Asphalt Tonnage Calculator
Result:
Asphalt Tonnage: –
Calculating asphalt tonnage is essential for determining how much asphalt material you will need for a paving project. The amount of asphalt required is determined by the area to be paved, the thickness of the asphalt layer, and the density of the asphalt mix being used. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to calculate asphalt tonnage:
1. Determine the Area to Be Paved
First, measure the length and width of the area you intend to cover with asphalt. For example, if you’re paving a rectangular or square area, you can use the following formula: Area (sq. feet)=Length (ft)×Width (ft)\text{Area (sq. feet)} = \text{Length (ft)} \times \text{Width (ft)}
If the area has an irregular shape, break it down into smaller sections and calculate the area for each section before adding them together.
2. Measure the Thickness of the Asphalt Layer
The thickness of the asphalt layer (in feet) will depend on the type of project. For example, a driveway might require a thinner layer (about 2-3 inches), while a road or parking lot may need a thicker layer (about 4-6 inches). For this calculation, you’ll need the thickness in feet. If the thickness is measured in inches, divide it by 12 to convert it to feet. Thickness (ft)=Thickness (inches)12\text{Thickness (ft)} = \frac{\text{Thickness (inches)}}{12}
Example: If the thickness is 3 inches, the thickness in feet would be: 312=0.25 feet\frac{3}{12} = 0.25 \text{ feet}
3. Calculate the Volume of Asphalt
Once you have the area and thickness, multiply these two values to determine the volume of asphalt in cubic feet: Volume (cu. ft)=Area (sq. ft)×Thickness (ft)\text{Volume (cu. ft)} = \text{Area (sq. ft)} \times \text{Thickness (ft)}
Example:
- Area = 1000 sq. ft.
- Thickness = 0.25 ft (3 inches)
Volume=1000×0.25=250 cubic feet\text{Volume} = 1000 \times 0.25 = 250 \text{ cubic feet}
4. Convert Volume to Tons
Asphalt is typically measured in tons, but we need to convert the volume in cubic feet to tons. The density of asphalt typically ranges from 145 to 150 pounds per cubic foot (lbs/cf), depending on the mix.
For example, assume the density is 145 lbs per cubic foot. To convert the volume from cubic feet to tons, you need to:
- Multiply the volume in cubic feet by the weight of asphalt per cubic foot (in pounds).
- Then, divide by 2000 to convert pounds to tons (since there are 2000 pounds in a ton).
Formula: Tonnage=Volume (cu. ft)×Density (lbs/cf)2000\text{Tonnage} = \frac{\text{Volume (cu. ft)} \times \text{Density (lbs/cf)}}{2000}
Example: Tonnage=250×1452000=36,2502000=18.125 tons\text{Tonnage} = \frac{250 \times 145}{2000} = \frac{36,250}{2000} = 18.125 \text{ tons}
Final Asphalt Tonnage Calculation:
For an area of 1000 square feet with a 3-inch layer of asphalt and a density of 145 lbs/cf, you would need approximately 18.13 tons of asphalt.
General Formula Summary:
Tonnage (tons)=Area (sq. ft)×Thickness (ft)×Density (lbs/cf)2000\text{Tonnage (tons)} = \frac{\text{Area (sq. ft)} \times \text{Thickness (ft)} \times \text{Density (lbs/cf)}}{2000}
Important Notes:
- Asphalt Density Variations: The density of asphalt can vary depending on the mix type and moisture content. It’s important to verify the specific density for your mix.
- Loss Factor: There may be some loss due to spillage or uneven distribution. It’s often recommended to order a little extra asphalt to account for these variables.
- Thickness: The thickness of the layer can greatly influence the amount of asphalt needed, so it’s important to measure accurately.