Published by: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Scope:
This part specifies the rules for measurement of stone masonry works (random rubble, coursed rubble, ashlar, dressed stone, etc.) used in building and civil engineering works.
1. Scope
- Applies to all types of stone masonry such as:
- Random rubble (uncoursed / coursed).
- Coursed rubble.
- Ashlar fine dressed.
- Polygonal, dry rubble, honeycomb masonry.
- Includes arches, retaining walls, pillars, etc.
2. Unit of Measurement
- Stone masonry: measured in cubic metres (m³).
- Wall facings, veneering, jalis, open stonework: measured in square metres (m²).
3. Classification of Stone Masonry
Measurements must be classified separately for:
- Type of stone (granite, sandstone, laterite, marble, etc.).
- Type of masonry (random rubble, coursed rubble, ashlar, etc.).
- Mortar type (cement, lime, mud).
- Location (foundation, plinth, superstructure, retaining wall).
- Finishing (pointing, dressed joints, etc.).
4. Method of Measurement
- General stone masonry (walls, piers, columns, retaining walls):
- Measured in cubic metres (m³).
- Thickness expressed clearly in description.
- Stone facings/veneering:
- Measured in m², with thickness specified.
- Arches, cornices, copings, pillars, string courses, corbels, etc.:
- Measured in m³ or m², depending on geometry.
- Ashlar fine dressed stonework:
- Measured in m³, with dressing described (rough-tooled, fine-tooled, polished).
5. Deductions
- Openings (doors, windows, etc.):
- 0.1 m² → Deduct.
- ≤0.1 m² → No deduction.
- Ends of beams, girders, joists, trusses, posts, rafters, etc.:
- 0.05 m² cross-section → Deduct.
- ≤0.05 m² → No deduction.
- Chases, recesses, grooves, etc.:
- 0.01 m² → Deduct.
- ≤0.01 m² → Ignored.
- For reinforced stone masonry: deduction made for reinforcement volume if >0.01 m³.
6. Extra Measurements
- Arches (flat, segmental, semicircular, etc.): measured separately with description.
- Carved / ornamental stonework: measured separately in m³ or m².
- Stone jalis, lattices, honeycomb masonry: measured in m² (net area of solid stone).
- Corbelling, string courses, mouldings, cornices, copings: measured separately.
- Dry rubble masonry (without mortar): measured separately from wet masonry.
7. Key Notes
- Mortar joints included in measurement (not deducted).
- Dressing of stones (hammer dressed, chisel dressed, fine dressed, polished) must be described separately.
- Veneer/facing thickness always specified.
- Ornamental features (sculptures, carvings) measured separately due to high cost.
- Pointing and plastering not included – measured under Part 12 (Plastering & Pointing).
8. Quick Takeaways
- Stone masonry = m³,
except facings/jalis/veneers = m². - Deductions only if opening >0.1 m².
- Small recesses/embedded parts ignored.
- Ornamental, arches, copings, etc. → measured separately.
- Dressing/finish must be clearly mentioned.
