SMM7

2010 12
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SMM7
A ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
.................................................................................................................................................... 8
1 ........................................................................................................................... 8
2 SMM7 CCPI .......................................................................................................... 12
3 ......................................................................................................................... 14
.............................................................................................................. 16
B .......................................................................................................................... 20
.................................................................................................................................................. 20
................................................................................................................................... 20
............................................................................................................... 20
10 ............................................................. 22
11 ..................................................................................................................... 22
A ............................................................................................................... 24
A11 ................................................................................................................................. 24
A12 ......................................................................................................... 24
A13 ......................................................................................................................... 24
A34 ..................................................................................... 26
A35 .............................................. 26
A36 ...................................................................... 26
A42 ...................................................................... 26
A51 ................................................................................................................. 28
C .............................................................................................................. 30
Cl0 ........................................................................................................................... 30
C30 ................................................................................................................................. 30
C90 .................................................................................................. 30
D ...................................................................................................................................... 32
D20 ............................................................................................................. 32
D3 ............................................................................................................................................ 34
[1988 ] ................................................................................................ 1

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 (SMM7)

Preface to the First Edition

This Code of Procedure for Measurement of Building Works, which
accom-panies the seventh Edition of the Standard Method of Measurement,
is asuccessor to the Practice Manual which accompanied SMM6. Lrke the
formerPractice Manual the Measurement Code is non-mandatory and is
intended to be read in conjunction with SMM7. It has three main purposes;
first and most importantly, to encourage good practice in the measurement
of building works;
second to give guidance on the communication of information relative
toquantities of finished work where their value is modified by position,
complexity,simplicity, repetition, eccentric distribution or other cost
significant factors; third
to give a brief explanation of a number of novel features introduced into
SMM7,why they have been included and how they came about.
It may be thought that some of the content of the Measurement Code is of
an elementary nature. It should be remembered however that the Code is
directed towards the student or beginner as much as to the experienced
practitioner and that which may seem elementarv to the latter is not
necessarily so to the former,For this reason certain elements of basic
practice have been included.
The Measurement Code, like SMM7, is a document prepared in accordance
with the precepts of Co-ordinated Project Information. The assistance given
to the SJC by members of the CCPI Working Groups responsible for
preparing the Common Arrangement and the Codesfor Drawn and
Specification Information is gratefully acknowledged.

CJW: 1 October 1987

3
 (SMM7)

( )

)(SMM7)
SMM6

SMM7

(1)
;

(2)

(3) SMM7

SMM7

(CCPI) SJC)

1987 1O

4
 (SMM7)

Preface to the Revised

Edition
This Revised Measurement Code reflects the amendments arising from the
revised 7th Edition of the Standard Method of Measurement. The reasons
for
and the extent of the amendments to SMM7 are set out on in the Preface to
the
Seventh Edition revised 1998 on page 10 thereof.
Amendment Nr.l, dated May 1992 has been incorporated into this
document.
RCA July 1998

5
 (SMM7)

ISBN 0 85406 361 7(RICs)

C 1988: (BEC) ISBN O 85263 005 1 (BEC)

ACE Association of Consulting Engineers

BEC Building Employers Confederation
CAWS Common Arrangement of Work Sections for Building Works

CPI Co-ordinted Project Infomtion

CCPI Co-ordinateding Committee for Project Infomtion
NCC National Consultative Counol
PIG Project information Group of the NCC Standing Committee NCC

RIBA Royal Institute of British Architects

RICS Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors
SJC standing Joint Committee for the SMM
SMM standard Method of Measurement of Building Works
SMMDU standard Method of Measurement Development Unit

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 (SMM7)

Background and
1.1 Introduction
The Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works has, since its first edition in
1922, evolved to meet the changing needs of the building industry. The responsibility
for revising the SMM is vested in the joint RICS/CC Standing Joint Committee for the
SMM (SJC), and this responsibility has once again been discharged with the
publication of the seventh edition (SMM7). SMM7 introduces a number of novel
features and one of the objectives of this Code is to give a brief explanation of why they
have been included and how they came about.
1.2 Background
In 1972 a Standard Method of Measurement Development Unit (SMMDU) was set up
by the RICS and BEC to carry out a fundamental review of the measurement of
building work. The SMMDU was adopted in 1979 by the CCPI as its working group
responsible for developing the measurement convention as one of the proposed set of
co-ordinated project information documents. At this time representatives from the
RIBA and ACE joined the Unit to reflect the wider CCPI interests.
1.3
SMM De'velopment Unit
The SMMDU, after the publication of SMM6 in 1978 and adoption by CCPI, was given
revised terms of reference which included:
* To advance the preparation of co-ordinated conventions for documentation as
envisaged in the NCC Project Information Group's report.
* To take account of the work and recommendations of CCPI and to plan the Unit's
work accordingly.
~ To prepare proposals for SMM7 which would provide simpler and less
detailed bills of quantities for use where design has been fully prepared; to
draw up a schedule of the design information which would satisfy this criterion;
and to consider the arrangements, contractual or otherwise, appropriate to using such
a metho9d of measurement where design information is at a less complete stage.
* To make recommendations on the p~esentation of the rules of measurement.
In the course of its work the SMMDU consulted specialist contractors and
otherinterested parties through the Advisory Panels set up by the SJC and published
two discussion documents setting out its proposals for SMM7.
The first of these, published in 1981, contained measurement rules for two work
sections to illustrate the intended format and the level of simplification proposed in
these sections. The discussion document also set out the criteria used for drafting the
rules of measurement, and made proposals on the format of bills of quantities.
The second discussion document, published in 1982, set out proposals to meet
the situation where design information is not complete at tender stage and also
proposals for Preliminaries and a Practice Manual (Code of Procedure for
Measurement of Building Works). The SMMDU was wound up in 1984 and the drafting
of SMM7 was then completed by the SJC.

7
 (SMM7)

1.1
1922 ,“ ”(SMM)
SMM (RICs)
(BEC) (SJC)
(SMM7) SMM7

1.2
RICS BEC 1972 (SMMDU),
sMMDU 1979 (CCPI)
,
(RIBA) (ACE) CCPI
CCPI
1.3 SMM (SMMDU)
1978 SMM6 ,SMMDU CCPI :
(NCC)
CCPI SMMDU
SMM7

,SMMDU (SJC) ,
SMMDU SMM7

1981 ,

1982

SMMDU 1984 SJC SMM7

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1.4 The Code of Procedure for Measurement of Building Works

This Code, which is advisory and does not have the contractual status of
SMM7,has the following objectives:
* To encourage good practice in the measurement of building works and
preparation of bills of quantities.
~ To encourage uniform interpretation and use of SMM7 by giving, where
appropriate, illustrations and explanations of how particular rules are
expected to be used.
' To provide a Code of Procedure for Measurement of function as the Codes
of Procedure for Production Specification with which it has been
co-ordinated. a similar standard and Drawings and Project
* To explain the relationship between SMM7 and the Codes for Production
Drawings, Project Specification and the Common Arrangement of Work
Sections.
* To provide examples of the application of any novel proposals

9
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1.4
SMM7 :

SMM7 SMM7
,

SMM7

10
 (SMM7)

2 Smm7 and the CCPI

Conventions
2.1 The Common Arrangement of Work
Sections
The Common Arrangement of Work Sections for Building Works (CAWS),
which has been used to arrange SMM7, has been prepared by CCPI. Its
purpose is to define an efficient and generally acceptable common
arrangement for specifications and bills of quantities for building projects. It
identifies natural groupings of work based upon extensive sampling of
available documents and analysis of user patterns. A full explanation of the
derivation of CAWS and definitions of the Work Sections can be found in the
CCPI publication 'Common Arrangement of Work Sections for Building
Works'. A revised CAWS was published in 1998.
2.2 The Code of Procedure for Project
Specification
The Code of Procedure for Project Specification provides guidance on
preparing the supplementary information contained in project
specifications or specification preambles to bills of quantities.
It has three parts; part A contains guidance on the general principles of
preparing specification information; part B gives check lists for specification
content formost CAWS work sections; part C shows how libraries of
specification clauses can be used to meet the recommendations of the Code.
2.3 The Code of Procedure for Production
Drawings
The Code of Procedure for Production Drawings is primarily concerned with
guidance on the arrangement and co-ordination of production drawings so
thatcommunication between the designer and the builder is more efficient.
The Code also sets out the SMM7 requirements for drawings to be provided
attender stage. This information is reproduced at Appendices 1 and 2
hereof.

11
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2 SMM7 CCPI

2.1
SMM7 ”(CAWS), CCPI

CAWS
CCPI
2.2

:
;
CAWS ;

2.3

SMM7 ,

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3 Bills of quantities
3.1 Sub-contractors
The measurement rules in SMM7 have been prepared on the assumption
that main contractors, when seeking tenders from sub-contractors, will
issue information in accordance with the rules of SMM7. This means that
any extracts from bills of quantities should be accompanied by the
appropriate drawings,extracts from the specification, preliminary bill items
and descriptions of work given in accordance with the General Rules.
3.2Preliminaries/General conditions
The preliminaries section of a bill should contain two types of cost
significant item:
1. Items which are not specific to work sections but which have an
identifiable cost which is useful to consider separately in tendering e.g.
contractual requirements for insurances, site facilities for the employer's
representative and payments to the local authority.
2. Items for fixed and time-related costs which derive from the contractor's
expected method of carrying out the work, e.g. bringing plant to and from
site,providing temporary works and supervision.
The fixed and time-related subdivision given for a number of preliminaries
items will enable tenderers to price the elements separately should they so
desire.Tenderers also have the facility at their discretion to extend the list of
fixed and time-related cost items to suit their particular methods of
construction.
In addition to the cost significant items required by the method, other
preliminaries items which are important from other points of view, e.g.
quality control requirements, administrative procedures, may need to be
included to complete the Preliminaries/General conditions as a
comprehensive statement of the employer's requirements.
3.3 Supplementary information
The information generated by the measurement rules needs the addition of
relevant supplementary information to complete the description of a
particular item of work. Guidance on the preparation of specification
preambles and project specifications is given in the Code for Project
Specification.
3.4 Format of bills of quantities
The format of bills of quantities continues to be a matter for the discretion of
the surveyor preparing bills of quantities for a particular project. However,
with the introduction of co-ordinated project information it will be
appropriate in future to prepare bills of quantities in accordance with CAWS
if the greatest benefit and ease of use is to be derived. Since the SMM7 rules
have been so arranged, and traditionally the majority of bills of quantities
have followed SMM order, the adoption of this order in bills of quantities
should not give rise to significant difficulties in practice. Project
specifications and preambles should also be arranged in accordance with
CAWS.
It is recommended that items for individual buildings should be kept
separate. This can be achieved, for example, by providing separate bills for
each block, or by providing a multi-column analysis on the page facing the
items. The choice of presentation is a project decision largely based on the
degree of difference in the form of construction in separate blocks.

13
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3.1

SMM7 ,
sMM7

3.2

(1)

(2)

3.3

3.4

CAWS
SMM7
SMM

CAWS

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 (SMM7)

4 Drawn information at
tender stage
4.1 General
The rules of SMM7 require drawn information to be provided to tenderers to
give:
. an overall picture of the project to allow assessment of the cost significance
of the design and decisions to be made about methods of construction..
detailed information about parts of the work where this information is more
effectively communicated graphically rather than by a lengthy description in
the bill of quantities.
The requirements for provision of this information are dealt with in detail
below.Drawings selected from those normally available for construction of
the project should satisfy the SMM7 requirements (except for dimensioned
diagrams).
Apart from the specific requirements for provision of drawings, SMM7
allows descriptive and specification information to be given on drawings or
in the specification provided a specific cross reference is given in the bill of
quantities description of the item (SMM7 General Rule 4.2).
The following types of drawings are referred to in SMM7
' Locationdrawings
Componentdrawings
' Dimensioned diagrams.
4.2 Locationdrawings
The SMM7 rules for Preliminaries/General conditions require certain
location drawings, as defined in General Rule 5.1, to accompany the bills of
quantities.The architect's smaller scale location drawings will normally
satisfy this requirement.
The majority of work sections in SMM7 commence with a statement of the
information to be provided specifically for that type of work. The
requirements will normally be met by the architect's location drawings
referred to above. If not,other drawings produced by the architect,
structural, mechanical and electrical engineers etc. should be provided.
Appendix 1 is a checklist of all SMM7 requirements for provision of location
drawings.
SMM7 applies equally to all with quantities projects. However, when
deciding which drawings to include to comply with the rules, the type, size
and relativ~complexity of the particular project will need to be considered.
For example the scope and location of foul drainage above ground (R11) for
a simple single storey building may be adequately defined by the general
arrangement floor plan showing the sanitary appliances whereas more
detailed drawn information will be required for this work in a more complex
building.
In addition to the requirements concerning location drawings there are
other SMM7 rules, which although not specifically referring to drawings,
can often be complied with to best advantage by giving information on
drawings referenced from the bills of quantities. An example is Section D20
Excavating and filling which requires details of:
Ground water level
Trial pits or bore hole details stating their location
. Features retained
Live over or underground services indicating location.

15
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4.1
SMM7

SMM7

SMM7 SMM7
4.2
SMM7

4.2
SMM7 5.1

SMM7

SMM7

SMM7

SMM7

D20

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4.3 Component drawings

Component drawings are required by General Rule 5.2 to show the information
necessary for the manufacture and assembly of components. Appendix 2 is a
checklist of all SMM7 requirements for provision of component drawings.
4.4 Dimensioned diagrams
Dimensioned diagrams are required by SMM7 General Rule 5.3 to show the
shape and dimensions of the work covered by an item. They may be used at the
discretion of the quantity surveyor as an alternative to a dimensioned
description except in those cases where there is a specific requirement for
a dimensioned diagram. Appendix 3 is a list of dimensioned diagrams required
to be given in the bills of quantities.
Dimensioned diagrams may be prepared by the quantity surveyor or, on his
behalf, by the architect. They can also be extracts from the architect's or
engineer's drawings reproduced at a suitable size for incorporation in the
bills of quantities.
Dimensioned diagrams should not appear in documentation other than the bills
of quantities. However, there may be occasions where it is more appropriate
to issue the architect's or engineer's drawings with the bills of quantities
rather than produce dimensioned diagrams. In such instances it will be
necessary to identify the drawings in the bill description.
4.5 Preparation of tender documents
The tender documentation will include the bills of quantities, the tender
drawings, the project specification (as appropriate), the form of tender and
the letter of invitation. The bills of quantities wjll list the drawings and
any other documentation from which the bills have been prepared, and copies
of these should be kept as a record, It is good practice to indicate which
of the drawings listed accompany the tender documents.
As much of the information as possible should be contained within the bills
of quantities to minimise the problem of expensive reproduction of drawings.
The provision of copy negatives or similar methods rather than prints will
also assist in keeping down tendering costs.
It will be of assistance to contractors if, when domestic sub-contractors are
named in bills of quantities, the drawings and the specification relevant to
their work are sent to them direct, obviating the need for all tendering
contractors to do so when they can see from the bill that this has been done.

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4.3
5.2 SMM7

4.4
SMM7 5.3

4.5

Domestic Sub-Contractors

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PART B Commentary on
particular rule
Genera.l rules
1. Introduction
In order to define the precise nature and extent of the proposed work it will be
necessary to give, in descriptions or elsewhere, certain supplementary
information including any limits on tolerances, method, sequence, etc. imposed by the
designer.
2.Use of the tabulated rules
2.1-13
These rules describe how the tables are used to compile item descriptions, to divide
work into separate items and to determine appropriate measurement
units. Items cannot always be adequately described by restricting descriptions to
words drawn from the various columns.
Section E30 can be taken as an example of compilation of item description. The first
classification column shows that bar reinforcement must be identified as such and
that it may not be grouped with spacers and chairs. The second classification column
requires that the nominal size shall be stated. The third classification column provides
that straight, bent and curved bars should each be given as separate items and
identified in item descriptions. The next column establishes that the measurement
unit is the tonne (t). The fourth classification column provides that horizontal bars of
length greater than 12 metres and vertical bars of length greater than 6 metres must be
measured separately and so described, stating the length in 3 metre stages.
Descriptions must contain a 'descriptive feature' as required by each of the first three
classification columns but should only include 'descriptive features' from the fourth
classification column if they are applicable. In this example, this means that a
statement about the length of the bars is only necessar3t if the stated lengths are
exceeded.
Similarly, for fabric reinforcement in the same table, the fourth classification column
contains two ;descriptive features'. They are 'bent' and 'strips in one width, width
stated'. Neither matter would be included in a description if neither was applicable, but
if both were applicable both would be stated.
Returning to bar reinforcement, the right hand side of the table contains an
example of each of the four types of supplementary rule. The measurement rule
Ml provides for the weight to exclude rolling margins in measuring the tonnage
of steel. The definition rules DI and D2 widen the usual definitions of 'horizontal' and
'vertical'. This means that simple phrases can be used in bill item descriptions but
carry additional precisely defined meanings. The coverage rule CI states that bar
reinforcement includes hooks, tying wire, spacers etc.
The supplementary information rules Sl-3 refer to 'kind and quality of
materials','details of tests' and 'bending restrictions'. This means that the item
description must either give full details of these matters or give a reference to the
clauses in the specification where this information will be found. It also means that
separate items must be given if there are bars of different materials.
2.12-13
These two rules require separate items in the bill of quantities if the required
supplementary information varies e.g. 'kind and quality of materials and mix details' in
rule S1 of Section E10. If the accompanying specification information defines
particular mixes then each of the respective bill items may give a cross reference to the
specification, e.g. 'mix El0/105'

19
 (SMM7)

2.1-13

E30

(T)” 12

Ml
Dl D2

Cl

Sl-3

2.12-13
El0 Sl

20
 (SMM7)

The supplementary information column does not set out what constitutes
an adequate specification, but lists those items of specification the variation
of which will generate additional measured items. The Code for Project
Specifications'includes checklists for the content of project specification/
preambles.
10. Procedure where the drawn and
specification information required is not available
10.1
Approximate quantities are appropriate where the work can be described in
accordance with the rules but the quantity of work required cannot be
accurately determined, The tenderer should make allowance for their effect
when pricing the relevant preliminaries and programming the contract
works, Work which is the subject of approximate quantities should be
remeasured as executed and the appropriate adjustments effected in
accordance with the Contract.
10.3-6
New rules have been introduced for two types of provisional sum (defined
work and undefined work). These require that each sum for defined work
should be accompanied in the bills of quantities by a description of the work
sufficiently detailed for the tenderer to make allowance for its effect in the
pricing of relevant preliminaries. The information should also enable the
length of time required for execution of the work to be estimated and its
positiosn"in the sequence of construction to be determined and
incorporated into the programme.
11.
Work not covered
11.1
This rule could also be used in the measurement of contractor designed
work

21
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“El0/105

10
10.1

10.3-6

11
11.1

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 (SMM7)

A Preliminaries/General
conditions
A11 Tender and contract documents
The documents to be listed are those from which the bills of quantities have
been prepared which is not the same as those required by the rules to be
provided with the bills. Similarly all the documents listed need not in due
course be the contract documents.
A12 The site/Existing Buildings
The reference to existing buildings relates only to those buildings which
could have an influence on cost. This could arise from their close proximity
making access difficult, their heights relative to the possible use of tower
cranes or the fragility of, for example, an historic building, necessitating
special care.
A13 Description of the Works
The description of the work as a whole and the circumstances in which it is
to be constructed is intended to convey to the estimator an initial
impression of the types of work involved, including any particular or
unusual features or conditions that are relevant. Bearing in mind that
much of the information required to give this initial impression wiIlsbe
readily available from the drawings that accompany the tender documents,
the description required under this rule can be relatively succinct. In
addition, as the estimator proceeds through the bill, further general
information will become apparent from the descriptions which precede
individual sections.
The following example illustrates a description for a three storey reinforced
concrete office block. Dimensions have been included because whilst they
willbe apparent from the drawings, it is considered helpful to the estimator
to have them repeated here.
Description of the building
Prior to the contract commencing all work up to ground floor slab will be
carried out by others including reduced level excavation, reinforced
concrete piles and pile caps, sub-base and concrete ground floor slab
together with concrete walls and floor to basement plant room.
The work comprises the construction of the superstructure of a three storey
office block, 65.00 × 14.00 m and 12.50 m high with part basement 15×
14.00 m and 4.00 m high (a total area of 2940 m2). The construction is a
reinforced concrete frame of flat slab floors and roofs with mushroom
headed columns. The external walls are fair faced concrete block cavity
construction with aluminium windows and doors in hardwood frames. The
roof is asphalt covered.
'The building is to be finished for tenant fitting out but includes low
pressure hot water and heating, electrical installation, tire a!arms,
emergency lighting and a bank of two lifts. Ancillary work includes external
services, drainage, roads,fences, car park and landscaping work.'

23
 (SMM7)

A
A11

A12

A13

65.00×14.00×12.50 15.00×14.00×4.00
940

24
 (SMM7)

Protection and plant

The rules do not require items for protection or for plant to be given in each
section as was the case with SMM6, these items being covered in the
preliminaries, rules A34:1.6, A42:1.11 and A43. Contractors will need to
bear this in mind when preparing sub-contract enquiries.
A34 Employer's requirements: Security/Safety/
Protection
Examples of other requirements or limitations imposed by the employer
which
should, if applicable, be referred to are:
* Restriction on the use of radios by employees
. Protection of trees.
' Car parking arrangements for employees.
A35 Employer's requirements: Specific
limitations on method/sequence/timing/
use of site
Examples of other requirements or limitations imposed by the employer
which should, if applicable, be referred to are:
. Restrictions on the employment of labour
. Restrictions on working area.
A36 Employer's requirements: Facilities/
Temporary works/Services
Rule A36:1.6 relates only to those temperature and humidity levels are
cases where specific requirements for mposed by the employer. The
attainment and maintenance of suitable levels necessary for satisfactory
completion of the work including the installation of joinery, suspended
ceilings, lift machinery etc.is the responsibility of the contractor.
Examples of other requirements or limitations imposed by the employer
which should, if applicable, be referred to are:
. Restrictions on the use by the contractor of the permanent heating
system for drying and obtaining necessary temperature and humidity levels.
' Speciallighting.
A42 Contractor's general cost items: Services
and facilities
The services and facilities listed are examples only. Other similar items
should be included if necessarv including any changes or additions to
statutory obligations or in the working rules of any'industry: Whilst the
details given in the bills of quantities under this rule constitute a check list
for tenderers, the items generally are implicit in the contract and as such
are at the discretion and risk of the contractor.
A42:1.3
This rule covers all fuel which the contractor requires to carry out the work.
It does not cover fuel for testing and commissioning permanent installations
which would come under Sections Y51 and Y81.

25
 (SMM7)

SMM6 - SMM7
A34:1.6 A42:1.11 A43

A34

A35

A36
A36: 1.6

A42

A42 1.3

Y51 Y81

26
 (SMM7)

A42:1.10
This rule deals with drying out the works where the method is left to the
contractor. If the employer wishes to make specific requirements, these
should be stated in detail - see A36:1.
There is a possibility of a number of items appearing either under the
heading of 'Employer's requirements' or as 'Contractor's costs'. This is
because some work, such as providing temporary hoardings, may on
occasions be fully defined by the tender documents and on other occasions
be left to the contractor'sdiscretion.
A42:1.16
It is intended that a single item should be provided in the preliminaries bill
for general attendance on all nominated sub-contractors.
A51 Nominated sub-contractors
The rules in this section govern how nominated sub-contractors should be
covered in the bills of quantities for main contracts. Bills of quantities used
for inviting tenders from potential nominated sub-contractors should be
drawn up in accordance with SMM7 as a whole as if the work was main
contractor's work.This means, for example, that bills issued to potential
nominated sub-contractors should include preliminaries and be
accompanied by the drawings which the rules require.
As much information as possible should be given in respect of nominated
subcontractors' work in order that tenderers can make due allowance when
assessing the overall programme and establishing the contract period if not
already laid down. A simple list of the component elements of the work
might not be sufticient, but a list describing in addition the extent and
possible value of each element would be more helpful. The location of the
main plant e.g. whether in the basement or on the roof would clearly have a
bearing on tenderers' programmes, It would be good practice to seek
programme information when obtaining estimates from subcontractors so
that this can be incorporated in the bills of quantities, for the benefit of
tenderers.
A set of the items given in the third classification table should be given for
each nominated sub-contract.
A51:1.3
The rule for special attendance is included to enable proper provision to be
made for costs beyond those envisaged in the definition of general
attendance.Special scaffolding or scaffolding additional to the main
contractor's standing scaffolding required for use by sub-contractors
should be described, e.g.windows supplied and fixed by a nominated
sub-contractor who requires scaffolding for fixing will require a bill item
giving the dimensions for each elevation. It is inadesquate merely to refer in
general terms to the items listed in the third column as details of
requirements should be stated. Where adequate information cannot be
provided a provisional sum should be used. Items for positioning should
state the expected weight, location and size of the components to be
positioned.

27
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A42 1.10

A36:1

A42 1.16

A51

SMM

A51:1.3

--

28
 (SMM7)

C Existing site/buildings/services
C20 Demolition
C21 Toxic/hazardous material removal
C30 Shoring/Facade retention
Where the measurement unit is 'item', quantities may be given if considered
more appropriate e.g. where a large number of identical openings are to be
filledin it might be helpful to measure out the component items under a
suitable heading.
1-3
The method of identifying the level or levels to which structures are to be
demolished will vary with circumstances. A common reference level for
demolition is the top of the lowest floor slab. Work below the lowest level
could well be included with the excavation work.
1 -3.*-.*.6
With the advent of further legislation the disposal of toxic/hazardous
materials has become cost significant. The rules require such materials to
be identified stating the type which can be classified using as an example
the CRCL tables.Terminology used in the descriptions should be consistent
with the current regulations for the control of pollution. Unlike the rule in
Section D active material is not required to be identified in Demolition
because, as excavation, it is dealt with under Section D.
Cl(b)
The Coverage Rule is intended to cover temporary support arising solely as a
result of the particular item being described.
C90 Alterations - spot items
It will be helpful to set out spot items in a logical progression from location
to location in the existing building. The comments on Section C20
Demolition, also apply to this section.

29
 (SMM7)

C
Cl0

C30

1-3

1-3.*.*.6

C1 (b)

C90

Cl0

30
 (SMM7)

D Groundwork
D20
Q20 Excavating and filling
Granular"sub-bases to roadsjpavings The rules for these sections have been drafted on
the assumption that excavation and earthwork will be carried out by mechanical plant.
The information provided in accompanying drawings or in descriptions should identify
those circumstances where it may be difficult or impractical to carry out excavation by
mechanical means.
The rules cannot cover every situation and where unusual conditions prevail the
surveyor should exercise his judgement in selecting an appropriate method of
measurement, stating the method used.
P1
It is not intended that several water levels, with only minor variations, be
established for each site. However the water level could well differ substantially from
one excavation to another (e.g. pits at opposite ends of the site) or from one part to
another of an individual excavation (e.g. a very large basement) especially where
springs are encountered. In most cases it should be possible to agree a common
post-contract ground water level for the whole of the site.
The details provided will be the trial hole data that is available. Such information,if
given in accordance with the relevant British Standard Code of Practice should ensure
that a reasonable indication of what can be expected has been given. If such
information is not available the assumed data should be so stated,
P1(e)
Features retained would include trees which are to be retained and protected
stating any required method of protection.
2.1
Unless top soil is specified to be. preserved it need not be given as a separate
item.
2.7
A ground beam is defined as a reinforced concrete member normally spanning
between pile caps, foundation pads, etc.
2.2-8.*
The principle of maximum depths to reflect the use ot mechanical plant will require the
surveyor to use his discretion. For example, when measuring excavation for a large
housing site with foundations of varying depths, the site may be treated as a whole or
each house individually when describing the excavation depth. The method selected
should be stated.
2.8
This item covers the excavation of steps in the face of a slope to prevent the slippage of
subsequent filling.
3.1 and 2
Active and toxic/hazardous materials are defined in Rules D2 and D3. These
definitions apply wherever such materials are mentioned in the Rules. See comments
in Section C1-3.S.S.6 in relation to toxic/hazardous materials. The same comments
apply wherever such materials are mentioned in the Rules.
3.2 and 3.3*
The rule is set out in this form to allow active or toxic/hazardous material to be
specifically identified when also below ground water level.

31
 (SMM7)

D
D20
Q20

P1

P1 (e)

2.1

2.7

2.2-8 *

2.8

4-5.0 * 1

32
 (SMM7)

Examples of 'special plant' in this context would include:

' Power operated hammers, drilis and chisels.
' Special attachments to mechanical plant such as rock buckets, rippers
hammers and chisels.
6.
Because working space is no longer measured in detail this information is
provided to enable the contractor to make his own allowance based on this
and the other information provided.
7.
There is no requirement to keep separate earthwork support to different
types of excavation. Earthwork support includes the use of timber planking
and strutting,plywood trench sheeting and light steel trench sheeting and
strutting.Interlocking driven sheet piling is not covered by the term
'earthwork support'and where this is required by the design or specification
it should be measured in accordance with Section D30.
In the-case of excavations designed with set-backs, each vertical face
between set-backs should be considered separately. This would not apply
where the contractor, at his discretion, decided to use set-backs, perhaps as
an aid to earthwork support.
7.*.*.4.5
See Figures 1 and 2.
7.*.*.4
The term 'roadway' is used in the normal sense of a carriageway, whether
public or private. It is not intended to apply to temporary roadways provided
by the contractor at his discretion for his own use, nor to site roadways
under his full control, either existing or constructed as part of the contract.
7.*.*.5
Earthwork support to faces of excavation which abut existing walls, piers or
other structures does not include designed shoring measured under Section
C30.
Dl0
The words 'and the like' have been included in the Definition Rule of
unstable ground in an attempt to avoid the many arguments that have
arisen by limiting the application of the rule quite literally to running silt or
running sand when the same problems pertain with such materials as loose
gravel, fly ash, etc. It is suggested, as a guideline, that strata could be said
to fall within the intended category only when the newly excavated face will
not remain unsupported sufficiently long to allow the necessary support to
be inserted.
8.1
This is intended to deal solely with rainwater. Water arising from leaking
reservoirs or flooding rivers are examples of accepted risks or matters which
can be dealt with by insurance.
8.2
Where the pre-contract and the post-contract water levels as defined in
these rules differ the item will fall to be adjusted. If the varied level brings
about the need for such an item where none previously existed an item will
need to be included in the final account.
8.3
Handling of excavated material is normally at the discretion of the
contractor Any design-imposed conditions should be given in the
description of the disposa items e.g. requirements regarding the provision or
location of temporary spoil heaps.

33
 (SMM7)

D3

D30

4-5

LI
D

1 D20:7 4

34
 (SMM7)

Preface to Seventh Edition 1988

The Joint Working Party on Meastjrement Conventions set up by The Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the then National Federation of
Building Trades Employers reported in December 1971. Out of this report a
Development Unit was set up and quickly came to the conclusion that far
reaching changes were required. As an interim measure the Sixth Edition of
the Standard Method of Measurement was published in March 1979.
Now,with the publication of this Seventh Edition, the work envisaged by
that working party has been completed.
The Co-ordinating Committee for Project Information has produced a
Common Arrangement of Work Sections for Building Works. In support of
the principles of CCPI and in accordance with the wishes of the sponsoring
bodies, this Edition has been structured in common arrangement order
rather than in traditional work sections. This means that the Standard
Method of Measurement is now compatible with other CCPI publications
and with all standard documentation where these criteria have been
adopted.The other major change from previous editions is that the
measurement rules have been translated from prose into classification
tables. This change makes the use of the rules a quicker and more
systematic task than interpretation of a prose version and readily lends
itself to the use of standard phraseology and computerisation. The change
however does not inhibit the use of traditional prose in the writing of bills of
quantities if so desired. In addition to these two major changes, the rules
have generally been simplified and the document brought up to date to
equate wih modern practice.
The Committee expresses its thanks to the professional and trade
associations for their co-operation and advice in the detailed consultations
that have taken place and to the surveyors and builders who have assisted
in testing the new rules, to Geoffrey E. Beard who chaired the Committee
from June 1975 to September 1984 and especially to the editors who have
had the task of bringing together all the various drafts and presenting them
in a uniform manner in a relatively short space of time.
This Seventh Edition will become operative on 1 July 1988 and is post dated
accordingly.
The Joint Committee responsible for this edition at the date of issue was
composed as follows:
Appointed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: Christopher J.
Willis (Chairman), Ronald C. Allan, Keith W. Bailey, John Bennett, Eric J.
Bowman, N. Malcolm S. Boyd, Michael A. Rainbird, Eric H. Urquhart and
Michael J.T. Webb.
Appointed by the Building Employers Confederation: Andrew J. Costelloe
(Vice-Chairman), John M. Allen, Bernard Ball, Kenneth G. Ellis, James E.
Fisher, Colin M. For.d, Richard J. Hooker, Robert H. Inglis, Terence J.
Parkinson and Donald J. Rimmer.
Co-opted from the Development Unit: Tony Allott, Stuart Hendy, Peter E
Holden, Peter G. Jordan and Rex H. Sharman.
Consultant Members of the Committee: Geoffrey E. Beard and lan M.C. H
Joint Honorary Secretaries: Norman R. Wheatley (General) and Michael B
Smith (Queries).
Others who have served on the Committee or the Development Unit during
the preparation of this edition: Dr Martin Barnes, Robert A. Barrow, lan T.
Brown, Peter Graham, Alan M. Harrison, Patrick Kelly, Anthony R. Miller
and
Paul D. Morrell.
Consultant Editors appointed by the Committee: Paul J. Gilkes and Richard
E.N. McGill
CJW: 1 October 1987

35
 (SMM7)

[1988 ]
( RICS)
( BEC)1971 12

1979

( CCPI) CCPI

CCPI

1975 1984
Geoffrey E Beard

1988

Christopher J.Willis Ronald c.Allan Keith W. Bailey. John Bennett.

Eric J.Bowman N. Malcolm s.Boyd. MichaelA. Rainbird. Eric H. Urquhart.
Michaelj.T.Webb

Andrew J-Costelloe John M. Allen Bemard Ball Kenneth G.E-uis\

James E.Fisher colin M.Ford. Richard J.Hooker. Robert H. Inglis. Terence
J.Parkinson. Donald J.Rimmer.
Geoffrey E Beard Ian M.c Hill
Norman R Wheatley Michael B Smith

Dr. Martin Bames. Robert A-Barrow Ian T.Brown Peter Graham. Alan M. Harison.
Patrick
Kelly Anthony R.Miller PaulD. Morrell
Paulj. Gilkes. Richard E McGill

1987 10

1
 (SMM7)

Preface to Seventh Edition 1988

The Joint Working Party on Meastjrement Conventions set up by The Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the then National Federation of
Building Trades Employers reported in December 1971. Out of this report a
Development Unit was set up and quickly came to the conclusion that far
reaching changes were required. As an interim measure the Sixth Edition of
the Standard Method of Measurement was published in March 1979.
Now,with the publication of this Seventh Edition, the work envisaged by
that working party has been completed.
The Co-ordinating Committee for Project Information has produced a
Common Arrangement of Work Sections for Building Works. In support of
the principles of CCPI and in accordance with the wishes of the sponsoring
bodies, this Edition has been structured in common arrangement order
rather than in traditional work sections. This means that the Standard
Method of Measurement is now compatible with other CCPI publications
and with all standard documentation where these criteria have been
adopted.The other major change from previous editions is that the
measurement rules have been translated from prose into classification
tables. This change makes the use of the rules a quicker and more
systematic task than interpretation of a prose version and readily lends
itself to the use of standard phraseology and computerisation. The change
however does not inhibit the use of traditional prose in the writing of bills of
quantities if so desired. In addition to these two major changes, the rules
have generally been simplified and the document brought up to date to
equate wih modern practice.
The Committee expresses its thanks to the professional and trade
associations for their co-operation and advice in the detailed consultations
that have taken place and to the surveyors and builders who have assisted
in testing the new rules, to Geoffrey E. Beard who chaired the Committee
from June 1975 to September 1984 and especially to the editors who have
had the task of bringing together all the various drafts and presenting them
in a uniform manner in a relatively short space of time.
This Seventh Edition will become operative on 1 July 1988 and is post dated
accordingly.
The Joint Committee responsible for this edition at the date of issue was
composed as follows:
Appointed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: Christopher J.
Willis (Chairman), Ronald C. Allan, Keith W. Bailey, John Bennett, Eric J.
Bowman, N. Malcolm S. Boyd, Michael A. Rainbird, Eric H. Urquhart and
Michael J.T. Webb.
Appointed by the Building Employers Confederation: Andrew J. Costelloe
(Vice-Chairman), John M. Allen, Bernard Ball, Kenneth G. Ellis, James E.
Fisher, Colin M. For.d, Richard J. Hooker, Robert H. Inglis, Terence J.
Parkinson and Donald J. Rimmer.
Co-opted from the Development Unit: Tony Allott, Stuart Hendy, Peter E
Holden, Peter G. Jordan and Rex H. Sharman.
Consultant Members of the Committee: Geoffrey E. Beard and lan M.C. H
Joint Honorary Secretaries: Norman R. Wheatley (General) and Michael B
Smith (Queries).
Others who have served on the Committee or the Development Unit during
the preparation of this edition: Dr Martin Barnes, Robert A. Barrow, lan T.
Brown, Peter Graham, Alan M. Harrison, Patrick Kelly, Anthony R. Miller
and
Paul D. Morrell.
Consultant Editors appointed by the Committee: Paul J. Gilkes and Richard
E.N. McGill

2
 (SMM7)

CJW: 1 October 1987

3
 (SMM7)