Five Benefits of Introducing a Transported Soil Volume Management Tool: Dramatic Improvements in Construction Efficiency and Costs

Table of Contents

• What is a transported soil volume management tool?

• The importance of transported soil volume management and on-site challenges

• 1. Dramatic improvement in work efficiency

• 2. Cost reduction and elimination of waste

• 3. Fewer mistakes and improved quality through accurate soil volume measurement

• 4. Strengthened safety measures and risk reduction

• 5. Streamlined information sharing and reporting tasks

• Conclusion: Smartening site management with simple surveying using LRTK

• FAQ

Are you accurately tracking the volume of soil and sand leaving your site? Are you relying on intuition for the amounts carried by the dump trucks that come and go every day?

What is a transported soil volume management tool?

A digital tool for efficiently and accurately managing the large volumes of soil and excavated material generated at construction sites is called a “transported soil volume management tool.” In civil engineering, large amounts of soil are moved by excavation and filling, and properly understanding and recording the transported soil volume (the amount of soil carried away from the site) is directly tied to progress management and cost control. Traditionally, volumes were estimated by manual surveying and counting dump truck trips, but recently dedicated tools that leverage ICT (information and communication technology) have appeared, making soil volume management dramatically simpler.

Transported soil volume management tools refer to software or cloud services that can automatically calculate the volume of soil being transported and visualize progress in real time based on surveying data and truck operation information obtained on site. Specifically, they may include functions to acquire terrain data (point cloud data) using 3D scan technology with smartphones or drones, calculate accurate soil volumes from pre- and post-excavation surface model differences, and record truck payloads and trip counts to manage total transported volumes. These capabilities make it possible to “visualize” transported soil volumes without relying on manual labor, enabling site managers to make decisions based on always-accurate figures. In short, a transported soil volume management tool is a reliable partner that visualizes soil volumes as data and helps move away from management based on intuition and experience.

The importance of transported soil volume management and on-site challenges

Managing soil transport volumes in civil and construction works is not merely about tracking truck traffic; it is a critical task that greatly affects overall construction efficiency, cost, and quality. For example, if excavation for foundation works does not achieve the planned volumes, the quality of the structure can be affected, and excessive excavation or transport leads to unnecessary cost increases. Disposal costs for generated soil are incurred according to volume, so if the volume exceeds predictions, disposal costs rise; conversely, if volumes are insufficient, additional backfill materials must be procured. Either way, deviations from the plan can cause schedule disruptions and cost overruns.

In practice, traditional soil volume management has relied heavily on manual labor and been inefficient. Field surveying often requires several staff members including experienced personnel, and surveying a large development site can take half a day to several days. If measurement point spacing is coarse, fine surface undulations and depressions may be overlooked, leading to errors. As a result, sites sometimes discover later that more soil was removed or less was available than planned, triggering additional earthwork or unnecessary transport. Surveying on slopes can also force workers to enter dangerous areas, creating safety risks. To resolve these issues and keep construction progressing smoothly and safely as planned, accurately and efficiently managing transported soil volumes is indispensable.

The government is also promoting ICT use on construction sites (i-Construction), and digitizing soil volume management is seen as a key solution to these problems.

Attention is therefore focusing on adopting transported soil volume management tools. Below, we explain in concrete terms five benefits that introducing such tools to the site can bring, from the perspectives of construction efficiency and cost improvement.

1. Dramatic improvement in work efficiency

One of the greatest benefits of introducing a transported soil volume management tool is improved site work efficiency. Traditionally, to determine soil volumes you had to survey each time and perform CAD processing in the office for drawing and volume calculations. This process took time and effort, and there were situations where site decisions had to be put on hold until survey results were ready. After introducing digital tools, however, soil measurement and aggregation are automated, drastically reducing the time spent on surveying and quantity calculation.

For example, if you scan site terrain using a smartphone or tablet, you can instantly calculate the transported soil volume on the spot. Because you can confirm volumes immediately after excavation by machinery, any excess or deficiency can be corrected right away, reducing rework. Manual measurement took time to cover wide areas, but tools can capture data for the entire site in a short time, enabling flexible operation such as checking in line with machine idle time. As a result, dump truck arrangements and machine operations can be scheduled efficiently, contributing to overall schedule shortening. On sites that have introduced digital soil volume management, users report a sense of security from being “able to measure whenever we think of it,” and daily site management is certainly becoming smarter.

2. Cost reduction and elimination of waste

Alongside efficiency gains, cost reduction is a major benefit. Accurately managing transported soil volumes prevents unnecessary work and excessive spending. For example, in the past, estimation errors in soil volume created risks of unnecessary extra dump truck dispatches or disposal costs. After adopting tools, high-accuracy soil volume calculations are possible from the planning stage, avoiding unnecessary allocation of vehicles and personnel. This not only reduces costs but also suppresses extra fuel consumption and helps lower CO2 emissions, offering environmental benefits as well.

Digital management also enables real-time grasp of transported volumes and costs, simplifying budget control. If accumulated volume data by site is stored, more accurate estimates and cost control become possible for future projects, improving company-wide profit margins over the long term. In fact, some sites have reported annual cost reductions of several million yen and roughly a 10% shortening of construction periods thanks to tool use. In addition, labor savings from simplified surveying can reduce personnel costs. If surveying that previously required multiple people for half a day can be completed quickly by one person, those resources can be reallocated to other productive tasks. By eliminating unnecessary costs and optimizing resource allocation, transported soil volume management tools deliver significant cost-effectiveness that justifies the investment.

3. Fewer mistakes and improved quality through accurate soil volume measurement

High-precision soil volume data obtained through digital tool adoption directly leads to fewer on-site mistakes and improved quality. Traditional, manual-centered volume tracking was prone to human error and measurement inaccuracies that could cause recording or calculation mistakes. By utilizing 3D scans and electronic surveying data, human error is greatly reduced, allowing decisions to be made consistently on objective, accurate figures.

Accurate soil volume measurement is also crucial for ensuring construction quality. You can verify in real time whether the embankment or excavation volumes assumed in the design are actually achieved, enabling on-the-spot confirmation that the finished shape matches the design. If volumes are lacking, additional filling can be performed immediately; if too much has been excavated, early backfilling can be done—measures that minimize rework and ensure compliance with quality standards. This prevents rushed rework after inspections and raises the overall quality control level of the project.

Moreover, detailed 3D data serves as a common reference among project stakeholders, eliminating discrepancies in quantity recognition and helping to prevent disputes or conflicts over soil volumes between clients and contractors. Sharing reliable numeric evidence makes settlement based on progress or negotiations over extra work smoother. Construction backed by accurate data enhances quality and trustworthiness, which in turn can improve corporate reputation.

4. Strengthened safety measures and risk reduction

Transported soil volume management tools also offer safety benefits. Digital measurement and management of soil volumes mean that site workers need not enter hazardous areas for long periods. For example, in the past measurement points were sometimes set on steep slopes or staff surveyed right next to operating machines—situations that carry risks of falls or contact with heavy equipment. After introducing tools, these are replaced by non-contact point cloud scans using smartphones or dedicated devices, so workers can complete necessary measurements with short scans from safer positions.

A single operator can capture terrain data from a vantage point with a good view, removing the need for multiple people to work in unstable locations. Minimizing personnel while efficiently measuring helps reduce human error and lower the risk of accidents during work. Digitizing soil volume management lets you avoid manual checks and measurements in dangerous spots as much as possible, raising the site’s safety management standards.

There are also compliance-related risk reduction effects worth noting. Disposal and filling of excavated material must be handled in accordance with laws and regulations, and maintaining detailed records of transported soil volumes ensures reliable manifest creation and reporting to authorities. This prevents troubles due to improper handling or reporting omissions and preserves corporate credibility. Detailed recording of soil movement histories also contributes to improved traceability.

5. Streamlined information sharing and reporting tasks

Introducing a transported soil volume management tool greatly streamlines site information sharing and reporting tasks. Because data is centrally managed digitally, site staff, construction management engineers, head office management departments, and clients can all view the same figures and drawings in real time. Sharing soil volume data and 3D models via the cloud allows progress to be checked from remote offices and speeds up decision-making. This reduces the need for site personnel to make phone or email inquiries to understand site conditions, cutting communication loss.

Many soil volume management tools also include automatic report generation features, enabling creation of as-built drawings and volume summary tables at the push of a button. Traditionally, it took time to produce drawings and tables from survey data and compile reports manually, but leveraging digitized data can drastically shorten the time required to prepare reporting materials. Combining photos with point cloud heatmap images lets you easily create visually persuasive materials for clients or internal sharing. Moreover, generated data can be used directly as deliverables for electronic submissions; some tools allow export of 3D data in LandXML format or PDF drawings for submission to clients.

Smooth information sharing lowers the barrier between site and office and improves project-wide transparency. When all stakeholders can grasp the situation based on real-time data, early detection and correction of issues become possible, increasing the likelihood of project success.

Conclusion: Smartening site management with simple surveying using LRTK

The benefits of introducing a transported soil volume management tool extend across construction site efficiency, costs, safety, quality, and communication. One practical means to achieve these is simple surveying using LRTK. LRTK (a smartphone surveying system that utilizes high-precision GNSS) is a solution that enables high-precision 3D point cloud measurement with a smartphone and a small antenna, without the need for expensive dedicated equipment. It is compatible with i-Construction promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and many companies have already adopted it as a first step in on-site DX (digital transformation).

With LRTK, anyone can easily perform terrain surveys and soil volume calculations alone. Because it enables high-precision capture of as-built conditions over wide areas in a short time, you can immediately experience the dramatic improvements in construction efficiency, safety, and quality described above. Frequent feature updates mean you can always take advantage of the latest convenient functions. New technology may sound daunting, but intuitive smartphone app operation makes it easy for site staff to adopt without specialized knowledge. Starting with partial digital measurement is likely to help address labor shortages and improve operational efficiency.

In an industry where ICT and DX are being emphasized, adopting familiar smart tools is an effective first step toward smarter site management. Why not leverage transported soil volume management tools and simple surveying with LRTK to bring dramatic efficiency and cost improvements to your construction sites?

FAQ

Q: What is a transported soil volume management tool? A: It is software or a system for digitally measuring and recording the volume of soil generated by construction and the volume transported by dump trucks, enabling efficient management. By using 3D surveying technologies and the cloud, it visualizes site soil volumes in real time.

Q: How is this different from traditional methods? A: The major difference is that soil volume management, which used to rely on manual surveying and calculation, is automated and digitized, enabling accurate and rapid processing. For example, estimates that previously depended on experience become objective data-driven quantity management with tools. Real-time visibility reduces rework and waste, directly contributing to shorter schedules and lower costs.

Q: Can site workers operate it? A: Yes. Recent transported soil volume management tools are designed to be intuitive. Many run as apps on smartphones or tablets; workers familiar with smartphones can master them with short training. Staff without surveying expertise can obtain required data simply by following on-screen prompts to scan. Many providers also offer training and support at implementation, so even those not comfortable with digital devices need not worry.

Q: Is there any benefit for small-scale sites? A: Yes. Even small sites benefit from soil volume management tools. Small sites often lack spare personnel, but tools enable efficient surveying and management with limited staff. Accurate quantity tracking also reduces waste in material procurement, producing cost benefits. While larger projects see greater effects, there are increasingly affordable services that lower initial costs, making consideration worthwhile regardless of scale.

Q: How much does implementation cost? A: Costs vary by product and service, but many modern transported soil volume management tools are offered as cloud services and can be started at lower cost than purchasing dedicated equipment. For example, types that use a smartphone with a small antenna are far less expensive than buying an expensive laser scanner. Flexible pricing plans such as monthly subscriptions are often available, so you can introduce the service at a scale that fits your needs. Considering labor savings and schedule reductions enabled by the tool, a sufficient return on investment can generally be expected. There are cases where the cost savings realized after implementation recovered the initial investment in a short period, demonstrating the value of adoption.

Q: Can the tool be used at sites without internet connectivity? A: Yes. Even tools with cloud features generally allow measurements and recordings to be performed offline and synchronized later when a network connection is available. While real-time sharing is not possible offline, basic soil volume management functions work fine at mountain sites or locations with weak signals. Some functions, such as GNSS positioning, may require communication in certain cases; in those situations, check local connectivity in advance and consider portable Wi‑Fi or temporary base station setups as needed.