Standard Measurement Systems in Construction
Introduction
What are standard measurement systems in Construction? Measurement is a familiar term to engineers, it is applied regularly in our work, and we often use it without even thinking. However, we may become intrigued by it, and wonder about it. We may ask, why do we need to measure? What is measurement? Why there are so many different units of measurement, length (m, feet, inches), weight (N), mass (kg, ton)? Why do different countries use different units of measurement and different measurement systems?
The importance of measurement
Measurement is a comparison of the differences between two or more groups of objects and/or systems that have a similar characteristic base. Measurement plays an important and indispensable role in human development. In the past, when measurement systems were not established and officially approved, people used simple tools or objects, such as the length of a hand/foot and the weight of a stone/rock, to perform measurements. Now, standardised and official measurements are used everywhere. Among elsewhere, they can be found in calculation, communication, commercial trading, analysis of data, and evaluation.
Within the construction industry, measurements are vital to a good construction project. To engineers, measurements are crucial, as it is the main tool used to communicate with different disciplines in the industry. We need measurement to be able to understand basic engineering designs and architectural design drawings. Without measurement, it would be difficult to transform an abstract design into a physical building. An engineer or architect cannot communicate effectively with the builder without measurement and dimension, as specific measurements for all parts of the design are required so the builder can build precisely.
Besides the measurement of length, there is the measurement of angles, which helps us to determine the orientation of the structure. It is specifically helpful in constructing complex curves or dome structures.
Measurement also provides us with data which can be compared against building codes. This is especially useful for complex structures such as high-rise buildings, where the code will state specific restraints (like the height limit of each structure), and so measurement is required to reconcile building codes with the actual construction project.
Due to the dynamic nature of construction projects, it is unavoidable to make predictions, decisions, and actions. In this way, measurement can be used to determine and estimate where we are on a project in terms of schedule, efficiency, and cost, which allows us to improve our future decisions.
Measurement Systems
Different measurement tools will require different measurement methods. The most basic and common method we use to measure length or distance is by using a measuring tape and ruler, since it is cheap, easy to do, and flexible. However, the accuracy of the result is mostly dependent on the person who takes the measurement. There might be some human error involved, such as an unreliable angle of view when reading the measurement result, weather conditions, and the process of measuring itself. Additionally, manual measuring methods have other restrictions, such as the inability of measuring large-scale objects, tiny objects that the human eye cannot see, and topography (as it is difficult and dangerous).
However, technological advancements have improved and enhanced measurement methods, saving us time and money, reducing risks, and providing more accurate results. Now, large and complex construction projects often use Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and other machinery to measure, as it is more convenient, faster, reduces operating costs and provides a better control of the data while designing and updating measurement results.
References
The Maker Immersion, 2019, CODES&STANDARDS, Exner Education Pty Ltd.
National Construction Code, 2019, Building Code of Australia: Volume 1.
ICMS: International Construction Measurement Standards, 2017, International Construction Measurement Standards: Global Consistency in Presenting Construction Costs, 1st edition.
You be the Chemist Activity Guide, The importance of Measurement.