CHAPTER 13

EARTHWORKS

Quantities of earthwork and concrete are needed, for example, on many

types of construction projects. Volume computations are also required to determine
the capacities of bins, tanks, reservoirs, and buildings, and to check stockpiles of
coal, gravel, and other materials.

13.1. METHODS OF VOLUME MEASUREMENT

Direct measurement of volumes is rarely made in surveying, since it is
difficult to actually apply a unit of measure to the material involved. Instead,
indirect measurements are obtained by measuring lines and areas that have a
relationship to the volume desired.
Three principal systems are used: (1) the cross-section method, (2) the unit-
area or borrow-pit method, and (3) the contour-area method.

13.1.1. The Cross-Section Method

The cross-section method is employed almost exclusively for computing
volumes on linear construction projects such as highways, railroads, and canals. In Figure 12.1. Earthwork Sections
this method, after the centerline has been staked, ground profiles called cross
Cut slopes of 1:1 (1 horizontal to 1 vertical) and fill slopes of 1-1/2:1 might
sections are taken, usually at intervals of full or half stations. Readings must be
be satisfactory for ordinary loam soils, but 1-1/2:1 in excavation and 2:1 in
taken at the centerline, at high and low points, and at locations where slope changes
embankment are common.
occur to determine the ground profile accurately.
The types of cross-sections commonly used on route surveys are shown in
Figure 12.1. In flat terrain, the level section (a) is suitable. The three-level section 13.1.2. Average-End-Area Formula
(b) is generally used where ordinary ground conditions prevail. Rough topography
may require a five-level section (c), or more practically an irregular section (d). A Figure 12.2. illustrates the concept of computing volumes by the average-
transition section (e) and a side-hill section (f) occur when passing from cut to fill end-area method. In the figure, 𝐴1 and 𝐴2 are end areas at two stations separated
and on side-hill locations. by a horizontal distance L. The volume between the two stations is equal to the
average of the end areas multiplied by the horizontal distance 𝐿 between them.
Thus,
 1 Where 𝑉𝑝 is the prismoidal volume, 𝐴1 and 𝐴2 are areas of successive cross-sections
𝑉𝑒 = 2 (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 )𝐿 (Eq’n. 12.1)
taken in the field, 𝐴𝑚 is the area of a computed section midway between the ends,
End areas can be determined either graphically, or by computation. In and 𝐿 is the horizontal distance between the ends.
graphical methods, the cross-section and template are plotted to scale on grid paper,
then the number of small squares within the section can be counted and converted The difference between the volumes obtained by the average-end-area
to area, or the area within the section can be measured using a planimeter. formula and the prismoidal formula is called the prismoidal correction, 𝐶𝑝 . A
Computational procedures consist of either dividing the section into triangles or prismoidal correction formula, which provides accurate results for three-level
trapezoids, and computing each figure and summing up these areas, or using the sections is
coordinate formula. 𝐿
𝐶𝑝 = 12 (ℎ1 − ℎ2 )(𝑏1 − 𝑏2 ) (Eq’n. 12.3)

Where 𝐶𝑝 is the volume of the prismoidal correction, ℎ1 and ℎ2 are center heights
in cut or in fill, and 𝑏1 and 𝑏2 are widths of sections (from slope intercept to slope
intercept) at adjacent sections. If the product of (ℎ1 − ℎ2 )(𝑏1 − 𝑏2 ) is negative, the
prismoidal correction is added from the end-area volume. For sections other than
three-level, Equation 12.3. may not be accurate enough, and therefore Equation
12.2. is recommended.

13.1.4. Unit-Area, or Borrow-Pit Method

On many projects, except linear-route constructions, the quantity of earth,
gravel, rock, or other material excavated or filled can often best be determined by
the borrower-pit method.
Figure 12.2. End-Area Computation
A total station instrument and tape, or only a tape may be used for the
layout. A benchmark of known or assumed elevation is established outside the area
13.1.3. Prismoidal Formula in a place not likely to be disturbed. After the area is laid out in squares, elevations
are determined at all grid intersection points. For this, a level is set up at any
The prismoidal formula applies to volumes of all geometric solids that can convenient location, a plus sight taken on the benchmark, and minus sights read on
be considered prismoids. A prismoids is a solid having ends that are parallel but not each grid intersection. To simplify calculations, the cut at each corner multiplied by
congruent, and trapezoidal sides that are also not congruent. The formula for the number of times it enters the volume computation can be shown in a separate
prismoids is column. The column sum is divided by 4 and multiplied by the base area of one
𝐿 block to get the volume.
𝑉𝑝 = 6 (𝐴1 + 4𝐴𝑚 + 𝐴2 ) (Eq’n. 12.2)
For the whole borrow pit, the total volume is the sum of the truncated
prisms which is therefore given by the formula,
 𝐴
𝑉 = 4 [∑ ℎ1 + 2 ∑ ℎ2 + 3 ∑ ℎ3 + 4 ∑ ℎ4 ] (Eq’n. 12.4)

where 𝐴 is the cross-sectional area of the base of each truncated prism, ∑ ℎ1 is the
sum of the heights used only once, ∑ ℎ2 is the sum of the heights used twice, ∑ ℎ3
is the sum of the heights used thrice and ∑ ℎ4 is the sum of the heights used four
times.

13.1.5. Contour-Area Method

Volumes based on contours can be obtained from contour maps by using a 13.2. From station 0+040, with center height of 1.40 m fill, the ground line makes a
planimeter to determine the area enclosed by each contour. Alternatively, computer- uniform slope of 5% to station 0+100, whose center height is 2.80 m cut.
aided drafting (CAD) software can be used to determine the areas. Then the average Assume both sections to be level sections with side slopes of 2:1 for fill and
area of the adjacent contours is obtained by 1.5:1 for cut. Roadway for fill is 9.00 m and for cut is 10.00 m.
a. Find the grade of the finished road surface.
𝐿
𝑉𝑒 = (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 ) (Eq’n. 12.5) b. Find the area at station 0+040.
2
c. Find the area at station 0+100.
and the volume obtained by multiplying the contour interval. d. By end area method, find the volume of fill.
e. By end area method, find the volume of cut.
Instead of determining areas enclosed within contours by planimeter, they
f. Between these two stations, is it borrow or waste?
can be obtained using the coordinate method. The contour-area method is suitable
for determining volumes over large areas, for example, computing the amounts and Solution:
locations of cut and fill in the grading for a proposed airport runway to be
constructed at a given elevation.
INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEMS:
13.1. The cross-section notes shown below are for a ground excavation.
Sta. 25+100 Sta. 25+150
7.85 0.00 8.45 X 0.00 10.7
1.90 3.20 2.30 2.90 2.60 y
What is the volume of excavation between the two stations using end area
method and prismoidal formula, and also determine the prismoidal correction.
Solution:
13.3. A square piece of land 60 x 60 m is to be levelled down to 5 m above the 13.4. The figure shows the distribution of 12 spot heights with a regular 20-m
elevation zero. To determine the volume of earth to be removed by the borrow spacing covering a rectangular area which is to be graded to form a horizontal
pit method the land is divided into 9 squares whose corners are arranged as plane having an elevation of 10.00 m.
follows with the corresponding elevations in meters, above zero elevation.
Find the volume of cut by unit area basis. (27.76) (28.00) (28.29) (28.38)

A = 29.8 B = 27.3 C = 25.2 D = 28.3

E = 26.5 F = 24.3 G = 26.9 H = 23.3
I = 24.2 J = 21.3 K = 22.6 L = 20.5 (27.52) (27.69) (28.11) (28.24)
M = 21.2 N = 18.5 O = 17.8 P = 16.5
Solution:

(27.18) (27.32) (27.63) (27.76)

a. Calculate the volume of the earth.
b. Determine the elevation in which the area is graded to form a horizontal
plane if the amount of cut and fill are to be balanced. Assume no bulking
or shrinking of the excavated earth and neglect any effects of side slope.
Solution:
13.2.MASS-HAUL DIAGRAMS Overhaul Distance – the extra distance of transport of earthwork volume beyond
the free haul distance.
Mass-Haul Diagrams (MHD) are used to compare the economy of various
methods of earthworks distribution on road or railway construction schemes. By the Shrinkage – a decrease in volume of earthwork after deposition and compaction.
combined use of the MHD plotted directly below the longitudinal section of the
Station Meter – is 1 m3 of material moved 100 m.
survey center-line, one can find:
Waste – is the material excavated from cuts but not used for embankment fills.
a. The distances over which cut and fill will balance.
b. Quantities of materials to be moved and the direction of movement.
c. Areas where earth may have to be borrowed or wasted and the amounts
involved. 13.2.2. Characteristics of a Mass-Haul Diagram/Curve
d. The best policy to adopt to obtain the most economical use of plant.
e. The best use of plant for the distances over which the volumes of cut and 1. Rising or upward sloping sections of the mass curve indicates that excavation
fill are to be moved. is dominant, thus, the contractor has more earth materials.
2. Falling or down sloping sections of the mass curve indicated that there’s less
13.2.1. Definitions excavation going on, more areas to be filled, thus, the contractor has less earth
materials.
Average Haul Distance – the distance over which the center of gravity of the 3. The difference in ordinates between two any points indicate the net cumulative
cutting to the filling. volume.
4. Any horizontal line drawn to intersect two points within the same curve
Borrow – is the material needed for the formation of embankments, secured not
indicates a balance of excavation (cut) and embankment (fill) quantities
from roadway excavation but from elsewhere. It is said to be obtained from
between two stations.
a borrow pit.
5. The highest or lowest points of the mass-haul diagram represents points where
Bulking – an increase in volume of earthwork after excavation. the proposed roadway coincides with the natural ground level. It also represents
points where the roadway goes from cut to fill or vice versa.
Free Haul Distance – the distance over which the cost of hauling will justify the
amount of earth to be bought.
Haul – refers to the volume of material multiplied by the distance moved, expressed 13.2.3. Limits of Economic Haul
in ‘station meters’.
When hauling over long distances, it may be more economical to waste
Haul Distance – the distance from the working face of the excavation to the tipping material from the excavation and to borrow from a location within the free-haul
point. limit.

Limit of Economical Haul – is the maximum haul distance. When this limit is
reached it is more economical to waste and borrow material.
Overhaul – the products of volumes by their respective overhaul distance. Excess
payment will depend on overhaul.
INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEMS: SOLUTIONS AND ANSWERS TO INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEMS:
13.5. Draw the mass diagram of the given volumes of cut and fill along a length of 13.1. Plot the given data of earthworks
proposed road are as follows and determine the overhaul if the free-haul
distance is 80 meters.
Stationing Volume (m3)
(Cut) (Fill)
0
20 8.2
40 21.5
60 25.0
80 18.3
100 3.4
120 3.3
140 9.8
160 18.2
180 25.0
200 19.1
220 14.2
240 3.4
Solution:

From Sta. 25+100:

Eq’n 1: 1.9𝑆 + 𝐵⁄2 = 7.85

Eq’n 2: - 2.3𝑆 + 𝐵⁄2 = 8.45

−0.4𝑆 = −0.6
𝑆 = 1.5
Substitute the value of 𝑆 to equation 1:

1.9𝑆 + 𝐵⁄2 = 7.85

1.9(1.5) + 𝐵⁄2 = 7.85

 𝐵 = 10 c. Prismoidal Correction
𝐿 50
From Sta. 25+150, solve the value of 𝑥 and 𝑦: 𝐶𝑝 = 12 (ℎ1 − ℎ2 )(𝑏1 − 𝑏2 ) = 12 (3.2 − 2.6)(16.3 − 20.05)
Eq’n 3: 2.9𝑆 + 5 = 𝑥
𝐶𝑝 = −9.375 𝑐𝑢. 𝑚.
2.9(1.5) + 5 = 𝑥
𝑉𝑐 = 𝑉𝑝 − 𝐶𝑝 = 1,984.875 − (−9.375)
𝑥 = 9.35
𝑽𝒄𝒑 = 𝟏, 𝟗𝟗𝟒. 𝟐𝟓 𝒄𝒖. 𝒎.
Eq’n 4: 𝑦𝑆 + 5 = 10.7
13.2.
𝑦(1.5) + 5 = 10.7
𝑦 = 3.8
a. Volume using Average-End Area Method
Area of Sta. 25+100:
1 1 1 1
𝐴25+100 = (1.9)(5) + (3.2)(7.85) + (3.2)(8.45) + (2.3)(5)
2 2 2 2

𝐴25+100 = 36.58 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚.

Area of Sta. 25+150:
a. Grade of the finished road surface
1 1 1 1
𝐴25+150 = (2.9)(5) + (2.6)(9.35) + (2.6)(10.7) + (3.8)(5)
2 2 2 2 ℎ = 0.05(60) = 3.0 𝑚
𝐴25+150 = 42.815 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚. 𝑥 = ℎ − 2.80 = 3.0 − 2.80 = 0.2 𝑚
Volume: 1.4−𝑥 1.4−0.2
𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 = × 100 = × 100
𝐿 60
1 1
𝑉𝑒 = (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 )𝐿 = (36.58 + 42.815)(50)
2 2 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 = 𝟐%
𝑽𝒆 = 𝟏, 𝟗𝟖𝟒. 𝟖𝟕𝟓 𝒄𝒖. 𝒎. b. Area at Station 0+040
b. Volume using Prismoidal Formula
1
𝐴𝑚 = 2 (36.58 + 42.815) = 39.6975 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚.
𝐿 50
𝑉𝑝 = (𝐴1 + 4𝐴𝑚 + 𝐴2 ) = [36.58 + 4(39.6975) + 42.815]
6 6

𝑽𝒑 = 𝟏, 𝟗𝟖𝟒. 𝟖𝟕𝟓 𝒄𝒖. 𝒎.

 d. Volume of fill using end area method
Distance from Station 0+040 to zero fill:
1.4 − 0.02𝑥 = 0.05𝑥
𝑥 = 20 𝑚
𝐿 20
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑙 = 2 (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 ) = 2
(16.52 + 0)

𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒍 = 𝟏𝟔𝟓. 𝟐 𝒄𝒖. 𝒎.

e. Volume of cut using end area method
2 𝑥
= ; 𝑥 = 2.80 𝑚 𝐿 60−20
1 1.4
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑢𝑡 = (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 ) = (0 + 39.76)
2 2
1 1
𝐴0+040 = (𝑏 + 𝑏2 )ℎ = (9 + 14.6)(1.40)
2 1 2 𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒖𝒕 = 𝟕𝟗𝟓. 𝟐 𝒄𝒖. 𝒎.
𝑨𝟎+𝟎𝟒𝟎 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟓𝟐 𝒔𝒒. 𝒎. f. Is it borrow or waste?
c. Area at Station 0+100 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙. 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑢𝑡 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙. 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑙
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 795.2 − 165.2
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 630 𝑐𝑢. 𝑚.
Since the volume is positive, therefore there is more than volume of cut compare to
fill, these two stations is waste.
13.3. Subtract 5 m the elevation at each
corner.

The Volume using Borrow Pit Method

∑ ℎ1 = 24.8 + 23.3 + 16.2 + 11.5
1 2.80
= ; 𝑥 = 4.20 𝑚 ∑ ℎ1 = 75.8 𝑚
1.5 𝑥
1 1 ∑ ℎ3 = 0
𝐴0+100 = (𝑏1 + 𝑏2 )ℎ = (10 + 18.4)(2.80)
2 2

𝑨𝟎+𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟑𝟗. 𝟕𝟔 𝒔𝒒. 𝒎.

 ∑ ℎ2 = 22.3 + 20.2 + 21.5 + 18.3 + 19.2 + 15.5 + 13.5 + 12.8 𝐴
𝑉 = 4 [∑ ℎ1 + 2 ∑ ℎ2 + 3 ∑ ℎ3 + 4 ∑ ℎ4 ]
∑ ℎ2 = 143.3 𝑚 20×20
𝑉= [71.08 + 2(107) + 3(0) + 4(35.80)]
4
∑ ℎ4 = 19.3 + 21.9 + 16.3 + 17.6
𝑽 = 𝟒𝟐, 𝟖𝟐𝟖 𝒄𝒖. 𝒎
∑ ℎ4 = 75.1 𝑚
b. Elevation in which the area is graded to form a horizontal plane if the amount of
𝐴
𝑉 = 4 [∑ ℎ1 + 2 ∑ ℎ2 + 3 ∑ ℎ3 + 4 ∑ ℎ4 ] cut and fill are to be balanced.
20×20
[75.8 + ∑ ℎ1 = (27.76 − ℎ) + (28.38 − ℎ) + (27.18 − ℎ) + (27.76 − ℎ)
𝑉= 4
2(143.3) + 3(0) + 4(75.1)]
∑ ℎ1 = 111.08 − 4ℎ
𝑽 = 𝟔𝟔, 𝟐𝟖𝟎 𝒄𝒖. 𝒎
∑ ℎ2 = (28.00 − ℎ) + (28.29 − ℎ) + (27.52 − ℎ) + (28.24 − ℎ) +
13.4.
(27.32 − ℎ) + (27.63 − ℎ)
∑ ℎ2 = 167.00 − 6ℎ
∑ ℎ3 = 0
∑ ℎ4 = (27.69 − ℎ) + (28.11 − ℎ)
∑ ℎ4 = 55.8 − 2ℎ

Since the cut and fill are balanced, residual volume of excavated earth must be zero.
𝐴
𝑉 = [∑ ℎ1 + 2 ∑ ℎ2 + 3 ∑ ℎ3 + 4 ∑ ℎ4 ]
4
20×20
0= [(111.08 − 4ℎ) + 2(167.00 − 6ℎ) + 3(0) + 4(55.8 − 2ℎ)]
a. The Volume using Borrow Pit Method 4

∑ ℎ1 = 17.76 + 18.38 + 17.18 + 17.76 𝒉 = 𝟐𝟕. 𝟖𝟒𝟓 𝒎

∑ ℎ1 = 71.08 𝑚 13.5.

∑ ℎ2 = 18.00 + 18.29 + 17.52 + 18.24 + 17.32 + 17.63 Stationing Volume (m3) Cumulative Volume
(Cut) (Fill)
∑ ℎ2 = 107.00 𝑚 0
20 8.2 0 + 8.2 = 8.2
∑ ℎ3 = 0 40 21.5 8.2 + 21.5 = 29.7
∑ ℎ4 = 17.69 + 18.11 60 25.0 29.7 + 25.0 = 54.7
80 18.3 54.7 + 18.3 = 73.0
∑ ℎ4 = 35.80 𝑚 100 3.4 73.0 + 3.4 = 76.4
120 3.3 76.4 – 3.3 = 73.1 REVIEW EXERCISES:
140 9.8 73.1 – 9.8 = 63.3
160 18.2 63.3 – 18.2 = 45.1 13.1. Using the prismoidal correction formula, find the corrected volume of cut
180 25.0 45.1 – 25.0 = 20.1 between stations 80 m apart if the areas of the irregular section in cut at stations
200 19.1 20.1 – 19.1 = 1.0 are 26 sq.m. and 68 sq.m., respectively. Base width = 8 m, side slope is 1:1.
220 14.2 1.0 – 14.2 = -13.2 13.2. Given the cross-section notes below of the ground which will be excavated for
240 3.4 -13.2 – 3.4 = -16.6 a roadway, compute the volume of excavation between station 4+000 and
4+020. The roadway is 9 m wide with the slope of 1.5:1.
7.38 0.00 12.285
Station 4+000
1.92 3.15 5.19
8.82 0.00 10.08
Station 4+020
2.88 2.52 3.72
13.3. From the following cross-section notes, compute the corrected volumes of cut
and fill, find the road bed being 6 m wide in cut and 4.8 m in fill. The side
slope for both cut and fill is 1:1.
5.04 0.60 0.00 5.46
Station 3+000
-2.64 0.00 0.39 2.46
5.82 1.02 0.00 4.80
Station 2+980
-3.42 0.00 0.60 1.80
13.4. Given the following cross-sections. Determine the volume between stations
2+100 and 2+160. Side slope 1.5:1, width of roadway = 20 m.
? 12.00 0.00 10.00 ?
MASS DIAGRAM 2+100
-6.2 -6.00 -5.30 -4.00 -8.80
? 8.00 0.00 8.00 ?
𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑙 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑎′′ × 𝑂𝐻𝐷 2+160
-4.20 -5.00 -6.50 -2.00 -7.60
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐻𝑎𝑢𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝐴𝐻𝐷 = 172 − 38 13.5. Given the following sections. Determine the volumes of cut and fill.
Base for cut = 9 m S.S. for cut = 1:1
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐻𝑎𝑢𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝐴𝐻𝐷 = 134 𝑚 Base for fill = 8 m S.S. for fill = 1.5:1
? 0.00 ?
𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑂𝐻𝐷 = 𝐴𝐻𝐷 − 𝐹𝐻𝐷 Sta. 1+020
0.98 3.05 0.50
𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑂𝐻𝐷 = 134 − 80 ? 0.00 ?
Sta. 1+080
-1.84 -1.22 -0.42
𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑂𝐻𝐷 = 54 𝑚 13.6. Given the following sections. Determine the volume of the prismoid. The base
is 6 m and the side slope is 1.25:1.
𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑙 = 60 × 54
4.05 3.00 0.00 3.00 7.05
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒉𝒂𝒖𝒍 = 𝟑, 𝟐𝟒𝟎 𝒄𝒖. 𝒎. Sta.1+040
0.84 3.50 2.85 2.12 3.24
 7.80 2.00 0.00 4.00 5.65 b. Which is more profitable to sell the excess materials at P3.00 a cubic meter
Sta.1+060
3.84 2.42 3.25 2.50 2.12 loose or sell it at P5.00 a cubic meter compacted?
13.7. The following cross-section notes are for a road passing a hilly country. The
roadbed is 11 m for cut, 10 m for side hill and 9 m for hill. The slope for cut is I II III IV
1:1 and 1.5:1 for fill. Find the volume by prismoidal formula. A 15.3 13.5 11.7 9.5
B 16.8 14.2 12.3 10.7
Station 1+020 C 15.3 12.6 10.4 9.7
D 13.2 11.6 9.9 8.8
10.00 5.50 3.00 2.00 0.00 2.00 4.50 9.00
13.11. A house lot ABCDE shown is to leveled 10 m higher than elevation of BM1
4.50 3.50 2.60 2.30 1.50 0 -1.50 -3.00
whose elevation is 0. Elevations of each points is based on BM1. The square
Station 1+040
section is 20 m x 20 m. The elevations are as follows:
10.00 5.50 3.00 2.00 0.00 2.00 4.50 9.00
4.50 4.00 0.00 -1.00 -1.50 -1.70 -2.00 -3.00
13.8. It is required to determine the earthwork volume of a portion of a road
construction grading work, base on the following cross-section notes below.
X 2.40 0.00 2.40 X
Sta.7+460
2.32 0.60 1.92 1.52 1.32
X 3.50 0.00 3.75 X
Sta.7+500
2.70 3.22 1.60 2.00 2.40
Base is 7.0 meters and side slope are 1.5:1. Compute the volume by applying
the prismoidal correction.
13.9. Given the following cross-section field notes of an earthwork on a rolling
terrain. If the width of road is 12 meters and the side slope is 2.5:1 compute
the volume by;
a. End area, applying the prismoidal correction.
b. End area correction for curvature if the road is on a 6° curve which turns
a. Find the volume of earth removed by unit area.
to the right with the given cross-section.
b. Find the volume of earth removed by parallel section.
Station 5+000 Station 5+020 13.12. Here under shows a table of quantities of earthworks of a portion of a
Left Center Right Left Center Right proposed national road to be constructed to connect some provinces in the
31 0 13.5 41 0 17.25 Central Luzon. The length of the free haul distance is specified to be 50 m
10 5 3 14 7 4.5 long. It is required to determine the stationing if the limits of free haul distance
13.10. A square lot is divided into 20 m squares and the corners are numbered I- so as not to include its cost in the computation of overhaul.
IV vertical and A-D horizontally. The ground elevations of the different
corners are given in the table below. It is required to grade to a level surface Station Cut Fill
of elevation 11 m. Allowing a shrinkage factor of 25 percent. 2+000 60 sq.m.
a. What is the excess excavated materials available after the grading work is 2+020 35 sq.m.
completed? 2+040 20 sq.m.
2+060 10 sq.m.
 2+080 0
2+100 15 sq.m.
2+120 60 sq.m.
2+140 100 .m.
13.13. The cross-sectional area of station 1+460 is 40 sq.m. in fill at stations 2+060
is 60 sq.m. in cut. The free haul distance is 50 m while the cost of borrow is
P4.00 per cubic meter while the cost of excavation is P3.50 per cubic meter.
Cost of haul is P0.20 per meter station. Balancing point is at station 1+760.
Assume the ground surface to be sloping upward up to station 1+760 and then
with a slightly steeper slope to station 2+060. Determine (a) the stationing of
the limits of free haul, (b) the stationing of the limits of economical haul, (c)
the overhaul volume, (d) the length of overhaul, (e) the cost of haul, (f) the
cost of waste, and (g) the cost of borrow.