ENGINEERING OFFICE

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 02315 – EXCAVATION AND FILL

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE OF WORK

A. The design of temporary works associated with earthworks, including batter slopes, sheet pile
walls, stockpiles and drainage is to be by the contractor. The design of temporary works
shall be based on safety factors as applied in local practice. Where temporary works are
required to support existing infrastructure or buildings, they shall be designed on the basis
that the works are equivalent to permanent works. Full allowance shall be made in the design
of the temporary works for the shorter design life and for the risk to persons and property and
the surface water and groundwater conditions which are likely to occur during construction.

1.2 RELATED BRITISH STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

A. The Works shall generally be carried out in accordance with the British Standards listed
below:
1. BS 1377 Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes
2. BS 5930 Code of practice for site investigations
3. BS 6031 Code of practice for earthworks
4. BS 8004 Code of practice for foundations
5. BS 8006 Code of practice for strengthened /reinforced soils and other fills

B. The British Standards referred to in this Specification shall be used, including all current
amendments and additions. Any difference between these requirements and this
Specification shall be submitted to the Engineer for his ruling. The classification of fill
materials can comprise those classes set out in British Standards and HA Codes, and also
the local authority Specification.

1.3 SUBMITTALS

A. Submit method statements for review by the Engineer before commencing deep excavations
for the foundations. Provide full details of all support measures and dewatering systems to be
supplied. Similarly submit method statements in respect of filling operations, specifying
compaction procedures, plant to be used, number and depth of passes etc.

B. The following particulars of the proposed materials and methods of construction for
earthworks shall be submitted to the Engineer.
1. Details of Constructional Plant and haulage vehicles,
2. Proposals for initial testing of fill materials, and compaction trials to confirm their
suitability relative
3. The requirements of this Specification.
4. Methods of excavation and of deposition and compaction of fill material,
5. Use of different types of excavated material and sources of imported fill material,
6. Arrangements for stockpiling excavated material and fill material and for disposing of
earth works material,
7. Methods of controlling the moisture content of fill material,
8. Methods of controlling surface water and groundwater and of protecting earthworks
9. material from damage due to water and from weather conditions which may affect the
earth works
10. Methods of monitoring groundwater levels, and methods of monitoring the ground
and structures for movements

1.4 SITE CONDITIONS

A. Descriptions of soils and rock shall comply with the requirements of BS 5930 and other local
practices and agreed with the Engineer. The criteria which are to be used to distinguish
02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 1/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

between the various types of soil, soft rock and hard rock will be agreed between the
Contractor and the Engineer on Site.

B. Prior to the commencement of work the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer his detailed
proposals for methods of construction (including temporary works and construction plant) for
all earthworks. The detailed proposals shall include but not limited to the numbers and types
of plant, routings and expected outputs, locations of spoil heaps, installation and removal of
temporary works, attendance and supervision, and controls to ensure quality assurance and
safety.

C. The Contractor should examine the site and note all characteristics and features affecting
work. No allowance will be made for difficulties encountered or expenses incurred on
account of any site conditions or any growth or item existing thereon, visible or known to exist
when tender is submitted.

1.5 UNDERGROUND SERVICES

A. Contractor to obtain authorities NOC, Permits prior to started excavation. Notify public utilities
or municipal authorities in advance of planned excavations adjacent to their services. Take
care not to damage or displace encountered known and unknown services. When such
services are encountered, immediately notify Engineer, and protect, brace and support active
services. Where repairs become necessary, use the following procedure:

B. Known Services:

C. Repair at no expense to the Employer.

D. Unknown Services:

E. Forward detailed method statement of proposed repair work. Proceed immediately with
repairs upon receipt of written review and comment.

F. In the case of damage to an essential service, notify the Engineer and the authority
immediately and repair services under the Engineer's & the authority direction. Inform the
Engineer of services encountered, which require adjustment, relocation or abandonment
and/or arrange for disconnection and capping of pipes/cables.

1.6 STORAGE, DELIVERY, HANDLING AND PROTECTION

A. Stockpile materials in designated areas. Stockpiles top soil/blown sand and each type of fill
material separately to prevent integration. Stockpile granular materials so as to prevent
segregation.

B. Keep surrounding roads free of soil deposits from material hauling trucks. Load trucks
carefully to prevent spillage and wind drift.

C. To protect neighbourhood from sand and dust, sprinkle with water entire excavated area and
stock piled excavated materials when required.

D. Protect adjacent property and existing constructed substructures from damage, which may
occur from any cause in the performance of the work of this Section.

E. Do not interfere with use of adjacent buildings.

F. Take precautions against movement, settlement or collapse of sidewalks, public services

adjoining property and be liable for all damage to same.

G. Before commencing work verify location of survey markers in the areas in which the work is
to be executed. Should any of the monuments be disturbed due to the work the Contractor
shall be responsible for the expenditures incurred in restoring the monuments.
02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 2/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

H. Take precautions against movement or settlement of existing piling and substructures.

Provide and place bracing and shoring necessary for the safety and support of the piles and
execute the work in a manner to prevent movement, settlement, damage or injury caused
thereby or resulting there from.

I. Supply and maintain adequate and proper planking, cants and bridging over municipal
sidewalks, curbs, paving and boulevards to protect these areas from the pass of vehicles.

1.7 SHORING AND BRACING:

A. All excavations with near vertical or vertical sides and a depth of greater than 1.2 m shall be
adequately shored and braced. Erect and maintain necessary shoring and bracing for
excavations in a manner that will properly retain banks of excavations and prevent cave-in.
Shoring to be erected in a manner that will allow all other work to be carried out while shoring
is still in place. Shoring installation shall be entirely clear of footings, foundations, walls or
other such work so that it may be removed entirely or in sections when it is no longer required
or when directed without causing any damage or injury to structural work that has been
completed.

B. The Contractor shall provide barriers/fencing/warning signs/security lighting around the open
excavation to ensure safety of all personnel.

1.8 SITE FEATURES

A. Before starting work verify with the Engineer for identifying the existing fences, walls, roads,
paved areas and other site features to be removed. Materials arising from these works to be
removed from the site unless their retention is specified.

1.9 GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Earthwork material within the Site at the commencement of the Contract shall remain the
property of the Employer except as stated below.

B. Earthwork material, which is required to be disposed of by the Contractor, shall become the
property of the Contractor when it is removed from the Site and shall be disposed of in tips
provided by the Contractor, unless otherwise stated in the Contract.

C. Earthworks after site clearance, excavation or filling and earthworks materials after
excavation shall be kept free from water and shall be protected from damage due to water
and from exposure to weather conditions which may affect the earthworks or earthworks
material. The measures to be taken shall include the following:

D. Surfaces shall be maintained in a stable condition and shall be formed to falls to shed water
and to prevent ponding

E. The area of exposed surfaces shall be kept to a minimum.

F. Temporarily exposed surfaces shall be sealed or covered with impermeable sheeting or

protected by other methods agreed by the Engineer.

G. Earthworks material which has been used, or is required for use, in the permanent work and
which is allowed to become unsuitable such that in the opinion of the Engineer it no longer
complies with the specified requirements for that type of material shall be replaced or dealt
with by methods agreed by the Engineer.

H. Earthwork material which is not stated in the Contract to be excavated and which the
Contractor causes or allows to deteriorate such that in the opinion of the Engineer the
permanent work will be affected shall be replaced or dealt with by methods agreed by the
Engineer.

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 3/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016

 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

I. Material provided to replace earthwork material, which has been allowed to become
unsuitable or which the Contractor causes or allows to deteriorate shall be an equivalent
material agreed by the Engineer. The replacement material shall be of the same class and
compaction as the requirements set out in the Drawings.

J. The material, which is to be replaced, shall be disposed of by the Contractor in a manner

agreed by the Engineer.

K. Earthworks material which is not stated in the Contract to be excavated but which in the
opinion of the Engineer has inadequate strength, durability or stability shall be dealt with by
additional excavation or filling or by stabilisation or by other methods instructed by the
Engineer.

L. Additional excavation shall be carried out and the resulting voids shall be dealt with as
follows:

M. Only selected fill materials shall be deposited and compacted below areas of foundations.

N. Unless agreed by the Engineer, there shall be no placement of fill within standing water.

O. Earthwork material, which is required for use in the permanent work as fill material, shall not
be removed from the Site unless permitted by the Engineer. The Contractor shall notify the
Engineer before any earthwork material is removed from the Site.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 FILL MATERIALS

A. Fill material shall consist of naturally occurring or processed material which at the time of
deposition is capable of being compacted in accordance with the specified requirements to
form stable areas of fill.
1. General fill material shall comply with the following limits:
2. Liquid Limit (AASHTO T89) 25% max.
3. Plasticity Index (AASHTO T90) 6% max.
4. Total Water Soluble Salts (BS 1377) 2% max.
5. Compacted to not less than 90% of the MDD.
6. Maximum particle size to be not more than 75mm, and 20% less than 75 microns.
[ MDD : Maximum dry density by BS 1377 Test 13.]

B. Fill material shall not contain any of the following:

1. Material susceptible to volume change (such as gysiferous sands), including marine
mud, soil with a liquid limit exceeding 25% or a plasticity index exceeding 6%,
swelling clays and collapsible soils, gypsum plaster. Peat, vegetation, timber, organic,
soluble or perishable material
2. Dangerous or toxic material or material susceptible to combustion, and
3. Metal, rubber, plastic or synthetic material.

C. Fill material shall consist of clean, hard, durable material.

D. The soluble sulphate content of fill material placed within 500mm of concrete, cement bound
material or cementations material shall not exceed 1.9 grams of sulphate, expressed as SO3,
per litre.

E. The total sulphate content, expressed as SO3, of fill material placed within 500mm of
metalwork shall not exceed 0.5% by mass.

F.

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 4/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016

 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

G.

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 5/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016

 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

H. The different types of fill material shall have the particle size distributions within the ranges
stated in Table A.

Table A: Particle size distributions of fill material.

Type of fill material ** Percentage by mass passing

Size BS test sieve

400mm 200mm 75mm 20mm 600m 75m

General Fill Material /(Class 3 PWA) - - - 20

Structural Fill Class 4 Class 4 PWA

Capping fill (sandstone and limestone 100

fragments

** The above specification for general fill material. For specific fill requirements refer relevant
project soil investigation report.

2.2 GRANUALR SUB BASE / STRUCTURAL FILL

A. Material shall consist of hard, durable natural/screened gravel or crushed stone, and free
from clay balls or other deleterious substances. Granular sub-base shall be well graded and
lie within the grading envelope stated below when tested in accordance with BS 1377: Part
2: Test 9.2. The material should have a minimum CBR of 30% at 95% of maximum dry
density. Organic impurities (BS 1377 Part 3 Method 3) shall not exceed 0.2%.
1. Sieve Size Percentage Passing
2. 63mm 100
3. 37.5mm 85 – 100
4. 9.5mm 40 – 85
5. 4.75mm 25 – 45
6. 0.6mm 8 - 25
7. 0.075mm 0 – 10

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 PREPARATION

A. Clear and remove, from site, obstructions to excavating. Establish and maintain accurate
lines and levels as required. Provide batter boards, line stakes and templates, and establish
permanent reference lines and benchmarks required

3.2 ADVERSE CONDITIONS

A. The Contractor shall not carry out any excavation or placing of fill materials when conditions are
such that the works or other works would be adversely affected. Once any operation has been
stopped, owing to adverse weather or other conditions, it shall not be re-started without the
agreement of the Engineer.

B. The Contractor shall plan his operations so as to take account of the season and to take full
advantage of favourable climatic conditions. Additionally, the Contractor's temporary drainage
of the Works shall take these factors into account.

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 6/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016

 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

C. The Contractor shall seek the Engineer's agreement to any changes in his method of working
That are necessary to ensure full compliance with this requirement before the changes are
implemented.

D. Adequate provision shall be made for protection to the surfaces of temporary cut slopes during
seasons of exceptionally heavy rainfall.

3.3 EXCAVATION – GENERAL

A. Excavate with due regard for the peculiarities of soil conditions and take precautions to
protect adjacent foundations and property. Temporary supports or other methods shall be
used to maintain excavations in a stable condition and to prevent settlement of structures or
utilities due to excavation or dewatering.

B. Excavated material required for use in the permanent work which is capable of being
selected, processed and mixed to make it suitable for use as fill material shall not be used for
any other purposes unless permitted by the Engineer.

C. The Contractor shall record the strata through which he excavates together with their
locations and depths. He shall supply a copy of the records to the Engineer as the work
proceeds.

D. Where excavation produces a combination of acceptable and unacceptable materials, the

Contractor shall carry out the excavation in such a manner that acceptable materials are
excavated separately for use in the Works without contamination by unacceptable materials
which shall be removed off site. Where excavation produces a combination of acceptable
materials with different characteristics, these materials shall be excavated and stored
separately.

E. The sides of excavations shall be adequately supported at all times and, except where
required as shown on the Drawings or allowed by the Engineer, shall not be battered. The
Contractor shall submit to the Engineer proposals for his temporary works to ensure stability
of the excavation, temporary and Permanent Works, and these proposals shall include
detailed drawings and calculations, methods of installation and withdrawal and his means of
keeping the Works free of water.

F. The Contractor’s attention is drawn to the possibility of bottom heave occurring in deep
excavations and in his proposals he shall have considered the stability of excavation against
bottom heave.

G. When constructing structures and laying adjacent services, the construction or service
requiring the deepest excavation shall be excavated first and construction brought to a safe
level before starting further excavation. When this is impracticable the Contractor shall obtain
the agreement of the Engineer to his proposals for maintaining undisturbed the ground
supporting the higher construction while excavating, constructing and filing around and/or
over the lower one.

H. Stockpile excavated material for re-use on the site so that such material will not interfere with
site drainage, drainage of adjacent properties, or building operations. Remove subsoil and
excavated material not required for regarding from the site, including material excavated by
other Sections.

I. Excavate to extent, elevations and depths required for completion of work, leaving sufficient
space for removal of formwork, application of and installation of weeping drains. Excavate
and construct for slabs and ramps, to lines, elevations and cross sections shown on drawings
to allow finishing sections to install their work to required thicknesses.

J. Keep excavation free of water by pumping as required, and provide pumps, suction and
discharge lines of sufficient capacity. Maintain until Engineer's review and comment for

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 7/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016

 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

removal of equipment is obtained. Take all necessary measures to prevent flow of water into
excavation.

K. Keep bottoms of excavations clean and clear of loose materials levelled and stepped at
changes of levels except excavations made for drainage purposes which are to slope as
required.

L. If removal of earth causes displacement of adjacent earth, remove disturbed earth.

M. Remove soft, wet or unconsolidated ground, quicksand and organic material encountered in
excavating and fill void with well compacted, clean, dry fill of quality as herein specified.
Where these conditions occur under or near footings, special arrangements will be made by
Engineer.

N. The Contractor shall inform the Engineer without delay of the nature and location of any
unforeseen obstruction encountered during excavation.

O. Should nature of subsoil at depths shown prove to be unsatisfactory for placing of structural
work thereon, then upon Engineer written order, excavate to greater depth until satisfactory
bottom is reached. Payment for such additional excavation and backfill will be on basis of
contract unit prices.

P. If excavations reveal seepage zones, springs or other unexpected subsurface conditions,

which may necessitate revisions or additions to any drainage or temporary/permanent works
system, inform Engineer immediately for remedial action.

Q. Excavated surfaces scheduled to receive concrete blinding shall be protected from excessive
traffic and other disturbances and shall not be left exposed for extended periods of time.

R. On completion of the excavation the formation shall be neatly finished leaving no extraneous
material.

S. Excavations shall be kept free from noxious or explosive gases, whether generated in strata
by blasting or otherwise. The Contractor shall satisfy himself that each excavation is safe
before allowing entry.

T. The Contractor shall carry out tests for the presence of noxious or explosive gases, or to
detect a lack of oxygen before allowing personnel to enter any confined space or excavation,
and he shall then monitor conditions continuously during the period of work. He shall take
such measures (e.g. ventilation, the provision of breathing apparatus, and back-up personnel
and equipment) as will avoid any risk of injury to personnel. The Engineer may order the
withdrawal of personnel if dissatisfied with the Contractor's arrangements

3.4 EXCAVATED NATIVE MATERIAL

A. The work of this Section includes excavation of all types of strata including rock. All
excavated material including broken asphalt and base material; broken concrete; abandoned
foundations and rubble fill at site of previous buildings; catch basins, sumps and related
piping, piling; concrete sidewalks and paving; and the like, shall become property of
Contractor and shall be removed from site and disposed of in location to be determined by
Contractor in accordance with governing regulations. Obtain Engineer's review and
comment prior to using excavated material for backfill and protect as necessary.

3.5 BACKFILLING

A. Proceed promptly with backfilling as building progresses and work to be backfilled has been
inspected and review and comment to backfill obtained. Place backfill in layer thicknesses
found to be appropriate from initial site trials, and generally not in excess of 200 mm thick
maximum layers. Compact each layer before placing next. Maintain optimum moisture
content to achieve required densities.
02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 8/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

1. Backfill evenly on both sides of foundation walls / piles to avoid unequal fill pressures
on walls / piles.

2. Fill over-excavations under bearing surfaces and footings, or within pyramid enclosed
by 7 in 10 slope from bearing surface with concrete of same strength as specified for
footings. Fill over-excavation under all other areas with sand/gravel mixture in
accordance with the specification and compact as directed.

3. Withdraw shoring material during backfill.

4. Compaction equipment to be of size and type to permit required compaction without

causing lateral forces resulting in displacement of foundation walls. Exercise
caution in this regard to avoid movement of foundations.

5. Backfill and fill shall not be placed over debris timber or organic matter.

6. Take care to avoid damage to waterproofing or displacement of waterlines, drains,

conduit and other underground installations.

7. Prior to placing fill for concrete floor slabs on earth, consolidate subgrade to obtain
same compaction specified for fill material.

8. Coordinate with work of other Sections for the lines and levels of un-compacted
subgrade required by those Sections.

9. Compact with mechanical tampers, areas adjoining vulnerable building components

(e.g. piling) which cannot be thoroughly compacted by drawn equipment.

10. Unless otherwise stated in the Contract, areas of fill shall be formed of general fill
material.

11. Fill material shall be obtained from the agreed suitable material from the excavation
within the site. If there is insufficient fill material of the required types and grade within
the Site, imported fill material shall be provided by the Contractor from sources outside
the Site.

12. Except as stated surfaces on which fill material is to be deposited shall be prepared
after site clearance in accordance with the following requirements:

13. Topsoil, grass and other organic matter shall be removed.

14. Soft spots, boulders and other materials, which in the opinion of the Engineer are
unsuitable or unstable, shall be removed. Watercourses shall be diverted as stated in
the Contract.

15. Benches shall be cut and sub-soil drainage systems installed as stated in the Contract.

16. Voids shall be dealt with as stated in the Contract or instructed by the Engineer.

17. Surfaces other than rock shall be scarified to a depth of 200 mm and compacted to the
same standard as the fill material, which is to be deposited.

18. The permission of the Engineer shall be obtained before deposition of fill material
starts in any area of fill.

19. Haulage of fill material to an area of fill shall proceed only when the compaction plant
operating at the area to be filled is sufficient to achieve the specified requirements for
relative compaction of the fill material.

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 9/13 Rev.2 - 08 May 2016

 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

20. Fill material obtained from excavations within the Site shall be deposited in its final
location as soon as practicable after it has been excavated.

21. Fill material shall be deposited in layers of a thickness appropriate to the compaction
method to be used.

22. Unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer, layers to fill material shall be horizontal,
except for any gradient required for drainage, and the thickness of each layer shall be
uniform over the area to be filled.

23. Except in excavations for structures, pits and trenches, if the difference in level
between adjacent areas to be filled exceeds 1 m the edge of the higher area shall be
benched before fill material is placed against it.

24. The construction of the Works shall be controlled in such a manner that any
compaction of the fill material resulting from the passage of Constructional Plant or
haulage vehicles is uniform.

25. In areas of fill formed of fill material other than rock fill material, earthworks final
surfaces sloping at a gradient exceeding 1 vertical 3 horizontal shall be formed by
overfilling and cutting back after compaction. Over-filling shall extend beyond the
earthworks final surface by a horizontal distance of 0.5 m or three times the thickness
of the compacted layer, whichever is greater.

26. Fill material shall not be deposited adjacent to or above structures or utilities until the
construction of the structure or utility is sufficiently advanced to accept the imposed
forces without disturbance or damage.

27. Fill material shall be deposited evenly on all sides of structures and utilities and in such
a manner that the structure or utility is not disturbed or damaged.

28. Sheet piling, timbering or other temporary supports to excavations for structures, pits
and trenches are not to be left in place, the sheet piling, timbering or supports shall be
removed as deposition of fill material proceeds. The supports shall be removed in such
a manner that the stability of the adjacent ground is maintained and the compacted fill
material is not disturbed.

3.6 COMPACTION

A. Fill material in areas of fill shall be compacted in layers to a stable condition as soon as
practicable after deposition and in a manner appropriate to the location and to the material to
be compacted.

B. The permission of the Engineer shall be obtained before the next layer is deposited on each
layer of compacted fill material.

C. Except as stated, general fill material shall be compacted to obtain a relative compaction of at
least 90% throughout, and select / structural fill to obtain a relative compaction of at least
95% throughout, unless otherwise stated in the Contract.

D. Fill material other than rock fill material shall be placed at moisture content close to, or
slightly dry of the optimum moisture content, provided that the fill material is still capable of
being compacted in accordance with the specified requirements to form stable areas of fill.
All necessary measures shall be taken to maintain control of the placement moisture content.

E. Fill material shall be compacted in such a manner that structures or utilities are not disturbed
or damaged.

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 10/13 Rev.2 - 08 May

2016
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

F. Maintain optimum moisture content during backfill and fill compaction to achieve required
density. Deposit in layers of such thickness that equipment being used for compacting can
produce specified density. Monitor the variation in the grading curves of the material as it is
being placed, relative to the grading curves of the samples initially tested in order to set up
optimum moisture content and placement density targets.

G. Puddling or flooding with water for consolidating granular fill will not be permitted. Addition of
water is limited only to extent required to provide optimum moisture level of fill material.

H. During and immediately after levelling, thoroughly compact each layer of fill by use of
compaction equipment of size and type to permit required compaction without causing lateral
forces resulting in displacement of foundation walls. Exercise caution in this regard to avoid
movement of foundations.

I. After a period adequate to reveal settlement has passed, place additional fill and compact in
all depressions. Make good any subsequent settlement.

J. The profile of the excavation for all external works, such as roads and footways, and for all
structural works, shall be treated as though it were the un compacted profile of a layer of fill
material, and the same testing procedure, analysis, assessment of optimum moisture content,
and evaluation of compaction shall be carried out in order to provide proper compaction as
specified for suitable material, for at least 300mm below the excavation level.

K. Any irregularities in the excavation profile may be made up to an approximately level grade
only after this initial compaction of the existing sub-grade.

L. The Contractor should ensure that the finished sub-grade is available for inspection by the
Engineer, together with supporting test results prior to the placement of any material upon it.

M. If the existing sub-grade material fails to achieve the compaction requirements then the sub
grade material shall be removed to a suitable depth as determined by the Engineer and
replaced with suitable material placed in accordance with specification or otherwise as
directed by the Engineer.

3.7 WATER ON PREPARED SURFACES

A. Promptly remove water rising from seeping or resulting from rainfall wherever such water is
on surface of sub-grade soil and compacted fill, where proper drainage and pumping is not
carried out as specified herein and any prepared sub-grade soil under structural work, and
any compacted fill under concrete slabs is softened or disturbed by water due to improper
drainage and pumping, Contractor under this Section shall, remove unsatisfactory soil and fill.

3.8 LEVELS & SURFACES

A. Remove from site and legally dispose of all rubbish, rocks and surplus materials resulting
from site stripping, excavation and grading work.

B. Vehicles employed in the cartage of this material shall neither be loaded beyond the rated
limits nor in such a manner as to cause spillage. Any spillage or tyre tracking occurring upon
public property or upon the property of others, shall not be allowed to remain to become a
hazard and a nuisance but shall be cleaned up immediately.

C. Break rock, concrete and unit masonry into pieces not exceeding 600mm in any dimension
earthworks final surfaces shall be completed to a stable condition as soon as practicable after
excavation or after deposition and compaction of fill material has been completed. The
subsequent permanent work or surface protection shall be carried out as soon as practicable
after the earthworks final surface has been completed.

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 11/13 Rev.2 - 08 May

2016
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

D. Earthworks final surfaces shall be completed to smooth alignments without abrupt

irregularities unless otherwise stated in the contract.

E. Formations above structures or utilities shall be completed after construction of the structure
or utility.

F. Formations shall be compacted to obtain a relative compaction of at least 95% to a depth of

200mm below the formation.

G. Unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer, proof rolling shall be carried out on formations.
The formation shall be rolled in the presence of the Engineer by at least two passes of a non-
vibrating rubber tyre roller. The roller shall have a static load per 100mm width of roll of at
least 4 kN and shall travel at a speed not exceeding 2 km/h. Any defect in the formation,
which in the opinion of the Engineer is excessive, shall be made good as instructed by the
Engineer.

H. Unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer, formations, which will not be immediately
covered by the subsequent permanent work, shall be protected by methods agreed by the
Engineer.

I. Earthworks final surfaces and formations shall be maintained in a stable condition and shall
be protected from damage due to water or other causes and from exposure to conditions
which may adversely affect the surface.

J. Formations shall not be used by Constructional Plant or vehicles other than those, which in
the opinion of the Engineer are essential to construct the subsequent work.

K. Earthworks final surfaces and formations shall be within the tolerances stated in Table B of
the specified lines and levels. The tolerances for formations do not apply for pipes or
preformed structures, which require to be supported over their complete length or area.

L. In excavation, a positive tolerance refers to insufficient excavation and a negative tolerance

refers to excess excavation. In areas of fill, a positive tolerance refers to excess fill material
and a negative tolerance refers to insufficient fill material.

Table B: Tolerances for earthworks final surfaces and formations

Type of surface Method of forming surface Tolerance (mm)

+ -

Formations for structures Excavation except in rock 0 25

and utilities
Excavation in rock 0 150

Deposition and compaction of fill material 0 25

Formations for Excavation except in rock 0 50

pavements, including
carriageways, footways,
cycle tracks, paved Excavation in rock 0 150
areas, aircraft
pavements. Deposition and compaction of fill material 0 50

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 12/13 Rev.2 - 08 May

2016
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 2 – SITE CONSTRUCTION

Earthworks final surfaces Excavation except in rock 0 100

other than formations,
with a gradient not
exceeding 1 vertical to 10 Excavation in rock 0 200
horizontal
Deposition and compaction of fill material 0 50

Other earthworks final Excavation except in rock 0 50

surfaces
Excavation in rock 100 200

Deposition and compaction of fill material 0 50

END OF SECTION 02315

02315 EXCAVATION AND FILL Page 13/13 Rev.2 - 08 May

2016