QUANTITY SURVEYING

Estimate
Estimate has always been regarded as a
valuation based on opinion or roughly made
from imperfect or incomplete data; a
calculation not professedly exact; an
appraisement; also a statement, as by a
builder, in regard to the cost of certain work.
For discussion:
1. Concrete
2. Masonry
3. Reinforcement
4. Lumber
5. Forms and Scaffoldings
6. Roofing
7. Tilework
8. Hardware
Concrete
Concrete is an artificial stone as a result of mixing
cement, sand, gravel, crushed stone or other inert
materials. A conglomeration of these aggregates
producing a solid mass is called Plain Concrete.

Reinforced concrete is a concrete with

reinforcement embedded in such a manner that
the two materials act together in resisting forces;
economy is sometimes attained by placing large
stone in the concrete in the process of pouring
thereby reducing the volume of cement, sand and
gravel.
Concrete Proportion
Sample Problem:
Determine the quantity of cement, sand, and
gravel of a concrete slab of 4” thk with a general
dimensions of 20m x 30m.
Solution:
1. Convert 4 inches to meter
4” = .100m
2. Area of the pavement
20m x 30m = 600 sqm
3. Volume
.100m x 600 sqm = 60 cum
4. Referring to Table using Class A:
Cement: 60 cum x 9 = 540 bags
Sand: 60 cum x 0.5 = 30 cum
Gravel: 60 cum x 1 = 60 cum
Sample Problem:
A concrete post 4.00 m high with a cross sectional
dimension of 10 x 12 inches is resting on a concrete
footing 8 inches thick by 32” square. Compute for
the quantity of cement, sand, and gravel.
Solution:
1. Convert measurement to meter
8“ = 0.20 m
32” = 0.80 m
12” = 0.30 m
10” = 0.25 m
2. Find the volume of the footing
0.20 x 0.80 x 0.80 = 0.128 cum
3. Volume of post: 0.25 x 0.30 x 4.0 = 0.30 cum
4. Total of footing and post = 0.428 cum
5. Referring to Table using Class A:
Cement: 0.428 cum x 9 = 3.852 say 4 bags
Sand: 0.428 cum x 0.5 = .214 cum
Gravel: 0.428 cum x 1 = 0.428 cum
Masonry
Hollow Blocks are classified as bearing and non-
bearing blocks. Load bearing blocks are whose
thickness ranges from 6 to 8 inches or more and are
used to carry load aside from its own weight. While
non-load bearing blocks are blocks which are
intended for walls, partitions, fences or dividers
carrying its own weight alone whose thickness
ranges from 3 to 4 inches.
Cells
Hollow blocks usually have three whole cells and
two one-half cells at both ends having a total of
four. These cells vary in sizes as there are different
manufacturers using different moulds. There are
square, rectangular, circular and elliptical forms. The
small cells consume lesser mortar filler while bigger
cells require more. The small cells is more
economical but the bigger cell is stronger.
Sample Problem:
Find the number of 6” x 8” 16” concrete hollow
blocks for the construction of fire wall 8.0m high and
30.0m long.
Solution:
1. Convert measurement from inches to meter
6 in = 0.15 m
8 in = 0.20 m
16 in = 0.40 m
2. Find the area of one block (side)
0.20m x 0.40m = 0.08 sqm
3. Area of wall
A = 8m x 30m = 240 sqm
4. Divide the area of the wall by the area of one
block
240 sqm / 0.08 sqm = 3,000 pieces
Sample Problem:
Let it be required to find the number of 4” hollow
blocks needed for the work as shown. Blocks are
supported by 8” x 8” concrete post.
Solution:
1. Find the area of the wall
12m x 3m = 36 sqm

2. Find the area occupied by the post

0.20m x 3 = 0.60m x 3.0m
= 1.80 sqm

3. Subtract 2 from 1
36 sqm – 1.80 sqm = 34.20 sqm

4. Divide 34.20sqm to the area of block

34.20 sqm / 0.08 sqm = 427.5 say 428 pcs
Cement Mortar
Cement Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand and
water. It is used as bonding materials in installing
masonry blocks and other various plastering work. In
estimating cement mortar, one has to consider the
flowing items.
a. the mortar to be used in between the layer
of CHB
b. the mortar filler for the hollow core or cell of
the blocks. This could be pure mortar
with gravel for economy.
c. fine screened sand for plastering
Cement Mortar Classes

CLASS CEMENT SAND

PROPORTION
MIXTURE 40KG 50KG cu.m.
A 1:2 18.0 14.5 1.0
B 1:3 12.0 9.5 1.0
C 1:4 9.0 7.0 1.0
D 1:5 7.5 6.0 1.0
Sample Problem:
In figure shown below, determine how many bags
of cement and sand needed to install the 150
pieces 10 x 20 x 40 cm CHB using class B mortar.
Solution:
1. Determine the volume of mortar in between the
layer of the blocks, adopting 12mm (1/2”) or
0.012 meters uniform thickness of the mortar.
Volume = Thickness x Width of CHB x Length
V = 0.012 x 0.10 x 4.00 m
V = 0.0048 cubic meter

2. Take note that 3.0 meters high wall divided by

0.20m height of one block is 15 = layers. Thus:
V = 15 layers x 0.0048
V = 0.072 cu.m.

This is the total volume of the mortar in between

the 15 layers of concrete hollow blocks.
Solution:
3. Aside from the cement mortar used in between
block layers, there are 4 hollow cores or cells per
block to be filled up with mortar.

V = 0.05 x 0.075 x 0.20 x 4 cores

V = 0.003 cu.m.
Solution:
4. Find the total volume of hollow core for the 150
CHB.
V = 150 x 0.003 = 0.45 cu.m.
5. Total volume: Add the results
Total Volume: 0.072 + 0.45 = 0.522 cu.m.
6. Refer to table using class “B” mixture; multiply:
Cement: 0.522 x 12.0 = 6.26 say 7 Bags
Sand: 0.522 x 1.0 = 0.522 cu.m.
Sample Problem:
In figure shown below, find the quantity of hollow
blocks, cement and sand, for mortar using 4” CHB.
Solution:
1. Find the area of the wall:
Area = Perimeter x Height
A = 60.00m x 2.60m
A = 156 sqm
2. Find the number of CHB:
A = 156 / 0.08 = 1950 pcs
3. Find the cement and sand:
V = 0.012 x 0.10 x 60 = 0.072 cum x 13
V = 0.94 cum
V = 0.003 x 1950 = 5.85 cum
Total Volume: 6.79 cum

Cement: 6.79 x 12.0 = 81.48 say 82 bags

Sand : 6.79 x 1.0 = 6.79 cu.m.
Sample Problem:
In figure shown below, find the cement and sand
necessary to plaster two sides of 3.0m x 4.0m wall
with a plaster thickness of 16mm.
Solution:
1. Find the area of the wall (2 sides)
Area = 3.0 x 4.0 x 2 sides
A = 24 sqm

2. Determine the volume of the plaster

V = 24 sqm x 0.016
V = 0.384 cu.m.

3. Solve for the cement and sand referring to the

class B mixture; multiply:
Cement: 0.384 x 12.0 = 4.6 say 5 bags
Sand: 0.384 x 1.0 = 0.384 cu.m.
Sample Problem:
From the figure below, list down the cement and
sand necessary to plaster 2 faces of the fence at an
average thickness of 20mm using class “C” mixture
and using 6” CHB.
Solution:
1. Find the area of the fence (2 sides)
Area = 55 x 2.70 x 2 sides
A = 297 sqm
2. Solve for the area of the front and the top
surface of the fence.
A = 0.15 x (2.70 + 2.70 + 40.0 + 15.0)
A = 9.06 sqm
3. Total Area
A = 297 + 9.06 = 306.06 sqm
4. Total Volume to be plastered:
V = 306.06 sqm x .020 = 6.12 cu.m.
Solution:
5. Solve for the cement and sand referring to the
class C mixture; multiply:
Cement: 6.12 x 9.0 = 55.08 say 56 bags
Sand: 6.12 x 1.0 = 6.12 cu.m.
Reinforcement
Steel reinforcing bar is essential in the construction,
particularly in the block-laying of the concrete
hollow blocks. The size of the steel bars commonly
used are from 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm,
32mm etc. depending upon the plan and
specifications.

Estimating is only determining the quantity, as to the

length and number of bars needed in the
construction. Number of bars refers to the 6 meters
length of commercial bar.
Reinforcement
The problems encountered in finding the quantity
and number of steel bars to be used in the
construction are:

1. Determining the total splicing of joints for vertical

and horizontal reinforcement.
2. The number of vertical and horizontal bars at a
given spacing of interrupted area or span.
3. Provisions for bending and hook.
4. The quantity of tie wire needed in kilogram.
5. The direct counting method of the vertical and
horizontal bars adding the splice, hook and
bending allowances.
Sample Problem:
For a concrete wall made of 6” CHB, measuring
4.0m high by 5.0m span, using 10mm diameter steel
reinforcement with vertical bars spaced at 1 m.o.c.
and a horizontal bar after 3 layers, determine the
number of 8 feet steel bars.
Solution:
1. Vertical bars:
Vb = (length/ spacing) x height
= (5.0m/ 1.0) x 4.6 = 23 m

Divide to 6m (commercially available):

23 / 6 = 3.83 say 4 pcs

Add 5% for extra/ bended steel:

4 x 0.05 = 0.2 say 1 pc

Total: 5 – 10mm diameter Vertical Bars spaced @

1 m.o.c.
Solution:

2. Horizontal bars:
Hb = (height/ spacing) x length
= (4.6/ .6) x 5.0 = 38.33 m

Divide to 6m (commercially available):

38.33 / 6 = 6.39 say 7 pcs

Add 5% for extra/ bended steel:

7 x 0.05 = 0.35 say 1 pc

Total: 8 – 10mm diameter Horizontal Bars spaced

@ every 3 layers of CHB
Sample Problem:
Solve for the number of pcs of vertical and
horizontal bars for a concrete wall made of 6” CHB,
measuring 3.6m from the footing by 10.0m span,
using 10mm diameter steel reinforcement with
vertical bars spaced at 0.90 m.o.c. and a horizontal
bar after 3 layers, determine the number of 8 feet
steel bars.
Solution:
1. Vertical bars:
Vb = (length/ spacing) x height
= (10.0m/ 0.9) x 3.6 = 40.00 m

Divide to 6m (commercially available):

40.00 / 6 = 6.67 say 7 pcs

Add 5% for extra/ bended steel:

7 x 0.05 = 0.35 say 1 pc

Total: 8 – 10mm diameter Vertical Bars spaced @

0.90 m.o.c.
Solution:

2. Horizontal bars:
Hb = (height/ spacing) x length
= (3.60/ 0.60) x 10.0 = 60 m

Divide to 6m (commercially available):

60 / 6 = 10 pcs

Add 5% for extra/ bended steel:

10 x 0.05 = 0.50 say 1 pc

Total: 11 – 10mm diameter Horizontal Bars

spaced @ every 3 layers of CHB
Sample Problem:
From the figure below, find the number of 12mm
diameter steel bars required if there are 24 footings
with a general dimension of 1.50 x 1.50m.
Solution:
1. Find the net length of one cut reinforcing bar:
Net length: 1.50m – 2(0.75)
L = 1.35 meters

2. Find the total number of these cut bars in one

footing:
10 x 2 = 20 pieces of 12mm at 1.35m long

3. Find the total number of cut bars in 24 footings:

Total cut bars: 24 x 20 = 480 pcs

4. If 6.0m long steel bar will be used, we obtain the

following cuts:
6.0m/ 1.35m = 4.44 pcs
Solution:
5. Say 4 pcs
Divide the result of step 3 by 4.0 to get the
number of 6 meters steel bars required.

480 / 4 = 120 pcs steel bars at 6 meters long

Sample Problem:
From the figure below, determine the number of
12mm diameter steel bars if there are 30 pcs of
1.15m x 1.15m independent square footing.

POST

L = 1.20 m
Solution:
1. Determine the length in one reinforcing cut-bar:
Net Length = 1.00 + .20 = 1.20 meters
2. Find the total number of cut bars in one footing:
N = 6 x 2 (both sides) = 12 pcs per footing
3. Find the total cut bars for 30 footings:
12 cut bars x 30 footings = 360 pcs
4. Find the total length of 360 pcs cut bars at 1.20m
long:
360 x 1.20 = 432 meters
5. Divide by 6.0m length of one commercial steel
bar:
432/ 6.0 = 72 pcs of 12mm x 6.0m steel bars
Sample Problem:
From the following figure, list down the main
reinforcement from the footing to the second floor
using 20mm if there are 10 columns in the plan.
Beam

Cross section of column

Ground Floor Line

Foundation Line
Solution:
1. Determine the total length of the main steel bar
reinforcements:
Bend at the base footing: 0.20m
Length from footing to ground floor: 1.20m
Height from ground line to beam: 3.50m
Depth of beam: 0.50m
Thickness of slab: 0.15m
Dowel for second floor (20x20mm) 0.40m
Total Length of Reinforcements: 5.95m
Say a 6.0 meters long steel bar

2. Multiply by number of bars in one post x 10 post

8 x 10 = 80 pcs
Solution:
3. Conclusion:
Order: 80 pcs 20mm x 6m long steel bars
Sample Problem:
Sample Problem:
Solution:
1. Given:
C1 = 13 pcs of C1
F1 = 2 pcs of F1
2. Footing: 16mm diameter
length of 1 bar : 1.0 – 0.075 – 0.075 + 0.2 = 1.05m
pieces on 1 footing: 4 + 4 = 8 pcs
8 pcs x 1.05m = 8.4m length of bar per footing
16.8m for 2 footings
divide 6 / 1.05 = 5.72 say 5 pcs
divide 16.8 / 5 = 3.36 say 4 pcs

Conclusion: 4 pcs 16mm diameter @ 6 meters

Solution:
3. Column: 16mm diameter
Total Length: 0.20m
0.60m
0.20m
2.80m
0.40m
4.20m
4.20 x 8pcs = 33.6 meters
33.6 x 13pcs = 436.8 meters
436.8 / 6.0 = 72.80 say 73 pcs

Conclusion: 73 pcs 16mm diameter @ 6.0m

Lumber
WOOD
Wood is that fibrous substance which composes the
trunk and the branches of a tree that lies between
the pith and the bark. The versatility of using wood
in every construction has lifted it to its present
importance and high demand in almost all types of
construction.

Even with the introduction of new materials and

methods of construction, wood is evidently much in
use. Wood, because of its strength, light in weight,
durability and ease of fastening become one of the
most important building materials.
Lumber
Lumber is the term applied to wood after it has
been sawed or sliced into boards, planks, timber
etc.

Rough lumber is the term applied to unplanned or

undressed lumber. In short, those lumber with rough
surfaces.

S2s and S4s are dressed lumber wherein the number

connotes the smooth sides. For instance, S2s means
lumber having two smooth sides and S4s with four
sides.
Lumber
Slab is a kind of rough lumber cut tangent to the
annual rings running through the full length of the
log containing at least one flat surface.

Surface or Dressed lumber is a planed lumber

having at least one smooth side.

Timber is a piece of lumber five inches or larger in its

smallest dimension

Plank is a wide piece of lumber from 4 to 5 inch thk

Board is a piece of lumber less than 4 cm thk with at

least 10cm wide.
Lumber
Flitch is a thick piece of lumber

Fine Grained when the annual rings are small, the

grain or marking which separates the adjacent rings
is said to be fine grained. When large, it is called
Coarse Grained

Straight Grained is a term used when the direction

of the fibers are nearly parallel with the side and
edges of the board.

Crooked or Cross Grained is a lumber taken from a

crooked tree.
Lumber
Classifications of Wood

1. Mode of Growth
a. Indigenous
b. Exogenous
2. With Respect to Density
a. Soft
b. Hard
3. With Respect to Leaves
a. Needle Shape
b. Broad Shape
4. With Respect to Shades or Color
a. White d. Brown
b. Yellow e. Black, etc.
c. Red
Lumber
Classifications of Wood

5. With Respect to the Grain

a. Straight
b. Cross
c. Fine
d. Coarse
6. With Respect to the Nature of Surface when
Sawed
a. Plain
b. Grained
c. Figured or Marked
Sample Problem:
A bedroom with a general dimensions of 4.00 x 5.00
meters specify the use of ¼” x 4’ x 8’ plywood
ceiling on a 2” x 2” ceiling joist spaced at 40 x 60
cm. Find the number of plywood and the ceiling
joist required if there are 5 rooms of the same size.
Sample Problem:
Solution:
1. Find the area of ceiling:
A = 4.00 x 5.00
= 20 sqm
2. Using 1.20m x 2.40m plywood:
20 sqm/ 2.88 = 6.94 say 7 pcs per room
3. For 5 rooms: 7 x 5 = 35 pcs

Conclusion: order 35 pcs of ¼” x 4’ x 8’

Solution:
1. Find the number of joist perpendicular to 4.0m:
4.0 / 0.6 = 6.67 say 7 pcs of joist
2. Always add 1:
7 + 1 = 8 pcs at 4.0 meters
3. Find the number of just perpendicular at 5.0m:
5.0 / 0.4 = 12.5 say 13 pcs
4. Add 1 = 14 pcs at 5.0 meters
5. For 5 rooms:
8 x 5 = 40 pcs 2” x 2” spaced at 0.60 meters
14 x 5 = 70 pcs 2” x 2” spaced at 0.40 meters