VOLUME 3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIVISION 2 – EARTHWORKS

2.7 PREPARATION OF SUBGRADE

2.7.1 Description

This work shall consist of the preparation of subgrade in embankment, or in cut by

scarifying, watering, compacting and shaping existing or previously placed material in
accordance with these Specifications and to the lines, levels, grades, dimensions and
cross sections shown on the Drawings or as required by the Engineer.

2.7.2 Materials

All subgrade material shall be from sources, which the contractor shall propose and
which shall be approved by the Engineer. The material shall be free from roots, sods or
other deleterious material and when compacted to 98% of maximum dry density
determined in accordance with STP 4.3 shall have a 4 day soaked CBR value of not
less than 5%.

Subgrade material shall satisfy the following criteria:

• Liquid limit of soil fraction passing 0.425 mm sieve not to exceed 50% (STP 3.2)

• Plasticity index of soil fraction passing 0.425 mm sieve not to exceed 15% (STP 3.2)

Any subgrade material in cut or existing old embankment, which is found to be

unsuitable, shall be removed and replaced as directed by the Engineer.

2.7.3 Construction Methods

The subgrade shall be prepared over the full width of the embankment including
shoulders. Part width working may be allowed with the prior written approval of the
Engineer.

The subgrade shall be prepared in lengths of not less than 100 metres at any one
time, unless otherwise approved by the Engineer.

Subgrade material shall be scarified to a depth of 150 mm until the soil is fully
loosened. Any lumps or clods shall be removed or broken to pass a 50 mm sieve.

If the Drawings require the subgrade to be compacted for a depth greater than 150
mm, the work shall be carried out in more than one layer, the material in the upper
layer being first removed in the case of road sections in cut.

The moisture content of the sub-grade material before compaction shall be within ±2%
of the predetermined optimum moisture content established in accordance with STP
4.3 (Standard Compaction). The achieved dry density after compaction of the
subgrade layer shall not be less than 98% of maximum dry density as determined in
accordance with STP 4.3.

When necessary, each layer, before being compacted, shall be allowed to dry or be
watered to bring the moisture content to within ±2% of optimum to make possible its
compaction to the required dry density. The material shall be so worked as to have a
uniform moisture content through the entire layer.

The subgrade material shall be compacted uniformly by use of adequate and

appropriate compaction equipment. The compaction shall be done in a longitudinal
direction along the embankment and shall generally begin at the outer edges and
progress toward the centre in such a manner that each section receives equal
compactive effort.

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VOLUME 3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIVISION 2 – EARTHWORKS

Samples to determine the compaction shall be taken regularly with a set of three
samples for each 1,000 square metres of finished layer or as decided by the Engineer
will be carried out according to STP 6.2. If the test results show that the density is less
than the required dry density, the Contractor shall carry out further compaction to
obtain at least the required dry density. The compacted subgrade layer shall be
approved by the Engineer before the Contractor can commence a new layer.

The surface of the finished subgrade shall be neat and workmanlike and have the
required form, super elevation, levels, grades and cross section. The finished surface
shall be constructed with a tolerance of 20 mm above or below the specified levels at
any point.

2.7.4 Measurement

Subgrade preparation shall be measured in square metres based on the surface area
of compacted and accepted subgrade actually completed in accordance with the
Specifications, to the lines, levels, grades and cross sections required as directed by
the Engineer. No allowance will be made for overlapping of areas due to half width
working.

Separate quantities shall be measured for subgrade compacted to different depths. No

differentiation will be made between subgrade compaction in cut or in fill.

2.7.5 Payment

This work measured as provided above shall be paid for at the Contract unit prices per
square metre. Payment shall be full compensation for performing the work and
providing all labour, equipment, tools and incidentals necessary to complete the work.

The rates shall not include the cost of furnishing the subgrade materials which, if not
existing, shall be included in the quantity for fill material as provided for in Section 2.6.

Pay items shall be:

2/7/1 Preparation of Subgrade 150 mm Depth Square Metre

2/7/2 Preparation of Subgrade 300 mm Depth Square Metre

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