The sides of a 6 foot deep trench in type B soil which is sloped to prevent cave-ins should have a maximum slope angle of ________?

In excavating and grading practices, trench safety is a critical concern, particularly with soil types classified under various categories such as type B soil. Type B soil has certain characteristics that influence how steep the slopes can safely be set to prevent cave-ins.

For a trench that is 6 feet deep in type B soil, the maximum slope angle that is considered safe is typically 45 degrees from the vertical. This angle is derived from the guidelines established by occupational safety standards, which examine the structural integrity of the soil under different conditions.

At a 45-degree angle, the trench sides are less steep, which reduces the risk of soil collapse. The rationale is that a less steep slope provides more stability and allows for better weight distribution of the soil, thus minimizing the potential for cave-ins that can occur in steeper slopes. This is especially important in type B soil, which can be more prone to shifting and instability compared to other soil types.

Following these practices not only complies with safety regulations but also ensures the welfare of workers who are working near or within the trench. Therefore, a maximum slope angle of 45 degrees from vertical is the properly recommended angle for trench safety in type B soil conditions.