What does heaped volume refer to in excavation?

Heaped volume in excavation refers to the maximum volume of material that can be piled up without spilling over, which is determined by the angle of repose. When soil or other materials are excavated and left in a heap, they naturally form a slope due to gravity, leading to a specific angle that varies based on the material's properties. This angle is critical because it dictates how high a pile can be formed before the material starts to cascade down. Therefore, the concept of heaped volume is essential for understanding the capacity and stability of excavated materials, especially when calculating quantities for earthworks or construction projects.

The other choices do not accurately define heaped volume in the context of excavation, as they deal with different aspects of handling materials. For instance, the maximum weight that can be lifted pertains to equipment capabilities instead of volume. The volume of soil before striking off addresses soil measurement before final adjustments, not the characteristics of a pile. Load capacity refers to structural support and stability but does not relate directly to the volume concerning heaped materials.