ESTIMATION AND QUANTITY SURVEYING

1. What are methods to be adopted for volume calculating?

From cross-section
From spot level
From contours
2. Define analysis of rates
Determination of rates of works from the qualities and cost of
materials and labour required is termed as analysis of rates.
3. Define a tender
Tender is an offer given in writing to execute specified articles or
materials at a certain rate, within a fixed time, under certain conditions of
agreement between the contractor and the party, which may be a
government department or an individual.
4. Define contract
Contract is merely an agreement being enforceable by law between
two persons or parties.

5. What are the types of culvert?

1. Arch culvert
2. Slab culvert

3. Pipe culvert
4. Box culvert
6. What are the methods of estimate?
1. Detailed estimate
2. Abstract estimate
7. What are the types of estimate?
1. Preliminary Estimate or Rough cost estimate
2. Plinth area estimate
3. Cube Rate Estimate or Cubical Content Estimate
4. Approximate Quantity Method estimate
5. Detailed Estimate or Item Rate Estimate
6. Revised Estimate
7. Supplementary Estimate and Revised Estimate
8. Annual Repair or Maintenances Estimate
9. Supplementary Estimate
8. Briefly explain about preliminary Estimate
The estimate which prepared using any rough method to get the
approximate cost construction anticipated in a project is called an
approximate or rough estimate. Since this estimate is normally prepared in
the preliminary estimate.

9. Estimate the quantities of brickwork and plastering required in a

wall 4m long. 3m high and 30cm brick Calculate also the cost if the
rate of brickwork is Rs.32.00 per cu.m. and of plastering is Rs.8.50 per
sq.m.
Qualities of brickwork

Quantity of plastering (two faces)

Cost of brickwork

Cost of plastering

Total Cost

LBH

4m 3m 0.30 m

3.6 cu.m

2 4m 3m

24 sq.m

3.6 320.00

Rs.1,152.00

24 8.50

Rs.204.00

1,152.00 + 204.00

Rs.1,356.000

10. Define detailed estimate

The estimate, which provides the item wise quantities of works, item
wise unit rates and item wise expenditure anticipated in the project /
construction, is called a detailed estimate.
11. Define Abstract estimate
This is the third and final stage in a detailed estimate. The quantities
and rates of each item of work, arrived in the first two stages, are now

entered in an abstract form. The total cost of each item of work is now
calculated by multiplying the quantities and respective rates.
12. Define quantity surveyor

A qualified or experienced person who does the above mentioned

works (taking off, squaring, abstracting and billing) is called a quality
surveyor.
13. Write the duties of quality surveyor
Preparing bill of quantities (Taking off, squaring, Abstracting and billing)
Preparing bills for part payments at intervals during the execution of
work.
Preparing bill of adjustment in the case of variations ordered during
the execution of work.
Giving legal advice in case of court proceedings.
14. Write the essential qualities of a good surveyor.
The quality surveyor must be will versed with the drawings of work.
He should be able to read the drawing correctly and bill the qualities
accurately.
He should have a through knowledge of the construction procedure
to be adopted, the various items of works involved in the execution:
and the different materials to be used in the work.
He should be able to prepare schedule to be priced by tenderor.

15. What are the main components of culvert?

1. Abutments
2. Wing walls
3. Arch
16. What are factors to be considered in design of septic tank?
The following factors should be taken into consideration:
Material should be water proof and corrosion resistant.
Natural ventilation provided should be adequate.
A manhole should be provided to permit inspection and cleaning.
Baffles should be limited to one at the inlet and one at the outlet.
The escape of as and sludge to effluent pipe should be avoided.
17. Define Lead
Lead is the crow flying horizontal distance from the center of borrow
pit to the center of the earthwork at site, i.e. center of the area of excavation
to the center of placed earth.
18. Define lift
Lift is the distance through which the excavated soil is lifted beyond
a certain specified depth.

19. The actual expenditure incurred in the construction of a school

building which have a total length of main wall 140 m is Rs.4.97 lakhs.
Estimate the approximate cost of a similar school building which will
have 180 m length of main walls.
Total expenditure

Rs.4,97,000

Total length of main walls

140 m

Rate per m length of main wall =

4,96,000/140 = Rs.3,550/-

Length of main walls in the proposed building = 180 m

Approximate cost

180 3,550 = Rs.6,39,000/-

20. Write the formula for Mid ordinate rule and Prismoidal formula
Rule.
Mid sectional area method:
Q = (Bdm + sdm2) L
Where
B Formation width
S Side slopes
dm Mean depth
L Length of the section
Prismoidal formula rule
Q = L/6 (A1 + A2 + 4Am)

A1 = Bd1 + sd12
A2 = Bd2 + Sd22
Am = Bdm + sdm2
dm = (d1 + d2) / 2
21. Define estimate
An estimate is a computation or calculation of the quantities required
and expenditure likely to be incurred in the construction of a work. The
estimate is the probable cost of a work and is determined theoretically by
mathematical calculation based on the plans and drawing and current rates.
22. Write the recommendation for degree of accuracy in measurements
Dimensions of works shall be measured to an accuracy of 0.01 m.
Thickness of R.C. works shall be measured to an accuracy of 0.0005
m.
Areas of works shall be calculated to the nearest 0.01 m2.
Volumes of work shall be calculated to the nearest 0.01 m3.
Volumes of wood shall be calculated to the nearest 0.001 m3.
23. Briefly explain about revised estimate
The estimate, which is prepared
When any major change or alteration is made in the plan / structural
arrangement, with or without affecting the estimate cost, and

When the estimated cost is likely to exceed by more than 5% during

execution, due to increase in the cost of materials and labour or or due to
alterations in the items of works to get the revised quantities / rates /
amount is called a revised estimate.
24. Calculate the quality of brickwork in an arch over a 1.80 m span
opening. The arch is
40 cm. thick and the breath of a wall is 40 cm.
Radius of the arch = 1.8 m Thickness of arch = 40 cm
The breath of wall = 40 cm Mean die = 3.60 + 0.40 = 4 m
Mean Length of the arch given = 1/6 * (22/7) * 4 = 2.1 m
Quantity of brickwork = 2.1 * 0.40 * 0.4 = 0.34 cu.m.
No of bricks required = 0.34 cum. @ 550 bricks per cu.m. = 187.
25. Define floor area
It defined as covered area i.e plinth area excluding area of walls
(generally 10% - 15%) sills of the doors are not included in floor area. The
floor area of very storey shall be measured separately.
26. Define Carpet Area
This means area in a building which is useful one i.e. area of
drawing room, dining room bedroom etc. Areas of kitchens, staircase,
stores, verandahs, entrance hall, bathroom, basement etc. are excluded. It
is generally 50% to 60% of the plinth area.

27. Define Plinth area

It is defined area of a building measured at floor level.

It is

measured by taking external dimensions excluding plinth offset if any.

28. What are the methods of taking our estimates?
Center line method
Crossing method
Out to Out and in to in method
Bay method
Service unit method
29. Briefly explain about Out to Out and in to in method
This method is most practicable under all circumstances and is
generally followed in the P.W.D. for computing the quantities of various
items.
30. Briefly explain about bay method
This method is useful and is generally followed in case of buildings
having several bays. The cost of the typical bay is worked out and is then
multiplied by the number of bays in that building. The extra cost for the
end walls and difference in framing, if there is any, should be made, so as
to arrive at the correct cost.

31. Workout the quality of stone metal required for 2Km. Length for
wearing cost of a 4m wide road. The thickness of the metal road
required is 12cm, loose.
Solution
Quality of metal = 1 2 1000 4 0.12 = 960.00 cu.m.
32. An approach road 2 Km. long is to be constructed. Work out the
quantity of materials required i.e. stone metal and bricks. Data is
given below.
Length

2 Km

Metalled width

3.60 m

Soiling of bricks

10 cm

Wearing coat of stone metal

12 cm

Solution
Quantity of bricks

1 2 1000 3.60 0.10 = 720 cu.m.

No of bricks

720.0 3.60 0.12 = 3,60,000

Stone metal

1 2000 3.60 0.12 = 864 cu.m

Bricks

3,60,000 Nos

33. A cement concrete road (1:2:3) is to be constructed over the

existing water bound macadam road. The thickness of slab = 10 cm.
The length of the road is one km and the width 3.60m. Calculate the
quality of cement and the material required,
Solution
Quality of cement concrete = 1 1000 3.60 0.10 = 360 cu.m.
34. Calculate the quality of earthwork for the construction of an
approach road
Length

1 Km

Width of formation

10 m

Height of embankment

60 cm

Side slope

1:2

L (Bd + Sd2)

Solution
Quantity of earth work

B = 10 cm; d = 0.60 m; S = 2
Quantity of earth work = 1000 (10 0.60) + 2 0.60 0.60 = 6720 cum.

35. What are the methods of measurements of earthwork?

The work shall be measured as given below
Each dimension shall measured nearest to 0.01
Area shall be worked out nearest to 0.01 m2
Volume shall be worked out nearest to 0.01 m3
36. Write the essentials requirements of contract
There must be an offer of one party, and its acceptance by the other
party to make an agreement.
There must be an intention of both the parties to create legal relation.
The object of the contract must be legal, and it must not be opposed
to any policy of the government or company.
The agreement to make a contract should be supported by
consideration, or recognized by law.
37. What are the types of contract?
1. Lump-sum contract
2. Cost plus percentage of cost contract
3. Item rate contract
4. Labour contract
5. Integrated contracting system

38. What are the important legal implications of a contract?

Agreement should not violate the provisions of law.
It should not have any adverse effect on the morals of the society.
The form of contract should be in writing and each page of the
documents of the contract should of the contract should be signed
by both the parties.
A contractor who refuse to carry out the work before completion
can be sued in a court of law for breach of contract.
39. What is specification?
Specification is an important document attached with a tender form /
contract agreement, which in most cases controls the quality of materials
and works.
40. State the different types of specification
1. General or brief specification
2. Detailed specification
3. Standard specification
41. Describe general or brief specification
General specification gives the nature and class of work and
materials in general to be used in the various parts of the works, from the
foundation to the superstructure.

General specifications give idea of the whole work or structure and

are useful for preparing the estimate.
42. Describe detailed specification
The detailed specifications form a part of the contract document.
The detailed specification of an item of the work specifies the qualities and
quantities of materials proportion of mortar workmanship, the method of
preparation and execution and method measurement.
The detailed specifications of different items of work are prepared
separately which description what the work should be and how they should
executed and constructed.
43. What are the types of penalties that are imposed on a contract and
why are they imposed?
Penalties may be imposed for non-fulfillment of conditions of
contract such as not maintaining progress, delay in completion and
unsatisfactory work etc. The penalty may be fixed sum per day or a
percentage of the estimated cost upto 10%.
44. What is arbitration?
Arbitration means the settlement of a dispute by the decision of a
third person chosen and acceptable as a judge. The decision of the
arbitration is binding on both the parties. In public works department the

superintending engineer function as the arbitrator parties. In public works

department the superintending engineer function as the arbitrator.
45. Why and when the earnest money deposit are collected?
While submitting a tender, the bidder has to deposit with the
department an amount equal to about 2% of the estimated cost of the
work which is called earnest money deposit. This amount serves as a
check to prevent the contractor from refusing to accept the work or runway,
when his tender has been accepted. In case of refusal to take up the work
his earnest money is forefeied.
46. Why and when the security deposit are collected?
At the time of execution of the contract agreement, the successful
tender has to deposit a further sum of 1% of the contract amount to the
department. This amount is known as security deposit. This amount is
kept as a check so that the contractor fulfils all terms and conditions to the
contract. The security deposit will be refunded to the contractor on the
satisfactory completion of the whole work, after the observation period of 6
months.
47. What is a tender notice?
Tender notice is the publicity of offer to the contractor to quote their
rates for construction for constitution work or supplied. Sealed tenders are
invited in the most open and public manner.

It is made public by

advisement in leading newspaper, in the government gazette or by notice in

English and in the regional languages in public places.
48. What informations should a contract document contain?
1. Title page
2. Index page
3. Tender notice and tender forms
4. Schedule of qualities
5. Drawings
6. General specifications
7. Detailed specifications
8. Schedule of issue of materials
9. Conditions of contract
49. Define valuation
Valuation is the process of estimating the cost of a property based on
its present condition. The properties may be immovable properties like
land, buildings, mines trees quarries etc., and movable properties such as
coal, oil, cement, sand etc.
50. What are the important factors influencing the value of building?
1. Type of the building
2. Location of the building
3. Expected life of the building
4. Size and shape of the building

5. The present condition of the building

6. Legal control of the building
51. What is the purpose of valuations?
1. For assessment of wealth tax, property tax etc
2. For fixation of rent
3. For security of loans or mortgage
4. For insurance, betterment charges etc.
5. For compulsory acquisition
6. For reinstatement.
52. Define Floor rate
It is the ratio between the total built up area (Plinth area) of all floors
and the area of the plot.
Floor Area Ratio = Total Plinth area of all floors / Plot area
53. Define plinth area rate
It is the ratio between the total present cost of a particular type of
building and its plinth area.
Plinth area rate = Total present cost of a building / plinth area.

54. A property fetches a net income of Rs.900.00 deducting all

outgoings. Workout the capitalized value of the Property if the rate of
interest is 6% per annum.
Years purchase

100/6 = 16.67

Capitalized value of the property

Net income Y.P

900 16.67

Rs.15003.00

55. Find the plinth area required for the residential accommodation
for an assistant engineer in the pay scale of Rs.400.00 to 1,000 per
month.
Average pay = 400 + 1000/2 = Rs.700/month
Average month rent @ 10% of salary = 700.00/10 = Rs.70.00
Average annual rent 70.00 12 = Rs.840.00
Capital cost of the building @ 6% interest
= 840 100/6 = Rs.14,000.00
Plinth area required @ Rs.150.00 per sq.m of plinth are
= 14000/150 = 93.33 sq.m
Normally the quarters for the assistant engineer should be
constructed at the cost ofRs.14,000.00 having plinth area of 93.33 sq.m.
But due to the increase in the cost of construction, this ray be
increased by 100% and the capital cost of construction maybe fixed as
Rs.28,000.00 and the approximate plinth areas of 93.33.

56. A pumping set with a motor has been installed in a building at a

cost Rs.2,500.00. Assuming the life of the pump as 15 years, workout
the amount of annual installment of sinking fund to be deposited to
accumulate the whole amount of 4% compound interest.
The annual sinking fund I

Si/(l+I)n 1

2500 0.04 / (1+0.04)15 1 = Rs.125

The owner is to deposit Rs.125/- annually in 4% compound interest

carrying investment for 15 years to accumulate Rs.2,500/-.
57. An old building has been purchased by a person at a cost of
Rs.30,000/- excluding the cost of the land. Calculate the amount of
annual sinking fund at 4% interest assuming the future life of the
building as 20 years and scarp value of the building as 10% of the cost
of purchase.
The total amount of sinking fund to be accumulatd at the end of 20
years
S = 3000 (90/100) = Rs.27,000.00
Annual installments of sinking fund I =
=

Si/(l+I)n 1
27,0000.04/(l+0.04)20
1 = Rs.907.20

Annual installments for sinking fund requires for 20 years =

Rs.907.20

58. Write the necessity of valuation

Rent fixation. It is generally taken as 6% of the valuation of the
property.
For buying and selling.
Acquisition of property by Govt.
To be mortgaged with bank or any other society to raise loan.
For various taxes to be given and fixed, by the Municipal
Committee.
Insurance: For taking out on insurance policies.
59. Define the Value
Value-Present day cost of a engineering structures (Saleable value)
60. Define the cost
Original cost of construction. It is used to find out the loss of value
of property due to various reasons.
61. Define the Gross income
Total amount of the income received from the property during the
year, without deducting outgoings.
62. Define the Net come
An amount left at the end of the year after deducting all useable
outgoings.

63. Define the Obsolescence

The value of property decreases if its style and design are outdated
i.e. rooms not properly set, thick walls, poor ventilation etc. The reason of
this is fast changing techniques of construction, design, ideas leading to
more comfort etc.
64. Define the Scrap Value:
Scrap Value: If a building is to be dismantelled after the period its
utility is over, some amount can be fetched from the sale of old materials.
The amount is known as scrap value of a building. If various from 7% to
10% of the cost of construction according to the availability of the material.
65. Define the Salvage value
If a property after being discarded at the end of the utility period is
sold without being into pieces, the amount thus realize by sale is known as
its salvage value.
66. Define the Capitalized value
It is defined as that amount of money whose annual interest at the
highest prevailing rate will be equal to the net income received from the
property. To calculate the capitalized value, it is necessary to know highest
prevailing on such properties and income from the property.

67. Define sinking fund

A fund which is gradually accumulated and set aside to reconstruct
the property after the expiry of the period of utility is known as sinking
fund. The sinking funds may be found out by taking a sinking fund policy
with any insurance company or deposition some amount in the bank.
Generally while calculating the sinking fund, life of the building is
considered. 90% of the cost of construction is used for calculations 10% is
left out as scrap value.
=

Si/(l+1)n 1

Where I

Annual installment required

Number of year required to create sinking fund

Rate of interest expressed in decimal i.e. 5% as 0.05

Sinking fund

Sinking fund (I)

68. Define Market Value

Market value: The market value of a property is the amount, which
can be obtained at any particular time from the open market if the property
is put for sale. The market value will differ from time to time according to
demand and supply.
69. Define Book Value
Book Value: Book value is the amount shown in the account book
after allowing necessary depreciations. The book value of a property at a

particularly year is the original cost minus the amount of depreciation up to

the previous year.
70. Write the various methods of valuation
1. Plinth area method
2. Depreciation rate method
3. Rental method
4. Land and building method
5. Development method
71. The estimated value of a building is Rs.5,00,000. The carpet area of
the building is 70 sq.m. If the plinth are is 20% more than this, what is
the plinth rate of the building?
Value of building

Rs.5,00,000

Carpet area

70m2

Plinth area

20% more = 1.20 70 = 84 m2

Plinth area rate of the building =

=

Value of the building/Plinth area

5,00,000/84 = Rs.5952.38m2

72. The present value of a property is 2000/- Calculate the standard

rent. The rate of interest may be assumed as 6%.
Annual rent @ 6%

Standard rent per month =

2000 6/100 = Rs.1,200

1200/12 = Rs.1200/12 = Rs.100/-

73. Write the various methods of depreciation

1. Straight line method
2. Constant percentage basis
3. Quantity survey method
4. Sinking fund method
74. Define the Years Purchase
Years purchase: It may be as the figure which when multiplied by
the net income from a property gives capitalized value of the property. It
can also be defined as a certain amount of capital whose annuity of Rs.1/at a certain rate of interest can be received.
Years purchase = 100 / rate of interest = l/i
75. Define the Annuity
Annuity : The return of capital investment in the shape of annual
installments monthly, quarterly, half yearly & yearly.
76. Define Analysis of work
The process of determining the rate of an item of work or supply of
the material is known as the analysis of rate or rate analysis.
77. What is the size of septic tank for 50 users?
4 cum

78. What is the size of septic tank for 25 users?

2.5 cum
79. Define contract
The contract is an under taking by a person or firm to do any work
under certain terms and condition.
80. Define Contractor
A person or a firm who undertakes any type of contract is termed as
contractor.
81. Define Tender
Tender is a written offer submitted by the contractors in pursuance of
the notification given to execute certain work under certain terms and
conditions.
82. What are the e\Essentials of contract
The contract language is law full.
The contract is made by parties competent to contract.
The contract is made by fee consent of the parties.
The contract is made under valid consideration.
There shall be a definite proposal and its acceptance.

83. What are the type of contract?

1. Item rate contract
2. Percentage rate contract
3. Lump-sum contract
4. Material supply contract
84. What are type of termination of contract?
Agreement
Breach
Performance
Impossibility of performance
Operation of provision of law
85. What are the conditions of contract?
Conditions relating to documents
Conditions relating to the execution of work
Conditions relating to labour and personal
86. Define Engineer
He is the person appointed by the owner. He is technically very
sound in work an his job is to see that the work is being done by contractor
entirely according to drawings and specification.

87. Define Owner

The person of behalf of which work is to be done. He may be an
individual or firm or organization.
88. Define Site
Site means the place where the work is to be executed.
89. Define Drawings
The section, map, pans etc which completely define the
construction work geometrically is known as drawings.
90. Define work
It means the work is to be carried out under this contract.
91. What is called Tender Notice?
The notice inviting tender is called tender notice.
92. Define Specification
The drawings of a structure show the propositions and its relative
position of its various parts is called specification.

93. What are the object of specification?

1. Quality
2. Instruction
3. Aim of the project
94. What are the types of specifications?
1. Brief specification
2. General specification
95. Define Arbitration
Arbitration is the settlement of a dispute by the decision not of a
court or law but of one or more persons chosen by the parties themselves
involved in the dispute.
96. Define Arbitrators
The persons chosen have the right to take decision are called
arbitrators.
97. What are the types of Arbitration?
1. Arbitration with out intervention of court.
2. Arbitration with intervention of court and there is not suit
pending.
3. Arbitration is suits.

98. What do you mean by Gross income?

It is total income that can be fetched from the property as rent or
other source without deducting out goings, operational and collection
charges.
99. Define Net income
It is the amount left with the owner from the gross income after
deducting outgoings, operational and collection expense.
100. Define Capital cost
The total cost of construction of the project including land is called
capital cost.