Methods of Estimation MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Degree of accuracy in detailed estimates per IS 1200

Formula

Area accuracy = 0.01 m²

Step-by-step solution

1. IS 1200 specifies the standard rules and tolerance limits for measuring building quantities in detailed estimates. 2. Linear dimensions (length, breadth, height) are measured to the nearest 0.01 m. 3. Calculated surface areas are rounded off to the nearest 0.01 m² (0.01 sq.m). 4. Volumetric quantities are computed to the nearest 0.01 m³. 5. Therefore, areas are worked out to the nearest 0.01 m². Answer: A

Explanation

According to IS 1200 (Methods of Measurement of Building and Civil Engineering Works) and IS 3861, measurements in a detailed estimate must maintain prescribed degrees of accuracy: linear dimensions are recorded to the nearest 0.01 m, areas are worked out to the nearest 0.01 m², and cubic contents/volumes are calculated to the nearest 0.01 m³.

Why the other options are wrong

B) 0.05 m² is coarser than the standard IS 1200 precision. C) 0.001 m² provides excessive precision not mandated by IS 1200 (0.001 m³ applies to timber volume). D) 0.005 m² corresponds to the measurement tolerance for slab thickness (0.005 m), not area.

Shortcut

IS 1200 accuracy: Length = 0.01 m, Area = 0.01 m², Volume = 0.01 m³.

Common mistake

Selecting 0.001 m² or 0.05 m² by confusing area precision with volume tolerances (0.001 m³ for timber) or slab thickness tolerances (0.005 m).