How to: Use the WafflePod Calculator (5mins)

Key Steps   1. Confirm the calculator inputs required 0:09 Open the waffle pod calculator. Identify the core inputs needed before starting: Slab area External edge beams Depths Gather these measurements from the plan before entering anything into the calculator.   2. Review the plan and set up the take-off 0:23 Load the project plan into the estimating system. Confirm which areas are included in the slab take-off. Prepare to measure the slab components separately so the calculator receives accurate values.   3. Measure the house and garage slab area 0:30 Use the polygon square meter tool to measure the slab area. Trace the house and garage areas on the plan. Exclude areas that do not require pods if the project scope does not include them. Record the total slab area for input into the calculator.   4. Capture the total slab area 1:08 Confirm the final combined area for the house and garage. In this example, the total slab area is 241 m². Use this value as the slab area input in the calculator.   5. Measure the external edge beams 1:19 Identify all external edge beams on the plan. Measure the linear meters of the edge beams carefully. Include beam runs around the slab perimeter as shown on the drawing. Record the total external edge beam length.   6. Enter slab area and edge beam data into the calculator 1:47 Enter the slab area into the waffle pod calculator. Enter the external edge beam linear meters. Confirm the depth and preplate settings match the project requirements. Review the calculator output for the initial accessory quantities.   7. Verify edge beam and depth settings 2:00 Check that the edge beam type and depth values are correct. Confirm the preplate depth is set correctly; in the example, the preplate is 150 mm. Make sure the calculator settings match the engineering details before proceeding.   8. Review the automatically generated accessory quantities 2:13 Review the calculator output for accessory quantities. Confirm the system has generated the required pod rails, bar chairs, and Y bars. Use the output as a quick take-off, but verify it against the engineering drawings.   9. Confirm Y bar requirements from engineering 2:27 Check the engineering drawings for Y bar requirements. Identify the bar type and quantity required for the project. In the example, the Y bars are hand-welded trench bars, with three bars required. Update the calculator or notes if the engineering details differ from the default output.   10. Count and confirm re-entrant bars 2:43 Inspect the plan for re-entrant corners and internal corners. Count each re-entrant bar location carefully. Add bars where required at internal corners and other specified points. In the example, the total re-entrant bars are five.   11. Check trench mesh and other slab reinforcement 3:16 Review the slab reinforcement requirements. Confirm trench mesh size and quantity from the engineering details. Verify any additional external edge beam reinforcement requirements. Adjust the calculator inputs if the project uses a different slab type or reinforcement arrangement.   12. Use the calculator to generate the full take-off 3:31 Run the calculator to produce the full list of materials. Review outputs for: Mesh quantities Concrete volume Pod accessories Edge beam-related items Use the calculator as a fast take-off tool, but still validate the results against the plan.   13. Check for concrete piers and include them in the take-off 3:50 Confirm whether the project includes concrete piers. If piers are present, measure and enter them separately. Do not assume the slab estimate is complete until pier quantities are included where required.   14. Measure and enter pier quantities 4:02 Use the measuring tool to count and size the piers. Enter the pier dimensions and quantity into the calculator. In the example, the piers are measured at 450 mm with 23 units. Verify the depth and spacing match the project requirements.   15. Review the final concrete quantity and pricing 4:50 Check the final concrete quantity for the slab, edge beams, and internal piers. Review the rates shown in the calculator. Update any pricing that appears outdated or too low. Recalculate after making manual rate changes.   16. Finalise the estimate and save the take-off 5:05 Confirm all quantities and accessories have been captured. Save or export the completed estimate. Use the completed take-off as the rough guide and project estimate. Ensure the final output is ready for review or submission.