Estimation

Estimation is a process of calculating quantities and costs of various items required in

connection with a work. It is prepared by calculating the quantities from the dimensions
on the drawing for various items required to complete the project and multiplied by unit
cost of the item concerned.

Purpose of estimation
 To assess the volume of work involved in the project.
 To arrange and organize material, manpower, equipment and tools-and-plant
necessary for the project.
 To fix the project completion period.
 To ascertain the fund required for completing the purpose to work.
 To justify the investment from cost benefit ratio.
 To invite tenders and preparation of bill of quantities.
 To obtain necessary administrative approval, necessary technical sanction and
arrangement and allocation of funds required for the project.
 For valuation of an existing property.

Quantity Surveyor

Quantity surveyor is a person who is responsible on estimating the quantities from the
design drawings, and measurement of the quantities in the site during the project
implementation, and preparing the current and final payments

Duties of quantity surveyor:

 Preparing bill of quantities (Taking off, squaring, Abstracting and billing)
 Preparing bills for part payments at intervals during the execution of work.
 Preparing bill of adjustment in the case of variations ordered during the execution
of work
 Giving legal advice in case of court proceedings

Essential qualities of a good surveyor

 The quality surveyor must be well versed with the drawings of work.
 He should be able to read the drawing correctly and bill the quantities accurately
  He should have a thorough knowledge of the construction procedure to be
adopted, the various items of works involved in the execution: and the different
materials to be used in the work.
 He should be able to prepare schedule to be priced by tender .

Types of Estimation

There are five types of estimate:

a. Approximate Estimate
b. Detailed Estimate
c. Quantity Estimate
d. Revised Estimate
e. Supplementary Estimate

a. Approximate Estimate: This is also known as preliminary/rough estimate. This

estimate is prepared to work-out an approximate cost of the project in a short period
without going into details. This estimate is done for preliminary financial evaluation
of different alternatives and for administrative sanctions.

b. Detailed Estimate: This estimate is prepared by working out the quantities of

different items of work and then working out the cost by multiplying the quantities by
their respective rates. In detailed estimate provisions for any other expenses like
contingencies, T&P, work-charged establishment etc. are added to the above cost to
calculate the total amount required for project completion.

c. Quantity Estimate: Quantity Estimate/Quantity Survey is a part of detailed estimate

which list the quantities of all the items required to complete the project. These
quantities are worked out from the drawings. The purpose of Quantity Estimation is to
prepare bill of quantities.

d. Revised Estimate: It is a detailed estimate for the revised quantities or revised rates
of items of work originally provided in the estimate without any deviation in original
design and specifications approved for the project. It is required when the material
cost or the material quantities deviates significantly (> 5%) from sanctioned value.

e. Supplementary Estimate: This estimate is worked out during progress of work due
to any changes or addition of works to originally approved. A supplementary estimate
is different from the revised estimate in the aspect that, the former is worked out for
the works which are not present in the original design whereas the latter is worked out
when there is a deviation of materials from original proposal.

f. Abstract Estimate: This is the third and final stage in a detailed estimate. The
quantities and rates of each item of work, arrived in the first two stages, are now
 entered in an abstract form. The total cost of each item of work is now calculated by
multiplying the quantities and respective rates.

Data Required for Estimation:

To make an estimate following data are necessary: i.e. drawings, specifications and rates.

Drawings: For calculating quantities of various items for the work, various drawings like
plan, profile, section and elevation are required.

Specifications: Specifications contains detailed descriptions of all workmanship,

materials, and methods of preparation and execution for different items of the work.

Rates: The rates per unit of various items of work, the rates of various materials to be
used in the construction, the wages for various categories of labors are required for cost
estimate. Moreover the distance between location of work and source of materials and
cost of transportation of materials are required for calculating cost of materials at work
site.

Terminology

Taking off in quantity surveying:

This is the process of finding out the quantities for various items of works involved in a
project by taking off various dimensions from the plan, sections of the drawings and
tabulating in a measurement seat. The measurement sheet contains following columns
like description, number, length, breadth, thickness/height and quantity.

Contingencies:
There are certain expenses which are incidental in nature and it is not possible to predict
them with reasonable accuracy. To cater all such expenses an additional amount of 3% to
5% of estimated cost is provided in the total estimate.

Lump sum items:

These are small items, such as, front architectural or decoration work of a building, fire-
place, site-cleaning and dressing, etc., for which detailed quantities cannot be taken out
easily or it takes sufficient time to find the details. For such items a lump-sum rate is
provided in the estimate.

Work charged establishment:

During the construction of a project considerable number of skilled supervisors, work
assistance, watch men etc., are employed on temporary basis. The salaries of these
persons are drawn from the L.S. amount allotted towards the work charged establishment.
That is, establishment which is charged directly to work. An L.S. amount of 1½ to 2% of
the estimated cost is provided towards the work charged establishment.

Tools and plants (T&P):

Use of special type of tools and plants, like concrete mixture, batching plants or WMM
plant, etc., may be required for efficient execution of large projects. To cater such
expenses about 1% to 1.5% of the estimated cost is allotted under the head tools and
plants (T&P).

Day work:
During execution of a project there may be certain type of works, for which the actual
quantities of labor required is difficult to measure. For example fine architectural works,
and drawings in the wall. The payments towards such items are made on the basis of
actual number of days or actual quantity of materials required. Such works are known as
day works.

Sub work:
A large project may consist of several independent small works. Such small works are
known as sub work. For example setting of a university may contain the construction of
administrative building, classrooms, faculty chambers, hostels and faculty residences.
Estimations for each of the sub works are done separately and accounts of expenditure are
kept sub work wise.

Deposit work:
The construction or repair works whose cost is not met through government funds but
through some non-government sources is called deposited work. The cost is deposited in
cash or placed at disposal of the divisional officer. The works executed for municipalities
or other bodies fall under this category.

Provisional quantities:
During preparation of an estimate if it is apprehended that additional quantities against
some items may be required due to variation of site conditions, then those quantities are
estimated separately from the dimensions of the drawing and kept separately in the
estimate under a heading Provisional Quantities.

Provisional sum:
While preparing the estimate some amount is provided in it for items whose details
regarding cost or specifications are unknown during the preparation. For example the cost
and specifications for a lift may be unknown during estimation for the building. Such
amounts are known as provisional sum. However the payments for these provisional
items are done as per actual rate.

Prime Cost:
Prime cost is the purchase cost of articles at a shop. Prime cost is generally referred to the
supply of a particular article and not for carrying out a work. The prime cost includes the
 cost for carriage but excludes the cost of fixing or fitting. For example: the door and
window fittings are purchased from the shop at a cost of Rs 1000.00. The transportation
cost is Rs.50.00 and the cost for fixing and fitting is Rs.100.00. Then the prime costs of
the fittings are Rs. 1050.00.

Actual Cost:
The actual cost is the actual expenditure incurred in completing a work excluding profit
but including other incidental, establishment and travelling charges. The actual cost is the
cost incurred by the contractor to complete the project.

Capital Cost:
Capital cost is the actual amount incurred in completing a work. This includes
expenditure incurred in surveying, designing, planning, drawing, cost of material,
equipment, laborers, supervision, legal expenses, travel expenses, taxes, electricity and
water charges, contingencies and any other expenses related to the work but excluding
profit.

Work value:
This is the total amount provided for all scheduled items of work in the estimate. Thus
work value is the estimated value for the work excluding the amount for contingencies,
work charged establishment, tools and plants etc. as per actual rate.

Abstracting in quantity surveying:

In abstracting the works of a similar description are assembled, grouped and transferred
from the measurement seat to a special rolled abstract paper where they are totaled and
reduced to their specified unit of measurement.

Summary of estimated cost:

This is the summation of abstract of estimated costs for different sub-works involved in
the project and is drawn up separately. Such a summary page is prepared when a project
contains different sub-works.

General abstract of cost:

This is the summarization of abstract of costs of several individual items of sub-works or
works as a whole, like: cost of land, earthwork, bridges, pavement, retaining wall, etc.
required to complete a road project. The amount required for contingency, work charged
establishment, T&P, maintenance are added on percentage basis to the general abstract of
a cost.

Bill of quantities (BOQ):

This is defined as a list of brief descriptions and estimated quantities. This lists in a
tabular form all the items of work involved in connection with estimate for a project with
the description, corresponding quantity, unit rate and amounts column. The columns
indicating unit rate and amounts are kept blank. BOQ is provided in a tender form for
item rate tenders. Contractors’ put up their own competitive rates and calculate the totals
to offer their estimate amount to complete the whole work. The BOQ is also required to
calculate the quantities of different materials required for the project.

Principles of Measurements

Units of measurement

The units of measurements are mainly categorized for their nature, shape and size and for
making payments to the contractor. The principle of units of measurements normally
consists the following:

Measurement
Unit Characteristics of Item Example
Type
Works have specific length
Length M.R As pipes
and width
Works with specific
Area M2 as plastering, painting,
thickness,

Volume M3 Variable dimensions Footings, columns, stairs,

Lump-sum Lump- Works have details Earth work, earthling

(L.S) sum (L.S) difficult to be calculated system (electrical).

No. No. Works have 3 dim. fixed Windows, doors,

Weight Ton / kg Have specific width As steel

Workers’ wages,
Time Day / hrs Labor / equipment
equipment,

Rules for measurement

The rules for measurement of each item are invariably described in IS- 1200. However
some of the general rules are listed below.

 Measurement shall be made for finished item of work and description of each item
shall include materials, transport, labor, fabrication tools and plant and all types of
overheads for finishing the work in required shape, size and specification.

 In booking, the order shall be in sequence of length, breadth and height or

thickness.
  Same type of work under different conditions and nature shall be measured
separately under separate items.

 All works shall be measured subject to the following tolerances.

o Linear measurement shall be measured to the nearest 0.01m.
o Areas shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 sq.m
o Cubic contents shall be worked-out to the nearest 0.01 cum

 In concreting works any opening more than 0.1 m2 (for items measured by area) or
0.1 m3 (for items measured by volume) are deducted in the quantity calculation.

 The bill of quantities shall fully describe the materials, proportions, workmanships
and accurately represent the work to be executed.

 In case of masonry (stone or brick) or structural concrete, the categories shall be

measured separately and the heights shall be describe.

Measurement for common items of work

Item Unit Method of measurement

Measurements for earthwork

It takes into consideration all site leveling
Site leveling Lump sum including the excavation, fill, till reach 0+B.M
according to design drawing.
Measured by 2 methods :
1. Footing areas according to blinding area ×
Excavation (cut) m3 depth of excavation according to drawings.
2. External dimensions of the building × depth
of footings
= Excavation – concrete work for footings and
columns under ground level.
Fill (backfill) m3 = Ground plan × depth of ground beams –
(concrete for ground beams and ground floors)
Concrete Work
Blinding concrete,
ground concrete, = Length × width (the thickness should be
benching, and m 2 specified in the drawings and specifications)
slabs concrete with Ribs blocks don’t subtract from the slabs concrete.
fixed thickness
 Item Unit Method of measurement

= length × width × thickness

Footings, columns,
o Ground beams are measured from its
ground beams,
m3 connection with columns
stairs, and
o Concrete stars include the stairs, steps, stair
canopies, slabs, walls supporting the stairs.
Concrete
decoration works No. The dimensions must be specified in the drawings.
as curves.
Plastering and Painting work

= length × width
o Engineering measurement after subtracting
Plastering and
m2 the openings, more than 0.1 m2
Painting
o The area is measured above the skirting
(terrazzo chips)
Internal plastering = walls + slabs

Miscellanies Work

= length × width (the thickness should be

Block works m2 specified in the drawings and specifications)
- Subtract all openings more than 0.1 cm2.

Terrazzo, marble, = length × width

ceramic m2 (engineering measurement)
The exact dimensions should be specified in the
design drawings. 2
Doors/ Windows No.
Sometimes carpentry works measured in m or m
length according to the item described in BOQ.
The dimensions should be specified clearly in the
Electrical and design drawings as the sockets, lamps, fluorescent
sanitary pieces / No. lighting, etc.
accessories W.C., washing basins, sinks, manholes, pumps…
etc.
The dimension and details should be specified in
piping M.R
the drawings, as (cables, pipes, etc.)
Works with special All details should be specified in the drawings, as
Lumps sum
detail earthing, gas network, etc.
Approximate Estimate

Approximate Estimate is made to find out an approximate cost in a short time and thus
enable the administrative authorities to evaluate the financial aspects of various schemes
and subsequently allows them to sanction them.

Importance

Approximate estimate is prepared with preliminary investigation and survey. It does not
require detailed surveying design, drawing etc. It is basically done to evaluate feasibility
of a project. If it is observed from approximate estimate that the cost of the project is very
high then the project may be abandoned without preparing a detailed estimate. Thus the
cost required for detailed surveying design or drawing required for preparation of detailed
estimate is saved.

Purpose of approximate estimate

 Approximate estimate provides an idea about the cost of the project, which
enables the authority to check the feasibility of the projects considering the funds
available for the project.

 Approximate estimate does not require any detail investigation, design or drawing
and hence saves both time and money.

 If several alternatives are available for the original works, a comparison is done
from approximate estimate and the decision is made to select the project according
to this comparison.

 Approximate estimate is required for getting the administrative approval for

conducting detailed investigation, design and estimation.

 Approximate estimate for a property or project is required for insurances and tax
scheduling.

Methods of Approximate Estimate

There are seven methods used for approximate estimate of the building.

 Plinth area or square meter method

 Cubic rate or cubic-meter method
 Approximate quantities with bill
 Service unit or Unit rate method
 Bay Method
 Cost comparison method
 Cost from materials and labor
 Plinth area or square meter method:

This is prepared on the basis of plinth area of the building. The rate for unit plinth area is
deducted from the cost of a building having similar specifications and dimensions in the
locality. The plinth area is calculated for the covered area by taking external dimensions
of the building at the floor level. Plinth area does not include the courtyard or any other
open spaces.

Cubic rate or cubic-meter method:

In this method the cost is estimated by multiplying the cubical contents of the building
(length × breadth × height) with the rate calculated in cubic meter which is deducted from
a building having similar specifications and dimensions in the locality.

Approximate quantities with bill:

In this method the total length of walls is calculated from the plant. Length of different
sections of the wall like foundation including plinth and super structure and area of wood
work, flooring and roofing is calculated separately. These items are then multiplied by
their cost per running meter length or area in sq. to obtain the total cost.

Service unit or Unit rate method:

In this method all costs of a unit quantity such as per km. (highway), per meter (bridge),
per classroom (may be school or colleges), per bed (hospitals), per cubic meter (water
tank) is calculated and multiplied with the cost per unit deducted from similar structures
in the locality.

Bay Method:

The rate for one additional bay is calculated. Then the approximate estimated cost for the
building is worked out by multiplying the number of bays in the proposed building with
the cost of one such bay.

Cost comparison method:

When a number of dwellings of similar specification and dimensions are constructed as a

part of a larger project for example staff quarters, the approximate estimates for all such
dwellings can be estimated by multiplying the quantities of various items for a prototype
structure with present market rates.

Cost from materials and labor:

Here approximate quantities of materials and labor per sq. of plinth area are calculated
with some empirical equations or from past experience. This is then multiplied by total
plinth area of the building to calculate the total quantity of materials and labor required
 for the building. The total cost is calculated by multiplying these quantities with
prevailing unit rate.

Practice question:

Q.1: Prepare approximate estimate of a building having Plinth Area of 1700 sqm using
following data: Plinth Area Rate @ Rs. 7500/- per sqm; Contingencies @ 5%; Work
Charged Estb @ 2%; Water Supply & Sanitary Arrangement @ 15% on cost of building;
Electrification @ 8% on building cost; Architectural Fee @ 1.5% on cost of building.

Detailed Estimate:

Detailed estimate is prepared by working out the quantities of different items of work and
then working out the cost by multiplying the quantities by their respective rates. The unit-
quantity method is followed to prepare a detailed estimate where, the rates per unit work
of one item including profit are estimated first and the total cost for the item is found, by
multiplying the cost per unit of rate by the quantity of items. In detailed estimate
provisions for any other expenses like contingencies, T&P, work-charged establishment
etc. are added to the above cost to calculate the total amount required for project
completion. The procedure for the preparation of a detailed estimate is divided into 2
parts:

a) Details of measurement and calculation of quantities

b) Abstract of estimated cost

Details of measurement and calculation of quantities

Representative measurements for dimensions of all individual items involved in the

whole work are taken off from the drawing of the work and entered in respective columns
of a standard measurement form as shown below. Then multiplying, item wise respective
dimensions of the quantities of all items are worked out in the measurement form.

Details of measurement form:

Item Height/
Description Nos. Length Breadth Quantity Remark
No. Depth

Abstract of estimated cost

The cost of each item is calculated by multiplying the quintiles computed in the
measurement form with a specific rate in a tabular form known as abstract form as shown
below:
 Abstract of estimate form
Item
Descriptions Unit Quantity Rate Amount
No.

A percentage of 3% to 5% is added for contingencies, to allow for petty expenditures,

unforeseen expenditures due to changes in design, changes in rate, etc. which may occur
during execution of the work. Further, a percentage of 2.0% to 2.5% is also added to meet
expenditure of the work charged establishment. For big projects an amount of 1% to 1.5%
of the estimated cost is also provided to purchase special tools & plants for specific
purpose.

The main functions of an abstract of estimate are as follows:

 The total estimated cost and the different items of works required to complete
project can be known.
 Basis on which percentage rate tenders are called after excluding the amount for
contingency and work-charged establishment.
 A part of tender document and a contractor can arrive at his own rates from the
schedule of work described in the description column.
 This is the basis on which bills are prepared for payment.
 Comparative costs of different items of works can be known.

Data Required for Detailed Estimate

Following data are required for calculation of detailed estimate:

 Drawing: The quantities of various items are taken off from the drawings mainly:
plans, sections, and other relevant details for the works.
 Specifications: The specification of the work describes the nature, class,
workmanship, method of preparation etc. which are required to calculate the cost
of various items.
 Rates: The rates for different items of work are derived from schedule of rates or
from rate analysis. The estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the rates with
the quantities of various items.
 Standing circulars: The taxes and insurance etc. prevailing at the locality of the
work is required to fix up rates of various items.

Steps in Detailed Estimate

A detailed estimate can be analyzed in five distinct steps:

 Divide the whole project or work in various items.

  Divide the various items and group them under different sub heads.
 Enter the detailed of measurement of each item of work in measurements form and
calculate the total quantity of each of them.
 After the quantities are taken off, the numbers, length, area or volumes are estimated
and entered in last two columns of measurements sheet. All these values must be
checked by different persons by tick-mark in other color ink. If any correction is done
it must be cross checked.
 Finally, the cost under item of work is calculated from the quantities computed at
workable rates. These costs along with rates are entered in ‘Abstract Form’. Therein,
expenditures towards contingencies, work charge establishment and tools and plants
are added to the estimated cost and then totaled. This grand total gives the estimated
cost of work.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Project

 Quantity of materials: For a large project, the quantity of materials required is

large and thus it can be procured at a lower price.
 Availability of materials: The cost of materials, which are easily available, is
comparatively lower.
 Transportation of materials: The cost of transportation is added to the cost of
the material at site. Thus more is the transportation cost; the more is the cost of
material.
 Location of Site: If the site is located at an odd place for which loading,
unloading, staking and restacking of materials are necessary for several times.
Thus, apart from cost incurred by such operations the possibility of damage or loss
in transit is more which affects the cost.
 Labor charges: The skill and daily wage of the local labor affects the rate of a
item.

Documents Accompanying Detailed Estimate

The detailed estimate is generally accompanied by following supporting documents:

a. Report on the design

b. Specifications
c. Working drawing (Plans, section, elevation and other details)
d. Design charts and calculations
e. Particulars of scheduled rates or rate analysis
 CHAPTER 2

DETAIL ESTIMATION OF BUILDINGS

Building Estimate:

The quantities like earth work, foundation concrete, brickwork in plinth and super
structure etc., can be workout by any of following three methods:

a. Long wall - short wall method

b. Centre line method.
c. Partly center line and partly cross wall method

Long wall-short wall method

In this method, the wall along the length of room is considered to be long wall while the
wall perpendicular to long wall is said to be short wall. To get the measurement of
materials and works length of long wall or short wall, calculate first the center line
lengths of individual walls. Then the length of long wall, (out to out) may be calculated
after adding half breadth at each end to its center line length. Thus the length of short wall
measured into in and may be found by deducting half breadth from its center line length
at each end. The length of long wall usually decreases from earth work to brick work.in
super structure while the short wall increases. These lengths are multiplied by breadth and
depth to get quantities.

Center line method

This method is suitable for walls of similar cross sections. Here the total center line length
is multiplied by breadth and depth of respective item to get the total quantity at a time.
When cross walls or partitions or verandah walls join with main all, the center line length
gets reduced by half of breadth for each junction. Such junction or joints are studied
carefully while calculating total center line length. The estimates prepared by this method
are most accurate and quick.

Partly center line and partly cross wall method

This method is adopted when external (i.e., around the building) wall is of one thickness
and the internal walls having different thicknesses. In such cases, center line method is
applied to external walls and long wall-short wall method is used to internal walls. This
method suits for different thicknesses walls and different level of foundations. Because of
this reason, all Engineering departments are practicing this method.
 Main items in building work:

Main items of work are given below:

Sl. Particulars Unit Remarks

No.

1 Earthwork Cum Earthwork in excavation and in filling should be

taken out separately under different types.
Foundation trenches are usually dug to the exact
width of foundation with vertical sides.
2 Bed concrete in Cum It is calculated by taking length, breadth and
foundation thickness of concrete bed.

3 Soiling sqm When the soil is soft, one layer of brick or stone
is laid below the bed concrete.

4 Damp proof course Cum It is a course provided at the plinth level under
the wall for the full width of plinth wall. It is not
provided at the sill of door and verandah
openings for which deduction is made which
calculating length of D.P.C.

5 Masonry Masonry for foundation and plinth is taken under

one item and masonry for superstructure is taken
under separate item. In case of wall footing,
masonry for steps is calculated separately and
added together. In buildings having more one
floor, the masonry for superstructure for each
floor is computed separately. Deductions for
openings like lintels, doors, windows, cupboards,
etc. is done. Thin partition walls of thickness less
than 10 cm, honeycomb brickwork is taken under
separate item in square meter and no deduction
for holes is done.
6 R. C. C. works Cum R.C.C. Work is calculated for beams, lintels,
columns, footing, slabs etc. No deduction for
steel is done while calculating the quantity of
concrete, which includes centering, shuttering
and fixing of reinforcement in position.
Reinforcement (quantity of steel) is taken under
separate item.

7 Reinforcement Ton The reinforcement quantity is taken off from

detail drawing and bar bending schedule. If detail
drawings are not available 0.8 to 3% of concrete
may be taken by volumes as a quantity of steel
which is further multiplied by density.
 8 Flooring Sqm/ For grounds floor, cement concrete and floor
Cum finishing of stone, marble or mosaic tiles taken
under one item and quantity is calculated in
square meter. For upper floors, bed of R.C.C. is
taken cubic meter and other member is calculated
in cubic meter.

9 Roof Cum/ In case of roof, flat roofs are calculated in cubic

meter like slab and for pitched roof. Quantity of
Sqm trusses and other members is calculated in cubic
meter. In case of roofing material tiles, G.I.
sheets or A.C. sheets are measured in square
meter. Tiles on hip and valley are measured
running meter.
10 Plastering and pointing Sqm Plastering is expressed with specified thickness.
For masonry the measurements are taken for
whole face of wall for both sides as solid and
deduction for openings are made. External and
internal plastering for building are taken out
separately, under different items.
11 Doors and Windows Cum/ It consists of frame and shutter. Doors and
Squm windows framers are calculated in cubic meter.
Quantity is obtained by calculating length
including jamb, head and sill and multiplied by
cross-section of frame. Doors and window
shutters are calculated in square meter. Shutter of
different types should be taken separately
because the rates differ. Hold-fast are taken as a
separate item.
12 Painting, Varnishing, Sqm -
white washing and
distempering

13 Electrification LS Generally 8% of estimated cost of building works

is taken for this item.

14 Sanitary and water LS Generally 8% of estimated cost of building works

supply works is taken for this item.

Example 1: (Quantity estimation of a symmetrical wall)

The plan and cross section of a wall is given in Fig. 2.1. Estimate the quantities of
following items per meter length of the wall.

a. Earthwork in excavation in foundation trench

b. Lime concrete in foundation
c. First class brick work in 1:4 mortar mix in foundation and plinth
d. 1st class brick work in superstructure wall
 e. 2.5 cm thick DPC (1:2:4) with water proofing compound
20
cm
Roof

3.5 m

DPC 2.5 cm
PL

GL 30 cm 90 cm
30 cm

40 cm 20 cm

50 cm 20 cm

20 cm

70 cm

(Fig. 2.1)

Answer

(i) Earthwork in excavation (Length × Breadth × Height) = 1 × 0.7 × 0.9 = 0.63 cum
(ii) Lime concrete in foundation (L × B × H) = 1 × 0.7 × 0.2 = 0.14 cum
(iii) 1st class brickwork in foundation and plinth:
i. 1st footing (L × B × H) = 1 × 0.5 × 0.2 = 0.10 cum
ii. 2nd footing (L × B × H) = 1 × 0.4 × 0.2 = 0.08 cum
iii. Plinth wall (L × B × H) = 1 × 0.3 × 0.9 = 0.27 cum
Total = 0.45 cum
st
(iv) 1 class brickwork in superstructure (L × B × H) = 1 × 0.2 × 3.5 = 0.70 cum
(v) 2.5 cm thick DPC (L × B) = 1 × 0.2 = 0.20 sqm
Quantities can be estimated as above. But to denote the respective length, breadth and
height against the dimensions estimates are prepared after ruling out measurement sheets
as below.
Detail Measurement and Calculation of Quantities
Item No Description Unit No. L B H Quantity
1 Earthwork in excavation cum 1 1 0.7 0.9 0.63
2 Lime concrete in foundation cum 1 1 0.7 0.2 0.14
1st class brickwork (1:4) in
3 cum
foundation and plinth
1st footing 1 1 0.5 0.2 0.10
2nd footing 1 1 0.4 0.2 0.08
Plinth wall 1 1 0.3 0.9 0.27
Total = 0.45
st
1 class brickwork in
4 cum 1 1 0.2 3.5 0.70
superstructure
5 2.5 cm thick DPC sqm 1 1 0.2 - 0.20
 Example on long wall - short wall method

Estimate the quantities of following items of a two roomed building given in Fig 2.2.

a. Earthwork in excavation in foundation trench

b. Lime concrete in foundation
c. First class brick work in 1:6 cement mortar in foundation and plinth
d. 2.5 cm thick DPC (1:2:4) with water proofing compound
e. 1st class brick work in cement mortar superstructure

(b) Details of footing

(a) Plan
(Fig. 2.2)

The dimensions of doors, windows and selves

are Door D = 1.20 m × 2.10 m.
Windows W = 1.00 m × 1.50
m Shelves S = 1.00 m × 1.50 m

Answer: Given in next page