The development of a civil engineering standard method of measurement system for Africa

Abstract

Different Engineering standard methods of measurement, developed in Africa throughout the last 30 years, are currently being used throughout the continent. Personal participation in various Civil Engineering projects in Africa have led to the belief that using different standard measuring systems leads to the loss of project time (all parties need to learn, understand and apply the system), differences in interpretation and opinions regarding the systems could leading to conflict between the parties, as well as the inflation of rates ? due to the contractor?s unfamiliarity with the system, and therefore covering himself for all eventualities. The research findings suggest firstly that quantity surveyors in Africa agree that one concise civil engineering standard method of measurement for Africa should be developed; secondly that they would use the system; and thirdly, that such a system should be incorporated into the Tertiary Institutions? curriculum. The following six measuring systems are currently being used in Africa; and they form the basis of this study: ? The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors ? 2008: Building and Engineering Standard Method of Measurement ? The Surveyors? Institute of Zambia ? 2010: Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works in Zambia The Architectural Association of Kenya, Quantity Surveyors? Chapter ? 2008: Standard Method of Measurement of the Building and Associated Civil Works for Eastern Africa ? The South African Bureau of Standards ? 1986: South African Bureau of Standards Standardized Specifications for Civil Engineering Construction ? The South African Bureau of Standards and Anglo?American ? 2004: South African Bureau of Standards Standardized Specifications for Civil Engineering Construction with Anglo?American Amendments ? Joint Division of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering ? 2011: Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement ? Southern African Edition. The study resulted in a fully integrated and comprehensive Civil Engineering Standard System of Measuring for Africa, confined to the following trades: ? Preliminary and General ? Site Clearance ? Earthworks ? Concrete/Civil Works ? Steelworks ? Long?Length Pipe?works ? Road?works Once all the trades are developed, the system can be used by all levels of professionals in Africa.