Study of Ratio of Concrete Volume per Reinforcement Quantity in Post - Tension Slab of Large Buildings -

Abstract

       Detailed cost estimation requires an expert with experiences in estimating construction costs and takes a lengthy period of time to determine materials quantity.  The accuracy of the quantity of construction materials is therefore essential in ascertaining the cost of the construction. Determining the reinforcement quantity is a complicated process. If there are criteria or tools that the construction cost estimator can deploy easily and conveniently, it will desirably help shorten the working period.  Thus, the researcher was interested in studying a relation in terms of the ratio of concrete volume per reinforcement quantity in post - tension slab of large buildings as a case study. The value of the relation of the ratio was then tested on buildings of similar design and with the same design variables. When the obtained value was compared with the detailed cost estimation, it was found that concrete volume and reinforcement quantity were actually more than those obtained from the detailed cost estimation at 5.86 % and 8.95 % respectively. The resulting values differed less than 10 %, which were within the acceptable range. In conclusion, the value of the relation of the ratio derived from this study can be used to quickly determine initial concrete volume and reinforcement quantity of buildings of similar designs and with the same design variables, which can help shorten the working period.