QUANTITY SURVEYING

Detailed Quantity Survey: Earthworks

WHAT IS EARTHWORK ESTIMATES?
In the construction industry, things work a little differently than the usual shop
and buy. For anyone working as an earthwork contractor, you will know that
earthwork estimates are a crucial part of any project.
If projects such as dam construction or bridge building come up, earthwork
contractors that propose accurate bids can win a contract. Contractors have
to do a lot of work to correctly figure out earthwork volumes and areas.
CF Excavating takes pride in being able to share our insight on projects large
or small with clients in need of assistance. We’ve drafted some guidance on
earthwork estimates to help you get a better understanding.
WHAT IS EARTHWORK?
When breaking down or cutting sections of the earth, such as batches of soil
or large sections of rock, these engineering processes are called earthworks.
Earthworks are processes found in most civil-engineering projects that alter the
topography of any site. These processes are necessary for the construction of
dams, roads, bridges, homes, and more.
Two important processes to understand earthwork are cutting and filling.
Cutting involves the removal of large chunks of earth surface. For example, this
could include removing a hill (or part of one) to create a road. Filling describes
the shifting and relocation of excavated material or “fill” to another earth
surface area for compacting.
HOW TO CALCULATE EARTHWORK ESTIMATES
Earthwork estimates are calculatable through the average method, the block
method, or the section method. However, the section method delivers the
most correct results.
Average Method
• The average method is best used for small projects where you will need to
determine Levels at each grid point. This method is the most simple method
to use only where there is cutting or where there is filling. This is an important
point to distinguish as the combination of cutting and filling leads to
incorrect estimates produced.
• These incorrect estimates occur because the values of cutting and filling
offset or nullify one another during the averaging process. To calculate the
earthwork estimate requires multiplying the area by the difference between
the average of two sets of levels.
• Formula:
Volume = Area * Difference between the average of two sets of levels.
Block Method (Division of Square Method)
The block method is most often used before building construction occurs to
work out the volume for leveling projects. This method is the middle ground
between the average method and the section method. It is more accurate
than the average method but simpler than the section method.
However, as above, when there is cutting and filling in the same block, they
can nullify each other. Fortunately, the margin of error is a lot smaller than the
average method.
To calculate the block method, work out the volume of each cutting or filling
for each block. Thereafter, sum them all together to find the total volume.
Formula:
Volume= Area of each block * Sum of cutting for each block OR Sum of filling
for each block
Section Method
The section method is useful in most really large infrastructure projects such as
roads, dams, railroad projects, among others. Although touted as a method
higher in accuracy, the section method is also more difficult to work out. It
becomes especially more challenging as it requires points to intersect where
lines that serve as surfaces connect.
However, despite it being more difficult to work out, the financial rewards can
be worth it. The first step is to find out the Cutting and Filling for each section
using the Nett Area Calculation Method or the Trapezoidal Method. Following
this step, multiply the average area with the distance between sections.
Errors to Account For
There are some areas for incorrect measurements to account for and manage.
These sources include the instrumental, personal, and natural error of the survey.
Furthermore, earthwork estimators have to consider the consequences that
earthwork processes have on soil volumes. There are three types of soil volumes,
namely bank volumes, loose volumes, and compacted volumes.
In addition, aerial topography also has areas of error. It faces geometric distortion
and, accordingly, gives a somewhat slanted, diagonal view due to the camera
height and earth curvature.
A few solutions to understanding these errors include:
1) Integrating and streamlining multiple-sources of data.
2) Adopting a 3D constructible model for a simplified experience of construction.
3) More efficient methods of data reporting in a few simplified reports.
4) Use constructible models to monitor the project and identify areas for
enhancing the project and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
5) Making projects visible remotely for continued assessment.
Errors to Account For
There are some areas for incorrect measurements to account for and manage.
These sources include the instrumental, personal, and natural error of the survey.
Furthermore, earthwork estimators have to consider the consequences that
earthwork processes have on soil volumes. There are three types of soil volumes,
namely bank volumes, loose volumes, and compacted volumes.
In addition, aerial topography also has areas of error. It faces geometric distortion
and, accordingly, gives a somewhat slanted, diagonal view due to the camera
height and earth curvature.
A few solutions to understanding these errors include:
1) Integrating and streamlining multiple-sources of data.
2) Adopting a 3D constructible model for a simplified experience of construction.
3) More efficient methods of data reporting in a few simplified reports.
4) Use constructible models to monitor the project and identify areas for
enhancing the project and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
5) Making projects visible remotely for continued assessment.
IMPORTANT LAND CLEARING CONSIDERATIONS
The initial step of any development requires getting rid of the old to make
space for the new. For construction, this includes removing any vegetation
and landmarks on the plot to allow the necessary building activities to take
place.
As a landowner, you will know that clearing a plot of land isn’t as simple as
removing a few trees or vegetation and debris. In fact, there are many things
to consider in preparation for clearing land before any construction can
begin.
When preparing land for clearing, our advice is to hire professionals that know
the critical considerations and how to execute them.
 4 CONSIDERATIONS WHEN LAND CLEARING
There are two main considerations when land clearing property:
Environmental conditions of the site
Safety of executing the clearing process
There are specific steps that you need to take when clearing land to ensure
that these conditions are fully considered.
1. Rough staking the plot
Vegetation and other obstructions on the property are only removed after rough
staking is complete. Rough staking involves setting out the site boundaries. The
operator marks out the sections of the land allocated for clearing and determines
the type of clearing necessary.
Individuals can carry out the tasks by carefully following guidelines and the
property blueprints and dimensions. Professionals with experience will be able to
carry out the rough staking quickly and more accurately than an individual.
Professionals will also have experience in complying with the construction
regulations, rules, and permits associated with land clearing. This is likely to make
the process of setting out rough stakes run more smoothly. It also helps to maintain
the project deadline and get the job done right the first time.
2. Pinpoint the removals
After land clearers establish the clearing boundaries, they can pinpoint the
removal of specific objects within the boundary. The objects may include
vegetation, such as roots, stumps, plants, bushes or trees, and other items that will
cause obstruction.
When selecting removals, we recommend preserving as many trees and natural
vegetation trees outside the clearing boundary as possible. This will help preserve
the natural environment and ecosystems in the area. It will also add to the
aesthetic of the development’s surroundings.
3. Clearing the land
The pivotal step of the process is the actual clearing of the property. The
vegetation in the marked out areas, as determined by the rough staking, should
be fully removed from the ground. The land clearing team will need to remove all
the cut-down vegetation and debris from the lot and transport it offsite to a
dump.
Land clearing is an extensive task. It is important to hire professionals that will
complete the work thoroughly and have the capacity to manage the work.
The activities involved in land clearing typically involve big machinery and
equipment suited to the scale of the job. Excavating companies involved in these
activities, like CF Excavating, will have the necessary equipment on hand. This
could include things like chainsaws, bulldozers, track or wheeled carriers, and
various hand tools.
On a small job, hand tools may be enough. However, as the scale and size of the
vegetation grow, more heavy machinery is necessary.
Apart from falling debris and trees, the use of these tools can be dangerous. As
such, these activities should only be undertaken with the correct safety measures
and precautions in place. Because of this, the process of lot clearing is usually
best left to trusted professionals.
3. After clearing – building preparation
The first part of the clearing process removes all the necessary vegetation and
obstructions. After this, the workers must adjust the land to an appropriate grade
specific to the project. This may include raising the land, sloping it in certain areas,
and flattening it in others to create the desired terrain.
Strategic excavations create the specific slopes needed for various reasons.
Regrading is important in order to improve the stability of the land. It also
influences the positioning of the development and potential road routes. These
should be placed strategically at an appropriate grade.
The slopes also affect the direction of stormwater runoff. The runoff should run in
the direction away from infrastructure. The strategic placement of slopes helps to
create effective drainage paths. It also assists in preventing damage to the
infrastructure and the land from erosion.
HOW INCLEMENT WEATHER IMPACTS
EXCAVATION PROJECTS
Extreme weather conditions have the ability to curveball events of various
kinds. Poor weather may be a reason to cancel any outdoor event. However,
the stakes are much greater when it comes to construction plans.
Excavation delays as a result of unforeseen conditions have an effect on
critical paths and the budget of a project. Thorough planning forms the
backbone of a successful project. As such, the impact of inclement weather
on these plans is vital to consider.
THE IMPACT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER ON
EXCAVATION PROJECTS
Inclement weather refers to extreme, tumultuous and severe conditions that generally
surpass your average rainy day. These abnormal conditions may include:
•Hail
•Snow
•Severe wind
•Dust storms
•Or extreme temperatures
Conditions like these make the environment unsuitable for working. Extreme weather
conditions typically make it unsafe for workers to execute the work onsite. It also makes
the work itself impractical as it can affect the ground and surroundings of a site.
Construction projects involve extensive site work and earthworks that can last up to
months. These activities are extremely dependent on outside weather events as
inclement weather can cause delays due to unsafe working conditions.
Here is how some of the most common inclement weather conditions can impact
excavation projects.
Rain
Rain has the potential to shut down project sites for weeks at a time! This is
particularly true when it comes to heavy or consistent rain during rainy seasons. In
times where there is significant rainfall in a short period of time, flooding may occur.
This creates impossible conditions for excavation work.
The biggest threats include lost time, which can cost money. Severe rainfall also
affects the equipment and the workers. When working in muddy conditions, the
workers need to clean out the tracks and clear paths and entrances regularly.
Despite plans, rainfall can be extremely unpredictable and vary between years.
Wet years are challenging, but you can prepare for inclement weather. It’s always a
good idea to expect the best and plan for the worst.
Wind
Severe winds can dismount machinery and lift debris, which can cause significant
damage to construction sites. If extreme winds occur over a long period, they can
make working conditions a challenge and impede progress.
Weather planning should include specific measures for the event of high winds. In
particular, these interventions should prevent the blowing and relocating of dust
and earth around the site.
Other interventions include avoiding certain tasks. To ensure the safety of workers,
managers should postpone certain activities that are dangerous in windy
conditions. In addition, workers should only use equipment with extreme caution (or
not at all) when the equipment is susceptible to dimounting by wind.
To prevent drastically influencing the critical path, the postponed activities should
be revised and rescheduled. This way, all excavating activities can return to normal
when acceptable weather conditions are present.
Extreme Temperatures
Hot and cold weather, in their extremes, can have major impacts on excavation
projects. The conditions can be dangerous for workers if they do not have the
correct gear or do not follow the applicable safety precautions. Although
experienced workers are resilient in working in extreme conditions, it is still important
to take all the necessary safety precautions.
During very hot conditions, workers may get tired and dehydrated easily. In such
environments, it is important to regularly hydrate and perhaps work at a slower
pace to prevent overexertion. In very cold weather, workers should dress in
sufficiently warm attire.
The weather also presents challenges to the way in which workers execute tasks. In
hot weather, workers may face exhaustion from the heat and be slothful and
potentially negligent in their work. In cold weather, the multiple layers may weigh
down and inhibit the comfort of workers. This can cause them to work less
efficiently.
Another consideration is the effect of cold weather on machinery. The clearing of
snow may be necessary for any machinery and personnel to move across the site.
The cold may also damage pipes or equipment that is vulnerable to low
temperatures.
NEW CONSTRUCTION SITE PREPARATION
Before any commercial construction or residential development can begin,
there are a few steps to follow to prepare the site. Approaching every detail
with care, even down to pre-construction steps such as these, signals
professionalism. It can mean all the difference between a successful and
unsuccessful final project.
CF Excavating is a Skagit County-based company that provides for all client site
prep, demolition, utility, grading and excavation needs. Below, we lay out some
of the steps in the new construction site preparation process.
8 STEPS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION SITE PREP
Construction site preparation, for either commercial construction or residential
development, is necessary before any building can occur. It prepares the site so
that the land is suitable for construction. This ensures the longevity of the
development.

Site Access and Elevation

The first thing to consider is the accessibility of the site. It’s worthwhile to think of
the comings and goings of your construction team and equipment. Simple site
access makes the process of delivery of equipment and raw materials much
smoother.
Also consider identifying where trees are, the road width, power lines, existing
buildings, and garbage disposal routes.
The elevation of the site is another aspect that goes hand in hand with the
location. Elevation will affect water flow directions and the drainage of the
site. Drainage can be a messy, difficult, and expensive task. So, it’s wise to
think about this early on.
Site Clearance
During site clearance, area grading is necessary to avoid any obstructions
once the building starts. To clear the site, you will need to eliminate all
construction equipment, machinery, and rubble from construction.
Furthermore, demolition of all buildings, trees, and unnecessary underground
structures should occur. This step is also important for safety purposes for all
teams moving on- and off-site. It removes all obstacles from the building area
to provide a clear plot of land for construction.

Site Surveyance
Site surveying is necessary for zoning and permit requirements in Skagit county.
This process involves a surveyor evaluating the site and marking the exact
areas where the construction of buildings will take place. This is when the plans
and ideas begin to take shape.
Construction Soil Testing
Soil testing is a vital part of any commercial construction project and occurs through
geotechnical investigations. This step helps assess the soil properties and density.
In addition, it explores how absorbent the soil is and whether it can provide adequate
support for foundations and structures.
Neglecting this step is not an option. If it emerges that the soil is not supportive enough, you
may have to consider another site.
There are various soil types including:
• Class A (Acceptable). Minimal to no ground movement as a result of moisture
fluctuations, mainly sand and rock.
• Class S (Satisfactory). Slight ground movement in response to water changes-result in
somewhat reactive clay sites.
• Class M (Moderate). Mild moderate ground movement from moisture changes, with
mildly responsive clay and silt sites.
• Class H1 and H2 (Highly reactive). Highly responsive clay sites that may experience high
ground movement from changes in moisture.
• Class E (Extreme). Extremely responsive sites. May experience excessive ground
movement.
• Class P (Problem). This class outlines potential issues in site preparation. Some examples
include soft clay, loose sand, or silt which may lead to landslides. Soil crumbling can also
occur under the effects of erosion.
Site Design and Planning
In this step, you will need to look at any existing underground services installed. Here,
you can figure out ways to work around these without disrupting or damaging services.
Furthermore, you should assess what the groundwater level is and how much grading is
necessary for redirecting water flows. Other aspects of the site to assess are the ease of
excavation and depth of potential frost.

Safety and Risk Liability Mitigation

It goes without saying that the construction process itself has certain risks that require
safety precautions. This extends to the construction site preparation.
Possible safety points can include delegating a safety manager and program officer to
assess site hazards. Having a Builder’s Risk insurance policy is also imperative to protect
your final chosen site.

Site Excavation and Earthwork

Construction sites can see two types of excavation. These include bulk excavation and
detailed excavation. While bulk excavation involves clearing the whole area so that it’s
level, detailed excavation pays more attention to tree roots, loose earth, and mud.
Both types of excavation contribute to creating a level surface area so that the site is
ready for construction.
WHAT IS AN EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING
PLAN?
Before getting into the nitty-gritty details, it’s important to understand the difference between
excavation sites and trenches. Excavation is when the ground of a site is dug out. On the other
hand, a trench is generally an area of excavation where the ground is deeper than it is wide.
When working on a job that requires excavation and trenching, it is absolutely vital to have a
plan in place. Excavation and trenching sites can be hazardous, and potentially life-
threatening if not prepared and painted properly. However, with proper planning, you can
prevent these hazards before the digging even begins.
Excavation and trenching sites are perhaps one of the most dangerous sites to work on.
Weather conditions and ground conditions can cause soil from caving in. Overhead machinery
is large and could become unstable.
Many aspects can contribute to these hazards becoming a reality, such as the amount of time
spent working, the weather conditions, the number of people, as well as the soil conditions.
An excavation or trenching plan is a document that the excavation company prepares prior to
project start. It includes a hazard assessment, project requirements, safety procedures for
workers to follow, and more. It sets down an understanding of all the dangers involved when
working on the site and a plan on preventing them. The point is to ensure the health and safety
of all the workers on site.
WHAT THE EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING PLAN
SHOULD INCLUDE
When setting down an excavation or trenching plan, there are a few things to consider.

Specifications and Procedures

Before anything happens, it’s vital to conduct a hazard assessment. This is a simple procedure
where we, as the excavation company, go through to the excavation site with you. Here, we
will analyze the ground, the machinery, as well as the location. This helps us to identify any
hazards and risks.
The next step is to lay out a plan to mitigate the risk as much as possible. It’s crucial to identify
the soil type(s) on the site, buried services, overhead power lines, and so on. This helps the
excavation team to set up plans and a checklist of things to do before they can begin work. It
also helps to understand what equipment will be necessary and lay out the personal protective
equipment that the workers will require.
Steps need to be in place to prevent overhead soil from falling on the workers. The excavation
and trenching plan should detail which trees and man-made or natural facilities need to be
cleared. It’s also critical to include flooding prevention as well as an evacuation procedure.
The plan will outline the projected depth of the excavation based on soil types. It should also
include the planned method of shoring, sloping, or benching.
WHAT THE EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING PLAN
SHOULD INCLUDE
Site Management Plans
Once we have a good understanding of the exact specifications of the site, we can start
planning the trenching and excavation.
In this planning stage, it’s important to determine the space within the trench as well as the
space for entering and exiting the trench. Here, it’s vital to consider traffic control inside and
outside the trench, and include details on how the site manager should manage it. The plan
also needs to include a management plan for excavated soil or asphalt.