MODULE 4

EARTH WORKS
 I. INTRODUCTION

This module starts the procedure on deriving quantity takeoff. Before deriving the
quantity takeoff of a particular project, it is necessary to study and familiarize the
drawings/plans and specifications of the project. This way let the estimator grasp a
preliminary idea on the configuration and technical details of the projects.

A complete sample of plans including technical details is presented in a separate

file. Refer to such attachment for some parameters used in this module.

II. EARTHWORKS

As mention in the previous module, the bill of quantities is classified into several
work groups. While there is no exact order as to where the quantity takeoff should start
it is advisable to begin the takeoff base on the order of construction. In most cases,
construction works starts primarily on the preparation of site of the project l. In this case
earthworks shall commence using full manual labor for small construction and using
heavy equipment’s for major/big construction project.

Earth works comprises site level, excavation, backfilling and transportation of

excavated materials. See foundation plan from the sample drawing.
When the project site is in rolling or with terrain topography site leveling will be
done. This is very common for roadworks and/or any construction on mountainous site
location. Sometimes the volume of excavated soil is more than enough for backfilling,
surplus materials are transported to other places.

III. Excavation

The quantities are calculated based on the dimensions of works to be done that
needs excavation. Take note that for this module, excavation for structural elements
only is to be considered. Excavation for septic tank, catch basin and any other
excavation are omitted and shall not be considered in this module. Note also that we
should consider the excess of material excavated to all for safe operations. Take note
that the price of excavated material differ based on the soil type, deep of excavation,
ground water level, site location, shoring system, and Equipment used, etc. The unit of
measurement is in volume or per cubic meter.
Excavation work is needed to all structural elements to be installed underneath the
natural grade line. Let us look at the general column detail. Notice that the footing, tie
beam, and some part of the column are below the natural grade line (top most of the
soil), thus excavation are necessary. Also, in the general detail the wall footing is also
below the NGL thus, excavation is also needed. Let us now derive the quantities
needed for excavation.

III.1. Excavation for Footing

Type footing to any search engine and look for sample pictures and its
descriptions to know what is a footing and its purpose.

Base on plan, there are three types of footing scheduled as follows:

1. Footing 1 or F1 = 1.2m x 1.1 m x 0.25 m thick

2. Footing 2 or F2 = 1.3 m x 1.1 m x 0.25 m thick
3. Footing 3 or F3 = 1.7 m x 1.6 m x 0.25 m thick

Each of this footing has a depth of 1.5m below the natural grade line. Notice also
that a gravel bed is to be provided at the bottom of the footing so that the total depth
will be 1.6m. Actually, all structural members should not lie on top of soil so that a
gravel bed is to be provided. In this case a 100mm gravel bed is use.

From the dimension of the footing above, we must adjust the dimensions to
consider formworks and wastage. Assuming an allowance of 0.1 m on each side and
a total depth of 1.6 m, excavation works for footing are:
1. F1 = 1.4 X 1.3m x 1.6 m = 2.912 m3
2. F2 = 1.5 x 1.3 x 1.6 m = 3.12 m3
3. F3 = 1.9 x 1.8 x 1.6 m = 5.472 m3

Now, let us multiply each of these quantities to the number of footing needed
thus;

1. F1 = 2.912 m3 x 8 pcs = 23.296 m3

2. F2 = 3.12 m3 x 4 pcs = 12.48 m3
3. F3 = 5.472 m3 x 3 pcs = 16.416 m3

So that the total volume needed shall be 52.192 m 3.

III.2. Excavation for Wall Footing

Type wall footing to any search engine and look for sample pictures and its
descriptions to know what is a footing and its purpose.

The dimension of the wall footing is 0.40m width and a depth of 0.60m below the
NGL. Considering formworks and gravel bed, the volume needed shall be:

WF = 0.6m x 0.7m = 0.42 m3 per meter length of footing

To determine the total length of the wall footing we shall study again the
plan/details. Visit again the foundation plan and determine the total length of the wall
footing.

From the plan, each room needs 3.05 m length of wall footing. Hence, there are
4 rooms the total length shall be 12.2 m. So that;

WF = 0.42 x 12.2 = 5.124 m3.

III.3. Excavation for Tie beams

 A tie beam is a type of a beam installed underneath a soil and usually provided to
tie the column and thereby increasing its capability to resist lateral loads.

From the tie beam schedule, the typical dimension for tie beam is 0.2m x 0.4m.
Also, from the general column layout the depth of the bottom of the tie beam from the
NGL is 1.0 m. Considering allowance and gravel bed, the volume of excavation needed
for tie beam shall be:

TB = 0.4 x 1.1 m = 0.44 m3 per meter length of tie beam

To determine the total length of the tie beam we shall study again the
plan/details. Visit again the foundation plan and determine the total length of the tie
beam. For simplicity, the total length of tie beam is computer as follows:

Total length of tie beam = 12 x 2 + 5.5 x 4 = 46 m.

So that;

TB = 0.44 x 46 = 20.24 m3

III.4. Total Excavation

Considering these values, the total quantity needed for excavation shall be:

Total Volume for Excavation = 52.192 + 5.124 + 20.24 = 77.556 m 3

IV. Backfill

In actual work, once all the structural elements are concreted all holes from
excavation works must be covered. Thus, backfilling works must be provided. The
volume of backfill is simply the difference between the volume for excavation and
the volume of concrete for the structural elements. So;
 Concrete for Footing:

1. F1 = 1.2m x 1.1 m x 0.25 m x 8 pcs= 2.64 m3

2. F2 = 1.3 m x 1.1 m x 0.25 m x 4 pcs = 1.43 m3
3. F3 = 1.7 m x 1.6 m x 0.25 m x 3 pcs = 2.04 m3

So that, the total volume for footing is 6.11 m 3.

Notice that the column on top of each footing where excavation is needed shall
not be included for backfilling works. Such that, the volume of concrete for these
columns must be computed. The height of the column to be considered is 1.25m. This is
the difference between the footing depth and thickness of the footing. See column
schedule for its dimension.

Volume for Column = 0.2 m x 0.4 m x 1.25 m x 15 columns = 1.5 m 3

For wall footing,

Volume of wall footing = 0.2 m x 0.4 m x 12.2 m = 0.976 m 3

Aside from the wall footing, we must note that the volume soil which covers the
wall on top of this footing shall not be included for backfill. The depth of wall from the
NGL is 0.3 m so;

Volume of wall = 0.15 m (thickness of wall) x 0.30 m x 12.2 m = 0.549 m 3

(You may also use 100 mm or 4” thick wall)

For tie beam;

Volume for tie beam = 0.2m x 0.4 m x 46 m = 3.68 m 3

So, the total volume of concrete is calculated to be 12.815 m 3

Using the formula mentioned;

Volume of backfill = 77.556 – 12.815 = 64.741 m 3

From this value, we must add a 25% allowance for soil shrinkage. Research on the
different value of soil shrinkage factor base on soil type and condition.
Total volume of backfill = 64.741 + 1.25% = 80.93 m 3

V. Gravel Bed

Gravel bedding is provided to separate the concrete elements and soil. This is to
avoid moisture which deteriorate the reinforcement underneath the soil. Note that all
structural members which lies on top of soil must be provided with a gravel bed. The
computation are as follows:

Footing: Length x Width x thickness of gravel bed

F1 = 1.2m x 1.1 m x 0.1 m = 0.132 m3

F2 = 1.3 m x 1.1 m x 0.1 m = 0.143 m3

F3 = 1.7 m x 1.6 m x 0.1 m = 0.272 m3

Wall Footing; Width x total Length x thickness of gravel bed

WF = 0.40 m x 12.2 m x 0.1 m = 0.488 m3

Tie Beam: Width x total Length x thickness of gravel bed

TB = 0.20 m x 46 m x 0.1 m = 0.92 m3
So that;

Total Volume for Gravel Bed = 1.955 m3 say 2 m3

Now, estimate the quantity of material for earthworks base on your plan.
See performance task for instructions.