ABB225 Advanced Building and Services Measurement
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ABB225 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ABB122 or UXB113 |
| Equivalent(s): | UXB213 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $5,436 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABB225 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | ABB122 or UXB113 |
| Equivalent: | UXB213 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic building measurement principles in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement. |
| Coordinator: | Dilakshan Rajaratnam | dilakshan.rajaratnam@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit develops your capabilities in relation to the creation of descriptive and quantified documents within the design cost management process for the purposes of tendering, estimating and construction cost control practices within the construction and kindred sectors. As an important attribute among building professionals, you will learn with peers and practicing Industry professionals, gaining an appreciation of the measurement of more complex building and services trade work sections and the development of cost management documents in a concise and systematic method. You will develop more advanced strategies relating to virtual building models and this relationship to integrated practice concepts used in industry. You will build on attributes and knowledge developed from the earlier measurement and building services studies, preparing you for further advanced units in construction estimating, Cost Planning and associated built environment cost management practices.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply and critically appraise more advanced measurement of quantities and descriptions relating to commercial building and services works in accordance with the current Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement to a commercial scale.
- Assess and evaluate advanced measurement principles as they apply to formal and less formal approaches to measurement.
- Communicate advanced solutions and apply relevant standard rules and calculations to deliver accurate quantities and descriptions to produce documents used in the cost management of large commercial building projects.
- Demonstrate your ability to work as part of a small team and communicate in writing and appropriate software using advanced measurement techniques to evaluate and create solutions to building and services works.
- Further develop and advance your professional judgment, write professionally and concisely according to industry standards.
Content
This unit’s content builds and develops your understanding from earlier units and includes the detailed study in a number of areas associated with the measurement of commercial construction works with an emphasis on major structural and building services related trades and an understanding and application of alternative forms of construction measurement and associated measurement software applications. An example of some main study areas may include Groundworks, Underpinning, Piling, Concrete, Formwork, Reinforcement, Steelwork, Hydraulics, Drainage, Electrical and Mechanical installation works.
Learning Approaches
In this unit you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities:
- Formal lectures from experienced Construction Cost management professionals including construction managers and quantity surveyors to give you insight into content and methodologies designed to establish general concepts and principles and encourage you to fulfill the aims and learning outcomes of this unit.
- Presentations and question and answer sessions from practicing industry professionals on topics of current industry relevance.
- Undertake a series of tutorials through which you will engage in collaborative activities with peers and tutors, undertaking measurement examples and related exercises under the guidance of the tutor to discuss real-world scenarios.
To complement timetabled activities, you will be directed to supporting learning resources such as course materials, textbooks, book chapters, webpages, online video and relevant Australian Standards documents.
You are expected to
- Actively participate in tutorials where you will engage in collaborative activities with peers and tutors to contribute in measurement examples and related exercises and discuss real world scenarios.
- Maintain notes and critical reflections on your work and group contributions to inform Assessment 2.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- Each assessment submission will be marked against criteria and standards which will be shared with you at the beginning of semester through Assessment Task Descriptions and Marking Rubrics. Marked assessment will include feedback from markers, against the criteria.
- During the tutorial/seminar sessions, a range of formative exercises will be discussed.
- You will be able to discuss aspects of your assessment within the tutorials.
- During the tutorial sessions, a range of formative exercises will be offered to help provide feedback directly related to the summative assessment.
- Whole-of-class feedback will be provided via QUT Canvas.
Assessment
Overview
Two assessments are designed to address all learning outcomes. Assessment 1 provides students with the opportunity to work individually and in teams, applying advanced measurement of quantities and descriptions in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement. It consists of two parts: Part 1 requires students to work individually and take measurements using a taking-off sheet for specified trades, while Part 2 involves applying advanced measurement principles using software (CostX). Assessment 2 requires students to assess and evaluate advanced measurement principles and produce written work that is clear, concise, and aligned with industry standards. Both formative and summative feedback will be provided.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Advanced Measurement of Building Works (Part 1)
Advanced Measurement (bills of quantities) of Commercial Building and/or Services Works. Students to work individually and take measurements using a taking-off sheet for specified trades
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Advanced Measurement of Building Works (Part 2)
Advanced Measurement (Bills of Quantities) for Commercial Building and/or Services Works, applying advanced measurement principles using CostX and measuring in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement for specified trades.
Students will work in groups of two and submit the CostX-generated taking-off sheets and the resulting BOQ as part of the final submission. Screenshots of the CostX measurement process and workflow must be attached as supporting evidence. Each student’s individual contribution must be clearly stated and included as an annexure. The submission should be prepared from the perspective of a consultant Quantity Surveyor.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Exam
The central exam will be based on trade services. Students shall be assessed on two trades and their understanding of the measurement principles outlined in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement. Note: The exam will be manual taking-off.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors; The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors; Master Builders Australia Limited and Registered Master Builders Association of NZ (Inc) (2018); Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works.
Recommended text(s)
Marsden, P. K. (1998). Basic building measurement (Second edition.). New South Publishing.
Reference book(s)
January,M. (2003) “Measuring, The Skill of the Quantity Surveyor, A comprehensive guide on how to measure”, Available from: The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
Picken, D. H. (1999). Building measurement : worked examples. Deakin University Press.
Portman, Jackie. Building Services Engineering : After Design, During Construction, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qut/detail.action?docID=4504993.
Rawlinson’s Process Engineering Handbook Ed. 2, Rawlinson's Publishing
Towey, Donald. Construction Quantity Surveying : A Practical Guide for the Contractor's QS, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qut/detail.action?docID=5042973.
Software
iTwo CostX education licence will be accessible on campus or via Appsanywhere.
Alternatively, students can purchase their own education licence for installation on their own devices.
Other
Other various QUT Publications, Workbooks may be required and you will be advised, where appropriate, in Lectures.
Take off Paper: Pads of standard take off paper. Available from the QUT GP Bookshop.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
Relates to: Advanced Measurement of Building Works (Part 1) - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Advanced Measurement of Building Works (Part 1) - Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Advanced Measurement of Building Works (Part 1) - Plan, develop and complete research and other projects.
Relates to: Advanced Measurement of Building Works (Part 1) - Strategically collaborate with diverse stakeholders and communities, including First Nations peoples.
Relates to: Advanced Measurement of Building Works (Part 1) - Reflect on feedback and experience, and display professional and ethical judgment and initiative.
Relates to: Advanced Measurement of Building Works (Part 1)