PuCHAPTER 1 – FUNDAMENTALS OF ESTIMATING AND COSTING – 12

MARKS

ESTIMATING AND COSTING

Before taking up any work, the owner should know the total volume of work and its probable
cost required to carry out the proposed project. Estimating for any construction work may be
defined as the process of calculating quantities and costs of various items required in
connection with the work. An estimate is worked out from the dimensions on the drawings.

Costing is defined as the process of finding out the probable cost of work before starting that
work. It is prepared considering the standard rates at the time of making estimate.

An estimate is prepared by calculating the quantities of items from the drawings and then
multiplying them with the unit cost of concerned item. The accuracy of an estimate depends
on careful study of various dimensions on drawings, the method of estimating, consideration
of rates, probable unforeseen expenses and also quantity of tolerance for wastages.

Estimating = quantity surveying

PURPOSE

1. To determine the necessary amount of money required by the owner to complete the
proposed work. For public works, estimate is required to obtain administrative, technical
sanction and budget provision.
2. To find out quantities of materials required for their timely procurement.
3. To calculate the number of different categories of workers to be employed for timely
completion of work.
4. To check the requirement of tools, plants and equipments required.
5. To fix the completion period from the volume of work.
6. To prepare a construction schedule and arrange for funds accordingly.
7. To justify the investment from Benefit-Cost ratio. (Ideally > 1)
8. To invite tenders.
9. To prepare bills for payment.
10. An estimate of an existing property is required for its valuation.

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11. Alterations in specifications, drawings and estimate can be done if costing of project is
above the budget available.

PWD PROCEDURE OF INITIATING WORK

For any new work, the concerned department prepares proposal report regarding the cost of
work and its necessity. After studying the proposal, the department will then proceed for
‘Administrative Approval’. The Engineering Department will then prepare detailed drawings,
designs, estimates and submit the same to higher authorities for ‘Technical Sanction’.

The competent authority studies the detailed drawings, designs, estimates carefully and verify
it according to the rules stated and then provide ‘Technical Sanction’. Then the ‘Budget
Provision’ is made for the project as per the government plan. The execution of work is then
started by that contractor whose tender is selected.

ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL

It is the formal acceptance of the proposal for putting money in the project, given by the
concerned administrative department. The said approval also confirms that the plan suits the
suggested needs of the project. For example, Government Polytechnic, Bandra wants to
construct boys hostel in its campus. They give the details regarding number of students and
their requirements to PWD. Then, PWD prepares estimate and drawing on preliminary basis
which is formally accepted by GPB. The administrative approval remains in force for five
years. This approval is required for new/original works only. Once the administrative
approval is obtained, the proposal goes into the second important phase known as ‘Technical
sanction’.

TECHNICAL SANCTION

On receiving an ‘Administrative Approval’, detailed drawings and estimate are prepared by

PWD. These are then submitted to concerned authority of Engineering Department, to whom
the power to give such sanction is authorised by government. On detailed analysis and study,
the sanction for this proposal which is technically (structurally) sound is given and called as
‘Technical Sanction’. A ‘Technical Sanction’ once given, shall remain valid for five years.
After the Technical Sanction of estimate is given, only then the work is taken up for
construction.

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 Chief Engineer has full powers to grant Technical Sanction.
Superintending Engineer can sanction a work up to 15 lakhs.
Executive Engineer can sanction a work up to 5 lakhs.

BUDGET PROVISION

Every year the estimates are prepared in different divisional offices and then submitted to the
circle office of SE. Based on these estimates, raw materials, organisational set up, the total
cost for execution of work is calculated. The office of CE prepares the annual budget on the
basis of proposal received from SE. These budget statements are then submitted to ministerial
level for sanctioning finance. This approval of sanctioning finance is termed as ‘Budget
Provision’. The Budget Provision remains in force till 31st March of sanctioned year and
allotted amount may revise time to time.

TYPES OF ESTIMATE –

1. APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE

This type of estimate is also called as rough or preliminary estimate. It is an approximate

estimate to find out the approximate cost in short time. It helps the authority to consider
financial aspect of project based on which sanction is given. Such an estimate is framed after
knowing the rate of similar work from practical knowledge. During preparation of estimate,
detailed survey, design, drawings etc. are not required. Purpose of it is:-
a) To investigate feasibility of concerned project
b) To save time and money
c) For insurance and tax schedule
d) For alternative planning options
e) To obtain administrative approval
f) To investigate benefit and comparison of cost with utility.

2. DETAILED ESTIMATE

A detailed estimate is the calculation of quantities and costs of all items and materials that
would be used in finishing the construction project. It differs from an initial approximate
estimate by the mere concern of detailing of all the items. It is usually done after finalizing
the drawings. Quantities are calculated from the dimensions of all items given in the drawing

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and are written in a format called as Measurement sheet. These quantities are then transferred
to another format known as Abstract sheet in which, the cost of each item is calculated by
taking the product of quantity and the unit rate of that item. Expenses for miscellaneous
provisions are added to the final cost of all items. Thus, the total cost of project is determined.
This is the most accurate method. Such a detailed estimate is made for Administrative
approval, Technical sanction, Budget provision and also for the contract document.

DETAILED ESTIMATE OF NEW WORK

A detailed estimate of a project is prepared by determining the quantities and costs of

everything that a contractor is required to provide and do for the satisfactory completion of
the work. It is the best and most reliable form of estimate. Quantities of all items of work are
calculated from their respective dimensions on drawings and then entered on a Measurement
sheet. Multiplying these quantities with their respective rates on a separate Abstract sheet,
will give the cost of all items of work. Other expenses required for satisfactory completion of
project are added to the above cost to determine the total cost of project.

TYPES AND USES OF ESTIMATES (DETAILED)

1. REVISED ESTIMATE

It is a detailed estimate for revised quantities and rates of items originally provided in
estimate. It is accompanied with a comparative statement abstract showing variation of
quantities, rates, amount for each item of work as compared with original estimate. This
comparison also states the reason of its variation side by side. A revised estimate is prepared
and submitted for fresh Technical sanction. It is prepared:-
1. When a sanctioned estimate is likely to exceed by more than 5%
2. When expenditure of work exceeds by more than 10% of Administrative approval (for
work more than 5 lakhs)
3. When there are material deviations from original proposal (not structural in nature)
4. When it is found that sanctioned estimate is more than actual requirement.

2. SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE

While a work is in progress, some changes or additional works due to material deviations of
structural nature may be necessary. An estimate is then prepared to include all such works.

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This is known as supplementary estimate. The method of preparing supplementary estimate is
similar to detailed estimate and it should be accompanied by a full report of circumstances
stating its necessity. The abstract must show amount of original estimate and the total of
sanction required including the supplementary amount.

3. REVISED AND SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE

When a work is partially abandoned and the estimated cost of remaining work is less than
95% of original work or, when there are material deviations and changes in design which may
cause substantial saving in estimate then, the amount of original estimate is revised. A
supplementary and revised estimate is then prepared for taking fresh Technical sanction.

4. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE ESTIMATE

After completion of a work, it is necessary to maintain the same for its proper function. An
estimate is prepared for this purpose considering items which require renewal, replacement,
repair etc. Such detailed estimate is referred as Repair and Maintenance estimate. For
buildings this includes, white washing, colour washing, painting, plaster repair, minor repairs
etc. For road work it includes, patch repair, renewal, berms repair, repair of bridges and
culverts. In no case, the amount of such estimate should increase more than 1.5% to 2% of the
capital cost of building.

5. RENOVATION ESTIMATE

A building renovation is defined as enhancements made to a previously existing building

component. It is the process of improving a broken, damaged or outdated structure. Many
people renovate homes to create a new appearance for their home or so, another person can
live in the residence. In a renovation, a kitchen remains a kitchen and a bedroom remains a
bedroom, but repairs and updates are done to the existing unit. This generally include works
such as painting, installing new flooring, switching out items like cabinet knobs and faucets.
Renovation also includes structural rebuilding. For example, if rotted wooden members are
discovered, then they will be removed and the area (wall, subfloor, or roof) will be rebuilt
using new wooden members.

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An estimate prepared to provide all the renovation items is termed as a renovation estimate. In
this estimate, not all the items from the original detailed estimate are required. Only those
items which are essentially required for uplifting the condition of building are considered.

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY OF ESTIMATOR

A building estimator is an individual who quantifies the materials, labour and equipment
needed to complete a construction project. The roles and responsibilities of an estimator are:-

1. Prepares work to be estimated by gathering proposal, drawings, specifications, designs and

related documents.
2. Identifies labour, material and time requirements by studying all necessary documents.
3. Computes costs by analyzing labour, material and time requirements.
4. Resolves discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information.
5. Presents prepared estimate by assembling and displaying numerical and descriptive
information.
6. Prepares special reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information and trends.
7. Maintains cost data base by entering and backing up data.
8. Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing technical
publications.
9. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
10. Prepares all sorts of approximate and detailed estimates, rate analysis, bar bending
schedule, earthwork calculations etc. and records the same in Measurement sheet, Abstract
sheet and Face sheet.

CHECKLIST OF ITEMS OF WORK IN LOAD BEARING AND FRAMED

STRUCTURE AS PER EXECUTION

Items of an estimate should be listed as per the sequence of execution so that, an estimator
may imagine the progress of construction works and can arrange the items accordingly.

The construction of a Load bearing structure starts from:-

1. Earthwork in excavation for foundation
2. Brick flat soling / PCC bed
3. Brickwork or Stonework in foundation and plinth / RCC footing
4. Damp proof course / Plinth beams
5. Brickwork in superstructure
6. RC work in lintel and roof etc. including reinforcement
7. Woodwork of doors and windows

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8. Steel work
9. Plastering
10. Flooring
11. Lime terracing for roof / RCC slab
12. White washing and Colour washing

The construction of a Framed structure starts from:-

1. Earthwork in excavation in foundation
2. Earthwork in filling of plinth
3. Sand filling in plinth
4. PCC 1:3:6 in foundation
5. RCC work 1:2:4 in columns, beams, slabs, chajjas, footings including centring, shuttering
and binding steel
6. Steel reinforcement including bent up bars
7. First class brickwork in cement mortar
8. 10 cm lime concreting in roof
9. Teak wood work for door and window frames and shutters, panels
10. Glass work for glazed window panels
11. Brass door and window fittings
12. Iron work in holdfast and window grills
13. 12 mm plaster in 1:6 cement mortar
14. White washing – 3 coats
15. Colour washing – 2 coats
16. Painting doors and windows – 2 coats over one priming coat
17. 100 mm diameter CI rain water pipe painted and fixed.

PRINCIPLE OF UNITS

1. Mass, voluminous and thick works are measured in m3 (cubic meter)

2. Shallow, thin and surface works are measured in m2 (square meter)
3. Long and thin works are measured in m (meters or running meters / RMT)
4. Piece works are measured in numbers

MODES OF MEASUREMENT

EARTHWORK

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Earthwork in excavation m3

Earth filling, cutting m3

Surface dressing m2

Cutting of trees numbers

Puddling m3

Quarrying of stones m3

Blasting of rock m3

For excavation Lead = 30m and Lift = 1.5m

CONCRETE

Lime concrete m3

Plain cement concrete m3

Reinforced cement concrete m3

Cement concrete grill work m2

DAMP PROOF COURSE (DPC)

DPC m2

BRICKWORK

Brickwork masonry m3

Half brick thick brickwork m2

Thin partition wall m2

Jack arch roofing including top finishing m2

Coping, Cornice, Porgetting, Bridge edging m

Honey comb brickwork m2

STONEWORK

Stone masonry m3

Cut stone work in lintel, beam m3

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Stone slab in roof, shelve, sill, stone chajja (thickness specified) m2

Stone work in wall facing or lining (thickness given) m2

WOOD WORK

Wood work in door and window frame, rafter, truss m3

Door and window shutters (thickness specified) m2

Door and window fittings numbers

Timbering (thickness specified) m2

Sawing of timber m2

Wood work in partition, Plywood m2

Panel work m

STEEL WORK

Rolled steel Joists, Channel, Tee, Angle, Flat quintal

Steel reinforcement bars quintal

Bending, binding quintal

Fabrication and hoisting quintal

Fabric reinforcement, wire netting m2

Gusset plate quintal

Cutting of Joists, Channels cm

Cutting of Angles, Tees, Plate cm2

Threading cm

Welding, soldering cm

Boring holes numbers

Cast iron (CI) pipe (diameter specified) m

Rivets, bolts, nuts quintal

Barbed wire fencing m

Railing m

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Iron grill, collapsible gate m2

Rolling shutter m2

Steel doors and windows m2

ROOFING

Tiled roof (any tile) m2

Timber roofing m2

Thatch roofing m2

Eaves board (thickness specified) m2

RCC slab roof m3

Mud roof or Lime concrete roof over brick (thickness specified) m2

Ridges, valleys, gutters m

Tar felting, Bituminous painting m2

Insulating layer in roof of sand and clay, asphalt etc. m2

Expansion or contraction construction joint m

Ceiling – Timber, AC sheet, Paste board, False m2

Centring and shuttering, formwork m2

PLASTERING, POINTING AND FINISHING

Plastering (any type) (thickness and proportion specified) m2

Pointing m2

Dado (thickness specified) m2

Skirting (thickness and height specified) m

Cement or lime mortar rubbing m2

White washing, Colour washing m2

Distempering m2

Painting, Varnishing m2

Polishing of wood work m2

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 Painting letters and figures numbers

Oiling and clearing of doors and windows m2

Coal tarring m2

Removal of paint or varnish m2

FLOORING

Flooring (any tile, any thickness and over any layer) m2

Apron or Plinth protection m2

Door and window sill slab work m2

MISCELLANEOUS WORKS

Plumbing fixtures and fittings numbers

Site clearance Lumpsum

DESIRED ACCURACY IN MEASUREMENTS OF DIFFERENT ITEMS OF WORK

AS PER IS 1200 (LIMITS / RULES OF MEASUREMENT)

1. Measurement shall be item wise for the finished item of work and its description shall
include materials, transport, labour, fabrication, hoisting, tools and plants, overheads,
shape, size, design and specifications.
2. While recording measurements, the order shall be in the sequence of length, breadth and
height or depth or thickness.
3. All works shall be measured net subject to following tolerances unless otherwise stated:-
a) Dimensions shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 m.
b) Areas shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 m2.
c) Cubic contents shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 m3.
d) Weights shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 Kg.
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 materials, proportions and workmanship.
6. In case of structural concrete, brickwork, stone masonry, the following categories shall be
considered for measuring separately with height:-
a) Foundation to Plinth level.

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 b) Plinth level to First floor level.
c) First floor level to Second floor level and so on.
d) Parapet is measured with corresponding lower floor.

RULES FOR DEDUCTION IN MASONRY WORKS, PLASTERING AND POINTING

AND PAINTING WORK AS PER IS 1200

DEDUCTION FOR BRICKWORK

No deduction or addition shall be made for the following:-

1. Opening up to 0.1 m2 in section.
2. Ends of joints, beams, lintels, posts, rafters, purlins, corbels, steps etc.
3. Wall plates and bed plates, bearing of slabs, chajjas and the like where the thickness does
not exceed 10 cm and the bearing does not extend over full width (thickness) of wall.

DEDUCTION FOR PLASTERING AND POINTING

1. No deductions shall be made for ends of joists, beams, posts etc. and openings less than 0.5
m2 each and no addition shall be made for reveals, jambs, soffits, sills etc. of these
openings.
2. For openings more than 0.5 m2 but less than 3 m2 each, deduction shall be made for one
face only and the other face shall be allowed for jambs, soffits and sills which shall not be
measured.
3. In case of openings of area above 3 m 2 each, deduction shall be made for both faces of
openings and the jambs, sills shall be measured and added.
4. When the two faces are plastered with different mortars or if one side is plastered and the
other is pointed then, the deduction shall be made for the outer face only.

RULES FOR PAINTING

Painting of doors and windows should be measured closed and flat in m 2 including edges,
frames, cleats etc. Different types of doors and windows shall be grouped under one item and
areas of uneven surfaces shall be covered into equivalent area by multiplying the flat
measured area with a multiplying factor (on each side) as given below:-

Panelled, framed, battened and ledged 1.125

Fully glazed 0.5

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 Partly panelled and partly glazed 1

Flush door 1

Louvered door 1.5

Corrugated Galvanised Iron (GI) sheet in roof 1.14

Corrugated Asbestos cement (AC) sheet in roof 1.2

Steel rolling shutters 1.25

Guard bars, balustrades, grating, railing, grills 1 (for painting all over)

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATION OF ITEMS OF BUILDING WORK AS PER PWD

/ DSR

General or Brief specification forms a general idea for the project. It describes the nature and
class of work along with names of materials that are to be used.

1. FOUNDATION AND PLINTH – Foundation and plinth shall be of first class brickwork
in lime mortar or 1:6 cement mortar over lime concrete or 1:4:8 cement concrete.

2. DAMP PROOF COURSE – DPC shall be of 2.5 cm thick cement concrete in 1:1.5:3
proportion, mixed with 1 Kg of water proofing compound per bag of cement and painted
with two coats of bitumen.

3. SUPERSTRUCTURE – Superstructure shall be of first class brickwork with lime mortar

or 1:6 proportion cement mortar. RCC lintels should be provided over doors and windows.

4. ROOFING – Roof shall be of RCC slab with an insulation layer and lime concrete
terracing above, supported over RS joists or RCC beams as required. Height of rooms shall
be more than 3.7 m (12 feet).

5. FLOORING – Drawing room and dining room floors shall be of mosaic (terrazo).
Bathroom and WC floors and dado work shall be of ceramic tiles. Floors of bedroom shall be
coloured and polished of 2.5 cm cement concrete over 7.5 cm lime concrete.

6. FINISHING – Inside and outside walls shall be of 12 mm cement lime plastered 1:1:6
proportion. Drawing room, dining room and bedroom shall be distempered inside and other

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rooms white washed inside with 3 coats. Outside shall be snowcem coloured with 2 coats
over 1 coat of white wash.

7. DOORS AND WINDOWS – Frames shall be of seasoned teak wood. Shutters shall be of
teak wood 4.3 cm thick panelled. All fittings shall be of brass. Doors and windows shall be
painted 2 coats with high class enamel paint over 1 coat of priming. Windows shall be
provided with iron grills.

8. MISCELLANEOUS – CI or AC rain water pipes shall be provided and finished painted.

Building services shall be of first class water and sanitary fittings and electrical installations.
1 m wide and 7.5 cm thick CC 1:3:6 proportion apron shall be provided all around the
building.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF RATES (DSR)

The rates are variable from place to place and time to time even within the same state. To
facilitate preparation of estimates and to serve as a guide in deciding the rates of various
items, a schedule of rates is maintained in Engineering departments. These rates are in the
form of printed booklet and are called as DSR. This booklet is revised every year due to
changes in cost of labour and material. Refer www.mahapwd.com for downloading it. DSR
provides following two types of rates for works:-

COMPLETED RATES – This is the rate of an item which includes charges for materials,
transportation, storage, labours, tools, machineries, water charges and contractor’s profit.

LABOUR RATES – It is the labour component of an item which includes charges to be paid
to different categories of labours like head mason, mason, mazdoor, coolie, bhisti etc.

STANDARD FORMATS OF MEASUREMENT SHEET, ABSTRACT SHEET, FACE

SHEET

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 MEASUREMENT SHEET

Item Length Width Height

Description Nos. Quantity
no. (m) (m) (m)

ABSTRACT SHEET

Item Quantit Per

Description Rate (`) Cost (`)
no. y unit

FACE SHEET

Sr.
Particulars Amount
No

1. Estimated cost of abstracted items (ground Rs _______________________

floor)
+

2. Rs _______________________
Estimated cost of abstracted items (first floor)

3. Rs _______________________
Total cost for ground and first floor
+

4. Rs _______________________
Water supply & sanitary charges @___ % (4-
8%) +

5. Rs _______________________

Electrification charges @ ___ % (5-10%) +

6. Rs _______________________

Other service charges (AC, lift etc. @ ___ %)

7. Rs _______________________

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 Total cost of all items

8. Rs _______________________

Add 5% contingencies +

9. Rs _______________________

Add 2-2.5% for work charged establishment

10. Rs _______________________

Total estimated cost of the project

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CHAPTER 2 – APPROXIMATE ESTIMATES – 6 MARKS

APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE AND ITS PURPOSE

This type of estimate is also called as rough or preliminary estimate. It is an approximate

estimate to find out the approximate cost in short time. It helps the authority to consider
financial aspect of project based on which sanction is given. Such an estimate is framed after
knowing the rate of similar work from practical knowledge. During preparation of estimate,
detailed survey, design, drawings etc. are not required. Purpose of it is:-
a) To investigate feasibility of concerned project
b) To save time and money
c) For insurance and tax schedule
d) For alternative planning options
e) To obtain administrative approval
f) To investigate benefit and comparison of cost with utility.

METHODS OF APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE

1. SERVICE UNIT METHOD

In this method, all costs of a unit quantity such as per kilometre for highway, per meter of
span for bridge, per classroom for school building, per bed for hospital, per litre for water
tank etc. are considered first and the estimate is prepared by multiplying the rate per
corresponding unit by with the number of units in the structure.

This estimate can be prepared quickly but, it requires records of current unit rates of similar
designed structures having similar specifications in that particular locality. Government
works are executed through different engineering departments. Each department is entrusted
to undertake particular categories of work and it also maintains the unit cost for those works.
This method is adopted to prepare preliminary estimates mainly for public works. Following
considerations are made for the preparation of an estimate by this method:-
a) Variation of price level
b) Change in specification and location of site
c) Number of units provided in the structures (more the units, less is the rate and vice versa)
d) Soil conditions etc.

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Approximate cost of a new structure = (Number of service units in the new structure x Rate
per service unit of an existing structure)
Rate per service unit of an existing structure = (Total construction cost of existing
structure / Number of service units in the existing structure)
Service units for:-
Road / Highway – per kilometre
Bridge – per meter of span
School – per classroom / per student
Hospital – per bed
Water tank – per litre
Cinema theatre – per seat
Stadium – per seat
Reservoir – per litre
Dam – per meter length
Prison – per cell
Office / Commercial complex – per cubical / per room / per office unit
Hotel – per room
Hostel – per student / per room
Stable – per animal
Mall / Shopping complex – per gala / per shop / per showroom / per store
Apartment – per flat / per tenement
Godown / Factory / Railway platform – per bay
Parking stand – per vehicle

2. PLINTH AREA RATE METHOD

This estimate is prepared on the basis of plinth area of building and the rate is derived from
the cost of a similar building in same locality having similar specifications, heights and
construction. Plinth area estimate is calculated by finding plinth area of new building and
multiplying it with the plinth area rate. The plinth area should be calculated for covered area
by considering external dimensions of the building at floor level. Courtyard and other open
areas should not be included in the plinth area. This estimate is only approximate / rough and
is a preliminary estimate to know the approximate cost of structure in advance. For a multi-
storeyed building, plinth area estimate is prepared for each storey (floor) separately.

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To calculate plinth area of a building from given floor area or carpet area, add extra 20% to
40% to the same floor area or carpet area for walls, circulation, waste etc.
Approximate cost of a new building = (Plinth area of new building x Plinth area rate of an
existing building)
Plinth area rate of an existing building = (Total construction cost of the existing building /
Plinth area of that existing building)

3. CUBICAL CONTENT METHOD / CUBE RATE METHOD

Cube rate estimate is a preliminary or an approximate estimate and is prepared on the basis of
cubical contents (volume) of a building. The cube rate is derived from the cost of similar
building in the locality having similar specifications and construction.

The approximate cost of a new building is calculated by finding volume (length x width x
height) of that building and then multiplying it with the cube rate of an existing building in
the same locality with similar specifications. The length and width should be taken as external
dimensions of building at floor level and height should be taken from top of floor level to top
of roof level. This height should be taken half-way for the sloped roof. For multi-storeyed
building, the height is considered from top of one floor level to the top of upper floor level.
Foundation, plinth and parapet above the roof are not taken into account for finding the
cubical content.

Cube rate estimate is the most accurate method as compared to Plinth area rate estimate
because, the height of building is also considered in this method.

Approximate cost of a new building = (Volume of new building x Cube rate of an existing
building)

Cube rate of an existing building = (Total construction cost of the existing building /
Volume of that existing building)

4. TYPICAL BAY METHOD

In this method,

Approximate cost of new structure = (Number of bays in proposed structure x Rate of one
such bay)

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Bays are compartments or similar portions of a structure. When the area of a structure
consists of similar cabins or parts such as godown, factory shades, railway platform etc.
which have been built up with intermediate columns or with roof trusses on walls, placed at
equal distances with the same roofing on top of those supporting members then, the area may
be divided from centre to centre of supports. Each such division may be treated as a bay.

Consider a godown 6 m wide and 15 m long with roof trusses provided at 3 m centre to centre
will have (15/3) = 5 portions / parts / compartments or bays of equal dimensions – 6 m x 3 m.
For its extension with 2 more bays,

Cost of construction = Rate of one bay x number of bays.

Here, Rate of one bay = (Total cost of construction / Number of bays) which can be
determined from previous estimate.

This is the most reliable approximate estimate that can be made. Following points should be
considered for using this method:-
a) End bay should be considered separately due to its end wall (gable wall).
b) Current rate per bay should be worked out from previous recorded rate.
c) The location, specifications and drawings should be the same.

5. APPROXIMATE QUANTITY METHOD

In this method, approximate total length of walls is found out in running meters and this total
length multiplied by the rate per running meter of wall gives a fairly accurate cost. For this
method, the structure may be divided in two parts:-
a) Foundation including plinth and
b) Superstructure

The running meter rate for foundation and superstructure should be calculated first and these
rates should be multiplied with the total length of walls. To find the running meter rate for
foundation, the approximate quantities of items such as excavation, foundation, brickwork
upto plinth and damp proof course are calculated per running meter and by multiplying with
the rates of these items, the rate per running meter is determined. Similarly for superstructure,
the rate per running meter is determined from the approximate quantities of brickwork, wood
works, roof, floor finishing etc. For using this method, plan of structure should be available.

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APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE FOR:-

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

To prepare an approximate estimate, reconnaissance survey along possible routes is

conducted to determine the best possible route. This survey guides to learn waterways,
crossings, High flood level (HFL), bridges, alignment, earthwork and value of land along the
route. From the survey reports, maps and preliminary data estimates are prepared as ‘per km’
basis. Thus, by knowing the cost of construction per km length of a similar road, an
approximate estimate of proposed road can be made.

Procedure for preparing approximate estimate of road project:-

1) Reconnaissance Survey is conducted to determine best possible route and to collect
information like extent of waterway, high flood level, numbers and length of bridges, total
alignment length, probable amount of earthwork, geological characteristics and land value
etc.
2) Preliminary Survey along the selected route is conducted to determine the various
distances, heights and angles.

From the above survey reports, maps and data, approximate estimate is prepared per ‘km’
basis by adding following heads:-
i) Cost of earthwork in excavation, embankment, hauling etc. is worked out by using contour
map.
ii) Cost of bridges and culverts is calculated by multiplying its span by cost per meter span of
similar existing structure.
iii) Cost of sub-base consisting of soling and edging according to nature of soil selected is
worked out for road width per ‘km’.
iv) Cost of base-course including premix carpet is worked out per ‘km’ basis.
v) Cost of boundary stones / pillars is taken as lumpsum per ‘km’.
vi) Total cost of heads i) to v) is calculated.
vii) Contingencies - 15% & work charged establishment - 5% are added to above total cost.
viii) Cost of permanent land is added finally to work out the approximate total estimated cost
of the road project.

24
RAILWAY PROJECT

Main items of work are foundation, gauge, sleeper, ballast, cutting and filling, bridges,
crossings, gradient etc. Railway estimates are prepared by knowing the cost ‘per km’ of
recently constructed similar railway line.

BRIDGES / CULVERTS

Approximate estimate of bridges are prepared on the basis of ‘per m’ span. It depends on
roadway, nature of bridge, depth and type of foundation etc. For the calculation of
approximate cost, ‘per m’ rate of a similar bridge is considered. For culverts, approximate
cost may be determined ‘per m’ span or by per number of culverts having different span.
Alternatively, cost of bridge and culvert can also be worked out according to sub-structure
and superstructure.

IRRIGATION PROJECTS

Approximate estimate of an irrigation project is determined by considering storage reservoir,

dam and canals. For canals, ‘per km’ basis of length or ‘per m 3’ capacity or ‘per hectare’ of
command area is considered. For reservoir and dam, estimate is prepared on the basis of ‘per
m3’ of storage capacity or ‘per m2’ of catchment area.

There are different systems of irrigation. But in general the method of preparing approximate
estimates involves the following steps:-
1) Statements of objects – It should be ascertained whether the project is for single purpose
i.e. to serve only one purpose or multiple purpose project i.e. serve more purposes. (Like
Irrigation, Hydroelectric power, water supply etc.)
2) Collection of data – To arrive at reasonable decision from the preliminary estimate
reliable data (like physical, hydrologic, geological, agricultural etc.) to serve the objects are
collected and furnished to prepare the approximate estimate.
3) Projections of planning - The future needs should be evaluated. The true economical
demand in future period is estimated.
4) Project Formulation – Comprehensive list of all the possible alternative units should be
prepared and defined the boundary conditions which restrict the project. In the Catalogue all
the possible project units along with the alternative plans for each project unit is indicated.

25
5) Project Evaluation –
∙ Preliminary estimate for each of the catalogued project units are prepared by comparison of
cost method.
∙ The approximate cost of the proposed units is found by modifying the known cost of similar
units constructed previously in accordance with one particular cost index figure.
∙ Approximate estimated cost of units of irrigational canals may be prepared per kilometre
basis depending on the capacity of canal or multiplying the commanded area in hectares of
canal by approximate average cost per hectare.
∙ From alternative units the most efficient unit whose benefit cost ratio is more than one, may
be recommended for construction.
∙ An amount for contingency (normally 10%) is added to the cost of project.
∙ For overheads as percentage (usually 10%) cost of the approximate estimate is included in
the estimate.
∙ At last the cost for land acquisition (normally 12%) is added to frame the total approximate
estimated cost of a project.

WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS

The approximate cost may be evaluated on the basis of project area or on the basis of
population of project area. For the first case, project area in ‘km 2’ is multiplied by existing
rate of a similar project. For the second case, total projected population is worked out and is
multiplied by existing average cost per capita for similar type of project.

Procedure involves statement of objects, collection of physical data, hydrologic and

demographic data, municipal and industrial data etc. to prepare the approximate estimate. For
such projects, the unit to be adopted to arrive at the approximate cost may be one of the
following:- i) Area served by the project ii) Population served by the project.

i) Area served by the project: In this case, the total area covered by the project is worked
out in hectares or in sq. km. Then to prepare approximate estimate, the project area in
hectares or sq. km is multiplied by the existing rate of similar project per hectares or sq. km.
ii) Population served by the project: In this case, the total population to be served by the
project is worked out. Then to prepare approximate estimate total projected population is
multiplied by the existing cost per capita for similar type of project.

26
To serve any other loads for industries or institutions, their individual load is worked out and
converted to equivalent area or population. The per capita cost is widely variable according to
density of population, location of different zones, demand of water per capita and existing
facilities in case of water supply project.

NUMERICAL ON SERVICE UNIT METHOD AND PLINTH AREA RATE METHOD

1. Prepare approximate estimate of a bridge having 5 Spans of 40 m each using following

data:
(i) Cost of existing bridge 1.2 cr.
(ii) Existing bridge having 3 spans of 50m each. (Answer – Rs. 16000000/-)

Existing bridge Cost Rs. 12000000 Length 3 x 50 m = 150 m

Proposed bridge Cost ? Length 4 x 50 m = 200 m

150 m Rs. 12000000

200 m ?

? (Cost of proposed bridge) = (200 x 12000000) / (150)

Proposed bridge Cost Rs. 16000000 Length 4 x 50 m = 200 m

2. Prepare an estimate for 3 span bridge of 40 m each, the cost of existing bridge is Rs.
40,000/- per meter. (Answer – Rs. 4800000/-)

Existing bridge Rate Rs. 40000 per meter Length - X

Proposed bridge Cost ? Length 3 x 40 m = 120 m

1m Rs. 40000
120 m ?

? (Cost of proposed bridge) = (120 x 40000) / (1)

Proposed bridge Cost Rs. 4800000 Length 3 x 40 m = 120 m

3. The plinth area of a proposed building is 390 sq. m. The known cost of construction for
similar structure is Rs. 1935000 having plinth area 215 sq. m. Calculate approximate cost
of proposed building. (Answer – Rs. 3510000/-)

Existing building Cost Rs. 1935000 Area 215 m2

Proposed building Cost ? Area 390 m2

215 m2 Rs. 1935000

27
 390 m2 ?

? (Cost of proposed building) = (390 x 1935000) / (215)

Proposed building Cost Rs. 3510000 Area 390 m2

4. The cost of construction of Govt. Polytechnic Nanded Building is 2 crores for a capacity of
500 students and area of construction about 2000 m2. Prepare approximate estimate of a
newly proposed Govt. Polytechnic Building for 1200 students with the area 5000 m2.
(Answer – Rs. 5 crore Plinth area rate method)
(Answer – 4.8 crore Service unit method)

Existing building Cost Rs. 20000000 Area 2000 m2

Proposed building Cost ? Area 5000 m2

2000 m2 Rs. 20000000

5000 m2 ?

? (Cost of proposed building) = (5000 x 20000000) / (2000)

Proposed building Cost Rs. 50000000 Area 5000 m2

Existing building Cost Rs. 20000000 N = 500 students

Proposed building Cost ? N = 1200 students

500 students Rs. 20000000

1200 students ?

? (Cost of proposed building) = (1200 x 20000000) / (500)

Proposed building Cost Rs. 48000000 N = 1200 students

5. The cost of construction of school building is 2.50 crores for a capacity of 600 students and
area of construction is 1600 m2. Prepare approximate estimate of a newly proposed school
building for 1500 students with the area 5000 m2. Use plinth area method. (Answer
– Rs. 78125000/-)

Existing building Cost Rs. 25000000 Area 1600 m2

Proposed building Cost ? Area 5000 m2

1600 m2 Rs. 25000000

28
 5000 m2 ?

? (Cost of proposed building) = (5000 x 25000000) / (1600)

Proposed building Cost Rs. 78125000 Area 5000 m2

6. Prepare approximate estimate for a school building from following data:-

Number of classroom – 12
Area of each classroom – 50 m2
Area of other facilities – 1500 m2
Similar school building having same specification and having built up area of 750 m 2 was
constructed at Rs. 7125000. (Answer – Rs. 19950000/-)

Area calculation
Proposed building
No. of classroom = 12
Area of one classroom = 50 m2
Area of all 12 classrooms 12 x 50 600 m2
Area of classrooms + Area of other = 600 + 1500
Total area
facilities = 2100 m2

Existing building Cost Rs. 7125000 Area 750 m2

Proposed building Cost ? Area 2100 m2

750 m2 Rs. 7125000

2100 m2 ?

? (Cost of proposed building) = (2100 x 7125000) / (750)

Proposed building Cost Rs. 19950000 Area 2100 m2

7. Prepare approximate estimate of a town hall building having plinth area equal to 1500 m2.
Plinth area rate Rs. 4,000 per m2
Water supply and sanitary installation - 5 % of cost of building
Electric installation – 10% of cost of building
Other services - 5% of cost of building
Contingencies – 3% of overall cost of building
Supervision charges - 8 % of overall cost of building. (Answer – Rs. 79,92,000/-)
Solution – Construction cost = Plinth area x Plinth area rate

29
 = 1500 m2 x Rs. 4000 per m2
= Rs. 60,00,000/-
Water supply & sanitary installation
= 5% of Construction cost
= (5/100) x 6000000
= Rs. 3,00,000/-
Electric installation = 10% of Construction cost
= (10/100) x 6000000
= Rs. 6,00,000/-
Other services = 5% of Construction cost
= (5/100) x 6000000
= Rs. 3,00,000/-
Overall cost of building = Construction cost + Water supply & sanitary installation +
Electric installation + Other services
= 6000000 + 300000 + 600000 + 300000
= Rs. 72,00,000/-
Contingencies = 3% of Overall cost of building
= (3/100) x 7200000
= Rs. 2,16,000/-
Supervision charges = 8% of Overall cost of building
= (8/100) x 7200000
= Rs. 5,76,000/-
Total cost of building
= Overall cost of building + Contingencies + Supervision charges
= 7200000 + 216000 + 576000
= Rs. 79,92,000/-
8. Prepare approximate estimate of a public building having plinth area equal to 1800 sq.m.
i) Plinth area rate as Rs. 3,500/sq.m.
ii) Special architectural treatment = 3% of cost of building.
iii) Water supply and sanitary installation = 5% of cost of building.
iv) Electric installation = 14% of cost of building.
v) Other services = 5% of cost of building.
vi) Contingencies = 3% of overall cost of building.
vii) Supervision charges = 8% of overall cost of building. (Answer – Rs. 88,81,110/-)

30
9. Prepare approximate estimate for high school building from following data:
(i) Proposed plinth area = 2500 sqm.
(ii) Plinth area rate = 4000 / sqm.
(iii) Water supply charges = 3% of cost of building
(iv) Electric installation charges = 10% of cost of building
(v) Contingencies = 3% of overall cost of building
(Answer – Rs. 1,16,39,000/-)

10. Prepare approximate estimate for public building from given data:
(i) Plinth area = 2200 sqm
(ii) Plinth area rate = 3500/sqm
(iii) Electric installation charges = 8% of cost of building.
(iv) Water supply charges = 3% of cost of building
(v) Contingencies = 2% of overall cost of building
(vi) Engineer supervision charges = 4% of overall cost of building
(Answer – Rs. 90,59,820/-)

CHAPTER 3 – DETAILED ESTIMATE – 28 MARKS

DETAILED ESTIMATE AND ITS PURPOSE

A detailed estimate is the calculation of quantities and costs of all items and materials that
would be used in finishing the construction project. It differs from an initial approximate
estimate by the mere concern of detailing of all the items. It is usually done after finalizing
the drawings. Quantities are calculated from the dimensions of all items given in the drawing

31
and are written in a format called as Measurement sheet. These quantities are then transferred
to another format known as Abstract sheet in which, the cost of each item is calculated by
taking the product of quantity and the unit rate of that item. Expenses for miscellaneous
provisions are added to the final cost of all items. Thus, the total cost of project is determined.
This is the most accurate method. Such a detailed estimate is made for Administrative
approval, Technical sanction, Budget provision and also for the contract document.

DATA REQUIRED FOR DETAILED ESTIMATE

1. DRAWINGS – Drawings like plan, elevation, sections, site plan etc. are required for
preparing detailed estimate. Plans provide the horizontal dimensions (length and width or
thickness) of a structure whereas sections provide all the necessary heights or depths. These
all dimensions are used to enter in the Measurement sheet for calculating quantities of various
items.
2. SPECIFICATIONS – They specify quality, quantity, proportion of materials,
workmanship, method of execution, mode of measurement and payment for all items of work.
It is a guide for supervising the work as per the owner’s satisfaction. The rates of items
depend on specifications. Higher grade specifications cost more than the medium or low
grade specifications.
3. RATES – The rates per unit of various items of work, rates of different materials and
wages of all categories of labour are required for making a detailed estimate. These may be
taken from PWD Schedule of rates (DSR) or may be worked out by Rate analysis method.
4. UPDATED MODE OF MEASUREMENT – Modes or units of measurement of all items
of work are necessary for calculation of quantities and also for standard deductions or
additions to maintain the accuracy while preparing a detailed estimate.
5. STANDING CIRCULARS – Standard notices or circulars which specify the rules of tax
and insurance are required to find the prevailing rates if not given in the DSR.

PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF DETAILED ESTIMATE / STEPS

Preparation of detailed estimate consists of working out quantities of different items of work
and then working out the cost in two stages:-

1. DETAILS OF MEASUREMENT AND CALCULATION OF QUANTITIES /

TAKING OUT QUANTITIES – The procedure by which quantities of various items in a
particular structure are worked out is known as taking out quantities. The quantities of all

32
items in a structure are obtained after studying the drawings of that structure in detail. These
quantities are recorded in a format known as Measurement sheet. The whole work is divided
into different items of work as earthwork, concrete, brickwork etc. Details of measurement of
each item are seen from drawing and tabulated in Measurement sheet. Then calculation of
quantities like length, area, volume or numbers is done as per relevant units. This process of
working out the areas, volumes etc. is termed as squaring out.

2. ABSTRACT OF ESTIMATED COST / ABSTRACTING – Abstracting is the

procedure of calculating the cost of all items in a structure using its quantity from
Measurement sheet and per unit workable rate from DSR. The record of costs of these items
is maintained in another format known as Abstract sheet. The total cost of all items is worked
out in the Abstract sheet. 3 to 5% is added for contingencies, unforeseen expenses, changes in
design and rates which may occur during execution of work. 1.5 to 2% is also added for work
charged establishment. The grand total thus obtained is the estimated cost of work.

FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR PREPARATION OF A DETAILED ESTIMATE

a) Quantity of materials
b) Availability of materials
c) Transportation of materials
d) Location of site
e) Local labour charges

33
METHODS OF DETAILED ESTIMATE

1. UNIT QUANTITY METHOD

In the unit quantity method, the work is divided into as many operations or items as are
required. A unit of measurement is decided. The total quantity of work under each item is
taken out in the proper unit of measurement. The total cost per unit quantity of each item is
analyzed and worked out. Then the total cost for the item is found by multiplying the cost per
unit quantity by the number of units. For example, while estimating the cost of a building
work, the quantity of brickwork in the building would be measured in cubic meters. The total
cost (which includes cost of materials, labour, plant, overheads and profit) per cubic meter of
brickwork would be found and then, this unit cost multiplied by the number of cubic meters
of brickwork in the building would give the estimated cost of brickwork.
This method has the advantage that the unit costs on various jobs can be readily compared
and that the total estimate can easily be corrected for variations in quantities.

2. TOTAL QUANTITY METHOD

In the total quantity method, an item of work is divided into the following five subdivisions:
a) Materials
b) Labour
c) Plant
d) Overheads
e) Profit.

The total quantities of each kind or class of material or labour are found and multiplied by
their individual unit cost. Similarly, the cost of plant, overhead expenses and profit are
determined. The costs of all the five sub-heads are summed up to give the estimated cost of
the item of work. For example, the cost of brickwork in a building would be determined as
below:

SR.
COST OF COMPONENT COST
NO.

1 Cost of materials at the source Rupees

34
 Bricks Rupees

Sand Rupees

Cement Rupees

Water Rupees

Cost of handling and transporting above materials Rupees

2 Cost of skilled and unskilled labour Rupees

3 Cost of plant Rupees

4 Overheads Rupees

5 Profit Rupees

Total cost of brickwork Rupees

UNIT QUANTITY
TOTAL QUANTITY METHOD
METHOD

The work is divided into An item of work is divided in five categories – Material,
various items Labour, Plant, Overheads, Profit

Quantity of work for each Quantity of each type of material and labour are found and
item is calculated as per multiplied with their individual rate per unit to calculate its
proper unit of measurement individual cost

Rate per unit for each item is Cost of Plant, Overheads and Profit are determined
analysed and worked out

Quantity of an item Cost of all above five categories are added to give the
multiplied by rate per unit of estimated cost of that item
that item gives the cost of
that item

35
LONG WALL AND SHORT WALL METHOD (OUT TO OUT AND IN TO IN
METHOD OR PWD METHOD OR GENERAL METHOD OR INDIVIDUAL /
SEPARATE WALL METHOD)

In this method, measure external length of walls running in longitudinal direction generally
the long walls out to out and the internal lengths of walls running in transverse direction in to
in i.e. short walls. Calculate the quantities by multiplying the length, width, height of wall.
The same rule applies to the excavation in foundation, concrete in foundation and masonry
work. Care should be taken to note the difference in dimensions at different height due to
offset. Simply take long wall and short wall separately to measure centre to centre length of
walls from the plan. For symmetrical footings on either sides, the centre line remains same for
superstructure, plinth and foundation. This method is simple, accurate and has less chance of
mistakes.
Length of Long wall = centre to centre length of longitudinal wall + one width
Length of Short wall = centre to centre length of transverse wall – one width

36
CENTRE LINE METHOD

In this method, sum total length of centre line of walls has to be found out first for long and
short walls having same type of foundation and then quantities of an item are found out by
multiplying total centre line length with respective width and height. This length remains
same for excavation in foundation, concreting and superstructure with slight difference when
there are cross walls or number of junctions. This method is quick but requires attention and
consideration at junctions (meeting points of partition or cross walls).

For circular, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal buildings having no inter / cross walls, this
method is quite simple. For building with junctions, deduct half width of respective item
(wall / footing) from total centre line length. If two walls come from opposite directions and
meet a wall at the same point then, there will be two junctions.

For buildings having different types of walls, each set of wall has to be dealt separately. Find
total centre line length of walls of one type and proceed in the same manner as described
above. Similarly, find the total centre line length of walls of second type and deal with this
separately and so on. It may be noted that at corners of the building where two walls are
meeting, no deduction or addition is required.

Total Centre line Length (TCL) = Addition of centre line lengths of all walls

No deduction for L shaped junctions but TCL – (0.5 x n x b) for T shaped junction

Where, n = number of junction and b = width of the respective item

Number of T shaped junctions for + (plus) shape = 2 for considering deductions

37
BAR BENDING SCHEDULE

This is a list of reinforcement bars in a tabular format showing all its details. This format
helps to calculate quantity of bars as per size, details of bending and cutting accurately at the
work site. Also, it helps to avoid confusion and facilitates checking of reinforcement works
along with fast preparation of estimates. In working drawings for RCC structures, bar bending
schedule is mentioned.

Total Total
Bar Diameter Length Weight
Shape Numbers length weight
mark (mm) (m) (Kg)
(m) (Kg)

STEEL REQUIREMENT FOR FOOTING, COLUMN, BEAM, LINTEL, CHAJJA

AND SLAB

RCC work is usually estimated under two items. The concrete work including centring,
shuttering and binding of steel bars in position is taken under one item in cubic meters and the
steel reinforcement with its bending is taken under separate item in quintal. The quantity of
steel being small, no deduction is made for steel from the volume of concrete. Binding wire is
not taken separately but included in item of RCC work. If detailed drawings are not available,
steel reinforcement is calculated approximately on the basis of percentage of concrete. The
density of steel is taken as 78.5 quintal per cubic meters or 7850 Kg per cubic meters.

Lintel, Slab = 0.7 to 1% Beams = 1 to 2%,

Columns = 1 to 5% Foundation, Footing = 0.5 to 0.8%

Weight of bar per meter in Kg = (Diameter in mm)2 / 162

End or side cover for steel = 40 to 50 mm
Bottom and top cover = 12 to 20 mm for slab and 25 to 50 mm for beam
For 30° bent up bar, extra length = 0.3 D and for 45° bent up bar, extra length = 0.42 D

38
where, D = effective depth of beam or slab = Overall depth – 2 covers
L = length of beam or slab
1 tonne = 1000 Kg and 1 quintal = 100 Kg Diameter = ϕ

39
PROVISIONS IN DETAILED ESTIMATE

CONTINGENCIES

The term contingencies indicate incidental expenses of miscellaneous character which cannot
be classified under any item. 3 to 5% of estimated cost is provided to allow for the
miscellaneous items which do not fall under any sub-heads of items of work. Such incidental
expenses are met from the amount provided for contingencies. If there is any saving against

40
the amount provided for contingencies, this amount may be utilised with sanction of
competent authority to meet the expenses of extra items.

Example – Estimate mentions Kotah flooring for staircase covering only length and width of
tread. During construction, it is desired to have nosing at the end of steps. As there is no
allocation of funds for nosing, its cost can be met from the contingencies.

WORK CHARGED ESTABLISHMENT

Work charged establishment is the staff charged directly to works. During construction of a
building project, a certain number of supervisors, watchmen, accountants etc. are required to
be employed. Their salaries are paid from the amount of work charged establishment
provided in the estimate. 1.5 to 2% of estimated cost is considered for this purpose. The work
charged employees are temporary staff and their appointment is sanctioned by the competent
authority for a specific period. Their services are terminated at the end of sanctioned period.
Fresh sanction is taken if they are further required. However, they can be terminated at any
time but, usually one month’s notice is given.

CENTAGE CHARGES / DEPARTMENTAL CHARGES

When the engineering department takes up the work of another government department, a
percentage amount of 10 to 15% of the estimated cost is charged to meet the expenses of
establishment, designing, planning, supervision, audit etc. These percentage charges are
known as centage charges. It is also made on contributory and deposit works of local bodies,

41
private persons and others. The centage charge is provided in the estimate of work of Central
government undertaken for execution, also referred as supervision charges.

WATER SUPPLY AND SANITARY WORKS, ELECTRIFICATION CHARGES

In a building work for internal electrification, sanitary and water supply arrangements, a
percentage of about 20% of estimated cost of building is provided –

8% - for water supply and sanitary works

8% - for electrification
4% - for electric fans

Internal electrification includes electric wiring for lights, fans and plug points, brackets,
shades, holders, bulbs, switch boards etc. Excluding fans, 8% of estimated cost may be
sufficient for electrification.

Internal water supply works include water pipeline, taps, valves, fittings, fixtures, overhead
tanks etc. Whereas, sanitary works include sewer pipeline, water closets, flushing cisterns,
fittings, traps and other fixtures etc.

Cost of water supply and sanitary works, electrification may vary from 5 to 8% of building
cost. In unsewered area, an additional amount of about 3 to 4% of building cost may be
required for the provision of septic tank, soak pit etc.

TOOLS AND PLANTS (T and P)

For large projects, 1 to 1.5% of estimated cost is provided for purchase of tools and plants
required for execution of work. Usually, contractor has to use his own tools and plants.

PRIME COST

Prime cost is the actual cost of articles at shop and refers to the supply of articles only and not
to the carrying out of work. It is not always possible at the time of preparing estimate, to
specify the types of articles required. For example, water supply fittings, sanitary fittings,

42
door and window fittings etc. are to be decided at the time of actual fitting according to the
choice of owner / client / Engineer incharge.

For the execution of such items, a reasonable amount is kept in the estimate as Prime cost and
the same is also provided in bill of quantities of the contract.

The supply of articles will be made by contractor on receiving instructions from client’s side
regarding quality and price. The price to be paid to the contractor for prime cost articles will
be the actual price paid by him to the merchants. Contractor is not allowed any profit on
prime cost articles. While tendering, contractor should not alter the amount of prime cost, if
he does, such alteration will be ignored. Prime cost articles may be purchased directly or
through some agency. This amount is provided as lumpsum. Builder’s hardware which is not
an ordinary pattern may be taken as prime cost item.

PROVISIONAL SUM

Provisional sum is the amount provided in estimate and bill of quantities for some specialised
work to be done by a specialist firm, whose details are not known at the time of preparing
estimate. For example, installation of drinking water fountain, display fountain, lift, air-
conditioners etc. for which details may not be known while tendering and are to be done
through some specialist firm only. An amount provided in estimate and bill of quantities of
contract for such works is referred as provisional sum.

The amount paid to contractor will not be the exact amount of provisional sum but, will
depend on the arrangement made during execution as per its full information. The contractor
should not alter the amount of provisional sum while tendering, if he does, such alteration
will not be valid. The provisional sum item may be installed directly by some specialist firm.
This amount is provided as lumpsum. Some works of such nature which cannot be accurately
considered or which requires site measurement shall be described as provisional. Like
excavation, whose quantity cannot be ascertained before hand or electric service connection
as its charges by Electricity board may not be known.

PROVISIONAL QUANTITIES

When the quantities of a particular item are not certain, provisional quantities are provided
separately for such items. For this purpose, the quantities are calculated from measurements

43
on drawings with certain assumption of probable increase and are kept separately in bill of
quantities marked as provisional. For a building, if the nature of soil is uncertain and if it is
thought that extra depth of foundation will be required then, normal quantities of earthwork,
foundation concrete and brickwork will be calculated from dimensions in the drawing
whereas, their additional quantities due to probable extra depth are worked out separately,
marked as provisional quantities.

In a tender, contractor quotes rate for provisional quantities but, the payment of such
quantities is made on the completion of these items of work as actually done and measured. If
unnecessary extra depth is provided then, it will not be paid as provisional quantity. When
there is possibility of certain concrete piles required to be lengthened in position, provisional
quantities shall be provided separately for additional quantities.

BILL OF QUANTITIES

Bill of quantities or BOQ is the document made for specifying quantities of items and their
costs. It has five main components – Description of item, quantity, unit, rate per unit and cost.
This document is prepared by an estimator and it provides project specific measured
quantities of the items of work identified by the drawings and specifications in the tender
documentation. The bill of quantities is issued to tenderers for them to prepare a price for
carrying out the works. The bill of quantities assists tenderers in the calculation of
construction costs for their tender and as it means all tendering contractors will be pricing the
same quantities (rather than taking off quantities from the drawings and specifications
themselves), it also provides a fair and accurate system for tendering. The contractor tenders
against the bill of quantities, stating their price for each item. This priced bill of quantities
constitutes the tenderer's offer. As the offer is built up of prescribed items, it is possible to
compare both the overall price and individual items directly with other tenderers' offers,
allowing a detailed assessment of which aspects of a tender may offer good or poor value.
This information can assist with tender negotiations.

SPOT ITEMS OR SITE ITEMS

The term ‘spot items’ refers to the items of existing buildings that require alteration and
repair. In order for quantity surveyors to be able to price spot items, they need to be inspected

44
on site to gain an understanding of the extent of work that will be involved. A good working
knowledge of the construction technology and methodology is required to be able to write
spot items, making it easy to visualise and price accurately. In a bill of quantities, the
measurement unit will be stated as ‘Item’, although quantities may be given if they are
considered more appropriate. Items that have quantities are generally much easier for an
estimator to price. Typically, spot items will be set out in progression from location to
location in the building, as this makes monitoring and estimating easier and clearer.

DAY WORK METHOD

The term ‘day work’ is used to denote a procedure of costing or valuing an item of work on
the basis of actual labours and materials required. Certain items of work which cannot be
measured like - a design in plaster work, plastered statue work on elevation, under water
concreting, architectural finish of a building etc. are valued and paid by day work. In such
cases, the schedule of rates of materials and different classes of labours likely to be engaged
in the work should be included in the tender. For the purpose of day work payment, the
contractor has to maintain day work records where details of various materials actually used
and details of labour working hours are kept. This day work record should be frequently
verified by Engineer incharge.

The day work prices usually include material, labour, transport, contractor’s profit, overhead
charges, tools and plants etc. Day work method of payment is usually confined to small items
of works and may be on hourly basis so that, payment may be made for actual period of work
done by labours.

NUMERICALS

1. Calculate quantities of following items for a load bearing structure as shown in figures:-
Earthwork, Plain cement concrete bed in 1:4:8 proportion (PCC),

45
 Un Coursed Rubble Masonry work (UCRM) in cement mortar 1:6 proportion,
Damp Proof Course (DPC) in 1:3:6 proportion,
Brickwork in superstructure in cement mortar 1:6 proportion,
Internal plastering 12 mm thick in cement mortar 1:4 proportion,
Mosaic tiled flooring, Skirting and Reinforced cement concrete (RCC) slab.

2. Taking out quantities of 9 items as mentioned in question number 1 above.

46
3. Taking out quantities of 9 items as mentioned in question number 1 above.

47
LENGTH OF LONG WALLS

Length of LW = centre to centre length of longitudinal wall

LW1 = (0.3/2) + 4 + 0.3 + 4.5 + (0.3/2) = 9.1 m – 2 numbers

LW2 = (0.3/2) + 3.9 + (0.3/2) = 4.2 m – 1 number

LENGTH OF SHORT WALLS

Length of SW = centre to centre length of transverse wall

SW1 = (0.3/2) + 3.3 + (0.3/2) = 3.6 m – 5 numbers

CENTRE TO CENTRE LENGTH OF WALLS

TCL = 2 ((0.3/2) + 4 + 0.3 + 4.5 + (0.3/2)) + 1 ((0.3/2) + 3.9 + (0.3/2)) + 5 ((0.3/2) + 3.3 +
(0.3/2)) = 40.4 m

n = number of T shaped junctions = 4, b = width of the respective item

Deduction for T junctions = TCL – (0.5 x n x b)

48
Item Length Widt Height
Description Nos. Quantity
no. (m) h (m) (m)

1 Excavation in foundation

LW1 = 9.1 + 1.2 = 10.3 m 2 10.3 1.2 1.4 34.608

LW2 = 4.2 + 1.2 = 5.4 m 1 5.4 1.2 1.4 9.072
SW1 = 3.6 – 1.2 = 2.4 m 5 2.4 1.2 1.4 20.16
63.84 m3

Length = TCL – (0.5 x n x b)

Length = 40.4 – (0.5 x 4 x 1.2) 1 38 1.2 1.4 63.84 m3

2 PCC bed in foundation in 1:4:8

Proportion

LW1 = 9.1 + 1.2 = 10.3 m 2 10.3 1.2 0.15 3.708

LW2 = 4.2 + 1.2 = 5.4 m 1 5.4 1.2 0.15 0.972
SW1 = 3.6 – 1.2 = 2.4 m 5 2.4 1.2 0.15 2.16
6.84 m3

Length = TCL – (0.5 x n x b)

Length = 40.4 – (0.5 x 4 x 1.2) 1 38 1.2 0.15 6.84 m3

3 Un Coursed Rubble Masonry

work in cement mortar 1:6

proportion
First step

LW1 = 9.1 + 0.9 = 10.0 m 2 10 0.9 0.5 9

LW2 = 4.2 + 0.9 = 5.1 m 1 5.1 0.9 0.5 2.295

SW1 = 3.6 – 0.9 = 2.7 m 5 2.7 0.9 0.5 6.075

Second step

49
 LW1 = 9.1 + 0.7 = 9.8 m 2 9.8 0.7 0.6 8.232
LW2 = 4.2 + 0.7 = 4.9 m 1 4.9 0.7 0.6 2.058
SW1 = 3.6 – 0.7 = 2.9 m 5 2.9 0.7 0.6 6.09

Third step
LW1 = 9.1 + 0.5 = 9.6 m 2 9.6 0.5 0.75 7.2
LW2 = 4.2 + 0.5 = 4.7 m 1 4.7 0.5 0.75 1.7625
SW1 = 3.6 – 0.5 = 3.1 m 5 3.1 0.5 0.75 5.8125
48.52 m3

Length = TCL – (0.5 x n x b)

First step

Length = 40.4 – (0.5 x 4 x 0.9) 1 38.6 0.9 0.5 17.37

Second step

Length = 40.4 – (0.5 x 4 x 0.7) 1 39.0 0.7 0.6 16.38

Item Length Widt Height
Description Nos. Quantity
no. (m) h (m) (m)

Third step

Length = 40.4 – (0.5 x 4 x 0.5) 1 39.4 0.5 0.75 14.775

48.52 m3

4 Damp Proof Course in cement

concrete 1:3:6 proportion

LW1 = 9.1 + 0.5 = 9.6 m 2 9.6 0.5 9.6

LW2 = 4.2 + 0.5 = 4.7 m 1 4.7 0.5 2.35

SW1 = 3.6 – 0.5 = 3.1 m 5 3.1 0.5 7.75

19.70 m2
Length = TCL – (0.5 x n x b)

50
 Length = 40.4 – (0.5 x 4 x 0.5) 1 39.4 0.5 19.70 m2

5 Brickwork in superstructure
in cement mortar 1:6 proportion

LW1 = 9.1 + 0.3 = 9.4 m 2 9.4 0.3 3.2 18.048

LW2 = 4.2 + 0.3 = 4.5 m 1 4.5 0.3 3.2 4.32
SW1 = 3.6 – 0.3 = 3.3 m 5 3.3 0.3 3.2 15.84
38.208 m3

Length = TCL – (0.5 x n x b)

Length = 40.4 – (0.5 x 4 x 0.3) 1 39.8 0.3 3.2 38.208 m3

Deductions

For Door D 3 1.2 0.3 2.1 2.268

For Window W1 2 1.4 0.3 1.2 1.008

For Window W2 5 1.0 0.3 1.2 1.80

For lintel above Door D 3 1.5 0.3 0.15 0.2025

For lintel above Window W1 2 1.7 0.3 0.15 0.153

For lintel above Window W2 5 1.3 0.3 0.15 0.2925

5.724 m3

Net quantity = Gross quantity - Deductions 32.484 m3

6 Internal plastering 12 mm thick

in cement mortar 1:4 proportion

For walls of Room 1 2 3.3 3.2 21.12

2 4.5 3.2 28.80

51
 For walls of Room 2 2 3.3 3.2 21.12
Item Length Widt Height
Description Nos. Quantity
no. (m) h (m) (m)

2 3.9 3.2 24.96

For walls of Room 3 2 3.3 3.2 21.12

2 4.0 3.2 25.60
142.72 m2

Deductions

For Door D - 2.52 m2 5x0.5 1.2 2.1 6.30

For Door W1 – 1.68 m2 2x0.5 1.4 1.2 1.68

For Window W2 - 1.20 m2 5x0.5 1.0 1.2 3.00

10.98 m2

Net quantity = Gross quantity - Deductions 131.74 m2

For ceiling of Room 1 1 3.3 4.5 14.85

For ceiling of Room 2 1 3.3 3.9 12.87

For ceiling of Room 3 1 3.3 4.0 13.20

40.92 m2

7 Mosaic tiled flooring above 2cm

thick cement mortar bed in
1:6 proportion

Room 1 1 3.3 4.5 14.85

Room 2 1 3.3 3.9 12.87
Room 3 1 3.3 4.0 13.20

Add for Door sill D 3 1.2 0.3 1.08

52
 42.00 m2

8 Skirting at bottom face of wall

For walls of Room 1 2 3.3 6.6

2 4.5 9.0

For walls of Room 2 2 3.3 6.6

2 3.9 7.8

For walls of Room 3 2 3.3 6.6

2 4.0 8.0
44.60 R-m

Deductions

For Door D 5 1.2 6.0

Net quantity = Gross quantity - Deductions 38.60 R-m

Item Length Widt Height
Description Nos. Quantity
no. (m) h (m) (m)

9 RCC slab 120 mm thick in 1:2:4

proportion on load bearing walls

Above Room 1 and Room 3 1 3.9 9.4 0.12 4.3992

Above Room 2 1 3.6 4.5 0.12 1.9440

6.3432 m3

4. Taking out quantities of 9 items as mentioned in question number 1 above.

53
5. Taking out quantities of 9 items as mentioned in question number 1 above.

54
6. Taking out quantities of 9 items as mentioned in question number 1 above.

7. Taking out quantities of 9 items as mentioned in question number 1 above.

55
56
8.

57
9. Work out the quantity of concrete and steel in footing for a RCC column as shown in
figure.

Assume 50 mm all round cover

Concrete in rectangular portion = 1.0 x 1.2 x 0.15 = 0.18 m3

Concrete in trapezoidal portion = L/6 (A1 + A2 + 4 Am) here, L = 150 mm

A1 = 1.0 x 1.2 = 1.2 m2 and A2 = 0.5 x 0.5 = 0.25 m2 (as 50 mm offset from column)

Am = (A1 + A2) / 2 = (1.2 + 0.25) / 2 = 0.725 m2

Concrete in trapezoidal portion = 0.15/6 (1.2 + 0.25 + 4 x 0.725) = 0.10875 m3

Total concrete = 0.18 + 0.10875 = 0.28875 m3

Main steel length = length of footing – 2 end covers + 2 hooks

= 1200 – (2 x 50) + (2 x 9 x 12)

= 1316 mm = 1.316 m

Number of bars = (Span / Spacing) + 1 = ((1000 – (2 x50)) / 100) + 1 = 10 bars

Distribution steel length = width of footing – 2 end covers + 2 hooks

= 1000 – (2 x 50) + (2 x 9 x 12)

= 1116 mm = 1.116 m

Number of bars = (Span / Spacing) + 1 = ((1200 – (2 x50)) / 100) + 1 = 12 bars

58
 BAR BENDING SCHEDULE

Total Weight Total

Item Length
Description Shape Nos. length (d2/162) weight
no. (m)
(m) (Kg/m) (Kg)

Main steel 12 mm ϕ @ 100

1 10 1.316 13.16 0.89 11.71
mm c/c and 0.89 Kg /m

Distribution steel 12 mm ϕ 13.39

2 12 1.116 0.89 11.92
@ 100 mm c/c, 0.89 Kg /m 2

10.

59
11. Work out the quantity of steel and concrete for a circular RCC column with following
data:-
Diameter of column = 600 mm, Height of column = 4500 mm, Main steel = 8 bars of
TOR steel with 12 mm diameter, Links = 6 mm diameter MS bars @ 125 mm c/c.

Assume all round cover 40 mm

Concrete in column = π / 4 (0.6)2 x 4.5 = 1.27 m3

Main steel in column = 8 – 12 mm ϕ and Links 6 mm ϕ @ 125 mm c/c

Length of link = πD + (2 x 12 x diameter of bar)

= (π x 520) + (2 x 12 x 6) here (600 – 2 covers = 520mm)

= 1777.63 mm = 1.77763 m

Number of links = (Length of column / Spacing) + 1 = ((4500 / 125) + 1 = 37 numbers

BAR BENDING SCHEDULE

Total Weight Total

Item Length
Description Shape Nos. length (d2/162) weight
no. (m)
(m) (Kg/m) (Kg)

1 Main bars 8 – 12 mm ϕ @
8 4.5 36 0.89 32.04
0.89 Kg/m

2 Links 6 mm ϕ @ 125 mm 1.7776

37 65.77 0.22 14.47
c/c, 0.22 Kg/m 3

12.

60
13. Prepare bar bending schedule for slab of size 6300 x 3000 mm with 150 mm thickness.
Main bars 12 mm ϕ bent up alternately are provided along short span at 150 mm c/c.
Distribution steel 6 mm ϕ is provided in long span at 200 mm c/c. All round cover is 20
mm.

Main steel length = width of slab – 2 end covers + 2 hooks + one bent i.e. (0.42 x D)

= 3000 – (2 x 20) + (2 x 9 x 12) + (1 x 0.42 x 110) here (D = 150 – 2 x 20)

= 3222.2 mm = 3.2222 m

Number of bars = (Span / Spacing) + 1 = ((6300 – (2 x20)) / 150) + 1 = 42.73 = 43 bars

Distribution steel length = length of slab – 2 end covers + 2 hooks

= 6300 – (2 x 20) + (2 x 9 x 6)

= 6368 mm = 6.3680 m

Number of bars = (Span / Spacing) + 1 = ((3000 – (2 x20)) / 200) + 1 = 15.8 = 16 bars

Add total four distribution bars at the top for tying with bent up bars i.e. two on each side.

BAR BENDING SCHEDULE

Total Weight Total

Item Length
Description Shape Nos. length (d2/162) weight
no. (m)
(m) (Kg/m) (Kg)

Main steel 12 mm ϕ @ 100 138.5

1 43 3.2222 0.89 123.31
mm c/c and 0.89 Kg /m 5

Distribution steel 6 mm ϕ @ 127.3

2 20 6.3680 0.22 28.02
100 mm c/c, 0.22 Kg /m 6

14.

61
15. A RCC beam 330 mm wide, 450 mm deep and 5100 mm long is reinforced with 5 – 16
mm ϕ placed in one row. Out of 5, 3 bars are straight and two are bent up. In addition to
this 3 – 12 mm ϕ are provided at top as anchor bars. 6 mm ϕ stirrups are provided at 150
mm C/C. Overall cover provided to the beam is 25 mm. Calculate total quantity of steel
and prepare bar bending schedule.

Main straight bars length = Length of beam – 2 covers + 2 hooks

= 5100 – (2 x 25) + (2 x 9 x 16)

= 5338 mm = 5.338 m

Main bent up bars length = Length of beam – 2 covers + 2 hooks + 2 bents i.e. (2 x 0.42 x D)

= 5100 – (2 x 25) + (2 x 9 x 16) + (2 x 0.42 x 400) here (450 – 2 covers = 400 mm)

= 5674 mm = 5.674 m

Top anchor bars length = Length of beam – 2 covers + 2 hooks

= 5100 – (2 x 25) + (2 x 9 x 12)

= 5266 mm = 5.266 m

Length of Stirrups 6 mm ϕ stirrups @ 150 mm c/c

= 2 (280+400) + (2 x 12 x 6) = 1504 mm = 1.504 m here (330 – 2 covers = 280 mm)

Number of stirrups = (Span / Spacing) + 1 = ((5100 – (2 x25)) / 150) + 1 = 34.67= 35 stirrup

BAR BENDING SCHEDULE

Total Weight Total

Item Length
Description Shape Nos. length (d2/162) weight
no. (m)
(m) (Kg/m) (Kg)

1 Main straight bars 3 – 16 16.01

3 5.338 1.58 25.30
mm ϕ @ 1.58 Kg/m 4

2 Main bent up bars 2 – 16 11.34

2 5.674 1.58 17.93
mm ϕ @ 1.58 Kg/m 8

3 Top anchor bars 3 – 12 mm 15.79

3 5.266 0.89 14.06
ϕ @ 0.89 Kg/m 8

4 Stirrups 6 mm ϕ stirrups @
35 1.504 52.64 0.22 11.58
150 mm c/c, 0.22 Kg/m

62
16.

63
17. Calculate the quantity of steel and concrete for a RCC lintel and chajja as shown in figure.
Consider all round cover as 20 mm, stirrups as 6 mm ϕ @ 100 mm c/c, chajja
reinforcement as 8 mm ϕ main steel @ 150 mm c/c and 6 mm ϕ distribution steel @ 200
mm c/c.

Assume window opening of 1.2 m wide

Concrete in lintel = 1.5 x 0.3 x 0.15 = 0.0675 m3 here (1.2 m width + 2 bearings of 0.15 m)

Concrete in chajja = (0.5 x (0.06 + 0.1) x 0.75) x 1.5 = 0.09 m3

Total concrete = 0.0675 + 0.09 = 0.1575 m3

Lintel main bars length = Length of lintel – 2 covers + 2 hooks

= 1500 – (2 x 20) + (2 x 9 x 10) = 1640 mm = 1.64 m

Top anchor bars length = Length of lintel – 2 covers + 2 hooks

= 1500 – (2 x 20) + (2 x 9 x 10) = 1640 mm = 1.64 m

Length of Stirrups 6 mm ϕ @ 100 mm c/c

= 2 (110+260) + (2 x 12 x 6) = 884 mm = 0.884 m

here (300 – 2 covers = 260 mm) and (150 – 2 covers = 110 mm)

Number of stirrups = (Span / Spacing) + 1 = ((1500 – (2 x20)) / 100) + 1 = 15.6 = 16 stirrups

Chajja main bars length = (300 + 750) – 2 covers + 2 hooks

= 1050 – (2 x 20) + (2 x 9 x 8) = 1154 mm = 1.154 m

Number of bars = (Span / Spacing) + 1 = ((1500 – (2 x20)) / 150) + 1 = 10.73 = 11 bars

Chajja distribution bars length = 1500 – 2 covers + 2 hooks

64
 = 1500 – (2 x 20) + (2 x 9 x 6) = 1568 mm = 1.568 m

Number of bars = (Span / Spacing) + 1 = ((1050 – (2 x20)) / 200) + 1 = 6.05 = 07 bars

BAR BENDING SCHEDULE

Total Weight Total

Item Length
Description Shape Nos. length (d2/162) weight
no. (m)
(m) (Kg/m) (Kg)

1 Lintel main bars 4 1.64 6.56 0.62 4.06

2 Lintel anchor bars 4 1.64 6.56 0.62 4.06

3 Stirrups 16 0.884 14.14 0.22 3.11

4

4 Chajja main bars 11 1.154 12.69 0.40 5.08

4

5 Chajja distribution bars 07 1.568 10.97 0.22 2.41

6

65
CHAPTER 4 – RATE ANALYSIS – 12 MARKS

RATE ANALYSIS

Determination of rate per unit of a particular item from cost of material, labour and other
miscellaneous petty expenses required for its completion is known as the Analysis of rate.

PURPOSE

1. To determine current rate per unit of an item in the locality.

2. To examine viability of rates offered by contractors.

3. To calculate the quantity of materials and labour required for project planning.

4. To fix labour contract rates.

IMPORTANCE

In rate analysis of any item, usually 10 % contractor’s profit is added. Rates of materials are
usually taken as the rates delivered at the site of work and include the cost at origin (first
cost), cost of transport, railway freight, taxes etc. If the materials are to be carried out from a
distant place (more than 8 Km) then, cost of transport is also added. As the rates of material
and labour vary from place to place therefore, the rates of different items of work also vary
from place to place. It is useful in preparing abstract as it gives rate per unit.

66
FACTORS AFFECTING RATE ANALYSIS

1. Specifications of the item which indicates the quality and proportion of materials,
methods of construction and protection of work.

2. The present material rates for the items of work upto the work site.

3. Daily wages of different categories of labours in the locality with their respective
outputs.

4. The range of lead and lift required for material deposition to carry out the item of
work.

5. Percentage charge for overheads which include insurance and the possibility of theft or
loss.

6. The range of profit and availability of water in connection with the construction work.
(Contractor’s profit, water charges, Tools & Plants, sundries, scaffolding)

7. Besides these the site condition, site organization and cost control during execution etc.
should be considered as these factors affect the cost per unit of work done at site.

8. Major factors are Material and Labour whereas Minor factors are Special equipment,
Place of work, Magnitude of work, Conditions of contract, Profit of contractor,
Miscellaneous items etc.

LEAD AND LIFT (STANDARD AND EXTRA)

Normally earthwork is estimated for 30 m lead for distance and 1.5 m lift for height or depth.
This distance of 30 m and height of 1.5 m are known as normal lead and lift. Normal rate for
earthwork is for 30 m lead and 1.5 m lift. For greater (extra) lead and lift, the rates will be
higher for every unit of 30 m lead and for every unit of 1.5 m lift. The earthwork is therefore
estimated separately for every 30 m lead and for every 1.5 m lift.

Standard lead is the horizontal distance upto which the contractor will haul the excavated
material and is included in the rates of excavation. Lift is the vertical distance for the
excavated material during construction work. It is the height upto which the excavated
material is lifted.

67
OVERHEAD CHARGES

It includes general office expenses, rents, taxes, supervision and other costs which are indirect
expenses and not productive expenses on the job. The miscellaneous expenses on overheads
may be under following heads –

General overheads – establishment (office staff), stationery, printing, postages, traveling

expenses, telephone, rent and taxes etc.

Job overheads – supervision (salary of engineers, overseer, supervisor etc.), material

handling, repair, carriage, depreciation of Tools and Plants, amenities of labour, workmen’s
compensation, insurance, interest on investment, losses on advances.

Overhead charges are usually 2.5 % of net cost of a unit rate and may rise upto 5 %.
Overhead charges may increase if the progress of work is delayed.

WATER CHARGES

For drinking purpose of the workers and for the work execution, arrangement of water either
by sinking tube well or by taking temporary water connection from the Municipal
Corporation becomes necessary. In order to meet these expenses, an amount of 1 % to 1.5 %
of total cost of materials and labour has been provided in the analysis of rates as water charge.

CONTRACTOR’S PROFIT

The contractor may be allowed a net profit of 6 to 8 % and the miscellaneous overhead
expenses may come to about 5 to 10 %. For overhead expenses and contractor’s profit, 15 %
of the actual cost may be reasonable amount but, it is usual practice to add 10 % for all these
under the head of profit. For small works, overhead cost may be very little.

68
PROCEDURE OF RATE ANALYSIS

To fix the rate per unit of an item like rate of 1 cubic meter of brickwork or 1 cubic meter of
concrete work etc. following sub-heads are estimated and a summation of these is the rate per
unit of an item –

a) Quantity of materials and their cost

b) Labour costs
c) Costs of equipments, Tools and Plants (T & P)
d) Overhead or establishment charges (including incidental)
e) Water charges 1.5 %
f) Contractor’s profit 10 %

Rate analysis is usually worked out for the unit of payment of particular item of work under
above mentioned heads. The cost of materials are taken as delivered at site inclusive of the
transport, local taxes and other charges. For tools and plants and miscellaneous petty items
(sundries) which cannot be accounted in details, lumpsum provision is made. A provision for
water charges about 1.5 % of total cost is made in the rate. Adding 10 % to this cost as
Contractor’s profit, the rate per unit of item of work is obtained. 10 % profit may be added
over the whole cost of labour and materials including cement and steel, if it is not specified
that these will be supplied by the department (PWD).

69
TASK WORK AND FACTORS AFFECTING TASK WORK

The capacity of doing work by an artisan or skilled labour in the form of quantity of
work per day is known as the task work or out turn of the labour.

It is the output of labour per day considering 8 hours of working time.

The out turn of work per artisan varies to some extent according to size, nature, height,
situation, location of work etc.

In bigger cities where specialized & experienced labour is available, the out turn is
more than small towns and country sides.

In a well organized work, less labour is required.

TASK WORK FOR DIFFERENT SKILLED LABOURS FOR DIFFERENT ITEMS

Brickwork substructure 1.25m3 / mason

Brickwork superstructure 1m3 / mason
Half brick wall in partition 5 m2 / mason
Coursed rubble masonry 0.8 m3 / mason
Random rubble masonry 1 m3 / mason
Ashlar masonry 0.4 m3 / mason
Cement concrete 5 m3 / mason
RCC work 3 m3 / mason
Stone flooring 10 m2 / mason
12 mm Cement plastering 8 m2 / mason
Pointing 10 m2 / mason
White / Colour washing – 3 coats 70 m2 / washer
White / Colour washing – 1 coat 200 m2 / washer
Painting doors or windows – 1 coat 25 m2 / painter
Distempering – 1 coat 35 m2 / painter
Timber framing 0.07 to 0.15 m3 /carpenter
Door & window shutter 0.08 to 0.15 m2 /carpenter

70
 Sand filling in plinth 4 m3 / mazdoor
Excavation in ordinary soil 3 m3 / beldar
Excavation in hard soil 2 m3 / beldar
Mangalore tiling 6 m2 / tile layer
Terrazo flooring 5 m2 / mason

CATEGORIES OF LABOURS AND DAILY WAGES OF LABOURS

To obtain labour cost, the number and wages of different categories of labours - Skilled,
Semi-skilled and Unskilled, namely mason or carpenter, mazdoor etc. required for each unit
of work should be known and this number is to be multiplied by the respective wage per day.
Cost of labour = Number of labours x Rate of one labour per day. Depending upon the nature
of construction work of an item, different categories of labours may be appointed and paid
according to their skills. To complete the work early, number of labours required is more. But
the rate of labour per job remains same and is independent of time of activity. To appoint
number of labours for a job depends on the experience of Engineer.

Particulars Rate / day (Rs.)

Head mason 1000

Mason 800

Mazdoor 700

Coolie 600

Bhisti 500

Painter 700

Tile layer 1500

Polishing Mazdoor 800

Carpenter 2000

Blacksmith 1200

Bar Bender 700

Excavation in hard rock Mazdoor 800

Excavation Unskilled Mazdoor 500

71
 Stone cutter 2000

Supervisor 1000

Foreman 1500

Scaffolding Lumpsum 500

Formwork Lumpsum 1500

Sundries Tools & Plants Lumpsum 300

Timber planks Lumpsum 1500

Nails Tools & Plants Lumpsum 200

TYPES AND NUMBER OF LABOURS FOR DIFFERENT ITEMS OF WORK

Item of work Beldar Bhisti Blacksmith Carpenter Mason Mazdoor

Earthwork 28.3 m3 8 0.5 7

PCC work 2.83 m3 3 1.33 0.5 3

RCC work 2.83 m3 8 1.33 1 4 0.5 3

Stonework 2.83 m3 3 0.25 3 2

Brickwork 2.83 m3 0.5 2.25 4.25

Woodwork 0.18 m3 5 15

Steel work 16.5 m 4 2 2 1

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF VEHICLES

A bullock cart can carry one tonne load. The average speed of bullock cart may be taken as
3.2 Km / hour. Around 45 minutes may be allowed for loading and unloading. Taking 8 hours
working per day, the number of trips per day can be calculated.

Particulars for Bullock Cart Fair road Good road

Cement 15 bags 20 bags

Steel 0.75 tonne 1 tonne

Bricks 275 numbers 400 numbers

72
 Aggregates 0.7 m3 1 m3

Sand 0.85 m3 1 m3

Particulars for Truck 3 tonnes 5 tonnes 8 tonnes

Cement 3 tonnes 5 tonnes 8 tonnes

Steel 3 tonnes 5 tonnes 8 tonnes

Bricks 1000 numbers 1500 numbers 2000 numbers

Aggregates 2.8 m3 4.2 m3 5.6 m3

Sand 2.8 m3 4.2 m3 5.6 m3

Fall of 33 % on Fair roads

TRANSPORTATION OF MATERIALS AND THEIR HIRE CHARGES

The estimator calculates the quantities of various materials required per unit quantity of an
item following the detailed specification and also determines its cost from local market rates.
Quantities of materials are those required per unit rate of work delivered at site and its cost
include first cost, freight, transportation, sales tax and insurance charges as arises in question.
In case when materials like cement, steel, stone chips and bitumen are supplied
departmentally then, profit on the cost of materials is not allowed but, cost of carriage from
godown to work site shall be added.

If the site is within 8 Km radius from the place of transporting materials then, transportation
charges are included in the rates of material. Transportation charges is the amount paid to
contractor, if the materials are to be carried from a distance more than 8 Km from the work
site. Rates of materials vary from place to place and the transportation charges also vary. If
the transportation charges are to be paid by the department then, these charges shall be
considered while preparing the rate analysis of item.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Particulars Quantity

73
 Standard bricks in brickwork 500 numbers / m3

Bricks for half brick thick wall 50 numbers / m3

Dry mortar for brickwork – 30 % of volume 3 m3 / 10 m3

Stone for rubble masonry – 125 % of volume 12.5 m3 / 10 m3

Dry mortar for rubble masonry – 42 % of volume 4.2 m3 / 10 m3

Dry mortar for 12 mm plastering - 55 % of volume 2 m3 / 100 m2

Dry mortar for pointing in brickwork 0.6 m3 / 100 m2

Lime for white washing – 1 coat 10 Kg / 100 m2

Dry distemper – First coat 6.5 Kg / 100 m2

Dry distemper – Second coat 5 Kg / 100 m2

Ready mix paint – 1 coat 10 litres / 100 m2

Dry concrete for PCC / RCC – 152 % of volume 15.2 m3 for 10 m3

Dry concrete for DPC - 60 % of volume 4.125 m3 / 100 m2

Dry mortar for flooring – 25 % of volume 2.5 m3 / 100 m2

Volume of 1 cement bag (50 Kg) = 1 Pharma volume 35 litres = 0.035 m3

Galvanized iron sheet for roof 128 m2 / 100 m2

Asbestos cement corrugated sheet for roof 115 m2 / 100 m2

Dry mortar for brick flat floor 2.25 m3 / 100 m2

Bitumen for painting on DPC or roof – First coat 150 Kg / 100 m2

Bitumen for painting on DPC or roof – Second coat 100 Kg / 100 m2

Timber for paneled door shutter 4 cm thick 4.5 m3 / 100 m2

Timber for battened door shutter 4 cm thick 4 m3 / 100 m2

Timber for partly paneled and glazed door shutter 4 cm thick 3 m3 / 100 m2

Timber for fully glazed door shutter 4 cm thick 2 m3 / 100 m2

MATERIAL RATES

Particulars Rate / unit (Rs.)

74
 Binding wire 70 / Kg

Cement 350 / bag

Steel 40 / Kg

Sand 1000 / m3

Aggregates 1500 / m3

Vitrified tiles 600 / m2

Bricks 7 / number

Water proofing compound 45 / Kg

Galvanized iron sheet 700 / m2

Cement paint 80 / Kg

Hard murum 130 / m3

Bitumen emulsion 35 / Kg

Ghana teak wood 78252 / m3

Asbestos cement corrugated sheet 200 / m2

White cement 150 / Kg

Oil enamel paint 242 / litre

PREPARING RATE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT ITEMS OF WORK

PCC WORK IN SLAB, BEAM, COLUMN, LINTEL

PCC = 1:2:4 cement concrete proportion

Unit 1 m3 Take 10 m3

Dry volume of cement concrete = 10 x 1.52 = 15.2 m3

Material factor = 15.2 / (1+2+4) = 2.17

Cement = 2.17 x 1 = 2.17 m3 = 2.17/0.035 = 62 bags

75
Sand = 2.17 x 2 = 4.34 m3

Coarse aggregate = 2.17 x 4 = 8.68 m3

Rate Cost
Particulars Quantity
(Rupees) (Rupees)
       
Materials      
       
Cement 62 bags 300 18600
Fine aggregate 4.34 m3 1400 6076
Coarse aggregate 8.68 m3 800 6944
       
Labour etc.      
       
Mistry (Head mason) (1/3) number 700 235
Mason 2 numbers 600 1200
Mazdoor 12 numbers 500 6000
Boy or Woman coolie 20 numbers 400 8000
Bhisti (including curing) 6 numbers 400 2400
Formwork Lumpsum 1500 1500
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     51155
       
Add 1.5 % Water charges     511.55
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     5115.5
       
Grand Total -     56782.05
       
Rate per cubic metre = (Grand Total / 10) =     5678.205

RCC WORK IN SLAB, BEAM, COLUMN, LINTEL

RCC = 1:1.5:3 cement concrete proportion

Unit 1 m3 Take 10 m3

Dry volume of cement concrete = 10 x 1.52 = 15.2 m3

Material factor = 15.2 / (1+1.5+3) = 2.76

Cement = 2.76 x 1 = 2.76 m3 = 2.76 /0.035 = 79 bags

Sand = 2.76 x 1.5 = 4.14 m3

Coarse aggregate = 2.76 x 3 = 8.28 m3

Steel @ 2% of concrete @ 7850 Kg per cubic metre = (2/100) x 10 x 7850 = 1570 Kg

76
Binding wire = 2 Kg
Rate Cost
Particulars Quantity
(Rupees) (Rupees)
Materials      
Cement 79 bags 350 27650
Sand 4.14 m3 1000 4140
Metal / Aggregates 8.28 m3 1200 9936
Steel @ 2% of concrete @ 7850 Kg per cubic metre 1570 Kg 40 62800
Binding wire 2 Kg 70 140
Labour etc.      
Mistry (Head mason) (1/2) number 1000 500
Mason 3 numbers 800 2400
Mazdoor 12 numbers 700 8400
Boy or Woman coolie 20 numbers 600 12000
Bhisti (including curing) 6 numbers 500 3000
Formwork Lumpsum 1500 1500
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
Bending, Binding, Cranking bars -      
Blacksmith (II class) 12 numbers 800 9600
Mazdoor 12 numbers 500 6000
Centering and Shuttering (erect and dismantle)      
Timber planks Lumpsum 1500 1500
Carpenter (II class) 10 numbers 800 8000
Mazdoor 10 numbers 500 5000
Nails - Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     162966
       
Add 1.5 % Water charges     2444.49
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     16296.6
       
Grand Total -     181707.09
       
Rate per cubic metre = (Grand Total / 10) =     18170.709

77
BRICK MASONRY

Brick masonry = 1:6 cement sand mortar proportion

Unit 1 m3 Take 10 m3

Bricks required for 1 m3 = 1 / (0.2 x 0.1 x 0.1) = 500 bricks

Volume of bricks in 1 m3 = (500 x 0.19 x 0.09 x 0.09) = 0.77 m3

Volume of mortar in m3 = (1 - 0.77) = 0.23 m3

Add for wastage, breakage, frog filling, bonding = (0.23 x 1.15) = 0.26 m3

Add 25 % for Dry to wet volume = (0.26 x 1.25) = 0.32 m 3 = around 0.3 m3 = 30 % mortar =
3 m3 for 10 m3

Material factor = 3 / (1+6) = 0.43

Cement = 0.43 x 1 = 0.43 m3 = 0.43/0.035 = 13 bags

Sand = 0.43 x 6 = 2.58 m3

Rate Cost
Particulars Quantity
(Rupees) (Rupees)
       
Materials      
       
Cement 13 bags 350 4550
Sand 2.58 m 3
1000 2580
Bricks I class 5000 numbers 8 40000
       
Labour etc.      
       
Mistry (Head mason) (1/2) number 1000 500
Mason 10 numbers 800 8000
Mazdoor 7 numbers 700 4900
Boy or Woman coolie 10 numbers 600 6000
Bhisti (including curing) 2 numbers 500 1000
Scaffolding Lumpsum 1500 1500
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     69230
       
Add 1.5 % Water charges     1038.45
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     6923
       
Grand Total -     77191.45
       
Rate per cubic metre = (Grand Total / 10) =     7719.145

78
STONE MASONRY

Stone masonry = 1:6 cement sand mortar proportion

Unit 1 m3 Take 10 m3

Stones required for = 125 % = 12.5 m3 for 10 m3

Through stones required = 2 stones per m3

Volume of mortar = 42 % = 4.2 m3 for 10 m3

Material factor = 4.2 / (1+6) = 0.6

Cement = 0.6 x 1 = 0.6 m3 = 0.6/0.035 = 18 bags

Sand = 0.6 x 6 = 3.6 m3

Rate Cost
Particulars Quantity
(Rupees) (Rupees)
       
Materials      
       
Cement 18 bags 350 6300
Sand 3.6 m3 1500 5400
Stones 125 % 12.5 m3 1000 12500
       
Labour etc.      
       
Mistry (Head mason) (1/2) number 800 400
Mason 16 numbers 700 11200
Mazdoor 16 numbers 500 8000
Boy or Woman coolie 8 numbers 400 3200
Bhisti (including curing) 1.5 numbers 400 600
Scaffolding Lumpsum 500 500
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     48300
       
Add 1.5 % Water charges     724.5
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     4830
       
Grand Total -     53854.5
       
Rate per cubic metre = (Grand Total / 10) =     5385.45

79
VITRIFIED TILE FLOORING

Flooring = 1:6 cement sand mortar proportion

Unit 1 m2 Take 100 m2

Wet mortar required = 100 x 0.02 = 2 m3

Add 25 % for Dry to wet volume = (2 x 1.25) = 2.5 m3

Material factor = 2.5 / (1+6) = 0.36

Cement = 0.36 x 1 = 0.36 m3 = 0.36/0.035 = 11 bags

Sand = 0.36 x 6 = 2.16 m3

Cement for paste for laying tiles and for joints = 0.2 m3 = 6 bags

Size of vitrified tiles = 0.59 m x 0.605 m

Vitrified tiles required = 100 / (0.59 x 0.605) = 280

Rate Cost
Particulars Quantity
(Rupees) (Rupees)
       
Materials      
       
Cement 11 bags 330 3630
Sand 2.16 m3 1400 3024
Vitrified Tiles (0.59 m x 0.605m) 100 m2 601 60100
Cement for grout in laying tiles and for joint
6 bags 330 1980
filling 0.2 m3
       
Labour etc.      
       
Mistry (Head mason) 1 number 600 600
Mason 15 numbers 500 7500
Mazdoor including raking 15 numbers 400 6000
Bhisti 1.5 numbers 400 600
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     83634
       
Add 1.5 % Water charges     836.34
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     8363.4
       
Grand Total -     92833.74
       
Rate per square metre = (Grand Total / 100) =     928.3374

80
PLASTERING

12 mm thick Plastering = 1:6 cement sand mortar proportion

Unit 1 m2 Take 100 m2

Wet mortar required = 100 x 0.012 = 1.2 m3

Add 30 % for filling joints and uneven surfaces = (1.2 x 1.3) = 1.56 m3

Add 25 % for Dry to wet volume = (1.56 x 1.25) = 1.95 m3 = around 2 m3

Material factor = 2 / (1+6) = 0.29

Cement = 0.29 x 1 = 0.29 m3 = 0.29/0.035 = 9 bags

Sand = 0.29 x 6 = 1.74 m3

Rate Cost
Particulars Quantity
(Rupees) (Rupees)
       
Materials      
       
Cement 9 bags 330 2970
Sand 1.74 m3 1400 2436
       
Labour etc.      
       
Mistry (Head mason) (1/3) number 600 200
Mason 10 numbers 500 5000
Mazdoor including raking 15 numbers 400 6000
Bhisti (including curing) 0.75 number 400 300
Scaffolding Lumpsum 500 500
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     17606
       
Add 1.5 % Water charges     264.09
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     1760.6
       
Grand Total -     19630.69
       
Rate per square metre = (Grand Total / 100) =     196.3069

81
WOODWORK FOR DOOR AND WINDOW

Take a frame of 1.2 m x 2 m door without sill and with 8 cm x 12 cm section made of Ghana
teak wood. Window of size 100 cm x 150 cm.

Rate Cost
Particulars Quantity
(Rupees) (Rupees)
Door Materials      
       
Timber 5.48 x 0.08 x 0.12 m 0.05 m3 78252 3912.6
L = (2 x 2.14) + (1 x 1.2) = 5.48 m      
Add Wastage 5 % 0.0025 m 3
78252 195.63
 Shutter = (1.2 – 0.06 – 0.06) x (2.1 – 0.06) x 0.04 0.0881 m3 78252  6894.0 
0.06 from 0.08 to allow for 2 cm insertion & fitting      
 Labour etc.      
Mistry (Carpenter I class) (1/16) number 700 45
Carpenter II class (3/4) number 500 375
Coolie (helper) (1/2) number 400 200
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     4928.23
       
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     492.823
       
Grand Total -     5421.053
       
Rate per cubic metre = (Grand Total / 0.05) =     108421.06
       
Window Materials      
       
Timber - styles - 4 x 1.5 x 0.075 x 0.04 0.018 m 3
78252 1408.53
Top and Bottom rails - 2 x 1 x 0.075 x 0.04 0.006 m3 78252 469.51
Sash bars vertical - (2 x 1.38 x 0.04 x 0.04) 0.004 m 3
78252 313.00
insert 1.5 cm L=150 - (2 x 7.5) + (2 x 1.5) = 138 cm      
Sash bars horizontal - (6 x 0.38 x 0.04 x 0.04) 0.003 m 3
78252 234.75
insert 1.5 cm L=50 - (2 x 7.5) + (2 x 1.5) = 38 cm      
Add Wastage 5 % 0.002 m 3
78252 156.50
Fixtures and fittings Lumpsum 1000 1000
Labour etc.      
Mistry (Carpenter I class) (1/15) number 700 47
Carpenter II class 2 number 500 1000
Coolie (helper) 1 number 400 400
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
Total of Material and Labour -     5229.3
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     522.93
Grand Total -     5752.24
       
Rate per square metre = (Grand Total / 1.5) =     3834.83

82
DAMP PROOF COURSE

2.5 cm thick DPC = 1:1.5:3 cement concrete proportion

Unit 1 m2 Take 100 m2

Wet concrete required = 100 x 0.025 = 2.5 m3

Add 10 % for unevenness = (2.5 x 1.10) = 2.75 m3

Add 50 % for Dry to wet volume = (2.75 x 1.25) = 4.125 m3

Material factor = 4.125 / (1+1.5+3) = 0.75

Cement = 0.75 x 1 = 0.75 m3 = 0.75/0.035 = 22 bags

Sand = 0.75 x 1.5 = 1.125 m3

Coarse aggregate = 0.75 x 3 = 2.25 m3

Rate Cost
Particulars Quantity (Rupees) (Rupees)
       
Materials      
       
Cement 22 bags 300 6600
Fine aggregate 1.125 m3 1400 1575
Coarse aggregate 2.25 m3 800 1800
Cem-seal (1 Kilogram per cement bag) 22 Kg 50 1100
       
Labour etc.      
       
Mistry (Head mason) (1/3) number 700 235
Mason 8 numbers 600 4800
Mazdoor 8 numbers 500 4000
Bhisti (including curing) 1 number 400 400
Formwork Lumpsum 1500 1500
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     22210
       
Add 1.5 % Water charges     222.1
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     2221
       
Grand Total -     24653.1
       
Rate per square metre = (Grand Total / 100) =     246.531

83
EARTHWORK IN EXCAVATION IN FOUNDATION INCLUDING FILLING IN
TRENCHES UPTO 30 m LEAD and 1.5 m LIFT.

Unit 100 m3 Take 100m3

Particulars Quantity Rate (Rupees) Cost (Rupees)

       
Materials      
       
Labour etc.      
       
Mistry (Head mason) (1/2) number 700 350
Mazdoor 20 numbers 500 10000
Boy or Woman coolie 24 numbers 400 9600
Sundries, Tools and Plants Lumpsum 200 200
       
Total of Material and Labour -     20150
       
Add 10 % Contractor's Profit     2015
       
Grand Total -     22165
       
Rate per percentage cubic metre =     22165

84
CHAPTER 5 – ESTIMATE FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS – 12 MARKS

EARTHWORK QUANTITIES FOR ROADS, BUNDS AND CANALS

Cross-section of earthwork for roads, bund and canals in banking or in cutting is usually in
the form of trapezium and the quantity of earthwork may be calculated by the formula –

Quantity or Volume = Cross-sectional area x Length

Cross-sectional area = Area of central rectangular portion + Area of two triangular portions

= Bd + 2 (0.5 x Sd x d)

= Bd + Sd2

S:1 is the ratio of side slopes as horizontal : vertical (H:V). For 1 vertical, horizontal
component is S so, for d vertical, horizontal component is Sd.

Therefore, Quantity = (Bd + Sd2) x L

For calculation of earthwork, longitudinal section and cross section of ground are taken and
the formation level of the road is fixed. If the road is in cutting for some length and in
banking for some other length then, the excavated earth from cutting portion should be
utilized for banking portion with economical limits during the execution of work. Not to
consider this during estimation of earthwork quantities so as to avoid complicacy.

From L-section and formation line, the height of bank and depth of cutting are calculated. The
difference of RL of ground and RL of formation gives the height or depth.

Height or Depth = RL of formation – RL of ground.

85
Cross sectional figures for banking if inverted, gives cross sections for cutting. To distinguish
between cutting and filling, cutting is indicated by negative sign.

MID SECTIONAL AREA METHOD

When the ground is in a longitudinal slope, the height of bank or depth of cutting will be
different at the two ends of section. Here, mean height or depth may be taken for ‘d’ and
sectional area at mid-section is taken out from mean height or depth. This sectional area at
mid-section multiplied by length gives the quantity of earthwork. Different types of soils as
sandy, clayee, rock etc. are estimated separately as their rates vary.

Mean height or depth (dm) = (d1 + d2) / 2

d1 and d2 = height of bank or depth of cutting at two ends

L = Length of section

B = Formation width

S:1 = (H:V) side slope

Quantity = Area of mid-section x Length = (Bdm + Sdm2) x L

Volume Volume
RL of RL of d
Distance dm Bdm Sdm2 Bdm+Sdm2 Length of of
Formation Ground
(m) (m) (m ) (m )
2 2
(m )
2
(m) Filling Cutting
(m) (m) (m)
(m3) (m3)

                     

86
MEAN SECTIONAL AREA METHOD

Sectional area at the two ends may be calculated and the mean of two sectional areas is taken
out. Sectional area at the mid-section or the mean sectional area multiplied by length gives the
quantity of earthwork.

Mean sectional area (Am) = (A1 + A2) / 2

A1 = Area of section at one end = Bd1 + Sd12

A2 = Area of section at other end = Bd2 + Sd22

d1 and d2 = height of bank or depth of cutting at two ends

L = Length of section

B = Formation width

S:1 = (H:V) side slope

Quantity = Mean sectional area x Length = Am x L

Volume Volume
RL of RL of d
Distance Bd Sd2 Bd+Sd2 (Am) Length of of
Formation Ground
(m) (m 2
) (m 2
) (m 2
) (m 2
) (m) Filling Cutting
(m) (m) (m)
(m3) (m3)

                     

87
PRISMOIDAL FORMULA METHOD

Mean sectional area (Am) = (A1 + A2) / 2

A1 = Area of section at one end = Bd1 + Sd12

A2 = Area of section at other end = Bd2 + Sd22

d1 and d2 = height of bank or depth of cutting at two ends

L = Length of section

B = Formation width

S:1 = (H:V) side slope

Quantity = L / 6 (A1 + A2 + 4 Am)

Earthwork calculated by Prismoidal formula is more accurate than calculated by Mid

sectional area or Mean sectional area method. But it will differ by 1%. As earthwork is a
cheap item, Mid sectional area or Mean sectional area method is used since it entails less
labour. But where rates are high and greater accuracy is required Prismoidal formula may be
used. It may be noted that all these methods are used for embankment as well as for cutting.

Considering L = Length of section, by Simpson’s rule –

Quantity = L / 3 (First area + Last area + 4 (Sum of even areas) + 2 (Sum of odd areas))

First area = A1, Last area = An, Even area = A2, A4, A6 whereas, Odd area = A3, A5, A7 so on.

In case of Simpson’s rule, it is necessary to have an odd number of sectional areas and even
number of divisions. If there is an even number of sections then, the end strip should be
treated separately and volume of remaining strips should be calculated by the Simpson’s rule.
Simpson’s rule gives more accurate result as compared to Trapezoidal formula.

88
TRAPEZOIDAL FORMULA METHOD

When a series of cross-sectional areas are calculated at equidistant points then, considering
L = Length of section, the volume may be worked out by the Trapezoidal formula –

Quantity = L / 2 (First area + Last area + 2 (Sum of all remaining areas))

First area = A1, Last area = An, Remaining areas = A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and so on.

Trapezoidal formula gives an approximate result when compared to the Simpson’s rule. To
use Simpson’s rule or Trapezoidal formula, calculate the cross-sectional areas by the regular
procedure – Bd + Sd2.

DETAILED ESTIMATE FOR SEPTIC TANK

In rural areas, in factories and in unsewered urban and semi urban areas where adequate water
supply is available from pipe, well or any other source, a septic tank is suitable for disposal of
night soil. Water is required for the flow of night soil from laterine to septic tank and for the
functioning of tank. Septic tank is so designed that the sewage is retained in the tank for 24
hours during which period certain biological decomposition by the action of anaerobic
bacteria takes place which breaks and liquifies the night soil leaving small quantity of solid
which settles down in the form of sludge at the bottom of tank and clear water flows out of
the septic tank. The effluent from domestic septic tank is usually disposed by absorption in
soil through soak pit or subsoil drains. Earthwork in excavation, PCC floor and foundation,
Brickwork of walls, Plastering with water proofing compound on floor and walls, RCC slab,
Ventilation pipe, Cowl, Manhole, Inlet and outlet pipe, Iron foot steps, Baffle wall, Sloping
floor, Tee, Bend are some of the items to be estimated for a Septic tank.

89
DETAILED ESTIMATE FOR COMMUNITY WELL

Wells are extremely important to all societies. In many places wells provide a reliable and
ample supply of water for home uses, irrigation, and industries. Where surface water is
scarce, such as in deserts, people couldn't survive and thrive without groundwater, and people
use wells to get at underground water. A bored well is constructed using an earth auger,
which bores a hole into the earth. The bore hole is then lined or cased with masonry, concrete
curbing, or casing. A dug well is constructed by excavating or digging a hole, generally
several feet in diameter, down to the water table. Earthwork in excavation in soft soil, hard
murum, hard rock is calculated separately for each standard lift, RCC ring beam, Brickwork
or Stonework in circular wall usually done is steps with decreasing thickness upwards, PCC
safety barrier at top, Flooring on sides of well, Sinking of well, Plastering, CI steps, Manhole,
RCC slab are some of the items usually estimated for a Community well.

90
USE OF COMPUTER / SOFTWARES / PROGRAMS FOR PREPARING DETAILED
ESTIMATES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS

Computer is most effective in reducing time and labour when a number of repetitive
calculations are required to be done. Such a situation is often encountered in estimating and a
computerised approach to such a problem can save time, not sacrificing accuracy at the same
time. Engineers use the FORTRAN code to develop their many programs and the knowledge
of above language is a pre-requisite of computerised estimation.

A programmer accesses a digital computer to solve a particular problem with the help of
programming language which is translated by computer to machine language. A computer
program is basically a series of statements meaning certain instructions.

Following softwares are available for Civil engineering estimation works –

1. Estimator 2.0
2. QE Pro
3. 2001 CD Estimator
4. ACEIT
5. AEST 1 Auto Estimator
6. Chief Estimator
7. DENEB Construction accounting and estimating
8. Directlink estimating
9. Esti-Mate
10. Pro-Est
11. Win-Est
12. TECS
13. BIDDAY
14. BIDFAX 2000
15. Bid-Builder
16. Bid Master
17. CONAK Trackpoint
18. CORECON Application Suite 3.0
19. Cost works
20. Estimating Advantage

91
 21. Heavy Bid
22. ICE 2000
23. Job/Power Estimating
24. Paydirt
25. Precision collection
26. QSM System

The features / advantages of softwares are –

1. Real time saver – quick and accurate quantity calculation.

2. Required resources for execution can be specifically worked out.
3. Can prepare document required for calling tenders, quotations, placing orders.
4. Can be used by Builder, Contractor, PMC, Specialist etc.
5. Can prepare Contractor’s bills for selected items.
6. Highly interactive and sophisticated window based software that is easy to use.
7. Project management facilities can be done like scheduling and monitoring of
activities.
8. Can convert job requirement into enquiry / order.
9. Useful for quoting bids before selection of Contractor.
10. Excel sheets are relatively easy to use and refer. Also, provides means to create and
report construction cost estimate / cost models.

NUMERICALS

1. Prepare detailed estimate of a Septic tank shown in figure.

50 mm ϕ CI vent pipe

150 mm thick RCC slab 1:2:4 @ 1.2 % steel 2m

MH

BM 300 mm thick

1.8 m x 5.4 m x 2 m 2m
100
mm
100 mm 5.4 m

200 mm
PCC 1:3:6
92
Item Length Width Height
Description Nos. Quantity
no. (m) (m) (m)

1 Earthwork in excavation 1 6.2 2.6 2.2 35.46 m3

PCC 1:3:6 in floor and

2 1 6.2 2.6 0.2 3.22 m3
foundation

3 First class Brickwork in 1:4 CM 1 15.6 0.3 2.0 9.36 m3

4 12 mm cement plaster 1:3 with 2 1.8 2.0 7.2 m2

water proofing compound on

2 5.4 2.0 21.6 m2
walls

28.8 m2

5 20 mm Cement plaster 1:3 with

water proofing compound on

1 5.4 1.8 9.72 m2
floor

6 RCC slab finished smooth

including steel reinforcement 1 6.0 2.4 0.15 2.16 m3

completely laid in position

7 Steel reinforcement @ 1.2 % of (0.012 x 2.16) = 0.0259 m3

RCC @ 7850 Kg /m3 (0.0259 x 7850) = 203.32 Kg 2.0332 qu

8 50 mm diameter cast iron

ventilation pipe 1 2.0 2.0 R-m

93
 9 50 mm diameter cast iron cowl at

top of ventilation pipe 1 1 number

10 Manhole 1 1 number

11 If Baffle wall is given in center

with 20 cm thickness and 1 1.8 0.2 2.0 0.72 m3

20 x 20 cm opening

Deduct opening – 1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.008 m3

0.712 m3

12 If sloping floor is given with

20 mm thickness on one side 0.5 5.4 1.8 0.02 0.097 m3

2.

94
3. Prepare detailed estimate for a community well as shown in figure.

95
Item Length Width Height
Description Nos. Quantity
no. (m) (m) (m)

1 Earthwork in excavation

Soft soil

0 to 1.5 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 1.5 73.53 m3

1.5 to 3.0 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 1.5 73.53 m3

3.0 to 3.3 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 0.3 14.71 m3

161.77 m3

Hard murum

3.3 to 4.8 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 1.5 73.53 m3

4.8 to 6.3 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 1.5 73.53 m3

6.3 to 6.7 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 0.4 19.61 m3

166.67 m3

Hard rock

6.7 to 8.2 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 1.5 73.53 m3

8.2 to 9.7 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 1.5 73.53 m3

9.7 to 10.4 m 1 (π/4) x (7.9)2 0.7 34.31 m3

181.37 m3

2 RCC work in ring beam 1 (π/4) x (7.92 – 6.62) x 0.3 4.44 m3

3 Steel reinforcement in ring beam (4.44 x 0.01) = 0.04 m3

@ 1 % of RCC @ 7850 Kg / m3 1 (0.04 x 7850) = 314 Kg 3.14 quintal

4 First class brickwork

96
 First step 1 (π/4) x (7.92 – 6.62) x 3.7 54.78 m3

Second step 1 (π/4) x (7.62 – 6.62) x 3.4 37.92 m3

Third step 1 (π/4) x (7.32 – 6.62) x 03.3 25.22 m3

117.92 m3

5 PCC (1:2:4) at top of well

Considering hollow circular 1 (π/4) x (7.32 – 6.62) x 1.25 9.55 m3

Section OR

Considering circumference 1 (π x 6.95) x 0.35 x 1.25 9.55 m3

6 Shahabad flooring on side of well

Considering hollow circular 1 (π/4) x (11.72 – 7.32) 65.66 m3

Section OR

Considering circumference 1 (π x 9.5) x 2.2 65.66 m3

4. Calculate earthwork volume by mid sectional area method using following details:-
Width of formation = 10 m, Formation level at starting chainage = 52.00 m
Side slope = 1:1.5 for cutting and 1:2 for filling, Falling Gradient = 1 in 200

97
 Chainage
36
(m) 0 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 400 440 480 520
0
RL of
ground 5 50. 50. 51. 51.
50.9 50.8 50.7 51.2 51.3 51 50.6 50.7 50.9
(m) 1 5 6 4 2

Depth Mean Length

Chainage RL (F) RL (G) B dm S dm2 Bd+Sd2 Banking Cutting
(d) (dm) (L)
(m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m2) (m2) (m2) (m) (m3) (m3)
0 52 51 1
40 51.8 50.9 0.9 0.95 9.5 1.805 11.305 40 452.2
80 51.6 50.5 1.1 1 10 2 12 40 480
120 51.4 50.8 0.6 0.85 8.5 1.445 9.945 40 397.8
160 51.2 50.6 0.6 0.6 6 0.72 6.72 40 268.8
200 51.0 50.7 0.3 0.45 4.5 0.405 4.905 40 196.2
217.14 0 0.15 1.5 0.045 1.545 17.14 26.4813
240 50.8 51.2 -0.4 -0.2 2 0.06 2.06 22.86 47.0916
280 50.6 51.4 -0.8 -0.6 6 0.54 6.54 40 261.6
320 50.4 51.3 -0.9 -0.85 8.5 1.0837 9.58375 40 383.35
360 50.2 51 -0.8 -0.85 8.5 1.0837 9.58375 40 383.35
400 50.0 50.6 -0.6 -0.7 7 0.735 7.735 40 309.4
440 49.8 51.2 -1.4 -1 10 1.5 11.5 40 460
480 49.6 50.7 -1.1 -1.25 12.5 2.3437 14.8438 40 593.75
520 49.4 50.9 -1.5 -1.3 13 2.535 15.535 40 621.4
1821.48 3059.94
0.3 m (40 – X)
+
200 m 240 m
X - 0.4 m

Point of zero earthwork is at distance X so, to find X from similar triangles,

(X/0.3) = (40 – X)/0.4
0.3 (40 – X) = 0.4 X
12 – 0.3 X = 0.4 X
0.7 X = 12
X = (12 / 0.7) = 17.14 m
So, Point of zero earthwork is at a chainage of 200 + 17.14 = 217.14 m

To find the RL of formation for all chainages,

98
RL of formation of first chainage is 52.00 m and falling gradient is 1 m vertical for 200 m
horizontal so, for 40 m chainage it will be a falling slope of (40 x 1) / 200 = 0.2 m fall in
successive chainages. Like –

Chainage (m) Fall in each 40 m chainage (m) RL of formation (m)

0 0.2 52.00 (given)

40 0.2 51.8

80 0.2 51.6

120 0.2 51.4

160 0.2 51.2

200 0.2 51.0

240 0.2 50.8

280 0.2 50.6

320 0.2 50.4

360 0.2 50.2

400 0.2 50.0

440 0.2 49.8

480 0.2 49.6

520 0.2 49.4

Same numerical is solved here by mean sectional area method –

Depth Mean Length

Chainage RL (F) RL (G) B d S d2 Bd+Sd2 Banking Cutting
(d) Area (L)
(m) (m) (m) (m) (m2) (m2) (m2) (m2) (m) (m3) (m3)
0 52 51 1 10 2 12
40 51.8 50.9 0.9 9 1.62 10.62 11.31 40 452.4
80 51.6 50.5 1.1 11 2.42 13.42 12.02 40 480.8
120 51.4 50.8 0.6 6 0.72 6.72 10.07 40 402.8
160 51.2 50.6 0.6 6 0.72 6.72 6.72 40 268.8
200 51.0 50.7 0.3 3 0.18 3.18 4.95 40 198
217.14 0 0 0 0 1.59 17.14 27.2526
240 50.8 51.2 -0.4 4 0.24 4.24 2.12 22.86 48.4632

99
 280 50.6 51.4 -0.8 8 0.96 8.96 6.6 40 264
320 50.4 51.3 -0.9 9 1.215 10.215 9.5875 40 383.5
360 50.2 51 -0.8 8 0.96 8.96 9.5875 40 383.5
400 50.0 50.6 -0.6 6 0.54 6.54 7.75 40 310
440 49.8 51.2 -1.4 14 2.94 16.94 11.74 40 469.6
480 49.6 50.7 -1.1 11 1.815 12.815 14.8775 40 595.1
520 49.4 50.9 -1.5 15 3.375 18.375 15.595 40 623.8
1830.05 3077.96

5. Calculate earthwork volume by Prismoidal formula using the following details:-

Width of formation = 10 m
Formation level = 112.60 m
Side slope = 1:1.5 for cutting and 1:2 for filling

Chainage
0 30 60 90 120 150 180
(m)
RL of
112.00 111.80 111.70 111.60 111.50 111.30 111.40
ground (m)

This numerical is solved here first by mean sectional area method to find the areas of all cross
sections and then these areas will be used to substitute in the Prismoidal formula –

Depth Mean Length

Chainage RL (F) RL (G) B d S d2 Bd+Sd2 Banking Cutting
(d) Area (L)
(m) (m) (m) (m) (m2) (m2) (m2) (m2) (m) (m3) (m3)
0 112.60 112.00 0.60 6 0.72 6.72      

30 112.60 111.80 0.80 8 1.28 9.28 8 30 240

60 112.60 111.70 0.90 9 1.62 10.62 9.95 30 298.5

90 112.60 111.60 1.00 10 2 12 11.31 30 339.3

120 112.60 111.50 1.10 11 2.42 13.42 12.71 30 381.3

150 112.60 111.30 1.30 13 3.38 16.38 14.9 30 447

180 112.60 111.40 1.20 12 2.88 14.88 15.63 30 468.9

2175

Volume by Prismoidal formula / Simpson’s rule

= L / 3 (First area + Last area + 4 (Sum of even areas) + 2 (Sum of odd areas))
= (30 / 3) (6.72 + 14.88 + 4 (9.28 + 12 + 16.38) + 2 (10.62+13.42))

100
= (10) (21.60 + 150.6 + 48.08)
= (10) (220.30)
= 2203 m3
Same numerical is solved here by Trapezoidal formula,

Volume by Trapezoidal formula

= L / 2 (First area + Last area + 2 (Sum of all remaining areas))
= (30 / 2) (6.72 + 14.88 + 2 (9.28 + 12 + 16.38 + 10.62 + 13.42))
= (15) (21.60 + 123.40)
= (15) (145.00)
= 2175 m3
6. Calculate the quantities of items – Excavation, RCC ring beam, UCRM, Cement flooring
and CC Coping for the Community well as shown in figure.

7. Calculate the quantities of items – Excavation and PCC for the Community well as shown
in figure.

101
8. Calculate quantities of items – Excavation, PCC, Burnt brick masonry for the Septic
tank as shown in figure.

9. Calculate quantities of items – Excavation, PCC, Burnt brick masonry and RCC slab
for the Septic tank as shown in figure.

102
10. Calculate earthwork volume by using the following details:-
Width of formation = 10 m
Formation level at starting chainage = 52.00 m
Side slope = 1:1.5 for cutting and 1:2 for filling
Falling Gradient = 1 in 200

Chainage
0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 540
(m)
RL of
ground 73.12 72.44 71.86 72.08 71.3 70.8 70.54 70.82 70.96 71.5
(m)
RL of
Formation 72.42 71.94 71.46 70.98 70.5 70.8 71.1 71.4 71.7 72
(m)

103
Mid-sectional area method

Depth Mean Length

Chainage RL (F) RL (G) B dm S dm2 Bd+Sd2 Banking Cutting
(d) (dm) (L)
(m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m2) (m2) (m2) (m) (m3) (m3)
0 72.42 73.12 -0.7  
60 71.94 72.44 -0.5 -0.6 6 0.54 6.54 60 392.4
120 71.46 71.86 -0.4 -0.45 4.5 0.3037 4.8037 60 288.225
180 70.98 72.08 -1.1 -0.75 7.5 0.8437 8.3437 60 500.625
240 70.5 71.3 -0.8 -0.95 9.5 1.3537 10.853 60 651.225
300 70.8 70.8 0 -0.4 4 0.24 4.24 60 254.4
360 71.1 70.54 0.56 0.28 2.8 0.1568 2.9568 60 177.408
420 71.4 70.82 0.58 0.57 5.7 0.6498 6.3498 60 380.988
480 71.7 70.96 0.74 0.66 6.6 0.8712 7.4712 60 448.272
540 72 71.5 0.5 0.62 6.2 0.7688 6.9688 60 418.128
1424.8 2086.88

Mean-sectional area method

Depth Mean Length

Chainage RL (F) RL (G) B d S d2 Bd+Sd2 Banking Cutting
(d) Area (L)
(m) (m) (m) (m) (m2) (m2) (m2) (m2) (m) (m3) (m3)
0 72.42 73.12 -0.7 7 0.735 7.735        
60 71.94 72.44 -0.5 5 0.375 5.375 6.555 60   393.3
120 71.46 71.86 -0.4 4 0.24 4.24 4.8075 60   288.45
180 70.98 72.08 -1.1 11 1.815 12.815 8.5275 60   511.65
240 70.5 71.3 -0.8 8 0.96 8.96 10.8875 60   653.25
300 70.8 70.8 0 0 0 0 4.48 60   268.8
360 71.1 70.54 0.56 5.6 0.6272 6.2272 3.1136 60 186.816  
420 71.4 70.82 0.58 5.8 0.6728 6.4728 6.35 60 381  
480 71.7 70.96 0.74 7.4 1.0952 8.4952 7.484 60 449.04  
540 72 71.5 0.5 5.5 6.9976 60 419.856  
1436.71 2115.45
Prismoidal formula method
Cutting Volume by Prismoidal formula
= L / 3 (First area + Last area + 4 (Sum of even areas) + 2 (Sum of odd areas) )
= (60 / 3) (7.735 + 8.96 + 4 (5.375 + 12.815) + 2 (4.24) )
= 1958.7 m3
Plus V= L / 6 (First area + Last area + 4 x mean area)
V = 60 / 6 (8.96 + 0 + 4 x 4.48)
= 268.80 m3
So, total volume = 1958.7 + 268.8 = 2227.50 m3

104
Filling Volume by Prismoidal formula
= L / 3 (First area + Last area + 4 (Sum of even areas) + 2 (Sum of odd areas) )
= (60 / 3) (0 + 5.5 + 4 (6.2272 + 8.4952) + 2 (6.4728) )
= 1546.7 m3
Cutting Volume by Trapezoidal formula
= L / 2 (First area + Last area + 2 (Sum of all remaning areas) )
= (60 / 2) (7.735 + 0 + 2 (5.375 + 4.24 + 12.815 + 8.96) )
= 2115.45 m3
Filling Volume by Trapezoidal formula
= (60 / 2) (0 + 5.5 + 2 (6.2272 + 6.4728 + 8.4952) )
= 1436.71 m3

105