ConcreteCalc
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Excavation & Soil Disposal Calculator

Calculate the volume of dirt excavated for concrete slabs and trenches. When undisturbed soil is dug up, it expands by 15% to 30% in volume (soil swell/bulking). This calculator computes both in-ground bank volume and total loose volume needed for dump truck haul-off.

Interactive Excavation Calculator

ENGINEERING SCHEMATIC
Earth Excavation & Soil Swell Factor
Volume (V) = Area × Depth 1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet
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Pro Contractor Recommendation: Excavated soil swells by 15% to 25% in loose volume. Compacted concrete backfill requires exact geometrical cubic volume.
Excavation Pit / Trench Dimensions
Soil Bulking & Swell Type
Loose Expanded Soil to Haul Off
19.26 cu yds
(14.81 in-ground bank yards + 30% swell)
Dump Truck Loads
2 truckloads
Based on 10 yd tandem dump trucks
Total Spoil Weight
21.5 tons
Disposal tipping fee weight
Bank Excavation Volume
400 cu ft
Exact hole void dimension

Understanding Soil Swell & Bulking Factors

In-situ soil is naturally compacted under geological pressures. Once excavated by a backhoe or skid steer, air voids are introduced and the soil expands:

  • Common Loam / Topsoil: Expands by ~20% (1.20 swell factor).
  • Dense Wet Clay: Expands by ~30% (1.30 swell factor).
  • Sand & Gravel: Expands by ~15% (1.15 swell factor).
  • Solid Rock / Ledge: Expands by up to 50% (1.50 swell factor).