A GUIDE TO CREATING PROJECTS WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE (WBS)

The main idea of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is to capture all the required
scope of the project and none must be repeated or duplicated. As one of the best
Project Management Practice, a Work Breakdown Structure must be developed
during project planning phase and must be in placed at least prior to project
execution. WBS is one of the most important document in managing projects. An
approved WBS will be the scope baseline of the project and the basis for developing
schedule baseline. These baselines are the main documents used to monitor and
control a project by the Project Supervision or Project Management Team.
In order to successfully develop a WBS of a project, one must understand the type
of a project being considered. There is two common type of project, first is the New
Project wherein everything will start from zero. This type of project may fall into one
of the two case:
Case 1: The only existing in the project site is the site itself needed to be developed
and where a building to be raised/constructed.
Case 2: There is an existing infra/structure that have to be demolished then start to
build a new one.
Second type of a project is Renovation/Enhancement. In order to enhance or
improve infra/structure, something must be removed or stripped then replace a new
one with better quality. In almost all cases, demolition is a part of
renovation/enhancement projects.

PROJECT TYPES
1. New Project
2. Renovation/Enhancement Project
NEW PROJECT
1. Building Construction
Concrete Structure (i.e. Main Building)
Steel Structure (i.e. Warehouse Building)
Composite Structure (Combination of Concrete & Steel structure)
2. Site Development
Annex Building/Utility Buildings (i.e. Electrical Room)
Perimeter Fences
Roadways/Walkways/Ramps
Bridge/Tunnels
Shades (i.e. Parking Shades)
Hardscapes (i.e. Pavers)
Landscapes (i.e. Plants)
Utility Services (i.e. Sewer, Irrigation)
Specialty (i.e. Fountains)
Facilities (i.e. External Swimming Pool)
Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0

RENOVATION/ENHANCEMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.

Upgrading of Facilities (i.e. Renovation of offices, toilets, common areas)

Upgrading of Infrastructure (i.e. Enhancement of roadways, bridges)
Enhancement of Support System (i.e. improvement of utility services)
Replacement/Improvement of Equipment (Replacement of HVAC
equipment)

BASIS IN DEVELOPING WBS

There are three best possible ways to develop a WBS:
1. Based on Bill of Quantities (BOQ) provided in CSI Master Format
2. Based on construction process/methodologies
3. Combination of both
To capture all the three ways, this guide will focus on the combination of BOQ and
construction methods. Based on the project requirements, the one who is creating
the WBS can decide if an item can be considered or omitted.
Depending on the complexity and scale of the project, a zoning may be
implemented and each zone can be sub-divided into areas (See Figure 1.0). This is
how the WBS worked, decomposing the project into smaller manageable parts.

In Figure 1.0 the

Project XYZ is
divided into zones
from ZONE 1 to
ZONE 4 and each
zone is divided to
areas. In example
ZONE 1 was subdivided into Areas
Z1.1, Z1.2 and Z1.3,
ZONE 2 is subdivided into Areas
Z2.1 and Z2.2 and
so on.

Figure 1.0

Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0

As mentioned earlier, the main idea of the WBS is to capture all the scope required
and to avoid the recurrence or duplication of the scope that may lead to scope
creep. It is imperative that whoever is creating the WBS highly understand the
condition of the contract, BOQ, drawings and methodologies of the project to be
delivered. Before creating WBS, review the following documents:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Contracts/Agreement
End-user Requirements if any
Preliminary Scope if any
Bill of Quantities
Design Drawings
Specific construction methodologies if any (zoning)
Specifications
All other documents that will be helpful

To have consistency, this guide will consider Areas after the zoning and divisions are
set up for a project. An Area consists of General Works, Buildings and Site
Development Works. Let us consider the Area Z1.1 for Project XYZ in the Figures 1.0
& 2.0.
Example 1.0
New Project XYZ - Zone 1.1 consist of the following conditions
1. Have an existing old building to be demolish
2. Main Building (Multi-Story Concrete Structure)
Several level of Basement
Several floor levels
3. Site Development
Annex Buildings
Perimeter Fence
Roadways
Walkways
Landscape
Utility Services
4. Bill of Quantities (BOQ) based on CSI Master Format v. 2014
Div. 1 General Requirements
Div. 2 Existing Conditions
Div. 3 Concrete Works
Div. 4 Masonry Works
Div. 5 Metal Works
Div. 6 Wood, Plastics & Composites
Div. 7 Thermal & Moisture Protection
Div. 8 Openings (Doors, Windows & Skylights)
Div. 9 Finishes
Div. 10 Specialties
Div. 11 Equipment

Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0

Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.
Div.

12
13
14
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
31
32
33

Furnishings
Special Construction
Conveying Equipment
Fire Suppression
Plumbing
Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Integrated Automation
Electrical
Communication
Electronic Safety & Security
- Earthworks
Exterior Improvements
Utilities

Figure 2.0

PROJECT
XYZ

ZONE 1

ZONE 2

ZONE 4

Zon
es

Z1.1
Z1.2

ZONE 3

Area
s

Z1.3

Considering Area Z1.1, it will consist three main works.

1. General Works
General works are the scope of works that both Main Building and Site
Development will benefit. Mainly General Requirements falls into this scope.
Such scopes are listed below but not limited to:
Mobilization (Div. 1)
Temporary Facilities (Div. 1)
Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0

Project Management (Div. 1)

Demolition (Div. 2)

2. Main Building Works

Earthworks
o Site Clearing (Div. 31)
o Excavation (Div. 31)
o Backfilling (Div. 31)
Structure/Civil Works
o Sub-structure Works (Break down into Floor Levels)
All concrete structure below grade (i.e. Foundation, Retaining
walls) (Div. 3)
CMU walls below grade (i.e. Basement walls/partitions) (Div. 4)
Sub-structure damp proofing & waterproofing (Div. 7)
o Super Structure Works (Break down into Floor Levels)
All concrete structure above grade (i.e. Columns, Suspended
Slabs) (Div. 3)
CMU wall above grade (Div. 4)
Roof Waterproofing system (Div. 7)
Electro-Mechanical Works
o Conveying Equipment (Break down into Floor Levels)
Rough-in works (fixing miscellaneous structures, laying conduits)
(Div. 14)
Installation (Install Lift equipment) (Div. 14)
o Fire Suppression (Break down into Floor Levels)
Rough-in works (Laying of pipe lines) (Div. 21)
Installation works (Install pumps, FHC, sprinklers) (Div. 21)
o Plumbing (Break down into Floor Levels)
Rough-in works (Laying of drainage and water lines) (Div. 22)
Installation works (Install plumbing fixtures, mixers,) (Div. 22)
o HVAC (Break down into Floor Levels)
Rough-in works (Laying of duct lines, install HVAC equipment)
(Div. 23)
Installation (Install grilles, controls) (Div. 23)
o Integrated Automation (Break down into Floor Levels)
Rough in works (Lay conduits, pull cables/wires) (Div. 25)
Installation works (Install equipment/devices) (Div. 25)
o Electrical (Break down into Floor Levels)
Rough in works (Lay conduits, pull cables/wires) (Div. 26)
Installation works (Install equipment/devices) (Div. 26)
o Communication (Break down into Floor Levels)
Rough in works (Lay conduits, pull cables/wires) (Div. 27)
Installation works (Install equipment/devices) (Div. 27)
o Electronic Safety & Security (Break down into Floor Levels)
Rough in works (Lay conduits, pull cables/wires) (Div. 28)
Installation works (Install equipment/devices) (Div. 28)

Finishing Works

Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0

Internal Finishing Works (Break down into Floor Levels)

Floor Finish (Div. 9)
Wall Finish (Div. 9)
Ceiling Finish (Div. 9)
Metal Works (Div. 5)
Woods, Plastics & Composites (Div. 6)
Openings (Doors & Windows) (Div. 8)
Furnishings (Div. 12)
Equipment (i.e. Kitchen cabinets) (Div. 11)
Signage (Div. 10)
External Finishing Works
External Floor Finish (Div. 9)
External Wall Finish (Div. 9)
External Ceiling Finish (Div. 9)
Sunscreens (Div. 10)
Canopies (Div. 10)

3. Site Development Works

Annex Buildings (i.e. Electrical Room, Pump room)
The WBS under Annex Building will be similar to the main building.
Perimeter Fence & Gates (Div. 32)
o Earthworks
Site Clearing
Excavation
Backfilling
o Structure/Civil Works
Concrete Works
Masonry Works
Damp proofing Works
o Electro-Mechanical
Lightings
Communications
Electronic Safety & Security
o Finishing Works
Metal Works (i.e. Gates, Decorative Metals)
Finishing (i.e. Claddings, Plastering, Paintings)
Hardscape (Div. 32)
o Base Course
o Paving
o Paving Specialties
Landscape (i.e. Plants) (Div. 32)
o Plant
o Grass
Irrigation (Div. 32)
Swimming pool/Fountain (Div. 13)
Utility Services (Div. 33)
o Sanitary Sewerage Utilities
o Storm Drainage
o Electrical Utilities
Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0

Communication Utilities

WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE MODEL (Project Example)

WB
S
LEV
EL

WBS #
(Number
ing)

DESCRIPTION

REMARKS

Project XYZ
Zone 1
Z1.1
General Works

Program
Zone
Project
Work
stream 1
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
stream 2
Work
Package

1
2

1
1.1

1.1.1

Mobilization

1.1.2

Project Management

1.1.3

Demolition/Selective Demolition

1.2

Main Building

1.2.1

Earthworks

3
4
5
6

Structure/Civil Works
Sub-Structure (Breakdown into floor levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Level 0
Concrete Works

3
4

1.2.2
1.2.2.1
1.2.2.1.(-n)
1.2.2.1.(n).1
1.2.2.1.(n).2
1.2.2.1.(n).3
1.2.2.2
1.2.2.1.(n)
1.2.2.1.
(n).1
1.2.2.1.
(n).2
1.2.2.1.
(n).3
1.2.3
1.2.3.1

5
5
4

1.2.3.1.1
1.2.3.1.2
1.2.3.2

6
6
4
5
6
6
6

Floor Levels
Deliverables

Masonry Works

Deliverables

Thermal & Moisture Protection Works

Deliverables

Super-Structure (Breakdown into floor levels)

Levels (n) Level 0 to Top Level
Concrete Works

Floor Levels
Deliverables

Masonry Works

Deliverables

Thermal & Moisture Protection Works

Deliverables

Electro-Mechanical Works
Conveying Equipment

Work
Package

Rough-In works
Installation
Fire Suppression (Breakdown into floor

Work

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5
6
6
4
5
6
6
4
5
6
6
4
5
6
6
4
5
6
6
4
5
6
6
4
5
6
6

1.2.3.2.(n)
1.2.3.2.
(n).1
1.2.3.2.
(n).2
1.2.3.3
1.2.3.3.(n)
1.2.3.3.
(n).1
1.2.3.3.
(n).2
1.2.3.4
1.2.3.4.(n)
1.2.3.4.
(n).1
1.2.3.4.
(n).2
1.2.3.5
1.2.3.5.(n)
1.2.3.5.
(n).1
1.2.3.5.
(n).2
1.2.3.6
1.2.3.6.(n)
1.2.3.6.
(n).1
1.2.3.6.
(n).2
1.2.3.7
1.2.3.7.(n)
1.2.3.7.
(n).1
1.2.3.7.
(n).2
1.2.3.8
1.2.3.8.(n)
1.2.3.8.
(n).1
1.2.3.8.
(n).2

levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Top Level
Rough-In works

Package
Floor Levels

Installation
Plumbing (Breakdown into floor levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Top Level
Rough-In works

Work
Package
Floor Levels

Installation
HVAC (Breakdown into floor levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Top Level
Rough-In works

Work
Package
Floor Levels

Installation
Integrated Automation (Breakdown into floor
levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Top Level
Rough-In works

Work
Package
Floor Levels

Installation
Electrical (Breakdown into floor levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Top Level
Rough-In works

Work
Package
Floor Levels

Installation
Communication (Breakdown into floor levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Top Level
Rough-In works

Work
Package
Floor Levels

Installation
Electronic Safety & Security (Breakdown into
floor levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Top Level
Rough-In works

Work
Package
Floor Levels

Installation

Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0

3
4

1.2.4
1.2.4.1

Finishing Works
Internal Finishing Works (Breakdown into
floor levels)
Level (n) Bottom level to Top Level
Floor Finish

5
5

1.2.4.1.1
1.2.4.1.2

1.2.4.1.3

Wall Finish

1.2.4.1.4

Ceiling Finish

1.2.4.1.5

Metal Works

1.2.4.1.6

Wood, Plastic & Composites

1.2.4.1.7

Openings

6
6
5

1.2.4.1.7.1
1.2.4.1.7.2
1.2.4.1.8

Doors
Windows
Furnishing

1.2.4.1.9

Equipment

1.2.4.1.10

Signage

4
5

1.2.4.2
1.2.4.2.1

1.2.4.2.2

External Wall Finish

1.2.4.2.3

External Ceiling Finish

5
5
2

1.2.4.2.4
1.2.4.2.5
1.3

3
4

1.3.1
1.3.1.1

Annex Buildings
Earthworks

1.3.1.2

Structure/Civil Works

1.3.1.3

Electro-Mechanical Works

1.3.1.4

Finishing Works

3
4

1.3.2
1.3.2.1

Perimeter Fence
Earthworks

1.3.2.2

Structure/Civil Works

External Finishing Works

External Floor Finish

Canopies
Sunscreens
Site Development

Floor Levels
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Deliverables
Deliverables
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Deliverables
Deliverables
Work
stream 3
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work

Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0

1.3.2.3

Electro-Mechanical Works

1.3.2.4

Finishing Works

1.3.3

Hardscape

1.3.4

Landscape

1.3.5

Irrigation

3
4

1.3.6
1.3.6.1

Special Construction
Swimming Pool

1.3.6.2

Fountains

3
4

1.3.7
1.3.7.1

Utility Services
Sanitary Sewage Utilities

1.3.7.2

Storm Drainage Utilities

1.3.7.3

Electrical Utilities

1.3.7.4

Communication Utilities

Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package
Work
Package

SUMMARY:
Projects are unique, it is difficult to provide a generic WBS for all the projects.
Therefore, this document is only a guide and does not provide a complete set of
scope of a project. However this guide provide useful information to start creating
WBS that aligns to the development of scope and schedule baselines which is the
main document to be used during project monitoring and control phase.

Project WBS Guide Draft 1.0