CTEVT | Estimating and Costing-I | Diploma in Engineering | Question paper | 4th semester

CTEVT | Estimating and Costing-I | Diploma in  Engineering | Question paper | 4th semester /diploma in civil engineering

Estimating and Costing-I Question Paper 2077

Question paper solution for Estimating and Costing-I Diploma in Civil Engineering

1. a). Define administrative approval and technical sanction. Enlist the purpose of estimating. 

1. Administrative Approval in Civil Engineering:

• In civil engineering, administrative approval typically refers to the formal authorization granted by the administrative or governing body responsible for overseeing construction projects. This approval is obtained after reviewing the project proposal, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, land use permissions, environmental clearances, and other administrative considerations. It signifies that the project has met all administrative criteria and can proceed further into the implementation phase.

2. Technical Sanction in Civil Engineering:

• Technical sanction, in the realm of civil engineering, is the approval provided by the technical department or engineering authority within an organization or government body. This sanction involves a thorough review of the engineering design, specifications, structural calculations, material choices, and other technical aspects of the project. It ensures that the proposed construction or infrastructure project meets all technical standards, safety requirements, and engineering principles before commencement.

Purpose of Estimating in Civil Engineering:

Estimating plays a crucial role in various aspects of civil engineering projects. Some specific purposes within this field include:

a. Cost Estimation: Estimating helps in accurately predicting the costs associated with materials, labor, equipment, and other resources required for construction projects. It aids in budgeting and financial planning.

b. Quantity Surveying: Estimating involves quantifying the materials and resources needed for construction activities, enabling efficient procurement and utilization of resources.

c. Project Planning: Estimating assists in developing realistic project schedules and timelines by forecasting the duration of activities and resource requirements.

d. Tendering and Bidding: Estimating provides the basis for preparing tender documents and bidding proposals, helping contractors and clients in the procurement process.

e. Risk Assessment: Estimating allows for the identification and assessment of potential risks and uncertainties in construction projects, aiding in risk management and mitigation planning.

f. Quality Control: Estimating involves specifying quality standards and requirements for materials and workmanship, contributing to the overall quality control process during construction.

1. b) Write short notes on (i) the Plinth area & carpet area and (ii) BOQ & Contingency.

(i) Plinth Area & Carpet Area:

Plinth Area:

• The plinth area refers to the total built-up area of a building at the floor level. It includes the area occupied by all the walls and columns, whether internal or external, along with the thickness of the walls. The plinth area provides the basis for calculating various charges and fees related to construction, such as property taxes and building permit fees. It is also used in estimating material quantities and costs for construction projects.

Carpet Area:

• The carpet area, on the other hand, refers to the actual usable area within the walls of a building, excluding the thickness of the walls. It represents the area that can be covered with carpet or used for flooring purposes. The carpet area is essential for determining the livable space within a building and is often used as a basis for rental agreements, interior design planning, and residential property transactions. Unlike the plinth area, which includes the thickness of walls, the carpet area focuses solely on the usable space available to occupants.

(ii) BOQ & Contingency:

BOQ (Bill of Quantities):

• The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a comprehensive document prepared by quantity surveyors or estimators that lists and quantifies all the materials, labor, equipment, and services required for a construction project. It provides detailed descriptions and specifications of each item, along with their quantities and unit rates. The BOQ serves as a basis for tendering, procurement, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle. Contractors use the BOQ to prepare their bids, while project managers use it to monitor progress, assess variations, and manage project costs effectively.

Contingency:

• Contingency, in the context of construction projects, refers to an allowance or reserve set aside to cover unforeseen events, risks, or changes that may impact project costs or schedules. It serves as a buffer to address uncertainties and unexpected circumstances that could arise during project execution. Contingency funds are typically allocated as a percentage of the total project cost and may be used to handle scope changes, design modifications, delays, adverse weather conditions, price fluctuations, or other contingencies. Effective management of contingency helps mitigate project risks and ensures smoother project delivery within budget and schedule constraints.

2. a) difference between approximate cost and detailed cost. define split up of the cost of building work.

Difference between Approximate Cost and Detailed Cost:

Approximate Cost:

• Approximate cost refers to a rough estimate of the total expenditure required for a construction project based on limited information and assumptions.

• It is typically calculated during the initial stages of project planning when detailed designs and specifications are not yet available.

• Approximate cost estimates are generally less accurate and precise compared to detailed cost estimates.

• These estimates are often used for feasibility studies, budgeting, and preliminary decision-making purposes.

Detailed Cost:

• Detailed cost refers to a comprehensive and precise calculation of the total expenditure required for a construction project based on a thorough analysis of design documents, specifications, and quantities.

• It involves itemizing all the materials, labor, equipment, and other expenses associated with each component of the project.

• Detailed cost estimates are prepared during the later stages of project planning when detailed drawings and specifications are available.

• These estimates provide a more accurate and reliable basis for tendering, procurement, budget allocation, and project management.

Definition of Split Up of the Cost of Building Work:

The split-up of the cost of building work refers to the breakdown or itemization of the total project cost into various components or categories. This breakdown provides a detailed understanding of how the total cost is distributed across different elements of the construction project. The split-up typically includes categories such as:

• Material Costs: This includes the cost of all materials required for construction, such as bricks, cement, steel, wood, fixtures, and fittings.

• Labor Costs: This comprises the expenses associated with hiring labor for various construction activities, including wages, salaries, benefits, and subcontractor fees.

• Equipment Costs: This covers the costs related to the use of machinery, tools, and equipment on the construction site, including rental fees, maintenance, fuel, and depreciation.

• Overhead Costs: This includes indirect expenses incurred during the construction process, such as administrative expenses, site supervision, utilities, insurance, and taxes.

• Contingency: This represents an allowance set aside to cover unforeseen events or risks that may impact project costs.

• Profit Margin: This is the amount added to the total cost to account for the contractor's profit or mark-up on the project.

2. b) To prepare the preliminary estimate for the proposed commercial complex, we'll first calculate the total plinth area and then determine the cubical content. From there, we can find the estimated construction cost and allocate percentages for water supply & sanitary, electrification, contractor's profit, and supervision. Here's how we can proceed:

Given Data:

Plinth area = 500 m²/floor

Height of each storey = 3

Number of Storeys = G + 2 (Ground floor + 2 floors)

Cubical Content Rate = Rs 1000/m³

Percentage allocations:

Water supply & Sanitary = 8%

Electrification = 6%

Contractor's profit = 10%

Supervision = 3%

1. Total Plinth Area:

Total Plinth Area = Plinth Area × Number of Storeys

= 500 m²/floor × 3 floors

= 1500 m²

2. Cubical Content:

Cubical Content = Total Plinth Area × Height of each storey

= 1500 m² × 3 m

= 4500 m³

3. Estimated Construction Cost:

Construction Cost = Cubical Content × Cubical Content Rate

= 4500 m³ × Rs 1000/m³

= Rs 4,500,000

4. Allocation of Percentages:

Water supply & Sanitary: 8% of Construction Cost

Electrification: 6% of Construction Cost

Contractor's profit: 10% of Construction Cost

Supervision: 3% of Construction Cost

5. Calculating Allocations:

Water supply & Sanitary: 8% of Rs 4,500,000 = Rs 360,000

Electrification: 6% of Rs 4,500,000 = Rs 270,000

Contractor's profit: 10% of Rs 4,500,000 = Rs 450,000

Supervision: 3% of Rs 4,500,000 = Rs 135,000

6. Final Preliminary Estimate:

Total Estimated Cost = Construction Cost + Allocations

= Rs 4,500,000 + Rs 360,000 + Rs 270,000 + Rs 450,000 + Rs 135,000

= Rs 5,715,000

So, the preliminary estimate for the proposed commercial complex for the municipal corporation is Rs 5,715,000.

3. a) Describe the method of taking out quantities of building work with example.

Taking out quantities of building work involves the process of quantifying and measuring various materials, labor, and resources required for construction based on architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and schedules. This process is typically performed by a quantity surveyor or estimator and serves as the basis for cost estimation, procurement, and project management. Here's a step-by-step description of the method of taking out quantities of building work with an example:

1. Review the Drawings and Specifications:

Begin by thoroughly reviewing the architectural and structural drawings, as well as any other relevant specifications provided for the project. Understand the scope of work, construction methods, materials, and finishes specified.

2. Identify Elements and Components:

Break down the project into its various elements and components, such as foundations, walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, doors, windows, finishes, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) services. Each element should be identified separately.

3. Measure Dimensions:

Take accurate measurements of the dimensions of each component from the drawings. Use scales and measurement tools to ensure precision. Record lengths, widths, heights, and thicknesses as applicable.

4. Calculate Areas and Volumes:

Use the measured dimensions to calculate areas (for surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings) and volumes (for elements like concrete, masonry, and structural components). Apply appropriate formulas for calculating areas and volumes based on shapes and dimensions.

5. Account for Wastage and Allowances:

Consider factors such as wastage, cutting losses, and allowances for overlaps or joints when quantifying materials. Apply standard percentages or factors based on industry norms or project-specific requirements.

6. Itemize Materials and Resources:

Create a detailed list or schedule of materials and resources required for each element or component of the project. Include quantities, units of measurement, descriptions, specifications, and any other relevant details.

7. Apply Rates and Prices:

Assign unit rates or prices to each itemized material and resource based on market rates, supplier quotations, or historical data. Ensure consistency in units of measurement and currency.

8. Calculate Total Quantities and Costs:

Multiply the measured quantities of materials and resources by their respective unit rates or prices to calculate the total quantities and costs for each item. Sum up the total quantities and costs to obtain the overall cost estimate for the project.

9. Review and Verify:

Double-check all calculations and quantities for accuracy and completeness. Verify against the drawings, specifications, and project requirements to ensure consistency and compliance.

10. Document and Present:

Document the quantities of building work in a clear, organized format such as a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) or schedule of quantities. Present the information to stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and project teams, for review, approval, and further action.

Example:

Consider a residential building project. To take out quantities of building work, you would:

• Measure the dimensions of walls, floors, and ceilings from the architectural drawings.
• Calculate the areas of walls for brickwork or plastering.
• Calculate the volumes of concrete required for foundations, slabs, and columns.
• Estimate the quantities of bricks, cement, sand, and reinforcement steel needed based on calculations and specifications.
• Apply rates to each itemized material (e.g., cost per cubic meter of concrete, cost per square meter of brickwork).
• Sum up the quantities and costs to obtain the total construction cost estimate for the project.

This process ensures that all materials and resources required for construction are accurately quantified, helping in effective cost estimation, procurement planning, and project management.

3. b) Write down the unit measurement and payment for various items of work as given below: (i) Gabion net and its filling (ii) Hold Fasts (iii) Skerting  (iv) Earthwork  (v) Reinforcement (vi) Half brickwork (vii) Hollow brickwork (viii) PCC

Here are the unit measurements and payment methods for various items of work:

(i) Gabion Net and Its Filling:

• Unit Measurement: Cubic Meter (m³) for gabion net and cubic meter (m³) or ton (metric ton) for filling material (usually stone or rocks).
• Payment Method: Typically, the payment is based on the quantity of gabion net installed (in cubic meters) and the volume or weight of filling material used (in cubic meters or tons).

(ii) Holdfasts:

• Unit Measurement: Number (No.) or Set (Set).
• Payment Method: Payment is usually made per holdfast, considering the number of holdfasts required for the project.

(iii) Skirting:

• Unit Measurement: Running Meter (RM) or Linear Meter (LM).
• Payment Method: Payment is calculated based on the length of skirting installed (in running or linear meters).

(iv) Earthwork:

• Unit Measurement: Cubic Meter (m³) or Cubic Yard (if applicable).
• Payment Method: Payment is based on the volume of earthwork excavated or filled (in cubic meters or cubic yards), considering the type of earthwork activity (excavation, filling, grading) and any specified depth requirements.

(v) Reinforcement:

• Unit Measurement: Kilogram (kg) or Metric Ton (MT).
• Payment Method: Payment is typically made per kilogram or metric ton of reinforcement steel used, based on the specified type, size, and grade of reinforcement bars.

(vi) Half Brickwork:

• Unit Measurement: Square Meter (m²).
• Payment Method: Payment is calculated based on the area of half brickwork constructed (in square meters).

(vii) Hollow Brickwork:

• Unit Measurement: Cubic Meter (m³) for hollow bricks.
• Payment Method: Payment is usually based on the quantity of hollow bricks used (in cubic meters), considering the size and type of hollow bricks specified.

(viii) PCC (Plain Cement Concrete):

• Unit Measurement: Cubic Meter (m³).
• Payment Method: Payment is based on the volume of PCC laid (in cubic meters), considering the specified mix proportions and thickness.

These unit measurements and payment methods provide a standardized approach for quantifying and valuing various items of work in construction projects, ensuring clarity and consistency in cost estimation and payment processes.

4. Write short notes on:(any four)
 (a) Capital Cost (b) Revised estimate (c) Preparation of detailed estimate. (d) purpose of rate analysis (e) factory affecting rate analysis

a. Capital Cost:

• Capital cost refers to the total expenditure incurred for acquiring, constructing, or improving physical assets such as buildings, machinery, equipment, infrastructure, and other long-term investments.
• It includes the costs associated with land acquisition, construction or installation, engineering, design, permits, labor, materials, equipment, and overheads.
• Capital costs are essential for businesses, organizations, and governments to expand operations, develop infrastructure, and undertake strategic investments to generate revenue or provide services.

b. Revised Estimate:

• A revised estimate is an updated cost estimation prepared during a construction project to reflect changes in scope, design, specifications, quantities, or prices.
• It is typically prepared when significant modifications or variations occur that affect the original project cost estimate.
• A revised estimate may be required due to changes in project requirements, unforeseen circumstances, design revisions, scope adjustments, or cost overruns.
• It helps stakeholders in assessing the impact of changes on project finances, timelines, and resource allocation, enabling informed decision-making and effective project management.

c. Preparation of Detailed Estimate:

• The preparation of a detailed estimate involves the systematic calculation and breakdown of all costs associated with a construction project based on detailed drawings, specifications, and quantities.
• It includes itemizing and quantifying materials, labor, equipment, and other resources required for each component of the project.
• Detailed estimates are prepared using standard methods and procedures, considering factors such as market rates, productivity norms, wastage, contingencies, and overheads.
• The detailed estimate serves as the basis for tendering, budgeting, procurement, cost control, and contract administration throughout the project lifecycle.

d. Purpose of Rate Analysis:

• Rate analysis is the process of determining the unit rates or prices of various materials, labor, equipment, and services used in construction projects.
• The primary purpose of rate analysis is to establish fair and competitive rates for different items of work to ensure transparency, accuracy, and consistency in cost estimation and pricing.
• Rate analysis helps in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of different construction methods, materials, and technologies.
• It provides a basis for comparing quotations, preparing tenders, negotiating contracts, and assessing variations or claims during project execution.
• Rate analysis also facilitates benchmarking, cost optimization, and performance improvement in construction projects.

e. Factors Affecting Rate Analysis:

Several factors can influence the outcome of rate analysis, including:

1. Market Conditions: Supply and demand dynamics, inflation, and fluctuations in material and labor prices.

2. Location: Regional variations in labor costs, transportation expenses, and availability of materials.

3. Project Complexity: The scale, scope, and technical requirements of the project can impact productivity, resource utilization, and costs.

4. Specifications: Quality standards, design complexity, and special requirements may affect material grades, methods, and costs.

5. Seasonal Factors: Weather conditions, seasonal availability of materials, and peak construction periods can influence prices and productivity.

6. Technology and Innovation: Advancements in construction methods, equipment, and materials may impact productivity rates and costs.

These factors need to be carefully considered and analyzed during the rate analysis process to ensure accurate and reliable cost estimation for construction projects.