Hand Book For Construction

A
Practical Hand Book
For
Construction Field
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Index
1. Terminology 2-24
2. Some General Name for Construction use 25-28
3. Item Name and Theirs Units 29-33
4. Unit Conversions
5. Thumb rules of Labour Co-Efficient for major work 33-35
6. Material Quantities 36-38
7. Basic knowledge of the quality of materials used in construction 39
7.1 Bricks 39-40
7.2 Cement 41-43
7.3 Sand 43-44
7.4 Steel Bars 44
7.5 Ceramic Tiles 45
8. Basic knowledge of some important work 46
8.1 Shuttering 46
8.2 Curing 47
8.3 Brick work 48-51
8.4 Plaster 52
8.5 Grit wash
8.6 Roof Water Proofing
8.7 Layout of Building
8.8 D.P.C Treatment in Buildings
8.9 Bar Bending Schedule
8.10 Leveling of Shuttering work
8.11 Auto Level
9. Different Test carried out at site
9.1 Bulkage for sand
9.2 Slump Test for Cement Concrete
9.3 Sieve analysis for Aggregate
9.4 Water absorption Test for Bricks
9.5 Crushing strength Test for Bricks
10. Tips for Measurement
11. Glossary of Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainages Terms
12. Check List for construction work
12.1 Earth Work
12.2 Concrete work
12.3 Brick Work
12.4 Flooring
12.5 Roofing
12.6 Plastering
12.7 Painting
12.8 Sanitary Installation
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12.9 Water Supply
12.10 Reinforced cement concrete work
12.11 I.P.S. Flooring
12.12 Door and Window Fitting
13. Name and Pitchers of Water Supply and Sewerage Fittings
14. Name and Pitchers of Door and Windows Fittings
1.
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2. Terminology
Anti- termite treatment
Admixture :-additives mixed in concrete or mortar to improve properties.
Aggregate :-Strictly speaking this means all particles of sand broken stone or gravel etc. , used
in making concrete. The term is often loosely used to denote all particles larger than 4.75mm .
Aluminum
Aluminum Paint :- Base of this paint is aluminum powder very finely ground aluminum
suspended in either quick drying spirit varnish or slow drying oil varnish as per requirement.
The spirit or oil evaporates and a thin metallic film of aluminum is formed on the surface. This
paint is shiny and silvery looking and visible in darkness and reflects heat a considerable
degree. It is thinner than enamel paint and covering capacity is quite high.
Apron Lining :- a board used to form a protective finish at the edge of the floor, around a stair
well or other similar opening
Armoured Cable :- a cable provide with wrapping of metal (usually in the form of tape or wire)
serving as a mechanical protection to cable.
Automatic Flushing:- a flushing cistern arranged to discharge its cistern contents by siphonic
action at regular intervals, determined by the at witch water is fed into the cistern.
Backfilling:- that portion of the material retained which has been placed after construction to
fill the space between the wall and the natural ground.
Balcony:- a projecting slab outside the building line on any floor (above ground floor) protected
from sides by handrails or small height walls; is used as a sitting place. Balcony may be a
covered or uncovered.
Difference between balcony and terrace is that below balcony there is no walls or rooms or
enclosures, simply the floor slab is projected outside the external wall of building but in terrace,
there is a construction below.
Ballast:- Brick, stone or gravel or irregular unscreened sizes which may contain smaller material
and also sand.
Ballies:- thin round wooden poles usually without bark.
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Bar:- the term is applied to simple steel sections both round or square
Bar chair:-an individual supporting device used to support or hold reinforcing bars in proper
position to prevent displacement before or during concreting.
Bar spacing :- the distance between parallel reinforcing bars, measured center to center of the
bars perpendicular to their longitudinal axis.
Barsati:- Habitable room on the roof of building with or without toilet/ kitchen.
Base Slab:- a sub floor slab or working mat either previous placed and hardened or freshly
placed , on which floor topping is places in a later operation; also , the underlying stratum on
which a concrete slab, such as a pavement , is placed.
Base course:- that part of the construction resting upon the sub grad and through which the
load is transmitted to the sub grade or the supporting soil. A base course is the layer
immediately under the wearing surface.
Basement:- part of building below ground level.
Bat:- this is piece of brick, usually considered in relation to the length of a brick and accordingly
known as half bat, three-quarter bat, beveled bat or quarter bat.
Batch:- the quantity of concrete mixed at one time .
Batching:- Weighing or volumetrically measuring and introducing into the mixer the
ingredients for a batch of concrete or mortar.
Batching Plant:- a mechanical equipment designed to measure the proportions of the various
materials (by weight) required to form a mixture e.q. as in the mixing of concrete.
Beam:- a structural member generally long in proportion to its width and thickness and used
for supporting load primarily by its internal resistant to bending .
Bearing capacity of soil
Bituminous:- resembling, containing or impregnated with bitumen .
Bitumen Paint:- this paint is prepared by dissolving asphalt bitumen in any type of oil or
petroleum . this paint presents a black appearance and can be done at places where aesthetics is
not main consideration.
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Bituminous Macadam: - Bitumen or tar macadam.
Black top surface: - a general term applied to wearing coats or surfaces of roads in which tar or
bitumen is used as a binder.
Black cotton soil:- are heavy clay soils, varying from clay to loam, with clay contents of 40-50% .
These soils mostly occur in entrap and southern parts of India. They are very unreliable for any
structures as they become highly sticky, soft and swell & contract considerable with variation in
moisture content.
Bleeding: - The formation of a thin layer of water on the exposed surface of freshly placed
concrete after compaction.
Bond:- the adhesion and grip of a material to other surfaces against which it is placed.
Box culvert:- it serves as means for a cross drainage and provided supporting slab for a road
way.
Bracing :- Horizontal or inclined members which hold together strengthen the main steel
structure against buckling and lateral loads.
Branching in pipes:- the various types are called T,Y , T-Y ,double Y and V branches , according
to their respective shapes .
Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by
mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the units themselves
Different vocabulary related to masonry
Stretcher: a brick laid horizontally, flat with the long side of the brick exposed on the
outer face of a wall.
Header: a brick laid flat with the short end of the brick exposed.
Frog up/down. A frog is a recessed part of a surface of a brick. Pressed bricks are laid frog up
when maximum strength is required especially in engineering work. This method also increases
the mass of a wall and decreases sound transmittance. Pressed bricks may be laid frog down;
this method is favored by the bricklayer since less mortar is required for bedding. There may
also be a marginal increase in thermal insulation due to the entrapped air pockets. A
disadvantage of this method is that with bricks having a very deep V shaped frog there may
be some difficulty in making reliable fixings to the wall when the fixing hits an air pocket.
Bat - a cut brick. A quarter bat is one quarter the length of a stretcher. A half bat is one half.[3]
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Closer - a cut brick used to change the bond at quoins. Commonly a quarter bat.
Queens closer - a brick which has been cut over its length and is a stretcher long and a quarter
bat deep. Commonly used to bond one brick walls at right angled quoins.
Kings closer - a brick which has been cut diagonally over its length to show a half bat at one
end and nothing at the other.
Mortar is a mixture of sand, lime and Portland cement, mixed with water to a workable
consistency. It is applied with a bricklayer's trowel, and sets solid in a few hours. There
are many different mixes and admixtures used to make mortars with different
performance characteristics.
Brickwork bonds
Flemish bond Stretcher bond English bond Header bond
Rat-trap bond Herringbone bond
Brass:- is an alloy of copper and zinc.
Brickbat coba:- one of the many methods of water proofing and thermal insulation of roof in
which mainly broken bricks and mortar are used
Building sewage system:- a line of pipes including all fittings such as manholes, traps, gullies
and floor traps used for the sewage disposal of a building, or a number of building within the
same premises.
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Bulking of sand:- the increases in volume of sand or aggregate caused by the absorption of
water.
Camber:- Transverse slope of the road.
Canopy: - a cantilevered projection from the face of a wall over an entrance to the building at
the lintel level.
Carpet:- Wearing surface obtained by laying bitumen or tar on the road in a thickness of more
than 25mm.
Carriageway or pavement:- portion of the road way designed and constructed for movement of
vehicular traffic.
Cement Based Primer:- is white in colour and is put on wall before applying O.B.D. / plastic
emulsion paint/ synthetic enamel paint.
Cement, Portland-pozzolana:- a hydraulic cement consisting essentially of an intimate and

uniform blend of Portland cement or Portland blast-furnace slag cement and finely divided
pozzolana constituent is within specified limits.
Cement Paint:- this consists of white cement , pigment, accelerator and other additives, it is
available in dry powder form. It is water proof and durable. It proves to be useful for surfaces
which are damp at the time of painting or are likely to become damp after painting. It is
desirable to provide cement paint on rough surface rather than on smooth surface because its
adhesion power is poor on smoothly finished surface.
Centering:- a temporary supporting structure to a soffit.
Chajja:- Overhang above the windows , doors etc. Cast along lintels for protection from rain,
sun etc.
Chamfer:- to cut off, in a small degree, the angle formed two faces, usually at an angle of 45
deg.
Channel:- the open waterway through which any liquid flows.
China clay:- a very pure white clay used to form chinaware or portion of material.
Chipping:- Treatment of a hardened concrete surface by chiseling away a portion material.
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Chute:- A sloping trough or tube for conveying concrete, cement aggregate, or other free-
flowing materials from a higher to a lower point.
Cistern:- A fixed container for water used for flushing operation on W.C. the water is usually
supplied through a float valve. The water in the cistern is a atmospheric pressure.
Clay bricks:- Clay bricks are fired bricks. They are formed pressing in moulds, or by an
extrusion and wire cutting process, the dried and fired in a kiln.
Coarse Aggregates:- Refers to those aggregates whose particle size is more than 4.75mm
Column:- is an isolated vertical load bearing (compression) member the effective length of
which is more than three times the least dimension.
Compaction:- the process whereby the volume of freshly placed mortar or concrete is reduced
to the minimum practical space, usually by vibration, centrifugation, tamping, or some
combination of these , to mould it within forms or moulds and around embedded parts and
reinforcement and to eliminate voids other than entrained air .
Compression Test:- Test made on a specimen of mortar or concrete determine the compressive
strength , normally 6x6x6 cubes are made for testing and their 7 days or 28 days strength is
measured.
Concrete Bricks:- also called concrete block, are mixture of cement ,sand and aggregates
vibrated in moulds and steam cured.
Concrete:- a composite material that consists essentially of binding medium in which is

embedded particles or fragments of relatively. Inert material filler. In Portland cement concrete,
the binder is a mixture of port land cement and water; the filler may be any of wide verity of
natural or artificial aggregates.
Concrete, normal weight: - concrete having a unit weight of approximately 2400 kg/m3 made
with aggregates of normal weight.
Concrete reinforced:-concrete construction that contains mesh or steel bars embedded in it.
Construction joint:- the junction of two successive placements of concrete, typically with a
keyway or reinforcement across the joint.
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Coping:- the capping or covering placed upon the exposed top of a wall (e.g. parapet wall,
boundary wall) in slop, usually of stone or concrete to throw off and prevent the rain-water
soaking into the wall .
Corridor: - it is a narrow pathway inside a building or house to be used for entering other
rooms ,kitchen, toilet etc.
Corrosion:-the process of deterioration of concrete or reinforcement due to chemical or

electrochemical change caused in presence of moisture.
Cover:- in reinforced concrete, the least distance between the surface of the reinforcement and
the outer surface of the concrete.
Crack (in concrete):- a complete or incomplete separation of concrete in to two or more parts,
produced by breaking or fracturing.
Cross Section:- the section of a body perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.
Cubic Meter: - Normal commercial units of measure of concrete volume, equal to 35 cubic feet.
Curing: - Keeping the concrete damp after it has been placed in its position to complete the
chemical reaction of cement with water. The term is applicable for all other cement construction
also.
Curing Blanket:- a built-up covering of sacks, matting, hessian straw, waterproof paper, or
other suitable material placed over fresh finished concrete.
Curing Compound:- a liquid that can be applied as a coating to the surface of newly placed
concrete to retard the loss of water of in the case of pigmented compounds, also to reflect heat
so as to proving an opportunity for the concrete to develop its properties in a favorable
temperature and moisture environment.
Curtain Wall:- a non load bearing wall subject to lateral loads. It may be laterally supported by
vertical or horizontal structural members where necessary.
Damp proof course(D.P.C.) :- purpose of D.P.C. is to prevent ground moisture rising up the
wall and causing dampness on ground floor walls of building. Most brick, blocks and stones are
porous and will absorb moisture by capillary action. D.P.C. is provided at plinth level over wall
using a water proofing material.
Deformation:- a change in dimension or shape due to stress.
Deformed Bar: - a reinforcing bar with manufactured surface deformations which provided a
locking anchorage with surrounding concrete.
Door panel:- area enclosed between rails.
Door frame: - wooden or steel members, to provide support for the door shutter.
Drainage:- the removal of surface water by system of drains (open or closed) constructed for the
purpose .
Drain:- Open channel or closed pipes used for carrying surface water which includes storm
water and water used in floor washing , road washing.
Dumper:- a vehicle for transporting excavating material, so designed as to be capable of

discharging its load by forward tipping.
Durability: - the ability of concrete to remain unchanged while in service; resistance to

weathering action, chemical attack, and abrasion.
Efflorescence:- the formation of a whit wash loose powder on surface of brick walls or plaster .
Soluble salts are present in plaster-making materials as well as building materials such as
bricks, sand cement, etc. Even water used in the construction work may contain soluble salt are
brought to the surface and they appear in the form of a whitish crystalline substance. Such a
growth is referred to as efflorescence and it seriously affects the adhesion of paint with wall
surface.
Elbow: - a pipe fitting for providing a sharp change of direction in a pipe line.
Embankment:- an earthwork in filling raised above the natural ground by deposition of

material to support construction at a higher level.
Enamel painting:- when the base of paint is ground in varnish or in viscous bodied oil , the
resultant product has a harder and a glossier film and is known a enamel. Enamel painted
surfaces are washable and are not affected by acids, alkalis, gases or steam. They are equally
good for use both on external and internal works.
Expansion Joint:- when a joint permits expansion as well as contraction , it is termed as

expansion joint. This consists of a pre planned break in the continuity of a structure or a
component of a structure with a gap 6to 40 mm wide, depending upon the extent of movement
expected and constructional details. The gap in some cases is filled with flexible material which
gets compressed under expansive force and stretched under a pulling force . if there is
possibility of rain water penetrating through the joint, water bar or a sealant or a protective
cover , or a suitable combination of these items is provided , depending upon the requirement
in any particular situation. Width of expansion joint for jobs did in summer cold be less than for
those done in winter.
Expansion joint filler: - A compressible material used to fill a joint to prevent the infiltration of
debris and to provide support for sealants.
Fascia: - a long and relatively narrow upright face at the eaves or cornice or over a shop front.
Fine aggregate: - refers to san having particle size less than 4.75 mm.
Final setting time:- the time required for a freshly mixed cement paste, mortar or concrete to
achieve final set.
Finishing:- leveling, smoothing, compacting and otherwise treating surfaces of fresh or recently
placed concrete or mortar to produce desired appearance and service.
Fineness modulus:- this is a term used in sieve analysis of aggregates and is a measure of the
mean size of graded aggregate. If is a factor and by dividing the total of percentages of
materials retained on specified sieves by 100 when the whole sample of aggregate is tested on
each sieve in turn. It gives an idea of the fineness or coarseness of an aggregate. The coarse the
aggregate, higher the fineness modulus, the finer the material, lesser the fineness modulus.
Concrete mixes are sometimes designed with fineness modulus. Concrete mixes are sometimes
designed with fineness modulus for each maximum aggregate but values within a suitable
range likely to give the best results.
Fire clay:- refers to clay capable of withstanding high temperature (1500c) . it consists of the
large amount of silica and small amount of fluxing agents. It is used for making fire bricks and
making furnace linings.
Flanged pipe:- a pipe provided with flanges so that the ends can be jointed together by means
of bolts.
Flat glass:- a general term covering sheet glass, float glass and various forms of rolled and plate
glass.
Flat roof:- a roof the pitch of which is 10 or less to the horizontal .
Flemish Bond:- in this bond , in every course , headers and stretcher are placed alternately.
Flexible pavement:- road surface made of bituminous or similar materials which cant take
flexural stresses.
Flight:- a series of steps between landings.
Float: - a tool usually of wood , aluminum, or magnesium, used in finishing operations to

impart a relatively even but still open texture to an unformed fresh concrete surface.
Fluorescent Paint:- Paint which glows at night.
Flyover:- a junction so designed that traffic streams are divided enable them to pass over or
under each other .
Flyash :- Pozzolanic material; is obtained as waste from thermal power station. Contain about
50-60% of pure silica. It is used for making PPC
Flyash clay bricks: - in these bricks. Flyah is used along with clay; flyash is obtained from
boilers of thermal power station.
Foam:- a dispersion of small bubbles of gas in a liquid or solid.
Footpath or sidewalks: - are provided in urban areas when the vehicular as well as pedestrian
traffic are heavy, to provide protection to pedestrians and to decrease accidents. Minimum
width of side walk should be 1.50m
Formation:- the surface of the ground in its final shape and level after completion of earthwork.
Also called subgrade
Formwork (shuttering):- complete system of temporary structure built to support fresh concrete
to required shape and dimensions till it hardness sufficiently to become self-supporting.
Formworks include the surface in contact with concrete and all necessary supporting structure.
Form oil: - Oil applied to interior surface of formwork to promote easy release from the
concrete when forms are removed.
Frog:- is a small recess on the top surface of a brick, made while molding , usually embossed
with the initials of the manufacturer . it forms a key for the mortar and also reduces the weight
of the brick.
Glazing:- glass in openings in window door panels, partitions and like.
Gradient:- longitudinal slope of the road and is expressed as ratio one vertical to so many
horizontal.
Grid a rectangular network of lines used in planning or setting out structure.
Grit wash:- this is a decorative permanent finish for exterior walls. The surface of the wall
should be rough and even . panels are prepared of required design on the surfaces with batten
strips.
Ground water:- the water retained in the inter granular pores of soil or fissures of rock below
the water table is called ground water.
Grouting: - the action by which a binder in liquid form (cement, tar, bitumen, etc.) is made to
penetrate into joints, fissures or cracks in concrete work under the action of gravity or by
applied pressure.
Grubbing:- uprooting and removing the stumps and roots of small trees, plants, hedges, etc.
From the site of the works.
Gutter:- an open drain constructed along the sides of a carriageway ( in town areas) to carry
away the water drained from the surface of pavement.
Hairline Cracking:- Barely visible cracks in random patter in an exposed concrete surface
which do not extend to the full depth or thickness of the concrete, and which are due to
primarily drying shrinkage.
Handrail:- the inclined rail over the string is known a handrail . It is generally moulded.
Hardness of water :- is due to presence of salts of calcium and magnesium in water. More the
hardness of water more the amount of soap required to make lather.
Hunching:- concrete bending with additional concrete at the sides of the pipe .
Header: - the is a brick laid with its breadth or width parallel to the face or front direction of a
wall. The course containing headers is called a header course.
Highway:- an important road in road system connecting tow major cities .
Holdfast:- mild steel flats provided on either side of door frame to keep the frame in required
position . The section of the flat is generally 30mm wide, 6mm thick and 20to 30cm length.
Hollow block:- these have 2,3or 4 vertical cavities which go right through the block . they may
be of concrete or clay.
Ignition Point(burning point) :- the temperature at which the vapor of a substance catches fire
and continues bourn ,under specified conditions of test.
Initial setting time (cement) :- the period elapsing between the time when water is first added
to neat cement to form a paste and time when that paste ceases to be fluid and plastic to a
specified degree under the specified conditions of test.
Inspection chamber:- a water tight chamber constructed in any house drainage system which
takes wastes from gully traps and disposes off to manhole with access for inspection and
maintenance.
Jack:- a mechanical device used to apply force to prestressing tendons, to adjust the elevation
of form supports, and to raise objects.
Jeera:- stone aggregates of size 10-12 mm or less.
Kerb stone: - indicate the boundary between the road pavement and shoulders or footpath. It is
desirable to provide kerb on urban road height of kerb above road pavement=20cm
King closer: - this is obtained by cutting a triangular portion of the brick such that half a header
and half a stretcher are obtained on the adjoining cut faces. A king closer is used near door and
window openings to get satisfactory arrangement of the mortar joints.
Lean concrete: - concrete of low cement content.
Leveling course:- a course placed for the purpose of shaping old surface to proper cross section
to receive a subsequent surface course.
Lift:- the term used at site for distance between two consecutive horizontal .
Lime:- a general term which includes quick lime , hydrated lime, hydraulic lime .
Lintel :- a beam over a opening in a wall.
Load bearing wall:- a wall designed to carry a super imposed load . the thickness of a load-
bearing wall should be sufficient at all points to keep the stresses due to dead, live and other
loads, for which the structure is designed , within the prescribed limits.
Lobby :- a space inside a building covered on top and sides but not able to be utilized as a
separate room because it is used as a passage for entering other rooms or used as a waiting
place for visitors.
Macadam:- road surface made of binder and crushed or broken stones of regular size below
75mm.
Main beam :- a beam which bears directly on to a column or wall and not on to another beam.
Maintenance:- a general term for actions taken to ensure that a structure conforms to it is
original functional performance above a given level of acceptance.
Mild steel:- it is a low carbon steel and has a carbon content of 0.25% . it is quite ductile and can
be manipulated in different forms.
Mixer:- a machine used for blending the constituents of concretes grout, mortar , cement paste
or other mixture.
Mixing cycle:- the time taken for a complete cycle in a bath mixer; i.e. the time elapsing between
successive repetitions of the same operation .
Mixing time: - the period during which the mixer is combining the ingredients for a batch of
concrete.
Mortar:- concrete with essentially no aggregate larger than about 3/16 inch.
Mosaics tiles:- Mosaic is a type of artistic composition created by inlaying small pieces of marble
chips in mortar of white or grey cement to create a special design or even a picture. Mosaic tile
are durable, dense, water tight and have hard wearing surface because they are manufactured
in hydraulic presses.
Muster Roll:- recorded of labour employed at site by a department purely on temporary and
daily basis for specific work or project.
Nahani Trap:- it can be used in place of floor Trap to collect used water from washbasin , bath
sink etc. It is made of cast iron or UPVC and provide with removable grating on top.
Natural sand: - sand resulting from natural disintegration and abrasion of rock.
Neat cement grout: - grout consisting of Portland cement and water.
Nickel (Ni):- it is highly resistant to corrosion. Widely used as a coating for other metal and for
preparation of alloys.
Nipple:- a tubular pipe fitting usually threaded on both end less than 300 mm long used for
connecting pipes or fittings.
No-slump concrete:- concrete with a slump of 6mm or less .
Nosing:- the projecting part of the tread beyond the face f riser is known a nosing.
Nozzle vibrator:- a vibrator used for consolidating concrete, having a vibrating casing or head
that is used by insertion into freshly placed concrete.
Oil bound distemper:- oil bound distempers are a variety of an oil paint in which the drying oil
is so treated that is mixes with water. The emulsifying agent which is commonly used in glue or
casein. As the water dries, oil makes a hard surface which is washable OBD comes in paste
form.
Offset:- a combination of elbows or bands which brings one section of the pipe out of line but
into a line parallel with the other section in a piping system.
Open area:- plot area-ground coverage of buildings.
Optimum Moisture content(O.M.C.) :- Moisture content at which compaction of soil gives the
maximum dry density.
Ordinary Portland Cement:- (O.P.C.) :- it is the most commonly used cement . its initial setting
time is 30minute and final setting time is 10hr. It comes in 3 grade-33Grade (IS-269), 43-Grade
(IS-812), and 53Grade (IS-12269)
Orissa pattern water closet:- In Orissa W.C. the squatting pan and footrests are mad integral in
vitreous china.
Over- vibrated concrete:- concrete vibrated more than is necessary for good consolidation and
elimination of entrapped air.
Pan Mixer:- a concrete mixer comprising a horizontal pan or drum in which mixing is carried
out by eccentrically placed paddles.
P and S Traps :- the traps for long pattern and Orissa pattern water closet are made either with
P or S trap; the traps are made of vitreous china, cast iron or UPVC.
Parapet: - a low wall or railing built along the edge of a roof or a floor.
Patch repair:- the repair to a portion of a structural member to restore it to its original state.
Pedestal:- a base or support, as for a column or statue, and generally of a bigger size.
Peragola:- it is a structure of posts for climbing plants for bringing partial shadow by means of
its created grid of beams, creating open is punctures to admit light, rain and air.
PH value:- a logarithmic scale on which acidity and alkalinity of solutions are expressed. A PH
vale of 7 indicates neutral solution. PH value <7 indicates acid solution and PH value >7
indicates alkaline solution.
Pier: - Pier Piers are usually in the form of thickened sections of a wall bounded into load
bearing walls at the sides and extends for full height of the wall placed at intervals along the
wall, to take concentrated vertical loads or to stiffen the wall so that it can carry additional load
or resist lateral pressure without buckling.
Pie Tape :- tape used to measure the circumference of the grinding head blades on diamond
grinding equipment.
Pile :- a support driven into or cast in situ in the ground for bearing / transferring load to
substrate of foundation.
Pillar :- a detached vertical support to some structure. This can be rectangular, circular or any
other shape.
Pitch roof:- is the angle of inclination of the roof with the horizontal plane, Pitch roof(sloping
roof)
Pitching:- making a sloped area pucca or paved by stone masonry brick masonry.
Plain Bar:- a reinforcing bar without surface deformation , or on having deformation that do not
conform to the applicable requirements.
Plane concrete:- concrete without reinforcement.
Plinth area or Covered Area:- built up covered area of all floors of the building including
thickness of wall.
Plinth beam:- beam provided at plinth level from column to column and supporting brick walls
of ground floor.
Plinth height:- height of the ground floor above the street level measured from the level of the
center of the adjoining street.
Plinth Level:- level of the ground floor of a building .
Plinth protection:- portion of a structure between the surface of the surrounding ground and
surface of the building floor immediately above the ground.
Plot Area:- area of the full site inside boundary walls of a premises.
Plywood:- a board formed of three or more layers of veneers cemented or glued together,
usually with the grain of adjacent veneers running at right angles to each other.
Polythene:- also called polyethylene. It is polymer form ethane. It is used in water proofing
sheeting and bags.
Porch:- a covered area supported on pillars or otherwise at the entrance of a building for the
purpose of pedestrian and vehicular approach to a building.
Quality control:- actions taken by an engineer or contractor to provide control over what is
being done and what is being provided so that the applicable standard of good practice for the
work are followed.
Quarrying:- Process of taking out the stones from natural rock beds.
Quick setting cement:- cement whose setting time is less while ultimate hardening time is same
. Initial setting time of this cement is 5 minutes while final setting time is 30 minutes.
Raft foundation:- a continuous slab of concrete, generally reinforce, laid over or under the
ground as a foundation for a structure. it is a large as , or slightly larger than the area of the
building which it carries.
Ramp :- a short steeply inclined way connecting surfaces at different levels. Generally made for
repair platforms.
Random rubble masonry:- in this variety of masonry, stones are laid at random, that is without
any regular courses and for that reason it is also designate as uncoarsed rubble masonry. This
masonry has rough finish and not very strong. In this type of masonry stones are not dressed
except knocking out some corners.
Ready-mixed concrete:- concrete manufactured for delivery to purchaser in a plastic and

unhardened state.
Reinforced Concrete:- concrete containing adequate reinforcement (prestressed or not

prestressed ) and designed on the assumption that the two materials act together in resisting
forces.
Reinforcement:- metal bar used inside concrete during casting giveing structural strength to
concrete in tension.
Repairs:- to replace or correct deteriorated, damaged or faulty materials, components, or

elements of a structure.
Retaining wall:- retaining walls are meant to support earth or such materials .
Rich mix:- a concrete mixture containing a large amount of cement .
Richter scale:- a scale measuring the magnitude of an earthquake.
Riser:- the vertical portion of the step , which is connected to treads, is known a as riser.
Roof:- topmost floor of the building .
Row housing:- a row of houses with only front, rear and interior open space.
Run (of stairs):- the total length of a stair in a horizontal plane is known as run and it includes
the lengths of landings also.
Sal wood: - Sal wood is about 30% heavier, 50% harder and 20% stronger than teak. It is
naturally durable.
Sandblasting: - Refer to driving of sand against an object or surface by air pressure. Used for
removing rust, scales and dirt.
Sandpaper:- refers to a paper coated with sharp sand used as an abrasive for finishing surfaces
of wood work, steel work, cement surfaces.
Scaffolding:- a temporary structure for gaining access to higher levels of the permanent
structure during construction.
Segregation:- the separating out of particles of different sizes in a concrete mix. The heavier
aggregates settle at the bottom . the strength of the concrete is adversely affected by segregation
of particles.
Septic tank:- a water tight single storied tank in which sewage is retained sufficiently long to
permit sedimentation of suspended solids and partial digestion of settled sludge by anaerobic
bacteria.
Settlement:- is the compression of soil and consists of two components.
Setback:- distance from plot boundary to building line where noting can be constructed. There
are front setback, side setbacks and rear setbacks in buildings.
Sewage:- combination of waste water and human excreta conducted away from residences,
public buildings or industrial establishments, by a suitable system of sewers.
Sewers :- pipes which carry the sewage to a point of discharge or disposal.
Shutter:- complete assembly of panels, styles and rails.
Sieve: - a metallic plate or sheet, a woven- wire cloth, or other similar device, with regularly
spaced apertures of uniform size, mounted in a suitable frame or holder for use in separating
granular material by means of a series of standard sieves.
Sill:- the bottom of door or a window opening. Sill is so dressed that it prevents the entry of
water to the interior of building.
Silt:- a granular material resulting from the disintegration of rock , with grain size in the range
of 2 to 75 microns.
Skirting:- a finishing member along perimeter of a wall or other vertical surface where it meet
the floor.
Sluice valve:- a valve in which the flow of water is cut off by means of a circular disc, fitting
against machine- smoothed faces at right angles to the direction of flow.
Slump:- the vertical depth through which wet cement concrete subside from its standard
moulded height when tested by the standard method.
Slump test:- the procedure for measuring slump.
Soak pit:- a pit dug in permeable ground to which the soil water is led so as to leach in to the
surrounding soil.
Socket :- the female part of spigot and socket joint.
Spiral stair:- all steps either radiate from a central newel post or garaged as cantilevers from the
supporting wall with a circular well hole in the middle.
Standard measurement books:- the purpose of standard measurement books are to record
measurements of permanent standing in a building and these are required to be updated from
year to year- on the basis of additions. These books are used for preparing of annual repair
estimate, contractors bills.
Steel:- in steel the carbon content is between 0.25% to 1.5% steel becomes harder and tougher
and less ductile as its carbon content goes on increasing and at the max. Level of 1.5% all the
carbon gets into chemical composition with iron .
Step:- a combination of tread and riser is known as a step .
Stilt:- an unenclosed space in building at ground level having only building columns. This area
is normally used for parking of vehicles.
Stop cock:- a control valve fixed at the end of a water distribution pipe and which controls the
supply of water.
Storey:- portion of a building between tow floor levels.
Stretcher:- this is a brick laid with its length parallel to the face or front or direction of a wall.
The course containing stretchers is called a stretcher course.
Sub-base:- a layer in a pavement system between the sub grade and base course or between the
sub grade and portland cement concrete pavement.
Sub-soil water:- water occurring naturally below the surface of the ground.
Substructure: - The part of a building or structure below the level of the plinth or adjoining
ground.
Subway:- an underground passage or tunnel to permit the movement of persons, traffic or to
accommodate service pipes, cables , sewers etc
Subsoil Drainage:- Removal of water below the surface of the ground.
Sullage:- waste water from baths, wash basins, sinks and similar appliances, which does not
contain human or animal excreta.
Sulphate resistance:- the ability of aggregate, cement paste, or mixtures thereof to withstand
chemical attack by sulphate join in solution.
Superstructure:- the part of a building or structure above level of the plinth or adjoining
ground.
Surface Moisture:- water retained on surfaces of aggregates capable of mixing with portland
cement in concrete; distinguished from absorbed moisture, which is contained inside the
aggregate particles.
Surface primer:- a fluid material designed to wet a substrate surface effectively and itself
provide a surface onto which a primary adhesive, having lesser fluidity or properties , can
bond efficiently.
Surface-water:- the run off or natural water from the ground surface, including paved areas,
roofs and unpaved land.
Surface water drain:- a drain conveying surface water.
Surface vibrator:- a vibrator used for consolidating concrete by application to the top surface of
a mass of freshly mixed concrete; four principal types exist: vibrating screeds, pan vibratory
tampers, and vibratory roller screeds.
Surkhi:- it is a powder of broken well burnt bricks. Used as fine aggregate at some places; has
pozzolanic property.
Sweating of concrete:- exudation of moisture on the under surface of a concrete roof slab due
to the passage of minute quantity of water through the material.
Teak wood:- this is one of the outstanding timber species in retention of shape and durability.
It is relatively easy to work on and can e finished to a fair surface and takes polish well.
Technical sanction: - after receipt of administrative approval and expenditure sanction,
detailed estimates are required to be prepared for technical sanction . As its name indicates, it
amounts to no more than a guarantee that the proposals are structurally sound and that the
estimates are accurately calculated and based on adequate data.
Tempered or Toughened glass:- when float glass panels are heated and then cooled rapidly in a
controlled environment.
Temporary Hardness (water):- is due to bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium . temporary

hardness can be removed by boiling.
Terrace in an open space in front of a room/rooms on a floor (from 1st floor onwards)
supported on the construction below. The term is used for roof also. In other words, on the roof
of a certain storey, if some area is left vacant without construction, that is called terrace.
Terrazzo flooring:- in situ terrazzo is a popular floor finish which can be made in various colors
and designs .
Textured wall finishes:- are used on exterior as a superior coating instead cement paints. They
are composed of acrylic copolymers in emulsion, inorganic pigments, siliceous aggregates,
quartz powder, bactericides and various additives.
Tie bar:- bar at right angles to and tied to reinforcement to keep it in place, bar extending across
a construction joint.
Tread-riser staircase:- this staircase differ from the ordinary type by the absence of the waist
slab and for this reason it is also called the slabless staircase. It is more pleasing.
Trowel:- a flat, broad-bladed steel hand tool used in the final stages of finishing operations to
impart a relatively smooth surface to concrete floors and other unformed concrete surfaces; also,
a flat triangular-bladed tool used for applying mortar to masonry.
Valve:- a device used for controlling the flow of liquid in a line of pipe.
Varnishes:- are transparent or nearly transparent solutions of resinous materials prepared

either in alcohol, oil or turpentine. Varnish is normally applied on wood work.
Vent pipe :- a pipe line installed to provide flow of air to or from a sewerage system or to
provide circulation of air within such system to protect trap from siphon age and back flow.
Verandah:- portion of a floor , covered from top and enclosed by wall on three sides and open
on one side.
Vibration limit:- that time at which fresh concrete has hardened sufficiently to prevent its
becoming mobile when subject to vibration.
Vibrator:- an oscillating machine used to agitate fresh concrete so as to eliminate gross voids,
including entrapped air but not entrained air, and produce intimate contact with from surfaces
and embedded materials.
Vibrator plate compactor:- motorized, one-men tool consisting of a vibrating square plate that
transmit energy to compact granular materials.
Vitrified tiles:- are made of stone dust and have a polished surface. They are different from
ceramic tile. Vitrified actually means to change or make into glass or a glassy substance,
especially through heat fusion.
Volume Batching:- the measuring of the constituent materials for mortar or concrete by
volume.
Wall hanger:- a metal bracket suspended from a wall to support a member.
Waste water:- the discharge from wash basin, sinks and similar appliances which does not
contain human excreta.
Water bar :- a bar (usually of PVC) that is inserted in a construction joint in concrete work to
avoid passage of water through the joint. It is usually provided in water storage tanks.
Water cement ration:- the ratio of the amount of water , exclusive only of that absorbed by the
aggregates, to the amount of portland cement in a concrete or mortar mixture, preferably stated
as a decimal by weight.
Water bound macadam:- the surface layer of a road in which the road metal has been
consolidated with water and earthy material or morum.
Water table:- the upper surface of zone of saturation in soil or permeable strata or beds, the
upper surface of sub-soil water.
Weeding :- this is the process of removal of weeds either manually mechanically or otherwise.
Weight batching:- measuring the constituent materials for mortar or concrete by weight.
White cement:- it is just a variety of ordinary cement which is practically free from coloring
oxides of iron, manganese or chromium.
White washing:- also called lime wash for whitewashing, unslacked lime is procured in the
form of lumps which is then slacked at site in water and left for some time. Then it is sieved
through a coarse cloth and used for whitewashing.
Workability: - that property of freshly mixed concrete ( or mortar) which determines the ease or
difficulty with which it can be manipulated or handled so as to produce full compaction.
2. Some General name for Construction use:-
Admixture
Aggregate
Aluminum
Armoured Cable
Asphalt
Ballast
Bar
Bat
Bitumen
Closer
Queens
Kings closer
Mortar
Brass
Brick
Cement Based Primer
Cement, Portland-pozzolana
Cement Paint
Coarse Aggregates
Concrete Bricks
Concrete
Curing Blanket
Curing Compound
Deformed Bar
Fine aggregate
Flyash
Flyash clay bricks
Form oil
Iron
Jeera
Plywood
Polythene
Reinforced concrete
Steel
Surkhi
Sand
Silt
Bar chair
Backfilling
Bar spacing
Bar Support
Barsati
Base Slab
Base course
Basement
Batch
Batching
Batching Plant
Batch weights
Batch water
Beam
Bearing Test
Binder
Bleeding
Bond
Stretcher
Header
Frog up/down
Bulking of sand
Carpet
Carpet area
Chair
Chajja
Column
Compaction
Concrete Bond
Concrete reinforced
Construction joint
Coping
Cross Section
Curing:
Damp proof course(D.P.C.)
Drain
Durability
Efflorescence
English bond
Expansion Joint
Final setting time
Finishing
Flemish Bond
Formwork
Frog
Glazing
Jack
King closer
Lift
Lobby
Macadam
Maintenance
Mixer
Mixing time
No-slump concrete
Nozzle vibrator
Pedestal
Peragola
Pile
Pillar
Porch
Portland cement
Quality control
Queen closer
Raft foundation
Repairs
Retaining wall
Riser
Roof
Scaffolding
Segregation
Septic tank
Settlement
Shutter
Sill
Zero- slump concrete
Skirting
Slump
Slump test
Tread-riser staircase
Workability
Balcony
Vibrator
Verandah
Subway
Superstructure
3. Item Name and Theirs Units
Earth work in excavation m3, ft3
Earth work in in filling m3, ft3
Concrete work m3, ft3
Reinforcement Kg, Ton
Brick work -9 thick m3, ft3
Brick work -4.5 thick m2, ft2
Plaster m2, ft2
Painting m2, ft2
Flooring m2, ft2
Skirting RM
Structural Steel Kg, Ton
Door ,window , gates m2, ft2
Grills kg / m2
Water, drainage & sewer line RM
Retaining wall m3, ft3
Pointing m2, ft2
MS pipe for steel structure RM
Main Holes, chambers Nos
Plumbing and sanitary fittings Nos
Railing RM
Cement kg, Bags
Sand m3, ft3
Aggregates m3, ft3
Earth m3, ft3
wood m3, ft3
Ply , Board m2, ft2
Brick per 1000 nos
Stone m3, ft3
Paint Liter
Paint(Power form) Kg
Sealant, water proofing compounds Kg
Wax polish Kg
French spirit polish Liter
Scaffolding m2, ft2
Grit wash m2, ft2
POP m2, ft2
False ceiling m2, ft2
Glazing m2, ft2
Tile laying m2, ft2
White wash m2, ft2
Shuttering m2, ft2
Water proofing m2, ft2
RCC Laying m3, ft3
PCC Laying m3, ft3
Lime kg, Qtl, Bags
DPC m2, ft2
Honey-comb brickwork m2, ft2

Sand filling m3, ft3
Rock Excavation m3, ft3
Surface Dressing m2, ft2
Cutting of Tree Nos
Rolling shutter m2, ft2
Surface Dressing m2, ft2
Mud roof over and including
of tiles ,or bricks m2, ft2
Expansion, construction joint RM
Dado m2, ft2
Skirting RM
Removing of Paint m2, ft2
Apron or Plinth protection m2, ft2
Dismantling (brick work) m3, ft3
Dismantling (RCC) m3, ft3
Where
RM = Running Meter
m3 = Cubic Meter
ft3 = Cubic Feet
m2 = Square Meter
ft2 = Square Feet
kg = Kilogram
Nos = Numbers
4. Unit Conversions;-
1 cm = 0.393 inch
1 m = 1000 mm=1.094 yards =39 inch=3.281feet
1 km =1000 m=0.6214 mile
1 yards= 3 feet
1 mile=1.6 km=1760 yards
1 foot= 30.48cm=12 inch=0.3048 m
1 inch=2.54cms
AREA
1 SQM= 1.196 SQ YARDS

1 sqm mt=10.764 sq feet
1 sq yards=0.836 sq mt
1 hectare=2.471 Acre
1 acre=4046 sq mt
1 acre=4840 sq yards
VOLUME
1 LITRE = 1000 ML
1 cubic mt =1000 liters
1 cubic mt =35.32 cubic feet
WEIGHT
1 1 kg = 1000 gram
2 1 metric tone = 1000 kg
3 1 Quintal = 100 kg
4 1 ounce = 28.4 grams
Conversion (Inch in to Feet)
1 Inch =0.08 Feet

2 Inch =0.17 Feet
3 Inch =0.25 Feet
4 Inch =0.32 Feet
5 Inch =0.42 Feet
6 Inch =0.50 Feet
7 Inch =0.58 Feet
8 Inch =0.67 Feet
9 Inch =0.75 Feet
10 Inch =0.83 Feet
11 Inch =0.91 Feet
12 Inch =1.00 Feet
5. Thumb rules of Labour Co-Efficient for major work
1. Cement concrete in foundation:- for 10 M3
Head Mason - Nos

Mason - 2 Nos
Labour - 20 Nos
2. RCC (1:2:4) :- for 10 M3
Head Mason (Mate) - 1/2 Nos

Mason - 3 Nos
Labour - 23 Nos
Note :- extra for each floor 6nos labour for 10 m3
3. Supplying ,fitting, fixing and removing shuttering and staging :- for 7 M2
Carpenter - 1 Nos
Labour - 2 Nos
4. Reinforcement for R.C.C. work including cutting, bending and placing in position :-
for 100 kg
Barbinder (skilled) - 1 Nos

Labour ( semi skilled) - 1 Nos
5. Damp Proof Course:- for 100 M2
Head Mason - 1/2 Nos

Mason - 5 Nos
Labour - 6 Nos
6. Ist class Brick work 1:6 in Super str.:- for 10 M3

Mason - 9Nos
Labour - 20 Nos
7. Brick on edge flooring with cement Mortar -1:3 :- for 100 M2

Mason - 10 Nos
Labour - 15 Nos
8. 12mm thick plaster any proportion :- for 100 M2
Head Mason - 1 Nos

Mason - 10 Nos
Labour - 15 Nos
9. Ruled pointing 1:3 :- for 100 M2
Head Mason - 1 /2Nos

Mason - 10 Nos
Labour - 10 Nos
10. White washing primer coat and 2 finished coat to new plaster
:- for 100 M2
Painter - 1/2 Nos

Labour (helper) - 2 Nos
11. Dry Distemper for 100 M2
Painter - 8.5 Nos

Labour (helper) - 5.5 Nos
12. Plastic Emulsion paint on new work :- for 100 M2
Painter - 5.5Nos
13. Prime coat on wood /steel work :- for 100 M2
Painter - 2.5Nos
14. Painting two coats over priming coat for new wood /steel work
:- for 100 M2
Painter - 5.5Nos
15. Demolishing cement concrete including lead upto 50 m

:- for 10 M3
Labour (Skilled) - 23 Nos
16. Demolishing Brick work including lead upto 50 m

:- for 10 M3
Labour - 19.5 Nos
17. Removing mortar form and cleaning bricks and stacking cleaned Bricks
:- for 10 M3
Mason (semi ) - 6 Nos

Labour - 25 Nos
6. Material Quantities
1) Concrete work :- for 1.0 M3
Concrete Mix Water (Liters ) Cement (Bags) Sand (Cum) Aggregate (Cum) Remarks
1:1:2 27 12.2 0.45 0.90
1:1.5:3 30 8 0.441 0.882
1:2:4 32 6.4 0.47 0.94
1:3:6 37 4.40 0.485 0.969
1:4:8 45 3.40 0.50 0.963
1:5:10 60 2.60 0.475 0.921
2) Brick work :- for 1.0 M3
Nos of bricks : 500 nos

Wet mortar : 0.25 M3
Brick work Cement (bags) Sand (Cum) Remarks
1:3 2.60 0.275
1:4 1.90 0.275
1:5 1.60 0.275
1:6 1.30 0.275
1:7 1.10 0.275
3) Plaster :- for 100 M2
Mix 1:2 1:4 1:5 1:6
Thickness cement sand cement sand cement sand cement sand
10 14 0.88 7.5 1.035 6.45 0.974 5.40 1.09
12 19.6 1.37 10.95 1.53 8.92 1.51 7.20 1.51
15 23.4 1.64 13.0 1.83 10.70 1.81 8.60 1.81
20 30.5 2.13 17.0 2.38 13.90 2.36 11.20 2.35
Not:- Increase its quantity by 20% for filling in depressions, joints and wastage.
Paint Coverage :- where coverage in per kg

Name of Paint Converge area One coat Converge area Two Area coverage per addl.
(Old work) coat (New work) Coat.
Synthetic enamel paint 14 sqmt 8.5 sqmt 18 sqmt
Plastic enamel paint 14 sqmt 8.5 sqmt 18 sqmt
Oil Bound distemper 10 sqmt 6.0 sqmt 12 sqmt
Dry distemper 10 sqmt 6.5 sqmt 12 sqmt
Cement based paint 4.5 sqmt 2.0 sqmt 6.0 sqmt
Aluminum paint 20.0 sqmt 12.50 sqmt 28.0 sqmt
Red Oxide metal primer 16.0 sqmt
Cement primer 12.0 sqmt
Wood primer 13.0 sqmt
French or spirit polish 10.5 sqmt
White wash 10.0 sqmt 4.5 sqmt 10.0 sqmt
Adhesive- 5% of lime
Neel (blue)- 3gm per kg of lime
Water- 2kg per kg of lime
7. Basic knowledge of the quality of materials used in construction:
7.1 Bricks
Size:-
a) 9 bricks 230x115x70 (9x 4.5x2.25)

b) ISI bricks 19 x 9 x 9 cm
Moulding of Bricks:-
a) Ist class bricks

b) 2nd class bricks
c) 3rd class bricks
d) 4th class bricks
e) Highly superior heavy duty bricks (prepared from specially selected earth)-machine
moulded.
Unit weight:-
Unit weight of brick work - 1900kg/cum
Average weight of one brick: - 3-4 kg
Fire resistance of normal bricks: - Good upto12000 C 13000 C
Brick masonry is most suitable fire resistance

construction.
Water absorption: -
should not exceeded the following
Ist class bricks -20%
2nd class bricks -22%
3rd class bricks -25%
Crushing strength: -
Ist class bricks -105 kg/cm2
2nd class bricks -70 kg/cm2
3rd class bricks -35 kg/cm2
4t class bricks Over burn
Class AA bricks -more than140 kg/cm2
Machine made heavy duty bricks -450-500 kg/cm2
Efflorescence: -
(It is found out after immersing the bricks for 24 hours in water)
Efflorescence Slight -if white deposits less than 10%
Efflorescence Heavy -if white deposits more than 50%
Structure: - Brick when broken should be homogeneous in structure

compact and free from holes, cracks etc.
Shape and size : - Truly rectangular with sharp edges.
Soundness : - Clear ringing when two bricks struck together.
Brick should not break when dropped flat on hard ground

from a height of about one meter.
Colour : - cherry red
7.2 Cement
Type of cement : -There are a number of types of cement manufactured and marketed.
1. 33 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement

4. Portland Pozzolana Cement
5. Portland (Blast furnace) slag Cement
6. Rapid Hardening Portland Cement
7. Hydrophobic Portland Cement
8. Low heat Portland Cement
9. Sulphate resisting Portland Cement
10. High Alumina Cement
11. White Portland Cement
12. Oil well Cement
13. Super Sulphated Cement
Compressive Strength: - Compressive strength requirement of each type of cement

for various grades when tested in accordance with shall be
under.
Sample age at Testing Gr.33 Gr.43 Gr.53(N/mm2-not less than

for)
72+-1hrs 16 23 27
168+-2hrs 22 33 37
672+-4hrs 33 43 53
Setting time: - Setting time of cement of any type or any grade when
tested.
a) Initial setting time - not less than 30 minutes

b) Final setting time - not more than 600 minutes
Supply: - The cement shall be packed in jute sacking bags or any
other approved composite bags, bearing the manufactures
name or his registered trade mark if any and grade and
type of cement.
Delivery : - Every consignment of cement must have identification

marks on packages indicating date of manufacture and
grade and type of cement. Cement brought to works shall
not 6 weeks old from the date of manufacture.
Strength reduction of cement with passage of time:-
Storage period of cement Strength reduction
Fresh Nill
3 months old 20%
6 months old 30%
12 months old 40%
24 months old 50%
Weight of one bag of cement 50kg
1 ton of cement 20bags
No of cement bags Tonnage of cement x 20
Tonnage of cement Nos of bags / 20
Store capacity of cement godown 20bags per sqmt. Of plan area
Volume of one bag of cement 1.25sqft =35litre =0.035 sqmt
Density of cement 1450kg/sqmt
Specific Gravity Of Cement 3.15
50
Total vol. of one bag of cement =0.035sqmt
1450
7.3 Sand
Type of sand: -
Pit sand
River sand
Sea Sand
Classification of sand w.r.t. grain size: -
Fine sand 0.075 -0.425
Medium sand 0.425 -2mm
Coarse sand 2mm -4.75mm
Impurities in Sand: -
Clay
Silt
Salts
Mica (shining type matter)
Organic matter
Bulking of sand :-
Moister Content Bulking (Vol%)
2% 15%
3% 20%
4% 25%
5% 30%
Silt content: - The maximum quantity of silt in sand not exceed 8%
7.4 Steel Bars
Type of sand: - there are two types of steel bars in market.
1. Mild steel bars:-
2. Deformed steel bars:-
MS steel round & square Bar

weight per meter
Dia of Bar round bar Square
6 0.22 0.28
8 0.39 0.5
10 0.62 0.78
12 0.89 1.13
16 1.58 2.01
20 2.46 3.14
25 3.85 4.91
32 6.31 8.04
7.5 Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles have gradually revolutionized the whole flooring industry. These have certain
excellent properties which are being enumerated below:-
1. Strength: - Ceramic floors are extremely strong. They have a breaking strength of about
350-400 kg/cm2 . while mosaics have about 100-150 kg/cm2.
2. Stain Free:- Ceramic floors are most easy to clean and maintain being stain-free , acid
and alkali resistant in normal use.
3. Scratch Resistance:- Ceramic tiles have a very high abrasion resistance and their
hardness is about 6-7 on the Moshs scale. This means that even hard materials with
shape edges cant leave many scratches.
4. Light weight:- Ceramic floors weight one third of mosaic and are just 7.5 mm thick.
This requires a much thinner floor bedding than mosaic resulting in substantial cost
saving.
5. Easy washing:- Ceramic floors have very low water absorption and are very easy to
clean. Ceramic, floors, being electrostatic ally neutral do not attract dust while
mosaics being. Electrostatic ally charged, attract dust.
6. Bacteria free :- Ceramic floors are bacteria free as no bacteria can grow on it. This is an
excellent material for hospitals, operation theaters, industrial kitchens, deep freeze
godowns, etc.
7. Insulation:- Ceramic tile are very good insulators. Moreover, the specific heat is about
0.12 and this improves the efficiency of air conditioning significantly.
8. Fire proof:- Ceramic tiles are fired at 1900C and are highly fire proof.
9. Acoustics:- Ceramic tiles have a very high acoustic damping factor which helps in
elimination of echoes- ideal for auditoriums and big halls.
10. Easy to lay and ready for live-in use:- in a matter of 48 hours after laying. Availabe in
many shade.
11. Anti-slip:- unlike white glazed tiles, ceramic floor tiles are salt glazed and are antis lip
and non-skid.
8. Basic knowledge of some important work
8.1Shuttering
Defects normally noticed in form work:-
1. The props or supports of form work were not in plumb and were not cross braced.
2. The ground supports to props or shores were poor and therefore the formwork settled.
3. Wedges were not tightened properly to the shores.
4. There was insufficient thickness of shuttering unable to bear lateral pressure imposed by
wet concrete, especially in columns.
5. Shuttering plates were not cleaned and oiled or oiled with dirty oil.
6. There were many insufficient and loose connections in centering and shuttering.
7. Form work was removed before time.
8. Form work was not planned and designed properly.
9. In the case of beam forms, proper provision for retaining the side was not mad. Hence,
the concrete beam bulged on the sides.
10. The shuttering was poorly made with cracked and warped timber planks having lot of
holes and knots.
11. Ballis were resting on bricks or or brick pillars.
12. Ballis were not in one piece and were having joints in between joints were also
improperly mad and no additional cross bracing was provided at the joint.
Removal of formwork for beam, slabs and columns:-
Wall, columns and vertical sides of beam 24-48 hours
Slab upto to 4.5 m span 7days
Slab over to 4.5 m span 14days
Beam upto to 6.0 m span 14days
Beam over to 6.0 m span 21days
Note:- the above values are applicable for ordinary Portland cement and temp. Of 21C
8.2 Curing
Ideal temperature of concrete pouring is 21C. (40F)
Curing Periods
Concrete work
a) Rapid Hardening Cement 7 days

b) Hi alumina cement 24 hours
c) Ordinary Portland Cement 14 days
Curing Compounds
Name of Named of Nature of Uses

Compound Company compounds
PIDICRETE WM M/s Pidilte Synthetic Vertical concrete surface(col., walls)

emulsion(Wax based) ,patch repaired and all other places
where water curing difficult.
PIDICRETE CM M/s Pidilte Curing membrane Vertical concrete surface(col., walls)
from synthetic resin ,patch repaired and all other places
based emulsion where water curing difficult.
CONCURE WB M/s FOSROC Curing membrane Vertical concrete surface(col., walls)

from synthetic resin ,patch repaired and all other places
based emulsion where water curing difficult.
8.3 Brick work
Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by
mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the units themselves
Different vocabulary related to masonry
Stretcher: a brick laid horizontally, flat with the long side of the brick exposed on the
outer face of a wall.
Header: a brick laid flat with the short end of the brick exposed.
Frog up/down. A frog is a recessed part of a surface of a brick. Pressed bricks are laid frog up
when maximum strength is required especially in engineering work. This method also increases
the mass of a wall and decreases sound transmittance. Pressed bricks may be laid frog down;
this method is favored by the bricklayer since less mortar is required for bedding. There may
also be a marginal increase in thermal insulation due to the entrapped air pockets. A
disadvantage of this method is that with bricks having a very deep V shaped frog there may
be some difficulty in making reliable fixings to the wall when the fixing hits an air pocket.
Bat - a cut brick. A quarter bat is one quarter the length of a stretcher. A half bat is one half.[3]
Closer - a cut brick used to change the bond at quoins. Commonly a quarter bat.
Queens closer - a brick which has been cut over its length and is a stretcher long and a quarter
bat deep. Commonly used to bond one brick walls at right angled quoins.
Kings closer - a brick which has been cut diagonally over its length to show a half bat at one
end and nothing at the other.
Mortar is a mixture of sand, lime and Portland cement, mixed with water to a workable
consistency. It is applied with a bricklayer's trowel, and sets solid in a few hours. There are
many different mixes and admixtures used to make mortars with different performance
characteristics.
Stretcher bond:-In this type of bond, all the bricks are arranged in stretcher course. fig. Shows
the elevation of wall with the stretcher bond. The stretcher bond is useful for half brick partition
walls as there are no headers in such walls. As this bond does not develop proper internal bond,
it should not be used for walls having thicknesses greater than that of half brick wall.
Header bond:-in this type of bond, all the bricks are arranged in header courses. Fig shows the
elevation of a wall with the header course. This bond is used for curved surfaces in brickwork
because stretchers, is used for curved surfaces, would project beyond the face of the wall.
English bond:- This type of bond generally used in practice. It is considered as the strongest
bond in brickwork.
Features of English bond:
1. The alternate course consist of stretchers and headers.

2. The queen closer is put next to the quoin header to develop the face lap.
3. Each alternate header is centrally supported over a stretcher
4. If the wall thickness is an even multiple of half-brick, the same course shows headers or
stretcher in both the front and the back elevations. But if the wall thickness is an uneven
multiple of half-brick, a course showing stretcher on the face shows header on the back
and vice versa.
5. The bricks in the same course and alternate course dont in the adjacent course are
broken.
6. In this bond, continuous vertical joints are not formed except at certain stopped ends.
7. The number of mortar joints in header course is nearly double than that in stretcher
coursing. Hence, care should be taken to make the header joints thinner; otherwise the
face lap disappears quickly
Flemish bond:- Flemish bond consists of alternate headers and stretchers in each course .
Aesthetically it creates a better appearance than English courses to develop the face lap. Every
header is centrally supported over a stretcher below it . For this bond half bats and three quarter
bats will have to be used for walls having thickness equal to odd number of half bricks. This
bond is not so strong as English bond and is generally not used.
Following Quality check for brickwork:-
1. The thickness of joint in brick masonry should not exceed 1cm.

2. The face joints should be raked to a depth of 15mm. by raking tool when the mortar is
still green so as to provide proper key for plaster or pointing.
3. Brick work should be taken up in layers not exceeding one meter height at a time.
4. Check that the brick work is in plumb.
5. Check that the brick course is in level.
6. Check the quality of bricks with specific reference to
a) Strength.
b) Efflorescence
c) Dimensional accuracy
d) Water absorption
e) Evenness of baking.
7. Check the no brick bats are used as queen closer.

8. Check strength of mortar by scratching with sharp instrument like screw driver.
9. Check mixing of mortar whether done by hand or by machine, whether mixing is done
on a proper platform.
10. Check arrangements for curing.
11. Whether raking of green joints done or not.
12. Whether soaking of bricks done or not.
13. Check general quality of works with reference to lines, levels, thickness and trueness of
the joints.
14. Whether brick corners are provided properly by a proper brick closer and not putting
brick bats.
15. Whether top courses in plinth, in window sill and below R.C.C. slab and parapet are
provided with brick on edge.
16. Whether joints of brick are filled with mortar fully, check especially vertical joints.
17. Check type of scaffolding and whether tied and braced properly.
18. Check reinforcement in brick work while executions for supporting scaffolding are filled
with concrete and not with dry bricks.
Common defects in Brick work:-
1. The bricks used were of substandard quality compared to the quality specified in the
contract.
2. No tests were carried out to find out the efflorescence level and water absorption in the
bricks.
3. The bricks were not soaked in water properly. Water was only lightly sprinkled on the
stack of bricks. The bricks were dry inside.
4. Joints in the brick masonry were thicker than specified in the contract specification.
5. Joints in brick work below ground level were not finished properly as the contractor
assumed that these joints would not be seen once earth is filled back.
6. Vertical joints in brick work were hollow.
7. The mortar had not gained strength. On scratching by a screw driver, the mortar could
be ranked out completely with ease.
8. Ranking of joints was not done when mortar was green.
9. Brick bats were used as filler and closers.
10. Mortar was not mixed properly on a platform or in a machine.
11. The brick layers were uneven and not truly horizontal.
12. The brick work was not in plumb.
13. The brick work was done in weaker mortar and not as per structural requirement.
14. The brick courses on edge were not done where needed.
15. Gaps existed between door frames /window frames and masonry.
16. Heavy efflorescence was observed in the brickwork.
17. The brick masonry in long partition walls was done without reinforcement.
18. The holes in the brick work which were left for supporting scaffolding were filled with
dry bricks without proper mortar around it and superficially plastered which later
became the source of dampness in the building.
8.4 Plaster
Following type of plaster use in construction line:
a) Sand faced plaster:- the first coat of sand-faced cement plaster is carried out in cement
mortar of proportion 1:4 i.e. the thickness of first coat is 12mm . the first coat is to be well
watered for at least 7 days. The first coat is provided with zigzag lines so that the first
coat adheres well with the second coat. The second coat of sand faced cement plaster is
carried out in proportion 1:3 and the thickness of second coat is 8mm . The second coat
should be applied on the first coat before 7 days of completion of first coat. Sand to be
used in the mortar for the second coat is to be perfectly screened so that sand of uniform
size appears on the surface. Sponge is used in the second coat and it is applied when the
second coat is wet and it is so worked that the density of sand grains appearing on the
surface is equal and uniform. After completion of the second coat the surface is kept
well-watered at least for 15 days.
b) Rough-cast plaster: - Rough cast plaster comprise of a mixture of sand and gravel in
specified proportions dashed over a freshly plastered surface. The plaster base over
which rough cast finish is to be applied shall consist of two coats, under layer 12mm
thick and to layer 10mm thick. Top layer shall be sufficiently plastic and of rick mix 1:3
so that the mix of sand and gravel gets well pitched with the plaster surface. In order to
make the base more plastic about 10% of hydrated lime by volume of cement shall
added while preparing mortar.
c) Pebble-dash plaster:- Same as rough cast finish except that clean pebbles of size varying
from 6mm to 12.5mm are dashed against the surface so that they are held in position by
the mortar already applied.
d) Smooth-cast or Plain faced plaster:- this finish is just similar to sand faced finish except
that fine grained sand is used instead of coarse-grained sand and no sponging is done to
expose the sand grains. It is normally done on internal walls.
e) Depeter plaster: - This is just another form of rough-cast finish. The rendering coat of
12mm thickness is prepared as in case of pebble-dash finish and while this coat is wet;
pieces of gravel or flint are pressed with hand on the surface. It is, thus, possible to have
beautiful patterns and ornamental designs on the surface by selecting materials of
different colours.
Some useful data for plastering work
1. Thickness of internal plaster 12mm

2. C.M. ratio for internal plaster 1:4
3. Thickness of external plaster 15mm to 20mm
a) 15mm (done in one coat)

b) 18mm (done in two coat)
Under layer -12mm
Top layer -6mm
c) 20mm (done in two coat)
Under layer -12mm
Top layer -8mm
4. Ratio of C.M in external plaster for undrlayer-1:4 (1Cement:4coarse

sand) for top layer
1:3(1cement:3coarse/fine sand as
specified)
5. Thickness of ceiling plaster 6mm to 10mm in 1:3 (1cement:3fine

sand)
6. Size of stone chipping in grit wash 6mm to 12.5mm
Notes on doing plastering work
1. Where plaster is done in two coats, the undercoat should be left rough by making
scratch lines both ways with a scratching tool to from the key for the finishing coat.
In case scratching tool is no available, scratch lines can be made by brooming or
alternatively by trowel.
2. If required, water proofing compound can be mixed in external plaster as 2% by
weight of cement to make the plaster more water proof.
3. Floating coat of neat cement can be applied on plaster wherever required.
4. In two coat plaster, it is advisable to apply second coat when the undercoat ha
sufficiently set and dried and preferably within 7 days.
5. Before starting plastering work, first thias should be marked on the wall with the
help of plumb and string (suta) so that plaster is in plumb.
6. Corners of wall should be specially checked after doing plastering that they are in
plumb.
7. To prevent/hide cracks, grooves are to be left specifically at certain places or chicken
wire mesh is required to be put in plaster(Junction of brick wall and R.C.C. member).
8. Measuring box should be used to measure the sand and mix of one full bag. Use of
loose cement should not be permitted. Measurement of cement and sand by Tasala
should not be allowed.
Defects commonly observed in Plaster
1. Blistering of plastered surface:- small patches swell out beyond the plane of the
plastered surface and this defect is particularly seen in case of plastered surfaces inside
the building.
2. Cracks:- These are formed on the plastered surface and may be hair cracks or cracks
which may easily seen. The development of fine cracks in known as crazing.
3. Efflorescence:- Soluble salts are present in plaster making materials as well as building
materials such as bricks , sand ,cement , etc. Even water used in the construction work
may contain soluble salts. When a newly constructed wall dries out, the soluble salts are
brought to the surface and they appear in the form of a whitish crystalline substance.
Such a growth is referred to as efflorescence and it seriously affects the adhesion of paint
with wall surface.
4. Flaking:- the formation of a very small loose mass on the plastered surface is known as
flaking and it is mainly due to bond failure between successive coats of plaster.
5. Peeling :- The plaster form some portion of surface comes off and a patch is form. Such
formation is termed as peeling and it is also mainly due to bond failure between
successive coats of plaster.
6. Popping: - Some time the plaster mix contains particles which expand on being set. A
conical hole in plastered surface is formed in front of the particle. This conical hole is
known as blow or pop.
7. Rust-stains:-These are sometimes seen on the plastered surface, especially when plaster
is applied on metal lath.
8. Softness: - The excessive dampness at certain points on the plastered surface makes that
portion soft. The main reasons for such softness are undue thinness of the finishing
coats, presence of deliquescent salts, excessive suction of the undercoats, etc.
9. Uneven surface: - this defect becomes prominent only due to poor workmanship of the
work.
8.5 Grit wash
It is done in two layers, under layer 12mm cement plaster 1:4 (cement: coarse sand)furrowing
the under layers with scratching tool, applying cement slurry on the under layer@ 2kg of
cement per sqmt, top layer 15mm cement plaster 1:1/2:2(1cement:1/2 coarse sand:2stone
chipping 10mm nominal size) in panels with grove al aground as per approved pattern
including scrubbing and washing the top layer with brushes and water to expose the stone
chippings.
8.6 Roof Water Proofing
1. Recommend slope:-
1 in 40 (for Mudphuska roofing).
1 in 40 (for concrete roofing).
2. Minimum slope of roof:- 1 in 100

3. Minimum dia of rain water pipe:- 75mm(3)
4. Maximum distance of rain water pipe:- 12 m (one R.W.P. should normally limit its
drainage area to 6x6 m)
5. Average thickness:- 100mm
6. Constituents :- Lime (slaked lime/lime putty), Surkhi(Brick powder) & brick ballast
(25mm)
7. Ratio of constituents of Mixing:- 1:2:3( 1 lime,2surkhi,3brick ballast)
8. Steps for Mudphuska roofing-
a) Clean the roof

b) Apply kerosene oil
c) Apply Bitumen
d) Sprinkle coarse sand over Bitumen
e) Put mud mortar mixed with bhusa in slope
f) Allow it to crack for some days.
g) Prepare Gobri leaping (1 clay: 1 cowdung ) and allow it to decay for one week before
use.
h) When maximum cracking occurs intem (6) after exposing mud mortar + bhusa to
weather for certain days , apply gobri leaping filling those cracks.
i) Put Gobri leaping ( Gori/cowdung +clay ) for brick tilling.
j) Put brick tiles over Gobri leaping leave undisturbed for a week nobody should walk
over it.
k) Grout the tiles joints in cement mortar 1:3
l) Do pointing over brick tiles with cement mortar 1:3
m) Do curing.
Some quality check for roofing work:
1. Quality of various materials like lime, brick tiles, bituminous felts, water proofing
materials, etc, in accordance with relevant specifications and standards.
2. Thickness of Mud Phuska and whether straw (Bhusa) and gobar has been utilized for
plaster over the mud phuska and whether there are cracks.
3. Strength of mortar in gola, sixe of gola.
4. Strength of mortar in tile brick flooring. Specific attention should be given to the
thickness of joint and use of proper water proofing compound in mortar.
5. Size and quality of insulation (if any other insulation other than mud phuska is used).
6. Weight and quality of bitumen felt used for water proofing . check for I.S.I. mark.
7. Thickness of polythene sheet, bitumen felt, etc.
8. Over laps between sheets (Polythene ,bitumen felt, etc)
9. Testing of roof by pounding water on top.
10. Water proofing layer should be continuous. Some of the sensitive are such as near rain
water pipes outlet, near parapet, near gola , expansion joint should be carefully checked
for breaks in water proofing membrane.
Defects commonly observed in flat roofing:
1. While inspecting work it is usually noticed that slopes are not proper , ridges and valley
formation are random and not as per predetermined plan.
2. The drip courses were found broken.
3. Roofing final layer which was of cement concrete flooring had cracked very badly because
of not taking care to cast it in panels. Water when poured on the surface was getting
absorbed through cracks.
4. Water tank supports etc. Were not water proofed by proper flashing.
5. Under water tanks, no water proofing was done on the roof.
8.7 Layout of Building
For laying out a building, first job is to make Burjhis (marking pillars) along prominent
axes of the building. Prominent axes of the building are taken along some column lines or
brick walls lines. These burjhis later act as reference points for laying out any parts of
building by running suta along burjhis and using plumb whenever required.
It is beneficial if all the burjis tops are at the same level (by water level). However , if it is
not possible, then on some burjhis specially corner ones , levels are marked and these are
used to transfer levels inside the building whenever required.
Burjhis are normally located 1.5m to 2m away from the building so as not to be
disturbed during construction works. Now for laying out Burjhis reference is taken from
some nearby existing building or structure and from there either with the help of Suta or
with the help of thodolite ( if distance are large and more accuracy is required ), a line is
marked along the burjhis (say AB) and then with the help of tape , individual burjhi
locution is marked. The same thing is done on the other side of building (say CD). Now
with the help of 3-4-5 rule, perpendicular line AC and BD are drawn. 34-5 rule applied
like this:- from the point B measure distance 3m along BA and mark point E. Form point B
draw and arc of 4m radius. From point E draw an arc of 5 m radius. Suppose they cut at F.
Join line BF and extend it by Suta. This line i perpendicular AB.
Now along these perpendicular lines AC and BD, again mark Burjhi locations with the help
of measuring tape. If everything is done correctly and precisely, the perpendicular lines
drawn from AB should cut the reference line CD on other side of building exactly at C and
D.
Another check for the accuracy of layout can be done by measuring diagonals of burjhis
AD and BC which should be equal.
Once Burjhis are correctly marked and necessary cross checks as using these burjhis as
reference points for layout.
However , one thing is to be kept in mind that to measure any same level. If they are not (
as when top of burjhis are at different levels), then temporarily something should be put
over lower burjhi to achieve this . however , in works where more accuracy is not required,
one can stand at a distance and tell by visual inspection that whether suta or tape is
horizontal or not.
8.8 D.P.C Treatment in Buildings
Foundation may receive water percolating from adjacent ground , and this moisture may
rise in the wall. This can be checked by providing air drain parallel to the external wall . the
width of air drain may be about 20 to 30 cm . the outer wall of the drain is kept above the
ground to check the entry of surface water . A R.C.C. roof slab is provided. Openings with
gratings are provided at regular interval, for the passage of air . Usual D.P.C. is also
provided horizontally and vertically.
Cement concrete for D.P.C Treatment in buildings:- cement concrete of 1:2:4 mix or
1:1.5:3 mix is generally provided at plinth level to work as D.P.C. the thickness may vary
from 4cm to 15 . Such a layer can effectively check the water rise due to capillary action.
Where dampness is more, two coats of hot bitumen paint may be applied on it.
8.9 Bar Bending Schedule
Format
Lengt
Bar Weight Total Weight
Bar dia Coeffi Shape of h of No of
identificati of Bar
(mm) cient Bar Bar Bars 8 10 12 16 20 25
on no. (kg)
(m)
Some use full check for Reinforcement:-
1. Check spacing and dia of Main & cross bar according to structure drawing.
2. Check dia and length of given extra reinforcement in beam.
3. Check proper cover block fix or not.
4. Check beam rings in proper spacing and dia.
5. Check in columns before pouring of slab concrete proper overlap length in column for
next floor.
6. Check in columns before pouring of concreting proper shape of column.
7. Check in slab laying proper binder according to structure drawing.
8. Check that in slab & beam for expiation leave proper overlap length or not.
8.10 Leveling of Shuttering work
To check slab shuttering level:-
1. Transfer level above shuttering at a suitable height preferably 0.60 M to 1.0 M with the
help of tape & level pipe , from already installed level mark at tower floor.
2. Now transfer this level horizontally on all steel bars of corner columns .
3. Tie a thread one mark to other mark , trying to cover whole area diagonally or crossed.
4. Using steel tape, measure difference between shuttering plate top & thread if it is ok
declare it ok.
5. If it is more than the required gap , shuttering is down & needed to be raised & vice-
versa
6. Beam and beam coroner pure rectangle in inner sides and pure state in longitudinal.
7. Section Column shuttering should be pure rectangle and vertical wise, pure vertical after
leveling.
8. All the support should be in vertical position and fixed.
8.11 Auto Level
Auto Level
Tripod
.
Staff
Fixing of Auto Level:-
Step
1. Choose flat surface for fixing of Auto Level instrument.
2. With the help of bubble, set Tripod.
3. Clamp Auto Level Instrument on Tripod.
4. For auto level instrument leveling, set instrument, parallel of any two screw, after that
rotate the both screw inner side and outer side.
5. Repeat it, 2-3 times.
Uses of Auto Level:-

1. To level checking and level transform.
2. Laying state line and horizontal angle.
Example for Taken Level
Level sheet
St. Name B.S I.S. F.S. H.I R.L. Remarks

Point 1 R.L=165.25
1 8.02 173.27 165.25
2 5.42 167.85
3 4.23 169.04
4 2.00 171.27
5 11.52 0.58 184.21 172.69 C.P.
6 9.42 174.79
7 5.32 178.89
8 4.45 179.76
9 5.85 178.36
TERMINOLOGY
B.S. Back sight
F.S. Fore sight
I.S. Intermediate sight
H.I. Height of Instrument
RL. Reduce Level
C.P. Changing Point
H.I. = R.L. + B.S.

R.L. = H.I. - I.S.
9. Different Test carried out at site
9.1 Bulk age for sand:-
Due to moisture present in sand ,each particle gets a coating of water

which, due to surface tension keeps them apart .this causes an increase in volume known as
bulking.
Bulking increases gradually with m.c. The increase can be as high as 25% for 4% moisture
content. it then decreases with further increase in m.c. and comes to zero for about 18-20%m.c.
The finer the sand, more will be the increase in volume or bulking for a given moisture
content. For very fine sand it can reach upto 40% for m.c. of 5%
Measurement of sand by volume should take bulking into account and additional volume of
sand added to make up the volumetric deficiency in sand by multiplying the theoretically
required sand with bulking factor. Batching or measurement by weight avoids the difficulty
due to bulking of sand although some water weight will come in weight batching also.
The amount of water to be added in concrete must be reduced by the amount it is present in
sand.
MEASUREMENT OF BULKING:-
Take a bucket. Fill it th with sand. Now fill water in the bucket till sand is
fully submerged and water level comes above the level of sand. Now calculate the bulking as
below-
Bulking= X-X1/X1
After saturation the volume of sand decreases and becomes equal to volume of a dry compact
sand. This is why flooding is the most common method of compacting the sand.
9.2 Slump Test for Cement Concrete
The required Slump Test value may be entered in the Slump field on a Mix Design Form.
The slump test is the simplest and most commonly used test for workability.
The freshly mixed concrete is packed into a 300 mm (12 in.) high cone, 200 mm (8 in.) wide at
the bottom and 100 mm (4 in.) wide at the top, which is open. The concrete is smoothed off level
with the top rim of the cone, and the cone is then carefully lifted, so that the concrete is left
unsupported. The slump is the distance that the centre of the cone top settles. In a so-called
true slump test the base of the concrete does not spread excessively. If the concrete collapses or
shears to one side the test results will be unreliable.
Although the slump test does not directly measure the work needed to compact the concrete, it
gives a reasonable indication of the how easily a mix can be placed and is simple to perform.
The test is only suitable for reasonably workable, cohesive mixes. Very stiff mixes do not settle
enough for useful measurements to be made and uncohesive mixes tend to shear or collapse. A
slump of less than 25 mm (1 in.) indicates a stiff concrete and a slump of more than 125 mm (5
in.) indicates a very runny concrete.
The levels of workability defined in the DOE Method give both Slump values and Vebe times
for each level, and these values are used in First mix for converting between Slump values and
Vebe times.
9.3 Sieve analysis for Aggregate:-
AIM
To determine the particle size distribution of fine and course

Aggregates by sieving as per IS: 2386 (Part I) 1963
.
PRINCIPLE
By passing the sample downward through a series of standard

sieves, each of decreasing size openings, the aggregates are
separated into several groups, each of which contains aggregates
in a particular size range.
i) A set of IS Sieves of sizes - 80mm, 63mm, 50mm, 40mm,

31.5mm, 25mm, 20mm, 16mm, 12.5mm, 10mm, 6.3mm,
4.75mm, 3.35mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600m, 300m, 150m
and 75m
ii) Balance or scale with an accuracy to measure 0.1 percent

of the weight of the test sample
PROCEDURE
i) The test sample is dried to a constant weight at a

temperature of 110 + 5oC and weighed.
ii) The sample is sieved by using a set of IS Sieves.
iii) On completion of sieving, the material on each sieve is

weighed.
iv) Cumulative weight passing through each sieve is calculated

as a percentage of the total sample weight.
v) Fineness modulus is obtained by adding cumulative

percentage of aggregates retained on each sieve and dividing
the sum by 100.
REPORTING OF RESULTS
The results should be calculated and reported as:
i) The cumulative percentage by weight of the total sample

ii) The percentage by weight of the total sample passing
Through one sieve and retained on the next smaller sieve, to
the nearest 0.1 percent.
The results of the sieve analysis may be recorded graphically on

a semi-log graph with particle size as abscissa (log scale) and
the percentage smaller than the specified diameter as ordinate
9.4 Water absorption Test for Bricks :- Should not exceed the following
I class brick- 20%

II class brick-22%
III class brick-25%
9.5 Crushing strength Test for Bricks: -

I class bricks- 105 kg/ sq cm
II class bricks -70 kg/sq cm
III class brick-35 kg/sq cm
10. Tips for Measurement
For Brick work:-
1. Use steel tape for measurement.

2. Measure height and length of masonry work for that day.
3. Check the width of masonry work.
4. Use cumulative measuring method for measurement (Up-to-date work - previous Up to
date work =Today work).
5. When work is finish, mark some on it.
For Excavation work:-
1. Measure approx depth and width of excavation part.

2. Count nos of trip of Truck or trolley and measure one truck/trolley.
For Concrete:-
1. Measure approx area of concreting that day by making rectangle area method.
2. Check average thickness of concreting.
3. Count nos of cement bags used.
For Shuttering:-
1. Measure all different type of beams length and width.

2. Measure flat area of shuttering.
3. Count all different type of column.
For Reinforcement work:-
1. Count nos of bundle dia wise, issue to bar binder that day.
2. Measure area of reinforcement that day.
11. Glossary of Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainages Terms
1. Air Valve: - A valve that releases air from a pipe line automatically without loss of
water, or introduces air into a pipe line automatically, if the internal pressure becomes
less than that of the atmosphere.
2. Ball Cock or Ball Valve: - A faucet opened or closed by the fall or rise of a ball floating
on the surface of water.
3. Bedding:- A layer of concrete on the trench floor to provide simple support for the pipe..
4. Benching:- the sloped floor of a manhole on both sides and above the top of a channel,
on which a man can stand for cleaning the sewers.
5. Box Union:- A device for jointing together two threaded pipes.
6. Branch:- The various types are called T,Y,T-Y , doubles Y, and V branches , according to
their respective shapes.
7. Channel: - The open water way through which sewage, storm water or other liquid
waste flow at the invert of a manhole or an inspection chamber.
8. Collar:- A pipe fitting in the form of a sleeve for joining the spigot ends of two pipes in
the same alignment.
9. Coupling: - A pipe fitting with inside threads only, used for connecting two pieces of
pipe.
10. Cross: - A pipe fitting used for connecting four pipes at right angles.
11. Cistern : - A fixed container for water. The water is usually supplied through a float
valve
12. Drainage:- The removal of surface water by system of drains (open or closed)
constructed for the purpose .
13. Drain:- Open channel or closed pipes used for carrying surface water which includes
storm water and water used in floor washing , road washing.
14. Elbow: - A pipe fits for providing a sharp change of direction in a pipe line.
15. Ferrule: - A pipe fitting for connecting a service pipe to a water main.
16. Fire hydrant: - A device , connected to a water main and provided with necessary valve
and outlet , to which a fire hose may be attached for discharging water at a high rate for
the purpose of extinguishing fires washing down streets, or flushing out the water
main.
17. Galvanizing:- In this method , ferrous metal is thoroughly cleaned and it is then
dipped in a bath of molten zinc. The layer of zinc protects on from rusting.
18. Gutter:- An open drain constructed along the sides of a carriageway ( in town areas) to
carry away the water drained from the surface of pavement.
19. Hunching: - Concrete bending with additional concrete at the sides of the pipe .
20. Inspection chamber:- A water tight chamber constructed in any house drainage system
which takes wastes from gully traps and disposes off to manhole with access for
inspection and maintenance.
21. Nipple:- A tubular pipe fitting usually threaded on both end less than 300 mm long
used for connecting pipes or fittings.
22. Septic tank:- A water tight single storied tank in which sewage is retained sufficiently
long to permit sedimentation of suspended solids and partial digestion of settled
sludge by anaerobic bacteria.
23. Sewage:- Combination of waste water and human excreta conducted away from
residences, public buildings or industrial establishments, by a suitable system of
sewers.
24. Sewers :- Pipes which carry the sewage to a point of discharge or disposal.
25. Socket :- The female part of spigot and socket joint.
26. Sub-soil water:- Water occurring naturally below the surface of the ground.
27. Subsoil Drainage:- Removal of water below the surface of the ground
28. Sullage:- Waste water from baths, wash basins, sinks and similar appliances, which
does not contain human or animal excreta.
29. Surface water drain:- A drain conveying surface water.
30. Valve:- A device used for controlling the flow of liquid in a line of pipe.
31. Waste water:- The discharge from wash basin, sinks and similar appliances which does
not contain human excreta.
32. Water table:- The upper surface of zone of saturation in soil or permeable strata or
beds, the upper surface of sub-soil water.
33. Zinc Oxide :-Also Known as Safeda in site parlance. Is used for joining G.I. pipes and
Fittings.
12. Check List for construction work
12.1 Earth Work
S. No Verification Status
1. Check whether the mobilization of men machine and material has actually Yes/ No
taken place.
2. Check if the site is properly cleaned ( all vegetations should be removed) Yes/ No
before excavation taken place
3. a) Check the layout and markings are done as per drawings or not Yes/ No
b) Co-relate architectural and structural drawings. Yes/ No
4. Check all the ground levels are taken properly and accurately. Yes/ No
5. Check whether proper slopes are maintained during excavation or not, so Yes/ No
that the excavated soil will not slide over the trench.
6. During excavation proper safety precautions are taken by workers. Yes/ No
12.2 Concrete work
Verification before pouring concrete
1. Excavation completed should be as per drawing Yes/ No
2. A.T.T. work should be started only after completion of first job i.e. Yes/ No
excavation.
3. Check the Quality of the material used for concreting i.e. sand, coarse Yes/ No
aggregate, admixtures and water have been tested as per prescribed
methods.
4. a) check the levels whether as per specification or not. Yes/ No
5. b) Co-relate architectural and structural drawings. Yes/ No
6. Check the concrete mix to be used. Yes/ No
7. After laying concrete check whether curing is done properly & periodically Yes/ No
or not.
12.3 Brick Work
1. Check the Quality of bricks whether it is as required in tender item or not. Yes/ No
2. The ratio of mortar used in brick work should be as per tender item. Yes/ No
3. The mortar is mixed properly. Yes/ No
4. Mortar spread over the bricks is even and the joints are properly filled with Yes/ No
mortar mix.
5. Check whether the brickwork is laid in English bond, unless otherwise Yes/ No
specified.
6. Masonry work is carried out true to line& plumb as per drawing and Yes/ No
specification.
7. Check whether both the faces of brickwork are cleaned on the same day. Yes/ No
8. In cases when reinforcement is considered necessary, check whether bars Yes/ No

are provided as per tender item.
Verification after completion of brickwork Yes/ No
9. Racking is done after lying of bricks. Yes/ No
10. Work is done true plumb and as per dimensions. Yes/ No
12.4 Flooring
1. Check if sub-grade is roughened enough. Yes/ No
2. Strips should be fixed in proper level. Yes/ No
3. Sub- grade is wetted before laying flooring. Yes/ No
4. Before laying concrete cement concrete slurry is smeared. Yes/ No
5. The flooring is laid in one operation. Yes/ No
6. Finishing is started soon after beating (till the water disappears from it) Yes/ No
7. The joints of the tiles are grouted with gray or white cement mixed Yes/ No
with or without pigment.
8. The motor used in tile fixing should be as specified and evenly Yes/ No
spread.
9. In case tile fixing, joints are kept as thin as possible not exceeding Yes/ No
1.5mm & slopes are cheeked.
12.5 Roofing
1. Sheets used at site are superior quality as mentioned in tender item. Yes/ No
2. The truss erected is approved by the engineer in-charge. Yes/ No
3. J or H hooks including washers secure the sheets to the purloins and other Yes/ No
roof members.
4. Eaves sheet is freely over-hanged, which is 30cm or more. Yes/ No
5. Nuts are screwed tightly. Yes/ No
6. Wind ties are fixed at eves of the sheets with the help of hooks. Yes/ No
7. The sheets are bent-up along their side edges close to the wall. Sheets do Yes/ No
not build into the gable and parapets.
12.6 Plastering
1. Scaffolding erected is safe enough. Yes/ No
2. Surface is prepared for plastering by baking, the joints, brushing of dust Yes/ No
and loose mortar.
3. Mortar is prepared as specified in the tender; Yes/ No
4. Plastering is started from top and worked down towards the floor. Yes/ No
5. For even surface gauges is fixed at equal intervals. Yes/ No
6. The thickness of the plaster is as specified in the tender. Yes/ No
7. Curing is done frequently. Yes/ No
12.7 Painting
1. Surface to be painted is thoroughly brushed to make it free form mortar Yes/ No

dropping and foreign matter.
2. At the time of preparing lime wash the ratio of the limestone and water is Yes/ No
proper.
3. Screening is done through clean coarse cloth. Yes/ No
4. Gum and indigo is added in proper ratio. Yes/ No
5. In case of painting thinner is mixed with paint for evenly application. Yes/ No
6. Each coat is allowed to dry before next coat. Yes/ No
7. The painting application is such that there is not be any mark of brush on Yes/ No
the surface.
8. Door, windows frame & shutters are protected from lime wash. Yes/ No
12.8 Sanitary Installation
1. All the material used is as per tender item or as mentioned in specification. Yes/ No
2. Pipes are laid in proper slopes. Yes/ No
3. Joints of pipe are cheeked properly against leakage. Yes/ No
4. Vertical pipes are true to plumb. Yes/ No
5. Clamps are properly fixed Yes/ No
6. Jali is fixed on all floor traps. Yes/ No
12.9 Water Supply
1. Material used in water supply is of superior Quality and as per tender Yes/ No
item.
2. Anticorrosive paints paint pipes & fitting. Yes/ No
3. Fixing clamps are tightly fixed in position. Yes/ No
4. Pipelines are checked at specified pressure by Engineer In-charge. Yes/ No
5. Surface is cleaned properly. Yes/ No
6. Slope or gradient is maintained as per drawing. Yes/ No
7. Pipe joints are properly sealed. Yes/ No
8. The manholes are properly fixed in position and at an interval of every six- Yes/ No
meter.
9. Backfilling is done after 7 days, proper curing & backfilling is in layers. Yes/ No
12.10 Reinforced cement concrete work
Verification before concreting:-
1. Centering & shuttering are checked in all respect such as line, level Yes/ No
position, true to plumb, cleaning, oiling etc
2. Check the reinforcement, whether the executed work is as per bar-bending Yes/ No
schedule approved by engineer In-charge, or as per structural drawing.
3. Check the concrete mix to be used in casting. Yes/ No
4. Fix levels if any , check them and ensure that these are not disturbed. Yes/ No
5. After the concreting job is over , check whether concrete cube modules Yes/ No
have been filled or not.
6. After laying concrete curing should be done properly & periodically. Yes/ No
7. Check for honey-combing after de-shuttering take corrective action if Yes/ No

honey-combing is observed.
12.11 I.P.S. Flooring
1. Quality and size of coarse aggregate, whether the metal is over size and Yes/ No
contain disintegrated or soft pieces, whether it is mixed with earth and
other foreign materials.
2. Quality of sand, finesses modulus and silt content. Yes/ No
3. Mixing of concrete whether done by hand or machine. Check requirement Yes/ No

with specifications.
4. Whether the flooring is laid in panels. Whether edges are damaged. Yes/ No
Whether flooring has cement or mortar patches stuck over it.
5. Strength of flooring by checking cube strength. Yes/ No
6. Thickness of floor. Yes/ No
7. Curing arrangement. Yes/ No
8. General quality of finish-roughness, lines and levels. Where cement Yes/ No

concrete flooring with a colour topping is laid, the colour should be
uniform and of proper tonal quality needed.
9. In case of cement concrete flooring with metal hardener topping, type of Yes/ No
hardener utilized should be checked along with thickness of topping.
12.12 Door and Window Fitting
1. Check up whether number and type of fittings provided as per Yes/ No

specifications.
2. In case of steel fitting, check up whether they are of proper surface finish Yes/ No
needed e.g. whether
3. Bright finish, black Japan, black enameled or oxidized. Whether plate Yes/ No
thickness is proper.
4. In case of brass fitting check whether brass is of extruded type or cast; Yes/ No
check with reference to the specifications. Check thickness.
5. In case of aluminum fittings, check whether anodizing is of proper Yes/ No

thickness
6. In case of tower bolts, check length and the bolt diameter. Check Yes/ No
dimension of handle.
7. Check whether top and bottom surfaces of shutter are properly painted Yes/ No
8. Check easy operation of fittings. Yes/ No
9. Check whether proper barrels are provided where bolt enters either Yes/ No
masonry or wood.
13. Name and Pitchers of Water Supply and Sewerage Fittings
14. Name and Pitchers of Door and Windows Fittings

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Practical Hand Book

Omaxe Ltd 1|P age

Anti- termite treatment

Admixture :-additives mixed in concrete or mortar to improve properties.

Ballies:- thin round wooden poles usually without bark.

Omaxe Ltd 4|P age

Basement:- part of building below ground level.

Batch:- the quantity of concrete mixed at one time .

Bearing capacity of soil

Bituminous:- resembling, containing or impregnated with bitumen .

Omaxe Ltd 5|P age

Different vocabulary related to masonry

Flemish bond Stretcher bond English bond Header bond

Rat-trap bond Herringbone bond

Brass:- is an alloy of copper and zinc.

Camber:- Transverse slope of the road.

Cement, Portland-pozzolana:- a hydraulic cement consisting essentially of an intimate and

Centering:- a temporary supporting structure to a soffit.

Channel:- the open waterway through which any liquid flows.

Chipping:- Treatment of a hardened concrete surface by chiseling away a portion material.

Omaxe Ltd 8|P age

Concrete:- a composite material that consists essentially of binding medium in which is

Omaxe Ltd 9|P age

Corrosion:-the process of deterioration of concrete or reinforcement due to chemical or

Deformation:- a change in dimension or shape due to stress.

Door panel:- area enclosed between rails.

Dumper:- a vehicle for transporting excavating material, so designed as to be capable of

Durability: - the ability of concrete to remain unchanged while in service; resistance to

Embankment:- an earthwork in filling raised above the natural ground by deposition of

Expansion Joint:- when a joint permits expansion as well as contraction , it is termed as

Flat roof:- a roof the pitch of which is 10 or less to the horizontal .

Flight:- a series of steps between landings.

Float: - a tool usually of wood , aluminum, or magnesium, used in finishing operations to

Fluorescent Paint:- Paint which glows at night.

Foam:- a dispersion of small bubbles of gas in a liquid or solid.

Glazing:- glass in openings in window door panels, partitions and like.

Grid a rectangular network of lines used in planning or setting out structure.

Highway:- an important road in road system connecting tow major cities .

Jeera:- stone aggregates of size 10-12 mm or less.

Lean concrete: - concrete of low cement content.

Lintel :- a beam over a opening in a wall.

Neat cement grout: - grout consisting of Portland cement and water.

No-slump concrete:- concrete with a slump of 6mm or less .

Open area:- plot area-ground coverage of buildings.

Plane concrete:- concrete without reinforcement.

Plinth Level:- level of the ground floor of a building .

Ready-mixed concrete:- concrete manufactured for delivery to purchaser in a plastic and

Reinforced Concrete:- concrete containing adequate reinforcement (prestressed or not

Repairs:- to replace or correct deteriorated, damaged or faulty materials, components, or

Rich mix:- a concrete mixture containing a large amount of cement .

Richter scale:- a scale measuring the magnitude of an earthquake.

Roof:- topmost floor of the building .

Settlement:- is the compression of soil and consists of two components.

Sewers :- pipes which carry the sewage to a point of discharge or disposal.

Shutter:- complete assembly of panels, styles and rails.

Socket :- the female part of spigot and socket joint.

Step:- a combination of tread and riser is known as a step .

Storey:- portion of a building between tow floor levels.

Subsoil Drainage:- Removal of water below the surface of the ground.

Surface water drain:- a drain conveying surface water.

Temporary Hardness (water):- is due to bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium . temporary

Varnishes:- are transparent or nearly transparent solutions of resinous materials prepared