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Unit 13 �Measurement Techniques �in Construction

Dr Adewale Abimbola, FHEA, GMICE.

www.edulibrary.co.uk

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Aim: �Introduction to taking off quantities (1)

Define important measurement terminologies.

Apply simple arithmetic to quantity take-off.

Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

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Definition�

  • Measurement is the collection or gathering or the taking of quantitative or numerical data that describe and define a given property of an object or event.
  • Quantity take-offs are a detailed measurement of materials, labour, and other resources required to complete a construction project.
  • Purpose of Quantity take-offs: to create a comprehensive list of all the components and quantities needed for a project, which can then be used for various purposes, including cost estimation, procurement, and project planning.
  • They are developed by an estimator/quantity surveyor during the pre-construction phase. They who use construction plans, drawings, specifications, and sometimes specialised software to calculate the quantities accurately.

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Relevance of Measurements

  • Accurate Cost Estimation
  • Accurate quantity take-off forms the foundation of cost estimation.
  • Helps in determining the project budget accurately.
  • Critical for financial planning and securing funding.
  • Material Procurement
  • Quantities of materials are crucial for procurement planning.
  • Avoid over-purchasing or shortages, optimising costs.
  • Efficient inventory management.

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Relevance of Measurements

  • Labour Resource Planning
  • Accurate measurement aids in labour resource allocation.
  • Determines the workforce required for each construction phase.
  • Improves labour cost forecasting.

Equipment and Machinery

  • Enables proper planning of equipment and machinery needs.
  • Helps in scheduling equipment rentals or purchases.
  • Optimises equipment utilisation, reducing idle time.
  • Project Scheduling
  • Quantities drive construction project schedules.
  • Determines task durations and sequencing.
  • Critical for meeting project deadlines.
  • Subcontractor Management
  • Accurate measurement ensures fair subcontractor payments.
  • for the preparation of any claims, as well as the settlement of the final account”.

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  • Quality Control
  • Enables monitoring and control of construction quality.
  • Materials and quantities are key to meeting specifications.
  • Reduces rework and ensures compliance.

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  • Measurement involves the Quantity Surveyor who measures the different types of work from drawings produced by the Architect or Engineer to produces quantities.

Figure 1. Role of measurement in construction process (summary)

Relevance of Measurements

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  • In order to take off quantities you need to be able to read a drawing so that you can use the dimensions needed to calculate the quantities.

Figure 2. Floor plan of an apartment.

Relevance of Measurements

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Self-assessment Task

Define the following terminologies:

  • o lifecycle of a project,
  • o quantity take-off,
  • o construction work,
  • o pre-construction phase,
  • o construction phase,
  • o post-construction phase.

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• How many Carrara White Matt Marble Porcelain 30cm x 60cm Floor Tile would you need to cover the WC floor and lounge in Figure above (Ignore the fittings)?

Self-assessment

Task

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Bibliography

Pearson (2017) BTEC national construction student book. London: Pearson.

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