CH 8
CH 8
Use Table 8-1 as a starting point for estimating the Indirect Cost Allocation Program (ICAP)
bridge construction costs. For more complicated or Add the percentage specified in the most recent
Department ICAP memorandum to the total
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-1 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
preliminary engineering and construction costs to For smaller projects, percentages for contingencies,
account for Department overhead cost to construct the mobilization, and engineering may be higher. For
project. larger projects, these percentages may be lower.
Table 8-1
2023 Structural Material Cost Ranges*
Typical Span
Structure Types Range (feet) Estimated Cost
Corrugated Pipe 1-7 $250-$500 / LF
Hydraulic
Structures Concrete Box Culvert 5-20 $500 -$4000 / LF
Plate Arch Culvert 10-20 $250-$750 / LF
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-2 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
8.2. Bridge Type Selection (Level 2) measurement, and basis of payment. Division
At the Bridge Type Selection stage, the project 500 presents structural items. For some
manager submits a “start package” including specialty or new items, the pay item number
preliminary highway alignment data, proposed typical may not be in the database. If unable to locate a
section, and site contours including right-of-way pay item, the bridge engineer may request a new
limits. Lay out the bridge using the preliminary pay item through the Regional Bid Tab
roadway plan, profile, typical section, site topography, Coordinator.
and other available design information included in the 2. Units of Measurement. Record the quantity of
start package. The layout should include estimated all contract bid items consistent with the terms
piles sizes, cast-in-place (CIP) concrete member sizes, and units of measurement presented in the
span lengths, and riprap geometry. Most member applicable item sections of the Alaska Standard
sizes can be accurately estimated from past projects, Specifications for Highway Construction. Table
geometric compatibility, and simplified structural 8-2 presents the units of measurements for
analysis. typical bridge items.
3. Computations. The bridge engineer may use
The project manager may request estimates for manual and computer methods to compute
multiple bridge types during the development of the bridge quantities. Prepare computation sheets
environmental document. for each bid item and retain all computation
sheets in the project file.
Select the most feasible, constructable, and usually the 4. Significant Digits. In all quantity calculations,
most economical type of structure to fit the project retain enough significant digits so that accuracy
and develop General Layout and Site Plan sheets. is neither sacrificed nor exaggerated. Calculate
This structure may differ from the structure quantities for individual structure elements to
envisioned in earlier estimates. Use the General one significant figure beyond the rounding
Layout and Site Plan to calculate preliminary value shown in Table 8-2, when applicable.
quantities and develop the Bridge Type Selection 5. Rounding. Match exactly the quantity of any
estimate. item provided in quantity summaries with the
8.2.8. Quantity Calculations number provided on computation sheets.
Round the total item quantity for a structure to
General Guidelines the value shown in Table 8-2. Note any
The quantity calculations require rapid (typically, a required rounding of a raw estimate on the
day per bridge or less) but close approximation of the computation sheet consistent with Table 8-2.
final bridge quantities. Include all items required for Do not round the result of a quantity calculation
bridge construction, and use graphs and tables, similar until the value is ready for incorporation into the
bridges, and computations based on dimensions from Bridge Basis of Estimate Table. Do not round
the preliminary plans. The objective is to complete a lump-sum items and items measured as “each.”
relatively accurate estimate in a minimal amount of 6. Bridge Basis of Estimate Table. Segregate the
time. Bridge quantities are typically placed in a table quantities into separate columns with respect to
on the General Layout or Site Plan Sheet. the substructure and superstructure. For lump-
Consider the following guidelines when calculating sum items, provide the calculated quantity for
quantities: the item.
1. Pay Items. Each pay item has an official title Lump-Sum Items
and item number that is tied to the Standard In general, DOT&PF uses the lump-sum method of
Specifications for Highway Construction, which payment for items of work that are easily defined and
are also listed in the Department’s bid item unlikely to vary. Lump-sum items are estimated using
database. The Department uses these coded the units identified in Table 8-2. When a lump-sum
item numbers for tracking and as a historic item is developed without using an estimating unit
database. Cross check all items against the (Removal of Structures and Obstructions, Cofferdams,
Standard Specifications, Standard etc.), note the basis of the estimated cost and any
Modifications, and Special Provisions to ensure special circumstances or relevant information in the
the use of the appropriate pay items, methods of quantity calculation package. Ensure this information
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-3 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
is properly addressed in the plans and Special • Known foundation problems at the bridge site
Provisions. • Anticipated construction logistics (e.g., traffic
control during construction)
Excavation and Riprap
• Any other factors that are considered
Where possible at the Bridge Type Selection stage, appropriate for the structure
round excavation and riprap quantities to the nearest
• Judgment and experience of the bridge engineer
10 cubic yards. Do not provide the dimensions of
width, length, and depth more accurately than the Inflation
nearest foot. Do not adjust the cost for expected inflation at the
Concrete time of construction. However, note the date the cost
estimate was prepared.
Calculate concrete subtotals for various elements (e.g.,
abutments, piers) in cubic feet to the nearest tenth of a Ancillary Costs
cubic foot. Carry dimensions to the hundredth of a The discussion on ancillary costs found in Section 8.1
foot, except for a thin cross section multiplied by a applies to the Bridge Type Selection cost estimate,
large length (e.g., slab cross section) where rounding except as follows:
to one hundredth could produce a large discrepancy in
the final quantity. After totaling all subtotals, convert • Reduce the percentage of anticipated but
the total to cubic yards and round according to Table undetermined costs as more quantities are
8-2. calculated.
• Add 15 percent of the estimated cost for
8.2.9. Cost Estimate construction engineering.
The bridge engineer updates the structural costs used
for the planning construction cost estimate at the Preliminary engineering costs rarely vary enough to
Bridge Type Selection stage. The bridge engineer justify a separate line in a Bridge Type Selection
should make a reasonable estimate of the structure estimate. In the unusual case where preliminary
quantities (within ± 10 percent). If the quantities can engineering costs are significantly different between
be estimated, use the following procedure for the alternatives, include separate line items for
updated cost estimate: preliminary engineering and construction engineering.
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-4 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
Table 8-2
Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
(Type Selection)
Page 1 of 5
Pay Item Pay Item Rounding Unit
Number Name Quantity Method of Calculating Quantities Accuracy Cost
202.002 Removal of SF Total area of existing bridge deck 1 $50/SF to
3.0000 Bridge $85/SF
205.000 Structural Fill CY Fill between the wingwalls times the 1 $45/CY to
6.0000 maximum height from the bottom of the $100/CY
footing to the bottom of the approach slab
or roadway section times 50 feet behind
each backwall or end diaphragm.
503.000 Reinforcing LBS Assume 4% of the total weight of all CIP 10 $2.00/LB
1.0000 Steel concrete (Class A + Class A-A) for to
standard decked bulb-tee girder bridge. $2.75/LB
Assume 8% when drilled shafts are used.
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-5 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
Table 8-2
Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
(Type Selection)
Page 2 of 5
Pay Item Pay Item Method of Calculating Rounding
Number Name Quantity Quantities Accuracy Unit Cost
$30,000/pile to
$40,000/pile for 36-
inch diameter
$40,000/pile to
$50,000/pile for 48-
inch diameter
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-6 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
Table 8-2
Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
(Type Selection)
Page 3 of 5
Pay Item Estimating Rounding
Number Pay Item Name Quantity Method of Calculating Quantities Accuracy Unit Cost
507.000 Steel Bridge Railing, LF Calculate the total two-tube bridge 1 $250/LF to
1.0002 2-Tube length including rail on the wingwalls $300/LF
from preliminary bridge layout
507.000 Steel Bridge Railing, LF Calculate the total three-tube bridge 1 $250/LF to
1.0003 3-Tube length including rail on the wingwalls $350/LF
from preliminary bridge layout
513.000 Field Painting of Steel SF Avg. value of 125 SF per ton of 1 $35/SF to
1.0000 Structures structural steel. Table 3 on page 270 $50/SF for
of "Good Painting Practice Third (E) bridges w/
Edition," Steel Structures Painting zinc paint.
Council provides more detail.
Calculate actual surface area and $40/SF to
check conversion factors from this $75/SF for
table on large, deep plate and box (E) bridges w/
girders. lead paint
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-7 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
Table 8-2
Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
(Type Selection)
Page 4 of 5
Pay Item Estimating Rounding
Pay Item Name Method of Calculating Quantities Unit Cost
Number Quantity Accuracy
520.0001 Temporary SF Calculate the deck area based upon 1 $125/SF to
.0000 Crossing the estimated length and width $175/SF
required for the detour bridge.
Typical bridge width is 34 feet out-to-
out.
606.0016 Transition Rail EA Typically, there is one thrie beam 1 $3000/EA to
.0000 transition railing at each end of the $4000/EA
bridge railing – 4 per bridge.
611.0001 Riprap, Class II CY Calculate the volume of riprap using 10 $75/CY to
.0002 the preliminary bridge layout. The $125/CY
riprap volume can be estimated as
the cross section area times the In remote
length of the riprap measured along locations,
the center-of-gravity of the cross $250/CY
section. In lieu of calculations, use depending upon
1000 CY for “normal” riprap usage local availability
and 2500 CY for “extensive” riprap
usage.
631.0002 Geotextile, SY Calculate the area of geotextile from 10 $3.00/SY to
.0001 Erosion Control, the preliminary bridge layout. In lieu $6.00/SY
Class 1 of calculations, use the same area of
geotextile in SY as volume of riprap
in CY.
640.0001 Mobilization and % The mobilization and demobilization Subtotal of all
.0000 Demobilization is typically taken to be 10% of the other bridge bid
total construction cost. Thus, use prices time 1/9
11.1% of the subtotal bridge bid
cost.
NA Construction % Use 15% of the total estimated Total bridge cost
Engineering construction cost including
mobilization
times 15%
NA ICAP % This “overhead” cost changes every Total bridge plus
year. Use the published value. In lieu construction
of the published value, use 5%. engineering cost
times ICAP %
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-8 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
Table 8-2
Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
(Type Selection)
Page 5 of 5
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-9 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
8.3. PS&E Stage (Level 3) 5. Bolts, Nuts, and Washers. Measure bolts,
8.3.8. Quantity Calculations nuts, and washers for payment based on the
computed weight as presented in the Alaska
Update Calculations Standard Specifications.
The bridge engineer must revisit all quantity 6. Fillet Welds. Estimate fillet welds using Table
calculations as determined at the Bridge Type 8-4 and the Alaska Standard Specifications.
Selection stage (see Section 8.2.1) and update as 7. Rounding. Round the total of the structural
necessary. steel to the nearest 10 lbs.
Reinforcing Steel 8.3.9. Cost Estimate
The reinforcing steel quantity is based on the weight Update Estimate
of the reinforcing bar. Calculate bar lengths to The bridge engineer must revise the cost estimate
hundredths of a foot. Accumulate total lengths of bar from the Bridge Type Selection stage (see Section
in each size before weights are extended to reduce 8.2.2) to reflect the final bid items and quantities. No
rounding errors. Use Table 8-3 to obtain the weight in “contingency” is used at the PS&E stage.
pounds for the appropriate reinforcing steel size. Do
not include the weight of incidental items in this Submit the final estimate to the project manager in
quantity. spreadsheet format along with the plans and Special
Provisions. Some project managers also want a copy
Structural Steel of the quantity calculations, and these should be
The structural steel quantity is based on the weight of submitted with the PS&E package if requested.
the steel components in the structure. The contract
documents present structural steel as a lump sum bid The project manager merges the cost estimates for
item, but also provide the steel weight as information structural and other project pay items to determine the
only to assist the contractor in preparing the bid. Engineer’s Estimate for the project.
Include the weight of all beams, plates, diaphragms,
Engineer’s Estimate
stiffeners, bearing plates, bolts and nuts, shear studs,
rockers, rollers, pins and nuts, expansion dams, The Engineer’s Estimate is the final estimate used for
roadway drains and scuppers, weld metal and programming construction funding. It lists the total
structural shapes for expansion joints, and pier quantity and estimated price for each pay item. Pay
protection in the estimate. item quantities in the Engineer’s Estimate must match
the estimate of quantities in the plans and the bid
Calculate the weight of the steel using the following schedule in the bidding documents. The project
guidelines: manager uses the Engineer’s Estimate as a basis for
requesting Authority to Advertise (ATA) a project.
1. Lengths. Carry lengths to the hundredth of a After bids are received, the Engineer’s Estimate
foot. provides a basis for determining the reasonableness of
2. Unit Weights. Structural steel has a weight the bids.
density of 490 lb/feet3. See the Alaska Standard
Specifications for the weight density of other Design Aid Formulas
common metals. The following figures present various mathematical
3. Shapes, Plates, Railing, and Flooring. relationships to assist the bridge engineer with
Calculate the nominal weights and dimensions quantity estimating:
as shown on the contract drawings, deducting
for copes, cuts, and open holes, exclusive of bolt • Figure 8-1 Slope Equations
holes. • Figure 8-2 Trigonometric Solution of
4. Casting. Compute the weights for castings Triangles
from the dimensions shown on the plans with a • Figure 8-3 Area of Plane Figures
5 percent allowance for fillets and overruns. • Figure 8-4 Surface Area and Volume of
Deduct the weight for drillings or borings. The Solids
bridge engineer may use scale weights for
castings of small complex parts, because it
could be difficult to compute their weight
accurately.
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-10 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
Table 8-3
Reinforcing Steel Sizes and Weights
Nominal Properties
Bar Size Diameter Area Weight
US Customary Metric
(in) (in2) (lb/ft)
Designation Designation
#3 #10 0.375 0.11 0.376
Table 8-4
Weights of Fillet Welds
Nominal Size (in) 1/4 5/16 3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 7/8 1
Weight (lb/ft) 0.20 0.25 0.35 0.55 0.80 1.10 1.50 2.00
Note: Estimate other welds based on their theoretical dimension plus 50% for overrun.
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-11 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
CASE I CASE II
A
X=
X= A S1 + S 2
S1 − S 2
CASE V CASE VI
Figure 8-1
Slope Equations
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-12 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
Right-Angled Triangles
Given: Sought: Formulae:
Area Area = a c 2 − a2
2
2 2
A,B,c tan A = a , tan B = b , c= a +b
b a
a,b
Area Area = ab
2
B = 90° – A, b = a cot A, c= a
B,b,c
sin A
A,a
a 2 cot A
Area Area =
2
B = 90° – A, a = b tan A, c=
b
B,a,c
cos A
A,b
2
Area b tan A
Area =
2
A,c
2 2
Area c sin A cos A c sin 2A
Area = or
2 4
Figure 8-2
Trigonometric Solution of Triangles
Page 1 of 2
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-13 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
s = a+b+c
2
Oblique-Angled Triangles
Given: Sought: Formulae:
A sin 1 A =
(s − b)(s − c ) , cos 1 A =
s(s − a )
, tan 1 A =
(s − b)(s − c )
2 bc 2 bc 2 s(s − a )
B sin 1 B =
(s − a)(s − c ) , cos 1 B =
s(s − b )
, tan 1 B =
(s − a)(s − c )
2 ac 2 ac 2 s(s − b )
a,b,c
C sin 1 C =
(s − a)(s − b) , cos 1 C =
s(s − c )
, tan 1 C =
(s − a)(s − b)
2 ab 2 ab 2 s(s − c )
a sin (A + B )
b,c b = a sin B c = a sin C =
sin A sin A sin A
a,A,B
Area Area = 1 a b sin C =
a 2 sin B sin C
2 2 sin A
B sin B = b sin A
a
1
Area Area = (ab)(sin C)
2
a sin C a−b
A tan A = tan 1 (A − B ) = cot 1 C
b − a cos C 2 a+b 2
1
Area Area = (ab)(sin C)
2
Figure 8-2
Trigonometric Solution of Triangles
Page 2 of 2
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-14 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
Square
Diagonal = d = s 2
Area = s2 = 4b2 = 0.5 d2
Example: s = 6; b = 3; Area = (6)2 = 36
d = 6 x 1.414 = 8.484
Rectangle and Parallelogram 2 2
Area = ab or b d − b
Example: a = 6; b = 3
Area = 3 x 6 = 18
Trapezoid
1
Area = h (a + b )
2
Example: a = 2; b = 4; h = 3
Area = 1 × 3 (2 + 4 ) = 9
2
Trapezium
Area = 1
2
[ ( )
a h + h1 + bh1 + ch ]
Example: a = 4; b = 2; c = 2; h = 3; h1 = 2
Area = 1 [4(3 + 2) + (2 × 2) + (2 × 3 )] = 15
2
Triangles
Formulas apply to both figures.
Area = 1 bh
2
Example: h = 3; b = 5
Area = 1 (3 × 5 ) = 7.5
2
Area = s(s − a )(s − b )(s − c ) where: s = a + b + c
2
Example: a = 2; b = 3; c = 4
s = 2 + 3 + 4 = 4.5; Area = 4.5(4.5 − 2)(4.5 − 3 )(4.5 − 4 ) = 2.9
2
Regular Polygons
5 sides = 1.720477 s 2 = 3.63271 r 2
6 sides = 2.598150 s 2 = 3.46410 r 2
7 sides = 3.633875 s 2 = 3.37101 r 2
8 sides = 4.828427 s 2 = 3.31368 r 2
Area
9 sides = 6.181875 s 2 = 3.27573 r 2
10 sides = 7.694250 s 2 = 3.24920 r 2
11 sides = 9.365675 s 2 = 3.22993 r 2
12 sides = 11.196300 s 2 = 3.21539 r 2
n = number of sides; r = short radius; s = length of side; R = long radius.
Area = n s 2 cot 180° = n R 2 sin 360° = nr2 tan 180°
4 n 2 n n
Figure 8-3
Area of Plane Figures
Page 1 of 3
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-15 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
Circle
p = 2 π r = 6.2832r p = 2A = 4A
r d
p p
d= = d = 2 A = 1.128 A
π 3.1416 π
p p A = 0.564 A
r= = r=
2π 6.2832 π
A=
πd 2 = 0.7854d 2 A=
p2 p2
=
4 4π 12.57
pr pd
A= πr 2 = 3.1416r 2 A= =
2 4
Circular Ring
( ) (
Area = π R 2 − r 2 = 3.1416 R 2 − r 2 )
Area = 0.7854 (D2 – ) = 0.7854(D – d)(D + d)
d2
Area = difference in areas between the inner and outer circles.
Example: R = 4; r = 2
Area = 3.1416(42 – 22) = 37.6992
Quadrant
2
Area = πr = 0.7854 r = 0.3927c
2 2
4
Example: r = 3; c = chord
Area = 0.7851 x 32 = 7.0686
Segment
to the fraction
πr 2 θ
360
Example: r = 3; θ = 120°; h = 1.5
5.196 (3 − 1.5 )
Area = 3.1416 x 3 2 x 120 − = 5.5278
360 2
Figure 8-3
Area of Plane Figures
Page 2 of 3
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-16 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
Sector
Area = br = πr 2 θ
2 360°
θ = angle in degrees; b = length of arc
Example: r = 3; θ = 120°
Spandrel
Parabola
l = length of curved line = periphery – s
l= s
8h
2
[ c(1 + c ) + 2.0326 x log ( c + 1+ c )] where c = 4sh
2
Area = 2 sh
3
Example: s = 3; h = 4
Area = 2 × 3 × 4 = 8
3
Ellipse
Area = πab = 3.1416ab
a2 + b2
Circumference = 2π (close approximation)
2
Example: a = 3; b = 4.
Area = 3.1416 x 3 x 4 = 37.6992
Circumference = 2 x 3.1416
(3)2 + (4)2 = 6.2832 x 3.5355 = 22.21
2
Figure 8-3
Area of Plane Figures
Page 3 of 3
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-17 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
Parallelopiped
S = perimeter (P) perpendicular to sides x lateral length (l): Pl
V = area of base (B) x perpendicular height (h): Bh
V = area of section (A) perpendicular to sides x lateral length (l): Al
Figure 8-4
Surface Area and Volume of Solids
Page 1 of 3
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-18 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023
Frustum of any Pyramid or Cone, Parallel Ends
V = (sum of areas of base (B) and top (b) + square root of their products)
(
x 1 perpendicular height (h): 1 h B + b + Bb
8 8
)
Prismatoid
V = 1 perpendicular height (h) x (sum of areas of base (B) and top (b) + 4 x area of
6
section (M) parallel to bases and midway between them): 1 h(B + b + 4M)
6
The Prismatoid formula applies also to any of the foregoing solids with parallel bases,
to pyramids, cones and spherical sections, and to many solids with irregular surfaces.
Sphere
S = 4 π r2 = π d2 = 3.14159265 d2 V = 4 π r 3 = 1 π d3 = 0.52359878 d3
3 6
Spherical Sector
S = 1 π r (4b + c ) V = 2 π r 3b
2 3
Spherical Segment
S = 2 π r b = 1 π 4b + c
4
2 2
3 24
(
V = 1 π b2 (3r − b ) = 1 π b 3c 2 + 4b2 )
Spherical Zone
V = 1 π b 3a + 3c + 4b
3 2 2
S= 2π rb
24
Circular Ring
S = 4 π 2Rr V = 2 π 3 Rr 2
Figure 8-4
Surface Area and Volume of Solids
Page 2 of 3
Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual 8-19 8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates
March 2023
Ungula of Right, Regular Cylinder
S = (2 r m – o x arc, b a b) h S = 2rh
r −o
2 2
V = 2 m 3 − o x area, b a b h V= r h
3 r −o 3
Base = Segment, c a c Base = Circle
h
S = (2rn + p x arc, c a c) S = rπh
r +p
1 2
V = 2 n3 + p × area, cac h V= r πh
3 r +p 2
Ellipsoid
V = 1πr a b
3
Paraboloid
V = 1 π r2h
2
Ratio of corresponding volumes of a Cone, Paraboloid, Sphere, and Cylinder of equal
height: 1 : 1 : 2 : 1
3 2 3
r = distance of center of gravity of line or plane from axis I - I and for any angle of
revolution, a°
2 r π a° = length of arc described by center of gravity
360
Figure 8-4
Surface Area and Volume of Solids
Page 3 of 3
8. Quantity Calculations and Cost Estimates 8-20 Alaska Bridges and Structures Manual
March 2023