How do you calculate the load factor in excavation work?

To calculate the load factor in excavation work, it is essential to understand the relationship between bank volume and swell volume. The load factor is fundamentally a measure of how much the volume of material increases when it is excavated and loses its natural density.

The correct approach is to take the bank volume, which represents the material in its original undisturbed state, and divide it by the sum of the bank volume and the swell volume. This method provides a clear ratio that reflects how much the volume expands when the material is turned into loose soil after excavation. The swell percentage, which indicates how much the volume of the material increases, plays a crucial role in this calculation.

By including both the bank volume and the swell volume in the denominator, this calculation gives a comprehensive view of the excavation process and the resulting changes in volume. This formula assists in planning for transportation and loading requirements, as knowing the load factor helps ensure that equipment capacities are matched with the excavated material characteristics.

The other options do not accurately represent this relationship, which is why they do not serve as the correct method for calculating the load factor in excavation work.