QUANTITY SURVEYING / ENGR. ROMEL N.

VINGUA

METAL REINFORCEMENT

STEEL BARS

Steel is the most widely used reinforcing materials for almost type of
concrete construction. It is an excellent partner of all type of concrete in
resisting both tension and compression stresses. Comparatively, Steel is ten
times stronger than concrete in resisting compression load and hundred time
stronger in tensile stresses.

Concrete Hollow Block reinforcement

This is the simplest type of vertical and horizontal reinforcement placed

in between the layers and the hollow core of the block. This type of
reinforcement is installed and spliced progressively with the rise of the
concrete block.

Footing Reinforcement

1. Footing Slab reinforcement for small and medium size footings.

2. Dowels, Cut Bars, Anchors, and Bench bars.

3. Beam reinforcement for medium construction

4. Beam and slab for large construction

5. Stirrups

Post and Column reinforcement

1. Main vertical reinforcement

a. Single or

b. Bundled bars

2. Lateral ties

a. Outer Ties

b. Inner Ties

c. Straight lines

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3. Spiral Ties for circular column

4. Dowels for partitions and other future attachment.

Beam and Girder Reinforcements

1. Main reinforcement

a. Straight bars

b. Bend bars

c. Additional cut bars for tension and compression

d. Dowel bars for future attachment

2. Stirrups

a. Open stirrups

b. Closed Stirrups

c. Straight Stirrups or ties

3. Cut bars

a. Over and across the support

b. Between supports

c. Dowels and hangers for Ceiling and partition

Floor Slab Reinforcement

1. Main Reinforcements

a. Straight main reinforcing bars extended from one beam to the

other.

b. Alternate main reinforcing bars with the bend between and

over the beam support.

c. Main alternate bars over support (beam and girder)

2. Temperatures bars tied perpendicular to the main reinforcement.

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3. Additional alternate cut bars over the support. (Beam)

4. Dowels and hangers for ceiling and other attachment.

Other type of Reinforcement

Other type of reinforcement designed for particular structure which may

be presented in details. Not until familiarizing with these different parts and
types of reinforcement could one make sound and reliable estimate.

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LUMBER

Wood is that fibrous substance which composes the trunk and the
branches of a tree that lies between the park and the bark. The versatility of
using wood in every construction is limited it to its present importance and
high demand in almost all type of construction.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Lumber – is the term applied to wood after it has been sawed or sliced
into boards, planks, timber etc.

Rough and S4s – is the term applied to unplanned or undressed lumber.

In short, those lumber with rough surfaces.

S2s and S4s – are dressed lumber wherein the number connotes the
smooth sides. For instance, S2s means lumber having two smooth sides and
S4s with four sides.

Slab – is a kind of rough lumber cut tangent to the annual rings running
through the full length of the log containing at least one flat surface.

Surface or Dressed Lumber – is a planned lumber having at least one

smooth side.

Timber – is a piece of lumber five inches or larger in its smallest

dimension.

Plank – is a wide piece of lumber from 4 to 5 inches thick.

Board – is a piece of lumber less than 4 centimeters thick with at least

10 centimeters wide.

Flitch – is a thick piece of lumber.

Fine Grained – when the annual rings are small, the grain or marking
which separates the adjacent rings is said to be fine grained. When large, it is
called Coarse Grained.

Straight Grained – is a term used when the direction of the fibers are
nearly parallel with the side and edges of the board.

Crooked or Cross Grained – is a lumber taken from a crooked tree.

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CLASSIFICATION OF WOOD

Wood that are used in building constructions are those which grows
larger by addition of a layer on the outer surface each year known to botanists
as EXOGENS.

Wood is Classified According to:

1. Mode of Growth
a. Indigenous - are those trees that grow from the inside. These
kinds of trees have a soft center core and are not preferred for
lumbering.
b. Exogenous - are those outward growing trees preferred for
lumbering.
2. With Respect to Density - it is either:
a. Soft
b. Hard
3. With Respect to Leaves - is either:
a. Needle shape
b. Broad shape
4. With Respect to Shades or Colors
a. White
b. Yellow
c. Red
d. Brown
e. Black, etc.
5. With Respect to the Grain
a. Straight
b. Cross
c. Fine
d. Coarse
6. With Respect to the Nature of Surface when Sawed
a. Plain
b. Grained
c. Figured or Marked

METHODS OF LOG SAWING

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Lumbering is the term applied to the operations performed in preparing

the wood for commercial purposes. Logging is the process or operations from
cutting of trees, hauling and delivery to the sawmill for sawing. Sawing on the
other hand is the operation of cutting logs into commercial sizes of lumber.

The Methods and Manner of Log Sawing

1. Plain or Bastard Sawing

2. Quarter or Rift Sawing
a. Radial
b. Tangential
c. Quarter Tangential
d. Combined Radial and Tangential

DEFECTS IN WOOD

The term defect refers to irregularities found in wood. And the most
common defects in wood are:

1. Caused by Abnormal Growth Such as:

a. Heart Shakes are radical cracks in wood originating from the heart
of the logs. It is commonly found in old trees.
b. Wind Shakes or Cup Shakes are cracks or breaks across the annual
rings of the wood during its growth caused by excessive bending
of the tree due to strong wind.
c. Star shakes are composed of several heart shakes radiating from
the center of the log in a star like manner.
d. Knots - occurs at the starting point of a limb or branch of the tree.

2. Due to Deterioration
a. Dry Rot - is caused by fungi in a seasoned lumber due to the
presence of moisture.
b. Wet Rot - takes place sometime in the growth of the tree caused
by water saturation.

SEASONING OF LUMBER

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By nature, trees contain moisture in their cell layers. This moisture has
to be expelled thoroughly to preserve the wood from shrinkage or decay.
Experiments proved that wood immersed in water immediately after cutting is
less subject to splitting and decay. It reduces warping but become brittle and
less elastic. Soaking of wood in liquid is the oldest method of seasoning lumber
introduced and practiced by the ancient Roman builders.

Methods of Seasoning Lumber

1. The Natural Sunlight or Air-Seasoning Process is considered as one of the

best method used in seasoning of wood although the period involved is
relatively longer.
2. The Artificial Seasoning is a process where lumbers are stacked in a
drying kiln and then exposed to steam and hot air. Under this method,
lumber undergoes a quick drying process.

The Artificial Methods of Seasoning Wood are:

1. By Forced Air Drying

2. By Kiln Drying
3. By Radio Frequency Dielectric Drying

The Common Causes of Decay in Wood are:

1. Alternate moisture and dryness

2. Fungi or molds
3. Insects and worms
4. Heat and confined air

The Process of Preserving Wood are:

1. External Process. The wood is coated with preservative applied as paint

to penetrate the fibers of the wood.
2. Internal Process. A chemical compound is impregnated at a prescribed
pressure to permeate the wood thoroughly.

THE UNIT MEASURE OF LUMBER

Board Foot is the unit of measure used in computing the volume of

lumber. Despite the adoption of the Metric System (SI), board foot for lumber

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is still in use for convenience and practical use. One board foot simply mean,
one square foot by one-inch thick lumber or an equivalent of 144 cubic inches.
The width and thickness of commercial lumber are expressed in inches while
the length is in feet of even numbers.

Board foot is found by dividing the product of the thickness, the width
and the length by 12.
ILLUSTRATION

Find the total board feet of 5 pieces of 2" x 6" x 14" ft. lumber.

SOLUTION

5 x 2 x 6 x 14 ft.
Board foot = = 70 bd. ft.
12

Finding the board foot of a commercial size lumber is as simple as the above
illustration. But the question is how to find the net board of a round log or a standing tree
knowing its diameter and height? This question can be answered using the following
formula:

(D - 4)2 x L
Bd. Ft. Volume =
16
Where: D = The smaller diameter of the log
L = The length of the log
4 = Constant as reduction factor

Manner of Payment in Sawing or Slicing Lumber

1. By board foot; or
2. By meter length

WOOD POST

In estimating wooden post for building structure, there are only three
things to consider:

1. The size of the post

2. The quantity or number of posts
3. The length or height of the posts

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The size of the post is already indicated in the plan. The quantity is
directly counted in the plan and the length is determined through the following
considerations:

1. For one story building, verify if the elevation height indicates from floor
to ceiling. If the ceiling is below the girts add the depth of the girts
including the bottom chord or the rafters to the height of post.

.20
Girts

2.7
Flooring
Floor Joist

Girder
2.7
Post
Floor line
Ground
FIGURE 4-5
2. For a two story building, verify if the height indicates from floor to floor.
If so then consider the additional depth of the girder, the floor joist and
the flooring. And for the second floor, add the depth of the girts, bottom
chord or rafters to the height of the post.
3. Take note that the commercial length of lumber is always of even
number. If the computed length is odd number adjust the order to the
next even number length.
ILLUSTRATION

From Figure 4-5, determine the length and board foot of the posts required if there
are 8 pieces 6" x 6" wood posts.

SOLUTION

1. Find the total height of the post from floor to ceiling

2.70 + 2.70 = 5.40 m.

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2. Determine the depth of the girder, floor joist, flooring and the girts.

Girder = .20
Floor joist = .15
Flooring = .025
Girts = .20
.575 m

3. Add results of 1 and 2 to get the total length

L = 5.40 + .575
= 5.975 meters

4. Convert to feet: 5.975 = 20 ft.

.30
5. Order: 8 – 6" x 6" x 20' = 480 ft.

GIRDER

Girder is the structural member of a building that carries the floor joist
and the flooring. It is determine by Direct Counting Method based on the
framing plan of the building.

FLOOR JOIST AND WOOD FLOORING

Floor Joist is the structural member of a building that supports the wood
flooring. Floor joist is estimated by direct counting method based on the floor
framing plan. However, in the absence of a detailed plan, estimating could also
be done if the spacing and length of the girder is known.
ILLUSTRATION

From the floor framing plan as shown in Figure 4-11, determine the number and
board foot of floor joist and the T&G flooring required.

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Post
Post Post

Wood Flooring
Solid Bridging
3.50
2" x 6" x 12" floor
Girde

5.00 M. 5.00 M.

FIGURE 4-11 FLOOR JOIST AND WOOD FLOORING

SOLUTION

A. Finding the Floor Joist

1. Determine the length of the girder. Divide by the spacing of the floor joists.
5.00 = 16.6
.30
2. This number represents the spacing of the joist. Add one to get the exact number
of floor joist
16.6 + 1 = 17.6 say 18 pcs.
3. For two span, multiply: 18 x 2 = 36 pieces
4. Determine the length of the floor joist in feet.
3.50 = 11.66 say 12 feet
.30
Order: 36 pieces 2" x 6" x 12' = 432 board foot
B. Solid Bridging
1. Find the length of the girder in feet.
5.00 = 16.66 ft.
.30
2. Find the total number and thickness of the joist
18 x 2 inches thickness = 36" or 3 ft.
3. Subtract from step 1
16.66 - 3 ft. = 13.66 or 14 ft.
4. Order: 2 pcs 2" x 6" x 14 ft. = 28 bd. ft.

TABLE 4-1: QUANTITY OF WOOD FLOORING AND SIDING BOARD

PER SQUARE METER

Size of Board In Inches Effective Width in Meter Board Foot per Sq. M.

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1” x 3” 0.0625 14.400
1” x 4” 0.0875 13.714
1” x 5” 0.1125 13.333
1” x 6” 0.1375 13.091

C. Finding T&G Flooring By Direct Count

1. Find the length of the floor joist = 3.50 m.
2. Using 4" T&G, divide by the effective width.
3.50 = 40 pieces x 2 span = 80 pieces.
.0875
3. Length of girder is 5.00 m. or 18 feet.
4. Order: 80 - 1" x 4" x 18 ft. = 480 board foot.
5. If 18 ft. is not available: order 120 - 1" x 4" 12 ft.
D. Finding T&G Flooring by the Area Method
1. Find the floor area.
3.50 x 10.00 m. = 35.0 square meters
2. Refer to Table 4-1, Using 10 mm. wood board multiply:
135.0 x 13.714 = 480 bd. ft.
3. Order 480 board foot 1" x 4" T&G or to be specific convert the board foot to
number of boards.
1" x 4" x 12" = 4 bd. ft. Divide” 480 = 120 pieces
4

SIDING WOOD BOARD

The common types of commercial siding wood boards are:

1. Stone Cut
2. Double Stone Cut
3. V-Cut
4. BCB Cut
5. Weather Cut

The thickness of siding wood board varies from 16, to 20 mm Likewise,

the width ranges from 15 mm (6") to 20 mm (8") of even length from 8 to 16
feet. The quantity is estimated under the following considerations.
ILLUSTRATION

From the following Figure, find the number of 8 inches Double Stone Cut siding
wood board.

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5.00 m.

.20

8" Double stone cut

3.00

.50

2.00

Figure 4-13

TABLE 4-2 QUANTITY OF SIDING WOOD BOARD

Size of Wood Board Approx. Board Ft. per Sq.

Number per Meter Run
Meter
Inches Centimeter
6 15 7.27 17.40
8 20 5.33 12.76

SOLUTION

1. Determine the total length of the wall board

Floor to ceiling 3.18
Depth of girts .25
Flooring and joist .17
Depth of girder .30__
3.90 m. = 13 ft.
Order length ……………… 14 ft.
2. Length of the wall = 5.00 - 2.00 window = 3.00 m.
3. Refer to Table 4-2 for and 8" or 20 cm. wood board,
multiply:
3.00 x 5.33 = 16 pieces

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4. Order: 16 pcs. 1" x 8" x 14'_ = 149.3 board ft.

12

SOLUTION - 2 (By Board Foot per Square Meter)

1. Solve for the wall area:

3.90 x 3.00 m. = 11.7 sq. m.
2. Refer to Table 4-2. Using 8" wood board,
multiply:
11.7 x 12.76 = 149.3
3. If 6" wood board will be used then from Table 4-2,
multiply:
11.7 x 17.40 = 203.58 board ft.
4. Order: 204 board ft. 1" x 6" x 14 ft.

ROOF FRAMING

Roof framing comprises the girts, bottom chord, rafters, purlins collar
plate, center post, strut and blocks are computed by direct counting method.
Shorter parts like collar plates, king post, strut and wood blocks are
determined according to their sizes combined together and adjusted to the
commercial length of lumber.

STUD

Stud is the structural member in building construction wherein the

sidings or partition boards are fastened. It is sometimes referred to as the ribs
of wooden walls or partitions. Lumber intended for studs should be straight
and uniform in width of either S2s or S4s for uniformity of wall thickness.

Advantage of Using S2s and S4s Lumber

1. Good quality, straight and uniform in thickness.

2. It is economical in terms of labor cost.
3. The work progress is not affected or delayed.

There are two methods presented on how to find the quantity of studs
at a given vertical and horizontal spacing:

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By Direct Counting Method is simply counting the number of vertical

and horizontal member from a detailed plan. In the absence of a detailed
drawing plan, and imaginary counting through arithmetical calculation will do.

By the Area or Square Meter Method is simply finding the wall area
multiplied by the values given in Table corresponding to the size and spacing of
the studs.

5.80 m.

3.40 m. 2" x 3" studs

.60 o.c.

FIGURE 4-15 WALL STUDS

TABLE 4-3: NUMBER OF BOARD FOOT OF STUDS AND

NAILING JOIST PER SQUARE METER

Lumber size in Spacing in Centimeters (Center to Center)

inches 30 x 30 30 x 60 40 x 40 40 x 60 60 x 60
1x 2 4.103 3.147 3.189 2.686 2.268
2x 2 8.198 6.293 6.379 5.373 4.594
2x 3 12.284 9.440 9.569 8.060 6.898
2x 4 16.414 12.592 12.758 10.746 9.195

ILLUSTRATION

A wall partition 5.80 meters long and 3.40 meters high specify the use 2" x 3" studs
spaced at 60 centimeters on center both ways. Find the total board foot required.

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SOLUTION -1 (By Direct Counting)

1. Find the number of Vertical Studs

5.80
= 10 (rounded) Number of spacing
0.60
2. Add 1 to get the number of studs
10 + 1 = 11 at 3.40 m. or (12 ft.)
3. Find the number of Horizontal Studs

3.40
+ 1 = 7 at 5.80 m. or (20 ft.)
0.60
4. Order: Vertical Studs 11 - 2" x 3" x 12' = 66
Horizontal Studs 7 - 2" x 3" x 20' = 70
Total . . . . . . . 136 bd. ft.

SOLUTION – 2 (By The Area Method)

1. Find the area of the wall partition

Area: 5.80 x 3.40 = 19.72 sq. m.
2. Refer to Table 4-2 Using 2" x 3" at .60 x .60 m. spacing
multiply:
19.72 x 6.898 = 136 bd. ft. 2" x 3" lumber.

CEILING JOIST

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Ceiling joist is the structural member in building construction where the

ceiling board is fastened. It is otherwise known as the nailing strip. The
common sizes used for ceiling joist are 1 x 2; 1 ½ x 2; 2 x 2 and 2 x 3 lumber
spaced to suit the size of the ceiling board. In short, the ceiling board
dimensions govern the spacing of the ceiling joist for economical reasons.

ILLUSTRATION

Find the total board foot required for a 4.00 x 5.80 meters living room using 2" x
2" ceiling joist spaced at 40 x 40 centimeters on center.

SOLUTION

1. Find the number of joist perpendicular to 4.80 meters

Vertical
5.80 M. 2x2 @ .40 M.

4.00 M.

Horizontal 2x2 @ .40 M.

FIGURE 4-17 CEILING JOIST

5.80
= 14.5 say 15 spacing of joist
0.40
2. Add 1 to get the exact number of joists
15 + 1 = 16 pieces at 4.00 m. or (14 ft.)
3. Find the number of joist perpendicular to 4.00 m. span

4.00
= 10 spacing + 1 = 11 pcs. at 5.80 or (20 ft.)
0.40

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4. Order: 16 pcs. 2 x 2 x 14 ft. = 74.66

11 pcs. 2 x 2 x 20 ft. = 73.33
Total . . . 147.99 bd. ft.
5. If 20 feet is not available, the order could be:
16 pcs. 2 x 2 x 14 ft. = 74.66
22 pcs. 2 x 2 x 10 ft. = 73.33
Total . . . 147.99 bd. ft.

SOLUTION – 2 (By The Area Method)

1. Find the area of the ceiling

4.00 x 5.80 = 23.2 sq. m.
2. Refer to Table 4-3 Using 2" x 2" at 40 x 40 cm.
multiply:
23.2 x 6.379 = 147.99 bd. ft.

CEILING BOARD

There are numerous kinds of ceiling board of different brand, quality and
dimensions available for building construction. However, the simplest way of
finding the number of boards required is to divide the total ceiling area by the
effective covering of one ceiling board chosen or by the square meter method
with the aid of Table 4-3.
ILLUSTRATION

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A bedroom with a general dimensions of 4.00 x 5.00 meters specify the use of 1/4"
x 4" x 8" plywood ceiling on a 2" x 2" ceiling joist spaced at 40 x 60 centimeters. Find the
number of plywood and the ceiling joist required if there are 5 rooms of the same size.

.10 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 .10

.80

4.00 m.
2.40

.80

5.00 m.

FIGURE 4-18 CEILING PLAN

SOLUTION (By The Effective Coverage Method)

A. Ceiling Joist
1. Find the area of the ceiling: 4.00 x 5.00 = 20 sq. m.
2. See Table 4-3 Using 2 x 2 at .40 x .60 spacing,
multiply:
20 sq. m. x 5.373 = 107.46 bd. ft.
3. For 5 rooms 107.46 x 5 - 537.3 bd. ft. of 2" x 2"
B. Ceiling Board
1. Find the area of ceiling: Area: 4.00 x 5.00 = 20 sq. m.
2. Refer to Table 4-4. Using a 1.20 x 2.40 m. plywood,
divide:

20 sq. m.
= 7 pieces per room
2.88
3. For 5 rooms, order 35 - ¼" x 4' x 8' plywood

TABLE 4-4: QUANTITY OF CEILING BOARD PER SQUARE METER

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Effective Covering per Number of pieces per

Board Size in Centimeters
board Square Meter
30 x 30 0.09 11.111
40 x 40 0.16 6.250
40 x 60 0.24 4.167
60 x 60 0.36 2.778
60 x 120 0.72 1.389
90 x 180 1.62 0.617
120 x 240 2.88 0.347

DOOR FRAME

Estimating the material for fabrication of door frame is simply

determining the size and length of the lumber that will accommodate the door
panel whose width varies from 60 to 100 centimeters wide. Door panel and
frame bigger than one meter width is considered special design and order.

In ordering lumber for door frame, the estimator has two options:

1. Ordering 18 feet long for each door jamb and header; or

2. A combination of 7 and 10 feet for jamb and header.
ILLUSTRATION

A 20 classroom building with 2 doors each specify 3" x 6" door jamb. List down the
materials needed for fabrication.

SOLUTION

A. Ordering one length for each jamb.

1. Determine the total length of the jamb.
Jamb = (7' + 3") x 2 = 14.5 ft.
2. Length of Header: 3' + 6" = 3.5 ft.
Total length = 18.0 ft.
3. Order: 40 pcs. 3" x 6" x 18' = 1,080 board ft.

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Header

Jamb thickness
varies from 5 cm.
to 7 cm

2.10 m.

FIGURE 4-21 DOOR JAMB

B. Combination of Jambs and Headers

1. One header is 3' - 6" or . . . . . 3.5 ft.
2. Total length of 4 headers is 14.0 ft.
3. For 40 headers, order 10 pcs. 3" x 6" x 14 ft.
4. For jambs = 7.3" + 3" x 2 sides = 14' - 6" or 16 ft.

Lumber length is of even numbers, for 40 jambs order:

40 pcs. 3" x 6" x 16' = 960 bd. ft.

10 pcs. 3" x 6" x 14' = 210 bd. ft.
Total. . . 1, 170 bd. ft.

WINDOW FRAME

The different parts of a window frame to be considered in estimating

are: Jamb, Sill, Header, Transom and Mullions.

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2 X 6 Header

5 cm.

2X6 Transom

2X4 Mullion

150 cm.

2 X 6 Jamb

5 cm.

220 cm.

FIGURE 4-22 WINDOW FRAME

ILLUSTRATION

A low cost housing project requires 50 pieces window frame as shown in figure 4-22.
List down the materials needed for fabrication.

SOLUTION

1. Jamb: (150 + 5 + 5) x 2 pcs. = 320 cm. or 12 ft.

Order: 50 pcs. 2" x 6" x 12 ft

= 600 bd. ft.
12
2. Header and sill: (220 + 10) x 2 = 460" or 16 ft.
Order: 50 pcs. 2" x 6" x 16 ft. or

100 pcs. 2" x 6" x 8 ft

= 800 bd. ft.
12

3. Mullion 100 - 2" x 4" x 1.50 m. or

50 - 2" x 4" x 3.00 m.
4. Transom: 100 - 2" x 6" x (2.20 + 10)

Order: 100 - 2" x 6" x 8 bd. ft.

= 800 bd. ft.
12
FORM, SCAFFOLDING AND STAGING

FORMS

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The structural members of a building are built-up into its desired shapes
and dimensions through the use of form. Form is a temporary boarding,
sheathing or pan used to produce the desired shape and size of concrete.

Concrete Mixture is generally semi-fluid that reproduces the shape of

anything into which it is poured. Thus, concrete forms shall be water tight, rigid
and strong enough to sustain the weight of fresh concrete.

Selections of Forms are based on:

1. Cost of materials
2. Construction and assembling cost
3. The number of times it could be used
4. Strength and resistance to pressure and tear wear.

Classification of Forms:

A. As to Materials
1. Wood 3. Plastic
2. Metal 4. Composite
B. As to Shape
1. Straight
2. Circular, etc.
C. Solid or Hollow Cast
1. Single
2.Double
D. As to Methods of Construction
1. Ordinary
2. Unit
E. As to Uses
1. Foundation 4. Beam and Girders
2. Wall 5. Slab
3. Steps 6. Sidewalk, etc.
F. Construction of Forms consists of:
1. Retaining board 4. Spacer
2. Supporters or studs 5. Tie Wire
3. Braces 6. Bolts and nails

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G. Types of Post and Wall form

1. Continuous
2. Full Unit
3. Layer Unit
a. Continuous
b. Sectional

Greasing of Forms

Forms are constantly greased before its use. The purpose of greasing the
form is to make the wood waterproof preventing the absorption of water in
the concrete which causes swelling and warping. Greasing of forms also
prevent the adherence of concrete into the pores of the wood.

Crude oil is the most economical and satisfactory materials for this
purpose. The crude oil is mixed with No. 40 motor oil to a proportion of 1:3
mixtures of with varying viscosity depending upon the temperature condition.

PLYWOOD AS A CONSTRUCTION FORM

Plywood is a versatile construction material used as wall partitions,

cabinets, and furniture. Plywood is also utilized in boat building as well as
forms for reinforced concrete constructions.

Plywood as Form has the following advantages:

1. It is economical in terms of labor cost.

2. It is lightweight and handy.
3. It has smooth surface which may not require plastering.
4. Less consumption of nails.
5. Ease of assembling and disassembling.
6. Available.

FORMS FOR SQUARE AND RECTANGULAR COLUMN

In determining the materials for square and rectangular column forms,

one has to consider the following:

1. The thickness of the board to be used.

2. The size of the frame.

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3. Types of framework to be adopted

a. Continuous rib type
b. Stud type
Formula in Finding the Materials for Square and Rectangular Column Forms

(1) P = 2 (a + b) + .20
Where P = lateral perimeter of the column
a = shorter side of the column
b = the longer side of the column
.20 = the constant value for the lapping of form joints
(2) Multiply P by the height of one column times the number of columns to get the total
area of the forms.
(3) Divide the total area found by 2.88 to get the number of plywood forms.
(4) Multiply the number of plywood found by 29.67 to get the board foot of frame
required.

ILLUSTRATION

Six concrete posts at 4.00 meters high with a uniform cross sectional dimensions of
.30 x .30 m. specify the use of 6 mm. (1/4") marine plywood on a 2" x 2" wood frame. List
down the materials required using a continuous rib type forms.

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2" x 2" Frame

Plywood
.30

.30 .30 x .30 Post

2 x 2 Frame

Plywood

.40
PLAN

.30 .40
ELEVATION OF FORMS

FIGURE 5-2 PLYWOOD FORM ON 2X2 FRAME

SOLUTION

A. Solving for the Plywood

1. Find the lateral perimeter of one column using the formula:
P = 2 (a + b) + .20
P = 2 (.30 + .30) + .20
P = 1.40 m.
2. Multiply P by the column height and the number of columns to find the total
area of the forms.
Area = 1.40 x 4.00 x 6 columns
A = 33.6 square meters
3. Divide this area by 2.88, the area of one plywood form to get the number of
plywood required.

No. of Plywood: 33.6 = 11.7 say 12

2.88 pieces.
B. Solve for the 2" x 2" wood frame by direct counting
1. From Figure 5-2, by direct counting of the frame:

12 pcs. 2" x 2" x 16' = 56 bd. ft.

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1 pc. 2" x 2" x 10' = 3.3 bd. ft.

Total. . . . . . . . . = 356 bd. ft.

FORMS FOR CIRCULAR COLUMN

The plain galvanized iron sheet and black sheets are commonly used as
sheeting for circular, oval, elliptical and other similar types considering its
versatility in forming any shape of geometrical design.

Metal sheet form is supported by metal frame of either plain bars,

angular, tee or circular in cross section or whatever specified in the plan.
ILLUSTRATION

From Figure 5-4, determine the required metal black sheet form for 8 circular
columns 4.00 meters high each with a uniform cross-sectional diameter of 60 centimeters.

SOLUTION

1. Solve for the circumference of one column

C = 3.1416 x .60 m, = 1.88 meters
2. Multiply by column height to find the surface area.

D 60

CROSS SECTION ELEVATION

FIGURE 5-4 CIRCULAR COLUMN METAL

Area: 1.88 x 4.00 = 7.52 sq. m.
3. Find the Area of the 8 columns, multiply:
Total surface Area: 7.52 x 8 = 60.16 sq. m.

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4. Find the Number of Sheet required, Refer to Table 5-2 using a 1.20 x 2.40 m. black
sheet, multiply:
No. of sheet: 60.16 x .347 = 21 pieces
5. Find the number of Vertical Support (ribs) at 15 cm. spacing distance. Refer again to
Table 5-2. Multiply:
Vert. Support: 60.16 x 25 = 1504 meters
6. Convert to commercial length of steel bars say 6.00 meters long. Divide:

1504 = 251 pieces (consult the plan what

6 kind of steel bars used)
7. Solve for the Circumferential Ties. Again, refer to Table 5-2. Multiply:
Ties: 60.16 x 9.52 = 572.7 say 573 meters
8. Convert to the commercial length of steel bars say 6.00 meters. Divide:

573 =95.5 say 96 pieces (consult the plan what

6.00 kind of bars used)
TABLE 5-2: QUANTITY OF METAL FORM FOR CIRCULAR COLUMN

Length of Vert. Ribs in M.

Length of
Size of Metal No. of Sheet per Spacing in Centimeters
Circumferential
Sheet in Meters Sq. Meter
Ties in Meter
15 cm. 20 cm.
.90 x 2.40 0.462 25.0 18.0 9.52
1.20 x 2.40 0.347 25.0 18.0 9.52

FORMS FOR BEAM AND GIRDER

Forms for beam and girder are made of only three parts; one bottom
form and two side forms. They are made of either metal or wooden lumber of
varying sizes from 2 x 2; to 2 x 3 frames. When coconut lumber is used, a
bigger size from 2 x 3 to 2 x 4 are used.

Wooden lumber forms are rigidly supported with sufficient vertical and
diagonal bracing to carry the heavy load of concrete weighing approximately
65 kilograms per cubic foot.
Formula in Finding the Materials for Beam and Girder Forms

(1) P = 2 (d) + b + .10

Where: P = Perimeter of two sides form
d = The two sides form

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b = The bottom form

.10 = Constant value for the lapping of form
(2) Multiply P by the length and number of beams to get the Total Area of the forms.
(3) Divide the total area found by 2.88 to get the number of plywood forms.
(4) Multiply the number of plywood found by 22 get the board foot of frame required.

ILLUSTRATION

Ten concrete beams with cross sectional dimensions of .30 by .60 meter has a
uniform clear span of 4.50 meters. Using 1/4" 4' x 8' plywood form on 2" x 2" lumber
frame, List down the materials required.

Beam

4.50 m.
.30

6 mm.
Plywood form
4.50 .60

2 x 2 Frame

.40

.40 .60
BOTTOM FORM SIDE FORM CROSS SECTION

FIGURE 5-5 CONCRETE BEAM

SOLUTION

A. Finding the Plywood Form

1. Find the lateral perimeter of the beam
P = 2 (d) + b + .10
2. Substitute data in the formula:
P = 2 (.60) + .30 + .10 = 1.60 m.
3. Multiply P by the length and number of beams to get the area of the forms.
Area: 1.60 x 4.50 x 10 columns
A = 72 sq. m.
4. Divide by 2.88 to get the number of plywood required.

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No. of Plywood: 72
= 25 pieces
2.88

SCAFFOLDING AND STAGING

Scaffolding is a temporary structure of wooden poles and planks

providing platform for workers to stand on while erecting or repairing of
building. It is further defined as a temporary framework for other purposes.

Staging on the other hand is a more substantial framework progressively

built up as tall building rises up. The term staging is applied because it is built
up in stages ones story at a time.

The use of metal pipe scaffolding and staging is now dominating the
market of construction industry considering its durability, multiple use and
ease of assembling and dismantling.

The different parts of scaffolding to consider are:

1. Vertical support
2. Base of vertical support (as needed)
3. Horizontal member
4. Diagonal braces
5. Block and wedges
6. Nails or bolts

Cost is the primary consideration in selecting the kind of materials to be

used as from. Cost of form refers to:

1. Initial cost of materials

2. Assembling cost
3. The number of times it could be used
4. Durability to resist pressure, and tear and wear.

ESTIMATING SCAFFOLDING AND STAGING

Estimating the materials for scaffolding and staging requires time and
wider imagination considering the different parts of the structure involved
such as: the vertical and horizontal supports, the diagonal braces plus the
blocks and wedges which are not shown on a detailed plan of the building. The
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common practice of most estimators is to make an estimate of this item by

either by quantity of the materials or by lump sum amount in the bill of
materials and cost estimate.
TABLE 5-3: QUANTITY OF LUMBER FOR SCAFFOLDING OR STAGING

Lumber Column Beam Flooring

Size Board Ft. per M. Ht. Board Ft. per M. Ht. Board Ft.
Vertical Horizontal Brace Vertical Horizontal Per Sq. M.
2" x 2" 4.70 21.00 11.70 4.00 4.70 6.10
2" x 3" 7.00 31.67 17.50 6.00 7.00 9.10
2" x 4" 9.35 42.25 23.35 8.00 9.35 12.10
ILLUSTRATION

A reinforced concrete building has 9 columns with a clear data height of 4.00 meters.
Determined the required scaffolding under the following specifications: 2" x 3" Vertical
support; 2" x 2" Horizontal and Diagonal braces.

SOLUTION

A. Scaffolding for Columns

1. Find the total length of the 9 columns;
4.00 x 9 columns = 36 meters
2. Refer to Table 5-3. Using 2" x 3" vertical support, multiply:
36 x 7.00 = 252 bd. ft. 2" x 3" x 14 ft.
3. Find the horizontal supports. Refer to Table 5-3, using 2" x 2" lumber, multiply:
36 x 21.00 = 756 bd. ft. 2" x 2" lumber
4. Find the diagonal braces. From Table 5-3, multiply:
36 x 11.7 = 421 bd. ft. 2" x 2" lumber.
B. Scaffolding for the Beam
1. Find total length of the 6 beams.
Length: (4.50 x 6) + (4.00 x 6) = 51 meters
2. Refer again to Table 5-3
a. For vertical support using 2" x 3" lumber, multiply:
51 x 6.00 = 306 bd. ft.
b. For horizontal support using 2" x 2" lumber, multiply:
51 x 4.70 = 240 bd. ft.
C. Scaffolding for Concrete Slab
1. Find the area of the concrete floor slab
Area: 4.50 x 4.00 x 4 units = 72 sq. m.
2. Refer to Table 5-3. Using 2" x 3" support, multiply:
72 x 9.10 = 655 bd. ft.
D. Floor Slab Forms

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1. Find the floor area

Area: (4.50 x 4.00 x 4 units) = 72 sq. m.
2. Divide by 2.88 effective covering of one plywood

72
= 25 pcs. 4' x 8' marine plywood.
2.88

Summary of the Materials

A. For Columns 252 board feet 2" x 3"

1,177 board feet 2" x 2"
B. For Beams 306 board feet 2" x 3"
240 board feet 2" x 2"
C. For Slab 655 board feet 2" x 3"
D. Floor Slab Form 25 4' x 8' plywood

STEEL PIPE SCAFFOLDINGS

Steel Pipe Scaffolding can be used freely to prefabricate height and

width according to the places and forms to install. Galvanized steel pipe with
good strength makes durability and also leads economical delivery and
storage. Standard scaffolding frames have 4’ (1.20 m.) width available in 3
different heights ranging from .90 to 1.70 m. They are useful for access
platforms and concrete support works.

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