Estimating Practice Exam

What term describes the volume difference when filling a hole?

1. Fill factor

2. Swell factor

3. Compaction factor

4. Excavation factor

The correct answer is: Compaction factor

The term that accurately describes the volume difference when filling a hole is the compaction factor. This term refers to the ratio of the volume of the material when it is excavated to the volume it takes up after being compacted in place. When excavating soil, it tends to be less dense and therefore has a larger volume. Once the soil is backfilled into a hole, it is usually compacted to reduce its volume, allowing it to take on a more stable form. The compaction factor is crucial in construction and excavating practices as it impacts the amount of material needed and how much settlement may occur once the soil is placed and compacted. The other terms refer to different aspects of earthwork and materials management. The fill factor relates more to how much fill material is needed compared to the theoretical volume, swell factor deals with the increase in volume when soil is excavated due to air being incorporated, and the excavation factor is not a standard term typically used in describing volume differences in this context. Understanding the compaction factor is essential for accurate estimations and effective earthwork planning.