NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
FACULTY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT II
COURSE CODE AQS2208
LECTURE NOTES
Prepared By M. MUKAWA
MEASUREMENT OF CONCRETE
WORK
Introduction
• Most concrete items are shown on the drawings
and specifications especially those prepared by
the Structural Engineer.
• Examples are: footings, bases, slabs, columns,
walls, slabs, etc.
• Some items are not shown and must be
determined based on the knowledge of the PQS
and from the specifications. Unless otherwise
stated, the PQS should also determine such items
as Formwork, finishing, curing etc.
Introduction
• The general rule is to start by defining the
concrete dimensions to measure the volume
of concrete in the item then consider the
other requirements of formwork,
reinforcement, finishing, etc.
• It is also good practice to measure all
concrete-related work for one assembly (e.g.
Footings) and then move to another assembly.
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Concrete
• All Concrete is measured by volume (m3) “net in
place” unless otherwise stated (D1)
• Separate items are given for different
components such as foundations, bases,
underpinning, columns, isolated beams, slabs, etc
• Concrete is classified by categories as plain
concrete, reinforced concrete etc stating the
respective different qualities or mixes of concrete
(Strength requirements)
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Concrete
• No adjustment is made for steel pipes, conduits, etc, or
small openings (below 0.05 m3) or 0.25m2 for work in m2
• Walls & Columns extending between floors are measured
from top of slab below to undersurface (bottom) of slab or
beam above (Figure 1)
• Attached piers & pilasters are combined together with the
walls in which they occur (Figure 2)
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Concrete
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Concrete
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Concrete
• Beams and slabs may be measured
separately.
• But, if beams are poured at the same time as
slabs they are combined with the slab
concrete. D8(b)
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Formwork
• Formwork is the general term for temporary
mould or support given to wet concrete
• Formwork is measured in m2 to the actual
surfaces supported unless otherwise stated
• No deductions for voids or openings not
exceeding 1m2 and intersections of main
beams with walls or columns as well as
secondary beams with main beams
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Formwork
• Classified in the same categories as concrete
(forms to wall, forms to columns etc.)
• Curved surfaces should be measured
separately
• Edge forms are measured separately.
• Similarly, pilasters projecting out of walls
• are measured separately. (Refer figure 2)
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Formwork
• Forms to slab edges are measured separately
from forms to beams and walls (Figure 3)
• Items of longitudinal nature (boxing to form
grooves, keyways) are described with their
sizes and measured in linear metres
• Circular columns are given in linear metres
stating the radius/diameter
• Widening tops of columns are described and
enumerated
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Formwork
General Measuring Rules SMZ
Reinforcement
• Round and square bars are classified
separately in groups of diameter or width
respectively from those not exceeding 8mm
up to those exceeding 30mm
• All rod and bar reinforcement is measured in
kilograms excluding the mass of binding wire
• Fabric reinforcement is measured in m2 stating
the manufacturer’s reference or mass/m2
