Method of measurement of building and civil engineering works, Part 4: stone masonry

IS 1200 Part 4 - Scope and Key Specifications

• Scope Expansion: Covers measurements for buildings and civil engineering works including industrial and river valley projects.

• Measurement Units & Precision (Clause 2.3):

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

• Rounding Off (Clause 0.7):

  • Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding.
  • Retain same significant figures as specified values.

• Boulder Work Measurement (Clause 20.1):

  • Measured in cubic metres (m³)
  • Classification:
    • a) Boulder filling dry hand-packed
    • b) Boulder walling dry
    • c) Boulder walling in mortar (state mortar mix)

Summary Table: Measurement Precision

Notes:

• Always measure net work as fixed.
• Use decimal system for all measurements.
• Boulder work specifics ensure clear classification and mortar mix declaration.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 1200 Part 4 Scope] --> B[Buildings]
    A --> C[Civil Engineering Works]
    C --> D[Industrial Projects]
    C --> E[River Valley Projects]
    A --> F[Measurement Precision]
    F --> G[Dimensions: 0.01 m]
    F --> H[Areas: 0.01 m²]
    F --> I[Volumes: 0.01 m³]
    A --> J[Boulder Work]
    J --> K[Dry Hand-packed]
    J --> L[Dry Walling]
    J --> M[Walling with Mortar]

This concise summary highlights the key scope and measurement specifications from IS 1200 Part 4.

IS 1200 Part 4: General Principles of Measurement

Key Specifications:

• Measurement Units: Decimal system only.
• Dimension Accuracy: Measured to the nearest 0.01 m.
• Area Accuracy: Calculated to the nearest 0.01 m².
• Volume Accuracy: Calculated to the nearest 0.01 m³.

Measurement Rules:

• Measurements are net, i.e., actual work as fixed in place.
• Measurements must be rounded off according to IS 2:1960 (Rules for rounding off numerical values).
• Measurements should be recorded in stages, specifying height or depth:
  • Below ground/datum line
  • Above ground/datum line

Importance:

• Uniform measurement ensures clarity, avoids disputes, and standardizes contractor operations across departments.

Rounding Off (IS 2:1960) Summary:

flowchart LR
    A[Start Measurement] --> B{Measure Dimension?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Round to 0.01 m]
    B -->|No| D{Measure Area?}
    D -->|Yes| E[Round to 0.01 m²]
    D -->|No| F{Measure Volume?}
    F -->|Yes| G[Round to 0.01 m³]
    G --> H[Record Measurement]
    E --> H
    C --> H

This ensures consistent, precise, and unambiguous measurement for civil works.

IS 1200 (Part 4) - Stone Walling: Key Points & Specifications

Types of Stone Walling (Clause 3.1 & 9.1.2)

• General walling includes:

  • Bond stones (large stones tying wall faces)
  • Raking out joints for plastering/pointing or flush finishing
  • Rough cutting for gables, arches, splays, cores
  • Leaving holes for pipes, building-in holdfasts, air bricks, fixing bricks
  • Bedding of wall plates, lintels, sills, roof tiles, etc.
  • Building-in joists, beams, lintels, and making good

• Facing stones (Clause 9.1.2):

  • If facing differs from body stones, specify type, average bed thickness, bonders, and number per m².
  • Bonding to stone and brickwork measured separately.

Special Classes (Clause 3.1.5)

• Battered stone masonry (measured net, batter surface separately in m²)
• Eaves or beam filling (no deduction for embedded members)
• Stone walling in chimneys, flues, stacks

Underpinning (Clause 7.1)

• Stone walling in underpinning measured separately.
• Extra labour/material for wedging with thin slabs/slates measured in m² (length × width of top course).

Typical Work Description Format:

• Type of stone
• Kind of walling (random rubble, ashlar, coursed rubble, etc.)
• Mortar mix (e.g., 1:6 cement:sand)
• Bond stones and bonding pattern
• Facing type and thickness
• Special features like holes, built-in items

Example Table: Bond Stones per m² (Indicative)

flowchart TD
    A[Stone Walling] --> B[General Walling]
    A --> C[Facing Stones]
    A --> D[Special Classes]
    A --> E[Underpinning]
    B --> F[Bond

IS 1200 Part 4 (1976) - Key Measurement Guidelines

1. Pillars / Columns (Clause 4.4)

• Measured in cubic metres (m³).
• Classified as:
  • Rectangular or polygonal on plan
  • Curved on plan to any radius
  • Other types
• Rectangular pillar/column definition:
  • Breadth ≤ 3 × thickness
  • Thickness ≤ 60 cm

2. Fireplaces and Chimneys (Clause 4.3)

• Stone walling in chimney breasts/stacks with flue(s) ≤ 0.20 m² sectional area measured as solid (no deduction).
• For flue(s) > 0.20 m²:
  • Deduct flue sectional area from masonry volume.
  • Measure pargetting and coring flues in running metres, specifying flue size.
• Fireplace apertures not deducted.
• No extra measurement for splaying of jambs and throating.

3. General Stone Masonry (Clause 4.1)

• Measured in cubic metres.
• Face work measured in square metres.

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Pillars/Columns] -->|Rectangular/Polygonal| B[Measure Volume (m³)]
    A -->|Curved| B
    A -->|Other Types| B
    C[Fireplaces/Chimneys] -->|Flue ≤ 0.20 m²| D[Measure as Solid]
    C -->|Flue > 0.20 m²| E[Deduct Flue Area + Measure Flue Length]
    F[Stone Masonry] --> G[Measure Volume (m³)]
    F --> H[Face Work (m²)]

For

IS 1200 Part 4: Stone Nogging - Key Specifications

• Measurement (Clause 5.1):

  • Stone nogging is measured in square metres (m²).
  • Measurement includes thickness of the wall and face work on both sides.
  • Dimensions are taken overall (length × height).

• Thickness:

  • Thickness of the stone nogging wall must be clearly stated.

• Related Measurements:

  • Pillars/columns are measured in cubic metres (m³) (Clause 4.4), but stone nogging is planar (area-based).
  • Underpinning stone walling and wedging slabs are also measured separately in m² (Clause 7.1).

Typical Measurement Formula for Stone Nogging Area:

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

• Thickness is noted but not multiplied in area measurement (since it's a face measurement).

Notes on Stone Nogging Work:

• Includes face work on both sides (important for total surface area).
• Stone nogging is often used as infill between structural members (e.g., timber frames).
• Measurement includes the overall dimensions of the wall, including thickness.

Summary Table:

flowchart LR
    A[Stone Nogging Wall] --> B[Measure Length (m)]
    A --> C[Measure Height (m)]
    A --> D[Note Thickness (cm)]
    B & C --> E[Calculate Area = Length × Height (m²)]
    E --> F[Include both faces in measurement]

For detailed workmanship and dressing, refer to IS 1200 Part 4 clauses on dressed stonework and additional labor.

Measurement of Arches in Facings (IS 1200 Part 4)

Key Points from IS 1200 Part 4:

• Clause 10.1:

  • Measurement in square metres on face and exposed soffit.
  • State rise of arch and width of soffit.
  • Describe joints.
  • For random rubble arches, include cutting of skewbacks and over/under arches in the item.
  • For superior facework, cutting over arches and skewbacks measured separately in running metres.

• Clause 6.1.1:

  • Facings to arches measured separately.

• Clause 6.1:

  • Stonework in rough arches/vaults includes centering for spans ≤ 2 m.
  • For spans > 2 m, centering measured separately as per IS 1200 Part 5.

• Clause 9.1.3 (Angles in Facings):

  • Circular facings ≤ 6 m radius: radius stated.
  • Circular facings > 6 m radius: included with general facing.

Typical Measurement Formula for Arch Facing Area:

[ \text{Area} = \text{Length of Arch (face)} \times \text{Width of Soffit} ]

• Length of Arch (face) can be approximated by the arc length:
  [ L = r \times \theta ] where
  (r) = radius of arch,
  (\theta) = central angle in radians.

Summary Table:

IS 1200 Part 4: Underpinning Key Points

1. Measurement of Underpinning (Clause 7.1)

• Stone walling in underpinning is measured separately.
• Extra labour/material for wedging up on top of underpinning with thin slabs or slates is measured in m² (length × width of the top course).

2. Facings to Arches (Clause 6.1.1)

• Measured separately from underpinning.

3. Levelling Up (Clause 4.4)

• Pillars/columns measured in cubic metres, classified as:
  • Rectangular/polygonal on plan.
  • Curved on plan.
  • Other types.
• Rectangular pillar: breadth ≤ 3 × thickness, thickness ≤ 60 cm.

Typical Underpinning Measurement Summary

Notes:

• Underpinning involves strengthening existing foundations.
• Measurement focuses on stone masonry volume and surface wedging.
• Ensure clear distinction between underpinning and related masonry work.

flowchart TD
    A[Existing Foundation] --> B[Underpinning Stone Walling]
    B --> C[Wedging up with Thin Slabs/Slates]
    C --> D[Measurement in m²]
    B --> E[Measurement in m³]

For detailed design, refer to IS 1904 for foundation repair and IS 456 for concrete underpinning.

IS 1200 Part 4: Levelling Up Key Points

Levelling Up (Clause 8)

• Scope: Levelling up applies to uncoursed random rubble masonry for damp-proof courses, band courses, etc.
• Measurement:
  • Measured separately in square metres (area).
  • Area = Length × Width of the levelling course.
• Materials: Concrete or mortar used for levelling up must be clearly specified in the description.

Measurement Guidelines (Clauses 7.1, 2.9)

• Stone walling in underpinning and wedging up on top of underpinning is measured in square metres.
• Work measured in stages:
  • Below ground/datum line
  • Above ground/datum line
• Datum line or ground level must be clearly stated.

Typical Formula for Levelling Up Area:

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

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Uncoursed Random Walling] --> B[Levelling Up]
    B --> C[Measure Area (Length × Width)]
    B --> D[Use Concrete/Mortar]
    A --> E[Underpinning]
    E --> F[Stone Walling (measured separately)]
    E --> G[Wedging Up (thin slabs/slates)]

Note: Always specify the datum/ground line for accurate measurement stages.

IS 1200 (Part 4) - Measurement of Circular Facings: Key Points

• Radius Limit:
  Circular facings with a radius ≤ 6 m on plan are measured separately; radius must be stated (Clause 9.1.3, 3.1.3).
  Circular facings with radius > 6 m are included under general facing.

• Measurement Basis:
  Measurement includes all cutting, waste, and templates for circular facings (Clause 3.1.3).

• Arches in Facings (Clause 10 & 11):

  • Dressing to arches measured in m² on face and exposed soffit.
  • Rise and width of soffit must be stated.
  • Cutting of skewbacks and over/under arches included in random rubble items; superior facework cutting measured separately in running metres.
  • External angles measured in running metres; quoin stones’ average size and drafting width described if applicable.

Formula for Length of Circular Facing (Arc Length)

For circular facing of radius ( R ) and central angle ( \theta ) (in degrees):

[ L = \frac{\pi R \theta}{180} ]

Where:

• ( L ) = length of circular facing (m)
• ( R ) = radius (m)
• ( \theta ) = central angle (degrees)

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    A[Circular Facing] -->|R ≤ 6 m| B[Measure Separately]
    A -->|R > 6 m| C[Include in General Facing]
    B --> D[Include Cutting, Waste, Templates]
    B --> E[Use Arc Length Formula]
    E --> F[Calculate Length = (π × R × θ)/180]
``

IS 1200 Part 4: Dressing to Arches – Key Points & Formulas

Measurement & Specifications (Clause 10.1)

• Dressing to arches in faced work measured in m² on:
  • Face and exposed soffit.
• State rise of arch and width of soffit.
• Describe joints.
• For random rubble arches:
  • Cutting of skewbacks and over/under arches included in item.
• For superior facework:
  • Cutting of skewbacks, over arches measured separately in running metres.

Important Clauses:

• 6.1.1: Facings to arches measured separately.
• 9.1.1: Stones dressed on beds and joints must be specified.
• 9.1.3: Circular facings ≤ 6 m radius measured separately; > 6 m included in general facing.

Typical Formula for Arch Face Area (Approximate)

[ \text{Area} = \text{Width of soffit} \times \text{(Rise + Span length/2)} ]

• Measure actual face + soffit area for accuracy.
• Use running metres for linear cutting work.

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Dressing to Arches] --> B[Measure Face & Soffit Area (m²)]
    A --> C[Cutting Skewbacks & Arches]
    C --> D{Type of Work}
    D -->|Random Rubble| E[Included in m²]
    D -->|Superior Facework| F[Measure in Running Metres]
    A --> G[Circular Facings]
    G -->|Radius ≤ 6 m| H[Measure Separately]
    G -->|Radius > 6 m| I[Include in General Facing]

Tip: Always specify joints and

IS 1200 (Part 4) - Angles in Facings: Key Points & Measurement

• External angles in facings (Clause 11.1):

  • Measured in running metres.
  • If quoin stones are larger than general facing stones, their average size must be stated.
  • If quoin stones have drafted edge margins, describe the width of drafting.

• Squints, birds-mouths, and angles to battered facings (Clause 11.1.2):

  • Measured separately in running metres.
  • Horizontal joints in quoin stones to battered facings should be described.

• Circular facings (Clause 9.1.3):

  • For radius ≤ 6 m, state the radius.
  • For radius > 6 m, include with general facing.

• Measurement units:

  • Angles and special cuts are measured in running metres.
  • Dressing to arches measured in square metres (Clause 10.1).

Summary Table for Angles in Facings

flowchart LR
    A[Angles in Facings] --> B[External Angles]
    A --> C[Squints & Birds-mouths]
    A --> D[Circular Facings]
    B --> E[Measured in running metres]
    C --> F[Measured in running metres]
    D --> G{Radius ≤ 6 m?}
    G -->|Yes| H[State radius, measure separately]
    G -->|No| I[Include with general facing]

Note: Always describe joints, drafting widths, and sizes of special stones as per clauses.

IS 1200 Part 4: Key Specifications for Chases, Rebates, and Grooves

Measurement & Classification (Clause 12.1 & 12.1.1)

• Chases, rebates, grooves are measured in running metres with girth stated.
• Classified by girth size:
  • ≤ 10 cm girth: measured in running metres.
  • > 10 cm and ≤ 20 cm girth: measured in running metres.
  • > 20 cm girth: measured in square metres (girth × length).

Types (Clause 1.5)

• Include:
  • Chamfers, arrises, splays (width >1.5 cm to 10 cm)
  • Rounded bullnose, mouldings, hollow angles
  • Rebates and grooves (square, hollow, dovetailed)
  • Rebates/grooves for joints, sills, tongues
  • Chisel drafted margin

Summary Table for Measurement

Notes

• Throatings measured separately.
• Squints, birds-mouths, and angles measured in running metres (Clause 11.1.2).

flowchart TD
    A[Chases/Rebates/Grooves] --> B{Girth Size}
    B -->|≤ 10 cm| C[Running Metres]
    B -->|> 10 & ≤ 20 cm| C
    B -->|> 20 cm| D[Square Metres (Girth × Length)]

This ensures correct quantification for cost and execution per IS 1200 Part 4.

IS 1200 Part 4 (1976) - Cutting Openings: Key Points

• Clause 14.1:

  • Cutting openings exceeding 0.1 m² in area are measured in cubic metres (volume).

• Clause 13.1 (Toothing and Bonding):

  • Cutting holes through walling measured per cm depth, classified as:
    • (a) Holes ≤ 400 cm²
    • (b) Holes > 400 cm² and ≤ 0.1 m²

• Clause 12.1.1 (Chases/Rebates):

  • Chases or rebates with girth > 20 cm measured in square metres = girth × length.

• Clause 17.3 (Drilling/Cutting Holes):

  • Holes measured by diameter and depth.

Summary Table for Measurement Units

Measurement Formulae

• Volume for openings > 0.1 m²:
  [ \text{Volume} = \text{Area of opening} \times \text{Thickness} ]

• Area for chases/rebates:
  [ \text{Area} = \text{Girth} \times \text{Length} ]

flowchart TD
    A[Cutting Openings] --> B{Size of Opening}
    B -->|≤ 400 cm²| C[Measure per cm depth]
    B -->|>400 cm² & ≤ 0.1 m²| C
    B

Measurement of Stonework in Architectural Features (IS 1200 Part 4)

• General Measurement:

  • Stonework in sills, steps, string courses, cornices, columns, caps, copings, lintels, etc. → Measured in cubic metres (m³) (Clause 16.1).
  • Dressing type (e.g., polished, rough) → Measured extra-over in square metres (m²).

• Stone Masonry:

  • Measured in cubic metres (Clause 4.1).
  • Face work (visible surfaces) → Measured in square metres.

• Individual Stone Measurement:

  • Each stone measured as the smallest rectangular block from which the finished dressed stone is worked (Clause 16.3).

• Pillars/Columns:

  • Measured in cubic metres.
  • Categories:
    • Rectangular or polygonal (breadth ≤ 3 × thickness; thickness ≤ 60 cm)
    • Curved on plan (any radius)
    • Other types (Clause 4.4)

Summary Table for Measurement Units

flowchart TD
    A[Stonework Features] --> B{Measurement Unit}
    B --> C[Cubic Metres (m³)]
    B --> D[Square Metres (m²)]
    C --> E[Sills, Steps, String Courses, Columns, Caps, Copings, Lintels]
    C --> F[Stone Masonry (General)]
    C --> G[Pillars/Columns (Rectangular, Curved, Others)]
    D --> H[Dressing Type (Extra-over)]

IS 1200 Part 4 - Boulder Work (Clause 20.1)

Boulder work is measured in cubic metres (m³) and classified as:

Key Specifications:

• Size of boulders must be stated when measuring.
• For walling in mortar, specify the mortar mix ratio (e.g., 1:6 cement:sand).
• Measurement is by volume of the work done.

Measurement Notes:

• Boulder work is measured in cubic metres.
• Curved or irregular shapes (Clause 19.1) require detailed dimensions.
• Stone masonry generally follows Clause 4.1 for measurement.

Typical Mortar Mix for Boulder Walling:

Summary Diagram: Boulder Work Classification

graph TD
    A[Boulder Work] --> B[Dry Hand-packed Filling]
    A --> C[Dry Boulder Walling]
    A --> D[Boulder Walling with Mortar]
    D --> E[Specify Mortar Mix Ratio]

For detailed dimensions and further stonework measurement, refer to Clauses 4.1 and 16.3 of IS 1200 Part 4.