Spool Sheets - CableTrayRoute

Method & Assumptions

Spool sheets group cable tray segments into prefabricated assemblies ("spools") that can be built in a workshop before field installation, subject to project coordination, fabrication capability, and transport constraints. The page does not assume a fixed labor-savings percentage.

Grouping logic: Tray segments are grouped by elevation band, tray width, and plan position (grid cell). Each spool is limited to a configurable maximum number of segments to keep assemblies manageable for shop fabrication and transport.

Material quantities per spool:

Straight sections - Total run length divided by section length (rounded up).
Support brackets - One per 10 ft span plus one at each end (minimum 2 per segment).
Estimated weight - Tray self-weight based on width. Does not include cable weight.
Cable assignments - Cables whose Route Preference matches a tray in the spool.

Reference basis: NEMA BI-50016-2024 (formerly NEMA VE 2) for cable tray installation/support context; BICSI TDMM, 15th edition Chapter 6 for ICT horizontal distribution pathway context; BIMForum LOD Specification for LOD 400 fabrication, assembly, and installation information; and Trimble SysQue literature for data-rich LOD 400 MEP constructible modeling.

Spool Parameters

Preview updates as these grouping rules change.

Standard section length 12 ft

Drives the straight-section count and selected-spool cut bar.

Grouping grid cell size 20 ft

Larger cells combine more nearby tray segments into each spool.

Elevation band 2 ft

Trays inside the same band are treated as the same fabrication level.

Max segments per spool 10 segments

Splits a group when the assembly would exceed the handling limit.

Hardware Assumptions

Splice plate pairs / joint 1

Applied to section joints created by straight tray cuts.

Clamp kits / support 2

Multiplied by support brackets for tray hold-downs.

Ground jumpers / joint 1

Bonding jumpers added where field policy requires them.

Expansion fitting interval 100 ft

Set to 0 when expansion fittings are handled outside this takeoff.

Field-cut allowance 5%

Added to spool material length for trim and fit-up.

Hardware spare 10%

Rounded up on splice plates, clamps, jumpers, and expansion fittings.

Shipping length target 40 ft

Flags spools that may be too long to transport.

Handling weight target 250 lb

Flags assemblies that may need smaller spool breaks.

Prefabrication Spool Sheets

Live Spool Preview

Cable Procurement Schedule