Bank Cubic Yard (BCY)

Definition

A Bank Cubic Yard (BCY) is a unit of measure representing one cubic yard of earth or material in its natural, undisturbed state before it has been excavated or moved.

Purpose

The primary purpose of measuring in Bank Cubic Yards is to estimate the volume of material in its natural state, which is crucial for planning and budgeting in construction, excavation, and earthmoving projects. This measurement helps in determining the quantity of material to be excavated and transported.

Examples of Use

1. Construction Projects: In construction, estimating the volume of soil to be excavated for foundations, basements, or roadbeds is done using BCY to plan equipment and labor needs.
2. Mining: In mining operations, BCY is used to calculate the amount of overburden and ore to be extracted.
3. Landscaping: For large landscaping projects, BCY helps determine the volume of earth to be moved or reshaped.
4. Civil Engineering: In civil engineering projects such as dam construction or canal digging, BCY is used to estimate the material that needs to be excavated from the site.

Related Terms

• Loose Cubic Yard (LCY): A unit of measure representing one cubic yard of material after it has been excavated and loosened, typically having a greater volume due to the increase in void spaces.
• Compacted Cubic Yard (CCY): A unit of measure representing one cubic yard of material after it has been compacted to reduce void spaces and increase density.
• Excavation: The process of removing earth or material from its natural location, typically measured initially in BCY.
• Overburden: The layer of soil and rock overlaying a mineral deposit, often measured in BCY before removal in mining operations.

Notes

• Volume Change: When earth is excavated, its volume changes. BCY measures the volume in its natural state, which will be different from the volume after excavation (LCY) and after compaction (CCY).
• Conversion Factors: Understanding and applying conversion factors between BCY, LCY, and CCY is essential for accurate volume and cost estimations in earthmoving projects.
• Project Planning: Accurate measurement in BCY is crucial for project planning, as it affects cost estimates, equipment selection, and scheduling.
• Natural State: BCY measurements assume the material is in its undisturbed state, without any processing or movement, providing a baseline for further calculations.