Seminars  Earthwork Modeling Toolbox  Mike Cope

Models for Takeoff and Construction Applications

Some prospective seminar attendees might think that using AGTEK software for doing dirt takeoffs is a completely different discipline (requiring completely different user skills and software functions) compared to using the same AGTEK software for GPS (machine control) modeling. Truth is, these two "disciplines" are simply different applications of 3D earthwork modeling. Although there may be differences between the earthwork models created for takeoff and construction for any given project (see points below), the same AGTEK user skills and software functions are required for creating, editing and manipulating both takeoff and construction models. Our Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 seminars show you how to use a "toolbox" containing a wide range of AGTEK software functions for creating, editing and manipulating 3D earthwork models--period. How and when the various "tools" are used for a commercial, industrial, residential or other site project depends on the earthwork model’s intended purpose: Are you creating a takeoff (bid quantities) model or a construction (GPS machine control, site layout, setting and checking grade) model?

• Takeoff models may be based on imprecise manual digitizing using scaled paper plans or raster PDF files (both in Day 1) when CAD files (Day 2) are unavailable on a pre-bid basis. But even if CAD files are used pre-bid, less time typically goes into creating takeoff models and the attendant “short cuts” result in a less-than-perfect model (but these imperfect models are usually good enough for quantity takeoff and bidding purposes).

• Although less time and detail might go into creating a takeoff model, additional time may be spent on manipulating the takeoff model for producing printed documentation (Day 1), evaluating the impact of grade adjustments on import/export quantities (Day 3), or for analyzing hauls, subsurface materials and vertical staging scenarios (all in Day 3).

• Minor imperfections in takeoff models typically have no adverse impact on bidding work, but the same imperfections would be unacceptable for automatic machine control or checking and setting grade on the job site if they exceed an allowable grade tolerance; therefore, more time is spent on error checking and editing (Day 1) with construction models. Construction models typically require the horizontal precision of CAD files (Day 2) and they may require different applications of the Offset Utility and/or use of Sectional Areas (Day 1) when compared to corresponding takeoff models. Finally, data for a construction model may need to be exported from AGTEK for field use (Day 2, Appendix D).

• The techniques covered in the Day 1 and Day 2 seminars represent the core functions that all AGTEK users should master if they need to create and edit earthwork models for takeoff and/or construction applications. The Day 3 seminar covers additional functions for extended analytic manipulations that may (or may not) be used less frequently than the core tools covered in the Day 1 and Day 2 seminars.

For more specific details on each seminar day, see the Courses Overview page or review each day's outline and handbook table of contents by clicking on the orange buttons in the yellow sidebar (on the left side of this page).

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