Compaction of fill

Materials other than rock fill shall be placed in layers of compacted thickness not exceeding 300 mm.
Thicker layers can only be permitted where very heavy compacting equipment is available and trial
sections have proved that the required compaction will be readily achieved over the layer depth. The
minimum layer thickness shall be twice the maximum particle size of the compacted material.

Fill material shall be compacted throughout to a dry density of at least 95% MDD at OMC (standard
Compaction AASHTOT99) except the top 300 mm of the fill which shall be compacted to 100% MDD
(AASHTO T99).

Where rock fill is used it should be placed in the bottom of the embankment. The largest sizes but shall
be placed in layers of 1.0 meter thick. The interstices shall then be filled with smaller rocks and approved
filler material. The whole layer shall then be compacted until the interstices are completely filled or until
the required settlement is obtained. Heavy vibratory rollers are generally the most suitable machines for
compacting rock fill.

The specified compaction shall be achieved over the full width of the embankment.

Any area inaccessible to the roller shall be consolidated and compacted using approved mechanical
tampers.

Compaction of In situ Sub grades

After removing the top soil and/or 600 mm of expansive soils and before placing fill, improved sub grade
or gravel wearing course, the upper 300 mm of in situ sub grade will be compacted to 100% MDD
standard compaction. Compaction in cuts without improved sub grade will likewise be compacted to
100% MDD standard compaction