Quality Management

in Earthwork

By:
R. K. Shekhawat
Sr. Prof. (Projects)
IRICEN
Various Layers in Embankment

Top Layer of Subgrade

Bottom layer of Subgrade

 For achieving Quality in Earthwork

1. Ground Improvement (of Weak Sub-soil)

▪ Before starting construction of Embankment
2. Proper Dimensioning
▪ Formation Width, Cross Slope, Side Slopes, Location
& Width of Berms, Minimum Height of Embankment,
Thickness of various layers (Subgrade, Prepared
Subgrade, and Blanket) etc.
3. Use of Suitable Materials
▪ Material Properties for various layers
4. Proper placement of various layers
▪ Placement Moisture Content and Compaction
5. Erosion Protection of Slopes
 Stages in Earthwork for Railway Projects

1. Geotechnical Investigations

2. Design, Drawing and Approval Processes

3. Execution of the work in Field

 (A) Geotechnical Investigations
Spec. No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004, Sept’2020

(I) Para 1.2.2: During Preliminary Survey

▪ Bore holes along the alignment: At every 500m or
change of soil strata.
▪ Depth of Boring: 1.5 to 2m below existing ground level.
▪ For embankments more than 4m high and problematic
strata: Boring up to twice the height of embankment.
(II) Para 1.2.3: During Final Location Survey
▪ Bore holes along the alignment: At every 200-300m or
change of strata. Closely spaced in critical zones.
▪ Samples along the depth: At every 1.5m depth or
change of strata.
(iii) If “Sub-soil” is classified as “Weak”
Following Tests also need to be conducted:
• Consolidation Test: For Coefficient of Vertical
Consolidation, Coefficient of Radial Consolidation,
Compression Index, Re-compression/Swelling Index
and Pre-consolidation Pressure.
• Permeability Test: For Hydraulic Conductivity (k).
• Specific Gravity/Voids Ratio Test (on Undisturbed
samples).
• Natural Moisture Content & Natural Dry Density Test
(on Undisturbed Samples).
• Organic Content Test (in Soils suspected to have high
Organic Content).
 (IV) For Fill Materials in Embankment

▪ Soil Classification
o Sieve Analysis and Hydrometer Test.
o Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit.
▪ CBR Value Test
▪ Modified Proctor Test: For OMC and MDD in Lab; Or
Determination of γmax & γmax – When % Fines ≤ 5%
▪ Direct/Tri-axial Shear Test: For C & ø Values (for Slope
Stability Analysis)
▪ Specific Gravity Test
▪ Los Angles Abrasion Value Test – For Blanket Material
 (V) For Cuttings
(i) For strata from Ground Level to Proposed Formation
Level
• Type/Classification of Soil: To decide the Excavation
Method and Cutting Slopes:
By suitable Geophysical Methods or by exploratory
borings upto the proposed formation level.
• In case of Rocks/Heavy Boulders: To decide the
Excavation Method, Cutting Slopes and Protection/
Stabilization measures for the cutting Slopes:
Services of Geologist be taken for identifying type of
rock mass, type of discontinuities (Joints, Faults,
Folds, Shear Zones etc.), orientation of discontinuities
(dip & strike), behaviour of rock mass when mixed
with water, likely degradation/deterioration of rock
mass when exposed to atmosphere etc.
• Location of Water Table.
 (VI) For strata below Proposed Formation Level
(Sub-soil)

▪ Soil Classification
o Sieve Analysis and Hydrometer Test.
o Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit.
▪ Laboratory CBR Value Test.
(B) Design, Drawing & Approval Processes
1. Geotechnical Investigation
▪ Soil survey and exploration/testing as per Para 1.2
and Para 1.3 (in case of GC and Doubling) of
Specification No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004.
▪ Review and approval by CAO(C).

2. Completion of “Ground Improvement Work”

▪ Tests for Ev2, “N” Value and Cu as per Para 2.1 of
Specification No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004.
▪ Completion of “Ground Improvement Work” (if
required) and subsoil should be certified fit for
construction of embankment.
▪ For Stage Construction of Embankment, the previous
stage of construction should be certified fit
subsequent stage of construction.
 3. Slope Stability Analysis
Chapter-5 of Spec. No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004

▪ To design stable side slopes (with specified FOS).

▪ Usually slopes of 2H:1V of embankment up to height
4m would be safe for most of the soils.
▪ However, slope stability to be analyzed, for any
embankment height, in following cases:
o Soft, compressible and marshy type of soil.
o Subgrade s o i l having very low value of C’ (C’/γH in
the range of 0.01 or so).
▪ For Embankments of Height > 6m on soft soil, flatter
slope and/or berm may be required. Shall be provided
as per results of slope stability analysis.
▪ Min. Width of berm = 2m. May be increased as per
requirement.
 4. Detailed Drawing (Project Sheet)
4.1 Formation Width
C C
L Figure 3
L
3925
1074 SLOPE 1.5:1
1
1:

1:
2:1

1
1 IN 30 1 IN 30 1 IN 30 1 IN 30
B

1376
1127
1074
300
300
600
300

350
BANKS SINGLE LINE
DIAGRAM 1
B1
C
L C
L CUTTING SINGLE LINE
DIAGRAM 3
S
987 C
L C
L SLOPE 1.5:1
2:1
1 IN 30 1 IN 30 3930
100 1
1:

1:
B

600 300
1 IN 30 1 IN 30
BANKS DOUBLE LINE

1219

1376
300
300

300
987

350
DIAGRAM 2
B1
CUTTING DOUBLE LINE
NOTES: DIAGRAM 4
1. ALL DIMENSIONS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAMS ARE IN mm.
2. ON BG AND MG DOUBLE LINES, THE MINIMUM FORMATION MINIMUM FORMATION WIDTHS
WIDTH IS BASED ON DISTANCE (S) BETWEEN TRACK CENTRES (B1)
IN BANKS (B)
OF 5.30m AND 3.96m RESPECTIVELY. GAUGE
3. IN FLAT TERRAINS THE HEIGHT OF BANK/DEPTH OF CUTTINGS SINGLE LINE DOUBLE LINE SINGLE LINE DOUBLE LINE
SHOULD PREFERABLY BE NOT LESS THAN 1m FOR ENSURING BG 1676
GOOD DRAINAGE, FORMATION STABILITY AND TO AVOID 6.85m 12.16m 6.25m 11.55m
(for existing lines)
TRESSPASSING.
BG 1676
4. THESE DIMENSIONS ARE BASED ON A BALLAST CUSHION OF 35cm. (for all doublings,
gauge conversions 7.85m 13.16m 7.85m 13.16m
5. THESE DIMENSIONS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE IN CASE OF ALL
& new lines)
NEW LINES BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USE OF
CONCRETE SLEEPER AT A LATER DATE. MG 1000 5.85m 9.81m 5.25m 9.21m
6. ON CURVES THE FOLLOWING INCREASE IN FORMATION WIDTHS SHALL BE MADE:-
(1) FOR EXTRA BALLAST CUSHION ON OUTERSIDE OF THE CURVE 0.15m ON Research Designs & Standards Organisation
SINGLE LINE AND 0.30m ON DOUBLE LINE (INCLUDING 0.15m INCREASE
GUIDELINES FOR EARTHWORK IN RLY. PROJECTS
IN TRACK CENTRES).
(2) FOR EXTRA CLEARANCE REQUIRED ON DOUBLE LINE DUE TO EFFECT OF MINIMUM RECOMMENDED
SUPER-ELEVATION ETC. AS STIPULATED IN APPENDIX TO THE SCHEDULE FORMATION WIDTHS FOR
OF DIMENSIONS FOR BG./MG. BANKS/CUTTINGS FOR
7. FORMATION WIDTH HAS BEEN CALCULATED ASSUMING A BALLAST SIDE SLOPE OF 1.5:1. CONCRETE SLEEPER TRACK
8. WIDTH OF CUTTING WILL HAVE TO BE ADEQUATELY INCREASED TO ACCOMODATE DESIGNED
FILL OF BLANKET MATERIAL. DRG.NO: GE/SK/GL/128/Rev.2/2015
NOT TO SCALE
 4.2 Cross Slope

▪ Design Value 1 in 30 (Tolerance 1 in 28 to 1 in 30)

▪ For doubling/multiple lines: Cross Slope of 1 in 30 to
continue from edge of existing formation towards
cess/drain side.
▪ Central drain to be generally avoided. In rare situations
only, central drain to be constructed with pre-cast
concrete channel/sob-soil drain.
 4.3 Height above Ground Level
Para 3.11 of Spec. No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004

▪ Minimum Height of Embankment

Not less than 1m, above ground level or HFL
whichever is higher.
▪ Total required thickness of Formation Layers
(Blanket + Prepared Subgrade + Subgrade Top
layer): To be provided/ensured uniformly.

Details and Explanatory Sketches given in Appendix-B

of the Specification No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004
 4.4 Thicknesses of various Layers
Para 3.8 to 3.10 of Spec. No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004

Provision of Blanket layer is not required when:

Formation/earth fill embankments have:

▪ Rocky beds except those, which are susceptible to
weathering e.g. rocks consisting of shales and other
soft rocks, which become muddy after coming into
contact with water.
▪ Soils conforming to specifications of Blanket
material.

Adoption of single layer or two-layer to be

decided by the CAO(C).
 (i) Single Layer System

Blanket

Embankment Fill (Top Layer) SQ3

Embankment Fill (Top Layer) SQ2

200
Embankment Fill (Top Layer) SQ1
180
160

140 70
55
Thickness (cm)

120
55
100 40
45
Blanket
80 30
60

40
100 100 Subgrade,
20 Top Layer
0
Soil Type Below Blanket SQ1* SQ2 SQ3 SQ1* SQ2 SQ3

25 T 32.5 T
Axle Load
 (ii) Two Layer System

Blanket Prepared Subgrade of SQ3 Soil Subgrade Top Layer of SQ2 Soil
Prepared Subgrade of SQ2 Soil
Subgrade Top Layer of SQ1 Soil

200

180 55

160 40 45 45
30
140
30 Blanket
Thickness (cm)

120

100 50 50
35 35 Prepared
80 Subgrade
60

40
50 50 50 Subgrade,
50
20 Top Layer

0
Soil Type Below Blanket SQ1 SQ2 SQ1 SQ2

25 T 32.5 T
Axle Load
 4.5 Selection of Fill Material
Unsuitable (Generally to be avoided) Soils:
➢ Organic Clays/Silts, Peat, Chalks, Marl, Dispersive
Soils and Soils containing soluble material (e.g. rock
salt or gypsum)
➢ Poorly Graded Gravels & Sand (Cu<2). Mostly,
Liquefiable soils fall in Gradation Zone indicated in
Fig.L1 of the Spec. No. RDSO/2020/IRS:GE-0004.

➢ Clays and Silts of High Plasticity (CH & MH) – In top

3m of Embankment.
➢ Shales and soft rocks, which become muddy after
coming in contact with water.
In unavoidable cases on economical or considerations:
Railway may decided special investigation and other
measures to formulate special schemes of construction.
 Specification of Fill Layer Materials
Table 3.3 to 3.6 of Spec. No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004

(i) Specifications of Blanket Material

▪ Cu > 7 and Cc between 1 and 3.
▪ Fines (passing 75 microns) : 3% to 10%
▪ L. A. Abrasion Value < 40%
▪ Minimum CBR value 25 (at 100% MDD)
▪ Size gradation – More or less within specified range or
enveloping curves
▪ Filter Criteria should be satisfied (*)
▪ Minimum Ev2 on top of compacted layer – 100 MPa (for
25T Axle Load) and 120 Mpa (for 32.5T Axle Loads)
▪ Field Compaction : 100% of MDD in Field Trial.
Enveloping Curve for Blanket
 Checks on Blanket Material at Site, before Laying

Parameter to be Code Ref. Frequency Acceptance

checked of Test Criteria
Gradation
Cu and Cc
IS:2720 Part-16 One per Specs. for
% Fines 500 m3 or Blanket
(Passing 75µ) change of material to
Abrasion Value IS:2720 Part-4 material be satisfied
CBR Value IS:2720 Part-16
Filter Criteria (*) IS:2720 Part-4
OMC and MDD IS:2720 Part-8
γmax and γmin IS:2720 Part-14
 (ii) Prepared Subgrade and Sub-grade Layers

Parameter Single Layer Double Layer

Subgrade Subgrade Prepared Subgrade Subgrade
(Top (Lower Subgrade (Top (Lower
Layer) Layer) Layer) Layer)
Soil Type SQ1(*)/ SQ1/ SQ2/SQ3 SQ1(*)/ SQ1/
SQ2/SQ3 SQ2/SQ3 SQ2/SQ3 SQ2/SQ3
CBR ≥6 ≥3 ≥8 ≥5 ≥3
≥ 4 (SQ1) @97% MDD @98% MDD ≥ 4 (SQ1) @97% MDD
@98% MDD @97% MDD
Field 98% of 97% of 98% of 97% of 97% of
Compaction Field Trial Field Trial Field Trial Field Trial Field Trial
MDD MDD MDD MDD MDD
Min. Ev2 45 Mpa 30 Mpa
(for SQ1) (for SQ1)
- 60 Mpa -
60 Mpa (for 45 Mpa (for
SQ2 & SQ3) SQ2 & SQ3)
Plasticity - - ≤ 12 - -
Index

(*) – SQ1 to be used with dispensation from PCE/CAO(C)

 Checks on Fill Material at Site, before Laying

Parameter to be Code Ref. Frequency Acceptance

checked of Test Criteria
Soil Classification IS:1498 Soil not to be
One per “Unsuitable”
CBR Value IS:2720 Part-16 5000 m3 and other
or change Specs. for
Plasticity Index IS:2720 Part-5 of material material.

OMC and MDD IS:2720 Part-8

 4.6 Provision of Separator Layer

Double
Layer
System

Single
Layer
System

▪ A suitable non-woven Geo-textile may be used as

”separator”, below blanket layer.
▪ In this case, the “Filter Criteria” need not be checked
for the Blanket.
 (C) Execution of the work in Field

1. Site Clearance

▪ Clear full formation width plus 1m on both sides of

all obstructions viz. vegetation, building, fences etc.
Dress and level it. Compact leveled surface by
mechanical means.
▪ If existing ground is having steep slope, then do
benching of existing ground.
▪ In gauge conversion/doubling projects also, suitable
benching of existing slope shall be done.
▪ Construct surface drainage, wherever required, to
maintain the natural water drainage facilities and
limit the introduction of water into the earthworks.
 2. Setting Out Construction Limits

Demarcate the centre-line of alignment (@200m c/c or

so) and full construction width, with reference
pegs/dug belling, about 90 cm away from proposed toe
of the bank. Pegs should be preferably painted for
identification.

3. Selection of Borrow Area

▪ Should be selected sufficiently away from the

alignment, as for as possible at the extreme of Railway
land but normally not less than 3m plus height of the
embankment.
▪ Existing borrow pits, close to the toe of bank may be
filled up or their depth should be taken into account in
analysing slope stability of the embankment.
 4. Selection of Compaction Equipment
▪ The performance of roller is dependent mainly on the
type of soil used in the construction.
▪ Guidelines on selection of compacting equipment are
given in Appendix-F of Specification No. RDSO/2020/
GE:IRS-0004.

5. Field Compaction Trial

▪ On a test section of chosen fill material, to assess the
optimum thickness of layer, placement moisture
content and optimum number of passes for the type of
roller planned to be used, to achieve the desired
density.
▪ The maximum attainable dry density should not be less
than 98% of MDD values obtained in the laboratory. In
case, there are difficulties in achieving this, the same
may be relaxed up to 95% of MDD with the specific
approval of CEC, recording reasons of such relaxation.
 4. Execution of Earthwork
▪ Deploy modern equipment (earthmover, motor
graders, scraper, dumpers, mobile water sprinklers,
vibratory rollers, sheep foot rollers etc.).
▪ Maintain records of work done by various equipment
to assess the output and quality control.
▪ If the soil has less than required Moisture Content,
add necessary amount of water either in borrow pits
or after the soil has been spread loosely.
▪ Water to be added flooding/irrigating the borrow
areas or sprinkling water on the Embankment by a
truck mounted water tank sprinkling system. Use of
hose pipe for watering need to be avoided.
▪ If the soil is too wet, allow dry till the moisture
content reaches required level for the compaction.
▪ Clods or hard lumps of soil to be broken to 75mm or
lesser size before placing on embankment.
▪ Each layer to be compacted up to required level of
compaction, commencing from the sides, before
putting the next upper layer.
▪ Extra width of 500mm on either side shall be
rolled/compacted. The extra soil would be cut and
dressed to achieve regular side slope.
▪ After this, the slopes shall be compacted with 6-8
passes of Slope Compactors (10-20 ton capacity).
▪ In areas susceptible to flooding, the sides of
Embankment (except approach bank of bridges)
should be protected with a layer of rockfill or stones
with an intermediate granular layer up to 1m above
HFL.
 5. Placing Backfill on Bridge Approaches

▪ Layer thickness to be 150mm or less and compacted

with vibratory plate compactors.
▪ Benching to be done in approach embankment.
▪ Geocomposite drain (vertical) can replace the natural
graded filters (consisting of 600mm thick boulder/
cobbles etc.).
 6. Setting Up of G. E. Lab at site

▪ Well-equipped G. E. Lab to be set up in field, manned

adequately by trained official & staff capable of
carrying out required investigation, soil testing and
quality control at site.
▪ It shall be equipped with minimum equipment as
listed in the Appendix-K of Specification No. RDSO/
2020/GE:IRS-0004, to facilitate the following
minimum tests:
(a) Gradation Analysis- Sieve and Hydrometer.
(b) Limits - Liquid Limit & Plastic Limit
(c) OMC, MDD and Relative Density.
(d) Placement moisture content & in-situ Density.
(e) CBR Test.
 7. Checking Compaction of Compacted Layers
7.1 Field Compaction Checking Methods

Method of Procedure Parameters to be Remarks

measurement of test measured

Sand IS-2720 May be adopted

Replacement (Part 28) for all type of
Method 1974 a) In-situ Dry soils
Density
Core Cutter IS-2720 b) Moisture content May be adopted
Method (Part 29) for fine grained
1975 soils

Nuclear As per a) Bulk density It is a faster

Moisture App.- H of b) Moisture Content method and
Density Gauge RDSO c) Dry density should be widely
Specs. d) Degree of used for large
compaction construction
projects.
 7.2 Checks on Finished Earthwork
Subgrade or Prepared Sub-grade or Blanket Layers

Parameter Freq. of Acceptance

to be Location Code Ref. Test Criteria
checked
Top of every DIN:18134 - One Test
EV2 Finished 2012 per km As
layer Specified
IS:2720
(Part-27/28)
Compaction Every or As per
Compacted NDMG Test Note
Layer Procedure Below
Relative IS:2720 Min. 70%
Density Part-12
 NOTE

(i) At least one density check for every 30m

length for blanket layer and top 1 m of
prepared subgrade/subgrade along the
alignment, in a staggered pattern, for each
compacted layer.
(ii) At least one density check for layers other
than (i) above, every 500 m2 or 75m c/c
whichever occurs earlier, in a staggered
pattern, for each compacted layer.
(iii) In case of Important Bridge approaches
(100m length on either side), at least one
density check for every 25m length shall be
adopted.
7.3 Dimensional Checks on finished Formation

▪ Formation Level:
Finished top of sub-grade level – Within ± 25mm from
design level.
Finished top of blanket layer – Within + 25mm from
design level.
▪ Cross Slope: 1 in 28 to 1 in 30
▪ Side Slopes: Not steeper than designed slope.
▪ Formation Width: Not less than the specified width.
 7.4 Erosion Control of Slopes
▪ Most economical or preferred choice is to grow locally
available grass or shrubs in the form of turfing. Roots
growing up to 50-75mm in the soil gives required root
reinforcement against erosion.
▪ In case vegetation cannot be grown in normal course,
due to type of soil and/or scanty/excess rainfall, then
Geosynthetics are used to aid growth of vegetation.

▪ Jute Geotextile (JGT) or Coir Geotextile can be used,

which are made from natural jute/coir fiber, are
biodegradable, economical and effective for erosion
control on slopes.
▪ Other alternatives, in the order of priority based on
cost-economic considerations are as under:

Use of Geo-mats

Use of Geo-cells
Hydro Seeding: A slurry of seeds, nutrients, soil and other
components
 Minimum Formation layer thickness (Bank)
A
B
D
E

▪ If sub-soil CD and DE meet the specifications of

prepared sub-grade and top layer of sub-grade
respectively: Lay remaining part of prepared subgrade
(BC) & blanket layer (AB) on existing ground.
▪ If sub-soil CE meets the specifications of top layer of
subgrade but inferior to prepared subgrade: Remove the
sub-soil (CD) and lay prepared subgrade (DB) & blanket
layer (AB).
▪ If sub-soil CE does not mee the specifications of top
layer of subgrade: Remove the sub-soil (CE) and lay top
layer of sub-grade (ED), prepared subgrade (DB) &
blanket layer (AB).
 Minimum Formation layer thickness (Cutting)

▪ At least 1.5m depth of soil below the proposed

formation level to be checked for conformity with
specifications of blanket/prepared subgrade/subgrade.
▪ Depending on the minimum specification to which it
conforms, further excavation to be done below the
proposed formation level (if required) and specified
thickness of blanket, prepared subgrade and top layer
of subgrade to be laid.