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4.4 Measurement process for formwork using CostX software

This section presents a step-by-step guide for measuring formwork using CostX software. It explains the complete workflow, including creating dimension groups, applying measurement rules, and generating detailed reports. By following these instructions, readers will gain practical experience with CostX and learn how to accurately calculate formwork quantities for footings, slabs, beams, and columns.

4.4.1 Computer-based measurement of pad footing formwork

Based on the drawing provided below (Figure 4.7), carry out a digital quantity take-off for the formwork required for pad footings. Using the measured quantities, prepare a detailed BQ utilising CostX software.  

Figure 4.7: Foundation plan (Source: Created by Authors)

Step 1: Add the drawing and calibrate the X and Y axes (Figures 4.8 and 4.9). 

Figure 4.8: Screenshot of calibrating X axis for pad footing formwork measurement using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.9: Screenshot of calibrating Y axis for pad footing formwork measurement using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Step 2: Add dimension groups (Figure 4.10 and Figure 4.11)

  • Measure the length from the plan and display the quantity as wall area or vertical area (m²).
  • Default multiplier: 6 (representing the number of PF1 footings with identical dimensions).
  • Default height: 0.45 m (as noted in the drawing).
Figure 4.10: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for PF1 using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.11: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for PF2 using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Step 3: Measure PF1 and PF2 (Figures 4.12 to 4.14). 

Figure 4.12: Screenshot of measuring PF1 using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.13: Screenshot of measuring PF2 using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.14: Screenshot of PF1 and PF2 quantities using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Step 4: Add workbooks, transfer quantities and write descriptions (Figures 4.15 to 4.18). 

Figure 4.15: Screenshot of workbook properties and name selection using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.16: Screenshot of first level of the workbook using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Next, you can do the following activities on the workbook: 

  • Insert preamble notes and items, and description of the formworks to pad footings.
  • Insert units of measurement.
  • Transfer quantities from the dimension group to the workbook.
Figure 4.17: Screenshot of second level of the workbook using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.18: Screenshot of adding quantities to workbook using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Step 5: Generate reports (Figures 4.19 and 4.20). 

Figure 4.19: Screenshot of selecting report type using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.20: Screenshot of generated report using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

4.4.2 Computer-based measurement of column, beam and slab formworks 

Based on the drawings provided below (Figures 4.21 to 4.23), carry out a digital quantity take-off for the formwork required for the following structural elements: sides of columns, sides and soffits of beams, and the soffit of the roof slab. Using the measured quantities, prepare a detailed BQ in CostX software.  

Figure 4.21: Beam, column and suspended slab plan (Source: Created by Authors)
Figure 4.22: Section X-X (Source: Created by Authors)
Figure 4.23: Section Y-Y (Source: Created by Authors)

Step 1: Add the drawings and calibrate the X and Y axes (Figures 4.24 and 4.25). 

Figure 4.24: Screenshot of calibrating X axis for column, beam and slab formwork measurement using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.25: Screenshot of calibrating Y axis for column, beam and slab formwork measurement using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Step 2: Add dimension groups (Figures 4.26 to 4.28).

The following dimension group is set up to calculate the required formwork area for vertical structural elements, columns. The setup considers project-specific parameters:

  • Column Height Calculation: The clear height of each column is calculated by subtracting the slab thickness from the floor-to-floor height:
    • Floor-to-floor height = 3,500 mm
    • Slab thickness = 150 mm
    • Therefore, effective column height = 3,500 mm – 150 mm = 3,350 mm (or 3.35 m).
  • Measurement Type: The selected measurement type is length, as the system uses the linear height of columns to help determine the total surface area of formwork required.
  • Default Display Setting: The wall area setting is used as the default display. This means that the calculated output will represent the surface area of formwork needed for the sides of the columns (i.e. height × perimeter).
  • Default Multiplier: A default multiplier of 6 is applied to account for the number of identical columns in this group. This automates the calculation of total formwork area across all six columns.
Figure 4.26: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for columns formwork using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

The following dimension group is configured to calculate the required formwork area for edge roof beams identified as RB1. The setup is based on the dimensions and positioning of the beam within the structural layout.

  • Girth Calculation for Beam Formwork 1 (RB1-Edge): The girth refers to the total perimeter of the beam surfaces that require formwork, including the two vertical sides and the soffit (underside) of the beam. For RB1, the girth is calculated as follows:
    • External vertical face = 650 mm
    • Soffit (underside of beam) = 300 mm
    • Internal vertical face = 500 mm (derived as 650 mm – 150 mm slab thickness)
    • Total girth = 650 + 300 + 500 = 1,450 mm (or 1.45 m).
  • Measurement Type: The measurement type is set to length, as the linear extent of the beam is used to calculate the total formwork area (girth × length of beam).
  • Default Multiplier: A default multiplier of 2 is applied, representing two identical RB1 beams in this group. This ensures that the total formwork quantity is calculated for both beams simultaneously.
Figure 4.27: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for edge beams formwork (RB1-Edge) using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

The following dimension group is set up to calculate the required formwork area for centrally located beams identified as RB1 (centre). These beams are positioned between slabs and require formwork on both vertical faces and the soffit.

  • Girth Calculation for Beam Formwork (RB1 – Centre): The girth represents the total perimeter of the surfaces requiring formwork. Since the beam is centrally located and flanked by slabs on both sides, the formwork is applied to:
    • Left vertical face = 500 mm
    • Soffit (underside of the beam) = 300 mm
    • Right vertical face = 500 mm
    • Total girth = 500 + 300 + 500 = 1,300 mm (or 1.30 m).
  • Measurement Type: The measurement type is set to length, allowing the system to multiply the girth by the beam’s linear span to calculate the total area of formwork required.
Figure 4.28: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for central beams formwork (RB1-Centre) using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

The following dimension group is configured to calculate the formwork requirements for secondary edge beams identified as RB2 (Figure 4.29). These beams are located along slab edges, requiring formwork on the external face, soffit, and a partially enclosed internal face.

  • Girth Calculation for Beam Formwork (RB2): The girth represents the sum of the vertical and horizontal surfaces requiring formwork. For RB2, the formwork is applied to:
    • External vertical face = 400 mm
    • Soffit (underside of beam) = 300 mm
    • Internal vertical face = 250 mm (derived as 400 mm – 150 mm slab thickness)
    • Total girth = 400 + 300 + 250 = 950 mm (or 0.95 m).
  • Measurement Type: Measurement is based on length, which allows the girth to be multiplied by the beam length for area calculation.
  • Default Multiplier: A default multiplier of 4 is applied, accounting for four identical RB2 beams in this group. This ensures automatic calculation of the total formwork area required for all instances.
Figure 4.29: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for beams formwork (RB2) using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

The following dimension group is designed to estimate the formwork requirements for internal beams identified as RB3 (Figure 4.30). These beams are fully enclosed between slabs, requiring formwork only on the two vertical sides and the soffit.

  • Girth Calculation for Beam Formwork (RB3): The girth is the combined height of the surfaces requiring formwork. Since RB3 is an internal beam, the formwork is needed on:
    • Left vertical face = 250 mm
    • Soffit (underside of beam) = 300 mm
    • Right vertical face = 250 mm
    • Total girth = 250 + 300 + 250 = 800 mm (or 0.80 m).
  • Measurement Type: The measurement type is set to length, allowing the calculated girth to be multiplied by the beam span to determine the total area of formwork required.
  • Default Multiplier: A default multiplier of 2 is used, reflecting that there are two identical RB3 beams in this dimension group. This ensures the total formwork area is calculated for both beams collectively.
Figure 4.30: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for beams formwork (RB3) using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

The following dimension group is configured to calculate the formwork required for the underside (soffit) of the slab (Figure 4.31), including considerations for temporary support height.

  • Measurement Type: The measurement is based on area, as formwork to the soffit of the slab is applied horizontally across the slab surface.
  • Default Display: The default display is set to area, enabling the quantity take-off to show the total square meters of formwork required.
  • Height of Strutting (Shoring Height): Temporary supports (shores or props) are required to hold the soffit formwork at the correct elevation. This height will be mentioned in the description for slab formwork following the ANZSMM requirement.
    • Floor-to-floor height = 3,500 mm
    • Slab thickness = 150 mm
    • Effective height of strutting = 3,500 mm – 150 mm = 3,350 mm (or 3.35 m).
Figure 4.31: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for soffit of slab formwork using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Step 3: Measure formworks (Figures 4.32 to 4.37).

Figure 4.32: Screenshot of measuring columns formwork using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Note: As per the standard, formwork at the intersection of primary and secondary beams shall not be deducted from the primary beam’s formwork quantity. This means the full surface area of the RB1 beams including intersecting zones with secondary beams must be included in the total formwork measurement for RB1.

Figure 4.33: Screenshot of measuring dimensions of edge beams formwork (RB1-Edge) using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.34: Screenshot of measuring dimensions of central beams formwork (RB1-Centre) using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.35: Screenshot of measuring dimensions of beams formwork (RB2) using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.36: Screenshot of measuring dimensions of beams formwork (RB3) using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.37: Screenshot of measuring dimensions of soffit of slab formwork using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Step 4: Add workbooks, transfer quantities and write descriptions (Figures 4.38 to 4.41).

Figure 4.38: Screenshot of workbook properties and selecting a name for formworks using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.39: Screenshot of adding descriptions and units for formworks using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.40: Screenshot of adding beam dimensions to second level of the workbook using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.41: Screenshot of adding measurements to workbook using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

Step 5: Generate reports (Figure 4.42 and Figure 4.43). 

Figure 4.42: Screenshot of selecting report type using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.
Figure 4.43: Screenshot of generated workbook using CostX software used with permission from RIB Software (Source: Created by Authors). Any modifications or re-use beyond the context of the handbook requires permission.

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Digital approaches to building measurement: Standards, tools and techniques Copyright © 2025 by Deakin University (Argaw Gurmu, Nilupa Udawatta, Gayani Karunasena, and Reza Taban) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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