Calculate OSHA trench bench slope by soil type and depth, including allowable H:V ratio, side run, bench count, and slope unit conversions.
Bench Slope Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the bench slope.
Slope () = (VH / HD) * 100
Variables:
- VH is the vertical height (feet)
- HD is the horizontal distance (feet)
To calculate the bench slope, divide the vertical height by the horizontal distance and then multiply by 100 to convert it to a percentage.
What is a Bench Slope?
A bench slope is the angle of incline or decline of a bench with respect to the horizontal plane. It is often used in landscaping, construction, and civil engineering to describe the steepness of an area. The slope is typically expressed as a percentage, which indicates how many feet the bench rises or falls over a 100-foot horizontal distance.
How to Calculate Bench Slope?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Bench Slope.
- First, measure the horizontal distance (HD) in feet.
- Next, measure the vertical height (VH) in feet.
- Use the formula Slope (%) = (VH / HD) * 100 to calculate the slope.
- Finally, enter the measurements into the calculator to find the bench slope as a percentage.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
horizontal distance (HD) = 50 feet
vertical height (VH) = 10 feet
