Rate Analysis for Earthwork Excavation: Standards, Methods, and Cost Calculation

Rate analysis of excavation in earthwork use of IS Code 1200 part 1, Part 27, IS 4988, IS 12138 (Part IV) and CPWD for calculation is this measurement of the quantity of excavation to be carried out, the cost of labour, machinery, and other equipment like hard soil for breaker, etc.

Rate analysis of excavation depends on the depth of excavation, depending on soil type, also depends on the method of excavation to be carried out and the distance where the soil has to be disposed of.  The cost of all these is added for a unit volume of excavation to get the rate of excavation.

Work to be Measured Separately

Rate analysis of earthwork excavation of the different area and location rate analysis different executed in the following conditions shall be measured separately:

1. Work in or underwater,
2. Work in or under foul situations,
3. Work under tidal conditions, and
4. Work in snow.

Rate Analysis of Excavation in Earthwork as per Depth 

The cost of excavation based on different depth is generally divided into categories as per CPWD category (CPWD full name Central Public Works Department )

1. Depth up to 1.5 m.
2. Depth between 1.5 m. to 3.0 m.
3. Depth between 3.0 m. to 4.5 m.
4. Depth of more than 4.5 m.

Rate Analysis of Excavation in Earthwork as Classification

The materials to be excavated will be classified as follows unless otherwise specified

1. Soft/Loose Soil
2. Hard/Dense Soil
3. Mud
4. Soft/Disintegrated Rock
5. Hard Rock (Requiring Blasting )
6. Hard Rock ( Blasting Prohibited) 

Soft/Loose Soil

Generally, any soil which yields into the ordinary application of pick and shovel, or to phawra. Rake or another ordinary digging implement, such as vegetable or organic soil, turf, gravel, sand, silt, loam, clay peat, etc.

Hard/Dense Soil

Generally, any soil which requires this close application of picks, or jumpers or scarifiers to loosen, such as stiff clay, gravel, cobblestone, water-bound macadam, and soling of roads.

Mud

A mixture of water and soil and in fluid or weak solid state.

Soft/Disintegrated Rock

Rock or boulders, which can be. Quarried or split with crowbars. They will also include laterite and hard conglomerate.

Hard Rock (Requiring Blasting )

Any rock or boulder for this excavation of which blasting is required.

Hard Rock ( Blasting Prohibited)

Hard rock requiring blasting as described under but where blasting is prohibited for any reason, and excavation has to be carried out by chiseling, wedging, or any other agreed method.

Bills of Quantities

The bills of quantities will fully describe the workmanship and materials and accurately represent the work to be executed. The following works shan’t be measured separately and allowance to this. Same will be deemed into have been made from the description of the main item:

1. Setting out works, profiles, etc.
2. Site clearance, like cleaning grass and vegetation
3. Unauthorized battering or benching or excavation.
4. Forming ‘dead men’ and ‘tell tales’ in borrow pits and their removal after measurements.
5. Forming steps insides of deep excavation and their removal following measurements.
6. Excavation for insertion of strutting and planking.
7. Unless otherwise specified, removing slips or falls in excavations.
8. Bailing out or pumping of water at excavation from rains.

Most Important Factor of Rate Analysis of Excavation in Earthwork

Type of Soil 

1. Transport and lead distance for carrying excavated soil
2. Depth of excavation
3. Method of excavation – mechanical excavation or manual excavation 
4. The capacity of labor for manual excavation
5. The capacity of equipment for mechanical excavation and their cost per unit quantity.
6. Extra Charges (LumSum)
7. Water charges if used
8. Profit of contractor

Example of Rate Analysis of Excavation in Earthwork

Earthwork in excavation by mechanical means (Hydraulic excavator)/manual means over areas (exceeding 30 cm in-depth, 1.5 m in width as well as 10 sqm on the plan) including getting out and disposal of excavated earth lead up to 50 m and lift up to 1.5 m, as directed by Engineer-in-charge.

Sr No.	Description	Qty	Unit	Rate	Cost
Earthwork in excavation by mechanical means (Hydraulic excavator)/manual means over areas (exceeding 30 cm in-depth, 1.5 m in width as well as 10 sqm on the plan) including getting out and disposal of excavated earth lead up to 50 m and lift up to 1.5 m, as directed by Engineer-in-charge
	Details of cost for 10.00 Cu.m.
A	Machinery
1	Backhoe Excavator ( Per Day Excator 200 Cu.m.)	0.050	Day	7000.00	350.00
2	Tractor/Dumper	0.050	Day	2000.00	100.00
B	Labour for Dressing
1	Mason For Leveling	0.5	Day	700.00	350.00
2	Helpers	0.5	Day	400.00	200.00
3	Mate	0.5	Day	500.00	250.00
C	Tool Tackle Charges	2%			25.00
D	Transportation Cost	2%			25.00
E	Other Charges Extra	2%			25.00
F	Add for Water Charge @ 1% on Items Marked	1%			12.50
G	Add for Contractor’s Profit @15% on Items Marked	15%			187.50
		Cost of 10.00 Cu.m.			1525.00
		Cost of Cu.m.			152.50
		Round off Cu.m.			4606.00

Above all rate took in CPWD Part 1 book.

As per the above calculation of Backhoe excavator work 30 cu.m. per.hour. But extra time transition, led, lifting, and extra time detected 15% of the working time of excavation machinery. So, the minimum 25 cu.m. per hour working of excavation by using backhoe machinery.

Backhoe Excavator

Calculation of Backhoe Excavator for 10 Cu.m. Because of the rate analysis, 10 cu.m.

Backhoe Excavator =25 cu.m of per hour

= 25 x 8 hour (Per Day work 8 hours consider)

= 200 Cu.m. per day work Backhoe Excavator

So, 10 cu.m. work for = 0.050 Days required

As per Backhoe Excavator =Tractor/Dumper

The cost of a Backhoe excavator machine for 10 m³  = 0.050 Day x 7000 Rs. (This took in CPWD)

As per the same calculation for Tractor/Dumper = 0.050 Day x 2000 Rs. (This took in CPWD)

Likewise, dependent on the capacity of additional equipment, labors, etc., their cost is calculated. The contractor’s profit can be added to the total cost of labors and machinery.

Then the grand total gives the rate of excavation per 10 m³ of soil excavation. Different mechanical equipment has different capacity per day for excavation work. Their coefficient per m³ or a 10m3 ought to be considered for calculation.

FAQ: Rate Analysis of Earthwork Excavation

What Is Rate Analysis in Earthwork Excavation?

Rate analysis in earthwork excavation involves calculating the cost of excavating soil based on various factors such as soil type, excavation depth, and the methods used. It includes evaluating the costs of labor, machinery, equipment, transportation, and other related expenses to determine the overall cost per unit volume of excavation.

What Is Codes and Standards Are Used for Rate Analysis in Earthwork Excavation?

Rate analysis is typically based on several standards, including:

1. IS 1200 (Part 1 & Part 27): Provides standard methods for measurement and rate analysis in civil engineering works.
2. IS 4988: Covers specifications for excavation and backfilling.
3. IS 12138 (Part IV): Deals with methods for excavation in civil engineering.
4. CPWD (Central Public Works Department) Guidelines: Includes specific rules and rates for various excavation conditions.

How Does the Depth of Excavation Affect the Rate Analysis?

The cost of excavation varies with depth. Typically, rates are categorized as follows:

1. Up to 1.5 meters
2. Between 1.5 meters and 3.0 meters
3. Between 3.0 meters and 4.5 meters
4. More than 4.5 meters

Deeper excavations usually incur higher costs due to increased labor, machinery time, and safety measures.

What Types of Soil Are Considered in Rate Analysis?

Soil types are classified for rate analysis as follows:

1. Soft/Loose Soil: Easy to dig with basic tools.
2. Hard/Dense Soil: Requires more effort, often needing picks or other heavy tools.
3. Mud: Fluid or weak solid state, which complicates excavation.
4. Soft/Disintegrated Rock: Can be quarried or split with basic tools.
5. Hard Rock (Requiring Blasting): Needs blasting for excavation.
6. Hard Rock (Blasting Prohibited): Requires alternative methods like chiseling if blasting is not allowed.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Excavation Work?

Key factors influencing excavation costs include:

1. Type and classification of soil or rock
2. Depth of excavation
3. Method of excavation (manual vs. mechanical)
4. Distance for transporting excavated material
5. Equipment and labor costs
6. Additional charges (e.g., water, tools, contractor’s profit)

How Are Bills of Quantities Used in Excavation Projects?

Bills of quantities provide a detailed breakdown of the work to be executed, including descriptions of materials and workmanship. They ensure accurate measurement and pricing of excavation tasks. Certain activities, like site clearance or pumping out water, are generally not measured separately but are included in the main item’s description.

Can You Provide an Example of a Rate Analysis Calculation for Excavation?

Certainly! Here’s an example:

1. Machinery Costs: Backhoe Excavator for 0.050 days at ₹7000/day = ₹350
2. Labor Costs: Mason for 0.5 days at ₹700/day = ₹350
3. Additional Costs: Tool tackle charges, transportation, and other extras (2% each)
4. Water Charge: 1% of the total cost
5. Contractor’s Profit: 15% of the total cost

Total Cost per 10 m³ of excavation: ₹1525, which equates to ₹152.50 per m³.

How Do Mechanical and Manual Excavation Methods Compare?

Mechanical excavation is generally faster and more efficient for larger volumes compared to manual excavation. However, it requires more significant initial investment in machinery and is subject to operational costs. Manual excavation is more labor-intensive and slower but may be used for smaller, detailed work or in areas where machinery cannot operate.