CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
• Earthwork: the processes whereby the surface of the earth is
excavated and transported to and compacted at another location.
• The introduction of the internal combustion engine, electric
power and hydraulic power have led to the development of a wide
range of earthwork plant (size, capacity and efficiency).
• Scale: ranges from small works (the excavation of ditches and
trenches for drainage and pits and trenches for foundations) to the
large earthworks (highways and dams).
INTRODUCTION
• carried out at an early stage in a construction project,
completion of the earthworks within the scheduled time is
often the key to the completion on time of the whole project
• success often depends on:
o an adequate site investigation and preparing practical and
satisfactory designs of the earthworks.
o the choice and efficient use of the correct types and size of
plant to meet the particular requirements of the site.
Related codes/standards
• BS 6031 : 1982 Code of practice for earthwork (BS 6032:2009)
• MS 1754 : 2004 earthworks – code of practice
• JKR Standard Specification for road works
• IEM Guideline for engineering practice (Earthwork)
• Uniforms Building By-Laws 1984 (Malaysia)
• Streets, Drainage & Building Act.
• Urban storm water management manual for Malaysia
• Others… BS 5930, Code of practice for SI, BS1377 – Soil testing,
ADTM… etc.
SCOPE OF EARTHWORKS
1. Site clearing (Pembersihan tapak)
2. Cutting and excavation (Pengorekan dan pemotongan)
3. Transport and moving (Pemunggahan,Pengangkutan dan
Penuangan)
4. Compaction (Pemadatan)
5. Sloping (Pencerunan)
1. Site clearing
• Clearing, grubbing, demolishing, breaking up and removing
all trees, shrubs, vegetation, butts, structures such as walls,
fences and other obstruction within the site which have
been designated to be demolished or removed
• All spoils and debris shall be removed and disposed of off-
site at an approved certified construction landfill
Site clearing
2. Cutting and excavation
• Most construction projects require the movement of
earthwork on site. This will result in altering the existing
elevation to a different or finish elevation.
• To determine the amount of soil to be moved, the
estimator needs to have a plot plan or topographic survey.
• This drawing is developed by plotting the readings
(elevations) obtained from a topographic field survey
usually performed by a licensed land surveyor.
Cutting and excavation
• Part of the permanent works (e.g. cuttings)
• A temporary expedient in the construction of the works (e.g. for
foundations and drainage)
• The sides of the excavations are required to remain stable during their
design life, can be achieved by:
– excavating the material to a stable slope angle
– by retaining or supporting the material.
Cutting and excavation
Cutting and excavation
3. Transport and moving
• Trucks are used to transport excavated material, aggregates and
construction material
• As the primary hauling unit provides a high degree of flexibility.
• Found in the crust of the earth
• Classified as rock or soil
• Soil characteristics that affect a soil’s behaviour for construction
purposes.
Transport and moving
• Lab tests are required to fully determine a soil’s physical and chemical
properties which control those characteristics.
Transport and moving
4. Compaction
• Increased bearing capacity
• Increased compressibility
• Reduce permeability
• Improve stability
• Heavy/highway vs. building foundation compaction
operations
Compaction
5. Sloping
• Function of the natural angle of repose, density, surface
and subsurface water flow.
• Early stabilization of surfaces is critical
• Eliminate points of concentrated flow using slope drains as
outlets.
• Difficult slopes may require riprap, gabions, or other
measures for permanent stabilization .
Sloping
Sloping
10 KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL
EARTHWORK OPERATIONS
1. Control surface and subsurface water
2. Maintain optimum moisture range by drying, mixing ,
or wetting
3. Identify and monitor cut & fill quantities
4. Good layout (horizontal & vertical control)
5. Minimize handling - minimize stockpiling
10 KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL
EARTHWORK OPERATIONS
6. Optimize haul lengths
7. Minimize cycle time
8. Proper selection and sizing of excavators and haul
units
9. Alternate haul unit wheel paths
10. Experienced personnel in the field
