Method of Measurement of Building and Civil Engineering Works, Part III: Brickwork
1976 Edition

Scope of IS 1200 Part 3: Measurement Standards for Building Works

Scope: This section defines the standardized approach for measuring brickwork in building and civil engineering contexts, ensuring consistent quantity estimation for contractual and tendering purposes.

Core Measurement Details:

• Units:

  • Linear dimensions: accurate to 0.01 meters
  • Surface areas: precise to 0.01 square meters
  • Volumes: precise to 0.01 cubic meters

• Measurement Principle: Quantities are recorded as net measurements of the work permanently fixed.

• Special Considerations:

  • Fair cutting exceeding 10 cm width for splayed angles, cornices, quoins measured distinctly in square meters.
  • Toothing and bonding at junctions with existing masonry recorded by vertical face area in square meters.

Key Clauses:

Measurement Precision Overview:

flowchart TD
    A[Work Installed in Position] --> B[Dimension Measurement]
    B --> C[Round to nearest 0.01 m]
    A --> D[Area Computation]
    D --> E[Round to nearest 0.01 m²]
    A --> F[Volume Computation]
    F --> G[Round to nearest 0.01 m³]
    A --> H[Special Cases Handling]
    H --> I[Fair Cutting >10 cm width]
    H --> J[Toothing and Bonding Areas]

Note: For comprehensive measurement protocols related to steel, timber, or formwork, consult respective IS 1200 sections.

Dimension Recording & Item Details as per IS 1200 Part 3

• Dimension Booking (Clause 2.2): Dimensions must be documented sequentially as: Length → Breadth/Width → Height/Depth/Thickness This sequence promotes consistency and clarity in documentation.

• Item Descriptions (Clause 2.4): Descriptions should include, unless exempted:

  • Transport, delivery, handling, unloading, and storage
  • Waste management and packaging returns
  • Required scaffolding, tools, and equipment

• Grouping of Items (Clause 2.1): Items may be consolidated only if their descriptions allow for clear itemization later.

• Measuring Pillars/Columns (Clause 4.1.6):

  • Recorded in cubic meters
  • Categorized into:
    • Rectangular or polygonal shapes
    • Curved forms with any radius
    • Other configurations
  • Quantity of each type must be declared

Pillar Measurement Table

Visualization of Dimension Booking

flowchart LR
    A[Length] --> B[Breadth/Width] --> C[Height/Depth/Thickness]

This method standardizes the recording of dimensions for all construction elements.

IS 1200 Part 3: Highlights of General Brickwork

Components Included (Clauses 3.1.1 & 3.1.2)

• Raking out joints for plastering or finishing flush
• Preparing tops of existing walls for extension
• Rough cutting and waste allowance for gables, arches, splays
• Plumbing of angles and forming non-exposed reveals
• Leaving apertures for pipes, embedding holdfasts, beam ends, lintels
• Constructing openings and flues without deduction
• Bedding for wall plates, lintels, sills, roofing tiles
• Chases up to 50 cm girth
• Battered surfaces measured separately as extras
• Filling eaves, beam spaces, chimney breasts and stacks (excluding independent shafts), pilasters, copings, and sills
• No deductions for specified recesses or holes

Measurement Details

• Backing to masonry recorded separately by average thickness, including cutting and waste for bonding (Clause 6.1)
• Circular brickwork with mean radius over 6 metres measured distinctly (Clause 5.1.1)

Summary Table

Notes:

• No deductions for minor openings or embedded features unless specified
• Rough cutting and waste are included
• Plumbing and bonding to comply with IS standards

flowchart TD
    A[General Brickwork] --> B[Raking Joints]
    A --> C[Wall Top Preparation]
    A --> D[Rough Cutting & Waste]
    A --> E[Plumbing Angles]
    A --> F[Openings & Flues (No Deduction)]

IS 1200 Part 3 (1976): Measurement Units and Rules

Essential Details:

• Units and Precision:

  • Linear measurements: nearest 0.01 m
  • Surface area: nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volume: nearest 0.01 m³

• Measurement System:

  • All measurements expressed in decimal system
  • Quantities reflect net fixed-in-place work

• Rounding Guidelines:

  • Adhere to IS 2:1960 for rounding
  • Maintain required significant digits

• Special Cases:

  • Fair cutting wider than 10 cm at splayed angles, cornices, quoins, etc., measured separately in m²

Measurement Summary Table

Practical Tips:

• Measure only work fixed in position
• Use decimal units for clarity
• Apply consistent rounding to prevent disputes
• Separate measurement for special architectural features ensures accurate billing

flowchart TD
    A[Initiate Measurement] --> B{Quantity Type?}
    B -->|Length| C[Measure to 0.01 m]
    B -->|Area| D[Calculate & round to 0.01 m²]
    B -->|Volume| E[Calculate & round to 0.01 m³]
    B -->|Fair Cutting >10 cm| F[Measure separately in m²]
    C --> G[Record net fixed-in-place]
    D --> G
    E --> G
    F --> G
    G --> H[Apply rounding per IS 2:1960]
    H --> I[Finalize and document]

IS 1200 Part 3 (1976) - Guidelines for Circular Brickwork

• Measurement (Clauses 5.1 & 5.1.1):

  • For brickwork with mean radius up to 6 m: measured separately in cubic meters, including all cutting, waste, and templates.
  • For mean radius greater than 6 m: included within general brickwork measurements.

• Pillars and Columns (Clause 4.1.6):

  • Measured in cubic meters
  • Classified as:
    • Rectangular/polygonal
    • Curved (any radius)
    • Other forms
  • Quantities of each form to be detailed

• Masonry Backing (Clause 21.1):

  • Projections like corbels, string courses, sills, cornices measured in running meters
  • Depth and width of projections to be specified
  • No deductions for bearing parts of walls

Volume Calculation Formula

For circular brickwork with thickness ( t ), mean radius ( r ), and height ( h ):

[ \text{Volume} = 2 \pi r t h ]

Variables:

• ( r ): Mean radius (meters)
• ( t ): Brickwork thickness (meters)
• ( h ): Height (meters)

Circular Brickwork Measurement Summary

flowchart TD
    A[Start Measurement] --> B{Mean Radius}
    B -->|≤ 6 m| C[Measure separately in m³]
    B -->|> 6 m| D[Include with general brickwork]
    C --> E[Include cutting, waste, templates]
    D --> E

Backing Brickwork as per IS 1200 Part 3

• Measurement (Clause 6.1):

  • Brick backing to masonry recorded separately
  • Average thickness must be clearly stated
  • Cutting and waste for bonding included in description

• Key Points:

  • Backing provides structural support to facing masonry
  • Thickness varies as per design or site requirements
  • Waste accounts for cut bricks at corners and bonding junctions

Typical Measurement Format

Additional Information:

• Circular brickwork with radius over 6 m is measured separately
• Projections like corbels or drip courses measured in running meters, no deductions for bearing areas

flowchart LR
    A[Backing Brickwork] --> B[Measured separately]
    B --> C[State average thickness]
    B --> D[Include cutting and waste]
    A --> E[Supports facing masonry]

Honeycomb Brickwork as per IS 1200 Part 3

• Measurement (Clause 7.1):

  • Recorded in square meters
  • Thickness and honeycomb pattern must be specified
  • Openings within honeycomb are not deducted from total area

• Pattern Description: Honeycomb brickwork features bricks laid with intentional openings to reduce weight and provide ventilation, commonly used in backing walls or partitions.

• Key Points:

  • Cutting and waste for bonding included
  • Cores may be used for cavity clearance and weep holes

Honeycomb Pattern Illustration

graph LR
A[Brick] --> B[Gap]
B --> C[Brick]
C --> D[Gap]
D --> A
style B fill:#f96,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

Practical Details:

• Typical thicknesses: 100 mm, 150 mm, or 200 mm
• Honeycomb openings generally 50–75 mm wide
• Used for lightweight, ventilated masonry

Refer to IS 2212 and IS 456 for design and reinforcement guidance.

IS 1200 Part 3: Independent Chimney Shafts Overview

• Measurement Categories (Clause 8.1): Independent chimney shaft brickwork measured net, including cutting, waste, and templates, for:

  • Rectangular shapes
  • Polygonal forms
  • Curved profiles (any radius)

• Height Measurement (Clause 8.1.1): Height taken from ground or established datum

• Flue Area Handling (Clause 4.1.5):

  • Flues with cross-sectional area ≤ 0.2 m²: measured as solid brickwork, no deduction
  • Flues > 0.2 m²: deduct flue volume from brickwork; pargetting and coring measured separately in running meters with flue dimensions noted
  • Fireplace openings: no deduction or extra measurement for splayed jambs/throating

Volume Calculation Example (Rectangular Chimney)

[ \text{Brickwork Volume} = \text{External Volume} - \text{Flue Volume (if > 0.2 m}^2) ]

Where:

• External Volume = Length × Width × Height
• Flue Volume = Flue Cross-sectional Area × Height

Flue Measurement Summary

flowchart TD
    A[Start Chimney Brickwork Measurement] --> B{Plan Shape}
    B -->|Rectangular| C[Measure net volume]
    B -->|Polygonal| C
    B -->|Curved| C
    C --> D[Measure height from datum]
    D --> E{Flue area ≤ 0.2 m²?}
    E -->|Yes| F[Measure as solid brickwork]
    E -->|No| G[Deduct flue volume]
    G --> H[Measure pargetting and coring separately]
    F & H --> I[Calculate net brickwork volume]

IS 1200 Part 3: Measurement Guidelines for Cavity Walls

• Measurement (Clauses 9.1 & 9.2):

  • Cavity walls measured in square meters along the cavity centerline
  • Include cavity width and number of wall ties per square meter
  • Deduct openings and solid wall sections

• Wall Tie Specifications (Clause 9.1):

  • Specify tie material, size, shape, and spacing
  • Typical tie spacing:
    • Horizontal: max 900 mm
    • Vertical: max 450 mm
  • Common tie materials include galvanized/stainless steel and plastic

• Cores and Weep Holes (Clause 9.4):

  • Cores maintain cavity clearance
  • Weep holes at cavity base provide drainage and ventilation

Wall Tie Spacing Table

Area Computation Formula

[ \text{Area} = (\text{Length} \times \text{Height}) - \text{Openings} ]

Measured at cavity centerline.

flowchart LR
    A[Outer Brick Leaf] -->|Wall ties| B[Cavity]
    B -->|Wall ties| C[Inner Brick Leaf]
    B --> D[Weep Holes & Ventilation]

This ensures structural integrity and moisture control as per IS 1200 Part 3.

IS 1200 Part 3: Measuring Reinforced Brickwork

Measurement and Specifications:

• Reinforced brickwork is quantified separately from standard brickwork (Clause 10.1).
• Reinforcement details recorded as per IS 1200 Part VIII (1975).
• Pillars and columns measured in cubic meters, classified as:
  • Rectangular/polygonal shapes
  • Curved forms
  • Other types

General Guidelines:

• Reinforced brickwork includes embedded steel reinforcements for enhanced structural strength.
• Reinforcing bars placed in horizontal/vertical joints or cores.
• Cores may serve for cavities, weep, and ventilation holes (Clause 9.4).

Common Formulas and Tables

Reinforcement Practice

• Use mild steel or TMT bars per design
• Minimum cover of 20 mm
• Bar size and spacing per structural codes (e.g., IS 456)

flowchart TD
    A[Brickwork] --> B[Standard Brickwork]
    A --> C[Reinforced Brickwork]
    C --> D[Measure volume (m³)]
    C --> E[Measure reinforcement weight (kg)]
    D --> F[Rectangular/Ploygonal Pillars]
    D --> G[Curved Pillars]
    D --> H[Other Shapes]

Refer to IS 456 and IS 1200 Part VIII for detailed reinforcement specifications.

IS 1200 Part 3: Brick Nogging Essentials

• Brick nogging refers to brick infill within framed walls, typically timber or RCC structures.

• Measured separately from general brickwork (Clause 6.1).

• Average thickness of brick backing must be stated.

• Cutting and waste for bonding included in descriptions.

• Reinforced brickwork measured separately with reinforcement recorded as per IS 1200 Part 8 (Clause 10.1).

• No deductions for embedded joists or rafters in eaves or beam fillings.

• Honeycomb brickwork and projections like cornices and sills measured in running meters with depth and width specified (Clause 21.1).

Typical Thickness

• Generally ranges from 75 mm (half-brick) to 100 mm (full brick)

Measurement Summary

Diagram: Brick Nogging in Frame

graph LR
A[Frame (Timber/RCC)] --> B[Brick Nogging Infill]
B --> C[Half or Full Brick Thickness]
B --> D[Includes Bonding and Cutting]

References: IS 1200 Part 3 (Clauses 6.1, 10.1, 21.1, 3.1.2) and IS 1200 Part 8 for reinforcement.

IS 1200 Part 3 — Measurement of Fair Face and Architectural Brickwork

Main Requirements:

• Fair face or decorative brickwork measured separately (Clause 12.1).
• Projections like corbels, string courses, sills, cornices, drip courses, oversailing courses measured in running meters with depth and width specified (Clause 21.1).
• No deductions for bearing parts of drip courses, mouldings, or cornices from wall masonry.

Measurement Instructions:

• Quantities for projections calculated as: [ \text{Quantity} = \text{Length} \times \text{Depth} \times \text{Width} ]
• Recesses in receding courses are not deducted.
• Includes architectural finishes such as splayed, bullnosed, or cut bricks.

Related Measurements (Clause 3.1.2):

• Battered surfaces measured separately in square meters.
• Eaves and beam fillings measured as net quantities.
• Chimney breasts and stacks included.
• Pilasters, copings, and sills included.

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    A[Brickwork] --> B[Fair Face / Architectural]
    B --> C[Measured separately]
    B --> D[Projections]
    D --> E[Corbels]
    D --> F[String courses]
    D --> G[Cornices and drip courses]
    B --> H[No deduction for bearing parts]

This ensures accurate billing for architectural brickwork per IS 1200 Part 3.

IS 1200 Part 3: Measurement Guidelines for Brickwork in Arches, Vaults, and Staircases

Measurement Details (Clause 13.1)

• Brickwork in arches, vaults, and staircases measured separately.
• Includes work with selected uncut bricks and purpose-made or finely cut and rubbed bricks.
• Centering (formwork) included for spans up to 2 meters.
• For spans exceeding 2 meters, centering measured separately as per IS 1200 Part 5.
• Cutting to skewed angles included in descriptions.

Additional Notes:

• Fair face or architectural brickwork measured separately (Clause 12.1).
• Pillars/columns measured in cubic meters with shape specified (Clause 4.1.6).
• Circular and battered brickwork included in general brickwork but measured separately as extras (Clause 3.1.2).

Volume Calculation for Arches

[ \text{Volume} = \text{Length of Arch} \times \text{Cross-sectional Area} ]

• Cross-sectional area depends on brick thickness and arch shape.
• Centering volume or area measured separately if span > 2 m.

Centering Measurement Summary

flowchart TD
    A[Brickwork in Arches, Vaults, Staircases]
    A --> B[Selected uncut bricks]
    A --> C[Purpose-made/fair cut bricks]
    A --> D[Centering]
    D --> E[Included if span ≤ 2 m]
    D --> F[Measured separately if span > 2 m]
    A --> G[Cutting to skews included]

Refer to IS 1200 Part 5 for detailed centering measurement for spans beyond 2 meters.

Underpinning Measurement under IS 1200 Part 3 (1976)

• Measurement (Clause 14.1):

  • Brickwork for underpinning recorded separately.
  • Additional labor and materials for wedging on top of underpinning measured in square meters (length × width of top course).

• Specifications:

  • Describe type of bricks and workmanship including fair cutting or uncut bricks.
  • Centering for arches/vaults up to 2 m span included; beyond 2 m centering measured separately (Clause 13.1).

• Additional Notes:

  • Pillars/columns involved measured in cubic meters with shape specified (Clause 4.1.6).
  • Use of cores for cavities and weep holes applicable if underpinning involves curved sections (Clause 9.4).

Measurement Formulas

Volume of underpinning brickwork = L × W × D (m³)

Extra wedging area = L × W (m²)

flowchart TD
    A[Begin Underpinning Work] --> B[Measure Brickwork Volume (L×W×D)]
    B --> C[Measure Wedging Area (L×W)]
    C --> D[Centering Measured Separately if Span > 2 m]
    D --> E[Include Pillar/Column Volume if Applicable]
    E --> F[Document Brick Type and Cutting]
    F --> G[Complete Measurement for Billing]

Refer to IS 1200 Part 5 and Part 3 clauses for detailed execution.

IS 1200 Part 3 — Fair Cutting Procedures and Measurement

• Definition: Cutting bricks to provide neat finishes on splayed angles, weatherings, cornices, quoins, where special bricks are not used.

Measurement Details:

• Clause 15.1: Fair cutting wider than 10 cm must be measured separately in square meters.

• Clause 15.3: Circular fair cutting also recorded separately in square meters.

• Clause 14.1: Brickwork in underpinning and wedging on top measured in square meters (length × width of top course).

• Clause 25.1: Openings greater than 0.1 m² in walls up to one brick thick measured in square meters; thicker walls measured in cubic meters.

Measurement Summary

Area Calculation Formula

[ \text{Area (m}^2) = \text{Length (m)} \times \text{Width (m)} ]

Illustration

flowchart LR
    A[Brickwork] --> B{Is Fair Cutting Width > 10 cm?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Measure separately in m²]
    B -->|No| D[Include in general brickwork]
    C --> E{Shape}
    E -->|Circular| F[Measure separately in m²]
    E -->|Other| G[Measure separately in m²]

Summary: Fair cutting wider than 10 cm for special features must be separately measured to ensure accurate quantity assessment.