Methods of Measurements and Units of Civil Construction Works
Gopal Mishra
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The methods and units of measurements for civil construction works are mainly categorised for their nature, shape and size and for making payments to the contractor. The principle of units of measurements normally consists the following:
a) Single units work like doors, windows, trusses etc., are expressed in numbers.
b) Works consists linear measurements involve length like cornice, fencing, hand rail, bands of specified width etc., are expressed in running metres (RM)
c) Works consists areal surface measurements involve area like plastering, white washing, partitions of specified thickness etc., and are expressed in square meters (m2)
d) Works consists cubical contents which involve volume like earth work, cement concrete, Masonry etc are expressed in Cubic metres.
Table below shows units of measurement of various items of civil engineering works based on IS 1200.
3. Doors and window sills (CC or cement mortar plain)
SQM
Per SQM
11
Rain water pipe / plain pipe
RM
Per RM
12
Steel wooden truss
Each
Per each
13
Glass panels (supply)
SQM
Per SQM
14
Fixing of glass panels or cleaning
Each
Per Each
Note:
SQM = Square meter
CUM = Cubic meter
RM = Running meter
Methods for Measurement of civil engineering works:
The rules for measurement of each item are invariably described in IS – 1200. However some of the general rules are listed below:
1. Measurement shall be made for finished item of work and description of each item shall include materials, transport, labour, fabrication tools and plant and all types of overheads for finished the work in required shape, size and specification.
2. In booking, the order shall be in sequence of length, breadth and height or thickness.
3. All works shall be measured subject to the following tolerances.
Linear measurement shall be measured to the nearest 0.01m.
Areas shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 SQM
Cubic contents shall be worked out to the nearest 0.01 cum.
4. Same type of work under different conditions and nature shall be measured separately under separate items.
5. The bill of quantities shall fully describe the materials, proportions, workmanships and accurately represent the work to be executed.
6. In case of masonry (stone or brick) or structural concrete, the categories shall be measured separately and the heights shall be described as: