Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
Sample inputs show how modifiers change usable airspace and handling volume.
| Shape | Key inputs | Cover % | Compaction | Bulking | Output focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | L=60 m, W=30 m, D=6 m | 10% | 1.15 | 1.10 | Raw vs. compacted vs. loose |
| Trapezoidal | A1=1800 m², A2=1200 m², H=8 m | 12% | 1.20 | 1.08 | Net airspace after cover |
| Frustum | A1=2200 m², A2=900 m², H=10 m | 8% | 1.10 | 1.12 | Effective volume after voids |
| Cylinder | r=7 m, H=10 m | 5% | 1.05 | 1.15 | Loose handling volume |
Formula Used
- Rectangular prism: V = L × W × D
- Trapezoidal prism: V = H/2 × (Atop + Abottom)
- Frustum: V = H/3 × (A1 + A2 + √(A1×A2))
- Cylinder: V = π × r² × H
- Modifiers: V_net = V × (1−cover%) × (1−void%) ÷ compaction × bulking × (1+swell%)
Use density to estimate mass: Mass = V_compacted × (tons per m³).
How to Use This Calculator
- Select a shape matching your landfill cell geometry.
- Enter dimensions or areas using your chosen units.
- Set cover and void percentages if applicable.
- Enter compaction, bulking, and swell for handling volume.
- Click Calculate and export CSV or PDF.
For auditing, keep a record of drawing references.
Notes for Construction Use
Project Inputs That Control Landfill Volume
This calculator accepts common cell geometries used in planning. Rectangular cells use length, width, and depth from drawings. Trapezoidal and frustum options use top and bottom areas with a vertical height, matching side slopes. The cylindrical option supports pits or round bays. Unit switching lets teams enter field measurements without manual conversions, reducing transcription errors.
How Raw Capacity Becomes Usable Airspace
Raw volume represents the theoretical excavation or constructed prism. Operationally, daily cover consumes airspace and reduces the capacity available for waste placement. Enter a cover percentage to model the fraction reserved for soil or alternate daily cover. A void allowance can represent unusable pockets, irregular compaction, or inefficiencies along berms. The result panel reports raw and net airspace side by side for checking.
Compaction, Bulking, and Swell Effects
Compaction factor estimates how much placed material volume shrinks in place. The calculator divides effective airspace by compaction to show compacted in-place volume. Bulking factor and swell percent then estimate loose handling volume for excavation, hauling, and spreading. These modifiers help align equipment productivity with realistic loose cubic quantities when comparing excavation and placed volumes.
Optional Mass Estimate for Reporting
If density is provided, the tool converts it to metric tons per cubic meter and multiplies by compacted volume. This supports reporting where haul logs or disposal tracking require mass. Density can be entered in kg/m³, lb/ft³, or t/yd³, allowing consistent estimates across mixed documentation. Use field test values when available and record assumptions in your log.
Exports and Practical QA Checks
CSV export captures the key outputs and modifiers for spreadsheets and audit trails. The PDF export produces a lightweight one-page summary suitable for attaching to submittals or approvals. For quality control, confirm dimensions use the same datum, areas reflect the correct bench elevation, and modifiers match specifications. Re-run scenarios to bracket best and worst cases quickly. Save each export with the date, cell ID, and revision so stakeholders can trace decisions later easily.
FAQs
1) Which shape should I choose for a typical landfill cell?
Use rectangular when side slopes are not modeled and the base is uniform. Use trapezoid or frustum when top and bottom areas differ due to benches or slopes. Use cylinder for round pits.
2) What does daily cover percentage represent?
It represents the portion of airspace consumed by soil or alternate daily cover. Enter a realistic operational percentage so net airspace reflects placement capacity rather than theoretical excavation volume.
3) How is the compaction factor applied in the results?
The calculator divides effective airspace by the compaction factor. A higher factor produces a smaller in-place volume, representing stronger densification during placement and compaction operations.
4) Why are bulking and swell both included?
Bulking covers loosening during excavation or handling, while swell models additional expansion from moisture, breakage, or material structure. Together they help estimate loose volumes for hauling and stockpiling.
5) Can I estimate tonnage if I only know loose density?
Yes, but convert the density to match the condition you are estimating. For reporting, compacted in-place density is preferred. If using loose density, note the assumption and expect variance.
6) Do the exports include my original dimension inputs?
The exports include the reported volumes, units, and modifier settings shown in the results. If you need full input capture, add a project log line with your dimension set and drawing reference.