Infrastructure projects in Arizona including highways, bridges, culverts, retaining walls, and transit facilities are governed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). These projects require strict compliance with ADOT’s Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, which outline everything from concrete mix design and testing protocols to curing methods and documentation standards.
Estimating concrete for these projects isn’t just about calculating volume. It’s about understanding regulatory requirements, environmental conditions, and construction sequencing. Whether you’re bidding on a freeway expansion in Phoenix, a rural bridge in Yuma, or a drainage structure in Flagstaff, aligning your estimate with ADOT standards is essential for accuracy, compliance, and competitiveness.
This guide breaks down the key estimating components for Arizona infrastructure projects, explains relevant DOT specifications, and includes a detailed comparison table to help you build smarter, specification-compliant bids.
Key ADOT Standards for Concrete Estimating
| Estimating Component | ADOT Specification Highlights | Estimating Considerations |
| Mix Design | Section 1006: Class S, B, AA, and AP concrete types | Include approved mix submittal, air content, slump, and strength requirements |
| Cement Content | Minimum 564 lbs/yd³ for structural concrete | Adjust cost for higher cement loads and admixtures |
| Aggregate Sourcing | Must be from ADOT-approved suppliers | Include transport costs from approved quarries |
| Water-Cement Ratio | Max 0.45 for bridge decks; varies by application | Use low w/c ratio mixes; include retarder for hot weather |
| Testing Requirements | ASTM C31/C39: Slump, air, temperature, cylinders | Add cost for field technician, lab testing, and documentation |
| Curing Methods | Wet curing or membrane-forming compounds per Section 1006 | Include curing compound, labor, and protection materials |
| Formwork and Finish | Must meet dimensional tolerances and surface finish specs | Estimate for formwork reuse, patching, and surface prep |
| Documentation | Daily reports, batch tickets, and quantity verification | Include admin labor and software tools for compliance |
Sources: ADOT Standard Specifications (2021), ADOT Construction Manual
Step-by-Step Estimating Process
Step 1: Review ADOT Project Documents
Start by downloading the full bid package and referencing:
- ADOT Standard Specifications (latest edition)
- Special Provisions and Supplemental Specs
- Approved Products List (APL)
- Structural and civil drawings
- Measurement and payment sections
Identify all concrete scope items, including footings, abutments, decks, barriers, sidewalks, and flatwork.
Step 2: Calculate Concrete Volume by Component
Use structural drawings and ADOT measurement methods to calculate:
- Volume per element (e.g., piers, slabs, walls, culverts)
- Adjust for overbreak, waste, and formwork loss
- Separate line items for Class S (general), Class B (non-structural), Class AA (bridge decks), and Class AP (pavement)
Include unit conversions and rounding rules per ADOT guidelines.
Step 3: Include Mix Design and Testing Costs
ADOT requires:
- Pre-approved mix designs submitted by certified labs
- Field testing for slump, air content, temperature, and strength
- Cylinder casting and lab breaks at 7, 14, and 28 days
Estimate:
- Mix submittal preparation and approval time
- Field technician labor and equipment
- Lab fees and reporting costs
- Coordination with ADOT inspectors
Step 4: Account for Formwork, Reinforcement, and Finishing
Include:
- Formwork surface area and reuse cycles
- Rebar takeoffs per ADOT bar lists and bending schedules
- Surface finish requirements (e.g., Class 1 finish for bridge decks)
- Patching, grinding, and surface protection
- Embedded items (drainage sleeves, anchor bolts, conduits)
Coordinate with structural and geotechnical teams for layout and inspections.
Step 5: Add Curing and Protection Measures
Arizona’s climate demands aggressive curing. ADOT allows:
- Wet curing (minimum 7 days for structural concrete)
- Membrane-forming curing compounds
- Protective coverings for exposed surfaces
Include:
- Curing compound material cost
- Labor for application and monitoring
- Water spray systems or wet burlap
- Contingency for weather delays
Step 6: Estimate Documentation and Compliance Labor
ADOT projects require:
- Daily quantity reports and inspector sign-offs
- Batch ticket collection and verification
- Subcontractor approvals and material certifications
- Pay estimate tracking and change order documentation
Include:
- Administrative labor
- Software tools for compliance and reporting
- Coordination time with ADOT field staff
Step 7: Format Estimate Using ADOT Bid Items
ADOT uses standardized bid item codes and units of measure. Be sure to:
- Match each scope item to its corresponding bid code
- Use correct units (e.g., CY, SF, LF)
- Include mobilization, traffic control, and environmental protection if required
- Format estimate for easy integration into DOT bidding platforms
ADOT Infrastructure Estimating Checklist
- Review ADOT Standard Specs and project-specific provisions
- Calculate volume by component and class of concrete
- Include mix design submittal and testing costs
- Estimate formwork, reinforcement, and finishing labor
- Add curing compound and surface protection materials
- Include documentation and compliance labor
- Format estimate using ADOT bid item codes and units
- Document assumptions, exclusions, and supplier sources
- Coordinate with approved labs and material suppliers
- Include contingency for weather, access, and inspection delays
Real-World Example: Estimating a Bridge Deck in Maricopa County
A contractor bidding on a DOT-funded bridge replacement:
- Reviewed ADOT specs for Class AA concrete with max w/c ratio of 0.40
- Calculated deck volume: 850 CY with 7-day wet curing
- Included mix submittal, slump and air testing, and cylinder breaks
- Estimated formwork surface area and Class 1 finish labor
- Added curing compound, burlap, and water spray system
- Included admin labor for daily reports and batch ticket tracking
- Submitted a bid aligned with ADOT pay item codes and measurement units
- Won the bid and passed all inspections with zero non-compliance issues
Why DOT-Aligned Estimating Matters
| Outcome | Benefit to Contractors |
| Fewer Compliance Issues | Aligning with ADOT specs reduces risk of rejected work |
| Improved Profit Margins | Accurate forecasting prevents overruns and change orders |
| Stronger Public Sector Relationships | Professional estimates build trust with DOT and municipalities |
| Better Scheduling | Planning for testing and curing improves delivery timelines |
| More Competitive Bids | DOT-formatted estimates win more infrastructure work |
| Reduced Risk | Specification compliance protects against penalties and rework |
Final Thoughts
Estimating concrete for infrastructure projects in Arizona means more than just calculating quantities it means mastering ADOT’s specifications, anticipating environmental challenges, and planning for rigorous testing and documentation. Contractors who understand these standards can deliver compliant, competitive bids that win public-sector work and build lasting infrastructure.
At MSB Estimating, we specialize in DOT-aligned concrete estimating for Arizona infrastructure projects. From bridges and highways to culverts and retaining walls, we deliver CSI-formatted takeoffs and compliance-ready estimates tailored to ADOT standards.
Need Help Estimating for Arizona DOT Projects?
Contact MSB Estimating today to get accurate, specification-compliant concrete estimates for your next infrastructure bid.
