ABB122 Measurement for Construction

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This unit introduces you to the activities undertaken by construction cost management professionals in preparing Bills of Quantities (BQs) and associated documents relating to the cost management of construction work. It teaches you methodologies to formally measure selected BQ trade works in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement within the context of the tendering and procurement process relating to small commercial building works. The unit also provides you with a basic appreciation of virtual integrated practice concepts used in industry and an introduction to cost management/building area measurement. The unit is an integral part of the Construction Management and Quantity Surveying degree, in linking with foundation units in construction technology and preparing you for further advanced units in building and services measurement, infrastructure and construction estimating.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Apply and evaluate standardised measurement of quantities and descriptions relating to small commercial works in accordance with the current Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement to a domestic/small commercial scale.
2. Assess and evaluate basic measurement principles.
3. Communicate solutions and apply standard rules and calculations to deliver accurate quantities and descriptions to produce a bill of quantities.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work as part of a small team and communicate in writing using standard measurement techniques to evaluate and create solutions to small building works.
5. Develop your professional judgment, write professionally and concisely according to industry standards.

Content

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

Assessment in this unit is designed to progressively develop and test your ability to measure building works, apply standard measurement rules, communicate quantities and descriptions accurately, and use professional judgement in accordance with industry expectations. The assessment sequence moves from an individual measurement task, to a more complex collaborative measurement project, and then to an invigilated examination that confirms your independent understanding of measurement principles, standard rules, calculations and professional documentation.

Across the assessment tasks, you will apply the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement to residential and small commercial building works. You will demonstrate your ability to interpret construction information, take off quantities, prepare accurate descriptions, communicate measurement solutions, and reflect appropriate professional standards in the preparation of Bills of Quantities and related documentation.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Measurement of Building Works (Part 1)

You will complete an individual applied measurement task for selected elements of residential or small commercial building works. Using supplied drawings and documentation, you will interpret construction information, apply standard measurement rules, undertake take-off calculations, and prepare accurate quantities and descriptions in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement. This task develops foundational measurement skills and provides early evidence of your ability to apply measurement principles and communicate measurement outcomes professionally.

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: Measurement of Building Works (Part 2)

Working as a small team, you will complete a more complex applied measurement project for selected residential or small commercial building works. Your group will use supplied project information to undertake measurement, prepare quantities and descriptions, and produce documentation suitable for inclusion in a Bill of Quantities.

This task reflects professional practice in construction cost management and quantity surveying, where measurement work requires coordination, shared checking processes, professional communication, and consistency across contributors. The assessment will consider both the quality of the submitted measurement documentation and evidence of effective group process, including planning and allocation of work, coordination of measurement decisions, peer checking, record keeping, and professional communication.

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: Measurement Principles and Practice Exam

You will complete an invigilated examination to demonstrate your independent knowledge and application of building measurement principles. The exam will require you to interpret construction information, apply standard measurement rules, complete calculations, prepare quantities and descriptions, and demonstrate professional judgement in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement.

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.

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

AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)

1. 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: Measurement of Building Works (Part 1), Measurement of Building Works (Part 2), Measurement Principles and Practice Exam
2. Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
   Relates to: Measurement of Building Works (Part 1), Measurement of Building Works (Part 2), Measurement Principles and Practice Exam
3. Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
   Relates to: Measurement of Building Works (Part 1), Measurement of Building Works (Part 2), Measurement Principles and Practice Exam
4. Strategically collaborate with diverse stakeholders and communities, including First Nations peoples.
   Relates to: Measurement of Building Works (Part 2)
5. Reflect on feedback and experience, and display professional and ethical judgment and initiative.
   Relates to: Measurement of Building Works (Part 2), Measurement Principles and Practice Exam