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Measurement book

Short answer

A measurement book is a serially numbered bound book recording detailed dimensions and quantities of completed work, used as the basis for contractor bills and payment. Entries are made in ink, cannot be removed, corrections are initialled, and it is signed by the measurer and checked by a senior officer.

What is a measurement book? Explain.

A measurement book (MB) is a bound, serially numbered book in which the engineer or overseer records the detailed measurements of all work done at site, such as length, breadth, height and number, together with the calculated quantity. It is the basic record for preparing the contractor's bills and for payment.

Features

  • The book carries a serial number and its pages are numbered; no page may be removed.
  • Entries are made in ink with the date, location, item and description; measurements are not erased, and corrections are made by crossing out and initialling.
  • Each entry refers to the agreement item, and totals are calculated and checked by a second person.
  • It is signed by the person who measures and checked by a senior officer.
  • An abstract of measurements is prepared at the end for the bill.

Uses

  1. The basis of the running bills and the final bill.
  2. A record of the work done, which can be checked later.
  3. Helps to find variations from the contract quantities.
  4. Evidence in audits and disputes.
  5. Records hidden work (foundation, reinforcement) before it is covered.

The MB is kept in the safe custody of the engineer and is not given to the contractor.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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