Measuring block masonry for RA bills

Unit of measurement

Block masonry (AAC and concrete blocks) is measured in cum. Block masonry is measured like brickwork: net volume of the wall to drawing thickness, with openings and embedded concrete deducted.

The BOQ item description decides the unit and what the rate includes. Where the BOQ and this guide differ, the BOQ and the contract's mode of measurement win.

What is measured

• Length of each wall between columns or along its centre line.
• Thickness of the block as specified (for example 100, 150 or 200 mm).
• Height from the floor to the underside of the beam or slab.
• Type of block and adhesive or mortar, where the BOQ separates them.

Standard deductions

• Openings above the size set by the contract's mode of measurement and the relevant part of IS 1200 are deducted.
• Lintels, bands and stiffener columns inside the wall are deducted.
• Gaps left at the top of the wall for later packing are measured only when packed, if the BOQ has an item for it.

Worked example

Ward office building, 200 mm AAC block partitions at floor three.

Row by row: Partition P1, 1 x 9.6 x 0.2 x 2.85 = 5.472; Partitions P2, 2 x 4.2 x 0.2 x 2.85 = 4.788; Less doors D2, 3 x 0.9 x 0.2 x 2.1 = 1.134.

Total: 5.472 plus 4.788 minus 1.134 = 9.126 cum. Deductions are entered with negative nos, so they reduce the total in the same column.

Common disputes

• Blocks are measured in sqm when the BOQ unit is cum, or the other way round.
• Stiffener columns are left in the masonry volume.
• Partitions moved after a layout change are billed at both positions.

Recording it in Tatha Vastu

The BOQ unit decides the entry: in cum the app asks for thickness, in sqm it does not. A layout change is recorded as a correction with its reason, so the old position is not billed again.

Approved entries are locked, and a correction becomes a new version with its reason. See the measurement book, or use the measurement sheet template if you still keep the register in Excel.