Formula used
Excavation volume
The calculator averages starting and ending depths. It then applies the chosen shape formula. Multiple identical sections are multiplied automatically.
Loose and compacted volume
Compacted volume = bank volume × (1 − shrinkage ÷ 100)
Swell expands material after excavation. Shrinkage estimates volume after placement and compaction. Actual project factors can vary significantly.
Safe truck capacity
This comparison identifies the controlling truck limit. Dense materials often become weight-limited first. Light materials often become volume-limited first.
Cycle time and productivity
Fleet loads per hour = trucks × 60 ÷ cycle time × availability × efficiency
Road factors increase difficult cycle times. Weather and downtime reduce net project production. Fleet output is also capped by excavator production.
How to use this calculator
- Select the excavation shape and enter dimensions.
- Choose the material or enter custom density values.
- Select a truck and confirm legal payload limits.
- Enter route distance, speeds, and operating delays.
- Add excavator, calendar, fuel, and cost assumptions.
- Choose output units and press the calculate button.
Review warnings before using the result. Confirm truck limits with local regulations. Verify densities using representative field information.
Example data
| Input | Example value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation size | 30 m × 18 m × 2.0–2.6 m | Calculates average-depth bank volume. |
| Material | Moist soil, 22% swell | Converts bank material into loose hauling volume. |
| Truck | 12 m³, 15,000 kg payload | Tests body capacity against payload weight. |
| Fleet | 5 trucks | Estimates hourly and daily hauling output. |
| Route | 12 km each way | Calculates loaded and empty travel times. |
| Shift | 8 hours, one shift daily | Estimates project duration and completion. |
Practical hauling recommendations
Use measured loose density when possible. Payload errors can create unsafe overloads. Recheck moisture after heavy rainfall events.
Balance trucks against excavator loading time. Too few trucks cause excavator waiting. Too many trucks create costly queues.
Separate normal delays from unusual disruptions. Update cycle times using field observations. Recalculate when disposal locations change.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is bank volume?
Bank volume is material before excavation. It represents undisturbed in-situ ground. Survey measurements commonly report this condition.
2. What is loose volume?
Loose volume is material after excavation. Voids increase during digging and loading. Truckloads should normally use loose volume.
3. Why can a truck be weight-limited?
Dense material may reach payload first. The body can still appear partly empty. Legal weight remains the controlling limit.
4. Why can a truck be volume-limited?
Light material may fill the body first. Its weight remains below payload capacity. Body volume then controls each load.
5. How is the final partial load calculated?
The calculator removes all previous full loads. The remainder becomes the last load. This value cannot exceed safe capacity.
6. How many trucks should I use?
The fleet should match excavator loading demand. Long cycles usually require more trucks. Site congestion may reduce the practical number.
7. Does the calculator include delays?
Yes, it includes queues and manoeuvring. Traffic and break allowances also apply. Road conditions further adjust the cycle.
8. Are density presets exact?
No, presets are preliminary planning values. Moisture and gradation change real density. Field testing improves hauling accuracy.
9. Can results replace legal weight checks?
No, local regulations always take priority. Axle limits may control before gross weight. Confirm every operating jurisdiction separately.