9/5/2024

STANDARD METHODS OF
MEASUREMENT : SMM7,
NRM, AND CESMM3C

learning OBJECTIVES
1. Differentiate between CESMM3, SMM7, NRM, and CESSM3 in terms
of their structure, purpose, and application in civil engineering
projects.

2. Understand the significance of coding systems within CESMM3,

SMM7, NRM, and CESSM3 for categorizing and quantifying civil
engineering works.

3. Explain the role of preambles in CESMM3, SMM7, NRM, and

CESSM3 documents, including their function in providing general
information and definitions.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in interpreting and applying CESMM3,

SMM7, NRM, and CESSM3 codes and measurement rules to classify
and quantify civil engineering works accurately.

5. Evaluate the uses and applications of CESMM3, SMM7, NRM, and

CESSM3 in cost estimation, contract administration, and project
management for civil engineering projects.

1
 9/5/2024

Introduction

- Definition: Standard Methods of Measurement (SMM) are

systematic frameworks used in construction projects for quantifying
and describing works.

- Importance: SMM7, NRM, and CESMM3 are widely adopted

standards that provide uniformity, clarity, and consistency in
measuring quantities, facilitating accurate cost estimation, contract
administration, and project management.

Evolution of SMM

• SMM7 (Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works)

originated in the UK, first published by RICS in 1963 and
revised until its seventh edition in 1988.

• NRM (New Rules of Measurement) suite was introduced by RICS

in 2012, offering a modern alternative to SMM7,
aimed at improving clarity and consistency.

2
 9/5/2024

Evolution of SMM

- CESMM3 (Civil Engineering Standard Method of

Measurement) was first published by ICE in 1976 and
revised with the third edition in 1991, focusing on civil
engineering works.

- Revisions of these standards have aimed at updating

measurement rules, clarifying definitions, and
addressing industry needs.

Global Adoption and Influence

- Widely a do pte d in ter na t iona lly, SMM7, NRM, a nd CESMM3 ha ve inf luenced
co n s tr u ction ind us tr y p ra ctice s a cr o s s r e gions .

- St a nd a r diza t io n o f me a s u r em ent m et ho ds p r om o tes co ns is t ency a nd

com pa ra bility, en h a n cin g e ff icie ncy in q ua nt it y t a ke-o ff, co s t e s tim a tion, a nd
co n tra ct a dminis tra tion.

- Pr o f iciency in t h es e s ta n da r d s is o f t en a r e quir e m ent for pr o fes s io na l

a ccr edit a tio n in qu a n tity s u r ve yin g a nd co ns t r u ct io n m a na gement dis ciplines .

- Con t in u ed evolu tion o f th es e s ta n da r ds a ddr es s es cha nging indus tr y needs ,

includ in g t he in t egra tion o f digita l t echn o logies a nd s us t a ina bilit y
co ns idera tions .

3
 9/5/2024

Overview of SMM7 in Building

Construction

- Purpose: It provides a systematic approach to measuring

quantities, enabling accurate cost estimation, contract
administration, and project management.

- Adoption: SMM7 has been adopted globally and serves as a

benchmark for measurement practices in building construction
projects.

Structure of SMM7

- Sectio ns : SMM7 is s tr uctur ed in to s evera l s ections , including:

1 . D ef in it io n s : Cla r if ies te r m s a nd concept s us e d thr o ughout the document .

2 . Gen era l Rules : Es t a blis he s pr inciples a nd gu idelines fo r me a s ur em ent.

3 . Mea s ur em en t Ru les : Pr o vides s pecif ic me a s ur em ent r ule s for va r io us

bu ild in g elem en ts s u ch a s fo un da tions , wa lls , r o of s , a nd f inis hes .

- Elemen ta l Cla s s if ica t io n: SMM7 us es a n e le me nta l cla s s if ica tio n s ys t em to

ca teg or iz e bu ilding wo r ks int o ba s ic ele me n ts for m ea s ur em e nt pur po s es .

4
 9/5/2024

Application of SMM7 in Building Projects

- Quantity Take-off: SMM7 facilitates the quantification of materials

and resources required for building construction projects.

- Bill of Quantities (BOQ): It serves as the basis for preparing BOQs,

which are used for tendering, contract documentation, and cost
control.

- Contract Administration: SMM7 ensures consistency and

transparency in contract administration by providing clear
measurement rules and standards.

Overview of NRM in Building Construction

•Introduction: The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) is a suite of measurement

standards developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for
construction projects.

•Purpose: NRM aims to improve clarity, consistency, and accuracy in measurement

practices, enhancing cost estimation, contract administration, and project
management.

•Adoption: NRM has gained widespread acceptance globally and is increasingly used as
a modern alternative to traditional measurement standards like SMM7.

10

5
 9/5/2024

Structure of NRM

Parts: NRM consists of several parts, including:

• NRM 1: Order of Cost Estim ating and Cost Planning for Capital Building Works

• NRM 2: Detailed Measurem ent for Building Works

• NRM 3: Order of Cost Estim ating and Elem ental Cost P lanning for Building Works

•Elemental Classification: NRM utilizes an elemental classification system similar to

SMM7 to categorize building works into basic elements for measurement purposes.

11

Uses and Examples of NRM in Building Construction

•E xa m p l es :

 E s t i m a t i ng : Us i ng N RM 1 fo r i ni t i a l o r d er o f c o s t e s t i m a t e s d ur i ng p r o j ec t fe a s i b i l i t y
s t ud i es . Th i s i nv o l v es c o ns i d e r i n g f a c t o r s s uc h a s l o c a t i o n, s i z e , c o m p l exi t y, a nd
q ua l i t y t o p ro v i d e a n i nd i c a t i v e c o s t es t i m a t e .

 D et a i l e d M ea s ur e m e nt : E m p l o y i ng N R M 2 fo r d e t a i l ed m e a s ur em ent o f b ui l d i ng
w o r ks s uc h a s wa l l s , f l o o rs , a nd r o o f s . Thi s i nc l ud es m ea s uri ng d i m ens i o ns , a r e a s ,
a n d v o l um e s a c c ura t el y t o q ua nt i f y m a t e r i a l s a nd r es o ur c e s r eq ui r e

 E l e m e nt a l C o s t P l a nn i n g : Ut i l i z i ng N RM 3 fo r e l e m e nt a l c o s t p l a nni ng , a l l o c a t i ng
c o s t s t o el e m ent s l i ke s ub s t r uc t u r e, s up er s t r uc t u r e , a nd f i ni s he s . Thi s he l p s i n
i d ent i f y i ng c o s t d r i v er s , o p t i m i z i ng d e s i g n d e c i s i o ns , a nd ens ur i ng c o s t -
ef fec t i v e ne s s t hr o ug ho ut t he p r o j ec t l i fec yc l e .

12

6
 9/5/2024

Additional Examples and Applications

• C o s t Be nc hm a rk i n g : Us i n g N R M d a t a fo r b enc hm a r ki n g c o s t s a g a i ns t i nd us t r y
s t a nd a r d s a n d h i s t o r i c a l d a t a t o a s s es s p r o j e c t fe a s i b i l i t y a nd c o m p et i t i ve ne s s .

• Va l ue E ng i ne er i ng : Ap p l y i ng N R M p r i nc i p l e s t o i d e nt i f y c o s t -s a v i ng o p p o r t uni t i es ,
o p t i m i z e r es o ur c e ut i l i z a t i o n, a nd enha nc e p r o j e c t va l ue w i t ho ut c o m p r o m i s i ng
q ua l i t y.

• C o s t Re p o r t i ng : Us i ng N R M m e a s ur e m e nt d a t a fo r g enera t i ng a c c ura t e c o s t r e p o r t s ,
p r o g r e s s p a y m ent s , a nd f i na nc i a l s t a t em ent s t o s t a ke ho l d er s t hr o ug ho u t t he
p r o j ec t l i fe c y c l e.

13

Numerical Examples of NRM Applications

• E s t i m a t i n g : U s i n g N R M 1 , e s t i m a t e t h e c o s t o f c o n s t r u c t in g a n ew o f f i c e b u il d i n g w i t h a n
a p p r o x i m a t e f l o o r a r e a o f 5 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e m e t er s i n a m e t r o p o l i t a n a r ea . C o n s i d er f a c t o r s
s u c h a s c o n s t r u c t i o n t y p e, q u a l i t y, a n d l o c a t i o n t o p r o v id e a n i n it i a l o r d e r o f c o s t
es t im a t e .

• D et a il e d M ea s u r em e n t : E m p lo y in g N R M 2 , c a l c u l a t e t h e q u a n t it i es o f m a t e r i a ls r eq u i r ed
fo r c o n s t r u c t i n g t h e e x t er n a l w a l l s o f a r es i d e n t i a l b u il d i n g . C o n s i d e r d im e n s i o n s , w a l l
t y p e, f i n is h es , a n d o p e n i n g s t o d e t e r m i n e a c c u ra t e m a t er i a l q u a n t i t ie s .

• E l em en t a l C o s t P l a n n in g : U t i li z in g N R M 3 , a l lo c a t e c o s t s t o d i f fer en t b u i l d in g ele m en t s
fo r a p r o p o s e d r es i d e n t ia l d e v el o p m en t p r o j ec t . D et e r m i n e t h e c o s t s a s s o c i a t ed w i t h t h e
s u b s t r u c t u r e, s u p e r s t r u c t u r e, i n t e r n a l f i n i s h es , a n d ex t er n a l w o r k s b a s e d o n p r o j ec t
specifications and cost data.

NRM2

14

7
 9/5/2024

Numerical Example of Measurement

Using NRM2 Rules
- Sc e na r i o :

- We a r e t a s ke d w i t h m e a s ur i ng t he q ua nt i t y o f p l a s t er i ng r eq ui re d fo r t he i nt e r na l
wa l l s o f a r e s i d e nt i a l b ui l d i ng .

- N R M 2 G ui d e l i ne s :

- Ac c o r d i ng t o N RM 2 , p l a s t er i ng i s m e a s ur ed i n s q ua r e m et e r s ( m ²) b a s ed o n t he
s ur f a c e a r e a o f t he wa l l s .

- The m ea s u r em ent i n c l ud e s b o t h s i d e s o f t he wa l l t ha t r eq ui re p l a s t er i ng .

- Any o p eni ng s s uc h a s d o o r s a nd w i nd o w s a r e d e d uc t ed f ro m t he t o t a l wa l l a r ea .

15

Numerical Example of Measurement

Using NRM2 Rules

- E xa m p l e C a l c ul a t i o n:

- To t a l wa l l a r ea fo r p l a s t e r i ng : 4 00 m ²

- De d uc t i o ns fo r d o o r s a nd w i nd o w s : 5 0 m ²

- N e t p l a s t er i ng a r e a = To t a l wa l l a re a - D ed uc t i o ns

= 40 0 m ² - 50 m ²

= 3 50 m ²

- Ac c o r d i n g t o N RM 2 r ul es , t he q ua n t i t y o f p l a s t er i ng r e q ui r e d fo r t he i nt e rna l wa l l s
o f t h e r es i d e nt i a l b ui l d i ng i s 35 0 s q ua r e m e t er s .

16

8
 9/5/2024

Overview of CESMM3

• Def inition: CESMM3 (Civil Engineering Standard Method of

Measurement) is a widely recognized standard for quantifying civil
engineering works.
• Origin: First published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in
1976, CESMM3 under went revisions and updates, with the third
edition released in 1991.
• Structure: CESMM3 is structured into several sections, including
definitions, general principles, and specific measurement rules for
various civil engineering works.

17

Uses of CESMM3 in Civil Engineering

Projects

• Cost Estimation: CESMM3 provides guidelines for estimating costs at

different stages of civil engineering projects, facilitating accurate
budgeting and cost control.
• Measurement Standards: CESMM3 offers standardized measurement
rules for various civil engineering works, ensuring consistency and
accuracy in quantity take-offs.
• Contract Administration: CESMM3 ser ves as a basis for preparing bills
of quantities (BOQs) and contract documentation, promoting
transparency and fairness in contract administration.

18

9
 9/5/2024

Examples of CESMM3 Applications

- Exca va tion Wo r ks : Us in g CESMM3 , m ea s ur e t he qua ntity o f exca va t io n

r equ ir ed for a r o a d co n s tr uction pr o j ect. Co ns ide r fa cto r s s uch a s depth,
widt h, a n d type o f s o il to det er m ine a ccura te exca va t io n q ua nt it ies .

- Con cr et e Wo r ks : Emp lo ying CESMM3 , ca lcula te th e volume of co ncr ete neede d

for co n s tr u ct in g a r ein for ced co ncr et e foun da tio n. Co ns ide r dime ns io ns ,
r ein for cem ent deta ils , a nd co ncr e te s tr e ngt h r e qu ir em ents t o q ua nt ify
co n cr ete qu a nt it ies a ccu ra t ely.

- D ra in a ge Wo r ks : Utiliz in g CESMM3 , e s tim a te t he length of d ra ina ge pip es

r equ ir ed for a s to r m wa ter dra in a ge s ys tem . Cons ider fa cto r s s uch a s pipe
dia m eter, s lo pe, a n d ins t a lla t io n m et ho d t o det er m ine pr ecis e pipe lengths .

19

Numerical Example of CESMM3

Application - Excavation Works
- Scenario:

- We are tasked with measuring the quantity of excavation required for a road construction project.

- CESMM3 Codes:

- Code E110: Site excavation

- Code E120: Earthworks in embankments

- Code E130: Earthworks in trenches

- Code E140: Earthworks in foundation pits

- Example Calculation:

- Excavation for road construction: Code E110

- Excavation depth: 2 meters

- Excavation width: 5 meters

- Excavation length: 100 meters

20

10
 9/5/2024

Numerical Example of CESMM3

Application - Excavation Works

-- Quantity Calculation:
- Volume of excavation = Depth × Width × Length
= 2 m × 5 m × 100 m
= 1000 cubic meters

- Conclusion:
- According to CESMM3, the quantity of excavation required for the
road construction project (Code E110) is 1000 cubic meters.

21

Coding

Class H - Concrete Works

1. Main Heading:
- Class H: Concrete Works
2. Subheading:
- Subclass H10: Concrete in situ
- Subclass H20: Precast concrete
- Subclass H30: Reinforcement for concrete
- Subclass H40: Joint fillers and sealants for concrete

22

11
 9/5/2024

Coding
3. Elemental Breakdown:

- H10: Concrete in situ

- H100: Substructure concrete

- H110: Superstructure concrete

- H120: Finishes to in situ concrete

- H20: Precast concrete

- H200: Precast concrete units

- H210: Precast concrete frames

- H220: Precast concrete stairs

- H30: Reinforcement for concrete

- H300: Fabric reinforcement

- H310: Reinforcement accessories

- H40: Joint fillers and sealants for concrete

- H400: Joint fillers

- H410: Sealants

23

Coding

4. Measurement Units:

- H10: Cubic meters (m³) for concrete volume

- H20: Number of units for precast concrete elements

- H30: Kilograms (kg) for reinforcement weight

- H40: Linear meters (m) for joint fillers and sealants

5. Me asurement Rules:

- Detailed measurement rules are established for each subclass to define how quantities are to be
measured. For example, for subclass H10 (Concrete in situ), measurement rules may specify the method
for calculation concrete volumes based on dimensions provided in the project drawings

24

12
 9/5/2024

Example: Class H (Precast Concrete)

The three digits refer to the following:

1) Type of Precast unit;
2) Different units by dimension;
3) Different units by Mass.
H136
1(First 3(Second 6 (third
division) division) division)
BEAM LENGTH 7-10 M MASS 5-104

25

Examples of CESMM3 Codes and Concepts

- Preambles (P):
- Code P10: Preliminaries - General
- Code P20: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
- Code P30: Demolition and site clearance
- Code P40: Disposal of excavated materials off site

• A preamble in the context of CESMM (Civil Engineering Standard Method of

Measurement) refers to introductory sections or clauses that provide general
information, definitions, and requirements applicable to various parts of the
measurement document. Preambles serve as an essential part of the contract
documentation, setting out the overall framework and context within which
the measurement rules and codes are applied.

26

13
 9/5/2024

Examples of CESMM3 Codes and Concepts

- Daywo rk (D):

- Co de D10: Daywo rk

- D aywork rate s are used for wo rk not co ve re d by t he co ntract o r

u nfore se en wo rks, allo wing fo r fle xibilit y in pric in g.

- Pro visio nal Su ms (PS):

- Co de PS: Pro visio nal Sums

- Pro visio nal su ms are include d in the co nt ract fo r it ems of wo rk that

cann o t be fully de f in ed or measu re d at th e time o f te nder, allowing for their
inc lu sio n in th e con tract sum with a provisio n fo r adjust ment.

27

Examples of CESMM3 Codes and Concepts

- Contingencies (C):

- Code C10: Contingencies

- C o n t i n g e n c y s u m s a r e i n c l u d e d i n t h e c o n t ra c t f o r u n f o r e s e e n e v e n t s o r c h a n g e s i n s c o p e ,
providing a buffer for unexpected costs during construction

- Wo r k S e c t i o n ( A ) :

- C o d e A 1 0 : S t ra t e g y a n d m a n a g e m e n t

- Code A20: Labour

- Code A30: Construction plant and equipment

- Wo r k s e c t i o n s c a t e g o r i z e s p e c i f i c i t e m s o f w o r k w i t h i n C E S M M 3 , p r o v i d i n g d e t a i l e d
measurement rules and codes for each aspect of civil engineering works.

28

14
 9/5/2024

Types and Selection of Measurement

Units for Construction Takeoff

Ensuring Accuracy and Efficiency in Quantity

Surveying

29

Introduction-Importance of accurate measurement

and takeoff in construction projects.

Accurate measurement and takeoff are pivotal in construction

projects for precise material estimation, cost control, and project
scheduling, ensuring efficient resource allocation and minimizing
errors and delays.

30

15
 9/5/2024

Overview of different types of measurement units.

1. Differe n t ty pes of me asure ment u nits in construct io n inc lude :

1. length (e.g., m, ft),
2. area (e.g., m², ft²),
3. volume (e.g., m³, ft³),
4. weight (e.g., kg, lb), and
5. specialized units for construction materials (e.g., cu yd for concrete, tons for
steel).

31

Importance of selecting the right measurement unit

for quantity surveying tasks.

Selecting the right measurement unit for quantity surveying tasks is

crucial as it ensures accurate estimations, facilitates efficient
communication among project stakeholders, and minimizes errors in
construction projects, thereby enhancing cost control, project
scheduling, and overall project success.

32

16
 9/5/2024

Imperial vs. Metric Units

• The c o m p a r i s o n b e t w ee n i m p e r i a l a nd m et r i c m ea s ure m ent s y s t em s fo r

c o ns t r uc t i o n t a ke o f f i s s i g ni f i c a nt .

• W hi l e t he i m p er i a l s y s t em i s p r e d o m i na nt l y us ed i n s o m e r e g i o ns l i ke t he Uni t e d
S t a t es , t h e m e t r i c s y s t em i s m o r e w i d el y a d o p t e d g l o b a l l y.

• The m e t r i c s y s t em o f fe r s a d va nt a g es i n s i m p l i c i t y, c o ns i s t e nc y, a nd ea s e o f
c o nv er s i o n, m a ki ng i t p re fe ra b l e fo r i n t e r na t i o na l p r o j e c t s a nd s t a nd a r d i z a t i o n .

• In c o nt ra s t , t he i m p er i a l s y s t e m m a y b e m o r e f a m i l i a r t o c e r t a i n s t a keho l d er s b ut
c a n i nt r o d uc e c o m p l e xi t i e s i n c o nv er s i o ns a nd c o m p a t i b i l i t y w i t h m o d er n
m ea s ur e m en t t o o l s a nd s o f t wa r e . Ul t i m a t e l y, t he c ho i c e b et w e en t he t w o s ys t e m s
d ep en d s o n p ro j ec t re q ui r e m ent s , r e g i o na l s t a nd a r d s , a nd s t a keho l d e r
p r efe r e nc es .

33

Metric Imperial
Metric: 1 meter (m) is 1 foot (ft) is equivalent to 12
equivalent to 100 centimeters inches (in), and 1 yard (yd) is
(cm) or 1000 millimeters equal to 3 feet.
IMPERIAL VS. (mm).
1 square meter (m²) is equal to 1 square foot (ft²) is equivalent

METRIC
10,000 square centimeters to 144 square inches (in²), and
(cm²) or 1,000,000 square 1 acre is equal to 43,560
millimeters (mm²). square feet.

UNITS 1 cubic meter (m³) is equal to

1000 liters (L) or 1,000,000
1 cubic foot (ft³) is equivalent
to 1728 cubic inches (in³), and
cubic centimeters (cm³). 1 gallon (gal) is equal to
approximately 0.134 cubic feet.
1 kilogram (kg) is equal to 1 pound (lb) is equivalent to 16
1000 grams (g) or 0.001 ounces (oz), and 1 short ton is
metric tons (tonnes). equal to 2000 pounds.

34

17
 9/5/2024

Real-life examples

illustrating the importance of selecting the right measurem ent units for constructi on takeoff.

International Project Collaboration:

•Example: A construction company based in the United States wins a contract to
build a bridge in Europe. The company's estimators typically work in imperial
units, but the project requires compliance with European standards, which
primarily use the metric system.
•Importance: Selecting the appropriate measurement units (metric) ensures
consistency with local standards and facilitates communication with international
stakeholders, subcontractors, and suppliers, thereby avoiding misunderstandings
and errors in quantity takeoff and material procurement.

35

Selection criteria for units

• Regional Standards

• Project Scope and Complexity

• International Collaboration

• Client Preferences

• Compatibility with Tools and Software:

36

18
 9/5/2024

THANK YOU

37

19