---
title: "Cost of M20 PCC for RCC column"
subject: "Estimating and Costing"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_7/estimating_and_costing:rate-m20-pcc-column-cost"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/rate-m20-pcc-column-cost
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Cost of M20 PCC for RCC column

Estimating and Costing · Chapter 4: Analysis of Rates

- Asked in: 2082 Baisakh, 6 marks
- Video: [Rate Analysis of M20 Grade of Concrete](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_RxETQ-XZ0) — Basics of QuantitySurveying
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/rate-m20-pcc-column-cost
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/chapter-4

## Question

Find out the cost of M 20 PCC for RCC work for column of size 0.3 m × 0.3 m and 4 m long using analysis of rates for manual mixing.

## Short answer

M20 concrete (1:1.5:3) manual mixing, dry volume factor 1.54: per m³ requires 8.06 bags cement, 0.42 m³ sand, 0.84 m³ aggregate, labour. Direct cost Rs 19,044 + 15% = Rs 21,900.60/m³. Column volume 0.36 m³, cost Rs 7,884.22 excluding formwork, reinforcement, VAT.

## Answer

#### Basis
M20 concrete has the nominal mix **1:1.5:3** (cement : sand : 20 mm aggregate), as per IS 456 Table 9 for nominal mixes. Mixing is by hand (manual). Dry volume of materials = 1.54 x wet volume. "PCC for RCC work" here means the concrete only; formwork and reinforcement are paid separately. Rates are **illustrative**.

#### Quantities per m³
Sum of ratio = 1 + 1.5 + 3 = 5.5; dry volume = 1.54 m³.
- Cement = 1.54 x 1/5.5 = 0.2800 m³ = 403.2 kg = 8.06 bags.
- Sand = 1.54 x 1.5/5.5 = 0.4200 m³.
- Aggregate = 1.54 x 3/5.5 = 0.8400 m³.

#### Rate analysis (per m³)
| Description | Qty | Unit | Rate (Rs) | Amount (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement (0.280 m³ x 1,440/50) | 8.06 | bag | 900.00 | 7,254.00 |
| Sand (0.420 m³) | 0.42 | m³ | 2,500.00 | 1,050.00 |
| Coarse aggregate 20 mm (0.840 m³) | 0.84 | m³ | 3,500.00 | 2,940.00 |
| Mason (skilled) | 1 | md | 1,200.00 | 1,200.00 |
| Labour for hand mixing, placing, curing (unskilled) | 7 | md | 900.00 | 6,300.00 |
| Water, curing, tools (L.S.) | 1 | L.S. | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| **Sub-total** | | | | **19,044.00** |
| Contractor's overhead and profit | 15% | | | 2,856.60 |
| **Rate per m³** | | | | **21,900.60** |

#### Cost of the column
Volume = 0.3 x 0.3 x 4 = 0.36 m³.

Cost = 0.36 x 21,900.60 = Rs 7,884.22.

**Answer: Rate of M20 concrete = Rs 21,900.60 per m³; cost of the 0.3 m x 0.3 m x 4 m column concrete = Rs 7,884.22** (excluding formwork, steel and VAT).

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Nominal mix of M20?
   A. 1:2:4
   B. 1:3:6
   C. 1:1.5:3
   D. 1:1:2
   Answer: C. IS 456 nominal mix. (Key point: M20 mix)

2. Dry volume factor?
   A. 1.30
   B. 1.00
   C. 2.00
   D. 1.54 m³ per m³ concrete
   Answer: D. Dry = 1.54 x wet. (Key point: Dry volume)

3. Cement per m³?
   A. 1.54 x 1/5.5 = 0.28 m³ = 8.06 bags
   B. 1.54/3 = 0.51
   C. 1.54 x 1.5/5.5
   D. 0.28 bags
   Answer: A. Ratio sum 5.5. (Key point: Cement)

4. Column concrete cost?
   A. Rs 21,900.60
   B. 0.36 m³ x 21,900.60 = Rs 7,884.22
   C. Rs 2,190
   D. Rs 78,842
   Answer: B. Volume 0.3x0.3x4=0.36. (Key point: Column cost)

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## Related in other subjects

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- [Bracket plate on column flange, 5 M20 bolts](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Abracket-bolted-5-m20) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 4