Estimating Practice Exam

How are excavation and backfill quantities generally measured?

1. Using adjusted measures for swell

2. In "bank measure"

3. By totaling all excavation reports

4. By estimating fill material only

The correct answer is: In "bank measure"

Excavation and backfill quantities are typically measured in "bank measure," which refers to the volume of material in its natural, undisturbed state before it has been excavated. This measurement accounts for the natural density and moisture content of the soil or material, providing a baseline quantity for planning and construction purposes. When excavation occurs, the material may expand (swell) when removed from the ground and may change in volume when placed again as backfill, which is why measuring in bank measure is central to this process. While adjusted measures for swell are a consideration for estimating material quantities post-excavation, the foundation for these calculations starts from the original bank measure. This approach ensures accurate estimations of how much material is available for excavation and how much is needed for backfilling, integrating critical aspects of soil behavior throughout the project lifecycle. Totaling all excavation reports and only estimating fill material do not provide a comprehensive or standard method for measuring excavation and backfill quantities, as they lack the necessary foundation in the natural state of the material involved.