Engineering Cost Estimates Simulations

A collection of interactive 3D visualizations and simulations to help you master concepts in engineering cost estimates.

Equipment Costs - Theory & Concepts

Understand the intricate details of calculating equipment ownership, operation, depreciation costs, and production rates.

Straight-Line Depreciation Simulator

Visualize how the book value of construction equipment declines over its useful life using the straight-line depreciation method.

Asset Details

Initial Cost ($):$250,000

Salvage Value ($):$50,000

Useful Life (Years):5 yrs

Annual Depreciation Charge

$40,000 / year

Book Value Over Time

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Unit Price Analysis - Theory & Concepts

Master the fundamental skill of unit price analysis for estimating construction projects accurately.

Interactive Unit Price Builder

Adjust the raw direct costs, crew composition, and overhead markups to see how they impact the final unit price per square meter of tile.

Materials

Base Material Cost ($/m²):$15

Waste Factor (%):10%

Labor

Setter Hourly Wage ($/hr):$40

Helper Hourly Wage ($/hr):$25

Productivity (m² / hr):4 m²

Equipment & Markups

Equipment Cost ($/m²):$2

Overhead + Profit Markup (%):25%

Cost Breakdown (per m²)

Total Material Cost$16.50

Total Labor Cost$16.25

Equipment Cost$2.00

Total Direct Unit Cost$34.75

Final Unit Price

$43.44

includes 25% O&P markup

Cost Indices and Parametric Estimating - Theory & Concepts

Learn how to use historical data, cost indices, and parametric models to generate preliminary estimates quickly and accurately.

Cost Index Adjuster

Adjust historical project costs to current values using cost indices.

Historical Cost ($)

$1,500,000

Historical Index (e.g., Year 2010)

4500

Current Index (e.g., Year 2024)

8100

Index Multiplier

1.800x

Estimated Current Cost

$2,700,000

Formula: 1,500,000 × (8100 / 4500)