TryBuildCalc

Aggregate Coverage Verification Checklist

Essential Checklist+

Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.

✓19 Inspection Points
✓7 Verification Categories
✓Area Measurement+
  • All dimensions were measured on site — not scaled from drawings or estimated.
  • Irregular areas were divided into simple shapes (rectangles, triangles) and each measured separately.
✓Depth and Layer+
  • The depth entered is the compacted (finished) layer thickness, not the loose spread thickness.
  • Layer depth is confirmed from the structural or pavement design drawings — not assumed.
  • Depth is entered in the correct unit — mm not cm, or cm not m.
  • For multi-layer pavement (GSB + WMM + wearing course), each layer is calculated separately.
✓Aggregate Type and Specification+
  • Aggregate type matches the application — GSB for sub-base, WMM for road base, single-size for drainage, crushed stone for concrete.
  • Drainage aggregate is single-size with less than 5% fines — graded aggregate blocks drainage voids.
  • GSB and WMM are well-graded (0 to maximum size) — single-size stone must not be used for compacted road layers.
  • Bulk density used in the calculator matches the specific aggregate type — GSB 1,700 kg/m³, MOT Type 1 1,900 kg/m³, pea gravel 1,500 kg/m³.
✓Compaction+
  • Compaction factor is applied for all layers that will be mechanically compacted after placing.
  • Compaction factor is set to 0% for single-size drainage aggregate — compacting drainage aggregate destroys its void structure.
  • Compaction factor is not applied to aggregate for concrete batching — concrete aggregate is batched by weight, not loose volume.
✓Wastage+
  • A minimum wastage of 5% is applied for all machine-spread aggregate.
  • The quantity with wastage — not the net coverage quantity — is used for ordering.
✓Coverage Output Check+
  • The coverage area in the result is within 5% of the independently measured site area.
  • The delivery unit in the result (tonne, brass, cubic metre, truck load) matches what the supplier quotes.
✓Before Purchase+
  • Supplier bulk density for the specific aggregate batch was confirmed and matches the value used in the calculator.
  • Separate calculations were completed for each aggregate layer or application type on the same project.
Full QC Checklist+

Use this checklist before ordering or placing construction aggregate to verify the aggregate type and size, finished area and depth, compaction factor, wastage, brass conversion, drainage requirements, and optional concrete-yield assumptions.

✓36 Inspection Points
✓7 Verification Categories
✓Area Measurement+
  • All dimensions were measured on site — not scaled from drawings or estimated.
  • Irregular areas were divided into simple shapes (rectangles, triangles) and each measured separately.
  • Fixed exclusions (columns, drains, cast-in fixtures) were deducted from the gross area.
  • For road or pavement areas, carriageway width was measured at the narrowest point.
✓Depth and Layer+
  • The depth entered is the compacted (finished) layer thickness, not the loose spread thickness.
  • Layer depth is confirmed from the structural or pavement design drawings — not assumed.
  • Depth is entered in the correct unit — mm not cm, or cm not m.
  • For multi-layer pavement (GSB + WMM + wearing course), each layer is calculated separately.
  • Concrete blinding (PCC) depth is a minimum of 75mm below footings as per IS 456:2000.
  • Road wearing course thickness does not exceed the design specification — excess depth adds weight without structural benefit.
✓Aggregate Type and Specification+
  • Aggregate type matches the application — GSB for sub-base, WMM for road base, single-size for drainage, crushed stone for concrete.
  • Drainage aggregate is single-size with less than 5% fines — graded aggregate blocks drainage voids.
  • GSB and WMM are well-graded (0 to maximum size) — single-size stone must not be used for compacted road layers.
  • Aggregate nominal size is appropriate — 20mm for concrete, 40mm for PCC and sub-base, 10mm for filter layers.
  • Aggregate source and grading comply with IS 383:2016 (India), ASTM C33 (USA), or BS EN 12620 (UK/EU) as applicable.
  • Bulk density used in the calculator matches the specific aggregate type — GSB 1,700 kg/m³, MOT Type 1 1,900 kg/m³, pea gravel 1,500 kg/m³.
✓Compaction+
  • Compaction factor is applied for all layers that will be mechanically compacted after placing.
  • Compaction factor is set to 0% for single-size drainage aggregate — compacting drainage aggregate destroys its void structure.
  • Compaction factor is not applied to aggregate for concrete batching — concrete aggregate is batched by weight, not loose volume.
  • Typical compaction factors: GSB 12–15%, WMM 10–13%, MOT Type 1 sub-base 15–25%, backfill 8–12%.
  • Number of compaction passes and equipment type are confirmed with the contractor before placing the order.
✓Wastage+
  • A minimum wastage of 5% is applied for all machine-spread aggregate.
  • Wastage is increased to 8–12% for hand-spread aggregate, drainage trenches, and irregular excavation edges.
  • Road sub-base wastage of 5–7% accounts for mechanical spreading overshoot and truck bed residue.
  • The quantity with wastage — not the net coverage quantity — is used for ordering.
✓Coverage Output Check+
  • The coverage area in the result is within 5% of the independently measured site area.
  • The result was cross-checked using a manual calculation: area × depth × bulk density × compaction factor × wastage factor.
  • The delivery unit in the result (tonne, brass, cubic metre, truck load) matches what the supplier quotes.
  • Truck capacity was confirmed with the supplier before using the truck-load count in the result.
✓Before Purchase+
  • Supplier bulk density for the specific aggregate batch was confirmed and matches the value used in the calculator.
  • Aggregate grading certificate (sieve analysis) was requested for structural and road applications.
  • Delivery scheduling matches the construction programme — aggregate stored on site more than 2 weeks risks contamination.
  • Site access for delivery vehicles (turning radius, axle load limit on access road) was confirmed.
  • Currency and units match the supplier quotation.
  • Delivery charges, state levies, and taxes were confirmed separately.
  • Separate calculations were completed for each aggregate layer or application type on the same project.
Inspection Notes+
Use finished compacted dimensions for GSB, WMM, MOT Type 1, and roadbase calculations.
Confirm the project compaction factor and keep drainage or concrete aggregate compaction at zero.
Treat brass as 2.83168m³ and convert to weight using the selected material density.
Common Mistakes+

Omitting Compaction Allowance

Finished sub-base volume is smaller than the loose material delivered. Apply the specified compaction factor before ordering.

Treating Brass as a Fixed Weight

Brass is a volume unit. The equivalent tonnes depend on the density of GSB, granite, WMM, or the selected aggregate.

Compacting Drainage Aggregate

Single-size drainage aggregate relies on connected voids. Structural compaction can reduce drainage performance.

Related Calculators & Guides

Aggregate Coverage CalculatorCalculate coverage, layer depth, tonnes, brass, compaction, and optional concrete yield.Aggregate Weight CalculatorCalculate aggregate weight and delivery loads from measured project dimensions.Aggregate Unit ConverterConvert brass, cubic metres, tonnes, bags, and other supplier units.

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