Girth Calculations

Week 10 – 218.203
Lara Tookey

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 15000

300 cavity wall

7000

Internal External

Measure the girth of the external 300 cavity wall

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 • In everyday life, we use standard arithmetic
operators to process numbers. In measurement,
the standard operators with which we are all
familiar (i.e. + - x ) no longer exist and must be
avoided where possible.
• In the interest of speed and clarity, when
“taking-off” (i.e. taking dimensions from
Setting out – drawings and then processing them to give
quantities in accordance with our chosen
Waste standard method of measurement) the
measurer uses a limited set of alternative
calculations operators and the relative position of
dimensions on the page to indicate the
arithmetic operation.
• The way in which these calculations are written
on the page is called “setting out” and is of
crucial importance.

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• Except in simple cases, waste calculations should not be formed by mental or
otherwise undocumented calculations. If a required dimension is not
annotated on a drawing, it must be determined by an illustrated waste
calculation before it is entered into the dimension column.
• Once established, that dimension can then be reused in future items,
provided that adequate signposting explains its origins.
• Waste calcs are also preferred to scaling from drawings as a method of
determining dimensions. Dimensions should only be scaled from a drawing
as a last resort as this practice is prone to error.
• When entered during taking-off, waste calculations allow errors in
determining the source of dimensions to be checked. All waste calcs are,
therefore, as important as the main calculations.
• Waste calculations - which are also called “sidecasts” - should be clear and
concise. Their entries should be explained by the use of signposting.

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What if the building is not square or
rectangular?

Corners that are ‘offset’

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 • In many cases buildings are designed
with set-back corners due to site
restrictions and for aesthetic purposes.
• Buildings of this type may have ‘L’ or a
‘T’ or even an ‘S’ plan shape.
• In such cases, the perimeter can be
Believe it or calculated as if it were a plain
rectangular building.
not • In essence, the internal and external
angels at the set-back cancel each
other out, and the total length is the
same as if there had been no recess
and the building was of a plain
rectangular outline.

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Measure the a) external and b)
internal girth of the 300 cavity
wall

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 Centerline
A measurement concept used specifically when measuring
foundations and walls.

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 More detailed explanation on the next page

Not to scale

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 Not to scale

A = ½/300
B = ½/300
Therefore 2/½/0.30 for ONE wall, but there are FOUR walls so your answer is

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