The tool in question allows for the estimation of the quantity of cement-based material required to encase a series of conduits. As an example, an engineer planning an underground electrical distribution system might utilize this to determine the cubic yards of material needed to completely surround a group of PVC pipes intended to carry high-voltage cables.
Accurate material estimation prevents both project delays caused by material shortages and cost overruns resulting from over-ordering. Historically, these calculations were performed manually, a process prone to error and time-consuming. The advent of computerized tools has streamlined the process, offering increased precision and efficiency in project planning and budgeting.