Thumb Rules for Construction: Accurate Material and Cost Estimations for High-Rise Buildings

Thumb Rule of Construction Material

Thumb rule requirement of standard materials and standard calculation in high-raised building

1. Steel =3 to 5 kg/sqft
2. Cement =0.5bags/ sqft
3. RMC =0.05 m3/sqft
4. Block =12.5 nos /sqm
5. Electrical cast = Rs 133/sqft
6. Plumbing cost = Rs 126/sqft
7. Fire fighting cost = Rs 40/sqft
8. External development = Rs 94.5/sqft
9. Civil works-Structure = RS 751.25/sqft
10.  Finishing works = RS 467.50/sqft

Thumb Rule of Cement Constant

1. 200 mm in cm 1:6 =0.124Bags /sqm
2. 200 mm in cm 1:4 =0.206 bags/sqm
3. 150 mm in cm 1:6 =0.093 bags/sqm
4. 150mm in cm 1:4 =0.144 bags/sqm
5. 100 mm in cm 1:4 =0.103 bags/sqm
6. Ceiling plastering =0.11 bags/sqm
7. Wall plastering =0.09 bags/sqm
8. Rough plastering =0.09 bags/sqm
9. Duct plastering =0.09 bags/sqm
10. External plastering =0.175 bags/sqm
11. Lathen plastering =0.55 bags/sqm
12. Stucco plaster =0.175 bags/sqm
13. 100 mm plaster band =0.012 bags/rmt
14. PCC 1: 4: 8 =3.4 bags/cum
15. PCC 1:5:10 =2.52 bags/cum
16. PCC 1:3:6 =4.2 bags/cum
17. PCC 1:2:4 =6.02 bags/cum
18. 230 mm brick =0.876 bags/cum
19. 115 mm brickwork =0.218 bags/cum
20. VDF 100 mm thick =0.82 bags/sqm
21. Granolithic flooring =40 mm 0.35 bags/sqm
22. Granolithic flooring =20 mm 0.28 bags/sqm
23. Anti-skid =0.28 bags/sqm
24. Ceramic =0.28 bags/sqm
25. Vertified tile flooring =0.28 bags/sqm
26. Vertified tile dado =0.27 bags/sqm
27. Ceramic dado =0.27 bags/sqm
28. Marble flooring =0.3 bags/sqm
29. 100 mm ht marble skerting =0.027 bags/rmt
30. Marble glading =0.27 bags/sqm
31. Terracota tle flooring =0.3 bags/sqm
32. Mangalore tile =0.3 bags/sqm
33. Door frame fixing =0.17 bags/sqm
34. Water proofing for sunken slab =0.23 bags/sqm
35. Waterproofing for walls =0.23 bags/sqm
36. Water proofing for balcony/toilets =0.65 bags/sqm
37. Anti terminate treatment chemical Name is chlorpyrifos 20 %.38. Diluting 5 Lit of Chemical with 95 Lit of water and usage is 7.5 Sqm Per liter {Diluted}.
38. To Provide 1” Dia hole And Deep 1 Foot

Labour Productivity Thumb Rule:- 

1. Brickwork
   1. 1 Mason 1 Men mazdoor 1.25 sqm
   2. 1 Women Mazdoor
2. Wall Plastering
   1. 1 mason
   2. 1 Men mazdoor 10 sqm
   3. 1 Women Mazdoor
3. Ceiling
   1. 1 mason
   2. 1 Men mazdoor 8 sqm
   3. 1 Women Mazdoor
4. External Plastering
   1. 1 mason
   2. 1 Men mazdoor 8 sqm
   3. 1 Women Mazdoor
5. Blockwork 8”
   1. 1 mason
   2. 1 Men mazdoor 10 sqm
   3. 1 Women Mazdoor
6. Blockwork 6”
   1. 1 mason
   2. 1 Men mazdoor 8 sqm
   3. 1 Women Mazdoor
7. Blockwork 4”
   1. 1 mason
   2. 1 Men mazdoor 8 sqm
   3. 1 Women Mazdoor
8. Carpenter
   1. 1 Skilled
   2. 1 Un skilled 4 Sqm
9. Bar bender
   1. 1 Skilled
   2. 1 UN skilled 200Kg
10. Tile work
    1. 1 Mason
    2. 1M Mazdoor 10 Sqm
11. Paint
    1. Painter skilled OBD 600 Sft
    2. Emulsion 800 Sft
    3. Putty 600 Sft
    4. Primer 800 Sft
12. External Painting
    1. Ace-Low quality
    2. Apex-Medium Quality
    3. Apex ultima –High Quality

The Miscellaneous Thumb Rules in Construction:-

1. One Sqm = 10.763Sft
2. One Cum = 35.314 Cft
3. One Acres = 4046.873
4. Sqm = 43560.17
5. Sft = 4840.019Yards
6. One Cubic meter = 1000 liter
7. One Meter = 3.280Feet
8. One Mile = 1609.344 meter
9. One Acre = 100 cent
10. One ground = 2400
11. Sft = 5.51 cent
12. ½ ground = 2.75 cent
13. One Mile = 8 Furlong
14. One cement bag = 1.25 Cft
15. One Forma box = 1*1*1.25 feet

For Adding 4 Liters of Water in 1 Cu.m Freshly Mixed Concrete

1. The slump value will be increased by 25 mm.
2. The compressive strength of concrete will be decreased by 1.5 to 2.0 N/mm2
3. The shrinkage potential will be increased by 10%.
4. 1/4 bag of cement will be wasted.

If the Temperature of Freshly Mixed Concrete Is Increased by 1%, Then

1. 4 liters of water per cu.m will give equal slump.
2. The air content will be decreased by 1%.
3. The compressive strength of concrete will be decreased by 1.0 to 1.5 N/mm2.

If the Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete Is

1. Increased by 1% then the compressive strength will be decreased by 5 %.
2. Decreased by 1%, the yield will be decreased by 0.03 cu.m per 1 cu.m.
3. Decreased by 1%, then the slump value will be decreased by about 12.5 mm.
4. Decreased by 1%, then the durability of the concrete will be reduced by 10%.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) you can include in your article on thumb rules for construction materials and their standard calculations:

What are thumb rules in construction?

Thumb rules in construction are simplified guidelines used by professionals to estimate quantities of materials like steel, cement, RMC, blocks, and costs associated with various aspects of building construction without detailed calculations.

How accurate are thumb rules for estimating construction materials?

Thumb rules provide a quick estimation based on average values and are generally used for preliminary planning. The accuracy may vary depending on specific project conditions and should be used with caution.

What factors should be considered when applying thumb rules?

Factors such as building type, design complexity, local construction practices, and material availability should be considered. Adjustments may be necessary based on these factors.

Can thumb rules be used for all types of construction projects?

Thumb rules are more suitable for standard and repetitive construction projects where historical data and averages can be applied. For complex or unique projects, detailed calculations by engineers are recommended.

How can thumb rules help in cost estimation?

Thumb rules provide a quick way to estimate costs for materials like steel, cement, and others based on per square foot or square meter area. This helps in budgeting and initial feasibility assessments.

Are there different thumb rules for different types of construction materials?

Yes, thumb rules can vary for different materials and tasks within construction, such as plastering, flooring, and structural elements. Each has its own set of average values for estimation.

What are the limitations of using thumb rules in construction?

Thumb rules may not account for specific site conditions, variations in material quality, design changes, or unforeseen circumstances. They are best used as initial estimates and require adjustment based on detailed project requirements.

How often should thumb rules be updated or verified?

Thumb rules should be verified and updated periodically to reflect changes in material costs, construction practices, and technology advancements affecting construction efficiency and material consumption.