UNIT 107: QUANTITY

SURVEYING
Lakshitha Senarathne
BSc (Hons), AMIE(SL)
Standard Method of
Measurement (SMM)
As each person different, when trying to
measure and describe the parts of a building
they would all do it in a different way.
A Standard Method aims to
ensure
The method of measurement and description
are on a uniform basis. Therefore tenders are
comparable.
Cost effective items are identified and

measured whilst unimportant items are

omitted.
The rules can be easily applied for a wide

range of buildings.
Safeguard against ambiguity, confusion and

accidental omissions.
Accurate representation of quality and

quantity of work.
Different Type of SMM
NRM

SMM7

CESSM4

SLS 573

POMI
New rule of Measurement (NRM)

This published by
Royal Institution of
Charted Surveyors
(RICS) &
Constructional
Professional Group.
3 type of Books.
NRM 01:
provides guidance on the quantification of
building works for the purpose of preparing
cost estimates and cost plans.

NRM 02:
This is written mainly for the preparation of
bills of quantities and quantified schedules of
works.
NRM 03:
This gives guidance on the quantification and
description of maintenance works for the purpose
of preparing initial order of cost estimates.
Standard Method Of Measurement 7
(SMM7)
Bills of quantities shall fully
describe and accurately
represent the quantity and
quality of the works to be carried
out. More detailed information
than is required by these rules
shall be given where necessary in
order to define the precise nature
and extent of the required work.
The rules apply to measurement
of proposed work and executed
work.
Civil Engineering Standard Method
of Measurement 4th edition(CESMM4)
This sets out a procedure for the
preparation of a Bill of Quantities
for civil engineering works, for
contracts based on traditional
measure & value principles. The
Bill of quantities enables tenders
to be prepared efficiently and
can be used to value work
completed once the contract has
been let.
This produce by Institution of
Civil Engineers & Federation of
Civil Engineering Contractors.
Sri Lanka Standard 573 revision
1999
This is prepared by a technical committee
appointed by the institute for construction
training and development (ICTAD) in
associated with the Sri Lankan standard
institution (SLS).
This deals with the measurement of building

works and applies equal to the preparation of

estimate, BOQ and to site measurements.
Principles of Measurement International
for works of Construction (POMI)

This mainly used in

Middle east countries.
This is the second most

commonly used
document for standard
method of
measurements.
Taking off Principles
Dimension Paper
Generally Standard Sheet is A4 (210297
mm), ruled vertically. Each dimension sheet is
split into two identically ruled parts and each
consisting four columns.

Ruling confirms to the requirements of BS

3327:1970 Stationary for Quantity Surveyor.

Rulings, widths are as follows.

Dimension Paper Contd
 Titles of Dimension paper
At the top of the first dimension sheet should
be titled with project name, Drawing No.,
Name of the take off and Date.
 Numbering of Dimension paper

1. Numbering of Column
2. Numbering of Pages
 Setting out and order of dimension
Measurement item are set down under each
other on the dimension sheets and are spaced
well apart to ensure clarity, neatness and good
handwriting are also essential factors of
presentation.
Helpful tips
1. Dimension column should not be overloaded or
crammed with item so that impossible to
distinguish one item from another.
2. Maintain even spacing between items
3. Always aim to get the item in correct sequence.
 Form of Dimension

1. Cubic Measurement

2. Square of superficial measurements

Form of Dimension Contd.
3. Linear Measurements

4. Enumerated Items

5. Linear Measurements
 Order of Dimension

1. Square dimension
Length Height
Horizontal Vertical
2. Cubic dimension
Length Width Height
Horizontal Vertical Thickness
 Timising
Number of similar dimensions occur in
measuring this is used.
Ex: 6 similar type of doors providing
Measurements may be multiplied by writing

the timesing figure in the timesing column.

It is so important that the timesing should be

condined to the proper column and separating

it from the measurement by slash (/).
Timising Contd
 Dotting on
In repeating a dimension the take off may find
that it cannot be multiplied but added, for
instance having measured three items as
follows.
 Brackets
Where more than one set of dimensions, relate
to the same description the dimension should
be suitably bracketed.
 Altering dimensions
Sometimes it is necessary to substitute
amended dimension in place of those, which
have already been entered on the dimension
paper.
It is advised never to alter the original figures
apart from looking untidy, it is often extremely
difficult to identify the correct figure.
Better approach is NIL the item as below.
Altering dimensions Contd
 Waste Calculations
No actual waste column shown in the taking
off sheet.
General Practice is use to right side of the
description column.
 Descriptions
Descriptionsshould be written in a clear and
concise manner and on the same level with its
associated dimensions.
Description should be occupy the full width of
the appropriate column and should not overlap
in to the other columns not intended for this
purpose.
Writingshould be neat and legible and if
possible not too large.
Descriptions Contd.
 Deductions
Aftermeasuring an item it is some times
necessary to deduct for void or opening in the
main area or volume. This is normally
performed by a deduction item as shown as
follows.
Query Sheet
Where there may be uncertainty about specific
elements of the design drawings and
specifications, for example, there may be
doubt about the nature, extent or dimensions
of elements, these may be entered onto a
query sheet and issued to the appropriate
members of the consultant team for
clarification.
Query Sheet contd.
Typical Measurement Rule
Model
Elements of the Rule Model

Stonework elements
The purpose of these designation is to identify the
work classes, being represented by a number,
symbolized as ($), indicating chapter. The items on
the table are referenced based on that header.

Information
In this zone the elements contained in that table are
defined, which will be subject to the rules that the
table complies. The excluded elements will have a
reference to the table in which they can be
consulted.
Elements of the Rule Model
Contd..
Classification table
This designated as the classification table and
embraces five columns, each corresponding to a
subdivision of the works approached by the
measurement rules. In the first
column the most general works are presented,
succeeding the second, where a subdivision of these
works is presented, the same applying to the third
column. The fourth column contains the unit definitions
of the previous columns content, and details can be
found in the fifth column, usually provided in specific
documents.
Elements of the Rule Model
Contd..
Measurement Rule
This is gathers the criteria by which jobs are
quantified and how they should be measured

Definition rules
This column contains the rules that establish the
extension and the limits of the work represented by
a word or expression used in the rules
Elements of the Rule Model
Contd..
Included works / Coverage Rules
This is gathers the criteria that define which particular
works would be included in each heading of the Quantity
Bill, so that the prices presented in the budget reflect the
quantity and extension of the works to be done

Additional information / Supplementary Information

It contains criteria/specifications which should be
additionally provided to the description of the
included headings
THE END