Piping Volume of Work Calculation

Volume of Work is a unit to measure how much the work need to be done on a piping work. It will
help on planning and executing work during the actual fabrication, installation and testing.
Main purpose to calculate of Volume of Work:
1. Scheduling, determine how long a project will take place, how many pipe workers (fitters,
welders, charge hand and supervisor) needed, how many tools and consumables needed.
2. Budgeting, determine how much the cost is needed to complete the project, this
cost/budget will only be able to calculate after we determine the scheduling and resources
planning.
3. Controlling, after the schedule and budget has been established, the volume of work will be
use to control and monitor actual progress versus the planning that we built during
scheduling and budgeting phase.
Methods for calculation volume of work
Two methods on establishing volume of work:
1. Fixed Calculation
Can be done if the project has complete isometric drawing (approved for construction) prior
to project start. The volume of work will be an exact figure, if any change or revision will be
count as a separate additional cost.
2. Estimated Calculation
Should be done if the project doesnt have the isometric drawing prior to project kick start.
Use schematic drawing and arrangement drawing as the base for estimation. The volume of
work resulted from this calculation usually will differ with exact volume of work.
Dia inch
Dia inch is a unit measurement of a piping work, it include fabrication and erection work. Dia inch
stand for diameter inch. It is not exactly a distance of welding.
Below is the standard to calculate dia inch:
Please note that in few places the calculation will slightly differ.

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

PIPING DIA INCH CALCULATION

Butt Welded Joint

Description

Factor

QTY

Pipe
Size

X
Factor

Total
D.I.

End Joint, without

weld

X 0.5

2"

X 0.5

Pipe Joint, butt

welded

X1

2"

X1

Elbow Joints, butt

welded

X2

2"

X2

Single Elbow Joint,

butt welded on one
sides

X 0.5 + X1

2"

0.5 X 1

Equal Tee Joints,

butt welded

X3

3"

X3

EQ Tee 2A Joints

X 2.5

3"

X 2.5

7,5

Red Tee Joints

X 2A + B

3" X 2"

X 2A + B
(2 X 3) + 2

Red Tee 2A Joints

XA+A

3" X 2"

X 2A
(2 X 3)

Reducer Joint

XA+B

3" X 2"

X3+2

10

Reducer A Joint

X A + X 0.5

3" X 2"

X3+X
0.5

11

Reducer B Joint

0.5 + X B

3" X 2"

X 0.5 + X
B

3,5

No

Type

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

Description

Factor

QTY

Pipe
Size

X
Factor

Total
D.I.

12

PIPE CAP - BW

X1

2"

13

Weldolet Joint

B X 1.5

6" X 2"

2 X 1.5

14

Stub In Joint

B X 1.5

6" X 2"

2 X 1.5

15

45 or 90 Seat In
Joint

X 1.5

3"

X 1.5

4.5"

No

Type

Socket Weld Joint

Description

Factor

QTY

Pipe
Size

X
Factor

Total
D.I.

Full Coupling SW

X1

2"

X1

Red Coupling SW

XA+B

2" X 1"

X2+1/2

1,5

Half Coupling SW

X 0.5

2"

X 0.5

SW X SE Coupling

A X 0.5 + B

2"

X 0.5 + B

SW X SE Red
Coupling

A X 0.5 + B

2" X 1"

A X 0.5 +
B

SE X SW Red
Coupling

A X 0.5 + B

2" X 1"

A X 0.5 +
B

2,5

SW 90 or 45 Elbow

X2

2"

X2

No

Type

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

SW X SE 90 or 45
Elbow

A X 0.5 + B

2"

A X 0.5 +
B

SW EQ Tee

X 1.5

2"

X 1.5

10

SW Red Tee

2A + B X
0.5

2" X 1"

2+2+1/
0.5

2,5

11

SW Full Union

X1

2"

X1

12

SW Half Union

X 0.5

2"

X 0.5

13

SW Pipe Cap

X 0.5

2"

X 0.5

Socket End/Threaded Joint

Description

Factor

QTY

Pipe
Size

X
Factor

Total
D.I.

SE Full Coupling

X2

2"

X2

SE Red Coupling

XA+B

2" X 1"

X2+1

SE Half Coupling

X1

2"

X1

45 or 90 SE Elbow

X2

2"

X2

SE Full Union

X2

2"

X2

SE Half Union

X1

2"

X1

No

Type

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

Flanged Connection
Description

Factor

QTY

Pipe
Size

X
Factor

Total
D.I.

Slip On Flange
Included Tightening

X 1.5

2"

X 1.5

WN Flange Included
Tightening

X 1.5

2"

X 1.5

WN Flg to WN Flg
Included Tightening

X2

2"

X2

10

SW Flange Included
Tightening

X1

2"

X1

11

SE Flange

X1

2"

X1

2"

No

Type

Penetration Pieces
Description

Factor

QTY

Pipe
Size

X
Factor

Total
D.I.

Insert Plate Doubler

Plate

Pipe Size X
2

4"

X2

U.T. Doubler Plate

Pipe Size X
1

4"

X1

W.T. Doubler Pate

Pipe Size X
2

4"

X2

BHD REINFORCED
PLATE

X1

4"

X1

Sleeve / Ring
Penetration

Pipe Size X
1

4"

X1

No

Type

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

Coupling Penetration
SW

Pipe Size X
2

2"

X2

Coupling Penetration
SE

Pipe Size X
3

2"

X3

SW X SE Coupling
Penetration

Pipe Size X
2.5

2"

X 2.5

Valve and other piping components

Description

Factor

QTY

Pipe
Size

X
Factor

Total
D.I.

BW Weco Union
(Included
Thightening)

X3

2"

X3

10

Half BW Weco Union

(Included
Thightening)

X 1.5

2"

X 1.5

11

Purchased Scrupper

AX1

4" X 2"

4X1

12

Fab. Scrupper

AX2

6" X 4"

6X2

12

13

Fab. Long Scrupper

WX2+L

6" X 18"
L

2 X 6 + 18

30

14

BW Valve
(Included Valve
Handling)

X3

3"

X3

15

Flanges Valve
(Included Handling &
Thightening)

X2

3"

X2

16

Screw End Valve

X2

2"

X2

17

Wafer Type Butterfly

Valve (Included
Handling &
Thightening)

X2

4"

X2

No

Type

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

18

Lug Type Butterfly

Valve (Included
Handling &
Thightening)

X3

4"

X3

12

19

Extension Valve
Spindle

Valve Size
X 1 per
Deck

4"

X1

20

Straner Installation
(Included Handling &
Thightening)

X2

12"

X2

24

21

Rose Box Installation

X1

4"

X1

22

Dresser Coupling

X1

8"

X1

23

Install Hoses

X1

1"

X1

24

Flanges to
Equipment
Tightening

X 0.5

2"

X 0.5

25

Extension Joints
Installation

X1

4"

X1

26

Union Tightening

X1

2"

X1

27

Splash Plate

X 0.25

6"

X 0.25

1,5

28

Preload Dumping
Plate

X1

4"

X1

29

Sounding Cap /
Pipe Cap

X1

2"

X1

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

Volume of work calculation

1.

Fixed Calculation
Requirement: have complete isometric drawing approved for construction prior to project start.
Methods:
a. Establish a definite work scope.
Before we start anything we must gather clear information on how much the work need to
be done, which line to which line, which spools to which spools, what systems, which
isometric drawing to which isometric drawing.
Unclear work scope will result a tremendous effect during planning and budgeting stage.
And will lead to unnecessary conflict in the future.
b. Check the isometric drawing.
Before we start to calculate the volume of work, check whether we already have the
complete and correct isometric drawing. Complete mean we have every drawing as per our
scope of work. Correct mean we have the latest revision drawing that has been approve for
construction.
Never use drawing that has not been approved or obsolete drawing.
c. Start to calculate the dia inch.
Use standard of dia inch calculation that has been agreed or use in the specific company we
take the project.

2.

Estimated calculation
Requirement: schematic drawing and arrangement drawing.
Methods:
a. Establish a definite work scope.
Before we start anything we must gather clear information on how much the work need to
be done, which line to which line, which spools to which spools, what systems, which
isometric drawing to which isometric drawing.
Unclear work scope will result a tremendous effect during planning and budgeting stage.
And will lead to unnecessary conflict in the future.

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

b. Check the isometric drawing.

Before we start to calculate the volume of work, check whether we already have the
complete and correct isometric drawing. Complete mean we have every drawing as per our
scope of work. Correct mean we have the latest revision drawing that has been approve for
construction.
c. Start to estimate total length of pipes.
Using the general arrangement drawing and/or pipes arrangement drawing (if any) to
establish the total length of pipes needed as per schematic drawing. Take note on the pipes
sizing. Take not also on the elevation of pipes level.
No

Items Description

UoM

Qty

Method

Seamless Pipes 2 sch40 M/S

length

12

Estimation

Seamless Pipes 1 sch40

M/S

length

10

Estimation

Seamless Pipes 1 sch40 M/S

length

Estimation

d. Establish base of estimation for material take off.

Base of estimation for material take off are a multiply factor for pipe fitting for certain length
of pipes. In some area will differ with other area.
Pipe Fittings that has to be calculated using estimation are:
1. Bend/elbow (depend on drawing requirements)
2. Flanges/Sleeve (depend on drawing requirements)
Pipe Fittings that doesnt need estimation are:
1. Branch/Tee
2. Fitting connection to valves
3. Reducer
4. Penetration pieces
For example: pipes 2 sch40 1 length will have 3 bend in cargo area but will have minimum 6
bend in engine room area.

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

No

Items Description

UoM

Qty

Method

Seamless Pipes 2 sch40 M/S

length

12

Estimation

Seamless Pipes 1 sch40 M/S

length

10

Estimation

Seamless Pipes 1 sch40 M/S

length

Estimation

Elbow 2 sch40 M/S

Pcs

36

Estimation

Elbow 1 sch40 M/S

Pcs

30

Estimation

Elbow 1 sch40 M/S

Pcs

Estimation

Equal tee 2 sch40 M/S

Pcs

Fixed

Concentric Reducer 2x1

pcs

Fixed

e. Add piping component as per schematic drawing.

Add valves, strainer, doubler plate and every piping component if any.
f. Calculate the dia inch based on above material take off.
g. Add safe margin 20% of total dia inch.

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

Usage of Dia Inch Calculation

1. Scheduling and Resources Planning
Base on dia inch calculation we can establish the scheduling and resources planning for the
projects.
Methods:
a. Determined exact volume of work.
For example we already calculated the volume of work 1500 dia inch.
b. Determined the piping work process.
1. Fabrication
a. Fit up fabrication
b. Rectify QC comments (if any)
c. Welding fabrication
d. Rectify QC comments (if any)
e. Hydro test after fabrication (if any)
2. Erection
a. Fit up erection
b. Welding Erection
c. Joint tightening
d. Pipes support erection (if any)
3. Hydrotesting
c. Determined the productivity level of our worker.
This must be established for every step of piping work.

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

No

Work Stage

Manpower

Productivity

Fit Up Fabrication

1 fitter, 1 helper

40 dia inch/day

Welding Fabrication

1 welder SMAW

50 dia inch/day

Welding Fabrication

1 welder GTAW

70 dia inch/day

Fit Up Erection

1 fitter, 1 helper

20 dia inch/day

Welding Erection

1 welder SMAW

40 dia inch/day

d. Established schedule as per volume of work and productivity.

Two methods on establishing schedule:
1. Limited Manpower Resources
We make schedule with fixed quantity of workers. The duration will follow as per
productivity level above.
For example: with 1500 dia inch volume of work, during fit up fabrication, if we have 4
team (4 fitter and 4 helpers) with the productivity level 40 dia inch/day each team. The
duration will be 9.3 days.
2. Limited Duration
We make schedule with a targeted dateline of completion.
For example: with 1500 dia inch volume of work, during fit up fabrication we have been
given 7 days to complete the work. At least well need 5.3 teams (6 teams).
This calculation has to be done for every stage of piping work for fit up fabrication to
completion work. After that we will get manpower resources data and duration. This will
become the scheduling and planning work.

2. Budgeting/Costing
From established scheduling above we can calculate the budgeting. This budgeting calculation
has to consider:
1. Manpower assignment and the salary
2. Tools and consumables
3. Operational Cost

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012

Budgeting
Volume of work: 1500 dia inch pipe work
Scope: fabrication and erection only
Salary Rate: Pipe Fitter-Rp. 7500/hour, Pipe Helper-Rp. 6500/hour, Welder SMAW-Rp.9000, WelderGTAW-Rp.11.000
Overhead: 1 Charge Hand-Rp.3.500.000, 1 Admin-Rp.2.500.000
Method of scheduling: limited manpower
No

Stage

Manpower

Salary/day

Prod/day

Duration

Total

Fit Up fabrication

4 fitter 4 helper

Rp.392.000

160 dia

10

Rp. 3.920.000

Welding
Fabrication
GTAW

1 welder

Rp.77.000

70 dia

22

Rp. 1.694.000

Welding
Fabrication
SMAW

2 welder

Rp.126.000

100dia

15

Rp. 1.890.000

Fit Up Erection

5 fitter 5 helper

Rp.490.000

100dia

15

Rp. 7.350.000

Welding Erection
SMAW

2 welder

Rp.126.000

80 dia

19

Rp. 2.394.000

Total overhead for two months

Rp.12.000.000

Total Manpower Budget

Rp. 29.248.000

Unit price of pipe work vary from one company to another.

Minimum standard rate: Sin$12/dia inch for M/S pipes work, with consumables include to the price.
For 1500 dia inch work the price will be Sin$ 18.000 (Rp. 126.000.000 for Sin$ 1 = Rp. 7.000)

This calculation for budgeting doesnt include consumable yet. Tools are capital, dont include in
budgeting calculation.
Tools: Cutting Hose, Cutting Torch, Electric Grinder, Disc Cutter, Welding Cable, Welding Holder etc.
Consumables: Grinding Disc, Welding Rod, Cutting Disc, Cutting Nozzle etc.

Piping volume of work calculation by Mubarok 14 March 2012