1

Acknowledgement

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to convey my gratitude to people who have

helped me in completing this research. First of all I want thank for our dear teacher

Mrs. Marasinghe who made a great effort in helping to me to find information in this

report and gave us the challenge of conducting this type of research rather than

stuffing all the information related to training period to a report. Secondly I want

express my thanks to our site senior quantity surveyor Miss. Thilani for helping me by

providing information about the interrogations I have discussed in this report. Finally

I want to thank to my dear parents, my friends, and ICBT staff who always

encouraged me to complete this report successfully.

2

Abstract

The research title is “Conflict situations when applying SLS 573 standards methods of

measurement into real world “. This research is about the present conflict situations

that the quantity surveyor face when trying to apply the standard rules of SLS 573

which is recommended by the ICTAD ( Institute of construction training and

development). This is a major problem that the today’s quantity surveyors face when

they practically work in the construction industry.

At the commencing stage this report discusses about the quantity surveyor, and

quantity surveyor role, background etc. This is an approach to the main objective of

this report. Because it is required to have some knowledge about who is a quantity

surveyor? What things a quantity surveyor do? What are the responsibilities? And

what are the skills needed to be a quantity surveyor? Etc. I wanted to include this

chapter because I prepared this report to read and understand to anyone who doesn’t

have knowledge about the construction field or quantity surveying field. Then in the

next chapter again I wanted to give some knowledge about the SLS 573 which I am

about to discuss through the whole research. This chapter gives information about

SLS 573 and about the standards.

The requirement of having a standard in also important to understand what could

cause if the standards are not properly followed. In the next chapter, this research

explains about the present construction industry and the place of the standards and

whether the industry in following the standards properly and if not, what are the

reasons for not following? What are the parties caused to this problem etc. It describes

about that the contractor or subcontractors have been the main reason having the

conflict situation because they disagree with the quantity surveyor’s measurements.

3

In the chapter 3 I explain about the major point of this report. They are the situations

from the practical world which I found out during my research. Each situation is

explained with the examples. To prove the fact, I have also attached the SLS 573

reference regarding each of the item that I take account of.

Each of the interrogations are collected by practical field. And practical situations I

faced as a trainee quantity surveyor in the Sierra constructions Pvt. Ltd. And

explained each and every interrogation under several sub topics as the explanation,

the problem, the analysis and my solution to this problem. Under “The explanation”,

it explains the item or the material that I want to take account of in the interrogation.

And in the sub topic “ The problem” it explains about the quantity surveyors situation

when he faced to problem. And in the analysis it explains about the reasons caused

into the problem and the reasons of the party caused the problem. Finally there is a

sub topic about “My solution to this problem” In this topic I discuss my own solution

in my point of view to this problem and recommend what are the things must be

applied to solve the problem.

In the chapter 5 described about the conclusion including information of what are the

problems that I have faced during the research. And also facts that I found, and finally

what are the things I have learned from this research. So I concluded it with my

research information. In the chapter 6 described about the recommendations that must

be applied in order to solve the problem of conflict situation in the construction field.

So I recommended that the SLS 573 must be modified according to today’s work

environment. That’s is the recommendation in order to solve the problems of the

standard rules. So that quantity surveyor also will not have to face problems in taking

off quantities.

4

Table of contents

Introduction to report …………………………………….…………………………..01

1. The Quantity surveyor …………………………….……………………………....03

1.1 Key skills needed to be a quantity surveyor ………………………………….03

1.2 Responsibilities and duties of a quantity surveyor ………………………...…04

1.2.1 Responsibilities of a quantity surveyor ………......................................04

1.2.2 Duties of a quantity surveyor ………………………………………….05

1.3 Standard and documental references related to quantity surveyors work

environment …………………………………………………………….……06

2. Conflict situations when applying SLS 573 standard methods of measurement

into real world …………………………………………………………………….07

2.1 The SLS 573 ………………………………………………………………….07

2.1.1 What is SLS 573? ……………………………………………………...07

2.1.2 Requirement of a standard in measuring quantities……………………08

2.2 Quantity surveyor and the SLS 573 ………………………………………….10

2.3 Present situation of standards of SLS 573 in the construction industry………11

2.3.1 Is the present construction industry following the standard methods

of measurement according to the SLS 573? ………………………….11

2.3.2 Analysis of reasons for not following the standards according to

SLS 573 ……………………………………………………….……….12

5

3. Quantity surveyor facing problems and conflict situations when applying

theoretical rules of SLS 573 into real world ……………………………………...15

3.1 Interrogation no (01) – Reveal measurements in the plastering ……………...16

3.1.1 Explanation of the reveal ………………………………………………16

3.1.2 The problem …………………………………………………………...17

3.1.3 The analysis ……………………………………………………………18

3.1.4 Solution for this matter in my opinion ………………………………...18

3.2 Interrogation no (02) – Measurements in the rubble wall/Foundations ……...19

3.2.1 Explanation of the rubble wall/ Rubble foundations ………………….19

3.2.2 The problem …………………………………………………………...19

3.2.3 The analysis ……………………………………………………………20

3.2.4 Solution for this matter in my opinion ………………………………...21

3.3 Interrogation no (03) – Measurements in formwork and water proofing ……..21

3.3.1 The explanation for formwork and water proofing ……………………21

3.3.2 The problem …………………………………………………………...21

3.3.3 The analysis ……………………………………………………………24

3.3.4 Solution for this matter in my opinion ………………………………...25

4. Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………..26

5. Recommendation ………………………………………………………………….28

6

6. Reference list ………………………………………………………… …………..29

7

Introduction to report – “ Conflict situations when applying SLS 573

standards methods of measurement into real world “

The modern construction field is vastly developing, and the personnel related to the

construction field is also developing their technical skills, features, technological

knowledge and etc to their utmost capability. But some important factors might not be

developing and then cause many conflicts situations in this field, majorly the quantity

surveyor. That is the SMM 573 booklet which is powerful tool to the quantity

surveyor. And my topic in this report is “ Conflicts situations when applying SMM

573 standards methods of measurement into real world ”

In this report I am about to trot out the contradictory issues caused conflict situation to

the quantity surveyor when applying the theoretical knowledge and standard rules and

regulations according to SMM 573 into practical field or the real world. Because in

my personal life as a quantity surveyor I have faced such conflict situations when

trying to apply the rules and regulations of SMM 573 into real world. So it will be a

good source of information to make understand the situation to people who only relies

in documented theories.

I choose this topic because it is a common issue that many people are facing in the

present situation. Personally I have faced this situation during my training period at

Sierra constructions pvt. Ltd. Every person always tries to apply their own theoretical

knowledge to this practical field and then face these type of situations and disputes.

So I thought that final research will be a good opportunity to bring out my ideas and

arguments about these conflict issues in the construction field.

In this report the arrangement of the topics describes about the information and

concept that the reader or who refer this report to understand important facts before

reading my argument. For an example before analyzing my topic “Conflicts situations

when applying SMM 573 standards methods of measurement into real world ” I want

to explain what the SLS 573? And what is the relationship between the quantity

surveyor and the SLS 573, etc.

8

To prove this concept It is requisite to have examples which describes about the

situation. So that the referrer of this report can understand the integrity of the report

and the final outcome which I wanted to understand to the reader. In this report it is

important to mention about the background of the quantity surveyor and the quantity

surveyor’s work environment before getting into the main point of this report. So

there is a small topic describing the quantity surveyors background and career

environment.

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1. The quantity surveyor

Quantity surveyors, who may also be known as commercial managers or construction

cost consultants, construction economist are specialists and professional advisers in

the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects. The quantity surveyor is

a major icon in the construction industry nowadays because of the demand to quality

of the construction and the contractors wants to minimize the large waste in the

construction and procure the profit to maximize.

1.1 Key skills needed to be a quantity surveyor

Not like the other individuals but the quantity surveyor requires vast and various

kinds of knowledge and skills to be a professional in the construction field. Because

the quantity surveyor must have to deal with different kinds of people, different types

of works, and different types of activities. So this makes a quantity surveyor a very

important person.

Example :- The Site engineer’s task is to carry out the construction works in the site

and provide the necessary advice and guidance to minor staff. But the quantity

surveyor have to take over legal obligations, site works, prepare documents such as

BOQ, Variations, etc, Deal with contractor’s issues and overall construction cost

controlling.

To provide these crucial services the quantity surveyor needs the following skills and

qualifications,

Quantity surveyor need to be a practical person with a logical and methodical

approach to problem solving.

The quantity surveyor must have a good IT skills, language skills and

numeracy skills.

Quantity surveyor must have the ability to analyze the content of complicated

documents.

10

The quantity surveyor must have a clear knowledge of both construction

techniques and technology.

The quantity surveyor must have the knowledge of the relevant laws and

health and essential safety requirements.

The quantity surveyor must have a good knowledge about standards of

measurements and preparation of construction related documents.

The quantity surveyor must have good communications skills as required to

express opinions both verbally and on paper. Quantity surveyor are also likely

to be involved in negotiating with a wide variety of people, which means that

quantity surveyor would have to listen to the points of view of others as well

as giving his/her opinion.

In addition the quantity surveyor must have the ability to be working as a

member of a team, which may require motivating and leading people on site.

1.2 Responsibilities and duties of a quantity surveyor

The quantity surveyor holds great responsibilities according to his nature of the work.

As the duties and tasks become vital the value of the responsibility increases.

Responsibilities of a quantity surveyor can be listed below.

1.2.1 Responsibilities of a quantity surveyor

Quantity surveyor have the responsibility to control the cost of the project any

means necessary over the whole period of time until the project is finished.

This can be the most important responsibility of a quantity surveyor.

Quantity surveyor have the responsibility to maintain the correctness of the

documents that he or she prepares for different purposes.

Also the quantity surveyor has the responsibility to obtain and furnish the

people with required information, deal with different parties and provide

necessary guidance and advice to people who requires.

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The quantity surveyor have the responsibility to response and keep the

construction without having any commercial risks, and when a commercial

risk has come out then quantity surveyor is responsible for facing and deal

with the commercial risks.

1.2.2 Duties of a quantity surveyor

The quantity surveyor has the duty to prepare contract documents and other

documents during the construction progress such as progress reports. And

other than that the quantity surveyor have the duty of procuring claims and to

prepare intermediate documents such as variations if a variation is to be

claimed.

The quantity surveyor has the duty to deal with different parties such as legal

parties, contractors, sub contractors and other individuals etc.

The quantity surveyor also have the duties of Identifying, analyzing and

developing responses to commercial risks.

Checking bills and checking progress of the site according to the construction

schedule and report any delays to the authorized individuals.

Taking joint measurements

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1.3 Standards and documental references related to quantity surveyors

work environment

The quantity surveyor is a person who always working with documental work. And

according to the nature of the career the quantity surveyor is required to refer standard

methods in all the works such as taking off quantities and preparing bills. Some major

references can be listed below,

SLS 573 (Sri Lanka standard method of measurement – SLS 573)

BSR (Building schedule of rates)

CESMM3 (Civil engineering standard method of measurement)

Conditions of contract (FIDDIC)

SBD – Procurement of work (Standard bidding document)

ICTAD - Bulletin of construction statistics

ICTAD – Minor contract

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2. Conflict situations when applying SLS 573 standards methods of

measurement into real world

This section is the main objective of this research. It explains about the present

situation of standards and quantity surveyor facing problems in the construction field

when he/she tried to apply the theoretical standards of the SLS 573.

2.1 The SLS 573 (Standard methods of measurements)

2.1.1 What is the SLS 573?

Sri Lanka did not have a standards method of measurement of building works prior to

the 1968, though there was an attempt in 1950 which could be termed as a form of the

method of measurement in Sri Lanka. However in 1968 the first Sri Lankan standard

method of measurement was developed. The institute of quantity surveyors Sri Lanka

along with ICTAD felt the need, for a complete up-to-date standard method of

measurement. Accordingly, ICTAD initiated action to provide this revision.

ICTAD ( Institute for construction training and development ) is being the authority

for releasing the SLS 573. The SLS 573 first revision 1994, itself is a comprehensive

complete document. It contains twenty two work sections.

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2.1.2 Requirement of a standard in measuring quantities

In Sri Lanka, the construction industry is distributed all over the country. And

everyday every hour and every minute there is a construction processing in this

country. And that means there are numerous amount of quantity surveyors measuring

the quantities of a construction.

If these different quantity surveyors in different locations in the country took off the

quantities in their own way without using or referring any standard method it will

cause severe problems to many individuals, internal parties and external parties

involved in the construction. These problems can be listed below,

Not having a standard could cause loss and even bankrupting the contractor or

the client.

Not having a standard could cause some quantity surveyors to take off

quantities being partial to a certain party.

Not having a standard could cause lowering the quality and demand of the

construction.

Thus, a standard method of taking off quantities is introduced by the ICTAD (Institute

of construction training and development) for all the people who are involving in a

construction. So these standards must be followed specially by the quantity surveyors

in the work environment.

And by having these standard methods of measurements the following benefits can be

gained,

15

All the quantity surveyors will have the same quantity of a certain estimate if

the standards methods of measurements are followed and correctly measured.

Ex :- When the contractor’s quantity surveyor prepares the BOQ according to

the standard methods of measurements (SLS 573) the consultant’s quantity

surveyor’s amount will also have the same quantity if they both are correct

and followed the standards.

Anyone can refer to SLS 573 and using the standards they can argue or prove

any error in the quantities or measurements.

There is a quality and demand in the construction when there is a standard in

the measuring process.

So it is clearly that the requirement of standard method of measurements is vital to

the construction industry in any country.

16

2.2 The quantity surveyor and the SLS 573

The SLS 573 is previously described in the “The SLS 573” section. It is mostly like

the quantity surveyor’s handbook in the work field. The SLS 573 must be always

referred for any circumstance regarding taking off measurements. For that the

quantity surveyor must have a good understanding of the SLS 573.

The understandings can be listed below,

The quantity surveyor must know how to refer for a specific section in the

SLS 573

Example :- If the quantity surveyor wants to know how the formwork of a

beam must be measured then he must know in the which section and which

sub section the formwork of a beam is located. Other than that quantity

surveyor must be able to located the correct unit for the formwork of the beam

in the tabulated list of the SLS 573. Also It is required to refer to

supplementary rules of a specific location in the book.

The quantity surveyor must have a good understanding of measurement units

in the SLS 573.

Example :- It is crucial to know what is a ITEM? And why it is called an

ITEM, what is NR?

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2.3 Present situation of standards of SLS 573 in the construction industry

This section takes account of the standards and explains about the standards relating

to present situation. It creates arguments and questioning if the current construction

industry is following these SLS 573 standards properly? And according to the answer

tries to find out what are the reasons for not following the standards and who caused

this situations, and what are the parties affecting to negligence of the standard

methods of measurements.

2.3.1 Is the present construction industry following the standard methods of

measurement according to the SLS 573?

It is a doubt that the present construction industry is following all the standard

methods of measurement according to the SLS 573. But the answer is NO. The

construction industry nowadays is not following all the standards methods of

measurement according to the SLS 573.

There are many reasons that I found out why the construction industry is not

following, why the quantity surveyors in the most biggest construction sites are not

following all the standards recognized by the SLS 573. These reasons are explain in

the next chapter. Most of the standards are being followed. But some standards have

been abandoned and alternatively other standards are replaced for them. But the

question is why? Who caused this ? Who is responsible for this?

According to my research in few construction sites I found out that most of them are

not applying the measurement methods according to the SLS 573. In my practical

period I have also experienced myself with this matter.

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2.3.2 Analysis of reasons for not following the standards according to SLS 573

The above chapter described about the problem about not following the standard

methods of measurement in the construction industry. This chapter tries to find the

reasons or parties or individuals effecting to this matter.

According to my research facts that I found in the construction site the main

contractor and subcontractors are the main parties cause effects to this matter.

Mostly subcontractors are minor contractors. Usually involve many subcontractors in

a large project. And their profit from a subcontract is not much. So they disagree to

some standards which will reduce their profit. Sub contractors dislike to follow some

standards which can cause less profit. Subcontractor always tries to have the

maximum profit from a single contract so they declare their disagreement to the main

contractor and suggest the main contractor to follow some measurement rules

according to their own benefit.

Even the main contractor wants to carry the construction according to all the

standards methods of measurements, the subcontractors affect and disagree to take

sub contracts from the main contractor according to the standards rules of

measurements. So the main contractor become helpless when all the subcontractors

stand against this situation so the main contractor have to agree with the rules of

measurements of the sub contractors in the construction project.

The main contractor is unable to disagree with the subcontractors and disband the

subcontractors in the project due to following reason that I found out during my

research.

Reason,

The main contractor’s incapability to complete the project to the due date

without the subcontractors. So that main contractor always tries to keep the

sub contractors in the project. Because the main contractor don’t like to lose

any sub contractors which will cause construction delays and problems.

19

Main contractor pay more attention to completing the project with as quickly

as possible with the contribution of subcontractors to satisfy the client so the

main contractor agree with the rule that the sub contractors suggest. In this

case it is not a big deal for the main contractor to pay little more sum of

money for the subcontractors because main contractor is always powerful in

financial status.

This is the major reason of breaking and over going beyond the standard measurement

rules declared by the SLS 573.

A practical example for the above explained situation :-

In SLS 573, it is stated that when taking off quantities of a formwork of sides of a

slab, it is stated if the thickness of the slab is less than 300 mm (<300) the unit for the

formwork must be linear meters (m). But not square meters (m2).

I have attached the table of the SLS 573 related to above case as follows,

7. Edges of

floor and

roof slabs

8.Edges of

landings

1. Height < 300 mm m

2. Height > 300 mm m2

Referenced by SLS 573 – Formwork (F2)

So if the slab is 175 mm height, the quantity must be measured in linear meters

according to the standard rules of measurements. But it is never measured in that way

in construction of major projects. It is measured in square meters (m2). The reason for

this matter is that the subcontractors affects.

20

This problems has happened in my practical period of training at Sierra construction

pvt. Ltd and also I have researched on some other major projects going on in Sri

Lanka and I found out that the same thing is happening in those projects also.

The subcontractors disagree to take off their quantities in linear meters for this type of

case. They only agree to take off quantities of the edges of the slab formwork for

square meters because the rate for linear meter is lower than square meter. And they

argue that it will cause a big loss. So this is a perfect example for this situation that I

previously described. In the next chapter I want to explain how the quantity surveyor

is affected by these situations and conflicts.

Further analysis :-

There are many situations like the above mentioned example. They are saved to

explain with the next chapter with examples from the real world. In this analysis it is

clear that the subcontractors are the major party cause this problem of not following

the standards. And the main contractor is also unable to compromise, so the main

contractor have to agree with the new rules of taking off quantities. When further

considering about this situation from the point of view of the sub contractor, it is true

that the sub contractor cannot take losses like that. Because if the formwork is taken

according to the linear meter then it is true that the sub contractor will have to face the

loss. Because the subcontractor is buying or importing the wood planks from a wood

exporting company. So the buying rate will be higher than the rate for the linear meter

rate. Because there wil be no standards followed such as linear meters in the wood

cutting and exporting companies. They sell wood planks as per plank, or as per square

meter. And that price is high. So the subcontractor have to buy it their price. This is a

problem that must be resolved either by changing the standard rules or either by

establishing strict rules not to break the standard rules. But that could incrementally

cause subcontractor to abandon sites and the even affect the whole construction

industry in Sri Lanka.

21

3. Quantity surveyor facing problems and conflict situations when

applying theoretical rules of SLS 573 into real world

In this chapter, I will discuss about the main point of this research. The by taking

account of the above explained theories and research facts I need to prove that the

quantity surveyor Is really facing these problems when he is trying to apply the

standard rules in the real world situations.

The quantity surveyor usually follow a standard academic course in some institute

which can be either governmental or private. But both institutes grants the knowledge

of the theoretical concepts of quantity surveying practice. And SLS 573 is a major

reference In quantity surveyor’s education. So at the time the quantity surveyor get

into the practical field the following disputes arises.

Note: - These interrogations are the practical situations which I found in the

construction projects during my research. And to prove this problems I

have attached the references of SLS 573 in tabulated form.

22

3.1 Interrogation no (01) – Reveal measurements in the plastering

3.1.1 Explanation of the reveal

The reveal is the edges of the wall when there is an opening in the wall. There are 4

sides of an opening, upper reveal lower reveal and 2 reveals in sides. The problem

occurs when the quantity surveyor wants to take the measurements of the reveal for

plastering. There are many reveals as there are many openings. Openings can be used

for,

Doors

Windows

Canopies

Fan lights and other openings on the wall

To clearly understand this item the following sketch can be used as an example.

Figure no1 – A wall and a revel in the opening

23

Wall

Reveals

Opening

According to SLS 573 the reveal must be considered as a linear meter measurement

(m) for plastering. So the quantity surveyor have the knowledge that according to SLS

573 the quantities of a reveal for plastering must be taken as linear meters. The SLS

573 reference related to this problem can be shown below for proof,

PLASTERED / RENDERED / ROUGH CAST COATINGS, MINERALS COATINGS,

SPRAYED OR SPECIAL WORK, PLASTER ROAD, TERRAZZO, GRANO

1. Walls 1. Width < 300 mm 1. Thickness and number

of coats stated

m

Reference – SLS 573 – Wall and ceiling finishes

3.1.2 The problem

The quantity surveyor takes the quantities of this reveal according to SLS 573

following the standard rules of construction. But the contractor or the subcontractors

oppose to agree with the measurements of the quantity surveyor. They accuse that if

they agree to quantity surveyor’s measurements according to SLS 573 it will cause

loss in their profit. But the quantity surveyor has done nothing wrong when taking off

quantities of the reveal in plastering. And the quantity surveyor has to face this

problem and quantity surveyor have to deal with this interrogation.

24

3.1.3 The analysis

By means of the SLS 573 it clearly describes that if the width of the wall is less that

300 mm. The measurements must be taken as linear meters (m). But the contractor or

sub contractor takes a loss of the reveal is considered as linear meters because the rate

for the plaster in linear meter is low. But For the square meter is much reasonable for

the contractor. The real value of the reveal is square meters when the contractor is

doing the work. When this problem is considered in the point of view of the

contractors it is true that they will have a loss.

3.1.4 Solution for this matter in my opinion

In my opinion, this is a problem of the standard rules. It means the SLS 573 rule of

plastering the walls of reveal is not a reasonable rule. By having this standard rule,

specially the quantity surveyor face the problems. And there can be misjudgments

with different parties involving in the construction. And also, it may cause arguments

between different parties. Majorly it may cause demand of the rule to decrease. And

this is not a good environment for the standard rules of the measurement, if the whole

construction industry gets the same opinion about the SLS 573 then it will cause

severe problems. So, in my opinion the rules of the SLS 573 rule for plastering in

the reveal must be changed to have square meters (m2) when taking off

quantities for plastering.

25

3.2 Interrogation no (02) – Measurements in the rubble wall/Foundations

3.2.1 Explanation of the rubble wall/ Rubble foundations

The rubble works relates to the stonework in the SLS 573. I this case I take both

rubble walls foundations into a one item because the rules of the SLS 573 applying

similarly to both rubble wall and rubble foundations. Generally these rubble works are

commonly used in the construction industry in Sri Lanka. Mostly the rubble wall or

foundation consist of granite rocks which is not much cheaper.

3.2.2 The problem

The problem occurs when the quantity surveyor takes the quantities of the rubble

work according to the SLS 573 standard methods. According to the references of the

SLS 573 it describes that the rubble work in a wall or a foundation must be considered

as square meters (m2) when taking off quantities. And the quantity surveyor as it is

mentioned prepares the amounts and quantities according to the square meters. But as

previously mentioned, the contractor or the sub contractors disagree to accept the bills

with the quantities of the rubble work which has been prepared by square meters. The

same problem occurs in this case. Because it is true argument that the contractors will

face loss in their profits if the unit of the rubble work is taken as square meters if the

thickness is much bigger.

In this case, the quantity surveyor again become helpless and confused. Because the

quantity surveyor has not taken the quantities in the wrong way, but the correct way

by using and referencing the SLS 573. But the construction industry refuse to accept

those standard measurements. This is a major problem in this industry. Not stating the

thickness and according to the thickness the unit for the measurement must be given

in the SLS 573, so that quantity surveyor will not face the problem. In this research I

26

only take account of the quantity surveyor point of view to discuss about the problems

that the quantity surveyor facing.

The reference to the SLS 573 regarding the rubble work is displayed below.

1. Walls 1. Thickness stated

2. Building against other

work, thickness stated

1. Vertical

2. Battering

3. Tapering

one side

m2 1. Rubble stone

work

2. Dressed stone

work

Reference – SLS 573 – Stone work (G2)

3.2.3 The analysis

It is blameless that the contractors disagree to follow the standard rules according to

the SLS 573. Because it will cause losses in large amounts and even cause

bankrupting the small contractors with this standard rules. According to the above

given table the thickness of the wall is not considered much. A specific thickness is

not given to quantity surveyor. So the quantity surveyor have the ability to consider

the units of all the rubble walls as square meters. But that is not fair, and also that not

a mistake of the quantity surveyor. As a matter of fact It is caused by incompatible

and impracticable rules of the SLS 573.

Example :- Lets say, the contractors buy the stones from a stone quarry for the price

of “x” for a sing unit of cubic meter. So the contractors buying unit is

cubic meters (m3). And at the time the contractor carries the stone work of

the wall with the imported rubbles the contractor gets the payment of

“-x”. Which is less than the buying rate. So the contractor have to bear the

big loss from it. Because due to the unit problem. The rate of a linear

27

meter of a rubble wall is less than the unit of a cubic meter of the rubble

wall.

3.2.4 Solution for this matter in my opinion

As a solution to this matter I think the measurement unit of SLS 573 (stone work )

rubble wall must be modified to have a thickness given and according to the thickness

the units must be categorized from m2 to m3 to fairly treat both contractor and client.

3.3 Interrogation no (03) – Measurements in formwork and water proofing

3.3.1 The explanation for formwork and water proofing

In this last chapter of the main point of this research I aspire to discuss and explain

about the further faults of the SLS 573 and quantity surveyor facing problems. In this

case I have taken more than single disputes under this chapter. Because they all have

the same problem persisting under it. The main disputes the I am willing to take

account of can be listed below,

Measurements in formwork of a ground beam

Measurements in formwork of the edges of a slab

Measurements in water proofing in tanks

Measurements in water proofing in Skirtings

These both topics are discussed in a single point of view.

3.3.2 The problem

Formwork in a ground beam, formwork in an edge of a slab are covered by the wood

planks which the contactor or subcontractors import. And they pay for the price of

single plank or in square meters (m2). So these imported wood planks are then cut into

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required shapes to cover up the formwork area. And also the waterproofing paint for

tanks and skirtings is bought by the contractors in the unit area covered in square

meters. So they pay the price for square meters for a single unit used in the

construction.

The problem occurs when the quantity surveyor prepares the amount or value of work

done by the contractors. The contractors disagree to the way that the quantity surveyor

prepares the measurements for their works. Because it will cause big losses in the

profit. So again the quantity surveyor face a conflict situation as usual. This must be

stopped either by the standard rules the construction industry. In the SLS 573, it

clearly described about the measurements of formwork in ground beams, edges of the

slab, and water proofing of the tanks and skirtings must be taken as linear meters. But

the industry refuse it because it’s unfairness to the contractors.

The following tables extracted from the SLS 573 shows the references to each of

these dispute situations.

Reference from SLS 573 regarding the formwork of Ground beams

1. Sides of

foundation

1. Screeds

2. Column and pier bases

3. Strip footings

4. Ground beams

5. Kerbs

6. Rafts

7. Basement walls

1. Height < 300 mm m

2. Height > 300 mm m2

Reference SLS 573 – Formwork (F2)

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Reference from SLS 573 regarding the formwork of edges of slab

7. Edges of floor

and roof slabs

8. Edges of

landings

1. Height < 300 mm m

2. Height > 300 mm m2

Reference SLS 573 – Formwork (F2)

Reference from SLS 573 regarding the water proofing of tanks and water

proofing of skirtings

1. Tanking

2. Damp proofing

1. Width < 300 mm 1. Horizontal

2. Vetical

3. Curved, radius stated

m

2. Width > 300 mm m2

3. Isolated surfaces nr

3. Skirtings 1. Girth < 300 mm m

2. Girth > 300 mm m2

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4. Coves girth stated

Reference SLS 573 – Water proofing (H)

3.3.3 The analysis

The problem of the standard rules distribute over the whole measurement techniques

in the construction industry. But the quantity surveyor is always facing and dealing

with these disputes as they arise without knowing. In this case it is also similar to the

above discussed chapters. But there are many amount of disputes related to one

section in the SLS 573.

The contractors buy the wood planks for the market price as per plank or as per square

meter. And also the water proofing paint is equal to that. The paint used for water

proofing is used for an area. So the price consist of area for the water proofing. But

the above tables from the SLS 573 clearly mention that the formwork of a ground

beam less than 300 mm height must be taken as linear meters. But a column which

has a width less than 300 mm is taken as square meters. But the point is form work

for the column and ground beam in the area is equal. But they both have different

measurement units in the SLS 573. The following example illustrates about the fact

in this chapter.

For Example :- There is a ground beam length of 3000 mm height of 225 mm. And

there is a column height 3000 mm and width 225 mm. If the form

work area is calculated according to this situation the following

answers can be taken.

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Form work for a side of Ground beam = ( 3.000 x 0.225 ) m

= 0.675 m 2

Form work for a side of column = (0.225 x 3.000) m

= 0.675 m 2

The area is same in the above calculations. But the column is considered as square

meters. And the ground beam is considered as linear meters. And the payment for

applying the formwork for a side of a column is high but the payment for applying the

form work in a side of a ground beam is low. So, why a contractor would agree to this

kind of situation. So the contractors disagree to calculate the quantity for ground

beams as linear meters thoroughly.

In this case also the quantity surveyor face a difficulty in measuring the quantities of

a formwork of a ground beam contrasting to a column. Also this applies to measuring

the quantities of edges of a slab. The contractors doesn’t like to have losses so they

disagree to take measurements for a slab as linear meters even the slab is lower than

300 mm.

The above tables shows that the damp proofing must be considered as linear meters

when applying for water tanks width less than 300 mm. And also for skirtings girth

less than 300 mm. According to SLS 573 above reference, they both must be

measured by the quantity surveyor by linear meters. But the contractors also refuse to

agree with the quantities which are calculated by using linear meters because of the

loss in the profit. And the quantity surveyor again face the problem of carrying out his

works properly according to the SLS 573.

3.3.4 Solution for this matter in my opinion

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As all the facts, arguments shows above this has become a serious problem to the

whole construction industry of not having a proper standards which is more reliable

and more compatible with today’s working environment. So in my opinion the

measurement standards of the SLS 573 must be modified to become more trust

worthy and more reliable with the construction process. Formwork and water proofing

must be modified with new standards and new rules which the quantity surveyor can

refer and follow it in the work environment.

4. Conclusion

As still a student into this quantity surveying field, I have learned various concepts,

techniques, and knowledge by conducting this final research. And I still believe that I

am a beginner of the field of quantity surveying because I have met many difficulties,

many consequences, many facts, many ideas which I cannot gain from such a short

period of time. So that I have this idea about what could possibly cause the salary of

the quantity surveyor. Yet, I have to learn many more out there in the practical field.

Because the subject quantity surveying is not just a limited field where we can put

limits of knowledge or limits of experience. This subject connect with many different

areas, many different people which I have to have the knowledge about to be a

professional in this field.

At the first time I got into this research, there is no idea about what kind of a research

that I must do. But timely I got into a world of information and arguments, facts

which I have to balance and put them all in my own words. Firsts I faced the problems

of finding good interrogations to discuss in the research but I got help in that by our

teacher. In this case, I believe that I just discussed a small topic which is related to the

quantity surveyor. But there are still vast amounts of researches left to proceed. And

by that means there are many things to learn for anyone, not only me.

In this final conclusion by further considering about the research facts that I collected,

and proofs that has been discussed in the above chapters illustrates a clear

understanding about the main point I wanted discuss in this research. It is how the

quantity surveyor is facing difficulties when he or she applies the standard rules of

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SLS 573 which is recommended by the ICTAD ( Institute of construction training and

development ).

The construction industry faces a bigger problem with the standard methods of

measurements, because they are not practicable and also inappropriate for both

contractor and client. Most of the interrogations has proven that the rules of

measurements have treated the contractor unfairly in the industry. So the contractors

party is accusing for the consequences they faces for the quantity surveyor because

the quantity surveyor in this matter is helpless because according to quantity

surveyor’s academic background it force the quantity surveyor to work according to

the recommended standards in the SLS 573.

There is another issue regarding the SLS 573, that some technologies of the present

construction industry is not included in the SLS 573 because current SLS 573 consist

of rule which are very old. But the present construction field has been vastly

developed by new technologies and new material which needs to be included in the

SLS 573, so the quantity surveyor is unable to refer such new materials in the SlS 573

when he wants to take off quantities.

It will be a big matter if the contractors denied to accept all the standard rules in the

SLS 573 so that it will become useless and the demand of the SLS 573 will be

decreased incrementally. The above interrogations clearly reflect that the formwork of

the edge of the slab and form work of the ground beams is a bigger issue, so the

quantities of these items must be considered in the point of view of both contractor

and client. And this applies to the water proofing of the tanks and skirtings. Because

the SLS 573 standard rules has only viewed a single prospection. But it has to view

more prospection in order to issue such kind of rules for standard measurements

because it a matter of Sri Lanka Standards (SLS).

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5. Recommendations

By taking all the information that I have collected and analyzed I thoroughly

recommend that the SLS 573 (Standard methods of measurements) must be modified

to suit today’s construction industry. Because it an old version which is being released

many years ago. The rules can be taken, but still needs updating and modification. By

doing these solutions and recommendations again the construction industry can be

elevates to refer for standards of the SLS 573. The authority of the SLS 573 must re-

consider about the rules in the current SLS 573 edition and has to modify where all

the parties involving the construction takes a good advantage of it. So this is a

responsibility of the ICTAD as the authority of the SLS 573. Specially there need to

be a thickness stated in the rubble wall in the stone work because the thickness must

be stated otherwise it will cause losses to contractor’s party. And also the formwork

of certain items must be changed stating more reasonable unit to be considered in

slabs and ground beams. Because the contractor never wants to have a small loss in

this matter according to the standard rules. The rule for reveal in the plastering must

be also changed to consider it as square meters. Because the reveal costs square meter

amount to the contractor in the plastering. So these modifications must be done in the

SLS 573 in order to process a good standard to every individuals involving the

construction process.

There is also another important recommendation to be applied to this SLS 573 in my

opinion. As there are new materials comes, as new technologies comes, as new items

added to the construction industry, as new methods applied the SLS 573 must be even

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yearly updated with the new installments of the above mentioned facts. It means in

this next if some new materials added to the construction of Sri lanka such as wall

finish imported from foreign country and if that items is vastly used in the

construction industry as a trend then there must be a clarification about taking off the

quantities of that specific item or material. So that as the construction industry grows

every day the standard rules and methods also grows. So that no one can blame

against the rules of standard methods of measurements.

6. Reference list

1. Sri Lanka Standard 573 : 1999 (SLS 573)

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