What is the formula for calculating the volume of earthwork using the average end area method?

Study for the GERTC PSAD Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The average end area method is a widely used technique in civil engineering and surveying for calculating the volume of earthwork required for excavations or embankments. This method involves taking measurements of the cross-sectional areas at two ends of a segment and calculating the volume based on the average of those areas over a specified length.

The reasoning for the correct formula revolves around the concept of taking the average of the two cross-sectional areas (Area1 and Area2) at the ends of a particular segment and then multiplying that average by the length of the segment. By averaging the areas, the formula accounts for variations in the shape of the ground in between the two points.

The formula can be expressed as:

Volume = (Area1 + Area2) / 2 × Length.

This approach gives a good approximation of the volume, particularly when the shape of the earthwork is somewhat linear and doesn’t have extreme changes in geometry over the segment. In contrast, the other options provided do not accurately describe the average end area method. For instance, some relate to different geometric principles or use variables that do not correspond to the specific needs of calculating earthwork volume using this method.

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