Overview of Modes of Measurement in Civil Engineering

In civil engineering, the modes of measurement refer to the standard methods and practices used to quantify the various works and materials in construction projects. These measurements are crucial for accurate cost estimation, contract management, and progress tracking. The Indian Standard IS 1200 and other international standards outline these modes, ensuring uniformity and consistency in measuring quantities for tasks such as earthworks, concrete works, reinforced concrete works, and other civil works.

Common Modes of Measurement in Civil Engineering

1. By Area:

   • This mode of measurement is typically used for surface work where the unit of measurement is square meters (m²). It is commonly used for:
     • Flooring (e.g., tiles, concrete)
     • Plastering
     • Painting
     • Paving works

   Example: If plastering a wall is required, it is measured by the area of the wall in square meters.

2. By Volume:

   • This mode is applied to works where the unit of measurement is cubic meters (m³). It is often used in earthwork, concrete works, and excavation.
     • Excavation and filling for foundations or trenches.
     • Concrete casting (e.g., foundations, slabs, beams).

   Example: For concrete works like pouring a slab, the volume is measured in cubic meters (m³) as length × breadth × thickness.

3. By Length:

   • Length measurement is used when the work involves linear measurements. The unit of measurement is meters (m). This is commonly used for:
     • Masonry walls
     • Drainage works
     • Road construction (e.g., laying of kerbs or pipes)

   Example: When constructing a drain, the measurement of the length of the trench or the pipe installation is calculated in meters.

4. By Weight:

   • Measurement by weight is generally used for materials where the weight of the material is important for determining the quantity. This is common in works involving materials like steel, bitumen, and cement.
     • Steel reinforcement
     • Bitumen application in roadworks

   Example: The weight of steel bars required for reinforcement in a structure is calculated in kilograms (kg) or tons (T).

5. By Number:

   • Some construction works require counting of units. This method is typically used for items where individual units are needed, and the quantity is counted.
     • Doors and windows
     • Pipes
     • Fixtures

   Example: The number of doors or windows installed in a building is counted as a unit.

6. By Set or Unit:

   • This is used for works that involve specific components where a unit or set defines the measurement. This could include prefabricated elements, ready-made components, or installations.
     • Prefabricated doors, windows, or panels
     • Streetlights

   Example: The installation of prefabricated concrete panels is measured by the set or unit.

7. By Volume of Work Done:

   • This method is used for contractor's claims or interim payments during a project. Work is measured based on the percentage completed or the total volume of work done at any given point in time.
     • Common in road works, drainage systems, or excavation works.

   Example: Measurement is done on excavation works by calculating the volume of soil removed during a specific period.

8. By Combination:

   • In many cases, the measurement involves a combination of methods, such as area and length measurements for complex works like paving or road construction.

   Example: Paving works might use both area and length measurements for calculating the total amount of material required.

Modes of Measurement in Construction Contracts

In civil engineering contracts, especially engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, measurement-based pricing is often used. The most common methods include:

1. Lump Sum:

   • A fixed amount for completing the entire project or a defined portion of the project.

2. Unit Rate:

   • This is a method where the payment is made for each unit of work completed based on the rate per unit of measurement (e.g., per cubic meter of concrete or per meter of pipe laid).

3. Cost Plus Contract:

   • Involves the contractor being reimbursed for actual costs plus a fixed fee or percentage of the costs.

IS Code for Measurement

The IS 1200 series provides detailed guidelines for the measurement of quantities for various works, including earthworks, concrete works, and masonry. It outlines the procedures to follow to ensure accurate and consistent measurement across projects.

• IS 1200 (Part 1 to 28): Provides specific methods for measuring different works, including:
  • Earthworks (Part 1)
  • Concrete works (Part 2)
  • Masonry works (Part 4)
  • Paving and road works (Part 8)
  • Water and sewerage works (Part 18)

These standards help ensure that work is measured accurately, and there is consistency in the way quantities are calculated, which is crucial for proper cost estimation, budgeting, and payment assessments.

Conclusion

The modes of measurement in civil engineering are essential for determining the quantities of materials and work involved in construction projects. Accurate measurements allow for proper cost estimation, progress tracking, and budgeting. Standards like IS 1200 ensure that these measurements are consistent and reliable across different types of work.

Sun Jan 26, 2025