How this calculator works
Whole panels determine concrete volume and mass. Foundations are separate rectangular blocks per panel. Payload determines freight count; freight price applies to round-trip vehicle kilometres. Assembly productive time is divided by efficiency to obtain paid hours. Undiscounted maintenance and staffing are added over the chosen lifetime. Prices are illustrative inputs; land, approvals, terrain, security systems, contingencies, inflation and financing are excluded.
Formula
N=ceil(wall length/panel length); concrete=N(panel length x height x thickness + foundation length x width x depth); mass=volume x density; trips=ceil(mass/payload); assembly hours=N x productive hours/efficiency; lifetime cost=capital + years x (capital x maintenance rate + guards x annual guard cost).
Worked example
For 100 m of wall using 5 m panels, 5 m height and 0.2 m thickness, 20 panels contain 100 m^3 concrete. A 0.5 m^3 foundation per panel raises the total to 110 m^3 and, at 2400 kg/m^3, 264 tonnes.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
Is this an estimate of an actual government contract?
No. It is a quantity and budget scenario using only your inputs, with no claim about actual past or current construction.
Are social spending comparisons built in?
No historical comparison prices are assumed. Enter an alternative item and its own documented unit cost to make a transparent budget comparison.
Does freight payload alone guarantee a shipment?
No. Panel dimensions, handling, axle loads, route permits and foundation material logistics may require more trips.