CEng 134n: Quantity Surveying

Module 02: Bill of Quantities

Lesson 2.1 EARTHWORKS

Lesson Overview
This lesson discusses the process of quantifying and costing of earthworks that are
common in the construction industry.

By the end of this lesson, the student must be able to apply the skills necessary for
estimating earthworks.

Coverage of Earthworks
Earthworks usually refers to works that involve earth moving which is the
transferring of earth from one position to another as well as its removal or addition
to the site. Earth may refer to soil, sand, or gravel or a mixture of all or either of the
three.

Earthworks may include the following types of earth moving:

a. Grading refers to the moving of loose earth from one position to another in order
to establish or to achieve a desired grade.
b. Excavation refers to the removal of earth from its natural position.

c. Backfilling refers to the return of excavated earth to its original position.

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 CEng 134n: Quantity Surveying
Module 02: Bill of Quantities

d. Cut and Fill refers to the activity of excavating (cutting) of the earth from one
location and filling it to another location.

e. Compact Filling refers to the addition of earth and compacting it at certain

intervals.

f. Earth Hauling refers to the removal of excavated earth from the site to a dump
site.

Estimating Earthworks
The process for estimating earthworks is as follows:

A. Plan and Specifications Reading

The following drawings and requirements are necessary to perform the plan reading
for Earthworks:
Foundation Plan - Location and Orientation of Building with respect to
the site
- Items that are located below the grade such as
Footings and Tie Beams
- Contours of the site (original and desired)
Schedules (Footings, - Depth of excavation and geometric properties of items
Tie Beams, Columns) that are located below the grade

B. Quantity Take-off
In general, earthworks are estimated by quantifying the volume of the earth to be
moved.

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 CEng 134n: Quantity Surveying
Module 02: Bill of Quantities

Compact Fills are estimated by quantifying the volume of the fill required multiplied
by the units per material to be used for the fill such as Sand only, Gravel only, Mixture
of Sand and Gravel, Mixture of Gravel and Soil, or Mixture of Sand and Soil. Required
quantity may vary depending on the desired mixture, e.g. 0.50 cu. M. of Sand and
1.0 cu. M. of Gravel per Volume of Fill.

Earth Hauling is estimated by quantifying the volume of earth to be hauled multiplied

by the capacity of the Hauling Equipment to be used, e.g. 3.00 cu. M. capacity Truck.

C. Cost Computation
Depending on the required earth moving, the cost per unit or rate may vary.

End of Lesson