1

Earthwork Volume Calculations

ByDarrell R. Dean Jr., P.S., Ph.D.

2

Topical Outline

• Area calculations– Special Conditions

• Level Section - trapezoid• 3-Level Section - triangles

– Coordinate Method - emphasis on this method– Other methods - electronic or manual

• Planimeter• Digitizer

3

Topical Outline Cont.

• Volume formulas– Average end method– Prismodial Method– Transition Sections– Borrow pit method

• Volumes from topo maps: ave. end method– stock piles– reservoirs

4

Area Calculation

Slope Stake Notes Section Specs

5

Coordinate Axis Setup

6

Coordinate Axis Setup

7

Volume Formulas

8

Application of Vol. FormulasSlope Stake Notes

9

Application cont.

10

Application cont.

11

Application cont.

12

Application cont.

13

Application cont.

14

Borrow Pit Method

15

Volumes from Topo Maps• Application:

– Stockpiles– Reservoirs

• Utilize Average End Volume formula– Area is area inside a

contour– Length is the contour

interval

• Accumulate subvolumes