Highway Engineering

Dr. Anmar Falih Diekan

Department of Civil Engineering / College of Engineering
University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa
2020-2021

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 1
Highway Grades
The maximum grade on any highway should be selected based on good
judgment. The selection of maximum grades for a highway depends on the
design speed and the design vehicle. It is generally accepted that grades of
4% to 5% have little or no effect on vehicles.
Maximum grades have been established based on the operating
characteristics of the design vehicle on the highway. These vary from 5% for a
design speed of 70 mi/h to between 7 and 12 % for a design speed of 30
mi/h, depending on the type of highway.
Minimum grades depend on the drainage conditions of the highway. Zero
percent grades may be used on uncurbed pavements with adequate cross
slopes to laterally drain the surface water. When pavements are curbed,
however, a longitudinal grade should be provided to facilitate the longitudinal
flow of the surface water. It is normal to use a minimum of 0.5 percent in
such cases, although this may be reduced to 0.3 percent on high-type
pavement.
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 2
The table gives recommended values of
maximum grades.
Table 3.1: Recommended maximum
grades

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 3
Estimation of Earthwork Quantities
Earthwork quantities are normally, expressed as volume in metric units; they
are given in cubic meters. For highway or railway, these volumes are usually
calculated by estimating the areas of earthwork on cross sections taken at
intervals along the facility and multiplying the average of adjacent cross-
sectional areas by the distance between them. The cross sections are usually
spaced at stations ranging from 30m to 100m, depending on how close the
grade line from the natural ground level.
1. Establishing of the Vertical Alignment:
• Determination of the grade for each section depends on:
1. Type of highway.
2. Location.
• The grade may be chosen so as to balance the quantities of excavation
(CUT) & embankment (FILL), or to satisfy the drainage requirement.
• Then the vertical curves are:
- Calculated.
- Located on the profile.
- Checked to ensure adequate sight distance.
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 4
 2. Determining cross-section Areas:
The (-ve) sign indicates an embankment.

Fill

Stripping

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 5
The (+ve) sign indicates an excavation.

Stripping
Cut

Stripping: - the upper layer of organic material that must be removed before beginning an
excavation or embankment.
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 6
3. Determining the Earthwork Volumes.
Earthwork volumes are normally calculated by the average end area method
Average end area method.
L
V = ( A1 + A2 )
2
Where:
A1 and A2 are the end areas
L is the distance between them
This method is entirely accurate only if the two end areas are equal.

If one end area is zero, the earthwork volume is a pyramid.

AL
V = (Pyramid formula)
3

Thus, as the area of one end of the earthwork volume approaches zero, the error in the volume
calculated by the average end area method approaches 50 percent.
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 7
A more accurate formula, known as the Prismoidal formula, is available. This is:-

L( A1 + 4 Am + A2 ) (Prismoidal formula)
Vp =
6

Where:
Am is the area of a plane surface
midway between cross-sections with
areas A1 and A2.

But use of the average end area method is more common because only approximate volumes are
required for purposes of estimation.

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 8
4. Distribution of the Earthwork Quantities

The Mass-Haul Diagram:

The mass-Haul diagram is a graphical representation of the amount of earthworks
involved in highway schemes & the manner in which they may be most economically
handled. It shows accumulated volume at any point along the center line.
(+) cut (excavation).
( - ) fill (embankment).

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 9
Definitions:

1. Haul: This term is commonly used to refer to the distance over which material is transported. Also, it
is used to describe the volume-distance of material moved
2. Free-Haul Distance (FHD): - The distance within which a contractor is paid a fixed amount per cubic
meter of material irrespective of actual distance price, (free-haul charge = I.D./m3).
3. Over-Haul Distance (OHD):- Distance beyond free-Haul for which extra charges are required for each
(m3. sta.), (over-haul charge = I.D./m3.sta.).
4. Limit of Economical Haul Distance (LEHD): - The maximum Over-Haul distance plus Free-Haul
distance beyond which it is more economical to waste & borrow than to pay for over hauling.
Economic Haul Limit (LEHD) = FHD + L (Maximum Over-Haul distance
CB
L= (sta.)
COH
where:-
CB = cost of borrow material / m3 , COH = cost of Over-Haul / m3. sta , FHD = Free-Haul distance.
L = Maximum Over-Haul distance.
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 10
 O.H.
N.G.L. F.H.

Waste Grade
Line
Borrow

OHD+FH
D

Borrow: is an imported material, which is purchased and transported from an off-site location. The
borrow cost includes the material cost plus the cost of excavating, hauling and dipping in embankment.

Calculation of total cost of earthworks:

1- Cost of freehaul = cost of freehaul per m3 x Volume of freehaul.
2- Cost of borrow = cost of borrow per m3 x Volume of borrow.
3- Cost of waste = cost of waste per m3 x Volume of waste.
4- Cost of overhaul = [cost of freehaul per m3 x volume of overhaul] + [cost of freehaul per m3.station x
volume of overhaul x {average hauling distance-free haul distance}].

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM
11
5. Shrinkage: A term used to explain the condition whereby a unit
volume of excavation will occupy less space when placed in compacted
embankments.

Vf
S .F . =
Ve
Where:
S.F = shrinkage factor.
Vf = volume of fill.
Ve = volume of excavation.

Correction for earthwork volumes

▪If the Subgrade soil is sand, silt, or clay then shrinkage (5-15) 10%

▪If the Subgrade soil is rock, sand stone or lime stone then swell (bulking) (25-35) 30%

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM
Example:- Given the end areas below, calculate the volumes of cut and fill between stations
351+00 and 352+50. If the material shrinks 12 percent, how much excess cut or fill is there?
Solution:-
Calculate earthwork volumes End areas, m2
Station
Cut Fill
351+00 to 351+50
57.93 + 52.28 351+00 57.93
Fill = (50) = 2755.3 m3 (Average end area)
2
351+50 52.28
351+50 to 351+75 351+75 0 23.58
52.28 + 23.58
Fill = ( 25) = 948.3 m3 (Average end area) 352+00 8.4 3.73
2
352+14 13.8 0
351+75 to 352+00
23.58 + 3.73 352+50 33.34
Fill = ( 25) = 341.4 m3 (Average end area)
2
8.4( 25)
Cut = = 70 m3 (Pyramid)
3

352+00 to 352+14
3.73(14)
Fill = = 17.4 m3 (Pyramid)
3
8.4 + 13.8
Cut = (14) = 155.4 m3 (Average end area)
2

352+14 to 352+50
13.8 + 33.34
Cut = (36) = 848.5 m3 (Average end area)
2
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 13
Summary
Station Cut, m3 Fill, m3
351+00
2755.3
351+50
948.3
351+75
70 341.4
352+00
155.4 17.4
352+14

848.5
352+50

Total 1073.9 4062.4

Excess fill = 4062.4-1073.9(1-0.12) = 3117.4 m3

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 14
Some characteristics of the mass-haul diagram :-
▪ All volumes are expressed in terms of excavated volumes and embankment data are
adjusted to take this into account.
▪ The ordinate at any station represents the Haul
earthworks accumulation to that point. Haul

▪ The maximum ordinate (+) indicates a change from Existing level

Proposed
cut to fill, whilst the minimum ordinate (−) level
Profile
represents a change from fill to cut, proceeding along Cumulative
the centerline from the arbitrarily-assumed origin. Volume

▪ A rising curve at any point indicates an excess of

Cut
Fill

excavation over embankment material, whilst a Balance

points
falling curve indicates the reverse. + Cut
▪ Steeply rising (or falling) curves indicate major cuts Distance
(station)
(or fills), whereas flat curves show that the Baseline
- Fill
earthworks quantities are small. Cut=Fill
▪ The shapes of the mass-haul loops indicate the
directions of haul. Thus, a convex loop shows that the
haul from cut to fill is from left to right, whilst a concave
loop indicates that the haul is from right to left.
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 15
▪ A horizontal line on the mass diagram defines the
locations where the net accumulation between
these two points is zero. These are referred to as Haul
“balance points,” because there is a balance in cut Haul
Existing level
and fill volumes between these points. Proposed
▪ The maximum and minimum points of a mass Profile level
diagram occur directly beneath the intersection of
the natural ground and the formation grade; such Fill
intersections are called grade points. Cut Balance
▪ When the earth excavation and embankment points
+ Cut
quantities balance at the end of the section, the Distance
mass diagram curve would end at the baseline at Baseline (station)
the zero point. A positive value at the end of the Cumulative - Fill
Volume
curve indicates waste soil.
AB = FHD
CD = FHV (volume)
EF = LEHD
GH = OHV (volume)
EK = Waste (volume) Convex
FP = Borrow (volume)
Concave
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 16
EX#1: Given the following end area for cut & fill. Complete the earthworks using shrinkage of
90% then prepare the M.H.D. & find the following:
a) Limit of economical haul.
b) Free-Haul volume.
c) Over-Haul volume.
d) Waste volume.
e) Borrowing volume.
f) Direction of hauling.
g) Total cost of the earthwork.

Giving that cost of Over-Haul = 30 I.D./m3.sta.

Cost of Free-Haul = 70 I.D./m3
Cost of borrow = 120 I.D./m3
Free-Haul distance = 200 m.

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 17
Solution:-

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 18
 6000
Y1 = 560
FHD = 2 sta
a b

Volume, m3
5000

Cumulated
4000

3000
e ef1= 3.68 sta
f
Y3 = 3260

3000

2000 LEHD= 6 sta

Y6 = 360 LEHD2= 6 sta

m md 2.7 sta Y4 = 1040 d

1000 Y5 = 1720
Y2 = 500
FHD2= 2 stav Distance, Sta
0+00 1+00 2+00 3+00 4+00 5+00 6+00 7+00 8+00 9+00 10+00 11+00

-1000
OH
FH
Waste
Grade line

Road Profile

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 19
a) L = Cost of borrow / cost of Over-Haul = 120/30 = 4 Stations = 400 m.
Economic haul limit = L+FHD= 400+200 = 600 m = 6 Stations.
b) Free-Haul volumes = y1+y2 = 560+500 = 1060 m3.
c) Over-Haul volumes = y3+y4 = 3260+1040 = 4300 m3.
d) Waste volume = y5 = 1720 m3.
e) Borrow volume = y6 = 360 m3.
f) Cost of over-haul = y*cost of free-haul + y*cost of over-haul*distance
Total cost of the earthwork = [y1x70+y3x70+y3x30x (ef-2)] + [y5x70+ y2x70+y4x70+y4x30x (md-2)
+y6x120
Total cost of the earthwork =
[(560x70) + (3270 x 70)+(3270 x 30 x (3.68-2))]+[1720 x70] + [(500 x 70) +(1040 x 70) +(1040 x 30 x
(2.7-2))] + [360 x120]= (726148) ID
Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 20
EX#2: For the data given below:
Plot the M.H.D. & profile
Indicate free-haul & over-haul sections & their direction of haul.
Determine free-haul, over-haul, borrow & waste volume
Determine the total cost of the project

Given that:
Shrinkage factor = 0.9
Cost of free-haul = 0.3 I.D. /m3
Cost of over-haul = 0.2 I.D. / m3/station
Cost of borrow = 0.8 I.D. /m3
Free-haul distance = 200 m

Station 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Cut (m3) 50 75 200 635 220 110 250 500
Fill (m3) 630 720 180 54

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 21
SOL:

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 22
L = Cost of borrow / cost of Over-Haul = 0.8 / 0.2 = 4 sta.
Economic haul limit = L + F = 4+2 = 6 sta.
Free-haul volume = y1 = 80 m3
Over-haul volume = y2 = 940 m3
Borrow volume = y3 = 480 m3
Waste volume = y4 = 760 m3
Total cost = y1*0.3 + y2*0.3 + y2*0.2*(3.5-2) + y3*0.8 + y4*0.3 = 1200 I.D.

Unternehmenspräsentation
12.01.2021 Lecture 3: EARTHWORKS AND MASS-HAUL DIAGRAM 23
Contact details:
Dr Anmar Dulaimi Scan the Quick Response
Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA ), UK code with your smartphone 24
E-mail: a.f.dulaimi@ljmu.ac.uk