Example data
| Scenario | Compacted volume input | Swell | Shrink | Waste | Density | Truck vol. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embankment lift | 250 m³ | 15% | 10% | 3% | 1.80 t/m³ | 10 m³ |
| Backfill trench | 80 m³ | 12% | 8% | 2% | 1.60 t/m³ | 8 m³ |
| Site grading pad | 420 m³ | 18% | 12% | 4% | 1.75 t/m³ | 12 m³ |
Swap unit system to see the table adapt to your preferred measurement set.
Formula used
Compacted volume (CC) is computed from dimensions when selected:
- CC = Length × Width × Average thickness
Bank volume (BC) converts compacted needs back to in-place borrow:
- BC = CC ÷ (1 − Shrink)
Loose volume (LC) estimates excavated, hauled, or stockpiled material:
- LC = BC × (1 + Swell)
Allowances applied to match real-world losses and conditions:
- LCwaste = LC × (1 + Waste)
- LCadj = LCwaste × (1 + Moisture adjustment)
Truckloads are based on adjusted loose volume (and payload if provided):
- Loadsvol = ceil(LCadj ÷ Truck volume)
- Mass = LCadj × Density
- Loadston = ceil(Mass ÷ Truck payload)
How to use this calculator
- Select your preferred unit system and input method.
- Enter compacted fill needs using dimensions or direct volume.
- Set swell and shrinkage values based on your soil type.
- Add waste and moisture adjustments to reflect site conditions.
- Provide density and truck capacity to estimate mass and trips.
- Press Calculate to view results above the form.
- Download the CSV or PDF for sharing and documentation.
Practical borrow quantity planning for earthworks
Borrow quantities drive schedule, haul routes, plant selection, and cost control. This calculator converts a compacted placement requirement into bank and loose volumes so you can align design quantities with field operations. Using consistent factors early reduces change orders, prevents under-hauling, and improves stockpile management across multiple lifts or work fronts.
Interpreting shrinkage and swell in real projects
Shrinkage represents the reduction from in-place material to compacted fill after spreading, moisture conditioning, and compaction energy. Swell represents the increase when material is excavated and loosened for transport. Because soil type, gradation, and moisture state vary, record factors by source and validate with test strips and truck counts.
Allowances that protect productivity and quality
Waste and handling losses capture spillage, trimming, contamination, and rework. A small allowance is often justified where access is constrained or where segregation is required. Moisture adjustment helps you stress-test the haul plan when wet borrow increases apparent loose volume, slows loading, or forces blending and drying before compaction targets are met.
Hauling capacity and truckload forecasting
Haul plans should be checked against both volumetric body capacity and legal payload. This tool estimates truckloads from adjusted loose volume and can also calculate loads by payload when a ton limit is entered. Use the higher load count for conservative planning, then refine using observed cycle times and queue delays.
Example data and a quick check method
Example (metric): CC = 250.000 m³, Shrink = 10%, Swell = 15%, Waste = 3%, Moisture = 0%, Density = 1.800 t/m³, Truck = 10.000 m³. Results: Bank ≈ 277.778 m³, Loose ≈ 319.444 m³, Adjusted loose ≈ 329.028 m³, Mass ≈ 592.250 t, Loads (vol) ≈ 33. Compare these to delivery tickets and survey quantities to tune factors.
FAQs
1) What is “bank,” “loose,” and “compacted” volume?
Bank is in-place material at the borrow source, loose is excavated/handled material, and compacted is the placed fill after compaction. Converting between them helps align design quantities with construction operations.
2) Which volume should I use to estimate excavation at the borrow pit?
Use bank volume for excavation and in-situ measurement. It represents the material before it swells during digging and loading, so it aligns best with borrow quantity control and pit surveys.
3) Which volume should I use for trucking and stockpiles?
Use adjusted loose volume for haul planning and stockpile space. It reflects swell plus allowances and is the best proxy for what sits in truck bodies and on the ground before compaction.
4) How do I choose swell and shrinkage percentages?
Start with project specifications, local experience, and soil test results. Then calibrate using trial sections, truck counts, and before/after surveys. Different sources often need different factors to stay accurate.
5) Why does the calculator include waste and moisture adjustments?
Waste covers losses from handling, trimming, contamination, and rework. Moisture adjustment helps assess wet borrow impacts on haul volumes and productivity, especially when conditioning or blending is required.
6) Should I trust loads by volume or by payload?
Use the more restrictive result. Some fleets are volume-limited, others payload-limited due to legal weights. Checking both prevents underestimating trips and improves cost and schedule forecasting.
7) What field checks improve accuracy the most?
Track truck counts, load sizes, moisture content, and compaction results daily. Reconcile these with survey quantities and delivery tickets. Update factors when sources change or weather shifts material behavior.