Box cutting volume in a cement concrete road with gravel sub-base A cement concrete road is 1000 m long, 8 m wide, and 0.15 m thick, laid over a gravel sub-base 0.10 m thick. Compute the volume of box cutting in the road crust (excavation to the bottom of sub-base).

Introduction / Context:
In road estimation, box cutting refers to excavation made to accommodate the designed crust (sub-base + base + wearing course) so that finished levels are achieved. The volume is the plan area multiplied by the total thickness of layers to be recessed into the natural ground.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Length L = 1000 m.
• Width B = 8 m.
• Concrete slab thickness = 0.15 m.
• Gravel sub-base thickness = 0.10 m.
• Uniform layers and level ground for calculation.

Concept / Approach:
Box cutting volume V = plan area * total thickness recessed. Total crust thickness here = 0.15 + 0.10 = 0.25 m. Multiply by plan area L * B.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Dimensional check: m^2 * m = m^3; reasonableness check: if only one layer (0.10 m), volume would be 800 m^3; with two layers (0.25 m), 2000 m^3 is logical.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 500, 1000, 1500 m^3: Result from using incorrect total thickness or arithmetic slips.
• None of these: Incorrect because 2000 m^3 is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Omitting one of the layers in thickness, confusing subgrade preparation with sub-base thickness, or mixing centimetres with metres.

Final Answer:
2000 m3