SIMPLIFIED CONSTRUCTION ESTIMA1E

explained in Section 1-3. Measuring the aggregat~s and water

by weight is sometimes used. in a . concrete batchmg plant for
ready-mix <tQncrete or as specified 10 the plan.
Mixture
Class
AA
A
B
C
FIGURE 1-1 MEASURING BOX
TABLE 1-2 CONCRETE PROPORTION
Cement in Bag Sand
Proportion 40 kg. 50 kg. cu. m.
1: 1 ~ 3 12.0 9.5 .50
1 : 2 4 9.0 7.0 .50
1: 2~ 5 7.5 6.0 .50
1 3 6 6.0 5.0 .50
Gravel
cu. m.
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
Proportioning concrete by volume method had long been
practiced in almost all types of concrete construction. Time has
proven it to be effective and successf~l: Howeve~, ~n construction
where space for materials stock pIling and. mixing ~oes not
permit. ready-mixed concrete is the most practical solution.
It is interesting to note in Table 1-2 that the volume of sand
and gravel for all classes of mixture is constant at :50 and 1.0
cubic meter respectively. It is true, on the assumption tha~ the
cement paste enters the void of the sand and at the same ms-
8
CONCRETE
lance, the composition of these two materials fill the voids of the
gravel and thereafter, form a solid mass called concrete equivalent
to one cubic meter.
Based on actual concr~ting work, one cubic meter of gravel
plus one-hEllf cubic meter sand mixed with cement and water
will obtain a little bit more tITan (lOe cubic meter solid concrete.
The small excess over one cubic meter will be considered as
contingency ..
Comment:
In actual concreting and masoniy work, there are several
factors that might affect the accuracy of the estimate. Some of
which are enumerated as follows:
1. Inaccurate volume of delivered aggregates which is very
common. Delivery truck should be measured to check if '
the volume of aggregates being delivered is exactly as ordered.
2 . . Dumping of aggregates on uneven ground surface and
grass areas reduces the net volume of aggregates.
.'
3. Improper measuring of the aggregates during the mixing '
operation. This is common practice when the work is on its
momentum where laborers f~ils to observe the right measuring
of aggregates being delivered to the mixer.
4. The cement and fine aggregate for grouting concrete
joints are mostly overlooked in the estimating processes.
5. Cement waste due to reckless handling and hauling.
6. The pure cement powder used by mason in plastering operations
to prevent fhe plaster from sliding downward Is
not considered in estimating. .
7. Pilferage of materials. This could be avoided with an effective
system of construction management.
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