Swell Factor

Definition

The swell factor is the ratio of the weight or volume of loose excavation material to the weight or volume of the same material in place, opposite of the "compaction factor."

Purpose

The purpose of the swell factor is to account for the increase in volume that occurs when soil or other material is excavated and becomes loose, essential for accurate volume calculations in earthmoving projects.

Examples of Use

• In construction, the swell factor is used to estimate the amount of loose material that will need to be transported.
• Mining operations calculate the swell factor to determine the volume of material extracted.
• Land reclamation projects use the swell factor to plan for the placement and compaction of fill materials.

Related Terms

• Compaction Factor: The ratio of the volume of soil in its compacted state to its volume in its loose state.
• Bulking Factor: Another term for the swell factor, used in earthmoving and excavation projects.
• Loose Volume: The volume of soil or material after it has been excavated and is no longer in its original compact state.

Notes

Understanding the swell factor is crucial for accurately estimating the amount of material to be moved and the required capacity of transportation and storage equipment.