96
Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book
These two standard methods of measurement reflect the different approaches of the two industries, not only in the nature of the work, but also the degree of detail and the estimating conventions used by both sectors. This, in turn, reflects the different ways in which building and civil engineering projects are organised and carried out. In general the SMM7 has more emphasis on detail, where as the CESMM3 takes a more inclusive approach to the measurement process. Building work comprises many different trades, whereas civil engineering works consist of large quantities of a comparatively small range of items. For example, when measuring excavation using SMM7 it is necessary to keep excavation, earthwork support and working space as separate items, whereas when using CESMM3 all these item are included in a single item of excavation. Other methods of measurement are available for specific types of construction, most notably: • Standard method of measurement for highways • Standard method of measurement for roads and bridges • Standard method of measurement for industrial engineering construction, which provides measurement principles for the estimating, tendering, contract management and cost control aspects of industrial engineering construction • RICS international method of measurement. The UK standard method of measurement of building works (SMM7) has been used as the basis for the preparation of methods of measurement that are used in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Managing the measurement process The bill of quantities, when completed, is traditionally presented in trade format; that is, the same order as SMM7, for example: • Demolition and alteration • Groundwork • Concrete work
• Masonry • Etc.
There are various approaches to measurement for bills of quantities and these are as follows: