Make your fresher engineers read IS1200 before taking up the site responsibility of your construction project
Introduction
IS 1200 is the Indian Standard Code for the method of measurement of general and civil engineering works. It provides a standardized method for measuring and describing various types of construction works, including earthworks, concrete works, brickwork, and steelwork. The standard is widely used in India by engineers, contractors, and government agencies for the preparation of bills of quantities and the measurement of construction works.
About IS 1200
The IS 1200 method of measurement is based on the principle of the unit rate system, where each item of work is measured in terms of the quantity of materials and labor required to complete it. The standard provides the basic rules for measuring the quantities of different items of work, like earthwork, brickwork, plastering, painting, etc. Each item is described in terms of its scope, method of measurement, and unit of measurement.
The code also provides a detailed procedure for the measurement of various types of items of work, including excavation, filling, concrete work, masonry work, and so on. It is an important reference document for contractors, engineers, and other professionals involved in construction projects. It ensures that the measurements are done consistently and accurately, which helps to avoid disputes and misunderstandings over the quantities of work.
The need for this code arose when India started witnessing rapid development, but there was no uniformity in the measurement. The rationale for preparing this code was to bring coherence among the various government organizations and private construction professionals.
Let's take a broader look at this code.
The code is divided into 25 parts, each covering a particular type of construction project/activity.
Part 1 - EarthWork
Ever prepared a measurement sheet? This code suggests tips to create error-free earthwork measurements.
For example, the code states -Excavation exceeding 1.5 meters in width as well as
10 meter square on plan, but not exceeding 300 mm in depth, shall be described as surface excavation and measured in square meters.
Part 2 - Concrete Works
This part covers the method of measurement of concrete works in the building and civil engineering works.
If you have ever wondered who decided what quantities to deduce while estimating, then it is this IS code, published by the BIS.
Part 3 - Brickwork
This part gives instructions about the process of carrying out brickwork measurements.
It details what kinds of works are to be clubbed and what is to be measured separately. The brickwork should be measured in cubic meters. And walls less than 1 brick thick should be measured separately in square meters.
The code elaborates on deductions for various possibilities that might arise with brickwork calculations.
Part 4 - Stone Masonry
This part is also similar to that of part 3 with details on stonework measurements.
Part 5 - Formwork
This part is divided into 6 sections. Scope, general rule, description of formwork, type of formwork, classification, and method of measurement.
The code mentions 23 classifications, some of which include - spiral staircases, elevated water reservoirs, fins, arches, shells, etc.
Part 6 - Refractory work
Refractory works refer to the installation of refractory materials, such as bricks and ceramics, in high-temperature environments, such as furnaces, boilers, and other industrial equipment. The measurement of refractory works is typically carried out using the guidelines mentioned in this section.
Part 7 - Hardware
Hardware refers to the mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of a system or building, such as locks, door handles, hinges, and other fixtures. The measurement of hardware is carried out as per the guidelines provided in table 1 (measurement of hardware) of this section.
Part 8 - Steelwork and Ironwork
This part of the standard provides guidelines for measuring and describing steel and iron items used in construction, such as steel beams, columns, trusses, and other structural components. It is a must-read for someone in industrial construction works.
Part 9 - Roof covering
Roof construction works refer to the installation of roofing materials and associated works such as framing, sheathing, and waterproofing. The code mentions types of roofs and the process to carry out their measurements.
The next seven parts are about internal works. And they are:
- Part 10 is about ceiling and linings
- Part 11 is about paving, floor finishes, dado, and skirting
- Part 12 is about plastering and pointing
- Part 13 is about whitewashing, color washing, distempering, and painting building surfaces
- Part 14 is about glazing
- Part 15 is about painting, polishing, varnishing
- Part 19 is about water supply, plumbing, and drains
Part 16 is about the laying of water and sewer lines
The methods of excavation and bed, benching, and covering, are already covered in the first two sections of this code. This section details on laying of water and sewer lines including manholes, appurtenances, and testing of pipes.
Part 17 is about road work, including airfield pavement
Roadwork, including airfield work, refers to the construction of roads, highways, and airfields, including activities such as excavation, grading, paving, and installation of drainage and other appurtenant items. This section of the code covers tar and bitumen and cement concrete pavements.
Part 18 is about demolition and dismantling works
Demolition and dismantling work refers to the removal of existing structures, buildings, or other works, including activities such as dismantling, breaking down, and removal of materials. The code suggests the guidelines to carry out measurements of the structure before the demolition works.
Part 20 is about the laying of gas and oil pipeline
The code is about the process to carry measurements for laying pipelines for gas and oil. For example, the code says, "Gas and oil pipelines shall be classified according to their diameter, length of each pipe, the kind of material, the quality of the pipe and the method of joining and shall be measured in running meters inclusive of all joints.
Part 21 - Woodwork and joinery
Woodwork and joinery refer to the construction of wooden structures and components such as doors, windows, stairs, and cabinetry, including the fabrication and installation of these items.
Measurement of woodwork is quite intricate and might require an experienced carpenter. Knowing this code can ease your effort to prepare a BOQ.
Part 22 - Materials
Table 1 of this code contains recommended units of measurement for types of materials used in construction. Example plywood in meter square., distemper in kilogram.
The last three parts of the code are related to special digging and excavation works. And they are:
- Part 23 - Piling
- Part 24 - Well foundation
- Part 25 - Tunneling
Application of IS 1200
IS 1200 is widely used in India for the preparation of bills of quantities for civil engineering works, including roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure projects, and it's an important reference for engineers, contractors, and government agencies involved in the construction industry in India.
Knowing the right method of measurement can ensure you get the exact amount of money for your services delivered. However, one more thing needs to be taken care of while delivering construction services - quality.
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