Background of Quantity Surveying

Contents

List of Figures viiList of Examples ixList of Tables xPreface to the Irish Edition xiAcknowledgements xiii

1 General Introduction 1

Historical background of quantity surveying; functions of bill of quantities; contract documentation; processes used in quantitysurveying work; other measurement approaches; agreed rules of measurement; national standard building elements; other functions of the quantity surveyor; changes in quantity surveying techniques.

2 Measurement Procedures 12

General rules; basic principles; tabulated rules; dimensions paper; measurement procedures; entering dimensions; spacing of items; waste; order of dimensions; timesing; deductions; measurement of irregular figures; alterations to dimensions; figured dimensions; numbering and titles of dimension sheets; order of taking-off; adjustment of openings and voids; descriptions;number of units; measurement of similar items; extra over items; deemed to be included items; accuracy in dimensions; drawn information; use of schedules; standard products; take-off lists; query sheets; preambles; provisional sums; prime cost sums; work in special conditions; composite items; worked examples.

3 Mensuration Applications 28

Introduction; girth of buildings; rectangular buildings; buildings of irregular outline; measurement of areas; irregular areas; trapezoids; segments; bellmouths, as at road junctions; measurement of earthworks; sloping site excavation; cuttings and embankments; measurement of pitched roofs; lengths of rafters; lengths of hips and valleys; roof coverings.

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4 Substructure 41

Preliminary investigations; general items; site preparation; excavation to reduce levels; excavation of foundation trenches; disposal of excavated material; surface treatments; basement excavation; concrete foundations; concrete beds; precast concrete floors; other substructure work; brick and block walling; facework; damp-proof courses; damp-proof membranes; insulation; worked example; take-off list.

5 Brick, Block and Stone Walling 69

Measurement of brick and block walling; measurement generally;external walls; internal walls; chimney breasts and stacks; incidental works; damp-proof courses; rough and fair cutting; projections; special bricks/blocks; surface features; facework ornamental bands; facework quoins; composite walls; metal sheet cladding; rubble walling; natural stone; worked examples.

6 Fires, Flues and Vents 108

Chimney breasts and stacks; brickwork and blockwork in breasts and stacks; flues; fireplaces; flues to gas-fired appliances; vents; worked examples.

7 Floors and Partitions 116

Suspended floors; suspended concrete slabs; suspended timber floors; plates; floor joists; joist strutting; floorboarding; partitions; stud partitions; system partitions; worked examples.

8 Pitched and Flat Roofs 142

Introduction; pitched roofs; covering materials; interlocking tiles; slates, plain tiles, roof void ventilation; measurement of roof coverings; flashings; roof timbers; flat roofs; roof timbers; asphalt; built-up felt; sheet metal; rainwater goods; worked examples.

9 Internal Finishes 199

Sequence of measurement; wall finishes; floor finishes; skirtings and picture rails; ceiling finishes; painting and decorations; worked example.

10 Windows 237

Order of measurement; windows; window schedules; worked examples.

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11 Doors 253

Order of measurement; doors; door frames; worked examples.

12 Staircases and Fittings 272

Timber staircases; standard timber staircases; metal staircases; fittings; standard joinery fittings; worked example.

13 Water, Heating and Waste Services 285

Order of measurement; drawings for water supply and waste services installations; connection to water mains; pipework generally; water storage tanks or cisterns; holes for pipes; sanitary appliances; builder’s work in connection with services installations; schedules of water and waste services; heating and hot water installations; worked example.

14 Electrical Services 316

General approach to measurement; general rules; mains supply; transport installations; equipment; fittings; cables; conduit, trunking, cable trays and busbar trunking; final sub-circuits; sundries and builder’s work; worked example.

15 Drainage 328

Order of taking-off; drains; excavation of pipe trenches; disposal of water, beds and surrounds and vertical casings; drain pipes; pipe accessories; manholes/inspection chambers; sundries and associatedworks; sewage disposal plant; septic tanks; cesspits; soakways; worked example.

16 External Works 354

Roads, drives and paths; grassed areas; fencing and gates; trees, shrubs and hedges; worked example.

17 Bill Preparation and Production 374

Presentation of a bill of quantities; structure of a bill of quantities; preliminaries; preambles clauses or specification; measured work; provisional, prime cost sums and contingencies;dayworks; collection and summaries; processes involved in the preparation of a bill of quantities; alternative formats of bills of quantities; computer applications; building software services; CATOenterprise; building information modelling; general conclusions.

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Appendix 1: List of Abbreviations 393Appendix 2: Mensuration Formulae 394Appendix 3: Metric Conversion Table 396Appendix 4: Specifications for Internal Finishes 399

Bibliography 402Index 405

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CHAPTER ONE

General Introduction

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF QUANTITY SURVEYING

The quantity surveying profession largely developed through the 20th centuryand in this century, but has now grown to such an extent that it forms thesecond largest sector or specialism in the membership of the Society of CharteredSurveyors (SCS) in Ireland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors(RICS) in the UK. Quantity surveyors are employed in private practices, publicoffices and by contractors, and they undertake a great diversity of work.

In more recent times, quantity surveyors are engaged increasingly in thefinancial management of contracts, ensuring that clients secure value for moneyand that the completed projects provide substantial added value to the client’sproperty asset. In addition to being construction cost consultants, quantitysurveyors are playing an increasingly important role today in project manage-ment, value management and facilities management. Furthermore, they aresometimes engaged as lead consultants for large projects, where they are respon-sible for the delivery of all professional services from inception to completion.

The earliest mention of surveying as a profession in Ireland was in 1750. AnIrish clergyman and architectural writer, John Payne, vicar of Castlerickard inCounty Meath, put his name to a “True Bill of Materials required for theImprovement at the Barrack of Horse at Trim” as “a full bill made by me JohnPayne, Clerk and Surveyor of Quantities”.

The earliest quantity surveying firm of which records are available is aReading firm in the UK which was operating in 1785. There is little doubt thatother firms were in existence at this time and a number of Scottish quantitysurveyors met in 1802 and produced the first method of measurement. Up tothe middle of the nineteenth century it was the practice to measure and valuethe building work after it had been completed and bills of quantities were notprepared.

The need for quantity surveyors became evident as building work increasedin volume and building clients became dissatisfied with the method adopted forsettling the cost of the work.

In the seventeenth century the architects were responsible for the erectionof buildings, as well as their design, and they employed a number of mastercraftsmen who performed the work in each trade. Drawings were of a verysketchy nature and much of the work was ordered during the course of the

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job. On completion each master craftsman submitted an account for the mate-rials used and labour employed on the work.

It later became the practice for many of the master craftsmen to engage‘surveyors’ or ‘measurers’ to prepare these accounts. One of the major prob-lems was to reconcile the amount of material listed on invoices with the quan-tity measured on completion of the work. Some of the craftsmen’s surveyorsmade extravagant claims for waste of material in executing the work on the siteand the architects also engaged surveyors to contest these claims.

General contractors became established during the period of the industrialrevolution and they submitted inclusive estimates covering the work of alltrades. Furthermore they engaged surveyors to prepare bills of quantities onwhich their estimates were based. As competitive tendering became morecommon the general contractors began to combine to appoint a single surveyorto prepare a bill of quantities, which all the contractors priced. In addition, thearchitect on behalf of the building owner usually appointed a second surveyor,who collaborated with the surveyor for the contractors in preparing the bill ofquantities, which was used for tendering purposes.

In later years it became the practice to employ one surveyor only whoprepared an accurate bill of quantities and measured any variations that aroseduring the progress of the project. This was the origin of the independent andimpartial quantity surveyor as he operates today.

An excellent account of the development of quantity surveying in Irelandbetween 1860 and 1960 is provided by Aston (2007).

FUNCTIONS OF BILL OF QUANTITIES

Frequently, one of the principal activities of the client’s quantity surveyor is thepreparation of bills of quantities, although this surveyor would also perform anumber of other functions. Consideration will now be given to the mainpurposes of a bill of quantities:

(1) First and foremost it enables all contractors tendering for a contract to priceon exactly the same information.

(2) It limits the risk element borne by the contractor to the rates entered in thebill and thereby results in more realistic and competitive tenders.

(3) It prompts the client and design team to finalise most project particularsbefore the bill is prepared, and ideally based on full production drawingand project specification.

(4) After being priced it provides a satisfactory basis for the valuation of varia-tions and adjustments to the final account.

(5) Priced bills also provide a useful basis for the valuation of certified stagepayments throughout a contract.

(6) It gives an itemised list of the component parts of the building, with a fulldescription and the quantity of each part, and could form an approximate

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checklist for the successful contractor in ordering materials and compo-nents and assessing his requirements of labour and other resources, and inprogramming the work.

(7) After being priced, it provides a good basis for the preparation of costanalyses for use in the cost planning of future projects.

(8) If prepared in annotated form, it will help in the locational identification ofthe work.

With the increasing size and complexity of building operations, it would be achallenge for a contractor to price a medium to large-sized project without a billof quantities.

In the absence of a bill of quantities being prepared on behalf of the client,each contractor would have to prepare their own bill of quantities in the limitedamount of time allowed for tendering. This places a heavy burden on eachcontractor and also involves additional costs which must be spread over thecontracts in which they are successful. It could also result in higher cost to theclient, as contractors may feel compelled to increase their prices to cover theincreased risks emanating from this approach.

Bills of quantities are not used to the same extent in non-traditional procure-ment arrangements like design and build. In design and build contractorsnormally price a brief provided by the employer which would usually includea schematic design and specification, which the contractor has to furtherdevelop into a scheme and fixed price.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

It will probably help the student at this stage to describe briefly the form of thecontract documents on a traditional building contract incorporating a bill ofquantities.

The principal documents are as follows:

(a) Conditions of Contract: The most common are the standard sets of conditionspublished by the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI). They definethe terms under which the work is to be undertaken, the relationshipbetween the client, architect and contractor, the duties of the architect andcontractor, and terms of payment. These forms include the main RIAI formof contract (with or without quantities). The ‘with quantities’ form is thattraditionally known as the yellow form in Ireland, where the bill of quan-tities forms part of the contract documentation. The ‘without quantities’form is traditionally known as the blue form in Ireland, where the draw-ings and specification form part of the contract documentation and is theonly basis on which the contractor prices the work.

(b) Specification: This amplifies the information given in the contract drawingsand bill of quantities, and describes in detail the work to be executed under

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the contract and the nature and quality of the materials, components andworkmanship. Where there is a bill of quantities, the specification will notbe a contract document unless so prescribed, and it may be incorporated inthe bill of quantities in the form of preambles.

(c) Bill of Quantities: This consists of a schedule of items of work to be carriedout under the contract with quantities entered against each item, preparedin accordance with the Agreed Rules of Measurement, 4th Edition(ARM4).

(d) Contract Drawings: These depict the details and scope of the works to beexecuted under the contract. They must be prepared in sufficient detail toenable the contractor to satisfactorily price the bill of quantities.

(e) Form of Tender: This constitutes a formal offer to construct and complete thecontract works in accordance with the various contract documents for thetender sum.

Several alternative building procurement systems evolved in the 1980s and1990s, giving greater choice and flexibility, and often resulting in faster comple-tion and the transfer of greater risk to the contractor. These included design andbuild, management contracting, construction management, and design andmanage. In more recent years the Irish government has introduced new PublicSector Building Contracts that shift significant risk onto the contractor. Thiscreates, for the first time in Ireland, standard forms of building contract for avariety of public sector procurement arrangements (Howley and Lang, 2007).

PROCESSES USED IN QUANTITY SURVEYING WORK

The traditional method of preparation of a bill of quantities can conveniently bebroken down into two main processes:

(1) ‘Taking-off’, in which the dimensions are scaled or read from drawings andentered in a recognised form on specially ruled paper, called ‘dimensionspaper’, and

(2) ‘Working-up’ which comprises squaring the dimensions, transferring theresultant lengths, areas and volumes into a convenient order for billing.The billing operation involves describing the work making up the completeproject together with the quantities involved in a suitable order underWork Section or elemental headings. Developments in specialist softwarehave eliminated much of the traditional ‘working-up’ process by allowingfor the production of the bill of quantities directly following the input ofthe dimensions in the taking-off process.

The most common approach used in Ireland is the ‘Direct Billing’ methodwhere the quantity surveyor measures the net quantities of each item of workin the sequence it will be presented in the final bill of quantities.


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The term ‘quantities’ refers to the amounts of the different types of workfixed in position which collectively give the total requirements of the buildingcontract. These quantities are set down in a standard form on ‘billing paper’,which has been suitably ruled in columns, so that each item of work may beconveniently detailed with a description of the work, the quantity involved anda suitable reference. The billing paper also contains columns in which a contrac-tor tendering for a particular project enters the rates and prices for each item ofwork. These prices added together give the ‘Contract Sum’. It is the norm todaythat computer aided software is used in the preparation of bills of quantities,which ultimately print out the final quantities in a standard format.

The recognised units of measurement are detailed in the Agreed ARM4. Thisdocument is extremely comprehensive and covers the majority of items ofbuilding work that are normally encountered. Many items are measured inmetres and may be cubic, square or linear. Some items are enumerated andothers, such as structural steelwork and steel reinforcing bars, are measured bythe tonne.

The bill of quantities thus sets down the various items of work in a logicalsequence and recognised manner, so that they may be readily priced bycontractors. A contractor will build up in detail a price for each item containedin the bill of quantities, allowing for the cost of the necessary labour, materialsand plant, together with the probable wastage on materials and generally apercentage to cover establishment charges and profit. It is most important thateach billed item should be so worded that there is no ambiguity as to the natureand extent of the item which is being priced. Contractors often tender in keencompetition with one another and this calls for very skilful pricing to securecontracts.

Where a bill of quantities is prepared in connection with a building contract,it will almost invariably form a contract document. The successful contractor isfully bound by the contents of all the contract documents when they sign thecontract. The other contract documents on a normal building contract are theRIAI Articles of Agreement, Conditions of Contract, Contract Drawings andForm of Tender.

OTHER MEASUREMENT APPROACHES

It would be misleading to imply that all measurement is based on the applica-tion of formalised rules of measurement. The use of ARM4 rules is mainly asso-ciated with traditional procurement systems where the architect is the leadconsultant. This involves the preparation of the bills of quantities by the client’squantity surveyor, and also in remeasurement for final account purposes.

Other procurement methods, including specification and drawings, designand build, management contracting, etc., usually place the responsibility forpreparing documentation, to facilitate pricing, upon the contractor or subcon-tractor. In these cases, measurement is still necessary as it forms the most


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frequently used mechanism for preparing a price. To achieve speed and reducethe cost of presentation in such circumstances, it is normal to concentrate themeasurement on the cost significant items, which are also made inclusive of theassociated peripheral aspects of the work. This practice departs from the notionof a standard method of measurement, as the cost significant items vary fromproject to project. However, the risk of misunderstandings arising areminimised by the measurer and estimator either being one and the same personor at least in close contact with one another. With the progressive adoption ofvarious alternative forms of procurement, there has been a major shift in thepoint of measurement from the client’s quantity surveyor to contractors andsubcontractors.

The current RICS Measurement Initiative is proposing a suite of measure-ment rules for consistency and continuity throughout the entire cost and meas-urement process. The proposed documents will comprise rules and guidancenotes covering the various stages of preparing cost estimates, bills of quantitiesand subsequently the whole life costs of construction.

Although it has been established that a number of measurement approachesare employed within the construction industry, this does not alter the need tolearn initially how to measure using the ARM4 rules. Once this technique hasbeen mastered, it is a relatively straightforward matter to adapt to other formsof measurement.

AGREED RULES OF MEASUREMENT

A working party was set up in 1991 by the SCS and the CIF to carry outresearch into the industries’ views of UK Standard Method of Measurement,6th Edition (SMM6) and to investigate possible alternatives. The working partyproduced and examined pilot bills of quantities using a number of alternativemethods of measurement in order to assess the differences.

Eventually the quantity surveyors divisional committee of the SCS and theCIF agreed that the Principles of Measurement (International) (POMI) withamendments would come into operation from 1st April 1992 for a trial periodof 18 months. The Department of Finance advised that their view was thatSMM6 should continue to be used on all public sector contracts. The workingparty met regularly during the 18-month trial period.

Both the SCS and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) surveyed theirmembers to establish their views on the operation of POMI. The CIF alsoreceived a report from a sub-committee of estimators setting out their views inrelation to POMI. The working party decided to carry out a joint survey of theSCS and CIF members in June 1993. Thirty-four practices, twenty-six contrac-tors and twelve subcontractors responded. Of those who responded 59%preferred POMI with amendments; 29% preferred SMM6 with amendments;9% preferred SMM7; and 3% preferred other methods.

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met on 23rd August 1993 to consider the response to the survey and decide onfurther action. It was then that the recommendation was made that a newARM should be drafted. In October 1993, the SCS and the CIF agreed toproduce an agreed set of Rules of Measurement for use in Ireland.

The ARM was designed in a tabular format and based on Work Sectionssimilar to the Standard Method of Measurement, 7th edition (SMM7) in theUK. It was the objective that the ARM would be used on all major constructionprojects in both the public and private sectors. The ARM was designed to:

(1) be an overall simplification of measurement, while still recognising costsignificant items;

(2) establish a closer link with present-day methods of construction;(3) introduce a tabular layout in work sections;(4) be a set of rules, which must be followed as distinct from principles of

measurement;(5) rationalise the input required to produce a bill of quantities, preventing

unnecessary measurement;(6) and create a more user-friendly document.

NATIONAL STANDARD BUILDING ELEMENTS

Traditional trade bills of quantities are not compatible with the way the designof a building evolves. In designing, the architect is not thinking in terms ofquantities of concrete or brickwork but in terms of elements of the building. Abuilding element can be described as a functional unit of a building. TheNational Standard Building Elements (NSBE) committee in Ireland selectedsuch design elements as the cost centres for cost control purposes. It is for thisreason that the vast majority of quantity surveying practices present bills ofquantities in an elemental format. Standard elements are common to the archi-tect, engineer and quantity surveyor and therefore facilitate co-ordinatedworking between all the design team members.

The following is a list of NSBE elements used by quantity surveyors in theproduction of costs estimates and bills of quantities in Ireland:

(06) Preliminaries(19) Substructure(21) External Walls(22) Internal Walls, Partitions(23) Floors, Galleries(24) Stairs, Ramps(27) Roof Structure(28) Frames(31) External Walls: Completions within Openings(32) Internal Walls: Completions within Openings


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(33) Floors: Completions within Openings(34) Stairs: Completion within Openings(37) Roofs: Completions within Openings(41) External Wall Finishes(42) Internal Walls Finishes(43) Floor Finishes(44) Stair Finishes(45) Ceiling Finishes(47) Roof Finishes(5-) Services (Mainly Piped and Ducted)(6-) Services (Mainly Electrical)(7-) Fittings and Furniture(10) Prepared Site(20) Site Structures(30) Site Enclosures(40) Roads, Paths and Pavings(50) Site Services (Mainly Piped and Ducted)(60) Site Services (Mainly Electrical)(70) Site Fittings(80) Landscape, Play Areas

OTHER FUNCTIONS OF THE QUANTITY SURVEYOR

The client’s quantity surveyor performs a variety of functions. The underlyingtheme of a quantity surveyor’s work is one of cost management rather than thepreparation of bills of quantities and settlement of final accounts, whether theyare engaged in private practice or in the public sector. The functions are:

(1) Preparing approximate estimates of cost in the very early stages of theformulation of a building project, giving advice on alternative materials,components and types of construction and assisting with feasibilitystudies.

(2) Cost planning and value analysis during the design stage of a project toensure that the client obtains the best possible value for money, includingadding value to property assets, preferably having regard to total costsusing life cycle costing techniques. Costs should be distributed in the mostrealistic way throughout the various sections or elements of the buildingand tender figures should be kept within the client’s budget.

(3) Advising on the most appropriate form of building procurement, havingregard to the type of project, quality, speed of construction, apportion-ment of risk and price certainty.

(4) Preparation of bills of quantities and other contract documents relating tothe project.


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(5) Examining tenders and priced bills of quantities and reporting the find-ings.

(6) Negotiating rates with contractors on negotiated contracts and dealingwith cost reimbursement contracts, design and build, management andother forms of contract.

(7) Valuing work in progress and making recommendations as to paymentsto be made to the contractor, including advising on the financial effect ofvariations.

(8) Preparing the final account on completion of the contract works.(9) Advising on the financial and contractual aspects of contractors’ claims.

(10) Giving cost advice and information at all stages of the contract andpreparing cost analyses and cost reports to clients.

(11) Specialist advice, such as technical auditing, valuations for fire insurance,giving advice on funding, grants, capital allowances and taxation, riskanalysis and management, bank monitoring, project management, build-ing services cost advice and other related matters including health andsafety and quality control.

The contractor’s quantity surveyor performs a different range of functions. Ina contractor’s organisation, the senior quantity surveying function would typi-cally be the responsibility of a senior chartered quantity surveyor who couldhave a senior executive or director status.

The duties of the contractor’s quantity surveyor will vary according to the sizeof the company. These tend to be very wide in scope with the smaller compa-nies, but rather more specialised with the larger firms.

In the smaller company, their activities will be of a general nature andinclude:

(1) Preparing bills of quantities for small contracts and agreeing measurementswith the client’s quantity surveyor.

(2) Collecting information about the cost of various operations from which thecontractor can prepare future estimates.

(3) Preparing precise details of the materials required for the projects in handand compiling target figures so that the operatives can be awarded produc-tion bonuses.

(4) Preparing interim costings so that the financial position of the project canbe ascertained as the work proceeds and appropriate action taken wherenecessary; planning contracts and preparing progress charts in conjunctionwith the general foremen/site manager and making application to thearchitect for variation orders if drawings or site instructions vary the work.

(5) Agreeing subcontractors’ accounts; placing subcontract orders and compar-ing the costs of alternative methods of carrying out various operations, sothat the most economical procedure can be adopted.

(6) Advising on the implementation of contract conditions and differentcontractual methods.


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In larger companies, the contractor’s quantity surveyor will not usually coversuch a wide range of activities, since different departments handle specific activ-ities. During the training period, the trainee quantity surveyor will probablyspend some time in each department. One particular function, which is verycomplementary to the functions of the quantity surveyor, is that of the estima-tor. The estimator is vital to the success of the contracting organisation. The esti-mator’s main responsibility is to accurately predict the most economic costs forconstruction, in a way which is both clear and consistent. Estimators alsomanage the production of the estimate and must ensure that there are adequateresources for this task. They must also co-ordinate other company departments,such as programming, buying and construction, to their work requirements,producing information on time and in the correct format. The estimator is alsoresponsible for liaising with general management on construction methods andavailable resources.

Estimators must fully understand measurement codes and how this affectsthe build-up of rates used for estimating purposes. For example, they must beaware that all wastage of materials must be taken into account when they arepricing tenders. In addition, estimators are frequently required to preparetenders based on drawings and specifications. This means that they will have tomeasure the quantities for that tender. They must also be constantly in tunewith the situation both on-site and off-site. They must continually analyse andrevise to achieve success in tender competitions.

CHANGES IN QUANTITY SURVEYING TECHNIQUES

The quantity surveyor acts as an essential advisor on matters of cost, betweenclients, designers, engineers and building contractors. In addition to preparingbills of quantities, they can find employment opportunities in the professionaldisciplines of quantity surveying with advice on a consultancy basis aboutdevelopment finance, construction cost and life cycle operating costs forconstruction costs.

The future direction of quantity surveying will be influenced by industralisa-tion, structural transformation of economies, information technology break-throughs and increased globalisation of construction markets.

The roles of quantity surveyors have evolved along with these changes andchallenges. In 1998 the RICS QS Think Tank Report noted that clients were crit-ical of traditional quantity surveying services and were demanding a differentand more comprehensive range of services.

In Ireland there are considerable variations of quantity surveying firms, inrespect to ownership, structure, size and total workforce. In relatively recentyears we have seen established UK practices taking controlling interests in thelarger quantity surveying practices in Ireland. Although current practices inIreland are dominated by traditional practices, there is considerable evidencethat practices have diversified from the more traditional boundaries.


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This book is focused on the production of bills of quantities, which remains avery important core service provided by professional quantity surveying prac-tices. There is substantial usage of specialist software by quantity surveyingfirms in the production of bills of quantities which will be discussed in greaterdetail in Chapter 17.


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CHAPTER FOUR

Substructure

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS

Before taking off any dimensions the quantity surveyor normally makes acareful study of all the drawings relating to the project to obtain the overallpicture and become familiar with the main details. At the same time it is neces-sary to ensure that all the drawings are complete and that there are adequatespecification particulars, to enable the measurement to proceed unhindered byinadequate information. The next step is usually a visit to the site to obtaindetails and measurements of any work required on the site, often termed‘prepared site’. These works include breaking up paving, taking down bound-ary walls and fences, and possibly demolishing existing buildings, felling trees,grubbing up hedges, and similar work.

Some contracts involve alterations to existing buildings and these are some-times termed ‘spot items’ and are normally kept together in a separate ARMWork Section of the bill of quantities headed ‘Demolition and alterations’(ARM4: Work Section C). Many of the details relating to spot items will alsoneed to be obtained on the site.

When visiting the site the quantity surveyor should also be on the look-outfor any unusual items which affect cost, and which should accordingly beincluded in the billed descriptions. A check on the type of soil and groundwaterlevel comes into this category, unless the information is supplied by the engi-neer, probably in the form of particulars from trial pits or boreholes excavatedon the site. With landfill or brownfield sites, it is also necessary to check onpossible land contamination, with the likely consequential high cost of remov-ing contaminated soil and remedial measures, including the extraction of land-fill gases such as methane.

GENERAL ITEMS

It is necessary to give details of ground investigation reports indicating thenature of the ground, ground water table level and date when established (Pre-Contract level), trial pits or boreholes stating their location, over or underground services, nature of contaminated or hazardous materials, location draw-ings, material filling requirements and limitations on methods of execution.

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SITE PREPARATION

Removal of trees and tree stumps is measured as an enumerated item, includ-ing grubbing up roots, disposal of materials and filling voids, classified in thegirth ranges (D22.1.2.1.1). Tree girths are measured at a height of 1.00 m aboveground and stump girths at the top of the stumps, as per D23, MeasurementRules, Item 1. Clearing site vegetation is measured in m2 with a descriptionsufficient for identification purposes (D22.1.4.0.0). Site vegetation embracesbushes, scrub, undergrowth, hedges, trees and tree stumps ≤ 0.45 girth, as perD23, Measurement Scope, Item 2. The first building operation is normally theexcavation of the topsoil for preservation over the whole area of the buildingand this usually forms the first excavation item in the Excavating andEarthwork Work Section of the bill of quantities. The area is measured to theouter extremities of the foundations in m2 and the average depth, often150 mm, is included in the description (D22.3.6.3.0). Disposal of topsoil on thesite in temporary spoil heaps for reuse is covered by a separate cubic itemstating the location of any spoil heaps (D24.3.9.13.2). Spreading hardcore onthe site to make up levels is measured in m3, distinguishing between averagethicknesses ≤ and > 225 mm (D24.4.12.16.4). Disposal of excavated materialoff the site is measured in m3, giving details where appropriate of specified loca-tions (D24.3.10.15.3) or handling and where active, toxic or hazardous materi-als are involved (D24.3.10.15.3). If the existing topsoil over the site of thebuilding is to be preserved, then this forms a separate billed item measured inm2, stating the method of preserving the turf, such as stacking in rolls in aspecific location (D22.2.5.2.0).

EXCAVATION TO REDUCE LEVELS

Where the site is sloping or the ground levels are generally higher than isrequired then further excavation is required to reduce the level of the groundto the specified formation level. This excavation is measured in m3, as excava-tion to reduce levels (D22.3.7.4.0), giving the appropriate maximum depthrange. The excavation rules in ARM4 are based on all excavation being carriedout by mechanical plant.

EXCAVATION OF FOUNDATION TRENCHES

Foundation trench excavation is measured in m3, stating the commencing levelwhere >250 mm below existing ground level, as per D23, Measurement Rules,Item 4 and the maximum depth range in accordance with D22.3.9.4.0, namely≤ 2.00 m and > 2.00 m depth in 2 m stages.


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Quantities for all excavation items shall be taken as the bulk before excava-tion, as per D23, Measurement Rules, Item 3. Excavating below groundwaterlevel is given in m3 as extra over any types of excavating (D22.4.12.0.0).

Excavating around existing services is measured in m as extra on items forexcavating, stating the type of service, such as gas or water mains, electricity orESB cables or sewers (D22.4.13.5.0). While excavating around existing servicescrossing excavation is an enumerated extra over item (D22.4.13.6.0), since it islikely to entail hand digging, and most other excavation will be carried out bymachine.

Breaking out rock; concrete; reinforced concrete; brickwork, blockwork orstonework shall each be described and measured separately in m3 as extra onitems of excavating (D24.1.1.1–4.0), while breaking out existing hard pavingsis measured in m2, stating the thickness, as extra on excavating (D24.1.1.6.0).Rock is defined as any material which is of such size or position that it can onlybe removed by wedges, special plant or explosives, as per D25, MeasurementScope, Item 1.

Obstructions are typically included in the bill of quantities as a provisionalquantity, as the exact extent of such work will be unknown at the time ofpreparing the tender documentation. This work will be later remeasured, asand when encountered on-site and the extent of work will be recorded andagreed between the contractor and the client’s quantity surveyor and paid atthe rates included in the priced bill of quantities.

Working space allowance to excavations, categorised in five types of excava-tion as D24.2.3–7, is measured in m2, where the face of the excavation is <0.60 m from the face of formwork, rendering, tanking or protective walls, as perD25, Measurement Rules, Items 4–8. Working space tends to apply to morecomplex foundations, such as basements.

Three sets of levels will be required before foundation work can be measured:(1) bottom of foundations, (2) ground levels and (3) finished floor levels.

When measuring foundation trenches it is advisable to separate thetrenches into external and internal walls. Where the external wall foundationis of constant width and the site is level, its measurement presents no realdifficulty with the length being obtained by the normal girthing method, asoutlined in Chapter 3. Where the site is sloping and stepped foundations areintroduced the process of measurement of the foundation trench excavationis more complex, since each length of trench will have to be dealt with separately.

After measuring the excavation for external wall foundations, the internalwall foundations will be taken, and this will often involve a number of varyinglengths and widths of foundations, which are best collected together in wasteand the drawing suitably marked up as each length is extracted. Care must betaken to adjust for the overlap of trenches at the intersection of the externaland internal walls as shown in Figure 13.

The external wall foundation trench will have been measured around thewhole building in the first instance, and the hatched section will have to be

Substructure 43

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deducted at each intersection when arriving at the length of internal founda-tion trench.

DISPOSAL OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL

The subsequent disposal of excavated material forms a separate billed item inm3, either of soil to be stored on-site (D24.3.10.14–15.3), used as filling to makeup levels (D24.4.12.16.4), filling to excavations (D24.4.11.16.4), or to beremoved off the site (D24.3.10.15.4), as illustrated in Figure 14 for a traditionalstrip foundation. In the first instance, the total volume of excavation to reducelevels, foundation trenches etc. should be added together, which is followedwith a deduction for material that may be required to be retained for backfill-ing to excavations.


Spread of foundations

100 internal walls

600

Extent of overlap

300 cavity wall

900

Figure 13 Intersection of internal and external walls.

Figure 14 Excavating and filling: traditional strip foundation.

Excavate trench

Backfilling withimorted hardcore

Excavate topsoil forpreservation and disposalon-site

Filling toexcavations,topsoil

Taken asbackfilling withpreviouslyexcavatedmaterial

Taken asdisposal ofexcavatedmaterialoff-site

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However, in other circumstances different approaches are more appropriate,such as for the trench fill foundation as shown in Figure 15 and the alternativestrip foundation in Figure 16. In both cases the best approach is to take thevolume of trench excavation as disposal of excavated material off-site.

Handling of excavated material is normally at the discretion of the contractorunless detailed in the description (D24.3.10.15.3).

SURFACE TREATMENTS

Compacting the bottom of the excavation is a deemed to be included item andis covered in the excavation item as per D23, Deemed to be Included, Item 6.Surface treatments, such as blinding hardcore with sand, is measured in squaremetres (D24.5.13.0.0). Compacting of filling is deemed to be included also, asper D25, Deemed to be Included, Item 5.

Substructure 45

Figure 15 Excavating and filling: trench fill foundation.

Figure 16 Excavating and filling: strip foundation with hardcore backfill internally.

Excavate trench anddisposal of excavatedmaterial off-site


Excavate topsoil for preservationand disposal on-site


Taken asbackfilling withpreviouslyexcavatedmaterial

Backfilling withimported hardcore

Excavate trenchand disposal ofexcavated materialoff-site

Excavate topsoil forpreservation and disposalon-site

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BASEMENT EXCAVATION

Basement excavation is measured to the outside of foundations in m3 statingthe maximum depth range. Working space allowance is measured in m2 whereformwork, rendering, tanking or protective walls are required to the face ofconstruction below starting level of excavation but only where the face of theexcavation is ≥ 0.60 m distant, as per D25, Measurement Rules, Item 4. Thearea measured is calculated by multiplying the girth of the tanking or protec-tive walls by the depth of excavation below the starting level of the excavation,where the height of the formwork or protective walls below starting level ofexcavation is > 1.00 m or where the bottom of the formwork or protective wallsis > 1.00 m below starting level of excavation, as per D25, Measurement Rules,Item 5. Working space shall be measured full depth where rendering or tankingis required, as per D25, Measurement Rules, Item 6. Additional earthworksupport, disposal, backfilling, work below groundwater level and breaking outare deemed to be included (D25, Deemed to be Included, Item 1).

Earthwork support is a deemed to be included, as per D23, Deemed to beIncluded, Item 4.

CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

Concrete particulars are to include the kind and quality of materials, mixdetails, tests of materials and finished work, methods of compaction and curingand other requirements (F36: Information Required), but much of this infor-mation may be included in preamble clauses or cross-references to project spec-ification clauses. Concrete poured on or against earth or unblinded hardcoreshall be so described (F36.4.0.0.2). Concrete foundations include attachedcolumn bases and attached pile caps, as per F37, Measurement Scope, Item 1,while isolated foundations include isolated column bases and pile caps as perF37, Measurement Scope, Item 2. Beds and slabs include attached beams andbeam casings, as per F37, Measurement Scope, Item 4.

In-situ concrete is measured in m3 and the degree of difficulty in placing theconcrete is reflected by giving the thickness ranges ≤ 150 mm and > 150 mm inthe case of beds and slabs (F36.9–10.1.0.1).

On a sloping site the concrete foundations will probably be stepped and it willbe necessary to measure the additional concrete at the step and a linear item offormwork to the face of the step classified in two stages of depth: ≤ 250 mm and250–500 mm (F42.2.1.0.0). Where the formwork exceeds 500 mm in heightthis is measured in m2 (F42.2.2.0.0).

In the example shown in Figure 17 it will be necessary to add a 450 mmlength of foundation 225 mm thick.


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Note: Concrete has been classified by strength, i.e. 21 N/mm2 (20 mm aggre-gate), as an alternative to a designed mix to BS5328 or a specified mix ofconcrete, such as 1:3:6 – 20 mm aggregate)

If the concrete foundations are reinforced with fabric reinforcement, thereinforcement is measured net in m2 stating the mesh reference, weight per m2

and minimum laps (F40.2.4.3). Bar reinforcement is billed in tonnes, keepingeach diameter (nominal size) separate, although it will be entered by length onthe dimensions sheet, distinguishing between straight, bent and curved bars(F40.1.1.1.0). Hooks and tying wire, and spacers and chairs which are at thediscretion of the contractor are deemed to be included (F41, Deemed to beIncluded, Items 1–2).

Figure 18 shows an attached ground beam to an in-situ concrete bed. Bedsand slabs include attached beams and beams casings, as per F37, MeasurementScope, Item 4. A typical take-off entry for this item is then shown.

Substructure 47

Concrete foundation 21 N/mm2

(20 mm2 aggregate)

225

225

450

Figure 17 Stepped foundation.

Figure 18 Attached ground beam.

Attachedgroundbeam

150

1000

500

150 concrete bed

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CONCRETE WORK: In-situ Concrete

30 N/mm2 (20 mm aggregate)

Beds

≤ 150 mm; reinforced(F36.9.1.0.1)

10.00 20 m3

10.000.15 15.00 (main slab)

–––––

10.000.501.00 5.00 (attached ground beam)

––––– –––––

20.00––––––––––

CONCRETE BEDS

In-situ concrete beds are measured in m3, stating the appropriate thicknessrange as ≤ 150 mm or > 150 mm and including in the description where pouredon or against earth or unblinded hardcore. Treating the surface of in-situconcrete is classified and given in m2 (F38.2.6–13.0.2–5). Common surfacetreatments include power floating, trowelling, hacking, grinding, sand blasting,bush hammering and brushed. A tamped finish is deemed to be included, as perF39, Deemed to be Included, Item 5.

Hardcore and similar beds are measured in m3, classified as to whether theaverage thickness is ≤ or > 250 mm, the nature of the filling material and itssource and/or treatment (D24.4.12.16.4). The measurement of filling is illus-trated in Example 1. Where the surface of hardcore filling requires blinding, thisis measured separately in m2 (D24.5.13.0.0).

PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORS

Precast concrete beam and block floors are now being used increasingly, partic-ularly for the ground floors of domestic buildings, as they provide a soundlyconstructed floor, free from dry rot and other forms of insect and fungal attackto which timber floors are susceptible, with a good platform to receive the insu-lation and floor finish. A typical form of construction is illustrated in Figure 19.Such work is measured in m2 in accordance with F46.2.1.1. The concrete, rein-forcement and formwork to be included in composite construction shall bedescribed, as per F47, Measurement Rules, Item 2. Another alternative to rein-forced in-situ concrete slabs on upper floors, as shown in Example 11, is to use


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precast concrete hollow core slabs grouted after laying. These are measured inthe same way as the precast concrete beam and block floor in Example 2. Thistype of floor has the advantage of faster erection times and the virtual elimina-tion of shuttering and pouring of concrete.

OTHER SUBSTRUCTURE WORK

It has been customary to include all substructure work in a separate section ofthe bill, including brickwork up to and including damp-proof course. However,ARM4 subdivides this work into several Work Sections: D: Excavating andEarthwork; F: Concrete Work; and G: Brickwork and Blockwork. Hence thesubstructure work will be subdivided into these Work Sections in the bill ofquantities, albeit within an overall elemental bill called Substructure. Thesubstructure element will include for measuring all the work, including the

Substructure 49

Figure 19 Precast concrete block and beam floor.

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rising walls up to the damp-proof course level, which is typically 150 mm abovethe external ground level of the building.

Brick and Block Walling

Block and brick walling is measured in m2 and described as wall in trenches,stating the nominal thickness, such as 100 mm, and whether there is facework(fair finish) on one or both sides (G48.2.1.0). It should be noted that all brick-work is deemed to be measured on its centreline, as per G49, MeasurementRules, Item 1. The formation of the cavity is measured in m2 (G52.1.1.1.1). Wallties shall be given in the description stating the type and spacing, as per G53,Measurement Rules, Item 1.

Facework

Brick facework is included in the measurement of the brickwork on which itoccurs, with a description of the kind, quality and size of bricks, type of bond,composition and mix of mortar and type of pointing (G48: InformationRequired). In practice these particulars could alternatively be included inpreamble clauses or be cross-referenced to a project specification. Specifying theprecise type of brick or block is a better approach as it simplifies the task of theestimator in determining its relative hardness and ease of laying, and shouldlead to more realistic pricing.

Damp-proof Courses

Damp-proof courses are measured in m where it is ≤ 225 mm wide(G52.3.5.2.3) and in m2 where > 225 mm wide (G52.3.6.2.3). Vertical, raking,horizontal and stepped work, are so described (G52.3.5.2.3–7).

The description of the damp-proof course contains particulars of the materi-als used, including the kind and quality of the materials (G52: InformationRequired). No allowance is made for laps, as per G53, Deemed to be Included,Item 1.

Damp-proof Membranes

Damp-proof membranes are measured under ARM4 Work Section I: Roofing,Cladding and Waterproofing. Radon membranes are also measured under thissection. This work is normally measured as one continuous sheet in m2 statingthat it is horizontal and > 300 mm in width (I66.2.1.1).

Insulation

Floor insulation falls are measured under ARM4 Work Section J: Woodwork:Ironmongery, Accessories and Sundries. This work is measured in m2 statingthe specification and thickness (J84.5.14.5.0).


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WORKED EXAMPLE

A Worked example follows covering the substructure to a small building. Theimportance of a logical sequence in taking off cannot be overemphasised. Itsimplifies the taking-off process and reduces the risk of omission of items.

On the drawings a decimal in the dimensions indicates measurements in m,for example 10.000. Where there is no decimal marker, the dimensions arenormally in millimetres.

Take-off List

It is good practice to prepare a take-off list prior to commencing the take off.This ensures that items are measured in the corrrect sequence, as they wouldappear in the final bill of quanities. The exercise also helps in consulting ARM4to see if there are any unusual classifications of work. Most importantly, the listwill help to raise any appropriate queries with the project architect or engineerin respect of discrepencies in project information or omitted information.

Substructure 51

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Substructure 53

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TAKE-OFF LIST

DRG REF: Drawings 1 and 1a

Drawing 2 (Alternative Precast Block and Beam detail)

ARM ref Description Unit

EXCAVATION AND EARTHWORKS: Excavation

D22.3.6.3.0 Excavation topsoil for preservation; average depth 150 mm m2

D22.3.7.4.0 Excavation to reduced levels; depth ≤ 2 m m3

D22.3.9.4.0 Excavation foundation trenches; depth ≤ 2 m m3

D24.1.1.1.0 Provisional; extra over on excavation items for breaking up rock m3

D24.3.8.10.0 Disposal of water; surface Item

D24.3.9.13.2 Disposal; topsoil for preservation; location; weed killer m3

D24.3.10.15.0 Disposal of excavated material off-site m3

D24.4.11.16.0 Filling clause 804; to excavation; average thickness > 250 mm m3

D24.4.12.16.0 Filling clause 804; to make up levels depth ≤ 250 mm thick m3

D24.5.13.0.0 Surface treatments; sand blinding to hardcore m2

CONCRETEWORK: In-situ Concrete

F36.4.0.0.2 Foundations; poured on or against earth m3

F36.9.1.0.0 Concrete beds; ≤ 150 mm thick m3

F36.20.4.2.0 Sundries; concrete filling to cavity m3

F38.2.6.0.0 Power floating slab m2

CONCRETEWORK: Reinforcement

F40.1.1.1.0 Reinforcement – Bars Tns

F40.2.4.3.0 Mesh; A142; lapped 300 mm m2

BRICKWORK AND BLOCKWORK: Brickwork / Blockwork

G48.2.1.0.0 Blockwork; walls in trenches 100 mm thick m2

G48.7.3.0.0 Labour on blockwork Item

BRICKWORK AND BLOCKWORK – Ancillaries

G52.1.1.1.1 Forming cavities; between new walls; 100 mm wide; 150 mm

deep cavity insulation m2

G52.3.5.2.3 DPC; ≤ 225 mm; 100 mm laps; horizontal m

WATERPROOFING: Waterproof and Gas Proof Non-Metal Flexible Sheet Coverings

I66.2.1.1.0 DPM; horizontal > 300 mm wide m2

WOODWORK: Ironmongery, Accessories and Sundries

J84.5.14.5.0 Insulation; horizontal; > 300 mm wide m2

J84.5.14.5.0 Insulation; vertical; 150 mm high m2

ALTERNATIVE PRECAST CONCRETE FLOOR

CONCRETE WORK: Sundries

F38.2.6.0.0 Surface finish; power floating m2

CONCRETE WORK: Precast Concrete

F46.4.1.2.0 Composite construction; precast beam and block floor slab m2

BRICKWORK and BLOCKWORK – Ancillaries to Brickwork

G52.9.14.4.0 Wall ventilators Nr


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Substructure 55

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600

300

300

175 h/c

150 mm SLAB GL 10.000

1050

150

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Substructure 57

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Substructure 59

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Substructure 61

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Substructure 63

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Substructure 65

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Substructure 67

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Accuracy of Dimensions 22Adjustment of Openings 20Agreed Rules of Measurement 6–7,

12Deemed to be Included 14, 22General Attendances 26General Rules 12–13Measurement Rules 14Measurement Scope 14Special Attendances 26Tabulated Rules 13

Asphalt 152Attendances 26

Back Drop Manhole 334Back Inlet Gully 333Bellmouths 34Benching 335Bill of Quantities 4, 12, 374–92

Alternative Formats 381Computer Applications 382Contingencies 375, 379Dayworks 375, 378Functions 2–3Measured Work 375, 378Preambles 375, 378Preliminaries 375, 377Presentation 374Prime Cost Sum 379Production 380–1Provisional Sums 379Structure 375

Blockwork 50, 69Brick, Block and Stone Walling

69–107Attached Piers 72Brick and Block Walling 69–74Chimney Breasts and Stacks 71Composite Walls 74Facework Ornamental Bands 73Facework Quoins 73Projections 71

Rough and Fair Cutting 71Rubble Walling 76Special Bricks and Blocks 70Surface Features 72Worked Example 77–107

Builder’s Work in Connection 287Building Information Modelling

390–2

Ceiling Finishes 204–5Cesspits 337Channels 335Chimney Breasts and Stacks 108Cisterns 287Cold Water Supply 285

Builder’s Work in Connection 287Connection to Water Mains 286Holes for Pipes 287Pipework 286Water Storage Tanks 287Worked Example 292–315

Composite Items 27Composite Walls 74Computer Applications 382–90

Building Information Modelling390–2

Building Software Services 383–8Cato Enterprises 388–90Concrete Suspended Floors 116Construction Industry Federation (CIF)

6Contingencies 379Contract Documentation 3–4

Bills of Quantities 4Conditions of Contract 3Contract Drawings 4Form of tender 4Specification 3

Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor 9Cost Planning 8

Damp Proof Courses 50

405

Index

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Damp Proof Membrane 50Dayworks 379Deemed to be Included 13, 22Design and Build 4Design Schedules 23Dimensions Paper 14

Alterations to Dimensions 17Deductions 16Description Column 15Descriptions 20Dimension Column 15Figured Dimensions 18Measurement of Irregular Figures

17Numbering of Dimension Sheets 18Order of Dimensions 15Signposting 15Spacing of Items 15Squaring Column 15Timesing Column 15Title of Dimension Sheets 18Waste 15

Direct Billing 4Doors 253–71

Door Frames 254Worked Examples 255–71

Drainage 328Drain Pipes 332Pipe Accessories 332Worked Example 339

Drawings 22Drives 354

Earthworks 34–8Cuttings and Embankments 36–8Sloping Site Excavation 34–6

Electrical Services 316–27Builder’s Work in Connection 317Busbar Trunking 317Cable Trays 317Cables 317Conduit 317Final Sub-circuits 317Fittings 317Mains Supply 317Sundries 317Transport Installation 317Trunking 317Worked Example 320

Estimator 10External Walls 69

Worked Examples 77–86External Works 354–73

Drives 354Fencing 355Gates 355Grassed Areas 355Hedges 356Paths 354Roads 354Scrubs 356Trees 356Worked Example 356–73

Extra Over Items 24, 32

Facework 50Fencing 355Fire, Flue and Vents 108

Breasts and Stacks 108Chimney Breasts and Stacks 108Fireplaces 108Flues 108Flues to Gas-fired Appliances 108Vents 108Worked Example 111–15

Fireplaces 109Fittings 275–6

Kitchen Fittings 276Flashings 149Flat Roofs 152

Worked Example 190–8Floorboarding 118Floor Finishes 202–3Floors 116–18

Suspended Concrete Slabs 116Suspended Timber Floors 116–18Worked Example 122–33

Flues to Gas-fired Appliances 109Form of Tender 4

Gable Ladders 150Gates 355General Attendances 26Girth of Buildings 28–31

Rectangular Buildings 28Irregular Buildings 30

Grassed Areas 355Gullies 333

Heating and Hot Water Installation288–91

Insulation 50Inspection Chambers 335Internal Finishes 199–236

Ceiling Finishes 204

406 Index

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Floor Finishes 202Painting and Decorating 205–6Skirtings and Picture Rails 203Wall Finishes 200Worked Example 208–36

Internal Walls 71Internal Block Walls 87

Worked Example 87–9

Management Contracting 4Manholes 333

Covers 334Benchings 335Step Irons 335

Measurement of Areas 31–4Bellmouths 34Irregular Areas 32Segments 33Trapazoids 32

Mensuration Applications 28–40Metal Casement Windows 104

Worked Example 104–7Metal Sheet Cladding 75Metal Staircases 273–5

Mortar Mixes 70

National Standard Building Elements7–8

Natural Stone 76Nominated Subcontractors 26Nominated Suppliers 25

Painting and Decorating 205–7Partitions 119–21

Stud Partitions 120System Partitions 120–1Worked Example 134–41

Paths 354Pipework 286Pitched Roofs 39–40, 142–89

Covering Materials 142Flashings 149Hips 151Interlocking Tiles 142Plain Tiles 147Roof Timbers 149Roof Void Ventilation 147Slates 142Worked Examples 156–89

Preambles 24, 378Preliminaries 375–7Prepared Site 41Prime Cost Sums 379

Principles of Measurement(International) (POMI) 6

Provisional Sums 379Public Sector Building Contracts 4

Quantity Surveyor 1History 1–2Work Processes 4–5Functions 9–10Changes 10–11

Query Sheets 24

Roads 354Rodding Eye 336Roof Coverings 142–8

Interlocking Tiles 142Plain Tiles 147Slates 142

Roof Ventilation 147–8Royal Iristitution of Chartered

Surveyors (RICS) 1Rubble Walling 76

Worked Example 98–103

Septic Tanks 336–7Shrubs 356Skirtings and Picture Rails 203Slate Coverings 142, 146Soakaways 338Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS)

1Special Attendances 26Specifications 3, 378Staircases 272–5

Metal 273–5Timber 272–5Worked Example 278–84

Standard Method of Measurement, 7thEdition 6

Standard Products 23Step Irons 335Stud Partitions 120Substructure 41–51

Basement Excavation 46Concrete Beds 48Concrete Foundations 46Disposal of Excavated Material 44Excavation of Foundation Trenches

42Excavation to Reduce Levels 42General Items 41Precast Concrete Floors 48Preliminary Investigations 41

Index 407

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408 Index

Site Preparation 42Spot Items 41Surface Treatment 45Worked Example 52–68

Suspended Concrete Floors 116Suspended Timber Floors 116–17System Partitions 120

Taking-off 4Order of Taking-off 19Take-off Lists 23

Timber Floors 116–17Trees 356

Vents 109

Wall Finishes 200–2Waste Services 285Window Schedules 238–9Windows 237–52

Worked Examples 239–52Working-up 4

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Background of Quantity Surveying

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