Alkali

Alkali is AI assisted takeoff software for steel estimators. It reads PDF bid sets and helps fabricators count and measure structural steel, then turns the result into tonnage, a bill of materials and a 3D model. The AI takeoff assist detects beams, columns, joists, braces and base plates, and handles counts, lengths, shapes, camber and studs. The AISC manual weights are built in, so project tonnage is calculated automatically. Other listed capabilities include stock aware nesting plans meant to reduce drop and material cost, a search tool that answers questions across large bid sets with sheet references, and automatic identification of changes between addenda that estimators can accept or reject. Teams can work in a shared workspace with live cursors and project sharing. Takeoffs and material lists export to Tekla, Bluebeam, Adobe and Excel. The site lets visitors try the product with no signup, and offers sign in with Google, Microsoft or email. The vendor does not publish pricing on its site. Alkali states that it is used on steel projects across the United States, and describes an estimator workflow built around bid sets, revisions and collaboration rather than general purpose document AI.