Calculating Concrete Volume for a Sunlight Cutout Slab

How much concrete will be required for a concrete slab with a sunlight cutout?

a) 3 cubic yards

b) 4 cubic yards

c) 5 cubic yards

d) 6 cubic yards

Answer:

To calculate the amount of concrete required, calculate the volume of the slab and the cutout, and subtract the volume of the cutout from the volume of the slab.

When dealing with a concrete slab that has a sunlight cutout, it is crucial to determine the amount of concrete needed accurately. In this case, the slab spans 15' x 12' x 4" and contains a 3' x 3' sunlight cutout in the center.

First, we need to calculate the volume of the entire slab. By multiplying the length, width, and height of the slab, we get 720 cubic feet. Next, we calculate the volume of the cutout by multiplying its dimensions, resulting in 36 cubic feet.

Subtracting the volume of the cutout from the volume of the slab gives us 684 cubic feet. To convert this volume into cubic yards, we divide by 27 (since 1 cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet), which equals approximately 25.3 cubic yards. Rounding up, we find that 26 cubic yards of concrete will be required for the slab with a sunlight cutout.

Therefore, the correct answer is not provided in the given choices of a) 3 cubic yards, b) 4 cubic yards, c) 5 cubic yards, or d) 6 cubic yards, as the exact amount is 26 cubic yards.

Understanding how to calculate concrete volume for a slab, especially with additional features like a cutout, is essential for efficient construction projects.