Addis Ababa University

EiABC
Construction Technology & Management Program
CoTM 3302 – Specification and Quantities
Academic Year: 2010/11 Semester I
Instructors: Eskedar A. & Nahom T.
Course outline
1. Specifications
Chapter One
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Purposes of Specifications
1.3 Types of Specifications
1.4 Specification Writing
Chapter Two

2. Quantity Surveying
2.1 Measurements of Civil Works
2.1.1 Taking off
2.1.2 Preparing Specification & BoQ
Chapter Three

3. Technical Spec. and Method of Measurements for the Different trade of Works
A. Substructure
1. Excavation and earthworks
2. Concrete works
3. Masonry works
B. Superstructure
1. Concrete works 2. Masonry works
3. Roofing works 4. Carpentry and Joinery works
5. Metal works 6. Steel Structures
7. Finishing works 8. Glazing
9. Painting 10.Sanitary works
11. Electrical Installation

0
 C. Miscellaneous works
Chapter Four
4. Cost Estimation
4.1. Quantity Determination
4.2. Rate analysis
References:
1) Estimating and costing in Civil Engineering
(Theory and Practice including specification and valuation) - by Prof.B.N Dutta
2) Quantity Surveying Practice and Administration - by Dennis F.Turner
3) Estimating Building construction Quantity Surveying - by William J.Hornung
4) Technical Specification and Method of Measurement for construction of Buildings
(BaTCoDA)
5) Technical Specification for Building Works ECPN-3 (“1996”)
6) Standard Methods of Measurement for Building Works ECPN-4 (“1996”)
7) Civil Engineering Estimation…. – A. Aggarwal
8) Estimating and Bidding for Heavy Construction - by S.H. Bartholomew
9) Construction Contracting (Business & Legal Principles) - by S.H. Bartholomew
10) Standard Condition of Contract for Construction of Civil Work Projects
-MoWUD, Dec 1994
Evaluation: Project and Assignments 40 %( + 10%)
Final Examination 60% (+ 10%)

1
 Chapter One

Specifications
1.1 Introduction

Specification is defined as the designation or statement by which written instructions are

given distinguishing and/or limiting and describing the particular trade of work to be
executed. In short specification is a statement of particular instructions of how to execute
some task. Specification is one of the contract documents.
Specifications are written based on the prepared design, drawings, general and scientific
trends of workmanship, quality expected, equipment involved and materials to be used
for the particular trade of work. The specifications should clearly specify: -
 Design and drawing
 Labor employment
 Materials to be used
 Construction method
 Equipments used
Specifications should be clear, concise, and brief descriptions of what is required to
execute the proposed trade of work. The information that is needed for building
construction is usually conveyed by two basic communication lines. They are: -
 The drawings (pictorial)
 The specifications (written)
In so doing the methods of communication should compliment each other and neither
should overlap or duplicate the other. Specifications are devices for organizing the
information depicted on the drawings and they are written descriptions of the legal and
technical requirements forming the contract documents. Their difference is that the
drawings should generally show the following:
1. Dimensions, extents, size, shape, and location of component parts
2. Location of materials, machineries, and fixtures

2
 3. Interaction of furniture, equipments and space
4. Schedules of finishes, windows and doors
Specifications generally describe the following: -
1. Type and quality of materials, equipments, labor or workmanship
2. Methods of fabrication, installation and erection
3. Standards, codes and tests
4. Allowance, submittals and substitutions
5. Cost included, insurance and bonds
6. Project records and site facilities.
1.2 Purposes of specifications
1. Guide the bidder at the time of tendering to arrive at a reasonable cost for the work
2. Provide guidance for execution and supervision of works.
3. Guide the contractor for the purchase of materials
4. Serve as a part of contract document to limit and describe the rights and obligations
of each contracting parties.
5. Guide the bidder to identify his capacity to execute the work.
6. Serve as fabrication and installation guide for temporary and permanent works.
7. Guide the contractor for the purchase and/or hiring of equipments.
8. Serve for the owner to know what he/she is entitled to receive
9. Serve for the manufacturers of construction materials, equipments, tools etc to grade,
classify, and improve qualities of their produces.
10. Indirectly, the specifications are very much related to the legal considerations,
insurance considerations, bidding requirements, alternates and options, rights,
obligations and remedial measures for the contracting parties.
11. In the events of conflicts between specification and drawings, the specification
governs.
1.3 Types of Specifications
In general, specifications can be broadly classified into four categories as follows
1. Manufacturer’s specification: Manufacturers prepare specification of their
product for the guidance of their users, which may include property description
and installation guide lines.

3
 2. Guide Specification : Specifications prepared by an individual or group of
individuals based on manufacturer’s specifications, established trends of
workmanship, service and laboratory tests and research findings to be used as
guide lines for preparation of contract specifications.
3. Standard Specification: Specifications which are intended to be used as a
reference standard in the construction of a project. The guide specification which
has been standardized by a recognized authority is considered as standard
specification.
4. Contract (Project) Specification: the specification prepared for a particular
project to accompany the drawings and other contract documents.
The specifications described above can be prepared following the format which has
general and specific parts (general specification and specific specification)
In the general part of the standard specifications the following items are included:-
 Administrative and Procedural Requirements
 Scope, definitions
 Reference organizations and Standards
 Project description, site facilities
 Submittals and quality assurance
 Delivery, storage and handling
 Project records
 Insurances
 Other general requirements
In the specific part of the standard specifications, detailed description of the quality of
items to be used is given. In addition to this, preparatory actions and methods of
incorporating the items into the project are indicated.
Specifications could be written in several ways, with the prime emphasis given to either
the producer company’s brand or the performance capacity of the material and so on.
Accordingly, there are the following types of technical specifications.
1. Proprietary Specifications: This specifications call for desired materials,
producers, systems, and equipments by their trade names and model numbers. For

4
 detailed descriptions reference should be made to manufacturer’s specifications.
They are of two types; closed (sole) source and open or equal source.
2. Performance Specifications: specifications which define products based on
desired end results which are performance oriented; most appropriate when new
or unusual products or systems are required or when innovation is necessary.
Describing the problems or conditions under which the products or systems must
operate, and the parameters for the acceptable solutions is difficult and
challenging. Testing methods and evaluation procedures for defining the required
performances must be explicitly specified.
3. Reference Specifications: Specifications which refer to levels of quality
established by recognized testing authority or standards set by quality control
authorities. These specifications are also used in conjunction with other types of
specifications.
4. Descriptive Specifications : Specifications which describe all components of
products, their arrangements and methods of assembly, physical and chemical
properties, arrangement and relationship of parts and numerous other details. The
specifier shall take total responsibility for the function and performance of the
product.
5. Cash Allowance Specifications: Specifications meant to direct bidders to set
aside a specified amount of money to be applied to the construction work at the
direction of the specifier.
1.4 Specification writing
Basically specifications are not to be created; they are prepared based on existing
standards, codes, guidelines, and laws.
Specification writing embodies certain methods of presenting information and
instructions. When specifications are to be written, the following shall be taken into
consideration:-
a) Specification writing require
1. Visualization (having clear picture of the system)
2. Research (to know the legal impact correctly)
3. Clear thinking (understanding things directly without misleading)

5
 4. Organizing (organizing what we know to write the specification)
b) Specification writing require professional ability to read drawings
c) Specification writing require wide knowledge of the construction
materials, various levels of workmanship, different construction equipments
and method of construction to be employed
d) Specifications use simple and clear language such that it can readily be
understood.
e) Specifications shall be brief and short as much as possible (avoid long
sentences without punctuations)
f) Specifications shall include all items affecting the cost of the work
g) Specifications shall be fair and do not attempt to throw all risks and
responsibilities on one of the parties signing the contract, the employer or the
contractor.
h) Specifications shall avoid repetition of information shown on drawings to
avoid mistakes and duplications within the specifications and drawings
i) Specifications shall not include inapplicable text and do not specify the
impossible or anything not intended to be enforced.
What are the useful references in specification writing?
The following are useful references in Specification Writing: -
1. Codes and ordinances of governments, cities, or municipalities. For example,
EBCSs
2. Standards prepared by distinct societies and government agents. For example,
ACI standards, ASTM standards, BS, ES.
3. Standards or model specifications prepared by manufacturers, professional
societies, and government bodies.
4. Master specifications and previously written specifications.
5. Information or experience acquired by personal observation and contact with
trained or experienced people in the construction industry.
Specification language
The specification writer should present his instructions regarding the particular work
under consideration in such a manner that: -

6
 1. The drawings are more clearly interpreted, not duplicated.
2. Rights, obligations, and remedial measures shall be designated without
ambiguity or prejudice.
3. Clearly express the extent of works under consideration; therefore, the
phraseology used in this regard shall be: -
i) Judged by its quality not its length
ii) Should be concise and short and written with commonly used words
iii) Punctuations are important but their usage shall be limited to few
iv) Capitalizing the first letters is mandatory for the following expressions: -
a) Parties to the contract; eg Employer/Client /Contractor/ Engineer
/Architect
b) Space within the building; eg Bed Room, Toilet, Living Room
c) Contract documents; eg Bill of Quantity, Working Drawing,
Specification
v) Minimize pronouns, better to repeat nouns
vi Minimize the use of symbols
vii Do not use foot notes, do not underline within a sentence for emphasis
vi) Words shall be used as follows:-
a) shall in place of must; use “shall” for the duties of the contractor or the consultant
to represent the word “must”
b) “will” is used for the duties of the employer to represent the word “must”
c) “must” –avoid the use of the word “must” and substitute by the word shall to
prevent the inference of different degrees of obligation
d) Avoid the use of words which have indefinite meanings or limitless and
ambiguous in their meanings. For example, any, either, same, similar, etc.

7
 Chapter Two

2. Quantity Surveying

2.1 Introduction

Quantity surveying is a term or process used in the construction industry to take

measurements of civil works, prepare specifications, estimate the cost of works either for
each trade of work or for the whole project.
The following tasks are covered in quantity surveying:
1. Preparation of specification
2. Taking measurements of civil works (Taking off quantities and preparing BOQ)
3. Preparation of approximate (preliminary) cost estimate at the very early stage of the
project
4. Preparation of detail cost estimate at different stages (taking as built measurements and
preparing payment certificates or approval of payment certificates prepared by taking
measurements)
5. Preparation of tender documents and examining tenders (tender – an offer in writing to
execute a contract)
6. Preparation schedule of prices to negotiate with pre-qualified bidders (labour rates,
material supply rates, equipment rental rates)
7. Determination of values of works (executed works) and preparation of payment
certificates
8. Preparation of final accounts on completion of all of the works.
9. Valuation of property

2.2 Measurement of civil works

8
Measurement of civil works includes the billing of each trade of work either from
drawings or the building itself for defining the extent of works under each trade. The
standard book, which is used here, is standard technical specification & method of
measurement for construction of buildings by BaCoDA, March 1991.

Specification worksheet (BOQ form)

It is the format which is used in a bill of quantity to list (include) a short description of
the specification along with its measuring unit, quantity and unit prices to determine the
total cost for each trade of item.

Project
Item Description Unit Quantity Unit price Total
price

There are four clearly defined steps in preparation of Bill of Quantities:

1. Taking off 2. Squaring 3. Abstracting 4. Writing the final Bill

Taking off
This is the process of preparing / defining a detailed list of all labor and materials
necessary for the work and entering the items on properly dimensioned paper. The
standard form used for entering the dimensions taken or scaled from drawings to

9
determine the accurate quantity in each trade of work, except reinforcement steel, is
called take off sheet or dimension paper. The dimension paper used for taking off is
usually double – ruled as shown below (A4 size).

Title
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

page page

Column 1 is used for stating the number of times an item occurs and is called the
timising column. Column 2 is called dimension column as it is used to enter the
dimensions of the items of works.the dimensions are entered in the order indicated below.
Length
width
height or thickness
Column 3 is called squaring column, where as column 4 is called description column.
The following tasks are part of the taking off (used to facilitate defining the quantities).
Describing the item, bracketing (relating the description to the quantity), timizing, dotting
on (adding to the timizing factor), the ampersand (ditto), waste calculations, deduction of
items, correction of dimensions (nullifying)

10
2. Squaring:
The dimensions entered in column2 are squared or cubed as the case may be, multiplied
by the timizing factor, and the result entered in column3. This task is called squaring. All
squared dimensions should be carefully checked by another person before abstracting,
and if correct the item should be ticked with red.

3. Abstracting:

The squared dimensions are transferred to abstract sheets and all similar dimensions are
collected in the same category to obtain the total quantity of each item.
4. Writing the Final Bill
After the abstract sheets have been completed and checked, the final bill of quantity is
written. The dimensions are copied from the abstracts, and as each item is transferred it
should be ticked by a vertical line from the abstract sheets. The description of each item
in the final BoQ should be short, precise and descriptive as per the specification.

Bending Schedule: the format used to define quantity of reinforcement bars.

Project: Bending schedule to :

Location Mark shape Diameter Length(m) No ∑ L for each diameter

Total
W/m
∑W

11
Basic principles in taking off

1. Drawings shall be fully understood clearly and detailed.

2. During discrepancies in detailing, dimensioning or if missing items exist
obtain clarification from the designer.
3. The BoQ shall accurately represent the works to be executed.
4. Works, which cannot be measured accurately, shall be expressed as
provisional quantity (PQ) and will result in provisional sum (PS) and lump sum (LS)
5. Prepared in such a way that discrepancies or mistakes in taking off will
not result in excessive variation in the project cost which directly affect the budget
allocation for the project.
6. With the understanding that measurements are taken to the nearest cm.
7. Built items shall generally include all possible entrants which will make
labor, materials (including storing, loading, unloading and handling), fixing, use of
plant and equipment, wastage of materials, equipment establishing charges and
profit; otherwise it shall be stated specifically.
8. With the understanding that there is a standard paper format to carry out
measurements of civil works, namely take off sheet or dimension paper, bending
schedule and specification worksheet.
9. Prior knowledge of the regulations is necessary (For eg. roofing is
measured in horizontal projection).
10. Measurements of civil works shall be carried out in such a way that it can
be easily checked and audited.

Mensuration – the calculation of geometric quantities such as length, area, and volume,
from dimensions and angles that are already known.

Girth (perimeter) computation –linear measurement.There are various methods of taking

off quantities for computation of girth.

12
Centre line method –suitable only when the cross sections of all walls are symmetrical.
In this method centre line length is found and same is used for taking off quantities
(therefore only width and depth vary).
Crossing method – lengths and breadths of walls as shown in plan are taken for working
out various items and this method is useful only if the offsets of footings are symmetrical.

In- to- in and out- to-out method –some wall lengths are taken out to out and others in
to in (offsets are added to out to out lengths) and same are deducted from in -to-in
lengths; used for any type of measurement irrespective of condition of symmetry.
Exercise: - Find out quantities of earthwork, cement concrete and brick masonry in
foundation as shown in the figure by using:
a) centre line method
b) out to out and in to in method
c) crossing method

Chapter Three
3. Technical Spec. and Method of Measurements for the diff. trade of Works

A. SUBSTRUCTURE
Any structure below the ground floor slab level including the basement, retaining walls,
ground slab, grade beam, and foundation is called a substructure.
In most of the cases, substructure work can be categorized as follows
4.1 Excavation and earthworks (mandatory)
4.2 Concrete works (can be neglected sometimes)
4.3 Masonry works (mandatory)
Steel is not used in substructure unless in composite form.

13
3.1 Excavation and earthworks
What types of works are included in excavation and earthworks?
3.1.1 Site clearance
Carbonatious elements are not good in concrete, steel and timber works. In soils under
structures even 5% of these elements will damage the structure. Therefore, these
materials (including trees, bushes and the top 20 to 30 cm soil), termite hills, any other
obstruction, too, have to be cleared. A working space of 1m is required on each side.t is
sometimes necessary to prepare separate specification for obstructions (demolition
works) because reusable items like doors and windows are there.
3.1.2 Excavation (bulk excavation)
Excavation to get reduced levels of every structural element below the ground level is
called bulk excavation. They are subdivided as follows depending on the subsurface
condition.
3.1.2.1 Ordinary soil - with boulders and without boulders
-can easily be removed by shovel without problem.
3.1.2.2 Weathered rock –it can be divided easily without blasting
3.1.2.3 Rock- bedded rocks that cannot be dug without blasting (requires using
explosives)

Working space for bulk excavation is 25 cm ( not used for shallow masonry)

Depth of excavation less than 30 cm – measured per m 2 ,depth > 30 cm per m 3
3.1.3. Fill /embankment, measure in m3 of net volume to be filled
We need fill because the reduced level of every structural element above the structure has
to be covered.
N.B. Excavation and embankment should not be added at a time in computing their
volume, because their costs are different .The subdivision under fill are:
3.1.3.1 Backfill - filling of the excavated soil onto its excavated place
- excavated material taken from below top soil
- selected excavated material (selecting coarse particles)
3.1.3.2. Borrow fill: - filling of soil by bringing the fill from another place when there is
shortage of fill or when better quality material is required.

14
The major consideration under embankment is compaction. Compaction is done usually
at 20 cm lift thickness.
3.1.4 Disposal - cleaning the building area including cart away.
3.1.5 Sundry items – application of termite proof solution, providing hard coring, dust
blinding, expansion joints, etc are itemized as sundry items; measured in m2

3.2 concrete works

3.2.1 Concrete
Cast in situ concrete – formed on site
-Requires formwork and reinforcement
Prefabricated concrete –fabricated (manufactured) in a factory and brought to the site
- joined to make a building
- does not require formwork
- needs a special care when connecting the different elements
- fast to construct a building, though the different elements may lack homogeneity.
Pretensioned (Post tensioned) Concrete
- Bending up the concrete itself to make it ready for the downward
bending due to load. In bending due to load the beam or the slab comes to its
neutral axis.
Concrete ancillaries- windowsills, lintels, expansion joints
- permanent and temporary embedded material
- measured in ml or enumerated

Testing of concrete – destructive and non destructive tests

- Cylindrical/ cubical compressive tests to check the grade of the concrete.
- Slump test
- Structural tests (eg Non-destructive test)
- Ingredient Material test
- Constructed elements shall be evaluated for verticality and horizontality.
Accordingly, levels of floors slabs, beams, lintels, etc, intended to be horizontal

15
 shall not slope in more than 6mm in 3mm. Errors in plumbing (vertical elements)
shall not be more than + 6mm in 3m.
Curing of concrete - concrete shall be protected from premature drying and excessively
hot temperatures and loading for at least 28 days starting from the
date of casting. The importance of this is to protect the concrete
from shrinkage and creep. Creep is usually due to load, and it may
cause poor bond b/n reinforcement bars and the concrete.
- The concrete surface shall be kept continuously wet by application of water for at
least seven days to maintain constant temperature. But the watering of concrete
shall continue until the concrete has achieved its design strength.

Grades of Concrete

C5 - lean concrete, to protect the structural concrete from damage, which is

usually caused by dust. Thus dust blinding is required.
C15- for totally supported structural elements
C20- used for slabs; the mix proportion is 1:2:4
C25 – Commonly used grade of Concrete (1:2:3)
C30 –Used for chemical stores and nuclear plants
Cast in situ concrete shall be measured by volume except in ribbed slabs and groutings.

3.2.2 Formwork – measured in m2

A temporary structural element, which supports slabs, beams in casting concrete. It shall
be designed and erected to safely support, vertical and lateral loads that might be applied
until such load can be supported by the concrete structure.
Period of removal (minimum)
1. Vertical formwork to columns, walls and beams: 16 hrs
2. Soffits formwork to slab 21 day
3. props to cantilever slabs 14days
4. Soffits formwork to beams 21days
5. Props to cantilever beams 14 days

16
Formwork Classification
Normal finish, Fair face Finish, Patterned Finish

3.2.3 Reinforcement
Tests: The following tests shall be made on the reinforcement bar
- Ultimate tensile strength/ stress, yield point stress, elongation, cold bent
- The reinforcement bars are tied in 1.6 mm mild steel wire
- no concrete shall be cast until reinforcement is checked and approved by the
engineer(supervisor)
- measured in kg

3.3 Masonry Works

Masonry works are works that are executed by laying building material units of specified
dimension by providing a binding material such as mortar.
Stone obtained from quarries shall be hard and sound, free from vents, cracks, fishers,
discoloration or other defects that will adversely affect strength or appearance.
Stone chips to be produced shall not be less than 450 mm average and 380 mm in
individual length.
Stone for various masonry works shall be selected and shaped as follows:
a. stone for facing works shall generally be selected for consistency in grain, color
and texture ,throughout the work
b. stone for below ground work shall be chiseled from natural stone
Stone wall is measured by volume, whereas stone pavement is measured by area
specifying thickness.

B. SUPERSTRUCTURE
3.4 Concrete works - mostly as discussed in substructure
3.4.1 Concrete: mixing, transporting, casting, and vibration in elevation columns, beams,
staircases, slabs, shear walls, landings. Curing of the cast concrete, strength and
workability requirements are crucial issues to be checked.

17
3.4.2 Formwork: Specify the type of material used and where to use (zigba or steel)
3.4.3 Reinforcement: Differentiation is made as to the diameters and where used (sub
and super structure)
Weight per unit length for Ф6 is 0.222 kg/m; for any other diameter d 2, with weight per
unit length w2:
w2 = (d22/62) * 0.222
3.5 Masonry works
Classification of stone masonry works, measured by volume

1. Stone wall concealed from view or to be left for further finish (cheaper)
- shall be built in stone sizes of not less than 300 mm per course (one lay ) and 400
mm wide per stone
- faces of stone walls to receive further finish shall have horizontal and vertical
joints raked out to form adequate key for further finish.
2. Roughly dressed stone wall (expensive)
- shall be built in stone sizes of not less than 300 mm per course and 400 mm wide.
- The joints of the fair chiseled natural stones shall be finished slightly proud
(aesthetical) and cleaned off flush at completion
- The joints shall be raked out to a depth of 15 mm as the work proceeds and
prepared for jointing
3. Dressed stone wall facing (more expensive)
- the pattern type and size of the stone units shall be as detailed on drawings
- the joints of dressed stone wall shall be finished good and raked out to an
approximate depth of 15 mm.

Hollow and solid concrete blocks, measured by area specifying the thickness
The ingredients are cement, either pumice or red ash, water and aggregates (0.1mm)
Blocks shall be manufactured from cement, aggregates, red ash, or pumice with no fine
volcanic dust.
Trial mixes shall be prepared to attain the average minimum compressive strength after
casting and curing for 28 days.

18
There are different classes of HCBs
Class A = 42 kg/ cm2 (for light loads)
Class B =35 kg /cm2 (for external walls)
Class C =20 kg/cm2 (for partition walls)
Class AA=70 kg/cm2 (for load bearing sub structural works)
Class A-AA= 50 kg/cm2 (for load bearing super structural works)
Class AA and A-AA shall be obtained from 0.1 aggregate not from pumice or red ash
Blocks shall be uniform in texture, size, and shape and free from any cracks and defects.
The surface of blocks shall have a good key for plaster and rendering.
The standard thicknesses of HCBs are 10cm, 15cm, and 20cm
Since there are no stones, bricks of these sizes one should know, based on the given wall
thickness whether HCB wall is used or not.

Bricks

Bricks are fire resistant, watertight and can also resist compressive action of upto 200 kPa
Bricks can be used for external, internal, retaining and load bearing walls.
Bricks shall be well made and adequately burnt, free from cracks and particles of lime.
Bricks exposed to weathering shall be selected for least in absorption, high durability,
uniform in color and texture.
The thicknesses of bricks are 25 cm (for double layer) and 12 cm (for single layer)

Adobe walls

It is a mixture of clay, water and ‘chid’ with high resistance to drying shrinkage and
cracking
It shall be dried gradually; ordinary type of masonry wall, and used for very low cost
houses.
Stabilized soil block wall
It is a mixture of soil, water, and Portland cement,used for low cost houses

Building mortar (binding material)

Ingredients of mortar are:-

19
Cement: - usually Portland cement
Sand: - crushed or river sand with diameter less than 4.75 mm
Lime: -hydrated lime
The mix proportions are
a) Stone masonry: -1:3 mix b) Brick and block masonry: -1:4 mix
c) Compo mortar (lime): -1:2:9 mix

Construction
Any surface to receive masonry walls should be free from earth dust and wetted before
mortar is laid on the surface. Laying is possible on concrete surface or lean concrete
which is at least 50 mm thick, selected fill.
Walls separated by concrete or other material shall be built (straight) plumb and with
deviation of not more than 3mm in 3 meter.
Walls shall be constructed with no portion higher than 1000mm above the adjacent wall
at any time.
Wall below grade shall be built with cement mortar only (compo mortar decreases in
strength because of dampness)
During measurement, no deduction is made for opening up to 0.25 m2 in area

3.6 Roofing and wall cladding

3.6.1 Galvanized corrugated iron sheet (CIS)

Galvanized CIS for roof and wall cladding shall be of the required size and thickness
CIS less than G32 cannot be used for roofing and wall cladding of permanent structures
but for temporary works eg fence works, for provisional works
G26 G28 G30 G32 and G35
G26 is the thickest
3.6.2 Galvanized plain steel sheet (GPSS)
GPSS is used for wall cladding, ridge cup, gutter, down pipes, flashing, copping, edge
trimmers etc; shall be to the size, thickness and galvanization required; shall not be less

20
than G28; G24 is usually used for gutter, down pipes; Overlaps at edges shall be
minimum 15 cm
3.6.3 Galvanized ribbed sheets ( EGA sheets )
Usually used for factory, hall etc.
Shall comply with the requirements of the manual ‘KASI’ or other standards acceptable
to the Engineer to the sizes, thickness and distance to ribs.
3.6.4 Aluminum corrugated sheet for roofing and cladding
The minimum thickness shall be 24 SWG (SWG = standard wire gauge)
Corrugated sheets shall have uniform corrugation parallel with the sides of the sheets.
3.6.5 Aluminum plain sheet accessories
Used for ridge cap, gutter, down pipes, flashing, copping etc.
The same as that of 4.6.2 but aluminium made
3.6.6 Roof clay tiles
Tiles shall be manufactured in wet weather and prepared from clay.
Clay tiles shall show clean fracture when broken and shall not be less than 10 mm thick
Clay tiles shall be fixed to timber using roof, nails, the holes in clays shall be pierced
(using embedded in clay tiles)
Fixing accessories of roofing
Fixed to timber using chiseled or diamond edge and convex head galvanized nail drawn
from mild steel
Washers shall be diamond or flat pattern produced from rubber or bitumen coated fibre
homogenous and free from porosity (to prevent from leakage)
Hooks, bolts, nuts and screws: - Shall be fixed to steel structures; the sizes of fixing
accessories shall be as recommended by the manufacturers and match with structural
drawing.
Hangers and brackets
Used to fix gutters and down pipes; Formed from mild steel not less than 2 mm thick and
10 mm wide; Hangers and brackets shall always be primed (coated) with anti-rust paint.
Construction
Shall be given sufficient slope for drainage; Holes for bolts shall be 5 mm larger (greater)
than the diameter of bolts and the hooks and 40 mm far from the edges of the sheets

21
Sufficient overhang or other means shall be produced as weather protection for walls
Shall be laid with end laps not less than 15 cm and side laps not less than one and half
corrugation; Vertical cladding with end laps not less than 10 cm and side lap one
corrugation
Gutter and down pipe
Gutters shall be laid to slopes as indicated on drawings not less than 0.05 percent
Gutter and down pipes shall be overlapped min 15 cm and joints welded
Method of measurement for roofing
Roof cover, side cladding, and the like shall be measured by area (m 2), flat over the
projection area without addition for slopes and laps.
Ridges, flashing, down pipes etc shall be measured by length stating girth (development
length) and without addition for laps, passing angles etc.
Rain water spout shall be enumerated stating the sizes and length. The same is true for
most of prefabricated items.
The following shall be understood as included: perforating, sealing, nailing, bolting,
screwing, battens, joists, wedges, spillers, covering lists , back supports, brackets , cutting
,bracing , trimming, jointing, boring ,etc.

3.7 Carpentry and joinery works

Carpentry: -work on timber intended for structural purposes eg columns, beams, slab,
truss etc
Joinery: - work on timber intended for finishing purposes eg floor finishes, wall
claddings, doors and windows, ceilings etc
Carpentry
Truss, rafter, beams and columns:
Shall be made from eucalyptus, kerero, zigba, tid, or other equivalent posts
Shall be fabricated as per the detailed drawings
Posts shall be uniform in diameter and free from cracks

22
Posts shall be pealed off and allowed to season until the acceptable moisture content is
achieved, i.e. 20 % (seasoning = drying upto a certain moisture content)
Eucalyptus and kerero posts to be exposed to weather or buried below ground shall be
pressure impregnated
Trusses and rafter shall be tied with 6 to 8 mm diameter mild round steel
Purlins
Purlins shall be produced from eucalyptus or zigba or other equivalent posts
Purlins shall be in the sizes shown on drawings (standard dimension 5*7cm)
The splices of purlins at joints shall be minimum 60 cm
Shall be securely nailed to trusses and rafter

Joinery

I) Ceiling
Ceiling shall be built to types, size and thickness on drawings
The face of the panels to be exposed to view shall be smooth enough to receive further
finish
Soffits nailed to supporting ceiling buttons.
Soffits are made of chip wood, plywood, hard board, soft board nailed to timber buttons
Minimum size of buttons is 4*5 cm and maximum spacing is 60 cm in both directions
Button shall be fixed to the truss or rafters in 4*5 cm sawn timber suspenders
The joints of ceilings to wall shall be covered with moulded corner lists not less than
50mm and joints of panels be covered with mild timber and moulded lists not less than 30
mm wide.
Suspended ceiling Soffits
Cheap wood, plywood and other ceilings suspended from supports by wire, chains and
steel profiles and materials resting on the metal profile.
Milled timber Soffits
Made of zigba or kerero
Minimum thickness is 15 mm
Minimum panel width is 60 mm
Timber boards shall be grooved and tongued

23
Buttons shall be 50*50 mm and c/c 50 cm spacing
II) Milled timber accessories
Fascia board shall have minimum thickness of 20 mm
Edges shall be chamfered
Milled timber cladding
Use a smooth joint that is without tongue and grove
Cladding to wall shall be to the size, shape and patterns as on the drawings.
III) Milled timber floor
Floor boards that of tongue and grooved shape
Having a thickness not less than 20 mm and minimum width of 70mm and shall be
tongued and grooved
Width of 70mm and shall be tonged and grooved
Nailed to sawn timber joists
Minimum size of joists 60x100mm c/c 50 cm
Joists shall be accurately embedded in concrete
Skirting-
machine smooth finished with minimum thickness of 20 mm and width 80mm
Edges shall be chamfered
IV) Doors windows and wall panels
Wall panels partition wall in buildings
Fully solid wall panels
Partly glazed wall panels, Fully glazed
Doorframes
Shall be notched to receive iron mongery (hinge, lock and handle)
Lists of cover joints between frame and wall shall be milled timber not less than 50 mm
wide
a) Glazed wooden doors - the side , top bottom and intermediate rails shall be
mortised and tenoned
rails shall be single width timber

b) Panel wooden doors

24
 plywood or other panels are used in place of glazing
c) Flush wooden door
Finished thickness of flush doors not less than 40mm
Face panels on either face shall not be less than 8 mm
Cover panels if tongued, boards shall not be less than 15mm
Windows
It is the same as that of doors
Sills for windows shall be in full width timber and extending beyond the face of the wall

Wall panels
- Tongued and grooved milled timber boards not less than width of 80 mm and 15
mm thick
- If open jointed milled timber is used, width=100mm and thickness=15mm
- Block board with specified plywood exposed surface of less than 20mm thickness

V) Cupboard and counters

- Built in cupboards: - fixed cupboards on construction of the building
- Shall be constructed from milled timber and paneled boards. It has frames of
40x40 mm milled timber, fixed to wall
- The bottom part is made up of 20mm thick edge lipped block board with exposed
faces covered by plywood
- Rear, side and top part of the cupboard shall be lined with 6mm exposed face
smooth finish plywood

Drawers
- shall be built in 20 mm thick milled timber
- bottom of drawer shall be block board not less than 6mm thick
- shall have milled timber plastic or metal guide rails to each other

Shelves

25
 - 20 mm thick block board with upper face finished smooth and be supported on
hardwood metal or plastic support securely screwed or nailed to the cupboard
frame
Methods of measurement for carpentry and joinery
- Structural members other than truss shall be measured by length stating size (eg
columns, beams)
- Roof trusses shall be enumerated stating type and referring drawings (sometimes
measured in meter length)
- Boarding, flooring, partitions, Soffits (ceiling),curtain walls are measured by area
and shall be understood as including frames , corner lists and hard wares(hinge
,handle , lock )
- Fascia boards, eaves, skirting shall be measured by length stating girth
- Built in furniture and boards shall be enumerated stating sizes

3.8 STEEL STRUCTURAL WORK

Steel can resist compressive, tensile, bending and Torsional stresses
The material shall be mild steel
Profiles (shapes)
- The shape of the steel structure is determined by the Structural Engineer .The
sizes and shape shown on drawing shall be specified in description column
Steel is used for constructing:-
- Beams, columns, suspended slab, truss, rafter
- Composite structure (steel +concrete)
- Upto 15m span we can use timber trusses, but for span greater than 15m,we have
to use a steel structure

Bolts and nuts

- are used to connect (fix )structural steel with concrete or other material
- welding is usually not recommended for steel structures because it does not allow
movement
Normal type of connection between a column and truss
Function of slotting (widening ) truss connection holes is

26
 - to correct mistakes in fixing
- for ease of access of mounting
- for expansion joint (to allow movements )
Steel plates (steel to steel connection)
- used for splices of joints
- used for bearing plates

Fabrication
- shall follow sequences which are suitable for assembling and erection
- cutting shall be sawing, shearing (steel cutter ),copping or flame cutting
(oxyacetylene cutter)
- holes shall be drilled or punched
- holes shall not be more than 3mm larger than diameter of bolts

Assembling erection
- adequate care shall be taken to ensure that components are not bent or twisted
- bolted connection shall be drawn together
- washers shall be provided where slot holes are oversize
- anchors and embedded connection shall be set and grouted before mounting

Method of measurement
- Beams, trusses, columns and purlins, bracings, rails, etc shall be measured by
weight (Kg), identified by profiles and type of structures
- Connection plates, base plates, angle iron ties, brackets shall be measured by
weight or enumerated stating profiles and dimensions respectively
- Anchor bolts enumerated stating size and development length
3.9 Metal works
- Metal door window frames
- Steel profiles produced from standard grade of steel
- Black steel to be primed during fabrication and surface treated after installation

27
 - Aluminum profiles: - wrought aluminum and alloys are used. Nuts, bolts, screws
and fasteners are coated or produced from nonoxidizing metal.

Fabrication
- Formed accurate to required profiles and sizes

Erection
- be placed accurately in position aligned, plumbed, and leveled
- they are usually door and window frames and hence no assembling of parts except
fabrication and erection

Classification
1) Casement doors and windows
- side , bottom, and top hinged
- LTZ frame (iron made)
- SECCO profile (steel)
- RHS frames (refer KASI manual)
- SECCO profile is more expensive than LTZ (Fig)
2) Heavy duty sliding door
- Guide and roller trucks shall be in mild steel in the sizes specified
- Rollers shall be heavy duty and produced from stainless steel and be provided at
top
3) Louver window
4) Security grills
- Produced from mild steel galvanized or precoated solid plates or hollow profiles
of patterns as shown on drawings
5) Guard rails
- fastened to support securely embedded in concrete or welded
6) Wire netting and fly screen
- netted wire produced from steel
- mesh for flag screen shall not be more than 10 mm

28
 7) Corner protection
-not less than 30 mm
- shall be securely screwed and embedded to angle of materials for protection

Method of measurement
- Doors and windows enumerated stating sizes (the glazing work shall be measured
separately)
- Curtain walls by area
- Balustrade rails, corner protection by length stating development length
- Security grills fixed to windows and doors by area
- Louvers enumerated in size stating number of blades (louver jamb sets)
The following shall be understood as included: chiseling, cutting, welding, riveting,
shaping, grinding, drilling, assembling, fixing, protective treatment , decorative paint
, frames, beads ,lining , anchors , hard wares etc(hard wares include hinge, lock,
handle
3.10 FINISHING WORK
1) Plastering and pointing works
The ingredients are:
- Cement (ordinary Portland cement), Lime
- Gypsum (such as plaster of Paris )
- Aggregate (fine or crushed aggregates), water
Surfaces to receive plaster, pointing or screed shall be thoroughly cleaned and wetted
The surface should be raked out to a minimum depth 10 mm to form proper key
(If the thickness of plastering is greater than 2.5cm, it may crack)
The surface should be rubbed with cement slurry (cement +water)
Plaster
First coat: - mix proportion 1:2.5(cement: aggregate by volume)
- minimum thickness of 5 mm
- spread by trowel , stretched off level and allowed to cure for 24 hours before
applying the second coat
Second coat: - mix proportion 1:1:6 (cement: lime: aggregate by volume)

29
 1: 4 (cement: aggregate by volume)
- max thickness of 12 mm
- dried for 21 days
Fine finish or fine coat cement plaster
- mix proportion 1:2 (cement +fine sand )
- max thickness of 3 mm
- shall be finished truly and level
We use fine sand for smooth finish as final coat
Function of first coat
- acts as a bondage between the masonry wall and the second coat
- the second coat is for minor adjustments on plumb (level ) and receiver surface
for the smooth finish (fine coat )
- function of fine finish is for aesthetical value and preparation for painting
- the fine finish coat shall be cured for seven days and allowed for 28 days before
further finish is applied
Fine coat lime plaster:
- mix proportion 1:2 (lime : fine aggregate)
- max thickness of 3 mm
- further finish up to 28 days

Fine coat gypsum plaster

- mix proportion 1:3 (gypsum :lime putty )
- max thickness of 3 mm
- cured for 28 days

Render coat
- mix proportion 1:2:5 (cement :lime : fine aggregate)
or mix proportion 1:3 (cement : fine aggregate )
- shall be manual or machine sprayed, wetted for 7 days

Float finish (Fare faced)

- Shall be applied to concrete surfaces that are to receive no plaster coat

30
 - It is applied to only concrete surfaces not to masonry
- A rendering coat of one cement with two fine aggregate shall be applied and
surface floated. Cement dust or cement paste shall be applied to the floated
surface
Cement pointing
- mix proportion 1:2 (cement :fine aggregate)
- can be flush or recess pointing
Flush pointing: finished level and even to the wall
Recess pointing: depth not less than 5mm
Pointed surface shall be cement dusted or cement pasted to form smooth surface and
wetted for seven days

Method of measurement
- plaster and pointing works shall be measured by area . Internal and external works
shall be measured separately
The following shall be understood as included.
- preparing background , hacking out joints , grouting , jointing , recessing etc

2) Floor and wall finish

Terrazzo tiles: -used for floor finish and skirting
- shall be precast or cast in situ elements
- shall have a minimum topping of two parts of marble or granite chipping from an
approved quality with one part cement
- the minimum grading of the chip shall be 5mm
- usually have a thickness of 2 cm
- shall be applied onto 3 cm thick cement screed bedding (specified thickness )
Precast cement tiles
- produced from crushed aggregates (0.1 mm gravel) and sand mix
- minimum thickness shall be 20mm
- shall be applied on 3 cm cement screed bedding
- cheaper than terrazzo tile

31
 Marble tiles
- shall be in accordance with quality, color and texture as shown (specified )
- shall be straight edged and smooth surfaced
- cement mortar backing for walls and cement screed bedding for floors
- recently techniques of binding the marble with wall leaving space between them
(for expansion) is practiced. (Fig)
Marble chips
- flooring thickness shall not be less than 20 mm and does not exceed 50 mm
- chips shall be irregular shape and the smallest dimension shall not be less than
100mm
- the exposed surface of mortar finish to marble chip shall not exceed 1:3
proportion
Ceramic and mosaic tiles
- ceramic tiles shall be glazed type of approved color , texture and size
- ceramic tiles shall be 6mm thick for walls and not less than 15mm for floors
- mosaic tiles shall be in regular square or hexagonal sizes not exceeding 25mm in
dimension of each size
PVC tiles
- usually thermoplastic
- the tiles and skirting shall be resistant to household oil and acids
- the glue (adhesive ) for fixing PVC tiles and skirting shall be in accordance with
manufacturer’s instruction
- usually 2mm thick PVC tiles and 48 mm cement screed is used

COPPING, CILLS, STEPS, RISERS

- can be from marble , terrazzo , concrete , stone etc and shall be laid as per the
drawing

Stone and concrete pavements

- dressed or roughly dressed sand stone or precast concrete shall be laid on
compacted fill of 10 mm sand or red ash bedding and joints pointed with cement

32
Method of measurement
The following shall be measured by area specifying material, size and thickness
- all finishes to floors and walls except skirting , copping and cills
- all finishes to risers , treads, and landings to stairs
The following shall be measured in length specifying material, size and thickness
- skirting, cills and copings, dividing strips in floors
The following shall be understood as included:
- preparing background, hacking , raking , grouting , bedding , jointing , rubbing
and priming
3.11 GLAZING

Transparent glass
Sheet glass (clear glass)
Transparent glass shall be clear or tinted, transmitting light and capable of showing
objects

Figured glass
- have sufficient imprinting of texture or pattern totally or substantially obscure
vision

Opal glass
- vision from inside but not from outside

Wired glass
-shall be in wire mesh , transparent , translucent or figured

Putty
- used for fixing the glass to the frame
- shall be quick , hard setting, tropical putty specially manufactured for glazing
works

METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
- glazing shall be measured by area

33
 - glazing to louvers and special fixing may be enumerated by stating size and
thickness
The following shall be understood as included: -
Bedding, mastic, fixing, beading, cleaning etc

3.12 PAINTING WORKS

Oil based priming paints
(priming coat – initial or preparatory coats )
- applied to surfaces readily mixed or base paints

Aluminum priming paints

- for wood work
- shall be for brush application

Metallic zinc rich priming paints

- shall be applied to iron and steel surfaces

OIL PAINTS
- water proof
- shall be applied in accordance with manufacturers instruction
- can be applied for walls, wood work , metals

PLASTER EMULSION PAINTS

- normal and usual type of painting
- shall be selected for interior and exterior works

SYNTHETIC ENAMEL PAINTS

- used for metals with manufacturers instruction

METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
- painting shall be measured by area
- special application to edges shall be measured in length stating the girth

34
 - internal and external surfaces shall be measured separately
The following shall be understood as included
- Trimming, cutting, matching patterns, cleaning, priming

3.13 SANITARY WORKS

It includes all works on building in connection with supply of potable water and
removal of solid and liquid wastes
CLASSIFICATION OF SANITARY INSTALLATIONS
Pipes
- Galvanized steel pipes –used for distribution of water (pipes for cold and hot
potable water internally and externally installed having plain or threaded ends.
- Pipes are measured by length stating diameter taken along the centerline over all
fittings
- How are distribution pipes indicated in drawings?
(Fig - Riser diagrams)
Valves:
- Flanges used to connect pipes and for controlling
- Check valves, gate valve, service valves
- shall be in specified material and size at positions indicated in drawings
- Enumerated stating diameter
UPVC (unplasticised pvc ) – rigid thermoplastic conduit
- can be used for cold water distribution
- usually used for solid waste and surface drainage with vent pipe in horizontal and
vertical stacks
- shall be measured in length stating diameter and understood to include accessory
joint fitting like Y,T, joints
Precast concrete pipes – for solid waste and surface drainage
Solid pipes –surface drainage and sewage
Perforated pipes – subsurface drainage
Manholes: - shall be in precast concrete C 20 quality or class A hollow brick as
indicated and detailed in the drawings.(Fig)

35
 - shall be laid on a minimum concrete bed of 150mm
- enumerated stating size and depth including all related earthwork
Manholes are used for inspection, reduction of number of pipes, change of directions
at angles
Trench excavation and cutting
- carried out after full supply of pipes has been made
- bottom excavations trimmed and level to the requirements
- minimum width for pipes of 200 mm is 600 mm and not less than 600.
- greater than the diameter of the pipe for pipe sizes over 1000mm
Pipe laying checked for true straight, and gradient shall be given concrete bed or
granular bed
a) concrete bed (fig)
b) granular bed - max grain size 20mm
- the granular fill and concrete in layers not exceeding 20 cm
- no mechanical compactor is used upto 1000mm above the fill for granular
and 600 mm for concrete bed
Concrete pipes shall be measured in length, stating the diameter and understood as
including: setting out, trench excavation, pipe laying, jointing, bedding and backfills

SEPTIC TANKS, SOAKAWY PITS AND PERCOLATION DITCH

Solid and liquid waste _(concrete) pipe _(manhole) _septic tank
- Measurement shall be done in accordance with the method of measurement for
each item of works
- May be specified on lump sum for costing

SANITARY FIXTURES
- Shall be manufactured of standards acceptable for the intended purpose
- Appliances shall be supplied with mounting and plugging devices, valves, chains,
waste plug, traps, handles, flexible pipes, bolts, nuts screws, hinges etc
- WC units – they are of different types
White Vitreous China WC

36
 - Low flush cistern, plastic seat and cover, inlet and drain connecting and complete
with fixing devices
- Ditto as above but high flush cistern
Enameled White Cast Iron Pedestal Pan WC unit
- Concealed flush and cistern, plastic seat and cover, inlet and drain connector, trap
and complete with fixing devices
- ditto as above but high flush cistern
Precast terrazzo squatting pan WC unit with high level flush cistern, inlet and drain
connector, trap and complete with fixing devices
WC units are enumerated items
HWB (hand wash basin)
- white vitreous china, standard white wash hand basin of specified size , with pair
of white painted cast iron screw to wall , brackets 32 mm slotted basin waste and
overflow, chromium plated basin chain and rubber plug , 32 mm chromium plated
bottle trap and connector , flexible pipe connector, complete with fixing devices ,
and chromium plated cold water valve only .
- ditto as above but chromium plated cold and hot water valves .
Urinals: white vitreous china urinal bowel supported on concealed wall hangers, 9 litre
capacity level cistern with automatic siphon, flexible pipe connector, drip tap,
stainless steel exposed flush pipes, 38mm waste strainer and bottle trap
- Ditto as above but with two unit divisions
Shower units, water heaters and sinks are fixtures
Other accessories
Toilet roll, soap dish, towel rail
Method of measurement – enumerated stating size

3.14 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

It includes supply, erection, installation, testing and commissioning of electrical wares as
generally shown on electrical drawings
- Materials shall be fully in accordance with qualities, tolerances, tests,
recommendations, method of workmanship as described on specification

37
All accessories shall be fixed at the following heights above finished floor level unless
specified on the BOQ or drawings
- Distribution boards 1700 mm
- Lighting switches and push buttons 1400 mm
- Lighting switches and push buttons above beds 1000mm
- Sockets in general 300 mm
- Sockets on benches 1500 mm above bench top
- Sockets in workshops 1100mm
- Telephone outlets 300mm
- Bells 2100 mm
1) Underground cable ducts
- made of precast concrete pipes or galvanized steel pipes
- for protection of power and telephone outlet cable
- it shall be the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that the underground duct
is installed correctly according to each party’s requirement
- precast concrete , galvanized steel upvc are used (similarly as given for sanitary
installation)
- Manholes – similar to the requirements for sanitary installation
2) Distribution boards (DB)
Main distribution boards (MDB) and sub distribution board (SDB)
- The contractor shall supply and install medium voltage MD panel as shown on the
drawings. Arrangement of the panel shall be as to permit the ready incomoing and
out going cables.
- Sub distribution board (SDB) shall be surface flush mounted and DB shall be of
the type fully enclosed sheet steel cabinet and hinged cover
- DBs shall be enumerated stating the power and voltage supply including all
related works
3) PVC cables – underground cables shall be pvc insulated steel wire and pvc served
overall and all cables shall have copper conductors
- measured in meter linear

38
 4) Light points, power and socket outlets
- outlets are either of bell, fan , telephone , TV or antenna
- outlets shall be enumerated and understood as including all related works
Light points
- Fed through specified size pvc insulated conductors of thermoplastic conduits of
13.5 mm diameter for surface installation including junction boxes with cover and
insulating caps
- Ditto as above but in steel conduits of 15 mm diameter
Socket outlets – same as light points
Bell points - fed through pvc insulated conductor of 2mm by 0.8 mm2 inside
thermoplastic conduits including junction boxes with covers
Fan outlets – fed through pvc insulated conductors inside thermoplastic conduits of
13.5 mm upto 16mm diameter for surface installation thermoplastic conduit is used
for recessed or internal surface installation
Power outlets –ditto as above
Telephone outlets – ditto as above but wiring done by ETA
Measurement: - enumerated and understood to include related works
TV antenna outlets
- 20 mm diameter thermoplastic conduit for recessed installation
- 20mm rigid thermoplastic conduit for surface installation
- 20 mm steel conduit for surface installation
outlets are enumerated and understood to include chiseling , laying conduits and
installing wires providing junction box and insulating cups

Electrical fixtures
- Light fixtures –shall be enumerated stating type of fixtures
- Air conditioners
- Fans, Bell systems
- Shall be enumerated stating type of fixture

C. EXTERNAL WORKS , SERVICES

39
- maintenance
- pavements
- parking
- landscaping and gardening
- fencing
Excavation and earthworks for slope stabilization or drainage ditches

40
Chapter Four

4. Cost Estimation

General
Project cost estimation is the process of valuing on monetary expression, including the
cost of all possible entrants necessary for the planning, implementing and monitoring
stages of the proposed project under consideration. If the available financial capacity is
smaller than the estimated cost, it is important to redefine the scope of the work by either
changing the specification or size of the work. The possible entrants of project cost are:
- Preliminary investigation (project appraisal costs)
- design and supervision (consultancy cost )
- construction works (contractor’s cost )
- land owning cost
- monitoring costs

41
Purposes of Estimation
The main purposes of costing or estimating are to:
- know the volume of work in reference to the fund available
- determine actual cost per unit of item
- identifying engineering estimate of the work for bidding purpose
- work out economical use of materials , labor and equipments
- in cases of variations to determine the extra cost to be incurred
- when changes in cost due to legislation happens, to work out the escalation in
cost
Factors affecting cost estimation
1) Type and documentation of the project
2) Construction scheduling
3) Bidding environment
4) Quality and availability of material and labor (given in specification)
5) Strength or grade required. Eg. C15, C20, C25 concrete
6) Construction facilities /tools and method of construction
7) Location of the site
8) Transportation charges
9) Proper management
10) Land charges (lease)
11) Nature of subsurface condition (and the foundation that is being used)

The following information is required to define cost per unit of work

1. Correct information of the market price of the materials at the time of need to be
used as a prime cost
2. Correct information of the rates of various categories of skilled and unskilled
laborers as wage rates to be used for daily work rate
3. Output of laborers per day for various types of items (productivity)
4. Correct information of the rates of various categories of equipments and tools as
rental rates to be used for major items of rates

42
 5. Up-to-date knowledge of the construction methods.

Types of costing or estimating

Estimation can be broadly classified as preliminary (approximate) and detailed
(refined). But it is also possible to classify estimation into four categories as follows:

1. Preliminary /approximate costing

This type of cost estimation is required to know the financial position of the client before
costly detailed designs are carried out. Such estimates are based on practical knowledge
and cost of similar previous works. Examples of approximate cost estimations are as
follows:
Cost per functional unit
Hospital =cost per bed, Dormitory = cost per student, Cinema or theatre = cost per seat,
road works = cost per kilometer length, etc
Plinth area method – cost per m2 of a building
(Plinth area means built up (covered) area measured at floor level of the storey)
Social Buildings – not aesthetic but functional, 1000 – 1500 Br/m2
Industrial Buildings – Profitable but aesthetics is not the main quality, 1300 – 2000Br/m2
Monumental Building – Aesthetics is the main quality, eg. Palaces, museums
2000 – 3000Br/m2
Cubical Content method – cost per m3 of the building
Elemental/parametric Estimate – roughly grouped quantities or elemental bill
In this approach the project is first divided into functional systems/elements and rough
quantities are taken off. The cost of each element is obtained by multiplying the
quantities obtained by established unit prices, and the elemental costs are added to get the
total construction cost.
Example: Slab =.....Br/m2
Beam (Specified size) = .....Br/meter linear

2. Detailed estimate or item rate method

43
This is the most reliable and accurate type of estimate. The quantities of items are
carefully prepared from the drawings and the total cost worked out from up to date
market rates. Detailed estimate is accompanied by a detailed report, detailed specification
for the execution of the work, and detailed drawings, etc.
3. Revised Estimate
A detailed estimate prepared afresh when the original detailed estimate is beyond an
acceptable range. It should be accompanied by all the papers as in the case of the detailed
estimate and also should include the comparative statements of variations in each item of
works.
4. Supplementary Estimate
When additional works are there, a fresh detailed estimate is prepared to supplement the
original work.

5. Rate Analysis
Rate Analysis is the process of fixing cost per unit of measurement for the different item
of works. Cost due to construction (contractor’s cost) is given special attention here.
Total cost per unit of work (TC) may be grouped into two components; direct cost and
indirect cost. The direct cost (DC) includes cost due to material, cost due to labor, cost
due to equipment, whereas the indirect(IC) cost covers overhead costs, and contractor’s
profit. Overhead costs are expenses for general office facility, rents, taxes, electrical light,
water, and other miscellaneous items.
In order to facilitate estimation of cost due to material, it is important to know the
quantities of various materials involved in construction of various parts of the building or
construction work i.e. material break down is essential.

Material Breakdown
1. Quantity of materials required for brick masonry laid in 1:4 cement mortar
Qty of brick masonry =1m3 (4m2 for 25cm thick brick wall)
Size of one brick =24x12x6 cm (common in Ethiopia)
Size of one mortared brick= 25x13x7 cm;

44
Volume of each mortared brick = 0.25x0.13x.07 = 2.275x10-3m3
Number of bricks required =1/ 2.275x10-3m3 = 440 mortared bricks per m3
Add 2% for breakage =9
Take 450 bricks per m3 or 450/4 = 112.5 bricks/ m2; take 115 bricks/ m2
Volume of one nominal (unmortared) brick = 0.24x0.12x0.06 = 1.728x10-3m3
Volume of 440 unmortared bricks = 440x1.728x10-3m3 = 0.76032m3
Volume of wet mortar in 1m3 of wet masonry = 1 - 0.76032 = 0.23968m3
Percentage of wet masonry in 1m3 masonry work = (0.23968/1)*100 = 23.96%
(can be taken as 25%)
Factor of conversion of wet mortar into dry mortar (quantity for dry base analysis)
Volume of wet mortar in 1m3 of wet masonry = 0.23968m3
Add 10% for wastage = 0.023968m3
Sum Total = 0.263648 m3
Assume 20% voids in sand (Note that cement fills the voids b/n sand particles)
Volume of dry base analysis = wet mortar volume + increment because of voids in sand
= 0.263648 m3 + 20/100* 0.263648 m3
= 0.31638m3 ; nearly 30% of the volume of construction
Factor of conversion = volume of material required on dry base/ volume of wet mortar
= 0.31638m3 / 0.263648 m3 =1.2
Cement mortar of 1:4 mix by volume (1+4 =5)
Qty of cement required = 1/5 * 0.316 = 0.0632m3/m3 of construction
Number of bags of cement = 0.0632m3/ 0.035 m3per bag =1.81 bags per m3 of
construction; 1.81/4 = 0.45 bags per m2
Qty of sand required = 4/5 * 0.316 = 0.253m3 per m3 of construction = 0.063m3/m2
Exercise: define qty of materials required to construct 1m2 HCB wall laid in 1: 4 cement
mortar; Take nominal size of blocks as 40x20x20 cm, 40x20x15cm, or 40x20x10 cm.

2. Quantity of materials required for C -25 cement concrete (1:2:3)

Cement concrete is a heterogeneous mixture of cement, fine, and coarse aggregates;
cement fills the voids in sands also while sand fills the voids in the coarse aggregate.
Water acts as an agent so that the paste of cement can coat all the particles of the

45
aggregate. The hydration of cement results in solidification of entire mass and thus binds
the different particles together. Because of the voids in aggregates and wastage, 1.4 to 1.6
times dry volume of the materials are required to get 1m3 of compact dense fresh concrete
mix.
Materials required for 1:2:3 cement concrete mix – a commonly used grade of concrete
for structural works.
Wet (fresh) concrete mix …………= 1m3
Quantity for dry base analysis…….= 1.5*1.0m3 = 1.5m3
Volume of cement……………= 1/6*1.5 = 0.25m3 = 0.25m3/0.035m3 per bag
= 7.1 bags of cement
Sands ………………………..= 2/6* 1.5 = 0.5m3 of sand
Coarse aggregate…………….= 3/6 *1.5 = 0.75m3 of coarse aggregate

Exercise: Do similarly for C 20 and C 30 concretes

3. Quantity of Materials required for stone masonry laid in 1:3 cement mortar
Quantity of stone masonry work ….= 1m3
Quantity of undressed stone ………= 1.1m3 (taken 110%)
Quantity of mortar required……….= 0.35m3 (taken 35%)
Quantity of cement ………………. = 1/4 *0.35 = 0.0875m3 = 0.0875/0.035 = 2.5 bags
Quantity of sand required …………= 3/4 * 0.35 = 0.263m3

4. Materials required for 12mm thick cement plaster in 1: 4 cement mortar

30% more mortar is required to fill up joints and uneven surfaces. This total wet mortar is
increased by 20% to convert to dry mortar (for the effect of voids). Thus, wet mortar is
multiplied by 1.55 to define quantity of material required on dry base.
Area to be plastered = 1m2
Thickness of plaster = 12mm
Volume of the mortar = 1*0.012 = 0.012m3
Volume for dry quantity = 1.55 * 0.012 = 0.019m3
Cement required = 1/5 * 0.019 = 0.0038m3 = 0.11 bags of cement
Sand required = 4/5 * 0.019 = 0.015 m3

46
5. Materials required for pointing in cement mortar of 1:2
Area to be pointed = 1m2 [total wall area]
In 1m2 wall area, number of mortared bricks of 25x13x7cm size (assuming 25cm thick
double brick wall) = 1/(0.25*0.07) = 57
Face area of the 57 nominal bricks = 57*0.24*0.07 = 0.82m2
Area covered by joints (pointed) = 1 – 0.82 = 0.18m2
Average thickness of pointing = 20mm
Volume of wet mortar = 0.02*0.18 = 0.0036m3
Volume for dry quantity = 1.55* 0.0036 = 0.006m3
Cement required = 1/3 *0.006 = 0.002m3 = 0.05 bags
Sand required = 2/3 * 0.006 = 0.004m3

Exercise: Do similarly for tiling works using mortars

Calculation of Unit Price (rate)

I. Cost per m2 of 25cm thick brick masonry wall, laid in 1:4 cement mortar
Total cost (TC) = Direct cost (DC) + Indirect cost(IC)
IC = 25% to 35% of DC; Equipment cost (EC) = 5% to 10% of TC
1. Material cost
Brick: Purchasing Cost + loading Cost + unloading Cost
= 115 pc*0.85Br/pc + 115(50Br/1000pc) + 115(350Br/3000pc) + 115(80Br/1000pc)
= 126.12Br/m2
Cement: Purchasing Cost + loading Cost + unloading Cost
(Provide 10% allowance for wastage by wind, = (1.81/4)*1.1= 0.5 bag/m2)
= 0.5 bag/m2*55Br/bag + 1Br/bag* 0.5bag + 2Br/bag* 0.5bag + 1Br/bag* 0.5bag
= 29.5 Br/m2
Sand: Purchasing Cost + loading Cost + unloading Cost
= 0.063m3/m2 *120Br/m3 = 7.56 Br/m2
Total material cost = cost of (brick +cement +sand)
= 126.12 + 29.5 + 7.56 = 163.18 Br/m2
2. Labor cost (LC)

47
Crew = a group which is directly involved in a similar job
A crew for brick masonry work consists of a mason, an assistant mason and two labors
Utilization Factor (UF) = 1/ the # of crew or people under supervision
Forman, to guide/control masonry work, UF = ¼, when controlling four crews
Site Engineer/Manager, UF = 1/10 (assumed to control 10 formen)
Indexed hourly wages
Site Engineer/Manager 4000Br/month = 4000Br/(22days*8hrs/day) = 22.70Br/hr
For a utilization factor of 1/10 (for 10 formen under him)
= 22.70*1/10 = 2.27Br/hr
Forman daily wage = 40Br/day = 40/8*(1/4) = 1.25 Br/hr, for 4 crews
Mason daily wage = 30Br/day = 3.75Br/hr , UF = 1
Assistant mason daily wage = 20Br/day = 2.5 Br/hr, UF = 1
Daily laborers, daily wage = 10Br/day =1.25Br/hr, UF = 1
Labor out put (productivity) for the work = 4m2/day = 0.5m2/hr
Labor cost (LC) = Cost per unit time/ productivity
= [2.27 + 1.25 + 3.75 + 2.5 +2*1.25] Br per hr / [0.5 m2per hr]
= 24.54Br/m2
DC = MC + LC +EC; take EC = 0.05TC
DC = 163.18 + 24.54 +0.05TC; but TC = DC + IC, take IC = 0.25DC; thus
TC = (187.72 + 0.05TC) + 0.25DC
TC = (187.72 + 0.05TC) + 0.25(187.72 + 0.05TC
TC = 234.65+ 0.063TC
TC = 250.30Br per m2
Thus, the unit price for 25cm thick brick masonry wall laid in 1:4 cement mortar is
estimated to be 250.30Br/m2
Exercise: Similarly fix unit price for HCB masonry walls laid in 1:4 cement mortar
making use of most recent market prices.

II. Unit price for C -25 concrete per m3 of work (formwork and reinforcement m/s)
Material cost

48
Cement = 7.1bags/m3* 50Br/bag = 355Br
Sand = 0.5m3*120Br/m3 = 60 Br
Coarse Aggregate = 0.75m3*120Br/m3 = 90 Br
MC = 505 Br/m3
Labour cost
The crew consists of a mason, two assistants, and four daily laborers at the wage rates
given above for brick masonry work.
Site Engineer/Manager 4000Br/month = 4000Br/(22days*8hrs/day) = 22.70Br/hr
For a utilization factor of 1/10 (for 10 formen under him)
= 22.70*1/10 = 2.27Br/hr
Forman daily wage = 40Br/day = 40/8*(1/4) = 1.25 Br/hr, for 4 crews
Mason daily wage = 30Br/day = 3.75Br/hr , UF = 1
Assistant mason daily wage = 20Br/day = 2.5 Br/hr, UF = 1
Daily laborers, daily wage = 10Br/day =1.25Br/hr, UF = 1
Labor out put (productivity) for the work = 2m3/day = 0.25m3/hr
Labor cost (LC) = Cost per unit time/ productivity
= [2.27 + 1.25 + 3.75 + 2*2.5 +4*1.25] Br per hr / [0.25 m3per hr]
= 69.08Br/m3
DC = MC + LC +EC; take EC = 0.05TC
DC = 505+ 69.08 +0.05TC; but TC = DC + IC, take IC = 0.25DC; thus
TC = (574.08 + 0.05TC) + 0.25DC
TC = (574.08 + 0.05TC) + 0.25(574.08 + 0.05TC)
TC = 717.6+ 0.063TC
TC = 765.8Br per m3

Exercise: Revise the above unit price making use of the most recent market condition for
all factors affecting the cost.

Principles of Contract law as applied to Civil Engineering

Parties in a construction contract
The following parties (entities) play important role in the construction business.

49
Construction contractors and subcontractors
Construction contractors and their subcontractors are obviously the key participants.
These are the entities charged with the responsibility of actually putting construction
work in place. That is, those entities who determine the means, methods, techniques,
sequence, and procedures and direct the actual construction activities.
Consultants (Architect/Engineer)
The consultant (A/E) who designs the work and often administers the construction
phase of the project personifies the second important group of participants. The
consultants are responsible for preliminary study (project appraisal), preliminary
architectural design, working drawings, structural designs, sanitary and
electromechanical designs, and specifications for the planned construction. The
consultants are also required to advice the client on issues of project cost and the
possible alternatives.
Construction owners
The construction owners for whom the work is done and without whom there would
be no construction industry constitute the third important segment. This group is the
source of the money that drives the industry. Construction contracts with private
owners often operate very differently from those with public owners. For that reason,
the distinction between private and public owners is important.
The private owner includes just about any person or entity that is not a regional state,
or federal governmental body. Examples include you or yours neighbors who wants
home built and large commercial entities such as restaurant and retail chains, real
developers, and the giant industrial corporations. The private sector may also include
quasi-public bodies that may be regulated by governmental bodies.
On the other hand, the public owner can be regional state, or federal governmental
bodies. The public sector also includes entities created for specific purposes, such as
ERA, ETC, etc.
Service and Supply Organizations
A fourth segment consists of the service and supply organizations of the industry,
such as the firms that manufacture/import and market construction equipment. Other
examples include the producers and importers of the basic materials of construction

50
such as cement, concrete aggregates and other stone products, lumber and timber
products, steel, and many other materials or manufactured items.
Insurance companies and sureties are service organizations. What about banking
institutions? Do you consider them to be important service organizations? Few
owners or contractors could exist without the participation of the banks, which
furnish construction loans for owners and equipment loans or operating capital loans
for contractors.
Finally, the service and supply group of entities includes attorneys who furnish
personal service or advice. Attorneys provide legal advice to the various parties
involved in construction and represent them in court as well as in many business
situations.
Labor force
Another major category of participant is the labor force. Without this segment,
nothing would get built.
Regional State and the Federal Government
Another category of player is Regional States and Federal government, not in the
previously discussed role as a construction owner, but in their regulatory capacity as
the promulgators of many of the rules and regulations governing the operation of the
industry. Formerly, the Ministry of Works and Urban Development used to regulate
the construction sector; these days the Ministry of Infrastructure pays this role.
General Public
Finally, that broad body of persons constituting the general public must be included.
Construction does not occur in vacuum, and large projects, particularly those in
heavily populated areas, temporarily affect the lives of many persons who are not
involved in the actual construction work but who are simply living or working in the
area. The general public can greatly affect construction projects in two ways. First,
construction planning must consider the impact on the public during actual
construction. Second, planning must cover any permanent effects on the public,
including the environment, which is also “public.” It is required to provide general
liability insurances to the public impact, and there is increasing

51
 requirement for environmental impact assessments, which takes place before actual
construction work is permitted, to care for environmental degradation.
Contract Documents
A contract can be described as an undertaking by a person or a firm to do any work
under certain terms or conditions. In construction, it is common to consider the
primary body of rules and specifications of works that describe the conditions under
which agreement has been made as a contract.
Construction is a complex and risky undertaking. As a result, there should be fair and
comprehensive set of rules governing the relationship among the parties involved this
business. The following documents serve as contract documents:
1. Invitation to bid (Tender Notice)
2. Standard Condition of contract: is the description of rules and regulations binding
the contracting parties. Condition of contract is of two types; general condition on of
contract which contains rules that are applicable to any project unless otherwise
specified in special (particular) condition of contract. The special (particular)
condition of contract contains special conditions that are of specific nature to the
particular project under consideration.
3. Standard Instructions to bidders: description of procedures to be followed during
tendering (bidding) and the eligibility and qualification requirements that the bidders
have to fulfill so that their bid proposal shall not be discarded as non responsive.
4. Technical specification and method of measurements: a technical paper laying
common grounds for material and construction quality control and method of
measurements.
5. Drawings 6. Specifications 7. Priced Bill of Quantity 8. Signed Bid Proposal 9.
Letter of Acceptance 10. Construction Agreement
11. Appendix to construction Agreement: In this part, amount of interim payment,
amounts of payments for liquidated damages, time of commencement & completion,
amounts of third party insurances, etc are indicated.
12. Performance Security (Bond)
13. Addendum to the technical specification

52
Contracting

53