If a 10% waste factor is applied, how does the required order quantity compare to the exact slab volume?

If a 10% waste factor is applied, how does the required order quantity compare to the exact slab volume?

• A. It increases by 10%
• B. It decreases by 10%
• C. No change
• D. It doubles

Answer: (A)

You add a waste factor to ensure you have enough concrete to cover losses from spillage, trimming, and placement issues. A 10% waste factor means you increase the exact slab volume by 10%. In practical terms, you multiply the exact volume by 1.10, so the order quantity is 1.10 times the exact volume. For example, if the exact slab volume is 100 cubic yards, you’d order 110 cubic yards. This is why the required order quantity increases by 10%. The other options would under- or over-shoot what’s needed and don’t reflect adding a waste allowance.

You add a waste factor to ensure you have enough concrete to cover losses from spillage, trimming, and placement issues. A 10% waste factor means you increase the exact slab volume by 10%. In practical terms, you multiply the exact volume by 1.10, so the order quantity is 1.10 times the exact volume. For example, if the exact slab volume is 100 cubic yards, you’d order 110 cubic yards. This is why the required order quantity increases by 10%. The other options would under- or over-shoot what’s needed and don’t reflect adding a waste allowance.