How to Check Measurement Book in Construction ?
In the worlds of civil engineering and construction management, accuracy is everything. Every cubic meter of concrete poured, every square meter of plaster done, and every running meter of pipeline laid must be measured, recorded, and verified properly. This is where the Measurement Book (MB) comes into play.
The Measurement Book is the most important document maintained by engineers and quantity surveyors at construction sites. It serves as the primary record of all measurements related to work executed and forms the basis of contractor payments.
But the key question is: How to check a measurement book effectively?
In this article, we’ll explore:
What a measurement book is
Its purpose in construction
Rules and guidelines for maintaining MB
Step-by-step procedure to check MB
Common errors and how to avoid them
Best practices for accurate measurement checking
FAQs related to MB in construction
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for checking measurement books like a professional.
Table of Contents
What is a Measurement Book (MB)?
A Measurement Book (MB) is an official document used in civil engineering and construction to record measurements of works executed by contractors. It includes details such as:
Type of work executed (earthwork, concrete, brickwork, plastering, etc.)
Dimensions of work (length, breadth, depth, height, or thickness)
Calculations of quantities (in cubic meters, square meters, running meters, or numbers)
Abstract of total quantities
Certification by the engineer-in-charge
It acts as the legal and financial record for preparing bills and payments to contractors.
Importance of Checking a Measurement Book
Checking an MB is not just a formality. It is a critical process because:
Accuracy in Payment: Contractor’s bills are based on MB entries. Any error directly impacts financial settlements.
Prevention of Fraud: Wrong or inflated measurements can cause huge losses. Checking ensures transparency.
Legal Evidence: MB is a legal record and can be used in disputes or audits.
Quality Control: Checking dimensions ensures that the work is executed as per drawings and specifications.
Accountability: Ensures that engineers, supervisors, and contractors follow proper procedures.
Rules for Maintaining and Checking a Measurement Book
Before understanding the checking process, let’s look at the general rules that govern MB maintenance:
Standard Format: MB must be maintained in government-approved or company-issued bound books.
Ink Usage: Entries should always be made in ink (not pencil).
No Overwriting: Corrections should be neatly struck out and signed.
Signature & Date: Every entry must be signed and dated by the engineer.
Cross-checking: Checked entries should be initialed by the verifying authority.
Clear Calculations: All dimensions and area/volume calculations must be shown clearly.
Reference to Drawings: Entries must mention drawing number and specification.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Check Measurement Book
Here’s a detailed step-by-step process for checking MB:
1. Verify Work Details
Cross-check the work description/items description (e.g., Earthwork in excavation, Brick masonry in 1:6 mortar).
Ensure the specification matches the tender/contract agreement.
2. Check Location and Reference
Confirm the location of work as per site plan/drawing.
Verify whether the work executed is actually at the specified location.
3. Check Dimensions Carefully
Compare dimensions recorded in MB with actual site measurements.
Ensure that length, breadth, and height/depth are correct.
Use standard measuring tools (tape, leveling instrument, total station if required).
4. Verify Calculations
Check the multiplication of dimensions (L × B × H).
Ensure units are correct (m³ for volume, m² for area, Rmt for running length).
Recheck totals and abstract quantities.
5. Cross-Check Deductions
Ensure deductions for openings, wastage, or overlaps are recorded correctly.
For example:
Deduct door/window openings in plastering and painting work.
Deduct volume of columns/beams in brickwork.
6. Check Consistency with Previous Records
Compare with earlier entries to avoid duplication.
Ensure cumulative quantities are updated properly.
7. Validate Contractor’s Bill Against MB
Contractor’s running account (RA) bill must be tallied with MB entries.
Ensure no unauthorized item is billed.
8. Verify Signatures & Dates
Ensure each entry is signed by the junior engineer/site engineer.
Checked and counter-signed by higher authority (Assistant Engineer/Executive Engineer).
9. Ensure Compliance with Drawings & Specifications
Cross-check that the work is executed as per approved drawings.
Confirm material specifications (cement mortar ratio, grade of concrete, type of reinforcement) as per contract agreement.
10. Final Certification
Once checked, sign and certify the MB.
Forward it for payment processing.
Common Mistakes in Checking MB and How to Avoid Them
Skipping Site Verification: Never rely only on contractor’s data; always verify at site.
Ignoring Deductions: Forgetting to deduct openings leads to inflated quantities.
Rounding Off Errors: Careless rounding causes incorrect totals. Always maintain 2-3 decimal accuracy.
Not Updating Cumulative Quantities: Leads to duplicate payments.
Wrong Units: Confusion between cubic meter (m³), square meter (m²), and running meter (Rmt).
Overwriting without Authentication: Makes MB invalid in audits.
Best Practices for Checking Measurement Book
Always carry drawing plans while checking MB.
Use digital measuring tools for better accuracy.
Keep a checklist of deductions to avoid missing them.
Record weather conditions and site conditions for works like concreting, plastering.
Regularly audit MB at random intervals.
Train junior engineers on standard measurement rules (CPWD, IS Codes, PWD Manual, MES).
Example of Measurement Book Entry (For Brickwork)
| Description of Work | Location | Length (m) | Breadth (m) | Height (m) | Quantity (m³) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brickwork in CM 1:6 | Wall A (Drawing Ref: W1) | 5.0 | 0.23 | 3.0 | 3.45 | Deducted 1 door opening 1.2 × 2.1 m = 0.58 m³ → Net Qty = 2.87 m³ |
Checked By: Site Engineer (Sign)
Verified By: Assistant Engineer (Sign)
Conclusion
The Measurement Book (MB) is the backbone of quantity surveying and billing in construction projects. Knowing how to check a measurement book step by step ensures accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
By verifying dimensions, calculations, deductions, and contractor’s bills properly, engineers can prevent errors, save costs, and maintain quality. Following best practices and rules makes MB a reliable and legally valid document.
Whether you’re a junior engineer, quantity surveyor, or site supervisor, mastering the art of MB checking is essential for your professional growth and project success.