Methods of Measurement

Standards

Methods of Measurement

Every Bill of Quantities is measured to a published method of measurement. The method defines what is measured, the unit, the description, and what is included or excluded from each item. The choice of method depends on the nature of the work, the contract form, and client preference.

Australian Standard Method of Measurement (ASMM)

Published by AIQS, the ASMM is the default measurement framework for building work in Australia. It is structured around traditional building elements — substructure, superstructure, internal finishes, services, and external works — and gives clear coverage rules for each item type. ASMM is widely adopted by state government building procurement and large commercial clients.

Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement

For civil works, the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement applies. It covers earthworks, drainage, pavements, structures, and ancillary civil items in a way that maps cleanly to the work performed by TMR contractors, water utilities, and energy infrastructure builders. Civil work units differ from building work — quantities are measured in m³ of excavation or fill, m of pipe, t of reinforcement, etc.

TMR Schedule of Rates & MRTS specifications

Queensland transport infrastructure is procured against the TMR Schedule of Rates, which is aligned with the Main Roads Technical Specifications (MRTS) — including pavement (MRTS04), drainage (MRTS03), structures (MRTS70-series), traffic (MRTS90-series), and electrical specifications. The TMR schedule is what panel and stand-alone contractors price to. Cenex measures TMR work consistently with these schedules so that BOQs are immediately recognisable to TMR project managers.

RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM)

The international NRM 1, 2 and 3 series is the RICS-published measurement framework used widely in the UK, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East. Australian projects funded internationally — particularly resources, energy and major PPP infrastructure — sometimes specify NRM measurement. Cenex applies NRM to those projects with the same audit discipline as ASMM.

Why method choice matters

A BOQ measured to the wrong method will produce tender returns that are technically priced but commercially incomparable. Tenderers may include or exclude different items (e.g. is bracing included in the tonne rate for steel, or measured separately?). A consistent method makes the contract enforceable. Cenex always documents the method used at the front of every BOQ.