Base and layers calculator
Every layer under a patio, path, drive or floor, from the top down: what each one takes, the total dig depth and the soil to dig out.
Base and layers calculator
How it is worked out
Each layer is worked out on its own: area × thickness × weight in place. Concrete layers use the mixes in 4.1. Grid layers count only the open share of the grid.
The dig depth is the sum of all layer thicknesses, including the slabs, pavers or concrete on top. Bases are in 3.1 and 3.2, permeable bases in 6.2, and each driveway and path in chapters 7 and 8.
Sources
- FHWA-RD-97-148, Granular base: natural aggregates weigh about 2.0–2.3 t/m³ in place
- FHWA-HRT-15-034, open-graded aggregates: No. 57 stone, loosest 95.4 lb/ft³ (1.53 t/m³), densest 108.7 lb/ft³ (1.74 t/m³)
- WisDOT research report 0092-22-05, Table E2: dense-graded base 1.80–1.86 tons/yd³ compacted, expansion from compacted to loose 34–52 %
- Penn State University, CE 584 concrete course notes: aggregates: aggregate for normal concrete weighs 1,520–1,680 kg/m³
- NPTEL (Indian Institutes of Technology), soil mechanics worked examples: dry sand about 1,600 kg/m³
- FAO Farm Structures, ch. 3: Concrete: mixes and amounts per m³, stone ≤ ¼ of the thinnest part, sand silt test, bulk densities, layers ≤ 150 mm, keep wet at least 7 days, forms off after 3 days
- Building crusher fines trails (L. Bachensky, USDA Forest Service, via American Trails): 0–9.5 mm crushed stone with 6–15 % fines, 100–125 mm compacted, 20–30 % extra for compaction; water content 4–5 %; crown or cross slope 2 %; grades kept under 5 % where possible, never over 8 %
- University of Copenhagen (Skov & Landskab), construction guide for self-binding gravel (2013): spread 20 % thicker (5 cm finished → 6 cm); 1 litre of water per m² per 5 cm per percentage point; 95 % compaction, none under 92 %; passes per machine and layer; fall 25–40 ‰ with the subgrade shaped the same
Base and layers calculator
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