Water · measured in rmt
Measuring pipe laying for RA bills
Pipes are measured in running metres along the centre line as laid and jointed, by diameter and class, with fittings and specials counted separately.
Unit of measurement
Pipe laying and jointing is measured in rmt. Pipes are measured in running metres along the centre line as laid and jointed, by diameter and class, with fittings and specials counted separately.
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 along the centre line of the pipe as laid, between chainages or between chambers.
- Diameter, material and class (for example DI K7, HDPE PE100 PN6), each a separate item where the BOQ separates them.
- Stage reached, where the contract pays laying, jointing and testing separately.
- Trench excavation, bedding and backfill under their own items.
Standard deductions
- Length through fittings is commonly included in the pipe length, with fittings paid as an extra over item, as per the contract's mode of measurement and the relevant part of IS 1200.
- Pipe not yet hydraulically tested is billed at a part rate where the contract withholds part of the rate until testing.
- Wastage and cut pieces are part of the rate.
Worked example
MJP rising main, 150 mm DI K7 pipe laid and jointed, three stretches between chainages. L is the stretch length.
| Location | Nos | L | B | D | Qty (rmt) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ch 0+000 to 0+480 | 1 | 480.00 | 480.00 | ||
| Ch 0+480 to 0+930 | 1 | 450.00 | 450.00 | ||
| Ch 0+930 to 1+215 | 1 | 285.00 | 285.00 | ||
| Total | 1,215.00 |
Row by row: Ch 0+000 to 0+480, 1 x 480 = 480.00; Ch 0+480 to 0+930, 1 x 450 = 450.00; Ch 0+930 to 1+215, 1 x 285 = 285.00.
Total: 480.00 plus 450.00 plus 285.00 = 1,215.00 rmt. Deductions are entered with negative nos, so they reduce the total in the same column.
Common disputes
- Pipe is billed at the full rate before the section passes the hydraulic test.
- Length is taken from the pipe count times nominal length, not the length laid.
- Fittings are billed as extra over and their length is also taken out of the pipe, or neither.
Recording it in Tatha Vastu
Stretches are entered by chainage with photos at each joint location and the test report attached when the stretch passes. The strip view shows laid, tested and billed lengths along the alignment.
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.
Is the length through a valve measured?
Usually the pipe is measured through the fitting and the fitting is paid as extra over. Follow your contract's rule.
Can untested pipe be billed?
Often at a part rate, with the balance paid after the test. Check your contract.
Is the trench a separate item?
Yes, excavation, bedding and backfill are normally separate items.