Excavation Slope

Overview

Engineering reference data for Excavation Slope in miscellaneous.

Key Formulas

Unit Conversion

$y = x \cdot k$

Multiply by conversion factor.

Linear Interpolation

$y = y_1 + \frac{(x - x_1)(y_2 - y_1)}{x_2 - x_1}$

Estimate between two known points.

Percentage

$p = \frac{\text{part}}{\text{whole}} \times 100\%$

Part as fraction of whole.

Variables

Symbol	Description	Unit
$x$	Input value	—
$y$	Output value	—
$k$	Conversion factor	—

Worked Example: Slope Calculation for Sharp Sand

For an excavation in compact sharp sand, the recommended slope ratio is *1.5 : 1 (horizontal : vertical). This means for every 1 unit of depth, the excavation must slope back 1.5 units horizontally.

Calculation: For a depth $d$ of 10 ft:

$$\text{Slope Distance (Horizontal)} = d \times \text{Slope Ratio} = 10 \, \text{ft} \times 1.5 = 15 \, \text{ft}$$

Therefore, for a 10 ft deep trench, the base must be set back 15 feet from the top edge for safety.

References

• Original Source