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

IS 1200 Part 3: Scope & Key Specifications for Measurement of Building Works

Scope:
This part covers the Method of Measurement for building and civil engineering works, ensuring uniformity in quantifying works for billing and tendering.

Key Specifications:

• Measurement Units:

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

• Measurement Basis:
  Work is measured net as fixed in place.

• Special Items:

  • Fair cutting exceeding 10 cm width in splayed angles, cornices, quoins measured separately in m².
  • Toothing and bonding (where new walls bond to existing) measured in m² of vertical face in contact.

Important Clauses:

Summary Table for Measurement Precision

flowchart TD
    A[Work Fixed in Place] --> B[Measure Dimensions]
    B --> C[Round to 0.01 m]
    A --> D[Calculate Areas]
    D --> E[Round to 0.01 m²]
    A --> F[Calculate Volumes]
    F --> G[Round to 0.01 m³]
    A --> H[Special Cases]
    H --> I[Fair Cutting >10 cm width]
    H --> J[Toothing & Bonding]

Note: For detailed measurement rules of specific works (steel, wood, formwork), refer to respective IS 1200 parts.

Booking of Dimensions & Description of Items as per IS 1200 Part 3

• Booking of Dimensions (Clause 2.2):
  Dimensions should be recorded in the order:
  Length → Breadth/Width → Height/Depth/Thickness
  This ensures uniformity and clarity in measurement documentation.

• Description of Items (Clause 2.4):
  The description must include, unless otherwise stated:

  • Conveyance, delivery, handling, unloading, storing
  • Waste and return of packings
  • Necessary scaffolding, tools, and tackle

• Clubbing of Items (Clause 2.1):
  Items can be grouped together only if detailed descriptions allow clear breakup later.

• Measurement of Pillars/Columns (Clause 4.1.6):

  • Measured in cubic metres
  • Different shapes handled separately:
    • Rectangular/polygonal
    • Curved (any radius)
    • Other types
  • Number of each type must be stated

Example Table for Pillar Measurement

Dimension Booking Order Visualization

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

This sequence standardizes measurement recording for all items in construction work.

IS 1200 Part 3: General Brickwork – Key Points & Specifications

Included in General Brickwork (Clauses 3.1.1 & 3.1.2)

• Raking out joints for plastering/pointing or finishing flush.
• Preparation of tops of existing walls for raising.
• Rough cutting/waste for gables, arches, splays, etc.
• Plumbing to angles and forming reveals (non-exposed).
• Leaving holes for pipes, building in holdfasts, ends of beams, lintels, etc.
• Forming openings/flues without deduction.
• Bedding wall plates, lintels, sills, roof tiles.
• Chases up to 50 cm girth.
• Battered surfaces measured separately as extra-over.
• Eaves/beam fillings, chimney breasts/stacks (excluding independent shafts), pilasters, copings, and sills included.
• No deduction for recesses or holes as specified.

Measurement & Specifications

• Backing to masonry (Clause 6.1): Measured separately by average thickness, including cutting and waste for bonding.
• Circular brickwork (Clause 5.1.1): Circular brickwork with mean radius >6 m measured separately.

Typical Measurement Table (Summary)

Notes:

• No deductions for small openings, recesses, or embedded items unless specified.
• Rough cutting and waste included in measurements.
• Ensure plumbing and bonding as per IS standards during construction.

flowchart TD
    A[General Brickwork] --> B[Raking out joints]
    A --> C[Preparation of wall tops]
    A --> D[Rough cutting & waste]
    A --> E[Plumbing to angles]
    A --> F[Openings & flues (no deduction)]
   

IS 1200 Part 3 (1976) - Units of Measurement & Rules for Measurement

Key Specifications:

• Units and Accuracy:

  • Dimensions: Measured to nearest 0.01 m (1 cm)
  • Areas: Measured to nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volumes: Measured to nearest 0.01 m³

• Measurement System:

  • Use decimal system for all measurements.
  • Measurements are net, i.e., actual work fixed in place.

• Rounding Rules:

  • Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding off values.
  • Retain the number of significant places as specified.

• Special Cases:

  • Fair cutting exceeding 10 cm width in splayed angles, weatherings, cornices, quoins, etc., should be measured separately in m².

Summary Table:

Practical Notes:

• Always measure fixed-in-place work.
• Use decimal notation for clarity and uniformity.
• Apply rounding consistently to avoid disputes.
• Separate measurement for special architectural features ensures accuracy in billing.

flowchart TD
    A[Start Measurement] --> B{Type of Quantity?}
    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 >10cm| F[Measure separately in m²]
    C --> G[Record net fixed-in-place value]
    D --> G
    E --> G
    F --> G
    G --> H[Apply IS 2:1960 rounding rules]
    H --> I[Finalize

IS 1200 Part 3 (1976) - Circular Brickwork: Key Points

• Measurement of Circular Brickwork (Clause 5.1 & 5.1.1):

  • For brickwork circular on plan with mean radius ≤ 6 m:
    • Measured separately in cubic metres.
    • Includes all cutting, waste, and templates.
  • For mean radius > 6 m:
    • Included with general brickwork measurement.

• Pillars/Columns Measurement (Clause 4.1.6):

  • Measured in cubic metres.
  • Separate measurement for:
    • a) Rectangular or polygonal.
    • b) Curved on plan (any radius).
    • c) Other types.
  • Number of each type to be stated.

• Backing to Masonry (Clause 21.1):

  • Projections like corbels, string courses, sills, cornices measured in running metres.
  • State depth and width of projection.
  • No deduction from wall for bearing portions.

Typical Formula for Volume of Circular Brickwork

For a circular wall of thickness ( t ), mean radius ( r ), and height ( h ):

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

Where:

• ( r ) = mean radius (m)
• ( t ) = thickness of brickwork (m)
• ( h ) = height (m)

Summary Table for Circular Brickwork Measurement

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Circular Brickwork] --> 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

This concise guidance aligns with IS 1200 Part 3 for accurately estimating circular brickwork quantities.

Backing to Masonry (IS 1200 Part 3)

• Measurement (Clause 6.1):

  • Brickwork backing to masonry is measured separately.
  • State the average thickness clearly.
  • Include all cutting and waste for bonding in the description.

• Key Points:

  • Backing brickwork supports facing masonry, ensuring structural stability.
  • Thickness typically varies; specify as per design or site conditions.
  • Bonding waste accounts for cut bricks at corners and junctions.

Typical Measurement Format:

Additional Notes:

• Circular brickwork with radius > 6m (Clause 5.1.1) is measured separately.
• Projections like corbels or drip courses (Clause 21.1) are measured in running meters, no deduction for bearing portions.

flowchart LR
    A[Backing Brickwork] --> B[Measured Separately]
    B --> C[State Average Thickness]
    B --> D[Include Cutting & Waste]
    A --> E[Supports Facing Masonry]

This ensures proper quantification and specification of backing masonry as per IS 1200 Part 3.

Honeycomb Brickwork (IS 1200 Part 3)

• Measurement (Clause 7.1):

  • Measured in square metres (m²).
  • State thickness and pattern of honeycombing.
  • Openings in honeycomb are not deducted from area.

• Pattern & Specification:
  Honeycomb brickwork typically involves bricks laid with intentional gaps (openings) to reduce weight and improve ventilation, often in backing walls or partitions.

• Key Points:

  • Cutting and waste for bonding included in description (Clause 6.1).
  • Cores may be used for cavity clearance and weep holes (Clause 9.4).

Typical 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 Notes:

• Thickness usually matches standard brick wall thicknesses: 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm.
• Honeycomb openings are often 50-75 mm wide.
• Used for lightweight, ventilated walls or backing.

For detailed design and reinforcement, refer to IS 2212 and IS 456 as applicable.

IS 1200 Part 3: Independent Chimney Shafts Key Points

• Measurement Categories (Clause 8.1):
  Independent chimney shafts brickwork is measured net, including cutting, waste, and templates under these plan shapes:

  • Rectangular
  • Polygonal
  • Curved (any radius)

• Height Specification (Clause 8.1.1):
  Height of chimney is measured from ground or datum line.

• Flue Area Considerations (Clause 4.1.5):

  • Flues ≤ 0.2 m² measured as solid brickwork (no deduction).
  • Flues > 0.2 m²: deduct flue area from brickwork volume; measure pargetting and coring in running metres with flue size stated.
  • Fireplace apertures are not deducted; no extra measurement for splayed jambs/throating.

Typical Measurement Formula for Brickwork Volume (Rectangular Chimney):

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

Where:

• External volume = Length × Width × Height
• Flue volume = Cross-sectional area × Height

Summary Table for Flue Measurement:

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Measure Chimney Brickwork] --> 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 & coring separately]
    F & H --> I[Calculate net brickwork volume]

For detailed dimensional tables and templates, refer to IS

IS 1200 Part 3: Key Points on Cavity Walls

• Measurement (Clauses 9.1 & 9.2):

  • Cavity wall area measured in m² along the centerline of cavity.
  • Include width of cavity and number of ties per m².
  • Deduct openings and solid wall portions from measurement.

• Wall Ties (Clause 9.1):

  • Specify material, size, shape, and spacing of ties.
  • Typical tie spacing:
    • Horizontally: 900 mm max
    • Vertically: 450 mm max
  • Common tie types: galvanized steel, stainless steel, or plastic.

• Cores & Weep Holes (Clause 9.4):

  • Use cores to maintain cavity clearance.
  • Provide weep holes at base of cavity for drainage and ventilation.

Typical Cavity Wall Tie Spacing Table

Measurement Formula for Cavity Wall Area

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

Measured at cavity centerline.

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

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

IS 1200 Part 3: Reinforced Brickwork Key Points

Measurement & Specification:

• Clause 10.1: Reinforced brickwork is measured separately from general brickwork.
• Reinforcement is measured separately as per IS 1200 Part VIII (1975).
• Pillars/columns measured in cubic meters, categorized as:
  • Rectangular/polygonal (plan)
  • Curved (any radius)
  • Other types (Clause 4.1.6)

Typical Specifications:

• Reinforced brickwork includes steel reinforcement embedded in brick masonry for added strength.
• Reinforcement bars are placed in horizontal and vertical joints or cores.
• Cores/holes may be provided for cavities, weep, and vent holes (Clause 9.4).

Common Formulas & Tables (General Practice)

Reinforcement Guidelines (General)

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

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

For detailed reinforcement design and quantities, refer to IS 456 and IS 1200 Part VIII.

IS 1200 Part 3: Key Points on Brick Nogging

• Brick Nogging refers to brick infill in framed walls (usually timber or RCC frames).

• Measurement (Clause 6.1):

  • Measure separately from general brickwork.
  • State average thickness of the brickwork backing.
  • Include all cutting and waste for bonding in the description.

• Reinforced Brickwork (Clause 10.1):

  • Measured separately from general brickwork.
  • Reinforcement measured as per IS 1200 Part 8.

• General Specifications:

  • No deductions for joists or rafters in eaves or beam fillings (Clause 3.1.2).
  • Honeycomb brickwork and projections (cornices, sills, etc.) measured in running meters with depth and width specified (Clause 21.1).

Typical Brick Nogging Thickness:

• Usually 75 mm to 100 mm thick (half-brick or full-brick thickness).

Measurement Summary Table:

Diagram: Brick Nogging in Frame Wall

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

References:

• IS 1200 Part 3 (1976) clauses 6.1, 10.1, 21.1, 3.1.2
• IS 1200 Part 8 for reinforcement measurement.

IS 1200 Part 3 — Brickwork with Fair Face or Architectural Appearance

Key Specifications:

• Clause 12.1: Fair face or architectural brickwork is measured separately.
• Clause 21.1: Projections like corbels, string courses, sills, cornices, drip courses, oversailing courses must be measured in running meters with depth and width specified.
• No deduction for bearing portions of drip courses, mouldings, or cornices from wall masonry.

Measurement Guidelines:

• Measure projections fully:
  [ \text{Quantity} = \text{Length (m)} \times \text{Depth (m)} \times \text{Width (m)} ]
• Recesses are not deducted in receding courses.
• Include architectural finishes such as splayed, bullnosed, or cut bricks.

Related Brickwork Types (Clause 3.1.2):

• Battered surfaces measured separately (m²).
• Eaves/beam fillings measured net.
• Chimney breast/stack brickwork included.
• Pilasters, copings, and sills included.

Summary Table for Measurement:

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

This ensures precise quantification for architectural brickwork as per IS 1200 Part 3.

IS 1200 Part 3: Key Points for Brickwork in Arches, Vaults, or Staircases

Measurement & Specifications (Clause 13.1)

• Brickwork in arches, vaults, staircases is measured separately.
• Includes:
  • Work in selected uncut bricks.
  • Work in purpose-made or fair cut and rubbed bricks.
• Centering (formwork) included for spans up to 2 m.
• For spans exceeding 2 m, centering is measured separately (see IS 1200 Part 5).
• Cutting to skews is included in the description.

Additional Notes:

• Brickwork with fair face or architectural appearance is measured separately (Clause 12.1).
• For pillars/columns, measure in cubic meters and describe shape (rectangular, curved, other) (Clause 4.1.6).
• Circular brickwork and battered surfaces are included with general brickwork but measured separately as extras (Clause 3.1.2).

Typical Measurement Formula for Arches

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

• Cross-sectional area depends on brick thickness and arch shape.
• For centering: measure area or volume of temporary support structure separately if span > 2 m.

Summary Table for Centering Measurement

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 ≤ 2m]
    D --> F[Measured separately if span > 2m]
    A --> G[Cutting to skews included]

Use IS 1200 Part 5 for detailed centering measurement beyond 2 m spans.

Underpinning as per IS 1200 Part 3 (1976): Key Points

• Measurement:

  • Brickwork in underpinning is measured separately (Clause 14.1).
  • Extra labor and materials for wedging up on top of underpinning are measured in square meters (length × width of top course).

• Specifications:

  • Brickwork must be described clearly, including the type of bricks and workmanship (e.g., fair cutting, uncut bricks).
  • Centering for arches/vaults up to 2 m span is included; beyond 2 m, centering is measured separately (Clause 13.1).

• Additional Notes:

  • Pillars/columns involved in underpinning are measured in cubic meters, detailed by shape (Clause 4.1.6).
  • Use of cores for cavities and weep holes in circular brickwork (Clause 9.4) may be relevant if underpinning involves curved sections.

Typical Underpinning Measurement Formula:

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

Extra wedging area = L × W (m²)

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Underpinning Work] --> B[Measure Brickwork Volume (L×W×D)]
    B --> C[Measure Wedging Area (L×W)]
    C --> D[Separate Measurement for Centering if Span > 2m]
    D --> E[Include Pillar/Column Volume if Present]
    E --> F[Document Type of Bricks & Cutting]
    F --> G[Complete Measurement for Billing & Execution]

For detailed execution, refer also to IS 1200 Part V (Centering) and IS 1200 Part III clauses on brickwork types and cutting.

IS 1200 (Part 3) – Fair Cutting of Brickwork: Key Points

• Fair Cutting Definition: Cutting bricks to achieve neat finishing at splayed angles, weatherings, cornices, quoins, etc., where purpose-made bricks are not used.

Measurement Specifications:

• Clause 15.1:
  Fair cutting exceeding 10 cm width or girth shall be measured separately in square metres.

• Clause 15.3:
  Circular fair cutting is also measured separately in square metres.

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

• Clause 25.1:
  Openings >0.1 m² in walls one brick thick or less: measured in square metres.
  Openings in walls thicker than one brick: measured in cubic metres.

Practical Notes:

Formula for area measurement (fair cutting):

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

Illustration of Fair Cutting Measurement:

flowchart LR
    A[Brickwork] --> B{Fair Cutting?}
    B -->|Width > 10 cm| C[Measure separately in m²]
    B -->|Width ≤ 10 cm| D[Included in normal brickwork]
    C --> E{Shape}
    E -->|Circular| F[Measure separately in m²]
    E -->|Other shapes| G[Measure separately in m²]

Summary:
Fair cutting exceeding 10 cm in width or girth and