Abstract:
The volume calculation of soil to be excavated
is important in construction projects for the cost
estimation prior to the construction. Generally, it is carried
through the spot heights, using a hypothetical grid drawn
across the area to be excavated. The volume enclosed by
grid lines is normally calculated by multiplying the average
heights of the spots by the area of the grid. The area of a
grid is generally selected as three of four. The actual
volume varies with the section of unit grid and more over
that, with the surface variation which is not reflected by
spot heights. The study was carried out to investigate the
error in volume calculation due to surface variation. A
physical model was developed to generate different
surfaces for unique grid with constant spot heights and the
error was correlated to middle height to introduce an
accuracy index. It was found that the developed physical
model provides an acceptable estimation of volume,
according to the middle height. The outcome of the
research would facilitate the construction professionals, to
identify the range of volumes to be excavated, with a
higher accuracy.
