Division 2 - Site Work
Division 2 - Site Work
Division 2 - Site Work
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EXCAVATION, BACKFILLING, AND COMPACTING FOR UTILITIES
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 REFERENCES
The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The
publications are referred to in the text by the basic designation only.
ASTM D698 Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400
ft-lbf/ft (600 kN-m/m))
ASTM D1140 Amount of Material in Soils Finer Than the No. 200 (75-Micrometer) Sieve
ASTM D1556 Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method
ASTM D1557 Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000
ft-lbf/ft (2,700 kN-m/m))
ASTM D2487 Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification
System)
ASTM D2922 Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
ASTM D3017 Water Content of Soil and Rock in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
ASTM D4318 Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
DOA SSIR Soil Survey Investigation Report No. 1, Soil Survey Laboratory Methods and
Procedures for Collecting Soil Samples, Soil Conservation Service
1.2 DEFINITIONS
1.2.1 Backfill
Material used in refilling a cut, trench or other excavation.
Soils classified by ASTM D2487 as GC, SC, ML, CL, MH, and CH. Materials classified as GM
and SM will be identified as cohesive only when fines have a plasticity index greater than zero.
Soils classified by ASTM D2487 as GW, GP, SW, and SP. Materials classified, as GM and SM
will be identified as cohesionless only when the fines have a plasticity index of zero.
1.2.4 Compaction
A dense, well-graded aggregate mixture of sand, gravel, or crushed stone (mixed individually, in
combination with each other, or with suitable binder soil) placed on a subgrade to provide a
suitable foundation for pipe. Granular bedding material may also consist of poorly graded sands
or gravels where fast draining soil characteristics are desired.
1.2.7 Lift
A layer or course of soil placed on top of subgrade or a previously prepared or placed soil in a
fill or backfill.
1.2.8 Refill
1.2.9 Rock
Solid homogeneous interlocking crystalline material with firmly cemented, laminated, or foliated
masses or conglomerate deposits, neither of which can be removed without systematic drilling,
drilling and the use of expansion jacks, or the use of backhoe-mounted pneumatic hole
punchers or rock breakers; also large boulders, buried masonry, or concrete other than
pavement exceeding 0.76 cubic meter (1 cubic yard) in volume. Material identified in the soil
boring logs as having a standard penetration resistance as determined by ASTM D1586 greater
than 1968 blows per meter (600 blows per foot) is arbitrarily defined herein as "Rock."
a. Topsoil
b. Unyielding Material
Rock rib, ridge, rock protrusion, or soil with cobbles in the trench bottom requiring a
covering of finer grain material or special bedding to avoid bridging in the pipe or
conduit.
c. Unsatisfactory Material
In-Site soil or other material, which can be identified as having insufficient strength
characteristics or stability to carry intended loads in the trench without excessive
consolidation or loss of stability. Also backfill material, which contains refuse, large
rocks, debris, soluble particles, and other material, which could damage the pipe or
cause the backfill not to compact. Materials classified as PT, OH, or OL by ASTM D2487
are unsatisfactory.
d. Unstable Material
Material in the trench bottom which lacks firmness to maintain alignment and prevent
joints from separating in the pipe, conduit, or appurtenance structure during backfilling.
This may be material otherwise identified as satisfactory which has been disturbed or
saturated.
1.3 SUBMITTALS
a. Test Reports
b. Trench backfill material tests
c. Pipe bedding material tests
1.4 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
Deliver and store materials in a manner to prevent contamination, segregation, and other
damage.
1.5 PROTECTION
1.5.1 Utilities
Movement of construction machinery and equipment over pipes and utilities during construction
shall be at the Contractor's risk. Excavation made with power-driven equipment is not permitted
within 600 mm (two feet) of known Government-owned utility or subsurface construction. For
work immediately adjacent to or for excavations exposing a utility or other buried obstruction,
excavate by hand or light equipment. Start hand light equipment excavation on each side of the
indicated obstruction and continue until the obstruction is uncovered or until clearance for the
new grade is assured. Support uncovered lines or other existing work affected by the contract
excavation until the Engineer grants approval for backfill. Report damage to utility lines or
subsurface construction immediately to the Engineer.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
Provide soil materials as specified below free of debris, roots, wood, scrap material, vegetable
matter, refuse, soft unsound particles, or other deleterious and objectionable materials.
2.1.1 Backfill
Bring trenches to grade indicated on the drawings using material excavated on the site of this
project. This material will be considered unclassified and no testing other than for compaction
will be required before use as backfill, classified as GM, SM, SC by ASTM 2487 with a
maximum particle size of 75 mm (3 inches).
Backfill trenches under roads, structures, and paved areas as specified in Section 02300,
"Earthwork for Structures and Pavements", with material conforming to the requirements stated
above except that the liquid limit of the material cannot exceed 35 percent when tested in
accordance with ASTM D4318, the plasticity index cannot exceed 12 percent when tested in
accordance with ASTM D4318, and not more than 35 percent by weight can be finer than the 75
micrometers No. 200 sieve when tested in accordance with ASTM D1140.
2.1.3 Sand
Clean, coarse-grained sand classified as SW or SP by ASTM D2487 for bedding and backfill as
indicated.
2.1.4 Gravel
Clean, coarsely graded natural gravel, crushed stone or a combination thereof having a
classification of GW GP in accordance with ASTM D2487 for bedding and backfill as indicated.
Maximum particle size shall not be more than 25mm per 300mm (one inch per foot) of pipe
diameter or 75mm (3 inches) maximum.
Salvaged topsoil from stockpile. Topsoil should be free of subsoil, stumps, rocks larger than 19
mm (3/4 inch) in diameter with maximum 3 percent retained on 6 mm (1/4 inch) sieve, brush,
weeds, toxic substances, and other material or substance detrimental to plant growth. Topsoil
shall be a natural, friable soil representative of productive soils in the vicinity. Modify the topsoil
provided if necessary to meet the requirements specified in Table 2. Furnish additional topsoil
from approved sources off the Site meeting requirements specified in Table 2 if stockpiled
material is insufficient to complete work indicated.
TABLE 2
TABLE 2
2.1.6 Borrow
Provide materials meeting requirement for general site fill, backfill, granular fill, and topsoil.
Obtain borrow materials in excess of those furnished from excavations specified herein from
sources off the project area.
2.1.7 Pipe Bedding
Concrete pipe cradles where indicated conforming to lines and dimensions indicated. Construct
cradles with concrete having a 28 day compressive strength of 20.7 MPa (3000
psi).
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 PROTECTION
a. Drainage
Surface water shall be directed away from excavation and construction sites so as to
prevent erosion and undermining of foundations. Diversion ditches, and grading shall be
provided and maintained as necessary during construction. Excavated slopes and
backfill surfaces shall be protected to prevent erosion and sloughing. Excavation shall be
performed so that the site and the area immediately surrounding the site and affecting
operations at the site shall be continually and effectively drained.
3.1.2 Dewatering
The Contractor shall physically verify the location and elevation of the existing utilities prior to
starting construction. The Contractor shall mark the surface of the ground where existing
underground utilities are discovered.
Strip suitable soil from the site where excavation or grading is indicated and stockpile separately
from other excavated material. Material unsuitable for use as topsoil shall be wasted. Locate
topsoil so that the material can be used readily for the finished grading. Where sufficient existing
topsoil conforming to the material requirements is not available on site, provide borrow materials
suitable for use as topsoil. Protect topsoil and keep in segregated piles until needed.
Saw cut with neat, parallel, straight lines 300 mm (one foot) wider than trench width on each
side of trenches and 300 mm (one foot) beyond each edge of pits. When the saw cut is within
300 mm (one foot) of an existing joint, remove pavement to the existing joint.
Keep excavations free from water while construction is in progress. Notify the Engineer
immediately in writing if it becomes necessary to remove rock or hard, unstable, or otherwise
unsatisfactory material to a depth greater than indicated. Make trench sides as nearly vertical as
practicable except where sloping of sides is allowed. Sides of trenches shall not be sloped from
the bottom of the trench up to the elevation of the top of the pipe. Excavate ledge rock,
boulders, and other unyielding material to an over depth at least 150 mm (6 inches) below the
bottom of the pipe and appurtenances unless otherwise indicated or specified. Over excavate
soft, weak, or wet excavations. Use bedding material placed in 150 mm (6 inch) maximum
layers to refill over depths to the proper grade. At the Contractor's option, the excavations may
be cut to an overdepth of not less than 100 mm (4 inches) and refilled to required grade as
specified. Grade bottom of trenches accurately to provide uniform bearing and support for each
section of pipe or structure on undisturbed soil, or bedding material as indicated or specified at
every point along its entire length except for portions where it is necessary to excavate for bell
holes and for making proper joints. Dig bell holes and depressions for joints after trench has
been graded. Dimension of bell holes shall be only 13 mm (½ inch) greater than length, width,
and depth of bell as required for properly making the particular type of joint to ensure that the
bell does not bear on the bottom of the excavation. Trench dimensions shall be as indicated.
3.5 BEDDING
Bedding shall be of materials and depths as indicated for utility lines and utility line structures.
Place bedding in 150 mm (6 inch) maximum loose lifts. Provide uniform and continuous support
for each section of structure except at bell holes or depressions necessary for making proper
joints.
Specified in lieu of other types of bedding for a particular type of pipe material, shall be as
specified.
3.6 BACKFILLING
Construct backfill in two operations (initial and final) as indicated and specified in this section.
Place initial backfill in 150 mm (6 inch) maximum loose lifts to 300 mm (one foot) above pipe
unless otherwise specified. Ensure that initially placed material is tamped firmly under pipe
haunches. Bring up evenly on each side and along the full length of the pipe, or structure.
Ensure that no damage is done to the utility or its protective coating. Place the remainder of the
backfill (final backfill) in 225 mm (9 inch) maximum loose lifts unless otherwise specified.
Compact each loose lift as specified in the paragraph 3.7, "General Compaction" before placing
the next lift. Do not backfill where the material in the trench is muddy, except as authorized.
Provide a minimum cover from final grade of 600mm (2 feet) for storm drains and 1200 mm (3.9
feet) for sewer mains. Where settlements greater than the tolerance allowed herein for grading
occur in trenches and pits due to improper compaction, excavate to the depth necessary to
rectify the problem, then backfill and compact the excavation as specified herein and restore the
surface to the required elevation. Coordinate backfilling with testing of utilities. Testing for the
following shall be complete before final backfilling: water distribution, storm drainage and
sanitary sewer
3.7 COMPACTION
Use hand-operated, plate-type, vibratory, or other suitable hand tampers in areas not accessible
to larger rollers or compactors. Avoid damaging pipes and protective pipe coatings. Compact
material in accordance with the following unless otherwise specified. If necessary, alter, change,
or modify selected equipment or compaction methods to meet specified compaction
requirements.
In rock, compact to 95 percent of ASTM D1557 maximum density. In soft, weak, or wet soils,
tamp refill material to consolidate to density of adjacent material in trench wall. In stable soils,
compact to 90 percent of ASTM D1557maximum density.
Compact initial backfill material surrounding pipes, or conduits, to 90 percent of ASTM D1557
maximum density except where bedding and backfill are the same material. Where bedding and
backfill are the same material, compact initial backfill to the density of the bedding. Under areas
to be seeded or sodded, compact succeeding layers of final backfill to 85 percent of ASTM
D1557 maximum density. For utilities under road or highway right-of-way, structures and
pavements compact layers of final backfill as specified under paragraph 3.8, "Special Earthwork
Installation Requirements."
Construct the embankment to 150 mm (6 inches) above elevation of top of pipe for 600 mm (24
inch) size pipe and to 750 mm (30 inches) above elevation of top of pipe where the pipe
diameter is larger than 600mm (24 inches). After pipe installation, backfill and compact in
accordance with requirements stated in paragraphs 3.6, "Backfilling and 3.7, “Compaction."
Provide at least 300 mm (12 inches) clear from outer surfaces to the embankment or shoring.
Remove rock as specified herein. Remove unstable soil that is incapable of supporting the
structure to an overdepth of 300 mm (one foot) and refill with gravel or sand to the proper
elevation. Stabilize soft, weak, or wet excavations as indicated. Refill over depths with gravel or
sand to the required grade and compact to 90 percent of ASTM D1557 maximum density.
Place final backfill in 150 mm (6 inch) maximum loose lifts. If a vibratory roller is used for
compaction of final backfill, the lift thickness can be increased to 225 mm (9 inches). Compact
all backfill surrounding pipes, conduits, and other structures to 90 percent of ASTM D1557
maximum density except compact the top 300 mm (12 inches) of subgrade to 95 percent of
ASTM D1557 maximum density. Backfill to permit the rolling and compacting of the completed
excavation with the adjoining material, providing the specified density necessary to enable
paving of the area immediately after backfilling has been completed. Compaction requirements
for materials in pavement sections above the subgrade level shall be as specified in Section
02300, "Earthwork for Structures and Pavement."
3.9 FINISH OPERATIONS
3.9.1 Grading
Finish to grades indicated within 30 mm (one-tenth of a foot). Grade areas to drain water away
from structures. Grade existing grades that are to remain but have been disturbed by the
Contractor's operations.
Clear areas to receive topsoil for the finished surface of materials that would interfere with
planting and maintenance operations. Scarify subgrade to a depth of 50 mm (2 inches). Do not
place topsoil when the subgrade is extremely wet or dry, or in other conditions detrimental to
seeding, planting, or grading. Spread topsoil to a uniform depth of 100 mm (4 inches) over the
designated areas.
Surplus or other soil material not required or suitable for filling, backfilling, or grading shall be
wasted by disposition off the work site.
Protect newly graded areas from traffic, erosion, and settlements that may occur. Repair or
reestablish damaged grades, elevations, or slopes.
Test sand, gravel, bedding, backfill and topsoil for conformance to specified requirements. Test
backfill to be used under roads and paved areas for conformance to special requirements. Test
bedding and backfill for moisture-density relations in accordance with ASTM D1557 and as
specified herein. Perform at least one of each of the required tests for each material provided.
Perform sufficiently in advance of construction so as not to delay work. Provide additional tests
as specified above for each change of source. Perform final tests on topsoil to ensure
adjustment of parameters into the ranges specified. Perform density and moisture tests in
randomly selected locations and in accordance with ASTM D1556, ASTM D2922 and ASTM
D3017 as follows:
Where ASTM D2922 and ASTM D3017 are used to test field compaction densities, verify
test results by performing at least one test per day using ASTM D1556 at a location
already tested in accordance with ASTM D2922. Perform at least one additional test
using ASTM D1556 for every ten tests performed with a nuclear device, at locations
checked in accordance with ASTM D2922.
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 SUBMITTALS
a. Samples
(1) Pesticides: Submit on request, or may draw at any time and without prior notice, from
stocks at the job site, samples of the pesticides used in this work. Should analysis,
indicate such samples to contain less than the amount of active ingredient specified on
the label, work performed with such products shall be repeated, with pesticides
conforming to this specifications, at no additional cost to the Owner.
c. Manufacturer’s Instructions
d. Closeout Submittals
(1) Warranty
(2) Application report
(3) Submit documents signed and sealed by an officer of the Contractor
The pesticide applicator’s principal business shall be pest control and the pesticide applicator
shall be certified pesticide applicator.
Formulate, treat and dispose of termiticides and their containers in accordance with label
directions. Draw water for formulating only from sites designated by the Owner’s representative
and fit the filing hose with backflow preventer meeting local plumbing codes or standards. The
filling operation shall be under the direct and continuous observation of a Contractor’s
Representative to prevent overflow. Secure pesticides and related materials under lock and key
when unattended. Ensure that proper protective clothing and equipment are worn and used
during all phases of termiticide operation. Dispose of used pesticide containers off the project
site.
1.5 WARRANTY
Furnish a three year written warranty against infections or reinfestations by subterranean termite
of the building constructed under this contract. Perform annual inspections of the building. If live
subterranean termite infestation or subterranean termite damage is discovered during the
warranty period, and the soil and building conditions have not been altered in the interim, the
Contractor shall:
a. Retreat the soil and perform other treatment as may be necessary for the elimination
of subterranean termite infestation.
a. Application Report: Upon completion of this work, submit report identifying the type of
operation, brand name and manufacturer of pesticide, formulation, concentration or rate
of application used. Maintain daily records and submit copies of records when requested
by the Owner’s Representative.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 PESTICIDES
Termiticides bearing currently approved for such use by the appropriate agency.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
At the time of application, the soil shall have a sufficiently low moisture content to allow uniform
distribution of the treatment solution throughout the soil. Do not make applications during or
immediately following heavy rains or when conditions may cause runoff and create an
environment hazard.
3.2 APPLICATION
a. Treatment Area: Apply termiticide to soil material which will be covered by or lie
immediately adjacent to the buildings and structures so as to provide a protective barrier
against subterranean termites.
Notify the Owner’s Representative at least 48 hours prior to beginning of treatment and
perform formulating, mixing and application in the presence of Owner’s Representative.
c. Rates and Methods of Application: Apply in accordance with the pesticide label.
Provide maximum application or dosage rates. Resolve conflict between this
specification and the label direction in favor of the label.
Soil Treatment or Termite Control shall be measured by the number of square meters applied
and accepted.