STANDARD SYSTEM

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK I SEVENTH EDITION I 2015

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OF MEASURING
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BUILDING WORK
SEVENTH EDITION
ISBN: 978-0-86886-837-0

ISBN: 978-0-86886-837-0

The AssociaƟon of
South African
Suite G6 I Building 27 I Thornhill Office Park I Bekker Road I Vorna Valley Ext. 21 I Midrand
www.asaqs.co.za QuanƟty Surveyors
Copyright © The Associa on of South African Quan ty Surveyors

FinalCover-StdSystems.indd 1 2015/10/09 10:17 AM

 STANDARD SYSTEM
OF MEASURING
BUILDING WORK
SEVENTH EDITION
2015

PUBLISHED BY
THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN QUANTITY SURVEYORS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For well over 100 years The Associa on of South African Quan ty Surveyors (ASAQS) has proudly served the interests of the professional quan ty surveyor. One of the central values
of the ASAQS is to con nue the promo on, science and prac ce of quan ty surveying in order to create opportuni es for the interchange and recording of the “body of knowledge”,
experience and essence of quan ty surveying. The Standard System of Measuring Building Work - Seventh Edi on, is the latest document produced by the ASAQS that seeks to fulfil the
aforemen oned principle

On behalf of the President, Board and Execu ve Director of the Associa on of South African Quan ty Surveyors, we would like to recognise the large scope of work and technical
contribu ons made by the Standard System Commi ee, as well as acknowledge the significant contribu ons made by Dr C. P. de Leeuw

CommiƩee
Prof H. M. Siglé – Chairman
Ms E. Edwardes
Mr R. de Villiers

Proof reading
Mr G. Meyer

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

 dŚĞƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶŽĨ
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STANDARD SYSTEM OF
MEASURING BUILDING WORK
SEVENTH EDITION

PREFACE
As early as the end of the nineteenth century quan ty surveyors and contractors reached consensus on the necessity for a standard method of measurement for the prepara on of bills
of quan es for building work

The first edi on of the standard system for the measurement of building work in South Africa was published by the Transvaal Society of Quan ty Surveyors in 1906. Therea er further
edi ons were published at irregular intervals on a na onal level

The sixth edi on was published in 1991 with first and second revisions thereto published in 1999 and in 2013 respec vely. The 2013 revision being a tabulated format of the 1999
revision with a few obvious errors rec fied

In August 2013 the Associa on of South African Quan ty Surveyors appointed a commi ee consis ng of Prof H M Siglé (chairman), Ms E Edwardes and Mr R de Villiers to produce a
seventh edi on, taking into considera on interna onal tendencies. In associa on with the Master Builders South Africa a dra was prepared and sent for comment to various quan ty
surveying prac ces and associa ons for their input and comments. Therea er the Associa on published this seventh edi on for use by quan ty surveyors and others ac ve in the
industry in South Africa, the rest of Africa and further afield

The Standard System commi ee acknowledges the valuable input received from many colleagues and others in the building industry

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1 10 Sundries 9

NOTE 1 11 New work chiefly inside exisƟng building(s) 9
1 Bills of quanƟƟes 1
2 Seƫng out of bills of quanƟƟes 2 EARTHWORKS 10
3 Units 2 GENERAL 10
4 Order of items 3 1 Method and procedure 10
5 Order of dimensions 3 2 Bulking 10
6 Net measurements 3 SITE CLEARANCE 10
7 FracƟonal quanƟƟes 4 3 Site clearance 10
8 Provisional quanƟƟes 4 EXCAVATIONS, FILLING ETC 11
9 Provisional sums 4 4 Nature of material to be excavated 11
10 ConƟngencies etc 4 5 ClassificaƟon of material to be excavated 11
6 ExcavaƟons 12
PRELIMINARIES 5 7 Diversion of services 12
8 CarƟng away of excavated material 12
DEMOLITIONS 6 9 Risk of collapse of excavaƟons 13
1 Method and procedure 6 10 Working space 13
2 General 6 11 Keeping excavaƟons free of water 13
12 Dewatering 13
ALTERATIONS 7 13 Filling 14
1 General 7 14 Layer work 14
2 Materials arising from alteraƟons 7 15 CompacƟon of surfaces 14
3 Barricades, screens, etc 7 16 Gabions and interlocking block retaining structures 15
4 Removals 7 17 Filter fabric 15
5 AlteraƟon work 8 18 Weedkillers, insecƟcides, etc 15
6 Openings 8 19 Tests 15
7 Building up openings 9
8 Re-use of exisƟng components 9 LATERAL SUPPORT 16
9 Work in patches 9 GENERAL 16

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS conƟnued
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

1 Removal of lateral support 16 PREFABRICATED PILING 21

2 Insurance 16 9 Precast concrete piles 21
3 Movement monitoring 16 10 Steel piles 21
11 Sheet piling 22
GROUND ANCHORING 16 CONCRETE CAST IN SITU PILING 22
4 Descrip ons 16 12 Augered piles 22
5 Establishment 16 13 Driven, bored or similar tube piles 23
6 Test anchors 17 14 Disposal of excavated material 23
7 Ground anchors 17
8 Waterproofing of ground anchors 17 CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT 24
9 Tes ng, re-tensioning and de-stressing of ground anchors 17 CONCRETE 24
10 Rock bolts and rock dowels 18 1 Classifica on etc 24
11 Soldiers, boarding, shotcre ng, etc 18 2 Concrete components 24
PLANKING, STRUTTING AND SHORING 18 3 Hollow blocks, spacing les and prefabricated beams 24
12 Planking and stru ng 18 4 Shotcrete 25
13 Shoring units 19 5 Prescribed curing compounds 25
LATERAL SUPPORT PILING 19 6 Surface treatment 25
14 Lateral support piling 19 7 Grooves, channels, mor ces, etc 25
8 Bedding under base plates etc 25
PILING 20 9 Test blocks and tes ng 25
GENERAL 20 FORMWORK 26
1 Site condi ons 20 10 Formwork to components 26
2 Nature of the work 20 11 Addi onal requirements for formwork to walls 27
3 Establishment 20 12 Addi onal requirements for formwork to columns 27
4 Se ng up 20 13 Addi onal requirements for formwork to slabs, beams and stairs 28
5 Reinforcement 20 14 Edges, risers, ends and reveals 29
6 Exposing piles for inspec on 20 15 Projec ons, grooves, etc 29
7 Cu ng off etc 21 16 Openings 29
8 Tes ng 21 17 Movement joints etc 30

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS conƟnued
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

REINFORCEMENT 30 12 Flues 36
18 General 30 13 Splayed mortar fillets in caviƟes 36
19 Reinforcement 30 14 Closing caviƟes 36
20 Pre-tensioned or post-tensioned reinforcement 31 15 ProjecƟons and cores 36
21 Tests 31 16 Rough arches 37
17 Rough niches 37
PRECAST CONCRETE 32 18 Joint forming material in movement joints 37
1 General 32 19 Reinforcement to brickwork 37
2 Wall linings 32 20 Fabricated lintels 37
3 Slab paving 33 21 Turning pieces 37
4 Copings, sills, etc 33 FACE BRICKWORK 38
5 Sundry components 33 22 General 38
6 Joint sealants, joinƟng strips, etc 33 23 Face brickwork 38
7 Holes, notches, etc 33 24 Walls faced both sides 38
25 Cut face brick linings 38
MASONRY 34 26 Fair cuƫng to face brickwork 38
MASONRY WORK 34 27 Special face bricks at angles 39
1 ClassificaƟon etc 34 28 Face brick bands 39
2 Concrete filling 34 29 Face brick copings, lintels, sills, etc 39
BRICKWORK 34 30 Face brick arches 39
3 Mass brickwork and piers 34 31 Face brick niches 40
4 Regular shaped piers 34 BLOCKWORK 40
5 Walls and linings 35 32 General 40
6 Beamfilling 35 33 Piers and pilasters 40
7 VaulƟng 35 34 Special blocks for copings, sills, lintels, etc 40
8 Brick lintels 35 PAVING ETC 41
9 Forming toothings and bonding 36 35 Paving 41
10 Hacking face or raking out joints of exisƟng brickwork for key 36 NATURAL STONEWORK 41
11 Building brickwork to a fair face 36 RUBBLE WALLING 41

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS conƟnued
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

36 Mass and irregular rubble work 41 63 Special features 45

37 Walls and linings 41
38 Beamfilling 41 WATERPROOFING 46
39 Facing and poinƟng 42 DAMP PROOF COURSE 46
40 Copings, sills, etc 42 1 General 46
41 Pitched angles 42 WATERPROOFING 46
42 Trimming to receive plaster etc 42 2 ClassificaƟon 46
43 Flues 42 SHEET OR MEMBRANE WATERPROOFING 46
44 Niches 42 3 Sheet or membrane waterproofing 46
45 Turning pieces and centres 42 4 ProtecƟon 47
STONEWORK OF SLATE, MARBLE, GRANITE, ETC 43 5 Flashing strips 47
46 ClassificaƟon etc 43 TROWELLEDͳON WATERPROOFING 47
47 Ashlar walling, linings and paving 43 6 Trowelled-on waterproofing 47
48 Margins, skirƟngs, cornices, etc 43 LIQUID WATERPROOFING 48
49 Mouldings 43 7 Liquid waterproofing 48
50 Columns, piers, etc 44 8 Membrane reinforced liquid waterproofing 48
51 Special features 44 WATERSTOPS, SEALING STRIPS, JOINT SEALANTS, ETC 48
52 Rough rebates, grooves, etc 44 9 Waterstops, sealing strips, etc 48
53 Fair edges, angles, etc 44 10 Joint sealants 48
54 Holes, notches, etc 44 11 Waterproofing addiƟves 48
55 Cramps, dowels, etc 44
56 Turning pieces and centres 44 ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC 49
MISCELLANEOUS 45 SLATES, TILES AND SHINGLES 49
57 Bagging 45 1 General 49
58 Quarry Ɵles, cement Ɵes, fibre-cement, etc 45 2 Circular cuƫng 49
59 Ornamental blocks, glass blocks, etc 45 3 Eaves and verges 49
60 Hoop iron Ɵes, cramps, etc 45 4 Ridges, hips, closed valleys and verƟcal angles 49
61 Air bricks etc 45 5 Purpose made Ɵles 50
62 Fireplaces 45 6 InsulaƟon 50

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS conƟnued
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

THATCH 50 4 Structural Ɵmbers 56

7 General 50 5 Plate nailed Ɵmber roof truss construcƟon 56
8 Ridges and apex caps 50 6 Roof boarding 57
9 Ornamental bands and runners 50 7 Eaves and verges 57
10 Prefabricated ridges, hips, ends, intersecƟons, etc 50 FLOORS 57
PROFILED SHEETING OF METAL, FIBREͳCEMENT, PLASTIC, ETC 51 8 Floors 57
11 General 51 TIMBER DOORS, WINDOWS, ETC 58
12 Circular cuƫng 51 9 Doors, windows, sashes, etc 58
13 Cranks, bullnoses and curved turn-ups 51 10 Frames etc 58
14 Rolled edges at verges 51 SUNDRY JOINERY 58
15 Accessories 52 11 Rails etc 58
16 Special sheets 52 12 Shelves and fiƫngs 58
17 Roof venƟlators and rooflights 52 13 Stairs 59
18 InsulaƟon 52 14 Panelling 60
FLAT SHEET METAL 53 PROCESSED MATERIALS 60
19 General 53 15 PlasƟc, fibre-cement, etc 60
20 Circular cuƫng 53
21 End caps, finials, etc 53 CEILINGS, PARTITIONS AND ACCESS FLOORING 61
SHEET METAL FLASHINGS, LININGS, COPINGS, ETC 54 CEILINGS 61
22 General 54 1 General 61
23 Flashings 54 PARTITIONS 62
24 Linings, copings, etc 54 2 ParƟƟons 62
ACCESS FLOORING 63
CARPENTRY AND JOINERY 55 3 Access flooring 63
GENERAL 55
1 ClassificaƟon etc 55 FLOOR COVERINGS, WALL LININGS , ETC 64
2 Labours 55 1 Coverings and linings 64
3 Fixing 55 2 Circular cuƫng 64
STRUCTURAL TIMBERWORK ETC 56 3 Margins, borders and turn-ups 64

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS conƟnued
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

4 Insets 64 7 Ribbed floors and permanent decking 72

5 Edge and cover strips 64 8 Floors etc formed of open grillework or graƟngs 72
6 SkirƟngs 64 9 SkirƟngs etc 72
7 Stairs 65 OTHER METALS 72
8 Nosings 65 10 Aluminium, copper, lead, etc 72
9 PlasƟc handrails 65 DOORS, WINDOWS, CURTAIN WALLING, SHOPFRONTS, ETC 73
10 Polish, sealers, etc 65 STEEL DOOR FRAMES, DOORS, WINDOWS, ETC 73
11 Door frames 73
IRONMONGERY 66 12 Doors 73
1 ClassificaƟon etc 66 13 Windows etc 73
2 Components 66 14 Fly screens and burglar screens 73
3 Metal shelving 66 15 Adjustable louvres 74
4 Proprietary kitchen cupboards, lockers, wriƟng boards, seats, etc 66 16 Miscellaneous 74
ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, DOORS, ETC 74
STRUCTURAL STEELWORK 67 17 Windows, doors, screens, etc 74
1 ClassificaƟon 67 CURTAIN WALLS, SHOPFRONTS, ETC 74
2 General 67 18 Curtain walls, shopfronts, etc 74
3 Steelwork 68
4 Tests 69 PLASTERING 76
1 ClassificaƟon etc 76
METALWORK 70 2 Plaster and other in situ finishes 76
GENERAL 70 3 Labours on finishes 76
1 ClassificaƟon etc 70 4 SkirƟngs and stoolings 77
2 Circular cuƫng 70 5 Finishes to kerbs, sills, etc 77
STEELWORK 70 6 Mouldings 77
3 Sundry steelwork 70 7 Ornaments etc 77
4 Stairs, balustrading, cat ladders, grilles, gates, framework, etc 71 8 Dividing strips, edge trims, etc 77
5 Minor work 71 9 Metal lathing 77
6 Fixing accessories to structural Ɵmberwork 72

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS conƟnued
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

TILING 78 15 Waste unions, traps, etc 84

1 ClassificaƟon etc 78 FIRE HOSE REELS AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT 85
2 Beds and backings 78 16 Fire hose reels etc 85
3 Tiling 78 17 Fire fighƟng equipment 85
4 Cuƫng 78 SLEEVES, HOLES, ETC 85
5 Mitred corners and special edge and corner Ɵles 79 18 Sleeves 85
6 Treads, risers, sills, copings, skirƟngs, etc 79 19 Holes 85
7 Channels 79 20 Flashings 85
8 Soap dishes etc 79 GENERAL 85
9 Dividing strips, edge trims, etc 79 21 TesƟng 85

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE 80 ELECTRICAL WORK 86

RAINWATER DISPOSAL 80 1 ClassificaƟon 86
1 Roof guƩers, rainwater pipes, etc 80 2 ConnecƟon to main supply 86
PIPEWORK ETC 80 3 Main supply and equipment 86
2 Pipes, pipe fiƫngs, etc 80 4 DistribuƟon boards etc 86
3 Pipe trenches (method A) 82 5 Cables 87
4 Pipe trenches (method B) 82 6 Cable trenches (method A) 87
5 Pipe insulaƟon and protecƟon 83 7 Cable trenches (method B) 88
6 Encasing 83 8 Conduit 88
7 Anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc 83 9 Outlet boxes, cover plates, etc 88
8 Gulleys, grease traps, etc 83 10 Cable trunking etc 89
9 InspecƟon chambers, catch pits, etc 83 11 Draw wires 89
10 Soakage pits, french drains, etc 84 12 Conductors 89
11 ConnecƟons 84 13 Busbar systems 89
SANITARY FITTINGS, TANKS, GEYSERS, ETC 84 14 Socket outlets and light switches 89
12 Sanitary fiƫngs etc 84 15 Fiƫngs, equipment, etc 89
13 Tanks, geysers, etc 84 16 Earthing 90
14 Taps, valves, etc 84 17 Lightning protecƟon 90

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS conƟnued
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

18 Holes 90 16 Building management systems etc 99

ELECTRONIC INSTALLATIONS 90 17 Material handling installa ons, disposal installa ons, etc 99
19 Communica on, security and control installa ons 90 GENERAL 99
GENERAL 91 18 Tes ng and commissioning 99
20 Tes ng and commissioning 91 19 Drawings, manuals, etc 99
21 Drawings, manuals, etc 91 20 Iden fica on markers etc 99
22 Replacement parts etc 91 21 Replacement parts etc 99
22 Electrical work and work by other trades 99
MECHANICAL WORK 92
HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS, ETC 92 GLAZING 100
1 Classifica on 92 1 Classifica on etc 100
2 Equipment 92 2 Glazing beads, gaskets, sealing, etc 100
PIPEWORK ETC 92 3 Labours on glass 100
3 Pipes, pipe fi ngs, etc 92 4 Glass louvre blades 100
4 Valves etc 94 5 Glass tops, shelves, doors, mirrors, etc 101
5 Pipe trenches (method A) 94 6 Bent glass 101
6 Pipe trenches (method B) 94 7 Leaded and coppered lights 101
7 Pipe insula on and protec on 95 8 Patent glazing 101
8 Encasing 95 9 Materials resembling glass 101
9 Anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc 95
10 Inspec on chambers, junc on boxes, etc 95 PAINTWORK 102
DUCTWORK ETC 96 1 Classifica on etc 102
11 Duc ng 96 2 Colours 102
12 Duc ng insula on and protec on 97 3 Paintwork 102
13 Diffusers, grilles, etc 97 4 Trusses and la ce work 103
CONVEYING INSTALLATIONS 97 5 Frames etc 103
14 Li installa ons 97 6 Windows, sash doors, etc 103
15 Hoist, escalator and conveyor installa ons 98 7 Signwri ng and gilding 103
OTHER MECHANICAL INSTALLATIONS 99 8 Polishing 103

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

CONTENTS conƟnued
SecƟon Page SecƟon Page

PAPERHANGING 104 21 Compac on of natural or excavated ground surfaces 107

1 Classifica on 104 22 Road and parking surfacing 107
2 Paperhanging 104 23 Channels, humps and shoulders 108
3 Borders and mo fs 104 24 Channelling, kerbing, edging, etc 108
4 Hessian, canvas, etc 104 25 Road signs, crash barriers, etc 108
26 Drainage 108
EXTERNAL WORK 105 27 Road markings 108
LANDSCAPING 105 STORMWATER CHANNELS 108
1 Contouring etc 105 28 Stormwater channels 108
2 Topsoil, compost, lime and fer lizer 105 FENCING 109
3 Plant bed prepara on 105 29 Fencing, posts, gates, etc 109
4 Mulch 105 30 Concrete bases and kerbs 109
5 Grassing, ground cover, etc 105 WASHING LINES 109
6 Trees, shrubs, etc 105 31 Washing lines 109
7 Pruning of exis ng trees and shrubs 106 PAINTING 110
8 Pitching, pebble covering, etc 106 32 Pain ng 110
9 Rockery boulders 106
10 Retaining structures 106
11 Filter fabric 106
12 Paving etc 106
13 Weedkillers, insec cides, etc 106
14 Ponds, water features, etc 106
15 Benches, tables, etc 106
16 Drainage 107
17 Irriga on systems 107
18 Effect ligh ng 107
ROADWORK AND PARKING 107
19 Excava ons and filling 107
20 Layer work 107

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE
This standard system has been compiled in a tabulated format to suit the current method of se ng out documents of this kind

The following is to be noted: Where items are grouped together in the “Item or work to be measured” column those items shall not be grouped together but shall each be given
separately in the unit as shown in the “Unit” column, eg “Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement” clause 2, concrete in “Surface blindings, surface beds, surface beds cast in
panels, foo ngs, bases, underpinning, slabs inclusive of beams and inverted beams, isolated beams, lintels, stairs inclusive of landings and beams, walls, columns, hollow block
slabs, coffered slabs, troughed slabs, etc” shall each be given separately in m3
Where items may be grouped together it is specifically stated, eg “Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement” clause 14, formwork to “Edges, risers, ends and reveals exceeding
300mm high or wide” shall be given together in m2

1 Bills of quanƟƟes

This standard system has been drawn up to provide a uniform basis for measuring building work. It is the result of nego a ons between the various par es and embodies the
minimum essen als of good prac ce

Bills of quan es shall reflect the work to be done as shown on the drawings or contained in the specifica on in accordance with the rules laid down in this standard system. No
departure shall be made from this standard system except where no specific rule can be applied or where excep onal circumstances involving work of a different character or
par cular circumstances of execu on require the provision of more detailed informa on in order to define the nature and extent of the work. In such cases separate items shall be
given following the general principles contained herein and descrip ons of such items shall provide all the informa on necessary for pricing

Descrip ons in bills of quan es shall be comprehensive and clear. Unless otherwise stated the radii of circular, flowing and spherical work need not be stated

Unless otherwise stated the descrip on of each item shall be deemed to include manufacturing, conveying and delivering, unloading, storing, unpacking, hois ng, se ng, fi ng
and fixing in posi on, cu ng, waste, pa erns, templates, plant, temporary works, return of packings, establishment charges, profit and other obliga ons arising out of the
condi ons of contract

Unless prescribed the method of execu on of the work shall be at the discre on of the contractor

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 1

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS conƟnued

2 Seƫng out of bills of quanƟƟes

The bills of quan es shall be set out in the following format:

Item No I Descrip on I Quan ty I Rate I Amount

3 Units

Units used in the “Unit” column: ha hectare

kg kilogramme
kN kilonewton
kW kilowa
m linear metre
m2 square metre
m3 cubic metre
mm millimetre
No number
t ton

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 2

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS conƟnued

4 Order of items

The work shall be set out as far as possible in accordance with the following rules:

4.1 The work shall be divided into trades and sec ons of trades in the order as set out in this standard system. If necessary the work may be further divided into addi onal
sub-sec ons to facilitate cost analyses, cost repor ng, etc

4.2 Ancillary work applicable to a specific trade shall be given in that trade in accordance with the principles laid down in the relevant trades

4.3 Within each trade or sec on thereof the order shall be mass, volume, area, length and number

4.4 Subject to the above rules, items shall be arranged in their approximate order of value, the cheapest first

5 Order of dimensions

Dimensions shall as far as possible be given in the following sequence:

5.1 Horizontal at right angles to the line of sight

5.2 Horizontal parallel to the line of sight

5.3 Ver cal

6 Net measurements

Unless otherwise stated all work shall be measured net as fixed in posi on. All wants shall be deducted and no allowance shall be made for waste, nor for passings and laps except
where otherwise stated. Where laps occur they shall be included in the descrip ons

Each measurement shall be taken to the nearest 10mm ie 5mm and over shall be regarded as 10mm and less than 5mm shall be disregarded. This rule shall not apply to any
dimensions stated in the descrip ons

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 3

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS conƟnued

7 FracƟonal quanƟƟes

Quan es shall be rounded off to the nearest whole unit. However, where the value of frac onal quan es is of rela ve significance, quan es may be given to two decimal
places

8 Provisional quanƟƟes

Where the quan ty of any work cannot be accurately determined during prepara on of the bills of quan es such work shall be described as provisional and subsequently
remeasured

9 Provisional sums

Separate provisional sums shall be given for each class of work

Items shall be given for profit and for a endance where required. Descrip ons of a endance shall include scaffolding and other facili es to be specially provided, prescribed
protec ve measures, etc

10 ConƟngencies etc

Amounts required for con ngencies, provision for contract price adjustments and other expenditure which cannot be determined during the prepara on of the bills shall be given
in the summary at the end of the bills of quan es

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 4

PRELIMINARIES
Informa on and such requirements and restric ons of a general nature that may affect the cost of the works shall be given as items in this sec on such as:
1 Informa on concerning the bills of quan es and the availability of construc on documenta on
2 Names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc of the employer and consultants
3 Par culars of the contract documents
4 Clause headings of the relevant condi ons of contract
5 Requirements with regard to insurances and securi es
6 Iden fica on of the site
7 Broad scope of the works sta ng inter alia overall size, height above and below ground level and number of storeys and the approximate area and height of any internal area
with a floor to ceiling height in excess of 5m
8 Restric ons with regard to access, area to be occupied and procedure
9 Restric ons on the use or disposal of materials and ar cles found on the site
10 Responsibility for the preserva on of boundary beacons etc
11 Results of soil inves ga ons
12 Delegated authority to agents and others to perform du es for specific aspects of the works
13 Responsibility in respect of previous contracts
14 Responsibility in respect of the management and execu on of the works
15 Responsibility and requirements for health and safety specifica on
16 Programming of the works and mee ngs
17 Samples of materials and workmanship, shop drawings and manufacturer’s instruc ons
18 Enclosure of the works and protec on of the public
19 Plant and temporary works such as roads, sheds, offices, toilets and no ce boards
20 Temporary services such as water, electricity, ligh ng, informa on and communica on systems, etc
21 Method of payment for preliminaries
22 Method of calcula on for the adjustment of preliminaries
23 Method of pricing dayworks

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 5

DEMOLITIONS
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

1 Method and procedure

1 Restric ons regarding blas ng and the use of jack
hammers, hydraulic breakers and shears, wrecking
balls, etc shall be stated

2 General
1 Breaking up and removing surface concrete etc m2
2 Breaking up and removing kerbing and the like m
3 Breaking down and removing fences, boundary walls, etc m 2 General descrip ons shall be given
4 Demoli on and removal of buildings and other structures No 3 General descrip ons shall be given
4 Materials or components which are to remain the
property of the employer shall be so described including
storage, transport as necessary and handing over
5 Removal of founda ons 5 Shall be dealt with in accordance with clause 5 of
“Earthworks - Classifica on of material to be excavated”
6 Disposal of materials 6 Disposal of materials shall be described and where
materials are to become the property of the contractor
provision shall be made for allowing credit

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 6

ALTERATIONS
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

1 General
1 Restric ons regarding the use of jack hammers etc shall 1 Junc ons of new with exis ng
be stated finishes
2 Making good shall be included in the descrip ons of 2 Stru ng, shoring, etc
the relevant altera on items where expedient, incidental to altera ons
otherwise it shall be given separately in accordance with
the principles laid down in the relevant trades
3 Prescribed stru ng and shoring shall be given in
accordance with the principles laid down in “Lateral
Support”

2 Materials arising from alteraƟons

4 The manner of disposal of materials shall be stated and 3 Temporary storage of
where materials are to become the property of the materials or components
contractor provision shall be made for allowing credit required to be set aside for
5 Where materials are permi ed to be re-used in new refixing
work this shall be stated
6 Materials or components which are to remain the
property of the employer shall be so described including
storage, transport as necessary and handing over
7 Materials or components required to be set aside for
re-use shall be so described

3 Barricades, screens, etc

1 Prescribed temporary barricades, screens, roofs, etc m or 8 Alterna vely prescribed temporary barricades, screens,
No roofs, etc may be given in detail in accordance with the
principles laid down in the relevant trades

4 Removals
2 Removal of walls, slabs and surface beds m2
3 Removal of concrete beams, columns and stairs No
or m3

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 7

ALTERATIONS conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

4 Removals (conƟnued)
4 Removal of finishes from walls, floors, ceilings, etc m2
5 Removal of roofs No 9 Descrip ons shall include ceilings, eaves, etc
6 Removal of suspended floors, panelling, ceilings, etc m2 10 Descrip ons shall include bearers, ba ens, brandering,
skir ngs, cornices, etc
7 Removal of par ons m 11 Descrip ons shall include doors, ironmongery, glass, etc
8 Removal of doors, windows, fi ngs, etc No 12 Descrip ons shall include frames, ironmongery, glass,
sills, etc
13 Doors, windows, etc to be removed from walls to be
demolished shall be given separately
9 Removal of sanitary fi ngs, tanks, geysers, etc No 14 Descrip ons shall include disconnec on from pipes,
traps, etc
10 Removal of pipes m 4 Pipe fi ngs, valves, taps,
traps, pipe supports, etc
11 Alterna ves 15 Alterna vely items required to be given in cubic,
square or linear metres may be given in number and
descrip ons may include making good and any
incidental new work

5 AlteraƟon work
12 Altera on work No 16 Shall be given in inclusive items embodying more than
one trade as necessary
17 Alterna vely altera on work may be given in detail in
accordance with the principles laid down in the relevant
trades

6 Openings
13 Cu ng or altering openings in structures No 18 Descrip ons shall include lintels, arches and making
good to jambs and finishes all round

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 8

ALTERATIONS conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

7 Building up openings
14 Building up openings No 19 Descrip ons shall include bonding new to exis ng work,
finishes, etc

8 Re-use of exisƟng components

15 Re-use of exis ng components No 20 Alterna vely re-use of exis ng components may be
given in the units as provided for in the relevant trades

9 Work in patches
16 Work in patches 21 Work in patches, not included in the foregoing, shall be
so described

10 Sundries
17 Hacking face or raking out joints of exis ng masonry for
key for finishes m2
18 Wedging up new walling to the underside of exis ng 22 Shall be measured only when required for the support
structures m2 of exis ng work over
19 Making good to ends of walls m
20 Making good to faces of walls where cross walls are
removed m
21 Cu ng through floors or ceilings for the passage of new 23 Descrip ons shall include making good to floors and
walls etc m ceilings where expedient
22 Cu ng through floors or ceilings for the passage of new
columns etc No

11 New work chiefly inside exisƟng building(s)

23 New work chiefly inside exis ng building(s) 24 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in the relevant trades

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 9

 NOTE: External work of minor extent may be given in “Earthworks” in accordance with the principles laid down in “External Work” where applicable
EARTHWORKS
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
GENERAL
1 Method and procedure
1 Restric ons regarding blas ng and the use of jack
hammers, mechanical excavators, compactors, etc
shall be stated
2 Excava on or filling which is to be done in a par cular
order or in sec ons, such as may be prescribed for the
removal of lateral support to adjoining premises or for
filling behind retaining walls, shall be so described
3 Prescribed mul ple handling of material shall be
included in the descrip ons

2 Bulking
4 No allowance shall be made in measurements of
disposal and car ng away of material for bulking

SITE CLEARANCE
3 Site clearance
1 Digging up and removal of rubbish, debris, vegeta on, 5 Where the value is of rela ve significance, the removal
hedges, shrubs and trees not exceeding 200mm girth, of hedges etc shall be given separately in metres or in
bush, etc m2 number
2 Removal of larger trees and tree stumps exceeding 1m 6 The girth around the trunk 1m high above ground level
high No shall be stated, grouped in sizes exceeding 200mm and
not exceeding 500mm girth and therea er in stages of
500mm
7 Descrip ons shall state whether roots are to be
grubbed up and holes filled in, sta ng the method
and/or degree of compac on

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 10

EARTHWORKS conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

3 Site clearance (conƟnued)

3 Removal of tree stumps not exceeding 1m high No 8 The girth around the top of the stump shall be stated,
grouped in sizes as in measurement rule 6 above
9 Descrip ons shall state whether roots are to be
grubbed up and holes filled in, sta ng the method
and/or degree of compac on

EXCAVATIONS, FILLING, ETC

4 Nature of material to be excavated
10 The nature of the material to be excavated shall be
described and if not known shall be assumed

5 ClassificaƟon of material to be excavated

11 Excava ons shall be described to be in the type of
material that is the least difficult to excavate
12 Excava ons in material of a more difficult character
shall be suitably classified and given as extra over,
separa ng only “bulk” and “trenches and holes” and
making no separa on for depths
13 Breaking up and removing concrete, brickwork, etc
encountered in excava ons shall be similarly given

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 11

EARTHWORKS conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

6 ExcavaƟons
14 The quan es of excava ons shall be the net voids to 1 Se ng aside excavated
be formed in accordance with the drawings and material within 100m from
specifica ons and shall be not less than the horizontal the perimeter of the
area of the bo om of the relevant structures excava ons for use as filling,
mul plied by the average depth from the surface forming excavated surfaces
15 Exis ng voids shall be deducted to falls, slopes, contours, etc,
16 Where undercu ng is prescribed the undercut work trimming sides and stepping,
shall be kept separate, allowance for overbreak being levelling and ramming
made at an angle of 45 degrees bo oms
2 Removal of disused drains,
pipes, cables, etc encountered
during excava ons including
cu ng and stopping off

4 Bulk excava ons, excava ons for trenches and 17 Separated into successive depths of 2m related to the
excava ons for holes m3 original or reduced ground level as the case may be
5 Open face excava on such as cu ng or levelling of 18 No dis nc on being made for depths
sloping sites m3
6 Digging up topsoil to be preserved m2 3 Se ng aside within 100m
from the perimeter of the
excava on for use as filling

7 Diversion of services
7 Diversion of services including cu ng, stopping off, etc 19 Shall be given in the relevant trades

8 CarƟng away of excavated material

8 Excavated material to be carted from the site m3 20 Shall be given as extra over all excava ons and, if to
be dumped in a prescribed place, the loca on and
approximate distance shall be stated

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 12

EARTHWORKS conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

9 Risk of collapse of excavaƟons

9 Risk of collapse of excava ons m2 21 Shall be measured to all sides of excava ons whether
working space is given or not
22 The area for sloping sides shall be the mean length
mul plied by the perpendicular height
23 Separate items shall be given for “bulk” and “trenches
and holes” as well as for excava ons from ground level
to not exceeding 1,5m deep and from ground level to
exceeding 1,5m deep
24 Risk of collapse shall not be measured where prescribed
support is to be measured or where the excavated face
is prescribed to be cut back to the angle of repose

10 Working space
10 Sides of excava ons necessarily required to be excavated 25 Descrip ons shall include any consequent backfilling
back for working space ie beyond the extent defined sta ng the method and/or degree of compac on
under clause 6 “Excava ons” m2 26 Shall be grouped in successive overall depths of not
exceeding 500mm, exceeding 500mm and not exceeding
1,5m and therea er in stages of 1,5m sta ng in each
case the nature of the requirements and the distance
between the structure and the side to be excavated back
27 Back excava ons occurring in material of a more difficult
character shall be given in square metres as extra over
for each item of back excava on

11 Keeping excavaƟons free of water

11 Keeping excava ons free of all water other than
subterranean water Item

12 Dewatering
12 Removal of seepage water and water from other 28 Items such as the provision of pumps of a specific
subterranean sources in excava ons capacity, necessary pipework and a provisional number
of pumping hours shall be given

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 13

EARTHWORKS conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

13 Filling
13 Filling of soil, stone, broken brick, etc for backfilling 29 Shall be measured to the volume a er compac on, 4 Haulage not exceeding
to trenches, holes, etc, for filling over site, for filling sta ng the method and/or degree of compac on 100m from the perimeter
in landscape mounds, berms, etc and for filling under 30 Separate items shall be given for filling obtained from of the excava ons where
floors, steps, paving, etc m3 the excava ons or from specified borrow pits or filling is obtained from the
supplied by the contractor excava ons
31 The approximate distance of haulage shall be stated 5 Forming to falls, slopes,
if filling obtained from the excava ons is hauled more contours, etc
than 100m from the perimeter of the excava ons

14 Topsoil m3 32 Measurement rules 30 and 31 above apply

14 Layer work
15 Subbase and base courses m3 33 Shall be given in accordance with clause 13 “Filling”
3
16 Stabilisa on of layer works with lime, cement, etc m 34 Shall be given as extra over sta ng the rate of applica on

15 CompacƟon of surfaces
17 Compac on of natural or excavated ground surfaces m2 35 Shall be measured only when the method (other than
ramming bo oms referred to under clause 6
“Excava ons”) and/or degree of compac on is
prescribed

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 14

EARTHWORKS conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

16 Gabions and interlocking block retaining structures

18 Retaining structures formed of filled gabion boxes and 36 Shall be grouped in successive stages of 5m total heights
ma resses m3 37 The sizes of the boxes and ma resses and the
diaphragm spacings shall be stated
19 Retaining structures formed of interlocking blocks m2 38 The area of sloping structures shall be the mean length
mul plied by the perpendicular height
39 Descrip ons shall state the rate of slope and shall
include filling of blocks with garden soil, concrete, etc
20 Trench excava ons, open face excava ons, filling behind 40 Shall be given separately in accordance with the
retaining structures, filter fabric, ground anchors, principles laid down in the relevant trades
concrete founda ons, etc

17 Filter fabric
21 Filter fabric m2

18 Weedkillers, insecƟcides, etc

22 Trea ng surfaces with weedkillers, insec cides, etc m2 41 Forming V-grooves along founda on walls etc and
trea ng with insec cides shall be included in the
descrip ons

19 Tests
23 Tests to determine the degree of compac on or other
proper es of the ground or filling No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 15

LATERAL SUPPORT
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
GENERAL
1 Removal of lateral support
1 Precau ons to be taken and procedures to be followed
when removing lateral support shall be given only if
prescribed
2 In all other cases risk of collapse shall be given in
accordance with the principles laid down in
“Earthworks”

2 Insurance
1 Insurance against claims arising from the removal of 3 Shall be allowed for, either by provisional sum or by
lateral support Item sta ng the limit of the insurance cover required

3 Movement monitoring
2 Establishing of bench marks, pegs, etc for prescribed
movement monitoring Item
3 Periodic movement surveys No 4 Descrip ons shall include the scope of the surveys

GROUND ANCHORING
4 DescripƟons
5 The nature of the work and the excavated faces to be 1 Drilling
supported, any limita ons affec ng the ground
anchoring, the strata through which the anchors will
have to pass and the posi on of any cables, pipes or
other services shall be described

5 Establishment
4 Establishment of plant etc on the site Item
5 Subsequent establishments for tes ng, re-tensioning
or de-stressing Item

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 16

LATERAL SUPPORT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

6 Test anchors
6 Test anchors No 6 Descrip ons shall include the working load, lower
anchorages, upper anchorages, thrust blocks and the
free length of cable

7 Ground anchors
7 Classifica on 7 Ground anchors shall be given under headings sta ng 2 Ini al tensioning, ini al
the working load acceptability tes ng and
preparing load-extension
related graphs
8 Lower anchorages No 8 Dis nc on shall be made between rock anchors and
so ground anchors
9 Upper anchorages No 9 Descrip ons shall include prescribed protec on
against corrosion
10 Free length of cable m

8 Waterproofing of ground anchors

11 Tes ng and re-tes ng of cable holes for fissures and
voids No
12 Cement grou ng of cable holes to prevent ingress of
water kg
13 Re-drilling holes, washing out of grout and encasing of
cables m

9 TesƟng, re-tensioning and de-stressing of ground anchors

14 Tes ng subsequent to ini al acceptability tes ng,
re-tensioning and de-stressing of ground anchors No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 17

LATERAL SUPPORT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

10 Rock bolts and rock dowels

15 Rock bolts, expanding rock bolts, rock dowels and soil 10 Descrip ons shall include nuts, washers, thrust plates 3 Drilling
nails No and grou ng

11 Soldiers, boarding, shotcreƟng, etc

16 Soldiers, boarding, shotcre ng, fabric reinforcement, 11 Shall be given in appropriate items in accordance with
etc clause 12 “Planking and stru ng” or the principles
laid down in the relevant trades
17 Concrete or mortar packing behind soldiers m 12 The minimum thickness shall be stated 4 Formwork
18 Thrust blocks No

PLANKING, STRUTTING AND SHORING

12 Planking and struƫng
19 Planking and stru ng 13 Planking and stru ng required to be le in shall be 5 Wedges, nails, screws, etc
given separately
20 Timber planking, precast concrete planking and metal
or other shee ng m2
21 Timber stru ng m3
22 Gum poles, logs and the like m 14 The minimum diameter shall be stated
23 Tubular and solid sec on steel stru ng t 15 Descrip ons shall include bol ng and welding
24 Bolts and clamps t 16 Alterna vely bolts and clamps may be included with the
relevant items

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 18

LATERAL SUPPORT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

13 Shoring units
25 Shoring units No 17 Descrip ons shall include sole pieces, wall plates, etc
18 The cubic metre content per unit if in mber and the
tonnage per unit if in steel shall be stated
26 Re-use of shoring units No

27 Timber cross bracing between shoring units m3

28 Steel cross bracing between shoring units t

LATERAL SUPPORT PILING

14 Lateral support piling
29 Lateral support piling 19 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Piling”

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 19

PILING
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
GENERAL
1 Site condiƟons
1 The nature of the site with regard to contours, water
tables, high and low water levels, strata through which
piles will have to pass, etc shall be described

2 Nature of the work

2 The nature of the work, any limita ons on the methods 1 Staging, tubing, framing, rigs,
to be used and special condi ons such as piles sunk je ng, etc
from basement level and from any level other than
ground level shall be described
3 Trial piles, raking piles and piles in contact with one
another shall be given separately

3 Establishment
1 Establishment of plant etc on the site Item
2 Subsequent establishments of plant etc for tes ng Item

4 Seƫng up
3 Se ng up plant at each pile posi on, other than sheet 2 Se ng up plant for sheet
piling No piling

5 Reinforcement
4 Reinforcement 4 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement”

6 Exposing piles for inspecƟon

5 Exposing piles for inspec on No 5 Descrip ons shall include excava on and backfilling 3 Risk of collapse of excava ons
and keeping excava ons free
of water

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 20

PILING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules Descrip ons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

7 Cu ng off etc
6 Cu ng off piles No
7 Cu ng off sheet piling m
8 Stripping back heads of concrete piles to expose
reinforcement No

8 Tes ng
9 Tes ng of piles No

PREFABRICATED PILING
9 Precast concrete piles
10 Precast concrete piles m 6 Measured for the designed length of pile before being 4 Moulds, joints, protec on
driven caps, rings, handling and
7 Reinforcement may be included in the descrip ons or pitching
given separately
11 Rock shoes No
12 Driving m 8 Separated into groups not exceeding 10m deep and
therea er in successive depths of 5m
13 Dollying piles below ground level No 9 Shall be grouped in successive stages of 1,5m total
depths
14 Concrete in situ in lengthening of piles m3
15 Formwork to concrete in situ lengthening of piles m

10 Steel piles
16 Steel piles 10 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid 5 Joints, protec on caps, rings,
down in clause 9 “Precast concrete piles” handling and pitching

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 21

PILING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

11 Sheet piling
17 Sheet piling m2 11 Measured for the designed height of piling before being
driven and along the length to be retained
12 Descrip ons shall include shoes, laps and locking
devices
13 Sheet piling required to be le in shall be given
separately
18 Driving m2 14 Measured for the driven depth and along the length to 6 Handling, pitching, protec on
be retained caps and extrac ng
19 Corner piles, junc on piles and other special piles m 15 Shall be given as extra over sheet piling

CONCRETE CAST IN SITU PILING

12 Augered piles
20 Drilling m 16 Separated into groups not exceeding 10m deep and 7 Risk of collapse of excava ons
therea er in successive depths of 5m and keeping excava ons free
of water
21 Under-reaming for enlarged feet No 17 Shall be given as extra over drilling
3
22 Work in material of a more difficult character m 18 Shall be suitably classified and given as extra over drill-
ing and under-reaming
23 Prescribed casing to prevent collapse of excava ons or
to exclude subterranean water m
24 Concrete m 19 Measured through enlarged feet
25 Addi onal concrete in enlarged feet No
26 Formwork to concrete above ground level m

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 22

PILING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

13 Driven, bored or similar tube piles

27 Driving or boring m 20 Measured for the depth to which tubes are sunk and 8 Risk of collapse of excava ons
separated into groups not exceeding 10m deep and and keeping excava ons free
therea er in successive depths of 5m of water
9 Extrac ng tubes
28 Concrete m 21 Measured from the top of the concrete to the depth to
which tubes are sunk
29 Expanded concrete bulbs at the bo om of piles No

14 Disposal of excavated material

30 Disposal of excavated material 22 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Earthworks”

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 23

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
CONCRETE
1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Classified according to compressive strength or mix
2 Descrip ons shall not include formwork or reinforce-
ment unless otherwise stated

2 Concrete components
1 Surface blindings, surface beds, surface beds cast in 3 Components cast against excavated surfaces shall be 1 Filling to irregulari es where
panels, foo ngs, bases, underpinning, slabs inclusive given separately cast against excavated
of beams and inverted beams, isolated beams, lintels, 4 Components to be post-tensioned shall be given surfaces
stairs inclusive of landings and beams, walls, columns, separately 2 Formwork in forming panels
hollow block slabs, coffered slabs, troughed slabs, etc m3 5 Components cast in sliding/climbing formwork shall be in surface beds
given separately 3 Shaped tops
6 No deduc ons shall be made for voids not exceeding 4 Striking off and curing
0,1m³
7 No deduc ons shall be made for longitudinal pipes not
exceeding 200mm external diameter, reinforcement,
conduit, etc
8 Concrete in projec ons such as nibs, fins, strings,
cornices and kerbs shall be included with the relevant
components
2 Gradings m2 5 Working to falls and currents

3 Hollow blocks, spacing Ɵles and prefabricated beams

3 Hollow blocks No 6 Closed ends
4 Spacing les to soffits of solid sec ons m2
5 Spacing les to soffits of ribs m
6 Prefabricated beams m 9 Classified in lengths not exceeding 5m and therea er
in stages of 2,5m
10 Reinforcement shall be included in the descrip ons
11 Alterna vely the working load shall be stated

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 24

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

4 Shotcrete
7 Shotcrete m2 12 Descrip ons may include formwork where expedient
3
8 Addi onal shotcrete in thickening m

5 Prescribed curing compounds

9 Prescribed curing compounds m2 13 No dis nc on shall be made for different concrete com- 1 Curing treatment
ponents of the finished face
of concrete other
than striking off
and curing

6 Surface treatment
10 Surface treatment such as wood float, steel trowel, 2 Surface treatment
power float, evenly ribbed non-slip surface, of the finished face
sandblas ng, bush-hammering, etc m2 of concrete other
than striking off
and curing

7 Grooves, channels, morƟces, etc

11 Grooves, channels and the like in tops of concrete m 7 Angles, ends, etc
12 Mor ces and sinkings No

8 Bedding under base plates etc

13 Non-shrink mortar or similar grou ng under base plates 8 Formwork, chamfered edges,
etc No etc

9 Test blocks and tesƟng

14 Test blocks and tes ng No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 25

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
FORMWORK
10 Formwork to components
15 Walls, columns, beams, isolated beams, wall beams, 14 Formwork shall be measured to net surfaces of 9 Intersec ons, holes for rods,
slabs, hoods, stairs, shell construc on, etc m2 concrete to be supported, unless otherwise stated bolts, pipes and the like,
15 Formwork to components to be post-tensioned shall be propping, maintaining and
given separately removing
16 Sliding/climbing formwork shall be given separately 10 Formwork required to support
17 Formwork to walls, columns and beams cast against concrete at non-prescribed
excavated or exis ng surfaces shall be given separately temporary breaks
18 Formwork to sides of inverted components shall be
given separately
19 Formwork to sloping components shall be given
separately
20 Formwork to circular, spherical and flowing components
shall be given separately, dis nc on being made for
work exceeding and not exceeding 1m radius
21 No deduc ons shall be made for openings not
exceeding 3m2
22 No deduc ons shall be made for intersec ons of ends
of beams with beams, columns, walls, etc
23 No deduc ons shall be made for intersec ons of tops of
columns with slabs, beams, column caps, etc
24 Formwork to render a prescribed finish to the concrete
shall be given separately for the different components
25 Alterna vely formwork to render a prescribed finish to
the concrete surfaces may be given as extra over rough
formwork for the different components
26 Formwork required to be le in and permanent
formwork shall be given separately

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 26

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

11 AddiƟonal requirements for formwork to walls

16 Walls other than inner face of sha walls, outer face of 27 Shall be separated into groups for walls not exceeding
walls flush with the perimeter of the concrete structure 3,5m in height above bearing level and therea er for
and sliding/climbing formwork m2 total heights above bearing level in successive stages
of 1,5m
28 Stair walls stepped over treads and risers of stairs shall
be given separately
17 Inner face of sha walls m2 29 Size of sha on plan shall be stated in the descrip on
30 Total wall heights shall be stated in successive stages
of 5m
18 Outer face of walls flush with the perimeter of the 31 Total wall heights shall be stated in successive stages of
concrete structure m2 5m
19 Sliding/climbing formwork to sha walls m2 32 Size of sha on plan shall be stated in the descrip on
33 Total wall heights shall be stated in successive stages
of 5m
34 No deduc on shall be made for openings

12 AddiƟonal requirements for formwork to columns

20 Columns other than circular and partly circular 35 Formwork to columns of different shapes shall be given
columns m2 separately
36 Formwork to columns shall be separated into groups for
columns not exceeding 3,5m in height above bearing
level and therea er for total heights above bearing level
in successive stages of 1,5m
37 Formwork to columns projec ng beyond the perime-
ter of the concrete structure shall be given separately
sta ng the projec on

21 Circular and partly circular columns No 38 Descrip ons may include caps and bases
39 Formwork to circular and partly circular columns
projec ng beyond the perimeter of the concrete
structure shall be given separately sta ng the projec on
22 Column caps and bases No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 27

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

13 AddiƟonal requirements for formwork to slabs, beams and stairs

23 Soffits of solid slabs and hoods, sides and soffits of 40 Formwork to soffits of solid slabs and hoods
beams and isolated beams and soffits of stairs and exceeding 250mm thick shall be given separately in
landings m2 stages of 250mm. No cognisance shall be taken of the
addi onal thickness caused by inverted beams
41 Formwork to soffits shall be separated into groups
propped to a height not exceeding 1,5m, exceeding
1,5m and not exceeding 3,5m and therea er in stages
of 1,5m
42 Formwork to soffits of sloping components shall be
likewise categorised
43 No separa on of height shall be made for formwork to
soffits of stairs and landings
44 Formwork propped off sloping or stepped surfaces shall
be given separately
45 Formwork to sides and soffits of isolated beams
propped off isolated beams below, shall be given
separately

24 Soffits of composite hollow block slabs m2 46 Measurement rules 41, 42 and 44 above apply
47 Shall be measured over the flush surfaces of adjacent
solid concrete
25 Soffits of coffered slabs m2 48 Measurement rules 41, 42 and 44 above apply
49 Shall be measured to the full extent of the coffered
area, the widths and centres of the ribs being stated
26 Coffers No
27 Soffits of adjacent flush surfaces of coffered slabs m2 50 Measurement rules 40, 41, 42 and 44 above apply
2
28 Soffits of troughed slabs m 51 Measurement rules 41, 42 and 44 above apply
52 Shall be measured to the full extent of the troughed
area, the widths and centres of the ribs being stated
29 Troughs m 11 Closed ends

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 28

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

13 AddiƟonal requirements for formwork to slabs, beams and stairs (conƟnued)

30 Soffits of adjacent flush surfaces of troughed slabs m2 53 Measurement rules 40, 41, 42 and 44 above apply
31 Troughs of composite prefabricated beam and trough 12 Closed ends
slabs m
32 Bearers suppor ng prefabricated beams of composite 54 Shall be separated into groups propped to heights not
prefabricated beam and trough slabs m exceeding 3,5m and therea er in stages of 1,5m
33 Soffits of adjacent flush surfaces of composite prefabri- 55 Measurement rules 40, 41, 42 and 44 above apply
cated beam and trough slabs m2

14 Edges, risers, ends and reveals

34 Edges, risers, ends and reveals exceeding 300mm high 56 Shall be given together in one item 3 Includes edges of
or wide m2 57 Edges to concrete to be post-tensioned shall be given openings where
separately openings exceed
35 Edges, risers, ends and reveals not exceeding 300mm 58 Reveals of openings in sliding/climbing formwork shall 2m girth
high or wide m be given separately

15 ProjecƟons, grooves, etc

36 Projec ons, chamfers, splayed edges, grooves, rebates, 59 Dis nc on shall be made for the posi ons of 13 Stops, angles, etc
etc m projec ons, chamfers, etc rela ve to the component
60 The formwork to the general surfaces shall be meas-
ured past the projec ons, grooves, etc as if they do not
exist

37 Raised panels, pedestals, sinkings, etc No 61 Where applicable the formwork to the general surfaces
shall be measured past the raised panels, pedestals, etc
as if they do not exist

16 Openings
38 Openings not exceeding 2m girth No 62 Shall be grouped in stages of 1m girth

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 29

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

17 Movement joints etc

39 Movement joints and prescribed construc on joints 63 Descrip ons shall include joint forming material 14 Formwork
exceeding 300mm high or wide m2
40 Movement joints and prescribed construc on joints not
exceeding 300mm high or wide, rebated movement
joints and joggle construc on joints m

REINFORCEMENT
18 General
64 Reinforcement shall be classified according to quality 15 Bending, hooked ends and
65 No separa on of reinforcement shall be made for binding wire, cover blocks and
different concrete components spacers in accordance with
66 Indented or other deformed reinforcement shall be the relevant SABS codes of
given separately prac ce and maintaining in
67 Curved reinforcement and helical reinforcement shall posi on during concre ng
be given separately
68 Reinforcement in sliding/climbing formwork shall be
given separately
69 Reinforcement to be galvanised or otherwise treated
shall be given separately
70 Reinforcement shall be measured to the designed
lengths
71 Calcula on of masses shall be based on the values
shown in the relevant Structural Steel Tables issued by
the South African Ins tute of Steel Construc on
72 No allowance in the mass shall be made for rolling
margin

19 Reinforcement
41 Bar reinforcement t 73 Different diameters shall be given separately
74 Bars in lengths exceeding 13m and not exceeding 18m
shall be given separately and therea er in stages of 1m
75 Stools manufactured from round bar shall be included
in the mass of the reinforcement

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 30

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

19 Reinforcement (conƟnued)
42 Welded high chairs t
43 Mechanical splices and couplers No 16 Prepara on of bars
44 Rails, angles and other rolled steel sec ons t 76 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Structural Steelwork”
45 Twisted plate reinforcement m
46 Fabric reinforcement m2 77 Fabric reinforcement in cages shall be given separately 17 Bending to form cages
78 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 1m2

20 Pre-tensioned or post-tensioned reinforcement

47 General 79 The nature of the work and the general posi on and
accessibility of stressing anchors shall be described
80 The work shall be given under headings sta ng the
working load
48 Pre-tensioned and post-tensioned tendon reinforcement m 81 Tendon reinforcement shall be measured between anchor-
ages and descrip ons shall include sheathing, sleeves,
threaded inlets and bleed pipes, suppor ng chairs,
marking posi ons of cables and grou ng or lubrica ng
49 Prescribed couplers No 82 Descrip ons shall include corrosion protec on and
sleeves
50 Looped anchors, fanned anchors, dead anchors, 83 Descrip ons shall include helical anchor reinforcement,
intermediate anchors and stressing anchors at ends No recesses in concrete for anchors, holes through
formwork for tendons, tensioning, retensioning,
trimming ends of tendons, corrosion protec on, filling
in recesses and preparing prescribed tensioning records

21 Tests
51 Tests No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 31

PRECAST CONCRETE
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

1 General
1 Classified according to compressive strength or mix of 1 Moulds
the backing and type of facing or finish
2 Work of similar design shall be suitably grouped under
headings sta ng the general requirements
3 Reinforcement may be included in the descrip ons or
given separately in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement”
4 Bedding, join ng and poin ng, finishing coats of sealer
and the like and prescribed protec ve measures shall
be included in the descrip ons
5 Metal cramps, dowels, brackets, bolts, etc and mor ces
and grou ng shall be included in the descrip ons of the
relevant precast concrete components where expedient
6 Alterna vely metal cramps, dowels, brackets, bolts, etc
and mor ces and grou ng may be given separately in
number

2 Wall linings
1 Wall linings m2 7 Shall be separated into groups for slabs not exceeding
0,5m2 on face and therea er in successive stages of
0,5m2
8 Circular wall linings shall be given separately measured
over the finished face and sta ng the radius
9 No deduc on shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 0,5m2

2 Finished edges m
3 Circular cu ng m

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 32

PRECAST CONCRETE conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

3 Slab paving
4 Slab paving m2 10 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 0,5m2
5 Finished edges m
6 Circular cu ng m

4 Copings, sills, etc

7 Copings, sills, strings, cornices, steps and the like m 11 Circular work shall be given separately sta ng the mean
radius, dis nc on being made between straight and
curved lengths

8 Special blocks forming fair ends, rounded ends, angles, 12 Shall be given as extra over
intersec ons, etc No

5 Sundry components
9 Sundry components such as plant boxes, bins, etc No

6 Joint sealants, joinƟng strips, etc

10 Joint sealants, join ng strips, etc m 13 Alterna vely joint sealants, join ng strips, etc may be
included in the descrip ons of the relevant precast
concrete where expedient

7 Holes, notches, etc

11 Holes, notches, etc No 1 Formed a er
manufacturing of
component

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 33

MASONRY
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
MASONRY WORK
1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Classified according to material and quality of the 1 Wedging, pinning, building
masonry unit, the bond and the composi on of the solid against frames etc
mortar 2 Bedding of roof coverings,
2 Separate items shall be given for different components wall plates, base plates, etc
such as underpinning, mass work, piers, projec ons, 3 Ven la on flues through
breasts, stacks, chimneys, walls and linings walls for air bricks etc
3 Por ons of walling between openings shall not be 4 Building ends of ra ers,
regarded as piers joists, bars, pipes, bolts, etc
4 Work threaded over ver cal reinforcement shall be into or through masonry
given separately work
5 Circular work shall be given separately

2 Concrete filling
1 Concrete filling to hollow walls, blockwork, etc 6 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement”
7 Alterna vely concrete filling may be included in the
descrip ons of the relevant items

BRICKWORK
3 Mass brickwork and piers
2 Mass brickwork, irregular shaped piers and the like m3 8 No deduc ons shall be made for voids not exceeding
0,1m3

4 Regular shaped piers

3 Rectangular, L-shaped, X-shaped piers and the like m3 9 No deduc ons shall be made for voids not exceeding
0,1m3
10 Alterna vely regular shaped piers may be given in
metres

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 34

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

5 Walls and linings

4 Solid walls and linings m2 11 Ba ered walls, ie walls of uniform thickness built to 5 Temporary supports to over-
ba er, shall be given separately sta ng the rate sailing faces
of ba er 6 Single wire type wall es
12 Brickwork with ba ered or oversailing face on one side 7 Hacking face or raking out
shall be given separately, sta ng the average thickness joints of new brickwork for
and the rate of ba er key for finishes
13 Wall es other than single wire type shall be included in
the descrip ons
14 No deduc ons shall be made for openings and recesses
not exceeding 0,5m2

5 Hollow walls m2 15 The skins of hollow walls shall not be measured 8 Single wire type wall es
separately but the overall thickness and the thickness of 9 Hacking face or raking out
the individual skins shall be stated joints of new brickwork for
16 Wall es other than single wire type shall be included in key for finishes
the descrip ons 10 Open perpends
17 No deduc ons shall be made for openings and recesses
not exceeding 0,5m2

6 Beamfilling
6 Beamfilling m2

7 VaulƟng
7 Vaul ng m2 18 Descrip ons shall include centering

8 Brick lintels
8 Brick lintels m2 19 Shall be given separately only when the type of brick
and/or the composi on of the mortar differs from the
adjoining work

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 35

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory Notes
to include

9 Forming toothings and bonding

9 Forming toothings and bonding new brickwork to
exis ng m2

10 Hacking face or raking out joints of exisƟng brickwork for key

10 Hacking face or raking out joints of exis ng brickwork
for key for finishes m2

11 Building brickwork to a fair face

11 Building brickwork to a fair face m2 20 Shall be given as extra over

12 Flues
12 Flues and finishing smooth thereof m 21 Horizontal, ver cal and raking flues shall be given
separately

13 Splayed mortar fillets in caviƟes

13 Splayed mortar fillets in cavi es of hollow walls m 11 Mitres etc

14 Closing caviƟes
14 Brickwork in closing cavi es of hollow walls m 22 Horizontal, ver cal and raking closing of cavi es shall be
given separately

15 ProjecƟons and cores

15 Pilasters, bands, oversailing courses, cores for mouldings 23 Horizontal, ver cal and raking projec ons shall be given 12 Angles, ends, etc
and the like projec ng beyond the face of the wall m separately
16 Cores for shields, rose es, etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 36

000
MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

16 Rough arches
17 Rough arches No 24 Shall be described as extra for rough arch sta ng the
shape, width of soffit, span and number of rings or
depth
25 Descrip ons shall include centres

17 Rough niches
18 Rough niches No 26 Shall be measured only when not rectangular
27 Descrip ons shall include closing of cavi es in hollow
walls, arches, shaped backs and heads, centres, etc

18 Joint forming material in movement joints

19 Joint forming material in movement joints m2

19 Reinforcement to brickwork
20 Steel fabric and welded reinforcement m 13 Building in
21 Bar reinforcement t 28 Different diameters shall be given separately

20 Fabricated lintels
22 Fabricated lintels m 29 Shall be grouped in lengths not exceeding 3m and 14 Propping
therea er in stages of 1,5m

21 Turning pieces
23 Turning pieces to brick lintels etc m 15 Propping

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 37

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
FACE BRICKWORK
22 General
30 Dis nc on for circular work shall be made between
work exceeding and not exceeding 2m radius

23 Face brickwork
24 Face brickwork m2 31 Shall be given as extra over brickwork 16 Poin ng exposed tops or
32 Face brickwork to reveals and returns shall be measured soffits of ba ered and
to the net area exposed and shall be included with the oversailing work
general measurement of face brickwork
33 Face brickwork to piers and pilasters shall be given
separately
34 Face brickwork to beamfilling shall be given separately
35 Face brickwork with ba ered or oversailing face shall be
given separately, sta ng the rate of ba er

24 Walls faced both sides

25 Single skin brick walls faced both sides m2
26 Double skin brick walls faced both sides built in a bond
that requires headers m2

25 Cut face brick linings

27 Cut face brick linings to concrete etc m2 36 Wall es shall be included in the descrip ons

26 Fair cuƫng to face brickwork

28 Fair raking, splay, circular and stepped cu ng and fair 37 Alterna vely fair cu ng may be included with the items
cut squint quoins and birdsmouth angles m causing the cu ng
29 Fair cu ng and fi ng around pipes No 38 Shall be grouped for pipes not exceeding 100mm
external diameter and therea er in stages of 100mm
external diameter

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 38

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

26 Fair cuƫng to face brickwork (conƟnued)

30 Fair cu ng and fi ng around joists, girders and the like No 39 Shall be measured only when cu ng to irregular profile
is required. The shape and size of the joists, girders, etc
shall be stated
31 Forming toothings and bonding new face brickwork to
exis ng m

27 Special face bricks at angles

32 Special face bricks at squint quoins, birdsmouth angles, 40 Shall be given as extra over face brickwork 17 Angles, ends, etc
splayed or rounded angles and the like m

28 Face brick bands

33 Face brick bands m 41 Shall be given as extra over brickwork 18 Angles, ends, etc
42 Horizontal, ver cal and raking face brick bands shall be
given separately
43 Descrip ons shall include projec ng or recessed
courses

29 Face brick copings, lintels, sills, etc

34 Face brick copings, lintels, sills, etc m 44 Horizontal and raking face brick copings etc shall be 19 Angles, ends, etc
given separately

30 Face brick arches

35 Face brick arches No 45 Shall be given as extra over brickwork 20 Consequent cu ng
46 The shape, width of soffit, span and number of rings or
depth, extent of poin ng and whether formed of
standard or special bricks, shall be stated
47 Descrip ons shall include centres

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 39

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

31 Face brick niches

36 Face brick niches No 48 Shall be measured only when not rectangular 21 Consequent cu ng
49 Shall be given as extra over brickwork
50 Descrip ons shall include closing of cavi es in hollow
walls, arches, shaped backs and heads, centres, etc and
whether formed of standard or special bricks

BLOCKWORK
32 General
37 Blockwork 51 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing
principles with the following being applicable in addi on
52 Descrip ons shall include standard complementary
blocks such as corner, three-quarter, half and
quarter blocks prescribed for the construc on of
corners, reveals, ends of walls, etc and for bonding

33 Piers and pilasters

38 Piers and pilasters m 53 Descrip ons shall include corner blocks

34 Special blocks for copings, sills, lintels, etc

39 Special blocks for copings, sills, lintels, etc m 22 Angles, ends, etc

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 40

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
PAVING ETC
35 Paving
40 Paving of bricks, concrete blocks, cement les, quarry 54 The pa ern shall be stated
les, etc m2 55 Features differing from the pa ern shall be given
separately and descrip ons shall include consequent
cu ng
56 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 0,5m2
41 Margins and borders m 23 Fair edges, angles, ends, etc
42 Circular cu ng m 57 Measured only when not included with the items
causing the cu ng
43 Steps, kerbs, channels, etc m 24 Angles, ends, etc

NATURAL STONEWORK
RUBBLE WALLING
36 Mass and irregular rubble work
44 Mass and irregular rubble work m3 58 No deduc ons shall be made for voids not exceeding
0,1m3

37 Walls and linings

45 Walls and linings m2 59 No deduc ons shall be made for openings and recesses
not exceeding 0,5m2

38 Beamfilling
46 Beamfilling m2

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 41

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

39 Facing and poinƟng

47 Facing and poin ng 60 Facing and poin ng shall be included in the descrip ons
of the relevant rubble work when prac cable. When not
prac cable facing and poin ng shall be given separately
in square meters, no dis nc on being made for different
components

40 Copings, sills, etc

48 Copings, sills, lintels, arches and the like which differ from 61 Alterna vely copings, sills, lintels, arches and the like 25 Angles, fair ends, etc
the general work m which differ from the general work may be given in
number

41 Pitched angles
49 Pitched angles m 62 Descrip ons shall state whether pitched from one or
both faces

42 Trimming to receive plaster etc

50 Trimming to receive plaster etc m2

43 Flues
51 Flues and finishing smooth thereof m

44 Niches
52 Niches No

45 Turning pieces and centres

53 Turning pieces to lintels etc m 26 Propping
54 Centres to arches No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 42

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
STONEWORK OF SLATE, MARBLE, GRANITE, ETC
46 ClassificaƟon etc
63 Shall be classified according to the nature of the work
such as ashlar walling, linings, paving, plinths, arches, etc
64 Circular work, circular sunk work, spherical work and
spherical sunk work shall be given separately, the radius
being stated
65 Labours shall be included in the descrip ons of the
relevant work when prac cable. When not prac cable
labours shall be given separately
66 Descrip ons shall state the type of dressing and
dis nc on shall be made for sunk labours

47 Ashlar walling, linings and paving

55 Ashlar walling, linings and paving m2 67 Shall be measured over the exposed surface and
separated into groups for stones not exceeding 0,5m2
on face and therea er in successive stages of 0,5m2
68 No deduc ons shall be made for openings and recesses
not exceeding 0,5m2
56 Circular cu ng m

48 Margins, skirƟngs, cornices, etc

57 Margins, skir ngs, cornices, copings, sills, kerbs, steps, 69 Shall be measured to the mean length
etc m
58 Special stones in angles, returned ends, apexes, etc No 70 Shall be given as extra over

49 Mouldings
59 Mouldings m 71 Shall be measured to the mean length
72 Descrip ons shall state the girth, width and projec on
60 Stopped ends, mitres, etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 43

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

50 Columns, piers, etc

61 Columns, piers, lintels, etc and single stone sills, steps,
thresholds, etc No

51 Special features
62 Stones in arches, surrounds, etc and in features which
differ in material or finish from the general work No

52 Rough rebates, grooves, etc

63 Rough rebates, grooves, chases, joggle joints, etc m 27 Stops, mitres, etc

53 Fair edges, angles, etc

64 Fair edges, rounded angles, chamfers, splays, rebates,
flutes, throats, etc m
65 Stopped ends, mitres, etc No

54 Holes, notches, etc

66 Holes, notches, etc No

55 Cramps, dowels, etc

67 Metal cramps, dowels, es, etc and mor ces and 73 Shall be included in the descrip ons of the relevant
grou ng stonework where expedient
74 Alterna vely metal cramps, dowels, es, etc may be
given separately in number

56 Turning pieces and centres

68 Turning pieces to lintels etc m 28 Propping
69 Centres to arches No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 44

MASONRY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
MISCELLANEOUS
57 Bagging
70 Bagging walls m2
71 Bagging ceilings m2

58 Quarry Ɵles, cement Ɵles, fibre-cement, etc

72 Sills, copings, etc of quarry les, cement les, 75 May be given in this trade when appropriate in
fibre-cement and the like accordance with the foregoing principles

59 Ornamental blocks, glass blocks, etc

73 Decora ve screen walling and grilles of ornamental 76 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing
blocks, glass blocks, etc principles

60 Hoop iron Ɵes, cramps, etc

74 Hoop iron es between concrete and masonry work, roof
es, cramps to frames, etc No

61 Air bricks, etc

75 Air bricks, chimney pots, etc No

62 Fireplaces
76 Fireplaces No 77 Alterna vely fireplaces may be given in detail in
accordance with the foregoing principles

63 Special features
77 Circular columns, entasised columns, moulded panels,
etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 45

WATERPROOFING
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
DAMP PROOF COURSE
1 General
1 Damp proof course m2 1 No dis nc on shall be made for horizontal, ver cal, in
hollow walls, under sills, etc

WATERPROOFING
2 ClassificaƟon
2 Shall be classified according to the nature of the work
and be given under appropriate headings such as to
underground structures, roofs, walls, facades,
miscellaneous waterproofing, etc

SHEET OR MEMBRANE WATERPROOFING

3 Sheet or membrane waterproofing
2 Waterproofing to floors, roofs, balconies, showers, 3 Waterproofing to floors and roofs shall be given in the 1 Dressing generally 1 Overlapping of
inverted beams, box gu ers, channels, ducts, walls, etc m2 following categories: 2 Dressing into channels turn-ups and turn-
3.1 Flat – not exceeding 25 degrees from the horizontal downs with
3.2 Sloping – exceeding 25 degrees from the horizontal waterproofing to
sta ng the pitch ver cal surfaces
4 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc shall not be
not exceeding 0,5m2 regarded as laps
5 Waterproofing in turn-ups and turn-downs not
exceeding 300mm girth shall be included in the general
areas
6 Preparatory work, priming coats, adhesives, etc and
paper, felt, plas c and other underlays shall be included
in the descrip ons
7 Work to circular surfaces shall be given separately,
dis nc on being made between circular and spherical
work
3 Waterproofing in turn-ups and turn-downs exceeding
300mm girth m2

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 46

WATERPROOFING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

3 Sheet or membrane waterproofing (conƟnued)

4 Addi onal membranes, fillets and sealing at turn-ups and 3 Angles etc
turn-downs m
5 Dressing around pipes, handrails, into outlets, etc No 8 Shall be suitably grouped
9 Descrip ons shall include addi onal membranes, gussets,
collars, etc
6 Waterproofing to sumps, catchpits, etc No

4 ProtecƟon
7 Paint, crushed stone layer, ling, etc m2

5 Flashing strips
8 Flashing strips m 4 Angles etc

TROWELLED-ON WATERPROOFING
6 Trowelled-on waterproofing
9 Waterproofing to floors, roofs, balconies, showers, 10 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing principles 5 Labours such as fair, rounded
inverted beams, box gu ers, channels, ducts, walls, with the following being applicable in addi on: and chamfered edges, trowel
thresholds, etc m2 10.1 Dis nc on shall be made between work to circular cuts, arrises, rounded
and spherical surfaces exceeding and not exceeding external angles, etc
300mm radius
10 Waterproofing in turn-ups and turn-downs m 11 The average height shall be stated 6 Angles etc
12 Fillets shall be included in the descrip ons

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 47

WATERPROOFING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
LIQUID WATERPROOFING
7 Liquid waterproofing
11 Liquid waterproofing brushed or sprayed on m2 13 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 0,5m2

8 Membrane reinforced liquid waterproofing

12 Membrane reinforced liquid waterproofing brushed or 14 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
sprayed on m2 not exceeding 0,5m2
13 Dressing around pipes, handrails, into outlets, etc No 15 Descrip ons shall include addi onal membranes,
gussets, collars, etc

WATERSTOPS, SEALING STRIPS, JOINT SEALANTS, ETC

9 Waterstops, sealing strips, etc
14 Waterstops m 7 Joints 2 Rubber and other
proprietary water-
stops in expansion
joints etc
15 Angles and intersec ons to waterstops No
16 Sealing strips etc m 8 Joints, angles, intersec ons, 3 Polyolefin and other
etc proprietary sealing
tape over expansion
joints etc

10 Joint sealants
17 Joint sealants m 16 Sealants to joints in top surfaces, ver cal surfaces and 4 Resilient sealants to
soffits shall be given separately expansion joints etc

11 Waterproofing addiƟves
18 Waterproofing addi ves to concrete, plaster and the like 17 Shall be included in the appropriate items in the relevant
trades

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 48

ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
SLATES, TILES AND SHINGLES
1 General
1 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings m2 1 Shall be given in the following categories: 1 One-and-a-half width slates,
1.1 Roof coverings with pitches not exceeding les or shingles at verges
25 degrees 2 Holes for fixing and notches
1.2 Roof coverings with pitches exceeding
25 degrees sta ng the pitch
1.3 Side claddings
1.4 Soffit claddings
1.5 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings to
dormers, turrets, etc
2 Circular, spherical and conical work shall each be given
separately sta ng the radius
3 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants etc
not exceeding 0,5m2
4 Ba ens, underlays and fixing accessories shall be
included in the descrip ons
5 Alterna vely ba ens may be given in “Carpentry and
Joinery”

2 Circular cuƫng
2 Circular cu ng m

3 Eaves and verges

3 Undercloak course and any bedding and poin ng m
4 Double eaves course m 6 Shall be given as extra over and descrip ons shall include
fixing clips and l ng fillets
5 Verge capping les m

4 Ridges, hips, closed valleys and verƟcal angles

6 Ridges, hips, closed valleys and ver cal angles m 7 Descrip ons shall include soakers and addi onal ba ens 3 Ends, intersec ons, etc

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 49

ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

5 Purpose made Ɵles

7 Purpose made les to ends and to intersec ons between 8 Shall be given as extra over
ridges and hips, ven la on les, etc No

6 InsulaƟon
8 Insula on m2 9 Descrip ons shall include suppor ng wires and fixing
accessories

THATCH
7 General
9 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings m2 10 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc 4 Dressing to hips, valleys,
not exceeding 0,5m2 eaves, verges and top edges
11 Dis nc on shall be made between general roof slopes
and dormers, turrets, etc
12 Thatch incorpora ng a spread layer to exposed soffit
shall be given separately
13 Ba ens, fixing rods, binding twine, fire retardant
underlays or interlays and fireproofing treatment shall
be included in the descrip ons

8 Ridges and apex caps

10 Ridges m 5 Ends, intersec ons, etc
11 Apex caps No

9 Ornamental bands and runners

12 Ornamental bands and runners m 6 Ends, intersec ons, etc

10 Prefabricated ridges, hips, ends, intersecƟons, etc

13 Ridges and hips m
14 Ends, intersec ons, etc No 14 Shall be given as extra over

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 50

ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
PROFILED SHEETING OF METAL, FIBRE-CEMENT, PLASTIC, ETC
11 General
15 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings m2 15 Shall be measured net on the undeveloped surface area 7 Holes for fixing and notches
and shall be given in the following categories: 8 Forming drips and turn-ups
15.1 Roof coverings with pitches not exceeding to troughs of metal roof
25 degrees covering
15.2 Roof coverings with pitches exceeding 25 degrees
sta ng the pitch
15.3 Side claddings
15.4 Soffit claddings
15.5 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings to
dormers, turrets, etc
16 Roof coverings in single sheets exceeding 13m shall be
given separately
17 Circular work shall be given separately sta ng the radius
18 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants etc
not exceeding 0,5m2
19 Fixing accessories, sealing strips to laps and seam
s tching shall be included in the descrip ons

12 Circular cuƫng
16 Circular cu ng m

13 Cranks, bullnoses and curved turn-ups

17 Cranks, bullnoses and curved turn-ups m 20 Shall be given as extra over sta ng the angle and, where
appropriate, the radius

14 Rolled edges at verges

18 Rolled edges at verges m

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 51

ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

15 Accessories
19 Accessories such as closers, ridge and hip coverings, 9 Holes for fixing, notches, ends,
flashings, etc m angles and intersec ons
20 End caps, finials, etc No

16 Special sheets
21 Ven lator sheets, sheets with flanges for pipes, etc No 21 Shall be given as extra over the shee ng in which they
occur
22 Panels of translucent shee ng and isolated translucent 22 Shall be given as extra over the shee ng in which they
sheets m2 occur
23 Alterna vely panels and sheets may be given in number
as extra over

17 Roof venƟlators and rooflights

23 Roof ven lators and rooflights No 24 Alterna vely ven lators and rooflights may be given in
metres in which case ends, corners, etc shall be given in
number as extra over

18 InsulaƟon
24 Insula on m2 25 Descrip ons shall include suppor ng wires and fixing
accessories

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 52

ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
FLAT SHEET METAL
19 General
25 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings m2 26 Shall be given in the following categories: 10 Angles, bending, dressing,
26.1 Roof coverings with pitches not exceeding bossing, wedging, holes for
25 degrees fixing and notches
26.2 Roof coverings with pitches exceeding 25 degrees
sta ng the pitch
26.3 Side claddings
26.4 Soffit claddings
26.5 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings to
dormers, turrets, etc
27 Circular, spherical and conical work shall be given
separately sta ng the radius
28 Turn-ups and turn-downs shall be added to the general
areas
29 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants etc
not exceeding 0,5m2
30 Laps, seams, welts, clips, tacks, soldered dots, rive ng,
soldering, brazing, burning and nailing shall be included
in the descrip ons sta ng the extent of the laps and the
type of seam, welt, etc

20 Circular cuƫng
26 Circular cu ng m

21 End caps, finials, etc

27 End caps, finials, etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 53

ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
SHEET METAL FLASHINGS, LININGS, COPINGS, ETC
22 General
31 Laps, seams, welts, clips, tacks, soldered dots, rive ng, 11 Angles, bending, dressing,
soldering, brazing, burning and nailing shall be included bossing, wedging, holes for
in the descrip ons sta ng the extent of the laps and the fixing and notches
type of seam, welt, etc
32 The radius of circular work shall be stated
28 Circular cu ng m 33 Alterna vely circular cu ng may be included in the
descrip ons

23 Flashings
29 Flashings m2 34 Alterna vely flashings may be given in metres 12 Ends, angles and intersec ons
35 Stepped cover flashings to roof pitches exceeding
25 degrees shall be given separately sta ng the pitch
36 Alterna vely flashings may be included with the relevant
items of roof coverings and side claddings
30 Flashings around pipes through roof coverings etc No 37 Shall be grouped for pipes not exceeding 100mm
external diameter and therea er in stages of 100mm

24 Linings, copings, etc

31 Linings to valleys and gu ers, copings and the like m2 38 Alterna vely linings etc may be given in metres 13 Ends, angles and intersec ons

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 54

CARPENTRY AND JOINERY
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
GENERAL
1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Timber 1 Shall be classified according to species and quality
2 Any required pre-treatment such as kiln drying and im-
pregna on and any required pre-selec on shall be stated
3 Sawn and wrought mbers shall be given separately
sta ng the finished size
4 Timber described as wrought shall be deemed to be
wrought on all faces
5 Wrought faces on sawn mbers shall be included in the
descrip ons of linear items but may be given in square
metres where expedient
6 Circular work shall be given separately sta ng the radius
and where necessary, sta ng which faces are circular

2 Protec ve surface treatment such as creosote m2

2 Labours
3 Circular cu ng, rounded angles, rebates, grooves, 7 Labours shall be included in the descrip ons of mber 1 Mitres, intersec ons, splay cut
chamfers, moulded edges, etc m which is given linear ends, stops, etc
4 Rounded corners, scribed ends, shaped ends, etc No

3 Fixing
5 Fixing mberwork 8 The method of fixing shall be stated 2 Nails, screws, plugs, adhesives,
9 Holes and tapping of metalwork for the fixing of mber holes, sinking, etc
may be included in the descrip ons of the relevant
mberwork or included with the relevant metalwork
10 Descrip ons shall include pelle ng

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 55

CARPENTRY AND JOINERY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
STRUCTURAL TIMBERWORK ETC
4 Structural Ɵmbers
6 Structural mbers m 11 Shall be measured to net lengths as fixed 3 Joints in the length
12 Structural mbers, other than laminated mbers, 4 Holes, splay cut ends and
required to be in single lengths, shall be given in the mitres
following categories:
12.1 Lengths not exceeding 2,4m
12.2 Lengths exceeding 2,4m and not exceeding 3,9m
12.3 Lengths exceeding 3,9m and not exceeding 6,6m
12.4 Lengths exceeding 6,6m
13 Laminated mbers required to be in single lengths
exceeding 13m and not exceeding 18m shall be given
separately and therea er in stages of 1m
14 Members of roof trusses may be grouped together but
wall plates, bearers, bracing, purlins, ba ens, fillets,
trimmers, floor and ceiling joists and the like shall be
given separately

7 Wrought ends and wrought and shaped ends of sawn

mber No
8 Fasteners, clips and connectors such as split rings and 5 Grooves for split rings
toothed rings No
9 Shaped laminated mbers such as portal frames,
arches, etc No

5 Plate nailed Ɵmber roof truss construcƟon

10 Plate nailed mber roof trusses No 6 Splay cut ends, mitres, join ng,
wrought and shaped ends,
connec ons, bolts, cleats,
gussets and mber connectors

11 Valleys and hips Sets

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 56

CARPENTRY AND JOINERY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

5 Plate nailed Ɵmber roof truss construcƟon (conƟnued)

12 Wall plates, bracing, purlins, ba ens, etc 15 Shall be given in accordance with clause 4 “Structural
mbers”
13 Alterna ve 16 Alterna vely plate nailed mber roof truss construc on
may be given as an item in which case descrip ons shall
include wall plates, bracing, purlins, ba ens, etc

6 Roof boarding
14 Roof and weather boarding, boarding to tank stands, 17 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc 7 Notches and holes
gu er boarding and the like m2 not exceeding 0,5m2

15 Nosings and edge strips m 8 Mitres and intersec ons

16 Trapdoors No 18 Shall be given as extra over and descrip ons shall
include trimmers, margins, cover strips, etc

7 Eaves and verges

17 Eaves soffit covering 19 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Ceilings, Par ons and Access Flooring”
18 Fascias, barge boards, etc m 20 Join ng strips shall be included in the descrip ons 9 Mitres and intersec ons

FLOORS
8 Floors
19 Boarding m2 21 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc 10 Notches and holes
not exceeding 0,5m2
20 Boarding on concrete floors m2
21 Ba ens for boarding on concrete floors m 22 Fixing accessories such as clips, wire es, anchors, etc
and saw-cuts in ba ens for same shall be included in
the descrip ons
22 Skir ngs m 23 Skir ngs stepped over treads and risers of stairs shall be
given separately

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 57

CARPENTRY AND JOINERY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
TIMBER DOORS, WINDOWS, ETC
9 Doors, windows, sashes, etc
23 Doors, windows, sashes, fanlights, fly screens and 24 Descrip ons shall include weatherboards, glazing
shu ers No beads, fixing beads, edge strips, etc
25 Descrip ons of cased frames with sashes shall
include pulleys, cords, counter weights and spring
balances

10 Frames etc
24 Frames, mullions, transoms, posts, linings, architraves, 26 Framed work shall be given separately 11 Mitres and intersec ons
cover strips, beads, etc m 27 Alterna vely frames for doors and windows may be
given in number
28 Descrip ons shall include rounded angles, rebates,
grooves, chamfers, moulded edges, etc

SUNDRY JOINERY
11 Rails etc
25 Dado rails, picture rails, etc m 12 Mitres and intersec ons

12 Shelves and fiƫngs

26 Shelves, divisions, sides, tops and the like m2 29 Solid mber exceeding 300mm wide shall be given 13 Housing, notches and holes
separately
30 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants,
etc not exceeding 0,1m2
31 Descrip ons shall include edge strips applied during
manufacture
27 Edge strips and veneered or thermose ng plas c 14 Mitres and intersec ons
edges applied a er manufacture m
28 Thermose ng plas c laminate boards with formed
edges No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 58

CARPENTRY AND JOINERY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

12 Shelves and fiƫngs (conƟnued)

29 Standards, rails, cover strips, beads, skir ngs, etc 32 Framed work shall be given separately 15 Mitres and intersec ons
to fi ngs m
30 Fi ngs 33 Shall be measured in detail under headings and given in
accordance with the foregoing principles and when of
similar design shall be suitably grouped sta ng the
general requirements and the number
34 Alterna vely fi ngs may be given in number
31 Doors, drawers, cash bowls and the like No 35 Timber guides and runners shall be included in the
descrip ons of the drawers
32 No ce boards, keyboards, blackboards, 36 Alterna vely no ce boards, keyboards, blackboards,
duckboards, etc No duckboards, etc may be measured in detail and given in
accordance with the foregoing principles

13 Stairs
33 General 37 Stairs of similar design shall be suitably grouped under
headings sta ng the general requirements
34 Flooring to landings m2
35 Treads and risers m 38 Descrip ons shall include blocking pieces
36 Brackets, housed ends, returned ends, rounded
ends, quadrant ends, curtail ends, etc No
37 Winders No
38 Bearers, stringers, apron linings, cappings, handrails, 39 Wreathed work shall be so described 16 Mitres and intersec ons
etc m 40 Con nuous handrails shall be so described and
descrip ons shall include heading joints
39 Bends, ramps, knees, wreaths, scrolled ends, etc No 41 Shall be given as extra over
40 Balusters and newels No 42 Descrip ons shall include framing and housing
43 Balusters and newels framed or housed on rake shall
be given separately

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 59

CARPENTRY AND JOINERY conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

14 Panelling
41 Panelling m2 44 Descrip ons shall state whether panels are to be 17 Notches and holes
matched
45 Framed panelling shall be suitably grouped for panels of
different widths and descrip ons shall state the height
and the number of panels to the height and shall include
fixing beads etc
46 Spandrel panelling shall be given separately
47 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 0,1m2
48 No allowance shall be made in the measurement of
boarded panelling for laps and tongues and net widths
of boards shall be stated
42 Acous c and vermin-proof linings, fabric backings, 49 Alterna vely acous c and vermin-proof linings, fabric
etc m2 backings, etc may be included in the descrip ons of the
panelling
43 Grounds m 50 Alterna vely grounds may be included in the 18 Mitres and intersec ons
descrip ons of the panelling
44 Skir ngs, plinths, cappings, bolec on moulds,
cover strips, beads, edge strips and surrounds m
45 Posts, pilasters, pediments, canopies, etc No

PROCESSED MATERIALS
15 PlasƟc, fibre-cement, etc
46 Plas c, fibre-cement, etc 51 Plas c, fibre-cement and other processed materials shall
be given in accordance with the foregoing principles

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 60

CEILINGS, PARTITIONS AND ACCESS FLOORING
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
CEILINGS
1 General
1 Ceilings shall be given under headings separa ng nailed- 1 Notches and holes
up and suspended ceilings, dis nc on being made
between horizontal, sloping and ver cal ceilings
2 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 0,5m2
3 Brandering shall be included in the descrip ons of
nailed-up ceilings. When brandering is not to a regular
pa ern it shall be given separately in metres
4 Circular work shall be given separately sta ng the mean
radius
5 Proprietary support systems for suspended ceilings shall
be included in the descrip ons of the ceilings
5.1 When the support system is not to a regular
pa ern it shall be given separately, in which case
brandering or bearers shall be given in metres and
hangers in number
5.2 A general descrip on of the suppor ng structure
from which ceilings are suspended shall be given
5.3 Separate items shall be given for ceilings etc
suspended not exceeding 1m below suspension
level and therea er in successive stages of 1m
6 Cover strips, join ng strips, etc shall be included in the
descrip ons
7 Plastering shall be included in the descrip ons

1 Ceilings m2
2 Circular cu ng m
3 Flush margins and borders not exceeding 1,2m wide of 8 Shall be given in successive widths of 300mm
material differing from the general ceiling material m

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 61

CEILINGS, PARTITIONS AND ACCESS FLOORING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
1 General (conƟnued)
4 Bulkheads in ceilings which occur at a level or plane 9 Dimensions of all faces shall be given in the descrip on
differing from the general ceiling level or plane, of which 10 Por ons in excess of 1,2m shall be included with the
no horizontal, ver cal or sloping dimension exceeds ceilings where expedient or given separately in m2
1,2m m 11 Alterna vely, when linear measurement is not
prac cable, bulkheads shall be given in detail in
appropriate items

5 Fire barriers and the like m 12 Alterna vely, when linear measurement is not
prac cable, fire barriers and the like shall be given in
detail in appropriate items
6 Trapdoors No 13 Shall be given as extra over ceilings, bulkheads, etc 2 Trimmers
7 Cornices m 3 Mitres and intersec ons
8 Openings for light fi ngs, mechanical diffusers, etc No 14 Shall be given as extra over ceilings, bulkheads, etc 4 Addi onal trimmers, hangers,
etc
9 Insula on materials such as fibreglass and slagwool m2 15 Sta ng whether in panels such as between roof mbers
etc

PARTITIONS
2 ParƟƟons
10 Par ons m 16 Descrip ons shall include finishes 5 Notches and holes other than
17 Alterna vely finishes may be given in appropriate items in glass
in accordance with the principles laid down in the 6 Cleats, screws, bolts, plates,
relevant trades etc
11 Notches and holes in glass No
12 Ends, intersec ons, openings, doors and frames, special 18 Shall be given as extra over
panels, etc No 19 Descrip ons shall include ironmongery and finishes
20 Alterna vely ironmongery and finishes may be given in
appropriate items in accordance with the principles laid
down in the relevant trades

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 62

CEILINGS, PARTITIONS AND ACCESS FLOORING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

2 ParƟƟons (conƟnued)
13 Par ons (alterna ve) 21 When linear measurement is not prac cable, par ons 7 Notches and holes other than
shall be measured in detail in which case boards, glass, in glass
etc shall be given in square metres, standards, rails, mul- 8 Mitres, intersec ons, cleats,
lions, transoms, skir ngs, cornices, cappings, beads, etc screws, bolts, plates, etc
in metres and panels, doors, fanlights, borrowed lights
and frames in number
22 Ironmongery and finishes shall be given in accordance
with the principles laid down in the relevant trades

14 Circular cu ng m
15 Insula on materials such as fibreglass and slagwool if not
included with panels etc m2

ACCESS FLOORING
3 Access flooring
16 Access flooring m2 23 Descrip ons shall include panels, support system, 9 Li ing and replacing panels
coverings, etc for work executed under
24 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, floors by others
etc not exceeding 0,5m2
17 Ven la on grille panels, strengthened panels, etc No 25 Shall be given as extra over
18 Junc ons against walls, columns, etc m 26 Circular junc ons shall be given separately 10 Addi onal pedestals and other
support members
19 Movement joints m
20 Dividers and fire barriers below access flooring m
21 Holes and outlets through floor panels and dividers No
22 Li ing tools No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 63

FLOOR COVERINGS, WALL LININGS, ETC
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

1 Coverings and linings

1 Wood block, wood mosaic, thermoplas c, vinyl, 1 Preparatory work, priming coats and adhesives shall be
linoleum, rubber, cork, carpe ng and other similar included in the descrip ons
coverings and linings m2 2 Descrip ons shall include welding of plas c or rubber
3 Descrip ons shall include underfelt for carpe ng
4 Margins, borders and turn-ups exceeding 500mm wide
or high shall be included in the general areas
5 Linings to reveals etc shall be included in the general
areas
6 Work to circular surfaces shall be given separately
7 Dished flooring shall be given separately
8 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants,
etc not exceeding 0,5m2

2 Circular cuƫng
2 Circular cu ng m

3 Margins, borders and turn-ups

3 Margins, borders and turn-ups not exceeding 500mm 9 Circular work may include circular cu ng to surrounding 1 Mitres etc
wide or high m work where expedient

4 Insets
4 Insets m or 10 Circular work may include circular cu ng to surrounding 2 Mitres etc
No work where expedient

5 Edge and cover strips

5 Edge and cover strips m 3 Mitres etc

6 SkirƟngs
6 Skir ngs of vinyl etc m 11 Skir ngs stepped over treads and risers of stairs shall be 4 Mitres etc
given separately

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 64

FLOOR COVERINGS, WALL LININGS, ETC conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

7 Stairs
7 Covering to treads and risers m2 12 Covering to winding stairs shall be given separately
8 Combined tread and riser coverings m 5 Mitres etc

8 Nosings
9 Nosings m 6 Mitres etc

9 PlasƟc handrails
10 Plas c handrails m 7 Running joints, bends, wreaths,
mitres, closed ends, etc

10 Polish, sealers, etc

11 Polish, sealers, etc m2 13 Alterna vely polish, sealers, etc may be included in the
descrip ons

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 65

IRONMONGERY
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Ironmongery fixed to mber, metalwork, masonry, etc 1 Screws, plugs, etc and the
shall be given separately prepara on of mber,
2 Prepara on of metal doors and frames to receive metalwork, masonry, etc
ironmongery shall be included with the doors and
frames or given separately in “Metalwork” as
prescribed

2 Components
1 Con nuous hinges, tracks, channels, rods, rails, bars, etc m
2 Hinges, locks, handles, catches, hooks, towel rails, grab
rails, etc, sets of floor spring hinges, sets of sliding gear
for doors, cording sets, etc No
3 Locks No 3 Descrip ons shall include keys
4 “En suite” locks and master keys shall each be given
separately

3 Metal shelving
4 Metal shelving, wall bands, standards and rails 5 Metal shelving shall be measured in detail with
shelving, wall bands, standards and rails given in metres
or in number and shelf brackets, foot pieces and the
like in number
6 Alterna vely metal shelving may be given in number as
a unit including all components

4 Proprietary kitchen cupboards, lockers, wriƟng boards, seats, etc

5 Proprietary kitchen cupboards, lockers, wri ng boards,
seats, etc of metal, mber or other materials No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 66

STRUCTURAL STEELWORK
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

1 ClassificaƟon
1 Steelwork shall be classified according to the quality and
composi on
2 Structures of similar nature and design shall be suitably
grouped under headings sta ng the general
requirements
3 Circular work shall be given separately sta ng the mean
radius and where necessary which faces are circular
4 Work required to be prepared or painted before
delivery shall be so described
5 Work required to be galvanised, metal sprayed, epoxy
coated or otherwise treated or finished shall be so
described
6 Work specifically required to be treated or finished
before or a er manufacture or assembly or a er
delivery to the site shall be so described

2 General
7 Steelwork shall be measured to the designed sizes of 1 Scribed ends
components
8 The calcula on of masses shall be in accordance with
“Structural Steel Tables” issued by the South African
Ins tute of Steel Construc on
9 No allowance shall be made in the mass for rolling
margin, rivets, black bolts, nuts, washers, distance
pieces, packings, addi onal material in welding,
decora ve or protec ve treatment nor for temporary
construc onal aids
10 Welding, holes, black bolts, nuts, washers, rivets,
bol ng and rive ng integral with structural steelwork
shall be included in the descrip ons of the relevant
work
11 Rolled sec ons in single lengths exceeding 13m and not
exceeding 18m shall be given separately and therea er
in stages of 1m

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 67

STRUCTURAL STEELWORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
3 Steelwork
1 Columns, beams and other members t 12 Shall be classified according to cross-sec onal size
2 Compound and la ced columns, beams and other 13 Shall be so described sta ng the cross-sec onal size of
members t the main components
3 Caps, bases and connec ons 14 Shall be included in the descrip ons of the relevant
members, no dis nc on being made for size or shape
and their mass shall be added to the mass thereof
4 Roof trusses t 15 Shall be given in one item for each truss or each group
of similar trusses sta ng for each item the number of
trusses, shape, overall size, construc on and type of
components (flats, angles, tees, tubes, etc)
16 The cross-sec onal size of components of a truss need
not be stated
5 Purlins, girts, bracing, sag rods, etc t 17 The type of components (flats, angles, tees, tubes, etc)
shall be stated
18 Connec ons shall be included in the descrip ons of the
relevant members and their mass shall be added to the
mass thereof
19 The cross-sec onal size of components need not be
stated

6 Roof gu ers, rainwater pipes, etc integral with structural 20 Shall be given in suitable inclusive items
steelwork t 21 The mass of angles, stopped ends, outlets, offsets, shoes,
etc shall be included in the mass of the roof gu er etc
7 Stairs, balustrading, handrails, cat ladders, flooring, etc t or 22 Shall be given in suitable inclusive items sta ng for each
integral with structural steelwork kg item the construc on, type of components (flats, angles,
tees, tubes, etc) and the number where relevant
23 The cross-sec onal size of components need not be
stated
8 Circular cu ng m

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 68

STRUCTURAL STEELWORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

3 Steelwork (conƟnued)
9 Bends and machined ends No
10 High tensile bolts and high strength fric on grip bolts 24 Shall be given separately under the relevant headings
including nuts and washers t

11 Ragbolts, expanding bolts, anchor bolts, machined bolts, 25 Descrip ons shall include nuts and washers,
etc No 26 Dis nc on shall be made for those requiring to be
embedded in tops, sides or soffits of concrete

12 Patent balustrading, patent clips and other items integral m or

with structural steelwork not marketed in mass No

4 Tests
13 Tests No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 69

METALWORK
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
GENERAL
1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Metalwork shall be classified according to type, quality
and composi on of the metal
2 Circular work shall be given separately sta ng the
mean radius and where necessary which faces are
circular
3 Work required to be prepared or painted before
delivery to the site shall be so described
4 Work required to be galvanised, chromium plated,
anodized, metal sprayed, epoxy coated, stove
enamelled, vitreous enamelled or otherwise treated or
finished shall be so described
5 Work specifically required to be treated or finished
before or a er manufacture or assembly or a er
delivery to the site shall be so described
6 Welding, brazing, soldering, holes, bol ng, rivets and
rive ng shall be included in the descrip ons of the
relevant work

2 Circular cuƫng
1 Circular cu ng m

STEELWORK
3 Sundry steelwork
2 Rolled or drawn solid sec ons kg 7 Shall be measured to the designed sizes of components
8 Calcula on of masses shall be in accordance with the
“Structural Steel Tables” issued by the South African
Ins tute of Steel Construc on
9 No allowance shall be made in the mass for rolling
margin, rivets, addi onal material in welding, decora ve
or protec ve treatment nor for temporary
construc onal aids
10 The cross-sec onal size of components shall be stated

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 70

METALWORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

3 Sundry steelwork (conƟnued)

3 Tubular work generally m
4 Tubular columns No 11 Descrip ons shall include cap and base plates
5 Screwed and socketed piping 12 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Plumbing and Drainage”
6 Shee ng, wire mesh, screening, expanded metal, 13 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc 1 Holes and notches
gra ngs and the like m2 not exceeding 0,5m2
7 Bolts including nuts and washers kg
8 Ragbolts, expanding bolts, anchor bolts, etc No 14 Descrip ons shall include nuts and washers
15 Dis nc on shall be made for those requiring to be
embedded in tops, sides or soffits of concrete

4 Stairs, balustrading, cat ladders, grilles, gates, framework, etc

9 Stairs, balustrading, cat ladders, grilles, gates, kg or 16 Shall be given in inclusive items sta ng for each item
framework, etc m or the construc on and the cross-sec onal size of
No components and the number where relevant
17 Alterna vely when inclusive items are not prac cable,
work of similar design shall be suitably grouped under
headings sta ng the general requirements in which case
separate items shall be given for the different
components sta ng cross-sec onal sizes

10 Fanged, rounded, scribed, closed and scrolled ends, 18 Shall be given as extra over rails etc 2 Running joints
intersec ons, bends, wreaths, etc No

5 Minor work
11 Brackets, anchors, etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 71

METALWORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
6 Fixing accessories to structural Ɵmberwork
12 Bolts including nuts and washers kg
13 Ragbolts, expanding bolts, anchor bolts, etc No 19 Dis nc on shall be made for those requiring to be
embedded in tops, sides or soffits of concrete

7 Ribbed floors and permanent decking

14 Ribbed floors and permanent decking m2 20 Shall be measured net on the plane or undeveloped
surface area
21 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 0,5m2
15 Closed ends to ribs m

8 Floors etc formed of open grillework or graƟngs

16 Floors etc formed of open grillework or gra ngs m2 22 If in banded panels the sizes of the panels shall be stated
23 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
not exceeding 0,5m2
17 Stair treads No

9 SkirƟngs etc
18 Skir ngs, picture rails, copings, etc m 24 Skir ngs stepped over treads and risers of stairs shall be 3 Running joints and mitres
given separately
19 Corner pieces, end caps, switch sockets, etc No 25 Shall be given as extra over

OTHER METALS
10 Aluminium, copper, lead, etc
20 Metalwork 26 Metalwork of aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, stainless
steel, brass, bronze, etc shall be given in accordance
with the foregoing principles
27 Solid sec ons of metals not marketed in mass shall be
given in metres or in number

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 72

METALWORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
DOORS, WINDOWS, CURTAIN WALLING, SHOPFRONTS, ETC
STEEL DOOR FRAMES, DOORS, WINDOWS, ETC
11 Door frames
21 Pressed steel door frames No 28 The size of the door, fanlight, sidelight, etc shall be
stated
29 Ironmongery normally supplied by the manufacturers
of the frames shall be included in the descrip ons
30 Prepara on for ironmongery to be fi ed or
accommodated shall be included in the descrip ons or
given separately in number

12 Doors
22 Pressed steel doors No 31 Descrip ons shall include frames and ironmongery

13 Windows etc
23 Windows, doors, etc of rolled sec ons No 32 Ironmongery and a ached burglar bars shall be included
in the descrip ons
33 Components of coupled windows and doors may be
given separately, in which case coupling mullions and
transoms shall be given either in metres or in number
34 Sub-frames, sills, surrounds, sliding gear, etc may be 4 Mitres etc
included in the descrip ons or given separately in metres
or in number
35 Steel and other panels, fixed steel louvres and fixed
louvre shoes may be included in the descrip ons or given
separately in number

14 Fly screens and burglar screens

24 Fly screens and burglar screens No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 73

METALWORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
15 Adjustable louvres
25 Adjustable louvre insert units No 36 Descrip ons shall include glass louvre blades

16 Miscellaneous
26 Strongroom doors, roller shu ers, collapsible gates, roof
lights, pavement lights, fireplace units, stoves, etc No

ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, DOORS, ETC

17 Windows, doors, screens, etc
27 Windows, doors, fly screens, burglar screens, adjustable 37 Shall be given in accordance with the principles
louvre insert units, etc laid down in sub-sec on “Steel door frames, doors,
windows, etc” but descrip ons shall include glass and
other panels and sealing of windows, doors, etc against
adjoining work

CURTAIN WALLS, SHOPFRONTS, ETC

18 Curtain walls, shopfronts, etc
28 General 38 Curtain walls, shopfronts, etc shall be suitably grouped
under headings sta ng the general requirements
39 Separate items shall be given for the different
components
29 Components such as heads, sills, transoms and mullions m or 40 Waterproofing and sealing components, insula on 5 Mitres, intersec ons, cleats,
No between different metals and electrical bonding shall screws, bolts, plates, etc
be included in the descrip ons
30 Windows, doors, fanlights, grilles, panels, glass, etc No 41 Descrip ons shall include ironmongery and finishes
42 Alterna vely mberwork, ironmongery, glass, pain ng
and other integral work may be measured separately
and given in appropriate items in accordance with the
principles laid down in the relevant trades

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 74

METALWORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
18 Curtain walls, shopfronts, etc (conƟnued)
31 Insula ng material such as fibreglass and slagwool not
included with panels etc m2
32 Cladding to structural steel components and to columns, 43 Measurement rule 40 above applies 6 Mitres, intersec ons, cleats,
beams, etc m screws, bolts, plates, etc
33 Alterna ve 44 Where prac cable curtain walls, shopfronts, etc may
be given in number in which case descrip ons shall
include all components, windows, doors, fanlights,
grilles, panels, ironmongery, glass, insula on, finishes,
etc as well as cladding to structural steel components,
columns, beams, etc
45 Measurement rule 40 above applies

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 75

PLASTERING
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Shall be classified according to composi on, texture,
and preparatory work
2 Pa erned, sloping, weathered, troughed, ribbed and
coffered work, work to falls or to falls and currents,
work incorpora ng hea ng or similar equipment and
work in sunk or raised panels not exceeding 2m2 shall
be given separately
3 Work to circular surfaces shall be given separately,
dis nc on being made between circular and spherical
work

2 Plaster and other in situ finishes

1 Finishes to elements such as floors and landings, treads 4 Finishes shall be measured over the net area to be 1 Curing
and risers of stairs, walls inclusive of flush columns and covered 2 Labours such as fair, rounded
beams, columns, ceilings and beams m2 5 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, and chamfered edges, trowel
etc not exceeding 0,5m2 cuts, throats, V-joints and
6 Reedings to treads shall be included in the angles
descrip ons
2 Finishes to narrow widths not exceeding 300mm wide 7 Shall be described as narrow widths and no
– except to treads and risers of stairs, columns, beams, dis nc on shall be made for different components
troughed, ribbed and coffered work and that in the
flush face caused by projec ons and openings m2

3 Labours on finishes
3 Reedings m2
4 Forming channels m 3 Outlets, angles, stopped
ends, etc

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 76

PLASTERING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
4 SkirƟngs and stoolings
5 Skir ngs m 8 Skir ngs stepped over treads and risers of stairs shall be 4 Ends, mitres etc
given separately
6 Stoolings No

5 Finishes to kerbs, sills, etc

7 Finishes to kerbs, sills, copings, nibs, surrounds and the 5 Ends, mitres, etc
like m

6 Mouldings
8 Mouldings m 9 The girth, width and projec on shall be stated
10 Descrip ons shall include ends, mitres and intersec ons
when the girth does not exceed 300mm
9 Ends, mitres and intersec ons when the girth of the
moulding exceeds 300mm No
10 Enrichments No

7 Ornaments etc
11 Ornaments, air gra ngs, etc No

8 Dividing strips, edge trims, etc

12 Dividing strips, edge trims, etc m 6 Mitres etc

9 Metal lathing
13 Metal lathing and the like to receive in situ finishes m2 7 Laps and holes

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 77

TILING
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Shall be classified according to the type and size of le,
preparatory work, method of fixing, etc
2 Tiling laid to a pa ern shall be so described
3 Tiling to falls or to falls and currents and ling in
isolated panels not exceeding 1m2 shall be given
separately
4 Work to circular surfaces shall be given separately,
dis nc on being made between work exceeding and
not exceeding 300mm radius and also between
circular and spherical work

2 Beds and backings

1 Beds and backings 5 Beds and backings shall be included in the descrip ons
6 When ling is prescribed to be fixed with adhesive
the beds and backings shall be given separately in
“Plastering”
7 Beds and backings incorpora ng hea ng or similar
equipment shall be so described

3 Tiling
2 Tiling to elements such as floors and landings, walls 8 Shall be measured over the net area to be covered 1 Poin ng fair exposed edges
inclusive of flush columns and beams, columns, ceilings 9 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
and beams m2 not exceeding 0,1m2
3 Tiling to narrow widths not exceeding 300mm wide – 10 Shall be described as narrow widths and no dis nc on
except to columns, beams and that in the flush face shall be made for different components
caused by projec ons and openings m2

4 Cuƫng
4 Circular cu ng m
5 Fair exposed cu ng and fi ng around pipes, balusters 11 Shall be suitably grouped
and the like No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 78

TILING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
5 Mitred corners and special edge and corner Ɵles
6 Mitred corners m
7 Special edge and corner les m 12 Shall be given as extra over, no dis nc on being made
for different components

6 Treads, risers, sills, copings, skirƟngs, etc

8 Treads, risers, sills, copings, skir ngs, bands, margins, 13 Skir ngs etc stepped over treads and risers of stairs 2 Mitres etc
beads, mouldings and the like m shall be given separately
9 End les and external and internal angle les No 14 Shall be given as extra over

7 Channels
10 Scum and block channels m
11 Fair ends, stopped ends, intersec ons, angles and 15 Shall be given as extra over
outlets No

8 Soap dishes etc

12 Soap dishes, foot rests, toilet paper holders, access 3 Forming recesses etc
panels and the like No

9 Dividing strips, edge trims, etc

13 Dividing strips, edge trims, etc m 4 Mitres etc

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 79

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
RAINWATER DISPOSAL
1 Roof guƩers, rainwater pipes, etc
1 Roof gu ers, rainwater pipes, etc m 1 Join ng
2 Angles, stopped ends, outlets, offsets, shoes, etc No 1 Shall be given as extra over
3 Weep pipes, spreaders, gargoyles, rainwater heads, etc No
4 Short isolated precast channels No 1 For long lengths
of stormwater
channels, refer to
“External Work”

PIPEWORK ETC
2 Pipes, pipe fiƫngs, etc
5 Pipes m 2 Pipes and pipe fi ngs which are wrapped, coated or 2 Short lengths, nipples and
lined in the course of manufacture shall be so running joints such as sock-
described ets, collars, couplers, etc
3 The method of join ng shall be stated 3 Bending, join ng pipes of dif-
4 No dis nc on shall be made between pipes fixed fering materials and join ng
ver cally, horizontally or to falls nor between pipes pipes to taps, valves, traps,
fixed to different elements, cast in, built in, etc etc
5 Pipes chased in and pipes suspended exceeding 1m 4 Pipe supports such as clips,
below suspension level shall be given separately saddles, holderbats, hangers,
6 Pipework in ground shall be given separately and etc
descrip ons may include pipe trenches in accordance 5 Holes for pipes and cu ng
with clause 4 “Pipe trenches (method B)” and fi ng around pipes
unless otherwise stated in the
relevant trades
6 Welded joints No 7 Alterna vely, where expedient welded joints may be
included in the descrip ons of the piping
7 Flanges on pipes and gasket and bolt sets No 8 Alterna vely, where expedient flanges on pipes and
gasket and bolt sets may be included in the
descrip ons of the piping

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 80

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
2 Pipes, pipe fiƫngs, etc (conƟnued)
8 Prescribed purpose made pipe supports 9 Shall be given separately in accordance with the
principles laid down in the relevant trades
9 Service pipes and flexible connec ng pipes No 10 Descrip ons shall include connectors
10 Pipe fi ngs No 11 Shall be given as extra over
12 Fi ngs such as bushes, bends, tees, junc ons, unions,
etc to pipes not exceeding 30mm internal diameter
shall be given together for each diameter of pipe
13 Fi ngs to pipes exceeding 30mm internal diameter
shall be given separately for each diameter of pipe and
for each type of fi ng
14 Flanges on pipe fi ngs shall be included in the
descrip ons of the fi ngs

11 Adaptors or similar pipe fi ngs at joints between pipes 15 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
of differing materials and at connec ons of pipes to taps, down for pipe fi ngs
valves, traps, etc
12 Pipe closers which are prescribed to be measured on 16 Shall be given as extra over the pipe in which they
site and cut to exact length No occur
13 Tes ng of welded joints No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 81

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
3 Pipe trenches (method A)
14 Pipe trenches 17 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid 6 Any addi onal excava on and
down in “Earthworks” backfilling necessary at joints,
18 Where no width of excava on is prescribed it shall be risk of collapse of excava ons
calculated as follows: and keeping excava ons free
Trenches not exceeding 1m deep shall be taken of such of water
width as to provide a clearance of 300mm on each
side of the pipe or group of pipes. The width of the
trench shall be increased by 100mm for each
successive depth of 1m to a maximum width which
provides a clearance of 500mm on each side of the
pipe or group of pipes
15 Bedding under and filling around pipes comprising 19 No deduc on shall be made for pipes not exceeding
sand, crushed stone, concrete, etc m3 200mm external diameter

4 Pipe trenches (method B)

16 Pipe trenches 20 Where expedient pipe trenches may be included in 7 Any addi onal excava on and
the descrip ons of the pipe or group of pipes and backfilling necessary at joints,
separated into successive total depths in increments of risk of collapse of excava ons
1m, in which case descrip ons shall include excava- and keeping excava ons free
on, bedding, backfilling, compac on and disposal of of water
surplus material
21 Excava ons in material of a more difficult character
shall be suitably classified and given in cubic metres as
extra over, in which case the width of the excava ons
shall be determined as described in clause 3 “Pipe
trenches (method A)”

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 82

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
5 Pipe insulaƟon and protecƟon
17 Insula ng and protec ve wrappings, coa ngs and 22 Internal diameter of the pipe shall be stated 2 Other than those
linings to pipes m applied in the
course of manu-
facture

18 Insula on etc around fi ngs, valves, etc to pipes not 23 Shall be given together as extra over for each diameter
exceeding 30mm internal diameter No of pipe

19 Insula on etc around fi ngs, valves, etc to pipes 24 Shall be given separately as extra over for each
exceeding 30mm internal diameter No diameter of pipe and for each type of fi ng, valve, etc

6 Encasing
20 Concrete encasing to pipes m 25 Alterna vely encasing may be given in cubic metres in 8 Formwork
which case no deduc on shall be made for pipes not
exceeding 200mm external diameter

7 Anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc

21 Concrete anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc 26 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement”
27 Alterna vely blocks may be given in number in which
case descrip ons shall include formwork and
reinforcement

8 Gulleys, grease traps, etc

22 Gulleys, grease traps, intercep ng traps, etc No

9 InspecƟon chambers, catch pits, etc

23 Inspec on chambers, catch pits, junc on boxes, valve 28 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
boxes, sep c tanks, conservancy tanks, etc down in the relevant trades
29 Alterna vely inspec on chambers, catch pits, etc may
be given in number

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 83

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
10 Soakage pits, french drains, etc
24 Soakage pits, french drains, etc No 30 Alterna vely soakage pits, french drains, etc may be
given in accordance with the principles laid down in
the relevant trades

11 ConnecƟons
25 Connec ons of new to exis ng pipes No 9 Necessary fi ngs
25 Connec ons to services of the local authority Item 31 Shall be allowed for by provisional sum

SANITARY FITTINGS, TANKS, GEYSERS, ETC

12 Sanitary fiƫngs etc
27 Sanitary fi ngs No

13 Tanks, geysers, etc

28 Tanks, geysers, boilers, heat pumps, incinerators, etc No

14 Taps, valves, etc

29 Taps, valves, shower roses, meters, etc No

15 Waste unions, traps, etc

30 Waste unions, traps, etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 84

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
FIRE HOSE REELS AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
16 Fire hose reels etc
31 Fire hose reels, booster connec ons, hydrants, pressure
gauges, etc No

17 Fire fighƟng equipment

32 Fire figh ng equipment such as ex nguishers, blankets,
buckets, etc No

SLEEVES, HOLES, ETC

18 Sleeves
33 Sleeves through slabs, beams, walls, etc No 32 Shall be given together grouped for pipes not exceeding
100mm external diameter and therea er in stages of
100mm, separated in successive lengths of 250mm

19 Holes
34 Holes for pipes and cu ng and fi ng around pipes 33 Shall be given in the relevant trades where stated

20 Flashings
35 Flashings around pipes through roof coverings 34 Shall be given in “Roof Coverings, Claddings, etc”

GENERAL
21 TesƟng
36 Tes ng Item 35 Various systems shall be kept separate

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 85

ELECTRICAL WORK
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
1 ClassificaƟon
1 Classified according to the nature of the installa on such
as high tension supply, low tension supply, low tension
distribu on, general ligh ng and power, uninterrupted
power supply, external ligh ng, etc

2 ConnecƟon to main supply

1 Connec on to main supply Item 2 Shall be allowed for by provisional sum

3 Main supply and equipment

2 Generators, transformers, mini-substa ons, low tension
distribu on cubicles, switchgear, etc No
3 Poles, cross arms, insulators, street lights, brackets,
stays, struts, other equipment and bases No

4 DistribuƟon boards etc

4 Distribu on boards, switch boards, meter boards and 3 Given under headings and classified according to type 1 Iden fica on markers, labels,
the like No 4 Descrip ons shall include busbars, jumpers, neutral bars, legend cards, etc
internal wiring and connec ons, space for future equip-
ment blanking and the like

5 Equipment such as isolators, circuit breakers, earth leak- 5 Alterna vely equipment may be included in the descrip-
age units, transformers, me switches, surge protectors ons of the boards
and measuring instruments No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 86

ELECTRICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
5 Cables
6 Cables m 2 Allowance for snaking
7 Cable termina ons and prescribed running joints No 3 Glands and allowance for
making off
8 Protec on such as slabs and metal shee ng and warning
devices such as PVC marker tapes m
9 Cable route markers No

6 Cable trenches (method A)

10 Cable trenches 6 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid 4 Risk of collapse of
down in “Earthworks” excava ons and keeping
7 Where no width of excava on is prescribed it shall be excava ons free of water
calculated as follows:
Trenches not exceeding 1m deep shall be taken of
such width as to provide a clearance of 300mm on
each side of the cable or group of cables. The width
of the trench shall be increased by 100mm for each
successive depth of 1m to a maximum width which
provides a clearance of 500mm on each side of the
cable or group of cables
11 Bedding under and filling around cables comprising sand
etc m3

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 87

ELECTRICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
7 Cable trenches (method B)
12 Cable trenches 8 Where expedient cable trenches may be included in 5 Risk of collapse of
the descrip on of the cable or group of cables and excava ons and keeping
separated into successive total depths in increments of excava ons free of water
1m, in which case descrip ons shall include excava on,
bedding, backfilling, compac on and disposal of surplus
material
9 Excava ons in material of a more difficult character shall
be suitably classified and given in cubic metres as extra
over, in which case the width of the excava ons shall
be determined as described in clause 6 “Cable trenches
(method A)”

8 Conduit
13 Conduit m 10 No dis nc on shall be made between conduit fixed 6 Bending, threading, join ng,
ver cally or horizontally short lengths, couplings,
11 No dis nc on shall be made between conduit fixed to bends, tees, saddles, draw
different elements, cast in, chased in, built in, etc boxes and the like
7 Holes for conduit and cu ng
and fi ng around conduit
unless otherwise stated in
the relevant trades

14 Flexible conduit No 8 Connectors

9 Outlet boxes, cover plates, etc

15 Switch, socket and other outlet boxes No 12 No dis nc on shall be made for number of entries 9 Locknuts and bushes
16 Cover plates, dome covers, ball and socket covers and 13 Alterna vely cover plates etc may be included in the
the like No descrip ons of the outlet boxes

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 88

ELECTRICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
10 Cable trunking etc
17 Cable trunking, cable trays and ladders, floor and skir ng 10 Forming holes for conduit
trunking, ligh ng channels, etc m entries or fi ngs
18 Fi ngs to cable trunking etc such as angles, stopped
ends, junc ons and outlets No
19 Suspension rods, fixing brackets, cable clamps and short 14 Alterna vely suspension rods etc may be included in the
lengths of channel for cable trunking fixing No descrip ons of the trunking etc

11 Draw wires
20 Draw wires required to be le in m 15 Alterna vely draw wires may be included in the descrip-
ons of the conduit

12 Conductors
21 Bare and insulated conductors in conduit etc m 11 Allowance for addi onal
length at connec ons
22 Open wired conductors m 16 Descrip ons shall include bobbins, cleats, clips and
binding wire

13 Busbar systems
23 Busbars m
24 Fi ngs etc such as elbows, tees, crosses, end covers, 17 Alterna vely fixing brackets may be included in the
feed units, tap-off boxes and fixing brackets No descrip ons of the busbars

14 Socket outlets and light switches

25 Socket outlets and light switches No 18 Descrip ons shall include cover plates

15 Fiƫngs, equipment, etc

26 Luminaires, bells, telephones, speakers, geysers, stoves, 19 Lamps shall be included with the relevant luminaires 12 Moun ng plates, brackets,
heaters, clocks, thermostats, starters, motors, stand-by 20 Alterna vely lamps may be given separately in number connectors, etc
equipment, ba ery chargers, control panels, etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 89

ELECTRICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
16 Earthing
27 Earthing the system Item
28 Earth resis vity tes ng Item

17 Lightning protecƟon
29 Conductors of tape, wire and the like m 13 Bending and join ng
30 Short coupling lengths such as between roofs and eaves 14 Join ng and excava on
gu ers and from down conductors to earth terminals No
31 Air and earth terminals No

18 Holes
32 Holes for conduit and cu ng and fi ng around conduit 21 Shall be given in the relevant trades where stated
etc

ELECTRONIC INSTALLATIONS
19 CommunicaƟon, security and control installaƟons
33 Installa ons such as telecommunica on, public address, 22 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing
closed circuit television, data transmission, access principles
control, security, fire detec on, building management
systems, etc

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 90

ELECTRICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
GENERAL
20 TesƟng and commissioning
34 Tes ng and commissioning the installa on Item

21 Drawings, manuals, etc

35 Provision of as-built drawings, manuals, opera ve
training, etc Item

22 Replacement parts etc

36 Replacement parts, tool kits, etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 91

MECHANICAL WORK
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS, ETC
1 ClassificaƟon
1 Classified according to the nature of the installa on such
as hea ng, ven la on, air condi oning, fire protec on,
boiler, gas, refrigera on, compressed air, etc

2 Equipment
1 Items of equipment such as chillers and heat pumps, air 2 Descrip ons shall include pipework, ductwork and elec-
handling equipment, fans, air condi oning units, heat trical work integral with the item of equipment, paint or
exchangers, motors, pumps, boilers, tanks, compressors, other finishes, accessories where expedient, assembling
a enuators, etc No and join ng together of components and join ng to
pipes, ducts and the like as well as vibra on isola on
and noise a enua on requirements

PIPEWORK ETC
3 Pipes, pipe fiƫngs, etc
2 Pipes m 3 Pipes and pipe fi ngs which are wrapped, coated or 1 Short lengths, nipples and
lined in the course of manufacture shall be so described running joints such as sockets,
4 Pipework prescribed to be temporarily fixed in posi on, collars, couplers, etc
dismantled for pla ng or other finishing and 2 Bending pipes, join ng pipes
subsequently refixed shall be so described of differing materials and joint-
5 Pipework to be executed in prescribed cut lengths shall ing pipes to taps, valves, traps,
be given separately etc
6 The method of join ng shall be stated 3 Pipe supports such as clips,
7 No dis nc on shall be made between pipes fixed saddles, holderbats, hangers,
ver cally, horizontally or to falls, nor between pipes fixed etc
to different elements, cast in, built in, etc 4 Holes for pipes and cu ng
8 Pipes chased in and pipes suspended exceeding 1m and fi ng around pipes unless
below suspension level shall be given separately otherwise stated in the
9 Pipework in ground shall be given separately and relevant trades
descrip ons may include pipe trenches in accordance
with clause 6 “Pipe trenches (method B)”

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 92

MECHANICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

3 Pipes, pipe fiƫngs, etc (conƟnued)

3 Welded joints No 10 Alterna vely, where expedient welded joints may be
included in the descrip ons of the piping
4 Flanges on pipes and gasket and bolt sets No 11 Alterna vely, where expedient flanges on pipes and
gasket and bolt sets may be included in the
descrip ons of the piping
5 Prescribed purpose-made pipe supports 12 Shall be given separately in accordance with the
principles laid down in the relevant trades
6 Service pipes and flexible connec ng pipes No 13 Descrip ons shall include connectors
7 Pipe fi ngs No 14 Shall be given as extra over
15 Fi ngs such as bushes, bends, tees, junc ons, unions,
etc to pipes not exceeding 60mm internal diameter
shall be given together for each diameter of pipe
16 Fi ngs to pipes exceeding 60mm internal diameter
shall be given separately for each diameter of pipe
and for each type of fi ng
17 Flanges on pipe fi ngs shall be included in the
descrip ons of the fi ngs

8 Adaptors or similar pipe fi ngs at joints between pipes 18 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
of differing materials and at connec ons of pipes to taps, down for pipe fi ngs
valves, traps, etc No
9 Pipe closers which are prescribed to be measured on site 19 Shall be given as extra over the pipe in which they
and cut to exact length No occur
10 Tes ng of welded joints No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 93

MECHANICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
4 Valves etc
11 Valves, meters, pressure gauges, strainers, sprinkler
heads, etc No

5 Pipe trenches (method A)

12 Pipe trenches 20 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid 5 Any addi onal excava on and
down in “Earthworks” backfilling necessary at joints,
21 Where no width of excava on is prescribed it shall be risk of collapse of excava ons
calculated as follows: and keeping excava ons free
Trenches not exceeding 1m deep shall be taken of such of water
width as to provide a clearance of 300mm on each side
of the pipe or group of pipes. The width of the trench
shall be increased by 100mm for each successive depth
of 1m to a maximum width which provides a clearance
of 500mm on each side of the pipe or group of pipes
13 Bedding under and filling around pipes comprising sand, 22 No deduc on shall be made for pipes not exceeding
crushed stone, concrete, etc m3 200mm external diameter

6 Pipe trenches (method B)

14 Pipe trenches 23 Where expedient pipe trenches may be included in 6 Any addi onal excava on and
the descrip ons of the pipe or group of pipes and backfilling necessary at joints,
separated into successive total depths in increments of risk of collapse of excava ons
1m, in which case descrip ons shall include excava on, and keeping excava ons free
bedding, backfilling, compac on and disposal of surplus of water
material
24 Excava ons in material of a more difficult character shall
be suitably classified and given in cubic metres as extra
over, in which case the width of the excava ons shall
be determined as described in clause 5 “Pipe trenches
(method A)”

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 94

MECHANICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
7 Pipe insulaƟon and protecƟon
15 Insula ng and protec ve wrappings, coa ngs and linings 25 Internal diameter of the pipe shall be stated 1 Other than those
to pipes m applied in the
course of
manufacture
16 Insula on etc around fi ngs, valves, etc to pipes not 26 Shall be given together as extra over for each diameter
exceeding 60mm internal diameter No of pipe
17 Insula on etc around fi ngs, valves, etc to pipes 27 Shall be given separately as extra over for each diameter
exceeding 60mm internal diameter No of pipe and for each type of fi ng, valve, etc

8 Encasing
18 Concrete encasing to pipes m 28 Alterna vely encasing may be given in cubic metres in 7 Formwork
which case no deduc ons shall be made for pipes not
exceeding 200mm external diameter

9 Anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc

19 Concrete anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc 29 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement”
30 Alterna vely blocks may be given in number in which
case descrip ons shall include formwork and
reinforcement

10 InspecƟon chambers, juncƟon boxes, etc

20 Inspec on chambers, junc on boxes, etc 31 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in the relevant trades
32 Alterna vely inspec on chambers, catch pits, etc may
be given in number

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 95

MECHANICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
DUCTWORK ETC
11 DucƟng
21 Rectangular low pressure galvanised sheet metal 33 Shall be measured over duc ng fi ngs and grouped 8 Join ng
duc ng m2 according to size in the following categories:
33.1 Width or height not exceeding 750mm and sum
of two adjacent sides not exceeding 1,15m
33.2 Width or height not exceeding 750mm and sum
of two adjacent sides exceeding 1,15m
33.3 Width or height exceeding 750mm and not
exceeding 1,35m
33.4 Width or height exceeding 1,35m and not
exceeding 2,1m
33.5 Width or height exceeding 2,1m
34 Where an in-line reduc on in size of duc ng occurs, the
larger size shall be measured over the full length of the
fi ng
35 No dis nc on shall be made between duc ng fixed
ver cally, horizontally or raking nor between duc ng
fixed to different elements
36 Separate items shall be given for duc ng suspended not
exceeding 1m below suspension level and therea er in
successive stages of 1m measured from the underside
of the duc ng. A general descrip on of the suppor ng
structure from which duc ng is suspended shall be
given
37 Duc ng to a curve shall be given separately sta ng the
mean radius
38 Supports shall be included in the descrip ons of duc ng
or may be given separately in accordance with the
principles laid down in the relevant trades

22 Round low pressure galvanised sheet metal duc ng m 39 Shall be measured over duc ng fi ngs 9 Join ng
40 Measurement rules 34 to 38 above apply
23 Rectangular duc ng other than low pressure galvanised
sheet metal duc ng m

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 96

MECHANICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules Descrip ons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
11 Duc ng (conƟnued)
24 Duc ng fi ngs No 41 Shall be given as extra over 10 Forming openings and
42 Reducers, radius bends, square bends, transforma ons, join ng to duc ng
spigots, branches and tees shall be given together for
each category or size of duc ng
43 All other duc ng fi ngs shall be given separately for
each category or size of duc ng and for each type of
fi ng
44 Stopped ends shall be given separately for each
category or size of duc ng

25 Flexible duc ng No 45 Shall be grouped for duc ng not exceeding 1,5m girth 11 Join ng
and therea er in successive girths of 1,5m
46 Descrip ons shall include connectors

12 Duc ng insula on and protec on

26 Insula ng and protec ve wrappings, coa ngs and linings 47 Shall be measured to the external or internal surface of 12 Working around duc ng
to duc ng m2 the duc ng fi ngs
48 Alterna vely wrappings etc may be included in the
descrip ons of the duc ng

13 Diffusers, grilles, etc

27 Diffusers, grilles, a enuators, dampers, filters, etc No

CONVEYING INSTALLATIONS
14 Li installa ons
49 Li installa ons shall be suitably grouped under head-
ings sta ng whether it comprises a single li or a bank
of li s

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 97

MECHANICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
14 LiŌ installaƟons (conƟnued)
28 Cars No 50 Descrip ons shall include frames, guides, enclosures,
base, car doors, door opening devices, locking and
safety devices, inspec on doors, sills, internal finishes,
fi ngs such as handrails, mirrors, etc and ligh ng and
ven la on requirements
29 Landing entrances No 51 Descrip ons shall include frames, sills, landing doors,
door opening devices, locking and safety devices, etc
30 Power units No 52 Descrip ons shall include supports, sheaves, sound
reducing material, switching equipment, etc
31 Support work in li sha s comprising guide rails,
brackets, plates, buffers, supports, sheave beams, etc Item
32 Ropes comprising cables, clamps, etc Item
33 Counterweights comprising frames, guides,
compensa on, etc Item
34 Governors and safety gears Item
35 Opera on and control system comprising car operator
panels, car posi on and direc on indicators, landing
posi on and direc on indicators, call bu ons, lanterns
and gongs, load weighing devices, intercommunica on,
detectors, wiring, etc Item
36 Temporary use of li s comprising temporary enclosures,
protec on, finishes, etc, refurbishment, comple on and
re-commissioning Item

15 Hoist, escalator and conveyor installaƟons

37 Hoist, escalator and conveyor installa ons 53 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in clause 14 “Li installa ons”

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 98

MECHANICAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
OTHER MECHANICAL INSTALLATIONS
16 Building management systems etc
38 Building management and equipment control systems 54 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing
principles

17 Material handling installaƟons, disposal installaƟons, etc

39 Installa ons such as material handling, refuse disposal, 55 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing
waste compac on, incinera on, etc principles

GENERAL
18 TesƟng and commissioning
40 Tes ng and commissioning Item 56 Descrip ons shall include details of tes ng and require-
ments such as provision of instruments and appliances,
performance logging, fuel, power, water, etc

19 Drawings, manuals, etc

41 Provision of as-built drawings, manuals, opera ve
training, etc Item

20 IdenƟficaƟon markers etc

42 Iden fica on markers, direc on indicators, labels, 13 Iden fica on markers,
legend cards, etc direc on indicators, labels,
legend cards, etc

21 Replacement parts etc

43 Replacement parts, tool kits, etc No

22 Electrical work and work by other trades

44 Electrical work and work by other trades integral with 57 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
mechanical installa ons down in the relevant trades

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 99

GLAZING
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Classified according to type, quality, thickness and size
2 Descrip ons of glass shall state the method of glazing
and the material of the frames to receive the glass
3 Descrip ons of glass in beaded frames shall state the
method by which beads are fixed
4 Glass shall be grouped according to size in the following
categories:
4.1 Not exceeding 0,1m2
4.2 Exceeding 0,1m2 and not exceeding 0,5m2
4.3 Exceeding 0,5m2 and not exceeding 2m2
4.4 Therea er in stages of 2m2

1 Glass m2
2 Glass in shapes which are not rectangular m2

2 Glazing beads, gaskets, sealing, etc

3 Glazing beads 5 Glazing beads shall be given separately in the relevant
trades
4 Glazing gaskets, cover beading and the like m 1 Mitres
5 Moulded corners to gaskets No 6 Shall be given as extra over
6 Sealing of joints in panes with silicone m

3 Labours on glass
7 Grounding, sandblas ng, embossing or brilliant cu ng 7 Descrip ons shall include designs
to panes No
8 Labours to edges such as bevelled or polished m
9 Holes, finger grips, etc No

4 Glass louvre blades

10 Glass louvre blades No 8 Descrip ons shall include labours to edges

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 100

GLAZING conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
5 Glass tops, shelves, doors, mirrors, etc
11 Glass tops, shelves, doors, mirrors, etc No 9 Descrip ons shall include labours to edges, holes, finger
grips, screws, clips, etc

6 Bent glass
12 Panes of bent glass No 10 The radius shall be stated

7 Leaded and coppered lights

13 Panels of leaded or coppered lights m2 11 Descrip ons shall state the shape and average size of
panes and method of fixing and shall include cames,
saddle bars, etc

8 Patent glazing
14 Patent glazing No 12 Descrip ons shall include all components forming an
integral part of the glazing system
13 Alterna vely when inclusive numbered items are
not prac cable, patent glazing may be given in detail
in which case glass shall be given in square metres
grouped according to size in the categories provided
for in clause 1 “Classifica on etc”. Glazing bars, glazing
wings, head and sill members, dividers, etc shall be
given in metres and stops, fixing saddles and the like
shall be given in number. Descrip ons shall include
cleats, bolts, plates and other incidentals

9 Materials resembling glass

15 Materials resembling glass such as acrylic, polycar- 14 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing
bonate, etc principles

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 101

PAINTWORK
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
1 ClassificaƟon etc
1 Classified according to the specifica on of the paint,
preparatory work and the material to be painted such
as plaster, concrete, brick, wood or metal, dis nc on
being made between floated and textured plaster
surfaces and smooth and rough concrete surfaces
2 Separate items shall be given for paintwork on different
components, except where they can be suitably grouped
as general surfaces
3 Paintwork on columns, beams, ribs, hoods and fins shall
be included with pain ng walls or ceilings as the case
may be

2 Colours
4 Paintwork shall be classified in the different colour
groups “White”, “Pastel”, “Deep” and “Transparent” (in
accordance with the Natural Colour System (NCS)
adopted by the SA Na onal Standards)
5 Paintwork in one colour group may be given as extra
over paintwork in another colour group
6 No further dis nc on shall be made for colour except for
the following:
6.1 Paintwork on mouldings and bands picked out in
colours differing from the surrounding paintwork,
shall be given separately
6.2 Paintwork on walls, ceilings, etc to pa erns in more
than one colour, which shall be given separately as
in pa erned mul -colours

3 Paintwork
1 Paintwork generally m2 7 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc 1 Cu ng in of edges
not exceeding 0,5m2
2 Paintwork on profiled surfaces m2 8 May be measured over the flat area sta ng that the work
has been measured on flat

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 102

PAINTWORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include

3 Paintwork (conƟnued)
3 Paintwork on gates, grilles, burglar screens, balustrades, 9 Shall be measured over the full flat area of both sides
etc m2 10 Alterna vely paintwork may be given in detail in
accordance with the principles laid down for paintwork
not exceeding 300mm wide or girth and not adjoining
similarly painted work
4 Paintwork not exceeding 300mm wide or girth and not
adjoining similarly painted work m
5 Painted lines m

4 Trusses and laƫce work

6 Paintwork on members of trusses and la ce work m2

5 Frames etc
7 Paintwork on frames etc m2

6 Windows, sash doors, etc

8 Paintwork on windows, sash doors, fanlights, louvred 11 Shall be measured over the full flat area of both sides
units, etc m2 12 Pain ng “co age pane” windows etc and windows with
burglar bars, steel louvres, etc shall be given separately

7 SignwriƟng and gilding

9 Le ers, numerals, figures, mo fs and punctua on 13 Shall be given together in one item, dis nc on being
marks No made for height and style only

8 Polishing
10 Polishing 14 Polishing shall be given in accordance with the
foregoing principles

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 103

PAPERHANGING
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
1 ClassificaƟon
1 Classified according to the type of material, preparatory
work and the nature of the surfaces to be prepared

2 Paperhanging
1 Paperhanging to elements such as walls inclusive of 2 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc 1 Matching
columns and ceilings inclusive of beams m2 not exceeding 0,5m2

3 Borders and moƟfs

2 Border and panel strips m 3 Descrip ons shall include cu ng to profile 2 Mitres and intersec ons
3 Mo fs No

4 Hessian, canvas, etc

4 Hessian, canvas and other similar fabrics fixed to wall or 4 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing
ceiling surfaces principles

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 104

 NOTE: External work of minor extent may be given in “Earthworks” under suitable headings
EXTERNAL WORK
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
LANDSCAPING
1 Contouring etc
1 Excava on, filling, digging up and removing topsoil, etc
shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Earthworks”

2 Topsoil, compost, lime and ferƟlizer

1 Topsoil and compost m3 2 Topsoil shall be given in accordance with the principles
laid down “Earthworks”
3 Topsoil and compost to plant boxes shall be given
separately
2 Lime and fer lizer kg 1 Spreading and mixing

3 Plant bed preparaƟon

3 Cul va ng plant bed surfaces m2

4 Mulch
4 Mulch m2

5 Grassing, ground cover, etc

5 Grassing, ground cover, herbaceous plants, etc m2 2 Watering, mowing, trimming
edges, maintaining and
protec on

6 Trees, shrubs, etc

6 Trees, shrubs, bulbs and plants No 3 Excava on, plan ng, back-
filling, damming around and
maintaining in posi on
4 Watering, pruning,
maintaining and protec on
7 Removing and reposi oning of exis ng trees No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 105

EXTERNAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
7 Pruning of exisƟng trees and shrubs
8 Pruning of exis ng trees and shrubs No

8 Pitching, pebble covering, etc

9 Pitching, pebble covering, etc m2

9 Rockery boulders
10 Rockery boulders No 4 May be suitably grouped

10 Retaining structures
11 Retaining structures formed of filled gabion boxes and 5 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
ma resses, concrete, precast concrete, interlocking down in the relevant trades
blocks, masonry, etc

11 Filter fabric
12 Filter fabric m2

12 Paving etc
13 Paving etc 6 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in the relevant trades

13 Weedkillers, insecƟcides, etc

14 Trea ng surfaces with weedkillers, insec cides, etc m2

14 Ponds, water features, etc

15 Ponds, water features, etc formed of concrete, precast 7 Shall be given under suitable headings in accordance
concrete, masonry, etc with the principles laid down in the relevant trades

15 Benches, tables, etc

16 Benches, tables, etc No

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 106

EXTERNAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules Descrip ons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
16 Drainage
17 Drainage 8 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Plumbing and Drainage”

17 Irriga on systems
18 Irriga on systems 9 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in the relevant trades

18 Effect ligh ng
19 Effect ligh ng 10 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Electrical Work”

ROADWORK AND PARKING

19 Excava ons and filling
20 Excava ons and filling 11 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Earthworks

20 Layer work
21 Sub-base and base courses 12 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Earthworks”
22 Stabilisa on of layer works with lime, cement, etc

21 Compac on of natural or excavated ground surfaces

23 Compac on of natural or excavated ground surfaces m2 13 Shall be measured only when the method and/or degree
of compac on is prescribed

22 Road and parking surfacing

24 Road and parking surfacing of gravel, concrete, 14 No deduc ons shall be made for openings, wants, etc
tarmacadam, blocks, etc m2 not exceeding 1m2
25 Movement joints m

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 107

EXTERNAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
23 Channels, humps and shoulders
26 Channels, humps and shoulders formed in road surfacing m or 15 Shall be given as extra over
No

24 Channelling, kerbing, edging, etc

27 Channelling, kerbing, edging, etc of concrete, brick, 16 Circular channelling, kerbing or edging shall be given 5 Earthworks, formwork,
stone and the like m separately, dis nc on being made between work finishes, angles, ends, etc
exceeding and not exceeding 4m radius

25 Road signs, crash barriers, etc

28 Road signs, crash barriers, etc 17 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in the relevant trades
18 Paintwork shall be included in the descrip ons

26 Drainage
29 Drainage 19 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Plumbing and Drainage”

27 Road markings
30 Painted lines, le ers, etc 20 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in “Paintwork”

STORMWATER CHANNELS
28 Stormwater channels
31 Stormwater channels of concrete m 21 Descrip ons shall include earthworks, formwork and
finishes
32 Angles, intersec ons, ends, etc No 22 Shall be given together as extra over

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 108

EXTERNAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
FENCING
29 Fencing, posts, gates, etc
33 Fencing m 23 The height above ground level or other base shall be 6 Holes, binding wire, screws,
stated nails, etc
24 Descrip ons shall include site clearance and the prepara-
on of ground
25 Descrip ons shall include bolts and straining eye bolts
26 Posts and stays which occur at regular intervals may be
included in the descrip ons or may be given separately
in number. Descrip ons shall include caps, base plates,
arms or brackets for overhang, poin ng and driving
27 Fencing to a curve shall be given separately sta ng
whether straight or circular between posts
28 If circular between posts the radius shall be stated

34 Posts and stays differing from those included in the 29 Shall be given separately as extra over
descrip ons No
35 Gates No 30 Descrip ons shall include hinges, latches, stops, runners, 7 Holes, binding wire, screws,
etc nails, etc

30 Concrete bases and kerbs

36 Bases to posts and stays 31 Shall be included in the descrip ons or may be given in 8 Earthworks, formwork, etc
number
37 Kerbs m

WASHING LINES
31 Washing lines
38 Washing lines No 32 Alterna vely washing lines may be given in detail in
accordance with the foregoing principles

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 109

EXTERNAL WORK conƟnued
Item or work to be measured Unit Measurement rules DescripƟons shall be deemed Explanatory notes
to include
PAINTING
32 PainƟng
39 Pain ng fencing, washing lines, etc 33 Pain ng shall be included in the descrip ons
34 Alterna vely pain ng may be given separately in
accordance with the principles laid down in “Paintwork”

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 110

NOTES

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 111

NOTES

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 112

NOTES

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 113

NOTES

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 114

NOTES

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 115

NOTES

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK – SEVENTH EDITION PAGE 116

 STANDARD SYSTEM

STANDARD SYSTEM OF MEASURING BUILDING WORK I SEVENTH EDITION I 2015

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OF MEASURING
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BUILDING WORK
SEVENTH EDITION
ISBN: 978-0-86886-837-0

ISBN: 978-0-86886-837-0

The AssociaƟon of
South African
Suite G6 I Building 27 I Thornhill Office Park I Bekker Road I Vorna Valley Ext. 21 I Midrand
www.asaqs.co.za QuanƟty Surveyors
Copyright © The Associa on of South African Quan ty Surveyors

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