Estimating in Building Construction

FIGURE 12.3.Column Details.

FIGURE 12.2.Roof Framing Plan.

understanding, the estimator can make an approximate esti-
mate for a check on subcontractor prices, but should not
attempt to use those figures for compiling a bid price.
Once a complete takeoff of the structural metals has been
made, they should be grouped according to the grade required
and the shape of the structural piece. Special built-up shapes
must be listed separately; in each area, the shapes should be

broken down into small, medium, and large weights per foot.

For standard mill pieces, the higher the weight per foot, the

lower the cost per pound. The weights of the various standard

shapes may be obtained from any structural steel handbook or

from the manufacturing company. To determine the weight of

built-up members, the estimator adds each of the component

shapes used to make the special shape.

Metals 137

EXAMPLE 12-1 STRUCTURAL FRAMING TAKEOFF

Determine the structural metal framing requirements for the
building in Appendix A (columns and beams). Figure 12.2 (Sheet
S2.2 in Appendix A) is the roof framing plan and Figure 12.3 is the
column details (Sheet S8.1 detail 6 in Appendix A).
From Figures 12.2 and 12.3 and details, calculations for struc-
tural metals can be found in Figure 12.4.

Figure 12.5 is a spreadsheet that contains the completed structural

metals quantification for the roof framing (does not include base-

ment metals).

Weight (pounds)16.167¿ 30  3 1,455 pounds

Weight (pounds) 16 ¿ 2 – 30 pounds per foot 3

Weight of W1230s that are 16 ¿ 2 – long: