Bed Settling Allowance Calculator

Bed Settling Allowance field limitation

Settling varies with particle size, moisture, and compaction.

A zero Retained height after settling leaves initial fill height undefined in Bed Settling Allowance.

Purpose of the initial fill height estimate

Bed Settling Allowance focuses on Initial fill height and combines Desired finished height and Retained height after settling.

Use initial fill height to estimate initial bed height from an expected settling share, then inspect desired finished height in the field. Compare this result with Drainage Test Rate Calculator when drainage rate is also needed.

Worked initial fill height example

Bed Settling Allowance divides quantities drawn from Desired finished height and Retained height after settling.

Using desired finished height at 12 in and retained height after settling at 82%, the example returns 14.63 in.

Interpreting this initial fill height value

The result panel emphasizes initial fill height. Check the input units before judging one scenario against another.

Measurements for Bed Settling Allowance

Initial fill height is calculated from Desired finished height and Retained height after settling. Check the Bed Settling Allowance units before editing.

Desired finished height

The Bed Settling Allowance target is 12 in in the starting case.

Retained height after settling

Bed Settling Allowance enters 82% for this percentage.

Desired finished height source record

The calculation log for Bed Settling Allowance needs Desired finished height and Retained height after settling plus Initial fill height.

Attach the date and source of desired finished height; those details matter when the case is repeated.

Keep the measured outcome next to the initial fill height estimate so future planning can use both. Keep available water in a separate Available Soil Water Calculator case.

Desired finished height: sensitivity example

Create a second case by setting Desired finished height to 13.2 in. The initial setting is 12 in, and the corresponding initial fill height values are 14.63 in and 16.10 in.

This keeps the effect of desired finished height distinct from changes in the other Bed Settling Allowance inputs. Use the Soil Percolation Time tool when drain time needs its own calculation.

Do not replace the source measurement merely because one scenario gives a preferred answer.

Before relying on initial fill height