Earthwork Estimating Software & Excavation Software

Earthwork takeoff and costing is dramatically different than vertical construction estimates. As such, earthwork and site work estimators require a very different set of cost estimate tools. The primary challenge in earthwork is the takeoff process, rather than the actual estimate process. During takeoff, companies need more sophisticated three-dimensional tools for calculating cuts and fills, profiling trenches and planning concrete or asphalt work. With a top-rated earthwork takeoff system, excavation contractors can dramatically reduce their tracing time, calculate more accurate measures, and win more bids. These tools are also effective for new business owners just learning how to estimate excavation. We recommend shoppers in this category exercise extreme scrutiny if a site offers an earthwork software free download or other free earthwork calculation software.

Key Requirements for Earthwork Takeoff

To determine which costing solution will meet your unique company requirements, your earthwork estimator should evaluate and compare the following functions. Business software for small excavating, for example, could differ from solutions for creating a canal earthwork excavation estimate. Your buyer should take extra care in assessing offers described as an earth work program free download or earthworks software free download.

Cut & fill estimating program	The primary requirement of any earthwork takeoff program is the ability to measure cuts and fills. The system must present existing and final elevation maps and calculate the amount of earth to be cut or filled in each section.
Strata layer breakdowns	Most excavation takeoff software should be able to map the various strata and code them by color. It should calculate earthwork by taking inputs from the earth samples and engineers’ notes so that the type of strata is known for each part of the job site.
Grid views	Sophisticated cut fill software should allow the estimator to select any grid from grid staking reports and view the cut and fill measurements associated with that area.
Trench profiling	The earth filling calculation program should allow the estimator to measure trench plans and profiles, as well as determine slope, widths and heights. This includes determining how much earth will need to be excavated and what materials will be required for trench utilities, including piping and footings.
3D, multi-color elevation maps	In contrast to two-dimensional vertical cost estimate solutions, top earthwork estimating software must offer more sophisticated, three-dimensional and multi-color visualizations of existing and final elevations.
Trench profiling	The system should allow the user to create a cost estimation for earthwork using measurements of trench plan and profile, slope, widths and heights. This includes determining how much earth will need to be excavated and what materials will be required for trench utilities, including piping and footings.
3D, multi-color elevation maps	In contrast to two-dimensional vertical estimating solutions, an earthwork estimating system must offer more sophisticated, three-dimensional and multi-color visualizations of existing and final elevations.
Pad takeoff	The sitework takeoff software should allow the user to perform takeoffs for flat pads, such as those used for building pads. The system should allow the estimator to specify the area that is, or should be flat.
Retaining wall takeoff	The earth work calculating software should support takeoff of vertical elements, such as cliffs and retaining walls. These should be visualized and measured during takeoff, as well as include a material library.
Material library	The cuts and fills software vendor should offer a material library that is specific to earthwork. This may just consist of a library of subgrade materials, but more likely will also need to include an asphalt estimating tool and materials required for concrete work, walls and other hardscape or roadwork.

Recent Events in the Industry

Earthwork software vendors are in a constant race to keep up with evolving site planning, excavation and cut & fill needs. From introducing new versions of tried and true products to a first-of-its-kind construction excavation app, shoppers will find a plethora of options when searching for excavation software, cut & fill takeoff software and other related dirtworks takeoff software. Below are recent news items from four of the most active earthworks software companies.

• HCSS Heavybid. HCSS knows that even earthwork estimators need to access important business tools on the go. Earlier this year company officials previewed mobile apps for their field and cost estimate solutions. Users can use the construction excavation app to complete simple estimates, change orders, markups and pricing. The new technology allows paving, highway, utility contracting and excavating users to access important cut & fill software on their iPad, iPhone and Android. The official release is expected in May after focus group feedback and final testing.

• Maxwell Systems ProContractorMX Earthwork. Maxwell Systems recently added a new construction business management offering to its portfolio. Officials released in April the Maxwell Systems StreetSmarts 7.5 - an accounting software for excavating companies as well as project management tool for heavy and highway builders. The solution helps users better manage equipment, materials, construction and accounting. The new release is just one of many construction-focused solutions Maxwell Systems offers, including others for cut and fill cost estimating.

• Bid2Win. Officials this year unveiled iPad and Android tablet versions of Bid2Win’s Field and Maintenance solutions. The applications feature a streamlined interface for coordinating data and important communications between mechanics, shops, and equipment managers. The apps will be officially released in the fourth quarter this year. Also this year, developers unveiled Build2Win Version 3.1. The upgraded best-of-breed construction management suite provides new logistics functionality and usability enhancements, among other changes.

• Roctek WinEx Master. The Accordant Co. was brought on this year as an Authorized Dealer for Roctek International’s WinEx Master and WinEx-de cut and fill software. Accordant employs a team of excavating professionals that now provide advice and guidance to estimators interested in purchasing the cost estimate excavation programs. Roctek, founded more than 19 years ago, offers a range of earthwork takeoff software for businesses large in small.