Calculators & Quantities
Bank, Loose and Compacted Volumes
Bank, loose and compacted volumes describe material in different states. A surveyed excavation volume, a carried scraper load and an accepted fill volume should not be compared as if they were identical.
Plan the surface handover
BeforeChoose the volume basis for quantities and production estimates.
Work stageUse project-supported conversion factors only where justified; state the basis of every estimate.
AfterReconcile placed quantities with survey and material records.
What to verify
Keep nominal capacity, load factor and compacted quantity separate.
State every assumption and keep the quantity basis consistent. Use measured geometry where available, and label estimated depths, load factors and cycle times as estimates. Reconcile the calculation with observations before making a procurement or programme commitment.
Scope and limits
No universal soil bulking or shrinkage factor is assumed.
Continue the job brief
Include the location, existing condition, intended surface, material, available tractor and proposed dates.