Dredge Production Calculator

Plan dredging schedules with clear, adjustable production inputs. Account for utilization, swell, and material density. Export results to share with estimators and crews today.

Calculator Inputs

Choose a method, then enter field values. Results appear above this form.
Reset
Select the production model used on site.
Effective operating hours in a day.
Time actually dredging within available hours.
Accounts for spillage, downtime, rehandling, or inefficiencies.
Use 1.10–1.40 for many sands; higher for clays.
Used to estimate tonnes per hour/day.
Hydraulic slurry inputs
Typical pump discharge or measured pipeline flow.
Often 8–20% depending on soil and pump setup.
Loose volume rate:
Qloose = Qslurry × Cv × U × (1−L)
In-situ conversion:
Qin-situ = Qloose ÷ SF
Mechanical cycle inputs
Rated bucket volume or effective scoop/hopper capacity.
Actual payload vs rated capacity (e.g., 70–100%).
Dig → swing/hoist → dump → return.
Loose volume rate:
Qloose = V × FF × (3600 / tcycle) × U × (1−L)
In-situ conversion:
Qin-situ = Qloose ÷ SF

Example Data Table

Scenario Method Key inputs Estimated in-situ production
Channel sand cut Hydraulic slurry Flow 3,000 m³/h; Cv 12%; U 75%; L 5%; SF 1.25; 10 h/day ~2,052 m³/day
Small basin cleanup Mechanical cycle Bucket 3.0 m³; FF 85%; Cycle 35 s; U 70%; L 8%; SF 1.20; 8 h/day ~1,236 m³/day
Soft clay with downtime Hydraulic slurry Flow 2,200 m³/h; Cv 10%; U 60%; L 15%; SF 1.40; 12 h/day ~808 m³/day
Examples are illustrative; site conditions and sampling data should govern final planning.

Formula Used

The calculator estimates loose dredged volume, then converts it to in-situ volume using a swell factor. Utilization and loss allowances reduce theoretical output to a practical value.

  • Hydraulic slurry: Qloose = Qslurry × Cv × U × (1−L)
  • Mechanical cycle: Qloose = V × FF × (3600/tcycle) × U × (1−L)
  • In-situ conversion: Qin-situ = Qloose ÷ SF
  • Daily production: Pday = Qin-situ × H
  • Mass estimate: ṁ = Qin-situ × ρ

Symbols: Q = volume rate, V = capacity, Cv = solids volume fraction, U = utilization, L = loss fraction, SF = swell factor, H = working hours, ρ = in-situ density.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select the method that matches your dredge and measurement approach.
  2. Enter working hours, utilization, losses, swell factor, and density.
  3. For slurry dredging, provide flow rate and solids concentration.
  4. For mechanical dredging, provide capacity, fill factor, and cycle time.
  5. Click Calculate Production to view results above the form.
  6. Use Download CSV or Download PDF to share outputs.
Practical tip: If you only know “shift hours,” reduce utilization to reflect delays, repositioning, traffic, inspections, and weather stand-downs.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.