The definitions in CESMM4 are crucial because they set the basis for how work items are understood, classified, described, and measured. Without clear definitions, ambiguities arise in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), leading to disputes in tendering, pricing, and payment.
1. Definition of Terms
CESMM4 provides standard terminology that must be followed in the BOQ:
- Bill of Quantities (BOQ)
A document that lists and describes all the works to be executed under the contract. It contains itemized quantities with units and descriptions to allow tenderers to price them. - Item
The smallest division of work in the BOQ. Each item represents a measurable unit of work with a description, quantity, and unit of measurement. - Work Classification
A structured system dividing civil engineering work into classes (e.g., Earthworks, Concrete, Steelwork, Roadworks, etc.) for systematic measurement. - Description
A text entry in the BOQ defining the nature, location, dimensions, and specific requirements of a work item. - Unit
The measurement basis for the item (m, m², m³, tonne, lump sum, etc.), following international metric standards.
2. Definition of Scope
CESMM4 defines how work is covered:
- Work to be Measured
Includes all construction activities required under the contract, except temporary works unless specified. - Incidental Work
Work necessary to complete an item but not separately measured (e.g., formwork to small foundations, scaffolding for masonry up to certain height). - Ancillary Work
Work required in addition to the principal operation but included in the main description (e.g., compaction of backfill in earthworks).
3. Classification of Work
Definitions explain how work is grouped:
- Classes of Work (A to Z in CESMM4)
- A: General Items
- B: Ground Investigation
- C: Geotechnical and Earthworks
- D: Concrete
- E: Brickwork, Blockwork, and Masonry
- F: Steelwork
- G: Timber
- H: Piles
- I: Roads and Pavements
- J: Pipework
- K: Tunneling
- Z: Simple Building Works, etc.
Each Class contains defined items with standard methods of measurement.
4. Definitions Related to Measurement
- Gross Measurement
Taking total dimensions without deductions for voids (e.g., plasterwork measured gross, openings under 0.5 m² not deducted). - Net Measurement
Actual measurement of work excluding voids, deductions applied (e.g., formwork measured net against concrete surfaces). - Lump Sum (LS)
Work measured as a single item regardless of quantity (e.g., mobilization, site office, traffic management). - Provisional Sum
Estimated allowance for undefined or uncertain work, inserted in BOQ.
5. Definitions for Descriptions
- Full Description
An item must be described with sufficient clarity (type, material, size, location, etc.) so contractors can price it.
Example:
“Excavation in ordinary soil for foundations up to 2.0 m depth including dewatering, disposal of surplus material within 50 m lead.” - Reference to Standards
If work follows a standard (e.g., BS, IS, ASTM, EN), it should be referenced in the description.
6. General Definitions
- Contractor’s Obligations
The BOQ description does not relieve the contractor of complying with specifications and drawings. - Preambles
Explanatory notes attached to the BOQ that define measurement rules, quality standards, and any project-specific requirements. - Exceptions
Any work not measured by CESMM4 must be clearly defined in the BOQ or in the Preambles.
✅ Summary:
The Definitions section of CESMM4 establishes the foundation of BOQ preparation. It standardizes terminology, scope, classification, and units of measurement, ensuring that all stakeholders
