--- title: "Work breakdown for frame structure quantities" subject: "Estimating and Costing" chapter: 2 key: "semester_7/estimating_and_costing:work-breakdown-quantity-frame" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/work-breakdown-quantity-frame site: BCT Engineering --- # Work breakdown for frame structure quantities Estimating and Costing · Chapter 2: Method of Estimating - Asked in: 2079 Bhadra, 4 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/work-breakdown-quantity-frame - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/chapter-2 ## Question You are working for a design project of a building. Your Team Leader instructs you to perform a work break down structure for the quantity calculation work. How are you planning to do so for the frame structure building project? ## Short answer Divide the quantity calculation into work packages: substructure (excavation, PCC, footings, plinth beam, backfill), superstructure (columns, beams, slabs, brickwork), finishes, services, and external works. For each, measure concrete (m³), formwork (m²), and reinforcement (kg) separately using referenced drawings. ## Answer A work breakdown structure (WBS) divides the whole quantity-calculation job into smaller, manageable work packages, each with a clear owner and output. For an RCC frame building I would plan it as follows. #### Step 1: Understand the scope Collect the architectural and structural drawings (plans, sections, column layout, beam and slab details, schedules), the specifications and the BOQ format. #### Step 2: Break down into levels ```text Level 0 Frame building project | +-- 1 Substructure | 1.1 Earthwork 1.2 PCC/soling | 1.3 Footings 1.4 Columns to plinth | 1.5 Plinth beam 1.6 Backfill, DPC +-- 2 Superstructure (per floor) | 2.1 Columns 2.2 Beams 2.3 Slab | 2.4 Stair 2.5 Brick/block walls | 2.6 Lintel, sunshade, parapet +-- 3 Finishing | plaster, floor, paint, doors, windows +-- 4 Services (water, sanitary, electrical) +-- 5 External works (boundary, drain, road) ``` #### Step 3: Define each work package For every package: concrete, formwork and reinforcement are taken separately (m³, m², kg), with the drawing reference, the formula, and the check procedure. #### Step 4: Assign and schedule Distribute the packages among the team members, set deadlines in the order of construction, and use a common quantity sheet format. #### Step 5: Check and compile Cross-check totals (for example concrete from columns + beams + slabs against the structural volume), consolidate into the BOQ, and prepare the abstract of cost. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What is the WBS purpose? A. Pay workers B. Replace drawings C. Fix tender rates D. Divide the quantity job into manageable work packages Answer: D. Each has owner and output. (Key point: WBS) 2. Which belongs to substructure? A. Earthwork, PCC, footings B. Plaster C. Painting D. Wiring Answer: A. Below plinth. (Key point: Substructure) 3. For RC members, quantities are taken A. only concrete B. separately for concrete, formwork and reinforcement C. only steel D. as lump sum Answer: B. m³, m², kg. (Key point: Package definition) 4. Cross-check of totals compares A. VAT with profit B. rates with norms C. concrete from columns, beams and slabs with structural volume D. plaster with paint Answer: C. Before compiling the BOQ. 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