EarthWorks
EarthWorks is a specialized excavation and grading software designed to help you calculate cut and fill volumes accurately from digital site plans and paper blueprints.
Tekla Structures
Tekla Structures is a specialized building information modeling software that enables you to create, manage, and share highly detailed 3D models for steel, concrete, and timber construction projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | EarthWorks | Tekla Structures |
|---|---|---|
| Website | tallysystem.com | tekla.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1988 | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Pipersville, USA | Espoo, Finland |
Overview
EarthWorks
EarthWorks provides you with a dedicated suite of tools to simplify the complex process of site excavation estimating. Instead of manual calculations, you can import digital PDF files or use a digitizer tablet to trace site plans and instantly generate 3D models of your projects. This allows you to visualize the existing terrain against your proposed design to identify potential grading issues before you move a single yard of dirt.
You can calculate cut and fill quantities, topsoil stripping, and subgrade materials with high precision. The software helps you generate professional reports and cross-sections that you can share with clients or field crews. It is designed specifically for site contractors, excavators, and estimators who need to turn around bids quickly while maintaining a high level of accuracy to protect their profit margins.
Tekla Structures
Tekla Structures gives you the power to build information-rich 3D models that cover the entire structural workflow from design to fabrication. You can create detailed models for any material, including steel, precast concrete, and cast-in-place structures, ensuring that every bolt, rebar, and weld is accurately represented before construction begins.
The software helps you eliminate costly errors by identifying clashes early and generating precise fabrication drawings directly from your 3D data. Whether you are a structural engineer, detailer, or fabricator, you can collaborate in real-time with project stakeholders using integrated cloud sharing. It streamlines your production process by providing data-driven insights that reduce waste and improve project speed.
Overview
EarthWorks Features
- PDF and CAD Integration Import digital vector PDF or CAD files directly to extract elevation data and boundaries without manual tracing.
- 3D Site Visualization Rotate and inspect your site from any angle to spot errors in your data entry and verify grading plans.
- Cut and Fill Calculations Calculate exact volumes for cut, fill, and topsoil to ensure your material estimates are accurate every time.
- Cross-Section Views Generate detailed cross-sections at any point on your plan to see exactly how your proposed grade sits.
- Digitizer Support Trace paper blueprints using a digitizer tablet if you prefer working with physical plans instead of digital files.
- Material Breakdown Reports Create clear reports detailing subgrade materials and strata layers to help you plan your equipment and labor.
Tekla Structures Features
- Multi-Material Modeling. Create detailed 3D models for steel, concrete, and timber within a single interface to manage complex hybrid structures.
- Clash Detection. Identify and resolve spatial conflicts between structural elements automatically before they reach the construction site to save costs.
- Automated Shop Drawings. Generate accurate fabrication and assembly drawings directly from your 3D model to ensure consistency and reduce manual drafting.
- Reinforcement Detailing. Model complex rebar arrangements in 3D for cast-in-place or precast concrete with automated placement and scheduling tools.
- Cloud Collaboration. Share your models and project data with team members globally using the integrated Tekla Model Sharing platform.
- Direct CNC Integration. Export data directly to fabrication machinery and ERP systems to automate your production line and minimize human error.
Pricing Comparison
EarthWorks Pricing
Tekla Structures Pricing
Pros & Cons
EarthWorks
Pros
- Extremely accurate volume calculations for complex site grading
- Excellent technical support and personalized training sessions
- Visual 3D graphics help identify plan errors quickly
- Handles both digital files and traditional paper blueprints
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern web apps
- Significant learning curve for users new to takeoff
- Pricing is not transparent on the website
Tekla Structures
Pros
- Unmatched level of detail for complex steel and concrete projects
- Excellent automated drawing generation saves significant drafting time
- Strong integration with fabrication machinery and CNC workflows
- Reliable clash detection prevents expensive errors during onsite assembly
Cons
- Significant learning curve for new or inexperienced users
- Hardware requirements are high for large, complex models
- Subscription costs are higher than generic CAD alternatives