To calculate the size of an excavation, what three dimensions are needed?

To calculate the size of an excavation accurately, the critical dimensions needed are top area, bottom area, and vertical height. This method acknowledges the excavation's shape, which is often not a simple rectangular or cubic form. By measuring the top area, you determine the surface dimensions, while the bottom area accounts for any variations in shape or contour at the base of the excavation. The vertical height provides the depth of the excavation from the top to the bottom area, which is essential to establish the overall volume of earth being moved.

Using top and bottom areas along with vertical height is particularly relevant for excavations that may have sloping sides or varies in width at different depths, as these factors influence how the excavation is structured. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and precise calculation of the excavation's volume, as opposed to simply calculating based on uniform lengths and widths, as is the case with standard rectangular calculations.

This method enables the accurate understanding of the project's scope and necessary resources, providing essential information for planning and execution.