Method of measurement of building and civil engineering works, Part 27: Earthwork done by mechanical appliances
1992 Edition

Overview of IS 1200 Part 27: Scope & Key Measurement Elements

• Units of Measurement:

  • Lengths: nearest 0.01 m (for lengths ≤ 25 m), else nearest 0.1 m
  • Areas: nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volumes: nearest 0.01 m³

• Embankments & Fillings (Clause 4.4.1):

  • Quantified in cubic meters (m³) inclusive of slope shaping.
  • Layer thickness and compaction methods to be clearly stated.
  • Measurements conducted at vertical intervals typically of 1.5 m with designated base levels.

• Tree Removal (Clause 4.9.1):

  • Trees with girth exceeding 30 cm at 1 m height counted individually.
  • Removal and disposal within a 50 m radius included.

Precision Summary Table

Simplified Measurement Workflow

flowchart TD
    Start[Begin Measurement] --> CheckLength{Is length > 25 m?}
    CheckLength -- Yes --> MeasureCoarse[Measure to 0.1 m]
    CheckLength -- No --> MeasureFine[Measure to 0.01 m]
    MeasureCoarse & MeasureFine --> CalculateArea[Compute Area (0.01 m²)]
    CalculateArea --> CalculateVolume[Compute Volume (0.01 m³)]
    CalculateVolume --> Embankments[For Embankments: Layer & Compaction Details]
    Embankments --> End[End Measurement Process]

This framework guarantees uniform and precise earthwork quantification aligned with IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Core Rules for Mechanical Earthwork Measurement

Highlights from Clauses 1.2 & 4.9.1:

• Machinery Types: Tractors, bulldozers, scrapers, graders, shovel loaders, draglines, dump trucks, etc.
• Tree Measurement: Trees with girth over 30 cm at 1 m height must be counted prior to removal. Removal and relocation within 50 m are included in measurement.

Essential Specifications & Guidelines:

General Notes:

• Measurements must correspond to the type of machinery used.
• Earthwork volumes are expressed in cubic meters (m³).
• Rounding adheres to IS 2:1960 standards.
• Tree pre-counting is vital for cost allocation and planning.

Workflow Diagram

flowchart TD
    Prep[Site Preparation] --> TreeID[Identify Trees > 30 cm]
    TreeID --> CountTrees[Count and Record Trees]
    CountTrees --> MechanicalEarthwork[Execute Mechanical Earthwork]
    MechanicalEarthwork --> DisposeTrees[Remove & Dispose within 50 m]
    DisposeTrees --> Measurement[Measure and Round Values]
    Measurement --> FinalQty[Determine Final Quantities for Payment]

Consult the full IS 1200 Part 27 for detailed tables and machine productivity rates.

IS 1200 Part 27: Soil Classification Criteria (Clause 3)

Primary Soil Categories (Clauses 3.1 & 3.1.1):

• Soils and mud concrete beneath ground level
• Shingle and river/nallah bed boulders
• Road soling, hard core layers
• Macadam pavement layers
• Lime concrete and stone masonry below ground
• Soft conglomerates and laterite removable by hand tools

Measurement Considerations (Clause 4.4.1):

• Measured in cubic meters (m³)
• Slope formation and layer thickness included
• Compaction method to be specified
• Measurements at vertical increments ranging from 1 to 5 m, with base level documented

Classification Summary Table

flowchart TD
    Earthwork --> SoilClassification[Classify Soil Types]
    SoilClassification --> SoilMud[Soils & Mud Concrete]
    SoilClassification --> Boulders[Shingle & Boulders]
    SoilClassification --> RoadBase[Soling & Hard Core]
    SoilClassification --> ConcreteMasonry[Lime Concrete & Masonry]
    SoilClassification --> SoftRock[Soft Conglomerate & Laterite]
    Earthwork --> Measurement[Perform Measurement]
    Measurement --> UnitCubicMeters[Use Cubic Meters]
    Measurement --> LayerThickness[Record Layer Thickness]
    Measurement --> SlopeFormation[Include Slope Formation]
    Measurement --> CompactionMethod[Specify Compaction]

Accurate classification is critical for precise earthwork measurement per IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement Procedures for Mechanical Earthwork

Key Measurement Rules

• Dimension Accuracy (Clause 2.3):

  • Lengths over 25 m: nearest 0.1 m
  • Lengths up to 25 m: nearest 0.01 m
  • Areas: nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volumes: nearest 0.01 m³

• Measurement Units:

  • Quantities of excavation, embankment, and filling are expressed in cubic meters (m³).
  • Embankment/fill volumes include slope shaping and layer thickness.
  • Layer thickness and compaction method must be defined.
  • Measurements are typically made in incremental vertical sections of 0.5 m.

Measurement Highlights

• Quantities recorded as net values fixed to position.
• Values rounded according to IS 2:1960.
• Uniform measurement approach avoids discrepancies between contractors and departments.

Volume Calculation Formula:

[ \text{Volume} = \text{Cross-sectional Area} \times \text{Distance Between Sections} ]

Cross-sectional area found by averaging consecutive cross-sections.

Measurement Precision Table

flowchart TD
    Start[Begin Measurement] --> CheckLength{Length > 25 m?}
    CheckLength -- Yes --> MeasureCoarse[Measure to 0.1 m]
    CheckLength -- No --> MeasureFine[Measure to 0.01 m]
    MeasureCoarse & MeasureFine --> CalcArea[Calculate Area (0.01 m²)]
    CalcArea --> CalcVolume[Calculate Volume (0.01 m³)]
    CalcVolume --> RoundValues[Apply IS 2:1960 Rounding]
    RoundValues --> RecordQty[Record Net Quantity]

This method promotes consistent and accurate earthwork measurement using mechanical means as per IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement Units and Accuracy

• Length Measurements:

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

• Area Measurements:

  • Measured to nearest 0.01 m²

• Volume Measurements:

  • Measured to nearest 0.01 m³

• Rounding Conventions:

  • Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values.
  • Maintain significant digits consistent with precision.

Important Notes:

• Measurements are always net values using the decimal system.
• Consistency in measurement methods is stressed to avoid misunderstandings.
• Measurements are fixed to actual site conditions.
• Applies specifically to earthwork executed with mechanical equipment.

Measurement Units Table

flowchart LR
    Start[Begin Measurement] --> CheckSize{Is dimension ≤ 25 m?}
    CheckSize -- Yes --> FineMeasure[Measure to 0.01 m]
    CheckSize -- No --> CoarseMeasure[Measure to 0.1 m]
    FineMeasure & CoarseMeasure --> CalcArea[Calculate Area (0.01 m²)]
    CalcArea --> CalcVolume[Calculate Volume (0.01 m³)]
    CalcVolume --> RoundIS2[Apply IS 2:1960 Rounding]
    RoundIS2 --> Record[Record Final Measurement]

This assures precise and standardized measurement of earthworks under IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Detailed Measurement Procedures

Measurement Accuracy (Clause 2.3)

• Linear Dimensions:
  • To nearest 0.01 m if ≤ 25 m
  • To nearest 0.1 m if > 25 m
• Area: To nearest 0.01 m²
• Volume: To nearest 0.01 m³

General Guidelines

• Measurements recorded as net quantities fixed to site positions.
• Rounding follows IS 2:1960 rules, preserving significant figures.
• Uniformity in methods to prevent ambiguity and facilitate cooperation between contractors and authorities.

Mechanical Earthwork Focus

• Covers earthwork performed using mechanical equipment.
• Prioritizes reliable volume calculation incorporating excavation, transport, and filling.
• Addresses limitations of manual measurement in mechanized earthworks.

Common Measurement Formulae

Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)

• Round values to the nearest specified decimal.
• Example: 12.345 m rounded to 12.35 m for nearest 0.01 m.

flowchart TD
    Start[Begin] --> CheckLength{Is dimension > 25 m?}
    CheckLength -- Yes --> MeasureCoarse[Measure to 0.1 m]
    CheckLength -- No --> MeasureFine[Measure to 0.01 m]
    MeasureCoarse & MeasureFine --> Calculate[Calculate Area & Volume]
    Calculate --> Round[Round as per IS 2:1960]
    Round --> Record[Record Net Measurement]

This procedure ensures standardized and precise measurement of mechanical earthworks in civil projects.

IS 1200 Part 27: Procedures for Measurement from Borrow Pits and Fillings

Key Guidelines and Formulas:

• Measurement Technique (Clauses 4.2 & 4.3):

  • Employ staff and level instruments with accuracy of ±5 mm.
  • Record levels before excavation, post site clearance, and after compaction.
  • Calculate volume from level differences between original ground and finished fill.
  • Express volumes in cubic meters (m³), rounded to the nearest decimal.

• Excavation Measurement (Clause 4.2):

  • Measure total excavation including mixed rock and soil.
  • For ordinary rock, reduce measured volume by 50% to account for voids.
  • Payable volume equals total excavation minus half of rock volume.

• Filling and Embankment (Clause 4.4.1):

  • Measure in layers, commonly of 0.5 m thickness.
  • Include slope formation in volume calculations.
  • Specify compaction method.
  • Measurements at regular vertical intervals of 0.5 m.

Volume Calculation:

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

Where height difference = fill level after compaction minus original ground level.

Measurement Summary Table

flowchart TD
    OrigGround[Original Ground Level] --> ClearSite[Site Clearance]
    ClearSite --> Filling[Place Fill in Layers (0.5 m)]
    Filling --> Compact[Compaction to Required Density]
    Compact --> LevelMeasure[Measure Levels]
    LevelMeasure --> VolumeCalc[Calculate Volume]

Ensure fill density and compaction methods are defined before measurement.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measuring Embankments and Backfill Materials

Core Specifications:

• Measurement Unit: Cubic meters (m³), inclusive of slope formation.
• Layer Thickness: Must be specified when fill is applied in layers.
• Compaction Details: Clearly described.
• Measurement Intervals: Taken progressively in 1.5 m vertical stages with base level recorded.
• Level Accuracy: Measurements to ±5 mm.
• Volume Calculation: Difference between original ground pre-clearance and compacted fill levels at specified density.

Measurement Process:

• Use staff and level for accurate readings.
• Calculate cut and fill depths/heights to ±5 mm.
• Round cubic measurements to nearest decimal.
• For mixed soil and rock excavation:
  • Measure total excavation.
  • Measure ordinary rock separately and apply 50% reduction for voids.
  • The remainder is treated as soil excavation.

Volume Calculation Formula:

[ \text{Fill Volume} = \sum \left( \text{Cross-sectional Area} \times \text{Layer Thickness} \right) ]

Cross-sectional areas obtained from level measurements at intervals.

Measurement Summary Table

flowchart TD
    Start[Start Measurement] --> OrigLevel[Record Original Ground Level]
    OrigLevel --> SiteClearance[Clear Site]
    SiteClearance --> LayerFill[Deposit Fill in Layers]
    LayerFill --> CompactLevel[Record Compacted Fill Level]
    CompactLevel --> VolumeCalc[Calculate Volume (Fill Level - Original Level)]
    VolumeCalc --> VoidAdjustment[Adjust Volume if Rock Present]
    VoidAdjustment --> FinalVolume[Finalize Volume in m³]

This approach ensures precise volume estimation for embankment and backfill works under IS 1200 Part 27.

Lead and Distance Measurement According to IS 1200 Part 27

Lead Measurement (Clause 4.5.1):

• Lead is measured along the defined or shortest practical path used by machinery.
• For leads exceeding 500 meters, measurements are taken in units of 500 meters.
• For leads exceeding 5 kilometers, measurements are taken in units of 1 kilometer.
• Rounding rules:
  • Fractions ≥ 0.5 unit are rounded up to 1 unit.
  • Fractions < 0.5 unit are disregarded.

Measurement Accuracy (Clauses 2.3, 4.2):

• 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:

• Use staff and level, recording levels with a precision of 5 mm.
• Calculate depths and heights to the same accuracy.
• Volumes rounded to nearest decimal in cubic meters.
• For mixed ordinary rock and soil excavation:
  • Measure total excavation.
  • Measure ordinary rock separately and reduce by 50% for voids.
  • Difference represents soil excavation quantity.

Lead Measurement Units Summary

Excavation Volume Adjustment Formula (Ordinary Rock):

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

flowchart TD
    TotalExcavation[Measure Total Excavation] --> RockVolume[Measure Ordinary Rock Volume]
    RockVolume --> ReduceRock[Reduce Rock Volume by 50%]
    ReduceRock --> SoilVolume[Calculate Soil Volume = Total - Reduced Rock]
    SoilVolume --> PayableQty[Determine Payable Excavation Quantity]

This method ensures accurate accounting of earthwork transportation distances and volumes.

IS 1200 Part 27: Guidelines for Measuring Spoil Heaps

• Spoil Heap Measurement (Clause 4.6):

  • Spoil heaps that have undergone consolidation over time should be measured and recorded separately.

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

  • Use staff and level instruments with accuracy of ±5 mm.
  • Calculate volumes in cubic meters, rounded to nearest decimal.
  • Measurements are taken at vertical intervals ranging from 1 to 5 meters, noting starting levels.
  • For embankments and fills, include slope formation, specify layer thickness, and identify consolidation methods.
  • When excavation includes mixed rock and soil, reduce rock volume by 50% to account for voids.

Volume Calculation for Spoil Heaps:

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

Where:

• (A_1, A_2) = Cross-sectional areas at consecutive levels
• (h) = Vertical interval between levels (1 to 5 m)

Measurement Summary Table

flowchart TD
    Start[Begin Measurement] --> OriginalLevel[Record Original Ground Level]
    OriginalLevel --> ExcavationFill[Excavation or Fill in Layers]
    ExcavationFill --> MeasureLevels[Measure Levels at 1-5 m Intervals]
    MeasureLevels --> CrossArea[Calculate Cross-sectional Areas]
    CrossArea --> VolumeCalc[Compute Volume Using Trapezoidal Rule]
    VolumeCalc --> CheckConsolidation{Is Spoil Heap Consolidated?}
    CheckConsolidation -- Yes --> SeparateMeasurement[Measure and Record Separately]
    CheckConsolidation -- No --> IncludeInTotal[Include in Total Volume]
    SeparateMeasurement & IncludeInTotal --> Finalize[Finalize Measurement]

This ensures accurate volume estimation and record keeping for spoil heaps.

IS 1200 Part 27: Procedures for Measuring Hard Rock Excavation

Definitions and Requirements:

• Hard Rock (Clause 3.1.5):

  • Rock requiring blasting or chiselling prior to excavation.
  • After blasting, such rock is classified as ordinary rock for measurement.

• Measurement Method (Clause 4.2):

  • Employ staff and level with a precision of ±5 mm.
  • Calculate depths and heights to the same accuracy.
  • Cubic contents measured to one decimal place (nearest 0.1 m³).
  • For mixed excavation of ordinary rock and soil:
    • Measure total excavation volume.
    • Stack and measure ordinary rock separately, applying a 50% reduction for voids.
    • The difference is categorized as soil excavation volume.

• Non-measurable Items (Clause 2.7):

  • Excludes setting out, site clearance, unauthorized battering, slip removal, water pumping, and pipe/cable handling.

Measurement Summary Table:

Measurement Flowchart:

flowchart TD
    Start[Begin Excavation] --> CheckRock{Is Rock Hard?}
    CheckRock -- Yes --> Blast[Blast or Chisel Rock]
    Blast --> Measure[Measure Excavation with Staff & Level]
    CheckRock -- No --> Measure
    Measure --> CalcVolume[Calculate Volume to Nearest 0.1 m³]
    CalcVolume --> CheckMix{Mixed Ordinary Rock & Soil?}
    CheckMix -- Yes --> MeasureRock[Measure Ordinary Rock Separately]
    MeasureRock --> ReduceRock[Reduce Rock Volume by 50%]
    ReduceRock --> CalculateSoil[Calculate Soil Volume = Total - Reduced Rock]
    CheckMix -- No --> CalculateSoil
    CalculateSoil --> Finalize[Finalize Payment Quantities]

This procedure assures consistent and accurate measurement of hard rock excavation as mandated by IS 1200 Part 27.

IS 1200 Part 27: Measurement Guidelines for Planking and Strutting

Key Details (Clauses 4.8 & 2.3):

• Measurement Units:
  • Planking and strutting are measured in square meters (m²) of face area supported.
• Scope Includes:
  • Usage, wastage, installation, and removal of all planks and struts.
• Permanent Installations:
  • Planking and strutting left permanently in place are measured separately.
• Measurement Accuracy:
  • Linear dimensions: nearest 0.01 m (or 0.1 m if length > 25 m)
  • Areas: nearest 0.01 m²
  • Volumes: nearest 0.01 m³

Measurement Approach:

• Measure net face area supported by the planking and strutting.
• Include wastage and installation/removal in the item description.
• Differentiate between temporary and permanent supports for billing.

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    ExcavatedFace[Excavated Earth Face] --> Support[Planking & Strutting]
    Support --> MeasureArea[Measure Supported Face Area (m²)]
    MeasureArea --> TempOrPerm{Temporary or Permanent?}
    TempOrPerm -- Temporary --> TempMeasure[Measure with Installation & Removal]
    TempOrPerm -- Permanent --> PermMeasure[Measure Separately]

This ensures accurate quantification and documentation of support works in earthmoving projects.

IS 1200 Part 27: Tree Removal Procedures (Clause 4.9)

Key Provisions (Clause 4.9.1):

• Trees with girth exceeding 30 cm at 1 meter above ground must be counted before removal.
• Measurement includes removal plus depositing within a 50-meter radius.
• Trees with girth 30 cm or less are not measured separately and are considered part of general site clearance.

Tree Removal Measurement Summary

Practical Notes:

• Costs include cutting, uprooting, and disposal within 50 meters.
• Larger trees require prior counting to ensure correct billing.
• Smaller trees are encompassed in site clearance operations.

Flow Diagram for Tree Removal Measurement

flowchart TD
    IdentifyTrees[Identify Trees on Site] --> GirthCheck{Is Girth > 30 cm?}
    GirthCheck -- Yes --> CountTrees[Count and Record Trees]
    GirthCheck -- No --> SiteClearance[Consider Part of Site Clearance]
    CountTrees --> RemoveTrees[Remove and Deposit Within 50 m]
    SiteClearance --> RemoveTrees
    RemoveTrees --> RecordMeasurement[Record Number of Trees Removed]

Refer to Clause 4.9 of IS 1200 Part 27 for detailed specifications.

IS 1200 Part 27: Guidelines on Booking Dimensions

• Dimension Ordering (Clause 2.2):

  • Dimensions should be recorded in the sequence:
    Length → Breadth/Width → Height/Depth/Thickness

• Measurement Accuracy (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 details of loading and unloading.

• Embankments & Fillings (Clause 4.4.1):

  • Measured in cubic meters including slope shaping.
  • Layer thickness and compaction method must be specified.
  • Measurements taken in vertical stages between 1 and 5 meters, stating starting level.

Booking Dimensions Summary Table

flowchart LR
    Booking[Booking of Dimensions] --> Length
    Length --> Breadth[Record Breadth/Width]
    Breadth --> Height[Record Height/Depth/Thickness]
    Height --> Precision[Apply Measurement Accuracy]
    Precision --> LinearAcc[Linear: 0.01 or 0.1 m]
    Precision --> AreaAcc[Area: 0.01 m²]
    Precision --> VolumeAcc[Volume: 0.01 m³]
    Booking --> Description[Include Item Description]
    Description --> LoadUnload[Detail Loading & Unloading]
    Booking --> EmbankmentMeasurement[Embankment Measurement]
    EmbankmentMeasurement --> Slope[Include Slope Formation]
    EmbankmentMeasurement --> LayerDetails[Specify Layer Thickness & Compaction]

IS 1200 Part 27: Guidelines on Clubbing Measurement Items

1. Item Clubbing (Clause 2.1)

• Items may be combined if their detailed breakdown matches descriptions in the standard.
• Clubbing should maintain clarity on individual components.

2. Inclusion of Loading and Unloading (Clause 2.6)

• Item descriptions must factor in loading and unloading efforts.

3. Items Not Measured Separately (Clause 2.7)

Included within item rates:

• Layout and setting out tasks
• Clearing vegetation and grass
• Unauthorized battering or benching during excavation
• Excavation for planting or strutting
• Removal of slips or falls unless specified
• Water bailing or pumping (rain or underground)
• Slinging pipes or cables encountered during excavation

4. Tree Removal (Clause 4.9.1)

• Trees with girth greater than 30 cm at 1 m height are pre-counted.
• Includes removal and depositing within 50 meters.

Clubbing Summary Table

flowchart TD
    Items[Items for Measurement] --> CanClubb{Can Items Be Clubbed?}
    CanClubb -- Yes --> MatchDesc[Verify Detailed Description Match]
    CanClubb -- No --> SeparateMeasure[Measure Individually]
    MatchDesc --> IncludeLoadUnload[Include Loading and Unloading]
    IncludeLoadUnload --> ExcludeOthers[Exclude Works Listed in Clause 2.7]
    ExcludeOthers --> FinalMeasurement[Finalize Item Measurement]

Refer to IS 1200 Part 27 for comprehensive clubbing and measurement instructions.