A trench excavation is 15 feet deep and 4 feet wide. The estimated cost of sloping versus shoring is: sloping requires 200 cubic yards of additional excavation at $12/cubic yard, while shoring costs $2,800. What is the cost difference?
Correct Answer
B) Shoring costs $400 more
Sloping cost = 200 cubic yards × $12/cubic yard = $2,400. Shoring cost = $2,800. Difference = $2,800 - $2,400 = $400 more for shoring.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
To find the cost difference, we must calculate the total cost of each method and compare them. Sloping requires 200 cubic yards of additional excavation at $12 per cubic yard, totaling $2,400. Shoring costs a flat $2,800. The difference is $2,800 - $2,400 = $400, with shoring being the more expensive option.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Sloping costs $400 more
This incorrectly states that sloping costs more when actually shoring is the more expensive method by $400.
Option C: Sloping costs $800 more
This incorrectly states that sloping costs $800 more, but sloping actually costs $400 less than shoring.
Option D: Shoring costs $800 more
While this correctly identifies that shoring costs more, the amount is wrong - it's $400 more, not $800 more.
Memory Technique
Remember 'SHORE costs MORE' - shoring typically has higher upfront costs but less excavation, while sloping requires more digging but less equipment/materials.
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P - Excavations, or construction safety manual sections on trenching and excavation protection systems
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