Is there a formula to calculate how much fill dirt we need for our new house construction foundation? We know the square feet and depth.

fill dirt?

in case you are unaware, peastone-gravel is BEST backfill, then sand.

6th para....
http://www.yodergroup.com/concrete.asp

-Most successful REPAIR method for basement walls and what to backfill with, see... -Basement Walls

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/marineclay.htm#2

"How" and with-what one backfills is alo important, meaning... if using heavy equipment next to-near wall the weight of equipment could cause damage to wall. The weight causes an underground-surcharge-pressure that is transferred to the wall.

Equipment operator should also use 'care' is the way walls are backfilled, dropping heavy soil agaisnt walls could also cause damage-crack(s) etc....easy does it.

Also fill dirt will settle--compact more and compaction process could also cause problems, see -Compaction and -Careful on the Construction Site

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Why_Foundations_Fail-Foundation-A2095.html

Thank you for the info.

Depending on the type of material you use and it's weight per cubic yard the formula will vary.
If you are using washed stone the formula is length x width x depth (in feet) divide by 27 to get cubic yards x 1.5 will give you approx. tonage of stone needed.
The weight for dirt will vary slightly depending on the type of soil and its weight per compacted cubic yard.

Glenn

Moderator: Construction Systems, Foundations, and Masonry & Stone

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