A compaction effort reduced the volume of a spoil pile by 15%. If the original volume was 500 BCM, and the material has a swell factor of 10% from bank to loose, what is the final compacted volume in LCM, assuming compaction happens after it's in its loose state?

Question: A compaction effort reduced the volume of a spoil pile by 15%. If the original volume was 500 BCM, and the material has a swell factor of 10% from bank to loose, what is the final compacted volume in LCM, assuming compaction happens after it's in its loose state?

Answer options:

• 475 LCM
• 550 LCM ✅ 467.5 LCM
• 425 LCM

Correct answer: 467.5 LCM

Explanation: First, convert bank cubic metres (BCM) to loose cubic metres (LCM): 500 BCM * (1 + 0.10) = 550 LCM. Then, apply the 15% volume reduction due to compaction: 550 LCM * (1 - 0.15) = 550 LCM * 0.85 = 467.5 LCM. (Reference: Alberta OHS Code Part 32, Section 471, regarding compaction and material volume changes).