Taking Off Quantities: Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation
Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and

Legislation
Lecture 1
Taking off Quantities
Asoka Perera
Professor of Civil Engineering
1 © Asoka Perera
03 Credits
2 Hours/Week
2 Hours/Week
Introduction
Civil Engineering practices, quality and legislation
module aims to provide students understanding of
construction management, contract procedures,
related legal aspects. It also can help to develop an
understanding of bills of quantities and quality
aspects in construction.
2 © Asoka Perera
Learning Outcomes
LO1:Communicate a basic knowledge of practices
and procedures relating to civil engineering
activities;
LO2:Apply and use standard civil engineering
contracts with standard method of measurement and
bills of quantities
LO3:Integrate environmental and professional
procedures and regulations, especially in terms of
social, cultural, environmental and global
implications;
3 © Asoka Perera
Learning Outcomes
LO4:Design and evaluate solutions to problems often
encountered in civil engineering practices and
procedures; and
LO5:Exercise and reflect upon the professional and
legal responsibilities of civil engineers in the
changing workplace.
4 © Asoka Perera
CONTENTS OF THE MODULE

 Brief overview of the legal system in Australia/Sri Lanka and
comparison with other legal systems Introduction to contract
law and the formation of contracts,
 Fundamentals of contract law & standard construction
contracts, general conditions of contract for Civil Engineering &
Construction Works particularly to Sri Lankan and Australian
systems; Variation and Claims procedures in construction
projects;
 Environmental legislation, professional responsibility and
negligence
5 © Asoka Perera
CONTENTS OF THE MODULE

 Bill of Quantities and Standard Method of Measurement
 Bidding in Construction industry
 Computer aided methods for estimating and cost control
 Specifications in Civil Engineering,
 Methods of Pricing and Specifying in Civil Engineering and
Construction;
 Quality management systems in the context of IS09000 and
ISO9001 requirements for civil engineering organizations, in
conjunction with the tools and techniques of continuous
improvement.
6 © Asoka Perera
Lecture topics
1 Taking off Quantities
2 Detail Cost Estimating - Prices
3 Computer Aided Estimating
4 Construction Contract Types and Procurement
5 ICTAD SBD1 and SBD2 – Traditional Construction Contracts 1
7 ICTAD Contract for Design Work and RFPs
8 ICTAD SBD 4 – Design and Build
9 Quality Systems 1
10 Quality Systems 1
11 Environmental Law
12 Health and Safety in Construction
7 13 Introduction to Industrial law © Asoka Perera
Assignments
1 Taking off Quantities – Class Assignment
2 Detail Cost Estimating – Prices – Class Assignment
3 Computer Aided Estimating – Computer Application Assignment
4 Construction Contract Types and Procurement – Group Assignment
7 ICTAD Contract for Design Work and RFPs – Group Assignment
8 ICTAD SBD 4 – Design and Build
9 Quality Systems 1 – Site Visit and Group Assignment
10 Quality Systems 1
11 Environmental Law
12 Health and Safety in Construction
8 13 Introduction to Industrial law © Asoka Perera
1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1.1 BILL OF QUANTITIES (BOQ) AND
ITS PREPARATION.
BILL OF QUANTITY
A Bill of Quantity (BOQ) is a document, which
list all the items necessary for the completion of
project. Each item consists of
a. Description
b. Quantity
c. Units.
9 © Asoka Perera

ITS PREPARATION.
The contractor’s estimator submits a rate
against each item and price the work
multiplying the quantity by the rate. The
estimate for the contract is the summation of all
the items in the BOQ.
10 © Asoka Perera

ITS PREPARATION.
A Typical BOQ - Sample
11 © Asoka Perera

2.1 BILL OF QUANTITIES (BOQ)
Description
• Written description of the items of construction work
is usually a description of a finished item of work
based on the type of materials incorporated into the
work. Standard phraseologies are available to derive
the description of work items.
• Ex. Standard method of measurement of building
works – SMM7 or SLS 573
• It is always better to have a standard system so that
every body understand the written description.
12 © Asoka Perera

Quantity
• Every described item within the bill is allocated a
quantity of measured units. This quantity is measured
off the drawing and represents the net quantity of
material incorporated into that item of work.
• Allowances for wastage, bulk or compaction of the
materials are not included in the quantities. Those
should be accounted in the unit rate.
• There is a standard method to calculate the
quantities
13 © Asoka Perera

Unit
• Each item contains a unit of measurement. The unit
may be linear, square, cubic or just a number.
• Descriptions, which are quantified, do not contain the
unit but are described as item. Some indication of
length, width, height of the described construction
work should be given on the written description
where appropriate.
• Ex: Since plastering work measured in m2, the
description should contain thickness
14 © Asoka Perera

Rate
• The price BOQ contains a unit rate along the quantity
of the described items. This rate represents the net
price the contractor will be paid for the completion of
one unit of work described in the written description.
Price (Amount)
• This is the amount, which is calculated by multiplying
the qu
BOQ Reference
• The classification – guideline is given in SLS573
15 © Asoka Perera

1.1 SLS 573 – An extract to explain
F1.2.4
Issue is not
practicing
16 © Asoka Perera

1.2 Steps in the Preparation of BOQ
Step 1
• Taking off:- Taking off is making a complete list of
items of work involved for the proper carrying out of
the work and entering the items on the dimension
paper.
• In other words this is the measurement of the
dimensions from the drawings.
T D S Description Remarks
2/ 50 1:1:5 cement: lime: and 15mm thick
30 plaster
3000
17 © Asoka Perera

Column 1: - Timing column
• This is where multiplying figures or number of times
are entered whenever there is more than one
particular item been measured. - Ex: two walls
Column 2: - Dimension column
• Actual dimension scale or extracted from the
drawings are entered in this column. Only one line is
entered if the unit is linear and two or three lines are
entered if the unit is square or cubic. Sequence of
entering; (1). Length, (2). Breath, (3). Height
18 (thickness, depth) © Asoka Perera

Column 3: - Squaring column
• Multiplication of the dimensions is carried out here.
Column 4: - Description column
• Work items are described here. Necessary
dimensions should be included in the dimensions.
19 © Asoka Perera

 Step 2 - Squaring: -
• After the taking off the next step is to multiply the
dimension and derive the quantities.
Step 3 - Abstracting:-
• Collecting all the quantities, which could be grouped
under particular item, and arranging them according
to trades or whole section after deriving the net
quantities. Arrangement of trades or work sections
depends on the method of measurement
•.
20 © Asoka Perera

 Step 4:Writing the Bill of quantities.
Note 1 :Entering Dimensions
• It is essential that ample space be left between all items under
dimension sheet so that it is possible to follow the dimension
easily to enable any item which may have been omitted when the
dimensions were first taken off be subsequently entered without
clamping the dimensions.
Note 2: Grouping of dimensions
• Where there is more than one set of dimension related to the
same description the dimensions should be suitably bracketed
so that it is clear.
21 © Asoka Perera

 Step 4:Writing the Bill of quantities.
T D S Description
6.00 Clay pipes laid and fixing with flexible

5.25 joints man-hole
12.00 1-2
10.00 2-3
3-4
4-5
22 © Asoka Perera

Where the same dimension apply to more than one
dimension the best procedure is to separate each by the
sign “&“ and bracket the description.
T D S Description
10.0 Excavation for foundation

0.75 &
1.00 Filling to earlier excavation trenchers
23 © Asoka Perera

Note 3: - Dotting on -When an identical item is found
later it is dotted on to the previous dimension.
T D S Description
3/ 10.0 Excavation for foundation

. 0.75
1 1.00
24 © Asoka Perera

Note 4 :- Alteration of dimensions
• Dimensions should never be erased or altered. To
correct dimension cross them out and write NIL in the
squaring column.
T D S Description
3/ 4.0 NIL 1:1:5 cement sand lime 15mm thick

3.6 plaster
5/ 3.02
2.85
25 © Asoka Perera

Note 4 :- Alteration of dimensions
• When whole item has to be omitted because of a
mistake then cross the full item and enter the fresh.
T D S Description
3/ 4.0 NIL 1:1:5 cement sand lime 15mm thick

3.6 plaster
5/ 3.02
2.85
26 © Asoka Perera

Note5:- Abbreviations
• To save the spaces and time abbreviation forms must
be used as much as possible in the description
column. Some of the common abbreviations are;
• 1. a.b -as before
• 2. a.d -as described
• 3. av -average
• 4. bk.wk -brick work
• 5. Bs -British standard
• 6. w.r.t -with respect to
27 © Asoka Perera

Order of taking off
• The order of taking off follows the order of
construction. In a simple building the order of
• taking off is as follows.
• All the work unto & including DPC
• Brick work and Block work
• Floors
• Roofs & including covering & rain water installation
• Finishes of walls, ceiling and floors
28
• Staircases
© Asoka Perera

Order of taking off - Cont..
• Plumbing installations
• Drainage work
• Other services
• Other external work including roads fences etc.
29 © Asoka Perera

1.3 Some important considerations in taking off
Center line method
30 © Asoka Perera
When there is a recess twice the depth of the recess should be added to the lengths of the sides.

Center line method
When there is a recess twice the depth of the
recess should be added to the lengths of the
sides.
TotalCentr eline  2 X 10.23  2 X 6.0  2 X 1.5

TotalCentr eline  35.46
31 © Asoka Perera

Excavation work, brickwork or similar at
corners - No adjustment is required – there is
compensation
Internalle nght  l1  x / 2  l2  x / 2
External  length  l1  x / 2  l2  x / 2
32
Net  effective  length  l1  l2 © Asoka Perera

Excavation work at T-junction. Therefore at a T
junction half the width of the trench should be
deducted from the centerline dimensions.
Centre  line  lenght  l1  l2  l3  x / 2

33 © Asoka Perera

Centre line method gives accurate
measurements
34 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example – 1 Excavation:
Quantities are calculated based on the
dimensions of the foundation in plans from the
owner perspective.
Contractors should consider the excess of
material excavated to all for safe operations.
Prices differ based on the soil type, deep of
excavation, ground water level, site location,
shoring system, Equipment used, etc.
 Unit of measurement is cubic meter (volume)
35 © Asoka Perera

36 © Asoka Perera

The length of excavation = 5.4 × 2 + (4.4 – 2) × 2 = 15.6 m
Depth of excavation = 1.8 m
Width of excavation = width of plain concrete footing = 1.0m
Volume = 15.6 × 1.8 × 1.0 = 18.8 m3
Consider another example (Figure 2.4). Plain concrete dimensions (1.2
× 2.0 × 0.2m), reinforced concrete footings dimensions (0.8 × 1.6 ×
0.4 m); depth of excavation 1.2 m and ground beams cross section
is (0.25 × 0.4 m). Find the Cost Estimating 30 Find the volume of the
excavated material. Distance between centerlines is 5 m.
37 © Asoka Perera

Consider another example. Plain concrete dimensions (1.2 × 2.0 ×
0.2m), reinforced concrete footings dimensions (0.8 × 1.6 × 0.4 m);
depth of excavation 1.2 m and ground beams cross section is (0.25
× 0.4 m). Find the Cost Estimating 30 Find the volume of the
excavated material. Distance between centerlines is 5 m.
Excavation for footings = 2 × 1.2 × 2.0 × 1.2 =
5.76 m3
Excavation for smell = (5 – 2 × 1) × 0.6 × 0.25 =
0.45 m3
Volume = 5.76 + 0.45 = 6.21 m3
38 © Asoka Perera

39 © Asoka Perera

2.4 Example – 2 Backfilling:
- Unit of measurement is cubic meter (volume)
-Backfilling = Excavation – volume of all works
inside the excavated pit (footings, smells,
column necks, brickwork, etc.) + amount above
GL (or – amount below GL) as shown in Figure
2.5.
40 © Asoka Perera

2.4 Example – 2 Backfiling
41 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example – 2 Backfilling:
Consider the example shown in Figure 2.4, the
volume of backfilling could be calculated as
follow:
• Volume of backfilling = excavation – concrete – brick
• Volume of concrete = 15.6 × 1 × 0.4 = 6.24 m 3
• Volume of brick = 15.6 × 0.4 × 1.4 = 8.736 m 3
• Volume of backfilling = 18.8 – (6.24 + 8.736) = 3.824 m 3
42 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example –
Site leveling:
• Measured in m (area) if thickness less than 30 cm.
2
• Measured in m (volume) if thickness more than 30 cm.

3
Soil transportation:
• Transported soil = vol. of exc. – vol. of backfilling +
additional soil at site
• Add swelling factor based on the soil type: 5% sandy
soil. 15% clayey soil and 25% for demolition material.
(owner or contractor)
43 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example – 3 Concrete works
Concrete works comprises of both plain
concrete (PC) and reinforced concrete (RC).
• Plain concrete (PC):
• Measured in m (area) if thickness < 20 cm.
2
• Measured in m (volume) if thickness ≥ 20 cm.

3
• Average thickness should be mentioned when

measurement is done by area.
44 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example – 3 Concrete works
Reinforced concrete (RC):
• All RC elements measured by volume (m3) except
hollow block slabs measured by area (m2).
• Domes, cylindrical roofs and shells measured by area
in the horizontal projection.
45 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example – 4 Brick works
The rules and precautions that should be
followed when measuring brick works are
(Figure 2.6):
• Measured in m (by area) if thickness <25 cm.
2
• Measured m (by volume) if thickness ≥25cm.

3
• Deduct all openings.

• Deduct half the area (volume) of arches.
• Deduct all Concrete elements.
• Facades are measured by area.
• Separate item for each brick type
46 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example – 4
Brick works
47 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example – 5 Plastering
Plaster works are measured according to its
location of being internal or external works.
Internal plaster work measured as it is
(engineering measurement).
Internal Plaster:
• Engineering measurement by area (m ). 2
• All openings are deducted.

• All openings sides are added.
• Inclined slabs are calculated based on their horizontal
projection.
48 © Asoka Perera

1.4 Example – 5 Plastering
External plaster:
• Measured by area (m ). 2
• Openings with areas < 4 m2 are kept with deduction.

• Deduct half the area of the openings ≥ 4 m . 2
• Openings with areas < 4 m are kept with deduction. 2
• Cantilever slabs < 1 m projection not added.

• Add half the area of cantilever slabs ≥ 1 m.
49 © Asoka Perera

1.5 Example Application: Substructure
As with most measurement exercises it is good
practice to start with a taking-off list containing
all the items that have to be included on a
Substructure – taking-off list:
Site preparation Removing trees and shrubs
• Lifting turf
• Top soil/removing/preserving
50 © Asoka Perera

Excavation
• Reduce levels/disposal of excavated material
• Excavating trenches/disposal of excavated
material/filling/surface treatments
Earthwork support to sides of reduced
level/sides of trenches
51 © Asoka Perera

Concrete Foundations
• Beds/formwork/damp-proof membrane
Masonry
• Brick walls/facings
• Forming cavities
• Filling to cavities
• Damp-proof courses
52 © Asoka Perera

2.5 Example Application: Site levels
Virgin sites will almost certainly be covered with a layer
of vegetation that has to be removed prior to excavation
and stored separately or removed from site. Top soil
cannot be used for backfilling as it would, over time,
cause damage to the substructure. The usual default
depth for topsoil is 150 mm although it could be more
than this and a test pit may be dug to accurately
determine the actual depth. Figure 2.7 shows a 5 m grid
of a survey of levels taken on a proposed site.
53 © Asoka Perera

Grid survey of the proposed site
54 © Asoka Perera

Virgin sites will almost certainly be covered with a layer
of vegetation that has to be removed prior to excavation
and stored separately or removed from site. Top soil
cannot be used for backfilling as it would, over time,
cause damage to the substructure. The usual default
depth for topsoil is 150 mm although it could be more
than this and a test pit may be dug to accurately
determine the actual depth. Figure 2.7 shows a 5 m grid
of a survey of levels taken on a proposed site.
55 © Asoka Perera

The site is required to be reduced to a level of
35.62 and in order to calculate the volume of
excavation required the average level of the site
must be determined. This can be quite easily
done by calculating the average level:
Average site level = (35.90 × 5 + 35.86 × 3 + 35.89 × 2 + 35.92 + 35.84 × 2
+35.88 × 2 + 35.85 + 35.87 × 2) / 18 = 35.87 m
Reduced site level = 35.62 m
Average excavation depth = 0.25 m
Total excavation volume = 0.25 × 25 × 10 = 62.5 m3
56 © Asoka Perera

1.5 Example Application: Brick walls
Figure 2.7 shows the ground floor plan of the
building with the external and internal walls
57 © Asoka Perera

Figure 2.7 shows the ground floor plan of the
building with the external and internal walls
58 © Asoka Perera

Working space
• Working space is to be measured in circumstances where
workmen have to operate in situations that require them to work
in trenches below ground level, for example when working with
formwork, rendering, tanking or protection. It is measurable as a
superficial item where there is less than 600 mm between the
face of the excavation and the work; all additional earthwork
support, disposal, backfilling and breaking out are deemed to be
included with the working space item. This is another
contractor’s risk item as he must
• decide and price what space he thinks is required as illustrated
in Figure 2.9.
59 © Asoka Perera

60 © Asoka Perera

Working space
• The different quantities take-off is shown as presented below.
61 © Asoka Perera
62 © Asoka Perera
63 © Asoka Perera
64 © Asoka Perera
65 © Asoka Perera
66 © Asoka Perera

1.6 Do the Assignment
67 © Asoka Perera
THANK YOU
68 © Asoka Perera

Taking Off Quantities: Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

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Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

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CONTENTS OF THE MODULE

CONTENTS OF THE MODULE

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

2 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

2 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

6.00 Clay pipes laid and fixing with flexible

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

10.0 Excavation for foundation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

3/ 10.0 Excavation for foundation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

3/ 4.0 NIL 1:1:5 cement sand lime 15mm thick

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

3/ 4.0 NIL 1:1:5 cement sand lime 15mm thick

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

TotalCentr eline  2 X 10.23  2 X 6.0  2 X 1.5

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Centre  line  lenght  l1  l2  l3  x / 2

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

2 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

2 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

2 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

• Volume of brick = 15.6 × 0.4 × 1.4 = 8.736 m 3

• Volume of backfilling = 18.8 – (6.24 + 8.736) = 3.824 m 3

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation

1 BOQ -Construction Quantities Taking off

• Measured in m (volume) if thickness more than 30 cm.

Civil Engineering Practices, Quality and Legislation