| Scenario | Shape | Inputs | Swell | Density | Loose Volume | Truckloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demo cleanup bay | Box | L=12 m, W=3.5 m, D=1.2 m | 15% | 1600 kg/m³ | 57.96 m³ | 7.25 (8 m³ truck) |
| Stockpile round mound | Cone | Diameter=4 m, Height=1.8 m | 20% | 1500 kg/m³ | 18.10 m³ | 2.26 (8 m³ truck) |
| Trimmed pile on slab | Frustum | Top=2 m, Bottom=4 m, Height=1.2 m | 10% | 1800 kg/m³ | 16.59 m³ | 2.07 (8 m³ truck) |
- Box: V = L × W × D
- Cylinder: V = π × r² × h, where r = diameter/2
- Cone pile: V = (π × r² × h) / 3
- Frustum pile: V = (π × h × (R² + Rr + r²)) / 3
- Triangular prism: V = ½ × base × height × length
- Loose volume: Vloose = Vin-situ × (1 + swell/100)
- Mass estimate: m = Vloose × density
- Truckloads: loads = Vloose ÷ truck capacity
- Select the debris shape that best matches your pile or excavation.
- Choose the unit used on site for measured dimensions.
- Enter required dimensions for the selected shape only.
- Set a swell factor to model how debris expands when loosened.
- Enter density if you need weight for disposal or hauling limits.
- Enter truck capacity to estimate the number of hauling trips.
- Press Calculate and review results shown above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save results for records.
Debris characterization for estimating volume
Debris volume estimates begin with material identification and boundary definition. Separate concrete, masonry, soil, timber, and mixed waste because bulking behavior differs. Record moisture condition and contamination risk because both affect handling and disposal. When measuring a footprint, include access ramps, windrows, and stockpile berms. For demolitions, note reinforcement density and breakage size, since fragment size increases void space and loose volume from the outset.
Choosing a representative geometry
Use a geometry that matches how debris is stored. Box inputs suit dumpsters, bays, trenches, and rectangular staging areas. Cylinders fit round bins or drilled spoil piles. Cones represent free-standing mounds where side slopes are consistent. Frustums match piles with a flattened top after dozer trimming. Triangular prisms work for windrows and berms with triangular cross-sections. When shapes are irregular, segment the pile into multiple simple shapes and sum results.
Applying swell and bulking factors
Swell converts compact in-place volume to loose hauled volume. Excavated soils often swell 10–35%, while crushed concrete and mixed rubble may swell 15–30% depending on gradation. Negative values can represent shrinkage for saturated fines that consolidate after stockpiling. Select a factor from site history or a short test: load a known bucket volume, measure the resulting pile volume, and compute an observed swell.
Weight and transport planning
Hauling decisions depend on both volume and mass. The calculator estimates mass using loose volume and density, which helps confirm landfill limits, truck axle ratings, and crane lift plans for skip bins. Density varies widely: dry demolition rubble can be lighter than wet soil or asphalt millings. Use conservative densities when uncertainty is high, then refine after the first few loads by comparing scale tickets to calculated volumes.
Quality checks and documentation
Perform quick reasonableness checks before locking a schedule. Compare calculated loose volume to available staging area capacity and confirm that truckloads align with shift productivity and travel time. Keep a log of dimensions, unit choices, swell factor, density source, and truck capacity assumptions. Export the CSV or PDF to attach to daily reports, permitting packages, and subcontractor scopes so quantities stay consistent across teams.
1) Which shape should I choose for a typical demolition pile?
Start with a cone for a free-standing mound. If the pile has a flat top from pushing or trimming, use a frustum. For contained areas like bays or dumpsters, use the box option.
2) What swell factor should I use if I do not have site data?
Use a conservative default such as 20% for mixed rubble and 25% for excavated soil, then adjust after the first loads. Compare measured truck volumes or scale tickets to refine the factor.
3) Does density affect the volume result?
No. Density only affects the estimated mass output. Volume is determined by geometry and swell. Use density when disposal pricing, axle limits, or weight-based reporting is required.
4) How do I estimate an irregular pile accurately?
Divide it into smaller sections that resemble simple shapes, measure each section, and add the volumes. Taking several cross-section measurements along the length improves windrow and berm estimates.
5) Why are both m³ and yd³ shown?
Projects often mix unit systems between design drawings, hauling contracts, and landfill reporting. Showing both units reduces conversion errors and helps communicate quantities to different crews and vendors.
6) Can I use this for excavations as well as debris piles?
Yes. Treat the excavation as a box or prism using in-place dimensions, then apply swell to estimate loose hauled volume. If you are backfilling, use a negative swell to represent compaction.