Precision in Cross‐Sectional Area Calculations on Earthwork Determination

Abstract

Results from an investigation have shown that errors resulting from the use of approximate methods for cross‐sectional area calculation are insignificant in earthwork volume determination. A simplified cross section can be substituted for the actual cross section in earthwork volume computation. Spacing between cross sections is the largest factor influencing accuracy of volume computation. Accuracy decreases with increasing distance between cross sections. The increase in density and quantity of the data base (i.e., the decrease in spacing between cross sections and the increase in point density along crosssectional profiles) can compensate for the decrease in cross‐sectional area calculation accuracy.