Pac3A Sect 600 Earthworks

SECTION 600 - EARTHWORKS
601 DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATIONS AND GENERAL USES OF

EARTHWORKS MATERIALS
601.1 Definitions
The following definitions of earthwork materials shall apply to this and other Clauses of
the Specifications in which reference is made to the defined materials:
i) '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 614
ii) 'Suitable Material' shall comprise all earth and rock materials which are not
classified as 'Unsuitable Material' as defined below, and which are capable of
being compacted in the manner specified in Clause 608 of the Specifications,
whether obtained from within or outside the Site
iii) ‘Unsuitable Material’ shall comprise:
a) material from swamps, marshes and bogs
b) peat, logs, stumps, perishable and toxic materials
c) material susceptible to spontaneous combustion
d) clay of liquid limit exceeding 90% and/or plasticity index exceeding 65.
iv) '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 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:
a) 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
b) 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 judgement 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 0.5 cubic metre in
volume shall be regarded as rock.
Section 600 Page 1 / 66

601 DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATIONS AND GENERAL USES OF EARTHWORKS

MATERIALS (Cont’d)
601.1 Definitions (Cont’d)
v '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.
vi "Selected Material" shall mean selected material as described in the

Specifications or on the Drawings or as directed by the S.O., including granular
materials and special foundation materials, whether measured for payment or
included in the rates for other pay items.
vii '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.
General Requirements
601.2 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.
601.3 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.
601.4 Suitable material and topsoil surplus to the total requirements of the Works and all
unsuitable material shall, unless the S.O. permits otherwise, be run to spoil in tips
provided by the Contractor.
601.5 When the Contractor disposes of any material outside the road reserve, he shall be fully
and solely responsible for the expenses incurred and any legal consequences.

601 DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATIONS AND GENERAL USES OF EARTHWORKS

MATERIALS (Cont’d)
General Requirements (Cont’d)
601.6 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.
601.7 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.
601.8 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.
601.9 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 selective chemical weedkillers. The use of topsoil shall
be restricted to surface layers not subject to loading by pavements or structures.
601.10 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.
601.11 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.
602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING
General
602.1 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.

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)
General (Cont’d)
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 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.
602.2 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 licences for
the procurement, possession, transport, storage and handling of explosives, and for
ensuring the validity of such licences 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.
602.3 Explosives shall be used in the quantities and manner recommended by the
manufacturers.
602.4 All necessary precautions shall be taken to preserve in the soundest possible condition the
materials below and beyond the lines of all excavations.
602.5 Blasting by means of drill holes, tunnels or any other similar method shall be the
responsibility of the Contractor.
602.6 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.
Storage and Transport
602.7 The Contractor shall provide proper buildings or magazines, with separate compartments
for detonators, in suitable locations, for the storage of 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.
602.8 All relevant security regulations dealing with the storage, handling and transport of
explosives shall be complied with.
Employment and Duties of Qualified Staff
602.9 The Contractor shall appoint qualified and competent staff for the planning and design of
a Master Blasting Plan, geotechnical matters and use of explosives. The staff shall be
appointed to specific positions to be responsible for the duties necessary to carry out
excavation by the method of blasting.

Employment and Duties of Qualified Staff (Cont’d)
Each of the above appointments shall be subject to the approval of the S.O. The staff
shall be full time on Site, and each appointed person shall work exclusively on duties
relating to his position.
602.10 The appointed staff 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.
602.11 The appointed staff shall also undertake accurate recording of all information regarding
the drilling and blasting on a "Drilling and Blasting Record Sheet" and the explosives,
type, weights and delay on a "Loading Record Report". The formats of the said record
sheets and reports shall be to the approval of the S.O.
602.12 The appointed staff 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.
602.13 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.
Monitoring
602.14 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.
602.15 Trial Blasting
i) 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.
ii) 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.
iii) 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.

602.15 Trial Blasting (Cont’d)
iv) The requirements for the trial blasts shall be as specified in this Clause for the
final slopes.
v) 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.
vi) Further trials will be required if the S.O. considers the resultant faces to be
unsatisfactory.
602.16 Pre-Splitting
i) 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.
ii) 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.
iii) The average spacing and charges per hole shall be determined by the Contractor,
who shall carry out trial pre-splitting blast tests for 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.
iv) 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.
a) Diameter of pre-splitting holes.
b) Spacing of pre-splitting holes (not to exceed 750mm unless otherwise

approved by the S.O.).
c) Depth of pre-splitting holes.
d) Diameter, spacing burden and depth for main bulk blast holes.
e) Distance from the pre-splitting face to the main face and to the last row
of main blast holes.
f) Inclination of holes.

602.16 Pre-Splitting (Cont’d)
g) Type of explosive.
h) Explosive charge per hole.
i) Spacing of string charges including details of increased charges near the

bottom of holes and uncharged length at the top.
j) Length and type of stemming.
k) Delay arrangement between the pre-splitting and adjoining main

excavation blasts.
l) No. of holes to be fired in the blast.
v 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.
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) 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.
d) The tolerances regarding the drill hole length and alignment specified are
satisfied.
vi) 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.
vii) 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.

602.17 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.
Access to Rock Slopes
602.18 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.
Safety
602.19 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 blasting area.
602.20 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.
602.21 All operations involving explosives shall be suspended on the approach of a

thunderstorm, and shall not be resumed until the storm has clearly passed.
602.22 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.
602.23 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

Safety (Cont’d)
movement induced (as measured at the waterworks structure) shall not exceed a
maximum Particle Velocity of 13mm/sec and maximum amplitude of 102 microns.
602.24 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 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 23,
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 23 will be complied with in subsequent firing,
the Contractor will not be allowed to use explosives.
602.25 Drilling rigs for shot holes shall be of the hydraulic type fitted with efficient silencers and
means of dust suppression.
Slurry Explosives
602.26 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.
602.27 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 Senior Engineer.
602.28 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.
602.29 Where the relevant authorities allow the use of slurry explosives, 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.

602.30 Method of Working
i) 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.
ii) 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.
iii) 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.
iv) 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.
v) 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 metre 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.

602.30 Method of Working (Cont'd)
vi) 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 634 - Rock
Stabilization Works.
603 EXCAVATION OF CUTTINGS
603.1 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 601.
603.2 Erosion protection measures as described in Clauses 612, 613 and 614 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.
603.3 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 608.
603.4 Any excavation below the formation level tolerance limit specified in Clause 701 shall be
made good by backfilling with suitable material of similar characteristics to that removed,
compacted in accordance with Clause 608.
603.5 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.
Large boulders or portions of boulders protruding from a slope shall be stabilized by

buttressing, rock bolting or anchoring, as instructed by the S.O. 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.
603.6 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

603 EXCAVATION OF CUTTINGS (Cont’d)
and use of constructional plant thereon other than that used to complete this operation
shall be in accordance with the requirements of Clause 702, and all plant used shall
comply with the requirements of Subclause 1 of that Clause.
603.7 Where indicated on the Drawings or ordered by the S.O., excavation in rock shall extend
225mm below the required formation level for the entire roadway width, and shall be
backfilled to formation level with compacted sub-base material, Type 2, to Clause 803.
604 EXCAVATION BELOW EMBANKMENTS AND BELOW FORMATION LEVEL

IN CUTTINGS
604.1 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 630.
604.2 If, after the removal of material as specified in Subclause 1, the Contractor allows the
material so exposed to reach a condition where compaction of backfill in accordance with
Clause 608 is 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.
604.3 For general treatment of embankments on soft soil, see Clause 628.
605 EXCAVATION OF FOUNDATION PITS AND TRENCHES
605.1 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.
605.2 Trenches and pits shall be kept free of water in accordance with Clause 610.
605.3 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 Class E
concrete to Clause 1602. After the placing of any specified blinding concrete, no
trimming of the side faces shall be carried out for 24 hours.
605.4 All excavated materials from trenches and pits not required for backfilling shall be
disposed of immediately in accordance with the requirements of Clause 601.
605.5 The Contractor shall at his own expense make good with suitable material as defined in
Clause 601, or concrete Class E to Clause 1602, as directed by the S.O.

605 EXCAVATION OF FOUNDATION PITS AND TRENCHES (Cont'd)
i) any excavation greater than the net volume required for the Works as described
in the Specifications or shown on the Drawings
ii) any additional excavation at or below the bottom of foundations to remove

material which the Contractor allows to become unsuitable.
606 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 601, deposited and compacted by approved plant in
accordance with Clause 608. 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.
607 FORMING OF EMBANKMENTS AND OTHER EARTH FILLS
607.1 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
Test No. 13.
607.2 Embankments and other earth fills shall be formed of 'suitable material' as defined in
Clause 601.
607.3 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 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.
607.4 Compaction of embankments and other earth fills shall be carried out in accordance with
Clause 608. Each embankment shall be constructed to a sufficient width to permit
adequate compaction at the edges before trimming back.
607.5 If any material deposited as fill subsequently reaches a condition such that it cannot be
compacted in accordance with Clause 608, 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

607 FORMING OF EMBANKMENTS AND OTHER EARTH FILLS (Cont'd)
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 608.
607.6 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.
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.
Except as otherwise specified, all rock fills shall be covered with one or more 200mm
layers of well graded material containing no stones larger than 100mm. This material
shall be sufficient to fill all the interstices in the top of the rock fill. These layers shall be
constructed to the requirements for earth embankment.
607.7 Isolated boulders up to 0.10m3 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.
607.8 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, or to conform to Clause 628 in the case of soft ground, prior to any piling. The
forming and completion of the embankment shall be carried out in accordance with
Clauses 607 and 608.
607.9 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.

607 FORMING OF EMBANKMENTS AND OTHER EARTH FILLS (Cont’d)
607.10 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 movement and use of constructional plant
thereon shall be in accordance with the requirements of Clause 702.
607.11 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.
607.12 Where a drainage layer is specified, geotextile filter fabric, type A as defined in Clause
621, shall be laid perpendicular to the centre-line of the embankment over the existing
ground. Prior to laying of a geotextile filter fabric on existing ground, site clearance
shall be carried out in accordance with Series 200. 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 628, 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 geotextile filter fabric type A shall be laid over the drainage layer in a similar
manner to the first fabric layer.
607.13 Joints in the geotextile filter fabric laid perpen-dicular 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 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.
608 COMPACTION OF EMBANKMENTS AND OTHER EARTH FILLS
608.1 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 Test No. 13, and the remaining samples

608 COMPACTION OF EMBANKMENTS AND OTHER EARTH FILLS (Cont'd)
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.
608.2 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.
608.3 Earth moving plant shall not be accepted as compaction equipment under this Clause.
608.4 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 95%
of maximum dry density for the 900mm below formation level, or for the full height of
the embankment where this is 900mm or less, and 90% of maximum dry density
elsewhere.
The maximum dry density shall be determined using BS 1377 Test No. 13.
608.5 The Contractor shall demonstrate compliance with Subclause 4 above for material within
900mm of formation level by carrying out field density tests in accordance with BS 1377
Test No. 15 at a rate of not less than one test per 2,000 cubic metres.
608.6 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.
608.7 Without prejudice to the provisions of Clause 43.2 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.
608.8 Each layer in rock fill embankments shall be spread and levelled in accordance with
Clause 607, 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 1800 kg, or a grid roller with a
load per metre width of roll of at least 8000 kg, 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.

608 COMPACTION OF EMBANKMENTS AND OTHER EARTH FILLS (Cont’d)
608.9 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.
609 PREPARATION OF FORMATION IN CUTS
609.1 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 sub-base (or the roadbase
where no sub-base is required). The sequence of operations shall be as follows.
i) All surfaces beneath the sub-base of carriageways, parking areas, footways, hard
shoulders, verges and medians shall, after reinstatement of any soft areas, be
well cleaned and freed from mud and slurry.
ii) The surface shall be compacted by 6 passes of a smooth-wheeled roller having a

mass per metre width of roll of 4400 - 6000kg.
iii) The surface shall be regulated and trimmed to the requirements of Clause 701,
with vertical tolerances as specified for the formation surface (Table 7/1).
iv) 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 2100kg, 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 1400kg/mý.
v) All areas of prepared formation shall be approved by the S.O. prior to the
placing of sub-base material. Placing of sub-base shall commence immediately
following such approval.
609.2 Surface irregularities under formation level remaining after trimming of rock excavation
shall be regulated to the requirements of Clause 701 with compacted sub-base material,
Type 2, to Clause 803, or Class E concrete to Clause 1602 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 E concrete.
609.3 If the Contractor allows the moisture 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 directed by the S.O.,
make good at his own expense the surface by recompaction before laying the sub-base or
roadbase.
610 EARTHWORKS TO BE KEPT FREE OF WATER
610.1 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

610 EARTHWORKS TO BE KEPT FREE OF WATER (Cont'd)
pipe drainage system. The Contractor shall provide adequate means of trapping silt in
temporary drainage systems discharging into permanent drainage systems in accordance
with Clause 138. The arrangements shall be made in respect of all earthworks, including
excavation, whether for pipe trenches, foundations or cuttings.
610.2 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.
610.3 In pumping out excavations and in any lowering of the water table the Contractor shall
pay due regard to the stability of all structures.
611 TOPSOIL
611.1 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.
611.2 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.
611.3 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.
611.4 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.
611.5 Spreading of topsoil shall not be done when the ground or topsoil is excessively wet or in
any condition detrimental to the work.
611.6 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.
612 SEEDING OF LEGUMINOUS COVER CROPS
612.1 Prior to seeding of leguminous cover crops, topsoiled areas shall be dressed with an
approved chemical fertilizer of nutrient 10:17:17ÿ- Nitrogen: Phosphate: Potassium.
Fertilizer shall not be applied less than 2 days nor more than 7 days before seeding. The
rate of application shall be 170kg/Ha.

612 SEEDING OF LEGUMINOUS COVER CROPS (Cont'd)
612.2 The seeding mixture shall be from an approved source. Unless otherwise agreed by the
S.O., the mixture shall consist of the following parts by weight:
20% Tephrosia candida

20% Flemingia congesta
60% Nephrolepsis spp
or alternatively
50% Calopogonium mucunoides

40% Centrosema pubescens
10% Pueraria phaseoloides.
612.3 Seeds shall be supplied in separate sacks or containers with seed name, lot number, net
weight, percentages of purity and germination, and percentage of maximum weed content
clearly marked for each kind of seed.
612.4 The Contractor shall provide and submit to the S.O. before starting seeding operations,
certificates of purity, germination, year of harvest and country of origin of all seeds.
Fresh seeds only shall be used; seeds purchased during the previous season shall not be
used.
612.5 Seeds shall not be stored by the Contractor for longer than 3 months. Seeds shall only be
stored in the supplier’s sacks or containers on open shelves in a well-ventilated or air-
conditioned room.
612.6 The Contractor shall pay due regard to the weather conditions before sowing seeds and
shall take all reasonable measures to promote their growth.
612.7 In areas where germination has failed within one month of original seeding, the
Contractor shall reseed the area in accordance with the Specifications.
612.8 Cover crop seeds shall be planted in 25 - 35mm deep drills with 1 metre between drills at
a rate of 1 gram per metre run of drill. The drills shall then be covered over with fine
friable topsoil and the ground consolidated by patting with a turf beater. The seed bed
shall finally be given a light spraying with water to moisten the upper layers of soil.
612.9 During the currency of the Contract, the Contractor shall mow, with cutting blades set
40mm above ground, those areas which have been seeded. The first and subsequent
mowing 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 kept free of grass cuttings.

613 HYDROSEEDING (HYDRAULIC SEEDING)
613.1 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 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.
613.2 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
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.
613.3 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.

13 HYDROSEEDING (HYDRAULIC SEEDING) (Cont’d)
613.4 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.
614 TURFING
614.1 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.
614.2 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.
614.3 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..
614.4 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.
614.5 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.
614.6 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.
615 WATERCOURSES
615.1 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.
615.2 All excavated materials from such excavations shall be disposed of immediately in
accordance with Clause 602.
615.3 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

615 WATERCOURSES
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.
616 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
607 and 608.
617 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 602.
618 STONE REVETMENT ON EARTHWORKS SLOPES
Where shown on the Drawings, the slopes of embankments and cuttings shall be
protected with mortared stone pitching revetment laid as described in Clause 526.
619 GRANULAR FILL
619.1 Granular fill to be compacted against or under earth-retaining structures, or in other

sections of fill as directed by the S.O., 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.
619.2 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 75æm BS sieve.
620 PILING BELOW EMBANKMENTS
Where specified, precast reinforced concrete piles, precast prestressed concrete piles, or
bakau piles shall be driven in advance of the embankment construction. Piles shall
conform to the requirements of Specifications Series 1300. Bakau piles shall be driven to
the depth specified with the tops of the piles below the lowest ground water level.
Extension of the piles to ground level shall be by means of metal or concrete extension
dollies. Details of the proposed dolly and its splicing details shall be subject to the
approval of the S.O.

621 GEOTEXTILE FABRIC
621.1 Type A fabric shall be used principally as a separator beneath embankments, and Type D
fabric shall be used principally as a filter membrane for subsoil drainage.
621.2 Material for geotextile fabric shall comply with the requirements of Clause 2642.
621.3 If Type A fabric is to be sewn together, a double chain stitched lapped seam shall be used
with high tenacity polyester thread having a breaking load of not less than 0.2kN. The
seam lap shall be not less than 50mm, and each chain of stitches shall have not less than 4
stitches per 25mm.
622 GEOTEXTILE REINFORCEMENT
622.1 Geotextile reinforcement shall be formed from polyester and shall comply with the
requirements of Clause 2643.
622.2 Geotextile reinforcement shall be delivered in black polythene wrappers to protect it from
the harmful effects of ultra-violet light, and it shall remain wrapped and be stored in a
cool place until it is to be used.
623 GEOGRID
623.1 This work shall consist of the provision and installation of geotextile material known as
geogrid to provide slope protection against erosion. Geogrid shall be installed at the
locations and positions shown on the Drawings or otherwise specified, and shall be laid
strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
623.2 No lap is required between adjacent strips. Joints within a strip shall have a minimum
overlap of 1000mm, and shall be able to develop the full tensile strength of the geogrid.
623.3 Material for geogrid shall comply with the requirements of Clause 2644.
624 LIGHTWEIGHT FILL
624.1 Lightweight fill shall comprise naturally occurring or chemically formed material with a
maximum compacted density of not more than 15 kN/m3. It shall be to the approval of
the S.O.
The material may consist of single size rock fill of suitable, low specific gravity shales or
sandstones where these are available. The nominal mean particle size of the rock shall be
in the range 0.15m to 0.3m.
624.2 If the Contractor intends to use a chemically formed material he shall submit a method
statement for the approval of the S.O.

625 INSTRUMENTATION
625.1 General
Instrumentation shall be installed to measure horizontal and vertical displacement of the

subsoil or structures supported by the subsoil, and water pressures within the subsoil or
structures. Instrumentation is part of the permanent Works and shall remain operational
both during and after the construction Contract.
The Contractor shall be responsible for and shall follow the instructions of the
manufacturer and the requirements of the Specifications in the installation, calibration and
testing of all measuring instruments and equipment, which shall be carried out under the
direct supervision of the S.O. The Contractor shall give the S.O. at least 2 days notice
prior to undertaking installation of such equipment. 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.
625.2 Protection and Maintenance of Instruments
The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect the instruments and
maintain the instruments in good working order after commissioning. For all instruments
which project through and above fill, special precautions shall be taken to provide
protection from vehicles and plant, including substantial and readily visible barriers at a
distance of 750mm around each instrument. Heavy compaction equipment shall not
approach within 1.5m of projecting instruments. Damaged instruments shall be replaced
or repaired by the Contractor at his own expense within seven days.
625.3 Stabilising Electronic Readout Devices
All electronic readout devices and transducers shall be shaded from direct sunlight during
use. Probes which are used inside access tubes shall be placed inside the tube and
allowed to come to a stable temperature for at least 10 minutes before use. Zero or
starting values shall only be taken once temperature stabilisation is complete.
625.4 Personnel
Personnel involved in the installation and monitoring of instrumentation shall consist of

the following:
Instrumentation engineer
- at least 3 years experience of instrumentation using the equipment to be installed
Senior instrumentation technician
- at least 2 years experience of instrumentation using the equipment to be installed
Junior instrumentation technician
- fully trained in the installation and monitoring of the equipment to be installed.

625 INSTRUMENTATION (Cont’d)
The instrumentation engineer shall be responsible for the overall planning,

implementation and monitoring of all instruments. He shall be on Site throughout
installation, commissioning and initial monitoring. His time on Site shall be spent 100%
on instrumentation. He shall be involved in the remaining monitoring on a basis to be
agreed with the S.O., which shall include at least 20% attendance on Site.
The Senior instrumentation technician shall be on Site throughout installation,

commissioning and all monitoring. He shall be assisted by sufficient junior technicians
to meet the required programme of installation and monitoring, and shall ensure that all
instrumentation works and monitoring are either carried out by or supervised by a
suitably experienced technician.
The Contractor shall submit names and curricula vitae of personnel to carry out the
instrumentation and monitoring, and a programme of their attendance for the approval of
the S.O.. Deviation from the approved programme of attendance or the requirements of
this Clause shall only be permitted with the approval of the S.O.
625.5 Boreholes for Instruments
Boreholes for instruments may be drilled by any method provided that it results in a clean
and stable hole of the required diameter to the correct depth. Boreholes shall be cased to
their full depth unless strata are sufficiently stable for the hole to stay open under dry
conditions. Boreholes shall be drilled using clean water. Drilling mud or polymer
additives shall only be used with the approval of the S.O. In the case of installation of
piezometers, drilling mud or polymer additives shall not be permitted.
During drilling, care shall be taken to ensure that minimum material is lost from outside
the casing. Surging of casing shall not be allowed, and flushing of drilling water up the
outside of the casing shall be minimised.
The method of forming boreholes, including the procedure for advancing casing, shall be
submitted to the S.O. for approval before commencement of the works.
625.6 Grouting of Boreholes
For all instruments placed in boreholes, grouting of part or all of the borehole shall be
required during installation. The grout shall be a bentonite: cement mixture with
sufficient water to achieve a pumpable mix. The proportions of the mix shall be such as to
produce as closely as possible the strength or consistency of the natural soils present. The
Contractor shall conduct trials on different mixes of bentonite and cement (from 4:1 to
8:1) to ascertain the relationship with strength. Specimens shall be cured and stored, then
tested in undrained triaxial compression after 1 day, 2 days, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3
months. 3 specimens shall be tested on each occasion, and the sources of bentonite and
cement shall be the same as used for eventual installation. On the basis of these trials, the
S.O. shall decide on the bentonite: cement proportions to be used, which may be varied
depending on the application.
Grout shall be poured or pumped into boreholes using a tremie pipe.

625.7 Labelling and Marking of Instruments
All instruments shall be labelled with reference numbers at the locations where readings
or measurements are taken. The labelling shall be permanent using a method or material
to be agreed with the S.O.
For instruments which are located beneath a drainage blanket where vertical drains are
later to be installed, their locations and the locations of any connecting tubes or cables
shall be marked using 1.6m lengths of 20mm steel bar. The bars shall be driven vertically
0.9m into the ground as close as practicable to the instruments before the drainage blanket
is placed. The tops of the steel bars shall be painted in bright colours, with colour coding
if necessary. During placing of the drainage blanket around the bars the Contractor shall
ensure that the bars remain vertical, and clearly visible on completion of the drainage
blanket.
625.8 Survey Equipment
All surveying equipment used in conjunction with the monitoring of instrumentation,

including measuring tapes, levels and theodolites, shall be maintained and calibrated as
required by its manufacturers and good surveying practice. Levels shall be checked for
horizontality of the line of sight every four weeks.
625.9 Instrumentation Equipment References
In this Clause specialist geotechnical instrumentation and equipment shall be referenced

to the current catalogues of Geotechnical Instruments (UK) Ltd, and shall be referred to
as GI item no. ___________.
The relevant GI Data Sheet reference number is also given for each type of instrument.
Equipment from other manufacturers may be used provided that it meets the requirements
of this Clause, and provides the same facilities as the GI item. Details of alternative
equipment shall be submitted to the S.O. for approval. If the S.O. considers it necessary,
demonstrations shall be arranged by the Contractor. Any supplier of geotechnical
instrumentation must demonstrate that he operates an adequate system of product quality
assurance.
625.10 Displacement Markers, Settlement Markers and Survey Stations
i) Scope : Where specified, displacement markers and settlement markers are

required to monitor the horizontal and vertical movement of the ground or
embankment surface. Survey stations provide a reference for levelling or
horizontal measurement to other points, and shall be established on stable
ground unaffected by construction. The Contractor shall be responsible for
establishing displacement markers and settlement markers in locations selected
by the S.O. in longitudinal and lateral directions along and across embankment
crests, slopes and toes, and for installing permanent survey stations on
undisturbed ground clear of the embankments as required by the S.O.
ii) Equipment and Installation : The markers shall comprise steel rods of 20mm
diameter which shall be driven vertically into the embankment or undisturbed
ground for a minimum distance of 1.0m, and shall project approximately 75mm

625.10 Displacement Markers, Settlement Markers and Survey Stations (Cont'd)
above the embankment or ground surface. The rods shall be surrounded by not
less than 0.03 cu.m. of concrete where they enter the ground, and their tops shall
be carefully domed and centre punched. The details of the installation are shown
on the Drawings. The concrete shall be scored with the reference number of the
marker.
iii) Method of monitoring : For settlement markers, levels of the top of the rod shall
be measured using standard levelling techniques. The datum used shall
preferably require only one set up of the level, and levelling shall be closed back
to the datum.
For displacement markers, horizontal locations of the top of the rod shall be
measured by taping from a suitably located survey station or control point. If
direct taping is not possible, then other surveying techniques shall be used as
agreed with the S.O..
For survey stations, level and plan location of the top of the rod shall be
established using agreed survey control. The measured values shall be checked
using the agreed control at intervals to be agreed with the S.O.
625.11 Deep Levelling Datum
i) Scope : A deep datum is required to provide a reference for measurement of

ground levels in areas of soft ground. The datum itself is fixed into deeper firm
ground and isolated from soft and compressible overlying strata. The Contractor
shall be responsible for establishing a deep datum at each location, and with
depth and details, specified by the S.O.
ii) Equipment and installation: A deep datum shall consist of a 25mm galvanised
steel pipe fixed into firm ground with cement grout. The datum pipe shall be
isolated from the overlying soft ground by a 75mm galvanised steel pipe bedded
into the top of the cement grout. The upper part of the 75mm pipe shall be
surrounded by a concrete plinth, square in plan, of not less than 0.06 cu.m. of
concrete. The details of the equipment are shown on the Drawings. The
concrete shall be scored with the reference number of the datum.
iii) Establishing reference level: The level value of a deep datum shall be established
by standard levelling techniques from bench marks in the vicinity as agreed by
the S.O.. Levelling shall be closed back to the bench marks to check accuracy.
The level value shall be measured three times soon after installation of the
datum, and shall be checked at intervals to be established by the S.O.
625.12 Rod Settlement Gauges
i) Scope: Rod settlement gauges are required to measure settlements taking place
beneath and adjacent to embankments during and after construction. The
Contractor shall provide and install rod settlement gauges at locations and levels
as specified by the S.O.

625.12 Rod Settlement Gauges (Cont'd)
ii) Equipment and installation: Rod settlement gauges shall be as shown on the
Drawings, and the Contractor shall be responsible for installation of all gauges as
work proceeds. The base plate and first length of rod shall be placed as early as
possible during earthworks, preferably before any significant filling (including
any drainage blanket) has been placed. Extension lengths shall be installed when
the level of compacted embankment is about 250mm below the top of the
preceding lengths.
Should a rod settlement gauge be damaged or should the Contractor fail to extend the
gauge when required, he shall stop all filling in the vicinity of the gauge until the
necessary remedial works have been carried out. The Contractor shall be liable for any
delay in his programme, or any additional work that has to be done as a result of such
damage.
Should any rod settlement gauge be damaged in such a way as to make it useless for its
purpose, the S.O. shall assess the settlement for measurement purposes and this
assessment shall be accepted by the Contractor as final.
iii) Method of monitoring: Rod settlement gauges shall be monitored by standard

levelling techniques. Levels shall be taken of the top of the rod itself and of the
fill adjacent to the gauge on each occasion. The datum used shall preferably
require only one set up of the level, and levelling shall be closed back to the
datum. When rods are extended, levels shall be measured immediately before
and immediately after adding the extension.
625.13 Hydrostatic Profile Gauges
i) Scope: Hydrostatic profile gauges provide a method of measuring vertical

displacement beneath a road embankment. Readings are taken at regular
intervals across the entire width of the embankment and provide a continuous
profile of settlement. The Contractor shall install hydrostatic profile gauges at
locations and with details as specified by the S.O. across the full width of
embankments. Refer to GI Data Sheet HPG 87.
ii) Equipment and installation: Hydrostatic profile gauges shall be installed before
earthwork commences as shown on the Drawings. Each gauge shall consist of a
semi-rigid polyethylene access tube 50mm o.d. and 39.6mm i.d. (GI item HPG
1.1 or similar approved) installed in a sand filled trench. The trench may be
filled with its arisings provided they are suitable fill and stone free, and approval
is given by the S.O.. Each end of the access tube shall pass freely through a
plastic protective cover (GI item HPG 1.5 or similar approved) complete with a
solid PVC taper-threaded plug. The plug shall have an eye for retention of the
instrument draw cord. The drawcord shall be 6mm diameter polyester cord (GI
item HPG 1.3 or similar approved).
Each protective cover shall be set into a concrete pad as shown on the Drawings.
If the expected settlement is so large that the protective cover may not be long
enough to accommodate the relative movement of the access tube, then the
protective cover shall be extended using a suitable piece of plastic pipe. The
concrete pads shall have minimum dimensions of 1.5m x 1.5m x 0.3m at the

625.13 Hydrostatic Profile Gauges
read-out end, and 1.0m x 1.0m x 0.3m at the other end. They shall be located
beyond the influence of the loaded area causing settlement. At each concrete pad
a cadmium plated steel survey pin (GI item HPG 1.4 or similar approved) shall
be cast into the concrete. The ends of the access tube shall be covered with a
suitable end cap (GI item HPG 1.2 or similar approved) at all times until
installed inside the protective cover.
iii Readout device : The read-out device shall consist of an operating tube 75m
long, marked at 1.0m intervals, and connected to a stainless steel probe with eye
bolt for attachment to the draw cord (GI item HPG 2.3 or similar approved). The
operating tube shall be mounted on a reel housing the digital transducer meter.
The digital transducer meter (GI item HPG 2.6 or similar approved) shall have a
menu driven reading and display capability with solid state data storage for 2000
readings.
The meter shall incorporate an RS232C port to allow downloading of stored data
and be supplied with an RS232C interface and cable link (GI item HPG 2.8 or
similar approved). The read-out unit shall be powered by rechargeable batteries
with a minimum life of 12 hours. A suitable automatic battery charger shall be
supplied with the read-out unit (GI item HPG 2.7 or similar approved). The
system shall be capable of measuring elevation with reference to the survey pin
to an accuracy of ñ10mm.
iv) Method of monitoring: Immediately before taking a set of readings with the
hydrostatic profile gauge, levels shall be measured of the two survey pins set
into the concrete pads. The read-out device shall then be set up at the read-out
end, and the probe placed on the survey pin and a reference value taken. The
probe shall be pulled through the access tube to the other end using the
drawcord. The probe shall be placed on the other survey pin and a value taken.
The probe shall then be pulled back through the access tube towards the cable
reel, taking readings every 1.0m. When the probe comes out of the access tube, it
shall be placed on the survey pin and a second reference value taken. All
measured values shall be recorded and stored on the digital transducer meter.
625.14 Magnetic Extensometers
i) Scope : Magnetic extensometers provide a method of measuring settlement at a

point or a series of points below the ground surface. The Contractor shall install
magnetic extensometers at locations and with depths and details as specified by
the S.O.. Refer to GI Data Sheet ME 87.
ii) Equipment and installation: The magnetic extensometer shall consist of a

vertical access tube and a series of magnetic targets which are free to slide down
the tube, together with a datum magnet which is fixed to the tube near its base.
The access tube shall be made up of sections of rigid PVC tube 33.5mm o.d. and
24.5mm i.d. with threaded ends which provide both an internal and external
flush coupling (GI item ME 1.1 or ME 1.2 or similar approved). A rigid PVC
end cap (GI item ME 1.5 or similar approved) shall be fixed to the bottom of the

625.14 Magnetic Extensometers (Cont'd)
access tube. Compression/extension tubes (GI item ME 1.3 or similar approved)

shall be provided where required by the S.O. All joints shall be sealed with a
suitable PVC solvent cement (GI item ME 1.6 or similar approved).
A datum ring magnet (GI item ME 2.1 or similar approved) shall be fixed
approximately 2m above the bottom of the tube. Spider magnets (GI item ME
2.7 or similar approved) shall be used within the subsoil, and plate magnets (GI
item ME 2.16 or similar approved) within fill where magnets can be placed
during construction.
The access tube and magnets shall be assembled prior to installation in such a
way that the magnets remain in the correct position in relation to the tube. The
tube shall be coated with a thick grease over its upper part where it passes
through compressible subsoils. It shall then be lowered together with all magnets
and necessary accessories fixed in position into a 100mm diameter borehole
backfilled with a suitable bentonite : cement grout mix. Once in position the
spider magnets shall be released.
Where the access tube passes through upper stiff crusts or fill material, it shall be
sleeved by a larger diameter tube so that it can pass freely through these
materials as settlement takes place. Where the access tube passes through fill
which is being placed, the access tube and outer sleeve shall be extended as
filling progresses. The top of the access tube, and the larger diameter sleeve
where present, shall be protected with a suitable cover (GI item ME 4.1 or
similar approved).
iii Read-out device : The read-out device (GI item ME 5.2 or similar approved)
shall consist of a nickel plated brass probe containing a reed switch encapsulated
in silicone rubber. The probe shall be connected via a nylon coated steel tape to a
reel and buzzer.
iv) Method of monitoring : Magnetic extensometers shall be monitored by passing

the probe down to the base of the access tube. The probe shall then be pulled up
the tube measuring the distance of each magnet from the top of the tube. The
position of each magnet shall be measured twice, once with the probe moving
upwards and once with the probe moving back downwards towards the magnet.
Immediately before or after taking a series of readings, the level of the top of the
access tube shall be measured by standard levelling techniques.
625.15 Inclinometers
i) Scope : Inclinometers provide a method of measuring a continuous profile of

horizontal deflection both at the surface of and within a mass of soil. The
Contractor shall install inclinometers as shown on the Drawings at locations, and
with depths and details, as specified by the S.O. Refer to GI Data Sheet INS 89.

625.15 Inclinometers (Cont'd)
ii) Equipment and installation: The inclinometer access tube shall consist of
broached PVC tubing with four keyways set at right angles to each other, and
shall be supplied in 3.0m lengths with 0.3m long couplings and end caps (GI
items INS 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 respectively or similar approved). The spiral twisting
of the keyways shall not exceed 0.75 degrees per metre length of the tubing.
Where necessary, the S.O. shall instruct the Contractor to obtain spiral metric
measurements of the keyways in the inclinometer tubing after installation. After
assembly joints and rivets shall be coated in sealing mastic (GI item INS 2.5 or
similar approved) and wrapped in sealing tape (GI item INS 2.7 or similar
approved). The tube shall be coated with thick grease over its upper part where it
passes through compressible subsoils. The assembled tube shall be lowered into
a 125mm diameter borehole backfilled with a suitable bentonite:cement grout
mix. Alternatively the tube may be placed in an open borehole and grout placed
afterwards. In granular material, the backfill may be sand or pea gravel. The
keyways shall be orientated such that movements are measured parallel to and at
right angles to the embankment axis.
Where the access tube passes through upper stiff crusts or fill material, it shall be
sleeved by a larger diameter tube so that it can pass freely through these
materials as settlement takes place. Where the access tube passes through fill
which is being placed, the access tube and outer sleeve shall be extended in
lengths which are multiples of 0.5m as filling progresses. The top of the access
tube, and the larger diameter sleeve where present, shall be protected with a
suitable cover (GI item INS 3.4 or similar approved).
iii) Read-out device: Angular movements shall be measured by an inclinometer

torpedo which shall be a biaxial type (GI item INS 4.2 or similar approved) with
a gauge length of 500mm. The system shall be capable of measuring lateral
deformation to an accuracy of +10mm over a depth of 30m. The casing of the
inclinometer probe shall be constructed of stainless steel, and the probe shall be
fully waterproof and corrosion proof. The inclinometer probe shall be supplied
with a rigid carrying case fully lined with shock proof padding (GI item INS 4.3
or similar approved). The cable supplied for use with the inclinometer probe
shall be a polyurethane sheathed cable with a minimum length of 40m,
incorporating a central kelvar straining wire. The cable shall be graduated in
intervals of 500mm, and shall be supplied complete with a portable cable reel
(GI items INS 4.5 or 4.6 or similar approved).
The inclinometer data logger unit (GI item INS 5.2 or similar approved) shall
display the readings from the inclinometer torpedo on an alphanumeric display.
The read-out unit shall be powered by a rechargeable battery with a minimum
life of 12 hours continuous use between charges. A suitable automatic battery
charger shall be supplied with the read-out unit. The read-out unit shall
incorporate an RS232C port and a solid state data storage unit with the capacity
to store at least 30000 readings directly from the inclinometer probe together
with time and date of reading. The following facilities are also required within
the read-out unit:

625.15 Inclinometers (Cont'd)
(a) scan stored data
(b) display of face errors as readings are being obtained
(c) display of mean deviation and cumulative deviation of any one set of
readings
(d) graphical display of displacement profile between any two sets of

readings
(e) backlit LCD display.
A calibration frame shall be supplied to enable the inclinometer calibration to be

checked at vertical and 10 degrees either side of vertical (GI item INS 4.9 or
similar approved).
iv) Method of monitoring: Immediately before or after taking a series of readings,

the level of the top of the access tube shall be measured by standard levelling
techniques. Before passing the torpedo down the access tube, a dummy torpedo
(GI item INS 4.10 or similar approved) shall be lowered to the base of the tube
and pulled up to check for obstructions or constrictions. The inclinometer
torpedo shall then be lowered to the base of the access tube and raised taking
readings every 0.5m until the torpedo reaches the top. The readings shall be read
by and stored in the data logger. The procedure shall be repeated on the opposite
face following the manufacturers method and sign convention.
625.16 Combined Inclinometers and Magnetic Extensometers
i) Scope: Combined inclinometers and magnetic extensometers provide a method

of measuring both vertical settlement and horizontal displacement at a series of
points below the ground surface.
The Contractor shall install combined inclinometers and magnetic extensometers

at locations, and with depths and details as specified by the S.O.
This specification should be read in conjunction with the specifications for:
- inclinometers
- magnetic extensometers,
and only specifies requirements where they differ from the individual systems.
Refer to GI Data Sheets ME 87 and INS 89.
ii) Equipment and installation: The access tube shall be inclinometer access tube,
and magnetic targets shall be suitable for use with this tube:
- datum ring magnet (GI item ME 2.3 or similar approved)
- spider magnet (GI item ME 2.11 or similar approved)

625.16 Combined Inclinometers and Magnetic Extensometers (Cont'd)
- plate magnet (GI item ME 2.17 or similar approved).
The magnets shall be positioned in relation to sleeved joints such that they can
move downwards without obstruction sufficiently to monitor the expected
settlement. The borehole shall be 150mm diameter.
iii) Readout devices: These shall be as for inclinometers and magnetic

extensometers. In the case of the magnetic extensometer probe, a probe adaptor
made of nickel plated brass secured to the reed switch probe by a stainless steel
screw shall be used (GI item ME 5.4 or similar approved).
iv) Methods of monitoring: These shall be as for inclinometers and magnetic

extensometers.
625.17 Standpipes
i) Scope: Standpipes provide a method of monitoring the water table, or ground

water level close to ground level. The Contractor shall install standpipes as
shown on the Drawings at locations, and with depths and details, as specified by
the S.O.. Refer to GI Data Sheet SP85.
ii) Equipment and installation: The standpipe shall be made up of sections of 25mm
uPVC tube, 2mm thick, with an end cap at the bottom. The lower part of the
standpipe shall be slotted as shown on the Drawings. The uPVC plain and
slotted tubes shall comply with the relevant requirements of Clause 2620. The
slotted part of the pipe shall be wrapped in Terram 1000 filter fabric or similar
approved.
The standpipe shall be placed in a 100mm diameter borehole backfilled with a

graded filter sand (600 to 1200 microns), and the top of the hole shall be sealed
with bentonite pellets and a concrete plug as shown the Drawings. A protective
cover shall be set into the concrete with caps and air vents as shown on the
Drawings.
iii) Commissioning: Before taking initial readings the Contractor shall stabilise the
standpipe by alternately baling and filling at least 10 times. The Contractor shall
then carry out a simple falling head test by raising the water level 1.5m above
the static level, using an extension pipe if necessary, and measuring the water
level over a 30 minute period.
iv) Method of monitoring: Depth to water in the standpipe shall be measured using a
dipmeter. The dipmeter shall be of the electric type (GI item SP 5.2 or similar
approved), but simple metal probes attached to nylon cord may be used with the
approval of the S.O. for shallow depths.
625.18 Standpipe Piezometers
i) Scope : Standpipe piezometers give a measurement of water pressure at a

specific depth within a soil profile. They are generally used in soils of medium to
high permeability. The Contractor shall install standpipe piezometers as shown

625.18 Standpipe Piezometers (Cont'd)
on the Drawings at locations, and with depths and details, as specified by the
S.O.. Refer to GI Data Sheet SP 85.
ii) Equipment and installation: The piezometer tip shall consist of a porous ceramic
or plastic element (GI item SP 2.1 or SP 2.2 or similar approved) not less than
150mm long with a diameter not less than 30mm, and shall be protected at each
end by unplasticised polyvinylchoride (uPVC) fittings. The filter element shall
have a pore diameter of the order of 60 microns, and a permeability of the order
of 0.0003 m/s. The standpipe shall be made up of sections of plain uPVC tube as
described in Subclause 17 above. The tube sections shall be jointed together and
to the porous element with threaded couplings, PTFE tape and glue in such a
manner that the joints remain leakproof under the anticipated head of water (GI
items SP 1.1, SP 1.9, SP 1.15, SP 1.20 and SP 1.21 or similar approved).
The standpipe piezometer shall be installed in a 100mm diameter borehole. The

porous element shall be surrounded by a sand filter placed between the depths
specified by the S.O.. The filter sand shall be clean and fall wholly between the
grading limits of 600 and 1200 microns. Seals consisting of bentonite pellets
(GI item SP 3.5 or similar approved) shall be placed above, and if necessary,
below the sand filter. The remainder of the hole shall be filled with a
bentonite:cement grout, and the top part with a concrete plug. A protective cover
shall be set into the concrete with caps and air vents as shown on the Drawings.
After filling and sealing the bottom of the borehole as necessary to the required
depth, this depth shall be checked using a flat-ended sounding rod, and recorded.
The Contractor shall then place the lower portion of the sand filter on which the
porous element is to be placed. The Contractor shall ensure that no sand adheres
to the soil in the sides of the unlined borehole. Where there is water in the
borehole the Contractor shall allow sufficient time for all the sand to settle. The
final depth of the top of this sand shall also be checked and recorded. The
standpipe assembly shall then be placed in the hole, and the remaining sand filter
added around and above the porous element as described above. The final depth
of the top of the sand filter shall also be checked and recorded.
iii) Commissioning: Before taking initial readings, the Contractor shall carry out a
simple falling head test by raising the water level 1.5m above the static level,
using an extension pipe if necessary, and measuring the water level over a 30
minute period.
iv) Method of monitoring: Depth to water in standpipe piezometers shall be

measured using a dipmeter. The dipmeter shall be of the electric type (GI item
SP 5.2 or similar approved), however simple metal probes attached to nylon cord
may be used with the approval of the S.O. for shallow depths.

625.19 Pneumatic Piezometers
i) Scope : Pneumatic piezometers are used to measure water pressures at specific

depths within a variety of soil types. The Contractor shall install pneumatic
piezometers as shown on the Drawings at locations, and with depths and details,
as specified by the S.O. Three methods of installation are described hereunder,
and the S.O. shall indicate which method is to be used. Refer to GI Data Sheet
PP 85.
ii) Equipment: Pneumatic piezometer tips shall be of the high air entry ceramic type
with an average pore diameter of 1 micron. They shall have marine brass or
stainless steel bodies (GI item PP 1.3 or similar approved). The piezometer
systems shall be capable of measuring water pressures to an accuracy of +0.2m
head of water in the range 0 - 35m head of water.
The piezometers shall be connected to tubing comprising suitably coded twin

1.9mm i.d. and 3.2mm o.d. nylon tubes covered with a polythene sheath 1mm
thick (GI item PP 2.1 or similar approved). Joints in the tubes other than at the
piezometer tip or at the terminal panel shall not be permitted. The tubes from
individual piezometers shall be colour coded and marked every 3m. The tubing
shall be connected either to suitable quick release couplings or a terminal panel
(GI items PP 4.1 or PP 4.5 or similar approved), which shall be housed in a
lockable steel cabinet (GI item PP 4.6 or similar approved).
The arrangement of the equipment and the three methods of installation are
shown on the Drawings.
iii) Installation in a sand pocket: The pneumatic piezometer shall be installed in a

100mm diameter borehole. The sand filter surrounding the porous element shall
be clean and fall wholly between the grading limits of 600 and 1200 microns.
Seals consisting of bentonite pellets (GI item SP 3.5 or similar approved) shall
be placed above, and if necessary, below the sand filter. The remainder of the
hole shall be filled with a bentonite : cement grout.
The procedure for placing the pneumatic piezometer and the sand filter in the
borehole at the specified depths shall be the same as that described in Subclause
18 above for standpipe piezometers.
iv) Installation by pushing into the base of the borehole: The 100mm diameter
borehole shall be terminated 0.3m above the required position of the piezometer
tip. The piezometer tip with cable attached shall be pushed into the base of the
borehole to the required depth using an arrangement of sufficiently stiff tubes.
The borehole shall then be sealed with bentonite pellets and bentonite:cement
grout as shown on the Drawings.
v) Installation in the drainage blanket: Pneumatic piezometers shall be installed in

the drainage blanket as shown on the Drawings. The piezometer tip shall be
placed in a container filled with graded sand between 600 and 1200 microns, and
water. The water level shall be up to the top of the container which shall be
open. The container shall be placed at the base of the drainage blanket, and shall
be generously surrounded and covered by more graded sand.

625.19 Pneumatic Piezometers (Cont'd)
vi) Terminal arrangements: The piezometer leads shall either be connected to quick
release couplings set inside a suitable cover, or be taken to a terminal panel fixed
inside a lockable steel cabinet. The cabinet shall be set on a concrete plinth,
typically 0.6x1.0x0.3m thick (plan dimensions may be adjusted to suit the
cabinet size). Where cables are laid in trenches, the backfill shall either be sand
or the arisings of the trenches, if they are stone free. Cables shall be laid with
sufficient slack to take up any movements that are expected to occur due to
settlement of embankments or structures.
vii) Read-out equipment: The pneumatic read-out unit shall be capable of storing 500
readings and shall incorporate an electronic pressure transducer, backlit digital
display, RS232C interface and cable link, rechargeable battery providing at least
12 hours continuous use between charges, a rechargeable gas reservoir bottle, a
reservoir pressure gauge, return + flow indicator, flow control valve, and quick
release self sealing leads for connection to the supply and return manifolds of the
terminal panel. The read-out unit shall be housed in a rigid weatherproof case
with carrying handles and shall be capable of resolving readings to 1 kPa. An
automatic charger for the read-out unit battery shall be supplied suitable for
240V, 50HZ electricity supply (GI items PP 5.2 and PP 5.4A or similar
approved). The Contractor shall make facilities available for recharging the gas
reservoir with nitrogen.
viii) Commissioning : Before installation and taking initial readings, the Contractor
shall pressure test the pneumatic piezometer tip after connection to the tubing in
a container of water to a pressure of 500 kPa, to check for leaks or poor
connections. The ceramic element shall be de-aired under vacuum, and
precautions shall be taken to ensure that it remains saturated during installation.
During installation, readings shall be taken when the piezometer tip is lowered
down the borehole, when it is pushed in or placed in the sand pocket, or when it
is placed in the drainage blanket, and at various times after installation, to check
the response of the piezometer, and help find the static pressure value before the
initial base readings are taken.
ix) Method of monitoring: Readings shall be taken by and stored on the read-out
device. Care shall be taken to ensure that the flow and return leads are connected
correctly.
626 INSTRUMENTATION RECORDS
626.1 Commissioning and Base Readings
After installation, the functioning of each instrument shall be demonstrated to the S.O.,
including the recording of measured values using the appropriate read-out device. As part
of the commissioning, three sets of readings shall be taken and compared. When
instruments are installed before earthwork starts, then these three sets of readings shall
also be taken before earthwork starts. If there are significant differences or anomalies,
then further readings shall be taken. Once three sets of comparable readings have been
taken, these shall be averaged to form the base readings, representing conditions before
earthwork starts.

626 INSTRUMENTATION RECORDS (Cont'd)
626.1 Commissioning and Base Readings (Cont'd)
In cases where instruments are installed during earthwork, three sets of readings shall be
taken in quick succession and the results compared. These results shall be used to provide
base readings in a manner to be agreed with the S.O.
626.2 General Information on All Records
All records of instrumentation, including installation details, readings, and monthly

summaries, shall contain the following information:
- Project name
- Contract name and number
- Instrument reference number and type
- Dates of installation, reading or summary
- Times of installation or reading
- Chainage and offset (or coordinates if appropriate)
- Personnel responsible
- Relevant comments or remarks.
626.3 Installation Records
The Contractor shall prepare an installation record sheet for each instrument installed.
The format of the sheet shall be prepared by the Contractor and submitted to the S.O. for
approval at least one week before installation commences. The record sheet shall include
the following information in addition to the above general information required:
- Existing ground level at the time of installation, measured at 5m intervals in the

case of hydrostatic profile gauges
- Planned location in plan and elevation
- Planned orientation
- Lengths, widths, diameters, depths and volumes of backfill
- Plant and equipment used, including diameter and depth of any drill casing used
- Spaces for necessary measurements or readings required during installation to
ensure that all previous steps have been followed correctly, including acceptance
tests
- A simplified log of ground conditions (obtained during rotary wash boring)
- Type of backfill used
- As-built location in plan and elevation
- As-built orientation
- As-built lengths, widths, diameters, depths and volumes of backfill
- Weather conditions
- A space for notes, including problems encountered, delays, unusual features of
the installation, and any events that may have a bearing on instrument behaviour
- A record of commissioning information and readings
- Any colour coding used.
The Contractor shall submit to the S.O. the specified number of copies of each installation
record within one working day of completion of the installation, including taking of base
readings.

626.4 Installation Report
The Contractor shall submit an installation report once installation of all instruments is
completed. Submission shall be within four weeks of completion, including taking of all
base readings. The report shall include:
- a text describing the scope of work, the Site, the work carried out and the types
of instrument installed
- all installation record sheets
- plans and cross-section drawings at a scale of 1:200 showing the locations,
elevations and details of all instruments
- photographs of all the instruments used, illustrating installation and method of
reading
- values of all base readings taken together with any subsequent readings up to the
time of submission.
626.5 Readings
On each occasion that readings are taken from an instrument or set of instruments, the
measured values shall be recorded on a record sheet. The format of the record sheet for
each type of instrument shall be prepared by the Contractor and submitted to the S.O. for
approval at least one week before readings commence. For readings that are recorded on
data loggers, a record sheet shall be required giving references to the data stored. A
computer system including interfaces, plotter, printer and software shall be available to
make the data transfers, listings and plots required. The format of plotted results shall be
submitted to the S.O. for approval. Details of information and values to be stored on each
record sheet in addition to the above general information required are given below.
Instrument Data required
Displacement - distance from fixed point (m) marker (details to be given)

marker
- change in distance from fixed point relative to base readings
(mm)
Settlement - reduced level of top of rod (mRL) marker

marker
- change in reduced level of top of rod relative to base readings
and previous reading (mm)
Survey station - chainage, offset, coordinates and reduced level of top of rod
(m)
Deep datum - reduced level of datum (mRL)
Rod settlement - reduced level of top of rod gauge (mRL)

gauge
- original ground level at gauge location (mRL)
- reduced level of ground adjacent to gauge (mRL)

626.5 Readings (Cont'd)
- record of fill placed (m)
- total thickness of fill (m)
- record of extensions (m)
- settlement of plate relative to base readings and previous

reading (mm)
Hydrostatic - reduced levels of survey pins (mRL) profile gauge

profile gauge
- original ground level every 5.0m along line of gauge (mRL)
- level of fill every 5.0m along line of gauge (mRL)
- file name of data stored in data logger
- file name of data after transfer to floppy disk
- thickness of fill along line of gauge (m)
- distance from each end of access tube to point used as

reference for longitudinal measurement (m)
- listing of elevation of access tube relative to survey pin at 1.0m

intervals (mRL)
- listing of settlement of access tube relative to base readings at

1.0m intervals (mm)
- graph of settlement of access tube relative to base readings and

thickness of fill against distance along the tube
- maximum settlement relative to base readings and previous

reading and its location (mm)
Magnetic - reduced level of top of access tube extensometers (mRL)

extensometers
- reduced level of ground adjacent to access tube (mRL)
- distance of each magnet from top of tube (m)
- reduced level of each magnet (mRL)
- settlement of each magnet relative to base readings (mm)
Inclinometers - reduced level of top of access tube (mRL)
- reduced level of ground adjacent to access tube (mRL)

626 INSTRUMENTATION RECORDS (Cont’d)
626.5 Readings (Cont’d)
- listing of deflection values and face errors every 0.5m
- graph and listing of horizontal movement of access tube

relative to base readings against depth
Combined - as for magnetic extensometers and magneticinclinometers

magnetic extensometer
extensometer
and
inclinometer
Standpipe - depth to water from top of tube (m)
- reduced level of top of tube (mRL)
- reduced level of ground adjacednt to standpipe (mRL)
- water head (mRL)
- change in water head relative to base readings (m)
Standpipe - depth to water from top of piezometer tube (m)

piezometer
- reduced level of top of tube (mRL)
- reduced level of ground adjacent to standpipe (mRL)
- water head (mRL)
Pneumatic - water pressure readings piezometer (m water)

piezometer
- reduced level of piezometer tip as installed (mRL)
- estimated or measured settlement of piezometer tip (m)
- water head (mRL)

626.5 Readings (Cont’d)
The Contractor shall submit to the S.O. the specified number of copies of each record
sheet with necessary listings and graphs within one working day of taking the readings.
626.6 Frequency of Readings
Each instrument shall be read immediately before and after each change in loading (i.e.
construction of each layer of embankment or structural fill, etc.). Notwithstanding this
requirement, each instrument shall be read at intervals not greater than three days during
the twelve days after a change in loading, and seven days thereafter. Any instrument
found to be faulty shall be promptly brought to the S.O.'s attention so that remedial
measures can be instigated.
The Contractor shall monitor water levels in standpipes and standpipe piezometers once
daily for the first seven days after the piezometers are installed. Thereafter water levels
shall be monitored at seven day intervals or as directed by the S.O. During periods of
continued rainfall, the water levels shall be monitored once daily for a duration as
directed by the S.O.
626.7 Anomalous Readings
Whenever sets of data are measured, they shall be compared to previous sets of data. If
anomalous readings are present which differ from the expected value or trend, then
further readings shall be taken immediately, and the S.O. shall be informed. If the
anomalous values persist, then the S.O. shall be informed, and an investigation shall be
carried out to find the reasons for the anomalous readings.
626.8 Monthly Monitoring Report
The Contractor shall submit a report at the end of each calendar month of monitoring. A
proposal for the format of the report, including all graphical presentations, shall be
submitted to the S.O. for approval at least one month before submission of the first
monthly report. Each monthly report shall include:
- description of monitoring works which have been in operation during the

preceding month
- information on reading anomalies or corrections, and factors which may

influence measured data
- observations or remarks
- diagrams showing installed locations of instruments (taken from installation

report)
- data tabulations or plots of instrument readings as given below.

626.8 Monthly Monitoring Report (Cont'd)
Instrument Data required
Displacement - deflection v. time indicating direction of movement

marker (tabulation and plot)
Settlement - settlement v. time (tabulation and markerplot)
Survey station - chainage, offset coordinates and reduced level (tabulation)
Deep datum - reduced level (tabulation)
Rod settlement - thickness of fill and settlement of gauge plate v. time

gauge (tabulation and plot)
Hydrostatic - file name of data on floppy disk profile gauge
- latest graph of settlement of access tube relative to base

readings and fill thickness against distance along the tube
- maximum gauge settlement and corresponding fill thickness v.

time (tabulation and plot)
Magnetic - settlement of each magnet v. time extensometer (tabulation

extensometer and plot)
- settlement of each magnet v. depth for latest set of readings

(plot)
Inclinometer - file name of data on floppy disk
- latest graph of horizontal movement of access tube relative to

base readings against depth
- maximum horizontal movement relative to base readings v.

time (tabulation and plot)
Combined - as for magnetic extensometers and inclinometers

magnetic
extensometer
and
inclinometer
Standpipe - water head v. time (tabulation and plot)
Standpipe - water head v. time

piezometer (tabulation and plot)
Pneumatic - excess water head v. time

piezometer (tabulation and plot - all instruments in a profile plotted on the
same graph)

626.8 Monthly Monitoring Report (Cont’d)
- excess water head v. depth for latest set of readings (plot)
Combined plots - excess water head v. height of fill (plot)

(when comparative
data available)
- maximum lateral movement at edge of embankment v.

maximum settlement at centre (plot)
The Contractor shall have available suitable software for generating the required plots and
tabulations. Zero time to be used in all plots and tabulations shall be agreed with the
S.O.. The time axis shall be days from "day zero", and an indication of date or months
shall be included on the axis. The plots and tabulations presented each month shall be an
update of the previous plots and tabulations, giving a complete record starting from the
time of installation.
All plots where time is the horizontal axis shall have the same scale for the time axis.
Where fill thickness, settlement and excess water head are all available at the same
location, the plots shall be combined on the same sheet where possible. Final layouts,
scales and details shall be agreed with the S.O. at the time of submitting the format.
The Contractor shall submit the required number of copies of the monthly monitoring
report to the S.O. within 10 working days of the end of the month being reported.
627 SUPPLEMENTARY BORINGS
If any additional subsurface investigation works are required by the S.O., such works
shall be carried out in accordance with a separate standard site investigation specification,
which shall form part of the instructions for such work.
628 EMBANKMENTS ON SOFT SOIL
628.1 The construction of road embankments on soft soil shall be carried out in accordance with
the methods, sequence, and rates of filling indicated 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.
628.2 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 608. Any
fill material which at the time of placing is within 900mm below formation level shall be
compacted to 95% of the maximum dry density as determined using BS 1377 Test 13.
628.3 During the construction of embankments on soft soil, the Contractor shall carefully
monitor subsoil porewater pressures, and settlements and horizontal displacements of the
embankment material, as indicated by the piezometers, settlement gauges and
displacement markers installed as described in Clause 625.

628 EMBANKMENTS ON SOFT SOIL (Cont'd)
628.4 Unless instructed otherwise by the S.O., readings of such instruments shall be taken and
reported as specified in Clause 626.
628.5 Should the S.O. so direct, filling operations shall be immediately suspended, and shall not
be resumed until directed by the S.O.
628.6 Drainage Layer
i) Sand drainage layer
Material complying with the requirements for sand drainage layer of Clause 631
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.
ii) Gravel drainage layer
a) Where shown on the Drawings or directed by the S.O., geotextile fabric

Type A or geotextile reinforcement complying with the requirements of
Clauses 621 and 622 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 gravel drainage layer of Clause
631 shall be placed to form a gravel drainage layer of the specified thickness, as
shown on the Drawings or directed by the S.O.. 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 607.
628.7 Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains
i) Where shown on the Drawings, prefabricated vertical wick drains shall be

installed after placing the drainage layer in accordance with Subclause 6.
ii) Prefabricated vertical wick drains shall consist of an approved material, and shall
comply with the general requirements shown on the Drawings.
iii) Vertical wick drains shall be installed to the spacings shown on the Drawings.
The drains shall be of sufficient length to penetrate the full depth of the drainage
layer, the geotextile sheet, and the underlying compressible subsoil. They shall
have end shoes to prevent damage to the drain faces.
iv) Installation of the drains shall be by the displacement method using a vibro
driven machine of sufficient capacity to install each drain, housed within a
mandrel, through the different layers, and subsequently to retract the mandrel.
Installation of the drains and retraction of the mandrel shall be carried out in a

628 EMBANKMENTS ON SOFT SOIL (Cont'd)
628.7 Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains (Cont'd)
single downward and single upward stroke, and no alternate raising and lowering
of the mandrel shall be permitted. The installation procedure shall be such as to
ensure that the vertical drains are not damaged, kinked or distorted.
v) Prior approval of the S.O. shall be obtained of the type of mandrel to be used.
vi) The size and shape of the mandrel shall be as close as possible to the size and
shape of the drain in order to minimize disturbance of the soil. The length of the
mandrel shall be not less than the maximum length of drain. The drain shall be
installed such that its maximum dimension is perpendicular to the centre-line of
the embankment. The mandrel shall be capable of making a clean puncture
through any geotextile fabric to be penetrated.
vii) After installation of the drains, the debris around the drain positions shall be
cleared away, and not allowed to contaminate the fill material.
viii) The installation of the drains shall be terminated at the depth shown on the
Drawings or where refusal is met, if this is less. However, the S.O. shall be
satisfied that the drains have completely penetrated through the soft layer of
subsoil.
628.8 Surcharge of Embankments
i) Surcharge shall be placed on embankments at the locations and to the

thicknesses shown on the Drawings. Placement of surcharge shall follow the
formation of the associated embankment without delay, unless otherwise
directed.
ii) Surcharge shall be suitable material as defined in Clause 601.
iii) Surcharge material shall be compacted to the requirements of Clause 608.
iv) 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.
629 SELECTED FILL CAPPING LAYERS
629.1 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.
629.2 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.

629 SELECTED FILL CAPPING LAYERS (Cont'd)
629.3 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.
629.4 The material shall be laid in layers not greater than 300mm loose depth, and care shall be
taken to prevent segregation of the material.
629.5 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 Test 14. After compaction it shall have a laboratory CBR value of not less than
15% when tested in accordance with BS 1377 Test 16 at a moisture content as follows:
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.
630 FILL FOR PLACING IN WATER, SWAMPY OR WATERLOGGED AREAS
630.1 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 below.
BS Sieve size Percentage by 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
630.2 The material shall be non-plastic in accordance with BS 1377 Test 4, and shall have a
uniformity coefficient in accordance with BS 892 of less than 10.
631 FREE DRAINING MATERIAL
631.1 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.

631 FREE DRAINING MATERIAL (Cont'd)
631.2 Grading
Percentage by weight passing

BS Sieve size
(i) Sand Drainage Layer (ii) Gravel Drainage Layer
63 mm - 100
7.52 mm - 85 - 100
20 mm 100 0 - 20
10 mm 90 - 100 0 - 5
5 mm 80 - 100 -
2 mm 50 - 100 -
600 m 0 - 50 -
75 m 0 - 5 -
631.3 Forming Drainage Layers
Free Draining Material shall be deposited in layers each not exceeding 300mm loose
depth, and each layer shall be lightly compacted.
632 DEEP SOUNDING TEST (MECHANICAL)
632.1 Scope
The mechanical type deep sounding test (also known as the "Dutch Cone Penetration
Test") shall be carried out at locations shown on the Drawings or as directed by the S.O.
using a mechanical friction cone in accordance with ASTM D 3441, and shall comprise
the measurement of cone resistance and local friction.
Equipment
632.2 The equipment shall follow the requirements of ASTM D 3441 with the additional
requirement that the cone shall have a tapered mantle similar to the mantle cone. A
friction reducer shall be used for all tests.
632.3 The Contractor shall have two load cells available, each equipped with two pressure
gauges capable of measuring the following ranges of equivalent cone resistance:
- medium load cell : 0 to 1.6MPa and 0 to 25MPa

- heavy load cell : 0 to 10MPa and 0 to 100MPa.
632.4 The Contractor shall use the load cell and gauges most suitable for the soils penetrated. If
necessary during a test the load cell shall be changed to suit the type of material
penetrated. Alternative arrangements of load cells and pressure gauges may be used with
the S.O.'s approval, provided that they give similar ranges of sensitivity to those specified
above. A cone with an electric measuring and recording mechanism shall only be used
with the prior approval of the S.O.
632.5 The capacity of the jacking equipment and the amount of available reaction shall be
sufficient to meet the specified termination criteria.

632 DEEP SOUNDING TEST (MECHANICAL) (Cont'd)
632.6 Guides shall be provided for the part of the sounding rods protruding above the soil and
for the rod length exposed in water in order to prevent buckling.
Calibration and Tolerances
632.7 Calibration of the load cells shall be carried out no more than 6 months before the start of
work. The calibration certificate shall consist of a graph or listing of figures in which
loads or pressures measured by the load cells are compared with loads or pressures
measured by a standard load cell from an approved standards agency. The S.O. shall be
provided with two copies of the calibration certificates before the commencement of
work.
632.8 Permitted tolerances on equipment dimensions shall be as given in ASTM D 3441.

Permitted tolerances on load cells shall be plus or minus 5% of the measured value.
Procedure
632.9 The penetrometer jacking equipment shall be set up on a firm and level platform. If
stones, hardcore or similar material are present at or just below ground level, then a small
starter hole shall be formed through this material at the test location.
632.10 Before starting each test, the cone, sounding tubes and inner rods shall be thoroughly
cleaned of all oil, grease and soil particles. The cone shall be extended and compressed
several times in a reservoir of water until the telescopic action is smooth and requires
little force. If the cone has a tendency to stick or jam, or if there is noticeable play or
looseness between the different parts of the cone, then the cone shall not be used.
632.11 The mechanical cone shall be advanced into the ground at a rate of 20mm/s. The
Contractor shall ensure that the sounding rods are vertical, and shall take the required sets
of readings every 200mm. As testing proceeds, the space between the inner rod and the
outer sounding tube shall be kept full of water. Penetration shall be continued until the
cone resistance reaches 300kg/cmý or the total resistance exerted on the rod exceeds
90kN.
632.12 If during testing the inner rod fails to return to the correct position after the outer
sounding tubes have been advanced to a measurement depth, then a note shall be made on
the record sheet against the affected measurements. If the inner rod fails to return to the
correct position during five consecutive readings, then the test shall be temporarily
suspended, and the cone extracted from the ground, inspected, cleaned and if necessary,
replaced. The cone shall then be readvanced directly to the depth of temporary suspension
and the test continued.
632.13 Reporting
i) General Information for all Soundings
The following general information where appropriate shall be submitted on

record sheets of all soundings in daily journals, preliminary records and the Final
Report:
a) Contract Title and Reference Number

632.13 Reporting (Cont'd)
b) Contractor's Name
c) Sounding type, reference number, and location (coordinates and

chainage and offset)
d) Dates of sounding referred to the depth at the end of each working day
or shift
e) Equipment used
f) Type of cone, rate of penetration, jacking capacity and maximum

reaction of jacking equipment
g) Reference numbers of load cells used and details of calibration as

required
i) General Information for all Soundings (Cont’d)
h) Tabulation of measured resistance values (daily journal only).
ii) Graphical plots of measured parameters as follows:

(preliminary records and final reports)
- cone resistance to scale of 10mm : 0.2MPa
- local friction to scale of 10mm : 10kPa
- friction ratio (defined as local friction as a percentage of cone resistance) at

the scale of 10mm : 2%
- scale for plotting depth shall be 10mm : 1m
iii) Daily Journals
The Contractor shall prepare for each Sounding a daily Journal which shall be of
a form to be approved by the S.O.. The Journals for each Sounding shall be
submitted to the S.O. at the beginning of the next working day following the day
to which they refer. The Journals shall contain all the relevant information
required.
iv) Preliminary Records of Soundings
The Contractor shall prepare preliminary records which shall be submitted to the
S.O. in duplicate within 7 working days of the completion of each Sounding to
which they refer. They shall contain all the relevant information required. The
format of the preliminary records shall be as directed by the S.O.

632.13 Reporting (Cont'd)
v) Final Report
The Final Report shall consist of a factual report on the Soundings. The Report
shall be bound in loose leaf hard backed multiple ring binders with not more
than 50mm thickness of pages in each volume, or as otherwise directed by the
S.O.. The cover of the report shall highlight the Employer's name, the title of
the project, the Contractor, the title of the report (Final Report on Soundings),
and the duration dates of the field works (in that order). The Final Report shall
contain the following information, where applicable, in the format required by
the S.O.
a) A brief factual description of the Works, stating the aim and scope of the
Works, the numbers of Soundings, duration and time of year, weather
conditions encountered, a brief description of the Site Operations and
testing standards used.
b) A brief description of equipment and procedures used for the Soundings.
c) Records of Soundings in the format required by the S.O., with all the
information required under Subclause 13 above, Reporting. The records
shall include all the information presented in the preliminary records,
updated as necessary based on further examination of the Sounding
results.
d) Summary sheets of all test results in the format required or approved by

the S.O.
e) Site plans showing locations of all Soundings and areas investigated,

with Scale and North sign.
633 DETERMINATION OF CBR FOR PAVEMENT
633.1 CBR for Pavement on Embankments
i) Prior to placing the top 900mm of embankment, the Contractor shall inform the
S.O. of the source of the material to be used, and of the target CBR for that
embankment. 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.
ii) The moisture content versus dry density curve shall be determined by BS 1377
Test no. 13 for each sample.
iii) 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 : 1975 Test No. 16, dynamic
compaction method 3. The moisture contents shall be from -3% to +5% of the
optimum determined in (ii) above at increments of 2%.

633 DETERMINATION OF CBR FOR PAVEMENT (Cont'd)
633.1 CBR for Pavement on Embankments (Cont'd)
iv) The CBR value of a sample shall be taken as the minimum derived from its CBR
versus moisture content curve over a range ñ3% of the optimum moisture
content as determined in (ii) above.
v) The CBR value to be used for determining the depth of pavement for the length
of embankment shall be the minimum value obtained from all the samples as
determined in (iv) above.
633.2 CBR for Pavement in Cuttings
i) 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 1500
sq.m. of subgrade with a minimum of 3 per length of cutting.
ii) Similar to Subclause 1 above, a 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 the BS
1377 : 1975 Test No. 16, dynamic compaction method 1 to achieve the in situ
dry density. The moisture contents shall be within a range of +5% of the in situ
moisture content, and 5 points one of which shall be the in situ moisture content
shall be plotted.
iii) The CBR value of a sample shall be taken as that at the in situ moisture content.
iv) For a length of cutting, the minimum CBR value obtained from all the samples
as determined in (iii) above, shall determine the depth of pavement. However,
when values of CBR vary sufficiently to warrant different pavement depths at
different sections of a cutting, the S.O. shall consider the variability of the
materials encountered and consider different depths of pavement through the
cutting, providing the depth remains constant for a minimum length of 200m.
Alternatively, if removal of a section of subgrade and replacement with readily
available material of higher CBR will result in a reduced pavement depth, this
shall also be considered by the S.O.
634 ROCK STABILIZATION WORKS
634.1 General
i) 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.

634 ROCK STABILIZATION WORKS (Cont'd)
634.1 General (Cont'd)
ii) No blasting is permitted for the work under this Clause unless approved by the
S.O..
iii) If, in the S.O.'s opinion, the rock stabilization works are required solely as a
result of the Contractor's standard of workmanship (for example poorly aligned
pre-split drillholes), the Contractor shall bear the cost of such stabilization
measures as are required by the S.O.
iv) The S.O. will inform the Contractor of the extent and nature of rock stabilization
work required for any slope, or portion of slope, within two weeks of access
being provided to that slope or portion of slope. The S.O. will also inform the
Contractor which of these items, if any, he considers to be necessary as a result
of the Contractor's standard of workmanship.
634.2 Access to Rock Slopes
i) The Contractor shall, where ordered by the S.O., provide access to 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.
ii) Where the slope stabilization details include the removal of rock or other
materials, the S.O. may wish to carry out an additional inspection of the area of
the slope from which rock or other material has been removed. If required by the
S.O., the Contractor shall re-erect or repair the access to allow the additional
inspection to take place.
iii) The Contractor shall make due allowance in his programming for the time
required to erect and maintain access to rock slopes.
634.3 Removal of Unstable Rock Mass
i) Where directed by the S.O., the Contractor shall remove potentially unstable
rock masses by line drilling, expansive grouts, rock breakers or other means
acceptable to the S.O.
ii) 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.
634.4 Dowel Bars
i) Dowel bars shall consist of untensioned straight or L shaped mild steel or high
yield bars, as directed by the S.O. They shall be fully grouted into the rock slope
in order to support loose rocks, buttresses, or concrete pads. The diameter of the
dowel bars shall be as specified by the S.O. The dowels shall be grouted into
holes of nominal

634.4 Dowel Bars (Cont'd)
diameter 25mm larger than the dowel bars, drilled to such depths, inclinations
and orientations as directed by the S.O. Grout shall consist of a Class 1 mortar
to Clause 2618, with a water cement ratio of not more than 0.45, complying with
Subclause 16 hereunder.
ii) Dowels shall be installed in the following manner:
a) drill the hole to the length and diameter required
b) flush out hole with water until return water is clear
c) remove any water using compressed air
d) fill hole with grout
e) install dowel centrally in hole using approved spacers
f) top up grout level as necessary to fill the hole completely.
634.5 Rock Bolts
i) Where directed by the S.O. rock bolts shall be installed to support 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 as shown on the Drawings, or similar
assemblies approved by the S.O.
ii) The Contractor shall provide all torque wrenches, jacks and other equipment
required to install and test the bolts.
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.
iii) 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 16
hereunder.
Final acceptance of the system shall be based upon the outcome of site Pull Out
Tests and Proving Tests, as directed by the S.O.

634.5 Rock Bolts (Cont'd)
iv) 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.
In the event of the drilling encountering any material other than solid rock, this
shall be recorded and reported to the S.O. without delay prior to rock bolt
installation.
v) The position, inclination, orientation and length of each drill hole shall be as
directed by the S.O., and after forming shall be checked for compliance by the
S.O. prior to installation of the rock bolt.
vi) The diameter of the drill hole shall be as directed by the S.O. and 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.
vii) 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 clean to the
satisfaction of the S.O.
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.
viii) The rock bolt shall be fitted and centrally located by means of spacers or other
measures approved by the S.O. 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.
ix) 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 centring 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.

x) Where directed by the S.O., 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.
xi) 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, as directed by the S.O..
In the case of a cement mortar bed, stirrups or spiral reinforcement shall be

installed, as directed by the S.O.
xii) The rock bolts shall be stressed to the required load, directed by the S.O.
The load shall be applied axially by means of a hydraulic jack. Any stressing
shall be carried out under the supervision of the S.O. No bolt shall be stressed
unless the grout has attained a strength of 30N/mmý 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.
xiii) An Acceptance Test incorporating proof loading to 1.5 times the design working
load shall be required on each installed rock bolt unless otherwise directed by the
S.O..
xiv) After the Acceptance Test has been carried out and the installed rock bolt is
accepted by the S.O., the concrete cap to the bolt shall be cast and the bolt shall
be designated by a unique number permanently marked into the cap.
xv) 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.
xvi) 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.
All trial rock bolts for the Pull Out Test shall be tested to destruction and the
mode of failure recorded. Where directed by the S.O., cyclic loading shall be
undertaken.

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 load. The Proving Tests
shall be carried out after the rock bolt Pull Out Tests, and shall be similiar in
nature to the Acceptance Test.
The Contractor shall provide full details of the test arrangements for approval.
xvii) 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, as directed by the S.O.
The Acceptance Test on rock bolts shall be as follows.
a) A datum load Po equal to 0.2Pw shall be applied to the bolt and a fixed
point established for deformation measurement.
b) 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.
c) 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.
d) 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.
e) The lock-off load Pl shall equal 1.1 Pw. The bolt shall be reloaded from
Po to Pl, the deformation recorded at load Pl and the bolt locked off.

634 ROCK STABILIZATION WORKS (Cont’d)
634.5 Rock Bolts (Cont’d)
f) 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.
g) The Acceptance Test shall be considered satisfactory if both the

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

c) 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.
xviii) Where directed by the S.O., 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.
Subject to the agreement of the S.O., the Contractor may pre-grout the fixed
anchorage length prior to testing.
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.

634.5 Rock Bolts (Cont’d)
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.
634.6 Buttresses
Concrete buttresses to support rock or rock slopes shall be constructed as directed by the
S.O.. No formwork shall be placed until the S.O. is satisfied that a suitable founding level
has been achieved. The S.O.'s instructions may include the installation of dowel bars in
accordance with Sub- clause 4 above.
634.7 Drainage Holes
Where ordered by the 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 formwork is used) before concreting commences. Where
directed by the S.O., a pocket of coarse filter material wrapped in geotextile fabric shall
be placed ahead of the buried end of the pipe, all as shown on the Drawings.
634.8 Reinforced Concrete Pads
Reinforced concrete pads may be used in conjunction with one or more rock bolts.
Dimensions of the pads and details of the reinforcement required shall be given to the
Contractor within two weeks of access being provided for the S.O.'s examination of the
rock slope. 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. Where
such irregularities do not exist, the Contractor may, with the approval of the S.O., install
dowel bars in accordance with Subclause 4 in order to provide temporary support.
634.9 Preparation of Rock Surfaces for Concreting
i) 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.
ii) Where ordered by the S.O., the Contractor shall remove all vegetation from
joints, and the joints shall be sealed with a 1:2 cement/sand mortar.
634.10 Masonry Infill
i) Where masonry infill is ordered, fresh igneous rock, approved by the S.O., shall
be bedded in 1:2 cement/sand mortar.

634.10 Masonry Infill (Cont'd)
ii) 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, all to the S.O.'s approval.
634.11 Sprayed Concrete
i) The plant used for sprayed concrete shall be of the dry mix delivery type with
water added at the nozzle, and shall be 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 on the Works for approval of the
S.O. not less than two weeks prior to the commencement of sprayed concrete
works.
ii) 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:
a) a trial panel of 40mm thick spray not less than 3000mm x 3000mm
located within the Site as directed by the S.O.
b) a 1000mm x 1000mm x 100mm thick moulded test panel sprayed at the

same time and cured in accordance with Subclause ix hereunder.
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.
iii) 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. for approval.
iv) 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 supply of material of uniform quality
corresponding to the samples submitted is available.
v) 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

634.11 Sprayed Concrete (Cont’d)
mix shall be used more than two hours after any water has been added to it.
Rebound material shall not be reused and, when so required by the S.O., shall be
removed within 8 hours of spraying.
vi) The 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. Where ordered
or approved by the S.O., 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.
vii) 50mm diameter drainage holes as shown on the Drawings shall be formed with
PVC pipes at 1.2 metre centres in each direction or as otherwise directed by the
S.O.
viii) Records shall be kept of the quantities of all materials used at each slope, and
shall be submitted daily to the S.O.
ix) Immediately after application and for 3 days thereafter, sprayed concrete shall be
protected from the effects of weather, either:
a) after thorough wetting, by completely covering with approved

waterproof paper or plastic membrane maintained in contact with the
concrete; or
b) by completely covering the concrete with a layer of hessian, sacking,

canvas or similar absorbent material kept constantly wet.
x) 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 500mý, 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.

634.11 Sprayed Concrete (Cont’d)
xi) 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, at the discretion of the S.O., a second layer of sprayed concrete
shall be added. Any such remedial work shall not be measured for payment.
634.12 Protective Screen
i) Where directed by the S.O., a protective screen shall be secured over the rock
slope after scaling and other rock stabilization works as required by the S.O.
ii) 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.
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) Dowel Bars : generally of 20mm diameter mild steel to BS 4449,

generally of 2000mm length, galvanised to BS 729 or equivalent.
d) Galvanised Steel Hawser : generally of 10mm diameter to BS 365.
e) Steel Fixings : eyebolt strains, ring nut fixings, bulldog clamps, anchor
plates, etc. all galvanised to BS 729.
iii) The protective screen shall generally be fixed over the final rock face in the
following manner as directed by the S.O. Typical details are shown on the
Drawings.
a) Drill 50mm diameter holes in the rock along the top of the rock face at
1000mm centres to 1500mm depth.
b) Dowel Bars to be installed, with approved resin or cementitious grout

approved by the S.O., such that 500mm of each dowel projects above
the rock surface.
c) Chain Link Mesh netting to be hung vertically in 2400mm wide strips

to cover the face with 300mm overlaps between adjacent strips.
d) Galvanised steel hawser to be threaded through the top mesh and

secured to the projecting dowel bars by bulldog clamps.

634.12 Protective Screen (Cont’d)
e) 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.
f) 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.
g) Rock bolts as directed by the S.O. 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.
634.13 Inclined Bored Drains
i) This work shall consist of drilling drain holes into rock slopes, and where
directed by the S.O., shall include installing small diameter perforated pipes
wrapped in filter fabric in the drain holes.
ii) The drain holes shall be drilled at an upward angle into the rock slope using
casing to support the hole, unless otherwise approved by the S.O.
iii) Where directed by the S.O., the drain holes shall be lined with 75mm diameter
perforated uPVC pipes to Clause 2620, or perforated steel pipes to Clause 2620
of a diameter as shown on the Drawings or specified by the S.O., wrapped in
geotextile filter fabric to Clause 2642, Type D. Perforated steel pipes shall have
a bituminous coating inside and out. The casing where required for support
during drilling shall subsequently be withdrawn.
iv) Drain locations, orientations and lengths shall be as shown on the Drawings or
directed by the S.O..
634.14 Dentition Concrete
Where instructed by the S.O., the Contractor shall cut back or gouge out weak zones from
rock joints. The resulting voids shall be filled with Class 25/20 concrete as directed by
the S.O. Typical details are shown on the Drawings.
Drainage holes of 50mm diameter shall be provided through the concrete in accordance
with Subclause 7 as directed by the S.O.
634.15 "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

634.15 "No-Fines" Concrete (Cont'd)
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.
634.16 Cementitious Grout
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.
iv) The cube strength of the grout shall not be less than 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.
635 CONSTRUCTION OF BUND USING IMPORTED MATERIALS
635.1 Material
Fill materials for use in forming bunds shall be the suitable material as approved by the
P.D. The Contractor shall obtain suitable materials from the designated borrow pits or
from his own borrow pits which have been approved by the P. D.
635.2 Borrow Pits
The Contractor shall be responsible for locating borrow pits. Designated borrow pits
shown on the Drawings only indicate to the Contractor potential areas for borrow.
Whether the Contractor obtains materials from the designated or his own borrow pit, it
shall be his responsibility to ascertain the suitability of the pit with respect to the quantity
and quality of the materials, which shall be subject to the approval of the P.D. The
Contractor shall pay all necessary fees, taxes or royalties to the appropriate authorities
and observe all relevant regulations. The Contractor shall keep the borrow pits free from
water ponding and the excavation neat and tidy and shall carry out necessary erosion
protection measures as instructed by the P.D.
635.3 Placement of Fill Material
All fill materials shall be deposited in layers. The loose depth for each
layer of fill shall be determined from the trial compaction. Each layer shall
extend over the full width of the fill area and shall be compacted in accordance
with the requirements of Sub-Section 3023 (4). Each compacted layer shall be
maintained at all times with a sufficiently even surface in order to drain away the
surface water.

635 CONSTRUCTION OF BUND USING IMPORTED MATERIALS (Cont’d)
635.3 Placement of Fill Material (cont’d)
Where embankment is to be constructed on ground with a cross-slope flatter than I

(vertical) to 10 (horizontal) but steeper than I (vertical) to 30 (horizontal), the foundation
material, except where this is rock, shall be scarified to a depth of 100 mm, blended with
embankment fill material and compacted as described in Sub-Section 3023(4).
Where embankment is to be constructed against existing embankment or on ground with

a cross-slope of I or more (vertical) to 10 (horizontal), the foundation shall be excavated
in all materials (including hard rock) to form benches with horizontal and vertical faces
from which construction of the embankment shall proceed. The benches shall be
contiguous beneath the full width of the embankment, and shall be of a suitable width to
accommodate construction equipment such as motor-graders, trucks, rollers, etc.
Scarifying of the horizontal and vertical faces of the benches shall not normally be
required, and the material excavated in forming the benches may normally be used as fill
in the embankment as approved by the P.D.
635.4 Compaction
a) General
All materials used in embankments and as fill elsewhere shall be compacted as soon
as practicable after being placed and spread. Compaction shall be undertaken to the
requirements of this Section by plant approved by the S.O. all compaction
requirements shall be controlled by means of field density measurement.
For compaction of embankment slope, the Contractor may either extend each
compacted layer beyond the design slope surface by at least 600 mm and then trim
back to the required slope angle, or he may employ a tow type roller to compact the
sloping surface.
b) Compaction Trials
The B.S. 1377 Compaction Test (4.5 kg rammer method) shall be used in
determining the moisture versus density relation of soil.
The Contractor shall submit to the S.O. for his approval the proposed method of
compaction for each main type of material to be used in the embankment. This
shall include the type of compaction plat for each type of material and the
number of passes in relation to the loose depth of material to achieve desired
compaction. The maximum compacted thickness for fill shall be limited to 300
mm unless otherwise approved by the S.O. The Contractor shall carry out field
compaction trials, supplemented by any necessary laboratory investigations, as
required by the S.O. This shall be done by using the procedures proposed by the
Contractor for earthworks and shall satisfy the S.O. that all the specified
requirements regarding compaction can be achieved. Compaction trials
with the main types of material likely to be encountered shall be completed
before the works with the corresponding materials will be allowed to
commence. Each trial area shall be not smaller than 8 m x 15 m.

635 CONSTRUCTION OF BUND USING IMPORTED MATERIALS (Cont’d)
c) Degree of Compaction
The whole of embankment below the top 300 mm of the subgrade shall be
compacted to not less than 90% (for cohesive material) or 95% (for cohesionless
material) of the maximum dry density determined in the B.S. 1377 Compaction
Test (4.5 kg rammer method).
d) Field Density Testing
Field density tests on each layer of compacted earth fill shall be carried out using
the sand replacement method in accordance with B.S. 1377 or by using other
means of testing of comparable accuracy approved by the S.O.
e) Moisture Control
Each layer of earth fill shall be processed as necessary to bring its moisture
content to a uniform level throughout the material, suitable for compaction. The
optimum moisture content as determined by the B.S. 1377 Compaction Test (4.5
kg rammer method) shall be used as a guide in determining the proper moisture
content at which each soil type shall be compacted. Water shall be added, or the
material aerated and dried to adjust the soil to the proper moisture content to
obtain the required density. A satisfactory method and sufficient equipment as
approved by the S.O. shall be used for the furnishing and handling of water.
636 BUND OVER SOFT GROUND
636.1 Foundation Treatment
Prior to forming embankment over soft ground, the soil over which fill material shall be
placed shall be given strength improvement treatment as specified and to the details as
shown on the Drawings or as directed or approved by the S.O. Treatment by means of
replacement of unsuitable material shall be as specified in previous Sections.
The first layer of layers of fill materials shall be deposited over the full width of the
embankment and berms In specified thickness and compacted as approved by the P.D.
The Contractor shall provide compaction plant suitable for working over soft ground.
636.2 Surcharge and Staged Construction
Where Indicated in the contract or directed by the P.D, the embankment shall be built to
different heights in stages with or without surcharge with allowance for consolidation
time periods in between stages, all in accordance with the contract. Where surcharge is
specified, the contractor shall be responsible for the provision of surcharge material and
the removal and disposal of excess material on completion of consolidation or when
directed by the P.D.

636 BUND OVER SOFT GROUND (Cont’d)
636.3 Settlement Markers
Markers shall be provided and installed by the Contractor in the positions Indicated on the
Drawings for the purpose of measuring settlements taking place under the embankments
during and after the construction period. The design of markers shall be as shown on the
Drawings and the Contractor shall be responsible for supplying and installing such
markers and for extending the markers as the work proceeds. Adjustments to the height of
marker shall be made when required by the P.D. Each markers shall be Identified by
painting on it the chainage of its position.
The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to protect from damage by plant and
vehicles at all times and shall repair any such damage.to the satisfaction of the P.D.
Readily visible barriers shall be installed around each marker.
636.4 Settlement Records.
Joint measurement of settlement shall be taken weekly while fill is being placed in the
vicinity of the markers. Thereafter, readings shall be taken fortnightly for a period as
directed by the P.D. The readings shall be submitted on an approved printed form to be
supplied by the Contractor.
For the measurement of the volume that has settled below the original level of the
foundation of the embankment, the measured settlement of each marker shall be used for
volume computation following the method shown on the Drawings.
637 CONSTRUCTION OF BONDS USING INSITU MATERIALS
637.1 The contractor shall construct the bunds to the alignments, widths, slope and final
consolidated levels as shown in the Contract Drawings. The bunds shall be constructed
with earth excavated from existing bunds and spoil excavated from the river as the case
may be. Where the spoil is too fluid and does not permit the bunds to be constructed to
the final consolidated levels in one pass the Contractor shall initially deposit the fluid
spoil on the proposed bund alignment, allow sufficient time to elapse for the excavated
spoil to dry out and then re-excavate the dried out spoil to form the bund. The Contractor
shall make due allowance in his rates for construction of bunds in two or more passes.
637.2 In the construction of bunds the Contractor shall ensure that stable and impervious bunds
are formed. All timber, root, vegetation and material unsuitable for bund construction,
shall be removed from the bunds alignment and disposed off to contractors own dump site
or as directed by the P.D. The Contractor shall make due allowance for shrinkage and
consolidation of the fill material. Bunds found to have settled or to be defective during
the period of maintenance shall be made good at his own expense.
637.3 All side slope of bunds shall be trimmed to give a neat and even finish.

Pac3A Sect 600 Earthworks

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Pac3A Sect 600 Earthworks

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SECTION 600 - EARTHWORKS

601 DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATIONS AND GENERAL USES OF

iii) ‘Unsuitable Material’ shall comprise:

a) material from swamps, marshes and bogs

b) peat, logs, stumps, perishable and toxic materials

c) material susceptible to spontaneous combustion

a) Tractor Unit : minimum weight of 25 tonnes and net

b) Ripping Unit : the most efficient parallelogram type

Section 600 Page 1 / 66

601 DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATIONS AND GENERAL USES OF EARTHWORKS

601.1 Definitions (Cont’d)

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

vi "Selected Material" shall mean selected material as described in the

Excavator Unit : minimum weight of 41 tonnes and net horsepower rating

Section 600 Page 2 / 66

601 DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATIONS AND GENERAL USES OF EARTHWORKS

General Requirements (Cont’d)

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING

Section 600 Page 3 / 66

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)

Storage and Transport

Employment and Duties of Qualified Staff

Section 600 Page 4 / 66

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)

Employment and Duties of Qualified Staff (Cont’d)

602.15 Trial Blasting

Section 600 Page 5 / 66

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)

602.15 Trial Blasting (Cont’d)

a) Diameter of pre-splitting holes.

b) Spacing of pre-splitting holes (not to exceed 750mm unless otherwise

c) Depth of pre-splitting holes.

Section 600 Page 6 / 66

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)

602.16 Pre-Splitting (Cont’d)

h) Explosive charge per hole.

i) Spacing of string charges including details of increased charges near the

j) Length and type of stemming.

k) Delay arrangement between the pre-splitting and adjoining main

l) No. of holes to be fired in the blast.

v The Contractor's controlled perimeter blasting using pre-splitting and bulk

Section 600 Page 7 / 66

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)

Access to Rock Slopes

602.21 All operations involving explosives shall be suspended on the approach of a

Section 600 Page 8 / 66

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)

Section 600 Page 9 / 66

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)

602.30 Method of Working

v) In certain sections of the Works where the prevailing geological structure is

Section 600 Page 10 / 66

602 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING (Cont’d)

602.30 Method of Working (Cont'd)

603 EXCAVATION OF CUTTINGS

Large boulders or portions of boulders protruding from a slope shall be stabilized by

Section 600 Page 11 / 66

603 EXCAVATION OF CUTTINGS (Cont’d)

604 EXCAVATION BELOW EMBANKMENTS AND BELOW FORMATION LEVEL

605 EXCAVATION OF FOUNDATION PITS AND TRENCHES

Section 600 Page 12 / 66

605 EXCAVATION OF FOUNDATION PITS AND TRENCHES (Cont'd)

ii) any additional excavation at or below the bottom of foundations to remove