Underground Utility Takeoff
Underground utility takeoff measures pipe lengths, structure counts, and associated material quantities by system. CivilTakeoff keeps storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and water measurements in separate groups. Use the plan, profile, and trench details to enter the sizes, depths, and conversion settings needed for each pay item.
Storm drainage
Measure pipe in linear feet (LF) by size and material, and count inlets, manholes, end sections, and other structures as each (EA) by type. Use the project’s quantity rules to set measurement limits at structures. Review the profile for changes that are not apparent on the plan sheet.
Sanitary sewer
Keep gravity pipe, force main, laterals, cleanouts, and manholes separate. Where the bid uses depth classes, use the profile and item definitions to split the measured runs. Record any assumptions about service lengths or connection details for later review.
Water distribution
Measure mains and services by size and material. Count hydrants, valves, fittings, taps, and connections from the drawings and schedules. Review restraint, sleeve, and testing requirements so a length-only takeoff does not omit separately measured items.
Bedding and backfill
Read the trench detail for working width, bedding depth, pipe outside diameter, and cover above the pipe. Calculate each material zone separately and deduct only the pipe displacement within that zone. The linked calculators explain the dimensional inputs; the plan-view line does not automatically determine them.
Example: pipe runs and structure counts
For an example storm scope, two runs of the same pipe size and material measure 180 LF and 240 LF under the project’s measurement rule. The pipe pay item receives 180 + 240 = 420 LF. Count one inlet at each outer end and one shared junction manhole: 1 + 1 = 2 EA inlets and 1 EA manhole. Keep those structure items separate from the pipe total and count the shared structure once.
Frequently asked questions
Should pipe lengths stop at structure centers or faces?
Use the project’s measurement rule to set endpoints. Record that rule with the takeoff so connecting runs use consistent limits and structure dimensions are handled the same way throughout.
Does plan-view pipe length include slope or depth?
A plan-view measurement gives horizontal length. Profiles supply elevations and depth information. Apply the project’s required length method and split depth classes from those profile values.
Which utility items need separate counts?
Count structures and appurtenances by type: inlets, manholes, valves, hydrants, and fittings. Use EA items where specified, separating sizes or details that carry different bid items.
Measure and organize this scope
In CivilTakeoff, set the scale and create a condition, or measurement group, for each pipe system, size, material, and depth class. Measure runs and count structures manually. Attach pay items and enter dimensions for material conversions. Reconcile structure counts with the schedule, then export totals to Excel with LF, cubic yards (CY), and EA identified.
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