
item separately or when to treat as part of some other item, etc.

Column 6 - Definition rules

These define the extent and limits of the work represented by a word or expression used in the rules
and in the bills prepared in accordance with the rules. For instance the expression slabs in relation
to in-situ concrete would include the slab itself and any beams attached to it and any column drop
heads also attached to it.

Suspended slab with attached beam & suspended slab with column drop heads

Column 7 Coverage Rules

These draw attention to incidental items which are deemed to be included or excluded from the item
of work being measured. For instance, coverage rule C1 on page 50 states that bar reinforcement is
deemed to include hooks, tying wire, spacers and chairs. This means that the contractor in estimating
his cost for bar reinforcement should include the cost of any hooks, tying wires, spacers and chairs
that he may require for that item of work. These items will not be measured separately or mentioned
elsewhere in the bill.

Column 8 Supplementary rules

These rules govern the information to be given in addition to the information given in accordance
with the classification rules. It may contain directives to measure an item separately as a different
work item. For instance, additional information is required by the supplementary rules in relation to
in-situ concrete suspended slabs on the kind and quality of materials to be used and their mix ratios.

WEEK 5: BESMM3 GENERAL RULES I

4.1

Quantities

Quantities of work are taken net, that is, as they will be when fixed in position in the building unless
the rules state otherwise. Dimensions used in calculating quantities are taken to the nearest 10mm. In
other words, measurements are taken to two places of decimal when calculating quantities.
When calculations have been completed, quantities are entered into the bills as whole unit with
decimal points rounded up to the nearest whole number. The exceptions are:

4.2

Quantities measured in tonnes which are given to two places of decimal

Quantities that are less than one unit which are always rounded up to one unit

Descriptions

Each measured item consists of a quantity and a description. As a general rule, where an item is
measured:
Volumetric/m3

No dimensions are required in the description

since the three dimensions of the item are used in
calculating the volume.

Superficial/m2

Two dimensions are used in calculating the area,

the third dimension should be stated in the
description

Linear/m

One dimension is used for the quantity, the other

two dimensions should be stated in the
description

Enumerated/Nr or No.

None of the dimensions are used in the quantity

column, therefore all three dimensions should be
stated in the description

4.3

Framing Work Item descriptions

In building up a description for an item, one descriptive feature is taken from each of the first three
columns and as many as are applicable from the fourth column. Headings of groups of items in the
SMM are read as part of the description.
Example 1:
Work item: Suspended in-situ concrete slab
Group heading:

In situ concrete

Classification table:
Column 1: Rule 5 - Slabs
Column 2: Rule 2 Thickness 150 450mm
Column 3: Non of the rules apply
Column 4: Rule 1 Reinforced
Supplementary information:
Column 8: Rule 1 mix details
Description should then read something like this:
In-situ concrete (1:2:4)
Slabs, thickness 150-450mm, reinforced
Cross reference or Coding: E05:5.2.0.1
Example 2:
Work item: Formwork to soffit of suspended slab
Group heading:

Formwork for in-situ concrete

Classification table:
Column 1: Rule 8 Soffits of slabs
Column 2: Rule 1 Slab thickness 200mm
Column 3: rule 1 - Horizontal
Column 4: Rule 2 Height to soffit 1.50m 3.00m
Column 8: Non of the rules apply

Description should then read something like this:

Formwork to in-situ concrete
Soffit of slabs 200mm thick, horizontal, height to soffit 1.50 3.00m
Cross reference or Coding: E20: 8.1.1.2

Example 3:
Work item: Bar reinforcement in suspended slab
Group heading: Reinforcement for in-situ concrete
Classification table:
Column 1: Rule 1 - Bar
Column 2: Rule 1 Nominal size stated
Column 3: Rule 1 - Straight
Column 4: Rule 1 Horizontal length 12.00 15.00m
Supplementary information:
Column 8: Rule 1 kind and quality of materials

Description should then read something like this:

Reinforcement to in-situ concrete
Mild steel bar reinforcement, 16mm diameter, straight horizontal length 12.00-15.00m
Cross reference or Coding: E30:1.1.1.1

4.4

Drawn Information

The SMM requires that the bills should be read in conjunction with drawings which are provided in
the form of location drawings, component drawings, dimensioned diagrams and schedules.

1. Location drawings include:

Block plans which identify the site in relation to the town

Site plans which show the position of construction in relation to setting out points, access to
the site and general site layout

Plans, sections and elevations which show the various spaces and location of the principal
elements

2. Component drawings show information required for the manufacture and assembly of a
component
3. Dimensioned diagrams that show the space and shape of work items which may be used in a bill
of quantities in place of a dimensioned description
4. Schedules deemed to be drawings when they provide required information

4.5

Catalogues or standard components

A precise and unique cross-reference to a catalogue or standard specification can reduce or replace
the requirements for an item description or component drawing. For instance, a precise reference to a
British standard (BS) or Cope of Practice (CP) can take the place of a detailed description for a work
item.

4.6

Fixing, base and background

Method of fixing is measured and described where necessary

The SMM rules may require that the nature of each type of base be identified separately where
required

Where it is required that the nature of background to which an item is to be fixed be identified
then the type of background shall be stated in the description of the item as follows:
(a) Timber which shall also include all building boards such as hardboard, celotex, etc.
(b) Masonry which includes concrete, brick, block and stone
(c) Metal
(d) Metal faced items
(e) Vulnerable materials which shall be deemed to include glass, marble, mosaic, tiled
finishes and the like

4.7

Procedure when inadequate information is provided

Where work can be fully defined as to description but the quantity of work cannot be accurately
determined, an estimate of the quantity is given and marked as a provisional quantity.
Where work cannot be described and the quantities cannot be adequately determined, it shall be
given as a provisional sum. Provisional sums may be of two types:

Provisional sum for defined work

This covers work that though not completely designed, the following information is available:

The nature of the construction or work

How and where the item of work is fixed in the building

A quantity which indicates the scope and extent of the work

Any specific limitations

In such cases, the Contractor is expected to make allowance for the work in his programming,
planning and pricing of preliminaries

Provisional sum for undefined work

This covers work for which none of the above information can be provided. in this case, it is
assumed that the contractor has not made any allowance for it in his programming, planning and
pricing of preliminaries.

4.8

Symbols and Abbreviations

During the process of taking-off or measurement words entered in the description column are
abbreviated to shorten descriptions, save space and also save time. The symbols and abbreviations
range from those in general use to those that are specifically used by quantity surveyors.

Those in common use include:

M

Metre

m2

Square metre

m3

Cubic metre

Mm

Millimetre

Nr or No.

Number

Kg

Kilogram

Tonne

hour

Specialised abbreviations
a.b.d

As before described

av.

average

Blk

Block

blkwk

Blockwork

c/c

Centres

col.

Column

conc.

Concrete

c.w.

Cold water

ddt

Deduct

dp

Deep

dpc

Damp proof course

ditto/do

As above

e.o.

Extra over

exc.

Excavate

fdn

Foundation

fwk

Formwork

g.l.

Ground level

hwd

Hardwood

Int.

Internal

isol.

Isolated

Jt.

Joint

k.p.s

Knot, prime and stop

matl.

Material

max.

Maximum

m.s.

Mild steel

o/a

Overall

p.c.

Prime cost

reinfd

Reinforced

sprd

Spread

s.s.o

Switched socket outlet

susp.

Suspended

swd

Soft wood

t&g

Tongued and grooved

thk

Thick

vert

Vertical

wdw

Window

wk

Work

wrot

Wrought

wt.

Weight

xtg

existing

WEEK 5: BESMM3 GENERAL RULES II

Cross Referencing
Cross referencing or coding of work item descriptions within the classification tables are given in the
form:

Work

Number

Number

Number

Numbers

section

from the

from the

from the

from the

number

first

second

third

fourth

column

column

column

column

Example 1:
D20: 2.1.1.0
Excavating and filling

Work section number

Excavating

Column 1, number 2

Topsoil for preservation

Average depth 150mm

Column 2, number 1
Column 3, number 1
Column 4, no relevant entry

14.85
16.45
0.15

Excavating topsoil for

preservation, average
depth 150mm
(D20:2.1.1.0)

NOTE!
An asterisk (*) within a cross reference represents all entries in the column in which it appears
A zero (0) within a cross reference represents no entries from the column in which it appears
Cross referencing of descriptions is useful for abstracting and billing using the computer.
Example 2
D20:2.6.3.1

Excavating and filling

Work section number

Excavating

Column 1, number 2

Trenches, width 0.30m

Maximum depth 2.00m
Commencing 0.45m below ground level

42.44
0.68
1.75

Excavating trenches,
width exceeding 0.30m,
maximum depth not
exceeding 2.00m,
commencing 0.45m below
ground level
(D20:2.6.3.10)

Column 2, number 6
Column 3, number 3
Column 4, number 1

Example 3
D20:7.2.1.1
Excavating and filling

Work section number

Earthwork support

Column 1, number 7

Maximum depth 2.00m

Distance between opposing faces 2.00m
Curved

2 42.44
1.75

Example 4
E05:9.1.2.1

Eartnwork support,
maximum depth not
exceeding 2.00m,
distance between
opposing faces not
exceeding 2.00m, curved
(D20:7.2.1.1)

Column 2, number 2
Column 3, number 1
Column 4, number 1

In situ concrete

Work section number

Beams

Column 1, number 9
Isolated

Column 2, number 1

Cross-sectional area 0.03-0.1m2

Reinforced

5.65
0.23
0.30

Column 3, number 2
Column 4, number 1

Reinforced in-situ
concrete in isolated
beams, 0.03-0.1m2 cross
sectional area
(E05:9.1.2.1)

Example 5
E20:1.1.2.1
Formwork to in situ concrete

Work section number

Sides of foundation

Column 1, number 1

Plain vertical

Column 2, number 1

Height 250mm
Left in
5.65
0.23
0.30

Column 3, number 2
Column 4, number 1

Reinforced in-situ
concrete in isolated
beams, 0.03-0.1m2 cross
sectional area
(E05:9.1.2.1)

Example 6
E30:4.1.0.0
Reinforcement

Work section number

Fabric

Column 1, number 4
Steel to BS 4483 ref. A193; weighing 3.02 kg/m2

Column 2, number 1

Column 3, no entry
Column 4, no entry

14.50
16.10

Steel fabric reinforcement

to BS 4483 ref. A193,
weighing 3.02Kg/m2
(E30:4.1.0.0)

Example 7
M10:5.1.1.1
Cement: sand screed

Work section number

Floors

Column 1, number 5
Level and to falls only 150 from horizontal
50mm thick, one coat
Laid in bays 1.20m x 1.20m

5.65
0.23
0.30

Cement & sand screed on

floors, level and to falls
only not exceeding 150
from horizontal, 50mm
thick, laid in bays average
size 1.20m x 1.20m
(M10:5.1.1.1)

Column 2, number 1
Column 3, number 1
Column 4, number 1

CLASSROOM EXERCISE
Identify the relevant clauses in the BESMM3 to measure the following items, frame appropriate
descriptions and insert sample dimensions of the appropriate units:

1.

Pit excavations for column bases, 2.3m deep

2.

Reinforced is-situ concrete isolated columns, 225 x 225mm sectional size

3.

16mm diameter mild steel bar reinforcement to BS 4449 in isolated beams

4.

Hardcore filling of broken blocks to make up levels under floors 300mm thick

5.

White glazed vitreous china wash hand basin size 460 x 405

6.

Testing and commissioning drainage

7.

22 SWG aluminium flashing 545mm wide

WEEK 6: BESMM3 GENERAL RULES III

Cross Referencing (Continued)

Example 8
F10:1.1.1.2
Brick/block walling

Work section number

Walls

Column 1, number 1
225mm thick

Column 2, number 1

Vertical
Bonded to glass block walling

55.55
3.00

Walls, 225mm thick,

vertical of 450 x 225 x
225mm hollow sandcrete
blocks laid in stretcher
bond in c.m (1:4) and
bonded to glass block
walling
(F10:1.1.1.2)

Column 3, number 1
Column 4, number 2

Example 9
F10:2.1.1.0
Brick/Block walling

Work section number

Isolated piers

Column 1, number 2

450mm thick
Vertical

Column 2, number 1
Column 3, number 1
Column 4, no entry

32

0.45
2.70

Isolated piers, 450mm

thick, vertical of 450 x 225
x 225 solid sandcrete
blocks in English bond in
c.m (1:4)
(F10.2.1.1.0)

Example 10
G20:9.2.1.1
Carpentry/Timber framing/First fixing

Work section number

Roof members

Column 1, number 9

Pitched

Column 2, number 2

50 x 150mm
Exceeding 6.00mm in continuous length

2
15
6.88

Roof members, pitched, 50

x 150mm sawn hardwood,
treated with one coat wood
preservative, exceeding
6.00m in continuous
lengths, 6.88m long
(G20:9.2.1.1)

Column 3, number 1
Column 4, number 1

Example 11
H72:1.1.0.0
Aluminium strip/sheet coverings/flashings
Roof covering

Work section number

Column 1, number 1

500 pitch

Column 2, number 1
Column 3, no entry
Column 4, no entry

2
27.35
6.90

Roof covering, 500 pitch, 0.7mm thick,

22SWG longspan al. sheet roofing with
two corrugations side laps and 150mm
end laps, fixed to 50 x 50mm pulims @
900mm c/c (m/s) with 8mm hook bolts
incl seam bolting at 900mm c/c with al.
drive screws and neoprene sealer
washers to manufacturers instructions
(H72:2.1.0.0)

Example 12
J41:2.1.0.0
Built-up felt roof covering
Roof covering

Work section number

Column 1, number 2

Pitch 1:40

Column 2, number 1
Column 3, no entry
Column 4, no entry

14.32
7.88

Built up felt roofing to BS

747, NT Paralon
bituminous felt in 3 layers
with 150mm min. end and
side laps, hot bitumen
bonded between layers
and laid on screeded bed
to pitch 1:40
(J41.2.0.0)

Example 13
L10.1.0.1.0
Windows/Roof lights/Screens/Louvres

Work section number

Windows and window frames

Column 1, number 2
Column 2, no entry
Dimensioned diagram Fig 22

Column 3, number 1
Column 4, no entry

12

Anodised al. sliding

window and frame, size
1200 x 1200mm high as
reference XYZ Fig 22,
factory glazed with 4mm
tinted sheet glass,
including cutting and
pinning lugs to blkwk and
conc.
(L10:1.0.1.0)

Example 14
L20.1.0.1.0
Doors/Shutters/Hatches

Work section

number
Doors

Column 1, number 1
Column 2, no entry
Dimensioned diagram Fig 38

Column 3, number 1
Column 4, no entry

44mm Flush door 838 x

1981mm high semi solid
core faced both sides with
mahogany plywood and
lipped all round with 6mm
hardwood as diagram Fig.
38
(L20:1.0.1.0)

Example 15
M60.1.0.1.0
Painting/Clear finishing

Work section number

General surfaces

Column 1, number 1
Column 2, no entry
Girth > 300mm

Column 3, number 1
Column 4, no entry

6
6

0.84
1.98
0.93
2.03

K.p.s, prepare & apply 2

undercoats and one
finishing coat of gloss
paint on general
hardwood surfaces,
exceeding 300mm girth
(M60:1.0.1.0)

CLASSROOM EXERCISE
Identify the relevant clauses in the BESMM3 to measure the following items, frame appropriate
descriptions and insert sample dimensions of the appropriate units:
1.

Sawn formwork to isolated beams

2.

12 mm thick cement and sand rendering on walls

3.

3 coats of emulsion paint on rendered walls

4.

300 x 300 x 6mm ceramic tiles on screeded bed

5.

3 coats of gloss paint on metal internal door frames, girth 250mm

6.

25 x 300mm softwood fascia board

7.

Forming cavity in hollow walls

WEEK 7: MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES

7.1

Taking-Off

This implies reading off dimensions form drawings and setting them down in a specific order on
special paper known as dimension paper and inserting an appropriate description.
Standard Dimension Paper

1.

2.

3.

4.

1.

2.

3.

4.

On the left-hand side is a narrow binding margin. The remainder of the sheet is divided into two
identical halves each containing three narrow columns and a wider one; the timesing column, the
dimension column, the squaring column and the description column respectively. The columns are
used as follows:
1.

Timesing column is used for multiplying (timesing) the dimensions when necessary, each
multiplying factor followed by an oblique stroke. A factor followed by a dot indicates
addition instead of multiplication.
4

3.45
7.59
0.15

.
1

2.08
4.44
0.15

2.

Dimension column is used for recording the dimensions in metres and centimetres.
Each linear dimension is underlined.

7.59

LINEAR

Length

A pair of dimensions, one above the other:

AREA

3.45

Length

7.59

Width

indicates an area (a superficial item)

A group of three dimensions

VOLUME

3.45

Length

7.59

Width

0.15

Depth

indicates a volume ( a cubic item)

A number (without a decimal point)

NUMBER

indicates an enumerated item

Note the order of entering dimensions is strictly:
1.

Length

2.

Width

3.

Depth/height

General rules 4.1)

Item indicates an item of cost for which a quantity cannot be calculated. A sum of money is usually
estimated and allowed for in the bills.

3.

Allow for bringing to site

and removing from site
all plant required for this
work section

Item

ITEM

Squaring column: the resulting areas and volumes inserted in the timesing and dimension
columns are subsequently calculated and entered into the squaring column opposite their
respective dimensions.

3.45
7.59

15.71

0.15
2

4.16

4.44

0.15

4.

2.08

Description column: This wide column is for entering descriptions of the measured work.

3.45
7.59
0.15

.
1

2.08
4.44
0.15

Hardcore filling to make

up levels under floors,
15.71 average thickness not
exceeding 250mm
4.16

5.

Waste column: This is an imaginary column occupying the right had side of the description
columns in which the taker-off inserts any preliminary calculations (waste) which may be
necessary in order to arrive at his dimensions.
All preliminary calculations must be shown in waste. They need to be set down accurately
and carefully so they can be checked. They should be written either above or below the
description not level with it to avoid confusion.

Waste calculation is necessary for each dimension except in the following situations:
a) When a scaled or figured dimension can be transferred direct from the drawing to the
dimension column
b) When a dimension has been derived from a previous waste calculation
c) When a dimension has been copied from a previous dimension
d) In all other instances the preliminary calculation however simple should be shown on
waste.
Waste calculation should be done in millimetres or to three places of decimal. Final figures
are then rounded off to the nearest 10mm before being transferred to the dimension column.

7.2

Descriptions

The first line of each description should start at the same level as its first dimension. Standard or
common abbreviations are allowed in taking off but descriptions must be written in full in BOQs.
Descriptions must be concise, brief and free from grammatical errors. Terms used must comply with
current technical usage and an estimator must be able to read, understand and price it quickly and
accurately.
The following points should be noted:

Descriptions should not be broken at the bottom of the page or column to continue overleaf

Do not write dittoat the top of a column as this has no meaning

Instead, repeat the first phrase in the description followed by as before described or
abd,

Anding-on: Where two descriptions apply to one dimension, they are separated by an & in the centre
of the description column. Any number of descriptions may be anded-on in this way but not so as to
extend to another column.

15.67
0.68

Plain in-situ
conc (1:3:6) abd

0.23
7.89

&

0.68
0.23
13.99
0.45

Ddt
Backfill exc.
matl. Abd

0.15
&
Add
Remove excvtd
matl. from site

Deductions
Each item to be deducted requires the description to start with the word Deduct or Ddt (underlined).
A description must follow the word Ddt. It should not be written on its own. The next positive
description should be preceded with the word Add (underlined) in order to emphasise the change
from deductions to additions.

Bracketing
A bracket should be used wherever:
(a)

More than one dimension applies to a description

(b)

More than on description applies to a dimension

The bracket is written in the description column just next to the squaring column.

Niling
In order to delete, cancelling of dimensions is not allowed. Instead, the word NIL is written in the
squaring column opposite the offending dimension or dimensions. Arrows are usually used to denote
the extent of the deletion.

32.89
0.68
0.23
15.67
0.68
0.23
7.89
0.68
0.23
13.99
0.45
0.15
25.54
0.45
0.15

NIL

Annotations
Annotations are short or abbreviated words written beside waste calculations and dimensions to
denote from where the figures have been derived.
Side notes to dimensions require a single bracket on the left hand side only.
Example:

7.55
5.50
4.50

300 x 300 x
6mm Floor flex
tiles on trowelled bed
(master BDR

5.89

( BDR 1

4.40

(BDR 2

3.60
4.50

(BDR 3
(BDR 4

3.77
4.55
3.45

Spacing of dimensions
All measurements and descriptions should be spaced well apart so that it is quite clear where one
begins and the other ends. Moreover it is not unusual for the taker-off to realise an omission and to
want to insert it in its proper place. If dimensions are well spaced out, he will be able to squeeze it in,
but otherwise he will have to insert it elsewhere and resort to cross-referencing which only confuses
things.

WEEK 8: APPLIED MENSURATION I

8.1
Introduction
Determination of quantities for work items in construction work involves calculating geometric
quantities such as lengths, areas and volumes from dimensions and angles that are known. Doing this
will require a healthy knowledge of the formulae for calculating the perimeters, areas and volumes
for various shapes.
These various shapes form the building blocks for most components found in construction work.
For instance, the area of the concrete floor slab below is a combination of rectangles of different
sizes.

Irregular shaped floor slab with a void

The archway below is made up of a half circle and a rectangle and the gabled wall is made up of a
triangle and a rectangle.

The hipped roof below is made up of two triangles and two rectangles

The following are useful formulae for calculating volumes, areas and perimeters of various shapes
SHAPE

Rectangular prism

FIGURE

VOLUME

Area of base x height

TYPICAL BUILDING
COMPONENTS
Slabs
Beams

Base is a rectangle, therefore

Columns
Trench excavations

Length x breadth x height

Pit excavations
Basement excavations
Filling

Cylinder

Area of base x height

Circular slabs
Circular columns

Base is a circle, therefore

Circular pit excavations

Circular basements

x (radius)2 x height

Filling

SHAPE

Rectangle

FIGURE

AREA

PERIMETER

Length x breadth

(Length + breadth) x 2

x (radius)2

x radius x 2

x base x height

Side A + side B + side C

Circle

Triangle

SHAPE

FIGURE

AREA

PERIMETER

Arc of circle
2 x x radius x /3600

Sector of a circle

Segment of a circle

Chord

X length of arc x radius

Area of sector Area of

triangle

Length of arc + (radius x 2)

Length of arc + length of chord

SHAPE

FIGURE

AREA

Bellmouth

Ellipse

0.2146 x radius x radius

0.7854 x (A x a)

Sphere
4 x x (radius)2

PERIMETER

SHAPE

FIGURE

AREA

A
Trapezoid

Height x (base + top)

C
C x (A + B)
B

Hexagon
2.6 x (side)2

Octagon
4.83 x (side)2

Perimeter

WEEK 9: APPLIED MENSURATION II

9.1
Relationship between shapes and Building Measurement
Measurement of a building or item of construction involves calculating lengths, areas or volumes of
different shapes and sizes. It may also involve counting or enumerating some types of components.
Invariably, most components can be analysed into some common shapes that the formulae are
known.
For instance, measuring the volume of excavation for a foundation trench involves calculating the
area of a rectangle (cross section of the trench) and multiplying by the length of trench.

d
l
w

Volume = length (l) x width (w) x depth(d)

Measuring the volume of concrete in an irregularly shaped floor:

5m

3m

7m
2.5m

5m

4m

The surface area of the floor would naturally divide into three rectangles. If the thickness of the floor
was 150mm (0.15m), then,
Volume of concrete = (5 x 5 x 0.15) + (3 x 2.5 x 0.15) + (7 x 4 x 0.15) m3
= 13.28m3
Setting out the above figures on a dimension sheet will be as follows:
5.00
5.00
0.15

3.75

3.00
2.50
0.15

1.13

7.00
4.00
0.15

8.40
13.28

An area of a component of wall would usually be the area of a rectangle, length of wall multiplied by
the height. If the wall is a gable wall then it would be rectangle topped by a triangle.

A wall would also usually have openings for windows, doors, arches, fixed lights, etc. The usual
thing is to measure the whole wall overall as if there were no openings and then systematically
deduct for openings that are rectangles, triangles and circles or parts thereof.
8m
0.9m
0.9m

3m

1.2m

0.9m

2.1m

1.2m

Area of wall = (8m x 3m) { (1.2 x 0.9) + (0.9 x 2.1) + (1.2 x 0.9)}m2
= 24m2 (1.08 + 1.89 + 1.08)m2
= 24m2 4.05m2 = 19.95m2
8.00
225
mm
hollow
3.00 24.00 sandcrete block wall in
c.m (1:4)

1.20
0.90
0.90
2.10

Ddt
2.16 Ditto
1.89
4.05

Formwork to an isolated concrete column 225 x 225mm sectional size, 3m long. Formwork will go
round all four sides.
225mm
225mm
Perimeter of rectangle or square
= 225 + 225 + 225 + 225mm
3m

OR

= 225 x 4mm = 900mm

Area of formwork = 0.90 x 3.00m2

=

On dimension sheets:
4 0.23
3.00 2.76

2.7m2

Formwork to attached column 225 x 450 mm sectional size, 3.00m long

In this case, formwork is only on three faces of the concrete, on the two sides and on the wide face
face.
Perimeter of rectangle excluding one side = 225 + 450 + 225mm
225
= 0.900m2
Area of formwork

= 3m X 0.9m2
= 2.7m2

On dimension sheets:
Length
225
450
225
900

0.90
3.00

Formwork to slabs
attached to slabs, 225 x
21.60 300mm plain
rectangular shape (in 8
Nr)

Any irregular-shaped area to be measured is usually best divided into triangles, the triangles being
measured individually and added to give the area of the whole. A line can be drawn through an
irregular or curved boundary in such a way that the area excluded by the line is compensated for by
the area that is included by it.

WEEK 10: CENTRE LINE GIRTH I

10.1

Introduction

The perimeter of a shape without thickness is simple to compute arithmetically using the principle of
(length + breadth) x 2. Whilst the simple arithmetic concept is always to be used, the computation
often proves to be somewhat complex for most students when a thickness is attributed to the shape as
is always the case when the perimeter of a wall or a trench is required to be computed.
To compute the perimeter of a wall, we will need to work out the perimeter of the internal line of the
wall and the perimeter of the external line of the wall and then compute the average of the two
perimeters. This procedure will turn out to be clumsy if not cumbersome. Hence the need for the
systematic computation of centre line as set out in the foregoing examples.
The importance of centre line computation cannot be over-emphasised as the result of the
computation will subsequently be found to be useful for the measurement of several items all
through the take-off stages.
Simple rectangular plan shape

10m

8m

200mm thick walls

Centre line

Centre Line
2/10.000
2/8.000

20.000
16.000

2 x length
2 x width

36.000

External perimeter
As this is a longer
than the perimeter
of the line running
through the centre
of the width of the
wall, Deduction
should be made as
follows:

Ddt
4/2/ /200

0.800
35.20

At a corner, we
lose
1 x the thickness
in each of two
directions. This is
repeated in all the 4
x corners

Rectangular plan shape with a recess at corner(s)

2m
3m

8m

200mm thick wall

10m

Centre Line
2/10.000

20.000

2/8.000

16.000

36.000

2 x length
A drag of the 3.50m
length to complete
the 10m run on the
length
2 x width
A drag of the 2.5om
length to complete
the 8m run on the
breadth

Ddt
4/2/ /200

0.800
35.200

Centre line

RULE 1
A CORNER RECESS DOES NOT
ALTER THE PERIMETER OF THE OF
THE SHAPE

This explains why an irregular shape is

likely to be more expensive to build than a
regular shape as the same amount of
excavation and foundation work is required
whilst the irregular shape provides a lesser
usable floor area.

Student should
note that
regardless of how
dimensions are
recorded in the
drawings,
quantities when
transferred to the
waste calculation
column shall be
recorded to 3
places of decimal
or in millimetres (if
recorded without
decimal) without
any indication given
of the actual unit of
measurement

CLASS EXERCISE
Give students a rectangular shape with recesses at two corners (all dimensions given) to work out the
centre line for the recessed shape.

WEEK 11: CENTRE LINE GIRTH II

11.1

Rectangular plan shape with a recess along the wall

10m

200mm thick wall

8m

3m
2m

Centre Line
2/10.000

20.000

2 x length
A drag of the 3.50m
length to complete
the 10m run on the
length

2/8.000

16.000

2 x width
A drag of the 2.5om
length to complete
the 8m run on the
breadth

36.000
The 3.00m horizontal
in the recess drops
down to fill up the
10.00m on the length.

Add

2/2.000

External wall perimeter

4.000

40.000

This forms the only

excess to the original
rectangular shape
Adjustment for the
corners is always
made on the basis of
how many corners
there are in the
shape.

Ddt
4/2/ /200

This leaves us with

the pair of 2.00m of
the recess
overhanging in the
plan.

0.800
39.200

To determine the
number of corners,
we count the external
corners as +ve and
the internal corners
as -ve
+6 x external corners
-2 x internal corners
This gives us a net
+4 corners

RULE 2
AN ALONG THE WALL RECESS
ALTERS THE PERIMETER OF
THE SHAPE BY 2 X THE DEPTH
OF THE RECESS

This explains why an irregular shape is

likely to be more expensive to build than
a regular shape as greater amount of
excavation and foundation work on the
irregular shape is required while at the
same time, the irregular shape provides a
lesser usable floor area.

CLASS EXERCISE
1.

Give students a couple of rectangular shapes with recesses at two or more locations along the
wall (all dimensions given) to work out the centre line for the recessed shape.

WEEK 12: CENTRE LINE GIRTH III

12.1 More complex shapes
Rectangular plan shape with a recess along the wall and recess at a corner

2m
200mm thick walls
3m

8m

3m
2m

10m

Centre Line
2/10.000

20.0000

2 x length
A drag of the 3.50m
length to complete the
10m run on the length

2/8.000

16.000

2 x width
A drag of the 2.5om
length to complete the
8m run on the breadth

36.000

The 3.00m horizontal in

the along wall recess
drops down to fill up the
10.00m on the length.

Add

2/2.000

4.000

40.000

This leaves us with the

pair of 2.00m of the along
wall recess overhanging
in the plan.
This forms the only
excess to the original
rectangular shape
The corner recess has
the same NIL effect as
always. Therefore no
adjustment is to be made
to the computation as a
result of a corner recess

Ddt
4/2/ /200

0.800

Adjustment for the

corners is always made
on the basis of how many
corners there are in the
shape.

39.200
To determine the number
of corners, we count the
external corners as +ve
and the internal corners
as -ve
+7 x external corners
-3 x internal corners
This gives us a net +4
corners

RULE 3
A MIX OF A CORNER
RECESS AND AN ALONG
THE WALL RECESS ALTERS
THE PERIMETER OF THE OF
THE SHAPE BY 2 X THE
DEPTH OF THE ALONG
WALL RECESS. THE
CORNER RECESS DOES
NOT HAVE ANY AFFECT.

This explains why a more irregular

complicated shape is likely to be even
more expensive to build than a regular
shape as still greater amount of
excavation and foundation work on the
irregular shape is required while at the
same time, the irregular shape provides
less and less usable floor area.

CLASS EXERCISES

1.

Give students a couple of plan shapes with complicated recesses asking them to count how
many external and internal corners are present. Do this until the lecturer is confident that
students have a clear understanding of this concept

2.

Give students a rectangular shape with recesses at two or more locations along the wall (all
dimensions given) to work out the centre line for the recessed shape.

WEEK 13: BESMM3 RULES FOR EXCAVATION AND

EARTHWORK I
13.1 Work group D

Groundwork

This work section is covered by Section D20 of the BESMM3 and some of the clauses will be looked
at closely over the next three weeks as a prelude to measurement of substructures.
Generally

D20: Excavating and filling deals with:

Forming bulk, pit, trench and surface area excavation other than those for
services supplies, M & E services and drainage;

Filling holes and excavations other than those for services, etc. and

Making up levels by bulk filling or in layers, including hardcore but excluding

bases and sub bases to roads and pavings

Information Provided, Measurement, Definition and Coverage Rules & Supplementary

Information
D20 Rule PI (e)

Features retained would include trees which are retained and protected, stating
any required method of protection

D20 rule M3

The volume of material to be excavated can considerably increase after

excavation which is known as bulking and the contractor should allow for
this when building up rates for disposal and filling since the quantities given in
the bill will refer to the bulk before excavating.

D20 Rule M7

This rule explains when it is necessary to measure working space and must be
read together with D20:6.1 and D20:6.2-4

D20 Rule D5

Special plant in this context of excavating in rock includes:

Power operated hammers, drills, and chisels and

Special attachments to mechanical plant such as rock buckets, rippers,

hammers and chisels

D20 Rule C2

This rule refers to the measurement of working space and apart from the
additional excavation needed, all the additional items such as earthwork
support, disposal, backfilling, work below water level, and breaking out
required as a result of the excavation of working space are deemed to be
included in the with the item.

Deemed to be included items

The term deemed to be included is used extensively in BESMM3 and
indicates that this particular work is covered in the billed item without the
need for specific mention. The estimator needs to be aware of these items
since he will have to include for them while building up the unit rates.
D20 Rule S1-S9

These are supplementary information that provide additional information to

the contractor and could be given in specifications but must be referenced in
the description of relevant items

Classification Rules
D20:1.1-2

Site preparation, removing trees and tree stumps

D20 Rule M1
Trees, girth measured
1.00m above gl

D20.1.1. Removing trees

D20.1.3.4

D20 Rule M2
Stumps, girth
measured at top

Ground level (gl)

D20.1.2 Removing stumps

Clearing site vegetation is defined in D20 Rule D1. A full description is required with
sufficient detail to allow identification of vegetation types. These items are measured
over area (i.e. in square metres)

D20.1.4.1

Turf is apiece of grass sod cut from the ground and preserved for future use. The
method of preserving should be given in the specification and referred to in the
description.

D20.2.1.1

excavating topsoil for preservation need not be given as a separate item except where
it is specified that topsoil is to be preserved.
Ground level

Topsoil
D20.2.2.

Average depth of topsoil stated

Excavating to reduce levels

Topsoil depth
(if for preservation)
Reduced level

(say 250mm)
excavation maximum depth n.e. 0.25m

D20.2.2.1.1.Commencing level of reduced

level excavating stated where over 250mm
below existing ground level

Formation level

If topsoil is not to be preserved then reduce level excavations commence at existing ground level (gl)

Ground level
Maximum depth
ranges of reduce
reduce levels
excavating

n.e. 0.25m

n.e. 1.00m

n.e. 2.00m

Formation level

Formation level

Formation level

thereafter
in 2.00m
stages

D20.2.3

A basement is a useable area of a building below ground level. These are areas which
can be occupied areas, car parks and plant rooms.

Existing ground level

n.e 0.25m

Maximum
depth stages
n.e.1.00m

n.e. 2.00m
and thereafter in 2.00m stages

Basement formation level

For any excavations required below

basement formation level the
commencing level should be stated

D20.2.4-7

Excavation for pits trenches, pile caps

Maximum depth of excavation should be stated in the description in the following
stages:
Reduced level

n.e. 0.25m
n.e. 1.00m

Depth of pit
/trench

n.e. 2.00m

n.e. 4.00m

D 20.2.8

Excavating to bench sloping ground to receive filling This is done in the face of
sloping ground to prevent slippage

D20.3

The rules under this clause cover items extra over any type of excavation irrespective
of depth.

Extra over items

When measuring certain items of work, they are described as extra over other items of
work previously measured. These are items are not priced at the full value of all their
labour and materials by the estimator as these have been measured to some extent
elsewhere. Pipe fittings such as bends and junctions, for example, are usually
measured as extra over the pipe lengths in which they occur. The estimator is
expected to work out the additional cost involved in the second item as compared with
the first.

The items under this rule are measured as extra over previously measured
excavations:

D20.3.1

Excavating below ground water table

Excavation

Water table level

Excavating below
ground water
table level

The excavation is measured as if there was no water and then the bit excavated below water level is
then measured as extra over the excavation in which it occurs.

D20.3.4.1

Excavating next to existing services

Excavating next to existing services is measured in metres as extra over any types of
excavating stating the type of service, such as gas or water mains, electricity or
telephone cables or sewers.

Excavation
Gas service
pipe
Electricity
Cable duct

D20.3.5.1

Excavating around existing services crossing excavation

Excavating around existing services crossing excavation is an enumerated extra over
item.

Excavation

Gas service
pipe crossing
excavation
Electricity cable duct

EXERCISE
Go through all the Groundwork rules and identify the following:
1.

All deemed to be included items

2.

All extra over items

WEEK 14: BESMM3 RULES FOR EXCAVATION AND

WEEK 14
EARTHWORK II
14.1
D20.4.

Classification Rules
Breaking out existing rock, concrete, reinforced concrete, brickwork, blockwork or
stonework shall each be measured and described separately in cubic metres as extra
over any types of excavating
Rock is defined as any material which is of such size or position that it can only be
removed by special plant or explosives (D20: Definition Rule 5). Special plant are
defined as mentioned last week

D20.5.

Breaking out existing hard pavings of reinforced concrete, brickwork, blockwork or

stonework, coated macadam or asphalt is measured in square metres stating the
thickness.

D20.6

Working space allowance to excavations

Working space is no longer measured in detail and this information is provided to
enable contractors to make their own allowance based on this and other information
provided.

Working space allowance to excavations, categorised in four types of excavations is

measured in square metres where the face of the excavation is less than 600mm from
the face of formwork, rendering, tanking or protective walls. The four types of
excavation are:

Reduce levels, basements and the like

Pits

Trenches

Pile caps and ground beams between piles

The measurement is taken as the girth or length of the formwork, rendering, tanking
or protective wall, multiplied by the height measured from the commencing level of
excavation to the bottom of the formwork, etc.

Note: An area is measured not a volume as the estimator is left to make a judgement
as to the width required giving due regard to the nature of the work involved.

C
If formwork required to face C, then working space is measured as:
Length or girth of the formwork on plan multiplied by height of the excavation A

B
E
Less than 600mm

F
More than 600mm

If no formwork is required to face D and if F is more than 600mm then no working

space is measured.

Ground level

B
Section of pit/trench/pile caps and ground beams

If the formwork is required to face B, the edge of the concrete foundation, then the
working space is measured to the full depth of the pit/trench. If no formwork is required
to face b then no working space allowance to excavation is measured.

D20.7

Earthwork Support
Earthwork support must be measured to the face of any excavation to be upheld
whether it will actually be required or not. This is to cover the contractors
responsibility to uphold the sides of excavations. It is left to the contractors discretion
to decide the extent and strength of support required or to use no support at all after
due consideration of the nature of the soil.
Earthwork support in measured in square metres to the whole face of excavations in
trenches, pits and the like except for excavations not exceeding 250mm depth and
pipe trenches which are measured linear. Earthwork support to pipe trenches is
deemed to be included in the item. Maximum depth is stated in the description in
stages. Earthwork support is also classified by the distance between opposing faces:
Not exceeding 2.00 metres
2.00m 4.00 metres
Exceeding 4.00 metres
Earthwork support left in, curved, next to a roadway, below ground water level or to
unstable ground shall be described and measured separately.

The various classifications of depth and distance between faces are illustrated as follows:
1.

A is less than 1.00m and B is less than 2.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 1.00m, distance between opposing faces not exceeding 2.00m

2.

A is less than 1.00m and B is greater than 2.00m, but less than 4.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 1.00m, distance between opposing faces 2.00m 4.00m

3.

A is less than 1.00m and B is greater than 4.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 1.00m, distance between opposing faces exceeding 4.00m

4.

A is greater than 1.00m but less than 2.00m and B is less than 2.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 2.00m, distance between opposing faces not exceeding 2.00m

5.

A is greater than 1.00m but less than 2.00m and B is greater than 2.00m but less than 4.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 2.00m, distance between opposing faces 2.00-4.00m

6.

A is greater than 1.00m but less than 2.00m and B is greater than 4.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 2.00m, distance between opposing faces exceeding 4.00m

7.

A is greater than 2.00m but less than 4.00m and B is less than 2.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 4.00m, distance between opposing faces not exceeding 2.00m

8.

A is greater than 2.00m but less than 4.00m and B is greater than 2.00m but less than 4.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 4.00m, distance between opposing faces 2.00m 4.00m

Area of earthwork support = length/girth of excavation x A

Maximum depth not exceeding 4.00m, distance between opposing faces exceeding 4.00m
Depth classification increases in stages of 2.00m thereafter, while for each class the distance between
opposing faces alternates between not exceeding 2.00m, 2.00m 4.00m and exceeding 4.00m

CLASSROOM EXERCISE
1.

A pit has been excavated for a reinforced concrete column base, 1000mm x 2500mm size on
plan. Column base will require formwork. Depth of excavation from ground level to
underside of column base is 1.85 metres:
(a)
Sketch a section of the pit excavation
(b)
Work out the allowance for working space
(c)
Calculate the area for earthwork support and identify the classifications for maximum
depth and distance between opposing faces.

2.

A foundation trench excavation has a mean length of 56.78m, width, 675mm and depth,
2.20m:
Calculate the area for earthwork support and identify the classifications for maximum depth
and distance between opposing faces.

WEEK 15: BESMM3 RULES FOR EXCAVATION AND

EARTHWORK III
15.1

More Classification Rules

D20.8.1

Disposal of Surface Water

Surface water is defined as water which runs over the surface of the ground and
collects in the excavations. This rule solely applies to rainwater. Water arising from
leaking reservoirs or from flooding are examples of accepted risks or matters to be
dealt with by insurance.
Disposal of surface water is given as an item. No quantities are required.

D20.8.2

Disposal of Ground Water

Ground water is water present in the subsoil which percolates through the sides of
the excavation
The ground water level, date when established and location of the trial pits and bore
holes must be included in the contract documentation
The level established is defined as the pre-contract water level and all
measurements in the bills of quantities are based on this level
Disposal of ground water would only be included for pricing as an item where a
corresponding item is measured under excavating below water level and is adjusted
accordingly if the post contract water level is different.

D20. 8.3

Disposal of excavated material

Disposal of excavated material forms a separate item from the excavation itself.
The item is measured in cubic metres and the material may be:

Stored on site

Used as filling to make up levels, filling to excavations

Removed from site

Unless there are specific handling requirements in the specifications or for health
and safety regulations in connection with active material or toxic/hazardous
material then the handling of the excavated material will be at the discretion of the
contractor.
Where materials are disposed of on site the information provided under the fourth
column should state specific requirements for the location of such deposits and the
average distance from the excavation in metres.

D20.9-11

Filling


Filling to excavations

Fillingg to make up levels

Filling to external planters and the like, position stated

Filling can be obtained from different sources, these should be referred to in the specification
particularly in respect of material obtained off site

Surface Treatments
D20.13.1

Applying herbicides is measured over the surface area of the excavation and `relates
to the use of chemicals to stop the growth of vegetation. Application of anti termite
treatment can as well be measured under this rule.

D20.13.2

Compacting
acting would include the former traditional description level and ram. This
includes the compacting of bottoms of excavations and compacting of filling and
subsequently levelling their surfaces in readiness to receive concrete. Compacting is
classified into:


Compacting ground

Compacting filling

Compacting bottom of excavation

D20.13.2.*.1 Where blinding is intended to fill the interstices in the filling material only and has no
specific thickness then it can be included with surface treatment
Specific blinding beds of a given thickness should be measured as filling under item
D20.10.3
D20.13.3.1.1 Trimming sloping surfaces is only measured where the slope is greater than 150 from
horizontal. If trimming in rock, this should be stated in the description

D20.13.4 & 5 Trimming to produce fair or exposed face & preparing subsoil for topsoil
The specification should include the requirements and how to achieve these. This
should then be referred to in the descriptions.

CLASSROOM EXERCISE
Extract the quantities for excavation, filling and disposal in a few bills of quantities and cross check
that:

TOTAL VOLUME OF EXCAVATION

TOTAL VOLUME OF FILLING + TOTAL VOLUME OF SOIL REMOVED FROM SITE