Measuring Concrete Work

Preparing a quantity takeoff of concrete work requires the estimator to measure a combination of items—some of which are
shown on the drawings, while others are to be inferred from the drawings. When drawings are well prepared, items of
concrete such as footings, walls, and columns are clearly shown, but nowhere on the drawings will the estimator find details of
the formwork required for this work. The assessment of formwork requirements will be based on the estimator’s knowledge
of what is required for each of the different concrete components.

Because the concrete is detailed on the drawings, it makes sense to begin the takeoff by measuring the volume of concrete in
an item. Then, after the concrete dimensions are defined, consider the formwork requirements, followed by the finishes that
are needed and so on. Also, in accordance with the basic principles previously discussed regarding taking off by assembly, a
good practice is to measure all work associated with one concrete assembly before passing on to consider the next assembly.

For example, if there are concrete footings, walls, and columns to consider on a project, we would begin with the footings. First
we would ascertain the dimensions of footing concrete from the drawings, then reuse these dimensions to calculate the area of
formwork and the length of keyway required and conclude this assembly by measuring anything else associated with the
footings. After the work on the footings is measured, we would turn our attention to the walls and measure all the items
associated with them. Finally, we would deal with the columns in the same way.

This approach allows the estimator to focus on one piece of work at a time and fully understand all of its requirements before
moving on to the next item. Alternative approaches such as measuring all the concrete volumes and then all the formwork
areas require the estimator to be constantly jumping about from one type of item to another. He or she may have to come back
to footings three or four times with this method, which is not an efficient way to proceed.

Measuring Notes: Concrete

In general:
1. Concrete shall be measured in cubic yards net in place. Calculate the volume of concrete from the dimensions given on the
drawings with no adjustment for “add-on” factors. Additional material required because of spillage, expanding forms, and
wastage will be accounted for later in the pricing process by means of a waste factor added to concrete items.
One exception to this general rule applies to the situation where concrete is placed on rock or shale. In this case, the
“overbreak” in the excavation is generally required to be filled with concrete and, as this volume will not be indicated, the
estimator will have to add an assessed amount to the quantity of concrete to allow for this “overbreak.”
2. Do not adjust the quantity of concrete for reinforcing steel and insets which displace concrete. Also, do not deduct for
openings in the concrete that are less than one cubic foot (0.05 cubic meters) of volume.
3. Classify concrete and measure separately in the following categories:
a. Underpinning
b. Pile caps
c. Isolated footings
d. Continuous footing
e. Retaining walls
f. Grade beams
g. Columns and pedestals
h. Beams
i. Slabs on grade
j. Suspended slabs
k. Floor toppings
l. Stairs and landings
m. Curbs
n. Manholes
o. Equipment bases
p. Roads
q. Sidewalks
r. Other structures not listed
4. If different mixes of concrete are used in any of the categories listed in item 3, measure each mix separately. For instance,
where different strengths of concrete are specified for columns on a project, separately calculate the quantity of concrete for
each type of concrete in columns (Figure 5.1).
Often on a project all the concrete for a certain use, for example footings, is specified as the same mix, in which case
there is no need to note the mix on the takeoff as it will not have to be considered until the recap and pricing stage is reached.
Mixes are further complicated by the different types of cement that could be specified. For instance, concrete in contact with
soil may have to be made with type V, sulfate-resisting cement. Furthermore, air entrainment may or may not be required, to
say nothing of super plasticizers. The many combinations of variables result in a multitude of possible concrete mixes. To
simplify the pricing of concrete, the items listed on the recap are priced for the cost of placing (labor and equipment)m only. A
separate list of the amounts of the various mixes is prepared, and against each item on this list the price of the particular mix
of concrete is entered.
5. Where columns and walls extend between the floors of a building, measure these components from the top of the slab below
up to the undersurface of the slab or beam above.
6. Beams may be measured separately from slabs, but if they are to be poured monolithically with the slabs, the quantity of
concrete in the beams should be added to the slab concrete for pricing.

Measuring Formwork
The formwork operations involve a number of activities including fabricating and erecting the forms, stripping, moving, and
cleaning and oiling the forms for reuse. All of these activities and the materials involved are allowed for in the pricing of the
forms. The estimator measures the surface area of the concrete that comes into contact with the forms; this is known as the
contact area.
Because only the area of formwork is measured, the estimator does not have to be concerned about the design of the
forms at the time of the takeoff. All that needs to be established is which surfaces of the concrete require forms. In the past,
estimators have agonized over such things as whether the bottom of an opening or the sloped top surface of a wall needs to be
formed. If discussion with your colleagues does not provide an answer, the prudent estimator will always exercise caution and
allow the forms.

Measuring Notes: Formwork

Generally
1. Formwork shall be measured in square feet of contact area; that is, the actual surface of formwork that is in contact with the
concrete.
2. Formwork is classified in the same categories as those listed for concrete. As an illustration, consider a project with concrete
footings, walls and columns, forms to footings; forms to walls and forms to columns would each be described and measured
separately.
There are, however, a number of factors that may have no effect on the price of the concreting operations but do affect
the price of formwork and, therefore, should be noted. For example, the volume of concrete in all walls, whether they are
straight or curved, will have the same price but the price of forms to curved walls will differ from the price of straight walls, so
the forms to curved surfaces must be kept separate.
3. Bulkheads and edge forms shall be measured separately within these categories, so if there are construction joints required
for long lengths of walls, the area of bulkheads to form these construction joints would be measured separately from the wall
forms. Similarly, if there are pilasters projecting from the walls, the area of the pilasters would be calculated and noted
separately from the wall forms. See Figure 5.2 for different categories of formwork in a wall system.

4. Forms to slab edges are measured separately from forms to beams and forms to walls, even where the edge forms may be
extensions of beam or wall forms (see Figure 5.3).

5. Where there is an opening in a form system, no deduction is made from the total area of the forms if the size of the opening
is less than 100 square feet (10 square meters). Examples of such openings would include openings for windows in walls,
stairway openings, or elevator shaft openings in suspended slabs. The estimator must distinguish
deducted but all cut outs would be deducted (see Figure 5.4).
6. Describe items of formwork that are linear in nature, stating their size and measuring their length in feet (meters). Grooves,
chases, keyways, chamfers, and narrow strips of formwork less than 1 foot wide are measured in this fashion.
7. Describe forms to circular columns giving the diameter and measure in feet (meters) to the height of the column. Where
columns widen at the top to form capitals, describe and enumerate these features. It can be useful to draw small sketches of
complex items such as capitals to clarify exactly what is being measured. Include these sketches with the other takeoff notes.

Measuring Notes: Finishes and Miscellaneous Work

1. Slab Finishes Slab finishes are measured in square feet or square meters of plan area, and vertical finishes are measured in
square feet of exposed surface of concrete.
2. Finishes are first classified in terms of what is being finished: slabs, walls, columns, stairs, sidewalks, and so on. They are
then separated by type of finish: wood float, sack rubbed, bush hammered, steel trowel, broom finish, and so on. In addition, if
floor hardeners are required, measure them separately describing the type of hardener and the amount in lb/100ft2 or
kg/10m2.
3. Screeds and Curing Slabs Screeds can be measured in square feet or square meters as the plan area of the slab, though
some estimators prefer to measure the length of the individual screed strips. This length can easily be obtained by dividing the
area of the slabs by the spacing of the screed strips.
4. Measure curing slabs and vapor barrier slabs in plan area, but because vapor barriers are lapped at the edges, an additional
10% is added to the area to account for this.
5. Welded Wire Mesh Welded wire mesh shall be measured in plan area with an additional 10% included for overlaps. If
different types of mesh are required in different parts of the project, each type should be fully described as it is taken off.
However, if there is only one specification for mesh, the takeoff can merely describe W.W.M. and the type of mesh considered
later at the pricing stage.

Inserts and Waterstops

6. Many of the items classified as miscellaneous metals are required to be imbedded into concrete, so installation is measured
by the general contractor. Individual items such as anchor bolts are described and enumerated and items such as dovetail
anchor slot measured in linear feet
7. Other inserts such as bollards are described and enumerated and linear items like waterstops are measured in linear feet or
meters.
8. Construction joints in walls are often required to incorporate waterstops, grooves, and sealants; measure these items in
linear feet. The takeoff of this type of composite construction joint will comprise bulkhead forms measured by area plus
waterstop, forming grooves, and sealant, each measured separately. Here again, a small sketch incorporated into the takeoff
notes is useful to clarify this kind of complex detail.

Expansion Joints
9. Expansion joints are measured in linear feet or meters, stating the size of joint and the type of material used. If a sealant is
required in connection with the joint, measure it separately in linear feet or meters, stating the size and type of sealant.

Nonshrink Grout
10. Grout to anchor bolts and base plates is measured in cubic feet or cubic meters. Separately measure each different type of
grout material.

Saw Cutting Concrete

11. Saw cuts for concrete are measured in linear feet or meters, stating the size of the cut. Here it is important to note whether
old or new concrete is to be cut and state what is to be cut: slabs, walls, columns, or something else.

Reinforcing Steel
12. The tasks of fabricating reinforcing steel and placing rebar are often subcontracted by general contractors. All
subcontractors would perform the takeoff and price their work.
13. Bar reinforcing steel is measured in linear feet or meters in the takeoff. These measurements are then converted to
weights by multiplying the length of each bar by the unit weight per foot or per meter for that bar size. Consult Figure 5.5 for
the unit weight in lbs per foot for different sizes of rebar.
Estimation of steel reinforcement quantity is a necessary step in calculating cost of concrete structures along with other
building materials as per construction drawing. Accurate calculation of reinforcement in the building plays an important role
in the over all costing of the project. The estimation of the reinforcement is made from the drawings and bar bending schedul e
In the cases where there is no availability of drawings and schedules, the quantity is normally described in accordance with
the requirements of the Standard method of measurement of building works.

Methods of Reinforcement Quantity Estimation:

There are different methods for estimating the quantities of reinforcement; three methods of varying accuracy are:

Method-1: Reinforcement Estimation (Thumb Rule Method)

This simplest method is based on the type of structure and the volume of the reinforced concrete elements.

Average values for typical concrete frames:

Heavy industrial = 130 kg/m3 Commercial = 100 kg/m3 Institutional = 90 kg/m3 Residential = 85 kg/m3

While this simplest method to check on the total estimated quantity if reinforcement, it is the least accurate and it requires
considerable experience to breakdown the tonnage down to Standard Method of Measurement requirements. Some of the
element’s breakdown is given:
Standard Method of Measurement

Method-2: Reinforcement Estimation (Accurate Method):

This is the most accurate method for quantity estimation of reinforcement. This method requires the drawings and schedules.
The drawings used in this estimation are of the actual structure. The sketches include the intended form of detailing and
distribution of main and secondary reinforcement. An allowance of additional steel for variations and holes may be made by
inspection. Let us look at an example and estimate the quantity of reinforcement.

Reinforcement Details of a Typical Beam

Cross Section of a Typical Beam

Calculations:
Bar 1: b = 4000 + (2 x 230) – (2 x 40) = 4380
No bends, hence, no deductions
Cutting Length = 4380 mm
Bar 2: a = 200 b = 4000 + (2 x 230) – (2 x 40) = 4380
Deduction: (2 x dia x no. of bends) = 2 x 20 x 2
Cutting Length = (2x200) + (4380) – (2 x 20 x 2) = 4700 mm
Bar 3: a = 230 – (2x40) = 140 c = 375 – (2x40) = 285
Cutting Length: (2A + 2C) + 24d = (2x 140 + 2x 285) + 24x8 = 1042 mm
No. of Stirrups: (4000/180) + 1 = 23.22 = 24

Bar Bending Schedule for the Beam

Number of bars:

Suppose the spacing of stirrups is 150 c/c and the length along which they are placed is 6800 mm, we can find the number of
bars by the formula below [ Length / Spacing] + 1 = number of bars [ 6800 / 150] + 1 = 46.33
In this case, we always round up. We require 47 stirrups.

Cutting Length:

We must remember that steel is ductile in nature and is subject to elongation. The length of a bar is increased when bends or
hooks are introduced. Certain deductions are needed to offset this increase in length.
Cutting length = True Length of a bar – Deductions For 45 degree
Cutting length = Total length – 1 x Dia of bar x No. of bends for 90 degree
Cutting length = Total length – 2 x Dia of bar x No. of bends

For stirrups:

90-degree hook: Length of stirrup = (2A + 2B) + 20 x dia 135-degree hook: Length of stirrup = (2A + 2B) + 24 x dia

Quantity Estimate for Reinforcement in Kg:

Quantity Estimation of Reinforcement in Kg

**Unit weight in kg/m is calculated using the formula = D2/162 For 8mm bar = 82/162 = 64/162 = 0.395 kg/m

Example 1: House
Comments on the Takeoff Shown as Figure 5.6
1. The specifications call for same-strength concrete (3000 psi) to be used for the footings, walls, and slab-on-grade, so the
strength is not mentioned in the takeoff but is left until the pricing stage to consider.
2. The centerline length of the perimeter footing has previously been calculated with the excavation work, and the width and
height of the footing are shown on the drawings; these figures, therefore, can be entered directly into the dimension columns.
3. The reinforcing bars in the footings and walls are continuous from corner to corner. At the corners the bars are spliced
using L-shaped bars with 2'0" legs, as shown in the small sketch on the takeoff.
4. Bulkhead forms are measured to the perimeter of the window openings, and they are the same width as the wall.
5. The basement slab-on-grade extends to the inside of the exterior walls so the thickness of the walls is deducted from the
outside dimensions to obtain the dimensions of the slab.
6. The plan area of the slab is measured for items of finishing, screeds, and curing. Items of screeds and curing are often not
noted on the takeoff but are added later when the finishes are listed on the recap. The quantity of screeds and curing is easy to
determine as it is equal to the sum of all the areas of floor finishing.
7. The vapor barrier under the slab is also measured as the plan area, but the quantity is increased by 10% to allow for laps in
the material.
8. A convenient place to measure the gravel under the slab-on-grade is directly after the concrete as it is the same area as the
concrete—only the thickness is different.
9. It is also convenient to measure the sill plate at this stage, but this item will be recapped and priced in the rough carpentry
section.
Example 2: Office/Warehouse Building
Comments on Foundation Takeoff Shown
as Figure 5.7a
1. Because the office has a different foundation system from the warehouse, the foundation for the office is kept separate from
that of the warehouse.
2. The foundations around the office extend 4'8" below the floor level but the ground level is 1'0" below the top of the floor (6"
concrete + 6" of gravel), so the depth of the excavations is 3'8".
3. As this depth of excavation is shallow (less than 5'0") and the soil is cohesive, a minimum workspace of 1'0" is allowed from
the face of footings.
4. Although the excavation around the perimeter of the office will be a single trench, the trench will be wider where the pad
footings are located, so excavation for the pads is measured first, then excavation between the pads is calculated by taking the
full perimeter and deducting excavations for the pads.
5. Excavation for isolated pads (pits) is measured separately as this will probably be more expensive than a continuous trench.
Note that the depth of the inside pads (F3) is only 2'8" below the top of the floor, which less 1'0" (concrete slab and gravel)
gives 1'8" depth of excavation.
6. Backfill quantities are obtained by deducting from the excavation volumes the space taken up by the footings, the walls, and
the pilasters up to the ground level.
7. A 2'0" deep grade beam with a 4" deep void form below it is required to the north, south, and east sides of the warehouse;
this calls for a 1'4" deep trench. Note the centerline calculation only accounts for two corners as this is not a full perimeter
calculation.
8. The perimeter trench is widened at the pilasters, as shown in Figure 5.7b.
9. Because the number and location of bollards is not clear on the site plan, an addendum is issued by the architect indicating
that are required for each overhead door plus and extra three on site for a total of 19.
SUMMARY

• Preparing a quantity takeoff of concrete works requires the estimator to measure a combination of items such as
concrete, formwork, concrete finishes, and so on.

• Whereas concrete is clearly shown on the project drawings, few details of formwork are provided. The estimator,
therefore, needs to make an assessment of formwork requirements from the details of the concrete given.

• In a takeoff of concrete work, the estimator should work through the project dealing with one assembly at a time,
measuring all the work associated with one assembly before passing on to the next.

• Concrete is measured in cubic yards or cubic meters net in place.

• Concrete is classified in terms of the use to which the concrete is put.

• Different mixes of concrete are measured separately.

• Formwork generally is measured in square feet or square meters of contact area net in place.

• Formwork is classified in terms of use just as concrete is. Forms to curved surfaces are measured separately.

• Because only the area of forms in contact with the concrete is measured, the estimator does not have to be concerned
about details of the design of the forms at the time of the takeoff.

• Formwork to pilasters, bulkheads, edges, and suchlike are measured separately.

• Items of formwork that are linear in nature, such as grooves, keyways, notches, and chamfers, are described stating
their size and measured in linear feet or meters.

• Forms to circular columns are described giving the diameter of the column and measured in linear feet or meters to
the height of the column.

• Concrete finishes are measured in square feet or square meters.

• Slab finishes, screeds, and curing slabs are all measured in square feet or square meters of plan area.

• Welded wire mesh reinforcing is also measured in square feet or square meters of plan area with further percentage
added to allow for the laps in the mesh.

• Fabricating and placing reinforcing steel are often subcontracted by general contractors, in which case the
subcontractors would take off and price this trade.