5.4 Measurement process for reinforcement using CostX software

Argaw Gurmu; Nilupa Udawatta; Gayani Karunasena; Reza Taban

5.4 Measurement process for reinforcement using CostX software

When calculating the total length of reinforcement bars, it is important to account for the concrete cover (cc) as shown in Figure 5.5. In addition, you must allow for the inclusion of hooks or cogs (refer to Figure 5.6) where applicable. If the details of hooks or cogs are not clearly specified on the structural drawings or in the project specifications, then the minimum requirements set out in relevant Australian Standards, such as AS3600 (Concrete Structures), should be used during the measurement process.

Figure 5.5: Concrete cover (Source: Created by Amirreza Aminalavije)

Figure 5.6: Hook and cog ends (Source: Created by Amirreza Aminalavije)

The following steps are typically followed to determine the quantity of reinforcement bars required for a construction project:

Step 1: Calculate the total length of reinforcement bars

Determine the total length by multiplying the number of bars by the length of each bar.
Total length of bars (m) = Number of bars × Length of each bar

Step 2: Obtain the unit weight of the bar

Refer to Table 5.1 below to find the mass per unit length (in kg/m) for the specific diameter of the reinforcement bar being used. These values are based on standard steel bar sizes. Alternatively, you can calculate the weight per meter using the formula:
Unit weight (kg/m) = (Diameter in mm) ² ÷ 162

Step 3: Calculate the total weight in kilograms

Multiply the total length of the bars (from Step 1) by the unit weight (from Step 2).
Weight (kg) = Total length of bars (m) × Unit weight (kg/m)

Step 4: Convert the weight from kilograms to tonnes

Finally, convert the total weight from kilograms to tonnes by dividing the weight in kg (Step 3) by 1,000.
Weight (tonnes) = Weight (kg) ÷ 1,000

Table 5.1: Mass per meter length of reinforcing steel (Source: Created by Authors)
Nominal Diameter (mm)	Mass per meter linear (kg/m)	Nominal Diameter (mm)	Mass per meter linear (kg/m)
6	0.222	20	2.469
8	0.395	24	3.556
10	0.617	28	4.840
12	0.889	32	6.321
14	1.210	36	8.000
16	1.580	40	9.887

5.4.1 Computer-based measurement of reinforcement for pad footings

Based on the drawings provided below (Figures 5.7 to 5.9), perform a digital quantity take-off for the reinforcement bars in the pad footings. Using the measured quantities, prepare a detailed BQ using iTWO CostX software.

Figure 5.7: Foundation plan (Source: Created by Authors)

Figure 5.8: Reinforcement layouts (Source: Created by Authors)

Figure 5.9: Sections (Source: Created by Authors)

The following steps show how to measure pad footing reinforcement bars:

Step 1: Add the drawings and calibrate X and Y axis (Figures 5.10 and 5.11).

Figure 5.10: Screenshot of calibrating X axis for reinforcement 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 5.11: Screenshot of calibrating Y axis for reinforcement 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.

The calibration can be checked by remeasuring the distance between two known points on the calibrated drawing as follows (Figure 5.12).

Figure 5.12: Screenshot of verifying calibration 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 5.13 to 5.16).

Dimension group for X-bars for PF1

“Default Multiplier” = 6 pad footings (PF1) × 1 layer of reinforcement (bottom layers of reinforcement for each footing) = 6

Figure 5.13: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for X bars of 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.

Dimension group for Y-bars for PF1

“Default Multiplier” = 6 pad footings (PF1) × 1 layer of reinforcement (bottom layers of reinforcement for each footing) = 6

Figure 5.14: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for Y bars of 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.

Dimension group for X-bars for PF2

“Default Multiplier” = 6 pad footings (PF2) × 2 layer of reinforcement (top and bottom layers of reinforcement for each footing) = 12

Figure 5.15: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for X bars of 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.

Dimension group for Y-bars for PF2

“Default Multiplier” = 6 pad footings (PF2) × 2 layer of reinforcement (top and bottom layers of reinforcement for each footing) = 12

Figure 5.16: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for Y bars of 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 bars (Figures 5.17 to 5.20).

Measure X-bars for PF1 (Figures 5.17 and 5.18)

To measure reinforcement bars, first activate the “Rebar” tool. Set the bar spacing to 200 mm (0.2 m), as specified in the Pad Footing Schedule on the drawing. For example, ‘PF1 N16-200 Bottom’ indicates that 16 mm diameter bars are placed at 200 mm centres at the bottom of the pad footing. Next, account for the additional bar length required for cogs (bends) at each end. Each bar includes two 350 mm bends, totalling 700 mm (0.7 m). This extra length can be measured from Section 1-1 of the drawing (Figure 5.17) and should be checked against the minimum requirements in the Australian Standard (AS3600).

Alternatively, the cog length can be calculated by deducting the concrete cover from the overall depth of the footing. In this case, the depth of the pad footing is 450 mm, and the concrete cover is 50 mm at both the top and bottom. Subtracting these values gives a cog length of 350 mm (i.e. 450 mm – 50 mm – 50 mm). According to AS3600-2009, the minimum required cog length for a 16 mm diameter bar is 220 mm, so the calculated 350 mm length meets the standard.

Figure 5.17: Screenshot of calculating length of the cog 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 5.18: Screenshot of measuring length of X bars of 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.

Measure Y-bars for PF1 (Figure 5.19)

Figure 5.19: Screenshot of measuring length of Y bars of 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 5.20: Screenshot of markups for X and Y bars of 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.

Measure X-bars for PF2 (Figures 5.21 and 5.22)

The additional bar length required for cogs (bends) at each end includes two 350 mm bends, totalling 700 mm (0.7 m). This extra length can be measured from Section 2-2 of the drawing and should be checked against the minimum requirements in the Australian Standard (AS3600).

Alternatively, the cog length can be calculated by deducting the concrete cover from the overall depth of the footing. In this case, the depth of the pad footing is 450 mm, and the concrete cover is 50 mm at both the top and bottom. Subtracting these values gives a cog length of 350 mm (i.e. 450 mm – 50 mm – 50 mm). According to AS3600-2009, the minimum required cog length for a 20 mm diameter bar is 260 mm, so the calculated 350 mm length meets the standard.

Figure 5.21: Screenshot of calculating length of the cog 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.

Figure 5.22: Screenshot of measuring length of X bars of 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.

Measure Y-bars for PF2 (Figure 5.23 and 5.24)

Figure 5.23: Screenshot of measuring length of Y bars of 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 5.24: Screenshot of markups for X and Y bars of 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 4: Add workbooks, transfer quantities and write descriptions (Figures 5.25 to 5.28).

Figure 5.25: Screenshot of workbook properties and selecting a name for pad footing reinforcement 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 5.26: Screenshot of First level of the workbook for pad footing reinforcement 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.

Write preamble notes and items, as well as the description of reinforcement on the second level.

Figure 5.27: Screenshot of second level of the workbook for pad footing reinforcement 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 weight per metre of a 20 mm reinforcement bar is 2.469 kg/m, and for a 16 mm bar, it is 1.58 kg/m (refer to Table 5.1).
Convert the weight to tonnes using the conversion factor: 1 tonne = 1,000 kg.

Figure 5.28: Screenshot of adding quantities of pad footing reinforcement 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 5.29 to 5.31)

Choose the report format (e.g. “Bill of Quantities – 2 Levels”) and generate the report.

Figure 5.29: Screenshot of selecting report type for pad footing reinforcement 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.

Edit report details such as report title and create preview.

Figure 5.30: Screenshot of workbook properties ad selecting a name for pad footing reinforcement 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 5.31: Screenshot of generated report for pad footing reinforcement 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.

5.4.2 Computer-based measurement of reinforcement for beam

Based on the drawings provided below (Figures 5.32 and 5.33)–, perform a digital quantity take-off for the reinforcement in beams on axis 1. Using the measured quantities, prepare a detailed BQ using iTWO CostX software.

Figure 5.32: Beam and column plan (Source: Created by Authors)

Figure 5.33: Section and detail (Source: Created by Authors)

The following steps show how to measure beam reinforcement:

Step 1: Upload the drawings and calibrate them (Figures 5.34 to 5.35).

Figure 5.34: Screenshot of calibrating page 1 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 5.35: Screenshot of calibrating page 2 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: Create dimension groups (Figure 5.36 to 5.38).

Dimension group for top and bottom bars

The “Default Multiplier” is set to 4 because the reinforcement configuration includes two identical top bars and two identical bottom bars, resulting in a total of four identical bars being accounted for in the calculation.

Figure 5.36: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for top and bottom bars 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.

Create a dimension group for beam stirrups to measure one vertical side of the stirrup.

Figure 5.37: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for beam stirrups 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.

Create a dimension group for beam stirrups to measure the top, bottom and vertical sides of the stirrup (extra distance).

Figure 5.38: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for beam stirrups-extra distance 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 and show markups (Figures 5.39 to 5.42).

Measure the top and bottom bars of the beam.

Figure 5.39: Screenshot of measuring top and bottom reinforcement 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.

Measure stirrups for beam (extra distance part).

Figure 5.40: Screenshot of measuring beam stirrups-extra distance 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: The total extra bar length is calculated as follows:

Measured extra distance in CostX = 0.76 m
Hook length (from standard- AS3600) for 6 mm diameter bar = 150 mm (or 0.15 m) per hook
Total extra distance = 0.76 m + 2 × 0.15 m = 1.06 m (or 1,060 mm).

Figure 5.41: Screenshot of measuring beam stirrups 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.

Markup for the entire beam on axis 1.

Figure 5.42: Screenshot of measured beam reinforcement markup 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: Create workbooks and transfer quantities (Figures 5.43 to 5.45).

Transfer quantities for the beam main bars.

Figure 5.43: Screenshot of adding quantities of beam reinforcement 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.

Transfer quantities for the beam stirrups.

Figure 5.44: Screenshot of adding quantities beam stirrups 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.

Figure 5.45: Screenshot of total beam stirrup quantity 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 5.46).

Figure 5.46: Screenshot of generated report for reinforcement of pad footings and beams 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.

5.4.3 Computer-based measurement of reinforcement for column

Based on the drawings provided below (Figure 5.47 to 5.49), perform a digital quantity take-off for the reinforcement in columns (C1 and C2) on axis 1. Using the measured quantities, prepare a detailed BQ using iTWO CostX software.

Figure 5.47: Beam and column layout plan (Source: Created by Authors)

Figure 5.48: Section 3-3 (Source: Created by Authors)

Figure 5.49: Column detail (Source: Created by Authors)

The following steps show how to measure column reinforcement:

Step 1: Upload the drawings and calibrate them (Figure 5.50).

Figure 5.50: Screenshot of calibrating X and Y axes for column reinforcement 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: Create dimension groups (Figures 5.51 and 5.52).

Dimension group for main bars – C1

The “Default Multiplier” is set to 12 because the reinforcement configuration consists of six identical vertical bars in each of the two C1 columns, resulting in a total of twelve identical bars considered in the calculation.

Figure 5.51: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for main bars of C1 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.

Dimension group for main bars – C2

The “Default Multiplier” is set to 12 because the reinforcement configuration consists of six identical vertical bars in each of the two C2 columns, resulting in a total of twelve identical bars considered in the calculation.

Figure 5.52: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for main bars of C2 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 and show markups (Figure 5.53 to 5.63).

Measure the main reinforcement bars for Column C1 (Figures 5.53 to 5.58).

Note: Starter bars are to be measured separately and are not included in this quantity.

Figure 5.53: Screenshot of measuring main bars of C1 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.

Measure ligatures for C1 (extra distance).

Figure 5.54: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for ligatures of C1 (extra distance) 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 5.55: Screenshot of ligature of C1 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.

The total extra bar length is calculated as follows:

Measured extra distance in CostX = 0.77 m
Hook length (from standard) for 10 mm diameter bar = 180 mm (or 0.18 m) per hook
Total extra distance = 0.77 m + 2 × 0.18 m = 1.13 m (or 1,130 mm).

Figure 5.56: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for ligatures of C1 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 5.57: Screenshot of adding spacing for ligatures of C1 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 5.58: Screenshot of measuring ligatures of C1 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.

Measure the main bars for C2 (Figures 5.59 to 5.63).

Note: Starter bars are to be measured separately and are not included in this quantity.

Figure 5.59: Screenshot of measuring main bars of C2 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.

Measure ligatures for C2 (extra distance).

Figure 5.60: Screenshot of creating a dimension group for ligatures of C2 (extra distance) 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 5.61: Screenshot of measuring ligatures of C2 (extra distance) 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 total extra bar length is calculated as follows:

Measured extra distance in CostX = 1.22 m
Hook length (from standard) for 10 mm diameter bar = 180 mm (or 0.18 m) per hook
Total extra distance = 1.22m + 2 × 0.18 m = 1.58 m (or 1,580 mm)