During a cut and fill operation, the contractor discovers that 1,200 cubic yards of soil must be moved from the cut area to the fill area. If the soil has a swell factor of 25%, how many cubic yards will need to be hauled?
Correct Answer
C) 1,500 cubic yards
When soil is excavated, it swells due to loosening. With a 25% swell factor, the volume increases by 25%. Therefore, 1,200 cubic yards × 1.25 = 1,500 cubic yards will need to be hauled.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because when soil is excavated from its natural state, it expands or 'swells' due to the loosening of particles and increased air voids. The 25% swell factor means the volume increases by 25% from its original in-place volume. To calculate the hauled volume, you multiply the in-place volume by (1 + swell factor percentage), which gives 1,200 × 1.25 = 1,500 cubic yards. This represents the actual volume that trucks will need to transport from the cut to fill areas.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 960 cubic yards
Option A incorrectly applies shrinkage instead of swell, calculating 1,200 ÷ 1.25 = 960 cubic yards, which would be the compacted volume rather than the loose hauled volume.
Option B: 1,200 cubic yards
Option B ignores the swell factor entirely, assuming the hauled volume equals the in-place volume, which is incorrect since excavated soil always increases in volume when disturbed.
Option D: 1,800 cubic yards
Option D incorrectly calculates 1,200 × 1.5 = 1,800 cubic yards, which would represent a 50% swell factor rather than the given 25% swell factor.
Memory Technique
Remember 'SWELL = SELL MORE' - when soil swells, you need to haul MORE volume than what was originally in place, so always multiply by a number greater than 1.
Reference Hint
Look up 'Earthwork and Excavation' or 'Soil Volume Changes' in construction management references, typically found in site work or earthwork chapters.
More Project Mgmt Questions
What is the minimum R-value required for wall insulation in Florida Climate Zone 2?
A subcontractor brings a new chemical product to your jobsite. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), what information must be immediately available to workers?
A construction site has a trench that is 8 feet deep in Type B soil. What is the maximum allowable slope ratio for the trench walls without protective systems?
A detail drawing shows a scale of 3/4" = 1'-0". If a dimension measures 2.25 inches on the drawing, what is the actual dimension?
What is the maximum recommended spacing between drywall screws when attaching to wood studs?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass