⛏️ Excavation Calculator
Calculate earthwork volume, cut/fill, trench excavation, and hauling costs
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Bulk Excavation
Soil Type
Clay (30-40% swell)
Loam (20-25% swell)
Sand (10-15% swell)
Gravel (10-15% swell)
Rock (50-60% swell)
💰 Cost & Hauling Parameters
Excavation Results
Bank Volume
417
yd³
Loose Volume
521
yd³
Compacted Volume
375
yd³
Total Cost
$48,225
excavation + hauling
📋 Excavation Breakdown
Bank Volume (in ground):
417 yd³
Loose Volume (after excavation):
521 yd³ (+25% swell)
Compacted Volume (if backfilled):
375 yd³ (10% shrinkage)
Excavation Cost:
$35,445
Hauling Cost:
$7,815
Disposal Fees:
$4,965
Total Project Cost:
$48,225
🚚 Hauling Requirements
| Truck Size | Loads Required | Trips | Total Haul Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yd³ Dump Truck | 53 loads | 53 | $7,950 |
| 14 yd³ Dump Truck | 38 loads | 38 | $5,700 |
| 18 yd³ Dump Truck | 29 loads | 29 | $4,350 |
📊 Soil Swell & Shrinkage Factors
| Soil Type | Swell Factor | Shrinkage | Load Factor | Angle of Repose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clay (dry) | 30-40% | 10-15% | 0.77 | 25-35° |
| Clay (wet) | 20-30% | 15-20% | 0.83 | 15-25° |
| Loam | 20-25% | 10-15% | 0.83 | 35-40° |
| Sand (dry) | 10-15% | 5-10% | 0.90 | 30-35° |
| Sand (wet) | 5-10% | 10-15% | 0.93 | 25-30° |
| Gravel | 10-15% | 5-10% | 0.90 | 35-40° |
| Rock (blasted) | 50-60% | 30-40% | 0.65 | 40-45° |
| Topsoil | 20-25% | 10-15% | 0.83 | 30-35° |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate excavation volume?
Excavation volume = Length × Width × Depth. For irregular areas, divide into sections. For slopes, use average depth. Always add 10-15% for swell factor and compaction. Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27.
What is the difference between cut and fill?
Cut is when you remove earth (excavation) to lower the ground level. Fill is when you add earth to raise the ground level. Cut and fill calculations help balance earthwork to minimize importing or exporting material.
How much does excavation cost?
Excavation costs $50-$200 per cubic yard on average. Small projects: $100-$300 per hour. Bulk excavation: $3-$10 per cubic yard. Factors include soil type, accessibility, disposal fees, and equipment needed.
What is the swell factor for excavated soil?
Swell factor is the increase in volume when soil is excavated. Common swell factors: Clay: 30-40%, Loam: 20-25%, Sand: 10-15%, Gravel: 10-15%, Rock: 50-60%. This affects hauling and disposal calculations.
How do you calculate trench excavation?
Trench volume = Length × Average Width × Average Depth. For sloping trenches, use (Bottom Width + (Depth × Slope Ratio × 2)) for top width. Include extra width for working space and shoring if needed.
What is the angle of repose for excavation?
Angle of repose is the maximum slope angle at which soil remains stable. Common angles: Dry sand: 30-35°, Wet sand: 15-25°, Gravel: 35-40°, Clay: 25-40°, Loam: 35-40°. Used for safety and slope calculations.