UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

2. Quantity Surveying

2. What is quantity surveying?

Quantity surveying is calculating the total amount of works in a building and estimating the
probable cost of executing them.

By quantity:

 The total construction cost of the project is approximately estimated

 The completion time of the project is fixed
 Bigger works are broken down in to smaller units so that evaluation and control is simple
 The total amount of construction materials required by the project is calculated
 The method of calculation is forecasted
 The type of equipment, tools and machineries are known ahead
 The work, material and labour schedule are prepared
 The number and qualification of workers required are known ahead
 Bill of quantities is prepared for competent bidders to submit their offer

3. What is necessary?

In order to have reliable estimate of a building, the following are critically necessary;

 Complete and detail drawings of the building are necessary with all the necessary
dimensions descriptions included.
 Market price of construction materials at site of construction is necessary.
 Current labour cost at site of construction is necessary.
 Current equipment and machineries cost and availability.

4. How do we estimate?
To provide an estimate very close to the actual work, we need to have good knowledge on both Soft
copy and print reading. Once we understand the entire nature of the building, we can take dimensions
for each item from the drawing and calculate for their quantity. The calculated amount of work is then
multiplied by the current market price of all materials and labour to complete the work.

5. Works to be estimated
The works incorporated in all building are not the same. They vary depending on their type but most
buildings have similar works, and the most widely expected are out lined below classified in to two
categories.

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

A. SUBSTRUCTORE

This is part of building, which is located below the grade beam or the ground floor level or floor finish
level (FFL), which is usually assumed as foundation work. Sometimes, in small scale construction
projects, it is customary to classify works in phases. In a two phase construction, the sub structure is
regarded as phase one construction, and every evaluation of profit and loss is made at the end of phase.

B. Superstructure
This is also part of building, which is located above the grade beam or the ground floor level, which is
part of building that is giving service the building is designed for. In most buildings the superstructure
starting by construction the ground floor columns after the ground floor slab casted.

6. What are the works in each category?

When estimation Is carried for building, all works in the building are first categorized in either the
substructure or the superstructure of building as follows.

A. Substructure
The works that are categorized in the substructure are:

1. Earth work: this incorporates all works related the earth or soil. It consists the following primary
works.

1.1 site excavation: before any construction is taken at hand, the construction site should be
cleared from derbies, dirt collection, trees, bushes and organic materials with the depth of 20 cm up
to 30 cm from natural ground level (NGL). This work is called site excavation or top soil clearance or
site clearance. The main purpose of this work is:

 To make the ground level for setting out works.

 To remove organic materials away from the construction site that may harmfully react with
cement.

Site clearance is made over the entire plinth area of the building by giving a minimum of one meter
clearance gap around the perimeter of the building. Plinth area is the area of contact between the
building and ground.

 Unit: the unit of measurement for site clearing/ excavation is square meter (M 2)

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

Illustration: 1M L 1M A= area of site clearing

1M A= l x w

W = (L+2M) X (W+2M)

Plinth area of building L= length of plinth

Clearance gap Fig 1 W= width of plinth

1.2 Deep excavation: this excavation is made for foundations. It may be different for different types
of foundations, but the most popular types are:

1.2.1 Pit excavation: which is made for footing

1.2.2 Trench excavation: This is made for foundation wall.

Such excavation has their depth greater than their width that is why they are called deep excavation.

The method of calculation is by taking the exact geometric figure of the foundations. No working
allowance is made during estimations. The allowance, which is made at construction sites, is paid for
based on measured amounts.

Unit: the unit of measurement for deep excavation is cubic meter (m 3)

Illustration: 2M 20*40 GB 20 V= volume of pit

Column size= 20X20cm 1.2M excavation

2M 1.5M V= LXWXH

0.3M V= 2.5X2.5X1.5

Fig 2 V= 9.38M3

Illustration 0.5M

Foundation plan V= volume of trench

4m 1M L= length of foundation

0.5M wall=2x6+2x4= 20m

0.5M 5m 0.5M V=20m*0.5*1m=10m

Fig 3

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

1.3 Bulk excavation: this excavation is made in large horizontal size than its vertical size or depth. It is
usually made for:

a. Removal of poor soil from the site to replace with selected material.

b. Mat foundations

C. allowing hard core under ground floor slab.

Unit: The unit of measurement for bulk excavation is:

 square meter (M2) if the depth is less than or equal to 30cm

 cubic meter (M3) if the depth is greater than 30cm

1.4 Back fill: This is the soil that is filled back to an extra excavated space in the foundation. Some time,
when soil at construction site is very poor, it is dangerous to fill back excavated soil. Therefore, filling
selected material is recommended. In both cases the volume of open spaces around footing and
trenches is calculated.

Unit: the unit of measurement for back fill is cubic meter (M 3)

There are two methods of calculating the volume of back fill.

a) The total volume of work that is placed in the trench or pit is deducted from the total volume of
excavation.

b) The exact space is directly calculated from the drawing.

Illustration: Refer FIG 2

V=the volume of void space to be filled by the back fill

L= w =2+0.25+0.25=2.5m when working space is 25cm

V= L*W*H = 2.5M*2.5M*1.5M – (2*2*0.3+0.2*0.2*1.2+) = 8.13M 3

1.5 Cart away: this is disposing off extra-excavated material away from the site. Cart away is calculated
by deducting the back fill from the total volume of excavated.

Unit: the unit of measurement of cart away is cubic meter (M 3)

V=T.S-B.F →T.S is total soil excavated and B.F is back fill

V= (S.E+ D.E + B.E) –B.F

S.E is soil obtained from site excavation D.E is soil excavated from deep excavation.

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

Note: since cart away is measured by cubic meter, all the other soil amounts are changed to meter cube.
Site excavation, for example, is changed to volume by multiplying the area with depth of excavation.

2. Concrete work: is the work incorporates all items related with concrete. It consists the
following substructure works.

2.1 Lean concrete: this is a thin layer of low class concrete discharged under footing pads, ground floor
slab and foundation trenches for purpose of leveling the ground, detaching the ground from organic soil.

Unit: the unit of measurement for lean concrete is square meter (M 2).

The area of lean concrete is calculated by taking equal size with footing pad, ground floor slab and the
foundation trench.

Back to Fig 2 for illustration. The total area of lean concrete for the footing pad is just equal to the area
of footing pad.

A= L*W = 2M*2M= 4M2

Again back to Fig 3 . For another illustration. The length of the trench is 20M. Therefore the area of lean
concrete for the trench will be A:

A= L*W = 20M*0.5M =10M2

2.2 Footing: the footing composed of footing pad and footing column, which is altogether transmitting
the superstructure load safely to the supporting ground.

The footing, for estimation purpose, is taken as that located below grade beam level.

Unit: the unit of measurement for footing pad concrete is cubic meter (M3)

The footing pad and footing column are separately estimated and finally added together.

Refer back to Fig 2 again please

Volume of footing pad= V=2M*2M*0.3M= 1.2M3

Volume of footing column =V=1.2M*0.2*0.2=0.048M 3

2.3 Grade beam concrete: is a line of reinforced concrete member constructed around the
ground floor slab of the building.

Unit: the unit of measurement for grade beam concrete is cubic meter (M 3). Sometimes where lump
sum method of estimation is adopted, grade beam can be measured by meter linear (ml).
Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z
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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

Refer back to Fig 3 once again please!

The length of grade beam is equal to the length of foundation wall = 20m. As shown form the section,
the width of grade beam is equal 20cm. If we assume 40cm depth for the grade beam then, the volume
of grade beam will be V.

V= L*W*H = 20M*0.2M*0.4M = 1.6M3

2.4 Ground floor slab: the ground floor slab is the final concrete work in the substructure. It
incorporates filling of concrete floor over a leveled crushed stone called Hard core.

Unit: the unit of measurement for ground floor slab concrete is;

 Cubic meter (M3) if the thickness of the slab is greater than 10cm

 Square meter if the thickness of the slab is less than or equal 10cm

Refer back to Fig 3 please!

The length of the slab is 5M and its width is 4M. If we assume 10ch thick slab, then the volume of the
slab will be V.

 V= L*W*H= 5.6M*4.6M= 25.76 M2

2.5 Form work: it may be either steel or timber formwork. Standard thickness of timber formwork is
2.5cm.

Unit: the unit of measurement for formwork is square meter (M 2)

3. Stone work: this work incorporates items of works related with stone. It consists of the following
works:

3.1 Foundation wall/ masonry work: it is undressed stone walls constructed under grade beams for
the purpose of supporting the grade beam; and stiffening the grade foundation.

 Unit: the unit of measurement for masonry work is cubic meter (M 3)

The volume of masonry/foundation wall is calculated by taking the lean concrete or length of grade
beam equal to foundation wall or masonry wall. Therefore, the volume of masonry wall/ foundation wall
will be V.

V= L*W*H= 20M*1M*0.5M= 10M3

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

3.2 Hard core: the hard core is the crushed stone provided under ground floor slab to give uniform
support for the slab. It is usually constructed with a thickness of 25cm.

 Unit: the unit of measurement of hard core is usually square meter (M 2)

Refer back to fig 3 please (sorry swinging you here and there!!!). The area of hard core is equal to the
area of ground floor slab.

A= L*W= 5.6M*4.6M= 25.76M2

B. Superstructure works:
The works categorized in the superstructure of the building are:

1. Concrete work

1.1 Column concrete: estimation for the super structure columns may be made by taking all the
floors as one. If not it creates complication for bidding, as the cost of construction ground floor
columns and floor columns are not the same. Therefore, it is suggested that estimation shall be
made for each floor separately.

 Unit: the unit of measurement for column concrete is cubic meter (M 3)

The are four columns of having cross section 20x20cm

20 If we assume 3m height for all columns, then the

A A Tie beam lay out 520 volume of concrete for all columns V= 4*3*0.2*0.2

V= 0.48 M3

20 20

20 600 20 Sec A-A

FIG 4 40

1.2 Beam concrete: clear distinction during estimation, shall be made for intermediate and top tie
beams.

 Unit: the unit of measurement for beam concrete is cubic meter (M 3)

Note great care should be taken in order not to repeatedly calculate the volume of concrete at the
intermediate point of beams.

Refer fig 4
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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

During calculating the volume of concrete for columns, we have stopped at the bottom of the beams for
the height of columns. This means that the beams run over the column. And therefore, we calculate the
length of tie beams, taking the necessary care intersect them at columns.

Length of tie beam L= 2*6.4+2*5.2=23.2m

Volume=V= 23.2*0.2*0.4*=1.856M3

2.3 Slab concrete: slab concrete can be two types as floor slab and roof slab. The volume of concrete for
slab of each floor is estimated separately. The clear length of slab in between beams is multiplied with
clear width of the slab and its thickness.

Unit: the unit of measurement for slabs is:

 Cubic meter (M3) for thickness greater than 10cm

 Square meter (M2) for thickness less than or equal to 10cm

Refer back to fig 4 please!!

V=L*W*H = 6M*5.2M=31.2M2

2.4 Stair cases concrete: staircase is the successive arrangement of steps to facilitate ascending and
descending floor to floor. Staircase, for estimation purpose, is classified in to three parts as steps,
slab/soffit and landing. The volume of concrete for steps, slab/soffit and landing is calculated separately
and finally summed up together.

a) Steps: the steps are first made to resemble identical triangles. And the total volume of concrete for all
steps is calculated at once.

r w r=riser of the steps

r g g= going of the steps

r g s s= span of the steps

g V= n(1/2(r*g*s))

FIG 5 L n= number of steps

b) Landing: the volume of concrete for the landing is calculating just like the slabs. The length of landing is
multiplied width and thickness. Refer fig 6 above; let’s assume the thickness of the landing is T.

The volume of concrete for the landing is V= L*W*H=L*W*T

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

Note: the beam supporting the landing is categorized in beams not in the staircase.

c) Slabs/soffit concrete: the slab is the soffit of the stair case. Pythagoras theorem is used to calculate
the actual length of the slab under the steps because it has inclined length

c a By Pythagoras theorem

L b c2=a2+b2

t 6r c refers to the actual length of the slab

L=√ [(5g) 2+ (6r)2]

FIG 6 5g volume of concrete for the slab v= l*w*t

2. Masonry work: this work incorporates all works related with construction of walls for
superstructure part. There are many types of masonry work based on the type of masonry unit
used some of the are:

a) Block masonry: these are concrete blocks. Hollow concrete blocks (HCB) and solid
concrete blocks (SCB) are usually used in different sizes such as 40cmx20cmx20cm,
40cmx15cmx20cm, 40x10cmx20cm and others.

In any case concrete block masonry is measured by square meter (M 2)

b) Brick masonry: clay bricks are used for the walls. Standard size of bricks,
25cmx12cmx6cm is used in various bonds to construct boundary and partition walls. The
wall may be constructed 12cm in stretcher bond, 25cm in Flemish or header bond and
so on.

In any case, the masonry is measured by square meter (M 2)

e.g. 0.2M

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

500 A A
3M

20 600 20 0.2M

Fig 6 Sec A-A

Let’s calculate the amount of masonry:

L= 2x5+2x6=22m

A= LXH =22MX3= 66M2

c) Stone masonry: stones of various patterns are used for these walls. Usually measured by cubic meter
(M3) unless if it is used as facing work in thin layers over boundary walls (in the case of cladding).

3. Roof work: is the top cover of building. Roofing materials can be corrugated iron sheet (CIS),
Asbestos, tiles, brick, concrete. The most widely used roofing material is CIS. It is measured by square
meter (M2). Mostly CIS roofs are inclined at some slope and hence; it is necessary to calculate the actual
length of the sloped roof by using Pythagoras theorem but most commonly measured in the
horizontal projection.

L L= the actual length

560 1.2m of the roof.

5.6m By Pythagoras theorem.

L= √[(5.62)+(1.22) = 5.73M

600 A= 5.73M*6M= 34.38M2

Fig 7

In the case of horizontal projection A=5.6*6=33.6m2

3.1 Gutter: it is used to transfer rain water from roof to down pipe. It is first developed in to its full width
and the total length of the gutter is used for measurement.

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

3.2 Down pipe: is used to transfer rain water from gutter to ground or ditch. It is measured by linear
meter (LM) like that of gutter.

4. Finishing work

4.1 Skirting: is the line of tile or timber provided at the junction point of a floor and a wall to protect the
wall from splash of water and deterioration of painting near the floors. It is measured by meter linear
(ML) by taking the internal perimeter of the building.

20 L= the internal perimeter of the room

L= 2x5+2x4 = 18m

400 there is no skirting on the door, therefore,

80/210 the width of door should deducted.

500 L= 18m-0.8=16.4m

Fig 8

4.2 Floor finish: this is the finishing which is provided to floor, such as terrazzo tiles, ceramic
tiles, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) tiles or rubber. The total area of the room is calculated, and
deduction is made for partition walls, it is measured by square meter (M 2). Refer back to Fig 8

A=The area of the floor finish=LXW=5mx4m=20m2

We have floor finish under the door; so, a=0.8x0.2=0.16m2

Then the total area of the floor finish is 20 m2+0.16 m2=20.16m2

4.3 Plastering: plastering is the application of thin layer of mortar on walls for the purpose of
creating smooth surface for painting. Plastering can be applied to wall externally or internally.
12mm, 15mm, 20mm and 25mm thickness is practicable. It is measured by square meter (m 2)
by multiplying the height of the wall by its length and deducting the area of openings (doors
and windows).

4.4 Painting: it is measured by meter square (m2). The area of painting is equal to the area of
plastering.

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

4.5. Rendering work: rendering is similar to plastering except that the mortar used for
rendering is produced using coarser fine sand particles. The unit of measurement for rendering
is square meter (M2).

Refer fig 6 again please!!

External plastering=external rendering Internal plastering = internal rendering

L= 2*6.4m+2*5m=22.8m and H=3m L=2*6m+2*4.6m =21.2M

A=L*H= 22.8m*3m=68.4M2 A= L*H=21.2M*3M=63.6M2

4.6. Window sills: window sills are measured by meter length by assuming 2.5cm bearing in to
window edge. The width and thickness of the window sill material is specified with its length.

Generally, the above works are usually found in the construction of normal building. If other
works in special constructions are found, then the estimator shall take the necessary measures
to adopt a unit suitable for measuring the work at construction sites.

5. Carpentry and joinery: includes

-Ceiling work: measured area. The area of the ceiling is equal to the area of floor finish
excluding the portion under door.

A= L*W=5mx4m=20m m2

-wood truss: measured by number,

-fascia board: measured by linear meter

-wooden doors: measured by number

- purlins, common rafter : measured by linear meter

6. Measurement of Plumbing Installation

Plumbing installations in domestic buildings involve a number of different systems associated

by the supply, distribution and disposal of water within and out of a building - above the ground
and below the ground.

Order of Measurement

1. Connection to water authority’s main and all work up to boundary of site

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z
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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

2. Underground service and rising main from site boundary up to cold water storage
tank
3. Branches to rising main
4. Cold water storage tank or cistern and associated work
5. Down services with branches
6. Sanitary appliances such as sinks, wash basins, baths and water closets
7. Discharge pipes – waste, soil and vent pipes
8. Any other work connected with the plumbing installation

The order is following the flow of water as it enters and is distributed around the building, and
collected after being used.

Pipe work

Pipes are measured in linear meters over all fittings and branches, stating the type, nominal
size and the method of jointing and fixing.

Fittings are enumerated and measured as extra-over the pipe work on which they occur.

Sanitary Appliances

This includes washbasins, urinals, baths, shower trays and sinks. These appliances are
enumerated giving details in the description of their type, size, capacity and method of fixing.

Waste pipe work

It embraces all the pipe work and fittings that are associated with the disposal of used or soiled
water, and vent pipe. The following diameters of pipe are required for the different appliances:
Washbasin -------------- 32 mm dia.

Bath/shower/sink -------- 40 mm dia.

Water closet (WC) -------- 110 mm dia.

Waste pipe work is measured in linear meters, giving in the description details of the type of the pipe, its
nominal size, the method of jointing and the type of pipe brackets.

Fittings – elbows, tees and the like – are enumerated as extra-over the pipe work on which they occur.

Drainage work
It is the disposal of used and surface water from a building to a point of disposal or treatment.

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Drains include excavation of pipe trenches, drain pipes and fittings. Pipes are measured over all
fittings and branches in linear meters, stating the kind of pipe work, the nominal size and the
method of jointing. Pipe fittings, such as bends and branches, are enumerated extra-over the
pipe on which they occur.

The excavation, concrete work, brickwork and rendering associated with manholes and septic tanks are
measured in accordance with the rules for the appropriate work section.

7. Measurement of Electrical Installation

Electricity can only be transmitted through a conductor when there is a complete circuit from the
source, via a conductor, back to the source. Each conductor cable contains a ‘live’ wire carrying
the power to an appliance, a ‘neutral’ wire carrying the power back to the source and an earth
wire which reduces the risk of shock by carrying the current to a circuit breaker or the ground in
the event of a short-circuit. The conductor used for the domestic supplies is copper wire.

Cables are identified by the cross sectional area of the conductors and this is expressed in mm2.

Cabling
Conduit and cable are each measured separately in linear meters stating in the description
column the type and size of cabling.
Switches, Socket outlets and Light Points
As a separate enumerated item socket outlets, light points (luminaries) and other accessories
should be enumerated in pcs

Appliances
Separately fused circuits will be necessary for the cooker, immersion heater and electric heating
units, and are enumerated items.

B. Standard formats: there are many standard formats in quantity surveying that are used for
simple communication among all parties involved in the construction world. The standard
formats are not the same throughout the world, but Ethiopian papers are more or less the
same. By these formats we can communicate without meeting in person. Some of these papers
are :

a) Take off sheet c) Material list

b) Abstract form/ Bill of Quantity d) Bar schedule or reinforcement schedule.

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

TAKE OF SHEET
Take off sheet is a tabular standard format in which dimensions of items from the blue print (working
drawing) are transferred for further calculations. The quantity of work is specifically calculated in this
sheet. The take off sheet consists of four main columns, namely, timesing column, dimension column,
squaring column and description column. All the columns have their own purposes.

1. Timesing column: this column is mainly used for:

-write unites less numbers that are used for multiplying identical items. E.g. 2 or ½

- write constants like ∏ where necessary

Rules: the following rules are considered during using the timesing column.

-Forward slash is followed the unit less number or constant. The forward slab mean “ times” e.g 2/or /.

- Simplified numbers are not allowed as in the case of area of triangle. E.g ½ not 0.5/.

2. Dimension column: in this column, the dimensions of the work to be calculated are written vertically
down. The area or volume of an item is calculated by multiplying these dimensions.

Rules: the dimension column is used with following rules.

-Dimensions of an item are written vertically down in order of length, width and height.

e.g. 3.00→ length

2.00→width

1.00→height

- Dimensions are written in two significant digits. E.g. 3.574 is wrong →3.57 correct.

- Mathematical operation other than multiplication is not allowed. – squared or cubed numbers are not
written here. Because they are not dimensions.

- When all dimesions of an item are written, a line is drawn under the last dimension extending to the
squaring column.

Timesig Dimension Squaring Description

column column
Column column

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3/ 3.00

2.00

1.00 18.00 M3

3. Squaring column: In this column, the product of the dimensions is written. The column contains or
the volume of an item of work.

Rules: the squaring column is used with the following rules.

-Underline once for incomplete items and twice for complete items.

-Never over write numbers when mistaken. Cancel the wrong number, and write the correct number on
top of the wrong one.

-Addition and subtraction is possible here. Never divide or multiply any number in the squaring column.

- Don’t forget to write units of items.

-Numbers are rounded off to the next significant digit.

4. Description: In this column the description of in the squaring column is written. Ordinary English is
used to describe the works, the amount of which is written in the squaring column.

Rules: the description column is used with the following rules:

-All mathematical operation are allowed here.

- Some procedures, which are difficult to write in the remaining column, are written here.

-Some assumptions on missing dimensions on missing dimensions are written here.

-Sketches (if any) are allowed here.

- Sine, cosine, log, square roots and others are written here.

Generally, the above columns are filled by the necessary numbers to avoid misunderstanding among the
parties using the take off sheet for works control and evaluation.

Paper management: Usually A4(210mmx297mm) is used for takeoff sheet. A paper is what you are
reading now.

Header section → contains information about construction

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

Body → contains the takeoff sheet table

Footer section → contains the signature of concerned authorities.

Look at the attached takeoff sheet, it is complete sheet that is widely used in most Engineering offices
and construction sites. Sometimes, two takeoff sheet tables may be drawn in a single paper to economy
of paper. But this not good practice as it is results in confined arrangement of dimensions and reading
such paper is usually hectic!!

Project: -----------------------------

Location: ---------------------------

Owner: -----------------------------

Contractor: ------------------------

Consultant: -----------------------

Takeoff sheet
1 2 3 Description

------------------------ --------------------------

Signed by Estimator Signed by supervisor

Now let’s see how quantities of works are estimated. To help you understand the technique, I have put
every step in detail. You will then see how the calculated quantities are written in the standard takeoff
sheet. Try your best to understand the following drawing of a simple building before you go to the
calculations. Or you can watch the takeoff sheet table along with the drawing so that you can get the
dimensions as per the appearance in the takeoff sheet.

A B 15CM HCB parapet wall +460

① 20 +360
Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z
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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

20 +330

Floor plan 100 +280

500 +180

80/210 +30

② 20 +0.00 NGL

20 400 20 Side Elevation

F1 (4 PCS)

150

F1 F1 150

Footing layout 520

0+0.00 NGL

200

F1 F1 230

420

NGL 50x30 grade beam

+0.00

-10cm RC slab

Drawing 1 -150 -25cm hard core

5cm lean concrete - compacted soil

First list the works that you are going to estimate according to their order in the construction so that you
never forget any work. By looking the above drawings, I have listed the following works incorporated in
the construction of building.
Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z
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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

A) Substructure:

1. Earth work: 2. Concrete work

1.1 site excavation /clearing 2.1 lean concrete

1.2 deep excavation 2.2 footing

1.3 bulk excavation 2.3 grade beam

1.4 back fill 2.4 ground floor slab

1.5 cart away

3. Stone work:

3.1 foundation wall/ masonry

3.2 hard core

B. Superstructure:

1. concrete work: 3.roof work

1.1 columns 4. Finishing work 4.1 Floor finish

1.2 beams 4.2 skirting

1.3 slabs 4.3 Plastering (internal and external)

1.4. Form work 4.4. Rendering (internal and external)

2. Masonry work 4.5. Painting (internal and external)

2.1 20cm HCB wall

2.2 15cm HCB wall

C. Sanitary Work:

D. Electrical Work:

F. Reinforcement Bar Schedule

Lets proceed!!

A. Substructure:

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

1.1 Site Excavation: the site is cleared with a minimum of 1m extra spaces around the perimeter of the
building.

Plinth area The area of site clearance/excavation A:

A= LXW= 8.7MX5.7= 66.99M 2

570 770

670 Total clearance area

870

1.2 Deep Excavation:

1.2.1 Pit Excavation: are made for footings. We have four identical footings of size 1.5x1.5m with
depth of excavation from NGL including lean concrete 2.30m. Assume 25cm working space.

V= LXWXH=4*2mx2mx2.3m=9.2m3

The total volume for the four pits=4x9.2 m3=36.8 m3

1.2.2 Trench Excavation: is excavated for foundation walls.

V=LXWXD But L=2X5.4+2X3.4=17.6M

D= 1.5M

Fig9 440 V= 17.6mx1.5mx0.5m=13.2m3 including

the volume of pit at columns but it should

50 deducted. So deduct volume of pit at

50 340 50 column

1.3 Bulk Excavation: Refer Drawing 1 above. And assume bulk excavation depth/ thickness=50cm and
take working space 1m

V= LxWxD = (5.4m+2m)x(4.4m+2m)x(0.5m)=23.68m 3

1.4. Back fill: is the volume of soil used to fill void space around the footing, masonry and under
hardcore (if there is any)

90cm 20cm 90cm V= LXWXD= 4(2MX2MX1.5M) =24M3

90cm Deduct the column and footing concrete

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z
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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

20 90cm 24 m3-(4x1.5x1.5x0.3)-(4x1.65x0.2x0.2)

=21.04m3

1.5 Cart away: is the amount of soil which is disposed from the site. To calculate the volume of cart
away, deduct back fill from the total volume of excavated. But all units should be in meter cubic(m 3)

C.A. = T.S-B.F=(S.E+D.E+B.E)-B.F

= 66.99M2X0.25+36.8 m3+12.m3+23.68m3-21.04m3=42.27 m3

2.Stone work:

2.1 Foundation wall/ masonry work: it’s measured by volume. So, from Drawing 1 the depth of the
wall is 145cm after deducting 5cm lean concrete and its width is 50cm.

V= LXWXD but its length is L= 2x3.4+2x5.4=17.6m

V=17.6x1.45mx0.5m=12.76 m3 but the volume of column parallel to foundation wall is

V1= 4x0.20x0.2x1.45=0.23 m3

So, the actual volume of stone masonry V=12.76 m 3-0.23 m3=12.53 m3

2.2 Hard Core: measured by m2. Refer fig 9 again please!!

A= LXW= LXW=3.4MX4.4M=14.96 m2

3. Concrete work:

3.1 Lean Concrete: it is found under masonry and under footing. In both cases it is measured by area.
The area of lean concrete is equal to the area of the element above it. There for the area of lean
concrete A=area under footing+ area under masonry. We have 4 identical footings and the length of
foundation wall is: 17.6m from above.

A= 4x1.5mx1.5m+ 17.6mx0.5m= 17.8m2 but the area of column should be deducted.

The total area of lean concrete then will be A= 17.8 m 2-4x0.2x0.2=17.64 m2

3.2 Footing pad concrete: by referring drawing 1: since it is measured by volume the volume of footing
pad V= 4x1.5x1.5x0.25=2.25 m3

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

3.3 Footing column concrete: from drawing 1 the height of footing column is 200cm. so, the volume of
concrete for foundation column is:

4x0.2mx0.2mx2m= 0.32m3

3.4 Grade beam concrete: It is measured by volume and its length is equal to length of masonry wall.

V= 17.6mx0.5mx0.3m=2.64 m2.

3.5 ground floor slab: is measured by volume b/s its thickness is 10cm.

V= LxWxD =3.4mx4.4mx0.1m= 1.50m3

3.6 Formwork: it may be timber formwork or panel formwork (steel). For example let us take panel
formwork. The standard thickness is 2.5cm. it is measured by area. Let’s calculate the footing pad
formwork. 2.5cm is extended for over lapping part

A= LxW but length L= 2x1.5m+2x1.55m=6.1m

A= 6.1AMX0.25M= 1.525 m2

3.7 Reinforcement bar: it is measured by k.g. Differentiation is made as to the diameters and
where used (Sub and super structure) and Weight per unit length for 06 is 0.222 kg any other
diameter d2 with weight per unit length W2:
W2 = (d22/62) 0.222

description diameter No of No of length Length of different bars

element bar Φ6 Φ8 Φ10 Φ12 Φ14 Φ16 Φ20

(A) Total length (m)

(B)Unit weight (Kg/m)
Total Weight (Kg)=(AxB)

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

B. Super Structure:

1. concrete work:

1.1 columns: we have four identical columns. So, their volume V will be:

V= lxwxh=0.2mx0.2mx3m=0.12m3

The total volume for the four columns will be V=4x0.12m 3=0.48 m3

1.2 beams: the length of top tie beam is calculated from floor plan (Drawing 1)

L=2X4.4M+2X5M=18.8M

V= 18.8mx0.2mx0.3m=1.13m3

2. Masonry work:

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

2.1 20cm HCB wall: its measured by area. It is calculated by the product of length and the height of the
wall. Therefore, the area of the wall will be:

A= LxW but L=2x4m+2x5m= 18m and the height is 3m

A=18x3m=54m2

The area of doors and windows should be deducted because they are not coved by HCB.

Ad=2.1mx0.8m=1.68m2

Aw=1mx1m=1m2

The area of HCB A=54m22.68M2=51.32M2

2.2 15cm HCB wall: Is provided above the tie beam for parapet wall. The area of this wall is calculated by
carefully by developing the wall to its full length

80

Side wall back wall side wall

20

525 440 525

The area of back wall= A1= 4.40mx1m=4.4m 2

The area of side wall=A2= 2(5.25mx0.2m)+2(1/2x5.25x0.8)=6.3m2

The total area of parapet wall A=6.3m 2+4.4m2=10.7m2

3. Roof work: the roof (CIS) is measured by area and its length taken from the horizontal projection but
the actual length can be taken and calculated by using Pythagoras theorem. Refer back to elevation
drawing

L 80 L2= 62+0.82

L=6.05m

A=6.05m x4.4m=26.62m2

600

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

The truss structure (purlin, common rafter and diagonal members) is calculated using the same
procedure.

4. Finishing work:

4.1 Floor finish: it is measured by area. The type of floor finish material should be specified. It may be
cement screed, poly vinyl chloride ( pvc) tile, terrazzo tile or cement tile.

A=4mX5m+0.2mx0.8m=20.16m2

4.2. Skirting: it is measured by length and its length is equal to the length of the internal perimeter of
the building except the door.

L = 2x4m+2x5m-0.8m=17.2m

4.3. Plastering: we have internal and external plastering.

4.3.1 Internal plastering: is applied to the internal perimeter of the room where the skirting is applied.
It is measured by square meter (m2)

A= LxW but L=2x4m+2x5=18m

A= 18mX3m =54m2 however, the area of doors and windows should be deducted from 50m 2.

A=54m2-(0.8mX2.1m+1mX1m) =51.32m2

4.3.2 External plastering:

It is equal to the internal plastering plus the parapet wall plastering.

Area plastering under tie beam A= 51.32m 2

For parapet wall:

Rare parapet= 4.4mx1m=4.4m2

Side parapet=2(1/2(5.4mx1m)) =5.4m2

The total area of plastering for parapet wall is 9.8m 2

The total area of plastering A=51.32 m 2+9.8 m2=61.12 m2-(0.8x2.1+1x1)=58.44m2

a. Column plastering: the area of plastering for columns is LxW. The total length of the column to be
plastered is L. Eight faces of the column are plastered in 20cm size.

L= 8x0.2m=1.6m the height of the column to be plastered is 3m.

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z
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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

Therefore, the area of plastering for columns will be A=1.6Mmx3m=4.80m 2

b. Grade Beam and Tie Beam: the area of plastering for beams is LxW. The length of grade beam and tie
beam is the same (L).

L= 2x4.4m+2x5.4m=19.6m

The total length of grade beam and tie beam is 2/19.60m=39.20m and the thickness of both them is
30cm.

Therefore, the total area of grade beam and tie beam will be A:

A=39.20mx0.3m = 11.76m2

4.4. Rendering: Is applied to external wall. Assume the external wall is rendered. Rendering is part of
finishing and it is measure by area. The area of rendering is equal to area of plastering.

A= LxW but L=2x4m+2x5=18m

Area of rendering under the tie beam: A= Lxw= 18mx3m=54m 2

The area of rendering for parapet wall is:

Rare parapet= 4.4mx1m=4.4m2

Side parapet=2(1/2(5.4mx1m)) =5.4m2

The total area of rendering for parapet wall is 9.8m 2

Therefore, the total area of rendering for the wall will be 54 m 2+9.8 m2=63.8 m2 but the area of openings
should be deducted. 63.8 m2-(0.8mx2.1+1mx1m) =61.12 m2

4.5. Painting: the area of painting is equal to area of plastering

Internal painting =51.32m2

External painting=61.12 m2

Ceiling painting: 4mx5m=20m2

4.6. Window sill: measured linear meter (lm)

L= 1m+.025m+0.025m=1.05m

5. Ceiling: the area of ceiling is equal to the area of floor finish except under doors.

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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 UNIVERSITY of GONDAR, CoTM DEPT 2017

A= 4mx5m=20m2

6. Metal work: is measured by number. Or kg. it includes door and window frames, hand rails and stairs

7. Glass work: is measured by area. A=1mx1m=1m2

8. Carpentry work: includes door and window work. It’s measured by number or pcs.

Now look at the following take off sheet.

Specification & Quantity surveying Instructor: Geta.G &Abrham.Z

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