What compaction factor
What compaction factor
(OP)
I am working on a project where I need to provide a quantity for three topsoil piles. I have the raw number calculated at 120,000 cubic yards. These topsoil piles were built with large scrappers and stand 18 feet high. I am trying to find out what, if any, compaction factor would be added to a stockpile of this sort to give a more accurate quantity?
Thank you.
Thank you.





RE: What compaction factor
I once worked for a survey firm that did stockpile volumes and waste heap volumes for mining companies. The mining company and their earthmoving contractor both agreed that the as placed volume was sufficient for contract payments. The contractor had allowed for approximate compaction, soil properties, etc in his contract rates.
The best thing to do is report the quantity in terms of volume occupied by the pile (as done), don't get involved in estimating masses or compaction as there are too many unknowns. Also it is worth placing a disclaimer on the volume report that the quantity calculated is not 100% accurate due to limitations in survey and calculations methods.
What is the reason that you wish to refine the volume for?
Regards
sc
RE: What compaction factor
Looks like you are working for a contractor. Generally this is always a contractor's claim which the client generally agrees on. Check on your specs for topsoil payment. Try something 5 % or smaller. You may end up with a 50/50 agreement. The client may want top stick to the specs. The other way by ground cross-sections before and after stripping the topsoil is a nightmare which few contractors want to abide with as this prevents them from bailing in the dirt. Win some loose some is the ticket on this one.
Good Luck
RE: What compaction factor
R.A. Hassett, P.E.
rah1616@hotmail.com
RE: What compaction factor
RE: What compaction factor
What is the measurement and payment for the material that has been stockpiled? If it is stockpile measurement then the contractor will happily agree to no compaction factor because he will get paid for dirt that in reality does not exist. If it is based upon pre-grading topo shots and a calculated quantity then he still wins, but has some arguing to do. Depending on the material and moisture content, you could have as much as 10% to 20% fluff, which the owner will pay for if not factored into the equation. If the contract provides language that allows the engineer to utilize compaction factors then it will be a simpiler task. Good luck.
KRS Services
www.krs-services.com
RE: What compaction factor
RE: What compaction factor
What I am suggesting is that surveyorjoe, calculates an as is volume without trying to apply corrections for compaction. It is then up to the other parties involved to decide how to apply rates of compaction, etc.
As surveyorjoe is a surveyor and not an earthworks specialist or engineer, I am suggesting that he leave the earthworks/engineering decisions to the other parties involved.
The compaction should be considered in the payments.
regards
sc
RE: What compaction factor
I agree with you completely, well maybe with one caveat. The raw volume is fine as long as surveyorjoe's numbers are not used as the final quantity survey of the material volume. He could be setting himself up for a little grief if his numbers are final and a dispute arises. Maybe he can contact the project geotech for a qualifier constant to assist in the volume calculation.
You are absolutely correct though, because in the old days before the scales, the surveyor would provide the volume and I would adjust with a compaction factor I felt was appropriate in accordance with good construction experience and practice. The factors were also defined in the contract. I can't recall any disputes with that methodology.
KRS Services
www.krs-services.com
RE: What compaction factor
Thank you again for your help.
RE: What compaction factor
RE: What compaction factor