SECTION 2.

2 : EARTHWORKS AND PILING

Section 2.2 : Earthworks and Piling........................................................4

2.2.1.
Materials..................................................................................................................4
2.2.1.1. Classification of earthworks materials.................................................................4
2.2.1.2. Cut.......................................................................................................................4
2.2.1.3. Borrow.................................................................................................................4
2.2.1.4. Unsuitable Material.............................................................................................4
2.2.1.5. Surplus material...................................................................................................5
2.2.1.6. Fill.......................................................................................................................5
2.2.1.7. Selected Fill.........................................................................................................5
2.2.1.8. Rock Fill..............................................................................................................5
2.2.1.9. Borrow.................................................................................................................5
2.2.1.9.1. Borrow from cutting..........................................................................................6
2.2.1.9.2. Borrow from borrow areas.................................................................................6
2.2.1.10. Spoil areas..........................................................................................................6
2.2.1.10.1. For surplus material.........................................................................................6
2.2.1.10.2. For unsuitable and other materials...................................................................7
2.2.2.
Excavation and filling in Embankments...................................................................7
2.2.2.1. Definitions...........................................................................................................7
2.2.2.2. Order of Works....................................................................................................8
2.2.2.3. Use of materials...................................................................................................8
2.2.2.3.1. General..............................................................................................................8
2.2.2.3.2. Unsuitable material............................................................................................9
2.2.2.4. Excavation...........................................................................................................9
2.2.2.5. Foundations of fills and embankments.................................................................9
2.2.2.6. Fills and placing of fill on hillsides and slopes...................................................10
2.2.2.7. Rock fill.............................................................................................................10
2.2.2.7.1. Placement of rock fill.......................................................................................10
2.2.2.7.2. Treatment of rock fill surface...........................................................................11
2.2.2.8. Embankments.....................................................................................................11
2.2.3.
Compaction............................................................................................................11
2.2.3.1. General...............................................................................................................11
2.2.3.2. Preparation.........................................................................................................11
2.2.3.3. Drying................................................................................................................12
2.2.3.4. Watering............................................................................................................12
2.2.3.5. Methods.............................................................................................................12
2.2.3.6. Requirements.....................................................................................................12
2.2.3.7. Testing...............................................................................................................12
2.2.3.7.1. Density - CBR.................................................................................................13
2.2.3.7.2. Equilibrium moisture content...........................................................................13
2.2.3.7.3. CBR strength...................................................................................................13
2.2.4.
Earthwork ancillaries.............................................................................................13
2.2.4.1. Preparation of formation....................................................................................13
2.2.4.2. Finishing Slopes.................................................................................................14
2.2.4.3. Drainage of earthworks......................................................................................14
2.2.4.4. Development and reinstatement of borrow areas and spoil areas........................15
2.2.4.5. Work on existing road........................................................................................15
2.2.4.5.1. Re-aligning......................................................................................................15
2.2.4.5.2. Reshaping........................................................................................................15
2.2.4.6. Protection of slopes............................................................................................15
2.2.4.7. Tolerances..........................................................................................................17
2.2.4.8. Protection of earthworks....................................................................................17
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2.2.4.9. Earthworks during periods of frost.....................................................................17

2.2.4.10. Reinforcement/Strengthening Measures With Geotextiles.................................18
2.2.4.10.1. General Information.......................................................................................18
2.2.4.10.2. Specifications.................................................................................................18
2.2.5.
Excavation for Foundations and Bases...................................................................19
2.2.5.1. General..............................................................................................................19
2.2.5.2. Excavation.........................................................................................................19
2.2.5.3. Filling for structures..........................................................................................19
2.2.5.3.1. Utilisation of Excavated Material....................................................................19
2.2.5.3.2. Backfilling around Structures..........................................................................20
2.2.6.
Piling......................................................................................................................21
2.2.6.1. General..............................................................................................................21
2.2.6.2. Alternative pile and pile layout designs:.............................................................21
2.2.6.3. Details from Contractor:....................................................................................22
2.2.6.4. Plant & Equipment:............................................................................................22
2.2.6.5. Piling platforms:................................................................................................22
2.2.6.6. Setting out:.........................................................................................................23
2.2.6.7. Ground surface for piling:..................................................................................23
2.2.6.8. Cast in situ concrete piles:..................................................................................23
2.2.6.8.1. Reinforcement..................................................................................................23
2.2.6.8.2. Concreting of piles...........................................................................................23
2.2.6.9. Augering and boring:.........................................................................................24
2.2.6.9.1. Auger and bore pile holes.................................................................................24
2.2.6.9.2. Under-reaming.................................................................................................25
2.2.6.9.3. Bulbous bases..................................................................................................25
2.2.6.9.4. Inspection of pile holes.....................................................................................25
2.2.6.10. Ground Conditions:...........................................................................................25
2.2.6.11. Stripping of pile heads:.....................................................................................26
2.2.6.12. Construction of pile capping slab:.....................................................................26
2.2.6.13. Test loading:......................................................................................................27
2.2.6.13.1. General..........................................................................................................27
2.2.6.13.2. Loading..........................................................................................................27
2.2.6.13.3. Ultimate test load...........................................................................................28
2.2.6.14. Control of Piles.................................................................................................28
2.2.6.15. Defective piles:.................................................................................................28

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Section 2.2 : Earthworks and Piling

2.2..1 Materials
This Section deals with earthworks materials and the getting, and disposing of the same.

2.2..1.Classification of earthworks materials

Definitions
All earthworks materials are categorised as follows:
Rock: Any material that in the opinion of the Engineer (who shall take into account the
situation in which the excavation is taking place) requires for its excavation the use of blasting
or compressor and tools, or steel wedges and hammer, or which can not be effectively removed,
or ripped by a single tine operated by a track-type tractor of specified flywheel horsepower of
not less than 425 horsepower, shall be classified as rock. The cost of proving rock shall be
included in the Contractors rates and no extra payment will be made for this cost.
Common Material:
Any material that can be excavated without recourse to the methods
described under rock above shall be classified as common material. This includes all hard or
decomposed material which can be effectively removed, or ripped by a single tine operated by a
track-type tractor of specified flywheel horsepower of not less than 425 horsepower.
Isolated Boulders:
Isolated boulder within a mass of common material which can be
bodily removed by the Contractors ordinary earthmoving plant and suitably disposed of to the
Engineers satisfaction shall be measured as common material, otherwise, such boulders shall
(if so classified by reference to rock above) to be measured as rock.

2.2..2.Cut
Cut is any earthworks material got by excavation in cuttings including standard side drains.

2.2..3.Borrow
Borrow is any suitable earthworks material which, with the prior approval of the Engineer, is
obtained either by over-excavation in cutting or borrow pits outside the road reserve.
2.2..4.Unsuitable Material

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Unsuitable material is any earthworks or excavated material which, in the opinion of the
Engineer, is not suitable as fill and is to be removed to spoil outside the road reserve.
Unsuitable material shall include:
- material in the subgrade, in swamps and also peat, logs, tree stumps, perishable
material and material susceptible to spontaneous combustion;
- any material which for the time being is in a frozen condition;
- any material which in the opinion of the Engineer is unsuitable for the location it is
intended to be placed;
- any material which has an excessive moisture content, and which in the opinion of the
Engineer cannot be dried out.

2.2..5.Surplus material
Surplus material is cut judged by the Engineer to be suitable for fill, but is surplus to fill
requirements and must be removed to spoil. The Engineer shall direct whether such material
shall be disposed of as overfill in embankments or shall be disposed of in authorised spoil areas
outside the road reserve.

2.2..6.Fill
Fill is common material to a design standard, i.e. common material which when compacted to
90% BS Compaction (heavy) has a minimum CBR of 3% (soaked) and which is declared by
the Engineer as acceptable as fill.

2.2..7.Selected Fill
Selected subgrade fill is material to a design standard, i.e.: common or selected material which
when compacted, within a range of 3% of the Optimum Moisture Content, to 93% BS (heavy)
has minimum CBR of 15%, a maximum aggregate size of 100 mm, a maximum passing the 63
micron sieve of 15% and which is declared by the Engineer to be acceptable as selected
subgrade fill.
Selected subgrade fill is only to be classified as selected material for the purpose of
measurement and payment if it is excavated from an area different from that of the fill beneath
it.
2.2..8.Rock Fill

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Rock fill is broken material derived from hard non-weathering homogenous rock and which in
the heap contains more than 25 % by volume of particles larger than 150 mm in greatest
dimension. All rock fill must receive the prior approval of the Engineer before use.

2.2..9.Borrow
All borrow shall be authorised by the Engineer, which authorisation shall be granted only if:
Cut does not yield sufficient fill, or:
The Contractor makes a request, accepted by the Engineer, that he be permitted to spoil
material (paid for as material for re-use) located at a distance and to borrow nearby material
for re-use without payment.
Sources of borrow;
The Contractor shall obtain the prior permission of the Engineer before developing any borrow
area including the widening of cuttings.

2.2.1.9.1.. Borrow from cutting

In certain circumstances where widening of cuttings is necessary borrow may be obtained from
excavating within the road reserve, preferably on the inside of bends. Such widening shall be
worked in single machine widths and extend the full depth of the cutting or drain. When
widening cuttings, the side drain shall generally be sited at the foot of the new cut face, the cut
slope shall be to the same batter as the original face and the shoulder shall extend across the
widening at the same crossfall as the original cross-section.

2.2.1.9.2.. Borrow from borrow areas

The Contractor may be authorised to obtain borrow material from a source outside the road
reserve. In this case the Contractor will be responsible for locating the source, undertaking all
necessary negotiations with Local Government or other occupier preparing and signing legal
agreements making payment and giving proper notice to enter upon the land, and obtaining all
the necessary consents.
The Contractor cannot claim reimbursement for compensation payments made to private
owners under the relevant item in the Bill of Quantities and shall cover in his rates for all other
costs, including prior investigation and sampling, fencing, stripping, removal of over burden,
operating transportation, drainage and reinstatement at the conclusion of the borrowing
operation, including the provision and maintenance of haul roads.
Borrow areas that in the opinion of the Engineer would provide materials suitable for the road
pavement or for selected subgrade fill shall not be used for other purposes unless expressly
authorised by the Engineer.
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The Engineer shall give prior approval to sites of borrow areas. When the use of the borrow
area is terminated the Engineer shall have the power to withhold payments in interim
certificates for borrow pending reinstatement of such borrow areas to his satisfaction.

2.2..10. Spoil areas

2.2.1.10.1.. For surplus material
By prior permission of the Engineer, surplus material other than rock or rippable material may
be disposed to spoil by the widening of embankments providing such widening and the
Contractors method of working will not, in the opinion of the Engineer, affect adversely or
endanger the embankments, or put embankment toes or toe drains outside the road reserve and
providing that the shaping and trimming of the extended embankments is completed as
specified. No additional payments will be made.
The Contractor shall on no account spoil outside the road reserve without the permission of the
Engineer and the owner of the adjoining land first obtained, and shall not tip or otherwise
disposed over precipices.
On no account shall unsuitable material or surplus rock or rippable material be disposed to
spoil within the road reserve areas.

2.2.1.10.2.. For unsuitable and other materials

For unsuitable material, surplus excavated rock, and surplus material not disposed to
embankments.
The Contractor shall be responsible for locating suitable spoil areas outside the road reserve,
undertaking all negotiations with the Local Government Authorities or other occupier,
preparing and signing legal agreements, making payment and giving proper notice to enter upon
the land.
The Engineer shall give prior approval to sites of spoil areas. When the use of the area is
terminated, shall have the power to withhold payments in interim certificates for spoil pending
reinstatement of such spoil areas to his satisfaction.
The Contractors rates shall cover any payment made to Local Government Authorities or
private owners, as well as all other costs such as stripping the area, operating transportation,
drainage and reinstatement at the conclusion of the tipping operation.
Under no circumstances must the Contractor use erosion gullies as spoil area, except as
approved by the Engineer and under his direction.

2.2..2 Excavation and filling in Embankments

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This Section deals (after site clearance and removal of topsoil) with the construction of cuttings
and side drains, together with the preparation of the foundations and construction of fills and
embankments.

2.2..1.Definitions
Commencing Surface

Commencing surface is the surface of the ground after site clearance and removal of
topsoil and before any other earthworks have been carried out.

Excavated Surface

Excavated surface is the surface to which excavation is designed to be carried out.

Section Profile

Section Profile is the designed cross-sectional profile of the completed excavation, side
drain, fill or embankment earthwork before the placement of any part of the road bed.

The Subgrade

The subgrade is all the worked material vertically below the road pavement and
shoulders to dimensions specified in the Drawings.

Embankment

Embankment is fill above the commencing or excavated surface.

Formation

Formation is synonymous with subgrade.

Formation level

Formation level is the projection of the interface between the top of the
subgrade/formation and the underside of the road pavement and shoulders.

Preparation of Formation

Includes specified activities to be carried out on a stated depth of the top of the
subgrade/formation with the object of preparing it to receive the road pavement, and to
improve its density and strength.

Pavement
Pavement means : layers above the sub base; in the project , pavement is constituted with :
Top wearing course.
Binder/Bituminous base course
Gravel crushed stone base .
So, sub base is the layer under the gravel base. Sub base work is part of earthwork.

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2.2..2.Order of Works
The construction of cuttings and embankments shall proceed in a methodical and orderly
manner (generally from one end of the work section to the other) in which cuttings are
excavated continuously and each embankment or fill is completed to level before another is
commenced.
The Contractor who shall submit his programme for earthworks to the Engineer, shall obtain
the Engineer's approval of it before the period of commencement of works and shall strictly
adhere to the agreed programme.
All trimming of cuttings, embankments, drains and shoulders to the specified slopes and
shapes, shall be carried out concurrently with the earthworks that are being carried out at that
particular site and level.

2.2..3.Use of materials
2.2.2.3.1.. General
The Contractor shall (unless the Engineer instructs otherwise) undertake cuts and fills in the
manner specified in this Section and according to his excavation programme, but the Engineer
may for good and sufficient reason direct where materials of different quality shall be used and
will order borrow and approve the borrow source whether from widened cuttings or elsewhere
and direct material to be spoiled. The Contractor shall borrow or spoil only after verbal
approval subsequently confirmed in writing by the Engineer.

2.2.2.3.2.. Unsuitable material

The Contractor shall, upon coming across unsuitable material, immediately bring this to the
attention of the Engineer. Any unsuitable material which by the Contractor's operations or due
to his method of working has been included in the work (whether or not it has already been
declared to be unsuitable by the Engineer) shall be removed to spoil by the Contractor and
replaced with fill at the Contractor's expense.

2.2..4.Excavation
Excavation shall be made in accordance with the profiles and shall be true to the slopes, widths
and levels shown in the contract drawings or as otherwise instructed or authorised by the
Engineer.
Projections of rock into the beds of cut shall be excavated to a depth of at least 150 mm below
the final surface unless otherwise authorised by the Engineer and replaced with selected
subgrade material to the required level.
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Cut shall be disposed of as follows:

a) for reuse as fill
b) surplus to requirements of fill but suitable for fill, to spoil, in widening of
embankments, or if approved otherwise to spoil areas outside the road reserve
c) unsuitable material, to spoil areas provided by the Contractor outside the road reserve.

2.2..5.Foundations of fills and embankments

The area of any fill or embankment foundation shall be pegged on the commencing surface.
The Engineer will inspect and approve the commencing surface or alternatively shall order the
removal of unsuitable material to a spoil area to a depth at which he will approve the excavated
surface for placement of fill. The commencing surface for fill areas shall be compacted to 93%
BS (heavy).
Where fill is to be constructed across swampy waterlogged or soft clayey ground that will not
support the weight of trucks or other hauling equipment, the Engineer may direct that the lower
parts of the fill be constructed by dumping successive loads in a uniform distributed layer of
thickness not greater than necessary to support the hauling equipment while placing subsequent
layers. Light hauling equipment and light rollers shall be used whenever necessary so as not to
overstress the underlying construction.
Where directed, pervious granular fill material shall be placed immediately behind a structure
and it shall consist of crushed rock or gravel graded between 20 mm and 65 mm, or
alternatively, approved porous block walling.
A sliding form shall be used to separate the porous material and adjacent fill material and the
pervious material shall be brought up and compacted at least 150 mm ahead of the general fill.

2.2..6.Fills and placing of fill on hillsides and slopes.

Fills are normally formed of fill material excavated from the side drains otherwise from
excavated material for reuse in cuttings. Fill shall be as defined and specified and shall be
placed and compacted as described in Section 2.2.3.
Where the slope of the natural ground exceeds 20 it shall be cut into to form benches on which
the fill is constructed, each bench being cut as the fill is compacted and brought up. The
dimensions of benches shall be sufficient to permit the operation of placing and compaction
equipment thereon. The slope shall be given an initial bench at the toe of the fill as set out from
the specified levels and cross-sections, and protective toe walls accommodated where specified.
On hillsides of solid rock, the dimensions of benches may be smaller than required for
operating equipment and may consist of stepping or serrating the slope, with the steps sloping
inwards to assure a satisfactory bond between slope and fill. The fill in such cases shall
preferably consist of rock. The material shall be placed at the toes of the fill in a single layer to

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the minimum elevation which will permit the operations of placing and compacting equipment
thereon.

2.2..7.Rock fill
Where shown on the drawings or ordered by the Engineer, rock fill shall be placed to a finished
level of not less than 300 mm below formation level.

2.2.2.7.1.. Placement of rock fill

Rock fill shall be as defined and specified. Each layer of rock fill shall be spread, levelled and
smoothed by means of bulldozers, power-driven graders or other suitable equipment. Hauling,
spreading and compacting equipment shall be operated over the full width of the layer.
Where a deficiency in fine materials is obvious during the spreading of the layer, additional
material must be selected and added as directed by the Engineer.
The maximum particle size shall be 300 mm in greatest dimension. All larger particles are to be
removed and disposed to spoil.
Layers of rock-fill spread for compaction shall not exceed 450 mm thickness in the loose.
Compaction shall preferably be by a heavy roller of 15 tonnes dead weight or a vibrating roller
giving equivalent results and each layer shall be rolled over the full width of the layer, twelve
passes or until there is no observable movement under the compacting equipment, whichever
event occurs last.

2.2.2.7.2.. Treatment of rock fill surface

When the top level of the rock fill has been reached and 12-pass compaction undertaken on the
top layers, the top shall be saturated and slushed with water, then blinded with small size rock
material and rolled one pass over the full width. This slushing, blinding and rolling process is to
be repeated until the surface no longer shows voids or crevices and in the opinion of the
Engineer is ready to receive common material for compaction of the final 300 mm to formation
level, in accordance with Section 2.2.3.

2.2..8.Embankments
Embankments shall be formed of fill as defined and specified in Section 2.2.1.6 placed and
compacted as described in Section 2.2.3 hereafter.

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Embankments shall be constructed in accordance with the profiles and true to side slopes
widths and levels as shown in the Contract drawings or as otherwise instructed or authorised or
approved by the Engineer.
Where the Contractor has been authorised to dispose of surplus fill by widening embankments,
widening shall be constructed to a minimum of one machine width, integral with the
construction of the embankment proper and placed and compacted in accordance with Section
2.2.3.

2.2..3 Compaction
This Section describes the work of placing soils and gravels in fill, including the processing and
compacting of this material in formation preparation and such other items of work as may be
specified, all in accordance with the requirements of this specification.

2.2..1.General
Compaction shall be carried out in a series of continuous operations over the full width of the
layer concerned, and the length of any section of a layer being compacted shall whenever
possible not be less than 300 metres, unless otherwise authorised by the Engineer. The
thickness of any one layer, when measured after compaction, shall not exceed 150 mm except
where specifically indicated on the drawings or in this specification, or directed by the
Engineer.
Any new layer of less than 75 mm in compacted thickness shall be bonded to the previous layer
by scarifying the latter to a depth of not less than 75 mm.
2.2..2.Preparation
The material to be compacted shall be thoroughly broken up over the width and depth of the
layer by means of scarifiers, or other suitable equipment, and all stone, or lumps with a
maximum dimension larger than 1/2 the specified compacted thickness of the layer concerned
shall be broken down or removed.

2.2..3.Drying
Should the material be too wet, due to rain or any other cause, it shall be harrowed and allowed
to dry out to a moisture content conforming to the requirements, before compaction proceeds.

2.2..4.Watering

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Any water required before the material is compacted, shall be added to the material in
successive applications by means of water tankers fitted with proper sprinkler bars and capable
of applying the water evenly and uniformly over the area concerned.
The water shall be thoroughly mixed with the material to be compacted by means of motor
graders or other suitable equipment. Mixing shall continue until the required amount of water
has been added and until a uniform mixture is obtained before compaction is commenced.
The moisture content of the material when compacted shall be such that the specified density is
achieved.
The Contractor shall provide at his own expense the necessary staff and equipment for
controlling moisture content and for ensuring that specified compaction requirements are being
adhered to.

2.2..5.Methods
Compaction shall be carried out by means of grid rollers, sheepsfoot rollers, flat-wheel road
rollers, vibratory rollers and/or pneumatic-tyred rollers: the types of rollers to be used and the
amount of rolling to be done shall be such as to ensure that specified densities are obtained.
During compaction the layer shall be maintained to required shape and cross-section, and all
holes, ruts and depressions corrected by frequent blading with motor graders.

2.2..6.Requirements
A compaction to 93% of BS Compaction (heavy) shall be achieved in all earthworks layers.
This shall apply to:
i)

the commencing surface in both cuts and fills

ii)

embankment layers

iii)

fillings

iv)

subgrade layers and the formation level to specified layer thickness.

v)
2.2..7.Testing
Compaction tests will be carried out by the Contractor and check tests will be carried out by
the Engineer. The Contractor shall recompact at his own expense any section on which the
specified densities have not been obtained or on which the moisture contents at the time of
compaction varied from the optimum moisture content by more than the tolerances specified.

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Where soils susceptible to moisture are required to be placed in areas where the equilibrium
moisture content is anticipated by the Engineer to exceed the optimum moisture content at BS
Compaction (heavy), the Engineer may direct that the following procedure be observed:

2.2.3.7.1.. Density CBR

The soil will be subjected to a series of tests such that the dry density-moisture content - CBR
relationship at BS Compaction (heavy) and BS Compaction (standard) can be shown
diagrammatically.

2.2.3.7.2.. Equilibrium moisture content.

The Engineer will assess the expected equilibrium moisture content, or in the absence of
sufficient evidence assume it to be Optimum Moisture Content at BS Compaction (standard),
and will interpolate the CBR value from the diagram.

2.2.3.7.3.. CBR strength

This result will be compared to the CBR value determined for the same soil when subjected to
a 4-day soak test, and the lower of the two values will be assumed to represent the CBR value
for the purposes of this specification.

2.2..4 Earthwork ancillaries

2.2..1.Preparation of formation
The formation shall be prepared as specified i.e. a compaction to 93% BS Compaction (heavy)
a CBR of minimum 8% (soaked) and PI not exceeding 12 to a depth of 150 mm immediately
below the formation level, or such other depth as directed.
Where material excavated in cut and used in fill does not meet these specified requirements for
subgrade at formation level, the upper layers of the fills shall be approved fill or selected
subgrade fill to a depth as directed by the Engineer.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the location of selected subgrade fill to meet the above
specified requirements. The use of any necessary borrow pits shall be subject to the approval of
the Engineer.
Any additional costs involved in excavation in small areas and depths, or as a separate
operation, or in location or selection of material, shall be deemed to be covered by the rates for
cut and fill in the Bill of Quantities.
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Where material falling within the subgrade is classified as suitable for use but fails to meet the
specified requirements for subgrade at formation level, the layers shall be scarified and mixed,
water shall be mixed in, or the material allowed to dry out to the correct moisture content, and
the layer shall then be re-compacted at the Contractor's expense.
During this process the final surface of each subgrade layer shall be graded to level, parallel to
the crossfall or camber and profile shown upon the drawings or directed by the Engineer and to
the tolerances specified.
The maximum compacted thickness which shall be processed and compacted at one time shall
be 150 mm.

2.2..2.Finishing Slopes
The slopes of cuttings and fills shall be trimmed to neat lines with all loose rock and loose boulders
removed. Except in solid rock the tops and bottoms of all slopes, including the slopes of drainage
ditches shall be rounded as ordered by the Engineer.
Slopes as junctions of cuts and fills shall be adjusted and warped to flow into one another, or into
the natural ground surfaces, without noticeable break. When so directed by the Engineer,
adjustment in slopes shall be made to avoid injury to standing trees, and to harmonise with existing
landscape features. The transition to such adjusted slopes shall be gradual. All earth slopes shall be
finished to smooth and uniform surface without any noticeable break. Embankment slopes shall be
cleaned of loose materials and trimmed back to design profiles, or where overfill has been
permitted, back to material which is compacted as specified.
The slopes of cuts and fills which are designated for grassing shall, after finishing, be prepared
for grass planting and for top soil for grass planting as specified.
All trimming of side slopes or cuttings shall be completed before any work on the base course
is commenced inside such cuttings.

2.2..3.Drainage of earthworks
All cutting, embankment and borrow areas shall be kept free of standing water and drained during
the whole of the construction period. The provision of any temporary drains etc., necessary for
adequate drainage shall be the Contractor's responsibility and be deemed to be included in his
rates.
Should water accumulate on any part of the earthworks during construction giving rise to
soaking or eroding conditions in the earthworks, the Engineer may order the Contractor to
remove and replace at the Contractor's expense any material which has been so affected.
All drains shall be maintained throughout the Contract in proper working order.
Well in advance of commencing earthmoving operations over swampy or waterlogged areas,
the Contractor shall cut drains and ditches and carry out any other works necessary to assist in
draining the ground.
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The Contractor must allow in his rates the satisfactory draining of the earthworks at all stages
during the construction and arrange his methods and order of work accordingly. No work above
the subgrade shall be executed until the subgrade has been inspected and approved by the
Engineer.
The subgrade shall be cleaned of all foreign matter and any potholes, loose material, ruts,
corrugations, depressions or other defects which have appeared in the subgrade layer, due to
improper drainage, traffic or any other cause, shall be corrected and, if directed by the
Engineer, the Contractor shall scarify, grade and recompact the subgrade to line and level all at
his own expense.

2.2..4.Development and reinstatement of borrow areas and spoil areas.

Borrow areas shall be fenced with a 5-strand cattle fence, the gate to which shall be to Contractor's
design and a barrier to children and animals.
All types of areas shall first be stripped all over the operating area to a depth of 150 mm and
the soil stacked for reuse. At the conclusion of use all individual heaps shall be graded flat,
spoil heaps blended, all depressions shall be graded and/or drained so that there will be no
standing water after rain and the top soil shall be spread over all bare areas and lightly rolled.
The cattle fence shall be removed or sold to the owner if he requires it.

2.2..5.Work on existing road

Where an existing road is to a reasonable vertical and horizontal alignment and cross-section
sufficient to permit the construction of the widening, sub-base and/or base course and shoulders
upon it without major alteration, then the road may be realigned and reshaped.

2.2.4.5.1.. Re-aligning
Re-aligning means that the road shall be realigned both horizontally and vertically such that the
maximum and most economical use is made of the existing earth-works, particularly of
embankments and the final vertical and horizontal alignments of the road are comparable with
those originally used for the construction of the existing earthworks.

2.2.4.5.2.. Reshaping
Reshaping means performing minor earthworks and grading so that the final cross-section of the
road complies with the standard cross-section of the type of road specified or indicated on the
drawings.

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Where existing embankments are to be widened, the existing batter shall be benched to form a
key to the additional width of fill. The benching shall be constructed to widths that will permit
the use of self propelled or hand operated compaction equipment. The construction shall be
carried out in stepped layers so that the added construction is integral with the embankment
proper, and the additional fill shall be placed in layers not exceeding 150 mm after compaction.

2.2..6.Protection of slopes

As shown on the Design Documents on directed by the Engineer the slope after
trimming can be covered by a wire mesh in order to guide the fall of blocks onto the
benches or the verge of the road.
The mesh will be a galvanized steel:
a) Wire
All wire used for making the mesh and for tying during the construction
shall comply with the requirements of BS 443 and BS 1485 for prefabricated
mild-steel wire netting.
b) Galvanizing
All wire used in the making of mesh shall be galvanized in accordance with the
provisions of BS 443 for heavy galvanized mild-steel wire. The minimum mass per
unit area of the zinc coating shall be in accordance with the figures shown in the
table below:
The adhesion of the zinc coating to the wire shall be such that, when the wire is
wrapped six turns around a mandrel of four times the diameter of the wire, it shall
neither flake nor crack to such an extent that any zinc can be removed by rubbing
the wire with bare fingers.

Nominal diameter of coated wire

(mm)

Mass of zinc coating per unit area

(g/m2)

3,7-4,0

290

3,0-3,6

275

2,2-2,9

260

below 2,2

245

c) Wire mesh
Wire mesh shall be hexagonally woven mesh in which the joints are formed by each
pair of wires being twisted through three half-turns. The tightness of the twists shall
be such that a force of not less than 1,7 kN is required for pulling on one wire in
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order to separate it from the other wire, provided that both wires are prevented from
turning and the applied forces and the wire are all kept in the same plane.
The diameter of the wire and the size of the meshes shall be as follows:

Mesh size (mm)

Wire diameter (mm)

80 * 100

2,5

The shorter dimension of the mesh shall be the distance from centre to centre of the
twisted joints and the larger dimension shall be the distance between the inside ends of
opposite twists.
d) Selvedges
The cut edges of all mesh used in the construction shall be selvedged with wire with a
diameter of 3,4 mm for 80 mmx 100 mm mesh, and 3,9 mm for 100 mm x 120 mm
mesh.
Where the selvedge is not woven integrally with the mesh but has to be tied to the cut
ends of the mesh, it shall be attached by tying the cut ends of the mesh to the
selvedge, so that a force of not less than 8,5 kN applied in the same plane as the mesh
at a point on the selvedge of a mesh sample of 1m in length will be required to
separate it from the mesh.
It will be provided in a length allowing the covering of the slope from the top to the
bottom with a unique element.
Transversally each element will overlap the other by 0-5m.
The mesh will be faced at the top on horizontal surface by rods anchored in the
ground every 1m and able to resist a force of not less than 8,5 kN.
At the bottom of the mesh, every 2m will be attached cylinder of concrete 160 x 320
mm.

2.2..7.Tolerances
The finished surface of the formation shall be within 25 mm of the specified level.
In the final trimmed slopes a tolerance of 7.5% will be permitted.
The tolerance permitted in the overall width of the bottom of cuttings shall be 75 mm in the
distance between the centre line of the road and the toe of the cutting slope.
The centre line dimensions of embankments measured as the distance from the centre line of the
road to the shoulder break point, shall be never less than the design width, and shall not exceed
+ 100 mm of the specified dimension.

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The Contractor will be paid for the net volume of the earthworks measured from the standard
cross-sections and the commencing surface or excavated surface. Any additional material
excavated or filled within or beyond these tolerances will be at the Contractor's expense.

2.2..8.Protection of earthworks
The Contractor shall programme his work such that earthworks operations are followed by
subsequent operations within a minimum period, thereby avoiding undue exposure of earthworks
to inclement weather.
Any deterioration due to subsequent exposure for any reason whatsoever, notwithstanding prior
approval of the work, shall be remedied at the Contractor's expense before continuing with
subsequent operations.

2.2..9.Earthworks during periods of frost

Earthworks involving cutting operations only will not be restricted by frost.
Earthworks involving fill and compaction will not be allowed during periods when the
minimum daily temperature falls below + 2C unless the Engineer shall otherwise direct.

2.2..10. Reinforcement/Strengthening Measures With Geotextiles

2.2.4.10.1.. General Information
The intrinsic characteristics of the ground support may locally require the use of a geotextile.
The characteristics of the geotextile to be used shall conform to British Standards.
The geotextile proposed shall be approved by the Engineer and shall fulfil the following
requirements :
have a certificate of approval.
be marked.

All geotextiles shall be marked in their mass in a regular fashion, and at least once
every five metres depending on the direction in which they are working. The product
should always be able to be identified right until it is covered with a layer of
construction material.
For certified products, the marking shall necessarily include the trade name and the commercial
reference.

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2.2.4.10.2.. Specifications
The values required, hereafter, are the nominal values provided by the manufacturer and
marked on the approval certificate for all certified geotextiles.
In the case of non certified products, the geotextile shall present characteristics such that 95%
of samples tested shall have characteristics greater (or less, according to the way they vary)
than the values specified above.
The areas concerned shall be defined by the Engineer as construction progresses.
The geotextile shall have the following minimum characteristics :
resistance to traction
stretching when subjected to maximum stress
resistance to tear
permittivity
porometry

> F > 20 KN / m in both directions

> F > 15% in both directions
> 0.8 KN
> KN / e > 0.05 S-1
> 095 < 125 micrometres

2.2..5 Excavation for Foundations and Bases

This section covers requirements for excavating bases, and foundations for bridges, culverts,
walling and other structures.
2.2..1.General
Prior to commencement of any excavation, the Contractor shall notify the Engineer in good
time to ensure that measurements, cross sections and levels can be established.

2.2..2.Excavation
Where suitable stable material is encountered during excavation against which the casting of
concrete is permissible, that part of the trench or foundation pit shall be excavated neat to the
dimensions of the base unless directed otherwise by the Engineer. Over excavation (overbreak)
in such suitable stable material shall be backfilled with the same Class of concrete as that in the
base, or with mass concrete fill as specified or directed by the Engineer.
Where in the opinion of the Engineer the casting of concrete against the excavated earth faces
is not permissible, or where formwork is to be provided, the extremities of the excavation shall
be measured for payment purposes as being 0.6m outside and parallel to the net perimeter of
the base or member.
Boulders, logs or any other unsuitable material excavated shall be spoiled.
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When material suitable for founding is encountered near the founding level, excavation to final
grade shall not be made until just before blinding layer is placed.
Where in the opinion of the Engineer unsuitable material is encountered at founding level such
material shall be removed and replaced with approved compacted granular fill.
No concrete shall be placed before the excavation has been cleaned, inspected and approved by
the Engineer.
A concrete blinding of 150 mm thickness shall be placed underneath all bases except where
otherwise directed by the Engineer.

2.2..3.Filling for structures

2.2.5.3.1.. Utilisation of Excavated Material
Suitable excavated material and material recovered from temporary work shall be utilised for
backfill. Any surplus material shall be disposed of and any shortfall made up with suitable fill.

2.2.5.3.2.. Backfilling around Structures

The materials shall be placed simultaneously on both sides of an abutment, wall, or pier.
Backfilling shall be carried out with an approved material in horizontal layers not exceeding
150 mm in depth after compaction. Each layer shall be moistened or dried to optimum moisture
content and compacted to a density of 95% B.S. Compaction (heavy).

2.2..6 Piling
This section deals with the installation of foundation piles for bridges and is to be read in
conjunction with any specifications prepared by specialist subcontractors, or directed, obtained
or otherwise approved by the Engineer.

2.2..1.General
The Contractor is required to submit prices for piles on the basis of the layouts and information
given on the drawings and the requirements set out in this section, as rates only against the
items in the Bill of Quantities. Provision of the technical data necessary to design piles and/or
piling layouts is the responsibility of the Contractor as provided elsewhere in the documents.
Records shall be kept for each pile installed, to include:
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Pile type and dimensions, dates of driving or boring, pile cut-off level
Type, weight and drop of hammer, details of packing, and driving records, resistance at 0.25m
intervals, pile set in mm per 10 blows or number of blows per 25mm penetration
For bored piles, description of ground excavated
Details of concrete, reinforcement and cover

2.2..2.Alternative pile and pile layout designs:

The price Bill of Quantities submitted for alternative designs shall be compiled strictly in
accordance with the relevant Measurement and Payment clauses of these Specifications.
Where pay items defined in these Specifications have been omitted, it shall mean that the items
are in no way applicable and have been included in the Contractors rates, or that where work
classifying under such items is required by the Engineer, the work shall be carried out at no
cost to the Employer.
Where pay items not defined in these Specifications are used the measurement and payment
requirements for these items shall be specified in detail by the Contractor. In the absence of
such the decision of the Engineer shall be final and binding.
The Contractor shall price the Bill of Quantities for the original design irrespective of whether
an alternative design is offered.
For alternative designs offered the Contractor shall submit with his tender a detailed description
of the method of analysis used in the pile and/or pile group layout design. The average length of
pile and/or of the piles per group on which the quantities in the Bill of Quantities for the
alternative design are based shall be stated in each case. The type of pile offered shall be
defined in terms of size, materials, working and ultimate load.

2.2..3. Details from Contractor:

In all cases where the choice of the type of pile to be used is left to the Contractor, full
particulars, specifications, calculations and drawings of the piles proposed for use by the
Contractor shall be submitted with the tender.
The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer 4 weeks before any piles are driven, or holes
formed, the following information:
a) How the holes will be formed and casings driven if any;
b) The mass of the hammer, if applicable;
c) The set for the last ten blows, if any;
d) Size of bulbous base, if any;
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e) How concrete is to be placed and compacted in the case of cast in-situ piles;
f) How reinforcing steel is to be maintained in place during the placing and compaction
of the concrete in cast in-situ piles;
g) Details of permanent casing, if any.

2.2..4.Plant & Equipment:

The plant and equipment used for driving, forming of holes or other methods of sinking piles
shall be suitable for the purpose and shall be in good working order and to the Engineer's
approval.
Installation equipment shall be of such design as to ensure that piles can be installed in their
proper position and to their correct alignment and slope.

2.2..5.Piling platforms:
Piling platforms shall include the prepared in situ material, or artificial islands or any structure,
excluding the piling equipment, constructed to gain access to the pile position and for carrying
out the piling operations.
The foundation material required to support the piling plant and equipment shall, where
necessary, be consolidated to provide first support. The Contractor may use any material he
deems suitable for the construction of piling platforms but shall note that obstructions to piling
encountered within the artificially constructed platform material shall not be measured and paid
for.
Prior to and during the course of installation of piles, the level and alignment of the piling
frame shall be constantly checked, and any deviation immediately corrected.
Structural piling platforms shall be rigid while floating barges used for this purpose shall afford
sufficient stability to enable piles to be properly installed.
On completion of the piling the Contractor shall remove the artificially constructed platforms
and reinstate the site to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

2.2..6.Setting out:
The Contractor shall set out the pile positions and shall stake these positions with a durable
marker
.

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2.2..7.Ground surface for piling:

Prior to commencement of any piling, the Contractor shall notify the Engineer in good time to
ensure that levels of the ground surface be taken in order that an average ground surface from
which the piling is to be measured be established and agreed to between the Engineer and the
Contractor. Where piling at a site is preceded by excavation of the construction of fill, the
surface from which piling is to be undertaken shall be formed as near as possible to the
underside of the pile capping slab as directed by the Engineer.

2.2..8.Cast in situ concrete piles:

2.2.6.8.1.. Reinforcement
Reinforcement shall not be placed in the pile holes until immediately before concreting. Before
the reinforcement is placed, the bottom of the hole shall be thoroughly cleaned of mud, water,
and any loose or soft material.
Steel reinforcement shall be accurately maintained in position without damage to the sides of
the hole or the reinforcing cage. Spacers shall be used to maintain reinforcement at the required
distance from the inside face of the casing and wall of the pile hole and shall not cause zones
through which aggressive ground water may penetrate towards the reinforcement.
The longitudinal bars shall project above the cut-off point by the distance indicated of the
Drawings, or by 40 times the bar diameter if no dimension is indicated.
Splicing of reinforcement will be permitted, and the Contractor shall keep available on the site
sufficient steel reinforcement so that an additional length of pile reinforcement can be
assembled whenever necessary.
The assembly of this additional reinforcement shall be carried out expeditiously, and before
concreting of any specific pile commences. If splices have to be provided, the longitudinal bars
shall overlap a distance of 40 bar diameters or as required by the Engineer.

2.2.6.8.2.. Concreting of piles

Concreting of the piles shall not take place before the Engineer has given his permission
therefor.
The concrete, while being proportioned to ensure adequate strength, shall be sufficiently
workable to enable proper placing and shall be thoroughly compacted by approved means.
Extraction of the temporary casing during concreting shall be such that no damage is caused to
the pile and the advancing concrete level is at all times kept considerably above the temporary
casing's trailing edge. Concrete shall generally be placed in the dry, however, where this is not
practicable it shall be placed by means of a tremie.
The requirements of the specifications for the placing of concrete under water shall apply. In
addition, the following requirements shall apply when concrete is placed by tremie:
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i) The cement content shall be not less than 400 kg per m3 and the slump shall be such
that concrete of specified strength and desired density can be obtained.
ii) A temporary or permanent casing shall be installed to the full depth of the hole to
prevent fragments of ground dropping from the sides into the concrete. When concreting
under drilling mud the temporary casing may not be necessary except near the top.
iii) The hopper and tremie shall be a closed system through which water cannot penetrate.
iv) The tremie pipe shall be at least 150 mm diameter for 40 mm aggregates and larger for
larger aggregates.
v) The concrete shall be placed in such a manner that the mixing of water and concrete is
prevented. The tremie pipe shall at all times penetrate into the concrete.
vi) Concreting of that part of the pile below the water level in the casing shall be completed
in one operation and the method of placing the concrete shall be maintained throughout.
vii) All tremies shall be scrupulously cleaned before and after use.
viii) Where required bulbous (enlarged) bases shall be formed after the excavation or
driven casing has reached the required depth. The base shall be formed through
progressive displacement of the surrounding sub-soil by repeated action of a gravity
hammer or raising and lowering the casing. The size of the base will depend on the
compressibility of the surrounding subsoil but shall in no case have a diameter of less
than 1.5 times the diameter of the pile.
Whenever practicable, concrete shall be placed in a manner that will prevent segregation.

2.2..9.Augering and boring:

2.2.6.9.1.. Auger and bore pile holes.
Augering and boring of pile holes shall be carried out as expeditiously as local conditions
permit taking due account of services or other restrictions on the site.
Holes shall be cleaned after augering and boring to obtain a clean and level surface.
Where indicated by the Engineer, suitable casing shall be installed in those portions of the
augered where the sides are in danger of caving in before concreting is completed.
During extraction of the casing care shall be exercised to avoid lifting of the concrete and
damage to the pile.
The use of water for augering and boring holes or for any other purpose where it may enter the
hole shall not be permitted. Surface water shall not be allowed to enter the hole

2.2.6.9.2.. Under-reaming
Where required, the holes shall be enlarged or belled out to form and under-ream. Removal of
the earth excavated shall be carried out in a manner in which will not damage the wall of the
hole.
The shape of the under-ream shall be a truncated cone with base diameter dependent on the
bearing capacity of the founding material but shall not be less than twice the shaft diameter.
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The base angle of the cone between the inclined face and horizontal plane shall not be less than
60.
Full safety measures shall be enforced to protect workmen working down a pile hole.

2.2.6.9.3.. Bulbous bases

Where required, bulbous (enlarged) bases shall be formed after the driven casing has reached
the required depth. The base shall be formed through progressive displacement of the
surrounding subsoil by concrete that is placed under repeated action of a gravity hammer. the
size of the base will depend on the compressibility of the surrounding subsoil but shall in no
case have a diameter of less than 1.5 times the diameter of the pile.

2.2.6.9.4.. Inspection of pile holes

Immediately before the reinforcement is to be installed or the concrete to be placed, the
Engineer shall be informed to inspect the pile holes. When piles are to be under-reamed the
excavation shall be inspected twice, firstly to ascertain that suitable founding material has been
obtained before under-reaming commences and, secondly, after under-reaming is complete to
give approval for casting the pile.

2.2..10. Ground Conditions:

Classification of Materials
For piling only the following classification of material shall apply to the identification
and description of ground conditions.
a) Matrix
The matrix shall comprise that part of the material that will pass through a sieve with
50x50 mm openings.
b) Coarse gravel
Coarse gravel shall comprise that part of the material (stones, pebbles, cobbles, etc.) that
will pass through a 200 x 200 mm opening but will not pass through a 50x50 mm
opening.
c) Boulders
Boulders shall mean any rock mass of at least Class R1 rock hardness that would pass
through a 350x350 mm opening but not a 200x200 mm opening.
d) Rock Formation
Rock formation shall be any rock mass of at least Class R1 rock hardness and of a size
greater than that defined for boulders.

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For the identification of rock in terms of this clause, the classification in Table 2.2.1 shall
apply.

2.2..11. Stripping of pile heads:

Cast in-situ piles shall be concreted to a level of at least 150 mm above the cut-off level. The
excess concrete shall be stripped off such that the remaining sound concrete will project 75 mm
into the pile capping slab.
The stripping off of the concrete shall be performed in such a manner as to avoid damaging the
pile below the cut-off level. In the case of such damaged or defective concrete in the completed
pile, the damaged/defective concrete shall be cut away and made good with new concrete well
bonded to the old concrete or the pile shall be replaced as directed by the Engineer at the
Contractor's cost.
The main reinforcement from the piles shall extend a minimum of 40 bar diameters beyond the
cut-off level into the pile capping slab. This reinforcement shall be left straight unless otherwise
detailed or directed by the Engineer.
The "cut-off" level for piles shall be deemed to be a level 75 mm above the underside of the pile
capping slab.

2.2..12. Construction of pile capping slab:

The Contractor shall not be permitted to construct the pile capping slab before the
Engineer has confirmed in writing that all relevant load testing has been completed and
the piles have been accepted.

Table 2.2.1: Rock Classification

Description
of Hardness

Description
of Rock

Field Indicator Tests

Unconfined
Compression Class
Strength (N/mm)

R1

Very soft rock

Material crumbles under (moderate)

blows with sharp end of geological
pick and can be peeled off with a
knife: it is to hard to cut a triamial
sample by hand.

0.7 to 3.0

R2

Soft rock

Can just be scraped and peeled with a

knife: indentations 1 mm to 3 mm
show in specimens with firm
(moderate) blows of the pick point.

3.0 to 10.0

R3

Hard rock

Cannot be scraped or peeled with a

knife: hand-held specimen can be

10.0 to 20.0

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broken with hammer end of a

geological pick with a single firm
(moderate) blow.
R4

Very hard

Hand-held specimen breaks with

hammer end of pick under more than
one blow.

20.0 to 70.0

R5

Extremely
hard rock

Specimen requires many blows with

geological pick to breaks through
intact material.

more than 70.0

2.2..13. Test loading:

2.2.6.13.1.. General
The Engineer may order certain selected piles to be load tested. The procedure for test loading
shall comply with the requirements specified by the Engineer. During the period of testing,
driving of other piles that may influence the testing shall cease.
The Contractor shall provide the necessary plant, equipment, instruments and labour to carry
out the test and to determine accurately the settlement of the piles under each increase or
decrease of the load. The plant, equipment and instruments used and testing procedure to be
followed shall be to the approval of the Engineer.
Within two days of completing the test the Contractor shall supply the Engineer with the test
readings and neatly plotted. Load versus Settlement, Load versus Time, and Settlement versus
Time graphs.

2.2.6.13.2.. Loading
The test load shall be applied in increments of 20% of the specified working load up to a
maximum test load equal to twice the specified working load. Successive load increments shall
not be applied until the rate of settlement or rise under the acting load has stabilised at a rate of
movement not exceeding 0,10 mm in 20 minutes.
When the loading has been completed, the full test load shall be maintained until the movement
is less than 0,2 mm in a 24 hour period. Unloading shall be made in decrements of 20% of the
specified working load and at intervals of not less than 20 minutes.
After change of load, the pile movements shall be recorded on all gauges to an accuracy of 0,1
mm at time intervals of 0, 5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 minutes, and every 40 minutes thereafter until
change of load. The final rebound shall be recorded 24 hours after the entire test load has been
removed.

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During the test, the pile shall be loaded to 50 per cent of the test load, unloaded, reloaded to the
full test load and unloaded.
The maximum working load shall be half the specified ultimate load, half the ultimate test load
or the test load which corresponds to the allowable settlement whichever is the smaller.
The allowable settlement shall be as specified or agreed by the Engineer.

2.2.6.13.3.. Ultimate test load

The ultimate test load in the compression load test shall be the load where settlement suddenly
increases disproportionately to the load applied.
The ultimate test load in the tension load test shall be the load where the upward movement
suddenly increase disproportionately to the load applied or the load producing a permanent set
of 10 mm at the top of the pile, whichever is the lesser.

2.2..14. Control of Piles

Control of Transparency will be made on each pile which has to be ultra sonically tested after
placing and hardening of Concrete. The Testing is to be carried in accordance to Article 7 of
the FRENCH CODE OF PRACTICE LES PIEUX FORES Recueil de rgies de lart LCPC
SETRA 1978 or similar approved by the Engineer.

2.2..15. Defective piles:

The test pile and the piles represented by the test pile shall be classified as defective if it is
shown in terms of clause 2.2.8.13 to have inadequate bearing capacity or excessive settlement.
Defective piles shall also include any pile damaged beyond repair, piles with structural defects
or piles that do not comply with the tolerance requirements.
Defective piles shall be corrected at the Contractor's expense by one of the following methods
approved by the Engineer:
a) Extracting the pile and replacing it with a new pile;
b) Installing a new pile adjacent to the defective pile;
c) Lengthening the pile to the correct length if defective in length only;
d) Altering the design to meet the new conditions caused by the defective pile(s).

2.2-29/29
Printing
09/01/2017

date:

09/01/2017

Volume 3 Technical Specifications

Section 2.2 Earthworks and Piling

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