Earthwork bidding requires accurate volume calculations, understanding of soil conditions, and proper equipment selection. This guide helps excavation and grading contractors win profitable site development projects.
Understanding Earthwork Bid Documents
Civil Drawings
Key Drawing Types
- Site grading plans
- Cut and fill diagrams
- Cross sections
- Erosion control plans
- Utility plans
Information to Extract
- Existing grades
- Proposed grades
- Cut/fill volumes
- Soil types
- Disposal requirements
Geotechnical Reports
Critical Information
- Soil classifications
- Bearing capacities
- Groundwater levels
- Rock presence
- Unsuitable material
Impact on Bidding
- Equipment selection
- Production rates
- Special handling
- Dewatering needs
Specifications
Division 31 Sections
- 31 10 00 - Site Clearing
- 31 20 00 - Earth Moving
- 31 23 00 - Excavation and Fill
- 31 25 00 - Erosion Control
Critical Details
- Compaction requirements
- Material specifications
- Testing requirements
- Import/export needs
Quantity Takeoff
Cut and Fill Calculations
Methods
- Average end area
- Grid method
- Cross-section method
- Software calculation
Factors
- Swell/shrinkage
- Unsuitable removal
- Topsoil stripping
- Import/export balance
Swell and Shrinkage
Typical Factors
- Common soil swell: 20-30%
- Clay swell: 30-40%
- Rock swell: 50-75%
- Compaction shrinkage: 10-20%
Calculation Impact
- Hauling quantities
- Borrow needs
- Disposal volumes
Linear and Area Quantities
Categories
- Clearing (acres)
- Grubbing (acres)
- Topsoil strip/spread (SF/CY)
- Erosion control (LF/SF)
- Rock excavation (CY)
Pricing Components
Equipment Costs
Major Equipment
- Excavators
- Dozers
- Scrapers
- Loaders
- Compactors
- Haul trucks
Cost Elements
- Ownership/rental
- Operating costs
- Operator wages
- Mobilization
- Maintenance
Production Rates
Factors Affecting Production
- Soil type
- Haul distance
- Site conditions
- Weather
- Equipment match
Typical Rates
- Dozer: 100-500 CY/hour
- Scraper: 200-600 CY/hour
- Excavator/truck: varies by haul
Hauling Costs
Variables
- Distance to disposal/borrow
- Truck capacity
- Cycle time
- Traffic conditions
- Weight restrictions
Calculation
- Cycle time analysis
- Fleet sizing
- Cost per CY
Import and Export
Considerations
- Material availability
- Distance to source/disposal
- Material cost or tipping fees
- Testing requirements
- Permit requirements
Site Conditions
Soil Analysis
Key Properties
- Classification (USCS)
- Moisture content
- Compaction characteristics
- Rock content
- Contamination
Impact on Bidding
- Equipment selection
- Production rates
- Special handling
- Testing frequency
Groundwater
Dewatering Methods
- Well points
- Deep wells
- Sumps
- Trenching
Cost Factors
- Duration
- Equipment
- Discharge permits
- Monitoring
Rock Excavation
Classification
- Rippable
- Blastable
- Non-rippable
Pricing
- Premium over soil
- Equipment needs
- Production impact
- Blasting costs
Common Bidding Mistakes
Quantity Errors
Watch For
- Swell/shrinkage factors
- Rock quantity
- Unsuitable material
- Topsoil depth
- Import/export balance
Production Overestimation
Common Issues
- Ideal vs. real conditions
- Weather impact
- Access limitations
- Coordination delays
- Equipment breakdowns
Scope Gaps
Frequently Missed
- Erosion control
- Dust control
- Traffic control
- Dewatering
- Testing costs
- Permit fees
Erosion Control
Requirements
Common Measures
- Silt fencing
- Inlet protection
- Stabilized construction entrance
- Temporary seeding
- Sediment basins
SWPPP Requirements
- Inspection frequency
- Documentation
- Maintenance
- Reporting
Pricing
Include
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Removal
- Inspection time
- Documentation
Environmental Compliance
Permits
Common Requirements
- Grading permit
- Stormwater permit
- Fill permits
- Wetland permits
- Stream crossing permits
Cost Items
- Permit fees
- Compliance measures
- Monitoring
- Documentation
Contaminated Soil
Considerations
- Characterization
- Special handling
- Disposal costs
- Documentation
- Liability
Equipment Selection
Matching Equipment to Job
Factors
- Volume quantity
- Haul distance
- Material type
- Site conditions
- Schedule requirements
Fleet Optimization
- Production balance
- Cost efficiency
- Flexibility
- Backup capability
Rent vs. Own
Considerations
- Job duration
- Utilization rate
- Capital availability
- Maintenance capability
- Tax implications
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Operating engineers
- Laborers
- Truck drivers
Compliance
- Correct classifications
- Certified payroll
- Fringe benefits
Buy America
Requirements
- Domestic materials
- Documentation
- Certification
DBE/MBE/WBE
Requirements
- Subcontracting goals
- Good faith efforts
- Documentation
- Reporting
Safety Requirements
OSHA Compliance
Key Areas
- Excavation safety
- Trench protection
- Equipment safety
- Traffic control
- PPE requirements
Site Safety
Requirements
- Safety plans
- Training
- Competent person
- Daily inspections
- Documentation
Technology in Earthwork Bidding
Estimating Software
Options
- HCSS HeavyBid
- B2W Estimate
- Agtek
- Civil 3D
Features
- Volume calculation
- Production rates
- Equipment databases
- Report generation
GPS and Machine Control
Bidding Impact
- Productivity improvement
- Staking cost reduction
- Quality improvement
- Documentation capability
Drones
Applications
- Site surveys
- Progress monitoring
- Volume verification
- Documentation
Competitive Strategies
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Equipment capabilities
- Safety record
- Schedule reliability
- Environmental compliance
Value Engineering
Options
- Grade optimization
- Material balance
- Construction methods
- Phasing options
Conclusion
Successful earthwork bidding requires accurate volume calculations, realistic production estimates, and comprehensive site understanding. Calculate quantities carefully. Account for soil conditions. Select appropriate equipment. Include all compliance costs.
The earthwork contractors who win profitable work combine estimating accuracy with equipment capability and reliable execution.
ConstructionBids.ai helps earthwork contractors find site development opportunities and track bid deadlines for commercial, municipal, and infrastructure projects.
