Load Factor Formula:
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Load Factor is the ratio of average load to the maximum demand during a given period. In soil mechanics, it represents the ratio of original volume of soil to the loaded volume after excavation.
The calculator uses the Load Factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio between the original soil volume before excavation and the loaded volume after excavation.
Details: Calculating load factor is crucial for earthwork planning, estimating soil volume changes during excavation, and determining the efficiency of soil loading operations in construction projects.
Tips: Enter original volume of soil and loaded volume in cubic meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What does a load factor value indicate?
A: A load factor value indicates the ratio of original soil volume to loaded volume. Values less than 1 indicate volume reduction, while values greater than 1 indicate volume increase.
Q2: What are typical load factor values for different soil types?
A: Load factor values vary by soil type. Loose soils typically have higher load factors than compacted soils due to greater volume reduction during loading.
Q3: How is load factor used in construction planning?
A: Load factor helps in estimating the amount of soil that needs to be excavated and transported, and in calculating the required capacity of hauling equipment.
Q4: What's the difference between load factor and swell factor?
A: Load factor measures volume reduction during loading, while swell factor measures volume increase when soil is excavated from its natural state.
Q5: Can load factor be greater than 1?
A: Yes, load factor can be greater than 1 when the loaded volume exceeds the original volume, which may occur with certain soil types or loading conditions.