Introduction
The following instructions walk you through the process of creating a reusable, pre-measured cone setup to speed up measurement time and ensure consistency between measurements.
What Types of Cones to Use
Stockpile Reports requires a specific type and color of construction cones in order to ensure accurate and consistent measurements. Follow these cone requirements for a successful stockpile measurement:
Size: 18” or larger
Color: Solid orange (No reflective stripes)*
Shape: Conical (No pylon or barrel shapes)
Type: Rubber cones or non-collapsible plastic
*Cones need to be clean.
The use of non-supported cones will result in a failed measurement.
Examples of Non-Supported Cones
How to Set Up Cones
Stockpile Reports believes in efficiency and consistency. In order to efficiently place your cones at the correct spacing, we suggest connecting the cones by a chain or rope. The following instructions walk you through the process of creating a reusable, pre-measured cone setup to speed up measurement time and ensure consistency between measurements.
Required Equipment
(2) Orange Safety Cones
(2) Zip Ties
25’ (10 meter) length of plastic chain
Drill and drill bit the width of the chain link
Clippers to cut chain
Step 1
Drill a hole in the corner of each cone
Drill from the bottom to avoid thick cone pads
Cone with a drilled hole
Step 2
Place center of cone at 0 feet/meters
Place center of second cone at 25 feet or 10 meters
Note: A cone setup can also be created at 12.5’ (or 5 meters) center-to-center for measuring small piles and bunkers.
Step 3
Attach chain to cones using zip ties. Ensure the chain is straight and taught
Note: Double check that your cones are still measured out at 25’ (or 10 meters) center-to-center before and after securing the chain to the cones with the zip ties. Precise spacing is critical to the quality of your phone collects.
Step 4
Cut off extra chain links
Examples of Completed Cone Setups
Completed Chain Connection
Completed Cone Setup
Placing Cones for a Measurement
Placing your cone in the correct manner in front of your stockpile prior to measurement is as important as ensuring the cones are spaced correctly. This section of the guide will walk you through proper cone placement as well as examples of improper cone placement.
Ideal Cone Placement: Freestanding Piles
Place cones within a couple boot lengths of the stockpile spaced at 25’ (or 10 meters).
Ensure the ground between the cones is clear for the chain to be stretched across straight.
Cones need to be vertically upright.
Visual obstructions around the cone need to be cleared (for example tall grass around the cones).
Ideal Cone Placement: Small Freestanding Piles
Use “Custom Cone Distance” of 12.5’ (or 5 meters) for cone spacing.
Place cones within a couple boot lengths of the stockpile. • Ensure the ground between the cones is clear for the chain to be stretched across straight.
Cones need to be vertically upright.
Visual obstructions around the cone need to be cleared (for example tall grass around the cones).
Ideal Cone Placement: Bunker Piles
Place cones within a couple boot lengths of the stockpile spaced at 25’ (or 10 meters).
If you don‘t have adequate spacing for that, then you can use “Custom Cone Distance” of 12.5’ (or 5 meters) cone spacing.
If the bunker is less than 12.5 feet wide, place cones slightly outside of the bunker
Ensure the ground between the cones is clear for the chain to be stretched across straight
Cones need to be vertically upright
Visual obstructions around the cone need to be cleared
Examples of Incorrect Cone Placement (What Not To Do)
