⛏️ Excavation Volume Calculator with Slope
Calculate cut and fill volumes with sloping sides, benches, and soil swell factors
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Pit / Basement Excavation
Slope Configuration
Excavation Volume Results
Bank Volume
0
yd³
Loose Volume
0
yd³
Tons Required
0
tons
Truck Loads (10 yd³)
0
loads
📋 Volume Breakdown
Bottom Area:
0 ft²
Top Area (with slope):
0 ft²
Average Area:
0 ft²
Bank Volume (in place):
0 ft³ (0 yd³)
Swell Factor (25%):
0 ft³ (0 yd³)
Total Weight:
0 lbs (0 tons)
Hauling Required:
0 truck loads (10 yd³ each)
📐 Slope Diagram (Section View)
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📊 Soil Slope & Swell Reference
| Soil Type | Recommended Slope (H:V) | Swell Factor | Angle of Repose | OSHA Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A - Cohesive Clay | 3/4:1 to 1:1 | 30-40% | 25-35° | Stable, no cracks |
| Type B - Silty Clay | 1:1 to 1.5:1 | 20-30% | 30-40° | Moderately stable |
| Type C - Sand/Gravel | 1.5:1 to 2:1 | 10-15% | 30-35° | Granular soils |
| Loam | 1:1 to 1.25:1 | 20-25% | 35-40° | Good stability |
| Rock (Blasted) | 1/4:1 to 1/2:1 | 50-60% | 40-45° | Very stable |
| Wet Clay | 1.5:1 to 2:1 | 15-25% | 15-25° | Poor stability |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate excavation volume with slope?
For sloping sides, use the average end area method: Volume = (Bottom Area + Top Area) ÷ 2 × Depth. Top dimensions = Bottom dimensions + (2 × Slope Ratio × Depth). The slope ratio is horizontal:vertical (e.g., 1:1 means for every foot of depth, slope extends 1 foot horizontally).
What is the standard slope for excavation?
OSHA requires slopes based on soil type: Type A (cohesive clay): 3/4:1 to 1:1, Type B (silty clay): 1:1 to 1.5:1, Type C (sand, gravel): 1.5:1 to 2:1. For general excavation, 1:1 is common. Wet or unstable soils require flatter slopes.
What is the formula for trench excavation with slope?
Trench volume = Length × [(Bottom Width + Top Width) ÷ 2] × Depth. Top Width = Bottom Width + (2 × Slope Ratio × Depth). Add working space (typically 1-2 feet each side) for pipe or formwork installation.
How do you calculate cut and fill volume?
For cut and fill, use grid method: divide site into squares, measure existing and proposed elevations at each corner. Volume = (Sum of cuts - Sum of fills) × Area per grid. For slopes, use prismoidal formula for more accuracy.
What is the swell factor for excavated soil?
Swell factor varies by soil type: Clay: 30-40%, Loam: 20-25%, Sand: 10-15%, Gravel: 10-15%, Rock: 50-60%. Loose volume = Bank volume × (1 + Swell%). This affects hauling and disposal calculations.
What is the angle of repose for different soils?
Angle of repose: Dry sand: 30-35°, Wet sand: 25-30°, Gravel: 35-40°, Clay: 25-40°, Loam: 35-40°, Rock fill: 40-45°. This determines maximum stable slope angle without benching.