Chapter 4

Measuring Sitework,
Excavation, and Piling

Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter,
you will be able to:
Determine the likely soil conditions at
a site by studying a soils report
Explain the use of swell factor and
compaction factor when calculating
volumes of excavation and backfill

Objectives (contd.)
Define bank measure and explain how
it applies to sitework takeoffs
Describe and use the grid method
of calculating cut and fill volumes
Describe and use the section
method of calculating cut and fill
volumes
Explain how piling work is measured
in a takeoff

Objectives (contd.)
Explain how trenches and basements
are measured in a takeoff
Complete a manual takeoff of
sitework
Complete a computer takeoff of
sitework using Excel spreadsheets
and MC2 ICE software

Generally
Measuring sitework and excavation
work
Different from measuring most other
work
Current site condition may not be provided
Dimensions and shape of excavations may
not be disclosed

Estimators must assess requirements

before measuring site work

Soils Report
Provides subsurface condition
information
Usually not a bid document
Includes data for foundation system
design

Comments on sample soils report

Topsoil, moisture content, soil
compaction, slope ratio, drainage, etc.

Bank Measure, Swell, and

Compaction Factors

Extracted soil

Less dense and will occupy more

space

Compaction factor
Difference between hole volume and
fill material volume

Bank measure
Obtained using hole dimensions

Excavation Safety
Considerations

Potential danger to workers

Cave-ins

OSHAs Construction Safety and

Health Regulations
Requires shoring systems or cutting
back sides to a safe angle
Strongly enforced

Use of Digitizers
Electronic devices
Enables user to take measurements
from drawings
Input directly into computer program

Digitizer types
Sonic
Tablet

On-Screen Takeoff
Eliminates need for paper-based
printouts

Number of formats
Cost savings
Speed
Convenience

Plans still have to be drawn to

scale

Measuring Notes
Excavation and Backfill

Include:

Measure in cubic yards or cubic

meters bank measure
Classify and measure separately
Excavations
Materials
Hand excavation
Disposal of surplus soil

Calculation of Cut and Fill

Using the Grid Method

Requires a site survey

Showing elevation of existing grade

Each intersection point on the grid
Plotted at each intersection point
Depth of cut can be obtained at each
point

Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.2

Accuracy depends on grid spacing

Calculation of Cut and Fill

Using the Section Method

Mostly used with long, relatively

narrow areas of cut and fill
Road and railroad construction

Results quality depends on

accuracy of plotting
Refer to Figure 4.3

Trench Excavations
Formula for trench volume:
Trench Volume = Length of Trench
Centerline Average Width of Trench
Average Depth of Trench
Refer to Figure 4.4

Sides of trenches often cut-back due to:

Safety reasons
Soil will not stand vertically

Trench Backfill
Volume of backfill for a trench
Generally equal to volume of
excavation minus volume of what is
to be contained
Surplus occurs when volume of
excavation exceeds amount required
for backfill
Item for disposal of surplus material is
required

Greater Accuracy
Formula used to calculate volume
of excavation:
Usually sufficient
Some situations require more
accuracy
Example: pit and basement excavations

Measuring NotesPiling
Often subcontracted to specialized
companies
Typical general contractor items:
Layout of piles
Cutting off tops of piles
Removing excavated material

Bearing Piles
Generally:
Measure in linear feet or meters
Include a separate lump-sum item for
equipment
Piles that are measures separately
Measurement may be subdivided
Enumerate splicing and lengthening
of piles

Bearing Piles (contd.)

Additional considerations:

Classification of bearing piles

Timber piles
Steel piles
Precast concrete piles
Poured-in-place concrete piles

Sheet Piling
Generally:
Described and measured in square
feet or square meters
Separately measure piles
Measurement may be subdivided
Measure withdrawing of piles
Cutting off of sheet piling: measured
in linear feet or meters

Sheet Piling (contd.)

Splices: described and measured by
number
Timber sheet piling, concrete sheet
piling, and steel sheet piling:
measured according to foregoing
principles
Extraction of piles: measured
separately

Additional Examples
Drawings
Refer to Figures 4.11 and 4.12

Sitework takeoff
Example 1The House Project
Takeoff Shown as Figure 4.6a

Example 2The Office/Warehouse Project

Takeoff Shown in Figure 4.14a

Sitework Takeoff Using ICE Software

Summary
The estimator has to make an
assessment of sitework requirements
Based on plans and specifications
Site visit
Soils report

Efficiency can be increased using a

digitizer
Sitework takeoffs can be done manually
or via computer