Review Note on compaction control of trench backfill

Observations

Material used for backfill was from an approved source as informed by the Clerk
of works. He however noted that the material used for backfill had changed
overtime.
A visual inspection of the gravel stock piles on site did not reflect the borrow
source material properties (MDD and OMC) used in evaluating the level of
compaction. These to me reflected gravel with good properties than was being
used on site.
Backfill as witnessed was conducted in layers of approximately 150 to 200mm
and approval for cover up given based on visual assessment of compacted
surface. This is a method specification for backfill compaction control. For cases
where such a method is used; the lift thickness, compaction moisture range
(normally in the range 2 from OMC) and the compactive effort have to be
specified.
But as observed from the stockpiles on site coupled with field moisture content
determination (of approx. 25%) carried out, the gravel materials were
compacted at high moisture contents.
Field density testing by sand replacement witnessed was carried out 1m above
the sand layer at a frequency of 50m which according the Clerk of works is
within the contract requirement. Testing was done using a 150mm diameter
cylinder to a depth of 150mm which is within the depth of influence (of 200mm)
for this type of equipment as specified in the standards.
All the tests witnessed showed unrealistically lower levels of compaction (78%
and 70% respectively) which can be attributed to the higher reference density
used in evaluation of compaction.

Recommendations In my opinion testing follows standards but can be improved

through a number of ways presented below:

To obtain a proper MDD representation of each stretch to be tested, joint

sampling for testing of the stockpiled gravel materials should be carried out
more frequently rather than using the borrow source material properties.
To further improve the compaction assessment layers not tested, proof rolling of
the layers should be done to identify any soft spots and inadequately completely
layers.
Whereas the contract requirements specify testing to be carried out every 1m,
this can be randomized.
In cases of suspicion on the level of compaction of the underlying layers deep
tests should be carried out due to the limitation of the testing equipment.