The 'shrinkage factor' in earthwork estimation accounts for:
Choose the correct answer
Seasonal temperature change of soil
Reduction in volume when loose excavated soil is compacted in fill (fill requires more borrow material than calculated)
Water absorption by aggregate
Creep of steel reinforcement
Correct Answer
B. Reduction in volume when loose excavated soil is compacted in fill (fill requires more borrow material than calculated)
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Shrinkage: compacted fill takes less volume than equivalent loose borrow. Shrinkage factor = Volume of compacted fill / Volume of borrow = 1/(1 + swell) or related. Swell factor for cut (bank to loose): loose vol / bank vol > 1 (rock swells 25–40%); compaction factor for fill (loose to compacted) < 1. Both factors needed to estimate borrow required and haul.
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