OSHA Trench Sloping Calculator

Calculate OSHA-compliant trench slope setback and top width by soil type with sloping and benching modes.

Part of the Excavation & Earthworks calculators — see all tools in this category.

This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace the judgment of a competent person. Always consult a qualified professional for excavation safety planning.

OSHA Soil Classification

Cohesive soil with unconfined compressive strength of 0.5 tsf (48 kPa) or less; granular soils; submerged soil or soil from which water is freely seeping

Trench Dimensions

Trench depth from ground surface

Width at the bottom of the trench

Protection Method
OSHA Slope Ratios Reference
Soil TypeSlope (H:V)Max Angle
Stable RockVertical90°
Type A0.75H : 1V53°
Type B1H : 1V45°
Type C1.5H : 1V34°

Results

Setback Per Side
3.00m

Horizontal distance from bottom to top edge

Top Width
7.00m

Total width at ground level

Cross-Section Area
8.00

Trapezoidal excavation area per linear unit

Slope Angle
33.7\u00B0

1.5H:1V ratio

Cross-Section Diagram
<-- 7.00 m -->
\               /
 \    34°    /    setback: 3.00 m
  \           /
   \         /
    |       |
    | 1.00 |     depth: 2.00 m
    |       |
    +-------+

How It Works

This calculator helps determine OSHA-compliant trench slope dimensions based on the soil classification system defined in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P. It supports both sloping and benching protection methods.

OSHA Soil Classification

OSHA classifies soil/rock into four categories based on stability, from most stable to least:

  • Stable Rock: Vertical walls permitted (90°)
  • Type A: 3/4H:1V slope (53°) — cohesive soils, ≥1.5 tsf
  • Type B: 1H:1V slope (45°) — cohesive soils, 0.5–1.5 tsf
  • Type C: 1-1/2H:1V slope (34°) — granular/weak soils, ≤0.5 tsf

Slope Setback Formula

The setback per side = depth × horizontal slope ratio. The top-of-trench width = bottom width + 2 × setback. For example, a 10 ft deep trench with 2 ft bottom width in Type C soil has a setback of 10 × 1.5 = 15 ft per side, for a top width of 32 ft.

Benching Rules

  • Type A: Maximum 5 ft bench height, minimum 2 ft horizontal step
  • Type B: Maximum 4 ft bench height, step width per slope ratio
  • Type C: Benching is NOT permitted
  • Stable Rock: Benching is not applicable (vertical walls allowed)

PE Requirement

Excavations deeper than 20 feet (6.096 meters) require design by a registered professional engineer per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652(b), regardless of soil type.

Frequently Asked Questions

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