Soil Filling Calculator
Calculate truckloads of soil, murrum, or gravel for plot/plinth filling.
Enter Plot Dimensions
Input length, width, and depth to calculate filling requirement.
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What is Soil Filling Calculator?
A Soil Filling Calculator estimates the number of truckloads needed to raise your plot level for plinth filling or site preparation. Most residential plots need to be raised 2-4 feet above road level to prevent waterlogging.
Our calculator supports 5 material types (Red Soil, Murrum, Sand, Gravel, Mixed), 4 truck sizes with accurate capacities, and includes an adjustable compaction factor to account for soil settling after watering.
Enter your plot dimensions, select material and truck type, and get instant estimate of trips required with cost calculation.
5 Material Types
Red Soil, Murrum, River Sand, Gravel, Mixed debris.
4 Truck Types
Tractor, Tipper (6W/10W), Hyva with accurate capacities.
Compaction Factor
Adjustable 15-40% buffer for soil settling after watering.
Weight Estimate
Approximate tonnage for load planning.
Truck Capacity Reference
| Truck Type | Capacity (cft) | Capacity (cbm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tractor Trolley | 80-100 cft | 2.3-2.8 cbm | Small plots, narrow access |
| Tipper (6-Wheel) | 350-400 cft | 10-11 cbm | Standard residential |
| Tipper (10-Wheel) | 450-550 cft | 13-16 cbm | Large plots |
| Hyva Dumper | 600-700 cft | 17-20 cbm | Commercial, bulk filling |
Filling Materials
Most common, economical. Good for bottom layers.
Laterite gravel. Better compaction, preferred for construction.
Excellent drainage. Used for foundation beds.
Hard aggregate. Best for sub-base layers.
Compaction Process
- Fill in 6-inch layers - not all at once
- Spread evenly with JCB bucket or manually
- Water thoroughly (ponding) after each layer
- Wait 2-3 days for settling
- Use plate compactor for heavy compaction
- Repeat for each layer until target height
Pro Tips for Soil Filling
Order 2-3 extra trips beyond calculation for safety
Build retaining wall first to prevent spillage
Use murrum for top layer for better compaction
Avoid filling in monsoon - soil becomes mud
Check for debris - no wood, plastic in fill
Allow settling before PCC - minimum 2 weeks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filling entire depth at once without layering
Skipping water/ponding step - poor compaction
Not adding compaction buffer - level falls short
Starting PCC immediately - soil still settling
Frequently Asked Questions
How many truckloads of soil do I need?
Calculate plot volume (L × W × D in feet), add 25% for compaction, divide by truck capacity. Example: 50×30×3 = 4,500 cft + 25% = 5,625 cft ÷ 350 cft/tipper = 17 trips. Standard tipper holds 350-400 cft, Hyva holds 600-700 cft.
What is the capacity of a tipper truck in cubic feet?
Tractor Trolley: 80-100 cft. Standard Tipper (6-wheel): 350-400 cft. Large Tipper (10-wheel): 450-550 cft. Hyva Dumper: 600-700 cft. Capacity varies by model and loading height.
Why do I need to add compaction factor when ordering soil?
Loose soil contains air gaps. After filling and watering (ponding), soil settles by 20-30%. To achieve target height AFTER settling, order extra. Use 25% buffer for normal soil, 30-40% for very loose/dry material. Without buffer, your level will fall short.
What is the difference between soil and murrum?
Red Soil: Fine particles, easier to spread, needs more compaction. Murrum: Laterite gravel, provides better drainage and compaction, preferred for construction. Murrum costs more but requires less settling. Use murrum for top 1-2 feet, regular soil below.
How much does soil filling cost?
Cost varies by region and material. Approximate rates: Tractor trip: $20-40. Tipper trip: $50-100. Hyva trip: $80-150. Murrum costs 20-30% more than regular soil. Transport distance significantly affects pricing.
How to compact soil after filling?
- Fill in 6-inch layers. 2) Spread evenly with JCB/manually. 3) Spray water (ponding) after each layer. 4) Allow 2-3 days settling time. 5) Use plate compactor or roller for heavy compaction. Repeat for each layer until target height.
What is the best material for plinth filling?
Layered approach is best: Bottom 50%: Regular red soil or excavated earth. Middle 30%: Murrum for stability. Top 20%: Compacted murrum or gravel for drainage. Avoid debris/construction waste in top layers.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic meters for soil?
1 cubic meter = 35.31 cubic feet. To convert: cft ÷ 35.31 = cbm. Example: 1,000 cft ÷ 35.31 = 28.32 cbm. Our calculator shows both units automatically.
How high should I fill above road level?
Standard residential plots: 2-3 feet above road. Low-lying areas: 3-4 feet. Always check local municipality rules and drainage patterns. Fill height should prevent waterlogging during monsoon but not create neighbor disputes.
Should I do soil filling before or after compound wall?
Build compound wall foundation first (below ground level), then fill soil. Wall foundation acts as retaining structure preventing soil from spreading. Some builders fill first then build wall - either works but wall-first is more stable.