Calculate the required tonnage, volume, and cost of dense-graded aggregate for your project's foundation.
A high Tonnage Factor (FBase) of 1.75 tons/yd³ is used for dense-graded aggregate to reflect its superior compaction and stability.
For a driveway base 40 ft long by 20 ft wide with a 6-inch compacted depth and a 10% safety factor:
The Aggregate Base Calculator is a professional-grade tool engineered for contractors, civil engineers, and experienced DIYers who require precise material estimates for structural foundations like roads, driveways, and building pads. Unlike calculators for decorative gravel, this tool is specifically designed for "dense-graded" or "well-graded" aggregates, which are engineered for maximum stability. It simplifies the critical task of converting project dimensions into an accurate order quantity, ensuring structural integrity while preventing costly material estimation errors.
The core advantage of the Aggregate Base Calculator is its application of a specific, industry-standard density factor. Dense-graded aggregate, often called crusher run, road base, or by state DOT specifications like Type 1, contains a scientifically determined mixture of stone sizes and fine particles. When properly compacted, these fines fill the voids between larger stones, creating an incredibly dense, stable, and interlocking layer. This calculator uses a tonnage factor of 1.75 U.S. tons per cubic yard (or 2.30 metric tonnes per cubic meter), reflecting the high compacted unit weight of these materials. Using this correct, higher factor is essential for accuracy and is the primary differentiator from calculators designed for lower-density materials like clean gravel.
Furthermore, the Aggregate Base Calculator is built for practical, on-site application. It features a seamless unit conversion engine, allowing users to work in feet, yards, meters, or inches without risk of manual conversion errors. The inclusion of an adjustable Waste and Safety Factor is critical for real-world projects, accounting for inconsistencies in subgrade elevation, material loss during placement, and the need for a buffer. For detailed technical guidelines on aggregate base course construction, resources from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are invaluable. Additionally, Wikipedia's article on Road Base offers excellent background information on the principles of layered road construction.
Ultimately, the Aggregate Base Calculator provides the confidence needed to move from design to execution. It delivers a comprehensive estimate, including the final compacted volume, the minimum required tonnage based on engineering principles, and a practical recommended order quantity. By also calculating the estimated material cost, it serves as a powerful budgeting tool. Rely on the Aggregate Base Calculator to ensure your project is built on a precisely measured, stable, and durable foundation.
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Aggregate base, or crusher run, is "dense-graded," meaning it contains fine particles (stone dust) that fill the voids between larger stones during compaction. This eliminates air pockets and results in a heavier, more stable material per cubic yard, hence the higher density factor.
This is a common engineering specification. It means the aggregate must be compacted on-site until its density is at least 98% of the maximum possible density that was determined for that specific material in a controlled laboratory test (like a Proctor test). Proper moisture content is key to achieving this.
This depends on the load and subgrade conditions. For a residential driveway, 6-8 inches is common. For a simple patio or walkway, 4-6 inches may suffice. For heavy-duty applications or poor soil, 12 inches or more may be required by an engineer.
Yes, in many regions, the terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to a dense-graded mix of crushed stone and fines used as a structural base layer. Other local names might include "road stone," "Item 4," or a specific DOT number.