Types of estimate in civil engineering pdf

In civil engineering, there are several types of estimates used to determine the cost of construction projects, and they vary depending on the stage of the project and the level of detail required. Below is a brief overview of the main types of estimates commonly used in civil engineering:

Types of Estimates in Civil Engineering:

1. Preliminary Estimate:

   • Also known as rough estimate, this is prepared during the initial stages of the project when very little detailed information is available. It's used for budgeting and securing initial approval.
   • Example: Cost estimation for a proposed residential building based on preliminary design plans.

2. Detailed Estimate:

   • This estimate provides a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved in the project, including materials, labor, equipment, and other direct and indirect costs.
   • Example: An estimate for a residential building project that considers every element, from cement and steel to labor and overheads.

3. Supplementary Estimate:

   • Created when changes occur in the scope of work or unforeseen circumstances arise, leading to additional costs beyond the original budget.
   • Example: An estimate required when unexpected site conditions, like soil problems, affect the project cost.

4. Revised Estimate:

   • This type of estimate is made when there's a major change in the original estimate due to factors like escalation in material prices, labor costs, or changes in design.
   • Example: A revised estimate for an infrastructure project when there’s a significant increase in steel prices.

5. Quantity Estimate:

   • This is an estimate based on the quantities of materials required for the construction project, derived from the design documents.
   • Example: Estimating the number of bricks, amount of cement, or quantity of steel required for the project.

6. Unit Rate Estimate:

   • Based on the unit rate for each item involved in the project, this estimate considers the cost per unit of material or labor for every task.
   • Example: Estimating the cost of excavation per cubic meter or the cost of masonry work per square meter.

7. Approximate Estimate:

   • A rough estimate based on the known cost of similar projects, used when detailed data is not available.
   • Example: Estimating the cost of constructing a new bridge based on the cost of similar bridge projects.

8. Bill of Quantities (BOQ) Estimate:

   • A detailed list of materials, labor, and work required for the project, used in tendering and procurement processes.
   • Example: A BOQ for the construction of a highway project listing all materials, including cement, asphalt, and labor costs.

9. Plinth Area Estimate:

   • Based on the total plinth area (floor area) of the building, this estimate is used in the early stages of planning and is based on average unit costs.
   • Example: Estimating the cost of a multi-story building based on the plinth area.

Tue Feb 4, 2025