Quick Primer on the Measuring Wheel and Figuring Yield

Not all members of the paving crew are at the same experience level. During this week’s toolbox talk, introduce the new guys (or everyone) to the measuring wheel and the importance of figuring yield.

The measuring wheel is for more than lining out the paving job prior to haul truck arrival.

For example: If everyone on the crew knows how to figure yield and double-check it, you have a better chance of hitting your target each day. That means everyone on the crew should be able to grab the measuring wheel and walk the length of one haul truck’s pull. If you know how many tons the truck delivered and how far the paver placed it, you’ll be able to tell if you’re laying the lift a little thin or a little thick or if you’re hitting it just right.

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If everyone on the crew knows how to figure yield and double-check it, you have a better chance of hitting your target each day. That means everyone on the crew should be able to grab the measuring wheel and walk the length of one haul truck’s pull. If you know how many tons the truck delivered and how far the paver placed it, you’ll be able to tell if you’re laying the lift a little thin or a little thick or if you’re hitting it just right.

This is a great way to double-check automation, double-check deliveries, double-check best practices. Check out the article linked below for more information on figuring yield and giving your crew the best chance at getting a bonus-worthy job. (The article about Intercounty Paving gives solid examples of this along with their cheat sheet.)

QUICK TIP:

To figure yield, you want to know the width you’re paving, the length you’ve pulled, and the depth you’re supposed to be paving.

If the truck holds 20 tons and you ran out before you got to the “mark” you should have reached, you’re running too high and costing the company money. You’ll be calling for extra mix and an extra truck at the end of the shift if you don’t fix the problem.

Use these equations:

Width in feet X length in feet = A

Then A ÷ 9 = B

B X depth in feet = your tonnage

For example:

12 ft wide X 132 ft long / 9 = 176 X .1133 = 19.94 tons

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