Measurement Books: Recording and Managing Construction Work and Materials

What Is Measurement Book?

“Measurement Book” is an important Record Where measurements are recorded for the work done by the contractor, or for the materials received in the site or services rendered. MB belongs to the Division – and Can Be serially numbered Recording to whom issued, date of issue, etc. (DEE/ SDO)

Contractor payments are made based on the measurements recorded in the Measurement Book. It is considered very important accounts record and Preserved very carefully and Correctly and form substantial evidence in the court of law – If the need arises.

Measurements are written legibly in Order that transactions are readily traceable Recording of measurements. Each set of measurements should commence with entries.

Work Name as Given in The Estimate/Agreement

1. Work location
2. Contractors Name
3. Work completion date
4. Work commencement date
5. Measurement recording date
6. Agreement Number and date

Format of Measurement Book

The Procedure of Recording Measurement Book:

Measurement book is recorded at two different stages as per below:

1. Progressive measurement:
2. Final measurement:

1. Progressive Measurement

It is maintained in the completion of different stages of watershed activity or before each running payment of the watershed activity. In this bill to be maintained monthly bill in the project. Because project work is longterm prosses. So, monthly payment release required monthly work progress of contractor requirement for working payment needs progressive measurements required.

The most important objective of maintaining progressive measurement would be for tracking the progress of work and the output signal of work against the payment made. It is necessary to maintain the progressive measurement book in both cases whether the work is being implemented on a measurement basis or on a daily wage basis.

2. Final Measurement

It is a complete measurement of some physical intervention, which can be recorded in the time of completion of any physical intervention. The most important objective of maintaining the final measurement would be to keep all the measurements in one place. With the help of the final measurement, actual work done may be compared with the estimate.

Record Entry In Measurement Book (MB)

1. First of all, write down the Date of Measurement taken.
2. Item of BOQ is explained to understand that what is the measurement and from where it is taken.
3. Serial Number of new measurements is written with the Item number of BOQ as shown in the above table. Because it tells us the new record serial and from where the same item is taken so that BOQ item serial number is useful for quick checking.
4. Clearly mention the unit of measurement like
   1. Cubic meter or M³ or Cu.m. for volumetric measurements like excavation, concrete, etc.
   2. Square meter or Sq.m. or M² for areal measurements like plastering work which has fixed depth etc.
   3. Meter or m for length measurement for standard or fixed-width items like pipeline etc.
5. The total quantity of measurement is calculated on the same page, which is forwarded on the Abstract book.

Measurement of Excavation as Per Drawing 

Footing excavation work needs sum drawing like Footing location Drawing and Section Drawing. All drawing as per below, please see

Section A-A

Footing Location

 In this plan, 11 footings as per drawing.

Length = 0.6m + 1.0m + 0.6m = 2.20m

Here 0.6 m is working space in footing for both sides.

And,1.0 m = footing size

Measurement of Footing P.C.C. as Per Drawing 

In this plan, 11 footings as per drawing.

Length = 0.15m + 1.0m + 0.15m = 1.30m

Here 0.15 m = P.C.C. working space in footing, for both side

And,1.0 m = footing size

Measurement of Footing R.C.C. as Per Drawing 

In this plan, 11 footings as per drawing.

Length = 1.0m  = 1.0m

Here Height = 0.450 m

And, 1.0 m = footing size

Measurement of Column up to Plinth Level R.C.C. as Per Drawing 

In this plan, 11 footings as per drawing.

Length = 0.230 m, Breadth = 0.230 m

Here Height = 1.05 m

Section A-A

Measurement of Backfilling as Per Drawing 

Footing backfilling qty for 11 Qty

Length & Breadth = 2.2 m, Height Footing Bottom to ground level = 1.580 mm

Backfilling = Excavation – Footing P.C.C – Column R.C.C

Plinth Beam Backfilling

Height of backfilling = 0.600 m

Total plinth beam backfilling = Total Area – Plinth beam

Measurement of Plinth Beam R.C.C. as Per Drawing 

Lintel Beam

As per lintel beam drawing, L-1 = 3 nos., L-2 = 4 nos., L-3 = 3 nos., L- 4 = 1 nos, L-5 = 1 nos of qty and length

and beam size = 0.230 m x 0.600 m

Measurement of Grae Slab RCC as Per Drawing 

Grae Slab RCC = ( Total Length x Total Breadth x Thickness ) – Column

Grae Slab RCC = ( 10.240 x 7.690 x 0.100 ) – ( 11 x 0.230 x 0.230 x 0.100)

Grae Slab RCC = ( 7.87 ) – (0.06)

Grae Slab RCC = 7.82 Cu.m.

Measurement of Grae Slab RCC as Per Drawing 

Column Length & Breadth= 0.230 m

Height = Ground Slab – Ground Floor – Slab Beam

Height = 3 – 0 – 0.350 = 2.650 m

Measurement of Brick Masonry as Per Drawing 

Plan

Elevation

Section

Brick masonry calculation uses a Long wall and Short wall method

All length as per drawing and height = 3.00 m – 0.35 m = 2.65 m.

Measurement of In Side Plaster as Per Drawing 

Sum Note Point for deduction

1. 0.5 sq.m. below section is a full deduction

2. 0.5 sq.m. to 3.0 sq.m. between  half deduction in area

3. 3.0 sq.m above full deduction but add side pattas

Measurement of Out Side Plaster as Per Drawing 

Measurement of Celling Plaster as Per Drawing 

Measurement of In Out Side Plaster as Per Drawing 

Slab Beam

Section

Measurement of In Side Paint as Per Drawing 

Measurement of Out Side Plaster as Per Drawing 

FAQ: Measurement Books in Construction

What is a measurement book in construction?

A measurement book (MB) is a crucial document used in construction projects to record all measurements of work completed and materials used. It serves as an official record for both quality assurance and billing purposes.

Why are measurement books important in construction projects?

Measurement books are essential for:

1. Accurately documenting work completed and materials used.
2. Providing a basis for interim and final payments to contractors.
3. Resolving disputes by offering a detailed and objective record of work.

Who is responsible for maintaining the measurement book?

Typically, the site engineer or project manager is responsible for maintaining the measurement book. It must be updated regularly and signed off by both the engineer and the contractor to ensure accuracy and accountability.

How are measurements recorded in a measurement book?

Measurements are recorded in a standardized format, including details such as:

1. Description of the work or material.
2. Quantity measured.
3. Unit of measurement.
4. Location and date of measurement.
5. Signature of the person taking the measurement.

What are the common sections found in a measurement book?

Common sections include:

1. Cover page with project details.
2. Record of measurements with columns for description, quantity, unit, and remarks.
3. Summary of measurements and materials used.
4. Approval and signature pages for verification.

How often should the measurement book be updated?

The measurement book should be updated regularly, ideally at the end of each workday or as work progresses. This ensures that all measurements are recorded promptly and accurately.

Can measurement books be used for different types of construction projects?

Yes, measurement books are versatile and can be used for various types of construction projects, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. The format may vary slightly depending on the project requirements.

What should be done if there is a discrepancy in measurements?

Discrepancies should be addressed immediately. The concerned parties, including the site engineer and contractor, should review the measurements, correct any errors, and document the changes in the measurement book.

How do measurement books assist in project management?

Measurement books help project managers track progress, manage costs, and ensure that work is completed as per specifications. They also provide a clear record for auditing and resolving any contractual disputes.

What are the best practices for using measurement books effectively?

Best practices include:

1. Ensuring measurements are taken accurately and recorded promptly.
2. Regularly reviewing and verifying entries.
3. Keeping the measurement book secure and accessible only to authorized personnel.
4. Using clear and consistent terminology and format.