---
title: "Points to consider when measuring earthwork"
subject: "Estimating and Costing"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_7/estimating_and_costing:points-measuring-earthwork"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/points-measuring-earthwork
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Points to consider when measuring earthwork

Estimating and Costing · Chapter 2: Method of Estimating

- Asked in: 2079 Bhadra, 4 marks
- Video: [How to Calculate Earthworks for Large Areas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_XYsfYvnKg) — Yuriy B. Sesican
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/points-measuring-earthwork
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/chapter-2

## Question

What are the necessary points that need to be considered while measuring earthwork?

## Short answer

Classify soil and depth ranges; measure net volume (m³) adding working space (0.15–0.3 m) and slopes if allowed. Separate lead, lift, dewatering, shoring items. Backfill = excavated minus below-ground construction. Bulking about 20–30%, no deduction for pipes up to 0.5 m².

## Answer

The following points are considered when measuring earthwork:

1. **Classification of soil:** ordinary soil, soft rock, hard rock and water-bearing strata are measured separately because their rates differ.
2. **Dimensions:** length x breadth x depth of the trench or pit, measured as the net volume in place (m³). The width is the foundation width plus the working space (at least 0.15 to 0.3 m on each side), and the depth is taken to the bottom of the PCC.
3. **Depth range:** excavation is classified by depth (0 to 1.5 m, 1.5 to 3 m, and so on), and the lift and lead are specified.
4. **Slopes and benching:** side slopes and benching in deep trenches are added if the specification allows them; otherwise vertical sides are taken, with shoring.
5. **Lead and lift:** the distance and the height over which the excavated soil is carried away or to the filling site.
6. **Dewatering, shoring and strutting** when needed, measured as separate items.
7. **Backfilling and disposal:** the quantity of backfill = excavated volume - volume of foundation work below ground level. The surplus soil is disposed of or used for filling the plinth.
8. **Bulking and shrinkage:** soil swells (about 20 to 30%) on excavation and compacts on filling.
9. **No deduction** for small items such as pipes, and no addition for the loosening of the soil.
10. **Units:** m³ for excavation/filling, m² for surface dressing, m for trimming along a line (as per the specification).

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Why are soil types measured separately?
   A. Their rates differ
   B. They have same rate
   C. For colour
   D. For tax
   Answer: A. Ordinary, soft rock, hard rock. (Key point: Soil classes)

2. Backfill quantity equals
   A. excavation plus foundation
   B. excavated volume minus foundation work below ground
   C. excavation only
   D. foundation only
   Answer: B. Surplus is disposed. (Key point: Backfill)

3. Soil on excavation
   A. shrinks 20%
   B. stays same
   C. swells about 20-30%
   D. doubles
   Answer: C. Compacts on filling. (Key point: Bulking)

4. Dewatering and shoring are
   A. included free
   B. ignored
   C. deducted
   D. measured as separate items
   Answer: D. When needed. (Key point: Dewatering)

## Related in Estimating and Costing

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