The General Principles provide guidance on how items of work are classified, described, and measured in the BOQ. They ensure consistency, fairness, and clarity between clients, consultants, and contractors.
1. Purpose of General Principles
- To establish a uniform method of measurement for civil engineering works.
- To ensure that BOQs prepared by different engineers/consultants are comparable.
- To define what should be included in a description and what is considered covered by default.
- To avoid ambiguity, duplication, and disputes in contracts.
2. Structure of BOQ under CESMM4
The BOQ must be arranged systematically in the following order:
- General Items (Class A) – preliminaries, site establishment, mobilization.
- Work Items (Classes B–Z) – grouped by type of work (earthworks, concrete, steelwork, etc.).
- Daywork Items – for work measured and paid by time and materials.
- Provisional/Prime Cost Sums – allowances for undefined work.
3. Principles of Classification
Each work item in CESMM4 is classified according to four elements:
- Class – Major category of work (A to Z).
- Example: Class C = Earthworks.
- Group – Subdivision within a class.
- Example: Class C (Earthworks) → Group C2 = Excavation.
- Feature – Additional attribute of the work.
- Example: Excavation → by depth (0–2 m, 2–4 m, etc.).
- Item – The lowest level, describing the specific measurable work.
- Example: “Excavation in ordinary soil up to 2 m depth including disposal within 50 m lead.”
👉 Rule: Each BOQ item must be unambiguous and follow the CESMM4 classification hierarchy.
4. Principles of Description
Every BOQ item should include sufficient detail to allow accurate pricing. Descriptions must cover:
- Nature of work – type of soil, concrete grade, pipe diameter, etc.
- Location of work – in foundations, above ground, in road pavement, etc.
- Dimensions / limits – length, depth, thickness, area.
- Execution details – disposal distance, compaction requirements, reinforcement type, etc.
- Relevant standards – BS, IS, EN, ASTM, etc.
Example of full description:
“C2.1: Excavation in ordinary soil not exceeding 2 m depth for foundation trenches, including dewatering, dressing of sides, and disposal of surplus excavated material within 50 m lead.”
5. Principles of Measurement
CESMM4 prescribes how work is to be measured:
- Linear work → measured in metres (m) (e.g., pipelines, fencing).
- Surface work → measured in square metres (m²) (e.g., plastering, flooring).
- Volume work → measured in cubic metres (m³) (e.g., excavation, concrete).
- Weight work → measured in tonnes (t or kg) (e.g., reinforcement steel, structural steel).
- Lump sum (LS) → for work that cannot be quantified in normal units (e.g., mobilization, site office, traffic diversion).
👉 Rule: Units must always follow SI metric standards.
6. Principles of Coverage (What is Included by Default)
Each item is deemed to include:
- Labour, plant, and materials required to complete the work.
- Waste and incidental works (unless specifically excluded).
- Setting out, cleaning, testing, and protection of works.
- Temporary works required for completion of that item (except where CESMM specifies separate measurement).
Example:
- When measuring concrete, the cost of mixing, placing, curing, and finishing is deemed included.
- Formwork, however, is measured separately under Class D (Concrete).
7. Treatment of Openings and Voids
- For finishes (plaster, painting, etc.) → openings under 0.5 m² are not deducted.
- For concrete or masonry → openings are deducted only if exceeding 0.1 m².
- Reinforcement steel → measured separately, irrespective of voids.
8. Provisional and Prime Cost Sums
- Provisional Sum → an estimated amount for undefined work (e.g., unforeseen excavation).
- Prime Cost Sum (PC Sum) → an allowance for works or materials supplied by a nominated subcontractor or supplier.
Both must be clearly noted in the BOQ with defined rules of use.
9. Principles of Consistency
- Descriptions, units, and classifications must follow CESMM4 strictly.
- Any deviations (project-specific rules) must be clarified in Preambles to BOQ.
- No double payment → if an item is covered under one class, it must not be duplicated elsewhere.
✅ Summary of General Principles:
- BOQ must follow structured classification (Class → Group → Feature → Item).
- Items must have clear, detailed descriptions.
- Measurement must follow SI units and CESMM4 rules.
- Certain operations are deemed included in the rates.
- Provisional sums and PC sums cover uncertain or nominated works.
