SOLUTIONS
Earthworks Estimating
Earthworks is the first major activity in residential construction and forms the groundwork for
structural stability. Accurate estimation of earthworks ensures proper cost control and
scheduling.
1. Components of Earthworks
The table lists several key components, each estimated based on geometry and site-specific
requirements:
Item Purpose Unit
Common Imported fill material used when there is a shortage of suitable backfill
m³
Borrow on site.
Suitable excavated soil reused to refill excavated areas after foundations
Backfill m³
are placed.
Crushed stone base layer placed under footings and slabs to improve
Gravel Fill m³
drainage and stability.
Chemical treatment (anti-termite) applied to the soil surface before slab
Soil Poisoning lot
casting.
Each quantity is derived from excavation computations and construction layout plans.
2. How the Quantities Are Computed
Each footing or structural element has a designated Mark (e.g., F1, F2) and associated
dimensions (Length × Width × Depth). These dimensions represent the excavation footprint
of each footing.
Sample Breakdown – Footing F1:
Parameter Value
Length 1.20 m
Width 1.20 m
Depth (of footing) 0.25 m
Excavation Depth 1.25 m
Quantity 8 pcs
A. Excavation Volume
This is the full volume of soil to be removed, including working space or excess dig for safety
and formwork.
Excavation Volume = Length × Width × Excavation Depth × Quantity
=1.2 × 1.2 ×1.25 × 8 = 14.40 m3
B. Volume to be Refilled (Backfill or Gravel)
After the footing is constructed, a portion of the excavated space is refilled, typically using
gravel for the base and excavated soil (backfill) for the rest.
Gravel Fill Volume = Length × Width × Gravel Thickness × Quantity
= 1.2 × 1.2 × 0.25 × 8 = 2.88 m3
3. Aggregation of Quantities
Once all footing types (e.g., F1, F2, etc.) and possibly column pedestals or tie beams are
computed, their excavation and fill volumes are summed to form:
• Total Excavation Volume – For hauling, machine rental, and labor cost
• Total Backfill Volume – For labor and compaction equipment
• Total Gravel Fill – For base material ordering
• Total Borrow – Only needed if backfill volume exceeds suitable site material
The spreadsheet automates this by listing all dimensions, computing areas and volumes, and
outputting the grand totals above the breakdown table.
4. Soil Poisoning Treatment
Soil poisoning is usually done once before any structural work begins. It is calculated per lot
(lump sum), based on building footprint area plus allowance.
• Treated area = building footprint (e.g., 60–80 m² for small houses)
• Application rate = typically 5 liters/m² (check with supplier)
• Total cost = rate × area (included as a lump sum or rate per lot)
5. Practical Estimating Notes
• Swelling and Shrinkage Factors: Consider swell factors (10–30%) when hauling away
soil, and shrinkage factors (10–20%) when compacting backfill.
• Hauling Distance: Excavated soil may be stockpiled, reused, or hauled off-site, which
affects cost.
• Gravel Fill Thickness: Commonly 150–300 mm depending on geotechnical
recommendations.
• Excess Excavation: Add allowances for working space (e.g., 0.3–0.5 m around footing
per side).
Computation:
Common Borrow: 35.03 m3
Back Fill: 35.69 m3
Gravel Fill: 7.11 m3
Soil Poisoning: lot
Dimension Excavation Volume Volume
Quantity Area
Mark Length Width Depth Depth Excavated Fill
m m m pcs m m 2
m 3
m3
F1 1.20 1.20 0.25 8 1.25 11.52 14.40 2.88
F2 1.00 1.00 0.25 3 1.25 3.00 3.75 0.75
F3 1.60 1.60 0.25 2 1.25 5.12 6.40 1.28
WF1 21.00 0.40 0.15 - 1.00 8.40 8.40 1.26
WF2 3.70 0.40 0.15 - 1.00 1.48 1.48 0.22
WF3 2.00 0.30 0.15 - 1.00 0.60 0.60 0.09
Slab - - - - - 41.00 - -
Total 71.12 35.03 6.48
Back Fill = Volume Excavated - Volume Fill
Back Fill = 28.55 x 1.25 = 35.69 m3
1.25 - adding 25% allowance for
compaction
compaction not exceeding 150mm (6'')
every layer
Gravel Fill = (Area of footings & slab) x (Depth of Gravel)
Gravel Fill = 71.12 x 0.10 = 7.11 m3