1. What is Original Volume of Soil?

Original volume of Soil is the volume of soil before excavation. It represents the in-situ volume of soil prior to any disturbance or excavation activities.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( VO \) — Original volume of Soil (m³)
• \( s \) — Swell in Soil (%)
• \( VL \) — Loaded Volume (m³)

Explanation: The formula calculates the original volume of soil before excavation based on the loaded volume after excavation and the percentage swell of the soil material.

3. Importance of Original Volume Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of original soil volume is crucial for earthwork planning, material estimation, cost calculation, and project management in construction and excavation projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter swell percentage and loaded volume in cubic meters. Both values must be valid (swell ≥ 0%, loaded volume > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is soil swell?
A: Soil swell is the percentage increase in volume that occurs when soil is excavated and loosened from its natural compacted state.

Q2: Why does soil volume increase after excavation?
A: Soil volume increases due to the breakdown of soil structure, reduction in density, and introduction of air voids when soil is excavated and handled.

Q3: How is swell percentage determined?
A: Swell percentage is typically determined through laboratory tests or based on empirical data for different soil types and conditions.

Q4: Does all soil have the same swell factor?
A: No, different soil types have different swell factors. Cohesive soils like clay typically have higher swell percentages than granular soils like sand.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: The calculation provides a good estimate, but actual results may vary based on soil composition, moisture content, and excavation methods. Field measurements should be used for precise calculations.