The Site Calculations Pocket Reference
Must-Have Pocket Reference Guide for Construction, Recreation Department, and Landscape Professionals

About The Author:

Ed Hannan is a construction project manager and golf course designer who has worked throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Table of Contents: Read The Table of Contents (PDF)

Section 1 Earthworks and Materials.

• 1.1 Soils—Angles of Repose 2
• 1.2 Volume of Sand or Gravel in a Stockpile 2
• 1.3 Approximate Swelling Factors for Various Soil Types 3
• 1.4 Approximate Shrinkage Factors for Various Soil Types 3
• 1.5 Soil Permeability 3
• 1.6 Water Retention for Various Soils 4
• 1.7 Weights of Materials 4
• 1.8 Water-Holding Estimates of a Variety of Soils 5
• 1.9 Triangle of Physical Characteristics of Various Soils 6
• 1.10 Estimated Runoff Volume from a 24-Hour, 7-Inch Rain Event 6
• 1.11 Average Soil Infiltration Rates for Various Soils by Percent of Slope 7
• 1.12 Computation for Volume of Excavated Material (English) 7
• 1.13 Computation for Volume of Excavated Material (Metric) 8
• 1.14 Computation of Materials Volume from Trench Excavation (English) 9
• 1.15 Computation of Materials Volume from Trench Excavation (Metric) 9
• 1.16 Angles of Slopes 10
• 1.17 Slope Measurement Plan (Horizontal) to True Measure 10
• 1.18 Approximate Equivalencies: Slope/Grade/Degree 11
• 1.19 Safe Limit Restrictions (General Guide) 11
• 1.20 Soil Coverage 12
• 1.21 Top Dressing (English) 13
• 1.22 Top Dressing (Metric) 13
• 1.23 Practical Examples of Specialized Small Areas of Fill (Sand Trap) 14
• 1.24 Calculation of Area of an Odd-Shaped Area 15
• 1.25 Calculation of Fill Materials for an Odd-Shaped Area (Golf Green) 16
• 1.26 Chart of Volumes by Area 17

Section 2 Drainage

• 2.1 Manning’s “n” Value for Design 20
• 2.2 Circular Pipe Flow Capacity (Double Wall—Smooth) 21
• 2.3 Circular Pipe Flow Capacity (Single Wall—Spiral).
• 2.4 Pipe Size Conversion (Drainage) English to Metric 23
• 2.5 Example of Circular Pipe Flow Capacity Calculation 23
• 2.6 Diagram for Pipe Flow Capacity Calculation 24
• 2.7 Drainage Calculation: Water Quantity by Area 25
• 2.8 Pipe Conversion Factors (Natural Gas, Irrigation, Drainage, etc.) 26

Section 3 Irrigation,Water Supply, and Materials.

• 3.1 Pipe Data Introduction.
• 3.2 Lake Lining Calculation.
• 3.3 Pressure Loss from Friction per 100 Ft. of Pipe (Pounds per Square Inch).
• 3.4 Pressure Conversion Chart PSI-Kg/Cm-BAR.
• 3.5 Pipe Conversion Factors.
• 3.6 Velocity of Flow (Feet per Second).
• 3.7 Surge Pressures and Water Hammer.
• 3.8 Comparative Flow Capacities for Pipe.
• 3.9 Uniformity and Efficiency.
• 3.10 Uniformity Coefficient.
• 3.11 System Distribution Uniformity.
• 3.12 Efficiencies.
• 3.13 Designing Irrigation System Capabilities.
• 3.14 The Soil Reservoir.
• 3.15 Natural Water Loss.
• 3.16 Guides to Determining ET Rate.
• 3.17 Minimizing System Losses.
• 3.18 Other Considerations.
• 3.19 Irrigation Water Requirements.
• 3.20 Scheduling Procedures.
• 3.21 Summary.
• 3.22 Sprinkler Spacing.
• 3.23 Precipitation Rate Formulas.
• 3.24 Sprinkler Efficiency and Spacing under Certain Conditions.
• 3.25 Approximate Number of Sprinklers per Acre.
• 3.26 Example—How to Determine Pipe Size per Requirement.
• 3.27 Pump Definitions.
• 3.28 Practical Suction Lifts at Various Elevations.
• 3.29 Pump Cost and Efficiency Data.
• 3.30 Cost of Pumping Water per 1,000 U.S. Gallons Pumped.
• 3.31 Cost per Hour of Pumping under Continuous Conditions.
• 3.32 Formula for Figuring Efficiency of Pump.
• 3.33 Formula for Determining Pump Horsepower.
• 3.34 Pump Calculation: Size for Duty.
• 3.35 Miscellaneous Irrigation Data.
• 3.36 Example— Irrigation System Design for Sports Fields.
• 3.37 Materials for Sprinkler Systems.
• 3.38 Maintenance Procedure for Irrigation System.
• 3.39 Winterization in Southern Climates.
• 3.40 Winterization in Northern Climates.
• 3.41 Spring Start-Up.
• 3.42 Electrical Table for Single-Phase Irrigation Wiring.
• 3.43 Electrical Table for Basic Three-Phase Irrigation Wiring.
• 3.44 Voltage Loss for Various Wire Sizes per 100 Ft. of Copper Wire.
• 3.45 Wire Sizing Calculation Form.
• 3.46 American to Metric Cable Size Conversion.

Section 4 Concrete, Retaining Walls, Streets, and Weir Structures.

• 4.1 Approximate Weights of Materials Required per Cubic Yard of Concrete.
• 4.2 Approximate Weights of Materials Required per Cubic Yard of Concrete.
• 4.3 Approximate Weights of Materials Required per Cubic Yard of Concrete.
• 4.4 Approximate Weights of Materials Required per Cubic Yard of Concrete.
• 4.5 Quantities of Portland Cement for Concrete.
• 4.6 Materials for Concrete per Cubic Yard.
• 4.7 Quantities: Concrete for Footings.
• 4.8 Concrete Surface Coverage per Cubic Yard.
• 4.9 Reinforcing Steel Requirements for Concrete.
• 4.10 Concrete Mixer—Average Output in Cubic Yards per Hour.
• 4.11 Properties of Plywood Forming.
• 4.12 Allowable Stresses for Formwork Lumber.
• 4.13 Approximate Board Foot Content of Sawed Railroad Ties.
• 4.14 Calculations for Retaining Walls— Cubic Yards per Area by Depth.
• 4.15 Recommended Guidelines for Subdivision or City Street Construction.
• 4.16 Typical Road Section Sketch.
• 4.17 Discharge from Rectangular Notch Weirs with End Contractions.
• 4.18 Discharge from Triangular Notch Weirs with End Contractions. 

Section 5 Grassing, Landscaping, Fertilization, and Ground Covers.

• 5.1 Turfgrasses Stolonization—What is a Bushel?
• 5.2 What Does “Certified” Mean?
• 5.3 Ornamental Grasses.
• 5.4 Recommended Seeding Rates of Some Grasses.
• 5.5 Characteristics of Some Turfgrasses.
• 5.6 Coverage Area per Bale of Bean Straw.
• 5.7 Grass Stolons: Distribution Rate by Means of Sprigging.
• 5.8 Grass Stolons: Quantities Required for Broadcast Distribution.
• 5.9 Coverage Areas for Turf and Other Ground Covers via Plugs.
• 5.10 Fertilization (Nitrogen Requirements).
• 5.11 Coverage Area per Flat of Ground Covers Square Feet per Flat.
• 5.12 Liners and Hedge Plants: Plants Required per 100 Lin. Ft.
• 5.13 Plants Required per 100 SF: Various Spacings.
• 5.14 Flats of Plants Required per 100 SF: Various Spacings and Various Quantities per Flat.
• 5.15 Number of Shrubs or Plants for an Acre at Various Spacings.
• 5.16 Peat Moss Coverage: Depth in Inches per Square Surface Footage.
• 5.17 Steer Manure Coverage: Depth in Inches per Square Surface Footage.
• 5.18 Steer Manure: Rates per Acre Based on Required Rates per 1,000 SF.
• 5.19 Nursery Container Stock: Approximate Backfill Volume for Various Container Stock: Round Plant Pits, Vertical Sides.
• 5.20 Nursery Container Stock: Volume of Excavated Soil Resulting from Multiple Plantings: Square Planting Pits.
• 5.21 Nursery Container Stock: Approximate Backfill Volume for Various Container Stock Square Plant Pits, Vertical Sides.
• 5.22 Nursery Container Stock.
• 5.23 Tree Pit Excavation for Nursery Container Stock Square Pits, Vertical Sides.
• 5.24 Tree Pit Excavation for Nursery Container Stock Round Pits, Vertical Sides.
• 5.25 Nursery Container Stock: Volume of Excavated Soil Resulting from Multiple Plantings: Round Plant Pits.
• 5.26 Suggested Planting Distances for Some Fruit Trees.
• 5.27 Tree Cabling Material Combinations.
• 5.28 Hydroseeders: Area Coverage per Load.
• 5.29 Hydroseeder Coverage Using Seed, Fertilizer, and Mulch.
• 5.30 Hydroseeder Coverage Using Seed and Fertilizer Only.
• 5.31 Usage Rates for a Combination of Organic and Synthetic Products.
• 5.32 Usage Rates for Synthetic Fiber Bond.
• 5.33 Usage Rates for Gum-Based Organic Tackifier.
• 5.34 Seed Facts for Native Prairie Grasses and Legumes: Cool Season.
• 5.35 Seed Facts for Native Prairie Grasses and Legumes: Warm Season.
• 5.36 Seed Facts for Legumes.
• 5.37 Seed Facts for Cool-Season Turfgrasses.
• 5.38 Seed Facts for Warm-Season Foragegrasses.
• 5.39 Plant Hardiness Zones.
• 5.40 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
• 5.41 Shade and Ornamental Trees.
• 5.42 Ornamental Shrubs.
• 5.43 Fruit Trees.
• 5.44 Nut Trees.
• 5.45 Conifers.
• 5.46 Broadleaves.

Section 6 Sports Fields.

• 6.1 Field Spaces.
• 6.2 Tolerances for Selecting the Best Turfgrass for Your Needs (Cool and Warm Season).
• 6.3 Types of Field Turf.
• 6.4 Lighting.
• 6.5 Drainage.
• 6.6 Irrigation.
• 6.7 Sports Field Space Requirements (General).
• 6.8 Archery.
• 6.9 Athletics (Track and Field) Field Events.
• 6.10 Athletics (Track and Field) Track Events.
• 6.11 Badminton.
• 6.12 Baseball.
• 6.13 Basketball.
• 6.14 Indoor and Lawn Bowls and Boules (Bocce/Petanque).
• 6.15 Boxing (International).
• 6.16 Cricket (Outdoor and Indoor).
• 6.17 Croquet.
• 6.18 Equestrian.
• 6.19 Fencing.
• 6.20 Football (American-Canadian).
• 6.21 Football (Aussie Rules).
• 6.22 Football (Gaelic).
• 6.23 Football (Rugby League).
• 6.24 Football (Rugby Union).
• 6.25 Football (Association Soccer).
• 6.26 Handball.
• 6.27 Horseshoes.
• 6.28 Hockey (Field).
• 6.29 Hockey (Indoor).
• 6.30 Hurling (Men’s).
• 6.31 Lacrosse (Men’s).
• 6.32 Lacrosse (Women’s).
• 6.33 Netball.
• 6.34 Polo.
• 6.35 Shuffleboard.
• 6.36 Softball.
• 6.37 Squash Rackets.
• 6.38 Tennis (Paddle).
• 6.39 Tennis (Platform).
• 6.40 Tennis.
• 6.41 Volleyball.

Section 7 General Information.

• 7.1 Temperature Conversion.
• 7.2 Angular and Circular Measure.
• 7.3 Measurement of Time.
• 7.4 Measurement of Time: Converting Minutes to Decimal Hours.
• 7.5 Converting Inches and Fractions to Decimal Parts of a Foot.
• 7.6 Decimal Equivalents Table.
• 7.7 Circumferences and Areas of Circles.
• 7.8 Units of Length.
• 7.9 Units of Area.
• 7.10 Units of Length (Metric).
• 7.11 Units of Area (Metric).
• 7.12 Square Tracts of Land (English).
• 7.13 Area Conversion: Square Feet to Equivalent Acreage.
• 7.14 Area Conversion: Acres to Equivalent Square Footage.
• 7.15 Converting Miles to Kilometers and Kilometers to Miles.
• 7.16 Converting Feet to Meters and Meters to Feet.
• 7.17 Converting Inches to Centimeters and Centimeters to Inches.
• 7.18 Measurement of Area Conversions: English System to Metric System.
• 7.19 Measurement of Area Conversions: Metric System to English System.
• 7.20 Measurement of Volume Conversions: English System to Metric System.
• 7.21 Units of Weight (Metric).
• 7.22 Units of Volume (English).
• 7.23 Units of Volume (English): Conversions.
• 7.24 Units of Cubic Measure (Metric).
• 7.25 Units of Weight (English).
• 7.26 Units of Weight Conversions: English System to Metric System.
• 7.27 Units of Volume (English): Conversions.
• 7.28 Units of Dry Measure.
• 7.29 Units of Dry Measure: Conversions.
• 7.30 Dry Materials: Conversion Use for Small Areas.
• 7.31 Units of Liquid Measure.
• 7.32 Units of Liquid Measure: Conversions.
• 7.33 Units of Liquid Measure (Metric).
• 7.34 Units of Liquid Measure: Weight Equivalents.
• 7.35 Units of Water Measurement and Equivalencies.
• 7.36 Units of Liquid Measure Equivalencies: Gallons/Pounds/Cubic Feet.
• 7.37 Capacity of Square Pools per Foot of Depth.
• 7.38 Capacity of Rectangular Pools per Foot of Depth.
• 7.39 Capacity of Round Pools per Foot of Depth.
• 7.40 Liquid Materials: Conversions for Use for Small Areas.
• 7.41 Volumes Based on Areas of Water by Depth (Cu./Yds.).
• 7.42 Calculation of Volume Based on Area of Water by Depth.
• 7.43 Conversion Table for U.S. and Metric Systems.
• 7.44 USGA Sand Specification.
• 7.45 Equipment Amortization Table.
• 7.46 Simple Interest Table.
• 7.47 30 Days Interest Table.
• 7.48 World Time Zone Map.

Section 8 Formulas for Areas and Volumes of Various Geometric Figures.

• 8.1 Rectangle.
• 8.2 Parallelogram.
• 8.3 Trapezoid.
• 8.4 Rectangular Prism.
• 8.5 Any Prism.
• 8.6 Pyramid.
• 8.7 Right Triangle.
• 8.8 Any Triangle.
• 8.9 Regular Polygon.
• 8.10 Any Cylinder.
• 8.11 Any Cone and Frustum of Any Cone.
• 8.12 Ellipse.
• 8.13 Circle.
• 8.14 Sector of a Circle.
• 8.15 Segment of a Circle.

Section 9 Map and Surveyor Information.

• 9.1 Scale Equivalents: Scale 1/16" to 1'.
• 9.2 Scale Equivalents: Scales 1" to 10'/1" to 80'.
• 9.3 Scale Equivalents: Scales 1"/100' to 1"/1,000'.
• 9.4 Scale Equivalents: Scales 1" = 50' to 1" = 10 miles.
• 9.5 Slope Stake.
• 9.6 Stadia Correction and Horizontal Distances.
• 9.7 Chains to Feet and Feet to Chains Conversions.
• 9.8 Trigonometric Formulas.
• 9.9 Reduction to Horizontal.
• 9.10 Natural Trigonometrical Functions.
• 9.11 Curve Table.
• 9.12 Tangents and Externals to a 1-Degree Curve.
• 9.13 Useful Relations.
• 9.14 Square Measure and Surveyor’s Measure.
• 9.15 Inches to Decimals of a Foot.
• 9.16 Minutes in Decimals of a Degree.
• 9.17 Middle Ordinates of Length of Rail (Feet).
• 9.18 Short Radius Curves.
• 9.19 Rods in Feet, Tenths, and Hundredths of Feet.
• 9.20 Links in Feet, Tenths, and Hundredths of Feet.
• 9.21 Inches in Decimals of a Foot.
• 9.22 Curve Formulas.
• 9.23 Table of Powers and Roots (1–100).
• 9.24 Square Roots and Cube Roots (1,000–2,000).

Section 10 Sanitary Sewers.

• 10.1 Separation Distances.
• 10.2 Minimum Separation between Sanitary Facilities and Other Features.
• 10.3 Expected Hydraulic Loading Rates.
• 10.4 Intermittent Stream Effluent Limits.
• 10.5 Minimum Size of Sewer Appurtenances.
• 10.6 Recommended Hazen-Williams Coefficients for Sewer Pipe.
• 10.7 System Pressures and Pump Types.
• 10.8 Septic Tanks.
• 10.9 Estimating the Size Grease Trap for Restaurants and Hospitals.
• 10.10 Buried Filters.
• 10.11 Open Filters—Single Pass.
• 10.12 Filter Media.
• 10.13 Recommended Sewage Application Rates.
• 10.14 Site Criteria for Mounds.
• 10.15 Allowable Lateral Lengths (Ft.).
• 10.16 Sidewall Areas of Circular Seepage Pits.
• 10.17 Cascade Aeration.
• 10.18 Conversion Factors.
• 10.19 Mound Design Example.

Section 11 Worldwide Weather Conditions.

• 11.1 Temperature Distribution.
• 11.2 Distribution of Precipitation.
• 11.3 North America.
• 11.4 South America.
• 11.5 Europe.
• 11.6 Asia.
• 11.7 Africa.
• 11.8 Australia.
• 11.9 Temperature Data for Representative Worldwide Stations.
• 11.10 Precipitation Data for Representative Worldwide Stations.
• 11.11 Worldwide Extremes of Temperature and Precipitation.

Appendix Miscellaneous Conversion Factors.

Index  Read The Index (PDF)

Spiral-bound, 512 pages
Published 2006

ISBN: 978-0-471-73002-6