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Use this at the planning stage.
This guide helps you prepare questions and information. Project designs, ground conditions and any required approvals need to be confirmed by the relevant professionals.
From volume to material movements
A drawing quantity is usually an in-situ volume. Excavated soil occupies more space after it is disturbed, while lorry capacity may be limited by weight, volume, material type, or road conditions. Use a calculator as a planning check, then confirm assumptions with the contractor and waste carrier.
- In-situ excavation volume
- Bulking allowance
- Estimated material density
- Payload per vehicle
- Reusable and unsuitable fractions
- Imported aggregate replacement
Access and haulage can control productivity
Excavator output is only useful if material can leave the work face. Narrow gates, single-track access, road waiting restrictions, wheel-cleaning requirements, and limited lorry standing can turn haulage into the controlling operation.
- Gate and road widths
- Turning and reversing plan
- Loading position and reach
- Wheel wash or road cleaning
- Delivery booking windows
- Neighbour and highway management
Protect the final formation
The excavation programme should account for weather, groundwater, temporary drainage, inspection, and how the finished formation will be protected before blinding, stone, foundations, or slabs are placed.
- Temporary falls and pumping
- Avoiding over-dig
- Soft-spot treatment
- Formation inspection
- Blinding or stone sequence
- Recorded final levels