AFRICA ASSOCIATION OF

QUANTITY SURVEYORS

Draft No 1 May 2014

Standard Method
of Measuring Building Work
2014

STANDARD METHOD OF MEASURING

BUILDING WORK

PREFACE

CONTENTS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Alteration work

11 Keeping excavations free of water

12

NOTE

Openings

12 Dewatering

12

Bills of quantities

Building up openings

13 Filling

12

Setting out of bills of quantities

Re-use of existing components

14 Foundation courses

12

Order of items

Work in patches

15 Compaction of surfaces

13

Order of dimensions

10 Sundries

16 Gabions and interlocking block

Net measurements

11 New doors, windows and the like

Fractional quantities

EARTHWORKS

Provisional quantities

GENERAL

Provisional sums

Method and procedure

Contingencies etc

Bulking

Preliminaries

Site clearance

EXCAVATIONS, FILLING, ETC

DEMOLITIONS
1

Method and procedure

Nature of material to be excavated

10

General

Classification of material to be excavated

10

Excavations

10

Diversion of services

11

Carting away of excavated material

11

Risk of collapse of excavations

11

ALTERATIONS
1

General

Materials arising from alterations

Barricades, screens, etc

Removals

13

17 Filter fabric

13

18 Weedkillers, insecticides, etc

13

19 Tests

13

LATERAL SUPPORT
GENERAL

SITE CLEARANCE

PRELIMINARIES

retaining structures

10 Working space

12

ii

Removal of lateral support

14

Insurance

14

Movement monitoring

14

GROUND ANCHORING
4

Descriptions

14

Establishment

14

Test anchors

15

Ground anchors

15

Waterproofing of ground anchors

15

CONCRETE CAST IN SITU PILING

Testing, re-tensioning and de-stressing

of ground anchors

10 Rock bolts and rock dowels

11 Soldiers, boarding, shotcreting, etc

15

13 Additional requirement for formwork

12 Augered piles

19

13 Driven, bored or similar tube piles

19

14 Disposal of excavated material

19

15

24

15 Projections, grooves, etc

24

16 Openings

24

REINFORCEMENT

17 Movement joints etc

24

CONCRETE

REINFORCEMENT

PLANKING, STRUTTING AND SHORING

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND

16

13 Shoring units

16

LATERAL SUPPORT PILING

14 Lateral support piling

16

PILING

23

14 Edges, risers, ends and reveals

15

12 Planking and strutting

to slabs, beams and stairs

Classification etc

20

18 General

25

Concrete components such as

20

19 Reinforcement

25

Hollow blocks, spacing tiles and

GENERAL

20 Pre-tensioned or post-tensioned

prefabricated beams

20

reinforcement

26

Site conditions

17

Shotcrete

20

21 Tests

Nature of the work

17

Prescribed curing compounds

21

PRECAST CONCRETE

Establishment

17

Surface treatment

21

General

27

Setting up

17

Grooves, channels, mortices, etc

21

Wall linings

27

Reinforcement

17

Bedding under base plates etc

21

Slab paving

28

Exposing piles for inspection

17

Test blocks and testing

21

Copings, sills, etc

28

Cutting off etc

18

FORMWORK

Other components

28

Testing

18

10 Formwork to components such as

Joint sealants, jointing strips, etc

28

Holes, notches, etc

28

PREFABRICATED PILING
9

Precast concrete piles

21

11 Additional requirement for formwork

18

10 Steel piles

18

11 Sheet piling

18

to walls

22

12 Additional requirement for formwork

to columns

22

iii

26

MASONRY

20 Fabricated lintels

32

37 Walls and linings

35

MASONRY WORK

21 Turning pieces

32

38 Beamfilling

35

39 Facing and pointing

35

Classification etc

29

FACE BRICKWORK

Concrete filling

29

22 General

32

40 Copings, sills, etc

35

23 Face brickwork

32

41 Pitched angles

35

BRICKWORK
3

Mass brickwork and piers

29

24 Walls faced both sides

32

42 Trimming to receive plaster etc

35

Regular shaped piers

29

25 Cut face brick linings

32

43 Flues

36

Walls and linings

30

26 Fair cutting to face brickwork

33

44 Niches

36

Beamfilling

30

27 Special face bricks at angles

33

45 Turning pieces and centres

36

Vaulting

30

28 Face brick bands

33

STONEWORK OF SLATE, MARBLE,GRANITE, ETC

Lintels

30

29 Face brick copings, lintels, sills, etc

33

46 Classification etc

36

Forming toothings and bonding

30

30 Face brick arches

33

47 Ashlar walling, linings and paving

36

31 Face brick niches

34

48 Margins, skirtings, cornices, etc

37

49 Mouldings

37

10 Hacking face or raking out

joints of existing brickwork for key

30

BLOCKWORK

11 Building brickwork to a fair face

31

32 General

34

50 Columns, piers, etc

37

12 Flues

31

33 Piers and pilasters

34

51 Special features

37

13 Splayed mortar fillets in cavities

31

34 Special blocks for copings, sills,

52 Rough rebates, grooves, etc

37

14 Closing cavities

31

53 Fair edges, angles, etc

37

15 Projections and cores

31

PAVING ETC

54 Holes, notches, etc

37

16 Rough arches

31

35 Paving

55 Cramps, dowels, etc

37

17 Rough niches

31

NATURAL STONEWORK

56 Turning pieces and centres

38

18 Joint forming material in movement joints

31

RUBBLE WALLING

19 Reinforcement to brickwork

32

36 Mass and irregular rubble work

lintels, etc

34

34

MISCELLANEOUS

iv

35

57 Bagging

38

58 Quarry tiles, cement ties, fibre

cement, etc

41

15 Accessories

44

41

16 Special sheets

45

ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC

17 Roof ventilators and rooflights

45

SLATES, TILES AND SHINGLES

18 Insulation

45

9
38

59 Ornamental blocks, glass blocks, etc

38

60 Hoop iron ties, cramps, etc

38

61 Air bricks etc

38

62 Fireplaces

38

63 Special features

38

WATERPROOFING

10 Waterproofing additives

General

42

FLAT SHEET METAL

Circular cutting

42

19 General

45

Eaves and verges

42

20 Circular cutting

46

Ridges, hips, closed valleys and

21 End caps, finials, etc

46

DAMP PROOF COURSE

1

General

39

WATERPROOFING
2

Classification

39

SHEET OR MEMBRANE WATERPROOFING

Joint sealants

vertical angles

42

SHEET METAL FLASHINGS, LININGS,

Purpose made tiles

43

COPINGS, ETC

Insulation

43

22 General

46

23 Flashings

46
46

THATCH
7

General

43

24 Linings, copings, etc

Sheet or membrane waterproofing

39

Ridges and apex caps

43

TIMBERWORK

Protection

40

Ornamental bands and runners

43

GENERAL

Flashing strips

40

10 Prefabricated ridges, hips, ends,

intersections, etc

TROWELLED-ON WATERPROOFING
6

Trowelled-on waterproofing

40

43

PROFILED SHEETING OF METAL,

Classification etc

47

Labours

47

Fixing

47

FIBRE-CEMENT, PLASTIC, ETC

LIQUID WATERPROOFING
7

Liquid waterproofing

40

WATERSTOPS, SEALING STRIPS, JOINT

11 General

44

12 Circular cutting

44

13 Cranks, bullnoses and curved turn-ups

44

14 Rolled edges at verges

44

SEALANTS, ETC
8

Waterstops, sealing strips, etc

40

STRUCTURAL TIMBERWORK
4

Structural timbers

48

Plate nailed timber roof truss construction

48

Floor and roof boarding

49

Eaves and verges

49

TIMBER DOORS, WINDOWS, ETC

Insets

55

Circular cutting

Doors, windows, sashes, etc

49

Edge and cover strips

55

STEELWORK

Frames etc

49

Skirtings

55

Sundry steelwork

Stairs

56

Stairs, balustrading, cat ladders, grilles,

SUNDRY JOINERY
10 Floor boarding on concrete floors

49

Nosings

56

11 Skirtings, rails, etc

50

Plastic handrails

56

12 Shelves and fittings

50

10 Polish, sealers, etc

13 Stairs

50

IRONMONGERY

14 Panelling

51

Classification

57

15 Plastic, fibre-cement, etc

51

Components such as

57

Metal shelving

57

Proprietary kitchen cupboards, lockers,

CEILINGS, PARTITIONS AND ACCESS

FLOORING

56

writing boards, seats, etc

CEILINGS
General

52

PARTITIONS
2

Partitions

62

Minor work

62

Fixing accessories to structural

timberwork

62

Ribbed floors and permanent decking

63

Floors etc formed of open grillework

or gratings

63

Skirtings etc

63

OTHER METALS
57

ACCESS FLOORING
3

Access flooring

STRUCTURAL STEELWORK

54

FLOOR COVERINGS, WALL LININGS, ETC

63

DOORS, WINDOWS, CURTAIN WALLING,

STRUCTURAL STEELWORK
53

61

gates, framework, etc

10 Aluminium, copper, lead, etc

1

61

SHOPFRONTS, ETC

Classification

58

STEEL DOOR FRAMES, DOORS, WINDOWS, ETC

General

58

11 Door frames

63

Steelwork

59

12 Doors

64

Tests

60

13 Windows etc

64

Coverings and linings

55

METALWORK

14 Fly screens and burglar screens

64

Circular cutting

55

GENERAL

15 Adjustable louvres

64

Margins, borders and turn-ups

55

16 Miscellaneous

64

Classification

61

vi

ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, DOORS, ETC

17 Windows, doors, screens, etc

64

CURTAIN WALLS, SHOPFRONTS, ETC

18 Curtain walls, shopfronts, etc

Soap dishes etc

69

16 Waste unions, traps, etc

Dividing strips, edge trims, etc

69

FRIE HOSE REELS AND FIRE FIGHTING

EQUIPMENT

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE

65

PLASTERING

GUTTERS ETC
1

Roof gutters, rainwater pipes, etc

70

Classification

66

CHANNELS

Plaster and other in situ finishes

66

Labours on finishes

66

PIPEWORK ETC

Skirtings and stoolings

67

Pipes, pipe fittings, etc

70

Finishes to kerbs, sills, etc

67

Pipe trenches (method A)

71

Mouldings

67

Pipe trenches (method B)

72

Ornaments etc

67

Pipe insulation and protection

72

Dividing strips, edge trims, etc

67

Encasing

72

Metal lathing

67

Anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc

72

Gulleys, grease traps, etc

73

Stormwater channels

70

Classification etc

68

10 Inspection chambers, catch pits, etc

73

Beds and backings

68

11 Soakage pits, french drains, etc

73

Tiling

68

12 Connections

73

Cutting

68

SANITARY FITTINGS, TANKS, GEYSERS, ETC

Mitred corners and special edge and

6
7

corner tiles

69

Treads, risers, sills, copings, skirtings, etc

69

Channels

17 Fire hose reels etc

73

18 Fire fighting equipment

74

SLEEVES, HOLES, ETC

TILING

73

13 Sanitary fittings etc

73

14 Tanks, geysers, etc

73

15 Taps, valves, etc

73

69

vii

19 Sleeves

74

20 Holes

74

21 Flashings

74

GENERAL
22 Testing

74

ELECTRICAL WORK
1

Classification

75

Connection to main supply

75

Main supply and equipment

75

Distribution boards, etc

75

Cables

75

Cable trenches (method A)

76

Cable trenches (method B)

76

Conduit

76

Outlet boxes, cover plates, etc

77

10 Cable trunking etc

77

11 Draw wires

77

12 Conductors

77

Pipe trenches (method B)

81

Glazing beads, gaskets, sealing, etc

86

13 Busbar systems

77

Pipe insulation and protection

81

Labours on glass

86

14 Socket outlets and light switches

77

Encasing

82

Glass louvre blades

87

15 Fittings, equipment, etc

77

Anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc

82

Glass tops, shelves, doors, mirrors, etc

87

16 Earthing

78

10 Inspection chambers, junction boxes, etc

82

Bent glass

87

17 Lightning protection

78

DUCTWORK

Leaded and coppered lights

87

18 Holes

78

11 Ducting

82

Patent glazing

87

ELECTRONIC INSTALLATIONS

12 Diffusers, grilles, etc

83

Materials resembling glass

87

19 Communication, security and control

13 Ducting insulation and protection

83

PAINTWORK

Installations

78

GENERAL
20 Testing and commissioning

78

21 Drawings, manuals, etc

78

22 Replacement parts etc

78

MECHANICAL WORK

CONVEYING INSTALLATIONS

Classification

79

Equipment

79

PIPEWORK ETC
3

Pipes, pipe fittings, etc

79

Valves etc

80

Pipe trenches (method A)

81

88

84

Colours

88

15 Hoist, escalator and conveyor installations

84

Paintwork

88

Trusses and lattice work

89

Frames etc

89

Windows, sash doors, etc

89

OTHER MECHANICAL INSTALLATIONS

16 Material handling installations, disposal
installations, etc

85

HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR

Classification etc

14 Lift installations

GENERAL
CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS, ETC

17 Testing and commissioning

85

Signwriting and gilding

89

18 Drawings, manuals, etc

85

Polishing

89

19 Identification markers etc

85

PAPERHANGING

20 Replacement parts etc

85

Classification

90

21 Electrical work and work by other trades

85

Paperhanging

90

Borders and motifs

90

Hessian, canvas, etc

90

GLAZING
1

Classification etc

86

viii

EXTERNAL WORK

20 Foundation courses

LANDSCAPING

21 Compaction of natural or excavated

Contouring

91

Topsoil, compost, lime and fertilizer

91

Plant bed preparation

91

Mulch

91

Grassing, ground cover, etc

91

Trees, shrubs, etc

91

Pruning of existing trees and shrubs

92

Pitching, pebble covering, etc

92

Rockery boulders

92

10 Retaining structures

92

11 Filter fabric

92

12 Paving etc

92

13 Weedkillers, insecticides, etc

92

14 Ponds, water features, etc

92

15 Benches, tables, etc

92

16 Drainage

92

17 Irrigation systems

92

18 Effect lighting

93

93

ground surfaces

93

22 Road and parking surfacing

93

23 Channels, humps and shoulders

93

24 Channelling, kerbing, edging, etc

93

25 Road signs, crash barriers, etc

93

26 Drainage

93

27 Painting

94

FENCING
28 Fencing, posts, gates, etc

94

29 Concrete bases and kerbs

94

WASHING LINES
30 Washing lines

94

PAINTING
31 Painting

95

ROADWORK AND PARKING

19 Excavations and filling

93

ix

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE
This standard system has been drawn up in a tabulated format to suit the more modern way of setting out of documents
The following is to be noted: Where items are grouped together in the Item or work to be measured column those items shall not be grouped together but shall each be given
separately in the unit as shown in the Unit column, eg Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement clause 2, concrete in Surface blindings, surface beds, surface beds cast in
panels, footings, bases, underpinning, slabs inclusive of beams and inverted beams, isolated beams, lintels, stairs inclusive of landings and beams, walls, columns, hollow block slabs,
coffered slabs, troughed slabs and gradings shall each be given separately in m

Where items may be grouped together it is specifically stated, eg Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement clause 14, formwork to Edges, risers, ends and reveals exceeding
300mm high or wide shall be given together in m
1

Bills of quantities
This standard system has been drawn up to provide a uniform basis for measuring building work. It is the result of negotiations between the various parties to this publication
and embodies the minimum essentials of good practice
Bills of quantities shall set out the work to be done as shown on the drawings or contained in the specification in accordance with the rules laid down in this standard system.
No departure shall be made from this standard system except where no specific rule can be applied or where exceptional circumstances involving work of a different character
or particular circumstances of execution require the provision of more detailed information in order to define the nature and extent of the work. In such cases separate items shall
be given following the general principles contained herein and descriptions of such items shall provide all the information necessary for pricing
Descriptions in bills of quantities shall be complete and clear. Unless otherwise stated the radii of circular, flowing and spherical work need not be stated
Unless otherwise stated the description of each item shall be deemed to include manufacturing, conveying and delivering, unloading, storing, unpacking, hoisting, setting, fitting
and fixing in position, cutting, waste, patterns, templates, plant, temporary works, return of packings, establishment charges, profit and other obligations arising out of the
conditions of contract
Unless prescribed the method of execution of the work shall be at the discretion of the contractor

2 Setting out of bills of quantities

The bills of quantities shall be set out in the following format:
Item No

Description

Quantity

Rate

Amount

3 Order of items
The work shall be set out as far as possible in accordance with the following rules:
3.1 The work shall be divided into trades and sections of trades in the order as set out in this standard system. If necessary the work may be further divided into additional
sub-sections to facilitate cost analyses, cost reporting, etc
3.2 Ancillary work applicable to a specific trade shall be given in that trade in accordance with the principles laid down in the relevant trades
3.3 Within each trade or section thereof the order shall be mass, volume, area, length and number
3.4 Subject to the above rules, items shall be placed in their approximate order of value, the cheapest first
4

Order of dimensions
Dimensions shall as far as possible be given in the following sequence:
4.1 Horizontal at right angles to the line of sight
4.2 Horizontal parallel to the line of sight
4.3 Vertical

Net measurements
Unless otherwise stated all work shall be measured net as fixed in position. All wants shall be deducted and no allowance shall be made for waste, nor for passings and laps
except where otherwise stated. Where laps occur they shall be included in the descriptions
Each measurement shall be taken to the nearest 10mm ie 5mm and over shall be regarded as 10mm and less than 5mm shall be disregarded. This rule shall not apply to any
dimensions stated in the descriptions

Fractional quantities
Quantities shall be rounded off to the nearest whole unit. However, where the value of fractional quantities is of relative significance, quantities may be given to one decimal place

Provisional quantities
Where the quantity of any work cannot be accurately determined during preparation of the bills of quantities such work shall be described as provisional and subsequently
remeasured

Provisional sums
Separate provisional sums shall be given for each class of work
Items shall be given for profit and for attendance where required. Descriptions of attendance shall include scaffolding and other facilities to be specially provided, prescribed
protective measures, etc

Contingencies etc
Sums for contingencies, provision for contract price adjustments and other expenditure which cannot be determined during the preparation of the bills shall be given in the
summary at the end of the bills of quantities

PRELIMINARIES
Information and such requirements and restrictions of a general nature that may affect the cost of the works shall be given as items in this section eg:
1

Information concerning the bills of quantities and the availability of construction documentation

Names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc of the employer and consultants

Particulars of the contract documents

Clause headings of the relevant conditions of contract

Requirements with regard to sureties or guarantees

Identification of the site

Broad scope of the works stating inter alia overall size, height above and below ground level and number of storeys and the approximate area and height of any internal area with
a floor to ceiling height in excess of 5m

Restrictions with regard to access, area to be occupied and procedure

Restrictions on the use or disposal of materials and articles found on the site

10

Responsibility for the preservation of boundary beacons etc

11

Results of soil investigations

12

Responsibility in respect of previous contracts

13

Responsibility in respect of the management and execution of the works

14

Programming of the works and meetings

15

Samples of materials and workmanship

16

Enclosure of the works and protection of the public

17

Plant and temporary works such as roads, sheds, offices, toilets and notice boards

18

The supply of water, electricity, lighting, telephones, etc

19

Method of payment for preliminaries

20

Method of calculation for the adjustment of preliminaries

21

Method of pricing dayworks

DEMOLITIONS
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

DEMOLITIONS
1

Method and procedure

1

Restrictions regarding blasting and the use of jack

hammers, mechanical excavators, compactors, etc
shall be stated

General descriptions shall be given

3
4

General descriptions shall be given

Materials or components which are to remain the
property of the employer shall be so described
including storage and transport as necessary

General
2

Breaking up and removing surface concrete etc

Breaking up and removing kerbing and the like

Breaking down and removing fences, boundary

walls, etc

Demolition and removal of buildings and other

structures

no

Removal of foundations

Shall be dealt with in accordance with clause 5 of

Earthworks - Classification of material to be
excavated

Disposal of materials

Disposal of materials shall be described and where

materials are to become the property of the
contractor provision shall be made for allowing
credit

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Comments

ALTERATIONS
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Making good shall be included in the descriptions of

the relevant alteration items where expedient,
otherwise it shall be given separately in accordance
with the principles laid down in the relevant trades
Prescribed strutting and shoring shall be given in
accordance with the principles laid down in Lateral
Support

The manner of disposal of materials shall be stated

and where materials are to become the property of
the contractor provision shall be made for allowing
credit
Where materials are permitted to be re-used in new
work this shall be stated
Materials or components which are to remain the
property of the employer shall be so described
including storage and transport as necessary
Materials or components required to be set aside for
re-use shall be so described

General

Materials arising from alterations

3

4
5

6
3

Barricades, screens, etc

1

Junctions of new with

existing finishes
Strutting, shoring, etc
incidental to alterations

Prescribed temporary barricades, screens, roofs,

etc

m or
no

Alternatively prescribed temporary barricades,

screens, roofs, etc may be given in detail in
accordance with the principles laid down in the
relevant trades

Descriptions shall include ceilings, eaves, etc

Removals
2

Removal of walls, slabs and surface beds

Removal of concrete beams, columns and stairs

no
3
or m

Removal of finishes from walls, floors, ceilings, etc

Removal of roofs

no

Temporary storage of
materials or components
required to be set aside
for refixing

Comments

Removal of suspended floors, panelling, ceilings,

etc

Removal of partitions

10 Descriptions shall include doors, ironmongery,

glass, etc

Removal of doors, windows, fittings, etc

no

11 Descriptions shall include frames, ironmongery,

glass, sills, etc
12 Doors etc to be removed from walls to be
demolished shall be given separately

Removal of sanitary fittings, tanks, geysers, etc

no

13 Descriptions shall include disconnection from pipes,

traps, etc

10 Removal of pipes

9
2

11 Alternatives

no

15 Shall be given in inclusive items embodying more

than one trade as necessary
16 Alternatively alteration work may be given in detail
in accordance with the principles laid down in the
relevant trades

no

17 Descriptions shall include lintels, arches and making

good to jambs and finishes all round

no

18 Descriptions shall include bonding new to existing

work, finishes, etc

no

19 Alternatively re-use of existing components may be

given in the units as provided for in the relevant
trades

Building up openings
14 Building up openings

14 Alternatively items required to be given in cubic,

square or linear metres may be given in number and
descriptions may include making good and any
incidental new work

Openings
13 Cutting or altering openings in structures

Alteration work
12 Alteration work

Descriptions shall include skirtings, rails, cornices,

etc

Re-use of existing components

15 Re-use of existing components

Pipe fittings, valves, taps,

traps, pipe supports, etc

Work in patches
16 Work in patches

10

11

20 Work in patches, not included in the foregoing, shall

be so described

Sundries
17 Cutting through floors or ceilings for the passage of
new walls etc

21 Descriptions shall include making good to floors and

ceilings where expedient

18 Cutting through floors or ceilings for the passage of

new columns etc

no

19 Wedging up new walling to the underside of existing

structures

20 Making good to ends of walls

21 Making good to faces of walls where cross walls are

removed

22 Shall be measured only when required for the

support of existing work over

New doors, windows and the like

22 New doors, windows and the like in existing
structures, including ancillary work such as sills and
thresholds

23 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades

EARTHWORKS
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

NOTE: External work of minor extent may be given in Earthworks in accordance with the principles laid down in External Work where applicable
GENERAL
1

Method and procedure

1

3
2

Restrictions regarding blasting and the use of jack

hammers, mechanical excavators, compactors, etc
shall be stated
Excavation or filling which is to be done in a
particular order or in sections, such as may be
prescribed for the removal of lateral support to
adjoining premises or for filling behind retaining
walls, shall be so described
Prescribed multiple handling of material shall be
included in the descriptions

Bulking
4

No allowance shall be made in measurements of

disposal and carting away of material for bulking

Where the value is of relative significance, the

removal of hedges etc shall be given separately in
metres or in number

The girth around the trunk 1m high above ground

level shall be stated, grouped in sizes exceeding
200mm and not exceeding 500mm girth and
thereafter in stages of 500mm
Descriptions shall state whether roots are to be
grubbed up and holes filled in, stating the method
and/or degree of compaction

SITE CLEARANCE
3

Site clearance
1

Digging up and removal of rubbish, debris,

vegetation, hedges, shrubs and trees not exceeding
200mm girth, bush, etc

Removal of larger trees and tree stumps exceeding

1m high

no

Comments

Removal of tree stumps not exceeding 1m high

no

The girth around the top of the stump shall be

stated, grouped in sizes as in measurement rule 6
above
Descriptions shall state whether roots are to be
grubbed up and holes filled in, stating the method
and/or degree of compaction

EXCAVATIONS, FILLING, ETC

4

Nature of material to be excavated

10 The nature of the material to be excavated shall be
described and if not known shall be assumed

Classification of material to be excavated

11 Excavations shall be described to be in the type of
material that is the least difficult to excavate
12 Excavations in material of a more difficult character
shall be suitably classified and given as extra over,
separating only bulk and trenches and holes and
making no separation for depths
13 Breaking up and removing concrete, brickwork, etc
encountered in excavations shall be similarly given

Excavations
14 The quantities of excavations shall be the net voids
to be formed in accordance with the drawings and
specifications and shall be not less than the
horizontal area of the bottom of the relevant
structures multiplied by the average depth from the
surface
15 Existing voids shall be deducted
16 Where undercutting is prescribed the undercut work
shall be kept separate, allowance for overbreak
being made from the bottom of the excavation at an
angle of 45 degrees

Bulk excavations, excavations for trenches and

excavations for holes

17 Separated into successive depths of 2m related to

the original or reduced ground level as the case
may be

10

Setting aside excavated

material within 100m from
the perimeter of the
excavations for use as
filling, forming excavated
surfaces to falls, slopes,
contours, etc, trimming
sides and stepping,
levelling and ramming
Removal of disused
drains, pipes, cables, etc
encountered during
excavations including
cutting and stopping off

5
6

18 No distinction being made for depths

Digging up topsoil

Diversion of services including cutting, stopping off,

etc

19 Shall be given in the relevant trades

Carting away of excavated material

8

Diversion of services
7

Open face excavation such as cutting or levelling of

sloping sites

Excavated material to be carted from the site

20 Shall be given as extra over all excavations and, if

dumped in a prescribed place, the location and
approximate distance shall be stated

21 Shall be measured to all sides of excavations

whether working space is given or not
22 The area for sloping sides shall be the mean length
multiplied by the perpendicular height
23 Separate items shall be given for bulk and
trenches and holes as well as for excavations from
ground level to not exceeding 1,5m deep and from
ground level to exceeding 1,5m deep
24 Risk of collapse shall not be measured where
prescribed support is to be measured or where the
excavated face is prescribed to be cut back to the
angle of repose

Risk of collapse of excavations

9

Risk of collapse of excavations

11

Setting aside within 100m

from the perimeter of the
excavation for use as
filling

10

Working space
10 Sides of excavations necessarily required to be
excavated back for working space ie beyond the
extent defined under clause 6 Excavations

11

Keeping excavations free of water

11 Keeping excavations free of all water other than
subterranean water

12

Item

Dewatering
12 Removal of seepage water and water from other
subterranean sources in excavations

13

28 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades

Filling
13 Filling of soil, stone, broken brick, etc for backfilling
to trenches, holes, etc, for filling over site, for filling
in landscape mounds, berms, etc and for filling
under floors, steps, paving, etc

29 Shall be measured to the volume after compaction,

stating the method and/or degree of compaction
30 Separate items shall be given for filling obtained
from the excavations or from specified borrow pits
or supplied by the contractor
31 The approximate distance of haulage shall be stated
if filling obtained from the excavations is hauled
more than 100m from the perimeter of the
excavations

32 Measurement rules 32 and 33 above apply

15 Subbase and base courses

33 Shall be given in accordance with clause 13 Filling

16 Stabilisation of foundation courses with lime,

cement, etc

14 Topsoil
14

25 Descriptions shall include any consequent

backfilling stating the method and/or degree of
compaction
26 Shall be grouped in successive overall depths of not
exceeding 500mm, exceeding 500mm and not
exceeding 1,5m and thereafter in stages of 1,5m
stating in each case the nature of the requirements
and the distance between the structure and the side
to be excavated back
27 Back excavations occurring in material of a more
difficult character shall be given in square metres as
extra over for each item of back excavation

Foundation courses

34 Shall be given as extra over stating the rate of

application

12

Haulage not exceeding

100m from the perimeter
of the excavations where
filling is obtained from
the excavations
Forming to falls, slopes,
contours, etc

15

Compaction of surfaces
17 Compaction of natural or excavated ground
surfaces

16

18 Retaining structures formed of filled gabion boxes

and mattresses

19 Retaining structures formed of interlocking blocks

Gabions and interlocking block retaining structures

20 Concrete foundations and trench excavations, open

face excavations and filling behind retaining
structures, filter fabric, ground anchors, etc
17

37 The area of sloping structures shall be the mean

length multiplied by the perpendicular height
38 Descriptions shall state the rate of slope and shall
include filling of blocks with garden soil, concrete,
etc
39 Shall be given separately in accordance with the
principles laid down in the relevant trades

Weedkillers, insecticides, etc

22 Treating surfaces with weedkillers, insecticides, etc

19

36 The sizes of the boxes and mattresses and the

diaphragm spacings shall be stated

Filter fabric
21 Filter fabric

18

35 Shall be measured only when the method (other

than ramming bottoms referred to under clause 6
Excavations) and/or degree of compaction is
prescribed

40 Forming V-grooves along foundation walls etc and

treating with insecticides shall be included in the
descriptions

Tests
23 Prescribed tests to determine the degree of
compaction or other properties of the ground or
filling

no

13

LATERAL SUPPORT
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

GENERAL
1

Removal of lateral support

1

Insurance
1

Precautions to be taken and procedures to be

followed when removing lateral support shall be
given only if prescribed
In all other cases risk of collapse shall be given in
accordance with the principles laid down in
Earthworks

Insurance against claims arising from the removal

of lateral support

Shall be allowed for, either by provisional sum or by

stating the limit of the insurance cover required

Descriptions shall include the scope of the surveys

The nature of the work and the excavated faces to

be supported, any limitations affecting the ground
anchoring, the strata through which the anchors will
have to pass and the position of any cables, pipes
or other services shall be described

Item

Movement monitoring
2
3

Establishing of bench marks, pegs, etc for

prescribed movement monitoring

Item

Periodic movement surveys

no

GROUND ANCHORING
4

Descriptions

Establishment
4

Establishment of plant etc on the site

Item

Subsequent establishments for testing, retensioning or de-stressing

Item

14

Drilling

Comments

Test anchors
6

Test anchors

Ground anchors shall be given under headings

stating the working load

Classification

Lower anchorages

no

Distinction shall be made between rock anchors and

soft ground anchors

Upper anchorages

no

Descriptions shall include prescribed protection

against corrosion

Initial tensioning, initial

acceptability testing and
preparing load-extension
related graphs

Drilling

Waterproofing of ground anchors

11 Testing and re-testing of cable holes for fissures
and voids

no

12 Cement grouting of cable holes to prevent ingress

of water

kg

13 Re-drilling holes, washing out of grout and encasing

of cables

Testing, re-tensioning and de-stressing of ground anchors

no

Rock bolts and rock dowels

15 Rock bolts, expanding rock bolts, rock dowels and
soil nails

11

Descriptions shall include the working load, lower

anchorages, upper anchorages, thrust blocks and
the free length of cable

14 Testing subsequent to initial acceptability testing,

re-tensioning and de-stressing of ground anchors
10

Ground anchors

10 Free length of cable

8

no

no

10 Descriptions shall include nuts, washers, thrust

plates and grouting

Soldiers, boarding, shotcreting, etc

16 Soldiers, boarding, shotcreting, fabric
reinforcement, etc

11 Shall be given in appropriate items in accordance

with clause 12 Planking and Strutting or the
principles laid down in the relevant trades

15

17 Concrete or mortar packing behind soldiers

18 Thrust blocks

no

12 The minimum thickness shall be stated

Formwork

13 Planking and strutting required to be left in shall be

given separately

Wedges, nails, screws,

etc

PLANKING, STRUTTING AND SHORING

12

Planking and strutting

19 Planking and strutting

13

20 Timber planking, precast concrete planking and

metal or other sheeting

21 Timber strutting

22 Gum poles, logs and the like

14 The minimum diameter shall be stated

23 Tubular and solid section steel strutting

tons

15 Descriptions shall include bolting and welding

24 Bolts and clamps

tons

16 Alternatively bolts and clamps may be included with

the relevant items

25 Shoring units

no

17 Descriptions shall include sole pieces, wall plates,

etc
18 The cubic metre content per unit if in timber and the
tonnage per unit if in steel shall be stated

26 Re-use of shoring units

no

27 Timber cross bracing between shoring units

28 Steel cross bracing between shoring units

tons

Shoring units

LATERAL SUPPORT PILING

14

Lateral support piling

29 Lateral support piling

19 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Piling

16

PILING
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

GENERAL
1

Site conditions
1

The nature of the site with regard to contours, water

tables, high and low water levels, strata through
which piles will have to pass, etc shall be described

The nature of the work and any limitations on the

methods to be used such as piles sunk from
basement level and from any level other than
ground level shall be described
Trial piles, raking piles and piles in contact with one
another shall be given separately

Nature of the work

3
3

Establishment of plant etc on the site

Item

Subsequent establishments of plant etc for testing

Item

Setting up plant for sheet

piling

Risk of collapse of
excavations and keeping
excavations free of water

Setting up
Setting up plant at each pile position, other than
sheet piling

no

Reinforcement
4

Staging, tubing, framing,

rigs, jetting, etc

Establishment

3
5

Reinforcement

Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement

Descriptions shall include excavation and backfilling

Exposing piles for inspection

5

Exposing piles for inspection

no

17

Comments

Cutting off etc

6

Cutting off piles

no

Cutting off sheet piling

Stripping back heads of concrete piles to expose

reinforcement

no

Testing
9

Testing of piles

no

PREFABRICATED PILING
9

Precast concrete piles

10 Precast concrete piles

6
7

10

11 Rock shoes

no

12 Driving

13 Dollying piles below ground level

no

14 Concrete in situ in lengthening of piles

15 Formwork to concrete in situ lengthening of piles

Separated into groups not exceeding 10m deep and

thereafter in successive depths of 5m

Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in clause 9 Precast concrete piles

Moulds, joints, protection

caps, rings, handling and
pitching

Joints, protection caps,

rings, handling and
pitching

Steel piles
16 Steel piles

11

Measured for the designed length of pile before

being driven
Reinforcement may be included in the descriptions
or given separately

Sheet piling
17 Sheet piling

10 Measured for the designed height of piling before

being driven and along the length to be retained
11 Descriptions shall include shoes, laps and locking
devices
12 Sheet piling required to be left in shall be given
separately

18

18 Driving

13 Measured for the driven depth and along the length

to be retained

19 Corner piles, junction piles and other special piles

14 Shall be given as extra over sheet piling

20 Drilling

15 Separated into groups not exceeding 10m deep and

thereafter in successive depths of 5m

21 Under-reaming for enlarged feet

no

Handling, pitching,
protection caps and
extracting

Risk of collapse of
excavations and keeping
excavations free of water

Risk of collapse of
excavations and keeping
excavations free of water
Extracting tubes

CONCRETE CAST IN SITU PILING

12

13

Augered piles

22 Work in material of a more difficult character

23 Prescribed casing to prevent collapse of

excavations or to exclude subterranean water

24 Concrete

25 Additional concrete in enlarged feet

no

26 Formwork to concrete above ground level

16 Shall be given as extra over drilling

17 Shall be suitably classified and given as extra over
drilling and under-reaming

18 Measured through enlarged feet

Driven, bored or similar tube piles

27 Driving or boring

19 Measured for the depth to which tubes are sunk and

separated into groups not exceeding 10m deep and
thereafter in successive depths of 5m

14

28 Concrete

29 Expanded concrete bulbs at the bottom of piles

No

20 Measured from the top of the concrete to the depth

to which tubes are sunk

Disposal of excavated material

30 Disposal of excavated material

21 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Earthworks

19

CONCRETE, FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT

Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

CONCRETE
1

Classification etc
1
2

Classified according to grade or mix

Descriptions shall not include formwork or
reinforcement unless otherwise stated

Components cast against excavated surfaces shall

be given separately
No deductions shall be made for voids not
exceeding 0,1m
No deductions shall be made for longitudinal pipes
not exceeding 200mm external diameter,
reinforcement, conduit, etc
Concrete in projections such as nibs, fins, strings,
cornices and kerbs shall be included with the
relevant components

Concrete components such as

1

Surface blindings, surface beds, surface beds cast

in panels, footings, bases, underpinning, slabs
inclusive of beams and inverted beams, isolated
beams, lintels, stairs inclusive of landings and
beams, walls, columns, hollow block slabs, coffered
slabs, troughed slabs and gradings

4
5
m
6

Closed ends

Hollow blocks, spacing tiles and prefabricated beams

2

Hollow blocks

no

Spacing tiles to soffits of solid sections

Spacing tiles to soffits of ribs

Prefabricated beams

7
8
9

3
4

Filling to irregularities
where cast against
excavated surfaces
Formwork in forming
panels in surface beds
Shaped tops
Striking off and curing

Classified in lengths not exceeding 5m and

thereafter in stages of 2,5m
Reinforcement shall be included in the descriptions
Alternatively the working load shall be stated

Shotcrete
6

Shotcrete

Additional shotcrete in thickening

10 Descriptions may include formwork where expedient

20

Comments

Prescribed curing compounds

8

Surface treatment such as wood float, steel trowel,

power float, evenly ribbed non-slip surface,
sandblasting, bush-hammering, etc

11 No distinction shall be made for different concrete

components

Curing treatment
of the finished face
of concrete other
than striking off
and curing

Surface treatment
of the finished face
of concrete other
than striking off
and curing

For testing the

quality of concrete

10 Grooves, channels and the like in tops of concrete

11 Mortices and sinkings

no

Angles, ends, etc

Formwork, chamfered
edges, etc

Bedding under base plates etc

no

Test blocks and testing

13 Test blocks and testing

no

FORMWORK
10

Grooves, channels, mortices, etc

12 Non-shrink mortar or similar grouting under base

plates etc
9

Surface treatment
9

Prescribed curing compounds

Formwork to components such as

14 Walls, columns, beams, isolated beams, wall
beams, slabs, hoods, stairs, shell construction and
sides of inverted components

12 Formwork shall be measured to net surfaces of

concrete to be supported, unless otherwise stated
13 Formwork to walls, columns and beams cast against
excavated or existing surfaces shall be given
separately
14 Formwork to sloping components shall be given
separately
15 Formwork to circular, spherical and flowing
components shall be given separately, distinction
being made for work exceeding and not exceeding
1m radius
16 No deductions shall be made for openings not
2
exceeding 3m

21

Intersections, holes for

rods, bolts, pipes and the
like, propping,
maintaining and removing
Formwork required to
support concrete at nonprescribed temporary
breaks

17 No deductions shall be made for intersections of

ends of beams with beams, columns, walls, etc
18 No deductions shall be made for intersections of
tops of columns with slabs, beams, column caps,
etc
19 Formwork to render a prescribed finish to the
concrete shall be given separately for the different
components
20 Alternatively formwork to render a prescribed finish
to the concrete surfaces may be given as extra over
rough formwork for the different components
21 Formwork required to be left in and permanent
formwork shall be given separately
11

12

Additional requirements for formwork to walls

15 Walls other than inner face of shaft walls and outer
face of walls flush with the perimeter of the concrete
structure

16 Inner face of shaft walls

17 Outer face of walls flush with the perimeter of the

concrete structure

22 Shall be separated into groups for walls not

exceeding 3,5m in height above bearing level and
thereafter for total heights above bearing level in
successive stages of 1,5m
23 Stair walls stepped over treads and risers of stairs
shall be given separately
24 Size of shaft on plan shall be given in the
description
25 Overall wall heights shall be stated in successive
stages of 5m
26 Overall wall heights shall be stated in successive
stages of 5m

Additional requirements for formwork to columns

18 Columns other than circular columns

27 Formwork to columns of different shapes shall be

given separately
28 Formwork to columns shall be separated into
groups for columns not exceeding 3,5m in height
above bearing level and thereafter for total heights
above bearing level in successive stages of 1,5m
29 Formwork to columns projecting beyond the
perimeter of the concrete structure shall be given
separately stating the projection

22

13

19 Circular columns

no

20 Column caps and bases

no

30 Descriptions may include caps and bases

31 Formwork to circular columns projecting beyond the
perimeter of the concrete structure shall be given
separately stating the projection

Additional requirements for formwork to slabs, beams and stairs

21 Soffits of solid slabs and hoods, sides and soffits of
beams and isolated beams and soffits of stairs and
landings

22 Soffits of composite hollow block slabs

38 Measurement rules 33, 34 and 36 above apply

39 Shall be measured over the flush surfaces of
adjacent solid concrete

23 Soffits of coffered slabs

40 Measurement rules 33, 34 and 36 above apply

41 Shall be measured to the full extent of the coffered
area, the widths and centres of the ribs being stated

24 Coffers

no

25 Soffits of adjacent flush surfaces of coffered slabs

42 Measurement rules 32, 33, 34 and 36 above apply

26 Soffits of troughed slabs

43 Measurement rules 33, 34 and 36 above apply

44 Shall be measured to the full extent of the troughed
area, the widths and centres of the ribs being stated

27 Troughs

28 Soffits of adjacent flush surfaces of troughed slabs

32 Formwork to soffits of solid slabs and hoods

exceeding 250mm thick shall be given separately in
stages of 250mm. No cognisance shall be taken of
the additional thickness caused by inverted beams
33 Formwork to soffits shall be separated into groups
propped to a height not exceeding 1,5m, exceeding
1,5m and not exceeding 3,5m and thereafter in
stages of 1,5m
34 Formwork to soffits of sloping components shall be
likewise categorised
35 No separation of height shall be made for formwork
to soffits of stairs and landings
36 Formwork propped off sloping or stepped surfaces
shall be given separately
37 Formwork to sides and soffits of isolated beams
propped off isolated beams below, shall be given
separately

10 Closed ends
2

45 Measurement rules 32, 33, 34 and 36 above apply

23

14

15

16

29 Troughs of composite prefabricated beam and

trough slabs

30 Bearers supporting prefabricated beams of

composite prefabricated beam and trough slabs

31 Soffits of adjacent flush surfaces of composite

prefabricated beam and trough slabs

32 Edges, risers, ends and reveals exceeding 300mm

high or wide

33 Edges, risers, ends and reveals not exceeding

300mm high or wide

46 Shall be separated into groups propped to heights

not exceeding 3,5m and thereafter in stages of 1,5m
47 Measurement rules 32, 33, 34 and 36 above apply

Edges, risers, ends and reveals

48 Shall be given together in one item

Projections, grooves, etc

34 Projections, chamfers, splayed edges, grooves,
rebates, etc

35 Raised panels, pedestals, sinkings, etc

no

51 Where applicable the formwork to the general

surfaces shall be measured past the raised panels,
pedestals, etc as if they did not exist

49 Distinction shall be made for the positions of

projections, chamfers, etc relative to the component
50 The formwork to the general surfaces shall be
measured past the projections, grooves, etc as if
they did not exist

no

52 Shall be grouped in stages of 1m

12 Stops, angles, etc

Openings
36 Openings not exceeding 2m girth

17

11 Closed ends

Movement joints etc

53 Descriptions shall include joint forming material

37 Movement joints and prescribed construction joints

exceeding 300mm high or wide

38 Movement joints and prescribed construction joints

not exceeding 300mm high or wide, rebated
movement joints and joggle construction joints

24

13 Formwork

Includes edges of
openings where
openings exceed
2m girth

REINFORCEMENT
18

General
54 Reinforcement shall be classified according to
quality
55 No separation of reinforcement shall be made for
different concrete components
56 Indented or other deformed reinforcement shall be
given separately
57 Curved reinforcement and helical reinforcement
shall be given separately
58 Reinforcement in slides shall be given separately
59 Reinforcement to be galvanised or otherwise treated
shall be given separately
60 Reinforcement shall be measured to the designed
lengths
61 Calculation of masses shall be based on the values
shown in the relevant Structural Steel Tables issued
by the South African Institute of Steel Construction
62 No allowance in the mass shall be made for rolling
margin

19

14 Bending, hooked ends

and binding wire, cover
blocks and spacers in
accordance with the
relevant SABS codes of
practice and maintaining
in position during
concreting

Reinforcement
39 Bar reinforcement

tons

40 Welded high chairs

tons

41 Mechanical splices and couplers

no

42 Rails, angles and other rolled steel sections

tons

43 Twisted plate reinforcement

44 Fabric reinforcement

63 Different diameters shall be given separately

64 Bars in lengths exceeding 13m and not exceeding
18m shall be given separately and thereafter in
stages of 1m
65 Stools manufactured from round bar shall be
included in the mass of the reinforcement

15 Preparation of bars
66 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid
down in Structural Steelwork

67 Fabric reinforcement in cages shall be given

separately
68 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 1m

25

16 Bending to form cages

20

Pre-tensioned or post-tensioned reinforcement

45 General

21

69 The nature of the work and the general position and

accessibility of stressing anchors shall be described
70 The work shall be given under headings stating the
working load

46 Pre-tensioned and post-tensioned tendon

reinforcement

47 Prescribed couplers

no

48 Looped anchors, fanned anchors, dead anchors,

intermediate anchors and stressing anchors at ends

no

71 Tendon reinforcement shall be measured between

anchorages and descriptions shall include
sheathing, sleeves, threaded inlets and bleed pipes,
supporting chairs, marking positions of cables and
grouting or lubricating
72 Descriptions shall include corrosion protection and
sleeves
73 Descriptions shall include helical anchor
reinforcement, recesses in concrete for anchors,
holes through formwork for tendons, tensioning, retensioning, trimming ends of tendons, corrosion
protection, filling in recesses and preparing
prescribed tensioning records

Tests
49 Prescribed tests

no

26

PRECAST CONCRETE
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

General

2
3

Classified according to grade or mix of the backing

and type of facing or finish
Work of similar design shall be suitably grouped
under headings stating the general requirements
Reinforcement may be included in the descriptions
or given separately in accordance with the principles
laid down in "Concrete, Formwork and
Reinforcement"
Bedding, jointing and pointing, finishing coats of
sealer and the like and prescribed protective
measures shall be included in the descriptions
Metal cramps, dowels, brackets, bolts, etc and
mortices and grouting shall be included in the
descriptions of the relevant precast concrete
components where expedient
Alternatively metal cramps, dowels, brackets, bolts,
etc and mortices and grouting may be given
separately in number

Wall linings
1

Wall linings

9
2

Finished edges

Circular cutting

Shall be separated into groups for slabs not

2
exceeding 0,5m on face and thereafter in
2
successive stages of 0,5m
Circular wall linings shall be given separately
measured over the finished face and stating the
radius
No deduction shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

27

Formwork

Comments

Slab paving
4

Slab paving

Finished edges

Circular cutting

Copings, sills, strings, cornices, steps and the like

Special blocks forming fair ends, rounded ends,

angles, intersections, etc

no

11 Circular work shall be given separately stating the

mean radius, distinction being made between
straight and curved lengths
12 Shall be given as extra over

Other coponents
Other coponents

no

Joint sealants, jointing strips, etc

10 Joint sealants, jointing strips, etc

10 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

Copings, sills, etc

9
6

13 Alternatively joint sealants, jointing strips, etc may

be included in the descriptions of the relevant
precast concrete where expedient

Holes, notches, etc

11 Holes, notches, etc

no

28

MASONRY
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

MASONRY WORK
1

Classification etc

3
4
5
2

Shall be classified according to material and quality

of the masonry unit, the bond and the composition
of the mortar
Separate items shall be given for different
components such as underpinning, mass work,
piers, projections, breasts, stacks, chimneys, walls
and linings
Portions of walling between openings shall not be
regarded as piers
Masonry work threaded over vertical reinforcement
shall be given separately
Circular work shall be given separately

Concrete filling
1

Concrete filling to hollow walls, blockwork, etc

6
7

Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement
Alternatively concrete filling may be included in the
descriptions of the relevant items

BRICKWORK
3

Mass brickwork and piers

2

Mass brickwork and irregular shaped piers

No deductions shall be made for voids not

3
exceeding 0,1m

Regular shaped piers

3

Rectangular, L-shaped, X-shaped piers and the like

Alternatively regular shaped piers may be given in

metres
10 No deductions shall be made for voids not
3
exceeding 0,1m

29

3
4

Wedging, pinning,
building solid against
frames etc
Bedding of roof
coverings, wall plates,
base plates, etc
Ventilation flues through
walls for air bricks etc
Building ends of rafters,
joists, bars, pipes, bolts,
etc into or through
masonry work

Comments

Walls and linings

4

15 The skins of hollow walls shall not be measured

separately but the overall thickness and the
thickness of the individual skins shall be stated
16 Wall ties other than single wire type shall be
included in the descriptions
17 No deductions shall be made for openings and
2
recesses not exceeding 0,5m

8
9

Beamfilling

Vaulting

18 Descriptions shall include centering

Lintels

19 Shall be given separately only when the type of

brick and/or the composition of the mortar differs
from the adjoining work

Forming toothings and bonding

9

10

11 Battered walls, ie walls of uniform thickness built to

batter, shall be given separately stating the rate of
batter
12 Brickwork with battered or oversailing face on one
side shall be given separately, stating the average
thickness and the rate of slope
13 Wall ties other than single wire type shall be
included in the descriptions
14 No deductions shall be made for openings and
2
recesses not exceeding 0,5m

Lintels
8

Vaulting
7

Hollow walls

Beamfilling
6

Solid walls and linings

Forming toothings and bonding new brickwork to

existing

Hacking face or raking out joints of existing brickwork for key

10 Hacking face or raking out joints of existing
brickwork for key for finishes

30

6
7

Temporary supports to
oversailing faces
Single wire type wall ties
Hacking face or raking
out joints of new
brickwork for key for
finishes

Single wire type wall ties

Hacking face or raking
out joints of new
brickwork for key for
finishes
10 Open perpends

11

Building brickwork to a fair face

11 Building brickwork to a fair face

12

16

11 Mitres etc

22 Horizontal, vertical and raking shall be given

separately

15 Pilasters, bands, oversailing courses, cores for

mouldings and the like projecting beyond the face
of the wall

16 Cores for shields, rosettes, etc

no

23 Horizontal, vertical and raking projections shall be

given separately

Rough arches
no

24 Shall be described as extra for rough arch stating

the shape, width of soffit, span and number of rings
or depth
25 Descriptions shall include centres

no

26 Shall be measured only when not rectangular

27 Descriptions shall include closing of cavities in
hollow walls, arches, shaped backs and heads,
centres, etc

Rough niches
18 Rough niches

18

21 Horizontal, vertical and raking flues shall be given

separately

Projections and cores

17 Rough arches

17

Closing cavities
14 Brickwork in closing cavities of hollow walls

15

20 Shall be given as extra over

Splayed mortar fillets in cavities

13 Splayed mortar fillets in cavities of hollow walls

14

Flues
12 Flues and finishing smooth thereof

13

Joint forming material in movement joints

19 Joint forming material in movement joints

31

12 Angles, ends, etc

19

20

Reinforcement to brickwork
20 Steel fabric and welded reinforcement

21 Bar reinforcement

tons

28 Different diameters shall be given separately

29 Shall be grouped in lengths not exceeding 3m and

thereafter in stages of 1,5m

Fabricated lintels
22 Fabricated lintels

21

13 Building in

14 Propping

Turning pieces
23 Turning pieces to brick lintels etc

FACE BRICKWORK
22

General
30 Distinction for circular work shall be made between
work exceeding and not exceeding 2m radius

23

Face brickwork
m

25 Single skin brick walls faced both sides

26 Double skin brick walls faced both sides built in a

bond that requires headers

24 Face brickwork

24

25

31 Shall be given as extra over brickwork

32 Face brickwork to reveals and returns shall be
measured to the net area exposed and shall be
included with the general measurement of face
brickwork
33 Face brickwork to piers and pilasters shall be given
separately
34 Face brickwork to beamfilling shall be given
separately
35 Face brickwork with battered or oversailing face
shall be given separately, stating the rate of slope

Walls faced both sides

Cut face brick linings

27 Cut face brick linings to concrete etc

36 Wall ties shall be included in the descriptions

32

15 Pointing exposed tops or

soffits of battered and
oversailing work

26

27

Fair cutting to face brickwork

28 Fair raking, splay, circular and stepped cutting and
fair cut squint quoins and birdsmouth angles

29 Fair cutting and fitting around pipes

no

30 Fair cutting and fitting around joists, girders and the

like

no

31 Forming toothings and bonding new face brickwork

to existing

40 Shall be given as extra over face brickwork

16 Angles, ends, etc

41 Shall be given as extra over brickwork

42 Horizontal, vertical and raking face brick bands shall
be given separately
43 Descriptions shall include projecting or recessed
courses

17 Angles, ends, etc

44 Horizontal and raking face brick copings etc shall be

given separately

18 Angles, ends, etc

no

45 Shall be given as extra over brickwork

46 The shape, width of soffit, span and number of rings
or depth, extent of pointing and whether formed of
standard or special bricks, shall be stated
47 Descriptions shall include centres

19 Consequent cutting

Face brick copings, lintels, sills, etc

34 Face brick copings, lintels, sills, etc

30

39 Shall be measured only when cutting to irregular

profile is required. The shape and size of the joists,
girders, etc shall be stated

Face brick bands

33 Face brick bands

29

38 Shall be grouped for pipes not exceeding 100mm

external diameter and thereafter in stages of
100mm external diameter

Special face bricks at angles

32 Special face bricks at squint quoins, birdsmouth
angles, splayed or rounded angles and the like

28

37 Alternatively fair cutting may be included with the

items causing the cutting

Face brick arches

35 Face brick arches

33

31

Face brick niches

36 Face brick niches

no

48 Shall be measured only when not rectangular

49 Shall be given as extra over brickwork
50 Descriptions shall include closing of cavities in
hollow walls, arches, shaped backs and heads,
centres, etc and whether formed of standard or
special bricks

20 Consequent cutting

BLOCKWORK
32

General
37 Blockwork

33

Piers and pilasters

38 Piers and pilasters

34

51 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing

principles and the following being applicable in
addition
52 Descriptions shall include standard complementary
blocks such as corner, three-quarter, half and
quarter blocks prescribed for the construction of
corners, reveals, ends of walls, etc and for bonding

53 Descriptions shall include corner blocks

Special blocks for copings, sills, lintels, etc

39 Special blocks for copings, sills, lintels, etc

21 Angles, ends, etc

PAVING ETC
35

Paving
40 Paving of bricks, concrete blocks, cement tiles,
quarry tiles, etc

41 Margins and borders

54 The pattern shall be stated

55 Features differing from the pattern shall be given
separately and descriptions shall include
consequent cutting
56 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m
22 Fair edges, angles, ends,
etc

34

42 Circular cutting

43 Steps, kerbs, channels, etc

57 Measured only when not included with the items

causing the cutting
23 Angles, ends, etc

NATURAL STONEWORK
RUBBLE WALLING
36

Mass and irregular rubble work

44 Mass and irregular rubble work

37

58 No deductions shall be made for voids not

3
exceeding 0,1m

59 No deductions shall be made for openings and

2
recesses not exceeding 0,5m

Beamfilling
46 Beamfilling

39

Walls and linings

45 Walls and linings

38

Facing and pointing

47 Facing and pointing

40

Copings, sills, etc

48 Copings, sills, lintels, arches and the like which
differ from the general work

41

61 Alternatively copings, sills, lintels, arches and the

like which differ from the general work may be given
in number

Pitched angles
49 Pitched angles

42

60 Facing and pointing shall be included in the

descriptions of the relevant rubble work when
practicable. When not practicable facing and
pointing shall be given separately in square meters,
no distinction being made for different elements

62 Descriptions shall state whether pitched from one or

both faces

Trimming to receive plaster etc

50 Trimming to receive plaster etc

35

24 Angles, fair ends, etc

43

Flues
51 Flues and finishing smooth thereof

44

Niches
52 Niches

45

no

Turning pieces and centres

53 Turning pieces to lintels etc

54 Centres to arches

no

STONEWORK OF SLATE, MARBLE, GRANITE, ETC

46

Classification etc
63 Shall be classified according to the nature of the
work such as ashlar walling, linings, paving, plinths,
arches, etc
64 Circular work, circular sunk work, spherical work
and spherical sunk work shall be given separately,
the radius being stated
65 Labours shall be included in the descriptions of the
relevant work when practicable. When not
practicable labours shall be given separately
66 Descriptions shall state the type of dressing and
distinction shall be made for sunk labours

47

Ashlar walling, linings and paving

55 Ashlar walling, linings and paving

56 Circular cutting

67 Shall be measured over the exposed surface and

separated into groups for stones not exceeding
2
0,5m on face and thereafter in successive stages
2
of 0,5m
68 No deductions shall be made for openings and
2
recesses not exceeding 0,5m

36

48

49

50

Margins, skirtings, cornices, etc

57 Margins, skirtings, cornices, copings, sills, kerbs,
steps, etc

58 Special stones in angles, returned ends, apexes,

etc

no

59 Mouldings

60 Stoped ends, mitres, etc

no

54

no

Rough rebates, grooves, etc

m

25 Stops, mitres, etc

Fair edges, angles, etc

64 Fair edges, rounded angles, chamfers, splays,
rebates, flutes, throats, etc

65 Stoped ends, mitres, etc

no

Holes, notches, etc

66 Holes, notches, etc

55

no

Special features

63 Rough rebates, grooves, chases, joggle joints, etc

53

71 Shall be measured to the mean length

72 Descriptions shall state the girth, width and
projection

Columns, piers, etc

62 Stones in arches, surrounds, etc and in features

which differ in material or finish from the general
work
52

70 Shall be given as extra over

Mouldings

61 Columns, piers, lintels, etc and single stone sills,

steps, thresholds, etc
51

69 Shall be measured to the mean length

no

Cramps, dowels, etc

67 Metal cramps, dowels, ties, etc and mortices and
grouting

73 Shall be included in the descriptions of the relevant

stonework where expedient
74 Alternatively metal cramps, dowels, ties, etc may be
given separately

37

56

Turning pieces and centres

68 Turning pieces to lintels etc

69 Centres to arches

no

MISCELLANEOUS
57

58

Bagging
70 Bagging walls

71 Bagging ceilings

Quarry tiles, cement tiles, fibre-cement, etc

72 Sills, copings, etc of quarry tiles, cement tiles, fibrecement and the like

59

75 May be given in this trade when appropriate in

accordance with the foregoing principles

Ornamental blocks, glass blocks, etc

73 Decorative screen walling and grilles of ornamental
blocks, glass blocks, etc

60

Hoop iron ties, cramps, etc

74 Hoop iron ties between concrete and masonry
work, roof ties, cramps to frames, etc

61

no

Fireplaces
76 Fireplaces

63

no

Air bricks etc

75 Air bricks, chimney pots, etc

62

76 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing

principles

no

77 Alternatively fireplaces may be given in detail in

accordance with the foregoing principles

Special features
77 Circular columns, entasised columns, moulded
panels, etc

no

38

WATERPROOFING
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

DAMP PROOF COURSE

1

General
1

Damp proof course

No distinction shall be made for horizontal, vertical,

in hollow walls, under sills, etc

Shall be classified according to the nature of the

work and be given under appropriate headings such
as to underground structures, roofs, walls, facades,
miscellaneous waterproofing, etc

Waterproofing to floors and roofs shall be given in

the following categories:
3.1 Flat not exceeding 25 degrees from the
horizontal
3.2 Sloping exceeding 25 degrees from the
horizontal stating the pitch
No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m
Waterproofing in turn-ups and turn-downs not
exceeding 300mm girth shall be included in the
general areas
Preparatory work, priming coats, adhesives, etc and
paper, felt, plastic and other underlays shall be
included in the descriptions
Work to circular surfaces shall be given separately,
distinction being made between circular and
spherical work

WATERPROOFING
2

Classification

SHEET OR MEMBRANE WATERPROOFING

3

Sheet or membrane waterproofing

2

Waterproofing to floors, roofs, balconies, showers,

inverted beams, box gutters, channels, ducts, etc

4
5

Waterproofing in turn-ups and turn-downs

exceeding 300mm girth

39

1
2

Dressing generally
Dressing around pipes
and into outlets and
channels

Comments

4
5
6
4

Additional membranes, gussets, collars, etc around

pipes and into outlets etc

no

Waterproofing to sumps, catchpits, etc

no

Angles etc

Angles etc

Labours such as fair,

rounded and chamfered
edges, trowel cuts,
arrises, rounded external
angles, etc

Angles etc

Joints

Protection
7

Additional membranes, fillets and sealing at turnups and turn-downs

Paint, crushed stone layer, tiling, etc

Flashing strips
8

Flashing strips

TROWELLED-ON WATERPROOFING
6

Trowelled-on waterproofing
9

Waterproofing to floors, roofs, balconies, walls,

showers, inverted beams, box gutters, channels,
ducts, etc

10 Waterproofing in turn-ups and turn-downs

8
m

Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing

principles with the following being applicable in
addition:
8.1 In circular work distinction shall be made
between work exceeding and not exceeding
300mm radius

9 The average height shall be stated

10 Fillets shall be included in the descriptions

LIQUID WATERPROOFING
7

Liquid waterproofing
11 Liquid waterproofing brushed or sprayed on

WATERSTOPS, SEALING STRIPS, JOINT SEALANTS, ETC

8

Waterstops, sealing strips, etc

12 Waterstops

13 Angles and intersections to waterstops

no

40

Rubber and other

proprietary
waterstops in
expansion joints
etc

14 Sealing strips etc

Joints, angles,
intersections, etc

Polyolefin and
other proprietary
sealing strips over
expansion joints
etc

Resilient sealants
to expansion joints
etc

Joint sealants
15 Joint sealants

10

11 Sealants to joints in top surfaces, vertical surfaces

and soffits shall be given separately

Waterproofing additives
16 Waterproofing additives to concrete, plaster and the
like

12 Shall be included in the appropriate items in the

relevant trades

41

ROOF COVERINGS, CLADDINGS, ETC

Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

SLATES, TILES AND SHINGLES

1

General
1

Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings

2
3
4
5
2

Circular cutting
2

Shall be given in the following categories:

1.1 Roof coverings with pitches not exceeding
25 degrees
1.2 Roof coverings with pitches exceeding
25 degrees stating the pitch
1.3 Side claddings
1.4 Soffit claddings
1.5 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings
to dormers, turrets, etc
Circular, spherical and conical work shall be given
separately stating the radius
No deductions shall be made for openings, wants
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m
Battens, underlays and fixing accessories shall be
included in the descriptions
Alternatively battens may be given in Timberwork

Circular cutting

Eaves and verges

3

Undercloak course and any bedding and pointing

Double eaves course

Verge capping tiles

Shall be given as extra over and descriptions shall

include fixing clips and tilting fillets

Descriptions shall include soakers and additional

battens

Ridges, hips, closed valleys and vertical angles

6

Ridges, hips, closed valleys and vertical angles

42

One-and-a-half width
slates, tiles or shingles at
verges
Holes for fixing and
notches

Comments

Purpose made tiles

7

Purpose made tiles to ends and to intersections

between ridges and hips, ventilation tiles, etc

Shall be given as extra over

Descriptions shall include supporting wires and

fixing accessories

no

Insulation
8

Insulation

10 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 0,5m
11 Distinction shall be made between general roof
slopes and dormers, turrets, etc
12 Thatch incorporating a spread layer to exposed
soffit shall be given separately
13 Battens, fixing rods, binding twine, fire retardant
underlays or interlays and fireproofing treatment
shall be included in the descriptions

THATCH
7

General
9

Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings

Dressing to hips, valleys,

eaves, verges and top
edges

Ends, intersections, etc

Ends, intersections, etc

Ridges and apex caps

10 Ridges

11 Apex caps

no

Ornamental bands and runners

12 Ornamental bands and runners

10

Prefabricated ridges, hips, ends, intersections, etc

13 Ridges and hips

14 Ends, intersections, etc

no

14 Shall be given as extra over

43

PROFILED SHEETING OF METAL, FIBRE-CEMENT, PLASTIC, ETC

11

General
15 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings

12

6
7

Holes for fixing and

notches
Forming drips and turnups to troughs of
troughed metal roof
covering

20 Shall be given as extra over stating the angle and,

where appropriate, the radius

Rolled edges at verges

18 Rolled edges at verges

15

15 Shall be measured net on the undeveloped surface

area and shall be given in the following categories:
15.1 Roof coverings with pitches not exceeding
25 degrees
15.2 Roof coverings with pitches exceeding 25
degrees stating the pitch
15.3 Side claddings
15.4 Soffit claddings
15.5 Roof coverings and side and soffit
claddings to dormers, turrets, etc
16 Roof coverings in single sheets exceeding 13m
shall be given separately
17 Circular work shall be given separately stating the
radius
18 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m
19 Fixing accessories, sealing strips to laps and seam
stitching shall be included in the descriptions

Cranks, bullnoses and curved turn-ups

17 Cranks, bullnoses and curved turn-ups

14

Circular cutting
16 Circular cutting

13

Accessories
19 Accessories such as closers, ridge and hip
coverings, flashings, etc

20 End caps, finials, etc

no

44

Holes for fixing, notches,

ends, angles and
intersections

16

17

Special sheets
21 Ventilator sheets, sheets with flanges for pipes, etc

no

22 Panels of translucent sheeting and isolated

translucent sheets

22 Shall be given as extra over the sheeting in which

they occur
23 Alternatively panels and sheets may be given in
number

Roof ventilators and rooflights

23 Roof ventilators and rooflights

18

21 Shall be given as extra over the sheeting in which

they occur

no

24 Alternatively ventilators and rooflights may be given

in metres in which case ends, corners, etc shall be
given in number as extra over

Insulation
24 Insulation

25 Descriptions shall include supporting wires and

fixing accessories

26 Shall be measured net on the undeveloped surface

area and shall be separated in the following
categories:
26.1 Roof coverings with pitches not exceeding
25 degrees
26.2 Roof coverings with pitches exceeding 25
degrees stating the pitch
26.3 Side claddings
26.4 Soffit claddings
26.5 Roof coverings and side and soffit
claddings to dormers, turrets, etc
27 Circular, spherical and conical work shall be given
separately stating the radius
28 Turn-ups and turn-downs shall be added to the
general areas
29 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

FLAT SHEET METAL

19

General
25 Roof coverings and side and soffit claddings

45

Angles, bending,
dressing, bossing,
wedging, holes for fixing
and notches

30 Laps, seams, welts, clips, tacks, soldered dots,

riveting, soldering, brazing, burning and nailing shall
be included in the descriptions stating the extent of
the laps and the type of seam, welt, etc
20

Circular cutting
26 Circular cutting

21

End caps, finials, etc

27 End caps, finials, etc

no

SHEET METAL FLASHINGS, LININGS, COPINGS, ETC

22

General
31 Laps, seams, welts, clips, tacks, soldered dots,
riveting, soldering, brazing, burning and nailing shall
be included in the descriptions stating the extent of
the laps and the type of seam, welt, etc
28 Circular cutting

23

24

10 Angles, bending,
dressing, bossing,
wedging, holes for fixing
and notches

32 Alternatively circular cutting may be included in the

descriptions

Flashings
2

29 Flashings

30 Flashings around pipes through roof coverings etc

no

33 Alternatively flashings may be given in metres

34 Stepped cover flashings to roof pitches exceeding
25 degrees shall be given separately stating the
pitch
35 Alternatively flashings may be included with the
relevant items of roof coverings and side claddings

11 Ends, angles and

intersections

36 Shall be grouped for pipes not exceeding 100mm

external diameter and thereafter in stages of
100mm

Linings, copings, etc

31 Linings to valleys and gutters, copings and the like

37 Alternatively linings etc may be given in metres

46

12 Ends, angles and

intersections

TIMBERWORK
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

GENERAL
1

Classification etc
1

Timber

1
2

3
4
5

2
2

Labours
3
4

Protective surface treatment such as creosote

Shall be classified according to species and quality

Any required pre-treatment such as kiln drying and
impregnation and any required pre-selection shall
be stated
Sawn and wrought timbers shall be given separately
stating the finished size
Timber described as wrought shall be deemed to be
wrought on all faces
Wrought faces on sawn timbers shall be included in
the descriptions of linear items but may be given in
square metres where expedient
Circular work shall be given separately stating the
radius and where necessary, stating which faces
are circular

Circular cutting, rounded angles, rebates, grooves,

chamfers, moulded edges, etc

Rounded corners, scribed ends, shaped ends, etc

no

Labours shall however be included in the

descriptions of timber which is given linear

Mitres, intersections,
splay cut ends, stops, etc

Nails, screws, plugs,

adhesives, holes, sinking,
etc

Fixing
5

Fixing timberwork

8
9

The method of fixing shall be stated

Holes and tapping of metalwork for the fixing of
timber may be included in the descriptions of the
relevant timberwork or included with the relevant
metalwork
10 Descriptions shall include pelleting

47

Comments

STRUCTURAL TIMBERWORK
4

Structural timbers
6

Structural timbers

Wrought ends and wrought and shaped ends of

sawn timber

no

Timber connectors such as split rings and toothed

rings

no

Shaped laminated timbers such as portal frames,

arches, etc

no

8
9
5

11 Shall be measured to net lengths as fixed

12 Laminated timbers required to be in single lengths
exceeding 13m and not exceeding 18m shall be
given separately and thereafter in stages of 1m.
Structural timbers, other than laminated timbers,
required to be in single lengths, shall be given in the
following categories:
12.1 Lengths not exceeding 2,4m
12.2 Lengths exceeding 2,4m and not exceeding
3,9m
12.3 Lengths exceeding 3,9m and not exceeding
6,6m
12.4 Lengths exceeding 6,6m
13 Members of roof trusses may be grouped together
but wall plates, bearers, bracing, joists, purlins,
battens, fillets, trimmers and the like shall be given
separately

3
4

Joints in the length

Holes, splay cut ends and
mitres

Grooves for split rings

Splay cut ends, mitres,

jointing, wrought and
shaped ends,
connections, bolts, cleats,
gussets and timber
connectors

Plate nailed timber roof truss construction

10 Plate nailed timber roof trusses

no

11 Valleys and hips

sets

12 Wall plates, purlins, bracing, etc

14 Shall be given in accordance with clause 4

Structural timbers

48

13 Alternative

15 Alternatively plate nailed timber roof truss

construction may be given as an item in which case
descriptions shall include wall plates, purlins,
bracing, etc

Floor and roof boarding

14 Floor, roof and weather boarding, boarding to tank
stands, gutter boarding and the like

15 Nosings and edge strips

16 Trapdoors

no

16 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

Notches and holes

Mitres and intersections

Mitres and intersections

17 Shall be given as extra over and descriptions shall

include trimmers, margins, cover strips, etc

Eaves and verges

17 Eaves soffit covering
18 Fascias, barge boards, etc

18 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Ceilings, Partitions and Access Flooring
m

19 Jointing strips shall be included in the descriptions

TIMBER DOORS, WINDOWS, ETC

8

Doors, windows, sashes, etc

19 Doors, windows, sashes, fanlights, fly screens and
shutters

no

20 Descriptions shall include weatherboards, glazing

beads, fixing beads, edge strips, etc
21 Descriptions of cased frames with sashes shall
include pulleys, cords, counter weights and spring
balances

Frames etc
20 Frames, mullions, transoms, posts, linings, cover
strips, beads, etc

22 Framed work shall be given separately

23 Alternatively frames for doors and windows may be
given in number
24 Descriptions shall Include rounded angles, rebates,
grooves, chamfers, moulded edges, etc

10 Mitres and intersections

25 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

11 Notches and holes

SUNDRY JOINERY
10

Floor boarding on concrete floors

21 Floor boarding

22 Fixing strips

26 Descriptions shall include fixing clips, anchors, etc

49

11

Skirtings, rails, etc

23 Skirtings, dado rails, picture rails, etc

12

27 Skirtings stepped over treads and risers of stairs

shall be given separately

Shelves and fittings

2

24 Shelves, divisions, sides, tops and the like

25 Edge strips and veneered or thermosetting plastic

edges applied after manufacture

26 Thermosetting plastic laminate boards with formed

edges

no

27 Standards, rails, cover strips, beads, skirtings, etc

to fittings

12 Housing, notches and

holes

13 Mitres and intersections

31 Framed work shall be given separately

28 Fittings

13

28 Solid timber exceeding 300mm wide shall be given

separately
29 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,1m
30 Descriptions shall include edge strips applied during
manufacture

32 Shall be measured in detail under headings and

given in accordance with the foregoing principles
and when of similar design shall be suitably
grouped stating the general requirements and the
number
33 Alternatively fittings may be given in number

29 Doors, drawers, cash bowls and the like

no

30 Notice boards, keyboards, blackboards,

duckboards, etc

no

34 Timber guides and runners shall be included in the

descriptions of the drawers
35 Alternatively notice boards, keyboards, blackboards,
duckboards, etc may be measured in detail and
given in accordance with the foregoing principles

Stairs
31 General

36 Stairs of similar design shall be suitably grouped

under headings stating the general requirements
2

32 Flooring to landings

33 Treads and risers

34 Brackets, housed ends, returned ends, rounded

ends, quadrant ends, curtail ends, etc

no

37 Descriptions shall include blocking pieces

50

14 Mitres and intersections

14

15

35 Winders

no

36 Bearers, stringers, apron linings, cappings,

handrails, etc

38 Wreathed work shall be so described

39 Continuous handrails shall be so described and
descriptions shall include heading joints

37 Bends, ramps, knees, wreaths, scrolled ends, etc

no

40 Shall be given as extra over

38 Balusters and newels

no

41 Descriptions shall include framing and housing

42 Balusters and newels framed or housed on rake
shall be given separately

15 Mitres and intersections

Panelling
39 Panelling

40 Acoustic and vermin-proof linings, fabric backings,

etc

41 Grounds

42 Skirtings, plinths, cappings, bolection moulds, cover

strips, beads, edge strips and surrounds

43 Posts, pilasters, pediments, canopies, etc

no

43 Descriptions shall state whether panels are to be

matched
44 Framed panelling shall be suitably grouped for
panels of different widths and descriptions shall
state the height and the number of panels to the
height and shall include fixing beads etc
45 Spandrel panelling shall be given separately
46 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,1m
47 No allowance shall be made in the measurement of
boarded panelling for laps and tongues and net
widths of boards shall be stated
48 Alternatively acoustic and vermin-proof linings,
fabric backings, etc may be included in the
descriptions of the panelling
49 Alternatively grounds may be included in the
descriptions of the panelling

Plastic, fibre-cement, etc

44 Plastic, fibre-cement, etc

16 Notches and holes

50 Plastic, fibre-cement and other processed materials

shall be given in accordance with the foregoing
principles

51

17 Mitres and intersections

CEILINGS, PARTITIONS AND ACCESS FLOORING

Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

CEILINGS
1

General

2
3

4
5

6
7
1

Ceilings

Circular cutting

Flush margins and borders not exceeding 1,2m

wide of material differing from the general ceiling
material

Ceilings shall be given under headings separating

nailed-up and suspended ceilings, distinction being
made between horizontal, sloping and vertical
ceilings
No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m
Brandering shall be included in the descriptions of
nailed-up ceilings. When brandering is not to a
regular pattern it shall be given separately in metres
Circular work shall be given separately stating the
mean radius
Proprietary support systems for suspended ceilings
shall be included in the descriptions of the ceilings
5.1
When the support system is not to a regular
pattern it shall be given separately, in which
case brandering or bearers shall be given in
metres and hangers in number
5.2
A general description of the supporting
structure from which ceilings are suspended
shall be given
5.3
Separate items shall be given for ceilings
etc suspended not exceeding 1m below
suspension level and thereafter in
successive stages of 1m
Cover strips, jointing strips, etc shall be included in
the descriptions
Plastering shall be included in the descriptions

Shall be given in groups in successive widths of

300mm

52

Notches and holes

Comments

Bulkheads in ceilings which occur at a level or

plane differing from the general ceiling level or
plane, of which no horizontal, vertical or sloping
dimension exceed 1,2m

Dimensions of all faces shall be given in the

description
10 Alternatively, when linear measurement is not
practicable, bulkheads shall be given in detail in
appropriate items

Fire barriers and the like

11 Alternatively, when linear measurement is not

practicable, fire barriers and the like shall be given
in detail in appropriate items

Trapdoors

no

12 Shall be given as extra over ceilings, bulkheads, etc

Cornices

Openings for light fittings, mechanical diffusers, etc

no

Insulation materials such as fibreglass and slagwool

13 Shall be given as extra over ceilings, bulkheads, etc

Trimmers

Mitres and intersections

Additional trimmers,
hangers, etc

Notches and holes other

than in glass
Cleats, screws, bolts,
plates, etc

14 Stating whether in panels such as between roof

timbers etc

PARTITIONS
2

Partitions
10 Partitions

11 Notches and holes in glass

no

12 Ends, intersections, openings, doors and frames,

special panels, etc

no

13 Partitions (alternative)

15 Descriptions shall include finishes

16 Alternatively finishes may be given in appropriate
items in accordance with the principles laid down in
the relevant trades

17 Shall be given as extra over

18 Descriptions shall include ironmongery and finishes
19 Alternatively ironmongery and finishes may be given
in appropriate items in accordance with the
principles laid down in the relevant trades
20 When linear measurement is not practicable,
partitions shall be measured in detail in which case
boards, glass, etc shall be given in square metres,
standards, rails, mullions, transoms, skirtings,
cornices, cappings, beads, etc in metres and
panels, doors, fanlights, borrowed lights and frames
in number
21 Ironmongery and finishes shall be given in
accordance with the principles laid down in the
relevant trades

53

7
8

Notches and holes other

than in glass
Mitres, intersections,
cleats, screws, bolts,
plates, etc

14 Circular cutting

15 Insulation materials such as fibreglass and slagwool

if not included with panels etc

16 Access flooring

17 Ventilation grille panels, strengthened panels, etc

no

24 Shall be given as extra over

18 Junctions against walls, columns, etc

25 Circular junctions shall be given separately

19 Movement joints

20 Dividers and fire barriers below access flooring

21 Holes and outlets through floor panels and dividers

no

22 Lifting tools

no

ACCESS FLOORING
3

Access flooring
22 Descriptions shall include panels, support system,
coverings, etc
23 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

54

Lifting and replacing

panels for work executed
under floors by others

10 Additional pedestals and

other support members

FLOOR COVERINGS, WALL LININGS, ETC

Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Coverings and linings

1

Wood block, wood mosaic, thermoplastic, vinyl,

linoleum, rubber, cork, carpeting and other similar
coverings and linings

1
m

2
3
4
5
6
7

Margins, borders and turn-ups not exceeding

500mm wide or high

Circular work may include circular cutting to

surrounding work where expedient

Mitres etc

Circular work may include circular cutting to

surrounding work where expedient

Mitres etc

Mitres etc

Mitres etc

Insets

m or
no

Edge and cover strips

5

Insets
4

Circular cutting

Margins, borders and turn-ups

3

No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 0,5m
Preparatory work, priming coats and adhesives shall
be included in the descriptions
Descriptions shall include welding of plastic or
rubber
Descriptions shall include underfelt for carpeting
Linings to reveals etc shall be included in the
general areas
Work to circular surfaces shall be given separately
Dished flooring shall be given separately

Circular cutting
2

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Edge and cover strips

Skirtings
6

Skirtings of vinyl etc

10 Skirtings stepped over treads and risers of stairs

shall be given separately

55

Comments

Stairs
Covering to treads and risers

Combined tread and riser coverings

Mitres etc

Mitres etc

Running joints, bends,

wreaths, mitres, closed
ends, etc

Nosings

Plastic handrails
10 Plastic handrails

10

11 Covering to winding stairs shall be given separately

Nosings
9

Polish, sealers, etc

11 Polish, sealers, etc

12 Alternatively polish, sealers, etc may be included in

the descriptions

56

IRONMONGERY
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Classification etc

Components such as
1
2

Continuous hinges, tracks, channels, rods, rails,

bars, etc

Hinges, locks, handles, catches, hooks, towel rails,

grab rails, etc, sets of floor spring hinges, sets of
sliding gear for doors, cording sets, etc

no

Locks

no

3
4

Descriptions shall include keys

En suite locks and master keys shall each be
given separately

Metal shelving shall be measured in detail with

shelving, wall bands, standards and rails given in
metres or in number and shelf brackets, foot pieces
and the like in number
Alternatively metal shelving may be given in number
as a unit including all components

Metal shelving
4

Metal shelving, wall bands, standards and rails

6
4

Ironmongery fixed to timber, metalwork, brickwork,

etc shall be given separately
Preparation of metal doors and frames to receive
ironmongery shall be included with the doors and
frames or given separately in "Metalwork" as
prescribed

Proprietary kitchen cupboards, lockers, writing boards, seats, etc

5

Proprietary kitchen cupboards, lockers, writing

boards, seats, etc of metal, timber or other material

no

57

Screws, plugs, etc and

the preparation of timber,
metalwork, brickwork, etc

Comments

STRUCTURAL STEELWORK
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

STRUCTURAL STEELWORK
1

Classification
1
2

4
5

Steelwork shall be classified according to the

quality and composition
Structures of similar nature and design shall be
suitably grouped under headings stating the
general requirements
Circular work shall be given separately stating the
mean radius and where necessary which faces are
circular
Work required to be prepared or painted before
delivery shall be so described
Work required to be galvanised, metal sprayed,
epoxy coated or otherwise treated or finished shall
be so described
Work specifically required to be treated or finished
before or after manufacture or assembly or after
delivery to the site shall be so described

General
7

Steelwork shall be measured to the designed sizes

of components
8 The calculation of masses shall be in accordance
with Structural Steel Tables issued by the South
African Institute of Steel Construction
9 No allowance shall be made in the mass for rolling
margin, rivets, black bolts, nuts, washers, distance
pieces, packings, additional material in welding,
decorative or protective treatment nor for temporary
constructional aids
10 Welding, holes, black bolts, nuts, washers, rivets,
bolting and riveting integral with structural
steelwork shall be included in the descriptions of
the relevant work

58

Scribed ends

Comments

11 Rolled sections in single lengths exceeding 13m

and not exceeding 18m shall be given separately
and thereafter in stages of 1m
3

Steelwork
1

Columns, beams and other members

tons

Compound and latticed columns, beams and other

members

tons

12 Shall be given separately classified according to

cross-sectional size
13 Shall be so described stating the cross-sectional
size of the main components

Caps, bases and connections

Roof trusses

tons

15 Shall be given in one item for each truss or each

group of similar trusses stating for each item the
number of trusses, shape, overall size, construction
and type of components (flats, angles, tees, tubes,
etc)
16 The cross-sectional size of components of a truss
need not be stated

Purlins, girts, wind bracing, sag rods, etc

tons

17 Shall be given separately stating the type of

components (flats, angles, tees, tubes, etc)
18 Connections shall be included in the descriptions of
the relevant members and their mass shall be
added to the mass thereof
19 The cross-sectional size of components need not
be stated

Roof gutters, rainwater pipes, etc integral with

structural steelwork

tons

Stairs, balustrading, handrails, cat ladders, flooring,

etc integral with structural steelwork

tons

Circular cutting

Bends and machined ends

no

14 Shall be included in the descriptions of the relevant

members, no distinction being made for size or
shape and their mass shall be added to the mass
thereof

20 Shall be given in suitable inclusive items

21 Shall be given in suitable inclusive items stating for
each item the construction, type of components
(flats, angles, tees, tubes, etc) and the number
where relevant
22 The cross-sectional size of components need not
be stated

59

Angles, stopped ends,

outlets, offsets, shoes, etc

10 High tensile bolts and high strength friction grip

bolts including nuts and washers

tons

11 Ragbolts, expanding bolts, anchor bolts, machined

bolts, etc

no

12 Patent handrails, patent clips and other items

integral with structural steelwork not marketed in
tons

m or
no

23 Shall be given separately under the relevant

headings
24 Descriptions shall include nuts and washers,
25 Distinction shall be made for those requiring to be
embedded in tops, sides or soffits of concrete

Tests
13 Tests

Item

60

METALWORK
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

GENERAL
1

Classification etc
1
2

3
4

Metalwork shall be classified according to type,

quality and composition of the metal
Circular work shall be given separately stating the
mean radius and, where necessary, which faces are
circular
Work required to be prepared or painted before
delivery to the site shall be so described
Work required to be galvanised, chromium plated,
anodized, metal sprayed, epoxy coated, stove
enamelled, vitreous enamelled or otherwise treated
or finished shall be so described
Work specifically required to be treated or finished
before or after manufacture or assembly or after
delivery to the site shall be so described
Welding, brazing, soldering, holes, bolting, rivets
and riveting shall be included in the descriptions of
the relevant work

Circular cutting
1

Circular cutting

STEELWORK
3

Sundry steelwork
2

Rolled or drawn solid sections

kg

7
8

Shall be measured to the designed sizes of

components
Calculation of masses shall be in accordance with
the Structural Steel Tables issued by the South
African Institute of Steel Construction
No allowance shall be made in the mass for rolling
margin, rivets, additional material in welding,
decorative or protective treatment nor for temporary
constructional aids

61

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Comments

10 The cross-sectional size of components shall be

given

Tubular work generally

Tubular columns

no

Screwed and socketed piping

Sheeting, wire mesh, screening, expanded metal,

gratings and the like

Bolts including nuts and washers

kg

Ragbolts, expanding bolts, anchor bolts, etc

no

Stairs, balustrading, cat ladders, grilles, gates,

framework, etc

10 Fanged, rounded, scribed, closed and scrolled

ends, intersections, bends, wreaths, etc

13 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

Holes and notches

Running joints

14 Descriptions shall include nuts and washers

15 Distinction shall be made for those requiring to be
embedded in tops, sides or soffits of concrete

kg or
m or
no

16 Shall be given in inclusive items stating for each

item the construction and the cross-sectional size of
components and the number where relevant
17 Alternatively when inclusive items are not
practicable, work of similar design shall be suitably
grouped under headings stating the general
requirements in which case separate items shall be
given for the different components stating crosssectional sizes
18 Shall be given as extra over

no

Minor work
11 Brackets, anchors, etc

12 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Plumbing and Drainage

Stairs, balustrading, cat ladders, grilles, gates, framework, etc

9

11 Descriptions shall include cap and base plates

kg or
no

19 When given in kilograms the number shall be stated

and when given in number the mass shall be stated
where significant

Fixing accessories to structural timberwork

12 Black bolts, high tensile bolts, etc including nuts
and washers

kg

13 Ragbolts, expanding bolts, anchor bolts, etc

no

20 Distinction shall be made for those requiring to be

embedded in tops, sides or soffits of concrete

62

Ribbed floors and permanent decking

14 Ribbed floors and permanent decking

15 Closed ends to ribs

21 Shall be measured net on the plane or undeveloped

surface area
22 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

23 If in banded panels the sizes of the panels shall be

stated
24 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

Floors etc formed of open grillework or gratings

16 Floors etc formed of open grillework or gratings

17 Stair treads

no

Skirtings etc
18 Skirtings, picture rails, copings, etc

25 Skirtings stepped over treads and risers of stairs

shall be given separately

19 Corner pieces, end caps, switch sockets, etc

no

26 Shall be given as extra over

OTHER METALS
10

Aluminium, copper, lead, etc

20 Metalwork

27 Metalwork of aluminium, copper, lead, zinc,

stainless steel, brass, bronze, etc shall be given in
accordance with the foregoing principles
28 Solid sections of metals not marketed in kilograms
shall be given in metres or in number

DOORS, WINDOWS, CURTAIN WALLING, SHOPFRONTS, ETC

STEEL DOOR FRAMES, DOORS, WINDOWS, ETC
11

Door frames
21 Pressed steel door frames

no

29 The size of the door, fanlight, sidelight, etc shall be

stated
30 Ironmongery normally supplied by the
manufacturers of the frames shall be included in the
descriptions

63

Running joints and mitres

31 Preparation for ironmongery to be fitted or

accommodated shall be included in the descriptions
or given separately in number
12

Doors
22 Pressed steel doors

13

no

33 Ironmongery and attached burglar bars shall be

included in the descriptions
34 Components of coupled windows and doors may be
given separately, in which case coupling mullions
and transoms shall be given either in metres or in
number
35 Sub-frames, sills, surrounds, sliding gear, etc may
be included in the descriptions or given separately
in metres or in number
36 Steel and other panels, fixed steel louvres and fixed
louvre shoes may be included in the descriptions or
given separately in number

Fly screens and burglar screens

24 Fly screens and burglar screens

15

32 Descriptions shall include frames and ironmongery

Windows etc
23 Windows, doors, etc of rolled sections

14

no

no

Adjustable louvres
25 Adjustable louvre insert units

16

37 Descriptions shall include glass louvres

Miscellaneous
26 Strongroom doors, roller shutters, collapsible gates,
roof lights, pavement lights, fireplace units, stoves,
etc

no

ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, DOORS, ETC

17

Windows, doors, screens, etc

27 Windows, doors, fly screens, burglar screens,
adjustable louvre insert units, etc

38 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in sub-section Steel door frames, doors,
windows, etc but descriptions shall include glass
and other panels and sealing of windows, doors, etc
against adjoining work

64

Mitres etc

CURTAIN WALLS, SHOPFRONTS, ETC

18

Curtain walls, shopfronts, etc

28 General

39 Curtain walls, shopfronts, etc shall be suitably

grouped under headings stating the general
requirements
40 Separate items shall be given for the different
components

29 Components such as heads, sills, transoms and

mullions

m or
no

41 Waterproofing and sealing components, insulation

between different metals and electrical bonding
shall be included in the descriptions

30 Windows, doors, fanlights, grilles, panels, glass, etc

no

42 Descriptions shall include ironmongery and finishes

43 Alternatively timberwork, ironmongery, glass,
painting and other integral work may be measured
separately and given in appropriate items in
accordance with the principles laid down in the
relevant trades

31 Insulating material such as fibreglass and slagwool

not included with panels etc

32 Cladding to structural steel components and to

columns, beams, etc

33 Alternative

Mitres, intersections,
cleats, screws, bolts,
plates, etc

Mitres, intersections,
cleats, screws, bolts,
plates, etc

44 Measurement rule 41 above applies

45 Where practicable curtain walls, shopfronts, etc may

be given in number in which case descriptions shall
include all components, windows, doors, fanlights,
grilles, panels, glass, insulation, etc as well as
cladding to structural steel components, columns,
beams, etc
46 Measurement rule 41 above applies

65

PLASTERING
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Classification etc
1
2

Shall be classified according to composition,

texture, and preparatory work
Patterned, sloping, weathered, troughed, ribbed and
coffered work, work to falls or to falls and currents,
work incorporating heating or similar equipment and
2
work in sunk or raised panels not exceeding 2m
shall be given separately
Work to circular surfaces shall be given separately,
distinction being made between circular and
spherical work

Plaster and other in situ finishes

1

Finishes to elements such as floors and landings,

treads and risers of stairs, walls inclusive of flush
columns and beams, columns, ceilings and beams

4
m

5
6

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Finishes to narrow widths not exceeding 300mm

wide except to treads and risers of stairs,
columns, beams, troughed, ribbed and coffered
work and that in the flush face caused by
projections and openings

Finishes shall be measured over the net area to be

covered
No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,5m
Reedings to treads shall be included in the
descriptions

1
2

Curing
Labours such as fair,
rounded and chamfered
edges, trowel cuts,
throats, V-joints and
angles

Outlets, angles, stopped

ends, etc

Shall be described as narrow widths and no

distinction shall be made for different components

Labours on finishes
3

Labours generally

Reedings

Forming channels

66

Comments

Skirtings and stoolings

6

Skirtings

Stoolings

no

Finishes to kerbs, sills, copings, nibs, surrounds

and the like

Mouldings

Ends, mitres, etc

Mitres etc

Laps and holes

9 The girth, width and projection shall be stated

10 Descriptions shall include ends, mitres and
intersections when the girth does not exceed
300mm

no

11 Enrichments

no

Ornaments etc
no

Dividing strips, edge trims, etc

13 Dividing strips, edge trims, etc

Mitres etc

10 Ends, mitres and intersections when the girth of the

moulding exceeds 300mm

12 Ornaments, air gratings, etc

8

Mouldings
9

Skirtings stepped over treads and risers of stairs

shall be given separately

Finishes to kerbs, sills, etc

8

Metal lathing
14 Metal lathing and the like to receive in situ finishes

67

TILING
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Classification etc
1
2
3

Beds and backings

5
6

Beds and backings shall be included in the

descriptions
When tiling is prescribed to be fixed with adhesive
the beds and backings shall be given separately in
Plastering
Beds and backings incorporating heating or similar
equipment shall be so described

Tiling
2

Tiling shall be classified according to type, size,

preparatory work, method of fixing, etc
Tiling laid to a pattern shall be so described
Tiling to falls or to falls and currents and tiling in
2
isolated panels not exceeding 1m shall be given
separately
Work to circular surfaces shall be given separately,
distinction being made between work exceeding and
not exceeding 300mm radius and also between
circular and spherical work

Beds and backings

1

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Tiling to elements such as floors and landings, walls

inclusive of flush columns and beams, columns,
ceilings and beams
Tiling to narrow widths not exceeding 300mm wide
except to columns, beams and that in the flush
face caused by projections and openings

8
9
m

Shall be measured over the net area to be covered

No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,
2
etc not exceeding 0,1m

10 Shall be described as narrow widths and no

distinction shall be made for different components
m

Cutting
4

Circular cutting

Fair exposed cutting and fitting around pipes,

balusters and the like

no

11 Shall be grouped for pipes not exceeding 100mm

external diameter and thereafter in stages of
100mm external diameter

68

Pointing fair exposed

edges

Comments

Mitred corners and special edge and corner tiles

6

Mitred corners

Special edge and corner tiles

Treads, risers, sills, copings, skirtings, etc

8
9

Treads, risers, sills, copings, skirtings, bands,

margins, beads, mouldings and the like

13 Skirtings etc stepped over treads and risers of stairs

shall be given separately

End tiles and external and internal angle tiles

no

14 Shall be given as extra over

Mitres etc

Forming recesses etc

Mitres etc

Channels
10 Scum and block channels

11 Fair ends, stopped ends, intersections, angles and

outlets

no

15 Shall be given as extra over

Soap dishes etc

12 Soap dishes, foot rests, toilet paper holders, access
panels and the like

12 Shall be given as extra over, no distinction being

made for different components

no

Dividing strips, edge trims, etc

13 Dividing strips, edge trims, etc

69

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE

Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

GUTTERS ETC
1

Roof gutters, rainwater pipes, etc

1

Roof gutters, rainwater pipes, etc

Angles, stopped ends, outlets, offsets, shoes, etc

no

Weep pipes, spreaders, gargoyles, rainwater

heads, etc

no

Shall be given as extra over

Jointing

Short lengths, nipples and

running joints such as
sockets, collars, couplers,
etc
Bending, jointing pipes of
differing materials and
jointing pipes to taps,
valves, traps, etc
Pipe supports such as
clips, saddles, holderbats,
hangers, etc
Holes for pipes and
cutting and fitting around
pipes unless otherwise
stated in the relevant
trades

CHANNELS
2

Stormwater channels
4

Stormwater channels

Descriptions shall include earthworks, formwork and

finishes

Angles, intersections, ends, etc

no

Shall be given together as extra over

Short isolated channels

no

Pipes and pipe fittings which are wrapped, coated or

lined in the course of manufacture shall be so
described
The method of jointing shall be stated
No distinction shall be made between pipes fixed
vertically, horizontally or to falls nor between pipes
fixed to different elements, cast in, built in, etc
Pipes chased in and pipes suspended exceeding
1m below suspension level shall be given
separately
Pipework in ground shall be given separately and
descriptions may include pipe trenches in
accordance with clause 5 Pipe trenches (method
B)

PIPEWORK ETC
3

Pipes, pipe fittings, etc

7

Pipes

5
6

70

Comments

Welded joints

no

Flanges on pipes and gasket and bolt sets

no

10 Alternatively, where expedient flanges on pipes and

gasket and bolt sets may be included in the
descriptions of the piping

10 Prescribed purpose made pipe supports

11 Shall be given separately in accordance with the

principles laid down in the relevant trades

11 Service pipes and flexible connecting pipes

no

12 Descriptions shall include connectors

12 Pipe fittings

no

13 Shall be given as extra over

14 Fittings to pipes not exceeding 30mm internal
diameter shall be given together for each diameter
of pipe
15 Fittings to pipes exceeding 30mm internal diameter
shall be given separately for each diameter of pipe
and for each type of fitting such as bushes, bends,
tees, junctions, unions, etc
16 Flanges on pipe fittings shall be included in the
descriptions of the fittings

13 Adaptors or similar pipe fittings at joints between

pipes of differing materials and at connections of
pipes to taps, valves, traps, etc

Alternatively, where expedient welded joints may be

included in the descriptions of the piping

17 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down for pipe fittings

14 Pipe closers which are prescribed to be measured

on site and cut to exact length

no

15 Prescribed tests of welded joints

no

18 Shall be given as extra over the pipe in which they

occur

Pipe trenches (method A)

16 Pipe trenches

19 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in "Earthworks
20 Where no width of excavation is prescribed it shall
be calculated as follows:
Trenches not exceeding 1m deep shall be taken of
such width as to provide a clearance of 300mm on
each side of the pipe or group of pipes. The width
of the trench shall be increased by 100mm for
each successive depth of 1m to a maximum width
which provides a clearance of 500mm on each
side of the pipe or group of pipes

71

Any additional excavation

and backfilling necessary
at joints, risk of collapse
of excavations and
keeping excavations free
of water

17 Bedding under and filling around pipes comprising

sand, crushed stone, concrete, etc
5

Pipe trenches (method B)

18 Pipe trenches

22 Where expedient pipe trenches may be included in

the descriptions of the pipe or group of pipes and
separated into successive total depths in increments
of 1m, in which case descriptions shall include
excavation, bedding, backfilling, compaction and
disposal of surplus material
23 Excavations in material of a more difficult character
shall be suitably classified and given in cubic metres
as extra over, in which case the width of the
excavations shall be determined as described in
clause 4 Pipe trenches (method A)

Any additional excavation

and backfilling necessary
at joints, risk of collapse
of excavations and
keeping excavations free
of water

Pipe insulation and protection

19 Insulating and protective wrappings, coatings and
linings to pipes

20 Insulation etc around fittings, valves, etc to pipes

not exceeding 30mm internal diameter

no

21 Insulation etc around fittings, valves, etc to pipes

exceeding 30mm internal diameter

no

24 Internal diameter of the pipe shall be stated

25 Shall be given together as extra over for each

diameter of pipe
26 Shall be given separately as extra over for each
diameter of pipe and for each type of fitting, valve,
etc

Encasing
22 Concrete encasing to pipes

21 No deduction shall be made for pipes not exceeding

200mm external diameter

27 Alternatively encasing may be given in cubic metres

in which case no deduction shall be made for pipes
not exceeding 200mm external diameter

Anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc

23 Concrete anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc

28 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in "Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement
29 Alternatively blocks may be given in number in
which case descriptions shall include formwork and
reinforcement

72

Formwork

Other than those

applied in the
course of
manufacture

Gulleys, grease traps, etc

24 Gulleys, grease traps, intercepting traps, etc

10

no

Inspection chambers, catch pits, etc

25 Inspection chambers, catch pits, junction boxes,
valve boxes, septic tanks, conservancy tanks, etc

11

Soakage pits, french drains, etc

26 Soakage pits, french drains, etc

12

30 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades
31 Alternatively inspection chambers, catch pits, etc
may be given in number

no

32 Alternatively soakage pits, french drains, etc may be

given in accordance with the principles laid down in
the relevant trades

Connections
27 Connections of new to existing pipes

no

28 Connections to services of the local authority

Item

9
33 Shall be allowed for by provisional sum

SANITARY FITTINGS, TANKS, GEYSERS, ETC

13

Sanitary fittings etc

29 Sanitary fittings

14

Tanks, geysers, etc

30 Tanks, geysers, boilers, heat pumps, incinerators,
etc

15

no

Taps, valves, etc

31 Taps, valves, shower roses, meters, etc

16

no

no

Waste unions, traps, etc

32 Waste unions, traps, etc

no

FIRE HOSE REELS AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

17

Fire hose reels etc

33 Fire hose reels, booster connections, hydrants,
pressure gauges, etc

no

73

Necessary fittings

18

Fire fighting equipment

34 Fire fighting equipment such as extinguishers,
blankets, buckets, etc

no

SLEEVES, HOLES, ETC

19

Sleeves
35 Sleeves through slabs, beams, walls, etc

20

no

Holes
36 Holes for pipes and cutting and fitting around pipes

21

34 Shall be given together grouped for pipes not

exceeding 100mm external diameter and thereafter
in stages of 100mm, separated in successive
lengths of 250mm

35 Shall be given in the relevant trades where stated

Flashings
37 Flashings around pipes through roof coverings

36 Shall be given in Roof Coverings, Claddings, etc

GENERAL
22

Testing
38 Prescribed testing

Item

37 Various systems shall be kept separate

74

ELECTRICAL WORK
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

ELECTRICAL WORK
1

Classification

Connection to main supply

Item

Shall be allowed for by provisional sum

Given under headings and classified according to

type
Descriptions shall include busbars, jumpers, neutral
bars, internal wiring and connections, space for
future equipment blanking and the like

Main supply and equipment

2
3

Classified according to the nature of the installation

such as high tension supply, low tension supply, low
tension distribution, general lighting and power,
uninterrupted power supply, external lighting, etc

Connection to main supply

1

Generators, transformers, mini-substations, low

tension distribution cubicles, switchgear, etc

no

Poles, cross arms, insulators, street lights,

brackets, stays, struts, other equipment and bases

no

Distribution boards etc

4

Distribution boards, switch boards, meter boards

and the like

no
4

Equipment such as isolators, circuit breakers, earth

leakage units, transformers, time switches, surge
protectors and measuring instruments

Alternatively equipment may be included in the

board description

Classified according to size and method of

installation

Identification markers,
labels, legend cards, etc

Allowance for snaking

Glands and allowance for

making off

no

Cables
6

Cables

Cable terminations and prescribed running joints

no

Protection such as slabs and metal sheeting and

warning devices such as PVC marker tapes

75

Comments

9
6

Cable route markers

no

Cable trenches (method A)

10 Cable trenches

Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in "Earthworks
Where no width of excavation is prescribed it shall
be calculated as follows:
Trenches not exceeding 1m deep shall be taken of
such width as to provide a clearance of 300mm on
each side of the cable or group of cables. The
width of the trench shall be increased by 100mm
for each successive depth of 1m to a maximum
width which provides a clearance of 500mm on
each side of the cable or group of cables

Risk of collapse of
excavations and keeping
excavations free of water

Where expedient cable trenches may be included in

the description of the cable or group of cables and
separated into successive total depths in increments
of 1m, in which case descriptions shall include
excavation, bedding, backfilling, compaction and
disposal of surplus material
10 Excavations in material of a more difficult character
shall be suitably classified and given in cubic metres
as extra over, in which case the width of the
excavations shall be determined as described in
clause 6 Cable trenches (method A)

Risk of collapse of
excavations and keeping
excavations free of water

11 No distinction shall be made between conduit fixed

vertically or horizontally
12 No distinction shall be made between conduit fixed
to different elements, cast in, chased in, built in, etc

Bending, threading,
jointing, short lengths,
couplings, bends, tees,
saddles, draw boxes and
the like
Holes for conduit and
cutting and fitting around
conduit unless otherwise
stated in the relevant
trades

7
8

11 Bedding under and filling around cables comprising

sand etc
7

Cable trenches (method B)

12 Cable trenches

Conduit
13 Conduit

76

14 Flexible conduit
9

10

11

13

14

15 Switch, socket and other outlet boxes

no

13 No distinction shall be made for number of entries

16 Cover plates, dome covers, ball and socket covers

and the like

no

14 Alternatively cover plates etc may be included in the

descriptions of the outlet boxes

Connectors

Locknuts and bushes

Cable trunking etc

17 Cable trunking, cable trays and ladders, floor and
skirting trunking, lighting channels, etc

18 Fittings to cable trunking etc such as angles,

stopped ends, junctions and outlets

no

19 Suspension rods, fixing brackets, cable clamps and

short lengths of channel for cable trunking fixing

no

10 Forming holes for conduit

entries or fittings

15 Alternatively suspension rods etc may be included

in the descriptions of the trunking etc

Draw wires
m

16 Alternatively draw wires may be included in the

descriptions of the conduit

Conductors
21 Bare and insulated conductors in conduit etc

22 Open wired conductors

17 Descriptions shall include bobbins, cleats, clips and

binding wire

11 Allowance for additional

length at connections

Busbar systems
23 Busbars

24 Fittings etc such as elbows, tees, crosses, end

covers, feed units, tap-off boxes and fixing brackets

no

18 Alternatively fixing brackets may be included in the

descriptions of the busbars

no

19 Descriptions shall include cover plates

Socket outlets and light switches

25 Socket outlets and light switches

15

Outlet boxes, cover plates, etc

20 Draw wires required to be left in

12

no

Fittings, equipment, etc

26 Luminaires, bells, telephones, speakers, geysers,
stoves, heaters, clocks, thermostats, starters,
motors, stand-by equipment, battery chargers,
control panels, etc

20 Lamps shall be included with the relevant luminaires

21 Alternatively lamps may be given separately in
number
no

77

12 Mounting plates,
brackets, connectors, etc

16

17

Earthing
27 Earthing the system

Item

28 Prescribed earth resistivity tests

Item

Lightning protection
29 Conductors of tape, wire and the like

18

30 Short coupling lengths such as between roofs and

eaves gutters and from down conductors to earth
terminals

no

31 Air and earth terminals

no

13 Bending and jointing

14 Jointing and excavation

Holes
32 Holes for conduit and cutting and fitting around
conduit etc

22 Shall be given in the relevant trades where stated

ELECTRONIC INSTALLATIONS
19

Communication, security and control installations

33 Installations such as telecommunication, public
address, closed circuit television, data
transmission, access control, security, fire
detection, building management systems, etc

23 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing

principles

GENERAL
20

Testing and commissioning

34 Testing and commissioning the installation

21

Drawings, manuals, etc

35 Provision of as-built drawings, manuals, operative
training, etc

22

Item

Item

Replacement parts etc

36 Replacement parts, tool kits, etc

no

78

MECHANICAL WORK
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS, ETC

1

Classification
1

Classified according to the nature of the installation

such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fire
protection, boiler, gas, refrigeration, compressed air,
etc

Descriptions shall include pipework, ductwork and

electrical work integral with the item of equipment,
paint or other finishes, accessories where
expedient, assembling and jointing together of
components and jointing to pipes, ducts and the like

Pipes and pipe fittings which are wrapped, coated or

lined in the course of manufacture shall be so
described
Pipework prescribed to be temporarily fixed in
position, dismantled for plating or other finishing and
subsequently refixed shall be so described
Pipework to be executed in prescribed cut lengths
shall be given separately
The method of jointing shall be stated
No distinction shall be made between pipes fixed
vertically, horizontally or to falls, nor between pipes
fixed to different elements, cast in, built in, etc
Pipes chased in and pipes suspended exceeding
1m below suspension level shall be given
separately
Pipework in ground shall be given separately and
descriptions may include pipe trenches in accordance with clause 6 Pipe trenches (method B)

Equipment
1

Items of equipment such as chillers, air handling

units, fans, air conditioning units, motors, pumps,
boilers, tanks, compressors, etc

no

PIPEWORK ETC
3

Pipes, pipe fittings, etc

2

Pipes

5
6
7

79

Short lengths, nipples and

running joints such as
sockets, collars, couplers,
etc
Bending pipes, jointing
pipes of differing
materials and jointing
pipes to taps, valves,
traps, etc
Pipe supports such as
clips, saddles, holderbats,
hangers, etc
Holes for pipes and
cutting and fitting around
pipes unless otherwise
stated in the relevant
trades

Comments

Welded joints

no

10 Alternatively, where expedient welded joints may be

included in the descriptions of the piping

Flanges on pipes and gasket and bolt sets

no

11 Alternatively, where expedient flanges on pipes and

gasket and bolt sets may be included in the
descriptions of the piping

Prescribed purpose-made pipe supports

Service pipes and flexible connecting pipes

no

13 Descriptions shall include connectors

Pipe fittings

no

14 Shall be given as extra over

15 Fittings to pipes not exceeding 60mm internal
diameter shall be given together for each diameter
of pipe
16 Fittings to pipes exceeding 60mm internal diameter
shall be given separately for each diameter of pipe
and for each type of fitting such as bushes, bends,
tees, junctions, unions, etc
17 Flanges on pipe fittings shall be included in the
descriptions of the fittings

Adaptors or similar pipe fittings at joints between

pipes of differing materials and at connections of
pipes to taps, valves, traps, etc

Pipe closers which are prescribed to be measured

on site and cut to exact length

10 Prescribed tests of welded joints

4

12 Shall be given separately in accordance with the

principles laid down in the relevant trades

18 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down for pipe fittings

no

19 Shall be given as extra over the pipe in which they

occur

no

Valves etc
11 Valves, meters, pressure gauges, strainers,
sprinkler heads, etc

no

80

Pipe trenches (method A)

12 Pipe trenches

13 Bedding under and filling around pipes comprising

sand, crushed stone, concrete, etc
6

20 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in "Earthworks
21 Where no width of excavation is prescribed it shall
be calculated as follows:
Trenches not exceeding 1m deep shall be taken of
such width as to provide a clearance of 300mm on
each side of the pipe or group of pipes. The width
of the trench shall be increased by 100mm for each
successive depth of 1m to a maximum width which
provides a clearance of 500mm on each side of the
pipe or group of pipes
m

Any additional excavation

and backfilling necessary
at joints, risk of collapse
of excavations and
keeping excavations free
of water

Any additional excavation

and backfilling necessary
at joints, risk of collapse
of excavations and
keeping excavations free
of water

22 No deduction shall be made for pipes not exceeding

200mm external diameter

Pipe trenches (method B)

14 Pipe trenches

23 Where expedient pipe trenches may be included in

the descriptions of the pipe or group of pipes and
separated into successive total depths in increments
of 1m, in which case descriptions shall include
excavation, bedding, backfilling, compaction and
disposal of surplus material
24 Excavations in material of a more difficult character
shall be suitably classified and given in cubic metres
as extra over, in which case the width of the
excavations shall be determined as described in
clause 5 Pipe trenches (method A)"

Pipe insulation and protection

15 Insulating and protective wrappings, coatings and
linings to pipes

25 Internal diameter of pipe shall be stated

16 Insulation etc around fittings, valves, etc to pipes

not exceeding 60mm intrnal diameter

no

17 Insulation etc around fittings, valves, etc to pipes

exceeding 60mm internal diameter

no

26 Shall be given together as extra over for each

diameter of pipe
27 Shall be given separately as extra over for each
diameter of pipe and for each type of fitting, valve,
etc

81

Other than those

applied in the
course of
manufacture

Encasing
18 Concrete encasing to pipes

28 Alternatively encasing may be given in cubic metres

in which case no deductions shall be made for pipes
not exceeding 200mm external diameter

Formwork

Jointing

Anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc

19 Concrete anchor blocks, thrust blocks, etc

10

29 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in "Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement
30 Alternatively blocks may be given in number in
which case descriptions shall include formwork and
reinforcement

Inspection chambers, junction boxes, etc

20 Inspection chambers, junction boxes, etc

31 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades
32 Alternatively inspection chambers, catch pits, etc
may be given in number

DUCTWORK ETC
11

Ducting
21 Rectangular low pressure galvanised sheet metal
ducting

33 Shall be measured over ducting fittings and grouped

according to size in the following categories:
33.1 Width or height not exceeding 750mm and
sum of two adjacent sides not exceeding
1,15m
33.2 Width or height not exceeding 750mm and
sum of two adjacent sides exceeding 1,15m
33.3 Width or height exceeding 750mm and not
exceeding 1,35m
33.4 Width or height exceeding 1,35m and not
exceeding 2,1m
33.5 Width or height exceeding 2,1m
34 Where an in-line reduction in size of ducting occurs,
the larger size shall be measured over the full length
of the fitting
35 No distinction shall be made between ducting fixed
vertically, horizontally or raking nor between ducting
fixed to different elements

82

36 Separate items shall be given for ducting

suspended not exceeding 1m below suspension
level and thereafter in successive stages of 1m
measured from the underside of the ducting. A
general description of the supporting structure from
which ducting is suspended shall be given
37 Ducting to a curve shall be given separately stating
the mean radius
38 Supports shall be included in the descriptions of
ducting or may be given separately in accordance
with the principles laid down in the relevant trades

12

22 Rectangular ducting other than low pressure

galvanised sheet metal ducting and round ducting

23 Ducting fittings

24 Flexible ducting

Jointing

no

41 Shall be given as extra over

42 Reducers, radius bends, square bends,
transformations, spigots, branches and tees shall be
given together for each category or size of ducting
43 All other ducting fittings shall be given separately for
each category or size of ducting and for each type
of fitting
44 Stopped ends shall be given separately for each
category or size of ducting

10 Forming openings and

jointing to ducting

no

45 Shall be grouped for ducting not exceeding 1,5m

girth and thereafter in successive girths of 1,5m
46 Descriptions shall include connectors

11 Jointing

47 Shall be measured to the external or internal

surface of the ducting
48 Alternatively wrappings etc may be included in the
descriptions of the ducting

12 Working around ducting

fittings

Diffusers, grilles, etc

25 Diffusers, grilles, attenuators, dampers, filters, etc

13

39 Shall be measured over ducting fittings

40 Measurement rules 34 to 38 above apply

no

Ducting insulation and protection

26 Insulating and protective wrappings, coatings and
linings to ducting

83

CONVEYING INSTALLATIONS
14

Lift installations
49 Lift installations shall be suitably grouped under
headings stating whether it comprises a single lift or
a bank of lifts

15

27 Cars

no

50 Descriptions shall include frames, guides,

enclosures, base, car doors, door opening devices,
locking and safety devices, inspection doors, sills,
internal finishes, fittings such as handrails, mirrors,
etc and lighting and ventilation requirements

28 Landing entrances

no

51 Descriptions shall include frames, sills, landing

doors, door opening devices, locking and safety
devices, etc

29 Power units

no

52 Descriptions shall include supports, sheaves, sound

reducing material, switching equipment, etc

30 Support work in lift shafts comprising guide rails,

brackets, plates, buffers, supports, sheave beams,
etc

Item

31 Ropes comprising cables, clamps, etc

Item

32 Counterweights comprising frames, guides,

compensation, etc

Item

33 Governors and safety gears

Item

34 Operation and control system comprising car

operator panels, car position and direction
indicators, landing position and direction indicators,
call buttons, lanterns and gongs, load weighing
devices, intercommunication, detectors, wiring, etc

Item

35 Temporary use of lifts comprising temporary

enclosures, protection, finishes, etc, refurbishment,
completion and re-commissioning

Item

Hoist, escalator and conveyor installations

36 Hoist, escalator and conveyor installations

53 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in clause 14 Lift installations

84

OTHER MECHANICAL INSTALLATIONS

16

Material handling installations, disposal installations, etc

37 Installations such as material handling, refuse
disposal, waste compaction, incineration, etc

54 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing

principles

GENERAL
17

Testing and commissioning

38 Testing and commissioning

18

55 Descriptions shall include details of any prescribed

tests and requirements such as provision of
instruments and appliances, performance logging,
fuel, power, water, etc

Drawings, manuals, etc

39 Provision of as-built drawings, manuals, operative
training, etc

19

Item

Item

Identification markers etc

40 Identification markers, direction indicators, labels,
legend cards, etc

20

Replacement parts etc

41 Replacement parts, tool kits, etc

21

13 Identification markers,
direction indicators,
labels, legend cards, etc

no

Electrical work and work by other trades

42 Electrical work and work by other trades integral
with mechanical installations

56 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades

85

GLAZING
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Classification etc
1
2

3
4

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Glass

Glass in shapes which are not rectangular

Glass shall be classified according to type, quality,

thickness and size
Descriptions of glass shall state the method of
glazing and the material of the frames to receive the
glass
Descriptions of glass in beaded frames shall state
the method by which beads are fixed
Glass shall be grouped according to size in the
following categories:
2
4.1 Not exceeding 0,1m
2
2
4.2 Exceeding 0,1m and not exceeding 0,5m
2
2
4.3 Exceeding 0,5m and not exceeding 2m
2
4.4 Thereafter in stages of 2m

Glazing beads, gaskets, sealing, etc

3

Glazing beads

Glazing gaskets, cover beading and the like

Moulded corners to gaskets

no

Sealing of joints in panes with silicone

Glazing beads shall be given separately in the

relevant trades
1

Shall be given as extra over

Descriptions shall include designs

Labours on glass
7

Grounding, sandblasting, embossing or brilliant

cutting to panes

no

Labours to edges such as bevelled or polished

Holes, finger grips, etc

no

86

Mitres

Comments

Glass louvre blades

10 Glass louvre blades

Descriptions shall include labours to edges, holes,

finger grips, screws, clips, etc

no

10 Descriptions shall state the shape and average size

of panes and method of fixing and shall include
cames, saddle bars, etc

Patent glazing
14 Patent glazing

no

Leaded and coppered lights

13 Panels of leaded or coppered lights

Descriptions shall include labours to edges

Bent glass
12 Panes of bent glass

Glass tops, shelves, doors, mirrors, etc

11 Glass tops, shelves, doors, mirrors, etc

no

11 Descriptions shall include all components forming

an integral part of the glazing system
12 Alternatively when inclusive numbered items are not
practicable, patent glazing may be given in detail in
which case glass shall be given in square metres
grouped according to size in the categories provided
for in clause 1 Classification etc. Glazing bars,
glazing wings, head and sill members, dividers, etc
shall be given in metres and stops, fixing saddles
and the like shall be given in number. Descriptions
shall include cleats, bolts, plates and other
incidentals

Materials resembling glass

15 Materials resembling glass such as acrylic,
polycarbonate, etc

13 Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing

principles

87

PAINTWORK
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Classification etc
1

Paintwork shall be classified according to the

specification of the paint, preparatory work and the
material to be painted such as plaster, concrete,
brick, wood or metal, distinction being made
between floated and textured plaster surfaces and
smooth and rough concrete surfaces
Separate items shall be given for paintwork on
different components, except where they can be
suitably grouped as general surfaces
Paintwork on columns, beams, ribs, hoods and fins
shall be included with painting walls or ceilings as
the case may be

Colours
4

5
6

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Paintwork shall be clasified in the different colour

groups White, Pastel, Deep and Transparent
(in accordance with the Natural Colour System
(NCS) adopted by the SA National Standards)
Paintwork in one colour group may be given as
extra over paintwork in another colour group
No further distinction shall be made for colour
except for the following:
5.1
Paintwork on mouldings and bands picked
out in colours differing from the surrounding
paintwork, which shall be given separately
5.2
Paintwork on walls, ceilings, etc to patterns
in more than one colour, which shall be
given separately as in patterned multicolours

Paintwork
1

Paintwork generally

No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

88

Cutting in of edges

Comments

Paintwork on profiled surfaces

Paintwork on gates, grilles, burglar screens,

balustrades, etc

Paintwork not exceeding 300mm wide or girth and

not adjoining similarly painted work

Painted lines

4
5
4

Paintwork on members of trusses and lattice work

Paintwork on frames etc

Paintwork on windows, sash doors, fanlights,

louvred units, etc

11 Shall be measured over the full flat area of both

sides
12 Painting cottage pane windows etc and windows
with burglar bars, steel louvers, etc shall be given
separately

Signwriting and gilding

9

Shall be measured over the full flat area of both

sides
10 Alternatively paintwork may be given in detail in
accordance with the principles laid down for
paintwork not exceeding 300mm wide or girth and
not adjoining similarly painted work

Windows, sash doors, etc

8

Frames etc
7

May be measured over the flat area stating that the

work has been measured on flat

Trusses and lattice work

6

Letters, numerals, figures, motifs and punctuation

marks

no

13 Shall be given together in one item, distinction being

made for height and style only

Polishing
10 Polishing

14 Polishing shall be given in accordance with the

foregoing principles

89

PAPERHANGING
Item or work to be measured

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

Classification
1

Paperhanging shall be classified according to the

type of material, preparatory work and the nature of
the surfaces to be prepared

No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 0,5m

Matching

Mitres and intersections

Paperhanging
1

Unit

Paperhanging to elements such as walls inclusive

of columns and ceilings inclusive of beams

Borders and motifs

2

Border and panel strips

Descriptions shall include cutting to profile

Motifs

no

Descriptions shall include cutting to profile

Shall be given in accordance with the foregoing

principles

Hessian, canvas, etc

4

Hessian, canvas and other similar fabrics fixed to

wall or ceiling surfaces

90

Comments

EXTERNAL WORK
Item or work to be measured

Unit

Measurement rules

Descriptions shall be
deemed to include

NOTE: External work of minor extent may be given in Earthworks under suitable headings
LANDSCAPING
1

Contouring etc
1

Excavating, filling, digging up and removing topsoil,

etc shall be given in accordance with the principles
laid down in Earthworks

Topsoil shall be given in accordance with the

principles laid down Earthworks
Topsoil and compost to plant boxes shall be given
separately

Topsoil, compost, lime and fertilizer

1

Topsoil and compost

3
2
3

Spreading and mixing

Cultivating plant bed surfaces

Mulch

Watering, mowing,
trimming edges,
maintaining and
protection

no

Excavation, planting,
backfilling, damming
around and maintaining in
position
Watering, pruning,
maintaining and
protection

Grassing, ground cover, etc

5

Mulch
4

kg

Plant bed preparation

3

Lime and fertilizer

Grassing, ground cover, herbaceous plants, etc

Trees, shrubs, etc

6

Trees, shrubs, bulbs and plants

Removing and repositioning of existing trees

no

91

Comments

Pruning of existing trees and shrubs

8

Pitching, pebble covering, etc

Rockery boulders
10 Rockery boulders

10

no

Pitching, pebble covering, etc

9

Pruning of existing trees and shrubs

no

Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades

Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades

Shall be given under suitable headings in

accordance with the principles laid down in the
relevant trades

Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Plumbing and Drainage

Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades

Paving etc
13 Paving etc

13

Filter fabric
12 Filter fabric

12

Shall be suitably grouped

Retaining structures
11 Retaining structures formed of filled gabion boxes
and mattresses, concrete, precast concrete,
interlocking blocks, masonry, etc

11

Weedkillers, insecticides, etc

14 Treating surfaces with weedkillers, insecticides, etc
m

14

Ponds, water features, etc

15 Ponds, water features, etc formed of concrete,
precast concrete, masonry, etc

15

Benches, tables, etc

16 Benches, tables, etc

16

Drainage
17 Drainage

17

no

Irrigation systems
18 Irrigation systems

92

18

Effect lighting
19 Effect lighting

10 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Electrical Work

ROADWORK AND PARKING

19

Excavations and filling

20 Excavations and filling

20

11 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Earthworks

Foundation courses
21 Sub-base and base courses

12 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Earthworks

22 Stabilisation of foundation courses with lime,

cement, etc
21

Compaction of natural or excavated ground surfaces

23 Compaction of natural or excavated ground
surfaces

22

23

24 Road and parking surfacing of gravel, concrete,

tarmacadam, blocks, etc

25 Movement joints

Road and parking surfacing

Channels, humps and shoulders

26 Channels, humps and shoulders formed in road
surfacing

24

14 Shall be given as extra over

15 Circular channelling, kerbing or edging shall be

given separately, distinction being made between
work exceeding and not exceeding 4m radius

Road signs, crash barriers, etc

28 Road signs, crash barriers, etc

26

m or
no

Channelling, kerbing, edging, etc

27 Channelling, kerbing, edging, etc of concrete, brick,
stone and the like

25

13 No deductions shall be made for openings, wants,

2
etc not exceeding 1m

16 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in the relevant trades

Drainage
29 Drainage

17 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Plumbing and Drainage

93

Angles, ends, etc

27

Painting
30 Painted lines and letters and painting of signs and
posts

18 Shall be given in accordance with the principles laid

down in Paintwork

FENCING
28

29

Fencing, posts, gates, etc

31 Fencing

32 Posts and stays differing from those included in the

descriptions

no

33 Gates

no

Holes, binding wire,

screws, nails, etc

26 Descriptions shall include hinges, latches, stops,

runners, etc

Holes, binding wire,

screws, nails, etc

27 Shall be included in the descriptions or may be

given in number

Earthworks, formwork, etc

19 The height above ground level or other base shall

be stated
20 Descriptions shall include site clearance and the
preparation of ground
21 Descriptions shall include bolts and straining eye
bolts
22 Posts and stays which occur at regular intervals
may be included in the descriptions or may be given
separately in number. Descriptions shall include
caps, base plates, arms or brackets for overhang,
pointing and driving
23 Fencing to a curve shall be given separately stating
whether straight or circular between posts
24 If circular between posts the radius shall be stated
25 Shall be given separately as extra over

Concrete bases and kerbs

34 Bases to posts and stays
35 Kerbs

WASHING LINES
30

Washing lines
36 Washing lines

no

28 Alternatively washing lines may be given in detail in

accordance with the foregoing principles

94

PAINTING
31

Painting
37 Painting fencing, washing lines, etc

29 Painting shall be included in the descriptions

30 Alternatively painting may be given separately in
accordance with the principles laid down in
Paintwork

95