Handbook of Method of Measurement of Buildings Works

IS SP Part 27 - Scope: Key Points & Specifications

Scope Summary:

• Covers detailed measurement methods for various civil and structural works.
• Includes materials, earthwork, foundations, concrete, brickwork, steelwork, finishing, plumbing, and roadwork.
• Measurement units vary: volume (m³), area (m²), length (running meter), and weight (kg).
• Diameter measurements for items like piles are taken at 1.5 m from the thick end.

Key Measurement Multiplying Factors for Painting (Clause 3.5)

Measurement Units & Notes:

• Diameter: For piles or similar, measure at 1.5 m from thick end.
• Volume (m³): For scantlings, planks

IS 1200 Part 27: General Rules Summary

1. Measurement Scope

• Covers measurement methods for formwork when measured separately.

2. Rounding Off Rules (Clause 3.0, Appendix A)

• Rule I: Round down numbers below midpoint.
• Rule II: Round up numbers above midpoint.
• Rule III: For exact midpoint (0.5), round to the nearest even number to balance rounding errors.

Why Round to Even?

• Facilitates division by 2, maintaining accuracy in halving values.
• Even numbers are divisible by more integers, aiding further calculations.

Key Rounding Rules Table

Practical Impact

• Balances rounding up and down over large datasets.
• Minimizes cumulative rounding errors in sums and averages.

flowchart LR
    A[Number to Round] --> B{Is number < midpoint?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Round Down]
    B -- No --> D{Is number > midpoint?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Round Up]
    D -- No --> F[Number = midpoint]
    F --> G[Round to nearest even number]

This ensures fairness and accuracy in measurement and calculations per IS 1200 Part 27.

IS SP Part 27: Brickwork - General Key Points

1. Categories of Brickwork (Clause 3.1.2)

• Battered brickwork: Measured net in m²; batter surfaces measured separately as extra.
• Eaves/beam fillings: Measured without deduction for joists.
• Chimney brickwork: Includes chimney breasts, stacks, smoke/air flues (excluding independent shafts).
• Pilasters, copings, sills: Included in general brickwork measurement.
• Recesses: No deduction for receding courses.

2. Pillars/Columns Measurement (Clause 4.1.6)

• Measured in cubic metres (m³).
• Separate measurement by shape:
  • Rectangular/polygonal
  • Curved (any radius)
  • Other types

3. Circular Brickwork (Clause 3.1)

• Specify brick and mortar types.
• Bond type (e.g., English bond) must be stated if different.

4. Materials & Workmanship (Clause 10.0)

• Specify:
  • Size and quality of bricks/tiles/slabs.
  • Method of laying, jointing, pointing.
  • Mortar mix and type.
  • Number of layers.

Typical Brickwork Volume Formula:

[ \text{Volume} = \text{Length} \times \text{Height} \times \text{Thickness} ]

Pillar Volume Example:

• Rectangular pillar volume: [ V = b \times h \times l ] where (b) = breadth, (h) = height, (l) = length.

flowchart TD
    A[Brickwork Categories]
    A --> B[Battered Surfaces]
    A --> C[Eaves/Beam Fillings]
    A --> D[Chimney Brickwork]
    A --> E[Pilasters, Copings, Sills]

    F[Pillars/Columns]
    F --> G[Rectangular/Polygonal]
    F --> H[Curved]
    F --> I[Other Types]

    J[Materials & Workmanship]
    J --> K[Brick Size & Quality]
    J --> L[Mortar Mix & Type]
    J --> M[Laying & Jointing Method]

**

IS SP Part 27: Concrete Works - Key Specifications & Measurement

1. Lime & Mud Concrete

• Measured in cubic metres (m³) (Clause 3.1).

2. Cement Concrete Works (Clause 1.1 & 4.3)

• Covers measurement methods for concrete in buildings and civil works.
• Includes reinforced/plain concrete and precast components.
• Precast concrete includes moulding, finishing, reinforcement supply, fixing inserts, hoisting, and setting.

3. Measurement Table for Precast Concrete Components (Table 1)

4. Concrete in Columns and Beams (Clause 4.2.2)

• Follow IS 456 for design & detailing.
• Measurement typically in cubic metres or running metres depending on element.

Summary Formula for Concrete Volume

[ \text{Volume} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} \times \text{Depth} \quad (m^3) ]

flowchart TD
    A[Concrete Works] --> B[Lime/Mud Concrete]
    A --> C[Cement Concrete]
    C --> D[Reinforced/Plain Concrete]
    D --> E[Precast Components]
    E --> F[Measurement by Item Type]

**Use this table and clauses

IS SP Part 27: Roadwork Generally - Key Points

• Measurement Methods (Clause 2.7 & 2.9):

  • Materials for roadwork are measured as per Section 2 (Materials).
  • Stripping, storing, and reapplication of topsoil are measured in cubic metres (m³).

• Scope (Clause 1.1):

  • Covers methods of measurement for all roadworks including airfield pavements.

Typical Measurement Units for Roadwork Materials

Common Formula for Earthwork Volume (Cut and Fill)

[ V = \frac{(A_1 + A_2)}{2} \times L ]

• ( V ) = Volume (m³)
• ( A_1, A_2 ) = Cross-sectional areas at two ends (m²)
• ( L ) = Length between sections (m)

Notes:

• Always refer to Section 2 for detailed material specifications and measurement guidelines.
• Rounding off values should follow rules in Section 1B.
• For detailed pavement layer thickness and composition, refer to IS codes related to pavement design.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Roadwork Measurement] --> B{Material Type?}
    B -->|Topsoil| C[Measure in m³ (Stripping, Storing, Reapplication)]
    B -->|Earthwork| D[Calculate volume using cross-sectional areas]
    B -->|Pavement Layers| E[Measure area × thickness or volume]
    B -->|Bituminous| F[Measure area or weight]
    C --> G[Record quantities]
    D --> G
    E --> G
    F --> G
    G --> H[Apply rounding rules per Section 1B]

IS SP Part 27: Water Lines Measurement Key Points

• Scope (Clause 1.1): Covers measurement methods for laying water and sewer lines, including related works.

• Bed, Benching & Covering (Clause 2.4): Measurement methods as per Section 3 (typically involves volume or area of earthwork).

• Measurement of Water Lines (Clause 15.2 & 16.1):

  • Irregular/circular plans measured as rectangular/square.
  • Water pipes (including rainwater pipes) and sewer lines measured by:
    • Internal diameter (ID)
    • Length in running meters along the pipe centerline, including joints and fittings.

Typical Measurement Formula:

[ \text{Length} = \sum \text{(centerline length of pipe + fittings)} ]

Specifications Summary:

This ensures accurate quantification for procurement and billing in water supply and sewerage projects.

flowchart LR
    A[Water Line] --> B[Measure Internal Diameter]
    A --> C[Measure Length along centerline]
    C --> D[Include joints & fittings]
    B & D --> E[Calculate total running meters]

IS SP Part 27 – Roofing: Key Points & Measurement Guidelines

• Measurement Basis (Clause 3.3, 1.1):

  • Roofing sheets (e.g., Nainital pattern) are measured flat, excluding girth.
  • Include all accessories like rolls, clips, etc., in the measurement.
  • Covers roof covering and cladding for buildings and civil works.

• Slate Roofs (Clause 9.1):

  • Measured similarly to roof tiling (refer Clause 7).
  • Slate roofs follow tile measurement rules.

• Terraced Roofing (Clause 7.13):

  • Special ventilating and glass tiles are measured as extras over the main roof tiling.

• Roof Shingles (Clause 8):

  • Specific measurement rules apply (not detailed here; refer Clause 8 in the code).

General Measurement Formula for Roofing Area

[ \text{Roof Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width (flat measurement)} ]

Accessories like clips and rolls are included in total quantity but measured separately.

Summary Table for Roofing Measurement

flowchart TD
    A[Start Measurement] --> B{Type of Roofing}
    B -->|Nainital Pattern| C[Measure flat sheet area]
    B -->|Slate Roof| D[Measure as roof tiling]
    B -->|Terraced Roofing| E[Measure tiling + extras]
    B -->|Roof Shingles| F[Refer Clause 8 specifics]
    C --> G[Include rolls, clips]
    D --> G
    E --> H[Measure ventilating/glass tiles separately]
    F --> I[Apply shingles measurement rules]

IS SP Part 27 - Wood Shingles: Key Points

• Measurement: According to Clause 8.1, wood shingles on roofs are measured the same way as roof tiling (Clause 7). This implies:

  • Measurement is by area covered (usually in square meters or square feet).
  • No separate measurement for laps or overlaps.

• Specification Highlights:

  • Wood shingles are typically laid with overlaps to ensure water tightness.
  • The thickness and size of shingles depend on local standards or project specs.
  • Proper nailing and fixing methods are essential to resist wind uplift.

• Related Clauses:

  • Clause 7 (Roof Tiling) details measurement methods: measure the plan area covered, excluding laps.
  • Clause 3.4.1 clarifies laps along ridges, hips, valleys are not measured separately.

Summary Table for Wood Shingles Measurement

flowchart LR
    A[Wood Shingles Laid on Roof] --> B[Measure Plan Area]
    B --> C{Exclude Overlaps/Laps?}
    C -->|Yes| D[Measure Net Covered Area]
    D --> E[Calculate Quantity]

For detailed design, refer to IS 2878 (Code of Practice for Wood Shingles) if available, or local standards.

IS SP Part 27 – Roof Slating Key Points

• Measurement:
  Roof slating is measured the same way as roof tiling (Clause 9.1 refers to Clause 7).
  Refer to Clause 7 for measurement details such as area coverage and overlaps.

• Stone Slab Roofing (Clause 10.6):

  • Specify type of stone, quality, and dressing.
  • State thickness of slabs (commonly 20-30 mm for roofing).
  • Specify spacing of battens or joists (usually 300-400 mm center-to-center).
  • Uniform slab size should be explicitly stated if required.

• Ventilation:
  Special ventilating tiles are considered extra over roof tiling (Clause 7.13).

Typical Battens Spacing for Slates

Roof Slating Coverage Formula

[ \text{Effective Coverage} = \text{Slate Length} - \text{Headlap} ]

• Headlap generally: 75 mm for slates up to 300 mm length, more for longer slates.

flowchart TD
    A[Slate Roof] --> B[Slate Size & Thickness]
    A --> C[Batten/Joist Spacing]
    A --> D[Quality & Dressing]
    A --> E[Measurement as per Roof Tiling]
    A --> F[Ventilating Tiles (Extra Over)]

For detailed measurement and fixing, refer to Clause 7 (Roof Tiling) and Clause 10.6 for stone slab specifics.

Fabric Reinforcement - IS SP Part 27 Key Points

• Measurement:

  • Fabric reinforcement (meshes and strands) is measured in square metres (m²) (Clause 10.2).
  • Authorized laps are included in measurement.
  • Expanded metal and weld mesh are also measured in m², with openings >0.2 m² deducted (Clause 9.1).

• Description Requirements:

  • Must specify mesh size, strand diameter, weight per unit area, laps, and fixing method (Clauses 9.1 & 10.2).

• Measurement Specifics:

  • Include raking/circular cutting waste in description (Clause 9.1).
  • Reinforcement (bars or fabric) must be stated and measured separately (Clause 6.1.2).

Typical Fabric Reinforcement Data Table Example

Measurement Formula for Fabric Reinforcement Area

[ \text{Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} + \text{Lap area} - \text{Openings area} ]

flowchart TD
    A[Fabric Reinforcement] --> B[Description]
    B --> C{Includes}
    C --> D[Mesh size]
    C --> E[Strand diameter]
    C --> F[Weight per m²]
    C --> G[Laps]
    C --> H[Fixing method]
    A --> I[Measurement]
    I --> J[Measured in m²]
    I --> K[Include laps]
    I --> L[Deduct openings > 0.2 m²]
    I --> M[Include cutting waste]

This ensures clear specification and accurate measurement for billing and quality control per IS SP Part 27.

IS SP Part 27: Key Points on Roof Treatment

1. Measurement of Waterproofing (Clause 11.3)

• Measured in m², including:
  • Type, quality, quantity of materials
  • Side & end laps
  • Cuttings, waste, openings, wedging & pointing in masonry
  • Turn-ups/turn-downs at eaves, verges, abutments

2. Jack Arch Roofing (Clause 10.7)

• Measured flat overall in m²
• Describe:
  • Clear span, rise, thickness
  • Laying, joining, pointing methods
  • Finish on top & underside

3. Surface Area Adjustment for Roof Types (Clause 3.6)

Increase plain surface area by:

4. Waterproofing Between Corrugated Sheet Laps (Clause 11.6)

• Fully describe method of securing waterproofing
• Measured in running metres with stated width

Practical Formula for Adjusted Roof Area:

[ A_{adjusted} = A_{plain} \times (1 + \frac{% Increase}{100}) ]

flowchart LR
    A[Plain Roof Area] --> B[Apply % Increase]
    B --> C[Adjusted Roof Area]
    C --> D[Measurement & Description]

This ensures accurate estimation and specification per IS SP Part 27.

IS SP Part 27: Materials for Roofing – Key Formulas & Specifications

Measurement Adjustments for Roof Sheeting (Clause 3.6)

When measuring roof surface areas, increase the plain surface area by the following percentages to account for corrugation or pattern:

Measurement Guidelines

• Measure roof sheeting on the flat surface (Clause 3.3).
• Laps along ridges, hips, valleys, or flashings are not measured separately (Clause 3.4.1).
• Include all rolls, clips, and accessories in measurement (Clause 3.3).

Practical Formula for Adjusted Roof Area:

[ \text{Effective Roof Area} = \text{Flat Measured Area} \times (1 + \text{Percentage Increase}) ]

Example: For corrugated asbestos cement sheets,

[ \text{Effective Area} = \text{Flat Area} \times 1.20 ]

This ensures accurate material estimation accounting for surface texture and profiles.

Special Masonry Works as per IS SP Part 27 include key measurement and specification rules:

1. Pillars/Columns (Clause 4.1.6)

• Measured in cubic metres (m³).
• Separate measurement for:
  • Rectangular or polygonal on plan.
  • Curved on plan (any radius).
  • Other types.
• Number of pillars of different shapes must be stated.

2. Circular Brickwork (Clause 5.1.1)

• Brickwork circular on plan with mean radius > 6 m measured separately.
• Included with general brickwork quantities.

3. Backing to Masonry (Clause 4.6.9)

• Labour and material for cutting, toothing, and bonding new concrete walls to existing walls measured in square metres (m²).

4. Boulder Work (Clause 20.1, IS 1200 Part 3)

Measured in cubic metres, classified as:

• Dry hand-packed boulder filling.
• Dry boulder walling.
• Boulder walling in mortar (specify mortar mix).

Measurement Summary Table

If you need formulas for volume of curved pillars or circular brickwork:

[ \text{Volume of curved pillar} = \text{Area of cross-section} \times \text{Length along curve} ]

[ \text{Volume of circular brickwork} = 2 \pi R t h ]

Where:

• ( R ) = mean radius
• ( t ) = thickness
• ( h ) = height

For detailed formwork and brickwork measurement, refer to IS 1200 Part 3 & 5.

flowchart TD
    A[Special Masonry Works] --> B[Pillars/Columns]
    A --> C[Circular Brickwork]
    A --> D[Backing to Mason

Underpinning as per IS SP Part 27

Key Specifications:

• Clause 7.1: Stone walling in underpinning is measured separately.
• Wedging-up (Clause 2.8): Wedging-up under stanchion bases or steel grillages must be described and measured.
• Extra labor and materials for wedging up on top of underpinning with thin slabs/slates are measured in square meters (length × width of top course).

Measurement Notes:

• Underpinning involves masonry or stone walling below existing foundations.
• Wedging-up ensures proper leveling and load transfer.
• Separate measurement for facings to arches (6.1.1) and brickwork centering (13.1) applies if underpinning involves arches or vaults.

Typical Underpinning Calculation Formula:

[ \text{Volume of underpinning} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} \times \text{Depth} ]

• Length: length of the underpinning wall.
• Width: thickness of underpinning.
• Depth: depth below existing foundation level.

Wedging-up Area:

[ \text{Area} = \text{Length of top course} \times \text{Width of thin slabs/slates} ]

flowchart TD
    A[Existing Foundation] --> B[Underpinning Stone Wall]
    B --> C[Wedging-up with Thin Slabs]
    C --> D[Load Transfer to New Foundation]

Summary:

• Measure underpinning stone walling separately.
• Include wedging-up quantities explicitly.
• Use volume for underpinning and area for wedging-up slabs.
• Refer to clauses 2.8, 7.1 for detailed measurement rules.

IS SP Part 27: Measurement of Hardware — Key Points

1. Scope (Clause 1.1)

• Covers methods for measuring hardware used in buildings and civil engineering works.

2. Description of Hardware (Clause 2.6)

• Hardware fixed flush must be clearly described (type, size, finish).

3. Measurement Principles (Clause 2.1 & 2.3)

• Measure hardware separately by:
  • Material (e.g., brass, steel)
  • Finish (e.g., polished, painted)
  • Size (length, width, thickness)
  • Pattern (design type)
  • Method of fixing (flush, surface mounted)

Typical Measurement Parameters:

Notes:

• Hardware fixed flush is measured by its visible dimensions after fixing.
• Separate measurement for different finishes and materials even if size is same.

flowchart TD
    A[Hardware Item] --> B{Measure by}
    B --> C[Material]
    B --> D[Finish]
    B --> E[Size]
    B --> F[Pattern]
    B --> G[Fixing Method]
    E --> H[Length]
    E --> I[Width]
    E --> J[Thickness]

This ensures accurate billing and specification compliance in construction.