Sitework Estimating: Earthwork, Utilities, and Site Development

Sitework is often the first trade on-site and the last to be fully understood during estimating. Earthwork volumes, utility depths, and soil conditions create significant pricing variability.

Division 02 Scope

CSI Division 02 — Existing Conditions covers:

• 02 20 00 — Site Assessment (testing, surveying)
• 02 30 00 — Subsurface Investigation (geotechnical)
• 02 40 00 — Demolition and Structure Moving
• 02 50 00 — Site Remediation (hazardous waste)
• 02 60 00 — Contaminated Site Treatment
• 02 80 00 — Facility Remediation

Earthwork Estimating

Cut and Fill Calculations

Use the average-end-area method:

• Take cross-sections every 25-50 LF along the site
• Calculate area of cut and fill at each section
• Average adjacent section areas and multiply by distance between
• Apply shrinkage/swell factors: earth 10-15%, rock 25-40%

Excavation Classifications

Material	Swell Factor	Prod Rate (CY/hr)
Common earth	25%	150-250
Sand and gravel	15%	200-300
Hard clay	30%	80-120
Rock (blasted)	40%	40-80

Utility Trenching

Utility estimates must account for:

• Trench depth — Water (48” min frost depth), sewer (deeper)
• Bedding material — Sand, crushed stone
• Pipe material — PVC (SDR 35, Sch 40), ductile iron, HDPE
• Fittings and valves — Gate valves, hydrants, clean-outs
• Backfill and compaction — Per spec (95% proctor typical)
• Restoration — Pavement, curb, sidewalk, landscaping

Paving and Hardscape

• Asphalt paving — Tonnage based on thickness (2” to 6”), density (110 LB/SY/inch)
• Concrete paving — CY based on thickness (4” to 8”), joint spacing
• Curb and gutter — Linear footage by type (mountable, barrier, rolled)
• Sidewalks — SF, thickness (4” standard), reinforcement (WWF)

F&K Estimatings provides complete Division 02 sitework takeoffs for commercial and residential developments. Submit your civil plans for an accurate sitework estimate.