HOW TO CALCULATE GRADING TAKEOFF USING CARLSON SOFTWARE?

Contents

What is Grading takeoff?

Grading Takeoff is the process of calculating the volume of earthwork required to shape a site according to a proposed design. It involves determining the cut (excavation) and fill (embankment) quantities needed to achieve the final grading plan for a construction or land development project.

Grading takeoff is crucial in civil engineering, land development, and construction projects, particularly for:

Residential subdivisions
Commercial site developments
Roadway and highway projects
Industrial and infrastructure developments

Why is Grading takeoff important in bidding?

Grading takeoff is important in bidding because it helps determine the amount of earthwork (such as excavation, filling, and grading) required for a project. Accurate grading takeoff allows contractors to:

Identify Scope of Work: It clarifies the specific grading tasks involved, such as cut and fill requirements, ensuring all parties involved are on the same page regarding what is included in the contract.
Improve Accuracy in Scheduling: With precise grading takeoff data, contractors can better plan and schedule their work, leading to more efficient project timelines.
Minimize Risks: Understanding the grading requirements helps identify potential challenges or issues early, allowing contractors to plan accordingly and mitigate risks associated with the grading phase of construction.
Avoid Cost Overruns: By having a clear understanding of the scope of grading work, contractors can avoid underestimating the amount of work required, reducing the risk of cost overruns during the project.
Estimate Costs: It helps in calculating the costs for labor, equipment, materials, and other resources needed for grading work, ensuring a more accurate and competitive bid.

Benefits of using Carlson software in bidding.

Carlson Software is widely used in the construction and civil engineering industry for site development, earthwork estimation, and grading takeoff. When it comes to the bidding process, using Carlson Software provides several key advantages that can improve accuracy, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Accurate Earthwork Volume Calculations
Enhanced Efficiency and Speed
Cost Optimization and Competitive Bidding
Advanced Reporting and Documentation

Steps for calculating grading takeoff for a Residential Subdivision project.

The Standard model that must create for each Residential Subdivision project.

Grading takeoff:
- Mass Grading takeoff
- Balanced Grading takeoff
- Topsoil removal
- Topsoil replacement
- Cut/Fill models for each pond
Erosion Controls:
- EC phase 1
- EC phase 2 (EC phase 1 as existing)
- EC phase 3 (EC phase 2 as existing)
Geotech takeoff:
- Mass rock (Auger refusal)
- Possible mass rock
- Partially weathered rock
- Silt
- Clay
- Sand
- Possible fill (previous fill or man-made fill)
- Wet soil
- Ground water

how to calculate grading takeoff using carlson software 05 — Image 1_An example for mass grading takeoff

Grading takeoff process:

1. Mass Grading takeoff

Consider the latest dated plans and import PDF into Carlson software, making sure to check the necessary options and, most importantly, enter the correct scale from the PDF.
The linework for each subgrade area must be created and separated, ensuring that each is defined and closed according to the grading plan.
- Existing linework:
  - Existing contours
  - Existing spot elevations
- Proposed linework:
  - Proposed contours
  - Proposed spot elevations
  - Curb
  - Sidewalk
  - All types of pavements (SD, LD, MD, HD pavement)
  - Building pads
  - Gravel roads
  - All the other areas that include subgrade
Determine subgrade depth, separate the existing and proposed areas to create the surfaces on Carlson software.

how to calculate grading takeoff using carlson software 04 — Image 2_An example separates the existing and proposed areas as well as subgrade depths

Create boundary line
Create existing and proposed surface
When calculating volume, it is necessary to analyze the volume according to the 5ft depth, as well as pay attention to cut swell factor and fill shrink factor.
Place cut/ fill report and cut/fill color map in the cad file. (see image 1)

how to calculate grading takeoff using carlson software 03 — Image 3_An example 3D model of the final surface after removing the subgrade

2. Balanced Grading takeoff

Balanced Grading Takeoff refers to the process of designing and calculating earthwork volumes so that the cut (excavation) and fill (embankment) quantities are equal or nearly equal. The goal is to avoid the need to import or export soil, minimizing hauling costs and optimizing the use of on-site materials.

In Carlson software, when we calculate the volume, we need to highlight the balance cut/fill in the volume options menu, it will save a lot of time compared to other software.

how to calculate grading takeoff using carlson software 02 — Image 4_Volume Options

3. Topsoil removal

Topsoil removal is the process of stripping away the upper layer of soil (typically 6 inches, if we have Geotech report we need consider the average depth from the Geotech report) before starting grading or excavation work in a construction or land development project. This layer, known as topsoil, contains organic matter, roots, nutrients, and moisture, making it unsuitable for supporting structural loads such as roads, buildings, and pavements.

how to calculate grading takeoff using carlson software 01 — Image 5_Define Topsoil Depths

4. Topsoil replacement

Topsoil replacement is the area remaining after excluding the area of topsoil removal.

Grading takeoff is not just a technical task—it’s a strategic advantage. Accurate earthwork calculations play a crucial role in preparing competitive bids, optimizing construction schedules, and minimizing project risks. By using Carlson Software, civil engineers and contractors can streamline their grading workflows, ensure greater precision, and save significant time and cost throughout the project lifecycle.

Whether you’re handling residential subdivisions, commercial sites, or complex infrastructure projects, mastering grading takeoff with Carlson empowers you to work smarter and deliver better outcomes.

Want support with grading takeoff or cut/fill modeling?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at contact@aidedo.com

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