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Excavator Operator Certification Exam Prep · Question

You are trenching in cohesive soil with a trench depth of 3.5 metres and a bottom width of 0.8 metres. The soil type requires a minimum slope of 1:1 for stability. What is the minimum required top width of the trench?

For a 1:1 slope, the horizontal distance equals the vertical distance on both sides. So, 3.5 m (depth) x 1 (slope ratio) = 3.5 m on each side. Total top width i

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Question: You are trenching in cohesive soil with a trench depth of 3.5 metres and a bottom width of 0.8 metres. The soil type requires a minimum slope of 1:1 for stability. What is the minimum required top width of the trench?

Answer options:

  • 4.3 metres ✅ 7.8 metres
  • 5.0 metres
  • 3.0 metres

Correct answer: 7.8 metres

Explanation: For a 1:1 slope, the horizontal distance equals the vertical distance on both sides. So, 3.5 m (depth) x 1 (slope ratio) = 3.5 m on each side. Total top width is 0.8 m (bottom width) + 3.5 m (left slope) + 3.5 m (right slope) = 7.8 metres. This calculation ensures the trench walls are stable per OHS regulations.

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