ENGINEERING MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

JIGAWA STATE POLTECHNIC, DUTSE

ENGINEERING MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION

(CEC 214)

Prepared By:

Ahmad Abubakar

2ND SEMESTER, 2022/2023 SESSION

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CHAPTER 1: PROJECT

INTRODUCTION
A project is an endeavor that is undertaken to deliver a product, service or result.

 MAIN OBJECTIVES OF A PROJECT

 Scope
 Time
 Quality
 Cost

A trade-off exists between these main objectives, such that the

improvement of one can be at the expense of the others.

Project contract

A project contact is a legal agreement between two parties that will be working on
a project that outline the obligation, duties, and expectation of both parties. It is
imperative to have a project contract in place when starting any new work with an
outside company.

Project contract typically include information about timeline, fees, deliverables,

dispute resolution and more. A well create agreement will make sure both parties
have full transparency on their expectation and duties to contribute a successful
project.

Construction project
The organization effort to create a building or structure is known as a construction
project. Construction project in civil engineering and architecture refer to
physically putting together infrastructure or a building.

A construction project comprises several smaller project as it is not a single

activity. Human multitasking is required for large-scale construction project.

A design engineer, construction engineer, or professional architect oversees the

construction projects. Effective planning is necessary for building project to be

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completed cost_ effectively to avoid work-related injuries or financial difficulties,

a construction management team participating in the design and execution of
infrastructure must incorporate different safety measure and examine the project
entire the cost.

Types of construction project

1. Residential building project

2. Private project

3. Commercial project

4. Industrial project

5. State and federal construction project

6. Infrastructure and heavy construction project

1. Residential building project

Residential housing construction and it comprises building, maintenance,

and modifying structure for housing people, supplies and equipment. All housing
types are including, apartment, townhome, condos, nursing home, and dorms.
Residential structure includes garages and outbuilding, such as utility sheds.

Residential housing project are usually designed by the engineers and architect,
with the mechanical, structure and electrical work completed by subcontractor
hired by construction companies. in the case of single _family homes, however,
builder often handle all parts of the project, including design and construction.

2. Private project

Construction project owned, controlled or commissioned by a private entity

are known as a private construction projects. Individual, homeowners, corporate,
other corporate entities, nonprofit association privately supported schools,
hospitals, publicly traded firms, and others private project. These types of project
occur in numerous shapes and sizes, and it's this point, examining the nature of the
work accomplish may help divide construction in to subcategories.

3. Commercial project

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Commercial project include school, sport arenas, commercial centers, hospitals,

stadium, retail outlets, and skyscraper, institutional and commercial construction,
like residential housing development, comprises the construction of new structure
and the repair and maintenance of existing ones.

A company or a private owner usually commissions a project like a retail store.

Other infrastructure project, like stadiums, school, and medical facilities, are
frequently funded and controlled by the local and national governments.

4. Industrial project

The form of construction comprises constructing structure that require a high

level of specialization and technical planning, construction, and design skills. This
form of communication is usually done by for profit or industrial business.

For examples chemical company can build oil refineries, whereas a power
generation company can build hydroelectric power plant and nuclear power plants,
both are industrial structure.

5. State construction project

State funded a construction project come in a range of shape and sizes. it could
be something as a simple as constructing a public school or a government building
(like a courtroom). these projects can also be quite complex, such as building a
bridge, sewer line, motorways. While federal construction project is very similar
with federal they can take several shapes, much like state project, and are very
simple, conventional and complicated. The distinction is not in which organization
funds the project as federal money is used in state project if construction on a state
courtroom is done with federal funds.

On the other hands, working in a Federal courthouse is a government is a

government enterprise. because state manage the highways, work on a federally
funded interstate is usually a state project.

6. Infrastructure and heavy construction project.

These types of construction project include constructing and updating

railways, communication, roads, and railways to the city environs and current
building construction, this form of development is typically carried out in the

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public interest by government institution and significant commercial firms.

Tunnels, bridge, highways, transport system, drainage system, and pipelines are
example of other projects that fall under his category.

Professional in building industry and theirs function

1. Client

2. Architect

3. Quantity surveyor

4. Structure engineer

5. Builder

6. Artisans

1. Client

The client is the building owner for whom the project is carried out. He or she
provide the money which is used for the purchase of building materials, works
payment,etc. Clients express their ideas to architects.

2. Architect

Architect is licensed professional who plant, design, and oversee the

construction of building. An architect takes the brief from the client and turns those
ideas in to plant and images.

3. Quantity surveyor

Quantity surveyor manage all cost associated with building project. They check the
building plan and materials specified and prepare an estimate for the construction
project.

4. Structure engineer

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Structure engineer determine the load to be carried by the building and prepare
drawing of structure to ensure they are strong enough to avoid collapse when
loaded. Structure can include building, bridge etc.

5. Builder

A builder academically trained specialist and registered promotional responsible

for building production management, construction and maintenance of building.
Builder make sure building are built to specification and the building are able to
serve their purpose. Their tasks and duties include:

* Interpreting, analyzing or organizing plans that meet building code regulations

and client specification

* Providing quotes for client and submitting plan to local authorities.

* Organizing contractors including carpenters, electrician, and plumbers as well as

taking part in some building work personally.

6. Artisans

These are the real workmen on site, they are mostly technicians and they
included bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, iron fixers, plumbers, etc.

 PROJECT PARTIES/STAKEHOLDERS
 Owner/employer
 Consultant/Engineer
 Contractor
 Other parties
1. OWNER/EMPLOYER

-An owner can be a public entity (Governmental or Non-governmental) or a

private entity or a person.

-Responsibilities of the owner include:

 Defining the needs and criteria of the project (e.g Construction of a House)
 Defining any special requirement of the project (e.g Nominated
Subcontractor).

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 Feasibility studies of the project

 Setting project budget and required completion period
 Financing the project
 Setting level of involvement of each project parties
 Follow-up the progress of the project
2. CONSULTANT/ENGINEER

-Sometimes called designer or Architect

-Responsibilities of the consultant include:

 Provision of specialized technical, contractual or managerial expertise

 Designing the project
 Conducting feasibility studies
 Providing detailed design (e.g Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, and
Electrical) and specifications to meet owner’s requirement.
 Conducting on site or periodic inspections/supervisions
 Reporting progress of the project to the owner
3. CONTRACTOR

-Implement or execute the project

-Owner can choose to contract the project to one prime contractor or several
work package contractors.

-Responsibilities of the contractor include:

 Provision of materials, equipment, manpower, financing, services or know

how in accordance to contract documents, specifications and designs.
 Provision of an accurate estimate and realistic schedule
 Delivering project on time, within budget and with specified quality and
scope. In general, meeting owner’s requirement.
4. OTHER PARTIES
A. SUBCONTRACTORS
 Contract with prime contractor to do some specialized work

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 Work of subcontractor (Domestic) is the responsibility of the prime

contractor in terms of the contractual relationship between the owner
and the contractor.

B. GOVERNMENT
 Provide regulations and a legal, political and economic environment for
the project.
C. SUPPLIERS
 Provide specific material or equipment.

 PROJECT PHASES
a. Idea (feasibility study) – study technical report, finance, cash flow and
so on. (By owner)
b. Design (By consultant/engineer)
c. Tender (project) documents
 Invitation to bid
 Bid form (information and constraints)
 Drawings and specifications
 Bill of quantities (B.O.Q) and so on
d. Construction (By contractor)
e. Closing of the project

CHAPTER 2: THE BILL OF QUANTITY

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2.1 INTRODUCTION

The term Bills of Quantities (BOQ) is defined in the SMM as a list of items
giving brief identifying descriptions and estimated quantities of the works to be
performed. The BOQ forms a part of the contract documents, and is the basis of
payment to the Contractor.

2.1.1 OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of a BOQ are:

 To provide the same information to all tendering Contractors or

Principal Contractors, that enables them all to prepare their tenders
efficiently and accurately based on the same information
 When a contract has been entered into, to:
 Provide a basis for the valuation of completed work for the
purpose of making interim payments to the Contractor or
Principal Contractor
 Provide a basis for the valuation of variation work

2.2 BASIC COMPONENTS OF THE BILL OF QUANTITIES

 Preliminaries
 Preambles
 Prime Cost sums and Provisional sums
 Measured items
 Provisional Quantities

2.2.1 PRELIMINARIES

Work items referring to everything the Client wants the Contractor to do

before they actually start path construction work or other items that will affect
the implementation of the works. Allowances are given for such things as:

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temporary site welfare facilities; site clearance; dismantling and removal of

existing structures; and disposal of waste.

Preliminaries are not required to be measured work items but need to be

described in detail and the tendering Contractors will have to price the items that
will affect the cost of the works in a 'lump sum' price. The preliminaries bill is the
first part of the BOQ.

2.2.2 PREAMBLES

These are described as non-measurable items each of which applies to a

particular work section. They do not in themselves cost money but may affect the
cost of the work sections to which they apply. They fall mainly into two classes:

1. Items specifying quality of materials and workmanship

2. Pricing instructions to tenderers.

Preambles for each work section are grouped together and inserted either
at the beginning of that particular work section or combined with preambles for
other work sections and inserted after the preliminaries bill, but before the “bill
proper”.

Example:

Preambles for concrete work will include items such as:

 All cement used in the works shall be ordinary Portland cement complying
with BS 12
 Aggregate shall be obtained from an approved source and shall comply
with BS 882
 The contractor shall make allowances in his rates for sampling of
aggregates.

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2.2.3 PRIME COST AND PROVISIONAL SUM

 Prime Cost Sum

A prime cost sum is an allowance usually calculated by the cost consultant

for the supply of work or materials to be provided by a contractor or supplier that
will be nominated by the client.

Payments are made based on the invoices of the supplied items by

subcontractor plus addition of reasonable / agreed percentages for overhead
costs and profits. If the contractor's actual cost is higher than the bill of quantities
allowance, then the contract sum will be increased to balance it up and if the cost
to the contractor is lower, then the contract sum will be reduced by the balance.

 Provisional Sum

A provisional sum is an allowance, usually estimated by the cost consultant,

which is inserted into tender documents for a specific element of the works that
is not yet defined in enough detail for tenderers to price.

An example of a situation where a provisional sum might be appropriate is

when work is required below an existing structure, where the ground conditions
cannot be determined until the existing structure is demolished and the ground
opened up.

2.2.4 MEASURED ITEMS

The measured items make up what is known as the “Bill Proper”. These are
items taken-off from drawings which have been squared and sorted. In the bill,
each measured item will comprise:

 A reference symbol
 A prose description
 An associated quantity

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 The unit to which the quantity has been m - Linearmetre

reduced: m2 - Squaremetre
m3 - Cubicmetre
Kg - Kilogram
No. - Number

 A cross-reference or code to facilitate computer billing

2.2.5 PROVISIONAL QUANTITIES

General rule provides for the inclusion in the BOQ of work which for some
reason or other cannot be measured accurately at pre contract stage. Unlike
provisional sums (for work which cannot be measured) provisional quantities are
for the quantity of work that cannot be accurately determined.

The items are estimated and marked as “provisional” to allow for it to be

adjusted when work is actually executed. For example, work underground is
usually measured and marked as provisional and is subject to re-measurement
when work is actually carried out.

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ADVANTAGES OF BOQ

 Bill of quantities specifies each item and its quantity to be covered.

 It gives clarity to the Contractor what to include in his quotation.
 Any variation in quantities may be adjusted at the time of billing.
 It provides a consistent basis for obtaining competitive bids
 It allows the Client to compare different returned bids using a standard
measurement, before taking into account quality considerations.

DISADVANTAGES OF BOQ

 The Project cost may exceed the estimated cost if there were errors in
quantities mentioned in the BOQ
 The final billed quantities may exceed the specified quantities (in the lump
sum contract the variation in cost is borne by the Contractor).

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CHAPTER 3: PREPARATON OF BILL OF QUANTITY

Traditionally the systems followed a procedure of:

 Take off
 Squaring
 Abstracting
 Billing

3.1 TAKE OFF

Taking off is the procedure by which dimensions of the works are calculated
or scaled off from the drawings and entered onto dimension papers or other
similar computerized formats.

The normal format of dimension paper is indicated below.

Figure 3.1

3.1.2 ENTERING DIMENSION

Column A is the ‘time sing’ and ‘dotting on’ column where multiplication
and addition of the dimensions can be recorded (Figure 3.2).The practice of
‘dotting-on’ should be used only where absolutely necessary because of the
dangers of mistaking the dot for a decimal point.

Column B is the dimension column and receives the measurements taken

off from the drawings. The dimensions are normally expressed to two decimal
points (Figure 3.3). It is important to note that it is the insertion of the horizontal
line which determines whether the dimension is intended as a linear, superficial
or cubic measurement (Figure 3.4).

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Figure 3.2

Figure 3.3

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aa

Figure 3.4

It is important to note that it is the insertion of the horizontal line which

Determines whether the dimension is intended as a linear, superficial or cubic
measurement (Figure 3.4).

A constant order of entering dimensions must be maintained throughout,

that is (1) length, (2) breadth or width, and (3) depth or height, so that there can
be no doubt as to the shape of the item being measured. If this is not possible,
dimensions should be annotated to indicate length, width or breadth, height or
depth, diameter, etc.

Dimensions should usually be recorded in meters to two decimal places and

a line drawn across the dimension column under each set of measurements.

Very often when measuring a number of dimensions for one item of

construction it will be necessary to deduct some dimensions from the total. To
ensure that this is done clearly, it is good practices to enter such dimensions in
the time sing column under the heading DDT (meaning deduction).Figures which
are to be added or subtracted are bracketed together in the manner shown
(Figure 3.5).

Column C is the squaring column where the result of the addition,

subtraction or multiplication of the entries in the dimension column is recorded.

Ample space should be left between all items on the dimension sheets so
that it is possible to follow the dimensions with ease and to enable any items,
which may have been omitted when the dimensions were first taken off, to be
inserted subsequently.

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Figure 3.5

Column D is the description column where the item being measured is

described. This is done by using a form of standard abbreviations which have
been listed separately. This column also contains annotations giving the location
of the dimensions and waste calculations which show the buildup of the figures
entered in the dimension column (Figure 3.6). It may be considered desirable to
insert the appropriate CESMM 3 code in the description column as shown in
Figure 6.

Each dimension sheet should be headed with the contract number, and the
abbreviated contract title, section of the job and the drawing number(s) to which
the taking-off sheet referred at the head of each sheet. Each sheet should be
numbered consecutively at the bottom.

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At the top of the first dimension sheet for each main section of works the
list of drawings from which the measurement is taken should be entered.
Revisions to the drawing used should be precisely stated so that in the event of
any change being made to work as originally planned it can be clearly seen what
was measured in the BOQ.

Dimension sheets should be punched in the top left-hand corner on

completion and fastened together

Figure 3.6

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3.1.3MENSURATION

 Measurement of Areas and Volumes

Measurement of areas and Volumes may be carried out by using the

standard formulae shown below:

Figure 3.7: Measurement of Areas Formulae

3.2 SQUARING

The term `squaring the dimensions' refers to the calculation of the

numbers, lengths, areas or volumes and their entry in the third or squaring

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column on the dimension paper. Squaring should be carried out to two decimal
places, with the final squared quantities rounded off.

Squaring must be independently checked to eliminate errors. Any incorrect

figures should be neatly crossed out in red ink or ball pen and the correct figures
written above the incorrect ones. Correcting fluid shall not be used nor shall
incorrect figures be erased. All squared dimensions and waste calculations should
be ticked in red ink or ball pen on checking and any alterations should be made in
a similar manner.

3.3 ABSTRACTING

Abstracting is the process whereby the squared dimensions are transferred

to an abstract sheet or other similar computerized formats, where they are
written in a recognized order, ready for billing, under the appropriate section
headings, and are subsequently reduced to the recognized units of measurement
in readiness for transfer to the bills.

As each item is transferred to the abstract, the description of the

appropriate dimension should be crossed through with a vertical line on the
dimension sheet, with short horizontal lines at each end of the vertical line, so
that there is no doubt as to what has been transferred.

Each abstract sheet should be headed with the contract number,

abbreviated contract title, sheet number and section of the works to which the
abstracted dimensions refer.

Entries in the abstract should be well spaced. The items should be entered
in the same order as they will appear in the bill, since the primary function of the
abstracting is to classify and group the various items preparatory to billing, and to
reduce the dimensions to the recognized unit of measurement.

It is a good practice to precede each description in the abstract with the

prefix C, S, L or Nr denoting that the item is cubic, square, linear or enumerated to
reduce the risk of errors arising with regard to units or quantities. The order of
items in each section of the abstract should, as much as possible, be standardized.

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It is usual to adopt the order of cubic, square, linear and finally enumerated
items, with smaller items preceding larger ones, and cheaper items preceding
more expensive ones in each group.

3.4 BILLING

Billing is the final stage in the bill preparation process in which the items
and their associated quantities are transferred from the abstract onto the
standard billing sheets or other similar computerized formats that are in a format
that enables the tendered to price each item and arrive at a total tender sum.

As each item is transferred to the bill it should be lined through on the

abstract to prevent any risk of errors occurring during the transfer stage.
Generally, all quantities transferred are to be billed to the nearest whole unit.
Fractional quantities are not generally necessary but, where required, should not
be given to more than one place of decimals. The order of billed items should be
the same as in the abstract, and they should be grouped under suitable section
headings.

The total sum on each page should be carried to a collection or summary

for each section, and the totals from these carried to a Grand Summary, the total
of which constitutes the tender sum.

Abbreviations must not be used in the descriptions. On completion, the

draft bill must be carefully checked against the abstract, and the abstract suitably
marked in red ink or ball pen as each item is dealt with. Particular care should be
taken to ensure that all the quantities, units and descriptions are correct, and that
the sequence of items, the section headings and sub-headings, and the transfer of
totals to collection and summary, are satisfactory and adequately covered.

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CHAPTER 4: NON TRADITIONAL METHOD OF BILL

1. Cut and Shuffle

The `cut and shuffle' system of bill preparation operates as follows:

(a) The taking-off is carried out to the same procedures as described in traditional
method, but the dimensions are entered on special `cut and shuffle' paper. Each
sheet comprises a white original and a yellow carbon copy, and is ruled in such a
manner that it forms three separate small dimension sheets, which are commonly
referred to as `slips'. Each `slip' should be numbered, and have the job number
stamped on the top. Taking-off then proceeds in the usual manner, except that a
separate `slip' must be used for each individual item. An example of a `cut and
shuffle' page fully completed is shown in Figure 4.1
(b) When the taking-off is completed, or in the case of a large job, substantial
sections are completed, the dimensions on each `slip' are squared and checked.
(c) The person who carries out the taking off retains the yellow carbon copy as a
record, but the white original sheets are cut into three separate `slips', each
containing one item or part of an item.
(d) The `slips' are shuffled, or sorted, into sections, such as Earthworks, Drainage,
Concrete, etc., similar items are collected and stapled together, and the whole of
the slips placed, as near as possible, in bill order.
(e) The slips are then edited to form the preliminary draft bill, with further slips
inserted as necessary to provide headings. The correct unit is entered in the box
provided on each slip, or on the top slip where a number of similar items are
stapled together.
(f) The total quantity for each item is calculated and inserted in the box provided
on the slip. This process must be independently checked and ticked in red ink or
ball pen.
(g) Once completed, these slips are attached together in bill order by a treasury
tag from the draft bill, and can be passed directly for typing onto billing paper.
(h) The typed bill must be closely checked with the draft to ensure that all
descriptions, quantities and units have been transferred correctly.

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(i) As a final check, the cut slips should be counted and compared to the yellow
carbon copy sheet to ensure that all slips are accounted for.
Although this system takes a longer time during the taking-off stage owing
to the need to write descriptions out in full, the time saved in the bill preparation
process means a considerable reduction in overall time spent on pre-contract
measurement.
Used correctly, it can result in great savings in time in the bill preparation
process, as it omits both the abstracting and billing stages.

2. Direct Billing

In this method, the abstracting stage is omitted by transferring the items

directly from the dimension sheet to the bill. Particular care must be taken,
however, when adopting this method and a methodical order of transfer must be
adopted to ensure that the items are listed correctly and in the right sequence in
the bill.

Items transferred should be clearly crossed out on the dimension sheet,

and an independent check must be carried out on all calculations, which should
be ticked in red ink or ball pen, and also on all transfers.

This method should be adopted where the number of similar items is not
too extensive, and the job is not too complex in character.

3. Computer Billing
Computer aided bill production systems provide the facility to check
accuracy, but care is needed in the coding of dimensions and entry of data.
Modern computerized billing systems can however, print out errors in the form of
tables. The coding can be double checked, although a random check may be
considered adequate.

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Figure 4.1

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CHAPTER 5: SPECIFICATION
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Specifications are detailed descriptions prepared by a consulting engineer
or architect to tell the contractor everything about the quality of material and
workmanship required which cannot be shown on the drawing.

5.2 The Purpose and Use of Specifications

Specifications may serve three purposes, in each case in conjunction with the
drawings.
1. To be read by the builder’s estimator as the only information he has on
which to prepare a competitive tender.
2. To be read by the Quantity Surveyor to enable him prepare a bill of
quantities as a basis for such competitive tenders.
3. To be read by the clerk of works and the builder’s foreman during the
progress of the contract as the architect’s instructions for carrying out the
work.
Specifications used by the QS in preparing bills do not form part of the
contract documents but give the QS more details than the drawings can on the
quality of materials and levels of workmanship expected for the works. For this
purpose, specifications still need to be complete and detailed but the form of
presentation need not be as formal since it is not a contract document.
Specifications as instructions to the foreman and clerk of works on site
must give all the level of detail which may not be clearly stated in the descriptions
of measured items in the bills. Usually these are included in a section in the bill
known as preambles to the trades and this section usually precedes the measured
items.
Specifications are usually subdivided into work sections and each work section
subdivided under specific headings. Under each section material clauses are kept
separate from workmanship clauses. Order of presentation is usually:
1. General clauses
2. Material clauses
3. Workmanship clauses
The following are typical specification clauses for some work sections. The
clauses given are by no means exhaustive and many more may be required for a
particular job. The clauses given are not standard and are only given as a guide.

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5.3 Drafting of Specification Clauses

Material Descriptions
(a) A full description of the material or component is given with details of
desirable and undesirable characteristics and appropriate test
requirements.
(b) Relevant British standard reference, together with details of class or
type where required is given. The contractor can then refer to the BS for
fuller information.
(c) Name of manufacturer proprietary brand or source of supply is stated
and the
Contractor can obtain further particulars from the manufacturers or
supplier.
(d) A brief description of the material is given together with the prime cost
for the
Supply as delivery of a certain quantity of the material to the site e.g. a trip
of gravel.

ILLUSTRATION

Particulars required Actual description

Material Cement
Type Portland
Name of manufacturer Ashaka
Or source of supply
Desirable characteristics Delivered to site approved sealed begs or
containers which are clearly marked with
the name of the manufacturer Stored in a
water – proof shed having a timber floor
raised above the ground
British standard BS 12

Cement:
Cement for use in the works shall be obtained from an approved
manufacturer and shall conform in all respects to BS12 for Portland cement. For
the purpose of BS12, the site shall be decried to have a tropical climate.

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Particulars required Actual description

Material Bricks
Type Red engineering bricks
Name of manufacturer Nigerian Mining Corporation
Or source of supply.
Prime Cost N 25,000 per thousand
delivered to site
Desirable characteristics Well burnt, of uniform shape,
size and colour and sound and
hard
Undesirable characteristics Free from cracks, stones, lime
and other delectation
substances.
Test Minimum compressive
strength of 48.3 MN/m2
maximum water absorption of
7 percent by weight.

Workmanship Clauses

These are generally drafted in the imperative e.g. ‘lay manhole bases in
concrete’ or alternatively ‘The contractor shall lay etc’.
Workmanship example
Block work
“Blocks shall be laid in stretcher bond with 10mm joints properly bedded in
cement mortar and with joints flushed up as the work proceeds”.
5.4 Sources of information
(1) Previous Specification
Specifications for past jobs are used as a basis in the preparation of a
new specification for a job of similar type. Care must be taken however to
update the clauses by incorporating recent development and techniques’,
and to allow for differences of design, construction or site conditions of the
current job. Also to omit details which are not applicable?
(2) Contract Drawings
These show the character and extent to the works. And the
specification writer will work systematically through the drawings to extract
information when compiling the specification.

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(3) Employer’s Requirements

The employer may lay down certain conditions for the job which will
need to be included in the specifications. E.g. programming of the works so
that certain sections are completed at specified dates and the taking of
various precautions to reduce interference with the employers production
processes within the premises.
(4) Site Investigations:
Information such as soil conditions, water table level and extent of
site clearance work will be obtained from site investigations.
(5) British Standard:
Reference to the relevant British Standard ensures a good standard
for materials and reduces length of specification clauses
(6) Codes of Practice:
Reference to codes of practice ensures a good standard of
construction and workmanship without the need for lengthy specification
clauses
(7) Trade Catalogues:
Where proprietary articles are to be used on a job, reference should
be made to the manufacturer’s catalogues for the extraction of the
necessary particulars to include in the specs. This procedure reduces the
length of specification clauses and will ensure the use of the specific
material which the designer is sure of its performance.

Sample specifications for a simple building in the following areas will be

studied for the remainder of this course:
o Excavation and Earthworks
o Concrete work
o Brickwork & Block work
o Roofing

6.5 Excavation and earthworks

Site Clearance: Before commencing work on site the contractor is to inform the
Architect/supervising officer and ascertain the extent of site clearance required.

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Surface Soil: Surface soil shall be stripped and deposited in temporary storage
heaps, preparatory to being used for the preparation of beds to receive trees and
shrubs.
Excavation: The excavation shall be carried out to the dimensions, levels, lines
and profiles indicated on the contract Drawings or to such dimensions as may be
directed in writing by the supervising officer.
The excavations are to be performed in whatever material may be found,
but extra payment will be made for excavation in rock. Rock is defined as material
which in the opinion of the Architect/supervising officer can be removed only by
the use of compressed – air plant, wedges or explosives and is found in
continuous beds exceeding 75mm in thickness or in isolated stones exceeding
0.06m3 in volume.
The contractor shall include for getting out the excavated material by hand
or machine and for leveling and compacting surfaces prior to commencing
constructional work.
The faces and beds of all excavations after being excavated to the required
dimensions shall be carefully trimmed to required profiles and cleaned of all loose
mud, dirt or other debris.
Trench excavation shall be assumed to be not exceeding 1.50m deep.
Disposal of Surplus Excavated Material:
All surplus excavated material is to be deposited, spread and leveled where
directed or removed from site as required, the contractor being responsible for
finding a deposit and paying all fees and charges which may be demanded.
Backfilling of Trenches:
Filling around foundations in trenches is to be of selected earth obtained
from the excavating free from roots and all vegetable matter and it is to be filled
in layers not exceeding 225mm in thickness each layer well rammed and
consolidated by rolling or ramming and well-watered.
Filling:
Approved filling to make up levels shall be in soft laterite or other such
materials approved by the Architect/supervising officer and shall be deposited in
layers not exceeding 300mm thick and well-watered and consolidated. If material
obtained from excavation is approved for use in filling.

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SAMPLE SPECIFICATIONS FOR A SIMPLE BUILDING

CONCRETE WORK
Generally:
All materials used in the concrete work, and the mixing, placing and curing
of the concrete and the workmanship generally are to comply with the latest
British Standard and code of practice applicable.
Concrete Materials
Cement:
Cement for use in the works shall be obtained from an approved
manufacturer and shall conform in all respects to B.S. 12 for Portland cement. For
the purpose of B.S.12, the site shall be deemed to have a tropical climate.
The cement shall be delivered to the site in approved sealed bags or
containers which are to be clearly marked with the name of the manufacturer.
Cement is to be stored in a water–proof shed having a timber floor raised
above the ground. Each consignment of cement shall be stacked separately and
marked so as to be easily identifiable, and shall be used in order of delivery. Any
cement rejected by the Architect or Engineer shall be immediately removed from
the site and if requested, all other cement from the same consignment shall also
be removed.
Aggregate:
Fine aggregate shall be well washed and shall be sharp and free from clay,
chalk, organic matter and other impurities. It shall comply with the requirements
of B.S. 882 and shall be graded in accordance with Table 2, zone 2.
Coarse aggregate shall be gravel or other suitable material and shall be well
washed and free from sand, clay, quarry refuse and other impurities. It shall
comply with the requirements of B.S. 882 and shall be graded in accordance with
Table 1.
Aggregates generally shall be stored in proper stockpiles and in such a
manner that they do not mix with the underlying soil or come into contact with
impurities, or mix with each other.
All aggregates shall be clean and free from chemical organic and
mineralogical Constituents which react unfavorably with cement, reduce the
strength and durability of the concrete or attack the steel reinforcement.

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Water
Water shall be clean, pure and free from impurities in suspension or
solution.
Workmanship
Proportions of Concrete:
Concrete in foundation trenches shall be 1:3:6 mix concrete in bed, beams
and lintels shall be1:2:4 mix. These indicate the volumetric proportions of
cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate respectively.
Unless otherwise stated the coarse aggregate for concrete shall be 38mm
for 1:3:6 mix and19mm for 1:2:4 mix.
Concrete for reinforced work generally shall comply with the requirement
of British Code of Practice CP114; Structural Use of Reinforced Concrete in
Buildings.
Mixing of Concrete:
Concrete for reinforced concrete must be mechanically mixed. Mixing shall
be done in an approved mechanical batch mixer. The volume of materials
inserted per batch shall not exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity and the
volume of each batch shall be such that only whole bags of cement will be used.
The mixer drum shall be emptied completely before being refilled. All
materials shall be mixed until the concrete is uniform in color and consistency and
in no case shall it take less than two minutes.
Where hand mixing is approved for other qualities of concrete, the
ingredients shall be mixed dry on a watertight platform until a uniform color is
obtained. Clean water shall then bead gradually through a rose head and the
whole mass turned over at least three times in awet state until it attains a slightly
wet consistency.
Water must not be added later to facilitate handling or other purposes.
Testing Concrete:
Price of concrete shall include for carrying out all tests in accordance with
the requirement of B.S. code of practice 114 as and when required by the
Architect or supervising officer including supplying all test cubes, slump cones etc
and paying all fees and charges incurred. The minimum crushing strengths on
150mm test cubes of ordinary Portland cement shall be:

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Placing Concrete:
Concrete shall be used as soon as it has been mixed and shall be conveyed
in and deposited directly in the work from proper metal concreting barrows. Care
must be taken to prevent workmen placing concrete from introducing clay or
other harmful matter on their boots. Before any concrete is placed in position, the
formwork and other adjoining surfaces shall be clean and free from all foreign
matter.
In placing concrete, it shall not be dropped into its final position from a
height of more than900mm nor shall it be deposited in water.
Only sufficient concrete shall be prepared as is required for immediate use
and concrete shall be placed within 30 minutes of being mixed and once placed
and consolidated shall not be disturbed. The use of “revived” concrete is
prohibited.
The concrete shall be thoroughly worked in to all parts of the formwork and
between and around steel reinforcement, and compacted by approved methods
to give a dense and compact concrete free from honeycombs or voids of any kind.
Great care should be taken to prevent the displacement or deformation of
the steel reinforcement during concreting.
Reinforced concrete shall be vibrated by use of an approved mechanical
poker vibrator.
Protection
Curing of concrete shall be in accordance with the recommendations set
out in the B.S. Code of practice and all surfaces shall be kept continually wet after
concreting and protected from the sun and drying winds by covering with wet
sacking for not less than one week.
Concrete floors shall be protected from damage by traffic by covering with
sand or timber strips or other approved means.
Concrete is not to have weight put on it for one week after laying. During
periods of heavy rainfall, surfaces of concrete just deposited are to be
satisfactorily protected by sacking, felt,etc.

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Bar reinforcement in beams and lintels shall be mild steel bars complying
with B.S. 4449.
Mesh reinforcement in ground floor slab shall comply with B.S. 1221. All
mesh shall be delivered in flat sheets.
All reinforcement shall immediately prior to placing, be free from loose
mile scale, loose rust, oil, grease, dirt or other foreign matter.

Placing Reinforcement:
All reinforcement shall be set out exactly as shown on the working
drawings and is to be securely wired with and including soft pliable mild steel wire
of approved gauge at all intersections and adequately supported in such a
manner that no movement takes place before concrete has set.
Cover to Reinforcement:
The minimum concrete cover to reinforcement shall be as follows:
 Bar reinforcement: The diameter of the bar or 20mm in beams and lintels
whichever is the greater.
 Mesh reinforcement in ground floor slab – 40mm
 All bars are to be bent cold on the site in a suitable and approved bar
bending machine and accurately shaped to the shapes and profiles
indicated in the drawings.
Prices for bar reinforcement should include for the following:
· Cutting of any description, notching, bending tying wires and distance
blocks.
· The extra malarial at laps
· Protection
Formwork:
 All formwork shall be true to line and of suitable thickness and sufficiently
strutted and braced to be free from deflection under the load of concrete
to be placed on it.
 The joint shall be so tight as to prevent leakages of liquid cement.
 Formwork shall be so erected that in striking, the sides of beams may be
exposed first and independently and the undersides of beams last. After
removal of formwork the faces of the exposed concrete shall be rubbed
down immediately to remove fins or other irregularities.

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