CHAPTER-5
ESTIMATION
5.1 Introduction
Road construction is a critical phase in civil projects, serving as the formation for
effective planning, budgeting and resource allocation. By predicting the quantities of work and
associated costs, Estimation enables project manager and stakeholders to set realistic budgets and
schedules, helping to ensure that the project can be completed within financial and time
constraints. In road project, an accurate estimate is essential to avoid cost overruns and to
allocate resources [which is materials, labors, equipment] efficiently, reducing financial risks and
ensuring timely project delivery. An accurate estimate helps prevent cost overruns by identifying
the expected cost of each construction activity before execution. Without proper estimation,
construction projects may face delays, material shortages, or budget deficits that can affect
overall project performance. Cost estimation also serves as a baseline for cost control during the
construction phase. The estimated quantities and costs are used as reference values against which
actual construction costs are compared. This comparison enables project managers to monitor
progress, detect deviations from the planned budget, and implement corrective measures when
necessary. Effective cost control contributes to the successful completion of the project by
ensuring that financial resources are utilized efficiently.
This chapter presents the estimation process for the proposed road construction project,
following the analysis of rates. It includes the objectives of the estimation, the defined scope of
works (covering the full 3,032 ft road and all its components), the methodology adopted for bill
of quantity (BQ) and cost calculation of builder’s estimates (BE), and a review of relevant
literature and standards that use for the estimation.
5.2. Objectives
The key objectives of the estimation for this road construction project are as follows:
1. To determine the quantities of work required for the road construction project,
including earthwork, crushed rock sub-base, rigid pavement concrete, steel joints,
shoulders, and other associated works based on the design and drawings
2. To compute the area (Sqm) and volume (Cum) of individual work required for BQ
using the Details of measurement which is obtained from the drawing.
3. To estimate the ISSUE RATE (Transportation Charges) of specific soils and rocks
from the specific location to the construction site.
4. To calculate the cost of the road (Builder’s estimate) BE, by applying appropriate unit
rates to the calculated quantities of materials, labor, and equipment required for each
major construction activity. using the analysis of rates.
5. To generate the Bills of Quantity(BQ) for materials, labors, rental fees, of all the
individual process and obtain the total cost.
6. To obtain the abstract of the total cost necessary for the whole road construction
process
5.3 Scope of The Study
The scope of the estimation covers the entire length of the road from Nyaethamein
Village to Aukchaytan Village, totaling approximately 3,032 feet (about 924 meters). It includes
site preparation, earthwork (embankment fill and side drain excavation), sub-base and base
course construction, Formwork (WOOD WORK) laying of the concrete pavement (with
necessary formwork and reinforcement), installation of a plastic sheet layer for moisture control,
cutting and sealing of contraction joints with sealant, shoulder formation, and related ancillary
works (road signs, pavement markings). The estimation does not include project management or
scheduling aspects (such as Gantt charts or time-related costs) as those are outside the scope of
this chapter. Land acquisition, design consulting fees, and other indirect costs are also
excluded. , except where noted (quality control, design fees, management fee taxes 5%, etc., are
briefly accounted for in the summary but not detailed) The focus is on the engineering cost
components tied directly to AASHTO-standard construction activities , for a concrete road of the
specified dimensions, labor fee and rental fee of machine using the Analysis of Rate for road
work , Current Market Rate of Materials and Labor Wages(YANGON REGION, Financial year
2025-2026)
5.4 Literature Review
The following tables are requied for the total estimate cost of the road construction
1. Details of Measurement(DM)
2. Issue Rate(TC)
3. Builder’s Estimate(BE)
4. Bills of Quantity(BQ)
5. Abstract of Cost(AC)
6. Summery
5.4.1 Detail of Measurement(DM)
Detail Measurement is the systematic measurement of each individual item of work in a
construction project to determine accurate quantities for preparing the Bill of Quantities (BOQ).
In civil engineering, detail measurement involves measuring dimensions (length, width,
thickness, depth, number, weight) of all construction activities from drawings, design data, and
specifications, and then calculating quantities using standard measurement rules.
[Link] Purpose of Detail Measurement
Detail measurement is carried out in order to:
1. Determine accurate quantities of materials and works
2. Prepare a BOQ for cost estimation and tendering
3. Avoid overestimation or underestimation
4. Ensure fair payment to the contractor
5. rovide a basis for cost control during construction
[Link] Detail Measurement is Done (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Study Drawings and Specifications
1. Road alignment
2. Cross sections
3. Pavement layers
4. Thickness and widths
5. Material specifications
Step 2 — Break Work into Items
Example for road work:
1. Earthwork (cut & fill)
2. Sub-base
3. Concrete pavement
4. Joints
5. Shoulder works
Step 4 — Calculate Quantities
Use formulas:
1. Volume = Length × Width × Thickness
2. Area = Length × Width
3. Number = Length divided by spacing
[Link] Rules Followed in Detail Measurement
Detail measurement follows standard rules, such as:
1. Each item measured separately
2. Units must be consistent
3. No lump-sum guessing
4. Measured as executed on site
[Link] Difference Between Abstract and Detail Measurement
Detail Measurement Abstract
Step-by-step calculations Final summarized quantities
Shows dimensions & formulas Only totals
Used to prepare BOQ Used to prepare cost
Done first Done after
[Link] Calculation of Detail of Measurement