How to use it
- Enter the Length and Width of the area to be paved, in metres.
- Enter the Thickness of the compacted layer in metres, for example 0.05 for 50 mm or 0.08 for 80 mm.
- Check the Density in t/m³. The default 2.4 is a common value for hot mix; use your mix design figure if you have one.
- Set Wastage (%) for edges, trimming and material left in trucks and the paver. The default is 4%.
- Read Volume (m³) and Total Tonnage (t, with wastage) and give the tonnage to the asphalt plant.
The formula
Volume = length × width × thickness. Tonnes = volume × density. Total tonnage = tonnes × (1 + wastage ÷ 100). All dimensions are in metres, so volume is in cubic metres and density is in tonnes per cubic metre.
What changes the result
Thickness and density drive the quantity. Use the compacted thickness, since the mat is laid thicker and rolled down; the calculator does not apply a compaction factor, so enter the finished thickness and the compacted density, or adjust one of them. Several layers (base, binder and wearing course) are calculated one at a time and added together.
Paving practice on UAE sites
Hot mix has to be laid and rolled while it is still hot, so the plant output, the number of trucks and the paver speed need to match, and the tonnage you give the plant is the starting point. A paver is usually followed by compactors, and a milling machine is used first on resurfacing jobs. Layer thicknesses, mix type and density come from the project specification and mix design.
Worked examples
- A 200 m × 6 m access road, 80 mm thick, is 96 m³ of asphalt, or 239.616 t to order with 4% wastage.
- A 50 m × 30 m car park resurfaced with a 50 mm wearing course needs 187.2 t with wastage.
- One kilometre of 7.3 m carriageway at 60 mm: 438 m³, or 1,093.248 t with wastage - a quantity worth spreading over several paving shifts.
- A 10 m × 3 m trench reinstatement at 100 mm with 10% wastage for the small area: 7.92 t.
Asphalt per 1,000 m² by thickness
Printable chart| Thickness (m) | Volume (m³) | Tonnes (2.4 t/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.03 | 30 m³ | 72 t |
| 0.04 | 40 m³ | 96 t |
| 0.05 | 50 m³ | 120 t |
| 0.06 | 60 m³ | 144 t |
| 0.08 | 80 m³ | 192 t |
| 0.1 | 100 m³ | 240 t |
| 0.12 | 120 m³ | 288 t |
| 0.15 | 150 m³ | 360 t |
For a 100 m × 10 m area (1,000 m²) at a density of 2.4 t/m³ and no wastage. Multiply by your area ÷ 1,000.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate asphalt tonnage?
Multiply length × width × thickness in metres to get cubic metres, then multiply by the density, about 2.4 t/m³ for hot mix. Add wastage on top.
How many tonnes of asphalt are in 1 m³?
About 2.4 tonnes at the default density. Your mix design gives the exact figure.
Should I use compacted or loose thickness?
Use the compacted (finished) thickness with a compacted density. The mat goes down thicker than the finished layer, and the calculator has no separate compaction factor.
How much asphalt wastage should I allow?
About 4% is the default here. Small, irregular areas with many edges usually need more than a straight road.
How do I estimate several asphalt layers?
Calculate each layer separately with its own thickness and density, then add the tonnages.
Equipment for this job
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