Estimation of

Brickwork in Single
UNIT 3 ESTIMATION OF BRICKWORK IN Storey Buildings

SINGLE STOREY BUILDINGS; STONE

MASONRY; GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS OF RCC WORK
Structure
3.1 Introduction
Objectives
3.2 Quantification of Brick Masonry : Dimensions of Masonry Work in
Buildings
3.3 General Specifications for Brickwork – Walls and Arches
3.4 Classification of Ordinary Buildings : 1st Class, 2nd Class and 3rd
Class
3.5 Case Study : Brick Masonry and Other Items in a Building
3.6 Estimation of Brick Masonry in Arches
3.7 Typical Rate Analysis of Brick Masonry
3.8 Stone Masonry
3.9 Summary
3.10 Answers to SAQs

3.1 INTRODUCTION
The oldest man-made building block is the unbaked brick – and, it is still in use
inspite of the increasing use of cement concrete with or without reinforcement.
Bricks and the mortar to be used (foundations, walls, and now almost obsolete
practice of reinforced brickwork in roofs and stairs, etc.) shall be fully specified
(described) while measuring up the work. If any bond is specified (English,
Flemish, etc.) it shall be so stated.
General brickwork includes building in ends of beams, slabs, lintels, sills, trusses,
joints etc.; building in hold fasts etc.; preparing tops of existing walls for further
raising work to be carried out; leaving holes for pipes etc.; bedding wall plates,
lintels, sills, corrugated sheets, etc. in or on walls if not paid for separately; etc.
Footings (of foundations), plain copings (on compound or other exposed walls),
etc. also fall in the general category of brickwork.
Brickwork is generally measured in m3. However, one-brick-thick walls (and of
lesser thickness) shall be measured in m2 stating specifically the thickness of the
item. For a fraction of half brick wall thickness, occurring in architectural
embellishments shall be measured such as :
(a) up to ¼ brick – give actual measurements,
(b) more than ¼ brick – taken as a full half-brick thick.
Deductions in the quantity of brickwork shall be made for lintels, doors,
windows, etc. But, no deductions on additions shall be made for the following
features done in the work : 73
Estimating and (a) a dissimilar material (say, beams, lintels, etc.) measuring up to
Quantity Surveying-I
0.10 m2 in section,
(b) cement concrete blocks used for fixing hold fasts and holding down
bolts,
(c) wall plates, bed plates, bearing of slabs etc., where thickness does not
exceed 10.00 cm, and the bearing does not extend over the full wall
thickness, and
(d) iron fixtures, i.e. wall ties, pipes up to 30 cm dia, and hold fasts for
doors and windows.
Pillars and columns are to be measured in m3, and to be fully described –
rectangular, polygonal; curved (in plan); or any special shape.
All circular brickwork, above 6.0 m radius, shall be included in the general
brickwork. But, all brickwork, circular in plan and radius not exceeding 6.0 m is
measured separately, and shall include all cutting and waste, etc.
At certain places it is a practice to lay the damp proof courses of bricks too – laid
on edge. All such work shall be measured in m2, stating its thickness. Vertical and
horizontal DPC shall be measured separately.
As a common classification, brick masonry (or even stone masonry) shall have
following categories (to be paid for accordingly – as the height form GL
increases, and labour to lift the brick too increases) :
(a) brickwork in foundations (footings, etc.),
(b) brickwork in plinth below GL and above GL, and
(c) brickwork in superstructure – work in each floor measured separately.
Scaffolding for ordinary works is not measured and paid for separately but is
included in the rates for brickwork (BW).
Rounded or splayed sides of walls are considered as rectangular, and those very
dimensions are employed for computing quantities. As for other, such items,
dimensions shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 m (i.e. 0.1 cm) areas shall be
worked up to the nearest 0.01 m2; and the cubic contents shall be worked up to
the nearest 0.01 m3.
For bricks of nominal size (22.9 × 11.4 × 7.6 cm), the half-brick size is taken as
11.4 cm, for bricks of nominal size (25.4 × 12.7 × 7.6 cm), the half-brick size is
12.70 cm; and for model bricks of 20 × 10 × 10 cm, the half-brick size is 10.0 cm.
Hence, for different brick sizes, wall thickness given in table below is taken into
account :
Wall Size as Multiple of Thickness of Brick Wall (cm)
Brick Size For Brick Size
20 × 10 × 10 cm 22.9 × 11.4 × 7.6 cm
One-brick wall 20.0 22.90
1½ - brick wall 30.0 34.30
2-brick wall 40.0 45.70
2½ - brick wall 50.0 57.10
3 - brick wall 60.0 68.60

74
 Estimation of
Objectives Brickwork in Single
After studying this unit, you should be able to Storey Buildings

• estimate the quantity of brickwork (BW) in the foundations of a

building,
• estimate the quantity of BW in plinth, and superstructure,
• develop a full plan of a building, given its line plan,
• estimate the quantity of BW in arch work,
• describe the general specifications regarding RCC work, and
• explain the general specifications about stone masonry.

3.2 QUANTIFICATION OF BRICK MASONRY :

DIMENSIONS OF MASONRY WORK IN
BUILDINGS
In the procedure for the quantification of brickwork, two approaches –
Centre-line, and Long- and Short-wall methods – are applicable. While in the
case of centre-line approach (in straight forward cases), the total length dimension
remains unchanged with the width and height of the masonry courses (in footings,
plinth, and superstructure) varying according to the design as detailed in the given
section of the wall; but the length dimensions (as well as width and height) in
long- and short-wall method do register a change from course to course
(Figure 3.1).
In fact there are no strict straight-jacket rules for arriving at (taking out)
dimensions from the plan, elevation, and sectional drawings – experience and
suitability (vis-à-vis, each drawing) always guide one dividing a plan into parts so
that the dimensions are easily worked out for ultimately computing the quantities.
Three procedures (for the sake of clear understanding of full basics of the mode
of mensuration) however, are available concerning the quantification of
foundation work – excavation, concreting and masonry – and superstructure in a
given building as listed hereunder :
(a) out-to-out and in-to-in method (i.e., long- and short-wall method),
(b) crossing method, and
(c) centre-line method.
Out-to-out and in-to-in method is the most commonly adopted procedure. Here
the length of long walls (say for excavation purposes) are reckoned from out to
out – AB in Figure 3.1 – and, the length of short walls measured in between the
long walls in-to-in – EF. These lengths shall, obviously, apply to foundation
concreting also. The magnitude of these dimensions changes (in fact, decreases)
for long walls, and increases for short walls at every change in the breadth (or,
ray, thickness) of a course of brickwork :
⎛ [b − b ] ⎞
AB will decrease to ⎜ AB − 2 × 1 2 ⎟ , i.e. for the first footing of the
⎝ 2 ⎠
foundation masonry the length of long wall shall be (2 – 3). And, EF shall
⎛ [b − b ] ⎞
increase by the same amount, becoming ⎜ EF + 2 × 1 2 ⎟ , i.e. (5 – 6). Here,
⎝ 2 ⎠
the width for excavation is b1 and height (or thickness, vertically) is d1; while for
the first footing, width = b2, and depth = d2. Similarly, in the plinth course (or for 75
Estimating and next footing if it is there), long wall length shall be [(10) – (11)], and short-wall
Quantity Surveying-I
length shall be [(15) – (16)] – width being b3, and depth = (d3 + d4). And for the
superstructure, long-wall will have a length [(18) – (19)], and short wall length
will be [(23) – (24)] – width being = b4, and height = height of the room from the
top of DPC (of floor top) to the underside of roof slab (or whatever it is). Here it
is important to point out that the width and depth of excavation shall be b1 and
(d1 + d2 + d3), respectively; while for foundation concrete the values will be b1
and d1, respectively.
l2

C B
4 3 Centre
Line
12 20 10 11
24 23
16 15
8 7

H G
b1

b2

b3

l1
b4

E F
5 6
13 14
21 22
17 18
9 10

1 2
D A

(a) Trench Plan

b4
Superstructure
DPC

d4 Masonry (Plinth)
G L

b3 d3
Footing
Depth of Excavation
b2 d2
Foundation Concrete d1

b1

(b) Section
Figure 3.1 : A Simple Rectangular Trench Plan of a Building
and Section of Wall-cum-Foundation
76
It is obvious that with the decrease in the thickness of walls of a room, (i.e. Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
proceeding up from the first footing towards the superstructure) the length of a Storey Buildings
long wall decreases, whereas the length of a short wall increases in accordance
with the breadth (or, thickness as it is generally designated). At the plinth level,
the length of long wall = the length of the room (wall to wall, i.e. inner dimension
plus twice the wall thickness; and the length of short wall = width of the room
(inner dimension). If the thickness of the walls is different, the dimensions are
reckoned accordingly.

Example 3.1

A 20 cm brick wall (of a 4.8 × 3.30 m hut, having one door opening
1.5 × 2.5 m) has directly a beam built on a 30 cm thick plinth which goes
20 cm below ground level and remaining 50 cm above ground. Under this
plinth there lie two footings – 40 cm, and 60 cm thick (i.e., wide),
respectively, while their respective heights are 10 cm and 20 cm. The LC is
100 cm wide and 20 cm deep.
All this brickwork has been erected on LC 1.0 m thick (i.e., wide) and
20 cm deep.
Draw the cross-section of the wall and the foundation (to an enlarged scale)
and also the trench plan, superimposed with the plan for footings, plinth and
wall.
Calculate the following items of work by Long- and Short-wall method (as
well as by centre line method) :
(a) Earthwork in excavation,
(b) LC in foundation,
(c) Brickwork in first two footings,
(d) Masonry in the plinth,
(e) Masonry in superstructure.
Take the height of the hut form the plinth = 3.5 m.
Solution
[Note : The student shall draw the figures: section and plan as asked for
and check the dimensions therewith as worked out in this solution.]
The following Table presents the quantification of the required items by
Long- and Short-wall procedure :
Quantification of Items
Sl. No. Items No. Dimensions Quantity Remarks
L B H/D
(m) (m) (m) (m3)
1. Earthwork in
excavation

(i) Long walls 2 6.0 1.0 0.70 8.4

(ii) Short walls 2 2.5 1.0 0.70 3.5
Total 11.9 m3
77
Estimating and 2. LC in foundations 0.20 3.4 m3 Length and
Quantity Surveying-I 11.9 × width of LC is
0.70 same as for Item
(1) except its
depth being
20 cm
3. Masonry (BW) in (i) Long wall
two footings shorter by
2 × 0.2 m each;
1st footing
and short walls
Long walls 2 5.60 0.60 0.20 1.34 lengthen by
2 × 0.2 m each
Short walls 2 2.90 0.60 0.20 0.74
for 1st of footing
2nd footing
(ii) For second
Long walls 2 5.40 0.40 0.1 0.43 footings these
adjustments are
Short walls 2 3.1 0.40 0.1 0.25 2 × 0.1 m and
2 × 0.1 m,
respectively,
w. r. t. the first
footing lengths.
Total of Item (3) 2.72 m3
4. Masonry (BW) in the Here, the
plinth adjustments are
2 × 0.05 m for
Long walls 2 5.30 0.3 0.70 2.23
the respective
Short walls 2 3.2 0.3 0.70 1.34 walls, w. r. t. the
second footing
Total 3.57 m3
5. Masonry in Here the
superstructure (BW) adjustments for
the lengths of
Long walls 2 5.2 0.20 3.5 7.28
respective walls
Short walls 2 3.3 0.20 3.5 4.62 are 2 × 0.05 m
each w.r.t
∴ Gross Total 11.90 m3 item (4)
Deduct
Door Opening 1 1.5 0.20 2.5 (–) 0.75
Net for Item (5) 11.15 m3

In crossing method (basically nothing but long- and short-wall method

itself, suitable for symmetrical cases), length and breadth of walls are
directly taken from the plan, such as :
Length of any long wall (at any level of the cross section) = Inner length of
the wall + 2 × (wall thickness).
Length of short wall = Inner length of the wall (i.e. inside to inside).
It is by now obvious that this method is suitable only while the offsets (of
one footing w.r.t. to the adjacent one) are symmetrical, and the building is
more or less regular. For any asymmetries detailed calculations from the
plan dimensions are called for.
In centre line method, the plan of a building helps one to compute the total
length of the centre line. This method is most suited to find the quantities of
78
earthwork in excavation, masonry in walls, etc., when the plan is curved, Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
rectangular, circular, etc. Storey Buildings
In Example 3.1, one can see that the length of centre line
= 2 × [6.00 – 2 × 0.5 (i.e., width of the trench)] + 2 [4.5 – 2 × 0.5]
= 2 (5) + 2 (3.5) = 10 + 7
= 17.0 m
Hence, one can work out the required quantities also as follows :
(a) Earthwork in Excavation
Sl. No. L B H Quantity
(m) (m) (m) (m3)

1 17.0 1.0 0.7 11.9 m3

(b) LC in Foundation
Sl. No. L B H Quantity
(m) (m) (m) (m3)

1 17.0 1.0 0.2 3.4 m3

0.20
(or 11.9 × = 3.4 – this mode of calculation being most common
0.70
for reasons given earlier).
(c) Masonry (BW) in Two Footings
Sl. No. L B H Quantity
(m) (m) (m) (m3)

1st footing

1 17.0 0.6 0.2 2.04 m3

2nd footing

1 17.0 0.4 0.1 0.68 m3

Total 2.72 m3

(d) Masonry (BW) in Plinth

1 17.0 0.3 0.7 3.57 m3

(e) Masonry (BW) in Superstructure

1 17.0 0.2 3.5 11.9 m3

1 1.5 0.2 2.5 (–) 0.75 m3

Net for item (5) 11.15 m3

In actuality, a full building plan is somewhat complicated in its

juxtaposition – there being cross walls joining two parallel walls (say, either
long to long, or short to short), or there being walls that are of different
thicknesses, etc. – and, the application of centre line method shall not be
done without applying a proper thought. While multiplying the length of a 79
Estimating and centre line by the thickness of the trench or a course, one actually, in this
Quantity Surveying-I
process, accounts for that portion of the centre line that joins it via a cross
wall or so. Hence, appropriate deductions (according to the width, i.e.
thickness of the course) have to be applied to the gross length of the walls
for getting correct results with respect to the quantification of an item –
these finer points shall be made clear in the following examples.
It may be pointed out that sometimes for a quick approximate estimation, in
the case of a number of foundation masonry footings such as shown in
Figure 3.1– or, a section with still more footing – the cubic quantity of
masonry is taken as
Q = Appropriate mean length (i.e., the appropriate centre-line length)
(b2 + b3 + ... + bn )
× × [d 2 + d3 + ... + d n ]
(n − 1)
It may again be emphasized that this formula is only an approximation, and
not meant to replace detailed calculations.
As mentioned elsewhere (later on) class of bricks, materials of mortar, and
different heights of construction in a building, are the factors that govern
the estimation of brickwork under various groups (headings). In
general, scaffolding is included in the rates of payment, unless otherwise
stated – unit of measurement being m3. Brickwork in superstructure up to a
height of 8.0 m, above the plinth level is taken under one item; and above
8.0 m height, the quantities for every 3.0 m height or its part are calculated
under separate items. Rounded or splayed sides (as reiterated later on also
for the sake of impressing the point) of walls are considered as rectangular,
and extreme dimensions are taken for the purposes of computations.
Deductions Made in the Gross Contents
Deductions for openings (doors and windows and cup boards) are
necessarily made in the gross cubic content of masonry to arrive at the
appropriate quantity for which specified rates are given – commonly,
deductions are made in superstructure masonry only.
l
t Lintel

Bearing
Clear Span
of Opening

Lintels over openings (doors, windows, cup boards) may consist of RCC, or
RB work, or wood (as in earlier times), or simple bricks placed in
transverse direction to the bricks of the wall – unit of quantification is m3.
These items are paid for separately, and are to be deducted from the gross
quantity of masonry. In the absence of data about the bearing of lintel (on
either side),
l (the length of the lintel) is calculated as :
l = Clear Span + 2t
where, the value of 2t should, at least, be taken as 12 cm. Thus, the cubic
80 content of the lintel, Q, is given as :
 Q = l × t × (Thickness of wall) Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
Similarly, for rectangular openings (doors, windows, cup boards), Storey Buildings

Deduction = b × h × Wall thickness

For doors and windows with small segmental arches (i.e. r is very small),
the openings are considered as rectangular only :
Deduction = b × h × Wall thickness

b
In the case of segmental arch openings, with rise, r,
2
Deduction = (b × h × Wall thickness) + ( × b × r × Wall thickness)
3

Segmental Arch
2
where, × l × r is an approximate estimation, but usefully adopted in
3
practice.
For a small semi-circular arch opening,
3
Deductions = [b × h × Wall thickness] + ( × b × r × Wall thickness)
4
where, b = 2r

r = (b/2)

Semi-circular Arch
81
Estimating and Elliptical Arches are Considered as Semi-circular for Purposes of
Quantity Surveying-I
Deductions
However, large arches are dealt with on the basis of rigorous mathematical
formulae.
As pointed out in the general specifications, partition walls (that are not
1
load bearing) that may be 10 cm or 12 cm thick, are designated as -brick
2
walls (or brick on − edge walls). The quantities are calculated in m or,
2

sometimes in m3, as per given rates of payment.

Mensuration as Applied to the Quantification of Masonry
Knowledge about deciphering drawings (plan, sections, and elevation –
even side elevation sometimes) is the basic skill needed for an estimator.
This calls for a clear concept (and imagination too) about the structure that
is depicted: a prerequisite to reading a drawing, to enable taking length,
breadth (width), thickness and heights accurately. Constant, and sustained
practice goes a long way to render this seemingly difficult task very easy,
because by this toil one develops an understanding about the various
components of a structure.
Mensuration (and, a knowledge of trigonometry), comes handy, once the
dimensions are read accurately, in computing the quantities. Commonly
used mensuration formulae are given as under, for a ready reference, and
brushing up one’s knowledge :
(a) Rectangle
Area, A = Length × Breadth
Diagonal = (Lenght)2 + (Breadth)2
(b) Square
A = (side)2 = 0.6366 × (Area of circumscribing circle)
= 1.2732 × (Area of inscribed circle)
Diagonal = ( 2) × Side
= 1.4142 × Side
(c) Triangle
1
A= × Base × Altitude
2
Also, A = [ s ( s − a ) ( s − b) ( s − c)]
a×b×c
=
4R
=r×s
where, a, b, c are sides of the triangle
1
s= ( a + b + c)
2
R = Radius of the circumscribed circle, and
82 r = Radius of the inscribed circle.
 (d) Circle Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
π Storey Buildings
A= (diameter)2
4
= π (radius)2
= 0.07958 (circumference)2
Side of an inscribed square = 0.707 α (diameter)
Side of a square that is equal to the circle in area = 0.8862 ×
Diameter.
(e) Semi-circle
4r
Centre of gravity = from its diameter
3π
φo φ×r
Length of an arc = × 2πr =
360 57.3
= 0.01745 φ × r
where, φ = Central angle of the arc (in degrees).
(f) Sector of a Circle
φo 1
A= × π r 2 = × r × (Length of the arc)
360 2
where, φ = Angle substended by the arc at the centre (in degrees).
Short-cuts to Calculations of Some Related Items
By application of following rules, elaborate calculations can be replaced by
easy and quick calculations.
(a) Foundation Concrete (LC/CC)
Quantity of earthwork in excavation
Quantity =
Depth of foundation trench

× (Thickness of foundation concrete)

This holds good only if the width (thickness) and depth of concrete is
uniform throughout. For non-uniform dimensions, computation can be
made by parts.
(b) Inside White Washing (or Distempering of Walls and Ceiling)
Its quantity (m2) shall be the same as for inside plastering of walls and
ceiling.
(c) Outside Colour Washing
Its quantity (m2) shall be the same as for outside plastering or
pointing.
(d) Sand (or Cinder) Filling in Plinth
Its quantity (m3) =
Quantity of earth filling in plinth
× Required depth of sand filling 83
Depth of earth filling
Estimating and
Quantity Surveying-I 3.3 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR
BRICKWORK – WALLS AND ARCHES
Brickwork is designated as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class brickwork according to the quality
of the bricks and/or mortar used in the construction of this masonry. Thus,
specifying the mortar (say, 1 : 4 cement, sand, etc.) with which the work is built,
is an essential part of its designation.
Before any brickwork is begun to be constructed, soaking of bricks is the first
step. This is of importance in the case of brickwork to be done in cement mortar,
or composite lime mortar (other than C and D categories of lime mortar –
eminently hydraulic lime is taken as class A category of lime; class C lime is
known as fat lime, etc.). Bricks shall be adequately soaked in stacks, before use,
and shall be profusely sprayed with clean water at regular intervals for a period of
not less than six hours. However, in compliance with the strict old theoretical
principles, they shall be immersed for 24 hours in a clean water body (tank, etc.).
Bricks shall be placed in the tank or pit by hand, one at a time, and not thrown or
tipped in. This procedure is meant to fill the pores of the brick so that it does not
absorb the moisture of the mortar and thus allowing it to set properly and gain the
intended strength. Tests have indicated that practically bricks absorb no further
water after 15 minutes to one hour soaking in a pit. Bricks to be used with mud
mortar, need not be soaked. It may be pointed out that kacha bricks built in mud
mortar form very strong wall till it remain dry.
Bricks are laid generally in English bond with if frogs upwards if nothing else is
specified. Half or cut bricks are not to be used except to complete the bond in a
given course, closers is in such situations shall be done to the required size to be
expressly used near the ends of a wall.
Wherever there is exposed brickwork, it is important to use only selected bricks
as specified, because such parts of the work form the face of the work which
demands a neat, decent look (façade).
Each brick shall be set with both bed and vertical joints filled with mortar, and
bricks bedded in and set home (in position) by gentle tapping with the handle of
the trowel or wooden mallet. Simple lipping with mortar at the edges shall not be
permitted. All horizontal joints shall be parallel, and, unless otherwise specified,
truly level. Vertical joints in alternate courses shall come directly over one
another. All brickwork shall be taken up truly plumb and each brick mason (i.e.,
brick layer) shall be provided with a plumb bob and a straight edge.
A layer of mortar shall be spread over the full width covering a suitable length of
the lower course. The inside face of a freshly laid brick shall be buttered with
mortar before its adjacent brick is laid and pressed against it. On the completion
of a course, all vertical joints shall be fully filled from the top with mortar. No
portion of work shall be left (while building up) more than one meter below the
rest of the work.
Thickness of joints shall not exceed 1.0 cm in a brickwork. All the face joints
shall be raked to a minimum depth of 15 mm by the raking tool during the
progress of work, when the mortar is still green – it helps provide a proper key
for the plaster or pointing to be done. Where pointing/plastering is not required to
be done, the joints shall be struck flush and finished at the time of laying. The
face of brickwork must be cleaned on the very day the work is laid – also, all
mortar droppings shall be removed promptly.
84
It is to be emphasized that for any face work, bricks shall be selected for trueness Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
of edges, shape and colour – these shall not be chipped or stained during the Storey Buildings
progress of the work. Moreover, as is understood, bricks shall be laid as to give a
perfectly straight and vertical face to the wall as to be always tested with a
straight edge; and no chipping or rubbing of the faces will be permitted to remedy
any bed laying. Bricks shall be cut or grooved where required for shaping jambs
or fitting chowkats. Corners, where special bricks for the purpose are not
available, shall be made with cut bricks, five being used per corner. Rates can
include labour for this cutting of bricks and making of mitres, splays, etc., except
grooving to receive chowkats.
Holdfasts and similar fixtures shall be built in with the surrounding brickwork in
their correct positions in 1 : 3 cement mortars.
First Class BW
Only headers shall be left out to allow of a putlog (one of the short timbers
that support the flooring of a scaffold) to be inserted, and not more than one
brick shall be left out for each putlog. Under no circumstances shall putlog
holes be made in, or immediately under, or next to the imposts or
skewbacks of arches.
Brickwork laid in lime and/or cement mortar shall be protected during
construction from the effects of the sun, rain, and frost, by appropriate
covering if necessary, and shall be kept moist for a period of ten days. The
work shall be, as per theoretical considerations, left flooded at the end of
each day with 2.5 to 3.00 cam of water.
In buildings where specified (say, hospitals, etc.), cut or specially moulded
bricks shall be used at all angles (formed by the junction of two walls) to
give rounded corners. Similarly, wherever required, cut or moulded bricks
shall be used in joints, arches and projecting corners in order to avoid the
formation of sharp angles from the inside of such buildings.
Bed plates of 1 : 2 : 4 cement concrete (CC), or of stone shall be given
under all beams and joists – for stones 1 : 3 cement mortar (CM) shall be
used. Bed plates must be laid to the correct level (as per drawing/estimate)
packing up, if needed, with tiles or split bricks.
In first class BW, the size of bricks shall be specified. These are made from
good brick earth, free from saline deposits and shall be sand moulded.
These shall be thoroughly burnt without being vitrified; shall be of good
(reddish) colour, and be of regular and uniform shape and size, with sharp
and square rises and parallel faces. First class bricks must be homogeneous
in texture; and must emit a clear ringing sound when struck. These shall be
free from flaws, cracks, chips, stones, nodules of lime or kankar and other
blemishes. A first class brick shall not absorb more than 1/6th of its weight
of water after being soaked for one hour, and shall show no signs of
efflorescence on drying.
Second Class BW
Second class bricks shall be as well burnt as first class, or slightly over
burnt, but not vitrified in any part and must give a clear ringing sound when
struck. In second class bricks, slight irregularities in size, shape, or colour
will be accepted, but in no case if these render the courses irregular or
uneven when laid. Slight chips or flaws can be tolerated; but, must be free
85
Estimating and from lime or kankar nodules. They shall not absorb water more than 1/4th
Quantity Surveying-I
their weight after one hour’s immersion.
Second class brickwork shall differ from first class only in that it shall be
laid out with second class bricks. Specifications laid down for first class
brickwork (as detailed above) shall apply in toto, except that the select
bricks may not be used in face work. However, no cut brickwork shall be
executed with second class bricks.
Third Class BW
Third class bricks need not be so fully burnt (baked) as first class or second
class – however, they must be burnt to a reddish yellow colour throughout.
Any defects in uniformity or shape can be accepted till these blemishes do
not cause difficulty in obtaining uniform courses when laid.
Third class BW shall differ from first class brickwork, in that it shall be laid
with third class bricks. Under-mentioned modifications are applicable to the
specifications meant for first class brickwork :
(a) Brickwork laid in mud-mortar shall be protected during construction
from rain or from uneven drying.
(b) Third class brickwork shall not be laid in 1 : 3 cement mortar.
(c) Joints in third class brickwork shall be 1.25 to 1.30 cm thick : but, in
no case shall exceed 1.60 cm in thickness. The height of four courses
as laid (with four joints) shall not exceed by more than 5.0 cm, the
height of four bricks as piled dry one upon another.
(d) As the depth of courses is different from that in the case of first and
second class brickwork, third class brickwork shall not be used where
it has to bond with the brickwork of superior classes.
(e) No selection of bricks for face work shall be insisted upon.
(f) No cut brickwork shall be executed with third class bricks.
Bricks and Brick Tiles other than Classed Ones
Underburnt (or pilla) bricks shall not be used in the construction of
brickwork except in sundried brickwork. Bricks that are so much overburnt
as have gotten vitrified as distorted are known as jhama bricks, and are of
no use for exact work. However, these are broken up for ballast provided
the vitrified mass has not become porous or spongy in the process of being
overburnt.
Sundried bricks shall be made from the same kind of clay that will produce
good bricks on being properly burnt. These shall be sand moulded and shall
be uniform in size and regular in shape. If after drying, a few bricks (picked
up at random) from a batch break into more than two pieces on being
dropped on an even ground from a height of about 1.30 to 1.50 m, the batch
must be rejected as having beam moulded with too much sand. Batches of
bricks in which cracks appear on drying shall be rejected as having been
moulded with too little sand. Special care shall be taken that the earth used
for making sun-dried bricks is free from efflorescing salts and from all
traces of white ants. All sun-dried bricks shall be thoroughly dried before
86
 use; and have to be protected from rain – sun dried brick walls are given a Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
facing of burnt bricks, or given a mud-phaska (mud + cut paddy grass Storey Buildings
leaves, i.e. straw) plaster (or even cement plaster). These walls stand very
well till no moisture goes into this masonry. These are laid in mud mortar.
Unless otherwise specified, two courses, underneath the roof (say, a pitched
roof) battens, and the jambs of doors and windows (to a depth of 23 cm)
shall be built in second class brickwork in mud. All roof beams shall also be
carried on piers of second class BW in mud for the full height of the wall.
Brick tiles (burnt) are used in roofing (over, say, RCC slab) or even
flooring.
Brick Ballast
Brick ballast shall be broken to the specified gauge, from first or second
class bricks or their bats or from dense overburnt bricks. No under-burnt
bricks or bats, nor jhama that has become spongy or porous in the process
of burning, shall be broken up for ballast.
Brick ballast is used as a flooring base (over the filled earth up to plinth
top) over which LC/CC etc. is laid to give the designed floor level and
finish.
Ballast shall be free from surkhi, leaves, straw, earth, sand or any other
foreign matter. To allow for loose stacking (before use, i.e., before
spreading over earth between plinth walls, and ramming to adequate
thickness), all stacks of ballast shall be paid as 30 cm for every 32.50 cm in
height.
Half-brick Wall Masonry
The work shall be done in the same way as other brickwork, except that all
the courses shall be laid with stretchers with staggered vertical joints. In
special cases (like half brick walls for water tanks, and long-length half
brick thick walls, etc.) sometimes reinforcement is provided to render the
work structurally stronger. Generally, two lengths of 6 mm bars are
provided at every third course. Reinforcement shall be clean from rust and
loose flakes – using a wire brush is quite adequate. The reinforcement is
placed quite straight on the mortar laid on the course under consideration.
For full embedment of the reinforcement, first half the quantity of mortar is
laid and then the rod is placed in position which is later covered with the
remaining half the quantity of mortar. This arrangement makes the joint
between the two courses stronger.
Such walls do serve as partition walls for WCs, baths, etc.
Length and height of this wall shall be measured correct to a cm. If it is to
be paid per m2 units, the area shall be calculated up to the line where the
half-brick masonry wall is joined to the main wall of one brick or greater
thickness – the measurements shall be taken for its clear length from the
face of the thicker wall. Reinforcement may be paid separately.
Brickwork in Arches
Arches shall not be commenced until the abutments (supporting structure
wall or joist) are built to their full width up to the level of the skew-backs.
Arch work shall be carried up evenly from both abutments; and as soon as
the arch is complete, the masonry is to be built up evenly on both sides to
the height of the crown so as to load the haunches.
87
Estimating and Before the building of an arch is begun, the abutments must be exactly at
Quantity Surveying-I
the same level and the skew-backs must be in place. Skew-backs shall be
formed of bricks correctly shaped to radiate truly from the centre of
curvature, and shall not be packed up with mortar or chips. Skew-backs are
not to be measured as part of the arch.
Centering shall be strong enough to bear the weight of the arch without
deflection. The surface of the centering shall be correctly struck to the
curvature of the soffit of the arch. Cost of centering is generally included in
the rate for arch work. Centering and shuttering shall also bear the live
loads that are likely to come upon it during its construction. Shuttering shall
be tightened with hard wood wedges or sand boxes to allow these to be
eased without any jerks being transmitted to the arch. The sequence of
easing the shuttering is to be planned before hand. Shuttering shall be struck
(gradual lowering of the centres) within 48 hours of the completion of the
arch but before 24 hours – this shall be done after the spandrel has been
filled in and the arch is loaded. A common schedule of striking the centers
that can be followed is outlined as under :

Sl. No. Type of Arches Striking Schedule

1 Single segmental arch Centre shall be struck immediately

after the arch is finished.

2 Series of segmental arches Centre of each arch shall be struck as

soon as the arch succeeding it is
completed

3 Semi-circular, elliptical or Centres shall be struck as soon as the

pointed arches brickwork has reached two thirds of
the height of such arches

Specifications for brickwork (as outlined earlier) shall also apply to the
brickwork in arches. Arch work shall comprise masonry for both gauged as
well as plain arches – in gauged arches, cut or moulded bricks shall be
used; and, in plain arches uncut bricks are used. Defects in dressing of
bricks shall not be covered up by any extravagant use of mortar, nor the use
of chips, etc. shall be allowed.
The length of the arch shall be measured as the mean of the extrados and
intrados of the arch correct to a cm. Generally, the thickness of the arch
shall be measured in multiples of half brick. For arches exceeding 6.0 m in
span, extra payment shall be made for additional cost of centering, strutting,
bolting, wedging, easing, striking and its removal.
Corbelling, Copings, Cornices, Strings, etc.
All corbelling, brick copings, cornices, strings, eaves bricks, window sills,
drip courses and chimney stacks shall consist of first class brickwork laid in
lime and/or cement mortar as specified in the design. Vertical joints in each
case shall not exceed 3.0 to 4.0 mm in thickness. Bricks when laid flat in
such courses shall either be altogether without frogs or with frogs at one
end so as not to show, either on top or from below, when the bricks are in
position.

88
 Corbelling, commonly, shall be effected by ¼-brick projections for ordinary Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
work and 1/8 × brick projections where great strength is required. Storey Buildings
Corbelling shall be measured by the actual cubic contents, and shall be paid
for at ordinary rates for the class of brickwork executed.
All the cornices shall be in accordance with the drawings, and accurately in
line with straight and parallel faces. All exposed cornices shall be
weathered and rendered on top in 1 : 3 cement mortar, and throated
underneath.
Brick cornices, if intended to be pointed, shall be made with specially
moulded bricks or bricks cut and rubbed so as to give mouldings true to
drawings. The profile shall be checked constantly during construction with
a sheet iron template. Cornices, if required to be palstered, shall have bricks
that are roughtly cut.
Cornices shall be measured and paid for by a linear rate.
For copings, unless otherwise specified, the top courses of all plinths,
parapets, steps, etc. shall be built in brick on edge. Coping shall be
measured by actual cubic contents.
String courses shall be made in bricks laid flat (or on edge) consisting of
one or more courses as required. This work is paid for in cubic contents.
Eaves brick shall be laid flat with a projection of 7.5 cm with a chamfer on
the upper edge. Eaves bricks are generally laid in 1 : 3 cement mortar –
these are paid by a linear rate.
Window sills shall be made of bricks laid on edge on a tile creasing to keep
the joints in line, and will extend to 7.50 cm beyond the opening on either
side. The bricks shall project 7.5 cm from the outer face of the wall.
Window sills are laid in 1 : 3 cement mortar. Sills shall be paid by a linear
rate.
Drip courses, when formed of flat bricks, shall follow the same
specifications and are paid for at the same rate as eaves bricks. Sometimes
these are built in brick on edge.
Bricks on edge are also laid in flooring and small, minor partitions – and are
paid for in m2 measure.

3.4 CLASSIFICATION OF ORDINARY BUILDINGS :

1ST CLASS, 2ND CLASS, AND 3RD CLASS
With a large amount of data about cost and general specifications of a building
one can determine the cost of a building (single, or more storeys high) per m2 of
its plinth area, or covered area as the case may be. This unit cost (subject to
variance with escalating material and labour costs) is a tool in the hands of a
practising engineer to immediately (whenever asked to do so) estimate the total
amount of money to be earmarked for a given construction – it forms the first
approximate estimate of cost which needs to be refined by actual, elaborate
procedure as outlined so far in this presentation.
When one talks of general specifications of a building (residential, public utility,
office complex etc.), it covers all the main items of work. As an example, usual
general specifications can be associated with different classes of a single storey
residential/office building assumed up in Table 3.1.
89
Estimating and Table 3.1 : General Specifications and Classifications of Single Storey
Quantity Surveying-I
Residential/Office Buildings
Item of Work 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class
Building Building Building
Concrete in LC or CC LC LC
Foundations
Brick masonry in 1st class BW in lime 1st class BW in 2nd class BW in
foundations and up to or cement mortar lime mortar lime mortar
plinth top
DPC (Over plinth top) Shall consist of CM Shall consist CM No DPC may
(1 : 2) for 2.0 cm (1 : 2) of 2.0 cm be provided at
thickness; and, for thickness with 3.5 all, or very
2.50 cm thickness it to 5.0 % (by ordinary type
shall be 1 : 1.5 : 3 CC weight) of suitable be made (i.e.
with 3.5 to 5.0 % (by water proofing just nominal
weight) of suitable material. one).
water proofing
material.
Superstructure It shall consist of 1st 1st shall be of 2nd Only 2nd class
class BW with lime or class BW in mud BW in mud
cement mortar. mortar, except for mortar shall be
the use of LM used.
(lime mortar ) in
sills, pillars, etc.
Roofing Roof shall comprise Flat terraced roof Tile roofing or
RCC slab with an shall be provided galvanized iron
insular layer, and LC that is supported (GI) sheeting is
terracing over it. over wooden provided on
Thickness of RCC battens and beams. ordinary
beams (if any as per Or, a reinforced beams.
design provisions) brick (RB) roof Sometimes
shall not be less than shall be provided; mud over
30.0 cm. or Jack arch roof planks, or
(in BW) shall be bricks on
given with usual planks
terracing. supported by
Verandah roof ordinary
shall consist of wooden beams
tiles or asbestos is given.
cement (AC)
sheeting.
Flooring Flooring for drawing For all inside Brick-on-edge
and dining room, bath floors (i.e., other floor directly
room and WCs shall than verandah) over
be of mosaic (chips in flooring shall well-rammed
appropriate CM). For consist of 2.5 cm earth.
bed rooms, flooring CC over 7.5 c.m
shall be coloured and LC.
polished – 2.5 cm CC
Verandah floor
over 7.5 cm LC
shall be of bricks
Other floors in the – flat over LC.
building (say, These shall be
passages, store rooms, finished with
etc.) shall be without cement pointing.
colour (2.5 cm CC
over 7.5 cm LC).
90
 Estimation of
Finishing Inside and outside Inside walls shall Both inside and
Brickwork in Single
walls shall be cement be plastered in outside walls Storey Buildings
plastered. Further, lime or cement shall be
drawing, dining, and mortar. Outside plastered with
bed rooms shall be walls shall also be LM and white
distempered; other lime or cement washed.
rooms (kitchen, mortar-plastered
stores, etc.) shall have or shall be
walls white washed painted.
(i.e., inside) in three
Inside walls shall
coats.
be white washed
Outside walls shall be in three coats; and
colour washed in two outside one can
coats over one coat of have colour wash
white wash. in two coats (over
one coat of white
wash).
Door and Windows Chowkats (frames – Chowkats of Chowkats of
3-piece or 4-piece. In well-seasoned wood as in
cold climates, 4-piece inferior wood. 2nd class
frames are a must) building.
Shutters are
shall be of well
paneled or glazed; Shutters,
seasoned good quality
or partly panelled however, shall
timber (or of iron).
and partly glazed be of still
Shutters shall be – in inferior inferior timber.
paneled, glazed; or quality timber.
Shall be
partly paneled and
Two coats of painted in two
partly glazed – in
painting shall be coats with
good quality wood.
done. ordinary paint.
In addition wire-
gauze shutters may be
provided. Varnishing
or painting (two
coats) shall be done.
Fittings in Doors and Brass fittings are Iron fittings shall Iron fittings
Windows, etc. provided. Iron be provided. shall be
greatings (grills) for provided.
windows shall be
there.

General specifications about buildings that categorise them into classes (1st, 2nd,
3rd; or ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ or ‘D’) also help in evaluating a given properly (this may not
be a very exact evaluation) that is required to be sold/purchased, compensated for
by the insurance agencies/or by the government in case of rioting, etc. It may be
noted that there could be as diverse types of classification as the contents of
specifications that can be framed. UP PWD has developed some important
standard specifications for residential buildings, in order to classify them as :
class ‘A’; class ‘B’; class ‘C’; and class ‘D’ – a summary of this is presented as
under, giving an idea about the different ways in which things can be grouped. It
is an expert eye of a practising engineer that sees through this maze of
words/phrases and recognizes the fact that all the points of view discern the same
thing after all.
Class ‘A’ Building
Its foundation concrete shall have its ballast comprising fully burnt or over
burnt bricks (known as chatka in and around Delhi) of 40 mm size with
91
Estimating and 1 : 6 (cement : sand), or 1 : 2 (white lime : surkhi); in both these mixes the
Quantity Surveying-I
proportion of kanaka (ballast) being 1.5.
Its plinth shall be filled by earth (i.e., below the flooring). DPC shall be
2.00 cm thick with 1 : 2 (cement : coarse sand) mortar having 5% water
proofing compound by weight of cement.
Footing and plinth shall be built in 1st class BW in kankar lime or 1: 6
cement mortar – or it shall have hard burnt brickwork in kankar lime or 1: 6
cement mortar.
Superstructure shall be in 1st class bricks in kankar lime or 1: 6 cement
mortar. Its 12.5 cm walls shall be in 1st class bricks in 1: 3 (cement, coarse
sand) with reinforcement in place if it is self-supporting.
Lintels shall consist of 1 : 2 : 4 RCC, or reinforced 1st class BW, in 1 : 3
(cement : coarse sand ) mortar.
Roofs (both in single or double storey) shall comprise RCC or Jack arches,
or RC hollow tiles, or RB slab. Terracing shall be 11 cm concrete in LM
(kankar lime) or 1 : 2 (whitelime : surkhi) mortar.
All balconies shall be of RCC.
Class ‘A’ buildings shall have granolithic floors in drawing, bed and bath
rooms, while passages and kitchens shall have coloured cement floor – with
WCs having white glazed tiled floor and dado. 2.5 cm CC shall be laid over
7.5 cm LC floor – in all rooms and verandah.
Granolithic 90.0 cm dado shall be provided in bath rooms. In bed, drawing,
and dining rooms there shall be granolithic 25 cm skirting. In kitchen and
pantry there shall be cement dado (1 : 3) 90.0 cm high. And, there shall be
no cement skirting in any room in this class of building.
Rain water pipes of CI or AC pipes shall be provided.
Chowkats (frames) of doors and windows of class ‘A’ buildings shall be of
CP teak wood, while their shutters shall be of CP teak/P and G plyboarding.
Wire gauze doors shall be provided in all outer doors of main rooms,
kitchen and pantry; while for all windows and ventilators wire gauze
shutters shall also be there.
Spar varnish (2 coats) shall be given on all wood work. Plastering of
1 : 1 : 6, cement : whitelime : local sand, shall be applied on all walls
(inside and outside).
Distempering shall be done in all the main rooms up to a height of 3.30 m.
Inside finishing shall comprise three coats of white washing, while outside
finishing shall consist of buff colour washing (or painting as specified).
RCC sun shades shall be given over all doors and windows that are exposed
to rains.
Sanitary items in class ‘A’ buildings shall be provided, such as :
(a) Porcelain bath tub in two bath rooms.
(b) Procelain WC in all WCs (with one Indian type).
92
 (c) Wash basins in bath rooms and side, verandah adjacent to Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
dining rooms. Storey Buildings

(d) Shower in all bath rooms.

(e) Sink in pantry and kitchen.
(f) Mirror and glass shelf in all bath rooms.
(g) Towel and soap tray recess in all bath rooms.
(h) Dirty lines box in all dressing rooms.
Plinth protection (skirting the building, and laid on ground) shall consist of
2.5 cm CC over 7.5 cm LC which will be 130 cm wide – or simply brick on
edge in lime mortar shall be laid.
Chick support in all verandah openings shall be in place. Curtain pelmets
shall be provided for all external doors of main rooms.
Door fittings of oxidized copper colour shall be provided.
Fire place shall be provided in drawing and dining room. Hot water boiler
shall be put up for two bath rooms. And, one hot case-cum-shelf facility
shall be provided, either in pantry or dining room.
Class ‘B’ Building
Specifications for foundations shall be same as for class ‘A’. Plinth filling,
DPC, and footing and plinth shall be done as in class ‘A’. Similarly,
construction of 12.5 cm walls, lintels, roofs, balconies and terracing shall
follows class ‘A’ specifications.
In superstructure, second class bricks in kankar lime (or 1 : 6 cement
mortar) shall be done in usual trimming (i.e. 30 cm masonry above DPC,
jambs, top of walls near roof, and 30 cm wall/pillar at verandah); for the
rest second class bricks in mud shall be used.
As for WCs flooring and dado, floors in rooms and verandah (CC over LC
floor), and rain water pipes specifications for class ‘A’ shall hold.
Granolithic floors shall be provided only in drawing room; and, coloured
cement border (in floors) shall be given in dining room, and in bed rooms if
so desired. No granolithic 90 cm dado shall be provided in class ‘B’
building. Similarly, no granolithic 23 cm a skirting, or cement skirting shall
be provided. However, a cement dado (1 : 3) 90 cm high shall be given in
kitchen and pantry.
For making chowkats of doors and windows sal wood shall be used; while
door and window shutters shall be of CP teak, and P and G plyboarding (as
for class ‘A’ building). Wire gauze doors shall be provided in kitchen,
pantry and dining room; and wire gauge shall be given over all windows.
Painting, varnishing and plastering shall be provided as in the case of class
‘A’ building. Distempering shall be done in drawing room up to the height
as specified for class ‘A’. Finishing (outside and inside) also shall be done
as for class ‘A’.
Chick support shall be provided in all verandah openings, and all external
doors of main rooms. Curtain pelmets shall be as for class ‘A’. 93
Estimating and Plinth protection shall be as for class ‘A’, but only 90.0 cm wide. RCC sun
Quantity Surveying-I
shades shall be on all doors and windows exposed to rains (as in the case of
class ‘A’ building).
Sanitary items shall be provided as detailed below :

Porcelain Bath Tub Shall Not be Provided

Porcelain WC In all bathrooms (or WCs),
one Indian type (with one
European type in any one)
Wash basin As in class ‘A’
Dirty linen box As in class ‘A’
Shower; sink; mirror As in class ‘A’
and glass shelf : and
towel and soap tray
recess

Door fittings shall be of iron; while no hot water boilers shall be provided.
Fire place; and hot case-cum-shelf shall be provided as in class ‘A’.
Class ‘C’ and ‘D’ Buildings
Foundation concrete, plinth filling, DPC, and footing-cum-plinth shall
follow specifications as for class ‘A’.
Superstructure for class ‘C’ as per class ‘A’, while for class ‘D’ it shall be
as per class ‘B’.
There shall be no 12.5 cm walls at all.
Lintels and roofs (single or double storey) shall be as per class ‘A’.
Balconies for class ‘C’ shall be of RCC, while there are no balconies for
class ‘D’. Terracing for both shall be as per class ‘A’.
In place of rain water pipes, class ‘C’ shall have spouts; and class ‘D’ too
shall have spouts if necessary.
These buildings shall have no granolithic floors, white glazed tiled floor
and dado, or coloured cement floors; nor shall have granolithic 90 cm dado
or granolithic 23 cm skirting. Both the classes shall have 2.5 cm CC over
7.5 cm LC floor as in class ‘A’.
Both shall have cement dado (1 : 3) 90 cm high in kitchen, bath rooms and
WCs. However cement skirting shall be there in the dining rooms of class
‘C’, while in class ‘D’ it shall be provided wherever floors may have to be
washed.
Chowkats of doors and windows shall be of sal wood (as in class ‘B’);
while door and window shutters for class ‘C’ shall comprise sal (or
shisham) with P and G 5-ply panels, and for class ‘D’ it shall be country
wood (battened).
For both classes : wire gauze doors shall be provided in kitchen, and in
window of the kitchen; and ordinary painting (3 coats) shall be given for
wood work.
94
 Plastering shall be same as for class ‘A’. There shall be no distempering, Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
chick supports, or curtain pelmets. Storey Buildings
Finishing (outside) shall be as for class ‘A’ and for inside it shall be 3 coats
of white wash.
Plinth protection for class ‘C’ shall be 13 cm of kankar (or brick ballast),
rammed to 7.5 cm, and shall be 90 cm wide : while there will be no plinth
protection for class ‘D’.
RCC sun-shades shall be over all doors and windows that are exposed to
rains. Door fittings shall be of iron.
Rest no sanitary items shall be there in these two classes of buildings.
No hot water boiler, fire place, or hot case-cum-shelf shall be provided.

3.5 CASE STUDY : BRICK MASONRY AND OTHER

ITEMS IN A BUILDING
Example 3.2

Servants’ quarters (in all 8 units, 4-units in ground floor + 4 units in first
floor) were proposed to be built (Figure 3.2). The Figure presents the
half-plan (at ground-floor level – plan being symmetrical about the centre
line as shown) of the complex.
The work could not be completed. Only the ground floor (4 units) were in
place, that too without baths, latrines, etc. (to be constructed at the back as
indicated); moreover, no stairs could be built in the well earmarked for the
purpose. The whole ground floor construction (incomplete in itself, though)
was topped with an RCC (1 : 2 : 4) roof slab 15 cm thick. Hard murran
filling was done everywhere.
[Note : Verandah gap as well as stair case gap is 2.3 m high with respect to
DPC top.]
Develop the trench plan of the structure. Also estimate the following
quantities (for 4 units) :
(a) Earthwork in excavation in hard soil.
(b) Hard Murram filling.
(c) Brickwork (BW) first-class in :
(i) plinth (below and above ground level), CM (1 : 6) –
including steps.
(ii) superstructure in CM (1 : 4).
(Note : Partition walls are to be paid cubic-content
wise.)
(d) Stone rubble soling in foundations, including hand packing.
(e) Cement concrete (1 : 4 : 8) in foundations.

95
Estimating and
Quantity Surveying-I

Figure 3.2 : Half Plan of 8-unit Servants Quarters (At Ground Floor) – Example 3.2

96
 RCC (1 : 2 : 4) Roof Slab 15 cm Thick Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
Storey Buildings

Brick Masonry
3.50 m

30.0 cm, 1st Class BW

DPC, 2.5 cm thick (1 : 2 : 4 CC) 2.0 cm CC over 3.0 cm LC

30 cm
30 cm
Hard Murram Filling
35 cm 70 cm
GL
0.64 m 15 cm
50 m

0.66 m
0.84 m 0.85 m
0.30 cm CC
0.5 m (1 : 4 : 8) CC
53 cm 0.5 m Rubble Soling
1.10 m

Figure 3.3 : A Typical Cross-section Combining Steps

and a Wall with Foundations (Example 3.2)
Solution
With the help of the given plan (at plinth level) and the typical wall section
(Figures 3.2 and 3.3), the required trench is drawn as shown in Figure 3.4.
However, the student is expressly advised to first try, on his/her own,
drawing the trench plan and then compare with the one shown in Figure 3.4.
And, now it should be very easy to proceed with the preparation of bill of
quantities.
11.20 m
2.9 m

9.0 m 0.65 m
1.95 m

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
2.6 m +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ 2.6 m
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
3.25 m

3.25 m

0.75 m

1.1 mm
(all
(all around)
around)
0.65 m 3.9 m
5.0 m 8.5 m
9.0 m
2.6 m

Figure 3.4 : Trench Plan of Servants Quarters – Example 3.2 – Walls Clubbed together
while Estimating Quantities are filled with different Markings (Symbol)

97
Estimating and Bill of Quantities – Example 3.2
Quantity Surveying-I
Sl. No Measurements
No. Description Quantity Total
L B H/D 3
(m) (m) (m) (m )

(1) Earthwork in excavation

in hard soill
(i) Front long walls of 2 5.0 1.1 2.0 22.0
living rooms
(hatched portion in
Figure 3.4) 1 8.5 1.1 2.0 18.70

(ii) Long walls of front 2 9.0 1.1 2.0 39.60

verandah (dotted)
(iii) Rear long walls of 2 3.7 1.1 2.0 16.28
living rooms
(crosses)
1 6.3 1.1 2.0 13.86

(iv) Rear long walls – 4 11.2 1.1 2.0 98.56

back verandah,
and wall between
back verandah
and kitchen
(slanting dash-and-
dot)
(v) Long walls 4 2.6 1.1 2.0 22.88
between kitchen
and front verandah
(plus signs)
(vi) Crossing walls of 3 3.25 1.1 2.0 21.45
living rooms
(triangles)
(vii) Cross walls 4 3.80 1.1 2.0 33.44
between staircase
and kitchen-cum-
verandah group
(plain – no signs
used)
(viii) Cross walls 4 4.45 1.1 2.0 39.16
between living
room and
kitchen-cum-
verandah group
(wavy, short
markings)
(ix) Cross walls of 4 0.7 1.1 2.0 6.16
back verandah
(squares)
Total = 332.09 m2
(x) Excavation for 4 1.46 0.66 1.0 3.85
steps (in front only
– which are in
place)
[1.3+0.16 all round = 0.146 m]
Total = 335.94 m3
98
(2) Filling rubble in foundations including Estimation of
⎡ Total of (1) upto (ix) ⎤
⎢⎣ = × 0.5⎥ Brickwork in Single
hand packing (width and length of the
soling item being same as for the
2 ⎦ Storey Buildings

relevant excavation item, except for its 332.09 3

= × 0.5 = 83.02 m
height i.e., thickness) 2
(3) Cement concrete (1 : 4 : 8) in ⎡ Total of (1) upto (ix) ⎤
foundations ⎢⎣ = 2
× 0.5
⎥⎦
= 83.02 m3
Total of (1) upto (ix)
[or, × 1.0
2
− Total of Item (2)]
Add CC laid under steps 4 1.46 0.66 0.3 1.156 m3

Grand Total = 84.18 m3

(4) Brickwork, first class in cement mortar

(a) Plinth below GL, 0.84 m thick masonry, in 1 : 6 CM

(i) 2 4.74 0.84 0.85 6.77

1 8.24 0.84 0.85 5.88

(ii) 2 9.26 0.84 0.85 13.22

(iii) 2 3.70 0.84 0.85 5.28
1 6.56 0.84 0.85 4.68

(iv) 4 10.94 0.84 0.85 31.24

(v) 4 2.86 0.84 0.85 8.17
(vi) 3 3.51 0.84 0.85 7.52
(vii) 4 4.06 0.84 0.85 11.60
(viii) 4 4.71 0.84 0.85 13.45
(ix) 4 0.96 0.84 0.85 2.74
Partition wall (back 2 1.25 0.4 0.75 0.76
verandah), 10 mm thick
up to floor level
⎛ 0.84 − 0.64 ⎞
[1.45 − 2 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠
= 1.25 m ;
70 + 2 + 3 = 75 cm
= 0.75 m; and 0.40 m is
its thickness below the
floor level as mentioned,
in Figure 3.2]
Total 111.31 m3

(b) Plinth below floor level, 0.64 m thick masonry, in 1 : 6 CM – up to GL

(i) 2 4.54 0.64 0.85 4.94

1 8.04 0.64 0.85 4.37
(ii) 2 9.46 0.64 0.85 10.29

99
Estimating and (iii) 2 3.7 0.64 0.85 4.03
Quantity Surveying-I
1 6.76 0.64 0.85 3.68
(iv) 4 10.74 0.64 0.85 23.37
(v) 4 3.06 0.64 0.85 6.66

(vi) 4 3.71 0.64 0.85 6.05

(vii) 4 4.26 0.64 0.85 9.27
(viii) 4 4.91 0.64 0.85 10.68
(ix) 4 1.16 0.64 0.85 2.52
[This part of masonry – 4(b) – up to this stage is 15/85th below GL, and 70/85th is
above GL. Sometimes, rates for these two parts can be quoted separately.]
Steps

Brickwork below GL 4 1.46 0.66 0.55 2.12

4 1.3 0.6 0.15 0.47

[1.3 + 0.16 = 1.46; and 0.85 –0.30 = 0.55; and 00.5 + 0.1 = 0.60]

Brickwork above GL 4 1.3 0.6 0.50 1.56

[0.35 + 0.15 = 0.50] 4 1.3 0.3 0.35 0.55
Total = 90.56 m3

(5) Superstructure (BW)

1st class, in 1 : 4 CM
(i) 2 4.2 0.3 3.5 8.82
1 7.7 0.3 3.5 8.09
(ii) 2 9.8 0.3 3.5 20.58
(iii) 2 3.7 0.3 3.5 7.77
1 7.10 0.3 3.5 7.46
(iv) 4 10.4 0.3 3.5 43.68

(v) 4 3.40 0.3 3.5 14.28

(vi) 3 4.05 0.3 3.5 12.76

(vii) 4 4.60 0.3 3.5 19.32

(viii) 4 5.25 0.3 3.5 22.05

(ix) 4 1.5 0.3 3.5 6.30

Total = 171.11 m3

Partition wall above 2 1.45 0.10 3.5 1.02 m3

plinth level (1 : 4 CM)
(This wall has a DPC 2.5
cm thick.)

[Note: If the rate of payment for this partition wall is as per area, the quantity would be
equal to 1.45 × 3.5 = 5.08 m2.]

Grand Total 172.13 m3

100
 Estimation of
No. L B H/D Quantity
Brickwork in Single
Deductions Storey Buildings

Doors 2 × 6 (= 12) 0.85 0.3 1.95 5.97

Windows (W) 2 × 4 = 8) 0.85 0.3 1.10 2.24
Windows (W1) 2 × 6 (= 12) 0.57 0.3 1.1 2.26
Cupboards (C) 2 × 4 (= 8) 0.85 0.25 1.1 1.87
Verandah gaps* 2 × 2 (= 4) 2.3 0.3 2.3 6.35
Staircase gap 2×1 2.5 0.3 2.3 3.45
[* Length of each verandah gap = 3.4 – {0.35 + 0.75}=2.3 m.]
Lintels
Over Ds 12 1.05 0.3 0.15 0.57
Over Ws 8 1.05 0.3 0.15 0.38
Over W1s 12 0.77 0.3 0.15 0.42
Over Cs 8 1.05 0.3 0.15 0.38
Over verandah gaps 2 × 2 (= 4) 2.5 0.3 0.20 0.6
Over staircase gap 1 × 2 (= 2) 2.7 0.3 0.20 0.32
[0.85 + 0.20 = 1.05; 0.57 + 0.20 = 0.77; 2.3 + 0.2 = 2.5 and 2.5 + 0.2 = 2.7]
Total Deductions 24.81 m3
172.13
st
Net 1 class BW (1 : 4 CM) in superstructure (−) 24.81
= 147.32 m3
(6) No. L B H/D Quantity

Hard Murram filling below floor, and above GL

Living rooms 4 3.71 3.06 0.70 31.79
Verandahs 4 3.06 1.21 0.70 10.37
Staircase 2 4.26 2.16 0.70 12.88
Kitchens 4 3.06 2.41 0.70 20.65
Back verandah 2 × 2 (= 4) 4.58 1.11 0.70 14.23
Note : Where, (0.64 – 0.3 = 0.34); (4.05 –0.34 = 3.71 m); [(3.4 + 0.3) –(0.64) = 3.06 m];
(1.55 – 0.34 = 1.21 m); (4.60 – 0.34 = 4.26 m); (2.5 –0.34 = 2.16); (2.75 –0.34 = 2.41 m);
9.8 0.30 0.10 0.64 0.40
and = 4.9; 4.9 + + = 5.1; 5.1 − − = 4.58 m
2 2 2 2 2
where, 0.64 m and 0.40 m refer to plinth thickness of main and partition walls, respectively.

3.6 ESTIMATION OF BRICK MASONRY IN ARCHES

Romans were perhaps the first to use arches (brick masonry) as structural
elements. They chiefly made use of arches as supporting members for carrying
aqueducts over them while negotiating ditches, ravines, and drainages. These
came to be used, later on, as supports for bridges, and cross-overs over gaps in
buildings. The principal function of an arch is to transmit load on its abutments –
pillars, bridge piers, rock formations on the flanks of a reservoir (dam) in the case
of an arch dam. It does not suffer any tension, and is always in compression.
101
Estimating and
Quantity Surveying-I
3.6.1 Various Types of Arches and Formulae
Mainly (apart from ornamental forms used in doors and windows basically
non-load bearing in nature) civil engineering works use two types of arches :
Semi-circular Arch
With reference to Figure 3.5 one can calculate the masonry (brick or stone
work) in the arch ring in cubic meters (Q) as,
⎛ t⎞
Q = π ⎜r + ⎟ × t × b . . . (3.1)
⎝ 2⎠
where, r = inner radius of the arch ring,
t = thickness of the arch ring,
b = breadth of arch ring, i.e. the dimension perpendicular to paper,
π (r + t/2) = π × (central radius of the ring)
= length of arched masonry.
Arch Ring

Masonry Work

h = Rise of Arch = r
t
r

Clean Span
t

Figure 3.5 : Element of a Semi-circular Arch

Segmental Arch
When a semi-circular arch (subtending an angle of π radians (180o) at the
centre of the corresponding circle) is cut short – Figure 3.6 – on either side
so that the segment ABCD subtends an angle (θ) that is less than 180o, at
the centre, we get a segmental arch. Its span DC is, obviously, less than the
diameter of the parent circle. Therefore, the cubic content of masonry
contained in this segmental arch (which is b units long – perpendicular to
paper) is given by :

⎡ ⎛ 1 ⎞⎤ θ
Q = ⎢ 2π ⎜ t + ⎟ ⎥ × × [t × b] . . . (3.2)
⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎦ 360o

⎡ ⎛ 1 ⎞⎤ θ
where, ⎢ 2π ⎜ t + ⎟ ⎥ × × [t × b] gives the mean (central) length (i.e.,
⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎦ 360o
along the mean circumferential path) of the arch.

102
 Estimation of
Masonry Brickwork in Single
Storey Buildings

E Steel Joist
B
A
l = Span t
D C
F
Arch

r CC Filling

EF = h = Rise of Arch
θ (in Degree)

Figure 3.6 : Elements of a Segmental Arch

It can be shown that, Q can also be expressed in following two ways :

⎡ ⎧⎪⎛ l + t ⎞2 ⎛ ⎤
t ⎞ ⎪⎫
2
⎢8 × ⎥
⎢
⎨⎜
2 ⎟ + ⎜ h + 2 ⎟ ⎬ − (l + t ) ⎥
⎩⎪⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠ ⎭⎪
Q=⎢ ⎥×t×b . . . (3.3)
⎢ 3 ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎣ ⎦

⎡ l t⎤ θ
and Q = 2π ⎢ + ⎥ × (t × b) . . . (3.4)
⎣ 2 sin (θ / 2) 2 ⎦ 360

Jack Arch Roof

It is a roof over a hall (or room) which is basically supported by segmental
arch – and, is also known as segmental arch roof. Each arch (there may be
three, four or more such arches in the roof make up) is supported at the ends
(Figure 3.6) by rolled steel joists or RCC beams. The thickness of the arch
ring is commonly half-brick, its span varying from 90 cm to 200 cm; and its
rise varies in between 1/6th to 1/10th of the span. Length of this arch
(perpendicular to paper) is fixed as equal to the width of the room plus
twice the thickness of the arch as supported over the walls. And, the curved
length of the arch (i.e., length of arch ring) is the curved length of the
intrados.
As per IS code of practice (IS : 1200), Jack arch roofing is measured in m2,
whose rate of payment takes into account the cost of brickwork, concrete in
haunch (spandrel) filling, etc.

Example 3.3

Work out the quantity of masonry work (brick) for the following cases :
(a) A segmental arch of clear span = 2.75 m, and rise of 0.6 m. Take the
thickness of arch ring as 45 cm, and wall thickness = 50 cm.
(b) A semi-circular arch of clear span = 3.0 m; and thickness of arch ring
50 cm; and wall thickness = 50 cm, and
(c) A 70o segmental arch whose clear span (i.e. opening) is 2.5 m. Take
the thickness of the arch ring as 50 cm, and wall thickness as 30 cm. 103
Estimating and Solution
Quantity Surveying-I
(a) Here, with reference to Eq. (3.3), we have :
l = 2.75 m; t = 0.45 m; b = 0.50 m and, h = 0.6 m

⎡ 2 2 ⎤
⎢8 × ⎛ 2.75 + 0.45 ⎞ ⎛ 0.45 ⎞ ⎥
⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ 0.6 + ⎟ − (2.75 + 0.45)
⎢ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎥
∴Q = ⎢ ⎥ × 0.45 × 0.50
⎢ 3 ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎣ ⎦
⎡ 8 × (2.56 + 0.680) − 3.20 ⎤
=⎢ ⎥ × 0.225
⎢⎣ 3 ⎥⎦

14.4 − 3.2
= × 0.225
3
= 0.84 m3

(b) In Eq. (3.1), the appropriate substitutions give :

⎛l t⎞
Q=π⎜ + ⎟×t×b
⎝2 2⎠

⎛ 3 0.5 ⎞
=π ⎜ + ⎟ × 0.5 × 0.5
⎝2 2 ⎠

= 1.37 m3

(c) In Eq. (3.4), the appropriate substitutions give :

⎡ 2.5 0.5 ⎤ 70
Q = 2π ⎢ + ⎥ × 0.5 × 0.3
⎢⎣ 2 sin 35o 2 ⎥ 360
⎦

⎡ 2.5 ⎤
or, Q = 2π ⎢ + 0.25⎥ × 0.029
⎣1.147 ⎦

= 2 π [2.43] ×0.029
= 0.443 m3.

3.7 TYPICAL RATE ANALYSIS OF BRICK

MASONRY
Brickwork is done in foundations of buildings, in plinth, and in superstructure
with varying composition of mortar and their proportions. Hence, the rate for
each specification has to vary according to the materials and labour involved.
Over and above these rates, the cost does get escalated with the height/floor of the
building up to which bricks are to be carried for placement. Special works like
arch or ornamental items cost more for obvious reasons. A few examples, to
illustrate this point, would be in place.
(a) 10 m3 of Brickwork (1st class) in kankar lime in foundations and
plinth (materials, labour, tools and plants, etc. are considered)
104
 Required Material Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
Bricks (@ 500 bricks per m3) 5000 Nos Storey Buildings

Kankar lime 3.0 m3

Labour
Mistri 0.6 Nos
Mason 7 Nos
Beldar 7 Nos
Mazdoor 7 Nos
Bhisti 2 Nos.
Tools or Plants (T and P), etc. Add the cost on lump sum bases
(b) 10 m3 of First Class Brickwork in white lime and surkhi mortar
(1 : 2) in foundations and plinth including supply of materials and
labour etc.
Material Required
Bricks 5000 Nos
White Lime 1.2 m3
Surkhi 2.4 m3
Labour
Same as for item (a) above.
(c) 10 m3 of First Class Brickwork in white lime and surkhi mortar
(1 : 3) in foundations and plinth
Materials Required
Bricks 5000 Nos
White lime 0.90 m3
Surkhi 2.70 m3
Labour
Same as for items (a) above.
(d) 10 m3 of First Class Brickwork in 1 : 6 cement sand mortar in
foundations and plinth
Materials Required
Bricks 5000 Nos
3
Cement (0.45 m ) 13.5 bags
Local sand 2.7 m3
Labour
Same as for item (b) above.
(e) 10 m3 of First Class Brickwork in 1 : 4 cement sand mortar in
foundations and plinth.
105
Estimating and Materials
Quantity Surveying-I
Bricks 5000 Nos
Cement (0.6 m3) 18 bags
Local sand 2.4 m3
Labour
Same as for item (a) above.
(f) 10 m3 of First Class Brickwork in superstructure (including
required cutting and moulding of bricks as required), that
includes home comb brickwork thickness of walls being not less
than 1.5 bricks.
Materials and Labour would be the same as for respective items above
− (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e), but following extra labour needs to be
added to each item described above :
Mason 3.6 Nos
Mazdoor 3.6 Nos
Scaffolding, etc To be added on lump sum basis
Note :
(a) For 10 m3 First Class Brickwork in superstructure, as in items
(a), (b), (c), or (d) and (e), but for walls of one-brick thickness
materials and labour would be the same as for respective items,
but with the following additional labour for each respective item :
Mason 7 Nos
Mazdoor 7 Nos
Scaffolding, etc. To be added on lumpsum basis
(b) For 10 m3 of First Class Work in superstructures as in items – (a),
(b), (c), (d) and (e), but for half-brick thick walls, materials and
labour would be the same as for the respective items, but with
following additional labour for each respective item :
Mason 5.3 Nos
Mazdoor 5.3 Nos
Scaffolding, etc. To be added on lump sum L.S. basis
(c) For 10 m3 of First Class Brickwork in Arches in 1 : 3 cement and
coarse sand mortar :
Materials
Bricks 5000 Nos.
Cement (0.75 m3) 22.5 bags
Coarse sand 2.25 m3
Labour
Mistri 0.6 Nos
106
 Mason 14 Nos Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
Beldar 11 Nos Storey Buildings

Mazdoor 14 Nos
Bhisti 3 Nos
Tools and Plants
(sundries, etc.) LS
Formwork LS
Scaffolding LS
(d) For 10 m3 of First Class Brickwork in Jack Arches in 1 : 3 cement
and coarse sand mortar :
Materials
Bricks 5000 Nos
Cement (0.75 m3) 22.5 bags
Coarse sand 2.25 m3
Labour
Mistri 0.6 Nos
Mason 21 Nos
Beldar 15 Nos
Mazdoor 23 Nos
Bhisti 2 Nos
Tools and plants
(sundries etc.) LS
Centering and shuttering LS
Scaffolding LS
(e) For 10 m3 of Second Class Brickwork in mud mortar in
superstructure :
Materials
Bricks (2nd Class) 5000 Nos
Loamy soil (or any other suitable soil) 4.0 m3
Labour
Mistri 0.3 Nos
Mason 8.0 Nos
Beldar 7.0 Nos
Mazdoor 1.0 Nos
Bhisti 1.0 No
Sundries (Tools and Plants, etc.) LS
Scaffolding LS
(f) For 10 m3 of Third Class Brickwork in superstructure in mud
mortar :
Materials 107
Estimating and Bricks (3rd Class) 5000 Nos
Quantity Surveying-I
Loamy (or other, suitable ) soil 4.0 m3
Labour
Same as for item (a).

3.8 STONE MASONRY

Stones are, in contrast to brick, natural building blocks that do not need
manufacturing by man, except only to dress up for proper placement in
foundations, plinths, walls, bridge piers, arches, etc. Stones in fact, are used
(wherever easily available) for construction purposes, and also for use as
decorative facing – that is exactly for all the works wherein bricks are used. It is a
question of comparative ease in availability, and in costs that mainly decide the
use of either of these two buildings blocks.
There are various types of stone masonry in vogue, and different specifications
are laid for dressing – and cutting stones. Stone required for masonry shall be
dressed as specified (or / and shown) on the drawings. There are four main types
of dressing – hammer dressed, rought tooled, chisel dressed, and fine dressed.
Stones shall be dressed accurately to the exact size – all visible edges shall be free
from chippings.
Scabbled (or hammer dressed) is a stone dressed with a scabbling hammer
without any picking or chiseling. Rough tooled stone (also known as one line
dressed), is to be sparrow picked, or dressed with a chisel, until no portion of the
dressed face is more than 6.35 mm (say, ¼ inch) from a straight edge placed on it.
Chisel dressed stone (also known as two line dressed) is to be sparrow picked, or
dressed with a chisel, until no portion of the face dressed is more than about
3.2 mm (1/8 inch) from the straight edge laid along it. By fine dressing is meant,
the best surface which can be given to a stone with a chisel, and without rubbing.
A straight edge, laid along the face of the stone so dressed must be in contact with
the stone at every point. This work is also known as three line dressed.
Every cut stone work shall be worked to templates which, for appropriateness,
shall be of zinc sheet. Unless otherwise specified, the measurement of all cut
stone, moulded or ornamental work, shall be taken over all projections – i.e., the
volume of the least rhombohedron in which the cut or moulded stone can be
contained. The volume of each stone, but excluding its tailing, shall be worked
out separately. The rate of payment should allow for the proper protection of the
work (until construction is finished) from injury.
The specified type of stone for a given work shall be hard, sound, free from decay
and weathering etc. having been obtained from the approved quarry, and if
necessary tested for water absorption (IS : 1124 – 1974). Stones with round
surface have not to be used.
Stones used in construction shall be of a size allowing lifting and being placed in
position by hand. The length of a stone should not exceed three times its height
(height should not be greater than 30 cm) and its breadth at its base should not be
greater than ¾th of the thickness of the wall (nor less than 15 cm).
Random Rubble Masonry
108
 The stones shall be hammer dressed on the face, sides, and beds allowing Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
close position with the adjacent stones after chipping off their weak corners. Storey Buildings
Each stone will be laid on its quarry bed – and shall be wedged or pinned
strongly into position in the walls by spalls or chips, which may show on
the face.
No stone shall tail into the wall less than 1.5 times its height. Stones shall
be arranged to break joint as much as possible – long vertical lines of
joining shall be avoided. The “bushing” in the face shall not project more
than 4 cm on an exposed face, and one cm on a face, which is proposed to
be plastered. Mortar that is used shall be as per specifications.
One header or through stone shall be inserted in at least every 0.5 m2of the
face, and shall run right through the wall if not more than 60 cm thick – if
more than 60 cm thick, a line of these shall be laid from face to back which
shall overlap each other by at least 15 cm.
The hearting or interior filling between the front and back face stones will
consist of the same rubble stones, not less than 15 cm in any direction – not
dry work, or hollow spaces, or thick joints of mortar shall be left anywhere.
The hearting will be laid nearly level with each course, except that at about
0.9 to 1.0 m intervals, vertical “plums” projecting 15 cm to 22 cm shall be
firmly embedded to form a boud between the successive courses. Hearting
must not be brought to the same level as the front and back stones by the
use of chips.
All the stones shall be washed and wetted before use – removing dirt, dust,
etc. The walls shall be built truly plumb or to the designed (specified)
batter. Levelling up at plinth level, window sills and roof level shall be done
with the specified mortar.
Quins shall be of selected stones – neatly dressed to form the required
angle, and laid as header and stretcher alternately.
All the face joints shall not be more than 20 m thick.
Random rubble masonry work in cement or compsote mortar shall be
constantly kept moist for a minimum of seven days. When fat lime mortar
has been used, curing should be started two days after the laying of
masonry and then curing must continue for seven days.
Coursed Rubble Masonry
Quality and size of stones shall be as for random rubble work.
The stones shall be laid in horizontal course not less than 15 cm in height.
All the stones in each course shall be of equal height. All stones shall be set
full in mortar in all bed or vertical joints. Face stones shall be hammer
dressed on all beds and joints, to allow giving them approximately
rectangular outline. Mortar to be used shall be specified. Bed joints shall be
rough – chisel dressed. A course height may lie between 15 to 30 cm.
Face stones shall be laid alternately headers and stretchers – no face stone
shall be less in breadth than its height; nor shall it tail into the work to a
length less than its height. And, at least 1/3rd of the stones shall tail into the
work at least twice their height, etc.
Through stones shall be inserted at appropriate intervals. The quoins shall
be of the same height as the course. 109
Estimating and Ashlar Masonry
Quantity Surveying-I
The length of stone shall not exceed three times the height, and the breadth
(on base) shall not be greater than 3/4th of the thickness of wall, or 15 cm
whichever is more. The height of stone may go up to 30 cm.
In fine Ashlar work, every stone shall be dressed on all beds, joints and
faces. The beds and joints must not exceed 3.17 mm (1/8th of an inch).
In pain Ashlar work, the dressed stone shall be free from any waviness – in
case of exposed faces or the adjoining faces, there will be fine chisel
dressing to a depth of 6 mm. Top and bottom faces shall also be chisel
dressed; and also faces forming vertical joints.
In rough tooled on bastard Ashlar, the faces exposed to view shall have a
fine dressed chisel draft 2.54 cm wide, all round the edges; and be
rough-tooled between the drafts.
The stones shall be laid in regular courses not less than 30 cm in height.
The face stones shall be laid header and stretcher alternately. Unless
otherwise specified, in all walls not more than 90 cm thick, headers shall
run right through the wall. Jambs for door and window openings shall be
formed with quoins of the full height of the course.
Ashlar facing often has a backing of brickwork, concrete, or rubble.
The height of the courses shall be equal to an exact number of courses of
brick or rubble. Bond stones shall be incorporated as in random rubble
masonry. All joints shall be full of mortar, not more than 5 mm thick.
Block in Course Masonry
Stone shall be rough tooled on all beds and joints – giving rectangular
shaped stones. Each course shall consist of stones of even thickness, no
course being less than 15 cm in height.
Walls built in brickwork, concrete or rubble masonry may be faced with
block in course masonry. One third of the entire length of each course shall
be headers.
Beds and joints shall be rough-tooled. Bond stones shall be used as for
other stone masonry.
Dry Rubble Masonry
It is commonly called dry stone walling; it is used to build breast and
retaining walls. Largest available stones shall be used in these constructions
– the largest being used in the lower courses.
Unless otherwise specified, dry stone walling shall be built with a face
batter of 1 : 4 with vertical back. The base as well as the course must run at
right angles to the face. The stones shall be roughly dressed to secure the
maximum bedding surface without unduly reducing the size of the stone.
Bond stones shall be provided in each course at intervals of 1.5 m.
Dry stone walls exceeding 6.0 m in height must be strengthened every 3.0
m by building three consecutive courses in coursed masonry in lime or
cement mortar. Weep hole shall be left in dry stone walling built against a
hill side (which is the common location for such walls).
110
 Filling immediately behind the dry stone wells must, wherever possible, be Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
done with stone refuse or chips. Storey Buildings
Arch Work in Stone Masonry
Masonry in arches shall follow general specifications for masonry as such
and for dressing and cutting stones, as well as the detailed specifications for
the class of stonework in which the arch work is to be executed.
All stones required for the arch masonry shall be cut to a zinc sheet
template made against a full sized elevation of the arch.
The stones shall be dressed on the face and on the bed and other joints. The
full number of stones required for the completion of an arch are to be cut
and dressed, and the arch erected dry on the ground before the
commencement of work on the arch. No voussoir is to be cut or dressed
after it is once laid in situ in mortar.
In the case of arches in walls, the two springers and the key-stone shall be
through stones as well as every third stone in between.
Unless otherwise specified, the height of each stone will be equal to the
thickness of the arch up to 37.5 cm (15 inches) – above this, two stones may
be used with no stone being less than 15 cm in height.
Measurements
All stonework generally, as all brickwork, shall be measured in m3, and face
work, however, shall be measured in m2.
No deductions or additions shall be made on any account for the item for
which no deductions (or additions) have been specified in the case of
brickwork.
In stone masonry, the type of stone, kind of masonry, and mix of mortar
shall be fully described. Rates shall include bond stones, preparation of top
surface of existing half-done work (meant to be raised further in height),
and raking out joints prior to plastering or painting.
Rate Analysis
Rate analysis of any stonework shall, as for any other masonry work, shall
involve cost of materials and unskilled and skilled labour. Schedules are
available that provide the required information on these counts.

Example 3.4

What are the materials and labour component required for the following
items of work :
(a) 10 m3 coursed rubble stone masonry in superstructure in 1 : 6
cement-sand mortar, and
(b) 10 m3of random rubble stone masonry in superstructure in 1 : 6
cement-sand mortar.
Solution
Men and Materials Required Per 10 m3
Sl. Particulars Materials Labour

111
Estimating and No. Stone Cement Sand Mistri Mason Beldar Mazdoor Bhisti
Quantity Surveying-I (Including
Wastage)
(a) Coursed
Rubble Stone
Masonry in 0.6 m3 3.6
superstructure, 12.5 m3 0.5 16 16 8 1.5
= 18 bags m3
in 1 : 6 cement
and sand
mortar
(For complete rate analysis, add LS amount for scaffolding, T and P and sundries)
(b) Random
Rubble Stone
Masonry in 0.7 m3 4.2
12.5 m3 0.5 11 11 11 1.5
superstructure = 21 bags m3
in 1 : 6 cement
sand mortar
(For complete rate analysis, add LS amount for scaffolding, T and P and sundries)

SAQ 1

(a) With reference to the motor garage [Example 2.3 and Figure 2.3],
estimate the following quantities;
(i) First class BW in plinth and foundation, in 1 : 6 cement mortar,
and
(ii) First class BW in lime mortar, in superstructure.
By both centre-line method, and Long and Short-wall method.
Assume the following data :
(i) Window (W) size – 1.2 × 1.0 (height) m
(ii) Almirah (A) size – 1.0 × 1.2 (height) m
(b) Figure 3.7 gives the centre-line plan of a residential quarter for an
overseer working in Public Works Department of a State in India.
Compute the quantities of the following items of work, after
developing the double line plan (above plinth level) of the structure:
(i) Brick Masonry work in superstructure, in 1 : 4 CM.
(ii) RCC (1 : 2 : 4) in roof slab, and lintels. Due to the possibility of
first floor being constructed over the ground floor, there are no
projections of the roof slab over the walls. Roof slabs at 3 m
height go into full wall thickness.
Following specifications are applicable:
(i) Height of main rooms from DPC upwards = 4.0 m.
(ii) Height of verandah, passage, kitchen, store, bath, and
WC = 3.00 m.
(iii) Thickness of walls above the plinth level = 20 cm.
(iv) Sizes
Doors, D – 1 × 2.1 m
Windows, W1 – 2 × 1.5 m (it is a double shutter window)
Windows W2 – 1 ×1.5 m (a single shutter window)
(v) Thickness of RCC roof slab = 15 cm
Thickness of lintels over doors and windows = 10 cm
112 Bearing of lintels on either side = 10 cm
 Calculate the above mentioned brick masonry by centre-line as well Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
as Long- and Short-wall methods. Storey Buildings
Also draw (to scale) :
(a) Front elevation,
(b) Side elevation of right and left side, separately,
(c) Back elevation, and
(d) One sectional elevation.
8.8 m
W2 W2 W2

1.6 m 1.4 m WC 0.8 m W1

Store Bath 1.3 m
D 1m
1.9 × 1.6 m 1.9 × 1.4 m
D
D Room 2
D
Passage 4.30 × 3.7 m
Kitchen
W2 2.5 m 3.0 × 2.5 m 2.1 m W1

D 1.4 m
8.1 m 3.7 m
7.3 m
D

D D 20 × 20 cm
pillar
Room 1
W1 3.37 × 3.7 m Verandah
3.0 m

W1 D

Figure 3.7 : Centre-line Plan of a Building (Not to Scale)

W2 W2 W2 0.8 m
0.9 m
W1 20 cm
0.8 m
1.2 m
Store 1.3 m WC
1.7 m 1.7 m Bath
D
1.4 m
1.0 m
D
1.9 m
D
Room 2
D Passage

2.8 m
4.2 m 3.5 m
Kitchen
2.3 m
4.10 m
W2
D
8.3 m W1

7.5 m
0.7 m
D 1.2 m

D D

W1 Room 1 Verandah
3.5 × 3.5 m
Pillar
5.1 m 20 × 20 cm

D 3.0 m

9.0 m
W1

Figure 3.8 : Plan of a Building (Figure 3.7) above Plinth Level –

Developed from the Line Plan (Not to Scale)

113
Estimating and
Quantity Surveying-I 3.9 SUMMARY
Brickwork (masonry) is one of the major items of work in a building –
foundations, superstructure, and arches (wherever incorporated) – and its
quantification calls for a clear headed understanding of plan, elevation, and
sections of a building. Thickness, i.e. width of BW varies from foundation
courses (of different widths, as is generally the case) up to the superstructure
(exposed walls, i.e. above the ground/plinth level).
Centre-line method, as well as Long- and Short-wall methods can be employed to
estimate the quantity of BW – the former method being effective where
uniformity of foundation and wall thickness is prevailing. As explained elsewhere
also, in Long- and Short-wall methods the lengths of long wall keep decreasing,
and while of short walls keep increasing as one proceeds upwards from the
bottom of the excavation trench and the width (thickness) of courses go on
decreasing.
Every kind of brickwork has to be constructed according to the relevant
specifications. Buildings fall into various classes, depending, among other things,
on the class of bricks and the richness of the mortar used.
Stone masonry has its own specifications but its quantity is also expressed in
cubical contents (m3) as in any brickwork. Its length, breadth, and height have to
be measured for computing the contents.

3.10 ANSWERS TO SAQs

SAQ 1
(a) Depth of plinth (under the ground + above the ground)
= 30 cm + 15 cm
= 45 cm = 0.45 m
Length of centre line = (2 × 4.30) + (2 × 7.8)
= 24.2 m
⎛ 0.45 ⎞
Length of LW (plinth) = 7.8 + 2 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠
= 8.25 m
⎛ 0.45 ⎞
Length of SW (plinth) = 4.3 – 2 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠
= 3.85 m
Length of LW in superstructure = 7.5 + 2 (0.3)
= 8.1 m
Length of SW in superstructure = 4.0 m
Height of superstructure masonry = 3.5 + 0.025
= 3.525
(However 0.025 m being a very small amount, one could as well take
the garage height as 3.5 m only.) = 3.53 m (say).
114
Sl. Description No Measurements Quantity Estimation of
No. (m3) Brickwork in Single
L B H/D Storey Buildings
(m) (m) (m)
(1) First class BW in plinth and
foundations, in 1 : 6 CM
(a) By centre-line method 1 24.2 0.45 0.45 4.90 m3
(b) By L-S wall method
LW 2 8.25 0.45 0.45 3.34
SW 2 3.85 0.45 0.45 1.56
Total 4.90 m3
(2) First class BW in lime
mortar, in superstructure
(a) By centre-line method 1 24.2 0.3 3.53 25.63 m3
(b) By L-S wall method
LW 2 8.1 0.3 3.53 17.16
SW 2 4.0 0.3 3.53 8.47
Total 25.63 m3
Deductions
[Some of the following items have already been done in the solution to Example 2.3]
OPENINGS
Windows 3 1.2 0.3 1 1.08
Almirahs 2 1.0 0.23 1.2 0.55
Gate opening 1 3.0 0.3 2.3 2.07

(Neglecting Almirah shelves that go into the masonry)

LINTELS
Over gate opening 1 3.4 0.3 0.2 0.2
Over Windows
Over Almirahs 5 1.2 0.3 0.1 0.18
Total Deductions = 4.08 m3
Net BW in superstructure = 25.63
(−) 4.08
= 21.55 m3

(b) Double-line plan, above the plinth level (say, at window level) is
shown in Figure 3.8; calculations, explaining its various dimensions,
are given below (for the student, to apply his/her mind to) in order the
student correlates the same with the plan layout :
1 7.3 + 0.2 = 7.5 12 1 + 0.2 = 1.2
2 8.8 + 0.2 = 9.0 13 2.1 – 0.2 = 1.9
3 8.1 + 0.2 = 8.3 14 1.4 –0.2 = 1.2
4 0.8 + 0.2 = 1.0 15 3.0 –0.2 = 2.8

5 3.7 – 0.2 = 3.5 16 9.00 – 0.4 –3.5 = 5.1

17 4.3 – 0.2 = 4.1
6 3.0 – 0.2 = 2.8
18 Passage
7 2.5 – 0.2 = 2.3
⇒ 1.7 + 0.2 + 2.3 = 4.2
8 1.6 – 0.2 = 1.4
19 Verandah
9 1.9 – 0.2 = 1.7
⇒ (a) 3 – 0.2 + 0.2 = 3.0
10 1.4 – 0.2 = 1.2
1.2 + 0.2 + 3.5 + 0.2 = 5.1
11 1.3 – 0.1 + 0.1 = 1.3

115
Estimating and Sl. Description No Measurements Quantity
Quantity Surveying-I No. (m3)
L B H/D
(m) (m) (m)
(1) BW in superstructure in
1 : 4 CM
4-m high walls
Main Room 1
Long Wall 2 3.90 0.20 4.0 6.24
Short wall 2 3.5 0.20 4.0 5.60
Main Room 2
Long Wall 2 4.5 0.20 4.0 7.2
Short Wall 2 3.5 0.20 4.0 5.6
Total of 4-m high walls = 24.64 m3
3-m high walls
(i) Store + Bath
Long Walls (dotted) 2 3.2 0.2 3.0 3.84
Short Walls (plain) 3 1.7 0.2 3.0 3.06
(ii) Kitchen
Short Walls (hatched) 2 2.3 0.2 3.0 2.76
(iii) WC
Long Wall inner (triangles) 1 1.5 0.2 3.0 0.90
Outer (triangles) 1 0.8 0.20 3.0 0.48
Short walls (plain) 2 0.8 0.2 3.0 0.96
(iv) Passage
Outer Wall 1 0.9 0.2 3.0 0.54
(v) Verandah wall 1 1.2 0.2 3.0 0.72
(excepting the portion
considered under Room 2)
(vi) Pillars 2 0.2 0.2 3.0 0.24
Total of 3-m high walls 1350 m3
Grand Total of Item 1 38.14 m3
Deductions
Door openings, D 9 1.0 0.2 2.10 3.78
Window openings, W1 4 2.0 0.2 1.5 2.40
W2 4 1.0 0.2 1.5 1.20
Lintels
D 9 1.2 0.2 0.10 0.22
W1 4 2.2 0.2 0.10 0.18
W2 4 1.2 0.2 0.10 ≈ 0.1
Roof slab going into 4-m
high walls at 3-m height
Room 1 1 3.90 0.2 0.15 0.12
1 3.7 0.2 0.15 0.11
(3.5 + 0.4 = 3.90; 3.5 + 0.2 = 3.7)
Room 2 1 3.90 0.2 0.15 0.12
1 4.3 0.2 0.15 0.13
(4.1 + 0.2 = 4.3)
Total Deductions = 8.36 m3
Net BW in superstructure 38.14
116
 (−) 8.36 Estimation of
Brickwork in Single
29.78 m3 Storey Buildings
(2) RCC (1 : 2 : 4) in roof slab
and lintels in
(i) Room 1 1 3.9 3.9 0.15 2.28
Room 2 1 4.5 3.9 0.15 2.63
(ii) Over store, bath,
kitchen, part of 1 5.3 4.6 0.15 3.66
passage, and WC
(2.8 + 0.2 + 0.2 + 1.9 + 0.2 = 5.3 ; Associated passage ⇒ 2.3 + 0.2 + 1.7 + 0.2 +
0.2 = 4.6 ; or, 4.2 + 0.2 + 0.2 = 4.6)
Rest of the passage 1 1.6 0.5 0.15 0.12
(1.2 + 0.2 + 0.2 = 1.6)
Verandah 1 3.2 (= 3 5.3 0.15 2.54
+ 0.2) (=5.1
+
0.2)
Add lintels (as calculated
under item (1))
D 0.22
W1 0.18
W2 0.10
Total RCC(1 : 2 : 4) = 11.73 m3

Referring to Figure 3.8, following calculations are in order to compute the

centre line length of 4-m, and 3-m high walls, respectively (keeping in mind
the junctions of cross walls with the longer walls, where the length equal to
the width of one wall is already accounted for when multiplying the centre
line with the wall thickness).
(i) Centre-line of 4-m high walls
⎡⎧ ⎛ 0.2 ⎞ ⎫ ⎧ ⎛ 0.2 ⎞ ⎫⎤
= 2 ⎢ ⎨3.5 + 2 ⎜ ⎟ ⎬ + ⎨3.5 + 2 ⎜ ⎟ ⎬⎥
⎣⎩ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎭ ⎩ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎭⎦
⎡⎧ ⎛ 0.2 ⎞ ⎫ ⎧ ⎛ 0.2 ⎞ ⎫ ⎤
+ 2 ⎢ ⎨4.1 + 2 ⎜ ⎟ ⎬ + ⎨3.5 + 2 ⎜ ⎟ ⎬⎥
⎣⎩ ⎝ 2 ⎠⎭ ⎩ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎭⎦
= 30.8 m
(ii) Centre line length of 3-m high walls
Passage/verandah = 1.2
WC walls = [(0.8 + 0.8) + (1.3 + 0.2) + 0.8]
WC/Bath passage = 0.9
Store/Bath = 1.7
Kitchen/Store-Bath = 2.8
Sub-Total = 10.5 m
Walls surrounding (excepting one 4-m high side kitchen, store and
bath)
= 2.3 + 0.2 + 1.7 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 1.4 + 0.2 + 1.2 + 0.1 + 0.1+ 1.7 + 0.2 + 2.3
= 11.6 m
∴ Total length of this centre line = 22.10 m
Bill of Quantities – By Centre Line Method 117
Estimating and (Only Brickwork)
Quantity Surveying-I
Sl. Description No Measurements Quantity
No.
L B H/D
(m) (m) (m) (m3)

(1) Brickwork in superstructure

(i) 4-m high walls 1 30.8 0.2 4 24.64

(ii) 3-m high walls 1 22.1 0.2 3 13.26
(iii) Pillars 2 0.2 0.2 3 0.24
Gross quantity of BW = 38.14 m3

Deductions are same as for (−) 8.36 m3

L/S method

Net BW in superstructure = 29.78 m3

118