Question 1

Standard method of measurement (civil works): Which of the following items is measured by weight per quintal (100 kg)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Estimating and costing for building works follows standard measurement rules so that quantities and rates are comparable. Some items are measured by length (metre), some by area (square metre), some by volume (cubic metre), and some by weight. This question checks whether you know which common item is measured by weight per quintal (100 kg). Given Data / Assumptions: Quintal = 100 kg. We consider usual building measurement practice for common items like steel, shutters, gates, and wire mesh. Mild steel (M.S.) reinforcement in reinforced cement concrete (R.C.C.) is priced and recorded by weight. Concept / Approach: Reinforcement steel is supplied and accounted for by mass because design drawings specify bar diameters and lengths that translate directly to weight. Other fabricated or sheet-like items (rolling shutters, collapsible gates, expanded metal mesh) are typically measured by area for fair comparison and market practice. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the item conventionally measured by weight: M.S. reinforcement.Confirm the unit used in many schedules: per quintal (100 kg).Contrast with shutters, gates, and meshes—these are measured by area (m^2), not by quintal, under standard rules.Select the option that states reinforcement is measured per quintal. Verification / Alternative check: Bar bending schedules compute tonnage from lengths and diameters. Supplier invoices and rate analyses for steel reinforcement are weight-based, aligning with per-quintal or per-tonne billing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Collapsible gates with rails: Usually m^2 (sometimes including track length separately).Rolling shutters: Measured by m^2 with accessories; not by weight for BOQ payment.Expanded metal wire netting: Typically m^2.Timber scantlings: Normally m^3 for structural timber. Common Pitfalls: Assuming all metal items are measured by weight; in building works, only certain items (like reinforcement steel) are weight-based, while fabricated assemblies are area-based for estimation consistency. Final Answer: M.S. reinforcement for R.C.C. works (measured per quintal).

Question 2

Building estimate subheads: Which of the following groups correctly lists common subheads used in a building estimate?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Comprehensive building estimates are broken into subheads to organize quantities and costs by trade and work sequence. Recognizing standard subheads ensures accurate BOQs (Bills of Quantities) and simplifies rate analysis and tendering. Given Data / Assumptions: Common building works include earthwork, concrete, masonry, roofing, finishes, and services. Each option lists legitimate subhead groupings encountered in detailed estimates. The question asks which set(s) can be valid subheads. Concept / Approach: Standard practice groups similar items: excavation/earthwork; concrete (plain or reinforced); brick/stone masonry; wood and steel works; roofing; finishing (plastering, painting, flooring); and services (water supply, sanitary installations, electrification). Multiple correct groupings can exist as long as they reflect conventional subhead structure. Step-by-Step Solution: Check option a: Earthwork, Concrete work, Brick work → valid core subheads.Check option b: Brickwork, Stone work, Roofing → valid trade-based set.Check option c: Brickwork Flooring, Wood work, Steel work → flooring, wood, and steel are legitimate subheads.Check option d: Plastering/pointing, finishing, water supply and sanitary → finishing and services subheads are standard.Since all are legitimate, choose the combined option. Verification / Alternative check: Model BOQs from public works departments and standard texts show similar subhead divisions, sometimes with more granularity but consistent in principle. Why Other Options Are Wrong: a–d each list valid subheads but only partially cover the full scope; the best answer acknowledging all is option e. Common Pitfalls: Confusing subheads with individual items; subheads are umbrella categories that may contain numerous line items. Final Answer: All of the above.

Question 3

Measurement accuracy for weights in estimation: The weight of an item is recorded correct to the nearest ____.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Standard methods of measurement prescribe rounding/recording precisions to keep BOQs consistent and practical. Knowing how finely to record weights helps avoid unrealistic precision while keeping cost calculations accurate. Given Data / Assumptions: We refer to common building estimation practice for recording weights of items (e.g., small steel items, fittings). Precision should be neither excessively fine (impractical on site) nor too coarse (loss of accuracy). Typical practice is to the nearest whole kilogram for item weights. Concept / Approach: In estimation, lengths are often to the nearest centimetre, areas to the nearest 0.01 m^2, volumes to the nearest 0.01 m^3, and weights to the nearest kilogram for small to moderate quantities. Heavier accumulations may be summarized in quintals or tonnes, but item-level recording is conventionally to whole kilograms. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the realistic field precision for weighing/estimating individual items.Confirm that rates are usually applied per kg or per quintal/tonne; rounding per item is to 1 kg.Select 1.00 kg as the nearest unit for recording item weight. Verification / Alternative check: Rate analyses and site records typically list reinforcement cutting/bending schedules in kg with rounding to the nearest kg for itemized entries, rolling up to quintal/tonne totals. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 0.25/0.50/0.75 kg: Overly fine and nonstandard increments for BOQ documentation.5.00 kg: Too coarse; would distort small-item costing. Common Pitfalls: Assuming the same precision as scale capability; BOQ precision is a documentation standard, not a lab measurement limit. Final Answer: 1.00 kg.

Estimating and Costing Questions