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SM
MG
Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana
G
Standard Method
GHANA LIBRARY AUTHORITY
HEAD OFFICE, GEORGE PADMORE RESEARCH LIBRARY
POST OFFICE BOX GP663, ON AFRICAN AFFAIRS,
ACCRA. POST OFFICE BOX GP 2970,
ACCRA.
of Measurement
Tel: 233 24 217 4209
padmorelibrary@gmail.com
Our Ref. No: PAD 3/2
TH
M Your Ref. No.
Dear Sir/ Madam,
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BOOK NUMBER (ISBN)

The attached ISBN(s) have been allocated to your outfit. The number(s) should appear in the book(s) in
the form stated; that is at the back of the title page which is the copyright page and the barcode should
appear at the bottom (right side) of the back cover as well. After publication, two (2) copies of the
Date: 6 DECEMBER 2017
for Building
Works, Ghana
book(s) should be sent to the Library in compliance with the Book and Newspaper Registration Act of
SM
1961(Act 73) as Legal Deposit and also for inclusion into the Ghana National Bibliography. Please
Note: 2 copies of the first edition should be submitted at the Library by the end of FEBRUARY
2018. Failure to submit your Legal Deposit implies that your number will be cancelled and
reallocated.
Thank you for your cooperation.
ISBN (s) allocated to: GABRIEL NANI AND KWADZO HOHOABU
the ISBN(s) is: 978 – 9988 – 2 – 6826 –8SMMG

YOURS FAITHFULLY
ERIC
FOR LIBRARIAN
ISBN: 978-9988-2-6826-8
9 7 8 9 9 8 8 2 6 8 2 6 8
UNIVERSITY PRINTING PRESS

0322 493231
SM
MG
Standard Method Of Measurement
For Building Works, Ghana (SMMG)
Kwadzo Egbert Hohoabu

Gabriel Nani
Published in conjunction with
• Ghana Institution of Surveyors • Building Technology Department, Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and
• Ghana Institute of Construction Technology, Kumasi
• Ghana Institution of Engineers • Building and Road Research Institute
• Ghana Institute of Architects • Association of Building and Civil
Engineering Contractors of Ghana
ISBN 978 – 9988 – 2 – 6826 –8
Copyright © 2018 by Kwadzo Hohoabu & Gabriel Nani
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission of the copyright owners.
Users are free to seek clarifications on any aspect of this document from the authors. The
authors also welcome comments and corrections (typographical, formating, content etc) on
this publication. The clarifications and comments shall be addressed to
1. Kwadzo Hohoabu
Architectural and Engineering Services Ltd.
P. O. Box 3969
Accra, Ghana
Email: hoabs1959@yahoo.com
Tel: +233 244 81 89 68
2. Dr. Gabriel Nani

Department of Building Technology, KNUST, Kumasi
Email: gabrielnani@yahoo.com
Tel: +233 243 62 50 66
Printed by University Press, KNUST Kumasi, Ghana
First Printing, 2018
ii Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

Contents
Preface v
GR: GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATION 2
1.0 INTRODUCTION 2
2.0 THE USAGE OF THE SMMG 3
3.0 THE STRUCTURE OF SMMG 3
4.0 THE USAGE OF THE RULES AND INFORMATION 4
4.1 Description guide 4
4.2 Applicable rules 4
4.3 Work not covered 4
4.4 Order of priority of application of rules and information in this 5
document
4.5 Quantities 5
4.6 Descriptions 5
4. 7 Drawn Information 6
4.8 Bill Photographs 6
4.9 Referencing Of Items 6
4.10 Catalogue and Standard Component Specifications 7
4.11 Item of work where Drawn and Specification Information are not 7
available
4.12 The format and structure of Bills of Quantities 8
5.0 Symbols and abbreviations 9
SMG 1: PRELIMINARIES 11
SMG 2: EARTHWORKS (site preparation/ excavating/ filling) 24
SMG 3: IN SITU CONCRETE WORKS 29
SMG 4: PRE-CAST CONCRETE WORKS (units/ components and the like) 37
SMG 5: COMPOSITE CONCRETE WORKS (units/ composites and the like) 39
SMG 6: MASONRY WORKS 41
SMG 7: METAL WORKS 44
SMG 8: WOOD WORKS (carpentry, joinery and the like) 51
SSMG 9: GLASS AND PLASTIC WORKS 58
SMG 10: COMPOSITE WINDOW/ DOOR/ SCREEN/ PARTITION/ FITTING 63
AND FIXTURE WORKS
SMG 11: WATERPROOFING AND TANKING WORKS 66
SMG 12: COVERING AND CLADDING WORKS 68
SMG 13: FLOOR, WALL, CEILING AND ROOF FINISHING WORKS 71
SMG 14: PAINTING AND DECORATING WORKS 76
SMG 15: INSULATION AND FIRE BARRIER WORKS 78
SMG 16: PIPED DRAINAGE INSTALLATION WORKS 80
SMG 17: ELECTRICAL/ COMMUNICATION/ SECURITY/ CONTROL 85
SERVICES WORKS
Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana iii

SMG 18: MECHANICAL AND WATER SUPPLY SERVICES WORKS 91
SMG 19: GENERAL EXTERNAL WORKS 97
SMG 20: ENGINEERED GROUND WORKS 102
SMG 21 PILING WORKS 105
SMG 22: DEMOLITION AND REHABILITATION WORKS 108
SMG 23: COMPLETE PREFABRICATED BUILDING/ STRUCTURE/ UNIT 118
WORKS
SMG 24 INDIGENOUS CONSTRUCTION WORKS 120
SMG 25: SCAFFOLDING WORKS 124
SMG 26: PRIME COST AND PROVISIONAL SUM WORKS 127
BIBLIOGRAPHY 130
APPENDICES: 133
Appendix 1: Common measurement abbreviations 133
Appendix 2: Mensuration Formulae 141
Appendix 4: Additional Conversion Tables 143
(a) Length Conversion Table – Imperial To Metric 143
(b) Metric System – Areas and Volumes 143
Appendix 5: Weights of Materials and Works 144
Appendix 6: Steel Tables – Metric System 145
(a) Rolled Steel I-Beams 145
(b) Rolled Steel Channels 147
(c) Rolled Steel Equal Angles 148
(d) Rolled Steel Unequal Angles 149
(e) Rolled Steel Tee 150
(f) Mild Steel Flat Bars (Weight in kg per running metre) 151
(g) Mild Steel Plates (Weight in kg per square metre) 152
(h) Round and Square Mild Steel Bars 153
Appendix 7: General construction abbreviations 154
DATA IN SUPPORT OF MEASUREMENT OF BUILDING WORKS 133
ALPHABETICAL INDEX 160
iv Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

Preface
Quantity surveying profession in Ghana can be traced to our colonial past. The development
of quantity surveying in United Kingdom itself started from a shadowy medieval past
(Symonds, 1995). In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, craftsmen measurers differentiated
themselves from other craftsmen (Symonds 1995, Clarke, 1992, Thompson 1968). By the end
of the sixteenth century, the system was controlled by merchant producers through the use of
price books. Payment was essentially the “measure and value system”. There was no technical
advancement in the system until the building boom of the Napoleon wars, which gave rise
to the master builder, the emergence of the architect/ builder and the concept of contract in
gross (i.e. the complete production of plans and specifications together with measurements
for each trade/ craft made by a totally independent measurer). In the evolvement, the bills
of quantities emerged as a major contract document and in 1868, the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors (RICS) was formed. This, together with the British colonial development,
was to have profound effect on the nature and structure of the construction industry in various
parts of the world and the establishment of an independent professional called”the quantity
surveyor”. Ghana became a British protectorate in 1874 and the Public Works Department
(PWD) was established in the late 19th century to oversee construction works. Hohoabu
(1998) concluded that quantity surveying, as known in Ghana today, was a colonial legacy
bequeathed to Ghana by Britain, when the PWD was set up. Indeed this was to lead to the
establishment of the first association of surveyors in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) when
the Colonial Secretary gave permission for its establishment. Its initial members were all
expatriates. The association later metamorphosed into the Gold Coast branch of the RICS in
May 1955 with Ghanaian surveyors who had then returned to the country after training in the
United Kingdom. Then came the establishment of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science
and Technology (KNUST), offering courses in geodetic engineering, building technology
and land economy when Ghana attained independence and republican status. The need to
establish a local professional institution was realised, hence in January 1964, a sub-committee
of the Ghana branch of the RICS was appointed to draft a constitution for it. This was done
and promulgated under the name Ghana Institution of Professional Surveyors. The name was
later changed to the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) on the 28th of May, 1969. The
Ghana branch of the RICS was dissolved on the 13th of March, 1970 and the first council of
the institution was elected on the same day. The institution was inaugurated on the 28th of
April 1970. Currently GhIS comprises of three divisions of the surveying profession acting
in unison to promote the best practices in the surveying profession in Ghana. The divisions
are the “Quantity Surveying”, “Valuation and Estate Surveying” and “Land Surveying”. The
Quantity Surveying Division plays the roles of advising the GhIS on all matters of surveying
in respect of the art and science of construction, its management and related financial and
economic considerations. Building measurement rules were also patterned on that of the
RICS, with the adoption of the Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works, fifth
edition (SMM5) with amendments to suit the Ghanaian situation at that time and subsequently
the sixth edition (SMM6) and the seventh edition (SMM7). The above mentioned standard
methods of measurement are currently applied at the discretion of the users thus leading to
lack of uniformity in bills of quantities nationwide. In view of this, there had been requests
and attempts at the development of a standard method of measurement that embodies the
practice of measurement, addresses the needs of the construction industry in Ghana and also
conforms to the essentials of good quantity surveying practice globally. Various attempts by
the Institution and the Building Technology Department of the KNUST, resulted in various
Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana v

research activities that involved the late Surv. Col Edusei Appiah, Surv. Amoah Mensah, Surv.
KH Osei-Asante, Surv Dr Theophilus Adjei-Kumi, Surv. Professor Edward Badu, Surv. Prof.
Joshua Ayarkwa, Surv. Peter Amoah, Professor Peter Edwards and Professor Anthony Mills
among others. Surv. (Hon.) Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah also provided support in several forms.
The authors, conscious of the deep desire of the stakeholders of the construction industry to
have a standard method of measurement of building works undertook the development of this
document. The effort of the authors was complemented by persons listed below who played
various roles in ensuring the document is sound. Various stakeholder institutions contributed
in reviewing the document to ensure it conforms to the tenets of good construction industry
practice and satisfies the aspirations of the relevant sectors of the industry.
The proofreading and review of all drafts were done with dedication by Surv. Abraham Affum
Kwakye of the CSI Consult, Accra.
The review of the final draft of this document was also done by the following persons who
were nominated by the stated institutions:
Surv. Rev. Professor Frank Desmond K. Fugar, nominated by the Building Technology
Department. KNUST, Kumasi
Surv. James Coffie Danku, nominated by the Building Technology Department. KNUST,
Kumasi
Surv. Dr William Gyedu Asiedu, nominated by Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua
Ing. Joseph Kwesi Odei, nominated by the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Accra.
Surv. Ernest Osei-Tutu nominated by the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of the
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Mr. Thomas Amoako Kutin of Berock Ventures Limited
Some of the guiding principles used in the development of this document were reviewed by
Surv. Dr. Theophilus Adjei-Kumi and Surv. Prof. Edward Badu.
Tuuli Anvuur Consult Limited provided workshop platforms for validation of the contents of
this document in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale.
The development of the document was supported logistically and financially by:
Procurement and Project Management Consultancy Limited, Accra and
Architectural and Engineering Services Limited, Accra.
vi Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

General
Rules and
Information
GR: GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Currently in Ghana, there are multiplicity of standard methods of measurement in use.
While academic institutions use Standard Method of Measurement, seventh edition (SMM7)
published by the RICS to teach, the use of the fifth edition (SMM5), sixth edition (SMM6) and
seventh edition (SMM7) are found in the Ghanaian quantity surveying practice. The use of
these methods, especially SMM5, however came with several amendments that are generally
accepted as standard quantity surveying practice in Ghana. Standard Method of Measurement
of Building Works, Ghana (SMMG) has been developed, taking into consideration, the
existing Ghanaian quantity surveying practice and other innovations for best measurement
practice. SMMG, therefore, seeks to standardise the rules of measurement of building works
for teaching, training and practice. In doing so, references were made to all the available rules
currently in use in Ghana and the New Rules of Measurement (NMR 2) published by the
RICS.
In the development of the standard method of measurement, the following principles provided
guidelines:
a) Ease of locating information and rules: this was achieved through consistency, order,
layout and numbering of work sections, work items, work characteristics and the rules of
measurement.
b) Emphasis on cost significance of work items: this was achieved by careful consideration
of the various works to be measured and accepting those with major cost impact on the
construction cost and those that are minimal. Those with minimal cost impact were
considered as ‘deemed included’ in work items of major cost impact.
c) Simplicity in use of the SMMG and bills of quantities: this was achieved through the
choice and arrangement of words and terms within the structure of the SMMG.
d) Thoroughness in coverage of work: this was achieved through extensive consultation
with relevant literature, construction industry practitioners and personal industry
experience. Decisions were made on the distinction between what is included as building
works and what may be beyond this scope. In this respect, a logical approach was adopted
to include all relevant work items.
e) Cost analysis/planning: included in the considerations is the resultant bills of quantities
lending themselves to cost planning and cost analysis.
f) Promotion of good practice: this was achieved by considering the basis of each item
included in SMMG whether or not it results in the essentials of good practice and whether
or not the measurement of such items may result in value to the stakeholders.
g Conciseness and preciseness of rules and information: this was achieved by carefully
crafting the prescriptions for providing general information and descriptions to exclude
unnecessary details and eliminate ambiguity (not open to wide interpretation).
h) Adoptability to the Ghanaian construction industry: this was achieved through the
process of involving all stakeholders in the development of document. There is however,
2 Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

the need to provide additional guidance notes and books to help the construction industry
adopt the standard method of measurement with ease.
i) Reflection of the construction industry practice/ stakeholder opinions/ country
relevance: this was achieved through research into construction industry practices, local
jargons, local classifications and material standards, the results of which were considered
during drafting and subsequent validation of draft document by the industry stakeholders
The existing Ghanaian practices and innovations in measurement which were crystallised and
contributed to other principles aside those stated above include:
a) Labour items of minor cost significance, which were deemed included in the items with
which they occur
b) Locally acceptable, widely used and preferred units of measurements which were given
priority
c) Work items, which were considered to have three dimensions of length, breadth and
depth. Where any of these three dimensions do(es) not contribute to the quantity, the
non-contributing dimension(s) was/were mentioned in the description
d) Work that are associated with method of construction, which were considered to be at the
discretion of the contractor hence deemed included in the work items with which they
occur.
e) Work which always occur with a major work item which were measured as an intrinsic
part of the major work item
f) Descriptions with minor informative impact, which were ignored in the description of
the work item
g) Local construction practices.
2.0 THE USAGE OF THE SMMG

SMMG was developed essentially for the measurement of building works, however, it may
also be used for other construction works including the installation of mechanical, electrical
services and water supply schemes, provided the items involved in these works were covered
by the rules. In all cases, the preamble to the bills of quantities must indicate that works have
been measured according to the provisions of SMMG.
3.0 THE STRUCTURE OF SMMG

This document is presented in two broad sections; the general rules and information and
sectional rules and information. The general rules and information is presented in prose
format and the sectional rules and information in both prose and tabular formats. There are
twenty-six (26) sections as indicated in the table of contents. The general rules and information
have provisions which apply to all the twenty-six work sections. The sectional rules and
information are specific to individual work sections. The sectional rules and information are
further divided into ‘sectional general information and rules’ presented in prose format and
‘sectional main bill item rules and information’ presented in tabular format.
The tabular format of the sectional rules and information has two main columns; the
description guide and the applicable rules. The description guide is further divided into four
Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 3

columns with the first three columns identifying three major characteristics of the work item
that may identify the item and feature in the description. The fourth column has auxiliary
characteristics that may be useful in describing the work items. The applicable rules are rules
to be taken into account in the definition, scope, approach to measurement and pricing of
work items.
Rows were created within the columns for both the description guide and applicable rules.
From left to right are distinct boxes with work items and their descriptive characteristics, units
of measurement and applicable rules. The work items and their descriptive characteristics
were numbered to help in the codification of the various bill items (codification is explained
later in this section).
4.0 THE USAGE OF THE RULES AND INFORMATION

The general rules and information, the sectional general information and rules and the
sectional main bill item rules and information must be read and applied together.
4.1 Description guide

Each complete row in the “Sectional Main Bill Item Rules and Information” represents a
work item. Each row therefore has three descriptive characteristic columns and an auxiliary
characteristic(s) column. In identifying and describing a work item, the user may select
the appropriate row and moving from left to right pick a characteristic each from a column
representing the characteristic of the work item being described. The user may also select as
many characteristics as may be applicable under the Auxiliary Characteristics column. Where
rows are merged in one or more columns, the characteristics in the merged row are deemed to
be applicable to the characteristics in the un-merged columns of the rows (for example in the
case of preliminary item such as ‘project identification information’ in merged rows in the first
column, with characteristics such as name, nature, location and the like in un-merged rows in
the second column, each of these may be described with project identification information).
The unit of measurement for each item is indicated by the side of one of the item characteristics,
except for preliminary items for which a general provision is made in its sectional general
information and rules. Where more than one unit is indicated, any of them can be adopted.
4.2 Applicable rules

The user of this document shall be guided by the applicable rules in the measurement,
preparation of bills of quantities and pricing of work items.
4.3 Work not covered

Where an item was not covered by any of the rules contained in this document, the user may
use his/her discretion guided by the provisions of similar items in this document and state
clearly in the preamble to the bills of quantities the items involved together with the guiding
principles.

4.4 Order of priority of application of rules and information in this document
The order of priority in application of ‘rules and information’ shall be as follows:
1. Sectional main bill item rules and information
2. Sectional general information and rules
3. General rules and information
However, if within any of the above named three sections, provisions exist which are in conflict
with each other, the latter provision takes precedence over the earlier ones.
This order of priority shall be applicable, where there are conflicting rules and/or information;
and the conflicting rules and or information shall be so described in the preamble to the bills
of quantities.
Where an item was covered in more than one work section, the user may apply his/her
discretion, guided by the closeness of the item’s characteristics to the particular work section.
The user’s decision shall be included in the preamble to the bills of quantities.
4.5 Quantities
a) Work shall be measured net as fixed in position except where otherwise stated in the
applicable rule to the work.
b) In taking-off, dimensions recorded shall be taken to two decimal places in metres. Where,
taken to two decimal places may obliterate the dimension, it shall be taken as 0.01 metre.
c) In the bills of quantities, quantities shall be taken to the nearest whole unit, except that
any quantity less than one unit shall be given as one unit.
d) Quantities measured in tonnes shall be given in two decimal places. Where such quantities
corrected to two decimal places will obliterate the item, it shall be given as 0.01 tonnes.
e) Unless otherwise stated, where minimum deductions for voids are dealt with, they shall
refer to openings and wants which are within the boundaries of the measured area.
g) The requirement to measure separate items for widths not exceeding certain limits shall
not apply where these widths are caused by voids and wants.
h) Where a quantity of any work cannot be accurately determined during preparation of
the bills of quantities, such work shall be described as provisional and subsequently re-
measured.
4.6 Descriptions
a) Dimensions shall be stated in descriptions generally in the sequence of length, width and
height/ depth/thickness. Where ambiguity could arise, the dimensions shall be identified.
b) Headings to groups of items in the bills of quantities shall be read as part of the descriptions
of the items to which they apply.
c) Each work section of bills of quantities shall begin with a description stating the nature
and location of work unless evident from the drawn or other information required to be
provided by these rules.

d) Unless otherwise expressly stated in the bills of quantities, rate for all items shall be
deemed to include labour, materials, plant, profits, overheads and other associated costs
such as all taxes including Value Added Tax (VAT) and National Health Insurance Levy
(NHIL) and the like.
e) Dimensioned description for an item in the bills of quantities, shall define the item
and state all the dimensions necessary to identify the shape and size of the item or its
components.
f) Work carried out in/ under water shall be so described stating whether canal, river, sea,
lagoon, lake and the like. The mean tidal levels shall also be stated.
g) Work carried out in compressed air shall be so described stating the pressure and method
of entry and exit.
4. 7 Drawn Information
a) Drawn information shall include block plan, site plan, building plan, sections, elevations
and other relevant constructional details.
b) Component drawings shall show information necessary for the manufacture and assembly
of a component.
c) Where reference is to be made to drawings, a dimensioned diagram may be included and
it shall show the shape and dimensions of the features covered by an item of work.
d) Schedules which provide required information shall be deemed to be drawings as required
under these rules.
4.8 Bill Photographs

Bill photographs are photographs relating to any aspect of the works described in this
document to show visual clarity where this could not be achieved from drawn information,
description and the like.
4.9 Referencing Of Items

a) General rules and information shall be referenced as in the example below:
Example: Rule ‘c’ under ‘Drawn Information’ shall be referenced as GR/4.7(c)
b) All work sections were assigned codes starting with SMG1 for Preliminaries to SMG 26
for Prime cost and provisional sum works.
c) Sectional general information and rules shall be referenced as in the example below:
Example: Rule ‘e’ under preliminaries shall be referenced as SMG1(e)
d) For the purpose of coding a work item within a work section, only the number in the code
shall be used to start the codification of the item.
e) An illustration of codification within the description guide is therefore given as follows:

Work section .Number from .Number from .Number from .Number(s) from fourth column
number first column second column third column (list all used from this column,
separating them with forward
slash(es))
f) For example plain insitu concrete (1:3:6 - 40 mm aggregate) blinding shall be coded
3.1.1.0.0.
g) An asterisk (*) within a coding reference represents all entries in the column in which it
appears.
h) The digit zero within a coding reference indicates that the user has not made use of any of
the characteristics listed in the column under reference.
i) Where a ‘characteristic’ of an item was not listed in the “Sectional Main Bill Item Rules
and Information”, but inserted by the user, the letter ‘n’ shall be used in the appropriate
positions in the coding.
j) See “format and structure of bills of quantities” for decision on usage of codification
method.
k) When an item was not covered and cannot be identified with any of the twenty-six (26)
work sections in this document, it shall be billed under a separate section called "Not
Covered Items" coded as SMG 27. The item shall be coded 27.n.n.n.n. In the case of
multiplicity, they shall be distinguished with serial numbers as 27.n.n.n.n/1, 27.n.n.n.n/2
and so on.
l) Code numbers used as item numbers in bills of quantities shall not form part of the item
description or be taken into account in the interpretation of the contract.
m) Within a particular work section, ‘Applicable rules’ shall be referenced as in the example
below:
Example: applicable rule ‘3’ under the preliminaries section shall be referenced as SMG1/AR3.
4.10 Catalogue and Standard Component Specifications

a) A precise and unique cross-reference to a catalogue or standard specification may be given
in an item description instead of the description required by the “Description Guide” or a
component drawing.
4.11 Item of work where Drawn and Specification Information are not
available
a) Where an item of work can be described and given in accordance with these rules, but the
quantity of work required cannot be accurately determined, an estimate of the quantity
shall be given and identified as “provisional quantity”.
b) Where an item of work cannot be adequately described or given in accordance with these
rules, it shall be given as “provisional sum” and identified as either “defined” or “un-
defined” work as appropriate (Reference to SMG 26).
c) Where a provisional sum is given for defined work, the contractor shall be deemed to
have made due allowance for pricing, programming and planning preliminaries for the

work. No adjustment shall be made to the contractor's allowance unless the works have
been varied.
d) Where a provisional sum is allowed for undefined work, the contractor shall be deemed
not to have made allowance for programming, planning and pricing preliminaries.
4.12 The format and structure of Bills of Quantities

The format of the bills of quantities shall be as follows with the exception of that of preliminaries
bill of quantities (see SMG1 for preliminaries bill of quantities format):
Reference Description Quantity Unit Rate Amount
a) Two bills of quantities reference methods may be used as follows:

o Alphabetical reference method. This is the use of A, B, C, ….. Z to designate bill items
on a particular page.
In the event of the alphabetical letters having been exhausted on a particular page the
reference “AA, BB, CC, ……. ZZ” shall be used.
o SMMG codification method. The codes proposed for items under this SMMG may
also be used as references (refer to codification under the general rules).
Where more than one bill of quantities items have the same SMMG code, they shall
be distinguished with a colon and serial number at the end of the code. For example
the following two bill of quantities items shall be distinguished as below.
(i) Mild steel reinforcement to BS 4449, nominal size 12mm diameter, in
foundations straight bars.
SMMG code: 3.5.1.1.0.
(ii) Mild steel reinforcement to BS 4449, nominal size 20mm diameter, in
foundations straight bars.
SMMG code: 3.5.1.1.0.
Distinguished as: (i) 3.5.1.1.0:1
(ii) 3.5.1.1.0:2
o In all cases, items on a particular page should not have the same bill reference.
b) Two Methods of paging of bills of quantities are recommended
i. Numeral order; paging from page 1 to the end of pages
ii. Bill order; this shall be done based on bill numbers (i.e. bill number/ page
number) for example page five of bill number three shall be written as “3/5”.
c) Work items in bills of quantities shall be set out in the sectional order as in this document
and in ascending code numbers.

d) Where it is not possible to arrange items based on the above provisions, the user shall use
his/her discretion in the arrangement guided by the concept of arranging in ascending
order of unit weight of the items.
e) The bills of quantities shall be set out and items grouped separately in the following parts:
i. Preambles
ii. Preliminaries
iii. Substructure (arranged in order of work sections in this document)
iv. Superstructure (arranged in order of work sections in this document)
v. Building externals (which shall include; external drainage, water supply, pavements,
roads, landscaping and the like, arranged in order of work sections in this document)
vi. Work to existing buildings (arranged in order of work sections in this document)
vii. Work under water (arranged in order of work sections in this document)
viii. Work in compressed air ( arranged in order of work sections in this document)
ix. Work to be carried out and subsequently removed other than temporary works
(arranged in order of work sections in this document)
x. Work outside the boundaries of the site (arranged in order of work sections in this
document)
xi. General Summary.
f) The preamble shall state:
i. That the bills of quantities was prepared in accordance with the rules of SMMG
ii. Any deviations from SMMG, which were applicable in the bills of quantities
iii. Any special issues of which attention of users of the bill of quantities must be drawn
iv. Any other provision for which preamble information is prescribed in the SMMG.
g) The general summary shall contain a collection of the various part summaries, provisional
sum for undefined work, fluctuation provision as per section SMG 26 and provision for
insertion of the computed total sum.
5.0 Symbols and abbreviations

m ............................................ metre hr............................................. hour
m2 ........................................... square metre pc sum.................................... Prime Cost Sum
m3 ........................................... cubic metre prov sum................................ Provisional Sum
mm ........................................ millimetre
nr ........................................... number
kg ........................................... kilogramme
t .............................................. tonne

Sectional
Rules and
Information
SMG 1: PRELIMINARIES
Sectional General Information and Rules

a) This section relates to general information about the project and those d) A fixed charge is for work the cost of which is to be considered as
items which broadly affect construction works that are better priced independent of duration
separately from the measured works
e) A time related charge is for work the cost of which is to be considered
b) Where preliminaries item is not priced, it shall be deemed included in as dependent on duration
the prices of other items in the bills of quantities
f) Where ‘others’ is included in a list (in this document), the user may
c) Each preliminary work item shall have a fixed charge and time related expand the list as deemed appropriate
charge component; each may be priced in the bills of quantities. The
g) The unit of measurement for all preliminary items shall be ‘item’
bills of quantities format for the preliminaries section shall be as shown
below: h) Preliminaries items, which shall become the property of the employer
at the end of the project shall be so described.
Reference Description Unit Fixed Time Related Amount
Charge Charge

12 SMG 1: PRELIMINARIES continued
Sectional Main Bill Item Rules and Information

Description guide Applicable rules (AR)
Characteristic 1 Characteristic 2 Characteristic 3 Auxiliary characteristic(s)
1. Project 1. Name 1. Short project title
identification
2. Nature 1. Brief description
information
3. Location 1. Physical address of the project location or
geographical coordinates
4. Duration 1. Actual 1. Stated in calendar days, weeks or months 1. Actual duration may be
inserted in the bills of quantities
in consultation with the
employer and is binding on the
tenderer
2. To be confirmed 2. This can be inserted in
the bills of quantities in
consultation with the employer
5. Employer 1. Names and addresses
6. Funding source
7. Project manager/ consultants 1. Names and addresses of lead and sub-consultants/
project manager
2. Tender and 1 List of drawings 1. For bills of quantities 1. Provide a list of drawings and other documents
contract documents relating to the project but not included in the tender/
2. For contract
contract document, which may be inspected by the
2. Other documents 1. For bills of quantities contractor during the tender period:
2. For contract 2. State document title, reference, revision, date of
issue and author.
3. State location where documents can be inspected
3. Site 1. Site boundaries 1. Details stated 3. Site plans shall accompany
the bill as drawn information
2. Site possession 1. In whole
2. In sections; state
details
3. Existing buildings 1. On site 1. Detailed available information including drawings
2. Adjacent to site
4. Existing services 1. On site 1. Detailed available information including drawings
2. Adjacent to site
5. Access 1. State mode of access and limitations and mode of
possession
6. Investigation 1. State information provided/ cross reference 4. Investigation also includes
documents provided soil and ground water and other
geotechnical investigations
7. Health and safety hazards 1. State details of hazards that are/ may be present on
site
4. Description of the 1. State details 1. Completed in whole 1. Cross-reference drawing 5. Details of work description
works shall include framework, infills,
2. Completed in parts;
finishes, plan size and shape,
state order and details
storey height/ total height, floor
areas, building externals and
the like


5. Work to be 1. State details 6. Others include persons or
executed by others contractors other than the main
contractor
6. Contract forms 1. State form of contract in use for 1. Schedule of clause 7. Schedule of clause headings
details standard conditions headings relates to general conditions
of contract which have not
been amended in the special
conditions by way of a change
in wording or an introduction
of information to make them
complete
2. Schedule of 8. Schedule of clause headings
clause headings of amendments to standard
of amendments to conditions relates to portions
standard conditions of the general conditions that
have been amended by way of
change in wording and not by
introduction of information to
make them complete
3. Contract data clauses 9. Contract data clauses
relate to portions of the
general conditions that have
been amended by way of
introduction of information to
make them whole and not by
change in wording
4. Schedule of clause 10. Schedule of clause headings
headings to special to special conditions relates
conditions to new conditions that are
not included in the general
conditions
2. State form of contract in use for non- 1. Schedule of clause 11. Where a non-standard
standard conditions headings condition is being used, its full
text must be supplied with the
2. Schedule of
bill
clause headings of
amendments
3. Contract data clauses
3. Unspecified conditions 1. Insurance responsibility 12. Applicable where not
provided in the special or non-
2. Requirement in respect of performance bonds
standard conditions.
3. Requirement in respect of parent company 13. These requirements shall
guarantees be based on the employer’s
approval.
4. Requirement in respect of collateral warranties

7. Specified project 1. Requirements/ limitations 1. State details
requirements:
tendering/ sub-
letting/supply
8. Specified project 1. Definitions and interpretations 1. State details 14. Where details are already
requirements: provided in other documents
provision, content included with the bills of
and use of 2. Documents provided on behalf of the quantities in the contract, they
documents employer shall be referenced without
providing details.
3. Documents provided by the
contractor, sub-contractors and
suppliers
4. Documents and data interchange
5. Others


9. Specified 1. Supervision 1. State details 15. Where details
project 2. Consider contractors’ scheme are already
requirements: provided in
management 3. Insurance other documents
of the works 4. Insurance claims included with the
bills of quantities
5. Climatic conditions
in the contract,
6. Ownership of materials/ products arising from the works they shall be
referenced
7. Clients supply of materials without providing
8. Works programme details
9. Revised works programme
10. Commencement of works
11. Monitoring of progress
12. Notification of compensation events
13. Project progress meetings
14. Contractor's progress reports
15. Site meetings
16. Photographic reports
17. Early possession
18. Late possession
19. Notice of completion
20. Extensions of time
21. Cash flow forecast
22. Removal/ replacement of existing work
23. Proposed instructions
24. Measurement of covered work
25. Daywork vouchers
26. Interim valuations and payments 1. State payment authentication procedure
27. Payment for products, components and materials not incorporated in the works
28. Payment for products, components and materials stored off-site
29. Labour and equipment returns
30. Special visits for factory inspections and the like
31. Others
Description guide Applicable
rules (AR)
10. Specified 1. Standard of components and materials/ products: components, materials and 1. State details 16. Where
project work executions. details are
requirements: already provided
2. Samples and approvals of products: components, materials and executions.
quality in other
standards/ 3. Accuracy/ setting out documents
control included with
4. Services the bills of
5. Supervision/ inspections/ defective work. quantities in
the contract,
6. Work at/ after completion they shall be
referenced
7. Project/ site meetings
without
8. Reports and photographs providing details
9. Others 17. Work
executions
also include
workmanship


11. Specified project 1. Security 1. State details 18. Where details are already
requirements: provided in other documents
security, safety and included with the bills of
protection quantities in the contract, they
shall be referenced without
2. Health and safety
providing details
3. Protection against explosives
4. Protection against noise hazards
5. Protection against pollution
6. Protection of antiquities
7. Protection against hazardous
materials
8. Protection against fire
9. Protection against smoking on site
10. Protection against burning on site
11. Protection against moisture
12. Protection against waste
13. Protection against electromagnetic
interference
14. Protection against laser equipment
15. Protection against power actuated
fixing systems
16. Protection of existing features
17. Protection of building interiors
18. Protection of existing structures
19. Protection of existing materials for
re-use or recycle
20. Others
12. Specified project 1. Design constraints 1. State details
requirements:
2. Method /sequence of work
specific limitation on
method, sequence 3. Use or disposal of materials found on
and timing of site
execution
4. Use of site
5. Access
6. Working hours
7. Cultural/ customary constraints
8. Others

13. Specified project 1. Site accommodation 1. Rooms for meetings 1. State details; cross-reference drawing and relevant 19. Employer’s
requirements: specification document accommodation, where
facilities/ temporary not an integral part of
works/ services 2. Site offices 1. State details; cross-reference drawing and relevant the main contractor’s site
specification document accommodation
3. Off-site offices/ rooms 1. State details; cross-reference drawing and relevant
for meetings specification document
4. Sanitary 1. State details; cross-reference drawing and relevant
accommodation specification document
5. Use of 1. State details; cross-reference drawing and relevant
accommodation/ land specification document
not included
6. Car parking 1.State details; cross-reference drawing and relevant
specification document
2. Services and facilities 1. Lighting and power 1. State details;
2. Water 1. State details;
3. Communication 1. State details of installation/ rental/ maintenance 20. Communication equipment
equipment include gadgets such as
phones, internet, and the like
4. Computers 1. State details of specification and responsibility for
consumables
5. Photocopiers 1. State details of specification and responsibility for
consumables
6. Technical and 1. State details
surveying equipment
7. Personal protective 1. State details
equipment
8. Others 1. State details
3. Temporary works 1. Roads/ hardstanding/ 1. State details
footpaths
2. Fence, hoarding, 1. State details
screens and the like
3. Protection to existing 1. State details
trees/ vegetation
4. Signboards 1. State details
14. Specified project 1. Building manual 1. Operation and 1. State details 21. Building manual comprises
requirements: maintenance manual the operation and maintenance
operation/ information, health and safety
2. As-built/ as installed
maintenance of file, and other associated
drawings
finished building information related to the
3. Health and safety file building
4. Web-based
information
management system
2. Other specific employers 1. Maintenance services
requirements
2. Commissioning
3. Training and spares
4. Tools
15. Main contractor’s 1. Key management staff 1. State details 22. Key management staff
management staff includes: directors, construction
managers/engineers, surveyors,
general/ trades supervisors and
the like, who may be permanent
or visit site from time to time
23. Prices for management staff
must include extra-ordinary
support costs and staff travels
(for example personnel
recruitment, day transport
cost, visit to employers offices,
overseas visits and the like)


16. Main contractor’s 1. Onsite 1. State details 24. Accommodation includes
accommodation offices, laboratories, cabins,
stores, compounds, canteens,
sanitary facilities, dormitories
and the like located either on or
off-site
2. Offsite
17. Main contractor’s 1. Onsite 1. State details 25. Services and facilities
services and include: power, lighting,
2. Offsite
facilities/ other fuel, water, telephone and
establishments administration, safety health
and welfare, storage of
materials, rubbish disposal,
cleaning, protection of work
in all sections, security,
maintenance of public and
private roads, small plant and
tools, and others both on and
off-site
18. Main contractor’s 1. Cranes 1. State details of plant 1. If any plant is to be made available by the employer, 26. Prices of plant are deemed
mechanical plant specification state details and conditions to include delivery to site,
installation, maintenance,
operation and removal from site
and any other related costs
2. Hoists
3. Transport
4. Earthmoving plant
5. Concrete plant
6. Piling plant
7. Paving and surfacing plant
8. Others
19. Main contractor’s 1. Temporary roads 1. State details 1. If any is to be made available by the employer, state
temporary works details and conditions
2. Temporary walkways
3. Scaffolding
4. Hoardings, fencing and the like
5. Hardstanding
6. Traffic management 27. Traffic management as
directly related to the works
including traffic marshalls,
traffic lights and the like
7. Others
20. Main contractor’s 1. Management staff 1. State details 28. Main contractor’s additional
additional cost items cost items are preliminary
2. Services and facilities
costs not included anywhere in
3. Mechanical plant the preliminaries bills, but the
contractor finds them pertinent.
4. Temporary works
29. Contractor may include
further details of additional cost
items as part of tender/ price
submission
5. Others

24
SMG 2: EARTHWORKS
(site preparation/ excavating/ filling)

a) This section relates to works in keeping the site cleared and opening up c) The preamble to this section of the bills of quantities must make
the soil to receive foundations and associated elements of a structure reference to site plans, showing the location of spoil heaps (if not left to
or paving. This includes site preparation, excavation, disposal and the discretion of the contractor) and existing site survey. It must also
associated works include date of existing site survey, ground conditions and anticipated
stability of excavations, ground water level(s) and date(s) established,
b) The works in this section excludes Demolitions (SMG 22), Excavations
nature of any known hazardous contamination on the site or in the
to Piped Drainage Installation Works, Electrical/Communication/
ground water, starting level of each type of excavation and levels of
Security/Control Services Works, Mechanical and Water Supply
rock where applicable.
Services Works (SMG 16, 17 and SMG 18) and works otherwise
described in this document as Engineered Ground Works (SMG 20)
1. Preliminary site 1. Locating underground 1. State details.
works services (item)
2. Trial pits and trenches (nr) 1. State details 1. Boreholes, trial pits and trenches are deemed to include samples
3. Boreholes to determine 2. Nature of test taken and laboratory testing
ground conditions (nr) 2. Movement of equipment from one borehole/trial pit/ trench
3. State purpose
to another is deemed included in the drilled borehole/ trial pit/
4. Describe test samples trench
4. In situ test (item) 5.State required test 3. Nature of test may include permeability, ground water level,
6. Sink to refusal or bedrock standard penetration, plate bearing and the like
7. Rock coring to advance
boring in rock
5. Removal of existing 1. State details 4. ‘Removal’ means any work executed to dispose-off an existing
structures (item) structure on site
5. Removal of structure involving demolition must be measured in
accordance with SMG 22
6. Site clearance 1. Vegetation (m2) 6. Site vegetation includes weeds, scrub, trees (girth not exceeding
2. Hedges (m) 1. State nature, height or 200mm) bushes, undergrowth, and the like
location of each hedge 7. ‘Others’ include debris, refuse, toxic/ hazardous materials and the
3. Others (nr, m3, m2) 1. Details stated like
7. Removal of trees (nr) Girth: 1. Filling material for voids shall 8. Stumps girths are measured at the top
8. Removal of tree stumps (nr) 1. Not exceeding 0.50m be described 9. Girth for multiple trunk trees and stumps is sum total of all trunk
2. Not exceeding 1.50m 2. Trees with multiple trunk girths
at 1.00m above ground level ;
3. Not exceeding 3.00m state number of trunks 10. Tree girths are measured 1.00m above ground level
4. Exceeding 3.00m, girth 3. Tree stumps with multiple 11. Clearance/ removal includes grubbing up roots, disposal of
stated in 1.50m stages trunks at top; state number of materials and filling up voids
trunks
9. Removal of tree clusters 1. Provide details 1. State the cluster density 12. Tree clusters include group of trees of any girth closely packed
(item) adequate for 2. State approximate area such that they are best measured together other than individually;
identification covered (for example mangroves, plantations, forests and the like)
13. Cluster density is defined as the number of trees per m2
14. Work item bill photograph showing tree cluster shall
accompany the bills of quantities
10. Protecting isolated trees and 1. State details 15. Protecting includes any work necessary to keep the structure or
structures which are to remain tree intact
on site (item)

26 SMG 2: EARTHWORKS (site preparation/ excavating/ filling) continued

2. Site preparation 1. Lifting and preservation of 1. State thickness 1. State method and location
(m2) turf of preservation
2. Removal of topsoil, state 1. State the method of
depth treatment, either for
preservation, deposit on site
in spoil heaps or spread on
site including location of such
deposits or average distance
from excavation in linear
metres
3. Removal of hard surface 1. State destination and type
pavings, state thickness of paving
2. State method of breaking,
if not at the discretion of the
contractor
3. Foundation 1. Pits 1. Maximum depth not 1. State commencing level 16. The quantities stated are the bulk before excavating and no
excavations (m3) exceeding 2.00m with reference to the existing allowance is made for subsequent variations (i.e. bulking up
2. Trenches
2. In further stages of ground level or extra space or working space to accommodate earthwork
3. Pile caps and ground beams support)
2.00m
between caps
17. Excavation for ground beams not between piles is ‘measured
4. Other forms of foundations under trenches’
4. Bulk excavations 1. To reduced levels 18. Prices of excavations are deemed to include levelling, grading
(m3) to falls, grading to cambers and compacting or trimming surface
2. Basements
of the excavations, working space allowance and earthwork
3. Swimming pools and ponds support where at the discretion of the contractor( i.e. any
4. Others provision to uphold the sides of excavation)
19. Prices of excavations are deemed to include disposal of
surface water
20. Where not at the discretion of the contractor, earthwork
support shall be measured in detail according to the appropriate
rules of the various work sections in this document
21. Surface water is water on the surface of site and the
excavations
5. Items extra-over all 1. Excavating in hazardous 1. State details and 22. Hazardous materials are any material that require special
types of excavations material (m3) nature of special precautions when handling, transporting or disposing off
irrespective of depth precautions 23. Ground water is any water encountered below the established
2. Excavating below ground 1. State the existing water level water table level. It does not include water from underground
water level (m3) streams, broken drains or culverts or water arising from surface
water flooding
3. Excavating in running water 24. Disposal of ground water is deemed included in excavating
(m3) below ground water level
4. Excavating in an unstable 25. Running water is a spring, stream or river and the like
ground (m3) 26. Unstable ground is running silt, running sand, loose ground
and the like
5. Breaking up (m3) 1. Rock 1. State method of breaking, 27. Rock is any hard material or boulder, which is of such size
if not at the discretion of the or location that it can only be removed by the use of wedges,
2. Concrete
contractor rock hammers, special plant, explosives or chemical injection. A
3. Reinforced concrete boulder that can be lifted out by an excavator bucket shall not
4. Masonry, stonework constitute rock
5. Coated macadam or 28. Degraded or friable rock that can be scraped out by the
asphalt excavator bucket does not constitute rock
29. Trimming exposed faces of rock is deemed included
6. Others
30. Breaking up hard surface pavings is measured in accordance
with the rule for ‘removal of hard surface pavings’; under ‘surface
preparation’ in this section
6. Excavating alongside 1. State type, size and 1. State details of precaution 31. These items are measured where there is a risk of the existing
existing services (m) depth of service required service being affected by the excavation process
7. Excavating across existing 32. The method of protection is left to the discretion of the
services (nr) contractor
33. If in doubt the user must measure an item giving the nature of
the live service

28 SMG 2: EARTHWORKS (site preparation/ excavating/ filling) continued

6. Disposal (m3) 1. Excavated materials off site 1. Temporary spoil heaps 1. State destination if not at 34. Any type of excavated or broken-out material is deemed
2. Heaps the discretion of the contractor included
3. Spread on-site 2. State locations and average 35. All volumes for disposal are measured net before excavation
2. Excavated materials on-site distance from excavations and all additional disposal arising from extra space to
3. State if material contains accommodate earthwork support and the like shall be deemed
hazardous substance included
36. If the distance to spoil heap is not stated, the location is left to
the discretion of the contractor
7. Excavated material, 1. Level, to falls, cross falls or 1. Un – consolidated 1. Where required to be 37. Filling is measured as equal to the void filled
filling (m3) cambers 2. Consolidated deposited and consolidated in
2. Sloping layers, maximum thickness of
8. Imported material,
each layer must be stated
filling (m3)
2. Describe nature, type
of treatment and special
handling details
9. Surface packing to 1 To vertical or battered faces 38. Work is only described as battered where the slope exceeds
filling (m2) 15° from the horizontal
10 Surface 1. Applying chemicals and the 39. Chemical includes herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, anti-
treatments (m2) like termites and the like
SMG 3: IN SITU CONCRETE WORKS

a) This section relates to all works associated with on-site assembly of g) In situ concrete is deemed cast in formwork unless otherwise stated in
formwork, reinforcement, mixing/pouring of concrete and the like the description
b) The headings in bills of quantities must mention the general h) Watertight work shall be so described
arrangement of drawings to indicate the relative positions and sizes of
i) Formwork shall be measured to surfaces of finished structure which
all members, thicknesses of slabs and the permissible loads in relation
requires to be temporarily supported during the placement of the
to casting times
concrete
c) Kind, quality and sizes of materials, details of tests for materials and
j) No deductions shall be made for voids and wants in formwork not
finished work, limitations on method, sequence, speed or size of
exceeding 5m2
pouring, compaction or curing must be indicated in the description
of the work item or referenced specification. Mix details shall also be k) Formwork coated with a retarding agent shall be so described
stated
l) Left-in formwork or permanent formwork shall be so described
d) Reinforced concrete and plain concrete must be separately described.
Plain concrete is concrete that is not reinforced m) Formwork to curved surfaces shall be so described stating the
geometrical surfaces or radii
e) Pre-stressed concrete and its reinforcement and associated formwork
shall be given under separate heading n) Any requirement as to special surface features of the concrete face shall
be given and where such requirements apply to part only of the work
f) Concrete volume is measured net except that deductions are not made and the finish shall be described. Lining material which is required
for: deflection of formwork, reinforcement, steel sections, cast in to be left in position as a finish to the concrete shall be so described,
accessories, pipes for services installations irrespective of size, voids stating the method of securing to the concrete
and wants not exceeding 0.05m3 (voids in troughed and coffered slabs
must be deducted) o) Cutting and fitting around projecting pipes, continuity bars and the
like are deemed included in the formwork in which they occur
p) No deduction for formwork shall be made for kickers

30 SMG 3: IN SITU CONCRETE WORKS continued
q) All square, raking and curved cutting are deemed included in the t) Section of reinforcement bar other than plain circular shall be given.
formwork item
u) Tests of the reinforcement bar shall be given
r) All boxings, recesses, rebates, chamfers, ribs, and the like are deemed
v) Restrictions on bending of reinforcement shall also be given
included in the formwork item
s) Kind and quality of steel reinforcement shall be given
1. Concrete 1. Blinding (m3) 1. Sloping 1. Foundations include attached column bases
3 and attached pile caps
2. Foundations (m )
3. Isolated foundations (m3) 2. Isolated foundations include isolated column
bases, isolated pile caps and machine bases
4. Casings to grillages (m3)
3. Beds include plinths and thickenings of beds
5. Beds (m3)
4. Coffered and troughed slabs include margins
6. Slabs (m3) of all widths
7. Coffered or troughed slabs (m3) 5. Walls include attached columns and piers
8. Walls (m3) 6. Walls include solid balustrades and the like
9. Filling to hollow walls (m3) 7. Work is deemed to include that in all
thicknesses and sections
8. Pricing is deemed to include pouring of
concrete to any background
10. Beams (m3) 1. Isolated 9. Beams include ground beams, copings and the
3 like in any depth
11. Beam casings (m )
2. Attached
12. Arches (m3) 10. Attached beams are measured below the slab
13. Columns (m3) 11. Columns are only measured as such when
3 isolated or their lengths on plan do not exceed
14. Column casings (m )
four times their thicknesses
12. Columns are deemed to include kickers
3
15. Steps and staircases (m ) 13. Shall be deemed to include strings and
associated landings
16. Upstands (m3) 14. Upstands exclude kickers
17. Filling 1. Mortices (nr) 1. State size and shape
2. Holes (m3) 2. Cross-reference drawing
3. Chases (m)


2. Sprayed in situ 1. State thickness 1. Slabs 1. Describe whether tops, soffits,
concrete (m2) 2. Walls sides or curved
3. Beams
4. Columns
3. Surface treatment 1. Trowelling
to in situ concrete 2. Power floating 1. Top surfaces 1. Describe slopes, falls and cross-
(m2) falls
3. Hacking 2. Vertical surfaces
4. Grinding and sandblasting 3. Soffits 2. Curved work must be so described
5. Others not left to the discretion of 3. Application of hardeners, sealers,
the contractor dust proofers, water proofers,
carborundum grains or the like shall
be so described
4. Sundry items 1. Mortices (nr) 1. Describe the size and shape 1. Making good work disturbed shall 15. Sundry items are deemed to involve forming
2. Pockets (nr) 2. Cross-reference drawing be so described of the stated items including all associated works
3. Holes (nr)
4. Weep holes (nr)
5. Channels and chases (m)
5. Reinforcement 1. Foundations 1. Straight bars 1. Bars exceeding 9.00m long, length 16. Foundations include column and pier bases,
bar, nominal size 2. Ground beams 2. Bent bars stated pile caps, machine bases and the like
(kg) 2. Deformed bars must be so 17. Beds include roads, footpaths and pavings
3. Beds 3. Curved bars; irrespective of
radius described 18. Beams include upstands, kerbs and lintels
4. Suspended slabs
5. Beams 4. Links 19. Walls include attached columns
6. Arches 20. Casings to steel works include casings to steel
columns and beams
7. Columns
21. Staircases include steps, strings and
8. Walls associated landings
9. Casings to steel works 22. Bends, hooks, tying wire, chairs, distance
10. Staircases blocks and ordinary spacers shall be deemed
included. No allowance shall therefore be
11. Others; state details
made for them in calculating the weight of
reinforcement
23. Links include stirrups, binders, special spacers,
chairs and the like not at the discretion of the
contractor
6. Pre-tensioned/ 1. Member tensioned 1. State dimensioned 1. State method of tensioning 24. Tensioning is measured by the number of
post-tensioned description 2. Sleeves, tendons, fittings and tendons in identical members
reinforcement; grouting must be described 25. Dimensioned description include that of
nominal size (nr) tensioned member
3. Composite construction must be
described
7. Designed joints 1. Concrete (m) 1. State types and sizes of filling or 26. Joints formed at the discretion of the
2. Reinforcement (nr) sealant contractor are not measured


2
8. Reinforcement, 1. State location 1. State weight per m 1. Bent 27. Area measured excludes laps
fabric mesh (m2) 2. State fabric reference 2. Strips in one width, state width 28. Voids not exceeding 1.00m2 in area are not
3. State minimum laps deducted
4. Self-centering fabric 29. Bent fabric is deemed to include fabric that is
reinforcement shall be so described wrapped around steel members
30. Fabric reinforcement is deemed to include
laps, tying wire, cutting and bending, chairs and
spacers at the discretion of the contractor
31. Raking cutting and curved cutting are
deemed included
32. Notching fabric reinforcement around
obstructions is deemed included
9. Formwork to in 1. Sides of foundations 1. Not exceeding 250mm high
situ concrete (m2) 2. Edges of beds 2. Exceeding 250mm high
3. Edges of slabs
4. Soffits of suspended slabs 1. Propping not exceeding 3.00m 33. Soffits include that for suspended slabs and
5. Soffits of troughed or waffled slabs high stair landings
2. Thereafter in 1.50m stages 34. Trough propping to be described if not left at
3. Description must include whether the discretion of the contractor
soffit is horizontal or sloping 35. Soffits are deemed to support concrete of any
thickness
36. Soffits of troughed or waffled slabs are
measured as if to a plain surface and include
margins of all widths
6. Top formwork to slabs 37. Top formwork is measured to sloping surfaces
7. Top formwork to beams with slopes exceeding 15o or where top formwork
is specifically required
9. Formwork to in 8. Sides and soffits of beams 1. Irregular shapes, state 1. Propping not exceeding 3.00m 38. Regular shapes include square and
situ concrete (m2) 9. Sides and soffits of arches dimensioned description high rectangular sections
2. Thereafter in 1.50m stages 39. Shape is deemed regular unless described as
3. Description must include whether otherwise
soffit is horizontal or sloping 40. Irregular shape is any shape other than square
or rectangular
10.Sides of isolated columns
41. Beams and columns include concrete casings
11. Sides of attached columns to steel beams and columns
42. Beams include upstands
43. Isolated and attached beams are grouped
together
44. Formwork to edges of suspended slabs at the
perimeter of attached beams shall be included in
the beams
45. Beam intersections shall not be deducted
12. Faces of walls and other vertical 1. Vertical 1. Opening for doors and the like 46. Openings for doors and the like are deemed
work 2. Battered, one side must be so described; number included
stated; cross-reference drawing 47. Kickers are deemed included
3. Battered, both sides 2. State work to single side of the
wall 48. Deductions shall not be made for openings in
walls or vertical work
13. Wall ends, steps and soffits in walls 1. Not exceeding 250mm
wide
2. Exceeding 250mm wide
14. Soffits of staircases and the like 1. Propping not exceeding 1. Description should include 49. Staircases include landings not at floor level
15. Soffits of steps 3.00m high whether soffit is horizontal or
2. Thereafter in 1.50m stages sloping
16. Soffits of ramps
17. Staircase strings and the like
18. Staircase risers and the like 1. Vertical: width stated
2. Undercut: width stated
19. Sloping top faces
20. Steps in top surfaces 1. Not exceeding 250mm high
21. Steps in soffits 2. Exceeding 250mm high


10. Formwork to in 1. Complex shapes (nr) 1. Dimensioned description 1. Propping not exceeding 3.00m
situ concrete or cross-reference to drawing high
2. And thereafter in 1.50m stages
11. Accessories cast 1.State type or name 1 Dimensioned description 1. Spacing stated 50. Cast in accessories include anchor bolts,
into in situ concrete anchor boxes, dowels, column guards, and
(m2; m; nr) isolated glass lenses and the like
SMG 4: PRE-CAST CONCRETE WORKS (units/ components and the like)

a) This section relates to units or components, which are cast on or off- d) Details of exposed surfaces, tests of materials and finished works must
site prior to placing in position be described
b) General arrangement drawings and specific details relating to the pre- e) Moulds/ formwork, reinforcement, beddings, fixings, temporary
cast works must be referenced supports, cast-in accessories, pre-stressing, filled ends, groutings,
holding down bolts and tie straps are deemed included
c) Descriptions must state the kind and quality of materials, sizes and
spacing of planks and blocks, kind and quality of concrete mix, method
of compacting and curing, bedding and fixing, surface finishes, kind
and quality of reinforcement or pre/post-tensioning spacings and
stresses

38 SMG 4: PRE-CAST CONCRETE WORKS (units/ components and the like) continued
Sectional Main Bill Item Rules and Information bolts or

1. Pre-cast concrete 1. Dimensioned description 1. Pre-cast components include concrete framed
components (nr; structures, sills/ lintels/ copings and the like; glass fibre
m; m2) reinforced cement panel claddings and the like; concrete
panel claddings and the like; concrete and terrazzo
partitions and the like
2. Angles, fair ends, stoolings and the like are deemed
included in the items in which they occur
3. Where pre-cast units are enumerated, dimensioned
description must include the length, breadth and
thickness
4.Where precast units are measured linear, the
dimensioned description must include width and
thickness
5. Where precast units are measured superficial, the
dimensioned description must include thickness
2. Designed joints 1. State types and sizes of filling or 6. Joints formed at the discretion of the contractor are
(m, nr) sealant not measured
SMG 5: COMPOSITE CONCRETE WORKS (units/ composites and the like)

a) This section relates to work involving the utilisation of pre-cast concrete d) Details of exposed surfaces, material tests and tests of finished works
units and in situ concrete to form an integral concrete product, unit or must be described
component
e) Moulds/ formwork, reinforcement, beddings, fixings, temporary
b) General arrangement drawings and specific details relating to the supports, cast-in accessories, pre-stressing, filled ends, groutings,
composite concrete works must be referenced holding down bolts and tie straps in the case of precast components of
the composite concrete works are deemed included
c) Descriptions must state kind and quality of materials, sizes and spacing
of planks and blocks, kind and quality of concrete mix, method of
compacting and curing, bedding and fixing, surface finishes, kind and
quality of reinforcement or pre/post-tensioning spacings and stresses

40 SMG 5: COMPOSITE CONCRETE WORKS (units/ composites and the like) continued

Description guide Applicable rules
Characteristic 1 Characteristic 2 Characteristic 3 Auxiliary information
1. Beds (m2) 1. State thickness 1. Sloping 1. Composite concrete components include panels, slabs,
2 walls, partitions and decking
2. Slabs (m ) 2. Cross-reference drawing 2. Describe the nature and
3. Walls (m2) composition of work 2. Thickness/ dimension stated is the combined thickness
3. State reinforcement details; of both pre-cast and in-situ concrete
4. Roofs (m2)
4. State pre-stressing details and 3. Margins greater than 500mm wide are measured as
5. Beams (m; nr) 1. Dimensioned description ordinary in-situ concrete slabs
number of tendons
6. Columns (m; nr) 2. Cross-reference drawing 4. Holding down or tie straps and the like are deemed
5. Cast-in accessories; state details
included in the composite concrete item in which they
occur
7. Designed joints 1. State types and sizes of filling or 5. Joints formed at the discretion of the contractor are
(m, nr) sealant not measured
SMG 6: MASONRY WORKS

a) This section relates to work involving block walling, brick walling, glass e) All labours and extra materials relating to rough and fair cuttings,
block walling, natural stone rubble walling, natural stone ashlar walling ends, angles, curved works, forming grooves, throats, mortices,
and dressings, artificial/ cast stone walling and dressings and the like chases, rebates, holes, stops, mitres and the like, raking out joints to
form key or insert flashings, centering or other forms of temporary
b) General arrangement drawings and specific details relating to the
supports, overhead works, bonding ends of walls to other works, laps,
masonry works must be referenced
making holes in walls, preparation of surfaces to receive subsequent
c) Descriptions must include kind, quality and sizes of block/brick/ stone applications are deemed included
units, type of facework to each side, bond, composition and mix of
mortar, pointing and bonding to other work
d) Curved work shall be so described; stating its radius

42 SMG 6: MASONRY WORKS continued

1. Walls; state 1. State special 1. Building against other work 1.Walls are measured on the centre line of the material unless otherwise stated
overall thickness features and method described
(m2) 1. State type of 2. Radius of curved work is taken from the centre line
masonry work of forming wall 2. Bonding to other work described 3. Special features include whether the wall is solid, hollow, cavity (skins
2. Isolated piers 1. Thickness stated 1. Battered described), battered, tapered (one or both sides), built against other work, or
(m2) used as formwork
2. Reference drawing 2. Vertical
3. Isolated casings 4. Battered walls are sloping walls with parallel sides
(m2) 3. Curved
5. Tapering walls are walls with diminishing thickness
4. Columns (m2) 4. Building against other work
described 6. Thickness stated for tapering walls is mean thickness
5. Bonding to other work described 7. Building against other work or bonding to other work is so described, where
the other work is existing or consists of differing materials
6. Stone dressings
8. Brickwork and blockwork bonded to another material is deemed to include
7. Others; details stated material for bonding
5. Projections (m2) 1. Vertical 9. No deductions to be made for voids or built in items with cross-sectional area
6. Copings (m) 1. Dimensioned 2. Raking not exceeding 0.50m2
7. Handrails (m) description 3. Horizontal 10. Deductions for string courses, lintels, sills, plates and the like shall be taken to
2. Reference drawing their full depths
8. Cappings (m) 4. Others, details stated
11. Projections are attached piers (whose lengths on plan are less or equal to four
9. Kerbs (m) 5. Mouldings shall be so described times their thicknesses), plinths, oversailing courses and the like
10. Cover stones 6. Building against other work 12. Extra work in forming of eaves, copings, kerbs, quoins, ends and the like for
and the like (m) described perimeter and abutments are deemed included in the wall in which they occur
7. Bonding to other work described 13. Extra work in forming sills, jambs, reveals, cavity closers, architraves, lintels,
8. Stone dressings mullions, transoms, thresholds, steps and the like for opening perimeters are
11. Arches (m) 1. State height of deemed included in the wall in which they occur
face, width of soffit, 14. Forming of cavity walls and their insulations are deemed included in the
shape and curvature cavity wall in which they occur ( types of insulations and method of construction
must be so described)
15. Wedging and pining and creasing are deemed included in the masonry work
in which they occur
12. Lintels (m) 1. Dimensioned 16. Arch length shall be measured as the mean girth on the face.
13. Sills (m) desicription 17. Arches are deemed to include all associated works required for their
14. Mullions (m) 2. Reference drawing formation
15. Transoms (m) 18. Stone dressings are those in walls of other materials
16. Surrounds (m)
17. Architraves (m)
18. Bands and the
like (m)
19. Steps (m)
20. Special purpose 1. Dimensioned 1. Function stated 19. Descriptions of stones are given as the smallest block from which each item
blocks or stones description can be obtained having regards in the case of natural stone to the plane in which
(nr) stated the stone is required to be laid with relation to its quarry bed. The dimensions are
2. Reference to taken over one mortar bed and one mortar joint
drawings
21. Damp proof 1. Vertical 1. Curved, mean 1. Gauge or thickness 20. Damp-proof courses are deemed to include:
courses (m2) 2. Raking radius on face stated 2. Number of layers a) Forming of laps, ends and angles
3. Horizontal 3. Composition and mix of bedding b) Pointing exposed edges
4. Stepped materials c) Bonding to damp-proof membranes and the like
22. Joints (m) 1. State width 1. Type of filler, sealant, pointing, 21. Joints are only measured when their composition and position are designed
and thickness method of application and
preparation.
2. Ties: centres stated
3. Channels
4. Joint reinforcement, state details
23. Fillets (m) 1. Weather
2. Angle
3. Others
24. Proprietary and 1. Dimensioned 1. Proprietary 1. Method of forming, building in22. Items are deemed to include all necessary forming of openings or pockets,
individual spot description reference or fixing damp-proof courses, fixings and fastenings and builders work in connection with
items (nr) 2. Reference to 2. Catalogue number, 2. Describe carvings and sculptures any associated mechanical or electrical connections
drawing where applicable 23. These include items such as wind posts, head restraint channels, cappings,
posts, boiler seats, plinths, steps, winders, landings, bases, key blocks, ventilator
gratings, grates, blocks or stones, jamb stones, weep-hole formers and the like
24. Spot items also include carvings and sculptures

Alphabetical Index
A Bulbs, corm, tubers 100
Bulk excavations 26
Abutments 69 Bursbar fittings 88
Accessories 48 Bursbur 88
Accessories cast in 98
Accessories cast into in situ concrete 36 C
Accommodation 22
Additional costs items 23 Cable containment fittings 87
Adoptability to the Ghanaian construction industry Cable housing 86
2 Cables 87
Air terminations 88 Cable terminations and joints 87
Alteration works 112 Canopies 75
Ancillaries 82 Cantilever/ built-out scaffolding 126
Ancillary items not provided with the item or Cappings 42
equipment 50, 57, 62, 65 carpentry, joinery and the like 51
Applicable rules 4 Casings to grillages 31
Aprons 73 Catalogue and Standard Component Specifications
Arches 42 7
Architraves 42, 48, 60, 73 Catenary cables 90
Architraves and the like 54 Ceiling panels 65
Artificial weathering 116 Ceiling ribs 73
Ceilings 69, 72
B Cesspits 83
Channels 83, 98
Backing and other first fix timbers 53 Characteristic 12, 16, 17, 20
Backings 72 Cladding 53, 61
Balustrades 47, 56, 60, 64 Claddings 49
Bands 73 Cleaning surfaces 116
Bands and the like 42 Clear finishes 77
Barriers 126 Cloakroom fittings 47
Bases plinths 90 Coated macadam and asphalt 98
Bases plinths and the like 96 Coatings 77
Beads\; state function 74 Codification 6
Beam casings 31 Coffered or trough slabs 31
Beams 31, 40 Cold rolled and cladding rails 46
Bed-cage 126 Column casings 31
Beds 31, 40, 72 columns 40
Benching 83 Columns 31, 42
BIBLIOGRAPHY 130 Commissioning 89, 95
Bill Photographs 6 Common measurement abbreviations 133
Blinding 31 Complete buildings 119
Boarding and flooring 53 COMPLETE PREFABRICATED BUILDING/
Boards 79 STRUCTURE/ UNIT WORKS 118
Bored piles 106 Composite cladding 65
Breaking into existing cables 112 COMPOSITE CONCRETE WORKS 39
Breaking into existing ducts 112 COMPOSITE WINDOWS/ DOORS/ SCREENS/
Breaking into existing equipment and control gear PARTITIONS/ fittings and fixtures 63
112 Conciseness and preciseness of rules and informa-
Breaking into existing pipes 112 tion 2
Breaking through obstructions 107 Conductor tapes 88
Bridging\; number stated 126 Connections 84, 89
Building in ends 83 Conservation 116
Building Technology Department v Consoles 75
Built-up structural members 52 Contract forms details 14

Copings 42 Ducts covers and the like 47
Copper light glazing, type of glass stated 62
Cornices 73 E
Cost analysis/planning 2 Earth reinforcement 104
Cost Items\ Earth rods 88
Management Staff 21 EARTHWORKS 24
mechanical plant 22 Ease of locating information and rules 2
Cover fillets 48, 60 Edge trims 67
Cover fillets, stops, trims, beads nosings 54 Edgings 98
COVERING AND CLADDING WORKS 68 ELECTRICAL/ COMMUNICATIONS/ SECURI-
Coverings 49, 61, 65, 67 TY/ CONTROL SERVICES 85
Covers and frames 83 Electrodes 88
Cover stones 42 Emphasis on cost significance of work items 2
Cover strips 74 ENGINEERED GROUND WORKS 102
Coves 73 Equipment 92
Crib walls 104 Excavated material, Filling 28
Cultivating 99 Expansion joints 99
Cutting back 113 Extra-over for Pipe fittings 94
Cutting or forming openings 113 Extra-over for ventilation duct fittings 94
Cutting or forming recesses 113 Extra-over piling 106
Cycle racks 47
F
D
Facilities/ temporary works/ services 20
Damp-proof course renewal 116 Fencing 101
Damp proof courses 43 Fencing posts and the like 47
Damp-roof course insertion 116 Fencing rails 54, 60
Day works 129 Fillet 43
Dayworks\ Fillets 67
Provisional Quantities 129 Filling 31
Dayworks individual 129 Filling cavities 79
Decking 126 Filling in openings 113
Decontamination 117 Filling in recesses 113
Decontamination of existing premises 117 Filling of hollow sections 49
Decorative papers and fabrics 77 Filling to hollow walls 31
Defined work 129 Final circuits 87
Delays 107 Fire sleeves, collars and the like 79
DEMOLITION AND REHABILITATION WORKS Fire stopping and other associated fire protection
108 work 88, 95
Demolitions 110 Fire stops, state type 79
Description guide 4 Fittings 67, 70
Description of the works 13 Fittings and fixtures or equipment with services 50,
Descriptions 5 57, 62, 65
Designed joints 33, 38, 40 Fittings fixtures or equipment without services 50,
Diaphragm walls and embedded retaining walls 57, 62, 65
104 Fix only supplies 128
Disposal 28 Flashing strips 67
Disposal of excavated materials 107 Floor plates 48
Dividing strips 74 Floors 72
Doors 46, 55, 60 FLOOR, WALL, CEILING AND ROOF FINISH-
Doors sets 64 INGS 71
Drainage lines 81 Fluctuation provision 129
Drain pipes 81 Formwork 98
Drawing preparation 89, 95 Formwork to in situ concrete 34, 35, 36
Drawn Information 6 Foundation excavations 26
Driven piles 106 Foundations 31
Duct covers 54, 60 Fungus removal/ eradication 117

G Isolation membranes 74
Items extra-over all types of excavations irrespec-
Gabion basket walls 104 tive of depth 27
Gates 46, 55, 60, 64
General builders work 89, 96 J
General building rehabilitations 112, 113, 114, 115,
116, 117 Jointing conduits trunking and trays to existing
GENERAL EXTERNAL WORKS 97 112
General railings 47 Jointing new cables to existing 112
GENERAL RULES 2 Jointing new duct to existing duct 112
GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATION 2 Jointing new equipment and control gear to exist-
GLASS AND PLASTIC WORKS 58 ing 112
Gravel, hoggin and woodchip 98 Jointing new pipe to existing pipe 112
Grilles and gratings 47 Joints 43, 67, 98
Ground reconditioning 103
K
Gutters 69, 81
Kerbs 42, 98
H Kerbs and capping 73
Handrails 42 Kwakye vi
Handrails/ core-rails 64
L
Handrails/ Core-rails 47, 56
Hedge plants 100 Ladders 47, 56, 60
Holding down bolts 45 Lead light and like glazing, type of glass stated 62
Leaf 122
I Length Conversion Table – Imperial To Metric 143
Identification 84, 89, 95 Letters, figures and symbols 99
Imported material, filling 28 Lifting and replacing floor boards in existing struc-
Independent scaffolding 126 tures 90, 96
Independent tower 126 Line markings 99
INDIGENOUS CONSTRUCTION 120 Lining to channels 73
Individual Metal bars 48 Lintels 42
Infestation removal/ eradication 117 Liquid applied surfacings 99
Inserting new wall ties, number stated 115 Loose 79
In situ concrete 98 Loose ancillaries 89, 95
IN SITU CONCRETE WORKS 29
M
Inspection chambers 83
INSULATION AND FIRE BARRIERS 78 Maintenance 100
Insulation and fire protection to equipments 94 Management of the works 16
Insulation and fire protection to pipe ancillaries 94 Manholes 83, 90, 96
Insulation and fire protection to pipework 94 Marker plates 89
Insulation and fire protection to ventilation ducts Marker posts 89
94 Marking, position of and leaving 84
Intercepting traps 83 Marking, position of and leaving or forming all
Interlocking blocks 98 holes, mortise, chases and the like required
Interlocking brick and blocks, slabs, bricks, blocks, in the structure 90, 96
setts and cobbles 98 MASONRY 41
Interlocking bricks 98 Mass concrete 31
Ironmongery 56 Mat frames 48
Isolated beams 69, 72 MECHANICAL AND WATER SERVICES WORKS
Isolated casings 42 91
Isolated columns 69, 72 medieval v
Isolated foundations 31 Membranes 99
Isolated handrails and grab rails 54 Mensuration Formulae 141
Isolated piers 42 Metal fixings, fastenings and fittings 54
Isolated protective coating 50 Metal mesh lathing 74
Isolated shelves and worktops 54 METAL WORKS 44
Isolated structural member 45 Metric Conversion Table 142

Mirrors 62 Preparing existing structures for connection of new
Mobile tower 126 work 114
Mobile tower scaffolding 126 Price contingency 129
Models 75 Primary equipment 86
Modular wiring system 87 PRIME COST AND PROVISIONAL SUM
Moulded casings 73 WORKS 127
Mouldings 73 principles provided guidelines 2
Movement joints 74, 99 Procurement and Project Management Consultan-
Mullions 42 cy Limited, Accra vi
Profiled metal decking 46
N Projections 42
Natural Soil 121 Project particulars 12
Nominated Sub-contractors 128 Promotion of good practice 2
Nominated suppliers 128 Proprietary and individual spot items 43
Non-piped drainage 101 Proprietary coloured sports surfacings 99
Nosings 74 Protection 100
Protective panels and sheeting 126
O Provisional items 129
provision, content and use of documents 15
Operating manuals and instructions 84 Provision of temporary services 114
Operation and maintenance manuals 89, 95 Pumps 82
Operation/ maintenance of finished building 21 Putlog 126
Order of priority 5
Ornamental casings 73 Q
other establishments/ services and facilities 22
Others 69, 90, 96, 106, 126 Quantities 5
Other tanks and pits, 83 Quantity surveying profession v
Overdoors 75 quantity surveyor v
Quilts 79
P
R
PAINTING AND DECORATING 76
Painting to general surfaces 77 Raised access floors, type of finish and thickness of
Painting to special surfaces 77 panels stated 73
Panels and partitions 49, 61 Ramp 126
Panes\; number stated 61 Recycling 117
Partitions 65 Re-dressing existing flashings 115
Parts of structures 110 Reflection of the construction industry practice 3
Pavement blocks 98 Reinforcement 74, 98
Pavement bricks 98 Reinforcement bar, nominal size 33
Pavement slabs 98 Reinforcement, fabric mesh 34
Physical contingency 129 Reinforcement to in situ concrete piles 107
PILING 105 Removal and replacement of existing Blockwork/
Pipe and duct sleeves 90, 96 brickwork 114
Pipe casings 48, 54, 60 Removal and replacement of existing concrete 114
PIPED DRAINAGE INSTALLATION 80 Removal and replacement of existing glass 114
Pipe fittings 82 Removal and replacement of existing stonework
Pipe sleeves 82 114
Pipework 93 Removal and replacement of existing timber 114
Pipework ancillaries 94 Removal and replacement of other existing materi-
Plain casings 73 al, type stated 114
Plants 100 Removal electrical installations 113
Platform 126 Removal of coverings 113
Post practical completion services 89, 95 Removal of equipments, fittings and fixtures 113
Precast concrete component 38 Removal of finishes 113
PRECAST CONCRETE WORKS 37 Removal of hazardous materials 117
PRELIMINARIES 11 Removal of mechanical installations 113
Preliminary site works 25 Removal of pavings 113
Preparing drawings 84 Removing stains 116

Renovating 116 Strings and aprons 72, 73
Repairing 114 Structural framed members 45
Repointing 115 Structural members 52, 59
requirements\ Substructure works 119
quality standards/ control 17 Sundries items 32
Resin/ cement impregnation or injection 115 Sundry items 56
Ridges 69 Supports 48
Risers 73 Supports for services not provided by services
Roof 40, 69 contractor 90
Roofs 72 Surface applications 100
Surface boxes 47
S Surface dressings 99
SCAFOLDDING 124 Surface dressings, sealers or polishes 74
Sealing strips 67 Surface packing to filling 28
security, safety and protection 18 Surface treatment 50, 61
Seeding 100 Surface treatments 28
Septic tanks 83 Surface treatment to in situ concrete 32
Service hatches, stages, platform 56 Surrounds 42, 75
Sheet linings to pools, lakes, ponds, waterways 99 Suspended soffit 126
Sheets 79 System validation 89, 95
Sheet surfacings 99 T
Shelves 54
Short flight of steps 56, 64 Tanks 47, 60
Sills 42 Temporary lighting standards 126
Simplicity in use of the SMMG and bills of quanti- temporary works 23
ties 2 Temporary works 110, 117
Site 13 Tender and contract documents 12
Site furniture 99 tendering/ sub-letting/supply 15
Site Preparation 26 Terminal equipment and fittings 86
Skirting 48, 60, 73 Termination bars 88
Skirtings 67 Test clamps 88
Skirtings and picture rails 54 Testing 89, 95
Slabs 31, 40 Testing and commissioning 84
SMM6 v Tests 107
SMM7 v The format and structure of Bills of Quantities 8
SMMG i THE STRUCTURE OF SMMG 3
Soakaways 83 THE USAGE OF THE SMMG 3
Special bolts and fasteners 45 Thoroughness in coverage of work 2
Special paving units 98 Threads 72
Special purpose blocks or stones 43 Training 89, 95
Special tiles, slabs, blocks and accessories 75 Transoms 42
Specific limitation on method, sequence and timing Transportation Equipment 92
of execution 19 Trees 100
Spot items 67, 69, 100 Turfing 100
Sprayed 79 Turfted surfacings 99
Sprayed in situ Concrete ( 32
Staircase 56, 64 U
Staircases 47 Undefined work 129
Standard Method of Measurement of Building Underpinning 111
Works, fifth edition v Upstands 31
Steel Tables- Metric System 145 USAGE OF THE RULES AND INFORMATION 4
Steps 42
Steps and Staircases 31 V
Steps irons 83
Stick 123 Valleys 69
Storage racks 47 Ventilation duct ancillaries 94
Strings 73 Ventilation ducts 94
Verges 69

Vibro-compacted piles 106 Work by local authorities 129
Vibro compacted trench fill 106 Work by statutory undertakers 129
Worked finishes 98
W Work/ materials on behalf of employer 128
Walkways 47 Work not covered 4
Walls 31, 40, 42, 69, 72 Work to be executed others 14
Water stops 67 Work Where Drawn and Specification Information
Weights of Materials and Works 144 is not Available 7
Whole structures 110 Writing and notice boards 54
Window boards 48, 54, 60 Y
Windows 46, 55, 59, 64
WOOD WORK 51 Young nursery stock plants 100
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Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana GHANA

Book · September 2018

Kwodzo Egbert Hohoabu Gabriel Nani

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BOOK NUMBER (ISBN)

Thank you for your cooperation.

ISBN (s) allocated to: GABRIEL NANI AND KWADZO HOHOABU

the ISBN(s) is: 978 – 9988 – 2 – 6826 –8SMMG

UNIVERSITY PRINTING PRESS

Kwadzo Egbert Hohoabu

2. Dr. Gabriel Nani

Printed by University Press, KNUST Kumasi, Ghana

First Printing, 2018

ii Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana iii

iv Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana v

vi Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

2 Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

2.0 THE USAGE OF THE SMMG

3.0 THE STRUCTURE OF SMMG

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 3

4.0 THE USAGE OF THE RULES AND INFORMATION

4.1 Description guide

4.2 Applicable rules

4.3 Work not covered

4 Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 5

4.8 Bill Photographs

4.9 Referencing Of Items

6 Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

4.10 Catalogue and Standard Component Specifications

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 7

4.12 The format and structure of Bills of Quantities

Reference Description Quantity Unit Rate Amount

a) Two bills of quantities reference methods may be used as follows:

8 Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana

5.0 Symbols and abbreviations

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 9

Sectional General Information and Rules

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 11

Sectional Main Bill Item Rules and Information

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 13

Description guide Applicable rules (AR)

4. Requirement in respect of collateral warranties

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 15

Description guide Applicable rules (AR)

Characteristic 1 Characteristic 2 Characteristic 3 Auxiliary characteristic(s)

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 17

Description guide Applicable rules (AR)

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 19

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 21

Description guide Applicable rules (AR)

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 23

Sectional General Information and Rules

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 25

Description guide Applicable rules (AR)

Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works, Ghana 27