When undertaking projects using crushed concrete, calculating the amount required is key for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. As a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience, I want to share tips to determine optimal crushed concrete needs for your construction or landscaping project.
Optimal Crushed Concrete Coverage Rates
Crushed concrete contains small, angular gravel pieces mixed with concrete dust created by recycling old concrete slabs. Based on my engineering expertise, coverage rates can vary greatly depending on your project specifications.
Here are typical coverage guidelines per ton that I reference:
Driveways
80 to 100 sq. ft. per ton for a 4″ thick driveway. This allows for proper compaction.
Foundations
24 sq. ft. at 6″ depth. Up to 35 sq. ft. coverage for 4″ depth foundations.
Drainage Fill
110 to 128 sq. ft per ton for 4″ depth. Allows for voids and water flow.
Compaction Gravel
Varies based on desired compaction level. Approximately 100 sq. ft. at 4″ depth.
Erosion Control
30 to 45 sq. ft. per ton for a 3″ application depth.
Trails/Patios
100 to 125 sq. ft per ton at 2″ thickness.
See Table below for a full overview of crushed concrete coverage rates by project type that I refer to for estimating. Keep in mind that coverage depends on the size and breakdown of the pieces in your particular crushed concrete mixture.
Crushed Concrete Coverage Guidelines
| Project Type | Depth | Coverage Per Ton |
|---|---|---|
| Driveways | 4 inches | 80 – 100 sq ft |
| Foundations | 4 inches | 35 sq ft |
| Foundations | 6 inches | 24 sq ft |
| Drainage Fill | 4 inches | 110 – 128 sq ft |
| Compaction Gravel | 4 inches | 100 sq ft |
| Erosion Control | 3 inches | 30 – 45 sq ft |
| Trails/Patios | 2 inches | 100 – 125 sq ft |
Estimating Your Crushed Concrete Requirements
With over 25 years in the trenches of civil engineering and construction, I’ve become a veteran expert in everything from construction materials to specifications and the nitty-gritty of crushed concrete requirements. Figuring out how much-crushed concrete you need for a project requires a few key pieces of information:
- Area to be covered (length x width)
- Depth required
- Allowance for compaction in the project type
You also need to consider additional factors such as:
- Base preparation needs
- Mulch or topsoil used with crushed concrete
- Project location and accessibility
Once you input your measurements and project details into the crushed concrete calculator on our website, it will estimate the number of tons needed. Our material goes through thorough processing at my construction sites to achieve ideal gradation for consistency.
Join me as we dissect an example.
- Say you need a 4″ thick crushed concrete driveway installed at your home.
- The driveway area you want to be covered is 20 feet wide by 50 feet long.
- Therefore your coverage area is 1000 sq ft (20 x 50).
- Referencing Table 1, coverage per ton for a 4″ driveway is 80 to 100 sq ft.
- Dividing your area of 1000 sq ft by the low-end coverage rate of 80 sq ft gives you 12.5 tons needed.
- To be conservative, you should round up to 13 tons of crushed concrete required for a 4″ thick, 1000 sq ft driveway.
Using the project specs in the crushed concrete calculator will provide an accurate estimate. Having excess is better than coming up short!
Optimizing Crushed Concrete Volume in Dump Trucks
After determining how many tons of crushed concrete you need, the next step is transport. Dump truck capacity is measured in cubic yards. 1 cubic yard equals 1.35 tons of crushed concrete.
Here is a breakdown of crushed concrete weight per dump truck size based on my civil engineering experience:
- 10-12 cubic yard capacity = 13.5 to 16 tons
- 16-20 cubic yard capacity = 21.6 to 27 tons
- 22-30 cubic yard capacity = 29.7 to 40.5 tons
To optimize loads, consider the coverage rate when calculating truck requirements. For example:
- If your project needs 32 tons of crushed concrete
- At 1.35 tons per cubic yard, that equals 23.7 cubic yards.
- A 20-yard dump truck could handle that load in one trip.
- For a driveway measuring 1500 sq ft, 23.7 cubic yards would cover approximately 190 sq ft at 4″ thick.
- Making two trips with a 12-yard truck (16 tons per trip) would provide the 32 tons needed while still optimizing coverage.
Check truck dimensions to avoid overloading. Spreading out loads into multiple trips provides more control over proper coverage.
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Spreading Crushed Concrete for Maximum Efficiency
When the crushed concrete is delivered, strategic spreading techniques ensure you make the most of each load:
Clear area
Remove any topsoil, vegetation, or organic matter from the base first. To establish a strong foundation for your crushed concrete project, it’s vital to initiate by clearing the area meticulously. This involves the elimination of any topsoil, vegetation, or organic matter from the base. The clearance process plays a pivotal role in ensuring a robust and enduring foundation for your undertaking.
Topsoil, vegetation, and organic elements can lead to irregular settling, potentially jeopardizing the structural integrity of the crushed concrete surface. By eradicating these components, you create a firm and level base that’s fully prepared to receive the crushed concrete material.
This procedure not only bolsters the structural stability of your project but also serves as a deterrent against future concerns like weed growth or unwanted vegetation penetrating the crushed concrete surface. It’s an indispensable step in the preparatory phase, effectively laying the groundwork for a triumphant and enduring application of crushed concrete.
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Level uneven ground
Use a grader or roller to even out the installation area.
Dump in piles
Unload crushed concrete in piles around the site rather than one big pile.
Spread systematically
Working from the piles using a skid loader or loader bucket, systematically spread the material in layers.
Avoid segregation
Crushed concrete has a mix of sizes. Try not to spread only fines or larger pieces in one spot.
Compact after each layer
For driveways, compact after every 4-6 inch layer using a plate compactor or roller.
Check depth
Use a measuring rod as you spread to verify the proper depth across the area.
Crown for drainage
For driveways, leave 1/4 inch per foot of crown to allow water runoff.
Contain edges
Use edging materials at the sides to contain the crushed concrete.
Following these best practices for placing crushed concrete that I’ve refined over my career will maximize coverage efficiency. Take the time to spread and level it properly, while verifying depth, for quality results.
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Queries at a Glance
How to crush concrete into gravel?
As a civil engineer with decades of experience, I recommend using a heavy-duty crusher machine to break down concrete slabs into gravel-sized pieces. Impact crushers with steel hammers and cages are ideal for the efficient recycling of waste concrete into reusable crushed concrete aggregates. Adjust the jaws to control output size. Sieve and separate to remove fines.
How to crush concrete at home?
For small DIY projects, old concrete can be broken down using simple hand tools like sledgehammers. But this is extremely labor-intensive. A better home option is renting an electric or gas-powered jackhammer to break concrete into more manageable chunks. Use safety gear and contain the mess. Screen the pieces to achieve a gravel consistency.
How to crush concrete into gravel at home?
While difficult, it is possible to crush concrete into gravel at home with smaller pieces. Use a standard hammer on thicker slabs and a sledgehammer for larger chunks. Wear protective equipment and goggles. For efficiency, rent a manual jaw crusher designed for concrete crushing and reinforced with welded steel plates. Sieve the output to separate fine crushed concrete aggregates.
How to crush concrete blocks?
Concrete blocks can be crushed by hand much easier than a solid concrete slab. Use a hammer or mallet to break down blocks one at a time into rubble. For faster production, use a mini jackhammer. Wear a mask to control dust exposure. Screen the crushed blocks through a wire mesh to achieve the desired size.
How to crush concrete by hand?
Crushing concrete by hand is a very slow and physically taxing process. Use a heavy 10lb sledgehammer, pickaxe, or cracked buster tool. Lift it over your head and strike the concrete with force. Focus on cracks, seams, or existing damage to break apart pieces without injuring yourself. Use thick work gloves and eye protection.
How much does crushed concrete cost?
As a time-tested specialist with experience, On average, crushed concrete costs $8-$12 per ton. That price includes delivery for orders over 10 tons. Smaller orders of less than 10 tons can cost $12-$20 per ton. Processing fees and local rates will factor into the final price. Quality, screening, and composition will affect cost.
How many cubic yards of crushed concrete are in a 10-yard dump truck?
At 1.35 tons per cubic yard, a 10-yard dump truck will hold about 13-14 tons of crushed concrete. This covers between 130-160 sq ft at a 4-inch depth.
What is the weight limit for dump trucks of crushed concrete?
A standard 10-yard dump truck can legally transport 13-15 tons. Larger trucks have higher weight limits – around 22 tons for a 16-yard truck and 40 tons for a 30-yard capacity.
How many square feet will one ton of crushed concrete cover?
One ton of crushed concrete will cover 80-100 sq ft at a 4-inch depth or up to 125 sq ft at a 2-inch thickness. Coverage varies based on use – driveways, slabs, foundations, etc.
How thick should crushed concrete be for a driveway?
For most residential driveways, a thickness of 4-6 inches of compacted crushed concrete is ideal. This provides a durable, stable base that can handle vehicle traffic and prevent sinking or shifting.
How much does a 20-yard truck of crushed concrete cost?
Crushed concrete prices range from $8 to $12 per ton. A 20-yard truck holds about 27 tons, meaning the cost is typically $216 to $324 per truckload delivered depending on your location.