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Excavator Operator Certification Exam Prep · Question

A trench is being excavated in soil requiring a 1:1 (horizontal to vertical) slope for stability. If the trench is 4.0 metres deep, and the bottom width is 1.0 metre, what will be the approximate top width of the trench?

For a 1:1 slope, the horizontal distance added to each side is equal to the depth. So, for each side, 4.0 metres horizontal (depth) must be added. Total top wid

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Question: A trench is being excavated in soil requiring a 1:1 (horizontal to vertical) slope for stability. If the trench is 4.0 metres deep, and the bottom width is 1.0 metre, what will be the approximate top width of the trench?

Answer options:

  • 9.0 metres ✅ 5.0 metres
  • 7.0 metres
  • 8.0 metres

Correct answer: 5.0 metres

Explanation: For a 1:1 slope, the horizontal distance added to each side is equal to the depth. So, for each side, 4.0 metres horizontal (depth) must be added. Total top width is 1.0 m (bottom) + 4.0 m (left side) + 4.0 m (right side) = 9.0 metres. My apologies, I calculated it wrong the first time! The correct answer involves adding the slope twice.

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