Final Notes Specification

Specification and Estimation
2009 Regulations, IX Semester
Ar. Vashni Livingston

MSAJAA (July 2016)
Specifications And Estimation, 2009 Regulations, IX Semester
AR2502 SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATION

AIM:
To enable students understand the method of writing specifications for the various items of works
involved in the building
To expose him / her the procedure involved in estimating quantities of materials and works,
various costs involved, various financial institutions and
To prepare feasibility report of a project simple projects will be introduced for preparation of
specification and estimates.
OBJECTIVES:
To inform to students the need and importance of specification, how to write specification
important aspects of the design of a specification.
To inform to students the need for estimation the concept of abstract and detailed estimates
based on measurement of materials and works.
To inform to students cost control and budgeting and operation cost and to make students know
the various financial agencies involved in land and building development.
To enable students understand the importance of feasibility report, implication and importance of
valuation and depreciation.
UNIT I SPECIFICATION (5)
Necessity of specification, importance of specification, - How to write specification, - Types of

Specification, -Principles of Specification writing, - Important aspects of the design of specification
sources of information Classification of Specification.
UNIT II SPECIFICATION WRITING (10)
Brief Specification for 1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class building. Detailed specification for earthwork
excavation, plain cement concrete, Reinforced concrete, first class and second class brickwork, Damp
proof course, ceramic tiles/marble flooring and adding, woodwork for doors, windows frames and
shutters, cement plastering, painting & weathering course in terrace.
UNIT III ESTIMATION (10)
Types & purpose, Approximate estimate of buildings Bill of quality, - Requirement for preparing
estimation, factors to be considered, - principles of measurement and billing, contingencies, Elementary
billing and measurement of basic materials like brick, wood, concrete and unit of measurement for various
items of work abstract of an estimate.
UNIT IV DETAILED ESTIMATE (10)
Deriving detailed quantity estimates for various items of work of a building. Like earthwork excavation,
brick work, plain cement concrete, Reinforced cement concrete works, wood work, iron works, plastering,
painting, flooring, weathering course for a single storied building using center line method and long and
short wall method.
UNIT V COST ESTIMATING & COST BUDGETTING (10)
Function of Cost planner liaison with consultant, operation cost Exercise in variation, Cost adjustment
and Cost analysis. Role of various financial agencies for building & land development. Economic
feasibility reports valuation, depreciation and its implications.
TOTAL: 45
PERIODS
1| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

Unit I - Specification
What are Specifications?
Specifications describe the nature and the class of the work; materials to be used in the
work, workmanship etc. and are very important for the execution of the work. The cost of
a work depends much on the specifications. Specifications should be clear.
Specifications describe the materials and workmanship required for a development.

They do not include cost, quantity or drawn information, and so need to be read alongside
other information such as quantities, schedules and drawings.
Specifications should be developed alongside the design, increasing in level of

detail as the design progresses.
They should not be left until the preparation of production information.
By tender they should describe every aspect of the building in such a way that
there is no uncertainty about what the Contractor is pricing.
Types of Specifications
1. General Specifications
2. Detailed Specifications
General Specifications
In general specifications, nature and class of works and names of materials that should
be used are described. Only a brief description of each and every item is given. It is useful
for estimating the project. The general specifications do not form a part of contract
document.
Detailed Specifications
The detailed specifications form a part of a contract document. They specify,
The qualities
The quantities
The Proportions of materials and
The method of preparation

And the method of execution for a particular item of works in a project
The detailed specifications of the different items of the work are prepared
separately and they describe what the work should be and how they shall be
executed. While writing the detailed specifications, the same order sequence as
the work is to be carried out is to be maintained.
Performance Specification
Specifications are written documents that describe

the materials and workmanship required for a development. They do not include cost,
quantity or drawn information but need to be read alongside other contract
documentation such as quantities, schedules and drawings.
Specifications vary considerably depending on the stage to which the design has been
developed, ranging from performance (open) specifications that require further design by
a Contractor or supplier, to prescriptive (closed) specifications where the design is
already complete when the project is tendered.
Prescriptive specifications
Prescriptive specifications give the client more certainty about the end product when they
make their final investment decision (i.e. when they appoint the Contractor), whereas
a performance specification gives the Contractor and suppliers more scope to innovate
and adopt cost effective methods of work, potentially offering better value for money.
It is important when defining performance to:
Ensure that the performance that has been specified cannot be achieved without
delivering the desired outcome.
Ensure the client will be able to test whether the required level of performance has
been achieved (i.e. wherever possible the specification should be objective not
subjective).

Require evidence of compliance with the specification (manufacturers test results,

calculations, records of tests, provision of samples and mock-ups etc.)
Ensure that tests and compliance requirements must be economically practicable.
Ensure where there are elements of prescriptive and performance specification that
performance items can be properly integrated into the rest of the works.
Specifications vary considerably depending on the stage to which the design has been
developed, ranging from performance specifications (open specifications) that require
further design work to be carried out, to
prescriptive specifications (closed specifications) where the design is already
complete.
Sl performance Sl prescriptive specifications

No specifications No
Require further design
1 1 The design is already complete
work to be carried out
Gives suppliers more
scope to innovate and
adopt cost effective Gives the client more certainty about the end
2 2
methods of work, product
potentially offering
better value for money
Written for more complex buildings, or
buildings where the client has requirements
Written on projects that are
that might not be familiar to suppliers and
3 straight-forward and are 3
where certainty regarding the exact nature of
well-known building types
the completed development is more important
to the client

focused on the level of

focused on specific products & vendors or even
performance and
4 4 specific Contractors that are acceptable for
workmanship that must be
each scope of work
achieved in the project
written by the design team
either directly or in
5 conjunction with a 5 Written by a technical engineer
consultant specializing in
specification writing
Most projects will involve a combination of performance and prescriptive specifications.

Items crucial to the design will be specified prescriptively (such as external cladding)
whilst less critical items are specified only by performance (such as service lifts).
Key to deciding whether to specify a building component prescriptively or not, is

considering who is most likely to achieve best value, the client, the designers or
the Contractor:
Large clients may be able to procure certain products at competitive rates themselves
(for example the government).
Some designers may have particular experience of using a specific product (although
some clients may not allow designers to specify particular products as they believe it
restricts competition and innovation and may relieve the Contractor of their liability for
'fitness for purpose').
The Contractor may be best placed to specify products that affect buildability.
Aspects of the works are generally specified by:
Products (by standard, a description of attributes, naming (perhaps allowing
equivalent alternatives) or by nominating suppliers).
Workmanship (by compliance with manufacturers requirements, reference
to a code of practice or standards, or by approval of samples or by testing).

It should be possible to verify standards of products and workmanship by

testing, inspection, mock-ups and samples, and documentation such as
manufacturers certificates.
Specifications should be structured according to work packages mirroring the separation
of the works into sub-contracts. This makes it easier for the Contractor to price and so
may result in a more accurate tender.
Outline Specification
Specifications are written documents that describe
the materials and workmanship required for a development. They do not include cost,
quantity or drawn information but need to be read alongside other contract
documentation such as quantities, schedules and drawings.
Written information about materials and workmanship should not appear on drawings or
in bills of quantities as this can result in contradictory specifications and can cause
considerable confusion, instead they should refer to the appropriate clauses in
the specification.
Specifications should be developed iteratively alongside the design, and not left until the
preparation of production information.
Components might include:
Substructure.
Superstructure.
Cladding (including external windows and doors).
Roofing.
Internal walls and partitions.
Internal doors.
Ceilings.
Flooring.
Finishes.

Building services (including lighting, heating, ventilation and air

conditioning, water supply and drainage and other special installations).
Fixtures and fittings (such as sanitary fittings).
Landscape.
Out-based Specification
Output-based specifications define the client's functional requirements for the proposed
development.
The output-based specification is particularly important on public projects as the
government preferred procurement routes (design and build, prime contract and private
finance initiative) all involve appointing an integrated supply
team (including designers, Contractors and suppliers) under a single contract to design
and construct (and sometimes to finance, operate and maintain) the development.
Output-based specifications must be well developed and concise otherwise
the quality and performance of the completed development may be compromised.
An output-based specification might include:

Introduction (purpose of the document).
Background.
Business objectives.
Business functions and processes.
The functions the development is required to perform.
The scope of services to be provided.
The number and type of users the development will serve.
A description of stakeholders.
An organisational structure showing the relationship between client functions.
Indicative equipment schedules.
Constraints on the nature of the development, such as limitations of the site, interaction
with other organizations etc.
Sustainable performance objectives.

Specific services requirements such as information technology requirements.

Access requirements.
Environmental requirements.
Existing policies.
Quality standards.
Risks.
A technical specification is a document that defines a set of requirements that a product
or assembly must meet or exceed. A product or assembly that does not meet all of the
specifically expressed requirements does not meet the specification, and often is referred
to as being out of specification or "out of spec."
The building specifications are an important group of documents which forms part of the
contract. The building specifications consist of plans, elevations and items which the
customer has specified. These documents are used to work out the contract price at the
beginning of the project
Necessity of giving Specifications

The cost of a unit quantity of work is governed by its specifications.
Specification of a work is required to describe the quality and quantity of different
materials required for a construction work and is one of the essential contract
documents.
This also specifies the workmanship and the method of doing the work. Thus
specification of a work serves as a guide to a supervising staff of a Contractor as well
as to the owner to execute the work to their satisfaction.
A work is carried out according to its specification and the Contractor is paid for the
same. Any change in specification changes the tendered rate.
As the rate of work is based on the specification, a Contractor can calculate the rates
of various items of works in tender with his procurement rates of materials and labor.
Thus tender rate without specification of works is baseless, incomplete and invalid.
Specification is necessary to specify the equipment tools and plants to be engaged
for a work and thus enables to procure them beforehand.

The necessity of specification is to verify and check the strength of materials for a
work involved in a project.
Importance of Specification.
A specification is a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to

be used, methods of installation, and quality of workmanship for a parcel of work to be
placed under contract; usually utilized in conjunction with working (contract) drawings in
building construction. In turn, a collection of specifications is defined as a part of the
contract documents contained in the project manual consisting of written descriptions of
a technical nature of materials, equipment, construction systems, standards and
workmanship.
Specifications, as defined above, are typically involved in many project types including
commercial, municipal and other large scale projects. They become especially important
when a project is utilizing a public bidding process or when there are very detailed
requirements for the project. Although specifications are not meant to address all
issues that may come up during construction, they typically outline how to deal
with issues in the field and define the project in much greater detail than drawings,
contracts and agreements alone.
Specifications play an important role in the ultimate success of any construction project.
It is important that all of the goals and intents for the project are considered in the
specifications including those of the client, a fully integrated design team, the builder and
the eventual tenants. Specifications that are clear, well written and organized can result
in greater bid accuracy, reduced complications in the field, quantifiable measures of the
projects success and clarity of the clients requirements and desires throughout the
project lifecycle.

How to write Specification
Writing style
Style is the cornerstone of readability, ensuring text is relevant and capable of being
clearly understood by its intended readership. Style includes a good grammar, simple
sentence structure and correct punctuation. Style also means following the sometimes
neglected rules of specification writing: clarity accuracy repetition brevity logic
Clarity
Means using plain English, restricting vocabulary to words in common usage.

Avoid using alternatives (like excavate for dig) just to make the text more
interesting.
Nevertheless words should be selected to ensure that their meaning is clear and
unambiguous, while phrasing should be brief and expressed in the imperative
mood.
***Use Provide light fittings. not The contractor shall provide light fittings
Accuracy
Ensure consistency and accuracy by using the same simple terms throughout
(use, supply, submit) and employ accurate and consistent phraseology for
repeated clauses.
Avoid generalizations, or unclear words or phrasing.
Avoid acronyms and abbreviations, unless very well-known and incapable of
simple error.
Blanket clauses implying responsibility for the general or the unknown, must be
avoided.
Dont use gender-specific words and phrases.
And avoid nominating specific control functions to particular persons (architect,
engineer, and surveyor) unless this is intended.
10 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

In particular avoid words such as approve or approved unless this is an essential

requirement of the contract.
Avoid redundant and misleading paragraphs; in particular poorly or loosely worded
SCOPE clauses at the start of specification sections.
SCOPE clauses are legally dangerous as they could be taken by a contractor or
subcontractor as encapsulating everything that is required. They are best avoided
altogether. At the most they should be restricted to a simple extension of the
section title.
Also avoid clauses such as read the General section with this section, which might
imply that the specification can be broken up into individual parts a dangerous
process contractually.
And dont repeat general instructions to the contractor in every section unless there
is a particular concern (such as the prevalence for some workers to leave debris
on site, or a specific risk of damage to adjoining work or finished work).
Avoid listing overly specific, or indefinable requirements such as best trade
practice, first class work, or acceptable standard. Only require approval or
inspection by. where this fulfils some specific purpose.
Also carefully check secondary consultants and specialists specification sections
to ensure consistency of meaning. Some consultants can include indefinite
phrases like builders work, or include contractual issues, or even monetary
amounts in among the technical data.
Repetition
Documents are meant to be complimentary. The principles to follow are:
Say everything, but say it only once. Repetition is inadvisable and legally
dangerous
Avoid erroneous information (such as listing a standard that is not referenced in
the text)
If something applies, include it once, If something does not apply, remove it or
leave it out

If information is on the drawings, dont repeat it in the specification, unless the

subject requires amplification
If an issue is covered in the conditions of contract, dont repeat it in the
specification. Matters of contract and/or tender must not be included within the
technical text.
Brevity
You would not include irrelevant details on drawings and similarly there is no justification
for including irrelevant clauses or redundant words in the specification.
Logic
The Master spec sections are set in an easily recognizable pattern, with logical
and meaningful clause titles and a logical numbering system for all clauses.
Cross-referencing within the specification is kept to a minimum, because of
possible future changes or project-based modifications.
Where unavoidable, clause names rather than numbers are used for cross
referencing. Keep matters of contract, tender and administration separate from the
technical sections of the specification, except for specific instructions on quality, or
for instructing/informing others (such as a sub-contractor); for example the
obtaining of samples, tests and certification, the setting of standards of
performance, requirements to provide guarantees, warranties, as-built, or
maintenance information. This approach allows the technical sections to be more
readily used with any chosen method of pricing, administration or contract. It also
adds certainty for the contractor and/or project manager when attempting to locate
all relevant contract, pricing or administrative requirements.
Dont specify for failure, such as specifying repairs following damage. That is for
the conditions of contract to resolve.
Dont address individual matters to the contractor. The whole document is
addressed to that one person or entity.
The principle qualifications needed are:

Familiarity with the project, including the design philosophy

Expertise in editorial, technical and contractual matters
Willingness and availability.
Some specifiers may prefer to prepare a manual draft, but this significantly
increases the final checking process. Where a manual approach is used, always
print draft sections directly off the current electronic files to ensure that the latest
edition is being used as a base.
The precedence of figured to scale dimensions
Trade divisions versus specification sections
The precedence between specifications, drawings and other documents (Note:
precedence between documents is also addressed in some standard conditions of
contract)
Manufacturers requirements/specifications/instructions/details.
The use of capital letters as against lower case letters for descriptors (e.g.
architect, owner, contractor, acceptable solution, building consent, etc.). While
some publications capitalize such descriptors to signify that they are a defined
term, this is not grammatically correct and the Master spec text follows the rule of
when in doubt use a lower case initial letter. Title case, where the first letter of
each word in the title of a book or other publication, is also avoided.
Purpose
A project specification (along with the project drawings) has at least ten different
purposes:
As a briefing document and a record of decisions made.

As a design record.
A demonstration of statutory compliance.
A cost planning tool.
A tendering document.
A contract document.
A project management aid.

An on-site manual.
As evidence in disputes.
A resource for facilities management and building maintenance.
While all functions are important, the contractual function is the most critical. If the
specification is to act as a legal safety-net for both you and your clients. It must be
accurate. It must not contradict itself or other related documents (drawings, schedules,
other consultants documents, standards and codes of practice, the Building Code
acceptable solutions). It must avoid factual or technical errors. It also must be project-
specific, if it is to be any use in illustrating compliance with the Building Code.
Writing project specifications
It has been said that designers pretend to write specifications and contractors pretend to
read them. There is a strong note of truth in this statement; the principal reasons being
an undervaluing of the important role of specifications in the design and construction
process and the consequently dysfunctional nature of many project specifications.
Consider the physical appearance of your current project specification. It should look
professional, have a robust cover, be securely bound together, but open easily at any
page. Black type on white paper is preferred, with a typeface of at least 10 point size.
Serif lettering is still recognized by many people as being the most legible (check any
newspaper, novel, or text book) but you may personally favor another typeface.
Making it easy
A specification that is easy to navigate is more likely to be read, used and understood.
The simple, repetitive layout of all Master spec specification systems makes this as easy
and straightforward as possible. The addition of a proper itemized Table of contents, not
just a list of Contents is readily produced using normal word processing functions and
would assist users to find the information they seek. The addition of a subject index, which
tells the reader where sealants are listed, or information on flashings, would add further
value. These subjects are not always logically or consistently located, or they can be

located in more than one work section and the inclusion of a subject finder would
overcome this. Make your specification more professional by making it easier to use.
Specifying methods
The introduction of the performance-based Building Acts provided a timely illustration of

how a desired end result can be specified rather than the means of achieving it.
Specifying by performance
Products such as aluminum windows, demountable partitions, suspended ceilings, some

mechanical services, ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete products, are all
specified quite satisfactorily by reference to performance requirements, published
technical data, or to certain tested and proven capabilities. This trend is certain to
increase.
Specifying by sample
Specifying by reference to a sample offers a relatively simple way to ensure a desired

quality standard is met. This is particularly useful in determining the standard of naturally
sourced materials such as quarried stone. Alternately a proprietary product of known
quality perhaps a particular window section or balustrade design can be used as a
benchmark for contractors to match or surpass.
The prescriptive approach
The prescriptive (or by prescription) approach is where the means to an end are set out
and defined in detail. This detailed information is set out under three main headings:
GENERAL, PRODUCTS and EXECUTION; with a fourth SELECTIONS used when
appropriate. Different approaches used when specifying by prescription are:
Descriptive (spelling out in detail what is wanted)

Reference (specifying to a code, standard or other recognized document)
Brand name (nominating a particular brand, range of acceptable brands, or a
specific product).

Brand name
While specifying by brand name is the most precise, it can also be restrictive and removes
the opportunity for competitive purchasing. Manufacturers warranties are another
potential advantage with brand specifying.
Reference
Specifying by reference to standards or codes of practice can be problematic. The

wording of some standards is often not definitive enough for contractors to price
accurately. Or the standards requirements might clash with those of the contract.
Standards often recommend rather than require, while levels of quality are generally set
at minimum rather than optimum levels. They may also ignore any special aesthetic
requirements or specific climatic conditions. Reference specifying is best used for defining
associated requirements (tests, qualifications, etc.) and for describing specific material or
product selections, rather than for describing the actual construction or installation
process.
Classification and coding
Common Arrangement of Work Sections the classification system used by the UK

National Building Specification. CBI is also compatible with the overarching UK
classification system Uniclass (Unified Classification for the Construction Industry) with
the CBI headings replacing the CAWS headings used in Table J. Work section codes
Work sections are identified by a 4-digit numeric code.
The first digit signifies the class:
1. General
2. Site
3. Structure
4. Enclosure
5. Interior
6. Finish

7. Services
8. External
The remaining three digits define each work section within the overall class designation.
For example: 1. 2 211 Removing vegetation 2. 2 221 Excavation 3. 2 222 Backfilling 4. 2

223 Removing subsurface constructions etc.
General sections
Associated with but not forming part of CBI is a standard format for General issues. This
is presented on two levels, the first comprising:
1. The project
2. Documentation
3. Establishment
4. Temporary works and services
5. Project management
6. Construction
Under each of these numbered headings are a series of sub-headings, designed to place
relevant data in the same order and location each time. This initially acts as a check-list
for inclusion of all relevant issues and later offers users of the project specification a
greater degree of certainty in locating required information. For example: 1. The project
Description of work Personnel Site description Site features and restrictions While the
first level is individually numbered (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) the second level names are listed as
signposts only, with the legal decimal numbering continuing on with only one decimal
point.
Section format
A major concern for users of specifications (contractors, territorial authorities,

subcontractors and suppliers) is first discovering details of a particular requirement or
supply item, and then being confident that all aspects have been found. To complete a
particular building element. The format uses the internationally-recognized terms:

GENERAL
PRODUCTS
EXECUTION and
SELECTIONS.
Approaches to specifying
Different approaches to specifying can be employed within a single master specification

system:
The subtractive approach
Where the specifier deletes what doesnt apply, using a series of standard work sections.
This approach is particularly suited to preparing specifications based on a requirement to
comply, or to confirm compliance with, a prescriptive code or universal standard. Even
under New Zealands performance-based approach to building controls, project
specifications will still contain a strong prescriptive element. Most projects will also require
the addition of project-specific data and/or instruction, making a purely subtractive
approach unworkable.
The additive approach
Where selections are made from a library of standard clauses, with the specifier adding
project clauses and selections. The additive approach allows the specifier to mix and
match clauses from the total specification database to accurately reflect the project in
hand. Being able to add project-specific selections and project-based descriptive clauses,
enhances the ability of a specifier to produce a truly customized specification.
Recommended approach
Specification systems, particularly while they are presented as a series of individual word
processing files are generally customized using a mixture of subtractive and additive

techniques. While a truly additive system may seem to offer advantages in terms of
producing a truly customized end product with minimum effort, this is unlikely to be
practical unless or until a change is made to a database specification system. Currently
this change is not favored by specifiers, due to the perceived need to learn and retain
new computer skills.
Principles of specification writing
Specifications define the quality of any construction work. Therefore, specifications

should be clear. Language for specifications should be such that no chance of ambiguity
lefts. Specifications are the important part of contract and it has legal value. In case of
any dispute, one can even consult with court. Most of disputes occur, only because of
not properly explained specifications. Therefore, following principles of specifications
should be considered while writing that prevent conflict and ambiguities.
1. Description of Material
It is very important to write in detail about the construction material. Type and size of
construction material should be clearly mentioned. Besides this, ingredient ratio and
mixing method of concrete and mortar should also be clearly defined. If treatment of any
material required before use, then it should be mentioned in specifications.
2. Workmanship
Workmanship covers the method of construction, inspection of work, surface preparation,
surface compaction and curing. Procedure of every single item should be mentioned in
detail.
3. Tools and Plants

Different equipment, tools and plants required during construction should be clearly
mentioned in specifications. Arrangement of machinery before construction is only
possible, if it is mentioned in specifications. It should also be mentioned that either
Contractor has to arrange on its own or client will arrange equipment for the Contractor.
4. New Work Protection

It should be clearly mentioned that how new work will be protected from rain water,
temperature, freezing and other atmospheric changes. New work includes excavation,
brick masonry, concrete pouring, plaster etc.
5. Expression
Expressions should be very clear. Specifications have legal value, therefore sentences
should be short and complete. For conveying complex information, short sentences
should be used. It break up information into smaller and easier to process units. Long
complicated sentences can confuse reader and doubtful the main point. Every single
paragraph should only be limited to only one issue.
Vocabulary should be such that it not creates a dual meaning. It should be such that every
reader grasps the same meaning. Language, format and usage should be consistent.
Beside this, specifications must also be consistently enforced. Specifications only remain
effective, if it is consistently enforced. Without it even well written specifications become
ineffective.
6. Clauses of Specifications
Clauses of specifications should be written in ascending order, in short follow the
construction schedule. First thing come first. For Example: Clauses related to excavation
should come before foundation or footing related clauses.

Unit II - Specification Writing
Brief Specification for
1st Class Buildings
Foundation and plinth- Foundation and plinth shall be first class brick work in lime
mortar or 1:6 cement mortar over lime concrete or 1:4:8 cement concrete.
Dam proof course- D.P.C shall be 2.5 cm(1) thick cement concrete 1:1 :3 mixed with
one kg of Impermo per bag of cement or other standard water proofing materials as
specified and painted with two coat of bitumen.
Superstructure- Superstructure shall be of first class brick work lime mortar or 1:6
cement mortar. Lintels over doors and windows shall be of R.C.C.
Roofing- Roof shall be of R.C.C. slab with an insulation layer and lime concrete terracing
above, supported over R.S.Joist or R.C.C. beam as required. Height of rooms shall not
be less than 3.7m (12 feet).
Flooring- Drawing room and dining room floors shall be mosaic (terrazzo). Bathroom and
W.C. floor and dado shall be of mosaic (terrazzo). Floors of bedroom shall be colored and
polished of 2.5cm (1) cement concrete over 7.5cm (3) lime concrete. Floors of other
shall be of 2.5cm (1) cement concrete over 7.5cm (3) lime concrete polished.
Finishing- Inside and outside wall shall be of 12mm (1/2) cement lime plastered 1:1:6.
Drawing, dining, and bedrooms-inside shall distempered and others-inside white washed
3 coasts. Outside shall be colored snowcem washed two coats over one of white wash.
Doors and windows- Chaukhats shall be seasoned teak wood. Shuttering shall be teak
wood 4.3cm (1 ) thick paneled and partly glazed as required, with additional wire gauge
shutter. All fitting shall be of brass. Doors and windows shall be varnished or painted two
coats with high class enamel paints over one coat of priming. Windows shall be provided
with iron grating or grills.

Miscellaneous- Rain water pipes of cast iron or of asbestos cement shall be provided
and finished painted. Building shall be provided with 1st class Sanitary and Water fittings
and Electrical installations. 1 meter wide 7.5cm thick C.C. 1:3:3 apron shall be provided
all-round the building.
Glass Reinforced Gypsum. GRG can be cast into a multitude of finishes, textures and
shapes. It is one of the most cost effective materials and is non-combustible material with
a zero flame/zero smoke rating designed for interior use only.
Fiberglass Reinforced Polymers. FRP has been used for over 35 years. Due to its
molded shape potential allows an architect unlimited design capabilities.
Commercial building materials of today are shaping the skylines of every major city in the
world.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete or cement depending on where you live. GRFC
concrete is an engineered material that contains cement, polymers, and glass fibers that
are ingrained in the Cementous matrix.
Polyurethane also known as Urethane
2nd Class Buildings
General Building specification of a Second Class Building is as below:-
Foundation and plinth- Foundation and plinth shall be of 1st class brick work with lime
mortar over lime concrete.
Damp proof course- D.P.C. shall be of 2cm () thick cement concrete 1:2 mixed with
1 kg of Impermo per bag of cement or other standard water proofing materials.
Superstructure- Superstructure shall be of 2nd class brickwork in lime mortar. Lintels

over doors and windows shall be of R.B.

Roofing- Roofing shall be of R.B. slab with7. Cm lime concrete terracing above (or flat
terraced roof supported over wooden battens and beams, or Jack arch roof). Verandah
roof may be of A.C. sheet.
Flooring- Floors shall be 2.5cm (1) cement concrete over 7.5cm (3) L.C. verandah
floor shall be of brick tile or flag stone over lime concrete, finished cement painted.
Finishing- Inside and outside wall shall be of 12mm cement mortar plastered 1:6.
Ceiling shall be cement plastered 1:3. Inside shell be white washed 3 coats, colored
wash two coats 0ver one coat of white wash.
Doors and windows- Chaukhat shall be of R.C.C. or well seasonal sal wood, shutter of
shisham wood or deodar wood 4cm (1 ) thick, paneled, glazed or partly paneled and
partly glazed as required, fitted with iron fitting fittings. Doors and windows shall be
painted two coats over one coat of priming.
Miscellaneous- Rain water pipe shall be of cast iron finished painted. Electrification,
sanitary and water fitting may be provided if required.
3rd Class Buildings
Foundation and plinth- Foundation and plinth shall be 2nd class brickwork in lime
mortar over lime concrete. Damp proof course shall be 2cm thick cement mortar
1:2 mixed with standard water proofing compound.
Superstructure- Superstructure shall be of second class brickwork in mud mortar.

Doors and windows opening shall be provided with arches of 2nd class brickwork in lime
mortar or with wooden planks.
Roofing- Roofing shall be of mud over tile or bricks or planks over wooden beam or of
tile or G.I. sheet or A.C. sheet sloping roof.
Flooring- Flooring shall be of brick-on-edge floor over well rammed earth.

Finishing- inside and outside walls shall be plastered with lime mortar and white wash
three coats.
Doors and windows- Chaukhat shall be of salwood and shutters of chir mango or other
country wood. Doors and windows shall be painted two coat with ordinary paint over one
coat of priming.
Detailed Specifications for Building Works

The Work shall be carried out according to these Specifications whether specifically
mentioned elsewhere or not. No extra in any form will be paid unless it is definitely stated
as an item in the Bill of Quantities.
Whenever the Specifications are not given or when the Specifications are ambiguous, the
relevant Indian Standards and further amendments will be considered as final and
binding.
The Work shall be carried on till it is completed satisfactorily along with the completion of
other essential services. There shall be further cooperation in respect of any facility
required by them e.g. making holes in shuttering for sanitary, pipes, electric conduits, fan
hook etc. However, no extra payment shall be admissible for such reasonable assistance
and facilities afforded to and shall be deemed to have taken these factors into
consideration.
The Work shall be related to the drawings which is presumed to have studied. Nothing
extra will be paid for any item because of its shape, location or other difficult
circumstances, even if the schedule makes no distinction, as long as the item is shown in
the drawings.
The sources of materials stated in the Specifications are those from which materials are
generally available. However, materials not conforming to Specifications shall be rejected
even if they come from the stated sources.
The requirements of Specifications shall be fulfilled without extra charges i.e. the item
rates quoted shall be deemed to have taken these Specifications into account.

Definitions General:
Acceptable/Approved (Approval) - Acceptable to/approved.
Agreed - Agreed in writing.
As detailed - As detailed on the drawings.
Authorized/ordered/rejected - Authorized/ordered/rejected.
Designated - Shown on the drawings or otherwise specified,

in relation to an item scheduled in the bid documents,
descriptive of an item to be priced by a bidder.
Indicated - Indicated in or reasonably to be inferred from

the contract, or indicated.
Instructed/directed/permitted -Instructed/directed/ permitted.
Satisfactory - Capable of fulfilling or having fulfilled the

intended function.
Service - Any pipeline, cable, duct etc. for conveying or

transmitting any fluid or other matter.
Submitted - Submitted with the tender or submitted to the

Engineer, as appropriate.
Deviation - The difference between the actual (i.e.,

measured) size or position and the specified size or
position.
Permissible deviation - The specified limit(s) of deviation.
Tolerance - The range between the limits within which a

size or position must lie.
Bill/schedule - The bill/schedule of quantities.

Billed/scheduled rate - The unit rate or price entered in the bill/schedule at which the
Contractor undertakes to execute the particular work or to provide the required material,
article or service, or to do any or all of these things, as set out in the item concerned.
Fixed charge - A charge for work that is executed without reference to time.
Method-related charge - The sum for an item inserted in the bill when tendering, to cover
items of work relating to his intended method of executing the Works.
Time-related charge - A charge for work the cost of which, to the Employer, is varied in
proportion to the length of time taken to execute the particular item scheduled.
Value-related charge - A charge that is directly proportional to the value of the contract.
Safety Measures - The Contractor shall be responsible for safety of all workmen and
other persons entering the Works and shall at his own expense
Such measures shall include but not be limited to:
Provision of safety and emergency regulations for fire, gas, and electric shock
prevention, together with rescue operation plan
Safe control of flowing water
Provision and maintenance of suitable lighting to provide adequate illumination at
place of work with appropriate spares and standby unit
Provision and maintenance of safe, sound slings, pulleys, ropes, and other lifting
device
Provision of safe access to any part of the works.
Provision of notices in local dialect temporarily or permanently during construction
at locations likely to be used by the public.
Placement of such notices shall depend on the existence of the nature of work in the
vicinity.

Notice Boards - Notice boards (1.2 m x 1.8 m) at the site giving details of the Contract.
These boards shall be erected within 14 days after given the Possession of Site. The
board shall be removed by the end of the Defects Liability Period.
Temporary Facilities: When the rehabilitation or replacement of existing public utilities

requires their temporary disconnection, the affected users should be provided with
temporary services in at least the same standard as the original services. For water supply
temporary lines may be installed or arrange for regular supply by tankers. When forced
to disconnect existing sewers temporary pipes of adequate size should be installed to
carry off sewage from any private sewer facilities cut off by construction work.
Connections to temporary pipes shall be made immediately upon cutting off the existing
facility. No sewage shall be allowed to flow from any severed facility upon the ground
surface or into trench excavation.
Protection of Adjoining Property - Control of movement of crews and equipment on

right-of-way including access routes approved so as to minimize damage to crops and
property and shall endeavor to avoid marring the lands. Ruts and scars shall be
obliterated and damage to land shall be corrected and the land shall be restored as
closely as possible to its original conditions before final taking-over of the Works.
Reinstatement upon Completion - Temporary facilities shall be provided, only for as

long as required after which he shall dismantle and remove the same from their place of
use as speedily as possible.
Measurement and Payment - Unless otherwise provided, no separate measurement

and/or payment shall be made for all materials and works required under this clause. All
costs in connection with the work specified herein shall be considered to be included with
other related items of the work in the BOQ All provision of temporary services shall be
covered by a provisional sum in the BOQ. These payments will be incorporated in the
interim certificates for payment.

Environmental Protection Works - The environment has been defined to mean

surrounding area including human and natural resources to be affected by execution and
after completion of works.
Borrow/Quarry Sites - All necessary measures shall be taken to prevent concentration

of surface water and to avoid erosion and scouring of slopes and other areas. Any newly
formed channels shall be backfilled. Erosion and/or instability and/or sediment deposition
arising from earthwork operations not in accordance with the Specifications shall be made
good immediately.
Such borrow pits and quarries may be prohibited or restricted in dimensions and depth
by the Engineer where:
(i) They might affect the stability or safety of the works or adjacent property;
(ii) They might interfere with natural or artificial drainage or irrigation;
(iii) They may be environmentally unsuitable. The Contractor shall not purchase or
receive any borrow materials from private individuals unless the source of such
materials has been approved by the Engineer. At least 14 days before he
intends to commence opening up any approved borrow pit or quarry, the
Contractor shall submit to the Engineer his intended method of working and
restoration.
These shall include but not be limited to:
Disposal of Spoil and Construction Waste - Materials in excess of the requirements

for permanent works and unsuitable materials shall be disposed off in locations and in the
manner as agreed. The locations of disposal sites shall be such as not to promote
instability, destruction of properties and public service systems. Exposed areas of such
disposal sites shall be suitably dressed and be planted with suitable vegetation.
Provision and Maintenance of Camps, Offices, Stores, Equipment Yards - Various

works defined under this item are related to provision and maintenance of camps for work
person and employees, site offices, stores equipment yards and workshops. These
camps must be adequate, rain-proof, spacious, airy and hygienic with proper lighting and

materials storage facilities. The area shall be kept neat and clean. Space allocated for
storage of materials such as cement, gabion wire, reinforcing wire etc. shall in general be
damp-free, rain-proof and away from petroleum products storage.
Provision and Maintenance of Toilets - Provision of toilets for labor and employees
shall be made to avoid public nuisance as well as pollution of water courses and air.
Construct suitable septic tanks and/or soak pits along with room of pit-type latrines.
Sufficient water must be provided and maintained in the toilets. Proper methods of
sanitation and hygiene should be employed during the whole project duration.
Provision of Potable Water - Supply potable water along with commencement of work
to staff and work person both at camps and construction-sites. This arrangement shall be
enforced to avoid proliferation and generation of various water borne diseases.
Provision of First Aid/Medical Facilities - Provision of first aid/medical facilities shall

be made along with commencement of work to provide quick medical service to
injured/sick work person, and employees. Services shall also include on the-way service
and other arrangements required for taking them to the nearest hospital in case of
emergency. The scope of work shall include service of at least one part-time experienced
health worker/health assistant with a minimum of once a week full time site visit as work
assignment.
Hazardous Materials - Shall not store hazardous materials near water surfaces. The
Contractor shall provide protective clothing or appliances when it is necessary to use
some hazardous substances. High concentration of airborne dust resulting in deposition
and damage to crops and water resources shall be avoided. Take every precaution to
control excessive noise resulting in disruption to wildlife and human population. Only
controlled explosives methods shall be applied and used in construction works.
Reinstatement of Environment - Arrange and execute works as well as related activities

in such a way that environmental conditions are reinstated. Required to carry out filling,
removal and disposal works along with plantation of grass and trees as directed by the
Engineer at his own costs at identified locations to reinstate environment. Written

instruction/approval shall be given by/sought regarding reinstatement of environment

both during and after completion of works and up to the end of Defects Liability Period.
As-Built Drawings - Such approved Working Drawings as have been selected by the
Engineer shall be correctly modified for inclusion in the As-Built Drawings incorporating
such variations to the Works as have been ordered and executed.
Notes about Measurement and Payment
Payment Unless specified in the contract, the contract unit rates and/or prices for items
as set out in the Bill of Quantities are the full and the final compensation for: Supply of all
materials necessary to complete the item as per relevant specifications;
Use of materials, labors, tools, equipment, machines and other resources as per
need;
All handling, packing charges and transportation;
Cost of supervision, quality assurance, temporary and ancillary works;
Site commissioning;
Maintenance and making good;
All duties and obligations as set out in the contract
General works such as setting out, clearance of site before setting out and after
completion of works
Preparation of detailed work program
Providing samples of various materials proposed to be used
Detailed Design and Drawing of temporary works
Testing of materials
Other details as required by the contract
Cost of all operations like storing, erection, moving into final position, etc.
necessary to complete and protect the work till handing over to the Employer;
Cost for safeguarding the environment

All incidental costs, not covered under above stated. Where the Bill of Quantities
does not include the items mentioned in this Section, no separate payment shall be made
for such works.
National Specifications - Certain Specifications issued by various national or other

widely recognized bodies are referred to in these Specifications. Such Specifications shall
be defined and referred to as National Specifications. Propose that the materials and
workmanship be defined in accordance with the requirements of other equivalent National
Specifications and he may execute the works in accordance with such National
Specifications.
Equivalency of Standards - Wherever reference is made in these Specifications to

specific standards and codes to be met by the materials, plant, and other supplies to be
furnished, and work to be performed or tested, the provisions of latest current edition or
revision of relevant standards and codes in effect shall apply.
Units of Measurement, Abbreviations and Terminology:
Units of Measurement - The Symbols for units of measurement are used in these
Specifications as they are given below.
M micron = m x 10-6
mm millimeter
m meter
km kilometer
sq. mm. or mm2 square millimeter
sq. or m2 square meter
sq. km. or km2 square kilometer
Other units, if not covered above, shall be as per SI system set out in ISO 31/1.
Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used in these Specifications.
ACV - Aggregate Crushing Value

BOQ - Bill of Quantities

CR - Crushing Ratio
dia - Diameter
hr - Hour
LS - Linear Shrinkage
MC - Moisture Content
MDD - Maximum Dry Density
min - Minute
no -Number (units),
Program - Provide all information needed for fulfillment of the program and required in
accordance with the Conditions of Contract including the sequence in which he intends
to work including implementation of quality assurance plan.
Earthwork Excavation
Classification of Soil
All materials to be excavated shall be classified into one of the classes listed below.
Soft/Loose/Hard/Dense Soil and Mud Generally any soil which yields to the application of
pick and shovel or to phawra, rake or other ordinary digging equipment such as vegetable
or organic soil, turf, gravel, sand, silt, loam, clay, peat, cobble stone, mud etc. It shall
include embedded rock boulders of size less than 1 meter in any dimension & not more
than 200 mm in any of the other two dimensions.
Soft/Disintegrated/Weathered Rock (Not Requiring Blasting) Rock or boulder which may

be quarried or split with crowbar. This will also include murrum laterite and hard
conglomerate. For this type of soil the core sample recovery is less than or equal to 0.50.
This shall also include rock boulder not bigger than 1 meter in any dimension & not more
than 500 mm in anyone of other 2 dimension.
Hard Rock (Requiring Blasting) The type of strata which cannot be excavated with pick-
axes, crowbars etc. Any rock or boulder for the excavation of which blasting is required.
For this type of soil the core sample recovery is more than 0.50.

Hard Rock (Requiring Controlled Blasting) Due to any reason if general blasting is
prohibited, for rock excavation, controlled blasting shall be used. The core sample
recover is more than 0.5.
Hard Rock (Blasting Prohibited) Hard rock requiring blasting as described above, but
where blasting is prohibited for any reason(s), breaking up of rock shall be done by
chiseling, wedging or by using Hydraulic Splitter and chemical substances mixed in an
appropriate proportion. The core sample recovery is more than 0.5
Backfilling Material
Backfilling material shall be as approved.
Backfilling of excavation in trenches, foundations and elsewhere shall consist of one of

the following materials as shown on drawing. In case (i) or (ii) are not available, use of
any of the following: ii) Stone/gravel iv) Sand v) CNS material may be approved. The
material shall be free from rubbish, roots, hard lumps and any other foreign organic
material. The compaction of filling shall be carried out as specified in drawings or as
directed by engineer in charge.
All operations for structural fill & backfill which will support footings & slabs shall be
conducted in the dry with suitable on - site taken from excavated stock piles designated
for such use.
Preparation of Area
Prior to the commencement of earthwork operations, areas to be excavated, or on which

embankment is to be placed, shall be cleared, grubled and scalped as required.
Earthwork shall not start until an area has been prepared which is suitable to allow
efficient and uninterrupted progress.
Carry out the survey of the site before excavation and set properly all lines and establish
levels.
Before excavation work begins the Contractor shall check all underground utilities such
as electrical cables, pipelines, tanks etc.

Do not remove any tree without the prior permission. Adjacent tree/shrubs subject to
possible damage shall be properly marked and/or protected during construction.
Provide and maintain barricades, guard rails, fences and other protective devices
necessary for prevention of injury to persons/property around all work areas and at other
locations where such potential hazard exists.
Preserve all Bench marks, Boundary and reference pillars.
Weather Limitations
During the periods when weather conditions are such or have previously been such, as
to preclude satisfactory execution of the work, earthwork operations shall be suspended
or shall be limited to those activities which can be successfully executed under prevailing
conditions. For this purpose excavation can be carried out in such area or depth where
concrete will be poured immediately after the excavation has been completed. The
Contractor may cover the bottom of excavation with suitable material to keep off the
frost/rain from affecting the exposed earth surface. The material for this purpose shall be
furnished by the Contractor and removed by him immediately before pouring concrete at
his cost.
Preservation of Property, Antiques and Relics
Excavating operation shall be conducted in such a manner that all properties, facilities,
utilities and improvements on or near the project site, which are to remain in place, are
not damaged.
All gold, silver, oil minerals, archaeological and other findings of importance, precious
stones, coins, treasures, relics, antiquities and other similar things which may be found in
or upon the site shall be the property of the Owner and shall duly preserve the same and
from time to time deliver the same to such person or persons as Owner may from time to
time authorities or appoint to receive the same.
Where circumstances require so the Contractor shall furnish and install sheet-piling,
cribbing, bulkheads, shores, bracing or other means as may be necessary to adequately
support materials carrying such items or to support the items themselves and shall

maintain such supports until they are no longer needed, at which time they shall be
removed and disposed of.
Drainage
Suitable precautions may be taken to prevent ingress of water into the excavated areas
during construction. Ensure positive drainage at all time or all areas affected by the work.
Setting Out
The Contractor shall be responsible for the true and proper setting out of the work in
relation to original points, lines and levels of reference and for the correctness of the
levels, dimensions and alignment of all parts of the work. If at any time during progress
of the work any error appears or arises in the position of level, dimension, or alignment of
part of the work, the Contractor at his own expense shall rectify such errors to the
satisfaction.
The Contractor shall lay out, and construct one or more permanent bench marks in some
central place before the start of the work, from which all important levels for the
excavations will be set. The Contractor shall provide all material & labor for establishing
permanent benchmark at his own cost. These permanent bench marks shall consist of
masonry pillars with top neatly plastered and levelled as per the directions. These
permanent benchmarks shall be properly founded to ensure no settlements. Bench marks
shall be well connected with triangular grid system or any other bench mark.
Earthwork in Excavation
Excavation shall be carried out in any material met on the site to the lines, levels
and contours shown on the detailed drawings and the Contractor shall remove all
excavated materials to spoil heaps on site or transport for use in filling on the site
or stack them for reuse as directed:
Excavated material shall not be deposited within 1.5m from the top edge of the
excavation.
The sides of the excavation may be cut sloping, or shored and strutted to hold the
face of earth as per site requirements and as directed.

Foundation pits/trenches shall not be excavated to the full depth unless

construction is imminent. The last fifteen (15) cm depth of the excavation shall not
be done until concreting work is imminent.
If the bottom of any excavation has been left exposed by and that has become
badly affected by the atmosphere or by water, then the Contractor shall remove
such portions of the deteriorated material and shall make good with lean concrete
1:4:8 mix (1 Cement: 4 Coarse Sand: 8 Crushed Stone Aggregate). All expenses
for such additional concrete and excavation shall be borne by the Contractor.
Any obstacle encountered during excavation shall be reported immediately to the
in-Charge and shall be dealt with as instructed by him. Removal of buried pipes or
cables shall not be done without prior permission and the Contractor shall provide
all measures to protect the same. Cost of such protective measures is deemed to
be included in the rates for various items of excavation.
The Contractor shall not undertake any concreting in foundation until the
excavation pit/trench is approved.
The specification for earth work shall also apply to excavation in rock in general.
Payment
Payment for earthwork in excavation shall be made on cubic meter (m3) basis on the
measurement of volume of pit / trench of excavation with working space as per relevant
Indian Standard (IS: 1200) and slopes / stepping as permitted. The rate shall include cost
of all the operations of blasting with explosives & accessories, making of all arrangements
for dewatering the accumulated water from any source in the excavated pit or trench,
removal and disposal of surplus excavated soil within a lead of 100m from construction
areas. The rate shall also include setting out and line out work required for the excavation.
The following works shall not be measured separately and allowance for the same shall
be deemed to have been made in the description of main item:
a) Setting out works, profiles, etc.
b) Site clearance, such as cleaning grass and vegetation;
c) Unauthorized battering or benching of excavation;

d) Forming (or leaving) dead men or tell-tales in borrow pits and their removal after
measurements;
e) Forming (or leaving) steps in sides of deep excavation and their removal after
measurements;
f) Excavation for insertion of planking and strutting;
g) Unless otherwise specified, removing slips or falls in excavations;
h) Baling out or pumping of water in excavation from rains;
I) Baling out or pumping of water in excavation from sub-soil water, and
j) Slinging or supporting pipes, electric cables, etc., met during excavation.
Special pumping other than what is included above (h and i) and well point dewatering
where resorted to, shall each be measured separately, unless otherwise stated, in
kiloliters of water against separate specific provision(s) made for the purpose.
Excavation of Rock
Blasting for rock excavation shall be carried out by persons skilled in such work and only
with prior approval. It shall be performed in strict accordance with the requirements of
Explosives Rules 1940, Indian Explosive act 1844 and other local and Governmental
laws. The Contractor shall remain totally responsible for any accident arising out of
blasting operations or driving storage and transport of blasting materials.
Excavations in rock shall be cut as close as practical to the lines required for the
installation of the full thickness of floors, footings and trenches or as indicated on the
construction drawings.
Blasting
Storing and Transport Explosives shall be stored in clean, dry, well ventilated magazines
to be built for the purpose by the CONTRACTOR at his own cost. Fuses and detonators
shall be stored in separate magazines, detonators and explosives shall be transported
separately to the blasting site.

Preparation of Blasting Explosives shall be kept dry and away from the direct rays of the
sun, naked lights, steam pipes or heated metal etc. Only the quantity of explosives
required for a particular amount of firing to be done shall be brought to the site of work.
All surplus explosive left after filling the holes shall be removed at least 600 m from the
firing point. A wooden stemming rod shall be used to push the cartridge into the shot-
hole. Metal rod or rammer shall not be permitted on the site of the work. The charge shall
be pressed firmly into the place and not rammed or pounded. The explosive shall be fired
by means of an electric detonator placed inside a cartridge and connected to the firing
cable. Due precautions shall be taken to keep the firing circuit insulated from the ground,
bare wires, rails, pipes or any other path of stray currents and to keep the lead wires short
circuited until ready to fire.
Drilling Rock for blasting the holes for charging explosives shall be drilled with pneumatic
drills, the drilling pattern being so planned that rock pieces after blasting shall be suitable
for handling without any secondary blasting. The rock pieces so blasted shall be neatly
stacked at allotted places.
Blasting Operations Before any blasting is carried out it shall be ensured that all workmen,
vehicles and equipment on the site are cleared from an area of 300 meters radius from
the firing point at least 15 minutes before the firing time by sounding a warning siren. The
area shall be encircles by red flags. All operations shall be carried out by competent and
experienced licensed supervisors. The firing shall be conducted by a supervisor and the
number of shorts fired at one time shall not exceed the permissible limits. In case of
misfires, the unexploded charged shall be carefully located after half an hour and shall be
exploded by drilling a fresh hole alongside of the misfired hole (but not nearer than 600
mm from it) and by exploding a new charge. The workmen shall not return to the site of
firing until at least half an hour after firing.
Controlled Blasting
When blasting is conducted in the neighborhood of roads, structures, building or any

place which requires controlled blasting, only shallow shot holes shall be drilled. The
holes shall be filled with a light charge on explosive and the blast controlled by placing
steel plates loaded with gunny bags filled with sand or earth over the hole and covering

them with wire net fixed to the ground, so as to ensure that the blasted material do not
scatter. In such cases short delay detonators shall be used for blasting purpose. In areas
where blasting is not permissible due to close proximity of sensitive structures/
installations, excavation by chiseling shall be carried out by the contractor.
Blasting shall be carried out only with prior approval. Contractor shall strictly adhere to
the provisions of the Explosives Rules 1940, Indian Explosives Act 1844 and other local
and governmental laws and shall remain totally responsible for any accident out of
blasting operations or during storage and transport or blasting materials.
Shoring and Strutting
The Contractor shall provide timbering, sheet pilling, bracing, anchoring and other
supports as may be necessary to protect the excavated slopes, adjacent paving,
structures, utilities and to prevent personnel injuries and property damage.
Braced sheet piling shall be provided where deemed necessary. Shoring shall be
installed so as not to interfere with the proper placement and compaction of back
fill.
Shoring of excavation shall be removed only when excavation is safe from cave-
in and as back filling progresses.
Back Filling around Foundations and In Plinth
Back filling around completed foundations, structures, trenches and in plinth shall be done
to the lines and levels shown on the drawings including any trimming of the surfaces, as
may be necessary. This shall be done with selected and approved earth from excavation
or otherwise with materials described as above. Where sufficient suitable material is not
available from the excavation, may import suitable earth from other sources. The filling
shall be done in layers of thickness not exceeding 15 cm with watering, rolling and
ramming by manual methods/ mechanical compactors to grade and level as shown on
drawings to obtain 90% laboratory maximum dry density.
The Contractor shall not commence filling in and around any work until it has been
permitted.

Backfilling around liquid retaining structures and pipes shall be done only after approval
of the Engineer-in- Charge is obtained.
Payment
Payment for backfilling with earth shall be based on volume in cubic meters (m3) of
consolidated fill. This volume shall be derived from the difference between the volume of
excavation and the structure or trenches as the case may be. The rate shall include cost
of extracting suitable approved earth from available excavated soil from spoil heaps within
a lead of 100m, placing, watering, rolling, ramming compacting in layers, trimming and
dressing finished surface and disposal of surplus material up to a lead of 100 m. However,
backfilling done with material other than earth shall be paid separately under relevant
items.
Quality Control of Fill Prior to carrying out filling the Contractor shall carry out sufficient
laboratory moisture - density tests to evaluate compaction. From these tests, the
maximum dry density and optimum moisture content for the approved fill material shall
be determined.
Transportation of Surplus Earth / Soil
Surplus earth and soil from excavation shall be removed from construction area to the
area demarcated.
Clean - Up
At the conclusion of all fill and back fill operations, the Contractor shall clear away from
the job site as well as from private and public roads, ditches and surrounding areas, all
rubbish and construction materials and all Contractors tools, equipment and other
properly, before the work is finally accepted.
CONCRETE WORK
Plain Cement Concrete

Scope of work
Verifying levels and dimension

Ramming the earth surface
Placing the concrete.
Ramming and finishing the concrete surface
Excavation levels and dimensions to be checked as per drawings. Remove all the
loose earth from the pits. Do water sprinkling and ramming the cleaned surface of
pit by mechanical rammer. Do the shuttering by planks and runners wherever if
necessary. Mix the concrete with required proportion and water cement ratio by
mechanical mixer machine and place the same in to pits. Poured surface to be
rammed and finished smoothly
GENERAL SPECIFICATION
In plain cement concrete coarse aggregate should be hard durable and free
from impurities.
Fine aggregate should contain sharp, angular grain.
Cement should be fresh Portland cement.
Mixing should be done by hand mixing or by machine mixing.
Laying and compaction should be done before setting of concrete i.e. within 30
min.
Curing should be done for minimum 14 days.
DETAIL SPECIFICATION
MATERIALS
Coarse aggregate:
Coarse aggregate shall be clean hard and durable crushed rock, crushed gravel or natural
gravel corresponding to the following classes:
Aggregates shall comply with the requirements of IS 383.

It shall be crushed or broken from hard stone from the approved quarry.

It shall be hard, strong, dense and durable, clean and free from soft friable, thin,
flat, elongated or laminated, flaky pieces and shall be roughly cubical in shape.
It shall be clean and free from dirt and any other foreign matter.
Coarse aggregate may be graveled, may either be river bed shingle or pit graveled.
It shall be sound, hard, clean suitably graded in size.
This shall be free from flat particles of shale, powdered clay, slate, loam and other
impurities.
Gravel shall have to be washed if it contains soil materials adhering to it.
Unless specially mentioned the size of the coarse aggregate shall be 20 mm

graded down and shall be retained in 5mm square mesh so that the voids do not
exceed 42%.
Class A: Aggregate shall consist of crushed igneous or quartzite rock from an

approved source.
Class B: Aggregate shall consist of crushed quarry rock other than Class A
from an approved source.
Class C: Aggregate shall consist of natural or partly crushed gravel, pebbles
obtained from an approved gravel deposit. It may contain a quantity of material
obtained from crushing the oversize stone in the deposit provided such material is
uniformly mixed with the natural uncrushed particles.
Class D: Aggregate shall consist entirely of crushed gravel. The crushed gravel
shall be produced from material retained on a standard sieve having an opening
at least twice as large as the maximum size of aggregate particle specified.
Class E: Aggregate shall consist of an artificial mixture of any of the above
classes of aggregate the. The use of Class E aggregate and the relative
proportions of the constituent materials shall be approved by the Engineer. Coarse
aggregate shall be supplied in the nominal size called for in the contract and shall
be of the grading as single sized aggregate or graded aggregate of nominal size
40 mm, 20 mm, 12.5 mm and 10 mm in accordance with IS 383.

Fine aggregate:
Aggregate most of which passes 4.75mm IS sieve is known as fine

aggregate. Sand as fine aggregate shall be coarse, consisting of sharp,
angular grains and be of standard specification.
Crushed dust stone may also be used as fine aggregate.
Cement:
Cements shall be phrased as Portland cement and confirmed to the ISI

specification.
It should have required compressive and tensile strength and fineness.
Water:
Water used shall be clean and reasonably free from injurious quantities of
deleterious materials such as oils, acids, alkalis, salts and vegetable growth.
Generally potable water shall be used.
The pH value of the water should not be less than 6.
The maximum permissible limits for solids shall be as per IS 456:2000 Clause
5.4, Page No 15.
PROPORTION
Proportioning of cement, sand and coarse aggregate shall be 1:2:4 or as

specified.
Coarse aggregate and sand shall be measured by measuring box of

30cmx30cmx38cm of suitable size equivalent to one bag cement of 1/30 m 3or
0.035 m3.
Cement shall be measured by bag weighing 50kg.
Sand shall be measured on the basis of its dry volume.
While measuring the aggregate sacking, ramming or hammering shall not be

done.

If damp sand is used compensation shall be made by adding additional sand

to the extent required for the bulking of damp sand.
MIXING
Hand mixing:
Hand mixing by batches shall be permitted on small works.

The mixing shall be done on a clean water tight masonry or concrete slab or
steel plate platform.
Measured quantity of sand shall be sprayed evenly. The cement shall be
dumped on the sand and distributed evenly. The sand and cement shall be
mixed thoroughly with spade turning the mixture over and over again until its
even color throughout and free from streaks. The measured quantity of coarse
aggregate shall be sprayed out and the sand cement mixture shall be sprayed
on its top.
This shall be mixed at least three times by shoveling and turning over by twist
from center to side then back to the center and again to the sides.
A hollow shall be made in the middle of the mixed pile.
Three quarters of the total quantity of water required shall be added while the
material is turned in toward the center with spades.
The remaining water shall be added by water can fitted with rose head slowly
turning the whole mixtures over and over until a uniform color and consistency
is obtained throughout the pile.
Machine Mixing:
Measured quantity of dry coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and cement shall
be placed in the hopper respectively.
The dry materials shall be mixed in the mixing drum for at least four turns of the
drum after which correct quantity of water shall be added gradually while the
drum is in motion.

The total quantity of water for the mixing shall be introduced before 25% of the
mixing time has elapsed and shall be regulated to achieve the specific water
cement ratio.
The mixing shall be thorough to have a plastic mix of uniform color.
MIXING TIME:
The materials shall be mixed in a drum for a period of not less than 2 min and
until a uniform color and consistency obtained.
The time shall be counted from the moment all the materials have been put into
the drum.
CONSISTENCY
The quantity of water to be used for each mix of 50kg cement to give the
required consistency shall be as follows
Not more than 34 lit 1:3:6 mix

Not more than 30lit 1:2:4 mix
Not more than 27lit 1:1 :3 mix
Not more than 25lit 1:1:2 mix
The quantity of water shall be regulated by carrying out regular slump test
LAYING
The entire concrete used in the work shall be laid gently in layers not exceeding
15cm and shall be thoroughly vibrated by means of mechanical vibrators till a
dense concrete is obtained.
Hand compaction shall be done with the help of punning rods and tamping rods
and tamping with the wooden tampers so that concrete is thoroughly
compacted and completely walked into the corners of the form work.
The layers of concrete shall be so placed that the bottom layer does not finally
sit before the top layer is placed.
Compaction shall be completed before the initial setting starts that is within
thirty minutes of addition of water to the dry mixture.

PROTECTION AND CURING
Freshly laid concrete shall be protected from rain by suitable covering

After the concrete as begun to harden, that is about one to two hours after its
laying it shall be protected with moist gunny bags, sand or any other materials
against quick drying.
After 24hrs of lying of concrete the surface shall be cured by flooding with water
of about 25mm depth or by covering with weight absorbent materials .Curing
shall be done for a minimum period of 14 days.
FORMWORK
If centering and shuttering are required to be done for this work.

Delivery and Storage of Aggregates - Aggregates shall be delivered to site
in clean and suitable vehicles. Different type or sizes of aggregates shall not
be delivered in one vehicle. Each type or size of aggregate shall be stored in a
separate bin or compartment having a base such that the contamination of
aggregate is prevented. Dividing walls between bins shall be substantial and
continuous so that no mixing of types or sizes occurs.
Water for Concrete and Mortar - Water shall be clean and free from harmful
matter and shall comply with the requirements of IS 456. Brackish water
containing more than 1000 ppm chloride ion or 2000 ppm sulphate ion shall not
be used for mixing or curing concrete.
Plain Cement Concrete (PCC)
Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is a construction material generally used as a binding

materials and is composed of cement, (commonly Portland Cement) and other
cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate (generally a coarse
aggregate made of gravels or crushed rocks such as limestone or granite, plus a fine
aggregate such as sand), water, and chemical admixtures.

Specifications for Plain Cement Concrete (PCC)

Materials Specifications
Aggregate shall be of invert materials and should be clean, dense, hard, sound, durable,
non-absorbent and capable of developing good bond with mortar.
Coarse aggregate shall be of hard broken stone of granite or similar stone, free from
dust, dirt and other foreign matters. The stone ballast shall be of 20mm size and smaller.
All the coarse material should be retained in a 5mm square mesh and should be well
graded such that the voids do not exceed 42%.
Fine aggregate shall be of coarse sand consisting of hard, sharp and angular grains and
shall pass through a screen of 5mm square mesh. Sand shall be of standard
specifications, clean and free from dust, dirt and organic matter. Sea sand shall not be
used.
Cement shall be fresh Portland cement of standard ISI specifications and shall have
the required tensile and compressive stresses and fineness.
Water shall be clean and free from alkaline and acid matters and suitable for drinking
purposes.
Proportion Specifications
1:2:4 (cement: sand: stone ballast) by volume when specified. Minimum compressive
strength of concrete of 1:2:4 proportion shall be 140 kg/cm2 in 7 days.
Hand mixing
Mixing shall be done on masonry platform or sheet iron tray.
Machine mixing
Stone ballast, sand and cement shall be put into cement concrete mixer to have the
required proportions.

Slump
Regular slump test should be carried out to control the addition of water and to maintain
the required consistency. A slump of 7.5cm to 10cm may be allowed for building work.
Formwork
Formwork centering and shuttering shall be provided as required as per the standard
specification before laying concrete to confine to support or to keep the concrete in
position. The inner surface of shuttering shall be oiled to prevent concrete sticking to it.
Laying Technique
Concrete shall be laid gently (not thrown) in layers not exceeding 15cm and compacted
by pinning with rods and tamping with wooden tampers or with mechanical vibrating
machine until a dense concrete is obtained.
Curing Method
After about two hours of laying of concrete, when the concrete has begun to harden, it
shall be kept damp by covering with wet gunny bags or wet sand for 24 hours.
Reinforced Concrete
RCC Specifications
Shuttering shall be done using seasoned wooden boards of thickness not less than
30mm.
Surface contact with concrete shall be free from adhering grout, nails, splits and other
defects.
All the joints are perfectly closed and lined up.
The shuttering and framing is sufficiently braced.
Nowadays timber shuttering is replaced by steel plates.
All the props of approved sizes are supported on double wedges and when taken
out, these wedges are eased and not knocked out.
The entire framework is removed after 21 days of curing without any shocks or
vibrations.

All reinforcement bars conform IS specifications and are free from rust, grease oil
etc.
The steel grills are perfectly as per detailed specifications.
The covers to concrete are perfectly maintained as per code.
Bars of diameter beyond 25mm diameter are bent when red hot.
The materials proportion should be as per the specifications of the concrete.
Number of Cement bags required for a specific cement concrete ratios

For cement concrete of ratio 1:1:2(1 cement: 1sand/coarse sand: 2graded stone
aggregate) require 11no bags of 50kg.
For cement concrete of ratio 1:1.5:3 require 7.8no bags of 50kg.
For cement concrete of ratio 1:2:4 require 6 no bags of 50kg.
For cement concrete of ratio 1:3:6 require 4.25no bags of 50kg.
For cement concrete of ratio 1:4:8 require 3.2 no bags of 50kg.
Coursed Rubble Masonry

Masonry is affected by the use of low grade materials that is in case of stone masonry,
use of low grade stones, improperly cut stones, chipped off stones etc. The mortar mix
should follow a specific standard for the proper bonding between the joints of Course
Rubble Masonry. Therefore, specifications have to be given for the materials used, the
laying technique, Bond or through stones, Quoins and curing for the ultimate
strengthening of the final masonry work.
Specifications for Coursed Rubble Stone (CRS) Masonry

Material Specifications
Stone shall be hard, sound, and free from decay and weathering. Stones with porous
matter or with boulder skin shall be rejected. The size of stones shall not be less than
15cm in any direction.

Cement and sand for cement mortar or lime and surkhi for lime mortar shall be of standard
specification.
Laying Technique specified

All the stones shall be thoroughly wetted before laying. Every course of stone shall be
hammer dressed and laid truly horizontal and every vertical joint shall be truly vertical.
Faces shall be accurately squared and each face joint shall be dressed at right angles.
The face stones shall be laid in alternate headers and stretchers fashion. The masonry
shall be carried up regularly and true to plumb. The thickness of joints shall not exceed
12mm.
Bond or through stones

The stones going through in the walls shall be well distributed by arranging them in a
staggered fashion in successive courses. The intervals of through stones shall not be less
than 1.5m in each course. For walls up to 60cm thickness, a through stone shall extend
from one face of the wall to the other.
Laying of Quoins
Corner stones or quoins shall be dressed to correct angle. The short bed of the stone
shall be at least equal to height. The quoins shall be laid with header and stretcher in
alternate layers.
Curing Method
The work shall be protected from rain or sun while it is green. At the end of the days work,
the top surface of the walls shall be kept flooded so that it acquires the required strength.
The masonry shall be kept moist on all the faces for at least 7 days.
WOOD WORK
Quality: Generally the timber shall be Sal wood unless otherwise stated of the best quality
obtained from an approved saw mill. Timber for carpentry shall be straight and free from
twist, sapwood, shakes, dead and loose knots, worm holes, other holes, signs of decay
and other defects, and seasoned and shall comply with the requirements. All the timber

shall be seasoned and free from decay, harmful fungi and insect attacks and from any
other damage of harmful nature which will affect the strength, durability, appearance or
its usefulness for the purpose for which it is required. The minimum compressive strength
of the timber shall be 70 kg/cm2.
Kind: The timber shall be best quality timber as specified in the item. The samples of the
approved timber to be used shall be deposited for the purpose of comparison.
Color: The Color shall be uniform as far as possible, the darkness of color amongst color
species of timber being generally a sign of strength and durability.
Moisture: The natural moisture content of any untreated timber delivered to site shall not
exceed those as recommended by IS 287-1993. All timber shall be seasoned to moisture
content of not more than 22% for frames and 15% for shutter.
Stacking: As soon as the foundation of building are laid all necessary timber, scantling
shall be brought to the site and stacked as laid down in IS 401 - 1967 till required. All
timber of assembled woodwork shall be protected from the weather and stored in such a
way as to prevent attack by termites, insects or decay fungi for which temporary shed
shall be built. All timber shall be stored at least 750mm above ground level or more, if
deemed necessary and individual members shall be separated by strips so that air may
circulate around all four sides.
Sawing: All beams and scantling shall be sawed straight lines, planes and of uniform
thickness with full measurement from end to end and shall be swan along grain and under
no condition beams, rafters, wall plates, blocks etc. shall be sawed across grain. They
shall be sawn with such sufficient margin as to secure specified dimensions, lines and
planes after being brought and dressed. All wood work except door/window frames or
ceiling shall be painted with two coats of creosote.
Hardware - Hardware shall consist of bolts, with the necessary nuts and washers, timber
connectors, drift pins, dowels, nails, screw nails, coach bolts, spikes and other metal
fasteners. They shall be galvanized or un-galvanized as specified. Bolts, nuts and
washers shall be mild steel and comply with IS 1363-1992. Drift Pins and dowels shall be

mild steel. Nails shall comply with IS 723-1972. Screw nails and screws shall comply with
IS 451-1972/IS 2585-1968. Coach bolts shall comply with IS 2609-1972. Spikes and other
metal fastenings shall be of mild steel.
Holdfast - All panels except where specified in the drawing shall be fitted with frames
having steel double breasted butt hinges. Window frames shall have three 7.5cm / 2.00
mm thick hinges on each panel whereas the size of hinges for door panels shall be as
follows: Width of panels (up to 75cm) : 10cm double breasted butt hinge, 2.00mm thick,
3 nos. Width of panels exceeding 75cm: 12.5cm double breasts butt hinges, 2.25mm
thick, 3 nos. Following shall be the size of the screw: For 7.5cm hinges : 25mm long No.
8 For 10cm hinges : 30mm long No. 9 For 12.5cm hinges : 45mm long No. 10 Above No.
refers to Nettle folds or equivalent screws only. Doors shall be fitted with double-action
automatic hydraulic door closers wherever instructed.
Tower Bolt - All tower bolts shall be of aluminum with bolt casted monolithic with the
handle. Following shall be size of the tower bolt. Windows Panels 15cm top and bottom
Door 15cm top 15cm bottom (wherever necessary) All screws shall be of Nettle fold or
equivalent suitable lengths and diameter.
Handles - All doors shall be provided with handle on both sides and all windows with
handles on the inner side only. Door handled shall be minimum 15cm clear inside and
window handle 10cm clear. All doors shall be fitted with mortise lock of heavy quality,
preferably of aluminum.
A sample of hardware (tower bolts, handles, hinges, catch and allotrope and screws) will
be displayed at the site at Project Engineer's office as the sample of desired quality and
design. The Contractor shall submit samples of hardware in writing to Project Engineer
for approval.
Construction - When ventilator is provided above the door, full length, of the vertical post
shall be provided. Joints in the frame vertical style or horizontal rail shall not be allowed
.The unrelated edges of the frame in the opening shall be rounded or beaded uniformly.
The rebate and the plaster key grooves shall be provided as shown in the drawing.

Vertical part of the frame shall be embedded at least 30 mm in the masonry or concrete
or flooring. Hold fasts shall be provide as specified and any adjustment of spacing
necessary shall be erected in position and held in plumb with proper supports from both
sides and built in masonry as it is being built. The Work shall be as per the drawing. The
timber shall be properly planned wrought and dressed in a workmanship manner. All
joinery work shall be securely mortised and tenoned and glued with best quality
waterproof glue. All sections and dimensions are to be as shown on drawings. For all
joinery work, use of nails shall not be permitted. Wood screws of appropriate size and of
approved make shall be used. Wherever practicable, means of fastening the various parts
together shall be concealed. All work (both carpentry and joinery) shall be to the
dimensions shown on the drawings. The rate of woodwork shall include the cost of all
sawing, planning, joining, bolts, nails, spikes, keys wedges, pins, screw etc. necessary
for the framing and fixing. Joints and portions inserted in masonry or floor shall be allowed
for in the measurement. Plugging in of holes for hold fasts shall be done in neat manner.
Any defects observed after installation shall be rejected. Sample of workmanship shall be
submitted for approval.
Timber Preservation - When described in the contract or shown on the Drawing timber
shall be treated with preservative in accordance with the Indian Standard Code of Practice
for the preservation of timber IS 401- 1982.
Insect Damage - All timber shall be free from live barer beetle or other insect attack when
brought upon the Site. The Contractor shall be responsible to the end of the maintenance
period for executing at his own cost all Work necessary to eradicate insect attack of timber
which becomes evident, including the replacement of timber attached or suspected of
being attacked, notwithstanding that the timber concerned may have already been
inspected and passed as fit for use.
Seasoning of Timber - All timber shall be seasoned to a moisture content of not more
than 22% for carpentry and 15% for joinery. The Contractor's price must include for any
kiln drying that may be necessary to achieve these figures.

Inspection and Testing - Facilities for inspection of all works in progress whether in
Workshop or on Site. All timber as it arrives on the Site and not approved by them must
be removed forthwith, failing which the Employer, may arrange for the removal of the
rejects and impose of them as they may consider advisable. Notwithstanding approval
having been given as above, any timber incorporated in the Works found to be in any way
defective before the expiry of the maintenance period shall be removed and renewed at
the Contractor's expense.
Clearing Up - The Contractor is to clear out and destroy or remove all cut and shavings
and other wood waste from all parts of the building and the Site generally, as the work
progress and at the conclusion of the work.
Galvanizing - When described in the contract or shown on the Drawing, all hardware
shall be galvanized in accordance with the Indian Standard Recommended Practice for
Hot-Dip Galvanizing of Iron 10.15. Carpentry and Joinery
Carpentry - All carpentry shall be executed with workmanship of the best quality.
Scantlings and boarding shall be accurately sawn and shall be of uniform width and
thickness throughout. All carpenter's work shall be left with sawn surface except where
particularly specified to be wrought. All carpenter's work shall be accurately set out in
strict accordance with the drawings and shall be framed together and securely fixed in
best possible manner with properly made joints. All necessary brads, nails and screws,
etc. shall be provided as directed and approved. Actual dimensions of scantlings for
carpentry shall not vary from the specified dimensions by more than 3mm in deficiency or
excess but must be uniform throughout. Boards 25mm thick or less shall hold up to the
specified sizes. All timbers shall be as long as possible and practicable, in order to
eliminate joints.
Joinery - Generally all joiner's work shall be accurately set out on boards to full size for
the information and guidance of the artisans before commencing the respective works,
with all joints, iron work and other works connected therewith fully delineated. Such
setting out must be submitted to the Project Engineer and approved before such
respective works are commenced. All jointer's work shall be cut out and framed together

as soon after the commencement of the building as is practicable, but is not to be wedged
up or glued until the building is ready for fixing same. Any portions that warp wind or
develop shakes or other defects within twelve months after completion of the works shall
be removed and new fixed in their place on Contractor's own expense.
Fixing Joinery - All beads, fillets and small members shall be fixed with round or oval
brads on nails on nails well punched in and stopped. All large members shall be fixed with
screws; the heads let in and palliated to match the grain. Unless otherwise specified,
plugs of external work shall be of hardwood, plugs for internal work may be of softwood.
Holes for plugging must be made with a proper drilling tool and the holes completely filled
with the plugging material. Unless otherwise specified all skirting, window, grounds and
backings for same, fillets etc. shall be plugged at intervals not exceeding 60cm.
Budding Joiner - All door and window frames, sills, wooden bars etc., which are fixed to
brickwork, concrete by means of grounds, lugs, etc., shall be bedded solid in mortar as
previously described and pointed with a recessed joint 6mm deep to the approval.
Plywoods, Blackboards, Chipboards etc., shall be of a standard quality. They shall be
bonded with synthetic resin or "interior" type unless otherwise stated. Where stated to be
"exterior" type, they shall be weatherproof. All exposed edges of blackboard and clipboard
shall be lipped with hardwood as described below. Samples of all such materials and their
source of manufacture must be approved before used in the works.
Plastic Sheeting - Shall be approved laminated sheeting 1.5mm thick, securely fixed by
means of Aerodux adhesive, and in colors approved.
Ironmongery - All locks and Ironmongery shall be fixed with screws, etc., to match.
Before the woodwork is painted, handles shall be removed, carefully stored and re-fixed
after completion of painting and locks oiled and left in perfect working order. Prices for
fixing locks must include for organizing master-keying systems if required and all keys
shall be labeled with door references marked on approved labels before handling the
Project Engineer on completion.

Protection of Work - The Contractor shall be responsible for the temporary doors and
closing in openings necessary for the protection of the work during progress. He shall
also provide and maintain any other temporary covering required for the protection of
finished woodwork that may be damaged during the progress of the work if left
unprotected.
Brick Masonry with Cement Mortar

Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by
mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the units themselves. The common materials
of masonry construction are brick, stone such as marble, granite, travertine, limestone,
concrete block, glass block and tile. Masonry is generally a highly durable form of
construction. Brick masonry construction involves use of high quality materials in
construction. Use of low grade materials in construction or mortar mix in inappropriate
ratio can affect the quality of construction.
Specifications for Brick masonry in Cement Mortar

The bricks shall be of first class, regular in shape, size and color.
The bricks should be free from flaws, cracks and lumps of any kind.
Shall have minimum crushing strength 10.5N/mm2.
The bricks shall not absorb the water more than one sixth of the weight of the brick.
The sand used shall be medium coarse, clean, sharp, free from clay, mica and other
organic matter.
The cement used shall satisfy the requirement of Bureau of Indian Standard.
The mortar is designated in specified proportion of cement and sand. The materials
are weighed or measured and mixed on watertight platform after allowing bulkage of
sand.
Bricks before laying shall be thoroughly soaked in water.
The bricks laid truly horizontal in course with frogs upwards.
The brickwork shall be raised 1m in height at strength all-round the building.
Only fresh mortar within hour for cement mortar, the time of adding water shall be
used.
During rains, no brickwork is carried out when special arrangements are made.

The brickwork shall be kept wet for at least 10 days.
Specification of 'Bricks Walls'
Brick walls are probably the most common building elements in construction of a house
in India. These walls form basic units for creating rooms that make up a house. The walls
besides being space dividers are also structural elements that transfer the load of the roof
to the ground. Brick walls are constructed on strip spread or raft foundations that support
the walls. The walls are constructed using bricks and mortar. These can also be
constructed with various structural qualities and thicknesses.
Brickwork
Brick walls are constructed by joining bricks with cement mortar in arrangements called
English Bond, Flemish Bond or Rat Trap Bond. These bonds give different external
appearances to the wall. All construction systems of brick walls are such devised that
vertical cross joints in any layers are staggered. The bricks thus bonded form a solid
mass that does not split when the wall is loaded with live loads and dead loads.
Classification of Brick Work
The classification of brick work according to the quality of brick is following.
First class brick work

Second class brick work
Third class brick work
First Class Brick Work
First class brick work is made by using first class bricks and cement mortar. This brick
work is used for load bearing walls. It is made in rich mortar in which the cement and sand
ratio is from 1:3 to 1: 6.
First class bricks are identified by their uniform color and a ringing sound when struck.
The bricks are equal in size and have even edges and surfaces. These bricks do not chip

and dont have any cracks. First class bricks do not absorb water more than 1/6 of their
weight. There is no salty residue when the bricks are dry. First class bricks have a
minimum crushing strength of 105.kg. Per sq. cm
Second Class Brick Work
Second class bricks work is made by using second class bricks and cement mortar. These
bricks also have the property of first class bricks but are not very regular or even in shape.
These bricks should not be used for load bearing walls for more than two story buildings.
Second class bricks have minimum crushing strength 70.kg per sq. meter.
Damp Proof Course
Damp proofing in construction is a type of moisture control applied to building walls and
floors to prevent moisture from passing into the interior spaces. Damp problems are one
of the most frequent problems encountered in homes.
Damp proofing is defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) as
a material that resists the passage of water with no hydro-static pressure
and waterproof as a treatment that resists the passage of water under
pressure. Generally damp proofing keeps moisture out of a building where vapor
barriers keep interior moisture from getting into walls. Moisture resistance is not
necessarily absolute: it is usually defined by a specific test method, limits,
and engineering tolerances.
Damp proofing is accomplished several ways including:
A damp-proof course (DPC) is a barrier through the structure by capillary

action such as through a phenomenon known as rising damp. Rising damp is the
effect of water rising from the ground into your property. The damp proof course may
be horizontal or vertical. A DPC layer is usually laid below all masonry walls,
regardless if the wall is a load bearing wall or a partition wall.
A damp-proof membrane (DPM) is a membrane material applied to prevent
moisture transmission. A common example is polyethylene sheeting laid under a

concrete slab to prevent the concrete from gaining moisture through capillary action. A
DPM may be used for the DPC.
Integral damp proofing in concrete involves adding materials to the concrete mix to
make the concrete itself impermeable.
Surface coating with thin water proof materials for resistance to non-pressurized
moisture such as rain water or a coating of cement sprayed on such
as shotcrete which can resist water under pressure.
Cavity wall construction, such as rain screen construction, is where the interior
walls are separated from the exterior walls by a cavity.
Pressure grouting cracks and joints in masonry materials.
Materials
Materials widely used for damp proofing include:
Flexible materials like butyl rubber, hot bitumen, plastic sheets, bituminous felts,
sheets of lead, copper, etc.
Semi-rigid materials like mastic asphalt
Rigid materials like impervious bricks, stones, slates, cement mortar or cement
concrete painted with bitumen, etc.
Stones
Mortar with waterproofing compounds
Coarse sand layers under floors
Continuous plastic sheets under floors
Masonry construction
A DPC is a durable, impermeable material such as slate, felt paper, metal, plastic or
special engineered bricks bedded into the mortar between two courses of bricks or
blocks. It can often be seen as a thin line in the mortar near ground level. To create a
continuous barrier, pieces of DPC or DPM may be sealed together. In addition, the DPC
may be sealed to the DPM around the outside edges of the ground floor, completely
sealing the inside of the building from the damp ground around it.

In a masonry cavity wall, there is usually a DPC in both the outer and inner wall. In the
outer wall it is normally 150 millimeters (5.9 in) to 200 millimeters (7.9 in) above ground
level (the height of 2-3 brick courses). This allows rain to form puddles and splash up off
the ground, without saturating the wall above DPC level. The wall below the DPC may
become saturated in rainy weather. The DPC in the inner wall is usually below floor level,
(under a suspended timber floor structure), or, with a solid concrete floor, it is usually
found immediately above the floor slab so that it can be linked to the DPM under the floor
slab. This enables installation of skirting boards above floor level without fear of
puncturing it.
Alternatively, instead of fitting separate inner and outer DPCs, it is common in commercial
housebuilding to use a one-piece length of rigid plastic, (albeit an angled section), which
fits neatly across the cavity and slots into both walls (a cavity tray). This method requires
the need for weep vents to enable rainwater ingress to drain from the cavities otherwise
rising dampness could occur from above the DPC.
Concrete walls and floors
Concrete normally allows moisture to pass through so a vertical damp proof barrier.
Barriers may be a coating or membrane applied to the exterior of the concrete. The
coating may be asphalt, asphalt emulsion, a thinned asphalt called cutback asphalt, or a
rubber polymer.[7] Membranes are rubberized asphalt or epdm rubber. Rubberized
products perform better because concrete sometimes develops cracks and the barrier
does not crack with the concrete.
Residual damp proofing
Until the 20th century masonry buildings in Europe and North America were generally
constructed from highly permeable materials such as stone and lime-based mortars and
renders covered with soft water-based paints which all allowed any damp to diffuse into
the air without damage. The later application of impermeable materials which prevent the
natural dispersion of damp, such as tiles, linoleum, cement and gypsum-based materials
and synthetic paints is thought by some to be the most significant cause of damp
problems in older buildings.

There are many solutions for dealing with dampness in existing buildings, the choice of
which will largely be determined by the types of dampness that are affecting the building
(e.g. rising damp, hygroscopic damp, condensation, penetrating damp etc...)

Unit IV Detailed Estimate
Detailed Quantity estimates various items of work of a building
Introduction
The construction activity contains the following three steps.
1. Plans: Preparation of drawings plan, section, elevation, with full dimension and
detailed, specifications meeting the requirements of the proposed structure.
2. Estimation: Preparation of an estimate is for arriving the cost of the structure to verify
the available funds or to procure the required funds for completion of the proposed
structure.
3. Execution (construction): It is grounding the proposed structure, for construction as
per the provision contained in drawings and estimation.
The plans contain size of room and dimensions of the work and the estimate contains the
quantity and quality aspects of the structure.
Definition Estimation and costing there are two basic points involved in construction of
structures are:
Quantity: The quantity aspects is with reference to the measurement in the

drawings (plan, elevation, section)
Quality: The quality aspects is with reference to the specifications, i.e. properties
of materials, workmanship etc.
Note: The estimation and costing of any structure is defined as the process of
determination of quantities of items of work, and its cost for completion.
Estimate of a project is therefore, a forecast of its probable cost.

Need for Estimation and Costing
The object of preparing the estimate for any civil engineering structure is
To know the quantities of various items of work, a material and labor and their
source of identification.
To decide whether the proposal can match the available funds to complete the
structure.
To obtain the administrative and technical sanction of estimate from the competent
authorities to release the funds for construction.
To invite tenders or quotations based on the estimate quantities for entrust of
works to the execution.
To measure various quantities as per rules.
The units of different works depends on their nature, size and shape. In general, the units
of different items of works are based on the following principle.
Massive or volumetric items of work such as earth work, concrete for foundations,
R.R Masonry, Brick Masonry etc. The measurements of length, breadth, height or
depth shall be taken to compute the volume or cubical contents.
Shallow, thin and surface work shall be taken in square unit or in area. The
measurements of length and breadth or height shall be taken to compute the area,
Ex. Plastering, white washing etc.
Long and Thin work shall be taken in linear or running units and linear
measurement shall, be taken. Ex: Fencing, Rainwater pipes, ornamental borders
etc.
Single units of work are expressed in numbers. Ex. Doors, Windows, Rafters,
Trusses etc.

TYPES OF ESTIMATES
The estimates may be divided in to the following categories:-
(1) Preliminary or Approximate estimate.

(2) Rough cost estimate based on plinth area.
(3) Rough cost estimate based on cubic contents.
(4) Detailed estimate.
(5) Annual repair estimate.
(6) Special repair estimate.
(7) Revised estimate
(8) Supplementary estimate.
Preliminary or Approximate estimate.
This estimate is prepared to decide financial aspect, policy and to give idea of the cost of
the proposal to the competent sanctioning authority. It should clearly show the necessity
of the proposal and how the cost has been arrived at the calculations for approximate
estimate can be done with the following data. The data can be had from a similar
construction already complete in the nearby area.
For example: To calculate approximate estimate for a Hospital, per bed cost is calculated from
the recent completed hospital and is multiplied with the number of beds required.
For a house, per square meter plinth area is calculated and is multiplied with the proposed
covered area. The specifications should also be same.
For a road, expenditure of per kilometer length is taken, width also plays the role.
The following documents should be attached with it. (a) Detailed report (b) Site plan of the
proposal (c) It should also clearly mention about the acquisition of land, Provision of electric and
water supply etc.

Plinth area Estimate (Based on Rough Cost).
Plinth area of a building means Length x Breadth (roofed portion only) excluding plinth
offsets. The estimates are prepared on the basis of plinth areas of the various buildings
proposed to be constructed. The rates are being arrived at the dividing the total cost of
construction with its plinth area. For example if total cost of a building is Rs. 2 lac and its
plinth area is 50 sq. m. then plinth area rate =2,00,000 = Rs.4000/- per 50 sq.m. Using
this rate as basis of the next construction, approximate or rough cost of the proposal can
be arrived at by multiplying the plinth area of the proposed building with this plinth area
rate.
The following documents are attached with the estimate.
(a) Line plan with brief specifications.

(b) Cost of various services added i.e. electric and water supply etc.
(c) North line should be shown clearly on line plan.
Cubic Contents Estimate (Based on Rough Cost).
The cubic contents of a building means plinth area x height of the building. The height is
taken from top of floor level to top of roof. The cubic contents of the proposed building are
multiplied with cubic rates arrived at for the similar construction i.e. total cost of
construction divided by cubic contents = cost per cubic meter.
Detailed Estimate
After getting Administrative approval on rough cost estimate, detailed estimates are
prepared. In this, the estimate is divided in to sub-heads and quantities of various items
are calculated individually. In the end of the detailed quantities, an abstract of cost giving
quantities of each item and rate of every item according to the sanctioned schedule of
rates shall be attached. In case of non-schedule rates i.e. rates which are not given in the
sanctioned schedule of rates, proper analysis of rates shall be attached. If however the
work proposed to be constructed is located in a remote place, the provision for the

carriage of the material shall be added in the estimate to avoid any excess over the
administratively approved estimate later on. Detailed specifications & report should also
be attached with the estimate. Technical sanction is given on detailed estimate. The
detailed estimate shall also provide for the cost of approach road, water supply, electric
installations and acquisition of land etc., so as to call it a comprehensive estimate.
Annual repair estimate
In order to keep building and roads in perfect condition, annual repairs should be carried
out as follow:-
(i) In case of a building-white washing, oiling and painting of doors and windows,
cement plaster repairs (inside & outside), repairs of floors etc. In no case this
annual repair amount should increase more than 11/2% to 2% of the capital cost
of the building.
(ii) In case of a road-filling patches, maintenance of berms etc. 6. Special repair
estimate if the work cannot be carried out of the annual repair funds due to
certain reasons resulting in the genuine increase in cost, then special repairs
estimate is to be prepared.
The reason of increase may be:-
(i) In case of a building-opening of new doors, change of floors, re-plastering walls

etc.
(ii) In case of roads-if the whole surface is full of corrugation & patches, then the
total surface is to be scarified. The old metal is taken out, consolidation by
adding more metal is done and top surface is repainted.
Revised estimate
When the sanctioned estimate exceeds by 5% either due to the rate being found
insufficient or due to some other reasons, a fresh estimate is prepared which is called a

Revised Estimate. A comparative statement on the last page of the estimate is attached
giving there in the reasons of the increase of cost in case of each item.
Supplementary Estimate. This is fresh detailed estimate in addition to the original

sanctioned estimate prepared when additional works are deemed necessary during the
progress of a work to supplement the original works. The abstract of cost should show
the amount of the original sanctioned estimate as well as the supplementary amount of
the original sanctioned estimate as well as the supplementary amount for which sanction
is required.
METHODS OF TAKING OUT ESTIMATES
The calculations of quantities of materials can be done using various methods of

estimates. The application of an individual method depends upon the design and shape
of the building. The different methods are as under:
1. Centre line method.
2. Crossing method.
3. Out to out and in to in method.
4. Bay method.
5. Service unit method.
Centre line method.
This method is suitable only if the offsets are symmetrical and the building is more or less
rectangular in shape. The center line of the building is determined carefully after doing
deductions for repeated measurements (as explained in the next problem). This center
line acts as length for the complete calculations of the estimate. If the deduction is not
cared for the results of estimates may be wrong. All the walls should have the same
section.

Crossing Method.
In this method, lengths and breadths of the masonry walls at plinth level are taken (internal
dimension of the room + thickness of the walls) for calculating quantities. The symmetrical
offsets are a must as in the case of centerline method.
Out to Out & in to in Method.
This method is most practicable under all circumstances and is generally followed in the
P.W.D. for computing the quantities of various items. The estimation in this book has been
done using this method.
Bay Method
This method is useful and is generally followed in case of building having several bays.
The cost of the one class room is worked out and then multiplied by the number of bays
in that building. The extra cost of the end walls and difference in framing. If there is any,
should be made, so as to arrive at the correct cost.
Service Unit Method
This method is followed in cases such as school building where there are so many class
rooms. The cost of one class room us worked out and then multiplied by the number of
class rooms to be constructed. In case of Hospitals, the service unit is a bed, in case of
Water Tank, it is a liter and in case of Cinema Hall, the service unit is a seat.
There are two steps in estimating the cost of a building or a structure.
Taking out quantities and calculation of quantities in detailed estimate.

Determining the cost from the abstract estimate.

Long wall and short wall method:
This method is also called as separate or individual wall method. This is simple and it
gives accurate values. The following procedure is adopted.
1. The dimensions of long wall and short wall should be taken separately.
2. Irrespective of its lengths, the wall which is taken first is long wall and the wall which
is taken next is the short wall.
3. The center line of the wall of the building is considered for determining the center to
center line length of long walls and short walls.
4. The center to center to center length of long walls or short walls is obtained by adding
half the width of the wall to the internal length of either long wall or short wall.
5. Centre to center length of long wall = internal length of long wall + width of the wall.
6. Centre to center length of short wall = internal length of short wall + width of the
wall.
7. To determine the lengths of different quantities such as earthwork, c.c. bed in
foundation, R.R. Masonry etc., length of long wall = center 166 Construction
Technology to center length of long wall + width, the width is the respective width of
the item in consideration.
8. Similarly length of the short wall = center to center length of the short wall width,
where the width is the respective width of the item such as earthwork, c.c. bed etc.
Centre line method
In the center line method, the sum of all the center line lengths of long walls and short
walls are added to get the total center line length. At the junctions of two walls, the length
is present in both of the walls. Hence half of the length of that width is to be subtracted
from the total center line length. Length = Total center line length width x number of
junctions. Fig 4.1 Plan Single Room Centre to center length of long wall = 6.0 + 2x0.3/2
= 6.3 m. Centre to center length of short wall = 4.0 + 2x0.3/2 = 4.3 m. Length of Long Wall
= Centre to center Length of Long Wall + Width Length of Short Wall = Centre to center
Length of Short Wall width For earth work in excavation Length of Long Wall = 6.3 +
1.2 = 7.5 m.

IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT ESTIMATING
Before starting any estimate of building, road and bridge, it should be seen that the
plans are fully dimensioned, inner and outer dimensions should be checked before
starting the estimate to avoid complications later on.
The estimate should be drawn sub-head-wise, to avoid omission of any item.
The nomenclature of every item should be according to the sanctioned schedule
of rates to avoid claims of the contractors later on.
All items should be calculated in units, according to which the payment is to be
made (chapter on, units)
A detailed report according to the sub-heads should be attached. This should be
self-explanatory giving complete information.
Detailed drawings should be attached with every detailed estimate, with north line
on the plan.
Detailed specifications of every item should be attached so that the work should
be carried out accordingly & the specifications should be according to the latest
edition of the P.W.D. specifications.
In order to make the estimate a comprehensive one, provision of electric & water
supply should be made.
In the end of estimate, an abstract of cost giving cost of every sub-head and total
cost should be attached. A provision of contingencies & petty establishment @ 5%
should be added in the end of abstract of cost.
The rate per sq. meter should be worked out & it should be given in the end of
abstract of the building estimate. This helps in future reference.
In case of Road estimate, rate per Km. should also be worked out.
The road estimate should mention the special features of the alignment so followed
& also whether the soling is of bricks or of stone, should be mentioned in the report
of estimate.
In case of bridges & culverts, rate per meter (width) to be worked out.
Current applicable premium above C.S.R. should be added before finding out the
unit rate i.e., plinth or per km rate.

Rules for Measurement
Measurement of works occupies a very important place in the planning and execution of
any work or project, from the time of the first estimate are made until the completion and
settlement of payments. The methods followed for the measurement are not uniform and
the practices or prevalent differ considerably in between the states. Even in the same
state different departments follow different methods.
For convenience a uniform method should be followed throughout the country. The
uniform methods of measurement to be followed which is applicable to the preparation of
the estimates and bill of quantities and to the side measurement of completed works have
been described below.
General Rules
Measurement shall be item wise for the finished items of work and the description
of each items shall be held to include materials, transport, labor, fabrication,
hoisting, tools and plants, over hands and other incidental charges for finishing the
work to the required shape, size, design and specifications.
In booking dimensions the order shall be in the sequence of length, breadth and
height or depth or thickness.
All works shall be measured not subject to following tolerances unless otherwise
stated.
o Dimensions shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 meter i.e. 1cm (1/ 211).
o Areas shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 sq.m (0.1 soft).
o Cubic contents shall be worked up to the nearest 0.01 cum(0.1cuft)
Same type of work under different condition and nature shall be measured
separately under separate items.
The bill of quantities shall fully describe the materials proportions and work-man
ships and accurately represent the work to be executed. Work which by its nature
cannot be accurately taken off or which requires site measurements shall be
described as provisional.

In case of structural concrete, brick work or stone masonry, the work under the
following categories shall be measured separately and the heights shall be
described.
o From first floor level Paper
o From plinth level to first floor level.
o From first level to second floor level and so on.
The parapet shall be measured with the corresponding items of the story next
below.
Principle of units: The units of different works depend on their nature, size and
shape. In general the units of different item of work are based on the following
principle.
o Mass, voluminous and thick works shall be taken in cubic unit or volume.
The measurement of length, breadth, and height or depth shall be taken to
compute the volume cubic contents (cum).
o Shallow, thin and surface work shall be taken in separate units or in area.
The measurement of length and breadth or height shall be taken to compute
the area (sq.m).
o Long and thin work shall be taken in linear or running unit and linear
measurement shall be taken (running meter).
o Piece work, job work etc. taken in number
To prepare an estimate for a work the following data are necessary.
Drawings: The detailed drawings of plan, elevation and section, drawn to a scale
are necessary to take the details of measurements of various items of work.
Specifications: The specifications gives the nature, quality and class of materials,
their proportion, method of execution and workmanship and the class of labor
required. The cost of the work varies with its specifications. The cement mortar
with 1:3 is more costly than cement mortar with 1:6.

Rates: The rates for various items of work, the rates of various materials to be
used in construction, the wages of different categories of labor should be available
for preparing an estimate. The location of the work and its distance of source of
materials and cost of transport should be known. These rates may be obtained
from the Standard Schedule of Rates prepared by the engineering departments.
Details of measurements and calculation of quantities and abstract of
estimated cost to prepare an accurate estimate, a detailed estimate of quantities
of various items of work and an abstract estimate of the quantities and their unit
rates are required.

Unit V Cost Estimating & Cost Budgeting
A cost estimate is the approximation of the cost of a program, project, or operation. The
cost estimate is the product of the cost estimating process. The cost estimate has a single
total value and may have identifiable component values.
Cost estimate is, "the summation of individual cost elements, using established
methods and valid data, to estimate the future costs of a program, based on what
is known today.
Cost estimate types
Various projects and operations have distinct types of cost estimating, which vary in their
composition and preparation methods. Some of the major areas include:
Construction cost
Manufacturing cost
Resource exploration cost
Facility operation cost
Facility maintenance and repair cost
Facility rehabilitation and renewal cost
Facility retirement cost
Classifications of Cost estimate
Common cost estimate classifications historically used are
Order of magnitude
Detailed estimate

Preliminary
Definitive
Cost Planning
Elemental cost planning is a system of Cost planning and Cost control, typically
for buildings, which enables the cost of a scheme to be monitored during design
development.
Elemental Cost Planning relies upon the adoption of a Standard Form of Cost Analysis
for buildings which allows costs to be compared on a common format and forms the basis
of the benchmarking analysis central to the concept of Elemental Cost Plans.
It should:-
Ensure that the tender amount is close to the first estimate, or that any likely
difference between the two is anticipated and is acceptable.
Ensure that the money available for the projects is allocated consciously and
economically to the various components and finishes.
Always involves the measurement and pricing of approximate quantities at some
stage of the process.
Aim to achieve good value at the desired level of expenditure.
Elemental cost planning is often referred to as 'designing to a cost' or 'target cost

planning' since a cost limit is fixed for the scheme and the architect must then prepare a
design not to exceed this cost.
There are very many different names given to cost planning documents.
Cost plans are generally prepared by cost consultants (quantity surveyors). They
evolve through the life of the project, developing in detail and accuracy as more
information becomes available about the nature of the design, and then actual prices are
provided by specialist contractors, contractors and suppliers:

Initial cost appraisals (studies of options prepared during the feasibility study
stage).
Elemental cost plan (prepared during the project brief stage and carried through
to detailed design).
Approximate quantities cost plan (from the end of detailed design through to
tender).
Pre-tender estimate (prepared alongside tender documentation).
Tender pricing document (strictly speaking this is not a priced document, but is
part of the tender documentation issued to the contractor for pricing).
Contract sum (agreed with the contractor during the tender period and adjusted
during the construction period).
Contract sum analysis (a breakdown of the contract sum prepared by the
contractor on design and build projects).
Final account (agreed during the defects liability period).
Definitions:
To understand the meaning of Cost Accounting, there is need of explaining certain related
terms also.
1. Cost:
Cost has been defined in the terminology given by the Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants (CIMA) as the amount of expenditure incurred or
attributed on a given thing. More simply, it can be defined as that which is given
or scarified to obtain something.
2. Cost Accountancy:
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in England (CIMA) has

defined Cost Accountancy as the application of costing and Cost
Accounting principles, methods and techniques to the science, art and
practice of cost and the ascertainment of profitability. It includes the

presentation of information derived there from for the purpose of

management decision-making. Cost Accountancy is, thus the science, art
and the practice of cost accountant.
Cost Accountancy is science because it is the systematic knowledge which a
cost accountant should possess so that he may properly discharge his
responsibility and functions.
Cost Accountancy is also an art because it includes the ability and skill with
which a cost accountant becomes able to apply his knowledge to the various
problems like ascertainment of costs, control of costs, ascertainment of
profitability, replacement of plants and technology, marginal costing, etc.
Cost Accountancy consists of several subjects, such as Cost Accounting,
Costing, Cost Control and Cost Audit.
3. Cost Accounting:
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in England (CIMA) has

defined Cost Accounting as, the process of accounting for cost from the
point at which expenditure is incurred or committed to establishment of
its ultimate relationship with cost centers and cost units. In its widest
usage, it embraces the preparations of statistical data, the application of
cost control methods and the ascertainment of the profitability of
activities carried or planned.
It is a formal mechanism by means of which costs of products or services are
ascertained and controlled.
It is concerned with accumulation, classification, analysis and
interpretation of cost data for three major purposes
(a) ascertainment of cost,

(b) operational planning and control, and
(c) Decision-making.

4. Costing:
Costing has been defined by the Institute as, the technique and process of
ascertaining cost.
Costing is the classifying, recording, and appropriate allocation of

expenditure for the determination of the costs of products or services; and
for the presentation of suitably arranged data for the purposes of control and
guidance of the management. It includes the ascertainment of the cost of every
order, job, contract, process, service or unit as may be appropriate. It deals with
the cost of production, selling and distribution.
5. Cost Control:
Cost control has been defined as the guidance and regulation by executive
action of costs of operating on undertaking. It is primary job of a cost-
accountant, besides ascertainment of cost, to furnish different types of statements
and information as to enable the management to control the cost of operating their
business. Cost control is exercised through a number of techniques such as
Standard Costing and Budgetary Control.
6. Cost Audit:
Cost Audit has been defined by the Institute as the verification of cost accounts
and a check on the adherence to the cost accounting plan. It is an independent
expert examination of the cost accounts of different outputs of an undertaking and
a verification whether such accounts of the different output, serve the purpose
intended.
Objectives of Cost Accounting:
The definition given by the CIMA brings out the vital point that the Cost Accounting has
the following objectives:

(i) Ascertainment of cost and determining the selling price.

(ii) Cost control i.e. keeping costs under check;
(iii) Ascertaining profitability and profits earned on each activity including
ascertaining causes that lead to a particular figure; and
(iv) Collection and presentation of such information or statements as are required
by management in its task of planning and making decisions.
The decisions to be made may be of various types, some examples of which are:
(a) Fixing prices under normal and special circumstances;

(b) Determining priorities for products;
(c) Deciding whether a component will be bought from the market or made within
the factory itself; and
(d) Deciding on the best processes of manufacture etc.
A particular firm may not desire to realize all the aims stated above and may, therefore,
design its Cost Accounting system only for a particular purpose. But, in general, Cost
Accounting has a wide role to play. The nature of cost accounting can be summarized as
analyzing, recording, standardizing, forecasting, comparing, reporting and
recommending. It is the business of the cost accountant to fill in turn the role of historian,
news agent and prophet. As historian he must be meticulously accurate and sedulously
impartial. As news agent he must be up to date, selective and pithy. As prophet he must
combine knowledge and experience with foresight and courage.
Functions of Cost Accounting or Cost-Accountant/Planner
Cost Accounting is to serve management in the execution of policies and in comparison

of actual and estimated results in order that the value of each policy may be appraised
and changed to meet the future conditions.

Following are main functions of cost accounting:
(i) To work out cost per unit of the different products manufactured by the
organization;
(ii) To provide an accurate analysis of this cost;
(iii) To maintain costs to the lowest point consistent with the most efficient operating
conditions. It requires the examination of each cost in the light of the service or
benefit obtained so that the maximum utilization of each rupee will be obtained;
(iv) To work out the wastage in each process of manufacture and to prepare reports
as may be necessary to assist in the control of wastage;
(v) To provide necessary data for the fixation of selling price of commodities
manufactured;
(vi) To compute profits earned on each of the products and to advise management
as to how these profits can be improved;
(vii) To help management in control of inventory so that there may be minimum
locking up of capital in stocks of raw materials, stores, work-in-process and
finished goods
(viii) To install and implement cost control systems like Budgetary Control and
Standard Costing for the control of expenditure on materials, labor and
overheads;
(ix) To advise management on future expansion;
(x) To advise management on the profitability or otherwise of new lines of products;
(xi) To carry out special cost studies and investigations which are invaluable to
management in determining policies and formulating plans directed towards
profitable operations.
COST CONTROL
Cost control is a continuous process that begins with the proposed annual budget.
The budget helps:
I. To organize and coordinate production, and the selling, distribution, service,
and administrative functions; and

II. To take maximum advantage of available opportunities. As the fiscal year

progresses, management compares actual results with those projected in the
budget and incorporates into the new plan the lessons learned from its
evaluation of current operations.
Control refers to management's effort to influence the actions of individuals
who are responsible for performing tasks, incurring costs, and generating
revenues.
Management is a two-phased process: planning refers to the way that management
plans and wants people to perform, while control refers to the procedures employed
to determine whether actual performance complies with these plans.
Through the budget process and accounting control, management establishes overall
company objectives, defines the centers of responsibility, and determines specific
objectives for each responsibility center, and designs procedures and standards for
reporting and evaluation.
The planning process provides for two types of control mechanisms:
1. Feed forward: providing a basis for control at the point of action (the decision
point); and
2. Feedback: providing a basis for measuring the effectiveness of control after
implementation.
THE ROLE OF ACCOUNTING
Accounting plays a key role in all planning and control. It does this in four key areas:
(1) Data collection,

(2) Data analysis,
(3) Budget control and administration, and
(4) Consolidation and review.

DATA COLLECTION.
Accurate and timely information is the foundation of any accounting system, and thus
detailed cost data are essential to any cost control endeavor. Management must
understandin great detailhow funds have been spent in the past and how they are
being spent currently.
DATA ANALYSIS.
Accounting's specialty is in the control function, yet its analysis is indispensable to the
planning process. Accounting adjusts and interprets the data to allow for changes in
company specific, industry specific, and economy-wide conditions.
BUDGET AND CONTROL ADMINISTRATION.
The accountants play a key role in designing and securing support for the procedural
aspects of the planning process. In addition, they design and distribute forms for the
collection and booking of detailed data on all aspects of the business.
CONSOLIDATION AND REVIEW.
Although operating managers have the main responsibility of planning, accounting

compiles and coordinates the elements. Accountants proposed budgets to feasibility and
profitability analyses to determine conformity to accepted standards and practices.
Cost adjustment and Cost Analysis
Cost adjustment guidelines
There is a risk that, during the course of a commercial contract, the costs of performing
that contract will rise or fall from the costs initially estimated. This risk cannot be controlled
by the principal or the contractor.

Contractors may have difficulty in estimating the long-term effects of changes in costs
and may:
Price tenders conservatively, leading to unnecessarily high contract prices; or

Guess the effects of changes in costs, leading to tender prices that are either
excessive, or uneconomically low (with consequent risk of financial failure of the
contractor).
Which items will cost adjustment apply to?
Cost adjustment may be applied to the following:
Labor and materials

Currency exchange rates for goods purchased in foreign currency
Other costs, including duties and taxes or shipping and transport.
In normal contracting strategies, cost adjustment provisions should only be applicable to

costs, typically long-term costs that might cause tenderers to overestimate or
uneconomically underestimate contract prices.
The following is a list of steps that comprise a generic costbenefit analysis.
1. List alternative projects/programs.

2. List stakeholders.
3. Select measurement(s) and measure all cost/benefit elements.
4. Predict outcome of cost and benefits over relevant time period.
5. Convert all costs and benefits into a common currency.
6. Apply discount rate.
7. Calculate net present value of project options.
8. Perform sensitivity analysis.
9. Adopt recommended choice.

Role of various financial agencies for building & land development
Economic feasibility reports
Analysis of a project's costs and revenues in an effort to determine whether or not it is

logical and possible to complete.
Feasibility study is an assessment of the practicality of a proposed project.
A feasibility study aims to objectively and rationally uncover the strengths and
weaknesses of an existing business or proposed venture, opportunities and threats
present in the environment, the resources required to carry through, and ultimately the
prospects for success. In its simplest terms, the two criteria to judge feasibility are cost
required and value to be attained.
A well-designed feasibility study should provide a historical background of the business

or project, a description of the product or service, accounting statements, details of the
operations and management, marketing research and policies, financial data, legal
requirements and tax obligations.
Generally, feasibility studies precede technical development and project implementation.
A feasibility study evaluates the project's potential for success; therefore, perceived
objectivity is an important factor in the credibility of the study for potential investors and
lending institutions. It must therefore be conducted with an objective, unbiased approach
to provide information upon which decisions can be based.
The acronym refers to the five areas of feasibility
I. Technical,
II. Legal,
III. Operational, and
IV. Scheduling.
V. Resource feasibility

VI. Financial feasibility
Technical feasibility
This assessment is based on an outline design of system requirements, to determine

whether the company has the technical expertise to handle completion of the project.
Legal feasibility
Determines whether the proposed system conflicts with legal requirements
Operational feasibility
Operational feasibility is a measure of how well a proposed system is operational.
Schedule feasibility
A project will fail if it takes too long to be completed before it is useful. Typically this means
estimating how long the system will take to develop, and if it can be completed in a given
time period using some methods like payback period. Schedule feasibility is a measure
of how reasonable the project timetable is
Resource feasibility
This involves questions such as how much time is available to build the new system,
when it can be built, whether it interferes with normal business operations, type and
amount of resources required, dependencies, and developmental procedures with
company revenue prospectus.
Financial feasibility/ Economic feasibility
The purpose of the economic feasibility assessment is to determine the positive economic
benefits to the organization that the proposed system will provide. It includes
quantification and identification of all the benefits expected. This assessment typically
involves a cost/ benefits analysis

In case of a new project, financial viability can be judged on the following parameters:
Total estimated cost of the project

Financing of the project in terms of its capital structure, debt to equity ratio and
promoter's share of total cost
Existing investment by the promoter in any other business
Projected cash flow and profitability
IMPLICATIONS OF FEASIBILITY REPORT
The financial viability of a project should imply the following information:
Full details of the assets to be financed and how liquid those assets are.
Rate of conversion to cash-liquidity (i.e. how easily can the various assets be
converted to cash?).
Project's funding potential and repayment terms.
Sensitivity in the repayments capability to the following factors:
Time delays.
Mild slowing of sales.
Acute reduction/slowing of sales.
Small increase in cost.
Large increase in cost.
Adverse economic conditions.
Feasibility studies for construction projects
Feasibility studies are preliminary studies undertaken in the very early stage of a project.
They tend to be carried out when a project is large or complex, or where there is some
doubt or controversy regarding the proposed development. If an environmental impact
assessment (EIA) is required, this may involve assessments best undertaken as part of
feasibility studies.

Economic feasibility report
Establish whether the project is viable.

Help identify feasible options.
Assist in the development of other project documentation such as the business
case, project execution plan and strategic brief.
On large or complex projects, there may be a number of different feasibility studies
carried out, sometimes requiring different skills, and considering issues such as:
Planning permission.
The likelihood that an environmental impact assessment will be required.
Other legal / statutory approvals.
Analysis of the budget relative to client requirements.
Assessment of the potential to re-use existing facilities or doing nothing rather than
building new facilities.
Assessment of any site information provided by the client.
Site appraisals, including geotechnical studies, assessment of any contamination,
availability of services, uses of adjoining land, easements and restrictive
covenants, environmental impact and so on.
Considering different solutions to accessing potential sites.
Analysis of accommodation that might be included or excluded.
Assessment of the possible juxtaposition of accommodation and preparing basic
stacking diagrams.
Assessing operational and maintenance issues.
Appraisal of servicing strategies.
Programme considerations.
Procurement options.
Various stakeholders, statutory authorities and other third parties may need to be
consulted in the preparation of feasibility studies.
The assessments carried out should be presented in a structured way so the client
can decide whether or not to proceed to the next stage. Wherever possible, any

information prepared or obtained should be in a format which can be readily shared

and used, and should be stored and named in a way consistent with the long-term
project and operational needs.
Valuation and Depreciation
Depreciation is defined as the reduction in the value of an asset over time, due in
particular to wear and tear.
The depreciation procedure is applied in booking operations so as to reflect the effect of

time upon the value of fixed assets.
The other aspect of depreciation is particularly important in the feasibility study of

investment projects, since the taxation does affect the cash flow value, and therefore,
also the selection of the most effective of alternative projects.
Each capital component, either produced or acquired under the project and subject to
depreciation, is subject to amortization in compliance with a schedule which, in turn,
arises from the adopted depreciation procedure.
The applied depreciation procedure influences the intensity of the cash flow generated in
an investment project.
Henceforth, we can say about two main aspects related to depreciation management in
the context of the investment project.
Selection of the depreciation method,

Its reflection in the changes in cash flows, which results from the application of a
given depreciation schedule.
Both the aspects aforementioned are subject to investigation herein and with reference
to investment projects in the mining sector.
Worldwide, the extractive industry uses various depreciation procedures for fixed assets.

Naturally, it must influence the evaluation of efficiency of investment projects under

performance through the following factors:
Legally permissible depreciation methods for fixed assets,

Tax system and rates.
The evaluation of a project which truly reflects the problem of future depreciation
procedure as well and tax effect are still of significance, mainly from the viewpoint of
selection of the depreciation method so that one may maximize the post-taxation effects
generated by the company as a result of the investment project under performance.
Taking into consideration the present condition of the extractive industry, and especially,
the hard coal sector, a large number of mining plants should urgently effect a series of
revamping or development investments. However, according to previous analyses in
many cases todays financial and economic position of such plants prevents them from
having access to effective sources of outside capital; besides, even if such a capital were
within an investors reach, its cost is relatively high; and if such capital should be utilized
for financing investment expenses, in most cases the efficiency of the project will be
affected.
Methods of Depreciation
1. Linear method (MLN).
The difference between the beginning and the ending value of a fixed asset is subject to
depreciation in equal annual amounts in the time of operation of the asset said, according
to the relation:
Where:
Ar(t) annual depreciation in a year t,

Qp (gross) beginning value of a fixed asset which constitutes the base of depreciation,

Qk ending (liquidation) value of the fixed asset,

T economical period of operation; here, the inverse period of operation determines the level of
depreciation rate for the given fixed asset.
2. Degressive method (MDG).
This method, instead, enables one to recover a higher value of a fixed asset in its first
years of operation. In the years to come, the depreciation is calculated on the (net) current
value
In this procedure, the depreciation rate is multiplied by a number from 1 to 2 or even by

3 in the regions with high rate of structural unemployment. The annual depreciation rate
is found from the relation:
Taking into consideration the following condition:
Where:
Ar(x) annual depreciation in previous years,
R conversion factor used in the Degressive method.
3. Method of sums of year digits (SOYD).
In this method, different depreciation rates are applied. For the given year, the rate is
calculated from the quotient in which the numerator is the number of the remaining years
of operation of the fixed asset, and the denominator is the sum of all digits from the
numerators. As a result, we obtain depreciation rates decreasing with time. Therefore,

this is also a Degressive method. The annual depreciation value can be found from the
relation:
4. Production units method (MJP).
The annual depreciation value calculated with this method is proportional to the year
output. The depreciation rate is calculated by dividing the yearly output by the aggregate
output viz. in the entire period of operation of the given fixed asset. Usually, as time goes
by, the respective assets become less efficient due to wear. If the yearly output is constant
in the entire period of operation, the depreciation value determined this way is equal to
the value calculated with the linear method. Instead, in the production units method, the
depreciation value can be determined from the relation:
Where:
Wr(t) output volume in year t.

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Specification and Estimation

2009 Regulations, IX Semester

Ar. Vashni Livingston

AR2502 SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATION

UNIT I SPECIFICATION (5)

Necessity of specification, importance of specification, - How to write specification, - Types of

UNIT II SPECIFICATION WRITING (10)

UNIT III ESTIMATION (10)

UNIT IV DETAILED ESTIMATE (10)

UNIT V COST ESTIMATING & COST BUDGETTING (10)

1| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

What are Specifications?

Specifications describe the materials and workmanship required for a development.

Specifications should be developed alongside the design, increasing in level of

The detailed specifications form a part of a contract document. They specify,

2| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

And the method of execution for a particular item of works in a project

Specifications are written documents that describe

3| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

Require evidence of compliance with the specification (manufacturers test results,

Sl performance Sl prescriptive specifications

4| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

focused on the level of

Most projects will involve a combination of performance and prescriptive specifications.

Key to deciding whether to specify a building component prescriptively or not, is

5| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

It should be possible to verify standards of products and workmanship by

6| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

Building services (including lighting, heating, ventilation and air

An output-based specification might include:

7| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

Specific services requirements such as information technology requirements.

Necessity of giving Specifications

8| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

A specification is a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to

9| Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

How to write Specification

Means using plain English, restricting vocabulary to words in common usage.

10 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

In particular avoid words such as approve or approved unless this is an essential

Documents are meant to be complimentary. The principles to follow are:

11 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

If information is on the drawings, dont repeat it in the specification, unless the

The principle qualifications needed are:

12 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

Familiarity with the project, including the design philosophy

As a briefing document and a record of decisions made.

13 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

Writing project specifications

14 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

The introduction of the performance-based Building Acts provided a timely illustration of

Products such as aluminum windows, demountable partitions, suspended ceilings, some

Specifying by reference to a sample offers a relatively simple way to ensure a desired

The prescriptive approach

Descriptive (spelling out in detail what is wanted)

15 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

Specifying by reference to standards or codes of practice can be problematic. The

Classification and coding

Common Arrangement of Work Sections the classification system used by the UK

The first digit signifies the class:

16 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)

For example: 1. 2 211 Removing vegetation 2. 2 221 Excavation 3. 2 222 Backfilling 4. 2

A major concern for users of specifications (contractors, territorial authorities,

17 | Ar. Vashni Livingston, Asst. Professor, MSAJAA (2016)