In a mass haul diagram for highway earthwork, the diagram shows cumulative earthwork (cuts positive, fills negative) vs chainage. The economical lead or free haul distance is the:
Choose the correct answer
Total project length
Horizontal distance over which earth is moved economically without extra cost (in DSR, first 30 m is free haul; beyond = extra lead cost)
Length of each cutting only
Length between two peaks of the diagram
Correct Answer
B. Horizontal distance over which earth is moved economically without extra cost (in DSR, first 30 m is free haul; beyond = extra lead cost)
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Mass haul diagram: rising sections = cuts (excavation); falling sections = fills. The ordinate difference between any two chainages = net volume to be hauled. Free haul distance (FHD) = distance within which haul cost = overhaul cost (break-even). Waste = excess cut beyond FHD balance; borrow = additional fill material needed.
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