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Sitework & Earthworkaka: site gradingaka: rough gradingaka: mass grading

Grading

In Plain English

Shaping and leveling the ground surface to create proper drainage, support buildings, and meet design elevations.

Definition

The earthwork process of shaping the ground surface to achieve specified elevations and slopes for drainage, structural support, and aesthetic purposes. Grading includes both rough grading (establishing approximate subgrade elevations) and fine grading (achieving final design grades). Grading plans show existing and proposed contours with design slopes for drainage.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Grading drives some of the most volatile numbers in a bid because cut-and-fill quantities, haul distances, and import or export of soil swing the earthwork price dramatically. An estimator who misreads the grading plan or ignores soil balance can carry far too little dirt work, turning a winning bid into a money-losing job once the dozers start moving material.

Example

Using the grading plan's existing and proposed contours, an estimator runs an earthwork model showing a 3,000-cubic-yard fill shortage and prices imported structural fill plus haul into the site package.

Related Terms

Rough GradingFine GradingEarthworkSubgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

They compare existing and proposed elevations, usually with earthwork software that builds surfaces from the grading plan's contours and spot grades. The model reports net cut, fill, and whether the site balances. Estimators then add stripping, shrink and swell factors, and overexcavation called out by the geotechnical report before pricing equipment and haul.
Rough grading brings the site to approximate subgrade elevations with bulk earthmoving equipment, while fine grading achieves the tight final tolerances needed under slabs, pavements, and landscaping. They are often priced as separate line items because fine grading uses different equipment, labor, and tolerances that significantly affect unit costs.
If a site balances, material cut from high areas fills low areas with no import or export, keeping cost low. An unbalanced site forces hauling soil off-site or importing fill, adding trucking, tipping, and material charges. Estimators check balance early because it is often the single largest variable in the earthwork bid.

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