QUS 210 Book PDF

UNESCO-NIGERIA TECHNICAL &
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
REVITALISATION PROJECT-PHASE II
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN
QUANTITY SURVEYING
TENDERING AND ESTIMATING II

COURSE CODE: QUS 210
YEAR 2- SE MESTER 2
THEORY
Version 1: December 2008
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WEEK 1:
1.0 PRICING OF PRELIMINARIES I
1.1 What are Preliminary Items?
1.2 Estimating for Typical Preliminary Items
WEEK 2:
2.0 PRICING OF PRELIMINARIES II
WEEK 3:
3.0 PRELIMINARIES ANALYSIS WORKSHOP
3.1 Preliminary Bill
3.2 Class Workshop
WEEK 4:
4.0 PREPARATION OF TENDER
4.1 Decision to Tender
4.2 Collection of Information
4.3 Enquiries and Quotations
4.4 Visit to Site
4.5 Visit to Consultants Offices
4.6 Receipt of quotations
4.7 Planning and Mid Tender Review
4.8 Preparation Of The Estimate
4.9 Final Review
4.10 Action after Submitting a Tender
4.10.1 Action with a successful tender
4.10.2 Action with an Unsuccessful Tender
4.11 Factors in Pricing General and Special Attendance on Subcontractors
WEEK 5:
5.0 MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING TENDER PRICE
5.1 Factors Affecting Tender Price
WEEK 6:
6.0 PRICIPLES OF ANALYTICAL ESTIMATING
6.1 Elements of a Unit Rate
6.2 Calculation of Unit Rates
6.2.1 Materials
6.2.2 Plant
6.2.3 Overheads
6.2.4 Profit
WEEK 7:
7.0 BUILD-UP HOURLY RATE FOR PLANT & EQUIPMENT
7.2 Groundworks
7.2.1 Hand Excavation
7.3 Excavation using Mechanical Plant
7.4 Banksmen
7.5 Disposal of Excavated Material
7.6 Earthwork Support
WEEK 8:
8.0 BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR SURFACE EXCAVATION
8.1 Surface Excavation
8.2 Removal of Excavated Materials
WEEK 9:
9.0 BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR CONCRETE WORK I
9.1 Concrete Work
9.2 Reinforcement
9.3 Guide to Using this Student Learning Pack
9.4 Concrete Works
9.4.1 Site Mixed Concrete
9.4.2 Ready Mixed Concrete
9.5 Concrete Reinforcement
WEEK 10:
3
10.0 BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR CONCRETE WORK II

9.6 Concrete Work
9.6.2 Ready-Mixed Concrete
9.8 Concrete Work
9.7 Reinforcement
WEEK 11:
11.0 BUILD UP UNIT RATES FOR REINFORCEMENT
11.1 Bar Reinforcement
WEEK 12:
12.0 BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR FORMWORK
12.1 Formwork
WEEK 13:
13.0 BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR ROOFING
13.1 Roofing
WEEK 14:
14.0 BUILD UP UNIT RATE FOR MASONRY
14.2 Masonry works
14.3 Fact and Figures
WEEK 15:
15.0 PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR TUTORIAL CLASS
15.1 Questions
Course: Tendering and Estimating II

Course Code: QUS 210
Contact Hours: 2hrs
Course Specification: Theoretical Content
General Objective for Week 1: Appreciate the Build-up for Preliminary
Items
WEEK 1: PRICING OF PRELIMINARIES I (1.0)
1.1 What are Preliminary Items?
Preliminary items are items of cost which do not relate to any particular work section and
usually listed in the first bill of quantities. Many estimators prefers to inserts a lump sum for
all the preliminaries usually worked out as a percentage of the total of the measured works. It
is good practice however to put a price to each of the item. The price quoted should read at
after careful consideration of each item as it applies to the particular job at hand e.g water for
the works. It will be pipe bone water readily available on site or water has to be transported to
site on trucks.
1.2 Estimating for Typical Preliminary Items

(1) Site Supervision: These include the salaries and allowances paid to the site agent or
engineer and the administrative staff on the site such as cashiers, clerks, time keepers,
material checkers, store controllers etc. when this staff are sent aways from the area in
which they normally work and this necessitate them having to leave away from their
usual place of residence for a period of time a subsistence allowance may have to be
added to cover the additional expenses they will incure e.g
site agent
salary / month
10,000
Housing allowance
Transport allowance =
2,500
8,000
20,500 =
20,500
Cashier
Salary / month
5,000
Housing allowance
4,000
Transport
2,000
11,000 =
11,000
5
Clerk
Salary / month
3,500
Housing
1,600
Transport
1,500
6,600
6,600
Store controller
Salary / month
3,500
Housing
1,600
Transport
1,500
6,600
6,600
2,300
Messenger
Salary / month
Salary / month
1,000
Housing
800
Transport
500
2300
47,000/month
Contract duration 12 month
Add 1 month before project and
Add 3 months for defect liability period
Total month 16
16 months x 47,000
752,000
Add 10% for insurance and I.T.F
75,200
827,200
Add 25% for profit and overhead
206,800
1,034,000
(2) Site Accommodation

The contractor is usually expected to provide and maintain temporary site
accommodation for
(i)
Supervising consultant on site
(ii)
Site agent and site staff
(iii)
Hut for workmen
(iv)
Storage, shed for materials, tools etc.
Pricing for these must cover the cost of:

6
(a) Initial construction of accommodation

(b) Removal on completion and making good ground disturbed
(c) Maintenance of accommodation throughout duration of the project
(d) Furniture including ventilation and air conditioning
(e) Overhead and profit from these estimator must remove the resale value of
items are still useable at the end of the projects e.g
Site office
Initial construction cost
Architect office
7.5m2
Engineer office
7.5m2
Quantity Surveying
7.5m2
Site agent
7.5m2
General office
10m2
Contractors room
12m2
Rest room
2.5m2
54.5m2
Circulation space
55m2
5.5m2
10%
60.5m2
61m2
61m2 at 9,000
549,000
Less resale value of items (about 27%) 149,000

N400,000
Demolish and cart away from site including making good @ 500/m2 x 61m2
=
(3)
30,500
Mechanical Plant
This include all mechanical plant not allocated to unit rate such as cranes, lift,
dumpers, hoist, tractor, generating set, drills, forklift etc. the contractor is expected to
allow for this items whether they are purchased specifically for the project or they are
already owned by the firm or they are to be hired for the period they are required on
the project. The usual thing is to allow for
(a) cost of transporting plant to site
(b) Hire rate for the period plant is on site
(c) Cost of maintenance on site
(d) Profit and overhead
7
(3)
Tools
This include items such as shovels, portable drills, wheel barrows, batch boxes, guage
etc. smaller tools such as hammer, trowel, plumb level, plumb lines, paint brushes etc.
that are associated with a particular trade are not aloe for, here. They are usually taken
care of in the tool allowance included in the all in-labour rate for such fields. If the
project is large enough to used up small tools such as paint brushes, sand papers etc.
then the cost of such are included in the unit rate for the items that required their use
in pricing consideration is given to the cost of purchasing of the tools less their resale
value.
(4)
Scaffolding
The total height and the type of construction determined the amount and type of
scaffolding required for a project, the contractor may purchase scaffolding for use in
the work. Whatever they may be, in pricing consideration is usually given to the
following.
(a) Hire rate for the duration of the project
(b) Labour cost for erecting scaffolding on site
(c) Labour cost for adopting scaffolding for special uses
(d) Labour cost for dismantling scaffolding at the end of the project
(e) Transportation cost for bringing to site and removing from site all scaffolding
(f) Profit and overhead
WEEK 2: PRICING OF PRELIMINARIES II

(6) Water For The Work
Water required for the project is provided in either of the two ways supply by water
tankers if the site is far from a source or pipe bone water. In pricing consideration is given
the following:
If the site is far from the source: Cost of water supply by water tanker. It may be
necessary to write out an approximate estimate of the quantity of water required for the
project from previous project, certain allowance can be made for concrete work 480
liters/m3
For Block work
350 liters/m2
Rendering
30 liters/m2
Workman hut
2000/day
Site accommodation
20,000/day
Based on these allowances total quantity of water can be estimated for the whole project
and priced at prevailing water tanker rate for that areas.
Cost of Temporary Storage:
This include
(a) Cost of labour and materials in constructing surface tank, overhead tank, pipe work
and its pumps.
(b) Cost of cleaning and maintaining tanks, water pipes and water pumps.
(c) Cost of removal of water storage and temporary pipe work and making good ground
disturbed
(d) Overheads and profits
(a) Pipe Bone Water:
Pricing will include
(i) Cost of water connection by water board
(ii) Cost of labour and material for laying pipes
(iii)Cost of temporary storage
(iv) Water rate are usually charged as flat rate per plot. Therefore no need to estimate
approximately
(v) Cost of disconnection, removal of pipe and making good defect
(vi) Overhead and profit
(7) Lighting and Power for Work

As in the case of water, provision of power is effected in either of two ways
(a) Power generating set: If site is far from existing mains, pricing will include
(i)
cost of hiring generating set for the duration of the project.
(ii)
Cost of cables, wiring and light fittings
(iii)
Cost of running and maintaining generating set for duration of project
(iv)
Cost of labour and materials for constructing temporary sheds for generators
(v)
Cost of dismantling shed, removal and making good
(vi)
Cost of transporting generating set to site and removal on completion of project.
(vii)
Overhead and profit
(b) Electrical supply from electrical authority mains, pricing will include
(8)
(i)
Cost of connection to the electrical authority
(ii)
Cost of cables, wiring and light fittings
(iii)
Cost of electricity bills
(iv)
Cost of disconnection on completion of project
(v)
Cost of hiring a standby generator in case of electricity failure
(vi)
Overhead and profit
Temporary Road
In certain building and civil engineering construction, temporary road have to be
constructed from the existing road to the site in order to get access to and make
possible the distribution of materials to various part of the site. Temporary road may
also be required is first worked and priced with the following considerations
(a) Cost of labour during clearing the road
(b) Cost of excavation either by hand or by mechanical plant
(c) Cost of labour and materials in laying laterite, blinding, gravel
(d) Cost of maintaining the road for the duration of the project
(e) Cost of removal of temporary road if not required at completion of all works on
site and making good ground disturbed
(f) Overhead and profits
(9)
Temporary Telephone
If the project requires the telephone, the constructor must arrange for telephone
communication to be installed on site for easy communication for the duration of the
contract, pricing will include
(a) Cost of telephone installation by telephone organization in this case NITEL
(b) Cost of telephone bills
10
(c) Cost of maintenance

(d) Cost of disconnection\
(e) Overhead and profit
(10) Control of Traffic and the Additional Cost
Reconstruction and repairing of existing road, lying sewers, water mains etc. in
existing roads and construction works in congested areas may create the necessity for
closing part of some road temporarily to traffic. In such cases the provision of one
way traffic control, diversions and access to adjoining houses, shops etc. may become
necessary. The following should be given consideration
(a) control of traffic which involves
(i)
Cost of speed breakers
(ii)
Cost of constructing barriers
(iii)
Cost of red flags
(iv)
Cost of labour flagging traffic
(v)
Cost of providing diversion
(vi)
Cost of removal of sign board to adjoining house, shops, garage etc.
(b) The provision of access road to adjoining houses, shops, garages etc
(i) Cost of labour and materials to provide pedestrian and vehicular access to shops,
houses, cars and park etc.
(c) Additional cost of work on existing road where traffic is involved
(11)
(i)
Cost of delays to progress of work due to traffic and congestion
(ii)
The presence of existing water mains, cable sewers, culverts etc.
(iii)
Watching and lighting the work
(iv)
Overhead and profit
Welfare and Safety of Work People

This will comprise the cost of
(a) First aid box
(b) Drugs, antiseptics, bandages etc.
(c) Providing a nurse or medical attendant
(d) Maintaining first aid box
(e) Removal
(f) Protective clothing such as overall, element, nose mask, face mask, ear plug, boot
eye shield (industrial goggle)
(g) Safety equipment such as hose, fire fighting equipment
(h) Overhead and profit
11
(12)
Temporary Fencing, Hoardings, Screeds, Fans Gantries and Similar Items.

Each will comprise the cost of
(a) Labour and materials
(b) Maintenance
(c) Removal and making good
(d) Overhead and profit
(13) SITE SECURITY:

This will comprise
(a) Cost of labour and materials to construct temporary security shed post
(b) Labour and materials to installed security lighting, intruder alarms
(c) Furniture, stationeries, tags, I.D card etc.
(d) Wages for workmen
(e) Hiring of watch dogs
(f) Removal of sheds and lightening on completion of project and making good ground
disturbed
(g) Overhead and profit
(14) Removing Rubbish and Site Clearance on Completion of Project.
This involves the cost of
(a) Labour and materials clearing off such rubbish.
(b) Plant, lorry and labour loading such lorry transporting the rubbish from site
(c) Labour and materials cleaning up door, windows etc.
(15) Site Meeting: this will Comprise the Cost of:
(a) Provision of stationeries at each meeting
(b) Provision of refreshment at each meeting
(c) Wages of attendant
(16) Setting out of the Work:
this will comprise the cost of
(a) Pegs, templates and ropes or line
(b) Hiring of theodolite, precise level and other survey equipment
(c) Bringing to site and removing from site all the above name equipment
12
(d) Fees for engineer and the assign team

(e) Overhead and profit
13
WEEK 3: PRELIMINARIES ANALYSIS WORKSHOP (3.0)

3.1 Preliminary Bill
The preliminaries bill gives the contractors the opportunity to price overheads which is
described in the Code of Estimating Practice as the cost of administering a project and
providing general plant, site staff, facilities and site based services and other items not
included in bill rates.
Preliminaries costs vary from contract to contract depending on complexity of work, size of
contract, specialist plant and equipment required, conditions imposed by the employer etc.
On relatively simple contracts preliminary costs may be in the order of 10 15% of the
contract sum whereas on complex contracts this figure could be much higher.
A contractor must calculate the cost of the preliminary items separately for each contract, no
two contracts are the same.
SMM7 recommends that fixed and time-related charges should be identified separately in a
bill of quantities.
A fixed charge is defined as the cost of work which can be considered as being independent
of duration
A time-related charge is defined as the cost of work which is to be considered as dependant
on duration.
3.2 Class Workshop

The appendix below is a summary of the bill for the case study project. Students will be
expected to appreciate and be able to work out how preliminary items in the bill are priced
and distributed between time or cost related and fixed charges for the purpose of monthly
valuations.
Procedures:
The work book will be made available to students at the beginning of the lecture. Time will
be allowed for students to read and comprehend the notes. Students will then be asked to sit
in groups of between 3 and 4 to discuss their understanding and set up query list on the
project.
After about 30 minutes, each group will be required to use the preliminaries breakdown form
to identify percentage allocation of each preliminary item across the table and to provide
justification for the allocation on each item.
14
Appendix 1 attached shows the tender submission details and actual progress achieved on site
for monthly valuation purposes on a typical construction project.
(a)
Allocate the preliminaries to time related and lump sums sections (Use form
Appendix 2).
APPENDIX 1
TENDER SUBMISSION DETAILS
Bill No. Preliminaries

A
Supervision
Plant
1,200.00
Scaffolding
1,200.00
Welfare Facilities
2,100.00
Site Huts
1,000.00
Site Telephones
400.00
Temporary Lighting & Power
400.00
Programme
200.00
Watching
1,250.00
Site Hoarding
1,800.00
Temporary Roads
950.00
Setting Out
400.00
Drying the Works
500.00
Cleaning Away Rubbish
500.00
Water for the Works
727.00
Insurance Against Injury to Person and Property

Total Bill No. 1
14,000.00
3,401.00
30,028.00
Bill No. 3 External Works

A
Soiling and Seeding
4,082.16
Paths and Pavings
6,111.27
Retaining and Screen Walls
2,017.33
Drainage
9,127.16
Fencing
1,812.19
15
Total Bill No. 3
23,150.11
Bill No. 2 Measured Work

A
Demolition
1,200.00
Excavation and Earthwork
11,526.16
Concrete Work
29,526.41
Brickwork and Blockwork
31,416.12
Roofing
14,112.16
Woodwork
35,516.44
Plumbing and Mechanical Installations
18,642.12
Electrical Installations
Floor, Wall and Ceiling Finishings
17,316.18
Glazing
4,127.13
Painting and Decorating
12,011.14
9,216.14
184,610.00
Bill No. 4 Prime Cost Sums
Nominated Sub-Contractor
A
Piling
8,500.00
Profit
5%
425.00
General Attendance
Item
170.00
Specialist Landscaping
Profit
5%
General attendance
Item
27,000.00
1,350.00
600.00
Nominated Suppliers
G
Kitchen Equipment
Profit
Sanitary Fittings
Profit
18,000.00
5%
900.00
12,000.00
5%
600.00
16
Ironmongery
Profit
5,000.00
5%
250.00
Statutory Undertakings
N
Water Main Connection
1,200.00
Profit
Gas Main Connection
Profit
5%
25.00
Electrical Main Connection
5%
500.00
Profit
5%
25.00
Sewer Connection
Profit
5%
60.00
500.00
1,400.00
5%
Total Bill No. 4
70.00
78,575.00
Tender Summary
Bill No. 1
Preliminaries
30,028.00
Bill No. 2
Measured Work
184,610.00
Bill No. 3
External Work
23,150.11
Bill No. 4
Prime Cost and Provisional Sums
78,575.00
Bill No. 5
Daywork
TOTAL TENDER SUM
9,050.00
325,413.11
Bill No. 2
Item A complete
Item B complete
Item C complete
Item D complete
Item E complete
17
Item F 50% complete

Item G 40% complete
Item H 40% complete
Item J 20% complete
Item L 10% complete
Bill No. 3
Item A 20% complete
Item B 20% complete
Item C 40% complete
Item D 40% complete
Bill No. 4
Item A complete
Item D 8,600
Item G 8,000
Item J 6,000
Item L 2,000
Item N complete
Item P complete
Item R complete
Bill No. 5
Variations 9,000.00 agreed.
Materials on Site 6,237 agreed.
The following AIs were received from the Architect in respect of the following Prime
Cost and Provisional Sums:
1. Accept a quotation of 10122.50 from Keane & Bonney Piling Ltd.
It was observed that the Piling nominated sub-contractor had erroneously left out the
main contractors discount in their quotation for the works.
Effect the necessary corrections before valuation.
18
2. Accept a quotation of 27500.00 from Landson Landscape plc.

3. Accept a quoation of 19012.00 from Kitchen & Sons for the supply of kitchen fittings.
4. Accept a quoation of 13176.00 from Loo Ltd for the supply of sanitary fittings.
5. Accept a quoation of 8820.00 from Smith & Smith for the supply of ironmongery.
19
APPENDIX 2
JCT 80
Breakdown of Preliminary Items
Cost
Time
Related
Related
Lump Sums
Start
Total
Finish
Supervisor
Plant
Welfare
Site Huts
Telephones
Temporary
Lighting
and
power
Programme
Watching
Site Hoarding
Temp Roads
Setting Out
Drying the works
Cleaning Rubbish
Water
Insurance
TOTALS
20
Questions:
(1) Define prelimiaries and give three examples of a prelimiary item
(2) How do contractors price these items?
(3) Define fixed costs and provide five examples of an item you think would be priced as a
fixed cost item
(4) Define time related costs and give five examples of preliminary items you think a
contractor would price as a time-related cost.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE FOR WEEK 4:

Know the tendering procedures.
21
WEEK 4: PREPARATION OF TENDER (4.0)

Reference: CIOB (1997) Code of Estimating Practice, 6th Edition. Ascot: CIOB
The preparation of a tender can be divided into six stages.
4.1 Decision to Tender

The tender documents arrive and the estimator records all relevant information such as:
The time allowed for preparing the tender
Drawings available
The approximate value and extent of the project
The client, Architect, Q.S and other consultant
Value of main contractors own work
Project Details eg phased work, conditions of contract, access to site, working conditions.
Firm price or fluctuating price tender required
Current workload and timetable for project
After reviewing the above information, management must decide whether to tender for the
project or decline the invitation. If it is decided not to submit a price, the tender documents
should be returned immediately to the architect/supervising officer. If it is decided that a
tender should be submitted, the contractor move to the next stage.
4.2 Collection of Information

The time allowed for preparing a tender is always limited; the estimator must plan the
programme very carefully. The work which has to be undertaken in a typical 4 week tender
period comprises:
Despatching enquires
Visit consultants offices
Visit the site
Receipt of quotations and examinations
The mechanical process of pricing the tender documentation
Meetings with plant manager, contracts manager etc to determine a preliminary

programme, construction methods and likely plant requirements.
4.3 Enquiries and Quotations

22
Suppliers
Enquires should state:
The specification of the material
The quantity required
The anticipated delivery dates
The terms upon which the price is required
The date by which the quotation is required
The address of the site and access details
Period for which the quotation is open for acceptance
Sub-contractors
Photocopies of the relevant parts of the bill of quantities, specifications and if possible copies
of drawings, should be sent out to perspective sub-contractors. Enquires should state clearly:
The items to be priced
The terms of the main contract
The period for which the quotation is open for acceptance
The plant, materials, attendance etc to be provided by the main contractor
Anticipated commencement and completion dates
The form of contract and details from the appendix
The terms of payment
Date by which the quotation is to be submitted
Address and details of the site
4.4 Visit to Site

The visit to site can be made after all enquires have been despatched and before prices begin
to come back. The visit to the site will enable the estimator to produce a report giving the
following information:
The position of the site in relation to roads etc
Names of local and statutory authorities
Details of site/ground conditions, spot items etc
Site access, egress and possible site layouts

23
Facilities for disposal of surplus excavated materials etc
4.5 Visit to Consultants Offices

It may be that only drawings showing plans and elevations will be sent out with the tender
documents and that further details and working drawings can be examined at the consultants
offices e.g. the estimator may require further details of manufactured joinery, steelwork
joinery fittings etc, before these sections can be priced accurately.
4.6 Receipt of quotations

Prices received from sub-contractors and suppliers are examined for sufficiency, terms etc
4.7 Planning and Mid Tender Review

The project is discussed with other managers to determine a preliminary programme,
construction methods, sequence of work, site layouts and what other plant, services, labour
and site staff are required.
It must be decided whether:
All labour can be obtained locally or will it be necessary to recruit for the project.
Sufficient plant is already owned or is it necessary to purchase/hire additional items.
It would be desirable to sub-let any further work.
The preliminary programme should also be prepared containing the following information:
Contract starting and completion dates
Any work to be done in stages
Work to be sub-let by main contractor
Work to be done by nominated sub-contactors (if JCT 98 form)
4.8 Preparation Of The Estimate

It can be divided into 4 stages:
1. The establishment of all-in rates for key items i.e. labour, gang costs, plant costs etc.
2. The selection of domestic sub-contractors and suppliers
3. The use of these all-in rates together with costs per unit for materials to calculate unit
rates for each item in the bill
4. The pricing of the preliminaries and project overheads
4.9 Final Review
24
The consideration of the estimate to produce a tender is the responsibility of management.

The estimator and other senior staff will prepare reports for consideration by management
who will consider the following items before determining the tender figure;
Project reports
Conditions of contract
Contractual and construction risks
Terms of the quotations from sub-contractors
Capital required for the project
Technical and management staff required
Current workload
Market Conditions
Competition
Reputations of client, consultants and area.
Following evaluation of the alternatives, risk and scope for profitability the mark up is
determined and the actual tender figures calculated. The decision being made within the
framework of company policy.
A record of all tenders should be kept together will the results (if known) for future reference.
4.10 Action after Submitting a Tender

4.10.1 Action with a successful tender
Check contract documents to ensure that:
The dates, penalties etc are the same as those contained in the tender documents
The bills have been copied correctly from the original
The drawings are those which were circulated with the tender documents
Disseminate information
Information should be made available to those responsible for purchasing, construction
planning and plant.
Feedback information
Feedback from site on labour and plant outputs etc, to be kept for future pricing
Cost/Value Reconciliation
At regular intervals during the construction period, the costs at that time should be compared
with a meaningful valuation of work done in order to check that the job is on target
25
4.10.2 Action with an Unsuccessful Tender

It the tender has been unsuccessful the contractor must assess why this is the case. Records
of tenders submitted must be kept and estimators must evaluate their performance. Suppliers
and sub-contractors should be notified of results as soon as possible.
Factors in Pricing General and Special Attendance on Subcontractors

Each site has its own peculiar characteristics which can have considerable influence on the
total cost of development. Some of the more important factors are:
(1) Location of site: - Due to higher wastages, materials and other cost, it is expensive to
erect a similar building in an urban area than in a provincial setting. Some parts of the
areas are subject to higher rainfall than others and this can lead to a greater loss of
working time even within the same region, the cost of operating on different sites can
vary widely. A project on a remote country site may involve long length of temporary
access road and temporary power cable for electricity supplies and increase cost of
transporting operatives and materials and components, protection of adjoining buildings
and the public and restrictions on the use of mechanical plant. Taking these problems will
incure additional cost. Furthermore, a very expose site may make working conditions
more difficult and costly. Some locations may be more vulnerable to vandalism and theft
and so require more costly protective measures.
(2) Demolition site clearance: A site may contain buildings which requires demolition, paved
areas which requires breaking up and trees which requires felling, grubbing up and
disposal of their roots, another site may be cleaned of all obstruction.
(3) Contours: Few sites are entirely level. The most steeply slopping, the more greater will
be the cost of foundation and earthwork, the steeping of strip foundation increase their
cost. Most buildings requires constant floor levels and this will involve considerable
excavation and fill on its slopping site.
(4) Ground conditions: Where the strata is low load bearing capacity. It may be necessary to
introduce pile or other more expensive types of foundation. Raft foundations on made up
ground or in areas liable to mining subsidence may be three trust as expensive as normal
strip foundations where as pile foundation used to convey loads to a deeper load bearing
strata could be as much as five times as expensive. The cost of excavation in rock could
be five to eight times as expensive as working in normal ground, the provably length of
haul in the disposal of surplus soil also needs consideration. Where ground water is close
to the surface of the site, costly pumping operations may be needed. A wet site may also
involve raising temporary sheds and offices on brick bases and more costly temporary
26
roads. The types of strata will also influence the form and extent of timbering or other
means of supporting that will be needed to the sides of excavations.

Know factors affecting tender figures.
27
WEEK 5: MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING TENDER PRICE (5.0)

Construction cost is a broad phrase or term and can be interpreted to mean cost of any sort
to anyone associated with construction work. It depends on the point of view let us say you
are a contractor, your costs are your expenditure on labour, materials and plant. The clients
cost of land, consultant fees and so on.
The base cost of construction therefore comprises of expenditure on materials, labour and
plant, the quantities of materials, labour and plant required for a job are determined &
attaching prices to these defines the basic construction cost, but to these are also a variety of
factors that affect this basic cost: -
5.1 Factors Affecting Tender Price

(1) Market Condition:
The volume of work in progress in the area at a given point in time affect construction
cost. When the market is burying with many project, tender price list are generally high.
Most consultants are busy and competition is not keen. However during ausle times when
there are few projects, contractors are anxious to out bid themselves so as to stay in
business, so construction cost tends to be lower.
(2) Availability of Materials:
When required materials are readily available in an area where a project is to be executed,
materials will be cheaper than where they are not so available. Generally, materials are
cheaper where they are produced e.g if you can buy cement directly from Ashaka, the
price will be a lot cheaper than in Kaduna because of transportation and profit margins of
middlemen and so on. Imported materials for similar reasons are more expensive than
locally produced materials.
(3) Availability Of Labour:

Where a certain type of labour is not readily available in the area where a project is to be
constructed, it may be necessary to import from an area where such labour is available.
Some inducement may have to be offered before such labour will move from its base
such as transportation, accommodation, inconveniences allowances etc. these add to the
cost of construction.
28
(4) Transportation:
The farther a site is from town, the more expensive will be the construction cost e.g the
same building to be constructed in Barnawa and also near Kaduna Airport will cost
differently, the additional cost of transporting materials, labour and plants to the airport
site will increase the cost of construction.
(5) Location:
The standard of living in an area affects the cost of construction. People are willing to pay
higher prices for construction in places like Lagos and Abuja than are to pay in other
places like Benin, Kaduna or Enugu.
(6) Location of Site: The particular location of the site can have significant effect on cost. Remote site may
require additional cost for the provision or access roads and temporary services or the
provision of additional security measures. Also, a site in a congested or restricted area
also gives rise to major problems such as delivery & storage of materials and
components, protection of adjoining buildings and the public, restriction on the use of
mechanical plants and so on, all these will increase the cost of construction.
(7) Time Consideration: For certain reasons, a project may need to be completed in a very short time, this tends to
push up construction cost. Labourers may be required to work overtime and overtime
rates are usually higher than normal rates. Incentives scheme may have to be introduced
to increase labour productivity. Closure supervision is necessary as mistake must be
avoided, there may be time to apply remedial action.
(8) Site Condition:
May affect the construction cost of a particular building. The nature of ground may
necessitate more complex form of foundation. The ground water level when close to
surface will involve costly water pumping operation. A wet site may involve rising
temporary sheds and offices above ground level and they involve more costly temporary
roads. Steeply sloping site may involve major cost in cutting and filling requirements,
existence of buried pipes and cables may involve major cost to re-root such.
(9) Total Height of Building:
The higher a building is, the longer it takes and more difficult it is to get the point of
execution of works. It is also more difficult to work at such height. Labour charges for
29
working at great height
are higher than abnormal height, there is also the cost of
providing additional safety measures and insurance. Also, the need for special
scaffolding, hoist, tower crane, elevators etc. will tend to increase the cost of very tall
building over the cost of building requiring the same quantities at ground level.
(10)
Legislation:
Has a way of affecting construction cost in dramatics manner as we have seen in Nigeria
over the years e.g minimum wage, import restrictions and duties, labour policies, fiscal
policies such as exchange rates, interest rates etc. in for costing construction cost, an
estimator need to keep an eye on legislation, to decide which are likely to affect
construction cost and how.
(11)
Class of Contractors:
There are various types of contractors in the market. These gives rise to different
classification.
Small contractors comprises of one man board of directors. They usually carry little
general overhead and keep very few permanent staff
Medium contractors usually have a board of at least two but not more than five
directors they employ a few more permanent staff, have a reasonable office and
possess some equipment and official cars.
Large contractors have a lot of times publicly owned with many share holders having
at least six members on their board of directors, fleet of cars and equipments, large
office space and a lot of staffs of various discipline. Generally, the larger the firm, the
higher their cost. Also, the level of profit expected by the share holder of larger firms
is a lot more than that required by the smaller contractors. The rates for the small
contractors therefore tends to be much lower than for large contractors (e.g AG
Ferrero and small firms)
(12)
Type of Client:
the type of client or developer can affect the cost of
construction.
Some clients are willing to and are capable of paying more for construction than
others. Also, some clients have methods to be taken into consideration while
estimating construction cost (e.g U.N.T.L will pay on time than N.N.P.C when a
contract is carried out)
(13)
Types of Consultants:
30
Architect: - Some architects are very difficult to work with, their initial designs are
not detailed and they rely a lot on instructions on site. Many variations occur and
delays are frequent. These will add to the cost of construction. The same applies to
Engineers and other designers. Contractors are therefore known to increase their
prices by a certain percentage when it is known that they would be working with
particular consultant.
(14)
Types of Tendering:
Open tendering generally brings lower prices than selective tendering, and this in turn
result in lower price than negotiated tendering which brings the highest price of fall.

Use rate analysis to price items in the bill of quantities.
31
WEEK 6: PRICIPLES OF ANALYTICAL ESTIMATING (6.0)

6.1 Elements of a Unit Rate
To analyse something is to break it down into its constituent parts and study each part in
detail. Therefore analytical estimating involves the analysis and costing of construction
resources to produce an estimate.
The production of an estimate normally involves the calculation of unit rates i.e. the cost of
an individual measured item for example a square metre of brickwork, a cubic metre of
concrete or a metre of skirting. As found in a Bill of Quantities.
Analytical estimating is therefore the most accurate form of estimating as each resource and
unit rate is analysed and costed individually. This form of estimating is used for pricing
contracts with bills of quantities, specifications and drawings or where the contractor has
measured and prepared their own quantities of work.
Labour
Materials
Plant
Unit Rate
Overheads
Profit

Unit Rates maybe calculated in one of two ways:
Net Rate (Excludes Overheads and Profit)
Gross Rate (Includes Overheads and Profit)
32
In our industry most estimators will calculate costs based on net rates these will then be
enhanced later to include overheads and profit. Gross rates are sometimes referred to as allin rates.
The Resources which compromise a unit rate are labour, materials and plant.
In the construction industry labour is often employed in two main ways, these are:
1. Direct
Often referred to as cards in, the employer pays all the costs of employment including for
example national insurance and sick pay amongst others.
2. In-Direct
These workers are self employed or referred to in industry as on the lump these are often
labour only sub-contractors without the normal costs of employment along with the other
legal protections such as redundancy, sick pay and minimum notice periods.
Labour may be paid for on an hourly, daily, weekly or piecework basis. Directly employed
operatives are usually paid in accordance with a working rule agreement which will specify
the rates and allowances to be paid. However, some contractors are trying to move away
from the national wage bargaining and introduce local wage rates. Ultimately the actual rates
paid for labour will depend on market forces.
6.2.1 Materials
Several factors affect the cost contractors pay for materials.
In the box below highlight the factors you think impact on the price a contractor pays.
In the material element of a unit rate, in addition to the actual cost of the material the
estimator must also consider:
Transportation costs
Unloading and Stacking costs
Materials movement on site
Extra Materials to compensate for:

o Wastage
o Allowance for materials being measured net in B o Q
o Loss in consolidation, shrinkage etc
Note: Where prices of materials are described by suppliers as ex works this means the price
at the factory and delivery costs will have to be added.
6.2.2 Plant
33
Plant may be divided into two main categories, the costs of which can be allocated to
contracts in differing ways.
Non-Mechanical Plant
Basic items of plant including barrows, hosepipes, spades, trestles, scaffolding, small
powered hand tools etc
With the exception of scaffolding and one or two other items it is virtually impossible to
allocate the cost of non-mechanical plant items to a contract, let alone to a specific unit rate
e.g. a wheelbarrow may be used on several contracts in its lifetime.
The cost may be included in overhead charges as a percentage, as a lump sum in the
preliminaries bill or, more accurately, on longer contracts a list of non-mechanical plant items
is prepared, costed and included in the contract sum.
Mechanical Plant
Mechanical plant such as excavators, lorries, dumpers, mixers etc require a more complex
approach. Mechanical plant can be very expensive. Contractors may buy, hire or lease plant.
The purchase of plant must be viewed as an investment on which a return is required. Only
detailed analysis will show whether it is in the contractors interest to buy, hire or lease
mechanical plant.
6.2.3 Overheads
Overheads may be defined as the cost of maintaining (running) the contractors organisation.
There are two types of overheads:
(1) Head Office
Annual cost of staff salaries, expenses, rents, rates, gas, water, electricity, telephones,
office equipment, postage, insurance, maintenance of buildings and equipment etc. The
cost of these items is expressed as a percentage of a companys turnover and included in
the tender.
(2) Project or Site
Project site costs including non productive (manual) site staff, site office costs, storage
facilities and other preliminary / site organisation costs. Items are priced as individual
items and may be fixed or time related costs or a mix of fixed and time related costs. The
costs of these items are included in the tender.
34
6.2.4 Profit
The amount of profit that a contractor can make is determined by a number of factors
largely outside the remit of an estimator. However, in larger companies the senior or
managing estimator may be a member of the management team and in smaller companies
/ firms the estimator may be a director or the managing director. In both cases they may
be party to, or may have to make commercial decisions regarding profit margins.
Factors affecting profit levels are:
Market forces of supply and demand
Amount of competition
Who the competitor are
Size / Value of contract
Risk involved in contract
Interest rates.
Student Questions
1. Define analytical estimating
2. Explain the difference between net and gross unit rates
3. List the elements of a unit rate
4. Identify the organisations, which produce working rule agreements
5. Define non-productive time and holiday credits.
35
WEEK 7: BUILD-UP HOURLY RATE FOR PLANT & EQUIPMENT (7.0)

The following sections cover the calculation of unit rates. The process of calculating unit
rates could be described as mechanical because you must consider each of the unit rate
elements in turn. Some rates may include all elements, others only one, but you must think
carefully about each element and calculation before commencing.
You may use the Wessex Price Book, or other similar price book, for information on the
output/productivity of labour and plant. Materials and plant prices can be obtained from
builders' merchants and plant hire firms.
In practice estimators must always use productivity outputs analysed from site feedback
and the current cost o f other resourcs.
In the following unit rate calculations the hourly labour rates used are 9.50 for craft
operatives and 7.00 for labour operatives.
7.2 Groundworks
SAQ 2
Explain how the following factors may affect unit rates for groundworks?
Type of excavation e.g. trenches, pits, basements
Ground conditions e.g. clay, sand, soil, rock
Depth of excavation
Ground water
Time of year when excavating
Mechanical or hand excavation
Distance and availability of tips
Estimated bulking of materials
7.2.1 Hand Excavation

Excavation work is usually measured in cubic metres (m3)
Typical labour outputs for excavating in firm earth ;
Reduce levels maximum depth 0.25m
3.15 hours/m3
Trenches max. depth 1.00m
3.25 hours/m3
Basements max. depth 2.00m
3.94 hours/m3
36
ADD the following factors for other ground conditions ;

Dry or wet clay
20%
Compact gravel
50%
Rock not requiring a compressor
75%
Running silt or sand
100%
Example
Excavate trench maximum depth 1.00m in firm earth, unit of measurement m3.
Labour;
- p
3.25 hours for a labourer @ 7.00/hour
22 - 75
---------
Net Rate per m3
22 - 75
If you want a Gross Rate add for

overheads and profit, say 10%
2 - 28
----------
Gross Unit Rate per m3
25 - 03
======
TQs 1 - 3
Calculate net unit rates for the following ;
1.
Excavate to reduce levels max. depth 0.25m in firm earth,

unit of measure m3
2.
Ditto basements max. depth 2.00m in dry clay

unit of measure m3
3.
Ditto to reduce levels depth 0.25m in compact gravel

unit of measure m2 (square metres)
7.2.2 Mechanical Excavation
37
Rates for different types of mechanical plant vary enormously between contractors
depending on the method used to calculate the costs.
When calculating all-in hourly rates for mechanical plant the following items should be
considered ;
Capital cost
Depreciation
Interest on capital
Expected life of plant
Number of hours worked per annum
Maintenance
Insurance
Road licence
Operators wage
Fuel
Lubricants
Think about how the above factors will affect the hourly cost of mechanical plant.
Example
The following is one method of calculating the all-in hourly cost of a mechanical excavator.
This method is neither the simplest nor most complex method which can be used but it does
produce realistic costs.
Capital cost (purchase price)
37,000
Residual Value (resale/scrap value)
6,000
Interest on capital
6% compound
Expected Life
5 years
Hours worked per annum
1600
Maintenance costs
10% of capital cost per annum
Insurance
included in company overheads
Road Licence
200 per annum
Operative's rate
7-50 per hour

38
Fuel
5 litres/ hour @ 40p/litre
Lubricants
allow 10% of fuel costs
Standing Charge
Capital Cost
37,000-00
Less Residual value
6,000-00
-------------
Depreciation
31,000-00
Interest 6% compound on 37,000 over 5 years
12,506-00
Maintenance 10% of capital cost per annum
18,500-00
Road licence 200 per annum for 5 years
1,000-00
-------------
Total for 5 years
63,006-00
-------------
Therefore cost per hour is;

Total cost for 5 years divided by total hours worked in five years
63006 / (1600 hours x 5 years)
7-88
Running Charge
Drivers wages 1856 hours @ 7.50
Fuel 1600 hours x 5 litres/hour x 40p/litre
Lubricants
10% of fuel costs
13,920-00
3,200-00
320-00
-------------
Total for 1600 hours
17,440-00
-------------
Therefore cost per hour is
17440 / 1600hours
10-90
Therefore total cost per hour is:

Standing Charge
7-88
Running Charge
10-90
---------
Total Hourly Cost
18-78
39
======
TQ 4
Using the following information calculate the "all- in" hourly cost for a 16 ton tipper lorry ;
Capital cost
68,000
Residual Value
5,000
Interest on capital
6% compound
Expected Life
10 years
Hours worked per annum
2160
Maintenance costs
10% of capital cost per annum
Insurance
3000 per annum
Road Licence
1,200 per annum
Operatives rate
7-50 per hour
Fuel
10 litres per hour@ 80p/litre
Lubricants allow
10% of fuel costs
7.3 Excavation using Mechanical Plant

Excavate trenches maximum depth 2.00m in clay.
Calculate the net rate per m3 using an excavator with an output of 5m3/hour for excavating
and loading into lorries.
Hourly cost of excavator / output in m3 per hour
18-78 / 5m3 per hour
3 - 76
SAQ 3
The output of the excavator may also be expressed in hours per m3 , what is the output in
hours per m3 ?
Recalculate the rate using your output in hours per m3.
7.4 Banksmen
Banksmen are usually employed to supervise excavator/s. They check the excavation for
obstacles i.e. underground services, make sure the excavator operator is working to the
correct line and level and trim the sides and bottoms of excavations when necessary.
40
TQ 5
Recalculate the last rate and include for one banksman supervising two excavators,
banksmans rate 7.00 per hour.
7.5 Disposal of Excavated Material

SAQ 4
Explain how the following factors may affect the cost of disposing of excavated material
Bulking of material
Availability of tips/landfill sites
Distance to tip
Average speed of lorry
Loading time
Tipping time
Tipping charges/costs
Consider alternatives
TQ6
Using the excavator and lorry from the previous example and the following information,
calculate the cost per m3 for disposing of excavated material off site
Note ; The following items are all variables (will vary on every contract) therefore a new
rate must be calculated for each contract
Assume ;
16 ton lorry will carry approx. 6.5m3 of bulked clay
Output of excavator 5m3 per hour
Distance to tip 5 miles round trip
Average speed 20 miles per hour
Tipping time 15 minutes
Tipping charge 20 per load
7.6 Earthwork Support

Defined in the Standard Method of Measurement as ;
Whatever is necessary to support the faces of excavations other than steel sheet piles. It is
measured to the faces of all excavations over 250mm deep.
41
The contractor has to decide what is necessary and cost it accordingly. This is referred to as a
contractors risk item
The following factors affect the cost of earthwork support ;
Ground conditions
Depth of excavation
Distance between opposing faces of excavation
Method of support used
Contractors should also consider alternative methods of construction, which may be less
expensive e.g. over excavate and backfill.
Timber used for earthwork support (EWS) can be re-used up to say 6 times therefore the cost
of providing the timber should be divided by the number of uses to obtain a cost per use.
Operatives fixing EWS are usually paid an additional allowance for skill and responsibility.
Materials
100 x 100
costs
1-92/m
150 x 100
costs
2-88/m
150 x 150
costs
4-32/m
200 x 50
costs
1-92/m
Labour
Fixing EWS in moderately firm earth to faces of excavation up to 2.00m apart and up to
2.00m deep (see sketch) - 0.77 hours per m2
Ditto in loose ground or running sand (as sketch) 1.65 hours / m2
Hourly rate 7.50 / hour
42
WEEK 8: BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR SURFACE EXCAVATION (8.0)

8.1 Surface Excavation
In building up rate for excavation, the following should be considered.
(a) Types of excavation i.e surface or trench excavation
(b) Means of excavation i.e manual or mechanical
(c) Nature of excavation
(d) Volume of excavation (bulking)
(e) Distance of tipping (haulage)
Bulking
Sand 12.5%
Gravel 10%
Clay 133 1/3%
Rock 50%
Multiplier
Medium
labour constant multiplier
Sand and gravel
0.75
Natural soil
1.00
Stiff clay
1.50
Soft rock
3.00
Hard rock
8.00
OUTPUT
Excavation
2.5m3 / labour /day
Spreading and leveling
4.5m3 / labour / day
Wheeling / haulage
8.0m3 / labour / day
Placing of concrete
4m3 / labour / day
Task I:
Surface excavation n.e 300mm deep and average 150mm, considered a gang of 12 labour and
the supervisor. Calculate the cost/m3 given that the supervisor is N1500/day and the labourer
N700/day
43
Solution
Labour cost
1 supervisor
1500/day
N1500
12 labourer
700/day
N8,400
Add 5% for tools
N495
N10,395
Output of gangs / day = 2.5m3 x 12 =
30m3
Labour cost/m3 = 10,395 x 1/30
346.50
Add profit and overhead 20%
=
69.30
3
Cost/m =
415.80
Task II
Cost of spreading and leveling excavated materials n.e 50m from excavation. Consider a
gang of 12 labourers and 1 supervisor
Solution
1 Supervisor @ 1500
12 labouers
@ 700
5% Tools
N1500
=
N8,400
495__
10,395
54m3
Output gang / day = 4.5 x 12 =

Loabour cost / m3 = 10,395/54
Add overhead and profit 20% =
192.50
38.50
97.33
8.2 Removal of Excavated Materials

Use wheel barrows when the distinction is less than or equal to 50m .Used lories/tipper.
When the distance is greater than 50m.
Task III
Removal of excavated materials using the same distance of cart away is less than or equal to
50m using the same information used for excavation of surface
Solution
1 Supervisor, 12 labourers and 5% for tools =
Out out of gang/day 8.0 x 12 =
96m3
Labour cost / m3 = 10,395/96 =
108.28
10,395
44
Add 20% profit and overhead
21.66
225.94
355.88
When lories / tipper are used the following should be considered

(b) Cost of hire or cost of owning
(c) The capacity of the lorry
(d) Total distance to and fro the hill
(e) Speed of lorry
(f) Tipping time
(g) Labour loading the lorry
(h) Bulking of materials
TASK IV
(a) For the cost of hiring plant is 600/hr
(b) Capacity of lorry 6m3
(c) Total distance to and fro is 3km
(d) Speed of lorry 30km/hr
(e) Tipping time 9 minutes
(f) Output of labourer loading the lorry is 2hrs / labour /m3
(g) Bulking of materials 133 %
SOLUTION
Volume of excavated material = 6/133 x 100 = 4.5m3 (assume 4 labour)
4.5m3 x 2hrs
loading time =
2.25hrs
4
Traveling time = 3km x 60m = 6mins
30km/hr
Total time for loading + traveling + tipping
2.25 + 6m + 9
2.25 = 2.15hr + 6m + 9m
Cost of hiring lorry/hr
= 2.5hrs x N600/hr
= N1500/hr
45
Therefore, cost/m3 = N1500 =
333.33/m3
Labour loading
Cost for 1 labour /m3 = 150/8 x 2.5hr x 4 labour =
187.50
Add 5% for tools
9.38
196.88
333.33/m3
530.21
Add 20% overhead and profit
106.04
636.25
46
WEEK 9: BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR CONCRETE WORK I (9.0)

9.1 Concrete Work
Explain how the following factors may affect unit rates for concrete work ;
Whether ready mixed or site mixed concrete is used
Whether concrete is reinforced
Surcharges for part loads
Location of mixing plant on site
Type and size of mixing plant
Method of transporting, hoisting, placing and compacting mixed concrete
Cost of protecting and curing unset concrete
Operatives working with concrete receive additional payments for skill and responsibility.
Items of plant should be priced separately.
Concrete is usually measured in m3
Site Mixed Concrete
TQ 7
Calculate the cost of mixing a m3 of Grade 15 concrete on site using the following
information ;
To produce 1m3 of mixed Grade 15 concrete requires ;
250Kg of cement at 80 per tonne
600Kg of sand at 10 per tonne
1200Kg of aggregate at 9 per tonne
Waste say 5%
Concrete mixer all-in rate 2-50 per hour, output 2m3 per hour
Labour rate 7.20 per hour
Labour out put 0.5m3 per hour
Ready-Mixed Concrete
TQ 8
Calculate the cost per m3 for laying plain concrete 20N/mm2 in foundations over 300mm
thick laid against faces of excavation.
Ready mixed concrete costs 49.00/m3
47
Waste say 5%
Labour output 1.00 hours/m3
SAQ 4
What will happen to the labour output if the concrete is laid in foundations 150mm thick?
Reinforcement is measured separately in bills of quantities. Would you expect the unit rate
for laying reinforced concrete (excluding the cost of reinforcement) to differ from the unit
rate for plain (unreinforced) concrete for similar items of work and if so why?
9.2 Reinforcement
Reinforcement may be bar type or mesh/fabric
Waste
Bars are usually delivered to site already cut and bent, if this is the case then allow 1% for
loss and damage.
If straight bars are to be cut and bent on site allow 5% for waste.
On complex reinforced concrete work steel fixers are usually paid a craft operatives rate.
When laying straight bars or mesh an enhanced labourers rate is usually paid.
Mesh reinforcement is sheet material therefore allowances have to made for general waste
say 2.5% plus an additional allowance for laps. The percentage to allow for laps will depend
on the lap specified e.g. 150mm side and end laps.
TQs 9-10
Sheets of mesh are approximately 4.80m x 2.40m if they are to be laid with 150mm side and
end laps what % must be allowed for loss in cover due to the laps ?
Mesh reinforcement Ref. A193 in beds laid with 200mm side and end laps.
Calculate the rate per m2.
Mesh costs 14-00 per sheet
Labour 0.05 hours / m2 at 7.20 / hour
Allow say 20p / m2 for spacers and tying wire

Throughout this and the series of learning packs you will find, extensive notes on the various
aspects of work you will be measuring followed by a series of three tasks, These tasks are
48
designed to increasingly develop your skills in the aspect of measurement covered by the
learning pack, and will include, one basic task, which requires you to copy down a worked
example, using the correct measurement layouts. The second task and third tasks form the
second section of the class, where the class develops into a tutorial based
9.4 Concrete Works

As with groundwork, before looking at the calculation of unit rates we must understand that
our final unit rate will be influenced by several variables.
Task One
In the box below, describe how you think the following factors would impact on cost.
1. Ready mixed or site mixed concrete

2. Whether the concrete is reinforced or un-reinforced
3. Surcharges for part-loads
4. Location of site in reference to mixing plant
5. Type and size of mixing plant
6. Method of transportation, hoisting, placing and compacting mixed
concrete
When considering concrete there are two main methods of producing concrete:
7. Protection of un-set and curing concrete
1. Site mixed concrete
2. Ready mixed concrete
In addition to the method of concrete production when costing concrete work we must also
consider concrete accessories including:
1. Formwork
2. Reinforcement
3. Operatives working with concrete usually receive additional payments for skill and
responsibility
4. Items of plant concerned with concrete mixing and placing are usually measured
separately.
49
Calculate the cost of mixing one m3 of grade 15 concrete on site using the following
information:
The production of 1m3 of grade 15 concrete requires:
250kg of cement at 92.70 / tonne
600Kg of sand at 17.25 / tonne
1200kg of aggregate at 18.02 / Tonne
Waste allowance say 7.5%
In addition allow for:
concrete mixer @ all in rate of 3.00 / hr
Labour rate @ 8.68 / hr
9.4.2 Ready Mixed Concrete

thick laid on or against earth or unbinded hardcore.
Ready mixed concrete say 80.59 / m3
Waste say 5%
Labour output = 1.00hrs / m3
Labour rate 8.68 / hr
Questions:
1. How would the labour output be affected if the concrete is laid in foundations 150mm
thick?
2. What would be the financial impact? (If any)
9.5 Concrete Reinforcement

Reinforcement is measured separately in bill of quantities. Would you expect the unit rate for
laying reinforced concrete (excluding the cost of reinforcement) to differ from the unit rate
for plain (unreinforced) concrete for similar items of work, if so why
Reinforcement maybe either bar reinforcement or mesh / fabric reinforcement.
Waste
loss and damage.
If straight bars are to be cut and bent on site allow 5% waste
When laying straight bars or mesh an enhanced rate is usually paid.
50
Mesh reinforcement is sheet material therefore allowances have to be made for general waste,
Qu 1.
end laps what percentage must be allowed for loss in cover due to the laps?
Qu 2
Calculate the rate per m2 for laying mesh reinforcement Ref A193 in beds, laid with 200mm
side and end laps.
Additional information
Mesh costs 15.08 per sheet
Labour 0.05hrs / m2 @ 8.68 / hour
Waste on mesh 5%
51
WEEK 10: BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR CONCRETE WORK II

9.6 Concrete Work
Explain how the following factors may affect unit rates for concrete work;
Whether ready mixed or site mixed concrete is used
Whether concrete is reinforced
Surcharges for part loads
Location of mixing plant on site
Type and size of mixing plant
Method of transporting, hoisting, placing and compacting mixed concrete
Cost of protecting and curing unset concrete
Operatives working with concrete receive additional payments for skill and responsibility.
Items of plant should be priced separately.
Concrete is usually measured in m3

TQ 7
Calculate the cost of mixing a m3 of Grade 15 concrete on site using the following
information ;
To produce 1m3 of mixed Grade 15 concrete requires ;
250Kg of cement at 80 per tonne
600Kg of sand at 10 per tonne
1200Kg of aggregate at 9 per tonne
Waste say 5%
Concrete mixer all-in rate 2-50 per hour, output 2m3 per hour
9.6.2 Ready-Mixed Concrete

TQ 8
thick laid against faces of excavation.
52
Ready mixed concrete costs 49.00/m3

Waste say 5%
Labour output 1.00 hours/m3
SAQ 4
What will happen to the labour output if the concrete is laid in foundations 150mm thick?
Reinforcement is measured separately in bills of quantities. Would you expect the unit rate
for laying reinforced concrete (excluding the cost of reinforcement) to differ from the unit
rate for plain (unreinforced) concrete for similar items of work and if so why?
9.7 Reinforcement
Reinforcement may be bar type or mesh/fabric
Waste
loss and damage.
If straight bars are to be cut and bent on site allow 5% for waste.
When laying straight bars or mesh an enhanced labourers rate is usually paid.
Mesh reinforcement is sheet material therefore allowances have to made for general waste
TQs 9-10
end laps what % must be allowed for loss in cover due to the laps ?
Mesh reinforcement Ref. A193 in beds laid with 200mm side and end laps.
Calculate the rate per m2.
Mesh costs 14-00 per sheet
Labour 0.05 hours / m2 at 7.20 / hour
9.8 Concrete Work

Concrete
Material
-
cement
53
sand
aggregate
plant concrete mixer, poker, vibrator

1m3 of .. weight 1440
TASK
Example a tonne of cement cost N14,000, sand cost 560/m3, coarse aggregate cost 900/m3 for
a mix of 1:2:4. Calculate the cost/m3
Solution
1m3 cet will cost 1.44 @ 14,000 = 20,160
2m3 of sand will cost 2 x 560/m3 = 11,120
4m3 of aggregate will cost 4 x 900/m3 = 3,600
24,880
7m3 = 24,880
1m3 will cost 24,880 =
N3,554.29
7
Add 50% of void and compaction
1,777.14
5,331.44
Add 20% overhead and profit
1066.29
6,397.73
Mix
shrinkage
cement
broken stone
sand
3
tonnes m
agg
cement
sand
tonnes m
0.552
agg
m3
1:1:2
0.524
0.36 0.72
0.38
0.76
1:2:4
0.304
0.42 0.84
0.32
0.44
0.88
1:3:6
0.440
0.44 0.88
0.23
0.46
0.92
(void and compaction here have been taken care of)

Plant
Cost of mixer/hr
The cost of owning and operating a 10/7 concrete mixer. Assume initial cost of N150,000, a
scrap value of N10,000
Life span of 6yrs @ 2000 hrs/year
Compute the cost/hr
54
Capital cost/hr
initial cost scrap value

Life span (hr)
Therefore, Capital cost/hr = 150,000 10,000
N11.66/hr
6 x 2000
Running cost
Repairs and maintenance 10% of capital cost
=
N1.17/hr
Fueling 1.8 liters @ N22
39.60/hr
Oil and grease 20% of capital cost
2.34__
43.71/hr
Cost of concrete mixer

Cost of mixer / day = 54.77/hr x 8hrs
438.16
Cost of labourer / day 8 labour @ N400
3,200
Add 5% for tools
160_____
Cost of labour and mixer
3,798.16
3
Assume output of mixer / day = 20m

Therefore, cost /m3 = 3,798.16
N189.91
20m
Cost of placing concrete in foundation

6 labourers need @ an output of 4m3/day
Cost of 6 labourers = 6 x 400 =
2,400
Add 5% for tools
120
Cost/m = 2,520
4
630
Cost of concrete in foundation

Cost of conc /m3
N6,397.73
Add 5% of waste
319.88
Cost of mixing / m3
189.91
Cost of placing
630
Add 20% for overhead and profit
7,537.52
1,507.51
N9,045.04
55
WEEK 11: BUILD UP UNIT RATES FOR REINFORCEMENT (11.0)

11.1 Bar Reinforcement
Most bar reinforcement is bought in straight length of about 16ft. It is usually
priced in tonne (1000kg) reinforcement supplied to site in which cost of
transportation is not included in the calculation for unit rate, labour cost for
unloading and stacking, cutting, bending and fixing are calculated. Some times
bar reinforcement can be purchased already and bend to shape e.g links and
stirrups and labour cost calculated will then only include the cost of fixing on site.
Allowance for bending wire at intersections has to be made. The labour output
should be taken as follows
Cutting and bending
Diameter 6
10
12
16
20
25
32
40
50
Hours
45
35
27.2
22.5
15
12.5
10
Diameter 6
10
12
16
20
25
32
40
50
Hours
45
35
27.2
22.5
15
12.5
10
63
Fixing/tonne
63
NOTE:
1. Assume 3hrs for unloading 1 tonne of reinforcement
2. Allow 5% waste for cutting form straight length
3. Allow 1% waste reinforcement already cut to shape
4. for bars in short length e.g links and stirrups, allow 33% for extra labour
Tying wire/tonne
Diameter 6
10
12
16
20
25
32
50
Hours
15
12
10
15
Allow say N1000/tonne for spacers (biscuit)

TASK I
16mm mild steel bars reinforcement in straight and bent bars in suspended slab
kg
Solution
56
Material
Labour
A1
16mm
A2
Tying wire
B1
Cutting and bending
A3
Spacers
B2
Fixing
A1
Materials/tonne (1000kg)
Assume cost of 16mm @ 34,000/tonne
34,000
Unloading and stacking 3hrs@400
1,200_
35,200
Allow 5% for waste
1760_
36,960
A2
Tying wire
Assume 8kg @ 60/kg
Allow 5% for waste
480
24__
504_
A3
Spacers
Allow 3% waste
N1000
30
1030
Material collection
A1
36,960/tonne
A2
504/tonne
A3
1030/tonne)_
38494/tonne
Labour
B1
B2
Cutting and bending

22.5hrs @ 50/hr
1,125
fixing: 22.5hrs @50/hr
1,125
Labour collection
B1
1,125
B2
1,125
2,250
Summary
Material
38,494
Labour
2,250_
40,744
57
Add 25% O/P
10,186_
50,930/tonne
Cost/kg
50,930
50.93
N51/kg
58
WEEK 12: BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR FORMWORK (12.0)
12.1 Formwork
Formwork measures the actual faces of work covered or to be supplied. The
following must be taken into consideration in determining the size of the formwork
1. The amount of material required
2. The kind of finishes required i.e sawn faced or smooth finish, ground finish,
biscuit etc. This determine the types of materials to be used as formwork and the
surface from finish required is removed.
3. the height to be supported. This determine the height of props and types of
props.
4. Normal labour for fabricating, erecting and striking of formwork.
5. the number of uses required of the formwork this is usually a matter of
experience.
In small contract it may be possible to reuse the same formwork twice depending on
the repetitive nature of the work.
Materials
Materials
Unit
Rate
1 x 12 x 12 sawn
Length
130
1 x 12 x 12 wrought
Length
230
2 x 4 x 12
Length
120
4 x 4 x 12
Length
180
5 nails
Kg
135
4 nails
Kg
135
3 nails
Kg
135
59
2 nails
Kg
150
Labour output are mostly conveniently calculated/m3 of timber

Labour output for suspended slab
Description
Output
Unloading and stacking
2.5m3/lbour/day = 250
Cutting, fabricating and erecting
0.80m3/gang/day (2carpenters + labour
Striking
12m2/gang/day
Allowance for waste

Cutting and fixing of timber
10%
Nails
20%
TASK I
Sawn formwork to horizontal soffit of suspended slab m2
Assume 3m height above floot level
Solution
Materials
A1
1 x 12 x 12 softwoods planks
A2
2 x 4 hardwood battens
A3
4 x 4 hardwood props
A4
4 nails
Labour
60
B1
B2
Cutting, fabricating and erecting
B3
Striking
NOTE:
3.6 x 1.2 for the calculation and divide by 4.32m2 after all to arrive at cost/m2. This
convenient size allow for more length of timber piece to be used and there by
simplifies the calculation
A1
A2
4nr sawn softwood planks @ 180
720.00
Add 10% waste
72.00
792.00
2 x 4 x 12 battens
2 x 3.6 =
7.2
4 x 12 =
4.8
12.00
12.00m
3.6m
3 length or 3.33 + 1 = 4
Allow 10% waste
A3
480.00
48.00_
528.00
props @ 1.00m c/c

4 x 4 x 12 props
A4
8nr x 3 = 24m
24
7 lengths @ 180
1,260
36
add 10% for waste
126_
1,386
1kg of nail 4 @ 135
135.00
Allow 20% waste
27.00
162.00
61
Material for collection

A1
792.00
A2
582.00
A3
1,386.00
A4
162.00
N2,868.00
Assume 3 uses
Cost/use
2,868
3
Cost/m2
956
4.32
956
239
25 x 300 x 3600 x 4nr
0.108
50 x 100 x 3600 x 2nr
0.0136
50 x 100 x 1200 x 4nr
0.24__
0.408
Labour
Volume of timber
Allow 10% for waste
0.041___
0.449m3

2.50m3 = 1 labour / day = N250.00
Therefore, 0.45m3 = 700 x 0.45 = N126
2.5
126
Cutting, fixing and erecting (gang)

2 carpenters @ 1500
3000
1 labour @ 700
700_
3,700
0.8m3 = 1 gang/day = N3,700
62
0.45m3
3,700 x 0.45 = 2,081.25

0.8
2,081.25
1,332__
3,539.25
Striking
12m2 = 1 gang/day = 3,700
4.32m2 = 3,700 x 4.32 =
12m
1,332
Labour cost collection

Cost of labour = 3,539.25
4.32
N819.27
63
Summary
Materials
221.30
Labour
819.27
1,040.57
Add 25% P/O
260.14_
N1,300.71
64
WEEK 13: BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR ROOFING (13.0)

13.1 Roofing
Corrugated roofing sheet, operation output /gang / day
Aluminium of galvanized iron
Asbestors
Felt roofing
unloading + fixing
40m2
Fixing ridge cap
35m
Raking and cutting
30m
Straight cutting
30m
unloading + fixing
30m2
Fixing ridge cap
20m
Raking + cutting
25m
Straight + cutting
25m
unloading + laying of layer
120m2
Spreading bitumen primer
80m2
Spreading bitumen
80m2
Spreading chips
100m2
Laying gutters < 1m girth
20m
Raking cutting
90m
TASK I
0.7mmm thick corrugated aluminium long span roof covering fixed to timber purlins (m.s)
@900mm c/c with 50mm galvanized drive screw with felt and metal washer including
100mm side laps (measured net) in m-square i.e (100mm2)
(A) Materials
A1 0.7m long span Aluminium sheet
A2 Galvanized drive screw + washers
65
(B) Labour
B1 Unloading and fixing
Laps = (0.75 0.10) x 1m
= 0.65m2
A1 roofing sheet required = 100m2
0.65m2
= 153.85
Add 5% for waste
7.70
161.55m2
Cost/m2 = N1200
161.55@1200 = N193,860
A2
Galvanized drive screw

Number required = 4no/m2 x 100m2 =
400nr
Allow 10% for waste
40______
440 pieces
N6/screw
Cost 440 pieces @ N6 = N2640
Material collection
Corrugated roofing sheet
N193.860
Screw + washer
2,640__
196.500
Labour
A gang / day
2 carpenters (roofers) @1500/day
= N3000
1 labourer
= 700
@700/day
=N3700
Add 5% for tools
=_185_________
3885/gang/day
Unloading and fixing 1 gang /day output = 40m2

66
40m2 = 1 gang / day = N3885

100m2 = 3885 x 100m2
9,712.50
40m2
Summary
Materials
N196,500.00
Labour
9,712.50__
206,212.50
Allow 25% for profit and over head 51,553.13__

257,765.63
Therefore, cost/m2 = 257,765.63 = N2577.66
100m2
TASK II
2 layers of bituminous felt roof covering laid on flat weighing 25kg/roll of 20m2 with 100 and
150mm end and side laps respectively and finished with 6mm chipping. Assume 100m2
covering.
MATERIAL
LABOUR
(1) Felt (2 layers )
unloading + fixing of felt
(2) Bitumen primer
spreading bitumen primer
(3) Bitumen (3 layers)
spread bitumen
(4) chipings
spreading chippings
Plant
Boiler
A1 laps
(20m x 0.15m) + (0.085 x 0.10m) = 3.085m2 = 3.09m2
Covering capacity / roll
Less laps
20.00m2
3.09____
16.91m2
Nr of rolls required = 100m = 5.91 roll

Allow 3% for waste
= 0.18
6.09 roll/layer
Therefore, 2 layers will be required = 6.09 x 2 = 12.18 rolls

67
12.18 rolls@2500 = N30,450

Bitumen primer
A2
Assume a covering capacity of 7m2/liters

Therefore, bitumen required 100m2
14.29 liters
7 liters
Allow 5% waste
0.71_____
15.00 liters
20 liters / drum = 1600

Therefore, 15 liters will cost 1600 x 15
N1,200
20
A3
Bitumen (3 layers)
Assume a covering capacity of 2kg
(m2 bitumen required / layer = 2 x 100m2 =
200kg
Allow 10% for waste
20
220
For 3 layers
660kg
480kg / drum of R115 / 15 (type) cost N20,000
Therefore 660kg will cost
20,000 x 660
N27,500
1.67 tonne
480
A4
Assume a covering capacity of 60m2 / tonne

Chippings of tonne required = 1/60 x 100m2
Or 100m2 / 60m2 1.67 tonnes

If 1 tonne of chippings cost N7,000
Therefore 1.75 tonnes will cost 1.75 x 7000 = N12,250
68
Material cost collection

A1
felt
A2
primer =
1200
A3
bitumen
27,500
A4
chippings
12,250
30,450
N71,400
B1
unloading and fixing

Output
120m2/gang/day (felt)
100m2
1/120 x 100 = 0.83 (a layer)
2 layers = 2 x 0.83
B2
1.66
Output = 80m2 / gang / day (primer)

= 100m2 = 1/80 x 100 = 1.25
B3
Output = 80m2 / gang / day (bitumen)

3 layers = 3 x 1.25 = 3.75
Chippings
1.00
7.66
B4
Output = 100m2 / 100m (chippings) = 1.00

7.66 gang @ N1,575 = N12,064.50
(d) PLANT: cost of plant/hr N150
Cost of plant/day N150 x 8hrs = N1200
Summary
A.
Material
71,400.00
Labour
12,064.50
Plant
1,200.00
84,664.50
Add 25% profit and overhead
21,166.50
105,830.03
Cost/m2 = N105,830.63
1,058.31
100m2
69
NOTE:
Allowance has to be made for the following
-
Irregularity of surfaces
Compression of toweling
General waste (residue + application)
80%
TASK I
12.5mm thick c/s (1:4) rendering trowel smooth
(a) Wall
(b) Concrete soffit (100m2)
Material
labour
Cement 1m3
mixing
Sand
4m3
rendering
5m3
1m3 cement 28 bags @ 700
Transport, loading and unloading 28 bags @ 10 bags =
N19,000.00
280___
19,880
Allow 2% waste
397.00
20,277.60
4m3 of sand
4m3 of sand @ N600/m3
2,400
Allow 5% for waste
2,520
Cement
20,277.60
22,797.00
Allow 25% for shrinkage
5,699.40
28,497.00
Cost/m2
28,499
5m3
N5,699.40
Volume of mortar required 100m2 x 0.0125m3

1.25m3
Allow 80%
1.00___
70
2.25m3
Therefore, 2.25m3 of mortar @ 5,699.40 = 12,823.65
Labour
1. Mixing = 1m3 = 1 labour day@ N700/day
2.25m3 = N700 x 2.25m3 = N1575
2. Rendering = 30m2 = 1 gang/ day = N3885 (reference to roof)
100m2 = N3885 x 100m2 = N12,950
30m2
Labour
1. Mixing
675
2. Rendering
12,950_
13,625.00
Add 5% for tools 681.25__

14,306.25
Summary
Material
12,823.65
Labour
14,306.25
27,129.9
Add 25% P/OH
6,782.48_
33,912.38
Cost/m2
33,912.38
N339.12
100
71
WEEK 14: BUILD UP UNIT RATE FOR MASONRY (14.0)

Throughout this and the series of learning packs you will find, extensive notes on the various
aspects of work you will be measuring followed by a series of three tasks, These tasks are
designed to increasingly develop your skills in the aspect of measurement covered by the
learning pack, and will include, one basic task, which requires you to copy down a worked
example, using the correct measurement layouts. The second and third tasks form the second
section of the class, where the class develops into a tutorial based
14.2 Masonry works

Before we look at the process for estimating unit rates for Masonry works, we must
understand that our final unit rate will be influenced by several variables.
Task One
In the box below, finish the list of possible variables which could impact on the eventual cost
for masonry works.
8. Quality of finished works

9. Type of work ( i.e. straight walls, curved walls, foundations etc)
10. Working overhand, at height
11. Type of pointing
14.3 Fact and Figures

Bricks:
The number of metric (215 x 65 x 102.5mm) bricks required per m2 of half brick thick
(102.5mm) wall is 59, proven thus.
1.000m x 1.000m
59 nr bricks
225mm x 75mm
For a one brick thick wall (225mm) the number of bricks required is 120 etc. For any other
thickness count the number of half brick thicknesses and multiply by 59. For different sized
72
bricks the number required per m2 will of course vary. The old imperial brick is 2 7/8 or
73mm.
Waste on facing bricks varies between 7.5% and 12.5%. For waste on bricks allows 5%
above ground and 2.5% below ground.
Task
Calculate the number of imperial 215 x 73mm bricks required to build one m2 of half brick
wall. Assume 10mm thick mortar joints.
Blocks
The standard size for concrete blocks is 440 x 215mm, however, the thickness of the block
will vary. The number of concrete blocks per m2 is 10 nr. For waste on blocks allow say
5%.
Mortar
For each half brick thickness of wall allow 0.02m3 of mortar per m2 of wall. For each
vertical joint allow 0.01m3 per m2.
e.g. One brick wall (2 x 0.02m3) + 0.01m3 = 0.05m3 per m2.
Task
Calculate the volume of mortar required per m2 for a 100mm thick block wall.
Labour
It is the norm for bricklayers to work in gangs, these gangs are usually referred to as 2 + 1
gangs as they consist of 2 bricklayers and 1 labourer. A 2+1 gang will:
Lay approximately 70 facing bricks per hour in walls pointed one side
Lay approximately 100 common bricks per hour in walls
Lay approximately 2.5m2 of 100mm thick blocks per hour in walls
Task
Express the above outputs in terms of man hours per m2 i.e. the time one operative will take
to produce one m2 of wall.
Using the following information, calculate net rates for:
Information
73
Materials
Facing bricks 240.00 per 1000 delivered and off-loaded, waste 10%
Common bricks 95.00 per 1000 ditto, waste 5%
100mm concrete blocks 8.50 per m2 ditto, waste 5%
Cement Mortar (1:3) 76.91 per m3, waste 5%
Gauged mortar (1:1:6) 74.16 per m3, waste 5%
Coloured mortar (1:1:6) 122.04 per m3, waste 5%
Directly employed labour costs

Bricklayers 11.53 per hour
Labourers 8.68 per hour
In-Directly employed labour costs
Laying facings 300 / 1000
Laying Commons 150 / 1000
Laying blocks 9.00 / m2
Questions
Calculate unit rates for the following:
1. Half brick thick skins of hollow walls built entirly of facing bricks in coloured mortar and
pointed with a flush joint. (using in-direct labour)
2. One brick thick wall built of common bricks in cement mortar (1:3) using direct labour.
3. 100mm lightweight block wall in gauged mortar (1:1:6) using in-direct labour
4. One brick wall in common bricks in English bond, faced one side with facing bricks in
gauged mortar (1:1:6) using direct labour.
5. Cavity wall comprising of half brick thick outer leaf in stretcher bond, faced one side in
coloured mortar (1:1:6), internal leaf 150mm thermal block in
stretcher bond in cement mortar (1:3).
6. A project includes the building of a 2m high one brick thick boundary wall in Edenhall
facing bricks in cement lime mortar (1:1:6) around a site 200mm perimeter. This wall has
been priced by the contractor at 80.00 per square metre inclusive of 8% for overheads and
profit.
During the course of the contract, the architect proposes to change the design of the wall by
incorporating sunken panels of contrasting coloured brickwork in strawbone facing bricks
74
bedded and pointed in coloured mortar. The panels are to be 1.0m x 1.0m in area at 3.0m
centres for the full length of the wall.
The contractor claims that the strawbone bricks are more easily damaged than the Edenhall
and as such twice the amount of waste will be incurred.
In addition, the contractor claims that the inclusion of the sunken panels involves more
setting out and cutting and it would take 50% longer to complete Strawbone work compared
to Edenhall walling.
Furthermore, the cost of labour has risen by 15% since the original price was calculated. It is
accepted that this increase in cost may be claimed.
The contractor proposes to double their price per square metre in order to account for all the
above changes.
Using the data below, determine, with justification, If the contractors proposal is
reasonable.
All-In rate for labour

Craft operative
12.00 / hour
General operative
9.50 / hour
Material delivered to site:

Edenhall facing bricks320.00 / tonne
Strawbone facing bricks
Building Sand
22.00 per m3
Cement
Hydrated lime
420.00 / tonne
130.00 per m3
63.00 per m3
Coloured mortar
180.00 per m3
Mechanical Plant
All-in rate for mixer
20 per hour
Output constant for mixer
0.5m3 per hour
MASONRY
SAQ 5
Explain how the following factors may affect the cost of masonry items ;
Type of work e.g. straight walls, complex plan shape, number of openings
75
Quality of work
Type of bricks, blocks or stone used
Allowances for waste
Working overhand, at height
Type of mortar
Type of pointing
Method of scaffolding used
Accessibility of materials
Weather conditions
Facts and Figures
Bricks
The number of 215 x 65 bricks required per m2 of half brick thick (102mm) wall is 60. For a
one brick thick wall (225mm) the number required is 120 etc. For any other thickness count
the number of half brick thicknesses and multiply by 60
Waste on facing bricks varies between 7.5% and 12.5%. Waste on common bricks allow 5%
above ground and 2.5% below ground.
Note - . For different sized bricks the number required per m2 will of course vary.
TQ11
Calculate the number of 215 x 71 bricks required to build one m2 of half brick wall. Assume
10mm thick mortar joints.
Blocks
The number of 440 x 215 blocks per m2 is 10. Waste on blocks say 5%.
Mortar
For each half brick thickness of wall allow 0.02m3 of mortar per m2 of wall
For each vertical joint allow 0.01m3 per m2
e.g. One brick wall (2 x 0.02m3) + 0.01m3 = 0.05m3 per m2
TQ12
Calculate the volume of mortar required per m2 for a 100mm thick block wall.
76
Labour
Bricklayers work in gangs, usually 2 bricklayers and one labourer. A 2 + 1 gang will;
Lay approximately 70 facing bricks per hour in walls pointed one side.
Lay approximately 100 common bricks per hour in walls.
Lay approximately 2.5m2 of 100mm thick blocks per hour in walls.
TQs 13-17
Express the above outputs in terms of "man hours" per m2 i.e. the time one operative will
take to produce one m2 of wall.
Using the following information calculate net unit rates for ;
Half brick thick skins of hollow walls built entirely of facing bricks in coloured mortar
and pointed with a flush joint - m2 (using indirectly employed labour)
One brick thick wall built of common bricks in cement mortar - m2 (direct labour)
100mm lightweight block wall in gauged mortar - m2 (indirect labour)
One brick wall in common bricks in English bond, faced one side with facing bricks in
gauged mortar - m2 (direct labour)
Materials
Facing bricks 240 per 1000 delivered and off-loaded, waste 10%.
Common bricks 85 per 1000 ditto, waste 5%
100mm blocks 8.50 per m2 ditto, waste 5%
Cement mortar 65 per m3, waste 5%
Gauged mortar 60 per m3, waste 5%
Coloured mortar 80 per m3, waste5%
Directly employed labour costs
Bricklayers 9.50 per hour. Labourers 7.00 per hour
Indirectly employed labour costs
Laying facings 190 per 1000. Laying commons 120 per 1000. Laying blocks 8 per m2
77
WEEK 15: PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR TUTORIAL CLASS (15.0)
15.1 Questions
Q1. Calculate the difference in cost per metre (m) for laying 100mm diameter flexible jointed
clay drain pipes and the cost per metre (m) for laying 100 flexible jointed uPVC drain pipes in
runs not exceeding 5.00m
Labour:
Productivity rate: 0.20hrs / m for 100mm diameter flexible jointed clay drainage. And
0.14hrs/m for 100mm diameter flexible jointed PVCu drainage. All - in rate 8.01 per hour
plus 2.03 / hour enhancement for additional skill and responsibility.
Materials:
100mm diameter flexible jointed clay drain pipe cost 5.50 each and are 1.60m long.
100mm diameter flexible jointed PVC drain pipe costs 21.00 each and are 3.0m long.
Flexible joints cost 4.23 each assume one joint for every 1.4m for clay drainage and one
joint for every 2.0m of pipe for uPVC drainage.
Waste
Allow 10% waste on pipes and 5% waste on couplings
Q2. Calculate the unit rate / m2 for earthwork support in moderately firm earth not exceeding
2.0m apart and a maximum of 2.0m deep. As illustrated in the sketch, given:
Labour:
Productivity rate 1.28hrs / m2, Unloading timber 1.00hrs / m3. All - in rate 8.01 per hour
plus 2.03 / hour enhancement for additional skill and responsibility.
Materials:
Timber supply price is 325.00 / m3 therefore:
100 x 100
Costs 3.25
150 x 100
Costs 4.88
150 x 150
Costs 7.31
200 x 50
Costs 3.25
Additional Information
Allow 5% waste on materials and allow for all materials to be used Eight times
Q3. Calculate the gross rate per square metre (m2) for brick wall: half brick thick skim of
hollow walls built entirely of concrete common bricks in mortar (1:1:6) pointed with bucket
handle joint using directly employed labour given:
Labour:
2 + 1 gang Bricklayers 11.53 per hour & Labourers 8.68 per hour
Productivity rate: One bricklayer will lay 40 bricks per hour.
Materials:
Common bricks cost 95.00 / 1000
78
Pre-mixed Lime/Sand costs 35.80 per tonne

Cement costs 78.30 / tonne
Materials Usage:
Bricks: There are 59nr bricks per m2
Cement Usage: 115 kg per 1000 bricks
Sand/Line mix usage: 1.25 tonnes per m2
Additional Information
Allow 7.5% waste on all materials
Add 12.5% to net rates for contractors overheads and Profit
79

QUS 210 Book PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

QUS 210 Book PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

UNESCO-NIGERIA TECHNICAL &

TENDERING AND ESTIMATING II

10.0 BUILD-UP UNIT RATE FOR CONCRETE WORK II

Course: Tendering and Estimating II

1.2 Estimating for Typical Preliminary Items

Add 10% for insurance and I.T.F

Add 25% for profit and overhead

(2) Site Accommodation

Supervising consultant on site

Site agent and site staff

Hut for workmen

Storage, shed for materials, tools etc.

Pricing for these must cover the cost of:

(a) Initial construction of accommodation

Less resale value of items (about 27%) 149,000

WEEK 2: PRICING OF PRELIMINARIES II

(7) Lighting and Power for Work

cost of hiring generating set for the duration of the project.

Cost of cables, wiring and light fittings

Cost of running and maintaining generating set for duration of project

Cost of dismantling shed, removal and making good

Cost of transporting generating set to site and removal on completion of project.

Overhead and profit

Cost of connection to the electrical authority

Cost of cables, wiring and light fittings

Cost of electricity bills

Cost of disconnection on completion of project

Cost of hiring a standby generator in case of electricity failure

Overhead and profit

(c) Cost of maintenance

Cost of speed breakers

Cost of constructing barriers

Cost of red flags

Cost of labour flagging traffic

Cost of providing diversion

Cost of removal of sign board to adjoining house, shops, garage etc.

Cost of delays to progress of work due to traffic and congestion

The presence of existing water mains, cable sewers, culverts etc.

Watching and lighting the work

Overhead and profit

Welfare and Safety of Work People

Temporary Fencing, Hoardings, Screeds, Fans Gantries and Similar Items.

(13) SITE SECURITY:

(d) Fees for engineer and the assign team

WEEK 3: PRELIMINARIES ANALYSIS WORKSHOP (3.0)

3.2 Class Workshop

TENDER SUBMISSION DETAILS

Bill No. Preliminaries

Temporary Lighting & Power

Drying the Works

Cleaning Away Rubbish

Water for the Works

Insurance Against Injury to Person and Property

Bill No. 3 External Works

Soiling and Seeding

Paths and Pavings

Retaining and Screen Walls

Total Bill No. 3

Bill No. 2 Measured Work

Excavation and Earthwork

Brickwork and Blockwork

Plumbing and Mechanical Installations

Floor, Wall and Ceiling Finishings