Enter Project Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Shape | Dimensions | Material | Swell | Loose Volume | Truckloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab removal | Rectangular | 20 m × 8 m × 0.15 m | Broken Concrete | 20% | 28.80 m³ | 3 at 10 m³ each |
| Masonry wall demolition | Rectangular | 12 m × 0.30 m × 3 m | Brick / Masonry Rubble | 30% | 14.04 m³ | 2 at 8 m³ each |
| Cylindrical tank cleanout | Cylindrical | 4 m dia × 2.5 m deep | Mixed Soil and Debris | 15% | 36.13 m³ | 4 at 10 m³ each |
These examples illustrate how geometry, material density, and bulking can materially change disposal planning.
Formula Used
1) In-place Volume
Rectangular = Length × Width × Height
Cylindrical = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Height
Triangular Prism = 0.5 × Length × Width × Height
2) Net Solid Removal Volume
In-place Volume × Quantity × Removal Factor × (1 − Void Allowance)
3) Loose Debris Volume
Net Solid Removal Volume × (1 + Swell) × (1 + Waste Allowance) × (1 − Salvage Deduction)
4) Weight and Truckloads
Weight = Loose Debris Volume × Density
Truckloads = Ceiling(Loose Debris Volume ÷ Truck Capacity)
This method converts measured demolition geometry into haul-ready loose volume, then estimates transport needs using density and truck capacity assumptions.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the unit system that matches your field measurements.
- Choose the debris shape that best represents the removal zone.
- Enter dimensions, quantity, and the removal percentage.
- Adjust voids, swell, waste, and salvage for real site conditions.
- Select a material density or enter a custom density value.
- Enter truck body capacity to estimate whole haul trips.
- Press the calculate button to show results above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save the estimate.
FAQs
1. What does debris swell mean?
Swell is the increase in volume after demolition. Broken materials occupy more air space than intact construction, so hauling volume usually exceeds in-place volume.
2. Why include a void allowance?
Void allowance reduces solid volume for hollow blocks, cavities, porous fill, or partially empty structures. It helps prevent overestimating disposal quantities.
3. Should I use loose volume or solid volume for trucks?
Use loose volume for trucks and dumpsters. Transport equipment carries broken debris after expansion, not the original compacted or in-place geometry.
4. How accurate is the weight estimate?
Weight depends heavily on debris composition, moisture, and contamination. The estimate is useful for planning, but disposal tickets remain the final measured reference.
5. What removal factor should I enter?
Enter 100% when everything is removed. Use lower values when selective demolition leaves portions in place, such as partial slab cuts or phased demolition zones.
6. Why are truckloads rounded up?
Haul trips are rounded up because partial loads still require a truck movement. This gives a practical scheduling value for logistics and disposal planning.
7. When should I use custom density?
Use custom density when site testing, disposal records, or supplier data give better values than standard assumptions. This is common for mixed or wet debris streams.
8. Can this calculator handle salvageable material?
Yes. The salvage deduction lowers disposal volume when reusable materials are removed separately, such as steel, timber, fixtures, or sorted recyclable components.