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NASCLASiteworkmedium13% of exam part

A compacted fill requires 1,500 cubic yards in place. Borrow material shrinks 12% from loose to compacted. How many loose cubic yards are needed?

Correct Answer

B) 1,704.5 loose cu yd

If compacted volume is 88% of loose, loose needed is 1,500 / 0.88 = 1,704.5 loose cu yd.

Answer Options
A
1,320.0 loose cu yd
B
1,704.5 loose cu yd
C
1,500.0 loose cu yd
D
1,680.0 loose cu yd

Why This Is the Correct Answer

If compacted volume is 88% of loose, loose needed is 1,500 / 0.88 = 1,704.5 loose cu yd.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: 1,320.0 loose cu yd

fill shrinkage quantity, choice b: 1,320.0 loose cu yd is wrong because 1,320.0 loose cu yd implies compacted volume is about 113.64 percent of loose volume; the accepted shrinkage factor is 85 percent in.

Option C: 1,500.0 loose cu yd

fill shrinkage quantity, choice c: 1,500.0 loose cu yd implies compacted volume is about 100 percent of loose volume; the accepted shrinkage factor is 85 percent in.

Option D: 1,680.0 loose cu yd

fill shrinkage quantity, choice d: 1,680.0 loose cu yd implies compacted volume is about 89.29 percent of loose volume; the accepted shrinkage factor is 85 percent in.

Memory Technique

Picture a checkpoint labeled fill shrinkage quantity: finish every operation before accepting 1,704.5 loose cu yd.

Reference Hint

Open Pipe and Excavation Contracting, 2011; use by topic index - earthwork volume / swell / shrink to confirm that If compacted volume is 88% of loose, loose needed is 1,500 / 0.88 = 1,704.5 loose cu yd.

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