S03 Earthworks

EDTP GEMAS-JOHOR BAHRU TECH. SPEC. FOR ARCH.
, C&S AND MEP
SECTION 3: EARTHWORKS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
3.1 Definitions, Classifications and General Uses of Earthworks

Materials ........................................................................................... S3-1
3.1.1 Definition .......................................................................... S3-1
3.1.2 General Requirements ..................................................... S3-3
3.2 Explosive and Blasting ...................................................................... S3-5
3.2.1 General ............................................................................ S3-5
3.2.2 Storage and Transport ..................................................... S3-6
3.2.3 Employment and Duties of Qualified Staff ....................... S3-7
3.2.4 Monitoring ........................................................................ S3-8
3.2.5 Trial Blasting .................................................................... S3-8
3.2.6 Pre-Splitting ..................................................................... S3-9
3.2.7 Access to Rock Slopes .................................................. S3-12
3.2.8 Safety ............................................................................ S3-12
3.2.9 Slurry Explosives ........................................................... S3-14
3.2.10 Method of Working ........................................................ S3-15
3.3 Excavation of Cuttings .................................................................... S3-17
3.4 Excavation Below Embankments and Below Formation Level in
Cuttings............................................................................................ S3-18
3.5 Excavation of Foundation Pits and Trenches .................................. S3-19
3.6 Backfilling of Foundation Pits and Trenches and Removal of
Supports .......................................................................................... S3-20
3.7 Forming of Embankments and Other Earth Fills ............................. S3-20
3.8 Compaction of Embankments and Other Earth Fills ........................ S3-25
3.8.1 Forming and Compaction of Embankments and Other
Earth Fills Using Wet Materials ...................................... S3-27
3.8.2 Forming and Compaction of Embankments and Other
Areas of Filling using Soft Rock fill ................................. S3-32
3.9 Preparation of Formation in Cuts .................................................... S3-34
3.10 Earthworks to be Kept Free of Water .............................................. S3-36
3.11 Topsoil ............................................................................................ S3-36
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Revised on 30 Sept. 2011
EDTP GEMAS-JOHOR BAHRU TECH. SPEC. FOR ARCH., C&S AND MEP
3.12 Seeding of Leguminous Cover Crops .............................................. S3-37

3.13 Hydroseeding (Hydraulic Seeding) ................................................... S3-37
3.14 Turfing ............................................................................................. S3-40
3.15 Watercourses .................................................................................. S3-41
3.16 Filling Existing Watercourses ........................................................... S3-41
3.17 Clearing Existing Ditches ................................................................. S3-41
3.18 Erosion Protection for Earth Slopes ................................................. S3-42
3.19 Granular Fill ..................................................................................... S3-42
3.20 Instrumentation ................................................................................ S3-42
3.20.1 General .......................................................................... S3-42
3.20.2 Standpipe Piezometer .................................................... S3-43
3.20.3 Pneumatic Piezometers .................................................. S3-43
3.20.4 Inclinometers .................................................................. S3-44
3.20.5 Settlement Gauges ......................................................... S3-45
3.20.6 Settlement Markers and Permanent Settlement Reference
Stations .......................................................................... S3-46
3.20.7 Method of Monitoring ...................................................... S3-46
3.20.8 Installation of Instruments ............................................... S3-47
3.20.9 Frequency of Measurement ............................................ S3-47
3.20.10 Protection of Instruments ................................................ S3-47
3.20.11 Instruments Not Functioning ........................................... S3-47
3.20.12 Personnel ....................................................................... S3-48
3.21 Embankments on Soft Soil ............................................................... S3-48
3.21.1 Drainage Layer ............................................................... S3-49
3.21.1.1 Sand Drainage Layer ................................... S3-49
3.21.1.2 Gravel Drainage Layer ................................. S3-49
3.21.2 Surcharge of Embankments ........................................... S3-49
3.21.3 Selected Fill Capping Layers .......................................... S3-50
3.22 Fill For Placing In Water, Swampy or Waterlogged Areas ............... S3-51
3.23 Free Draining Material ..................................................................... S3-51
3.23.1 General .......................................................................... S3-51
3.23.2 Grading .......................................................................... S3-52
3.23.3 Forming Drainage Layers ............................................... S3-52
3.24 Determination of CBR for Subgrade ................................................ S3-52
3.24.1 CBR for subgrade on Embankments .............................. S3-52
3.24.2 CBR for Pavement in Cuttings ........................................ S3-53
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3.25 Rock Stabilization Works ................................................................ S3-54

3.25.1 General .......................................................................... S3-54
3.25.2 Access to Rock Slopes .................................................. S3-54
3.25.3 Removal of Unstable Rock Mass ................................... S3-54
3.25.4 Dowel Bars .................................................................... S3-54
3.25.5 Rock Bolts ..................................................................... S3-55
3.25.6 Buttresses ...................................................................... S3-61
3.25.7 Drainage Holes .............................................................. S3-61
3.25.8 Reinforced Concrete Pads ............................................. S3-62
3.25.9 Preparation of Rock Surfaces for Concreting ................. S3-62
3.25.10 Masonry Infill .................................................................. S3-62
3.25.11 Sprayed Concrete (Gunite) ............................................ S3-62
3.25.12 Protective Screen .......................................................... S3-65
3.25.13 Inclined Bored Drains ..................................................... S3-67
3.25.14 Dentition Concrete ......................................................... S3-68
3.25.15 "No-Fines" Concrete ...................................................... S3-68
3.25.16 Cementitious Grout ........................................................ S3-68
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SECTION 3: EARTHWORKS
3.1 Definitions, Classifications and General Uses of Earthworks

Materials
3.1.1 Definition
The following definitions of earthworks materials shall apply to this and

other Clauses of the Specifications in which reference is made to the
defined materials:
(a) 'Topsoil' shall mean the top layer of soil that can support
vegetation, and shall include all turf which is not acceptable for
turfing under Clause 3.14.
(b) 'Suitable Material' shall comprise all earth and rock materials
which are not classified as 'Unsuitable Material' as defined below,
which are capable of being compacted in the manner specified in
Clause 3.8 of the Specifications, whether obtained from within or
outside the Site and which meets specific requirements for
incorporation in the works as specified in the contract.
(c) 'Unsuitable Material' shall comprise :
i. material from swamps, marshes and bogs
ii. peat, logs, stumps, perishable and toxic materials
iii. material susceptible to spontaneous combustion
iv. clay of liquid limit exceeding 90% and/or plasticity index

exceeding 65.
(d) 'Rock' shall comprise material found in ledges or masses in its

original position, or artificial material, which would normally have to
be loosened either by blasting or by pneumatic tools, or if
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excavated by hand, by the continued use of wedges and sledge

hammers, and which in the opinion of the S.O. is incapable of
being loosened with a track-type tractor with mounted and drawn
ripper of the following description:
i. Tractor Unit: minimum weight of 25 tonnes and net

horsepower rating of 300hp or more, the unit to be in good
condition and operated by experienced personnel skilled in
the use of ripping equipment
ii. Ripping Unit: the most efficient parallelogram type

recommended by the tractor or ripper manufacturer having
a single shank in first class condition with sharpened
cutting point.
Rock in trenches or pits shall comprise material which, in the

judgment of the S.O., cannot be excavated at a rate of 4 cubic
metres solid or more per hour by a 50hp backhoe in good order
and efficiently operated. Only solid boulders or detached pieces of
rock exceeding one cubic metre in volume shall be regarded as
rock.
(e) 'Rock Fill' shall be clean, hard, durable, well graded rock from
approved sources. Not more than 5% by weight of rock fill shall
consist of pieces heavier than 1700kg and not more than 20%
shall consist of pieces heavier than 700kg. The material shall not
have more than 10% by weight of particles passing a 75.4mm BS
sieve.
The Contractor may be allowed to use rock, if available, from

roadway excavation as "Rock Fill" provided he can process the
rock to comply with the requirements for "Rock Fill" specified
above.
(f) "Selected Material" shall mean selected material as described in

the Specifications or on the Drawings or as directed by the S.O.,
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including granular materials and special foundation materials,

whether measured for payment or included in the rates for other
pay items.
(g) 'Hard Material' shall comprise material found in ledges or masses

in its original position or artificial material, which in the opinion of
the S.O. would normally have to be loosened with a track-type
tractor with mounted and drawn ripper as described above, or a
track-type hydraulic excavator of the following description :
Excavator Unit : minimum weight of 41 tonnes and net horsepower

rating of 275hp or more, the unit to be in good condition and
operated by experienced personnel skilled in the use of excavator
equipment.
3.1.2 General Requirements
(a) The Contractor shall employ only such plant and working methods
which are suited to the materials to be handled. He shall be
responsible for maintaining the nature of all suitable material, so
that when it is placed and compacted it remains suitable as
defined above.
(b) As far as is practicable, the Contractor shall carry out excavation

works, including rock excavation, in such a manner that the
excavated materials comply with the requirements for suitable fill.
No excavated suitable material shall be removed from Site except

on the direction or with the permission of the S.O. Should the
Contractor be permitted to remove suitable material from the Site
to suit his operational procedure, then he shall make good at his
own expense any consequent deficit of fill material arising
therefrom.
(c) Suitable material and topsoil surplus to the total requirements of

the Works and all unsuitable material shall, unless the S.O.
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permits otherwise, be run to spoil in tips provided by the

Contractor.
(d) When the Contractor disposes of any material outside the reserve,
he shall be fully and solely responsible for the expenses incurred
and any legal consequences.
(e) In all areas used for disposal of excavated materials, the

Contractor shall carry out all clearing, grubbing, preparatory
earthworks and drainage works necessary for the proper use of
the area. On completion, the material deposited shall be levelled
and trimmed to produce stable batters and neat lines.
(f) An adequate drainage system shall be constructed on and around

the disposal area and turfing or other approved soil conservation
measures shall be undertaken to protect the area against erosion.
(g) Where an excavation reveals a combination of suitable and

unsuitable materials the Contractor shall, unless otherwise agreed
by the S.O., carry out the excavation in such manner that the
suitable materials are excavated separately for use in the Works
without contamination by the unsuitable materials.
(h) Unless otherwise specified, turf not required for relaying and all
top soil shall be removed from areas of cuttings and
embankments and, unless surplus to requirements, stockpiled for
re-use for the soiling of slopes, berms, verges and central
reserves, and for the provision of beds for the cultivation of trees
and shrubs. The storage of stripped topsoil shall be to a maximum
height of 2 metres, and shall on no account be consolidated or
trafficked by heavy machinery. The storage of topsoil shall be kept
completely separate from that of stored subsoil. The mounds shall
be hydroseeded in accordance with the specification for
hydroseeding, and the grass fertilized and maintained throughout
the period of storage. The topsoil shall be kept free of noxious
weeds by removing seedheads before maturity and by the use of
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selective chemical weedkillers. The use of topsoil shall be

restricted to surface layers not subject to loading by pavements or
structures.
(i) The Contractor shall make his own arrangements for stockpiling of
top soil and/or suitable material, and for the provision of sites for
the purpose. No excavated material shall be stockpiled within the
Site without the approval of the S.O..
(j) The Contractor shall be responsible for the construction,

maintenance and removal on completion of all access and haul
roads required in connection with tips and stockpiles.
3.2 Explosive and Blasting
3.2.1 General
(a) As far as is practicable the Contractor shall not use blasting

methods for excavation. Where the material is too hard to be
excavated by digging, dozing, scraping, ripping, splitting, breaking,
jack picking or other such methods, the Contractor may make a
written request to the S.O. for permission to blast. Such
permission shall be granted only if the S.O. is satisfied that all
reasonable measures have been tried to carry out the excavation
by methods other than blasting. When the S.O. does grant
permission for blasting the Contractor shall provide a method
statement and shall comply fully with the requirements of this
Clause, or any direction, order, requirement or instruction given by
the Police Department or any other authority competent to do so
under any written law.
This Clause does not in any way abrogate the Contractor's

obligation to satisfy the requirements of the relevant authorities,
but sets out the extent to which the S.O. will exercise his control in
approval of the Contractor's use of explosives to ensure that
explosives are used always in a safe manner. It is the Contractor's
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sole responsibility to ensure that his method of blasting is safe,

that all statutory and imposed limitations are adhered to, and to
obtain a permit to use explosives from the relevant authorities and
to comply with the conditions of issue of that permit.
(b) Where permission has been granted for the use of explosives for
the execution of the work, the Contractor shall be solely
responsible for obtaining the necessary licenses for the
procurement, possession, transport, storage and handling of
explosives, and for ensuring the validity of such licenses at all
relevant times. Before starting work, the Contractor shall satisfy
the S.O. that all the required permits are in order and that this
category of work is adequately covered by the policies of
insurance.
(c) Explosives shall be used in the quantities and manner

recommended by the manufacturers.
(d) All necessary precautions shall be taken to preserve in the

soundest possible condition the materials below and beyond the
lines of all excavations.
(e) Blasting by means of drill holes, tunnels or any other similar

method shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
(f) The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary during

blasting operations to ensure that no injury is caused to persons
nor damage to property or to the finished work. Shots shall be
properly loaded and capped, and only appropriate charges shall
be used in each hole.
3.2.2 Storage and Transport
(a) The Contractor shall provide proper unattached buildings or

magazines, with separate compartments for detonators, in
suitable locations and with security fencing for the storage of
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explosives in the manner and quantities approved. Separate

vehicles or vessels for detonators shall also be used during the
transportation of explosives. The prevention of any unauthorised
issue or improper use of any explosives brought on to the Site
shall be the responsibility of the Contractor, and only experienced
and responsible men shall be employed to handle the explosives
for the purpose of the Works.
(b) All relevant security regulations dealing with the storage, handling
and transport of explosives shall be complied with.
3.2.3 Employment and Duties of Qualified Staff
(a) The Contractor shall appoint qualified and competent Blasting

Engineers for the planning and design of a Master Blasting Plan,
geotechnical matters and use of explosives. The Blasting
Engineers shall be appointed to specific positions to be
responsible for the duties necessary to carry out excavation by the
method of blasting.
Each of the above appointments shall be subject to the approval

of the S.O.. The Blasting Engineers shall be full time on Site, and
each appointed person shall work exclusively on duties relating to
his position.
(b) The Blasting Engineers shall be responsible for taking possession

of explosives on Site, preparing the Master Blasting Plan and the
design of the blast holes drilling pattern, supervising the drilling,
establishing the explosive design, preparing the wiring and firing
sequence plan, and supervising the loading, wiring and firing of all
blasts.
(c) The Blasting Engineers shall also undertake accurate recording of

all information regarding the drilling and blasting on a "Drilling and
Blasting Record Sheet" and the explosive, type, weight and delay
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on a "Loading Record Report". The formats of the said record

sheets and reports shall be to the approval of the S.O..
(d) The Blasting Engineers shall attend each month, or at more

frequent intervals as required by the S.O., a meeting on safety
and other relevant aspects of the excavation works by blasting,
which shall be attended by the S.O..
(e) The Contractor shall submit in writing his blasting proposals to the
S.O. for approval at least 48 hours before an initial blast and at
least 24 hours before any subsequent blasts.
3.2.4 Monitoring
In order to ensure compliance with this Clause, the Contractor shall

employ vibrographs suitable for measuring ground motion parameters, to
monitor ground vibration and air blasts at sensitive areas or at such times
and locations as may be directed by the S.O.. Upon receiving notice from
the S.O. that the instruments have monitored excessive vibration at any
point, the Contractor shall vary his blasting techniques to limit the effects.
The establishment of this monitoring system does not relieve the
Contractor of his obligations under the Contract to monitor and record the
effects of all blast vibrations and to control the effects of his operations
within the limits set out in each blasting permit.
3.2.5 Trial Blasting
(a) Before any regular blasting commences, the Contractor shall at

his own expense carry out a series of trial blast tests. These are to
be carried out under the supervision of the S.O..
(b) Trial blast tests shall be carried out for controlled perimeter
blasting and bulk blasting techniques to test the drilling accuracy
necessary to achieve the required sound uniform surfaces to the
completed excavations, and to test the efficacy of the blasting
arrangements.
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(c) The locations for such blasting trials shall be such as to

demonstrate the efficacy of the proposals in respect of the
prevailing rock conditions, topography, height between berms, and
environmental constraints. Trials for controlled perimeter blasting
using the pre-splitting technique can be carried out on
intermediate working faces.
(d) The requirements for the trial blasts shall be as specified in this
Clause for the final slopes.
(e) The resultant trial faces shall be fully exposed, all loose rock
scaled, and the faces evaluated by the S.O. before controlled
perimeter blasting of the design slopes commences.
(f) Further trials will be required if the S.O. considers the resultant
faces to be unsatisfactory.
3.2.6 Pre-Splitting
(a) Controlled perimeter blasting at the final rock slope surface shall
be carried out using the pre-splitting technique, unless the S.O.
permits otherwise.
In order to preserve the structural integrity of the rock faces

formed, the excavation method adopted will be adjusted to suit the
prevailing conditions in terms of degree of weathering, degree and
orientation of natural fractures and inherent structural
weaknesses, and topography and burden considerations.
(b) Pre-splitting shall involve a single row of holes drilled at the

appropriate inclination along the final excavation lines, generally
loaded with charges. The holes are to be fired simultaneously
before the adjoining main excavation is blasted.
(c) The average spacing and charges per hole shall be determined by
the Contractor, who shall carry out trial pre-splitting blast tests for
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each rock type and Grade of Weathering encountered until the

results are to the satisfaction of the S.O.. These trial pre-splitting
blast tests are in addition to the series of trial blast tests at the
commencement of the Works, and shall be carried out prior to
carrying out pre-splitting in any area, and at the Contractor's own
expense.
(d) Before commencing the trial pre-splitting and bulk blasts, the
Contractor shall submit to the S.O. details of his proposals
including the following data.
i. Diameter of pre-splitting holes.
ii. Spacing of pre-splitting holes (not to exceed 750mm

unless otherwise approved by the S.O.).
iii. Depth of pre-splitting holes.
iv. Diameter, spacing burden and depth for main bulk blast
holes.
v. Distance from the pre-splitting face to the main face and to

the last row of main blast holes.
vi. Inclination of holes.
vii. Type of explosive.
viii. Explosive charge per hole.
ix. Spacing of string charges including details of increased

charges near the bottom of holes and uncharged length at
the top.
x. Length and type of stemming.
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xi. Delay arrangement between the pre-splitting and adjoining

main excavation blasts.
xii. Number of holes to be fired in the blast.
(e) The Contractor's controlled perimeter blasting using pre-splitting

and bulk blasting techniques shall generally be considered
satisfactory and in conformity with the Specifications for controlling
the excavated rock surface under the following conditions.
i. The rock mass is cleanly split in the designed plane in

such a way that subsequent main blasting does not shatter
or loosen adjacent rock which is not to be excavated.
ii. At least 60 per cent of the drill hole traces in any panel are
visible in the final rock surface, distributed uniformly after
scaling down of all loose rock.
iii. At least 80 per cent of the surface area in any single

rectangular area of 50 sq m is within a 200mm wide zone
outside the design perimeter plane.
iv. The tolerances regarding the drill hole length and

alignment specified are satisfied.
(f) Drill holes shall generally not be more than 50mm from the true
location at the top of the hole and shall generally not diverge from
the required line by more than 150mm in 10 metres. The diameter
of the holes shall not be less than 60mm nor greater than 80mm.
No subgrade drilling shall be permitted.
(g) When a satisfactory pre-splitting technique has been obtained and

approved by the S.O., it shall be used by the Contractor for
subsequent pre-splitting work in the relevant rock type and Grade
of Weathering unless the Contractor submits further proposals to
the S.O. for approval.
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(h) Controlled perimeter blasting of permanent slopes shall be carried

out, where blasting constraints permit, to minimise subsequent
trimming. Such blasting shall be carried out using cartridged
explosives. The pre-split rows shall be drilled and fired well in
advance of the main excavation blasts to permit full propagation of
the pre-split cracking plane. Production blasting within 20 metres
of any pre-split face will not be permitted before pre-splitting has
been carried out.
3.2.7 Access to Rock Slopes
The Contractor shall, where ordered by the S.O., provide access to the
rock slopes for the S.O.. Access shall consist of a rigid temporary
structure that will allow the S.O. to examine safely all parts of the rock
slopes during the trial stages and the pre-splitting works for the final rock
slope.
Where the S.O. may wish to carry out additional inspection of the area of
the slope from which rock or other materials have been removed, the
Contractor shall re-erect or repair the access to allow the additional
inspection to take place where required by the S.O..
The Contractor shall make due allowances in his programming for the
time required to erect and maintain access to the rock slopes.
3.2.8 Safety
(a) The Contractor shall provide an approved system of warning and

preparing the general public and all Site personnel of an
impending blast by both audible and visible means, and shall
ensure that the blasting area is cleared of all personnel
immediately prior to blasting. This system shall comply with all
statutory requirements. The Contractor's attention is drawn to the
need to devise adequate systems for warning and clearing the
public from specified areas during blasting operations, and to
prevent persons from entering the lasting area.
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(b) When blasting is nearing the proximity of existing public and

private thoroughfares, traffic is to be stopped just prior to firing.
This operation is to be carried out in close cooperation with the
Police Department, and in such a way as to cause minimum delay
to traffic.
(c) All operations involving explosives shall be suspended on the

approach of a thunderstorm, and shall not be resumed until the
storm has clearly passed.
(d) Blasting screens shall be erected to conform with the permit

conditions. Public roads, private roads, property adjacent to the
Site, and services within the Site area shall be protected by rock
fall fences which shall be subject to the S.O.'s approval.
(e) The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to avoid

damage to permanent and temporary works already completed. In
all cases, delay blasting techniques shall be mandatory, with the
quantity of explosives restricted to ensure that the maximum
Particle Velocity generally does not exceed 25mm/sec in the
vicinity of occupied property, and other installations such as
services. In the case of waterworks structures, the ground
movement induced (as measured at the waterworks structure)
shall not exceed a maximum Particle Velocity of 13mm/sec and
maximum amplitude of 102 microns. The above peak particle
velocity limits are general guidelines only and may need to be
reviewed depending upon the type and function of structure and
response of the structures to blasting in the vicinity.
(f) The Contractor may not be permitted to use explosives in areas of

the Site immediately adjacent to pylon positions. Particular
limitations may apply in such areas depending on the Contractor's
proposed methods of working, and a detailed method statement
shall therefore be required from the Contractor in each case,
covering the methods of excavation and protection systems
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proposed, all of which shall be subject to the approval of the

relevant authorities and the S.O..
In all such cases particular attention shall be paid to the

requirements of Subclause 3.2.8(e), and the effects on these
structures and installations shall be closely monitored, and the
quantities of explosives limited accordingly.
Where the employment of the above measures does not, in the

opinion of the S.O., indicate that the provisions of Subclause
3.2.8(e) will be complied with in subsequent firing, the Contractor
will not be allowed to use explosives.
(g) Drilling rigs for shot holes shall be of the hydraulic type fitted with
efficient silencers and means of dust suppression.
3.2.9 Slurry Explosives
(a) The pump truck from which any explosives are dispensed into the
drilled holes shall be equipped with an accurate flow meter or
similar measurement/recording device in order to accurately
monitor and control the volume of explosives dispensed at each
position.
(b) Millisecond delay detonators shall be used in all blasting locations.

The use of long second delay detonators shall be limited.
Sequential timers may be used only on the direction of the
Blasting Engineer and to the approval of the S.O., and then only
by persons suitably qualified and under the control of the
Contractor's Construction Manager.
(c) After a charge has been wired and tested, a gunny sack shall be
placed over the charged hole; a blasting mat shall then be placed
on top of the gunny sack and a sand bag placed on the blasting
mat.
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(d) Where the relevant authorities allow the use of slurry explosives in
order, to prevent seepage of slurry into rock cracks and fissures in
drilled holes, fast cross-linking fluids shall be introduced into the
slurry mix to speed the jelling process and to reduce its viscosity.
The Contractor's proposals in this respect shall be subject to the
approval of the S.O., and shall be modified as Site conditions
dictate. A full tubular steel and wire mesh "roofover" shall be
required to all areas where the Contractor elects to use slurry mix
explosives, unless otherwise approved by the S.O..
3.2.10 Method of Working
(a) The Contractor shall adopt a method of working such that at any
time controlled perimeter blasting operations, including the drilling
of perimeter holes, do not advance by more than one panel ahead
of bulk blasting operations and more than two panels ahead of
mucking operations to remove all blasted materials from the
perimeter face, unless specially approved by the S.O., in order
that adjustments to drilling, charging and detonation can be made,
appropriate to the conditions being encountered.
(b) The S.O. shall only approve a variation to the above procedure
subsequent to the Contractor demonstrating the success of his
working procedure in relevant rock conditions.
(c) Mucking out to the perimeter faces shall be carried out carefully
from the perimeter line.
The final face shall be exposed and scaled in a continuous

operation downwards as the last stage of the mucking out cycle.
Scaling shall be carried out to remove from the face all loose
material and rock fragments which move when pressed with a
crowbar. The required scaling works shall be carried out using a
high pressure jet or other means as appropriate.
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(d) Approval to proceed with the blasting of a subsequent panel shall

only be given after scaling, and any rock face stabilization
measures deemed by the S.O. to be required immediately to the
final slope to ensure its long term stability, have been completed.
Depending on the conditions encountered, the S.O. may require
limited excavation either in the form of blasting (including sub-
benching) or mucking out to be carried out to permit the
installation of rock stabilization measures as directed by the S.O..
(e) In certain sections of the Works where the prevailing geological

structure is likely to control the final face profile, the S.O. may
waive the requirement for controlled perimeter excavation
techniques, provided that the S.O. is satisfied that other
excavation equipment is capable of achieving a sound profile
along a discontinuity without damage beyond that plane.
In such cases, unless otherwise approved by the S.O., the main

blasting adjacent to a final slope shall then be modified to include
a 4 metres wide buffer zone measured perpendicular from the
final slope.
The drill holes within the buffer zone shall not be larger than
50mm diameter, and the spacings, burdens (which shall not
exceed the hole spacing) and charge per hole in the zone shall be
suitably reduced to avoid excessive blast damage to the final face.
No subgrade drilling shall be allowed in the holes above the
berms.
(f) Slopes of cuttings formed in rock are to be cleaned of all rock

fragments which move when pressed with a crowbar. Rock slopes
that are unstable or that may become unstable due to fractures or
weak zones are to be stabilized by the use of measures as
instructed by the S.O. in accordance with Clause 3.25 - Rock
Stabilization Works.
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3.3 Excavation of Cuttings
(a) The excavation of cuttings shall be carried out in accordance with

the Drawings and to the slopes, levels, depths, widths and heights
shown thereon.
Horizontal grooving shall be provided on all slopes of cuttings as

shown on the Drawings or as directed by the S.O. in materials
other than rock and hard material as defined in Clause 3.1.
(b) Erosion protection measures as described in Clauses 3.12, 3.13

and 3.14 shall be carried out as soon as is practicable following
trimming and grooving of each cutting slope, and in any event no
longer than 7 days after the completion of each berm and slope
above it, or of 5 metres of excavation in the event of a temporary
halt in excavation. The S.O. shall not allow excavation of the
cutting slope below any berm until the erosion protection
measures have been carried out to his satisfaction on the slope
above that berm.
(c) Hauling of material from cuttings or the importation of fill material

to the embankments or other areas of fill shall proceed only when
sufficient compaction plant is operating at the place of deposition
to ensure compliance with the requirements of Clause 3.8.
(d) Any excavation below the formation level tolerance limit specified
in Clause 3.9 shall be made good by backfilling with suitable
material of similar characteristics to that removed, compacted in
accordance with Clause 3.8.
(e) The slopes of cuttings shall be cleared of all boulders or rock

fragments which move when prised by a crowbar. Any resultant
voids in the slopes shall be made good using Class 10/20
concrete, mortared stone pitching, or other means to the
satisfaction of the S.O..
S3-17
Large boulders or portions of boulders protruding from a slope

shall be stabilized by buttressing, rock bolting or anchoring, in
accordance with Section 3.25 of this Specifications. All boulders or
portions of boulders remaining on a slope shall be surrounded by
a cast in situ 300mm wide, 75mm thick, Class 25/20 concrete
surround where contact is made with softer erodable material.
This surround shall be dished and connected to a berm drain by a
cast in situ Class 25/20 concrete lined channel.
(f) Constructional traffic shall not use the surface of the bottom of a
cutting unless the cutting is in rock or the Contractor maintains the
level of the bottom surface at least 300mm above formation level.
Any damage to the subgrade arising from such use of the surface
shall be made good by the Contractor at his own expense with
material having the same characteristics as the material which has
been damaged. From the time the Contractor begins to trim the
remaining material to formation level on any given area, the
movement and use of constructional plant thereon other than that
used to complete this operation shall be in accordance with the
requirements of Clause 3.
3.4 Excavation Below Embankments and Below Formation Level in

Cuttings
(a) Where any material below the natural ground level under
embankments, under culvert bedding, or below formation level in
cuttings is required to be excavated, the resultant excavation shall
be backfilled with suitable material deposited in layers of thickness
appropriate to the compaction plant to be used, and compacted in
the manner specified for the forming of embankments. Except that
where in these circumstances such backfill has to be deposited
below standing water, it shall be material as described in Clause
3.22.
(b) If, after the removal of material as specified in Clause 3.4, the
Contractor allows the material so exposed to reach a condition
where compaction of backfill in accordance with Clause 3.8 is
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impracticable, he shall make good at his own expense either by

additional excavation and backfilling in the manner specified in this
Clause, or by waiting until the condition of the exposed material
has improved sufficiently to receive the approved backfill.
3.5 Excavation of Foundation Pits and Trenches
(a) The sides of pits and trenches shall be adequately supported at all
times. Except where otherwise described in the Specifications, or
shown on the Drawings or agreed with the S.O., they shall not be
battered.
(b) Trenches and pits shall be kept free of water in accordance with
Clause 3.10.
(c) The bottoms of all excavations shall be formed to the lines and
levels shown on the Drawings. Any pockets of soft material or
loose rock in the bottoms of pits and trenches shall be removed,
and the resulting cavities and any large fissures filled with
concrete 15/20 to Section 11 of the Specification. After the
placing of any specified blinding concrete, no trimming of the side
faces shall be carried out for 24 hours.
(d) All excavated materials from trenches and pits not required for
backfilling shall be disposed of immediately in accordance with the
requirements of Clause 3.1.
(e) The Contractor shall at his own expense make good with suitable
material as defined in Clause 3.1, or concrete 15/20 to Section 11
of the Specification, as directed by the S.O.:
i. any excavation greater than the net volume required for

the Works as described in the Specifications or shown on
the Drawings
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ii. any additional excavation at or below the bottom of

foundations to remove material which the Contractor allows
to become unsuitable.
3.6 Backfilling of Foundation Pits and Trenches and Removal of

Supports
Unless otherwise specified, all backfill for foundation pits and trenches
shall consist of suitable material as defined in Clause 3.1, deposited and
compacted by approved plant in accordance with Clause 3.8. Timber
sheeting and other excavation supports shall be carefully removed as the
backfilling proceeds, except where they are specified to be left in position.
However, the removal of such supports shall not relieve the Contractor of
his responsibilities for the stability of the Works.
3.7 Forming of Embankments and Other Earth Fills
(a) In areas of shallow filling, where after removal of topsoil the

resulting ground level is within 1.5 metres of formation level and
no free draining layer of fill material is specified, before
embankment construction is commenced the surface of the
ground shall be graded and compacted to achieve 90% of
maximum dry density to a depth of 200mm below resulting ground
level. The maximum dry density shall be determined using BS
1377-4:1990 Clause 3.
(b) Embankments and other earth fills shall be formed of 'suitable

material' as defined in Clause 3.1.
(c) All earthworks material placed in or below embankments, below

formation level in cuttings, or elsewhere in the Works, shall be
deposited and compacted in layers of thickness appropriate to the
compaction plant used as soon as practicable after excavation.
Embankments shall be built up evenly over their full widths, unless
otherwise specified or shown on the Drawings, and their top
surfaces shall be maintained at all times with sufficient crossfall
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and sufficiently even to enable surface water to drain readily

therefrom. During the construction of embankments the
Contractor shall control and direct constructional traffic uniformly
over their full widths. Damage to compacted layers by
constructional traffic or water erosion shall be made good by the
contractor at his own expense.
(d) Compaction of embankments and other earth fills shall be carried

out in accordance with Clause 3.8. Each embankment shall be
constructed to a sufficient width to permit adequate compaction at
the edges before trimming back.
(e) If any material deposited as fill subsequently reaches a condition

such that it cannot be compacted in accordance with Clause 3.8,
the Contractor shall at his own expense, either:
i. remove the material from the embankment, either to tip or

elsewhere until it is in a suitable condition for re-use, and
replace it with suitable material; or
ii. make good the material by mechanical or chemical means:

or
iii. cease work on the material until its condition is again such
that it can be compacted as described in Clause 3.8.
(f) Rock embankments where specified shall be constructed of

approved rock fill material. Except as otherwise specified, rock
embankments shall be constructed in successive layers of 1 metre
or less in depth over the full width of the cross-section. Each layer
shall be constructed from one end of the section of embankment
under construction by dumping the rock fill on top of the layer
being constructed, and then pushing it ahead with an approved
bulldozer in such a manner that the larger rocks are placed on the
ground or preceding layer, and the interstices between the larger
rocks are filled with small stones and spalls by this operation and
by the placing of succeeding layers of embankment.
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The maximum dimension of any rock shall be less than the

thickness of the embankment layer. All oversized rock which is
otherwise suitable for construction shall be broken to the required
dimensions, or used in the embankment at places where the layer
is of greater depth. Any additional haul involved in such
manipulation of oversized rock shall be at the Contractor's
expense. Where excavated rock is wasted, the Contractor shall
replace it with other suitable materials approved by the S.O., at
the Contractor's expense.
(g) Rockfill embankment formation preparation shall be as

hereinunder described. Rockfill over the depth of 200mm to
1000mm beneath the final formation level shall be well graded
crushed rock from approved sources with sizes between 75mm
and 100mm deposited and compacted as per Subclause 3.7(f).
The surface of this rockfill and up to the final formation level shall
be formed using blinding material. Blinding material shall consist
of well graded crushed rock from approved sources of sizes
between 6 and 100mm.
The surface of the rockfill at depth of 200mm beneath the final

formation level shall be blinded, sluiced and compacted until the
voids in the rockfill are completely filled with blinding material and
movement of blinding material into the rockfill by compaction,
blinding and sluicing practically ceased.
Sluicing shall be by use of water jets directed normal to the rock

surface to wash in the finer particles of the blinding material as
compaction progresses. The jets shall be equipped with 15 to
20mm diameter nozzles with a delivery pressure of not less than
350 kPa or any other type to the approval of the S.O..
Blinding material shall be spread by crawler tractors and

compaction shall be by at least 6 passes of a smooth wheel
vibrating rollers of not less than 10 tonnes static load.
S3-22
3
(h) Isolated boulders up to 0.10m in size may be incorporated in
earth embankments at the discretion of the S.O. provided that the
specified compaction requirements are met. No stone exceeding
0.02m3 shall be placed less than 0.5 metres below formation level
of carriageways or hard shoulders.
(i) Work on embankments and/or cuttings in areas required for the

construction of bridges and other structures shall not be carried
out until the S.O. agrees that construction of such structures is
sufficiently advanced such that there is no risk of interference or
damage to them.
However where piling for a structure is required through an

embankment, the embankment shall be built up to a level not less
than the elevation of the soffit of the pile cap, prior to any piling.
The forming and completion of the embankment shall be carried
out in accordance with Clauses 3.7 and 3.8.
(j) In building embankments up to or over culverts or pipe drains, and

where required up to bridges, the Contractor shall bring the
embankments up equally on both sides. Where special forms of
compaction adjacent to structures are described in the
Specifications or on the Drawings, filling may proceed over widths
less than the full width of the embankment, and in steps not
exceeding the depth of one layer above the adjoining areas of fill.
(k) If the Contractor wishes to continue to use the surface of

completed embankments for constructional traffic before trimming
to formation level, he shall bring up and maintain the
embankments over their full width to a level not less than 150mm
above formation level, whereupon constructional traffic will be
allowed to use the surface so formed. However, any damage to
the subgrade caused by the use of such surface shall be made
good by the Contractor at his own expense. When it is necessary
to complete to formation level and this has been done, the
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movement and use of constructional plant thereon shall be in

accordance with the requirements of Clause 3.12.
(l) In areas of shallow filling where the ground level is less than
300mm below formation level, traffic shall not use the surface
unless the Contractor brings up and maintains the surface level at
least 300mm above formation level. Any damage to the subgrade
arising from such use shall be made good by the Contractor at his
own expense with material having the same characteristics as the
damaged material.
(m) Where a drainage layer is specified, a filter geotextile as defined in

Section 24 of the Specification, shall be laid perpendicular to the
centre-line of the embankment over the existing ground. Prior to
laying of the filter geotextile on existing ground, site clearance
shall be carried out in accordance with Section 2 of the
Specification. All voids shall be filled with suitable material and the
area cleared of large stones and exposed severed root systems or
other such protrusions. The drainage layer shall be constructed of
material complying with the requirements of Clause 3.20, and shall
be deposited in layers each not exceeding 250mm depth. It shall
be spread and lightly compacted by tracked plant. The drainage
layer shall be graded to a smooth profile prior to being covered.
Where specified a second layer of filter geotextile shall be laid
over the drainage layer in a similar manner to the first fabric layer.
(n) Joints in the geotextile filter fabric laid perpendicular to the centre-
line of the embankment shall have a minimum overlap of
1000mm, or where laid under water 1500mm. Overlap sideways
(longitudinal direction of road) shall be 1000mm if joints are not
stitched. The geotextile shall be suitably held in position until
covered by the drainage layer material. Stitching or stapling of the
fabric shall be allowed with the prior approval of the S.O. where
this can be proven to be a viable alternative to lapping. Any
damage to the fabric shall be repaired by patching with the same
fabric ensuring a minimum 1000mm overlap fully around the
S3-24
extent of the damaged portion. Constructional traffic shall not

travel over the fabric. The first layer of material placed over the
fabric shall be placed from tip-trucks reversing up to (but not on
to) the uncovered fabric.
3.8 Compaction of Embankments and Other Earth Fills
(a) All materials used in embankments and as filling elsewhere shall

be compacted as soon as practicable after deposition. Unless
otherwise stated in the Drawings, suitable materials shall be laid in
layers not greater than 250mm loose depth and shall be
compacted with appropriate compaction equipment. Compaction
of each layer shall only be carried out when at least 75% of fill
samples taken at a rate of one sample per 500 square metres for
a length not exceeding 100 metres have moisture contents within
the limits of optimum moisture content  3% as determined by BS
1377-9:1990 Clause 3, and the remaining samples have moisture
contents within the limits of optimum moisture content  5%. The
fill shall be processed as necessary by scarifying, grading, mixing,
wetting, aerating, drying or other approved methods so that its
moisture content is brought within the above designated limits.
(b) The Contractor shall submit to the S.O. for approval his proposals
for the compaction of each main type of material to be used in the
embankments. These shall include proposals for the type of plant,
the number of passes and the loose depth for each material. The
Contractor shall carry out compaction trials together with any
necessary laboratory investigations, as required by the S.O., using
the procedures proposed by the Contractor, and shall satisfy the
S.O. that all the specified requirements regarding compaction can
be achieved. Compaction trials with the main types of
embankment material likely to be encountered shall be completed
before the works with the corresponding materials will be allowed
to commence.
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(c) Earth moving plant shall not be accepted as compaction

equipment under this Clause.
(d) The requirements for compaction of embankment fill are as

follows, and shall apply equally to all clayey, silty, sandy or
gravelly materials placed in the embankment. The Contractor shall
ensure that the embankments and other earth fills are compacted
to:
i. At least 98% of the maximum dry density for the top

150mm below formation level;
ii. At least 95% of the maximum dry density for depths

between 150mm and 900mm below formation level or
between 150mm and the full height of embankment where
the full height of embankment extends to less than 900mm
beneath the final formation level.
iii. At least 90% of the maximum dry density for the rest of the
embankment. The soaked CBR value of the subgrade to a
depth of 900mm beneath the final formation level shall be
not less than 5%
The maximum dry density shall be determined using BS

1377-4:1990 Clause 3.
(e) The Contractor shall demonstrate compliance with Subclause

3.8(d) above for material within 900mm of formation level by
carrying out field density tests in accordance with BS 1377-9:1990
Clause 3 Insitu Density Test at a rate of not less than one test per
2000 cubic metres provided that the contractor follow the
compaction pattern established in his prior trial compaction test’s
for that source of fills and approved by S.O.. The frequency of
testing for the rest of the embankment shall be 1 (one) test every
500 sq.m. of fill surface unless otherwise instructed by the S.O..
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(f) The S.O. may at any time carry out field density tests on material
which he considers has been inadequately compacted. If the test
results confirm that compaction is inadequate, then the Contractor
shall carry out such further work as the S.O. may decide is
required to achieve the specified requirements.
(g) Without prejudice to the provisions of the Conditions of Contract,

and in order that the S.O. may make proper provision for the
supervision and testing of compaction in the permanent work, the
Contractor shall, not less than 24 hours before he proposes to
carry out compaction work during periods of overtime, apply in
writing to the S.O. for permission to do so.
(h) Each layer in rock fill embankments shall be spread and levelled in
accordance with Clause 3.7, and systematically compacted by at
least 12 passes of a towed vibratory roller with a static load per
metre width of roll of at least 1,800kg, or a grid roller with a load
per metre width of roll of at least 8,000kg, or other approved plant
until there is no visible movement of the rockfill under the
equipment. Compaction shall be carried out in a longitudinal
direction along the embankment and shall begin at the outer
edges and progress towards the centre.
(i) When materials of widely divergent characteristics are used in

embankments and earth fills, they shall be spread and compacted
in separate clearly defined areas, in such a manner that each
material in its respective area is compacted in accordance with the
specified requirements.
3.8.1 Forming and Compaction of Embankments and Other Earth Fills

Using Wet Materials
(a) Materials obtained from excavation in cuttings in Gabbro

Formation are expected to exhibit high natural moisture content.
Such material shall be referred to as wet material in this
Specification.
S3-27
(b) Wet materials shall be classified as suitable or unsuitable in

accordance with Clause 3.1.1.
(c) The forming and compaction of embankments and other earth fills
using wet materials shall comply with the requirements of Clause
3.7 and 3.8 generally except where supplemented or modified by
this clause.
(d) The Contractor shall submit to the S.O. for approval his proposals
for the excavation of wet materials and the forming and
compaction of embankments and other earth fills using such
materials. These shall include proposals for the type of plant to be
used, measures for drying at source, measures for keeping the
earthworks free of water, methods of deposition and spreading
including the loose depth of deposition, procedures for aeration
and drying for moisture reduction and compaction of the wet
material including the number of passes to achieve the specified
compaction requirement.
(e) The Contractor shall carry out trial excavation, deposition and
compaction together with any necessary laboratory investigations
and monitoring as required by the S.O. using the procedures
proposed by the Contractor, and shall satisfy the S.O. that all the
specified requirements regarding compaction can be achieved.
The Contractor shall demonstrate the effectiveness of his
proposals to the satisfaction of the S.O. before the works with the
wet materials will be allowed to commence.
(f) Detailed monitoring of the trials including settlement monitoring

shall be carried out and recorded. These shall include:
i. Records of plant used;
ii. Determination of the Atterberg Limits, moisture content

and particle size distribution of the wet materials;
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iii. Field compaction test records such as no. of lifts, thickness

of lift, no of passes, type of compaction plant etc;
iv. Moisture content tests at different stages of the deposition,

spreading and compaction;
v. Field density tests;
vi. Laboratory compaction tests;
vii. Monitoring of settlement.
(g) Drying at source may be achieved by cutting of terraces with 3 to

5m high vertical face and the face allowed to dry over a period of
weeks. Soil may then be obtained by excavating vertical slices
extending 300 to 500mm into the face depending on the moisture.
(h) Wet materials shall be deposited in layers of optimum thickness

established by compaction trials but in no case shall it exceed
250mm loose depth. The Contractor shall use appropriate low
contact pressure dozers for deposition and spreading of the
material in such manner so as to prevent rutting or remoulding of
the fill material.
(i) During deposition, the wet material shall be processed as

necessary by scarifying, harrowing/ ploughing, aerating or drying
with suitable equipment to the fill depth of each layer deposited.
These shall be repeated until the moisture contents are brought
within such levels as shall permit compaction of the materials to
the specified requirements.
(j) All wet materials used for forming embankments and as filling
elsewhere shall be compacted as soon as practicable after
deposition by appropriate compaction plant which may include
pad-foot or sheep-foot compactors. The Contractor may carry out
compaction at moisture content outside the limits specified in
Clause 3.8 provided the compaction trials shall establish that all
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the other specified requirements regarding compaction can be

achieved outside such limits.
(k) Compaction shall be carried out to achieve the specified dry

density requirements in accordance with Clause 3.8. The
Contractor shall demonstrate compliance with these requirements
by carrying out field density tests in accordance with BS 1377-
9:1990 Clause 2 at a rate of not less than:
i. One test per 300 sq.m for each layer of compacted

material within 900mm of formation level and
ii. One test per 500 sq.m for each layer of compacted
material elsewhere.
(l) If the material deposited as fill subsequently reaches a condition

such and that it cannot be compacted in accordance with Clause
3.8 and subclauses (j) and (k) of this Clause the Contractor shall
at his own expense, either:
i. remove the material either to tip or elsewhere until it is in a

suitable condition for re-use and replace it with suitable
materials; or
ii. make good the material by mechanical or chemical means;

or
iii. cease work on the material until its condition is such that it
can be compacted as described in Clause 3.8 and
subclauses (j) and (k) of this clause.
(m) Notwithstanding the requirements of Clause 3.10, the Contractor

shall institute adequate measures to prevent accumulation of
water at areas of excavation and filling. For rapid shedding of
water from the earthworks the S.O. may instruct:-
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i. remove the material either to tip or elsewhere until it is in a

suitable condition for re-use and replace it with suitable
materials; or
ii. the construction of longitudinal and other trenches in areas

of cutting prior to excavation of the wet material.
(n) 600mm thick sand drainage layers extending through the full width
of the embankments shall be provided at every 5m vertical
intervals for dissipation of compaction pore pressures. These shall
be deposited in layers, each not exceeding 300mm loose depth
and each layer shall be lightly compacted.
(o) Upon completion of the embankment to its full width and formation
level, the embankment shall be allowed to rest for a minimum
period of three months prior to commencement of formation
preparation and laying of subballast and ballast.
(p) At the end of the rest period and before commencement of

formation preparation the embankment formation shall be brought
to the required level. The Contractor shall ensure that the top
900mm below the designated formation level upon expiry of the
rest period shall have been:
i. Formed with suitable material to achieve the target soaked

CBR in accordance with Clause 3.24.
ii. Compacted to 98% of the maximum dry density to a depth

of 150mm beneath the final formation level.
iii. Compacted to at least 95% between depth of 150 and

900mm beneath the final formation level.
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3.8.2 Forming and Compaction of Embankments and Other Areas of

Filling using Soft Rock fill
(a) Soft rockfill refers to suitable material between sound (hard)

rockfill and earthfill obtained from the excavation of weathered
shale, siltstone, mudstone, sandstone of weathering grades II to V
of the sedimentary formations. Excavated materials classified as
suitable material in accordance with Clause 3.1.1, which are of
widely divergent sizes and characteristics and which, in the
opinion of the S.O., cannot be separated for compaction and
forming of embankments in accordance with Clause 3.8(i) shall be
compacted in the manner described in this Clause.
(b) The forming and compaction of embankments and other areas of

fills using soft rockfill shall comply with the requirements of
Clauses 3.7 and 3.8 except where supplemented or modified by
this clause.
(c) Compaction and forming of each lift shall be carried out as follows:
i. Soft rockfill comprising a range of material sizes shall be

deposited in layers of optimum thickness established by
compaction trials but in no case exceeding 300mm loose
depth.
ii. Breaking up of rock pieces and compaction shall be carried

out with a tamping foot compactor dozer equivalent or
superior to a CAT 815B compactor to ensure:
 that soft rock pieces are crushed or broken into

pieces not exceeding 150mm. Larger size rock
pieces shall be removed.
 that soil size particles shall be forced and packed
into the space between rock pieces and
compacted.
 that absence of voids between rock pieces.
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 that rock pieces in contact are interlocked and

densely packed.
iii. The layer shall then be graded with a motor grader to

ensure a layer thickness of not more than 250mm prior to
compaction using vibrating smooth wheel rollers.
iv. Compaction shall than be carried out by use of at least a

10 tonnes smooth wheel vibrating roller. The no. of passes
shall be determined from site trials.
On completion of (iii), inspection shall be carried out to ensure that

the stated requirements have been achieved. Areas that can be
excavated using a hand held shovel shall be recompacted with
additional passes of the tamping foot compactor.
Field density tests shall be carried out after (iv) to check for
compliance with the requirements for compaction given in Clause
3.8 of the Specifications.
(d) The Contractor shall carry out trial deposition and compaction
together with any necessary laboratory investigations and
monitoring to establish the loose depth of each layer, the no. of
passes and procedure for breaking up and compaction as
required under subclauses 3.8.2 (c) (ii) and the no. of passes for
compaction as required under subclause 3.8.2 (c) (iv) before the
work with soft rockfill will be allowed to commence.
(e) Detailed monitoring of the trials shall be carried out and recorded.
These shall include:
i. Required of plant used;
ii. Determination of Atterberg Limits, moisture content and

particle size distribution of the soft rockfill materials;
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iii. Field compaction test records such as no. of lifts, thickness

of lift, no of passes, type of compaction plant etc.;
iv. Moisture content tests at different stages of the deposition,

spreading and compaction:
v. Field density tests;
vi. Laboratory compaction tests;
vii. Photographic records.
3.9 Preparation of Formation in Cuts
(a) Preparation of the formation in cuts shall be carried out only after
completion of any specified subgrade drainage, filter drains, piped
drains, services and ducts, and, unless otherwise agreed by the
S.O., immediately prior to laying the separation geotexile and sand
layer. The sequence of operations shall be as follows.
i. All surfaces beneath the final formation level shall, after

reinstatement of any soft areas, be well cleaned and free
from mud and slurry;
ii. With the exception of formations on rock, the top 300mm

beneath the final formation level shall be scarified and
compacted to a
 dry density of not less than 98% maximum dry

density (BS 1377-4:1990 Clause 3) over the top
150mm.
 a dry density of not less than 95% maximum dry
density (BS 1377-4:1990 Clause 3) over the bottom
150mm.
and at a compaction moisture of  3% of the optimum

moisture content.
S3-34
iii. The soaked CBR of the material for the top 300mm
beneath the final formation to be scarified and compacted
to the requirements of the preceeding subclause (ii), shall
be not less than 5%. If the in-situ material complies with
this requirement, then the in-situ material can be used for
forming the top 300mm in accordance with subclause (ii).
Otherwise the Contractor shall dispose of the excavated
300mm material and replace with suitable material
complying with the CBR requirements.
iv. The final formation level shall be regulated and trimmed to

a tolerance of  20mm.
v. The trimmed surface shall be rolled by 1 pass of a smooth-

wheeled roller having a mass per metre width of roll of not
less than 2,100kg, or a vibratory roller having a static mass
per metre width of vibratory roll of not less than 700kg, or a
vibrating plate compactor having a mass per unit area
under the base plate of not less than 1,400kg/m2.
vi. All areas of prepared formation shall be approved by the

S.O. prior to the placing of the geotextile and sand layer.
Placing of geotextile and sand layer shall commence
immediately following such approval.
(b) Surface irregularities under formation level remaining after

trimming of rock excavation shall be regulated to a tolerance of
20mm with Class 15/20 concrete to Section 11 of the
Specification as directed by the S.O.. Small fissures in the rock or
areas where compaction of sub-base material is impracticable
shall be filled only with Class 15/20 concrete.
(c) If the Contractor allows the moisture content of accepted

compacted material to reach a value above the maximum
specified for compaction of the material, the Contractor shall allow
the material to revert to an acceptable moisture content, and, if so
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directed by the S.O., make good at his own expense the surface
by recompaction before laying the geotextile and sand layer.
3.10 Earthworks to be Kept Free of Water
(a) The Contractor shall arrange for the rapid dispersal of water shed
on to the earthworks or completed formation during construction,
or which enters the earthworks from any source. When practicable
the water shall be discharged into the permanent outfall for the
pipe drainage system. The Contractor shall provide adequate
means of trapping silt in temporary drainage systems discharging
into permanent drainage systems. The arrangements shall be
made in respect of all earthworks, including excavation, whether
for pipe trenches, foundations or cuttings.
(b) The Contractor shall provide where necessary temporary

watercourses, ditches, drains, pumping or other means of
maintaining the earthworks free from water. Such provisions shall
include carrying out the work of forming the cuttings and
embankments in such a manner that their surfaces have at all
times a sufficient crossfall and, where practicable, a sufficient
longitudinal gradient to enable them to shed water and prevent
ponding.
(c) In pumping out excavations and in any lowering of the water table
the Contractor shall pay due regard to the stability of all structures.
3.11 Topsoil
(a) Except where otherwise specified, areas to be seeded shall be

covered with approved topsoil or peat which shall be evenly
spread and lightly compacted to the thickness shown on the
Drawings.
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(b) Topsoil shall consist of friable surface soil free from detrimental
amounts of subsoil, hard clay, gravel and stones, noxious weeds,
refuse or other foreign materials.
(c) Prior to spreading topsoil the subsoil surface shall be loosened by

transverse ripping to a depth of 150mm at 500mm centres or as
directed by the S.O., and shall be reduced to a fine tilth, free from
stones and other debris.
(d) Where subsoil is to be used as a growing medium it shall be

loosened by cultivator tilling, or hand digging, to a depth of
150mm.
(e) Spreading of topsoil shall not be done when the ground or topsoil
is excessively wet or in any condition detrimental to the work.
(f) After topsoiling, or subsoil preparation, the area shall be raked to

remove any clods, stones, roots or other debris. For ground to be
grassed or seeded with cover crops, agricultural lime or ground
limestone shall be spread over the surface of the prepared areas
at the rate of 2.5 tonnes per Ha. The Contractor shall inform the
S.O. in advance of lime spreading which method he intends to use
for spreading. Care shall be taken to control the even spread of
lime, and to avoid powdered lime being blown on to adjoining
property.
3.12 Seeding of Leguminous Cover Crops
Unless expressly directed by the S.O. leguminous plants shall not be

adopted.
3.13 Hydroseeding (Hydraulic Seeding)
(a) The areas to be protected by grass using a proprietary

hydroseeding technique are shown on the Drawings. These areas
shall be hydroseeded as soon as they are exposed. The S.O. shall
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not allow the Contractor to continue excavation of adjacent areas

until hydroseeding has been carried out. This applies particularly
to cutting slopes where each slope between berms must be
hydroseeded as cutting proceeds. Excavation of material below
any berm shall not be permitted until the slope above is
hydroseeded.
(b) Full details of the Contractor's proposed method of hydroseeding

shall be submitted to the S.O. for his consideration and approval
within 6 weeks of the Contract commencement date. The
information to be submitted shall include, but not necessarily be
limited to, the following:
i. the method of preparation of the areas to be hydroseeded,

including if appropriate the amount of topsoil to be used
and its method of application.
ii. the details and results of investigations to determine which

types of grass and legume are compatible with the soil in
the areas to be hydroseeded.
iii. the types of grass and legume (if any) and strains of seed
to be used, and the function, root and growth
characteristics of each type.
iv. the rates of application of the grass and legume seeds.
v. the composition of fertiliser to be used at the time of

hydroseeding and its rate of application.
vi. the type of mulch to be used and its method and rate of
application.
vii. the amounts of lime or other chemicals (if any) to be

applied to improve the soil before, during and after
hydroseeding.
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viii. the proportions and method of preparation of the

hydroseeding mix.
ix. the equipment and methods to be used in preparing and

placing the hydroseeding mix and other materials.
x. the methods of cultivation and after-care of the

hydroseeded areas, including rates and frequencies of
watering, fertilising, grass cutting and general maintenance
for 1 year after hydroseeding.
xi. an estimate of the time required after hydroseeding for

establishment of a permanent, dense growth of grass
which will require minimal maintenance.
xii. any documentation or case histories demonstrating the

previous success of the proposed method.
(c) After consideration of the Contractor's proposals and before

approval is given, the S.O. may instruct the Contractor to carry out
trials on selected sites to establish that the method of working is
acceptable, and to provide 'yardstick' sites on which the grass is
established earlier than the majority of the hydroseeding works,
and against which subsequently hydroseeded areas can be
assessed.
(d) The Contractor shall ensure that even growth is achieved on all
hydroseeded areas, and that adequate fertilization and watering is
undertaken to ensure even germination and establishment of the
grass. Any areas which fail to show successful germination within
one month of hydroseeding, as determined by the S.O., shall be
re-hydroseeded.
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3.14 Turfing
(a) Prior to turfing an approved pre-turfing fertilizer with Nitrogen :

Phosphate : Potassium proportions of 10 : 15 : 10 shall be worked
into the top 50mm of soil.
(b) Turves shall be square, 300mm x 300mm, and at least 25mm

thick. Cultivated grass content shall be at least 85%. Turves shall
be free from wild or annual grasses, and creeping stoloniferous
perennial weeds, and shall be obtained from an approved source.
Suitable turf which is available on Site shall be used wherever
possible.
(c) Turf shall be delivered to Site within 36 hours of being cut, and
when stored turves shall be stacked grass to grass to a maximum
height of 1.0m. Turf stored on Site for a period of more than 48
hours shall not be used without the approval of the S.O..
(d) The prepared areas shall be close turfed, with turves laid to a well
bonded pattern with no gaps between the turves, and lightly
beaten. Alternatively, where indicated on the Drawings, the
prepared areas shall be spot turfed with turves set at 500mm
centres in lines spaced 500mm apart. The turves in alternating
lines shall be staggered to give a diagonal pattern.
(e) On slopes exceeding 1 in 4, each turf shall be secured with a

wooden peg at least 230mm long driven through the turf into the
prepared topsoil bed, flush with the top of the turf.
(f) During the currency of the Contract, the Contractor shall mow,
with cutting blades set 40mm above ground, those areas which
have been turfed. The first and subsequent mowings shall be
carried out when the grass has reached 75 - 100mm high, or at a
time to be agreed with the S.O., and the grassed areas shall be
cleared of all grass cuttings.
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3.15 Watercourses
(a) Excavation carried out in the diversion, enlargement, deepening or

straightening of watercourses shall include any necessary
trimming of slopes, grading of beds, and disposal of excavated
materials, and any pumping, timbering works and materials
necessary for dealing with the flow of water.
(b) All excavated materials from such excavations shall be disposed

of immediately in accordance with Clause 3.3.
(c) The beds and sloping sides of watercourses shall, where shown
on the Drawings, be protected against the action of water by
mortared stone pitching, or mortared pre-cast concrete blocks, or
cast in situ concrete, forming a flat or curved surface as indicated.
Stones for mortared stone pitching shall be roughly dressed
square. No stone shall be less than 250mm in depth nor 0.03
cubic metre in volume. Mortared stone pitching shall be laid in
accordance with the details shown on the Drawings.
3.16 Filling Existing Watercourses
Where watercourses have to be diverted from the sites of embankments

or other works, the original channels shall be cleared of all vegetative
growth and soft deposits, and carefully filled with suitable material
deposited and compacted as specified in Clauses 3.7 and 3.8.
3.17 Clearing Existing Ditches
Where shown on the Drawings, existing ditches shall, be cleared by

removing vegetative growth and deposits. The sides shall be trimmed
throughout and the bottoms uniformly graded. The ditches shall be kept
clean and maintained for the period of the Works. Materials removed from
existing ditches shall be disposed of in tips outside the Site provided by
the Contractor in accordance with Clause 3.3.
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3.18 Erosion Protection for Earth Slopes
Slopes of embankments or cuttings, deemed erodible by the S.O., and

where vegetation in accordance with Clauses 3.13 and 3.14 have not
been successfully established shall be protected from erosion with either
mortared stone pitching revetment, gabion mattress or gunite as
described in other sections of the specifications.
3.19 Granular Fill
(a) Granular fill to be compacted against or under earth-retaining

structures, or in other sections of fill as directed by the Employer's
Representative, shall consist of well graded crushed or uncrushed
gravel, rock fill, crushed stone or concrete, or natural sand, or a
combination of any of these. Its soluble sulphate content shall not
exceed 0.25% when used adjacent to structures.
(b) The maximum particle size of the material shall be 100mm, and at
least 90% shall pass the 75mm BS sieve, and not more than 10%
shall pass the 75m BS sieve.
3.20 Instrumentation
3.20.1 General
(a) The Contractor shall install instruments to enable measurements

(monitoring) of vertical and lateral movements, and water
pressures and levels; and carry out measurements (monitoring) of
vertical and lateral movements, and water pressures and levels
during and after the currency of the works.
(b) The Contractor shall be responsible for and shall follow the
instructions of the manufacturer in the installation, calibration and
testing of all measuring instruments and equipment, which shall
be carried out under the direct supervision of the Engineer. The
Contractor shall inform the S.O. at least 2 days prior to
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undertaking installation of the equipment or taking measurements.

The Contractor shall make due allowances in his construction
programme for delays which may arise on account of the
installation of the instruments and of their maintenance.
3.20.2 Standpipe Piezometer
(a) The standpipe piezometer shall installed in a borehole and shall

consist of a Casagrande type ceramic piezometer tip of the low air
entry variety protected by PVC end caps and connected to PVC
riser pipes as shown in the Drawings extending to approximately
0.5m above ground level and screw capped;
(b) The top end of the PVC riser pipe shall have a screw connection
to enable extension of the pipe above ground level;
(c) The length and outlet diameter of the ceramic piezometer tip shall
be a minimum of 210mm and 50mm respectively. The minimum
internal diameter of the riser pipe shall be 14mm;
(d) All connections between piezometer tip and riser pipe and
between different lengths of riser pipes shall be by use of PVC
connectors designed to ensure perfect sealings against leakage.
(e) An electrical dip meter which actuates when in contact with water
shall be supplied for use as a read out device.
3.20.3 Pneumatic Piezometers
(a) Pneumatic piezometers shall be installed in boreholes at

elevations and positions in the embankment foundations as
determined by the Engineer. Piezometers shall be of pneumatic
high air entry ceramic type with an average pore diameter of 1
micron and have an operating range of 0 to 100m head of water
with an accuracy ± 0.2m head of water. The piezometers shall be
connected with tubing comprising twin 1.9mm internal diameter
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and 3.2mm outer diameter nylon tubes, one black and one white
and covered with a polythene sheath 1mm think.
Joints in the tubes other than at the piezometer tip or at the

terminal panel will not be permitted;
(b) A portable digital pneumatic piezometer readout unit shall be

supplied incorporating electric pressure transducer, digital display,
rechargeable nickel cadmium battery, rechargeable nitrogen bottle
and shall be housed in an epoxy resin coated steel case with lid
and carrying handle. The battery shall have a minimum life of 10
hours between charges and shall come complete with a charger
for 240V, 50Hz supply. Range of reading shall be from 0 to
199.9m head of water with reading drift of less than 0.2% full
scale.
3.20.4 Inclinometers
(a) Inclinometers access tubes shall consist of specially shaped tubes

with four keyways set at right angles to each other and shall be
supplied in 3.0m lengths with 0.3m long couplings. The spiral
tolerance for the key ways shall not exceed 0.75 degree per metre
length of the tubing. Where necessary, the Engineer may instruct
the Contractor to obtain spiral metric measurements of the key
ways in the inclinometer tubing after installation. Angular
movements shall be measured by means of a torpedo probe
which slides inside the tube. The keyways shall be orientated such
that movements are measured parallel to and at right angles to
the embankment axis.
(b) The tubing shall be installed in the foundations in a 150mm

diameter borehole, and shall be securely anchored at its base by a
concrete plug. The borehole shall be backfilled with bentonite/
clay/ cement slurry with the same shear strength as the
surrounding material. In granular material, the backfill may be
sand or pea gravel. The tubing shall be extended as the
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embankment is raised and at all times the tubing shall extend a

minimum of 1.0 above the surrounding ground level.
(c) The completed inclinometer tube shall extend above the existing
ground or finished embankment level. The top of the tube shall be
fitted with a lockable top cap assembly. Heavy compaction
equipment shall not approach within 1.5m of inclinometer tubes.
(d) Servo-mechanism inclinometer probes which slide into the access

tubes with digital read out units shall be supplied for monitoring
and shall be to the accuracy described in Section 3 of this Part of
the Specifications.
3.20.5 Settlement Gauges
(a) Settlement gauges shall be provided and installed vertically by the

Contractor in the positions directed by the Engineer for the
purpose of measuring settlement taking place under and adjacent
to the embankments. Settlement gauges shall be as shown in the
Drawings and the Contractor shall be responsible for installation of
all gauges as work proceeds. Continuation gauges shall be
installed when the level of compaction embankment is 250mm
below the top of the preceding gauges level;
(b) The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to protect

settlement gauges from damage by plant and vehicles and shall
repair any such damage to the satisfaction of the Engineer. He
shall erect substantial and readily visible barriers at a distance of
750mm around each gauge;
(c) The Contractor shall replace any damaged settlement gauges

within seven days should any settlement gauge be damaged in
such a way as to make it useless for its purpose.
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3.20.6 Settlement Markers and Permanent Settlement Reference Stations
The Contractor shall be responsible for establishing settlement markers

and permanent settlement reference stations in locations selected by the
Engineer. The permanent settlement reference stations shall be located
on stable ground.
3.20.7 Method of Monitoring
(a) Monitoring of vertical movements of surface settlement markers

and settlement gauges shall be by precise levelling with respect to
the permanent settlement reference stations. Provisional locations
of the surface settlement markers, settlement gauges and
permanent settlement reference stations are given in the
Drawings;
(b) Measurement of settlement shall be by use of a precise level with

an accuracy of 0.05mm. Generally the Wild NAK2 Level with the
GPM3 micrometer attached or equivalent is acceptable for
measurement:
(c) Monitoring of lateral movements of inclinometer tubes shall be by

servo-mechanism type inclinometers which shall be capable of
measuring off vertical angles of up to 30° with an accuracy of
1/4000;
(d) Monitoring of ground water levels shall be by use of standpipe

piezometers and necessary accessories and readout equipment.
(e) Monitoring of water pressures shall be by use of pneumatic

piezometers and necessary accessories and readout equipment.
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3.20.8 Installation of Instruments
(a) The method of installation shall be the most advantageous

method recommended by the manufacturer and shall be subject to
the approval of the Engineer;
(b) The Contractor shall install pneumatic piezometers, standpipe

piezometers, access tubes or inclinometers, deep settlement
gauges and permanent settlement reference stations before
commencement of earthworks;
(c) In general the method of installation shall conform to the methods

described in Chapter 3 of Vol. 1 of the Proceedings of the
International symposium on Trial Embankments on Malaysian
Marine Clays.
3.20.9 Frequency of Measurement
Frequency of measurement shall be to the agreement of the S.O..
3.20.10 Protection of Instruments
All instruments shall be protected against damage over the period of the
Contract. Instruments damaged during the above period shall be
immediately replaced by the Contractor.
3.20.11 Instruments Not Functioning
All instruments shall be designed to ensure proper functioning over the

period of the Contract. Instruments not functioning during the period of
monitoring shall be immediately replaced by the Contractor. The S.O.'s
decision as to whether an instrument is functioning or not shall be final.
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3.20.12 Personnel
Installation and monitoring of all instruments shall be carried out by

experienced instrumentation technicians under the charge of an
experienced instrumentation engineer. The instrumentation engineer and
instrumentation technicians shall be experienced in such works, with a
minimum of 2 years working experience in this field, and shall be to the
approval to the Engineer.
3.21 Embankments on Soft Soil
(a) The construction of embankments on soft soil shall be carried out

in accordance with the methods, sequence, and rates of filling
shown on the Drawings. In each case the method of construction
shall be reflected in the Contractor's programme submitted with
his tender, and in the subsequent Contract programme.
(b) The compaction of all embankment material, including any portion

placed to make up for anticipated settlements, shall be in
accordance with the requirements of Clause 3.8. Any fill material
which at the time of placing is within 900mm below the final
formation level shall be compacted to the criteria given in Clause
3.8.
(c) During the construction of embankments on soft soil, the

Contractor shall carefully monitor subsoil pore water pressures,
and settlements and horizontal displacements of the displacement
markers installed as described in Clause 3.20.
(d) Unless instructed otherwise by the S.O., reading of such

instruments shall be taken and reported as specified in Clause
3.20.
(e) Should the S.O. so direct, filling operations shall be immediately

suspended, and shall not be resumed until directed by the S.O..
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3.21.1 Drainage Layer
3.21.1.1 Sand Drainage Layer
Material complying with the requirements of Clause 3.23 shall be placed

to form a sand drainage layer of the specified thickness, as shown on the
Drawings or directed by the S.O.. The Contractor shall arrange his
method of construction to avoid heave of the foundation soil and to
prevent rutting or unnecessary distortion of the sand drainage layer.
3.21.1.2 Gravel Drainage Layer
(a) Where shown on the Drawings or directed by the S.O., geotextile

complying with the requirements of Section 24 of the
Specification respectively, shall be placed on the cleared and
graded subsoil foundation prior to the placing of gravel drainage
layer.
(b) Material complying with the requirements for the gravel drainage
layer of Clause 3.23 shall be placed to form a gravel drainage
layer of the specified thickness, as shown on the Drawings. No
constructional plant shall be allowed to travel directly over the
geotextile layer, where provided, until a sufficient thickness of
material has been placed to prevent damage to the geotextile and
to avoid heave of the foundation soil.
(c) Where shown on the Drawings, a second layer of geotextile shall

be laid on top of the gravel drainage layer before commencing the
placing of embankment fill as described in Clause 3.7.
3.21.2 Surcharge of Embankments
(a) Surcharge shall be placed on embankments at the locations and

to the thickness shown on the Drawings. Placement of surcharge
shall follow the formation of the associated embankment without
delay, unless otherwise directed.
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(b) Surcharge shall be suitable material as defined in Clause 3.1.
(c) Surcharge material shall be compacted to the requirements of

Clause 3.8.
(d) Surcharge shall be removed only with the approval of the S.O.,
and such removal shall be carried out in accordance with the
method and procedure stated on the Drawings.
3.21.3 Selected Fill Capping Layers
(a) This work shall consist of the construction of selected fill capping
layers by furnishing, placing, compacting and shaping selected
materials from approved sources in accordance with the
Specifications, to the lines, levels, grades, dimensions and cross-
sections shown on the Drawings.
(b) Selected fill shall be well graded granular material consisting of

natural sands, gravels, crushed rock, crushed concrete or other
granular materials approved by the S.O..
(c) The material shall have a 10% fines value of 50 kN or more when
tested in accordance with BS 812, except that samples shall be
soaked in water at room temperature for 48 hours before testing
without having been oven dried.
(d) The material shall be laid in layers not greater than 300mm loose
depth, and care shall be taken to prevent segregation of the
material.
(e) The material shall be compacted at a moisture content as close as

practicable to the optimum to achieve 95% of the maximum dry
density as determined in accordance with BS 1377-4:1990 Clause
4. After compaction it shall have a laboratory CBR value of not
less than 15% when tested in accordance with BS 1377-4:1990
Clause 7 at a moisture content as follows:
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i. For embankments over 1m in height

At the in situ moisture content following compaction
ii. For cuttings and for embankments less than 1m in height

Following the specified 4 days soaking procedure.
3.22 Fill For Placing In Water, Swampy or Waterlogged Areas
(a) Unless otherwise shown on the Drawings, fill material for

depositing in water shall consist of hard, clean crushed rock,
gravel or sand having a grading within the limits specified.
BS Sieve Percentage by
Size Weight Passing
500 mm 100
10 mm 0 - 100
5 mm 0 - 100
2 mm 0 - 100
600 m 0 - 50
75 m 0-5
(b) The material shall be non-plastic in accordance with BS 1377-

1:1990 Clause 2.2.11, and shall have a uniformity coefficient in
accordance with BS 892 of less than 10.
3.23 Free Draining Material
3.23.1 General
Free Draining Material for drainage layers, etc. shall consist of hard,
clean, crushed rock, gravel or sand having a grading within the limits
specified below. The aggregate crushing value of the material when
tested in accordance with BS 812 shall not exceed 30 per cent.
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3.23.2 Grading
BS Sieve Size Percentage by Weight Passing

(i) Sand (ii) Gravel
Drainage Layer Drainage Layer
63mm - 100
37.5mm - 85 - 100
20mm 100 0 - 20
10mm 90 - 100 0-5
5mm 8 0 - 100 -
2mm 50 - 100 -
600 m 0 - 50 -
75 m 0-5 -
3.23.3 Forming Drainage Layers
Free Draining Material shall be deposited in layers each not exceeding

300mm loose depth, and each layer shall be lightly compacted.
3.24 Determination of CBR for Subgrade
3.24.1 CBR for Subgrade on Embankments
(a) Prior to placing the top 900mm of embankment, the Contractor

shall inform the S.O. of the source of the material to be used. The
number of bulk samples for CBR tests shall be one for every 1500
sq.m. of subgrade, with a minimum of 3 per length of
embankment.
(b) The moisture content versus dry density curve shall be determined
by BS 1377-4:1990 Clause 3 for each sample.
(c) A 5-point CBR versus moisture content curve shall be constructed

for each sample based on the soaked CBR of the top face of
specimens compacted with the BS 4.5kg hammer in accordance
with BS 1377-4:1990 Clause 7. The moisture contents shall be
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from -3% to +5% of the optimum determined in Subclause 3.24.1

(b) above at increments of 2%.
(d) The CBR value of a sample shall be taken as the minimum

derived from its CBR versus moisture content curve over a range
3% of the optimum moisture content as determined in Subclause
3.24.1 (b) above.
3.24.2 CBR for Pavement in Cuttings
(a) Bulk samples of subgrade material shall be obtained in advance of

exposure of the subgrade. The in situ dry density at subgrade
level shall be obtained together with in situ moisture content. The
sampling rate shall be one for every 1,500 sq.m. of subgrade with
a minimum of 3 per length of cutting.
(b) The moisture content versus dry density curve shall be determined
by BS 1377 – 4: 1990 Clause 3 for each sample.
(c) A 5-point CBR versus moisture content curve shall be constructed

for each sample based on the soaked CBR of the top face of
specimens compacted with the BS 4.5 kg hammer in accordance
with BS 1377-4:1990 Clause 7. The moisture contents shall be
from -3% to +5% of the optimum determined in Subclause 3.24.2
(b) above at increments of 2%.
(d) The CBR value of a sample shall be taken as the minimum

derived from its CBR versus moisture content curve over a range
3% of the optimum moisture content as determined in Subclause
3.24.2 (b) above.
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3.25 Rock Stabilization Works
3.25.1 General
Rock stabilization works on final excavated rock slopes shall include, but
not be limited to: breaking up and removing loose or overhanging rocks,
supporting loose rocks with dowels or bolts, providing masonry infill or
buttresses, or reinforced concrete supports, securing loose areas with
sprayed concrete (reinforced with mesh or plain), infilling joints with
mortar, removing soft material and backfilling with concrete, and providing
adequate drainage measures. Typical details of these items are shown on
the Drawings.
3.25.2 Access to Rock Slopes
The Contractor shall inspect provide access to rock slopes. Access shall
consist of a rigid temporary structure that will allow personnel to inspect
examine safely all parts of the rock slopes.
3.25.3 Removal of Unstable Rock Mass
(a) Removal of potentially unstable rock masses may be by line

drilling, expansive grouts, rock breakers or other means
acceptable to the S.O..
(b) Such removal shall be carried out carefully so as to prevent

boulders, rock fragments or other materials from falling down the
slope. Removal shall also be carried out in such a manner as to
prevent damage to other parts of the ground surface, slope
drainage channels or pipes, road surfaces, fencing and any other
temporary or permanent works.
3.25.4 Dowel Bars
(a) Dowel bars shall consist of untensioned straight or L shaped mild

steel or high yield bars of appropriate diameter. They shall be fully
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grouted into the rock slope in order to support loose rocks,

buttresses, or concrete pads. The dowels shall be grouted into
holes of nominal diameter 25mm larger than the dowel bars,
drilled to such depths, inclinations and orientations to the
agreement by the S.O.. Grout shall be of Grade 20 with a water
cement ratio of not more than 0.45, complying with subclause
3.25.16 hereunder.
(b) Dowels shall be installed in the following manner:
i. drill the hole to the length and diameter required
ii. flush out hole with water until return water is clear
iii. remove any water using compressed air
iv. fill hole with grout
v. install dowel centrally in hole using approved spacers
vi. top up grout level as necessary to fill the hole completely.
3.25.5 Rock Bolts
(a) Rock bolts are supporting individual large blocks of rock or in

conjunction with other rock stabilisation works.
Rock bolts shall mean the complete assemblies, and comprise

either high tensile steel bars or Dywidag permanent Single Bar
Bolts, which shall be stressed or unstressed, and with corrosion
protection all to the agreement of the S.O..
(b) The Contractor shall provide all torque wrenches, jacks and other
equipment required to install and test the bolts.
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The Contractor shall also submit up to date test and calibration

certificates to the S.O. for the equipment that is proposed to be
used.
(c) The Contractor shall submit to the S.O. for approval the details of
the bolts and fixtures, together with the proposed method of
installation and testing of the rock bolts.
The information to be provided shall include full details of the

components of the corrosion protection system, manufacturing
arrangements, spacers, grouting arrangements, and grout
characteristics. Grout shall comply with subclause 3.25.16
hereunder. Final acceptance of the system shall be based upon
the outcome of site Pull Out Tests and Proving Tests.
(d) The holes for the rock bolts shall be drilled using rotary or rotary
percussive equipment.
The equipment used shall be capable of drilling holes such that

the overall drill hole deviation does not exceed 1 in 30.
(e) The diameter of the drill hole shall be such as to permit free entry
of the rock bolt with any required protection.
The diameter of the hole shall also be compatible with the grout,
and if appropriate the rock bolt manufacturer's recommendation
for the drill hole diameter.
(f) The completed drill hole shall be cleared of all drill cuttings using a
high pressure air and water jet, which shall be inserted to the
bottom of the hole and withdrawn slowly as often as necessary
until the drill hole is deemed to be.
For drill holes inclined downward into the rock, the hole shall be
cleaned and the water removed immediately prior to the
installation of the rock bolt.
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(g) The rock bolt shall be fitted and centrally located by means of
spacers to ensure that the bolt is centred in the hole over the fixed
and free anchorage lengths.
The spacers shall be of a form which permits the free flow of grout
and minimizes potential debonding at the grout/bolt interface in
the fixed anchorage length.
(h) The installation procedure of the rock bolt shall be such that all
voids within the drill hole are filled with grout for corrosion
protection purposes.
The annulus around the installed rock bolt after centering the bolt
in the drill hole shall be filled with cement grout injected under
pressure through a plastic tube extending to the base of the drill
hole to ensure that all air and water is displaced by the grout. An
air-bleed tube shall be provided for the grouting of the annulus
around the rock bolt.
(i) Water Tightness Tests shall be carried out in drill holes prior to
the installation of rock bolts, to determine the likelihood of grout
loss along the fixed anchorage length.
(j) Bearing plates or anchor plates for rock bolts shall be seated
either on an epoxy or cement mortar bed, which shall be prepared
after the rock surface has been trimmed and cleaned to a plane
normal to the bolt axis.
In the case of a cement mortar bed, stirrups or spiral

reinforcement shall be installed.
(k) The rock bolts shall be stressed to the design ultimate load.
The load shall be applied axially by means of a hydraulic jack. Any

stressing shall be carried out under the supervision of an
experienced engineer. No bolt shall be stressed unless the grout
S3-57
2
has attained strength of 25N/mm as demonstrated by
compression tests on cube samples of the grout.
All stressing and monitoring equipment shall be recently calibrated

by an approved laboratory, and the calibration certificates shall be
submitted to the S.O. prior to any equipment being used for
stressing
(l) An Acceptance Test incorporating proof loading to 1.5 times the

design working load shall be required on each installed rock bolt.
(m) After the Acceptance Test has been carried out and the installed
rock bolt is accepted, the concrete cap to the bolt shall be cast
and the bolt shall be designated by a unique number permanently
marked into the cap.
(n) The Contractor shall submit to the S.O. a full report on each rock
bolt. This shall include details of the bolt, its installation, and the
results of all tests required under this Clause.
(o) The Contractor shall install trial rock bolts and carry out Pull Out
Tests and Proving Tests prior to installation of any permanent rock
bolts.
These Pull Out Tests and Proving Tests shall demonstrate that
the Contractor's equipment and proposed method of working are
consistent with the requirements of this Clause, especially in
respect of the method of installation, determination of the
anchorage length, and attaining the required working load for the
rock bolt.
The trial rock bolts for the Pull Out Test shall be tested to
destruction and the mode of failure recorded.
The trial rock bolts for the Proving Tests shall be proof loaded to
1.5 times the design working load prior to lock-off at the working
S3-58
load. The Proving Tests shall be carried out after the rock bolt Pull
Out Tests, and shall be similar in nature to the Acceptance Test.
The Contractor shall provide full details of the test arrangements

for approval.
(p) An Acceptance Test shall be carried out on every installed

permanent rock bolt unless otherwise directed by the S.O.. The
Acceptance Test shall consist of proof loading to 1.5 times the
design working load, Pw.
The Acceptance Test on rock bolts shall be as follows:
i. A datum load Po equal to 0.2 Pw shall be applied to the

bolt and a fixed point established for deformation
measurement.
ii. The test load Pt shall equal 1.5 Pw. The bolt shall be
loaded incrementally to Pt and the deformation measured
at loads of Po (datum), 0.5 Pw, 0.8 Pw and Pt.
iii. Upon reaching load Pt the load shall be held constant while
the change in deformation is observed over the following
time intervals (et = elastic extension under load Pt - Po) :
Interval Time since Limit value of

load Pt deformation for
applied each interval
I 0 - 5 min 2% of et
II 5 - 15 min 1% of et
III 15 - 45 min 1% of et
Observation over interval II will only be necessary if the

limit for interval I is exceeded, and similarly observation
over interval III will only be necessary if the limits for both I
and II are exceeded.
S3-59
iv. The bolt shall be unloaded in steps to the datum load Po,
the deformation being measured at the intermediate loads
given above and at load Po.
v. The lock-off load Pl shall equal 1.1 Pw. The bolt shall be
reloaded from Po to P1, the deformation recorded at load
P1 and the bolt locked off.
vi. The results shall be plotted as shown on the Drawings.
After unloading from Pt to Po, the permanent component

and the elastic component of the total deformation can be
distinguished. A straight line is adopted for the elastic
deformation path, and this path is redrawn as line Po Te as
shown on the Drawings.
vii. The Acceptance Test shall be considered satisfactory if

both the following conditions are satisfied.
The load losses or deformation stabilize in accordance with

Subclause (iii) above.
The elastic deformation path (line Po Te on the Drawings)

lies between the two boundary lines A and B, where :
Boundary A corresponds to a free length, LA = 0.9L
Boundary B corresponds to a free length, LB=L+0.5Z
where L = free length of bolt and
Z = length of anchorage zone of bolt.
(q) Water Tightness Tests shall be carried out in drill holes prior to the
installation of rock bolts, to determine the likelihood of grout loss
around the fixed anchorage length.
S3-60
The test shall be conducted in a section to be sealed off by a

single expanding packer next to the fixed anchorage length.
The test shall be undertaken by the application of a net water

pressure of 100kPa. This water pressure shall be maintained for a
period of 10 minutes and any water inflow measured. The water
loss in this period shall not exceed 50 litres. The net water
pressure shall be the difference between the applied test
pressure, which shall be agreed by the S.O., and any existing
water pressure in the drill holes. The test shall be discontinued
immediately if the water loss exceeds 50 litres, or if water
discharge occurs from adjacent drill holes and the fixed anchorage
length shall be deemed to have failed the Water Tightness Test.
Should the fixed anchorage length fail the test, the fixed
anchorage length shall be waterproofed by preliminary grouting,
redrilled, and another Water Tightness Test carried out. This
procedure shall be repeated until the water loss is within the
specified limit of 50 litres.
A full record of the Water Tightness Tests and any grouting and
redrilling shall be kept and forwarded to the S.O. prior to bolt
installation, in a format approved by the S.O..
3.25.6 Buttresses
Concrete buttress to support rock or rock slopes shall be of grade 20/20.

Formwork as a appropriate shall be adopted. Dowel bars if required shall
be in accordance with Subclause 3.25.4.
3.25.7 Drainage Holes
Where S.O., 50mm diameter PVC pipes shall be installed through

concrete used in rock stabilization works to act as drainage holes. The
buried end of the pipe shall be mortared in place in a joint or fissure in the
rock, and the exposed end shall be fixed firmly to the formwork (where
S3-61
formwork is used) before concreting commences. Where required, a

pocket of coarse filter material wrapped in geotextile fabric shall be
placed ahead of the buried end of the pipe.
3.25.8 Reinforced Concrete Pads
Reinforced concrete pads may be used in conjunction with one or more

rock bolts. Where practical, the shape of the concrete pads shall be such
that support during construction can be provided by natural irregularities
in the rock slope.
3.25.9 Preparation of Rock Surfaces for Concreting
(a) Rock slopes against which buttresses, reinforced concrete pads or

other concrete work are to be constructed shall be wire brushed,
scraped or otherwise cleaned in order to remove vegetation and
loose material.
(b) The Contractor shall remove all vegetation from joints, and the
joints shall be sealed with a 1:2 cement/ sand mortar.
3.25.10 Masonry Infill
(a) Where masonry infill is ordered, strong fresh or slightly weathered

igneous rock (Grade I & II weathering grade) shall be bedded in
1:2 cement/ sand mortar.
(b) The masonry shall generally consist of selected large smooth-

faced stones, dressed as necessary to approximately 300mm
thick, with no dimension less than 250mm, and volume of not less
than 0.3 cubic metre.
3.25.11 Sprayed Concrete (Gunite)
(a) The plant used for sprayed concrete shall be of the dry mix
delivery type with water added at the nozzle, and shall be
S3-62
equipped with weigh-batching facilities. Only skilled operators

experienced in the use of sprayed concrete shall be employed as
nozzlemen. The Contractor shall submit the names and details of
the experience of the operators to be employed.
(b) Before sprayed concrete is used, the Contractor shall submit his
mix design for approval, and shall demonstrate the process that
he will use by spraying trial panels to prove the suitability of the
plant, the materials and the operators to be used. The trial panels
shall consist of two types:
i. a trial panel of 40mm thick spray not less than 3000mm x

3000mm located within the Site to the agreement of the
S.O..
ii. a 1000mm x 1000mm x 100mm thick moulded test panel

sprayed at the same time and cured in the same manner
as the in situ concrete.
Cores cut from trial panels shall be used to determine the density
that can be achieved and the tolerance within which the density
can be maintained. Tests shall be made to determine the average
percentage of rebound for concrete of various thicknesses. The
results of the rebound tests shall be used in calculations of the
cement content of the applied concrete. The Contractor shall
provide two copies of the results of all tests to the S.O. Once the
trial panels have been approved, the Contractor shall not alter the
mix or means of application without the S.O.'s written consent.
(c) Sprayed concrete shall be applied in layers not exceeding 40mm

thick. The Contractor shall put forward his proposals for achieving
the required thickness to the S.O..
(d) All materials used shall comply with and shall be stored tested and
used in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Clauses in
the Specifications. The Contractor shall ensure that a sufficient
S3-63
supply of material of uniform quality corresponding to the samples

submitted is available.
(e) The moisture content of the mix before use shall not exceed 10%,
the remaining water being added at the instant of application. The
air and water supply, the rate of application, and all other factors
affecting the quality of the work shall be adjusted by the operator
so as to produce dense concrete with no sloughing. No mix shall
be used more than two hours after any water has been added to
it. Rebound material shall not be reused and shall be removed
within 8 hours of spraying.
(f) Rock slope or any previously sprayed concrete surface, shall be

cleaned with an air jet before being sprayed with concrete. Surplus
water shall be removed by air jet, and if any water is flowing from
or across the rock or existing sprayed concrete and is liable to
reduce the adhesion of the concrete, it shall be diverted by pipes,
hoses or other approved means before spraying starts. 50mm
diameter drainage holes shall be formed, or pipes and hoses built
in to relieve water pressure behind the concrete and to divert the
water from the face to the agreement by the S.O..
(g) 50mm diameter drainage holes shall be formed with PVC pipes at
2 metre centres in each direction.
(h) Records shall be kept of the quantities of all materials used at

each slope, and shall be submitted daily to the S.O..
(i) Immediately after application and for 3 days thereafter, sprayed

concrete shall be protected from the effects of weather, either:
i. after thorough wetting, by completely covering with

approved waterproof paper or plastic membrane
maintained in contact with the concrete; or
S3-64
ii. by completely covering the concrete with a layer of

hessian, sacking, canvas or similar absorbent material kept
constantly wet.
(j) The strength of the applied concrete shall be determined by

crushing 100mm diameter cores cut from the 100mm thick
moulded test panels sprayed at the same time and cured in the
same manner as the in situ concrete. Moulds for unreinforced test
panels shall be 1000mm x 1000mm x 250mm thick, rigidly fixed
alongside the works to the approval of the S.O.. One test panel
shall be sprayed per 500m2, or less as the S.O. may direct.
Six cores shall be cut from each panel, three of which shall be
crushed at 7 days and three at 28 days. Cores shall not be taken
within 125mm of the edges of the panel. Prior to crushing the
density of each core shall be measured. The minimum equivalent
cube strengths of the cores shall be:
at 7 days - 10 MPa
at 28 days - 20 MPa.
(k) Completed areas of sprayed concrete shall be tested from time to

time by striking them with a wooden mallet. Hollow sounding areas
shall be removed and resprayed or a second layer of sprayed
concrete shall be added. Any such remedial work shall not be
measured for payment.
3.25.12 Protective Screen
(a) Protective screens may be adopted to prevent rock falls.

Protective screens, where adopted, shall be secured over the rock
slope after scaling and other rock stabilization works.
S3-65
(b) The protective screen shall be of the chain-link steel net type, and
shall not be subject to unravelling when individual links are
broken.
The complete assembly of protective screen shall include the

following.
i. Chain-Link Mesh : plastic coated, galvanised mild steel to

BS 1722 Part 10, wire core 3.55mm diameter, wire overall
4.75mm diameter, mesh 50mm aperture, roll width
2400mm, colour dark green, 14C 39 to BS 4800.
ii. Line Wire : plastic coated galvanised mild steel to BS

4102, core diameter 3.55mm diameter, wire overall
4.75mm diameter, colour dark green, 14C 39 to BS 4800.
iii. Dowel Bars : generally of 20mm diameter mild steel to BS

4449, generally of 2000mm length, galvanised to BS 729
or equivalent.
iv. Galvanised Steel Hawser : generally of l0mm diameter to

BS 365.
v. Steel Fixings : eyebolt strains, ring nut fixings, bulldog

clamps, anchor plates, etc. all galvanised to BS 729.
(c) The protective screen shall generally be fixed over the final rock
face in the following manner:
i. Drill 50mm diameter holes in the rock along the top of the
rock face at 1000mm centres to 1500mm depth.
ii. Dowel Bars to be installed, with approved resin or

cementitious grout approved by the Employer's
Representative, such that 500mm of each dowel projects
above the rock surface.
S3-66
iii. Chain Link Mesh netting to be hung vertically in 2400mm

wide strips to cover the face with 300mm overlaps between
adjacent strips.
iv. Galvanised steel hawser to be threaded through the top

mesh and secured to the projecting dowel bars by bulldog
clamps.
v. Bottom and side edges of chain link mesh to be secured by

threading galvanised steel hawser through the mesh and
fixing to rock bolts by bulldog clamps and anchor plates.
vi. Vertical joints in the chain link mesh to be secured by

threading line wire down through the overlap, the line wires
being clamped at the top to dowel bars and tensioned by
means of an eyebolt strainer at the bottom fixed to a rock
bolt.
vii. Rock bolts are to be used to tie down bottom and side
edges and general areas. Line wires in vertical joints are to
pass under the anchor plates.
3.25.13 Inclined Bored Drains
(a) This work shall consist of drilling drain holes into rock slopes shall
include installing small diameter perforated pipes wrapped in filter
fabric in the drain holes.
(b) The drain holes shall be drilled at an upward angle into the rock
slope using casing to support the hole, unless otherwise agreed
by the S.O..
(c) The drain holes shall be lined with 75mm diameter perforated
uPVC pipes, or perforated steel pipes wrapped in geotextile filter
fabric to Clause 23.3 of the Specification. Perforated steel pipes
shall have a bituminous coating inside and out. The casing where
S3-67
required for support during drilling shall subsequently be

withdrawn.
(d) Drain locations, orientations and lengths shall to the agreement of

the S.O..
3.25.14 Dentition Concrete
The Contractor shall cut back or gouge out weak zones from rock joints.
The resulting voids shall be filled with Class 25/20 concrete to the
agreement of the S.O..
Drainage holes of 50mm diameter shall be provided through the concrete

in accordance with Clause 23.3 of the Specification to the agreement of
the S.O..
3.25.15 "No-Fines" Concrete
"No-fines" concrete shall be composed of ordinary Portland cement and

20mm-10mm size chippings. The chippings shall be absolutely free of
dust. The mix proportions shall be one part of cement to 10 parts of
aggregate by weight, and the water/ cement ratio shall be 0.45 by weight.
"No-fines" concrete shall have each piece of aggregate fully coated with a
layer of mortar but with no surplus mortar left.
3.25.16 Cementitious Grout
(a) Grout used in connection with rock bolts and dowels shall comply
with the following requirements:
i. Cement shall be sulphate resisting to BS 4027.
ii. No admixtures shall be used unless approved by the S.O..
iii. The water/ cement ratio shall not exceed 0.45.
S3-68
iv. The cube strength of the grout shall not be less than
2
30N/mm at 28 days.
v. The water for mixing shall not contain oil, organic matter,
or other substances harmful to cement grout, and shall be
in accordance with Appendix A of BS 3148.
vi. The grout mix shall be prepared in an approved high-

speed colloidal mixer until a uniform consistency is
obtained.
S3-69

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EDTP GEMAS-JOHOR BAHRU TECH. SPEC. FOR ARCH.

, C&S AND MEP

3.1 Definitions, Classifications and General Uses of Earthworks

3.12 Seeding of Leguminous Cover Crops .............................................. S3-37

3.25 Rock Stabilization Works ................................................................ S3-54

3.1 Definitions, Classifications and General Uses of Earthworks

The following definitions of earthworks materials shall apply to this and

(c) 'Unsuitable Material' shall comprise :

i. material from swamps, marshes and bogs

ii. peat, logs, stumps, perishable and toxic materials

iii. material susceptible to spontaneous combustion

iv. clay of liquid limit exceeding 90% and/or plasticity index

(d) 'Rock' shall comprise material found in ledges or masses in its

excavated by hand, by the continued use of wedges and sledge

i. Tractor Unit: minimum weight of 25 tonnes and net

ii. Ripping Unit: the most efficient parallelogram type

Rock in trenches or pits shall comprise material which, in the

The Contractor may be allowed to use rock, if available, from

(f) "Selected Material" shall mean selected material as described in

including granular materials and special foundation materials,

(g) 'Hard Material' shall comprise material found in ledges or masses

Excavator Unit : minimum weight of 41 tonnes and net horsepower

3.1.2 General Requirements

(b) As far as is practicable, the Contractor shall carry out excavation

No excavated suitable material shall be removed from Site except

(c) Suitable material and topsoil surplus to the total requirements of

permits otherwise, be run to spoil in tips provided by the

(e) In all areas used for disposal of excavated materials, the

(f) An adequate drainage system shall be constructed on and around

(g) Where an excavation reveals a combination of suitable and

selective chemical weedkillers. The use of topsoil shall be

(j) The Contractor shall be responsible for the construction,

3.2 Explosive and Blasting

(a) As far as is practicable the Contractor shall not use blasting

This Clause does not in any way abrogate the Contractor's

sole responsibility to ensure that his method of blasting is safe,

(c) Explosives shall be used in the quantities and manner

(d) All necessary precautions shall be taken to preserve in the

(e) Blasting by means of drill holes, tunnels or any other similar

(f) The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary during

3.2.2 Storage and Transport

(a) The Contractor shall provide proper unattached buildings or

explosives in the manner and quantities approved. Separate

3.2.3 Employment and Duties of Qualified Staff

(a) The Contractor shall appoint qualified and competent Blasting

Each of the above appointments shall be subject to the approval

(b) The Blasting Engineers shall be responsible for taking possession

(c) The Blasting Engineers shall also undertake accurate recording of

on a "Loading Record Report". The formats of the said record

(d) The Blasting Engineers shall attend each month, or at more

In order to ensure compliance with this Clause, the Contractor shall

3.2.5 Trial Blasting

(a) Before any regular blasting commences, the Contractor shall at

(c) The locations for such blasting trials shall be such as to

In order to preserve the structural integrity of the rock faces

(b) Pre-splitting shall involve a single row of holes drilled at the

each rock type and Grade of Weathering encountered until the

i. Diameter of pre-splitting holes.