Burn Platform Volume Calculator

In order to burn a project on the playa and comply with our Leaving No Trace principle, a “burn platform” consisting of decomposed granite (crushed granite gravel) or “DG” is required to separate the burning consumables from contact with the playa surface.

The DG burn platform extends a few feet beyond the footprint of the art piece at a depth of three (3) inches. The following formulas can help you determine the approximate amount of material and its estimated cost:

Rectangular Prism: V = w l h

  1. In order to determine the volume of a rectangular DG pad, multiply the width by the length and then multiply by a height (thickness) of .25 (3 inches). The result is the volume of the pad in cubic feet.
  2. Multiply the volume in cubic feet by .037 to convert to cubic yards.
  3. To find the price for amount of DG in cubic yards, round this number to the nearest whole number and multiply by $50.

Cylinder: V = π r² h

  1. In order to determine the volume of a round DG pad, multiply the squared radius of the circle (distance from the center of the circle to the edge) against itself, multiply this result by Pi (π = 3.1415) and then multiply by a height (thickness) of .25 (3 inches). The result is the volume of the pad in cubic feet.
  2. Multiply the volume in cubic feet by .037 to convert to cubic yards.
  3. To find the price for amount of DG in cubic yards, round this number to the nearest whole number and multiply by $50.