The work classification is the foundation of CESMM4. It ensures that every item of civil engineering work is described and measured consistently across projects.
1. Purpose of Work Classification
- Provides a systematic structure for BOQs.
- Ensures uniformity across different projects and consultants.
- Avoids ambiguity in descriptions.
- Helps contractors price works accurately and competitively.
- Aids in cost control, variation analysis, and final account settlement.
2. Work Classification Structure
Work in CESMM4 is classified into Classes A to Z, each covering a broad type of work.
| Class | Description | Examples of Work Items |
|---|---|---|
| A | General Items | Site offices, mobilization, insurances |
| B | Ground Investigation | Trial pits, boreholes |
| C | Earthworks | Excavation, filling, compaction |
| D | Concrete | In-situ concrete, formwork |
| E | Pipework – Pipes | Laying pipes, jointing |
| F | Pipework – Fittings & Valves | Flanges, bends, valves |
| G | Pipework – Ancillaries | Chambers, supports |
| H | Structural Metalwork | Reinforcement, steel structures |
| I | Timber Structures | Formwork, timber bridges |
| J | Roads & Paving | Asphalt, kerbs, concrete paving |
| K | Rail Track | Rails, sleepers, ballasting |
| L | Tunneling | Linings, shafts |
| M | Waterways & Marine | Dredging, revetments, quays |
| N | Land Drainage | Drains, ditches, channels |
| O | Piling | Bored piles, driven piles |
| P | Underpinning | Jacking, grouting |
| Q | Demolitions & Alterations | Breaking, removing, cutting |
| R | Brickwork, Blockwork | Masonry walls, partitions |
| S | Painting | Surface prep, coating |
| T | Waterproofing | Membranes, coatings |
| U | Miscellaneous Works | Landscaping, fencing |
| V | Dayworks | Labour, materials, plant hours |
| W | Provisional Sums | Lump sums for undefined works |
| X | Prime Cost Sums | Nominated suppliers |
| Y | Extra Over Items | Adjustments for special cases |
| Z | Contractor’s Obligations | Warranties, guarantees |
3. How Work Classification is Applied in BOQ
Step 1 – Identify the Class
Determine which Class (A–Z) the work belongs to.
- Example: Excavation for a foundation → Class C (Earthworks).
Step 2 – Identify the Group
Select the relevant Group within the class.
- Example: Excavation in foundation trenches → Group C2 (Excavation).
Step 3 – Apply Features
Add Features that specify variations such as:
- Depth ranges (e.g., 0–2 m, 2–4 m).
- Soil type (rock, ordinary soil, soft clay).
- Execution requirements (under water, dewatering included).
Step 4 – Define the Item
Write the full item description including:
- Nature of work.
- Dimensions / limits.
- Location.
- Standards.
- Special conditions.
✅ Final BOQ Item Example
“C2.1: Excavation in ordinary soil not exceeding 2 m depth for foundation trenches, including dewatering and disposal of surplus excavated material within 50 m lead.”
4. Principles in Application
- Consistency – Always follow CESMM4 hierarchy (Class → Group → Feature → Item).
- Sufficiency of Description – The item must have enough detail for pricing, but avoid redundancy.
- Avoid Duplication – Each work must be classified in one class only.
- Coverage Rule – Unless CESMM specifies otherwise, the contractor’s rate must cover labour, plant, materials, waste, handling, setting out, cleaning, and minor temporary works.
- Units of Measurement – Must follow SI system:
- Length → m
- Area → m²
- Volume → m³
- Weight → tonne/kg
- Lump sum → LS
5. Practical Applications of Work Classification
- Tendering → Contractors use classification to price items systematically.
- Cost Control → Project teams can track costs by class (e.g., Earthworks, Concrete, Pipework).
- Valuation of Variations → Variations can be classified under the same class and compared easily.
- Final Accounts → Simplifies reconciliation of quantities and payments.
- Benchmarking → Data from one project’s BOQ can be used to estimate future projects.
6. Example – Applying Work Classification
Let’s classify a Reinforced Concrete Foundation:
- Class: D (Concrete).
- Group: D2 (In-situ Concrete).
- Feature: Grade of concrete, location (below ground).
- Item:
“D2.1: In-situ reinforced concrete of grade M25 in foundations, including placing, compacting, curing, but excluding formwork and reinforcement.”
✅ Summary – Application of Work Classification in CESMM4
- Provides a universal structure for describing and measuring civil engineering work.
- Ensures clarity, fairness, and comparability in BOQs.
- Divides works into Classes A–Z, further broken down into Groups, Features, and Items.
- Applied consistently in tendering, cost control, and project management.
