Earthworks
Practical quantities, clear assumptions and the terms behind them.
ESTIMATING FIELD NOTES
How to approach earthworks quantities
Earthworks measurement distinguishes bank (in-situ) volume from loose excavated spoil and compacted backfill. Soil bulking and truck payload limits govern haulage trips, while structural displacement governs net backfill.
TAKEOFF CHECKLIST
- Measure excavation net in situ (bank cubic metres) before applying a loose-volume bulking factor.
- Check both volumetric capacity and road-legal weight limits when estimating muck-away truckloads.
- Deduct buried concrete, foundations and drainage surround volumes to find the net backfill void.
- Account separately for working space, trench support or batter slopes where required.
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Excavation Volume
Dig volume, loose spoil and truckloads.
Earthworks◩↗
Backfill
The void left after the structure is in place.
Earthworks