Types of Estimate found on various stages of a Project

Estimate is a raw calculation on quantities of various works and their expenses which are made by the experts of the proper field before a project gets complete. Accuracy of an estimate depends on the experience, ability and judgment power of the estimator.

An estimator has to be very careful about the quantity takeoff using the given data such as drawings, specifications and other documents about the project. Besides all of this, every estimate must be prepared with the consideration of other two factors which influence a project namely Direct & Indirect Cost. Direct Cost includes cost of materials, equipment, labor and subcontracted cost; while the Indirect cost includes overheads and contingency.

Types of estimate: There are seven types of estimates which are described below:

1. Approximate estimate: It is also known as budget, preliminary estimate which is prepared in the first stage of a project; this estimation is made to give a clear idea to the client about the amount of cost needed for the project and to get the acceptance from necessary approving bodies or banks to get the loan. So mainly the approximate estimate is calculated with relevant previous experience and the documents like project drawing plans, details about land, electricity & water supply and a full detailed report are necessary to make the estimate. So, Approximate estimate = rate of 1m2

2. Plinth Area estimate: This can be calculated by multiplying the values of length, width and area of plinth. The plinth area is considered as additional plinth area of the building at floor level which can also be known as the roof covered area of a building. The plinth area rate is originated by dividing the total cost of an early constructed building by plinth area of the earlier constructed building.

3. Cubic content estimate: It is done by multiplying the volume of the building by the unit cubic rate got form the earlier estimate.

4. Annual repair estimate and special repair estimate: These kinds of estimates are calculated for managing the constructed element in good condition. Special repair estimate is made in situations where the costs of materials increased when compare to annual repair estimate cost.

5. Revised estimate: This is made when the rate of earlier submitted estimate rises by 5% or more than that. There can be many reasons for the preparation of estimate as per the increase cost of materials while the reason and comparative statement between two estimates can be joined with the revised estimate.

6. Supplementary estimate: It is made when there is an important situation of supplementary work to progress out the original work.

7. Detailed estimate: This type of estimate is made with the help of complete set of contract data and the making of detailed estimate can do under two phrases like work out with quantities of different works and calculate the cost of each work. A detailed estimate must have some documents like report, specifications, drawings/plans, design charts and schedule of rates. Besides these there are many other factors that are needed to consider well in the time of planning the detailed estimate.

Article Source: www.basiccivilengineering.com



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Uses and advantages of digital theodolite in surveying & engineering works

In this exclusive civil engineering tutorial, you will learn the step-by-step guidelines for employing digital theodolite.

The surveyors extensively use this tool for conducting topographic survey. With this tool, it is possible to determine both the horizontal and vertical angle. By combining with stateo techniques, it can work out the horizontal distances as well as differential elevations. It is a useful tool for surveying and engineering work.

Theodolites apply caged graduated circles and angular readings are captured with an internal magnifying optical system.

The theodolite comprises of a telescope that can be moved within two perpendicular axes- the horizontal axis, and the vertical axis. The telescope is fixed and an electronic readout screen is applied to demonstrate horizontal and vertical angles. Digital theodolites are user-friendly since the digital readouts substitute the conventional graduated circles and produce more precise readings.

Instructions for use :-

Label the point at which the theodolite is going to installed with a surveyor’s nail or a stake. This point is considered as the base for calculating the angles and distances.

Arrange the tripod. The height of the tripod should be kept in such a way so that the instrument (the theodolite) remain in eye-level. The centrally placed hole of the mounting plate should remain over the nail or stake.

Push the tripod legs into the ground with the brackets on the sides of each leg.

Fix the theodolite by positioning it on top of the tripod, and screw it in exact position with the mounting knob.

Calculate the height among the ground and the instrument. It should be applied as a reference to other stations.

The theodolite should leveled by altering the tripod legs and employing the bulls-eye level. The slight tuning is done with the leveling knobs to secure t it just right.

Alter the small sight (the vertical plummet) available on the bottom of the theodolite. The vertical plummet facilitates you to perform and make sure the instrument is situated over the nail or stake. Modify the plummet with the knobs on the bottom.

Point the crosshairs in the main scope at the point to be calculated. With the help of the locking knobs on the side of the theodolite, retain it aimed on the point. Record the horizontal and vertical angles with the viewing scope available on the theodolite’s side.

Benefits of applying a Theodolite

Given below, various advantages of Theodolites:

1. Superior correctness.
2. Internal magnifying optical system.
3. Reading circles is more accurate as compared to other instruments.
4. Electronic readings.
5. Horizontal circles are rapidly zeroed or arranged with any other value.
6. Horizontal circle readings are captured either to the left or right of zero.
7. Repeat readings are not required.
8. Suitable for both flat and sloped ground.
9. Not affected with wind or other weather factors.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Detail about 3D reinforcement in civil structure drawing

In this useful construction video tutorial, you will get the details of 3D reinforcement in civil structural drawing.

In this regard, you should have clear ideas on the followings :-

Stirrups 8Ø@150 C/C – It means the stirrups or rings should contain 8mm diameter. The distance among two rings in a column should be 150 mm center to center.

Bottom - 12Ø@150 C/C B/w (both way) – It is applicable in footing. The steel bars are placed horizontally and vertically in the footing. The distance among the two bars is 150 mm in both ways i.e. x axis and y axis.

3D reinforcement is provided in footing or foundation. It has the dimension like 12Ø@300 C/C three dimensional R/F.

Suppose the length, breadth and height of a foundation are 2m, 3m and 2m. Initially, the steel bars should be placed vertically at the spacing of 300 mm with 12mm diameter. It means the spacing should be maintained as 300 mm to both x and y axis horizontally & vertically for settling reinforcement. 3D dimensional reinforced is used to make foundation strong to bear heady load.

To get more clear ideas, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Tutorials Tips

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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How to calculate mason, labor for brick masonry construction with help of thumb rule

In this construction video tutorial, you will learn how to compute the mason as well as labor toward a 1st class brick masonry construction with the help of thumb rule.

A thumb rule refers to a principle having extensive application that is not projected to be exactly perfect or authentic for each situation. This method can be easily applied for making approx calculation or recollecting some value, or for making some determination.

It should be noted that the quantity of required labor will be gradually increased from ground floor to first floor to second floor etc.

Thumb rule is a constant value that is taken from the earlier construction work i.e. how much volume is covered by the labors employed in earlier projects. All the volumes are summed up to find out the average volume.

In ground floor, first floor and second floor, the volume of total area is taken as 150 m3

Ground floor :-

Mason = Volume x thumb rule (for mason) = 150 x 0.71 = 107 numbers
Now, suppose the charge for one mason = 1100 rupees
So, the cost for mason will be 107 x 1100 = 117, 700 rupees

Labor = 150 x 1.18 (thumb rule for labor) = 177 numbers
Suppose, one labor charge 800 rupees
Therefore, cost of labor = 177 x 800 = 141,600 rupees

Similar process should be followed for 1st floor and 2nd floor. Here, the value of thumb rule will be increased as the steps are increase.

To learn the calculation for 1st and 2nd floor, watch the following construction video tutorial.



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Common types of cracks in reinforced concrete column

Usually, Four types of cracks are found in reinforced concrete column which range from diagonal cracks, horizontal cracks, splitting cracks, corrosion cracks. The cracks happen in columns due to improper design, defective construction or overloading, erosion of reinforcement, isolated settlement of foundations, creep and shrinkage.

Cracking in reinforced concrete column may result in loosing of strength, consistency, longevity, and adversely impact aesthetics.

Types of cracks found in concrete columns:

1. Diagonal Cracks: If there are diagonal cracks in reinforced concrete columns, they encircle the whole face of column anywhere along its height. Because of insufficient load bearing strength of the columns, inadequate cross-section and inadequate reinforcement steel.

Diagonal Cracks significantly impact the structural soundness and therefore it should be monitored carefully.

2. Horizontal Cracks: Horizontal crack in reinforced concrete column is generally found at the beam-column joint, and on column face where tensile stress is massive. Columns with insufficient moment resistance strength, inadequate reinforcements, or disposition of installed reinforcement may lead to horizontal cracking owning to the effect of shear force and direct load and uniaxial bending.

Finally, horizontal cracks significantly decrease the shear strength of the column and as a result there is high risk of failure. So, it should be dealt with instantly and carefully.

3. Splitting Cracks: Splitting cracks in reinforced concrete column belong to short parallel vertical cracks having non-uniform width. These types of cracks may occur in columns with insufficient steel reinforcement, and low concrete quality. Splitting cracks in concrete columns originated because of attaining its maximum load bearing strength.

The ultimate Load bearing strength of the column is exceeded when concrete cross section is not enough or reinforcement ratio is inadequate or combination thereof.

4. Corrosion Cracks: Corrosion cracks in concrete columns are formed along the line of reinforcements. These types of cracks are usually homogeneous in width and expand as the column is ageing.

Probable reinforcement erosion and insufficient bond among the concrete and steel bars lead to erosion reinforcement in concrete columns. If these types of cracks are not dealt with properly, the erosion of reinforcement will be increased at a rapid rate.



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Some useful tips for footing excavation measurements

In this informative construction video tutorial, you will learn how to make calculation for earthwork excavation on the basis of elementary thumb rules. Besides, you will also learn how to make cross examination at the time of estimation.

This video is very useful for building engineer or civil site engineer.

Normally, earthwork is necessary for all the civil engineering projects roads, railways, earth dams, canal bunds, buildings etc.

This earthwork may range from either excavation or earth filling or sometimes both will reach out to as per the required shape and level.

Fundamentally, the volume of earthwork is measured from length, breadth and depth of excavation or filling.

The following items are included in earthwork :- Excavation, Backfilling, Disposal of surplus earth

Here, the calculation is done on the basis of IS Code 1200 for BOQ.

The calculation of earthwork billing is done in the following ways :-

1) Mode of measurement of billing – Types of measurement used for billing of excavation. It is done with the formula like Length x Breadth x Height/Depth

2) Different types of billing – a) R.A. Bill (Running Account Bill)
b) Find Bill

To get more details about the calculation of earthwork excavation, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source: CE&T-Civil Engg & Technology

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Details of Cast in Situ Concrete Piles and their advantages

Cast In Situ belongs to a construction item or structural member similar to a beam or in this case a Pile that should be built up, assembled or poured at site instead of prefabrication in a factory. Normally, in cast in place or cast in situ construction, concrete is delivered from a batch plant to site where it is poured and compressed into the formwork that is fixed in required shape and dimensions at site.

Cast in situ or cast-in-place piles are cast in position inside the ground; generally in such type of piles, drilling of necessary diameter and depth into the ground is done with an auger drilling device or a drill bit.

There is a helical screw blade generally known as a “fighting blade” inside the device that functions as a screw conveyor to eliminate the drilled out material. Besides, auger drilling an old method known as percussion drilling is also applied for excavating the hole. Under this method, a heavy cutting or hammering bit affixed to a roper or cable is lowered in the open hole or inside a temporary casing.

After entering deep into the ground, a temporary steel casing is lowered in the borehole to safeguard loose soil from dropping in the borehole.

The verticality of the casing should be examined precisely prior to start. Once the optimal depth is attained, the reinforcement cage with vertical rebars and stiffeners is lowered within the borehole, and the upper part is hanged at the top. The concreting is generally performed with Tremie method of concrete piling.

There are normally 6 types of cast in situ piles as below:-

1. Simplex Pile, 2. Franki Pile, 3. Vibro Pile, 4. Vibro Expanded Pile, 5. Raymond Pile, 6. Mac Arthur Pedestal Pipe

Benefits of Cast In Situ Concrete Piles: The cast in situ piles are set up with pre-excavation and reduce the vibration because of driving as in case of driven piles.

In housing area, sound pollution may occur if the piles are entered by hammering. To get rid of this issue, situ piling is suitable in such areas.

For water logged area, cast in situ piling with permanent casing is very effective.

The skin friction resistance with the ground is fully used in cast in situ piles throughout the design phases that is not recommended in case of driven piles where only the end bearing is applied.

Normally, there is no need of any foreign materials and tools and the original equipments and materials will meet the requirements of a project, as a result the cast-in-situ piles become as a cost-effective and adjustable type of pile foundation.

Precast piles should be designed to satisfy the handling and driving stresses thus enhancing the essential reinforcement that does not happen in the case of cast in situ piles and therefore, the amount of necessary reinforcement is minimized.

Cast in situ piles are attached over the ground with a pile cap that applies a monolithic approach. The top ground is excavated up to pile cut off level from where the slushy low quality concrete is eliminated with hand hilty to retain developed rebars into the pile cap.

Because of this monolithic connection, cast in situ pile provides good resistance against the earthquake and wind forces.

As soon as the piles are casted, no maintenance is required.

Since the materials and machinery applied are obtained from the local community, local contractors can perform the job and not any skilled labor is required for cast in situ piles.

No serious consideration should be provided for joints in cast in situ piles with regards to precast driven piles.



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Bridge pile cap construction details

This construction video is based on pile cap construction process for building up a bridge. The video is specifically designed for bridge engineer.

The video throws light on the following topics :-

a. Pile Head Breaking
b. Granular laying
c. CC work
d. Rebar Fabrication

The construction method of bridge is segregated into two parts :-

Substructure (pile foundation, pile cap, pier, pier cap)

Superstructure (bearing, girder, slab)

Definition of pile cap: It belongs to a structural member that is positioned and generally attached on the top of a pile or a group of pier to transfer the loads into the pile or group of piles to relate them into a bent.

Functions of pile cap
To disperse a single load evenly over the pile group as well as over a larger area of bearing potential.

To laterally strengthen separate piles and enhance complete durability of the group.
To arrange the required combined resistance to stress organized by the super structure and ground movement.
To transfer the loads of the building to the foundations and the ground soil layers despite the loads are vertical or inclined.
To facilitate the column or superstructure to stay on a consistent and solid core foundation rather than staying directly on ground.

To learn the detail pile cap construction process for a bridge, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Construction Methodology

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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RebarWin – A powerful software for rebar detailers

RebarWin is a powerful construction program that can be used for rebar detailing. The software is specifically designed for rebar detailers who are involved in construction and civil engineering projects.

The users can select through different types of measuring systems (As for instance US Imperial and Softmetric, European metric.

Given below, some major features of RebarWin:

• Produces sorted, weighed and compiled bar lists.
• Prints labels should be attached with the rebar bundles.
• Compatible with Imperial, SoftMetric and European Metric Measuring Systems.
• Exports to Excel® SpreadSheet.
• Either bar lists and labels are categorized (and in what order), weighed and/or accumulated is settled by the user when they are printed.
• Preserves standard bend shapes in databases to avail them smoothly and automatically. A primary collection is integrated that will be visible in the samples page.
• The placing requirements can be described with graphics. All rebar necessary in a structure can appear jointly in the bar list and in the same label, in a superior-quality placing drawing. To define high complexity structures properly, bar list and label paper sizes should be raised. These structures are preserved in databases with the purpose of not redrawing them each time.

• Estimates bending dimensions out of other identified dimensions.
• Works out straight and bent varying bars.
• If necessary, employ bending deductions to shearing length and/or weight is determined by the user when bar lists, labels or statistics are printed.
• The length/weight relation and bending deductions are easily modified and have to be configured separately for various machines.

• Rebar Orders are arranged according to projects and units. A list and total weight for all the orders in a project, unit, type or date range can be easily acquired.
• Produces statistical reports. Information can also be obtained on how much has been bent and how much has persisted straight for each diameter and machine, and that in a specified project, unit, type or date range.

• The previous features are provided in the 60-day trial shareware version, that can be downloaded at free of cost. The following, export / import and network sharing, are only accessible to registered users.
• Export Orders (bar detailing lists) and Models (bend types) to a file so as to deliver them by e-mail or diskette to another computer. With export / Import options the detailers will be able to work on the similar project in various locations.
• Network sharing.
• If required, any modification can be done to the program.

To download the program, click on the following link www.rebar.net

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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The importance of construction takeoff software

The construction estimating/takeoff software facilitates the estimators to calculate plans with accuracy for precious bids to acquire work and perform project swell.

The construction estimating and takeoff software can mechanize tasks and consolidate the estimating procedures. The software aids estimators to enhance their skills by maintaining accuracy and minimizing costs.

The construction estimating software helps project teams to distribute any data efficiently and communicate with each other easily.

The construction estimating software allows estimators to enhance their profit margin as it can prevent cost overruns.

It is compatible with other applications of the business solution. As for instance an estimator will get the ability to takeoff plans and assign that data directly into the estimating procedure in which they can compute costs and later on arrange for bids, alternates etc. for negotiating contracts as well as progressing the project to construction stage smoothly and precisely.

The construction estimating software empowers all the estimators to surrender more bids in the quickest possible time and obtain the project that’s more profitable for the business.

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Published by Rajib Dey
Content Writer
www.quantity-takeoff.com (An information hub for construction estimating)

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General Contractors now embrace latest construction technology to win more bids

Recently the construction industry is undergoing a tough situation due to recession. As a result the general contractors from all discipline are loosing jobs in their own countries and migrating to other countries for finding jobs.

Now the construction market become so competitive and the contractors are choosing alternative ways like lowering their bids, adopting new types of construction, going down-market for better job etc.

But the contractors can overcome this situation by adopting latest web based technologies. These technologies help contractors to create the cost estimates required to bid on projects in other regions more effectively.

Among these technologies the most important are online plan rooms, bid management software, takeoff and estimating software, building information modeling (BIM), and cloud-based project management software.

Online plan room
With the development of online planroom now, contractors have the option of either doing everything online by going to a physical planroom. Here the contractors will find Plans, Specifications, Addenda, Bid Invitations & Planholders available 24x7.

Contractors can manage and track plans, order prints, arrange for deliver, and compile a historical record of plans and specs. The contractors can also download these to estimate costs and bid on the projects. The contractors will be able to search for construction projects by type (e.g. commercial, industrial, and transportation), by trade (e.g. HVAC, concrete, and plumbing) and by location.

Of late, the process is further accelerated by integrating online plan rooms with backoffice software.

Bid Management Software
By applying bid management software, contractors can easily bid on jobs in other regions. The software centralize and simplify the distribution of Bid Invitation and Bid Management for General Contractors. The contractors will be in a position to know how much they spend, and set the parameters to alert when the cost of a desired spot exceeds the designated amount. As per the situation the contractors can decide whether to raise their bid or settle for a lower ranking.

A sub contractor receives a bid invitation and can submit a proposal after downloading supporting plans and project specs. From there the general contractor can evaluate bid proposals, view a project’s history and statistics, and prequalify their sub contractors all online.

These types of software help buyers (i.e. general contractors) connect with sellers (i.e. subcontractors and suppliers). These software contain some advanced features like contractor pre-qualification, bid solicitation and response tracking, and document management.

Onscreen Takeoff and Cost Estimating
Contractors get the ability to complete the entire estimate process from digital plan takeoffs, estimating materials and labor, and creating bid reports all on one screen. This helps contractors to win bids in less time.

After calculating the material quantity, estimating software draws real-time pricing information from national databases, thus letting contractors to calculate the cost precisely for any category of construction in any region.

Most companies achieve ROI from their On-Screen Takeoff software investment within the first year

Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling can automate measurement and costing of construction works. BIM can enhance the speed of takeoff work. With BIM the contractors can manipulate how qty's are calculated, re-assign Take off Items and Take Off quantities and generate quantities by location without changing the actual model at all.

BIM provides 4D (Adding the aspect of Time to a project phasing/sequencing) and 5D ( Adding the aspect of Cost to a project cost estimating) virtual modeling of a building. Now the contractors are using 4D BIM extensively. In 4D BIM the cost information is contained in the BIM or can be linked or associated to the building objects. Construction schedules can be created with model elements and associated with tasks and the corresponding materials, resources, and labor; all of which are optimized by location.

5D BIM can be utilized for coordination, quantity takeoff, cost estimation, project scheduling and production control. With 5D BIM the contractors can easily understand which aspects of the project are contributing to changes in cost.

Cloud-based Project Management Software
Cloud or web-based project management software facilitates contractors to create, manage, track, and share project documentation more efficiently, and communicate and collaborate with project team members more effectively.

These software can keep track of documents and seize them in one central easily-accessible place. The contractors can make decisions faster, automate documentation and reduce costs.

The status of project items like daily schedules, change orders, punch list items, requests for information (RFIs) and other project tasks can be viewed quickly.

Read more on the Software Advice blog : Technology Accelerates the Migration of Contractors

Newly launched To-Scale Plan Center - An exclusive construction takeoff software

The software is ideal for viewing plans and executing highly detailed on screen takeoffs . No other program facilitates you to work with all of your plans open at once. Easily zoom or pan from one plan to the next saving you time and helping you maintain perspective. Blueprint takeoffs are faster and easier than ever before. Now one can bid more work in less time.

Advantages :

• Faster construction estimating than ever before by taking off from multiple blueprint files on screen at the same time.
• Eliminate your printing bill for estimating, for many contractors these savings will easily pay for the system.
• Share your plans with suppliers, subs, vendors, GCs or anyone else that needs to see them.
• Save time by not waiting on blueprint pages to load or to zoom in or out.

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
rajib@jobs2india.com
Construction Estimating Service