The Importance of Measurement Accuracy in the Construction Industry

Posted by Peter Gills on March 8th, 2018

We often underestimate the importance of measurements in the field of construction. However, measurement is immensely helpful not only in the construction of walls, placement of tiles, and balancing of mechanical systems but also in tracking contractor performance on the project. This is because a substantial amount of time at a jobsite goes in measuring various construction aspects like boards, conduits, walls, concrete volumes etc. and the lack of a good measuring system can prove to be detrimental to the project.

Measurement and Construction

Measurement comprises three key components, namely, level of measurement, dimension, and uncertainty. “Level of measurement” includes magnitude, i.e., a number, e.g., 9, “Dimension” comprises the units, e.g., feet or inches; and “Uncertainty” covers the gaps in the precision level of the measurement itself including the process and tool used to derive it.

Given its definition, it is pretty clear that dimensions and construction go hand-in-hand. So, when we use a measuring tape we often miss accounting for factors like the element of uncertainty. For example, the markings on the tape measure are usually not completely accurate or the angle we hold the tape measure at could be flawed. All these aspects instill uncertainty into the measurement. Therefore, it is advised that we should always measure twice before going ahead with cutting, coring, and drilling jobs. Even though it may appear to be unimportant, uncertainty could prove to be critical and can cause multiple reworks.

So accurate measurement can help save a lot of time. For instance, we ensure that we cutting through the exact place as we wanted by measuring the length where we want to cut. If our primary action (measurement) is flawed, our next action (cutting) will also be incorrect. It will not only cost us money but will add to our woes and force us to redo the work. This will also increase our superfluous expenditure and tilt our financial backing to our disadvantage. It is, therefore, important that we optimize our performance with high performing tools that help us save a tremendous amount of time, money and hard work in the long run.

It is high time that we address the issues posed by faulty measurement to get the most out of a host of leveling, aligning, sloping, and squaring tasks. There are measuring systems in the market that are packed with convenient features that make life on a job site easier. These new age measuring systems complete with integrated laser module that helps us to capture and save measurement data directly onto photographs taken by its internal digital camera. These laser measuring systems facilitate the digitization of the entire measurement process. Not only that, they allow you to measure distances, add data context with pictures and/or text, and sharing all of that information in a single report via BT, Wi-Fi, and Micro USB with just one, powerful, but an easy-to-use tool.

Since the construction industry is hugely dependent on the productivity of the workers, there should be enough focus on the introduction of new tools and methods to improve accuracy and efficiency. Efficient management of construction resources can lead to higher productivity which can help to achieve cost and time. Therefore, measuring systems should offer higher accuracy and versatility especially for jobs like leveling and aligning electric sockets, cable trays, and electrical installations. Some of these systems offer “one button operation” that makes measurement a one-person job and allows easy transfer of points from floor to ceiling or alignment of electrical installations.

Conclusion:
In the construction industry, there has always been a great emphasis having tools that can increase measurement accuracy. Also, this sector demands stringent quality control and support reliability to help “get the job done right the first time.” And, as contractors attempt to grow their trade in the global market, it has become a greater priority to extract for measurement accuracy from the tools. The right measuring tool can potentially achieve greater time- and cost-savings.