Project input form
Use start and end heights when the embankment varies along the canal reach. Keep units consistent throughout the project.
Example data table
This worked example shows how a changing embankment section affects gross and adjusted fill requirements.
| Input or Output | Example Value |
|---|---|
| Canal length | 250 m |
| Left and right crest widths | 4.00 m each |
| Left heights, start to end | 2.40 m to 2.80 m |
| Right heights, start to end | 2.30 m to 2.70 m |
| Inner and outer slopes | 1.5:1 and 2.0:1 |
| Compaction, shrinkage, wastage | 8%, 5%, and 2% |
| Gross embankment volume | 10,826.88 m³ |
| Adjusted fill volume | 12,523.23 m³ |
| Estimated truck trips at 12 m³ | 1,044 trips |
| Total cost with 7% contingency | 127,298.63 |
Formula used
Each embankment cross section is treated as a trapezoid. For one side, section area equals crest width × height + 0.5 × height² × (inner slope + outer slope).
Start and end combined areas are added for both banks. Gross volume uses the average end-area method: Gross Volume = ((Start Area + End Area) ÷ 2) × Length.
Adjusted fill volume applies project allowances: Adjusted Volume = Gross Volume × (1 + Compaction%) × (1 + Shrinkage%) × (1 + Wastage%).
Cost and logistics then follow: Truck Trips = Ceiling(Adjusted Volume ÷ Truck Capacity) and Total Cost = Adjusted Volume × Unit Rate × (1 + Contingency%).
How to use this calculator
- Enter the canal reach length in metres.
- Provide left and right crest widths for the embankment tops.
- Enter start and end heights for both banks.
- Input inner and outer side slopes as horizontal-to-vertical ratios.
- Add compaction, shrinkage, and wastage allowances for site conditions.
- Enter truck capacity, unit rate, and contingency for logistics planning.
- Click the calculate button to show the result above the form.
- Download the result summary as CSV or PDF for documentation.
FAQs
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates canal embankment earthwork volume for both banks, then adjusts the fill quantity for compaction, shrinkage, wastage, hauling, and cost planning.
2. Why are start and end heights included?
Embankment height often changes along a canal. Using start and end heights improves the estimate by applying the average end-area method instead of assuming one uniform section.
3. What side slope format should I use?
Enter slopes as horizontal to one vertical, such as 1.5 for 1.5H:1V. Use separate values when inner and outer faces differ.
4. Does the result include both embankments?
Yes. The calculator computes left and right bank areas separately, adds them together at the start and end, then estimates one combined project volume.
5. When should I add compaction and shrinkage?
Use them when borrow volume must exceed final compacted volume. These percentages help convert theoretical section volume into a more practical material requirement.
6. Can this be used for tender planning?
Yes, for preliminary estimates and quantity checks. Final contract pricing should still match survey data, geotechnical recommendations, specifications, and project measurement rules.
7. How are truck trips calculated?
The calculator divides adjusted fill volume by truck capacity and rounds up to the next whole trip, giving a practical minimum hauling count.
8. What units should I keep consistent?
Use metres for geometry, cubic metres for capacity, and one currency basis for unit rate. Mixed units will distort both volume and cost results.
Notes and assumptions
This page assumes a prismatic transition between the start and end sections. For sharp geometry changes, divide the canal into shorter reaches and calculate each segment separately.