Concrete Quantities from Drawings: Basics
How to approach concrete volumes for slabs, walls, and foundations from structural drawings.
Measurement approach
Split elements by pour or structural zone. Measure net volumes then apply waste and formwork strategy per your method statement.
Coordinate with reinforcement schedules—some projects price concrete and rebar separately; avoid double counting blinding or toppings.
Use section cuts for thickness and verify offsets against architectural finish build-ups that change edge conditions.
Common elements
Foundations, ground slabs, columns, walls, stairs, and toppings each need clear boundaries—especially where concrete interfaces with blockwork or precast.
Post-tensioned slabs may have different volumes from structural line vs tendon profile—follow the engineer’s notes.
Interfaces and exclusions
Exclude pile caps if priced elsewhere; include encasement to fire rating where shown. Haunches and thickenings are easy to miss on plan-only takeoffs.
Coordinate construction joints and pour sequences if the BOQ prices pours separately.