Surveying-I (CL-314)
Semester-III, Civil Engineering
FoT, D D University
Volume Measurement
• The computation of volumes of various quantities from the
measurements done in the field is required in planning and
design of many engineering works.
– Volume of earthwork-Section of suitable alignment of road,
canal, etc.
– Volume of reservoirs
Volume Measurement
• For estimation of volume of earthwork, cross-sections are taken at
right angles to a fixed line (generally, centre line) which runs
longitudinally trough the earthwork. Spacing of the cross-section will
depend on accuracy required and the character of the ground.
• Following types of cross-section generally occur in field:
– Level section
– Two level section
– Three level section
– Part-Cut & Part-Fill
– Multi level section
Volume Measurement
Volume Measurement
• Level section:
• Area = (b+sh)*h
• Volume = Area * Distance
• Example: Calculate the sectional area of an embankment 10 m wide,
with a side slope of 2:1. The ground is level in a transverse direction
to the centre line. The central height of the embankment is 2.5 m. If,
cross-section remain same for 1 km length; find the volume.
Volume Measurement
• Two Level section:
Volume Measurement
Two Level section:
• Example:
• The width of the formation level of a certain cutting is 10 m and
side slope of 1:1. The surface of the ground has uniform slope
of 1:6 in transverse direction. Find the cross sectional area
when the depth of cutting at the centre is 3 m.
• (Ans.: 40.82 Sq.m)
Volume Measurement
Two Level section:
• Example:
• A road embankment is 11 m wide at the formation level. The
centre line of the embankment is 3 m above the ground
surface. If the ground surface is 1:22 at angle to the centre line,
and the side slopes are 2:1, calculate the area of cross section.
Volume Measurement
Three Level section:
Volume Measurement
Three Level section:
• Example:
• The following notes refer to a three level section:
+0.95 +1.50 +2.90
4.55 0 6.50
• Find the sectional area assuming formation width of 8 m.
Volume Measurement
Multi Level section:
Volume Measurement
Multi Level section:
Volume Measurement
Example:
An excavation is to be made for a reservoir 40 m long and 30 m
wide at the bottom. The side slope of the excavation has to be 2:1.
Calculate the volume of the earth work if the depth of excavation
is 5 m. Assume level ground at the site.
Volume Measurement
Volume Measurement from spot levels:
• This method of estimating the earthwork quantities is also
known as the unit area method.
• In this method, the area is divided into regular figures such as
squares, rectangles, triangles and the level of the corners of the
figures are measured before and after the construction.
• From the level difference- the depth of excavation can be
worked out and from average depth and area- volume can be
calculated.
Volume Measurement
Volume Measurement from spot levels:
Volume Measurement
Example:
• Fig. shows the distribution of 12 spot
heights with a regular 20 m spacing
covering a rectangular area which is to
be graded to form a horizontal plane
having an elevation of 10.00 m.
Calculate the volume of the earth.
