7 Construction Methods of Measurement Explained

Welcome to our guide on construction standard methods of measurement! 

In this blog, we'll explore seven essential standards shaping the construction industry worldwide. From detailed guidelines for quantity surveying to standardised methodologies for cost estimation, these standards ensure accuracy, consistency, and transparency in construction projects.

1 - New Rules of Measurement (NRM2)

The New Rules of Measurement (NRM2), published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), represent a contemporary approach to the detailed measurement and quantification of building works. First introduced in 2012 as part of the NRM suite, NRM2 provides a standardised method for preparing bills of quantities and cost planning in construction projects.

• Modernised Approach: NRM2 offers a modernised framework that reflects current industry practices and technologies, ensuring its relevance in today's construction landscape.
• Comprehensive Coverage: It covers a wide range of building elements, including foundations, superstructure, finishes, and mechanical and electrical installations, providing a comprehensive framework for measurement.
• Consistency and Clarity: NRM2 emphasises consistency and clarity in measurement practices, facilitating accurate cost estimation and enhancing communication among project stakeholders.

NRM2 is designed to complement Building Information Modelling (BIM), enabling seamless integration of measurement data with digital models for enhanced project coordination and management.

• Challenges and Adaptation: While NRM2 offers numerous benefits, transitioning from previous methods such as SMM7 may pose challenges for users, requiring training and familiarisation. Additionally, the level of detail in NRM2 may be perceived as excessive for smaller-scale projects, leading to additional time and effort in measurement and documentation.
• Encouraging Best Practices: Nevertheless, NRM2 encourages structured measurement practices, standardisation of units, and collaboration among project stakeholders, contributing to greater efficiency and accuracy in construction measurement processes.

In summary, NRM2 represents a significant advancement in construction measurement standards, providing a modernised and comprehensive framework for the preparation of bills of quantities and cost planning in construction projects.

2 - Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM4)

The Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM4) is a widely recognised framework published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and The Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES). Initially introduced in 1976, CESMM4 has undergone updates to reflect changes in construction practices and technology, with the latest edition being CESMM4 published in 2012.

• Clear and Standardised Framework: CESMM4 provides a clear and standardised method for the preparation of bills of quantities in civil engineering works, offering guidelines for measurement and documentation.
• Comprehensive Coverage: It covers various aspects of civil engineering projects, including earthworks, pipelines, structures, and drainage, ensuring comprehensive measurement practices.
• Facilitates Accurate Cost Estimation: CESMM4 facilitates accurate cost estimation by providing detailed guidance on the measurement of quantities, enabling contractors and clients to develop precise budgets and tender documents.
• Strengths: CESMM4's strengths lie in its clear guidelines and comprehensive coverage of civil engineering works, facilitating accurate measurement and cost estimation.
• Weaknesses: However, CESMM4 may require updates to accommodate evolving construction practices and technologies. Additionally, the interpretation of some measurement rules may lead to inconsistencies.
• Adapting to Modern Practices: Despite its longevity, CESMM4 continues to be a valuable resource in civil engineering projects, and efforts are ongoing to ensure its relevance to modern practices.

CESMM4 remains a cornerstone in civil engineering measurement standards, providing a robust framework for the preparation of bills of quantities and cost planning in civil engineering works.

3 - The Standard Method of Measurement for Highway Works (MCHW)

The Standard Method of Measurement for Highway Works (MCHW) is a well-established framework used for the measurement and documentation of highway construction and maintenance activities in the United Kingdom. Originally introduced in 1949, MCHW has undergone several revisions and updates to reflect changes in highway engineering practices and technologies, with the latest version being MCHW Volume 1 published in 2021.

• Established Framework: MCHW provides a comprehensive and established framework for the measurement and documentation of highway works, offering clear guidelines and standards for quantity surveying and cost estimation.
• Wide Range of Applications: It covers various aspects of highway construction and maintenance, including earthworks, pavement construction, drainage, and road markings, ensuring consistency and accuracy in measurement practices.
• Facilitates Tendering and Contracting: MCHW facilitates the tendering and contracting process by providing a standardised method for preparing bills of quantities and cost estimates, enabling contractors and clients to develop accurate budgets and tender documents.
• Strengths: MCHW's strengths lie in its comprehensive coverage of highway works and its role in facilitating accurate cost estimation and tendering processes.
• Weaknesses: However, MCHW may require periodic updates to align with evolving highway engineering practices and technologies. Additionally, the interpretation of certain measurement rules may lead to inconsistencies.
• Adapting to Modern Practices: Efforts are ongoing to ensure that MCHW remains relevant to modern highway engineering practices, with regular updates and revisions being made to reflect industry advancements.

4 - Rail Method of Measurement (RMM)

The Rail Method of Measurement (RMM) is a specialised framework used for the measurement and documentation of earthworks and related activities in railway construction and maintenance projects. Developed specifically for the railway industry, RMM provides detailed guidelines and standards for quantity surveying and cost estimation in the context of railway engineering. The origins of RMM can be traced back to the British railway industry, where it has been refined and adapted over time to meet the unique requirements of railway projects.

• Specialised Framework: RMM offers a specialised framework tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of railway construction and maintenance works, providing clear guidelines for the measurement of earthworks, track works, and related activities.
• Focused Application: It is primarily used in railway projects for the measurement and documentation of quantities such as excavation, embankment construction, track formation, and drainage works, ensuring accuracy and consistency in measurement practices.
• Facilitates Project Planning and Control: RMM plays a crucial role in project planning and control by providing a standardised method for preparing bills of quantities and cost estimates, enabling railway authorities and contractors to effectively manage project costs and resources.
• Strengths: RMM's strengths lie in its specialised focus on railway engineering works and its role in facilitating accurate cost estimation and project management in railway projects.
• Weaknesses: However, RMM may require updates and adaptations to align with evolving railway engineering practices and technologies. Additionally, its specialised nature may limit its applicability outside the railway industry.
• Continuous Improvement: Efforts are ongoing to enhance and refine RMM to keep pace with changes in railway engineering practices and to address emerging challenges in railway construction and maintenance.

5 - Australian Standard Method of Measurement (ASMM)

The Australian Standard Method of Measurement (ASMM) is a set of guidelines used for the measurement and documentation of construction works in Australia. Developed by Standards Australia, ASMM provides standardised methodologies for quantity surveying, cost estimation, and project management in the Australian construction industry. Originally introduced to ensure consistency and clarity in measurement practices, ASMM has undergone revisions and updates to reflect changes in construction technology, practices, and regulations.

• Standardised Guidelines: ASMM offers standardised guidelines for the measurement of construction works, providing clear methodologies and rules for quantity surveying and cost estimation.
• Applicability Across Construction Sectors: It is applicable across various construction sectors, including building, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects, ensuring consistency in measurement practices regardless of project type.
• Facilitates Tendering and Contracting: ASMM facilitates the tendering and contracting process by providing a standardised method for preparing bills of quantities and cost estimates, enabling contractors and clients to develop accurate budgets and tender documents.
• Strengths: ASMM's strengths lie in its standardised guidelines and its role in facilitating consistency and accuracy in measurement practices across the Australian construction sector.
• Weaknesses: However, ASMM may require updates and adaptations to address evolving industry practices and emerging challenges in construction projects. Additionally, its implementation may require training and familiarisation for stakeholders.
• Continual Improvement: Efforts are ongoing to enhance and refine ASMM to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in the rapidly changing landscape of the Australian construction industry.

This has now been replaced by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement 2022. This is a joint Australian and New Zealand industry guideline based on the Australian Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works (6th edition).  Changes were made to the Australian version to better suit NZ industry practices.

6 - Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works 7th Edition (SMM7)

The Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works 7th Edition (SMM7) is a widely recognised framework used for the measurement and documentation of building works in the United Kingdom. Developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), SMM7 provides standardised methodologies for quantity surveying, cost estimation, and project management in the UK construction industry. First published in 1988, SMM7 served as a cornerstone in the industry for over two decades, offering clear guidelines for measurement practices. However, with the introduction of the New Rules of Measurement (NRM) suite in 2013, including NRM2 for detailed measurement of building works, SMM7 was gradually replaced. Despite its historical significance, SMM7 is no longer the primary standard for measurement in the UK construction industry.

• Standardised Guidelines: SMM7 offers standardised guidelines for the measurement of building works, providing clear methodologies and rules for quantity surveying and cost estimation.
• Applicability Across Building Types: It is applicable across various types of building projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial, ensuring consistency in measurement practices regardless of project type.
• Facilitates Tendering and Contracting: SMM7 facilitated the tendering and contracting process by providing a standardised method for preparing bills of quantities and cost estimates, enabling contractors and clients to develop accurate budgets and tender documents.
• Strengths: SMM7's strengths lay in its long-standing history and its role in establishing standardised measurement practices in the UK construction sector.
• Weaknesses: However, SMM7 became outdated in light of evolving industry practices and was gradually replaced by NRM2, which offered a more modernised approach to measurement.
• Historical Significance: Despite its replacement, SMM7 holds historical significance and is still referenced in some contracts and documents within the UK construction industry.

In summary, while the Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works 7th Edition (SMM7) played a significant role in shaping measurement practices in the UK construction industry, its replacement by NRM2 marked a shift towards modernised measurement methodologies and practices.

7 - International Cost Measurement Standards (ICMS)

International Cost Measurement Standards (ICMS) is a global framework used for the measurement and documentation of construction projects worldwide. Developed by a coalition of professional and standards-setting bodies from around the world, ICMS provides standardised methodologies for classifying, measuring, and reporting construction costs consistently and transparently. First introduced in 2017, ICMS has been adopted by various countries and organisations to promote consistency, comparability, and transparency in construction projects across borders.

• Global Framework: ICMS offers a global framework for the measurement and reporting of construction costs, providing clear guidelines and standards that can be applied universally.
• Standardised Methodologies: It provides standardised methodologies for classifying construction costs, ensuring consistency and comparability in cost reporting across different projects and jurisdictions.
• Facilitates Cross-Border Comparisons: ICMS facilitates cross-border comparisons of construction costs by providing a common language and methodology for measuring and reporting construction costs, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and assess project viability across different markets.
• Strengths: ICMS's strengths lie in its global applicability and its role in promoting transparency, consistency, and comparability in construction cost reporting worldwide.
• Weaknesses: However, ICMS may require continued promotion and adoption to achieve widespread implementation and acceptance across the global construction industry. Additionally, its effectiveness may depend on the level of cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders in different countries and regions.

Advancing common standards

AACE International and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) are pivotal in promoting common standards in construction and real estate. AACE International, formerly the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, advocates best practices in cost engineering and project management. Through publications like the Cost Estimate Classification System (CECS), it facilitates uniformity in measuring and documenting project costs. Likewise, RICS standardises measurement and documentation practices through guidance notes on property measurement, building surveys, and valuation methods. By advocating common standards, both organisations ensure consistency and accuracy across projects, fostering trust and transparency among stakeholders and enhancing overall efficiency in the industry.

How Gather can help...

Very simply... Gather provides alignment!

With Gather, users effortlessly align activity dropdowns with standard methods of measurement, like NRM2 or CESMM4. By integrating various data sources such as drawings and cost estimates, Gather ensures seamless mapping of data fields to corresponding measurement categories. This alignment facilitates automatic classification and organisation, promoting efficiency and accuracy in construction projects. Collaborative features enable real-time teamwork, fostering data consistency and enhancing project success. With Gather, aligning activity dropdowns with standard methods becomes a streamlined process, empowering teams to achieve their project goals with precision and confidence.

Explore how Gather can help you measure site activities.

In conclusion, we've explored seven key standard methods of measurement that play vital roles in the construction industry. From the modern approaches of NRM2 to the longstanding frameworks like SMM7, each standard offers clear guidelines and methodologies for measuring and documenting construction works. Whether it's civil engineering projects, highway works, railway constructions, or infrastructure developments, these standards provide the foundation for accurate cost estimation, efficient project management, and transparent communication among stakeholders. By understanding and implementing these standards, professionals in the construction industry can ensure consistency, reliability, and success in their projects.

More on standard methods of measurement from Team Gather

• Why Quantity Surveyors Can't Afford to Ignore RMM Any Longer
• 5 Tips for getting to grips with RMM