Earthwork quantities

Last updated: 2026-01-06

Total video time: 1:45:38

Live classes datasets

trn-erthwrk-qnty-c3d24-begin.zip

trn-erthwrk-qnty-c3d24-end.zip

qnty-erthwrk-01.mp4 2:54

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-begin-data-c3d22.zip

Standards on earthwork calculations can be found in FDM 11-5-10.7

For information on creating design surfaces beyond Datum and Top for WisDOT Earthwork quantities, please visit: Creating design surfaces for WisDOT earthwork quantities

Process Overview

  1. Create the earthwork file
  2. Create sample lines for volume calculation
  3. Compute materials through project
  4. Create detailed reports from computed materials for individual earthwork divisions throughout the project
  5. Create a summary report that summarizes the earthwork quantities from all detail earthwork divisions
  6. Include all Earthwork reports in the construction data packet
    1. FDM 19-10-43.5 PS&E Transmittal and Composition (wisconsindot.gov)
  7. Include the Detail Reports in the 09-Earthwork Data area of the plan
    1. FDM 15-1-40 Earthwork Data Sheet
    2. Earthwork quantities sheet
  8. Include the summary report in the 03-Miscellaneous Quantities area of the plan.
    1. FDM 15-1-30 Miscellaneous Quantities
    2. Miscellaneous quantities sheets

Average end area volume

Volume is calculated by determining the section areas at sample lines and calculating an average between adjacent sample lines. The average section area is then multiplied by the distance between the lines to calculate volume.

Volumes in intersections

Sample lines will be shortened so that they do not overlap and quantities are not double counted.

qnty-erthwrk-02.mp4 6:42

  1. Civil 3D Start Menu > New > design-start.dwt
  2. App menu > Save as ProjectID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\ewrk-< roadway>.dwg
  3. Save

Surface data shortcuts references

For information on creating design surfaces for WisDOT Earthwork quantities, please visit: Creating design surfaces for WisDOT earthwork quantities

Data shortcut reference all surfaces required for earthwork calculations. At a minimum, the final datum and existing surface are required. If there is marsh excavation, rock excavation, EBS, or subgrade improvement those surfaces will need to be referenced as well.

  1. Prospector > Data Shortcuts > Surfaces > Right-click Surface name > Create Reference...

    1. Minimum required surfaces

      Surface Surface Style Description
      Exist EX Border Existing Surface
      Rfnt-All-Datum Datum Border Final Refinement Datum Surface

    2. Optional surfaces

    Surface Surface Style Description
    Rfnt-All-MarshExcLimits Marsh Border Limits of excavated marsh. Required for Marsh calculations.
    Marsh-Bottom Marsh Border Defines the maximum marsh depth that will be excavated. Required for Marsh calculations.
    Rfnt-All-Marsh-Waste-Limits Marsh Border Limits of marsh waste placement if excavated marsh/EBS will be used in the roadway embankment outside the 1:1 slope. Optional for marsh calculations.
    Rock Rock Border Top of the rock surface
    Rfnt-All-EBS EBS Border Final EBS limits
    Rfnt-All-Subg-Impr SubgImpr Border Subgrade Improvement Limits

  2. Zoom Extents

Reference alignment data shortcuts

  1. Data shortcut reference all alignments that contain cross sections in the plan, or contain earthwork.

    1. Prospector > Data Shortcuts > Alignments > Centerline Alignments > Right-click Alignment name > Create Reference...

  2. Data shortcut reference the mainline edgeline alignments representing the outside edge of lanes

    1. Prospector > Data Shortcuts > Alignments > Offset Alignments > Right-click Alignment name > Create Reference...

    Alignment Alignment Style Alignment label set
    SideRoads ALI Proposed 1IN 200FT-Ticks 500' Major:100' Minor:NoPCPT
    Mainline ALI Proposed 1IN 200FT-Ticks 500' Major:100' Minor:NoPCPT
    Mainline-OutsideLaneLines RDWY Lane Edge _No Labels

External reference pavt.dwg

  1. WisDOT tab > Manage Panel > Xref Tools > Load Xref onLayer > ProjectID\dsgn\edgeline\pavt.dwg > Open
  2. This file will be used to construct the limits of the intersections/match lines.

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-03-data-c3d22.zip

To calculate earthwork, Civil 3D uses sample lines to capture the average end area and perform the earthwork calculation. When not within the limits of an intersection, It is best practice the sample lines match the exact locations and widths as the cross sections. Within the intersection, because of the varying geometry of the roadway, the frequency of sample lines should be increased so a more accurate calculation of earthwork volume can be made.

Match lines are used in Civil 3D when sample lines from separate alignments intersect (intersections, ramps, loops at interchanges) and are used to automatically establish limits for sample lines within intersections so the sample lines do not overlap. For complex intersections and interchanges, these match lines are also shown on the earthwork match line detail sheets. Per FDM 15-1-20.5 Interchanges and complex intersections should have earthwork match line details for use in computing cut and fill yardage. Refer to Earthwork matchlines sheet for tips to create the earthwork match lines sheet.

Establish intersection limits

qnty-erthwrk-03a.mp4 3:55

Before match lines are created, create drafting lines that represent the extents of the intersection. The intersection extents will assist in the creation of match lines and will help establish where the sample line frequency must be increased. The drafting lines will be perpendicular to the sideroad alignment located at the end of the curb furthest from the intersection. Another set of drafting lines will be perpendicular to the main road alignment located at the furthest extents of the intersection.

  1. Set active layer to P_MISC_Text
    1. WisDOT Sheets Tab > Annotation Panel > Set P_MISC_Text
  2. Draw lines perpendicular to the sideroad alignment at the curb return limit furthest from the intersection
    1. Home tab > Draw Panel > Line
      1. Select the end of the curb return furthest from the intersection.
    2. Shift > Right Click > Perpendicular Snap
      1. Snap the line perpendicular to the sideroad alignment
    3. If applicable, repeat on the other leg of the sideroad.
  3. Draw lines perpendicular to the main alignment at the curb return limit furthest from the intersection
    1. Home tab > Draw Panel > Line
      1. Select the end of the curb return furthest from the intersection
    2. Shift > Right Click > Perpendicular Snap
      1. Snap the line perpendicular to the main alignment
    3. Repeat on the other leg of the mainline alignment
  4. Extend the lines past the intersection limits so each line intersects with the adjacent line
    1. Select the lines
    2. Hover over one of the end grips > Lengthen
      1. Extend the first end past the intersection limits (furthest curb return on either side of the mainline)
    3. Hover over the other end grip > Lengthen
      1. Extend the second end past the intersection limits (furthest curb return on either side of the mainline)

    4. Repeat for all intersection limit lines

Establish normal sample line width

qnty-erthwrk-03b.mp4 4:06

To further aid in the creation of earthwork match lines, create offset alignments that represent the width of the sample lines that are used to create the cross section sheets. The intersection of these offset construction alignments represents where the sample lines from the roadways will start to intersect if match lines are not created.

Info: Setting the alignment offset depends on overall roadway width. Best practice is to mimic the sample line widths that were used on the cross section sheets. See Cross section sheets basics. Normal symmetrical roadways will have the same incremental offset on left/right (150/150 for a 1IN:20FT scale, 75/75 for IN:10FT scale).

  1. Home Tab > Create Design panel > Alignment > Create Offset Alignment
  2. Select mainline alignment
  3. Create Offset Alignments dialog
    1. Offsets name template: <[Parent Alignment Name]>-ML-Develop-<[Side]>
    2. No. of offsets on left: 1
    3. Incremental offset on left: 180
      1. In this example we are targeting a 300' overall section view width with an annotation scale of 1IN:20 FT
    4. No. of offsets on right: 1
    5. Incremental offset on right: 120
      1. In this example we are targeting a 300' overall section view width with an annotation scale of 1IN:20 FT
    6. Alignment Style: ALI Construction Line
    7. Alignment label set: _No Labels
    8. OK

  4. Repeat for sideroads

Create match lines

qnty-erthwrk-03c.mp4 5:47

Create match lines that will be used as targets when creating sample lines. When creating match lines, three things need to be analyzed to help determine exact positioning of the match lines: intersection limit lines, sample line width construction alignments, and design surfaces. The intersection limit lines and sample line width construction alignments are just there for guidance; adjust the position of the match lines to best fit the design surfaces.

  1. Home tab > Create Design panel > Alignment pulldown > Alignment Creation Tools

    Alignment name Alignment Style Alignment label set
    Matchline-EW-<SideRdwy>-LT RDWY Lane Edge _No Labels
    Matchline-EW-<SideRdwy>-RT RDWY Lane Edge _No Labels
  2. Alignment Layout Tools > Tangent-Tangent (No Curves)
    1. Vertex 1: Intersection of the first sample line construction alignments
    2. Vertex 2: Intersection of the mainline lane edge offset alignment and sideroad centerline

    3. Vertex 3: intersection of the opposite sample line construction alignments

      Tip: Create additional vertices within the match line to best fit the design.

  3. Save file

qnty-erthwrk-04.mp4 3:58

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-04-data-c3d22.zip

Sample line locations outside of intersections should match the exact locations of cross sections. Therefore it is recommended to use the sample lines as established in the cross sections, utilizing data shortcut reference.

Per FDM 15-1-45, the normal cross section interval is the station (100 ft). A 50-ft interval is often used on urban projects. Additional cross sections should be provided at special locations like driveways, culverts, horizontal geometry changes, and critical superelevation changes.

Create data shortcuts for sample line groups

  1. Open the cross section file(s) ProjectID\sheets\090201-xs.dwg
  2. If the data shortcuts project is not set, set the data shortcuts project:
    1. Data shortcuts
    2. Toolspace > Prospector > Right Click Data Shortcuts > Set Data Shortcut Project
    3. Set the data shortcut project to the active design Civil 3D Project
    4. If the project does not appear, you may have to set the Working Folder
  3. Check/adjust sample line group name (optional)
    1. If desired, adjust the sample line group names to reflect their intended usage
    2. Toolspace > Prospector > Expand Centerline Alignments > Expand Alignment Name > Expand Sample Line Groups
    3. Right Click the sample line group > Properties > Information Tab
    4. Set the sample line group name as desired: SLG-XS-RdwyName
  4. Create data shortcuts for sample line groups
    1. Toolspace > Prospector > Right Click Data Shortcuts > Create Data Shortcuts
    2. Select the checkmark next to each sample line group
    3. OK

Create promoted data shortcut references to sample line groups

qnty-erthwrk-05.mp4 5:42

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-05-data-c3d22.zip

Typically, we want to create data shortcut references for most objects. In this case with sample line groups, we essentially want to copy the sample line groups from the cross section file into the earthwork file as modifications to the sample frequency are required at intersections. In this workflow, instead of using Create Reference, we will Promote the sample line group data references.

  1. Open ProjectID\dsg\qty\ewrk\ewrk-< roadway>.dwg
  2. Toolspace > Prospector > Data Shortcuts > Expand Alignments > Expand Centerline Alignments
  3. Expand a centerline alignment that contains cross sections > Expand Sample Line Groups

    1. Right click the Sample Line Group > Promote

  4. Create Sample Line Group Reference
    1. Deselect any unwanted Data Sources
      1. Corridors
      2. Pipe Networks
      3. Surfaces

    2. Set display styles for each surface. This is useful if desired to create cross sections to view the earthwork materials as calculated.

      Surface Recommended Section Style
      Exist EX Ground
      Rfnt-All-Datum Final Datum
      Rfnt-All-MarshExcLimits Marsh
      Marsh-Bottom Marsh Bottom
      Rfnt-All-Marsh-Waste-Limits Marsh
      Rock Rock
      Rfnt-All-EBS EBS
      Rfnt-All-Subg-Impr SubgImpr

      Info: In the Create Sample Line Group Reference dialog, the data sources to sample list will display both data shortcut referenced objects in the current drawing and objects that are sampled in the source (cross section) drawing. Deselect all objects from the source drawing as the objects referenced for earthwork already exist in the current drawing and don't need to be re-referenced.

    3. OK

  5. Repeat for all centerline alignments that contain cross sections

Remove unwanted sample lines

There may be certain sample lines from the cross section files that are not required for earthwork. Since the sample line groups were promoted in the last step, these un-needed sample lines can be deleted. Examples are as follows:

  • Sample lines within the intersection limits

    • These sample lines can be deleted as they do not fit within the matchlines created earlier in this topic. They also do not meet the frequency required for earthwork computations in intersections
    • Delete all sample lines on both mainline and sideroads within the limits of the matchlines developed earlier.

  • Skewed culvert pipe sample lines

    • A skewed sample line will result in inflated earthwork numbers

To delete:

  1. Select all sample lines to be deleted
  2. Del

Add intersection mainline sample lines

qnty-erthwrk-06.mp4 7:09

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-06-data-c3d22.zip

Add sample lines within the intersection limits with a 5' frequency. Use intersection matchlines to determine sample line width.

  1. Home Tab > Profile & Section Views panel > Sample Lines > Select mainline alignment

  2. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Station Range
      1. From alignment start: False
      2. Start Station: (first curb return limit)
      3. To alignment end: False
      4. End Station: (last curb return limit)
    2. Left Swath Width
      1. Snap to an Alignment: True
      2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-LT
    3. Right Swath Width
      1. Snap to an Alignment: True
      2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-RT
    4. Sampling Increments: Use 5' increments within the intersection limits
      1. Increment Along Tangents: 5'
      2. Increment Along Curves: 5'
      3. Increment Along Spirals: 5'
    5. Additional Sample Controls
      1. At Range Start: True
      2. At Range End: True
      3. At Horizontal Geometry Points: False
      4. At Superelevation Critical Points: False
    6. OK
  3. Repeat Step 2 for remaining intersections

Add sideroad intersection sample lines

Add sample lines within the intersection limits with a 5' frequency. Use intersection matchlines to determine sample line width.

First curb return limit - mainline outside edge of lane

  1. Home Tab > Profile & Section Views panel > Sample Lines > Select mainline alignment

  2. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (first curb return limit)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (edge of outer mainline lane)
      2. Left Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-LT
      3. Right Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-LT
      4. Sampling Increments
        1. Increment Along Tangents: 5'
        2. Increment Along Curves: 5'
        3. Increment Along Spirals: 5'
      5. Additional Sample Controls
        1. At Range Start: True
        2. At Range End: False
        3. At Horizontal Geometry Points: False
        4. At Superelevation Critical Points: False
      6. OK

Mainline edge of traveled way - last curb return limit

  1. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (outside edge of mainline lane)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (last curb return limit)
      2. Left Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-RT
      3. Right Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-RT
      4. Sampling Increments
        1. Increment Along Tangents: 5'
        2. Increment Along Curves: 5'
        3. Increment Along Spirals: 5'
      5. Additional Sample Controls
        1. At Range Start: False
        2. At Range End: True
        3. At Horizontal Geometry Points: False
        4. At Superelevation Critical Points: False
      6. OK

Create sample lines at edge of mainline outside lane

To make sure no earthwork is calculated on the sideroad across the mainline portion of the roadway, sample lines are required at the intersection of the sideroad alignment and the mainline edge of outside lane. These sample lines should have an overall width of 0.0002' (Almost 0).

Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > At a Station...

  1. Select or specify the station/location of the sample line.
  2. Specify the left swath width: 0.0001
    1. Enter

  3. Specify the right swath width: 0.0001

    1. Enter

  4. Repeat steps A to C at other locations

  5. Esc to end the command

    a

Clean up sample lines

Adjust sample lines that are overlapping over surfaces near intersections or are not terminating at matchlines.

  1. Select the sample line
  2. Using the triangle grip, grip edit the sample lines to be shorter so they don't overlap.

Proceed to the compute materials portion of this training topic

The following section covers the option of creating sample line groups from scratch. if the sample line groups for calculating earthwork are already created, the next step is to compute materials.

qnty-erthwrk-07.mp4 3:29

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-07-data-c3d22.zip

If it is not desired or possible to copy the sample line groups from the cross section file to the earthwork file, the sample lines can be created from scratch. The sample lines in the earthwork calculations should match the exact location of the cross sections that are shown in the plan. Per FDM 15-1-45, the normal cross section interval is the station (100 ft). A 50-ft interval is often used on urban projects. Additional cross sections should be provided at special locations like driveways, culverts, horizontal geometry changes, and critical superelevation changes.

Create sample line group for mainline

  1. Home tab > Profile & Section Views panel > Sample lines > Select mainline roadway alignment

  2. Create Sample Line Group dialog

    1. Set the Sample Line Group name: SLG-ewrk-< roadway>

    2. Sample Column: select which surface to sample in the earthwork calculations

    3. Set display styles for each surface. This is useful if desired to create cross sections to view the earthwork materials as calculated.

      Surface Recommended Section Style
      Exist EX Ground
      Rfnt-All-Datum Final Datum
      Rfnt-All-MarshExcLimits Marsh
      Marsh-Bottom Marsh Bottom
      Rfnt-All-Marsh-Waste-Limits Marsh
      Rock Rock
      Rfnt-All-EBS EBS
      Rfnt-All-Subg-Impr SubgImpr

    4. OK

Create sample lines for mainline

qnty-erthwrk-08.mp4 6:40

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-08-data-c3d22.zip

Create sample lines: begin project to first intersection

Create sample lines from the beginning of the project to the limits of the first intersection

  1. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (begin project)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (first intersection limit)
      2. Sampling Increments: Match normal cross section interval in the plan
        1. Per FDM 15-1-45, the normal cross section interval is the station (100 ft). A 50-ft interval is often used on urban projects.
        2. Additional sections at horizontal geometry points and superelevation critical points
        3. Sampling increment should match cross section increment
      3. Additional Sample Controls
        1. At Range Start: True
        2. At Range End: False
        3. At Horizontal Geometry Points: True
        4. At Superelevation Critical Points: True
      4. OK

Create sample lines within the intersection limits

Create sample lines within the limits of the intersections.

  1. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (first curb return limit)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (last curb return limit)
      2. Left Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-LT
      3. Right Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-RT
      4. Sampling Increments: Use 5' increments within the intersection limits
        1. Increment Along Tangents: 5'
        2. Increment Along Curves: 5'
        3. Increment Along Spirals: 5'
      5. Additional Sample Controls
      6. At Range Start: True
      7. At Range End: True
      8. At Horizontal Geometry Points: False
      9. At Superelevation Critical Points: False
      10. OK

Create sample lines: between intersections

Create sample lines between individual intersections

Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

  1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog

    1. Station Range
      1. From alignment start: False
      2. Start Station: (End of first intersection)
      3. To alignment end: False
      4. End Station: (start of next intersection)
    2. Sampling Increments: Match normal cross section interval in the plan
      1. Per FDM 15-1-45, the normal cross section interval is the station (100 ft). A 50-ft interval is often used on urban projects.
      2. Additional sections at horizontal geometry points and superelevation critical points
      3. Sampling increment should match cross section increment
    3. Additional Sample Controls
      1. At Range Start: False
      2. At Range End: False
      3. At Horizontal Geometry Points: True
      4. At Superelevation Critical Points: True
    4. OK

Create sample lines: last intersection to end project

Create sample lines from the last intersection to the end of the project.

  1. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (last curb return limit)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (end surface)
      2. Left Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: False
      3. Right Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: False
      4. Sampling Increments: Match normal cross section interval in the plan
        1. Per FDM 15-1-45, the normal cross section interval is the station (100 ft). A 50-ft interval is often used on urban projects.
        2. Additional sections at horizontal geometry points and superelevation critical points
        3. Sampling increment should match cross section increment
      5. Additional Sample Controls
        1. At Range Start: False
        2. At Range End: True
        3. At Horizontal Geometry Points: True
        4. At Superelevation Critical Points: True

      6. OK

        img

Create sample lines for side road

qnty-erthwrk-09.mp4 7:04

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-09-data-c3d22.zip

  1. Home tab > Profile & Section Views panel > Sample lines > Select SideRoadAlignment

  2. Create Sample Line Group dialog

    1. Name: SLG-ewrk-< roadwayname >

    2. Sample Column: Select or deselect any surfaces needed/not needed for earthwork calculations

    3. Set display styles for each surface. This is useful if desired to create cross sections to view the earthwork materials as calculated.

      Surface Recommended Section Style
      Exist EX Ground
      Rfnt-All-Datum Final Datum
      Rfnt-All-MarshExcLimits Marsh
      Marsh-Bottom Marsh Bottom
      Rfnt-All-Marsh-Waste-Limits Marsh
      Rock Rock
      Rfnt-All-EBS EBS
      Rfnt-All-Subg-Impr SubgImpr

    4. OK

Project start to intersection limits

Create sample lines on the sideroad from the beginning of the project to the start of the intersection.

  1. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (begin project)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (first intersection limit)
      2. Sampling Increments: Match normal cross section interval in the plan
        1. Per FDM 15-1-45, the normal cross section interval is the station (100 ft). A 50-ft interval is often used on urban projects.
        2. Additional sections at horizontal geometry points and superelevation critical points
        3. Sampling increment should match cross section increment
      3. Additional Sample Controls
        1. At Range Start: True
        2. At Range End: False
        3. At Horizontal Geometry Points: True
        4. At Superelevation Critical Points: True
      4. OK

Intersection limit to outside edge of mainline lane

Create sample lines from the start of the intersection limit to the outside edge of mainline roadway

  1. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (first intersection limit)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (outside edge of mainline lane)
      2. Left Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-LT
      3. Right Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-SideRdwy-LT
      4. Sampling Increments
        1. Increment Along Tangents: 5'
        2. Increment Along Curves: 5'
        3. Increment Along Spirals: 5'
      5. Additional Sample Controls
      6. At Range Start: True
      7. At Range End: False
      8. At Horizontal Geometry Points: False
      9. At Superelevation Critical Points: False
      10. OK

Opposite outside edge of mainline lane to last intersection limit

Create sample lines from the the opposite outside edge of mainline lane to the last intersection limit

  1. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (outside edge of mainline lane)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (last intersection limit)
      2. Left Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-RT
      3. Right Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: True
        2. Alignment: Matchline-RT
      4. Sampling Increments
        1. Increment Along Tangents: 5'
        2. Increment Along Curves: 5'
        3. Increment Along Spirals: 5'
      5. Additional Sample Controls
      6. At Range Start: False
      7. At Range End: True
      8. At Horizontal Geometry Points: False
      9. At Superelevation Critical Points: False
      10. OK

Last intersection limit to end of project

Create sample lines from the intersection limit to the end of the project on the sideroad.

  1. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > By range of stations...

    1. Create Sample Lines – By Station Range dialog
      1. Station Range
        1. From alignment start: False
        2. Start Station: (last intersection limit)
        3. To alignment end: False
        4. End Station: (end project)
      2. Left Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: False
      3. Right Swath Width
        1. Snap to an Alignment: False
      4. Sampling Increments: Match normal cross section interval in the plan
        1. Per FDM 15-1-45, the normal cross section interval is the station (100 ft). A 50-ft interval is often used on urban projects.
        2. Additional sections at horizontal geometry points and superelevation critical points
        3. Sampling increment should match cross section increment
      5. Additional Sample Controls
        1. At Range Start: False
        2. At Range End: True
        3. At Horizontal Geometry Points: True
        4. At Superelevation Critical Points: True
      6. OK

Create sample lines at edge of mainline outside lane

To make sure no earthwork is calculated on the sideroad across the mainline portion of the roadway, sample lines are required at the intersection of the sideroad alignment and the mainline edge of outside lane. These sample lines should have an overall width of 0.0002' (Almost 0).

Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > At a Station...

  1. Select or specify the station/location of the sample line.

  2. Specify the left swath width: 0.0001

    1. Enter

  3. Specify the right swath width: 0.0001

    1. Enter
  4. Repeat steps A to C at other locations
  5. Esc to end the command

img

Create sample lines in custom locations

qnty-erthwrk-10.mp4 5:12

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-10-data-c3d22.zip

Potential resource needs

  • External References

    • Beam guard layout
    • Culvert pipe locations

Create sample lines

  1. Create sample lines at custom locations. Possible locations include:

    1. Horizontal geometry location
    2. Culvert pipe locations
    3. Beam guard locations

  2. Sample Line Tools dialog > Create sample line pull-down > At a Station...

    1. Select or specify the station/location of the sample line.
    2. Specify the left swath width > Enter
    3. Specify the right swath width > Enter
    4. Repeat steps A to C at other locations
    5. Esc to end the command

Create sample lines tip: Extend matchlines in acute angle intersections to minimize sample line overlap

In acute intersections, extend the matchlines beyond the intersection point of the drafting polylines to allow for automatic sample line width generation in areas outside of the Curb and Gutter.

To utilize the matchline extension, in the Create Sample Lines - By Station Range dialog, the matchline can be targeted and a swath width can also be assigned. In this case, if the matchline is not seen by the sample line it will follow the width set in the create sample line dialog.

  1. In the Create Sample Lines - By Station Range Dialog, first set the Left and Right Swath Width to the desired normal width
  2. Then, set Snap to an alignment to True

  3. Select the desired matchline alignment

    1. When the matchline alignment is found, the sample line will stop at that alignment.
    2. When the matchline alignment is not found, the sample line will go to the swath width as prescribed.

Clean up overlapping sample lines

Clean up sample lines that are overlapping over surfaces near intersections.

img

  1. Select the sample line
  2. Using the triangle grip, grip edit the sample lines to be shorter so they don't overlap.

qnty-erthwrk-11.mp4 6:02

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-11-data-c3d22.zip

Once the sample line groups are completed, the earthwork materials must be calculated within Civil 3D.

Mainline

  1. Analyze tab > Volumes and Materials > Compute Materials

    1. Select a Sample Line Group dialog
      1. Select alignment: Mainline Alignment
      2. Select sample line group: SLG-ewrk-##
      3. OK
    2. Compute Materials dialog
      1. Quantity takeoff criteria: WisDOT Mass Ordinate
      2. Surfaces: Select all applicable Surfaces (Not all surfaces are required)
        1. For each Surface Criteria, click "Click here to set all"
        2. Exist: Exist
        3. Final Datum: Rfnt-All-Datum
        4. Final Marsh Excavation Limits: Rfnt-All-MarshExcLimits (Final marsh excavation)
        5. Final Marsh Bottom: Marsh-Bottom (Maximum marsh excavation depth)
        6. Final Marsh Waste Limits: Rfnt-All-Marsh-Waste-Limits (Limits of marsh placement)
        7. Rock: Rock
        8. Final EBS Limits: Rfnt-All-EBS
        9. Subgrade Improvement Limits: Rfnt-All-Subg-Impr
      3. OK
    3. If a surface is not selected for all surface criteria, a warning will display. This is acceptable.
      1. OK to dismiss.

Side road

  1. Analyze tab > Volumes and Materials > Compute Materials

    1. Select a Sample Line Group dialog
      1. Select alignment: Sideroad Alignment
      2. Select sample line group: SLG-ewrk-##
      3. OK
    2. Compute Materials dialog
      1. Quantity takeoff criteria: WisDOT Mass Ordinate
      2. Surfaces: Select all applicable Surfaces (Not all surfaces are required)
        1. For each Surface Criteria, click "Click here to set all"
        2. Exist: Exist
        3. Final Datum: Rfnt-All-Datum
        4. Final Marsh Excavation Limits: Rfnt-All-MarshExcLimits (Final marsh excavation)
        5. Final Marsh Bottom: Marsh-Bottom (Maximum marsh excavation depth)
        6. Final Marsh Waste Limits: Rfnt-All-Marsh-Waste-Limits (Limits of marsh placement)
        7. Rock: Rock
        8. Final EBS Limits: Rfnt-All-EBS
        9. Subgrade Improvement Limits: Rfnt-All-Subg-Impr
      3. OK
    3. If a surface is not selected for all surface criteria, a warning will display. This is acceptable.
      1. OK to dismiss.
  2. Repeat for all side roads

Re-compute materials after design changes

If design surfaces change, the material lists have to be recalculated.

  1. Analyze tab > Volumes and Materials > Compute Materials

  2. Select a Sample Line Group dialog

    1. Select alignment: Sideroad Alignment
    2. Select sample line group: SLG-ewrk-##
    3. OK

  3. Edit Material List dialog

    1. The dialog lists all materials/criteria that being calculated for the material list.
    2. OK to re-compute the materials
  4. Repeat for all affected alignments.

Add surfaces to material lists

At times, surface assignments need to be modified for material calculations. To update material list surface assignments, the old material list should be deleted and Compute Materials should be re-done.

  1. Delete the existing material list

    1. Toolspace > Prospector > Alignments > Centerline Alignments
      1. Expand the centerline alignment containing the material list
      2. Alignment name > Sample Line Groups > SLG Name > Material Lists
    2. Select the material list > Right click > Delete

  2. Re-compute materials

    1. Analyze tab > Volumes and Materials > Compute Materials
      1. Select a Sample Line Group dialog
        1. Select alignment: Alignment Name
        2. Select sample line group: SLG-ewrk-##
        3. OK
      2. Compute Materials dialog
        1. Assign the surfaces as required for earthwork calculations
        2. OK

qnty-erthwrk-12.mp4 3:32

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-12-data-c3d22.zip

The WisDOT Mass Ordinate quantity takeoff criteria has pre-assigned shape styles for each of the material types. Cross section views can be created for the sample lines in the earthwork drawing to easily display and identify where a certain earthwork material is calculated in a particular section.

Create cross section views as instructed here: Section views. While the shape styles should be assigned for the material types, double check they are correctly selected in Create Multiple Section Views Dialog.

The results are section views which contain shapes that identify the materials as calculated in the earthwork process.

qnty-erthwrk-13.mp4 6:54

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-13-data-c3d22.zip

Requirement: Standards on earthwork calculations can be found in FDM 11-5-10.7

More info on the WisDOT Earthwork Detail Report: QTO - Earthwork Detail Report

The first step in creating earthwork reports is to create detailed earthwork reports for each baseline alignment on the project. The WisDOT Earthwork Detail Report in Civil 3D will be used.

Warning:

CONSULT WITH THE PROJECT MANAGER AND/OR SOIL ENGINEER PRIOR TO RUNNING THIS REPORT TO DETERMINE HOW MARSH AND EBS MATERIALS WILL BE HANDLED. The soil engineer should provide the appropriate factors to be used in earthwork calculations for the project.

Make sure the Mass Ordinate Equation Considerations settings are the same when running the Detailed earthwork report and the Summary report. If they are not the same, the Mass Ordinate may be different between the reports.

  1. WisDOT Tab > QTO > Earthwork Detail Report

  2. Earthwork Detail Report dialog

    1. Start sample line: Click the to select the first sample line for an alignment. The sample line that is picked notifies the tool the of sample line group and alignment and what station to start the report.
    2. End Sample Line: Click the to specify the last sample line to report to, or select the button End Sample Line to select the last sample line in the sample line group.
    3. Material List: The material list will pre-populate with the material list assigned to the sample line group.
    4. Factors: Consult with the WisDOT Soil Engineer for the appropriate factors for the project. The following factors are examples
      1. Fill: 1.25
      2. Rock: 1.1
      3. Cut: 1
      4. Marsh Backfill: 1.5
      5. EBS Backfill: 1.3
      6. Reduced Marsh Fill: 0.6
      7. Reduced EBS in Fill: 0.8
    5. Mass Ordinate Options: Consult with the soils engineer to determine how the materials should be handled. If the box(es) are not selected, this means that granular backfill will be used for marsh and/or EBS backfill.
    6. Worksheet name: Enter the name of the worksheet to be used in Excel. Typically this is the name of the Roadway.
    7. Click the folder icon to open the Save File As.. dialog.
      1. To create one workbook containing all detail sheets for the project, always select the same workbook. If the workbook already exists, it will be appended.
      2. If the worksheet name already exists in the workbook, it will be overwritten.
      3. Save the file in Project ID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\ewrk-<mainroadway>.xlsx
    8. Create Report
      1. If the chosen workbook name does not exist, a new workbook will be created with the detail sheet for the baseline.
      2. If the workbook exists, it must be closed prior to creating the report.
      3. If the workbook exists, a worksheet will be added for the new material list/alignment
    9. Repeat for all alignments/sample line groups in the project.
  3. Detail reports for each selected sample line group/material list will be created.

qnty-erthwrk-14.mp4 3:56

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-14-data-c3d22.zip

Requirement:

Standards on earthwork calculations can be found in FDM 11-5-10.7

The WisDOT Excel add-in must be installed to run the earthwork summary report. For external partners, the WisDOT Excel add-in is available on the WisDOT Civil 3D file descriptions (wisconsindot.gov). Internal users should see Autodesk Civil 3D 20XX -Excel Add-In in Software Center.

More info on the WisDOT Earthwork Summary Report: Excel - Earthwork Summary Report

The second step in the creation of the earthwork report, after creating the earthwork detail reports, is to create the earthwork summary report. This topic uses the Earthwork Summary Report available in the WisDOT Excel Add-In. If the WisDOT Excel add-in is not available to the user, the Legacy Earthwork report process (below) is still applicable.

  1. Open Project ID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\ewrk-<mainroadway>.xlsx

  2. WisDOT Civil 3D Tab > Reports Panel > Earthwork Summary

    1. Detail Sheet Selection
      1. All earthwork detail worksheets in the workbook will populate. Select/deselect which sheets to include.
      2. By default, all detail sheets are listed in the same division (1). To separate the detail sheets into multiple divisions, assign the division number to each detail sheet in the Division column.
    2. Factors: Enter the factors used to compute the earthwork details. The factors entered in this dialog are placed in the header of the summary table. They are then checked against the factors used for each detail sheet.
      1. Fill: 1.25
      2. Rock: 1.1
      3. Cut: 1
      4. Marsh Backfill: 1.5
      5. EBS Backfill: 1.3
      6. Reduced Marsh Fill: 0.6
      7. Reduced EBS in Fill: 0.8
    3. OK to create the summary worksheet.

qnty-erthwrk-15.mp4 8:20

qnty-erthwrk-16.mp4 7:21

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-15-data-c3d22.zip

Changes to expansion factors

If modifications are required for the expansion factors, the earthwork process does not need to be re-run. Simply modify the expansion factor in the headers of all earthwork details and the earthwork summary sheets.

Unusable/Salvaged Pavement

The unusable/salvaged pavement column E on the earthwork detail sheets will default to 0 for each row. Users are required to manually enter the cross sectional area for each station throughout the corridor.

  • Option A: For consistent cross section roadways, it may be as easy as calculating the cross sectional area for one section and copying that value to the rest of the rows.
  • Option B: For irregular pavement cross sections another more complicated workflow utilizing the earthwork process to calculate unusable/salvaged pavement may be required.
    1. Create a second Drawing in ProjectID\dsgn\qty\ewrk named Unusable Pavement.dwg
    2. Create a polyline that wraps the existing pavement surface. This will be used as an outside surface boundary
    3. Data reference the existing surface
    4. Create a new surface in Unusable Pavement.dwg
    5. Paste the existing surface into the new surface
    6. Add the boundary polyline as an outside surface boundary
    7. Lower the surface (Edits) by the pavement depth. This surface represents the bottom of the existing pavement
    8. Data shortcut reference all sample line groups from the original ewrk-rdwy.dwg
    9. Run the earthwork report process using the new pavement bottom surface as the datum surface and the existing surface.

    10. Copy the "Cut" column from the pavement bottom earthwork process to the Ewrk-Rdwy.xlsx - Unsuable/Salvaged pavement column.

    Tip: (Option B) If the pavement depth varies, create multiple unusable pavement surfaces depending on the pavement depth. Then create one final surface and paste all unusable pavement surfaces to create one complete unusable pavement surface.

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-end-data-c3d22.zip

qnty-erthwrk-17.mp4 2:52

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-20-data-c3d22.zip

Prior to creating earthwork reports, material lists must be created. Please refer to the topics earlier to discover how to create material lists.

Create volume reports

Once material lists have been created for the alignments/sample lines, the next step is to create XML files of the detailed earthwork for each roadway. These XML's will be used later on by a tool to create the earthwork reports.

Mainline

  1. Open ProjectID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\ewrk-< roadway>.dwg

  2. Analyze tab > Volumes and Materials > Volume Report

    1. Report Quantities dialog
      1. Select alignment: STH25BestFit(Centerline alignment)
      2. Select sample line group: SLG-1
      3. Select Materials List: Material List – (1)
      4. Display XML report: checked
      5. OK
  3. Dismiss the browser that contains the earthwork table.
  4. Volume report will open in default XML software. Likely a web browser. From software, save file to ProjectID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\25.xml

Side road

  1. Analyze tab > Volumes and Materials > Volume Report

    1. Report Quantities dialog
      1. Select alignment: 4thAve
      2. Select sample line group: SLG-2
      3. Select Materials List: Material List – (2)
      4. Display XML report: checked
      5. OK
  2. Dismiss the browser that contains the earthwork table.
  3. Volume report will open in default XML software. Likely a web browser. From software, save file to ProjectID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\4thAve.xml
  4. Repeat for remaining sideroads.

Create WisDOT earthwork detail and summary reports

qnty-erthwrk-18.mp4 3:54

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-18-data-c3d22.zip

The second step is to use the WisDOT Earthwork Tool to create detail and summary earthwork reports in Excel.

Requirement:

Standards on earthwork calculations can be found in FDM 11-5-10.7

The Soils Engineer must be consulted prior to entering the expansion factors and mass ordinate equation considerations.

  1. Desktop > WisDOT Civil 3D Apps > Earthwork tab

    1. Settings tab
      1. Expansion Factors (These are examples. Consult with the soils engineer to determine appropriate factors)
        1. Fill: 1.25
        2. Rock: 1.1
        3. Cut: 1
        4. Marsh Backfill: 1.5
        5. EBS Backfill: 1.3
        6. Reduced Marsh Fill: 0.6
        7. Reduced EBS in Fill: 0.8
      2. Mass Ordinate Equation Considerations
        1. Check or uncheck boxes as required by the project.
        2. Consult with the soils engineer to determine how the materials should be handled. If the box(es) are not selected, this means that granular backfill will be used for marsh and/or EBS backfill.
    2. Details tab: Create detail earthwork sheets
      1. Add...
        1. Navigate to select the XML reports created in Civil 3D
        2. ProjectID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\25.xml, 4thAve.xml
        3. Open
      2. Click the Folder button to open the save as dialog. Navigate to and save the new earthwork detail workbook.
        1. ProjectID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\EWKDetail-25.xlsx
        2. Save
      3. Create Report
        1. Detail Spreadsheet will open in Excel.
        2. Close the workbook prior to running the summary
    3. Summary tab: Create summary earthwork sheets
      1. Default Summary Divisions
        1. Specify how to divide the project earthwork: All details to one division or Each detail in its own division
      2. Click the Folder button to open the Earthwork Detail Spreadsheet:
        1. ProjectID\dsgn\qty\ewrk\EWKDetail-25.xlsx
        2. Open
      3. Create Report
        1. Spreadsheet will open in Excel. The earthwork summary worksheet will be filled out.

Exercise files qnty-erthwrk-end-data-c3d22.zip