Method of measurement of building and civil engineering works, Part 27: Earthwork done by mechanical appliances

IS 1200 Part 27: Scope & Measurement Key Points

• Measurement Units:

  • Dimensions: nearest 0.01 m (if > 25 m, nearest 0.1 m)
  • Areas: nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volumes: nearest 0.01 m³

• Embankments & Fillings (Clause 4.4.1):

  • Measured in cubic meters (m³) including slope formation.
  • Layers described by thickness; consolidation method specified.
  • Measurements taken in stages of 1.5 m vertical intervals with starting level.

• Tree Removal (Clause 4.9.1):

  • Trees >30 cm girth at 1 m height are counted by number.
  • Includes removal and deposit within 50 m radius.

Summary Table for Measurement Precision

Measurement Process Flow (Simplified)

flowchart TD
    A[Start Measurement] --> B{Dimension > 25 m?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Measure to 0.1 m]
    B -- No --> D[Measure to 0.01 m]
    C --> E[Calculate Area & Volume]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Record Area (0.01 m²) & Volume (0.01 m³)]
    F --> G[For Embankments: Measure layers & consolidation]
    G --> H[End]

This ensures standardized, accurate quantification of earthworks and related civil engineering tasks as per IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: General Rules for Earthwork by Mechanical Appliances

Key Points from Clause 1.2 & 4.9.1:

• Machines Used: Tractors, dozers, scrapers, graders, shovel loaders, draglines, dumpers, etc.
• Tree Removal: Trees with girth > 30 cm at 1 m above ground must be pre-measured by number. Removal and depositing within 50 m is included.

Important Specifications & Measurement Rules:

General Measurement Notes:

• Measurement should be consistent with machinery type.
• Earthwork volume is typically computed in cubic meters (m³).
• Measurements must be rounded to significant figures as per IS 2:1960.
• Pre-measurement and classification of trees are essential for billing and planning.

Summary Diagram of Earthwork Process

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Site Preparation] --> B[Identify Trees > 30 cm girth]
    B --> C[Pre-measure & Count Trees]
    C --> D[Mechanical Earthwork]
    D --> E[Removal & Deposit within 50 m]
    E --> F[Measurement & Rounding off (IS 2:1960)]
    F --> G[Final Quantity for Payment]

For detailed tables and machine productivity rates, refer to the full IS 1200 Part 27 document.

IS 1200 Part 27: Classification of Soils (Clause 3)

Key Soil Classifications (Clause 3.1 & 3.1.1)

• Soil types included:
  • Various soils and mud concrete below ground level
  • Shingle, river/nallah bed boulders
  • Soling of roads, paths, and hard core
  • Macadam surfaces
  • Lime concrete, stone masonry below ground
  • Soft conglomerate & laterite (detachable by picks/shovel)

Measurement Notes (Clause 4.4.1)

• Earthwork measured in cubic metres (m³)
• Includes formation of slopes and layer thickness
• Consolidation method to be specified
• Measurements taken in successive stages of 1 to 5 meters with starting level noted

Summary Table: Soil Classification for Earthwork Measurement

flowchart TD
    A[Earthwork] --> B[Classification of Soil]
    B --> C[Soil & Mud Concrete]
    B --> D[Shingle & Boulders]
    B --> E[Soling & Hard Core]
    B --> F[Lime Concrete & Masonry]
    B --> G[Soft Conglomerate & Laterite]
    A --> H[Measurement]
    H --> I[Cubic Metres]
    H --> J[Layer Thickness]
    H --> K[Slope Formation]
    H --> L[Consolidation Method]

Use this classification to measure earthwork accurately and apply appropriate specifications for excavation and filling as per IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Method of Measurement for Earth Work by Mechanical Appliances

Key Specifications & Measurement Rules

• Dimension Measurement (Clause 2.3):

  • Linear dimensions > 25 m: nearest 0.1 m
  • Linear dimensions ≤ 25 m: nearest 0.01 m
  • Areas: nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volumes: nearest 0.01 m³

• Measurement Units:

  • Earthwork quantities (excavation, embankment, filling) measured in cubic metres (m³).
  • Embankment/filling includes slope formation and layer thickness.
  • Layer thickness and consolidation method must be specified.
  • Measurements are taken in successive stages, typically every 0.5 m vertical interval.

Measurement Methodology Highlights

• Measurements fixed in position and net quantities recorded.
• Rounding off values per IS 2:1960 rules.
• Emphasis on uniformity to avoid ambiguity in contractor and department practices.

Typical Measurement Formula for Earthwork Volume:

[ \text{Volume} = \text{Area of cross-section} \times \text{Length between sections} ]

Where cross-sectional area is calculated by averaging successive cross-sections.

Summary Table: Measurement Precision

flowchart TD
    A[Start Measurement] --> B{Dimension > 25m?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Measure to 0.1 m]
    B -- No --> D[Measure to 0.01 m]
    C & D --> E[Calculate Area (0.01 m²)]
    E --> F[Calculate Volume (0.01 m³)]
    F --> G[Apply Rounding per IS 2:1960]
    G --> H[Record Net Quantity]

This ensures consistent and accurate measurement of earthwork done by mechanical means as per IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement Units Summary

• Length Measurement:

  • For dimensions ≤ 25 m: nearest 0.01 m
  • For dimensions > 25 m: nearest 0.1 m

• Area Measurement:

  • Calculated to nearest 0.01 m²

• Volume (Cubical Content) Measurement:

  • Calculated to nearest 0.01 m³

• Rounding Rules:

  • Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values.
  • Retain the number of significant digits as per the specified precision.

Key Points:

• Measurement is always net and in the decimal system.
• Uniformity in measurement methods is emphasized to avoid ambiguity.
• Measurements must be fixed in position as per site conditions.
• Applies specifically to earthwork done by mechanical appliances in civil engineering.

Example Table of Measurement Units:

flowchart LR
    A[Start Measurement] --> B{Dimension ≤ 25 m?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Measure to nearest 0.01 m]
    B -- No --> D[Measure to nearest 0.1 m]
    C & D --> E[Calculate Area to 0.01 m²]
    E --> F[Calculate Volume to 0.01 m³]
    F --> G[Apply IS 2:1960 rounding rules]
    G --> H[Record final measurement]

This ensures precise, consistent, and standardized measurement for earthworks and other civil engineering works under IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement Procedures - Key Points

Measurement Precision (Clause 2.3)

• Linear dimensions:
  • Measured to nearest 0.01 m if ≤ 25 m
  • Measured to nearest 0.1 m if > 25 m
• Area: Measured to nearest 0.01 m²
• Volume (Cubical content): Measured to nearest 0.01 m³

General Guidelines

• Measurements must be net and fixed in position.
• Rounding off should follow IS 2:1960 rules, retaining significant figures consistent with specified values.
• Measurement methods should be uniform to avoid ambiguity and facilitate contractor and department coordination.

Earthwork by Mechanical Appliances (Part 27)

• Covers measurement of earthwork executed using machinery.
• Focuses on accurate volume calculation considering excavation, carriage, and filling.
• Addresses lacunae in manual measurement methods due to mechanization.

Typical Measurement Formulae

Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)

• Round off to nearest decimal as per measurement precision.
• Example: 12.345 m → 12.35 m (nearest 0.01 m)

flowchart TD
    A[Start Measurement] --> B{Dimension > 25 m?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Measure to nearest 0.1 m]
    B -- No --> D[Measure to nearest 0.01 m]
    C --> E[Calculate Area & Volume]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Round off as per IS 2:1960]
    F --> G[Record Net Measurement]

This ensures standardization and accuracy in civil engineering measurement, especially for earthworks done mechanically.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement from Borrow Pits and Fillings

Key Specifications & Formulas:

• Measurement Method (Clause 4.2 & 4.3):

  • Use staff and level; record levels accurate to ±5 mm.
  • Take levels before work, after site clearance, and after compaction.
  • Calculate volume by difference in levels (original ground vs. finished fill).
  • Volumes in cubic metres (m³), rounded to nearest decimal.

• Excavation Measurement (Clause 4.2):

  • Measure entire excavation including mixed rock and soil.
  • For ordinary rock, reduce measured volume by 50% for voids.
  • Payable quantity = Total excavation - (50% of rock volume).

• Filling & Embankment (Clause 4.4.1):

  • Measure in successive layers, typically 0.5 m thickness.
  • Include slope formation in volume.
  • Describe consolidation method.
  • Measurements taken at successive levels with increments of 0.5 m.

Volume Calculation Formula:

[ \text{Volume} = \text{Area} \times \text{Average height difference} ]

Where height difference = level after compaction - original ground level.

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Original Ground Level] --> B[Site Clearance]
    B --> C[Fill Placement in Layers (0.5 m)]
    C --> D[Compaction at Desired Density]
    D --> E[Level Measurement]
    E --> F[Volume Calculation]

Note: Always specify fill density and consolidation method before measurement.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement of Embankments and Backfilling

Key Specifications:

• Unit of Measurement: Cubic metres (m³), including slope formation.
• Layer Thickness: Specify thickness when filling is done in layers.
• Consolidation Method: Must be described.
• Measurement Stages: Taken in successive 1.5 m stages with starting level noted.
• Level Accuracy: Levels recorded to ±5 mm.
• Volume Calculation: Based on difference between original ground level (pre-clearance) and compacted fill level at specified density.

Measurement Procedure:

• Use staff and level for recording.
• Calculate cuttings and fill heights/depths to ±5 mm.
• Cubic content rounded to nearest decimal place.
• For mixed soil and rock excavation:
  • Measure entire excavation.
  • Measure ordinary rock separately, reduce by 50% for voids.
  • Difference is considered ordinary soil excavation.

Volume Calculation Formula:

[ \text{Volume of Fill} = \sum \left( \text{Area of cross-section} \times \text{Layer thickness} \right) ]

Where cross-sectional area is calculated from levels taken at intervals.

Summary Table for Measurement:

flowchart TD
    A[Start Measurement] --> B[Record Original Ground Level]
    B --> C[Clear Site]
    C --> D[Deposit Fill in Layers]
    D --> E[Record Fill Level after Compaction]
    E --> F[Calculate Volume = Fill Level - Original Level]
    F --> G[Adjust for Voids if Rock Present]
    G --> H[Final Volume in m³]

This ensures accurate volume estimation for embankments and backfilling per IS 1200 Part 27.

Lead and Distance Measurement (IS 1200 Part 27)

Lead Measurement (Clause 4.5.1):

• Lead is measured over the specified or shortest practicable route for machinery.
• For leads > 500 m, measure in units of 500 m.
• For leads > 5 km, measure in units of 1 km.
• Round off:
  • ≥ 0.5 unit → count as 1 unit
  • < 0.5 unit → ignore

Measurement Precision (Clause 2.3):

• Dimensions:
  • ≤ 25 m → nearest 0.01 m

  • 25 m → nearest 0.1 m

• Areas: nearest 0.01 m²
• Volumes: nearest 0.01 m³

Measurement Method (Clause 4.2):

• Use staff and level, record levels to 5 mm accuracy.
• Depths and heights calculated to 5 mm.
• Excavation volumes to nearest decimal place in cubic meters.
• For mixed ordinary rock and soil:
  • Measure total excavation.
  • Measure ordinary rock separately, reduce by 50% for voids.
  • Difference is paid as ordinary soil excavation.

Summary Table for Lead Measurement Units

Formula for Excavation Volume Adjustment (Ordinary Rock)

[ \text{Payable Volume} = \text{Total Excavation} - 0.5 \times \text{Ordinary Rock Volume} ]

flowchart TD
    A[Measure Total Excavation] --> B[Measure Ordinary Rock Volume]
    B --> C[Reduce Ordinary Rock Volume by 50%]
    C --> D[Calculate Soil Excavation = Total - Reduced Rock]
    D --> E[Payable Excavation Quantities]

This ensures accurate

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement of Spoil Heaps - Key Points

• Spoil Heap Measurement (Clause 4.6):
  Spoil heaps consolidated over time must be measured and recorded separately.

• Measurement Method (Clauses 4.2, 4.3, 4.4.1):

  • Use staff and level; levels recorded to ±5 mm accuracy.
  • Volumes in cubic metres, calculated to nearest decimal place.
  • Measure in successive stages of 1 to 5 m vertical intervals, stating the starting level.
  • For embankments/fill, include formation of slope and specify layer thickness and consolidation method.
  • When excavation includes mixed rock and soil, reduce rock volume by 50% for voids to get payable quantity.

Volume Calculation Formula for Spoil Heaps

[ V = \sum \left( \frac{A_1 + A_2}{2} \times h \right) ]

• (A_1, A_2) = cross-sectional areas at successive levels
• (h) = vertical interval between levels (1 to 5 m)

Measurement Summary Table

flowchart TD
    A[Start Measurement] --> B[Record Original Ground Level]
    B --> C[Excavation or Fill in Layers]
    C --> D[Measure Levels at 1-5 m Intervals]
    D --> E[Calculate Cross-sectional Areas]
    E --> F[Compute Volume by Trapezoidal Rule]
    F --> G{Is Spoil Heap Consolidated?}
    G -- Yes --> H[Measure & Record Separately]
    G -- No --> I[Include in Total Volume]
    H & I --> J[Finalize Measurement]

This

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement of Hard Rock Excavation

Key Points & Specifications:

• Definition (Clause 3.1.5):
  Hard rock requires blasting or chiselling before excavation. After blasting, it is treated as ordinary rock.

• Measurement Method (Clause 4.2):

  • Use staff and level for measurement.
  • Levels recorded to 5 mm accuracy.
  • Depths and heights calculated to 5 mm accuracy.
  • Cubic contents measured to 1 decimal place (m³).
  • For mixed ordinary rock and soil:
    • Measure entire excavation volume.
    • Stack and measure ordinary rock separately, then reduce by 50% for voids.
    • Difference between total and payable ordinary rock volume is treated as ordinary soil excavation.

• Non-measurable Items (Clause 2.7):
  Includes setting out, site clearance, unauthorized battering, slips removal, water bailing, and pipe/cable handling.

Measurement Formula Summary:

Practical Measurement Steps:

flowchart TD
    A[Start Excavation] --> B{Is rock hard?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Blast/Chisel rock]
    C --> D[Measure excavation with staff & level]
    B -- No --> D
    D --> E[Calculate volume to nearest 0.1 m³]
    E --> F{Mixed ordinary rock & soil?}
    F -- Yes --> G[Measure ordinary rock separately]
    G --> H[Reduce ordinary rock volume by 50%]
    H --> I[Calculate difference as soil volume]
    F -- No --> I
    I --> J[Finalize quantities for payment]

This ensures accurate, standardized measurement for excavation involving hard rock, aligning with IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement of Planking and Strutting

Key Specifications (Clause 4.8 & 2.3)

• Measurement Unit:
  Planking and strutting are measured in square metres (m²) of face supported.
• Inclusions:
  Includes use, wastage, fixing, and removal of all planks and struts.
• Permanent Works:
  Planking/strutting left permanently is measured separately.
• Accuracy:
  • Dimensions: nearest 0.01 m (or 0.1 m if > 25 m)
  • Areas: nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volumes: nearest 0.01 m³

Measurement Approach

• Measure the net face area supported by planking and strutting.
• Account for wastage and fixing/removal in the description.
• Separate measurement for temporary and permanent supports.

Summary Table for Measurement

flowchart TD
    A[Excavated Earth Face] --> B[Planking & Strutting]
    B --> C[Measurement of Face Supported (m²)]
    C --> D{Temporary or Permanent?}
    D -->|Temporary| E[Measure with fixing & removal]
    D -->|Permanent| F[Measure separately]

This ensures consistent and accurate billing and documentation of earth support works per IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Removal of Trees (Clause 4.9)

Key points from Clause 4.9.1:

• Trees with girth > 30 cm (measured at 1 m above ground) must be pre-measured by number.
• Measurement includes removal and depositing within 50 m of the site.
• No separate measurement for trees ≤ 30 cm girth (implied).

Summary Table: Tree Removal Measurement

Practical Notes:

• Tree removal cost includes cutting, uprooting, and disposal within 50 m.
• Larger trees require prior counting for accurate billing.
• Trees smaller than 30 cm girth are considered part of site clearance.

Conceptual Flow for Tree Removal Measurement

flowchart TD
    A[Identify Trees on Site] --> B{Girth > 30 cm?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Pre-measure number of trees]
    B -- No --> D[Include in general site clearance]
    C --> E[Remove & Deposit within 50 m]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Measurement recorded as number of trees removed]

For detailed execution, refer to IS 1200 Part 27 Clause 4.9 and related site clearance clauses.

IS 1200 Part 27: Booking of Dimensions - Key Points

• Order of Dimensions (Clause 2.2):
  Dimensions must be booked consistently in the sequence:
  Length → Breadth/Width → Height/Depth/Thickness

• Measurement Precision (Clause 2.3):

  • Linear dimensions:
    • To nearest 0.01 m if ≤ 25 m
    • To nearest 0.1 m if > 25 m
  • Areas: nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volumes: nearest 0.01 m³

• Item Description (Clause 2.6):
  Must include loading and unloading details.

• Embankments & Filling (Clause 4.4.1):

  • Measured in cubic meters (m³) including slope formation.
  • Layer thickness and consolidation method must be specified.
  • Measurements taken in stages of 1 to 5 meters, stating starting level.

Summary Table for Booking Dimensions

flowchart LR
    A[Booking of Dimensions] --> B[Length]
    B --> C[Breadth/Width]
    C --> D[Height/Depth/Thickness]
    D --> E[Measurement Precision]
    E --> F[Linear: 0.01 or 0.1 m]
    E --> G[Area: 0.01 m²]
    E --> H[Volume: 0.01 m³]
    A --> I[Description]
    I --> J[Loading & Unloading]
    A --> K[Embankment Measurement]
    K --> L[Include slope formation]
    K --> M[Layer thickness & consolidation]
    K --> N[

IS 1200 Part 27: Clubbing of Items - Key Points

1. Clubbing of Items (Clause 2.1)

• Items can be clubbed if the break-up matches detailed descriptions in the standard.
• Clubbing must maintain clarity on individual item descriptions.

2. Description Includes Loading & Unloading (Clause 2.6)

• The item description must include loading and unloading costs.

3. Work Not Measured Separately (Clause 2.7)

These are considered included in item rates:

• Setting out work, profiles, etc.
• Site clearance (grass, vegetation).
• Unauthorized battering or benching of excavation.
• Excavation for planting/strutting.
• Removal of slips/falls, unless specified.
• Bailing/pumping water (rain or underground).
• Slinging pipes, cables met during excavation.

4. Trees Removal (Clause 4.9.1)

• Trees >30 cm girth at 1m height are pre-measured by number.
• Includes removal & depositing within 50 m.

Summary Table for Clubbing

flowchart TD
    A[Items for Measurement] --> B{Can items be clubbed?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Check detailed description match]
    B -- No --> D[Measure separately]
    C --> E[Include loading/unloading]
    E --> F[Exclude works listed in Clause 2.7]
    F --> G[Final item measurement]

Note: Always refer to the detailed item description in IS 1200 Part 27 for precise measurement and clubbing rules.