Pier / Caisson Concrete Calculator
Reviewed by Engr. Talha Tariq | PEC License #: PEC-CIVIL-37815 | Last updated: 2025-10-24
Calculate concrete volumes for piers and caissons quickly and accurately. Supports cylindrical and belled-base formulas, unit conversions (m³ / yd³), quantity multipliers and 5–10% waste allowance — ideal for contractors and engineers to order the right amount of concrete.
Calculate concrete for straight shafts with optional belled bases. Results appear after you press Calculate.
Keep all inputs in the same unit. Shaft volume usesπ r² h; belled base uses frustum formula(π h / 3)(R₁² + R₁R₂ + R₂²).
Step 1 — Choose Units
All dimensions below will be interpreted in m.
Adds extra volume to cover spillage, uneven base, etc.
Typical 5–10%
Step 2 — Core Dimensions
Full diameter of the cylindrical shaft.
Typical 0.45–1.2 m
Vertical depth/length of the cylindrical shaft.
Typical 2–6 m
Enter identical piers with same dimensions.
Step 3 — Optional Parameters
Belled Base
Adds a frustum volume at the bottom (useful for belled caissons).
Step 4 — Actions
Enter values above and press Calculate to reveal results.
Formulas Used
- Shaft (cylinder): V = π r² h
Key Features of Our Free Pier / Caisson Concrete Calculator
Compute concrete for straight shafts using diameter and depth with accurate πr²h geometry.
Add a frustum (top dia, bottom dia, height) for belled caissons; volume auto-added to the shaft.
Enter dimensions in meters, centimeters, millimeters, feet, or inches; conversions are handled for you.
Multiply per-pier volume by pier count and apply a waste/overage % (e.g., 5–10%).
See net and with-waste volumes per pier and for all piers, displayed in the units you need.
Results appear after you click Calculate—keeps focus on inputs and avoids accidental reads.
Export a clean summary and quickly view yd³ +5% and +10% for supplier ordering.
Why Choose Our Pier / Caisson Calculator?
- Purpose-built for drilled shafts and belled caissons with field-ready outputs.
- Accurate unit handling across m, cm, mm, ft, and in—no manual conversions required.
- Shows per-pier and total volumes, both net and with waste, to prevent under-ordering.
- Yardage helpers (+5% / +10%) speed up ready-mix rounding and truck planning.
- Printable results simplify documentation for site logs and purchase orders.
How to Use the Pier / Caisson Concrete Calculator
- Select the Input Unit (m, cm, mm, ft, or in).
- Enter Shaft Diameter, Shaft Depth, and Quantity (No. of Piers).
- (Optional) Toggle Belled Base and provide Top Diameter, Bottom Diameter, and Bell Height.
- Add a Waste / Overage %—typical ranges are 5–10%.
- Click Calculate to reveal per-pier and total volumes in m³, yd³, and ft³.
- Use the Cubic Yards helper (+5% / +10%) and Print / Save Calculations for ordering.
Formulas Used in the Calculator
- Volume = π × r² × h
- r = Diameter ÷ 2
All dimensions are converted to a single base unit before multiplication to avoid unit mismatch.
- Volume = (π × h / 3) × (R₁² + R₁R₂ + R₂²)
- R₁ = Top Radius, R₂ = Bottom Radius
- Per-Pier With Waste = Per-Pier × (1 + Waste%)
- Totals = Per-Pier × Quantity; Totals With Waste = Totals × (1 + Waste%)
- 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³
- 1 m³ = 1.30795 yd³
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this calculator handle belled caissons?
Yes. Enable Belled Base and enter top diameter, bottom diameter, and bell height. The frustum volume is added to the shaft volume automatically.
Which units can I use for inputs?
Meters, centimeters, millimeters, feet, and inches. The tool converts internally and displays volumes in m³, yd³, and ft³.
How much waste should I add?
A 5–10% allowance is common for placement losses, uneven excavation, and pump line waste. Follow your project’s specification.
Does the calculator show per-pier and total volumes?
Yes. You’ll see net and with-waste values per pier and for the total number of piers.
How do I use the yd³ (+5% / +10%) helpers?
After calculating, the yd³ helper block shows ‘with waste’ yardage and quick +5% and +10% additions for rounding truck orders.
Can I print or save the results?
Yes. Use the Print / Save Calculations button to generate a clean, A4-friendly summary.
Does this tool include reinforcement or mix design?
No. It focuses on volume. Reinforcement, cover, and mix grade must follow structural drawings and local codes.
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