SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS

To be read in conjunction with Preliminaries, General Conditions and the Qatar Construction Specification
Section.

EXCAVATION

PART 1 - GENERAL

a. General

a.1 Soil Classification: In accordance with BS 5930

a.2 Soils and Strata: Site investigation information is available. Contractor to make all necessary
enquiries for further information.

a.3 Ground water level on the site as per Soil Report: Contractor shall make all necessary enquiries
concerning ground water level and allow for variations from this level when working on any part of
the site.

a.4 Waterways : Temporarily divert as necessary all ditches, field drains and other waterways
encountered during the excavations and reinstate to approval on completion. Do not fill in existing
ditches until diversion ditches have been excavated.

PART 2 - EXCAVATION

2.a Material arising from the excavations and surplus to requirements for filling are to remain the
property of the Employer unless the Contractor :
- Is instructed to remove them from the site, or
- Purchases them at a price to be agreed.

2.b Excavation Procedure: The open-cut method has been assumed. If another method of excavation is
proposed, details must be submitted with the tender.

2.c Benching: Surfaces of excavations with a gradient greater than 1 in 5 which are to receive filling
must have horizontal benches cut to match the depths of compacted layers of filling.

2.d Adjacent Excavations: Where an excavation encroaches below a line drawn at an angle of 45° from
the horizontal from the nearest formation level of another higher excavation, the lower excavation,
all work within it and backfilling thereto must be completed before the higher excavation is made.

2.e Accuracy: Permissible deviations from formation levels:

- Beneath mass concrete foundations: +/- 25 mm
- Beneath ground bearing slabs and r.c. foundations : +/- 15 mm
- Embankments and cuttings : +/- 50 mm
- Ground abutting external walls: +/- 50 mm, but such as to ensure that finished level is not less
than 50 mm below dpc.

2.f Formations Generally:

- Make advance arrangements with Engineer for inspection of all formations.
- Remove the last 150mm of excavations just before inspection. Trim excavations to required
profiles and levels and remove all loose material.
- Unless otherwise instructed seal formations within 4 hours of inspection with concrete or other
specified fill.

2.g Foundations Generally : Obtain instruction if :

- A natural bearing formation of undisturbed subsoil is not obtained at the depth shown on the
drawings.
- The formation contains soft or hard spots or highly variable material.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/2 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 2 - EXCAVATION (CONT’D)

2.h Trench Fill Foundations:

- Excavate the whole depth of the trench down to formation by machine in one operation. Make
advance arrangements with Engineer for inspection of formation as soon as it is exposed.
- Unless otherwise instructed place concrete immediately after inspection.

2.i Foundations In Made Up Ground : Excavate down to a natural formation of undisturbed subsoil.
Obtain instructions if this is at a lesser depth than that shown on the drawings.

2.j Earthwork Support : Use as necessary to support sides of excavations and remove on completion
unless otherwise instructed. Take measurements of any supports which are left in positions and
inform Engineer.

2.k Unstable Ground : Inform Engineer without delay if any newly excavated face will not remain
unsupported sufficiently long to allow the necessary earthwork support to be inserted. If the
instability is likely to affect adjacent structures or roadways, take appropriate emergency action until
instructions are obtained.

2.l Unrecorded Features : Where old foundations, beds, basements, filling, tanks, service pipes, drains,
etc. not shown on the drawings are encountered, obtain instructions before proceeding.

2.m Excess Width : Backfill any excavations taken wider than required with approved excavated
material.

2.n Excess Depth : Backfill any excavations taken deeper than required with granular material of the
type designed to be laid on the correct formation level, or lean mix concrete to the approval of the
Engineer. Any excessive excavation depth below the foundation level should be adjusted to the
required depth by only lean concrete (k20).

2.4 Disposal Of Materials

Surplus Subsoil : Remove from site surplus excavated material not specified to be spread and
levelled or stockpiled.

PART 3 - FILLING

3.a Hazardous, Aggressive or Unstable Materials: Do not import or use fill materials which would,
either in themselves or in combination with other material or ground water, give rise to a health
hazard, damage to building structures or instability in the filling.

3.b Soluble Sulphate Content (SO3) : of imported materials for filling under concrete slabs or within 1
m of substructures must not exceed 1.0 g/litre when tested to BS 1377, Test 10, using a 2:1 water
extract. Test if required by Engineer and obtain approval

3.c Materials For Fill :

- Suitable material shall comprise all that is acceptable in accordance with the Contract for use in
the works and which is capable of being compacted in the manner specified in this specification
to form a stable fill having side slopes as indicated on the drawings and more specifically.

- Subsoil, imported or resulting from the excavation free from rubbish or vegetable matter and
suitable for the location in which it is placed.

- Graded stone, gravel or sandy soil

- Hardcore (See 710) : hard stone, concrete, coarse gravel, hard broken bricks, etc., subject to a
maximum diameter of 150mm and graded, so that when compacted, filling is dense without
voids.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/3 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 3 - FILLING (CONT’D)

- Unsuitable material shall mean other than suitable material and more specifically:
- Material susceptible to spontaneous combustion
- Salty and gypsiferous soil containing more than 10% of soluble salts
- Clay of liquid limit exceeding 70 and/or plasticity index exceeding 45 as per ASTM 4318
- Organic material of 12% or more according to BS 1377 (test no. 8)
- Sulphate contents of 2.5 g/l or more according to BS 1377 (test no. 8)

3.d Desert Fill (Ordinary Fill):

Desert fill shall be suitable well graded natural gravel with maximum particle size 75 mm (ASTM
136) and a plasticity index of no more than 6(ASTM 4338). The desert fill shall be used in areas
other than under the stadium seating , anti -blast or roads.

3.f Selected Fill or Engineered Fill:

The characteristics of the selected fill also called "Engineered fill" shall be as follows:
- CBR ratio greater than 20%
- Westergaard Modulus K greater than 70 MN/cu. m
- Index of plasticity lower than 6
- 100% passing on 75mm sieve (square openings)
- 50% or more passing on 50 mm sieve (square openings)
- 30% or more passing on 0.425 mm sieve (square openings)
- 10% or more passing on 0.075mm sieve (square openings)
All the fills under the pavements and roads shall be of this quality.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/4 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 3 - FILLING (CONT’D)

3.g The Following Material Conformity Tests shall be applied to all imported fills, before approval by
Engineer of the source of production:

STANDARDS
Minimum
Type of Test AASTHO ASTM BS 1377 Sampling place
Frequency

1. Classification tests
-0.075 mm sieve
material passing T 11 D 1140 - source of
production
-Sieve analysis T 27 D 422 -
-Alterberg limits - 6 tests at each
production
-Liquid limit T 89 D 4318 Test 2 source of
production
-Plastic limit and
plasticity index T 90 D 4318 Test 2 source of
production

-Moisture content - - Test 1 source of

production
-Shrinkage factors T 92 D 427 Test 5 source of
production

-Organic material in sand T 99 D 1557 - source of

by wet combustion production

2.Compaction tests source of 6 tests at each

-proctor tests T 99 D 1557 - production proposed source
-modified proctor test T 180 D 692 - source of
production

3. Bearing tests source of 3 tests at each

-laboratory CBR test T 193 D 1883 - production proposed source
-plate bearing test T 222 - CP 2001 source of
(westergaard modulus) (1957) production

The Arab Architects Sec 12/5 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 3 - FILLING (CONT’D)

3.h Erial Conformity Test Shall be applied to all aggregates before approval by the Engineer of the
source of production.

Sampling Minimum
Type of Test AASTHO ASTM BS 1377
place Frequency

1. Classification tests
-0.075 mm sieve
material passing T 11 D 1140 - quarry
-Sieve analysis T 27 D 422 - quarry 6 tests at each quarry
-Alterberg limits -
-Liquid limit T 89 D 4318 Test 2 quarry
-Plastic limit and
plasticity index T 90 D 4318 Test 3 quarry
-Organic material in sand
by wet combustion T 92 D 427 Test 5 quarry

2. Quality tests
-Magnesium soundness T 104 - - quarry
-Loss Angeles coefficient T 96 - - quarry 6 tests at each quarry

3. Compaction tests
proctor test T 99 D 1557 - quarry
-Modified proctor test T 180 D 692 - quarry 6 tests at each quarry

4. Bearing test
-Laboratory CBR test T 193 D 1863 - quarry
-Alkali aggregate reacting C 88 (plane check) 3 tests at each quarry

3.i Plang Fill Generally:

- Ensure that excavations and areas to be filled are free from loose soil, rubbish and standing
water.
- Take all necessary precautions to ensure stability of adjacent structures. Place and compact fill
against structures, membranes or buried services in a sequence and manner, which will ensure
stability and avoid damage.
- Plant employed for transporting, laying and compacting must be suited to the type of material.
- Lay differing materials separately so that only one type of material occurs in each layer.

3.j Benching In Fill : Where, during the progress of the work, the difference in level between adjacent
areas of filling exceeds 600 mm, cut into edge of higher filling to form benches having a minimum
width of 600 mm and a height equivalent to the depth of a layer of compacted filling. Spread and
compact new filling to ensure maximum continuity with the previous filling.

3.k Backfilling :

- Excavations shall only be backfilled after the permanent works therein have been approved and
after the removal of any building debris or deleterious material from the excavations.
- Selected excavated material shall be used for the backfilling as specified.
- Where the excavated material is considered unsuitable, imported material from an approved
source shall be used.
- The backfill shall be brought to a suitable level above grade to provide for anticipated settlement
and unless indicated otherwise, shall be sloped away from the permanent structures.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/6 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 3 - FILLING (CONT’D)

3.l Soft Spots :

- The bottom of all excavations shall be probed and any poor bearing areas shall be reported to the
Engineer who will direct any remedial work.
- Soft spots shall be cut out and filled with either compacted desert fill, granular material,
concrete, or other material, as directed by the Engineer.

3.m General Landscape Subsoil Filling :

- Materials arising from the excavations:

- Lay in layers not more than 200 mm thick and consolidate each layer with the earth moving
plant. The requirements for compacted subsoil filling do not apply.

3.n Compacting Fill Material:

- A fill material used in the earthworks shall be compacted to specification by plant approved by
the Engineer for the purpose. If required by the Engineer the contractor shall carry out
compaction trials on the material supplemented by laboratory testing to determine the correct
plant and number of passes required to achieve the specified requirements.
- The material shall be placed in loose layers within the effective range of compaction of the plant,
however the maximum loose layer thickness shall be limited to 150 mm irrespective of the plant
type.
- Compaction of each layer shall continue until a density of at least 95% of the maximum dry
density has been achieved.
- No completed fill layer shall be covered by the next layer until it has been tested, inspected and
approved by the Engineer.

3.o Watering of Fill Material:

- The material shall be watered and mixed as necessary to ensure that prior to compaction the
moisture content of the whole layer is + 3% of the optimum moisture content.
- The dry density moisture content relationship shall be determined by the heavy compaction test
(4.5 kg rammer method) to BS 1377: 1975 Test 13.
- Potable water shall be used for compaction of all fill material within the area of the excavation.
- The contractor shall carry out moisture content determination at frequent intervals on all soils
undergoing compaction so as to ensure that the optimum moisture content shall be carried out in
such a way that the specified moisture content for compaction is maintained.
- All adjustments of moisture content shall be carried out in such a way that the specified moisture
content remains uniform throughout the compaction.
- The finished surface of the earthworks shall be shaped and rolled and then tested for accuracy so
that the finished profile lies within the tolerance of + 40 mm of the design levels. The average of
variations of five equally spaced readings between any two profiles shall be within the range of +
10 mm.

3.p Retaining Walls : Backfill retaining walls where subsoil drainage is provided with :

- Puddled clay fill below drainage pipe invert level

- 450mm thick drainage layer of single sized aggregate in the range of 20 – 40mm over puddled
clay.
- 150mm thick filter layer over drainage layer
- 150mm vide vertical filter layer tightly packed against retaining wall as backfilling proceeds.
- Suitable approved earth filling mechanically compacted in 150mm layers without inducing
excessive pressure on back of wall.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/7 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 3 - FILLING (CONT’D)

3.q Protection of Compacted Filling

- Do not allow construction traffic on compacted cohesive soil filling until the level has been raised
not less than 150 mm above formation level by properly compacted temporary protective filling.
- Remove temporary protective filling from site before beginning permanent construction.

3.r Hard-Core:

- Granular material, free from harmful matter, well graded, passing a 75 mm BS sieve and in any
one layer only or one of the following:
- Crushed hard rock or quarry waste (other than chalk)
- Crushed concrete, crushed brick or tile, free form old plaster.
- Gravel or hogging.
- Sound blast furnace slag (other than from steel making foundries)
- Unburnt colliery spoil (minestone).
- Spread and level both backfilling and general filling in layers not exceeding 150 mm.
Thoroughly compact each layer with a vibratory roller, vibrating plate compactor, vibro-tamper,
power rammer or other suitable means.

3.s Hard-Core under Concrete Slab to be as clause 710 and not less than 150 mm thick. Excavate extra
material as necessary. Increase thickness of hard-core as necessary to make up levels from stripped
site levels to underside of slabs.

3.t Blinding:

- Where indicated on drawings, provide a layer of concrete to have sufficient sand, fine gravel,
close smooth surface finish.
- Permissible deviations on surface level  5mm.

3.u Testing of Materials

- The Contractor shall be responsible for the organization and appointment of an approved
independent testing laboratory to carry out all the testing of materials as required by the
Engineer.
- The Contractor shall supply full details of the testing laboratory he proposes to appoint including
facilities, personnel, etc. for the Engineers approval within seven days of the Engineers
instruction to commence the work on site.
- The laboratory shall be provided with equipment and trained personnel sufficient to carry out all
the earthworks tests referred to in the specification. The laboratory shall be capable of carrying
out all the relevant tests at the frequency required by the specification and by the rate of progress
required by the Contractor's approved programme for the works.

3.v Test Records and Samples

- All samples and records shall be preserved as long as the Engineer may direct and they should be
kept and labelled in an orderly fashion.
- Testing equipment and all samples and records shall be open to inspection by the Engineer or his
representative at all times.

3.w Sweet-Soil Areas

3.w.1 Imported Sweet-Soil: Provide as necessary to make up any deficiency of sweet soil existing
on site and to complete the work. The sweet soil shall be:
- Reasonably free of stones.
- Free of weeds seeds, roots of perennial weeds, sticks, subsoil and foreign matter.
- From an approved source.
- Obtain approval of a sample load of not less than 5 cu m. Retain for comparison with
subsequent loads.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/8 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 3 - FILLING (CONT’D)

3.w.2 Contamination: Do not use sweet-soil contaminated with subsoil, rubbish, oil-based
products, or other materials toxic to plant life. Dispose of contaminated sweet-soil as
instructed.

3.w.3 Spread Sweet-Soil over prepared subsoil in layers not exceeding 150 mm and firm each
layer before spreading the next.

3.w.4 Finished Levels of Sweet-Soil after settlement, unless otherwise stated, to be:
- 30 mm above adjoining paving or kerbs,
- Not less than 150 mm below dpc of adjoining buildings,
- 30 mm higher for shrub areas than for adjoining grass areas,
- Married-in with adjoining soil areas.

3.x Termite Control

3.y Related Documents

- Drawings and general provisions of contract, including general and supplementary conditions
and division - 1 specifications sections, apply to work of this section.

3.z Description of Work

Provide soil treatment for termite control, as herein specified.

3.z Quality Assurance

- In addition to requirements of these specifications, comply with manufacturer’s instructions and

recommendations for work, including preparation of substrate and application.

- Engage a professional pest control operator,

Licensed in accordance with regulations of governing authorities for application of soil

treatment solution.

PART 6 - DEWATERING

6.a Water : Keep all excavation free from water until the construction of basement and retaining walls
are able to resist leakage, water pressure and floatation, including providing dewatering system if
required.

6.b Excavate : Sumps, cut drains, provide and place all necessary materials and provide work pumps,
plant and apparatus for dealing with sea water or any water which may find its way into the
excavation from any source whatsoever.

6.c Obtain approval of location of any sumps and fill with approved material when no longer required.

6.d The Responsibility for draining away, pumping or otherwise removing water from the excavations
shall rest with the Contractor throughout the duration of the contract, but the method employed shall
be subject to the agreement of the Engineer, and shall not paid separately.

6.e Obtain necessary permission/approval from the local authority for discharge of the water.

6.f Notify the Engineer if the method of pumping as proposed will lower the water table. Provide
necessary calculations and proof that such lowering of water table will not endanger the stability of
the structure or any adjacent structures, roads services, etc.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/9 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 6 - DEWATERING (CONT’D)

6.g Submit proposals for preventing floatation of the partially completed structure due to a failure or
premature cessation of dewatering. Measures taken shall include inter-alia duplicating pumping
system and provision for flooding of the works.

6.h Submit proposals with necessary calculation justifying the programme for stopping dewatering.
Maintain a minimum factor of safety of 1.15 against uplift forces as well as floatation.

PART 7 - JOB CONDITIONS

7.1

7.1.1 Restrictions

Do not apply soil treatment solution until excavating, filling and grading operations are
completed, except as otherwise required in construction operations.

7.1.2 To insure penetration, do not apply soil treatment to frozen or excessively sweet soils or
during inclement weather. Comply with handling and application instructions of the soil
toxicant manufacturer.

7.2 Submittals

7.2.1 Product Date:

Submit manufacturer’s technical data and application instructions.

7.2.2 Specific Product Warranty:

Furnish written warranty certifying that applied soil poisoning treatment will prevent
infestation of subterranean termites and , that if subterranean termite activity is discovered
during warranty period, contractor will re-treat soil and repair or replace damage caused by
termite infestation.

7.2.3 Provide warranty for a period of 5 years from date of treatment, signed by Applicator and
contractor.

7.3 Soil Treatment solution

7.3.1 Use an emulsible concentrate insecticide for dilution with water, specifically formulated to
prevent infestation by termites, fuel oil will not be permitted as a dilutent. Provide a
working solution of one of following chemical elements and concentrations.

Chlordane, 1.0% in water emulsion.

Aldrin, 0.5 % in water emulsion.
Dieldrin, 0.5% in water emulsion.
Heptachlor, 0.5% in water emulsion.
Chlordane and Heotachlor, 0.5% chlordane plus 0.25% Heptachlor in water emulsion.

7.3.2 Other solutions may be used as recommended by Applicator and if acceptable to Architect
and local governing authorities. Use only soil treatment solutions which are not injurious
to plants.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/10 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 7 - JOB CONDITIONS (CONT’D)

7.4 Application

7.4.1 Surface Preparation:

Remove foreign matter which could decrease effectiveness of treatment on areas to be

treated. Loosen, rake, and level soil to be treated, except previously compacted areas under
slabs and foundations. Toxicants may be applied before placement of compacted fill under
slabs, if recommended by toxicant manufacturer.

7.4.2 Application Rates:

Apply soil treatment solution as follows:

1. Under slab on grade structures, treat soil before concrete slabs are placed using either
power sprayer or tank - type garden sprayer.

- Apply 3.784 liters of chemical solution per 3000 mm to soil critical areas under
slab, including entire inside & outside perimeter of foundation walls, along both
sides of interior partition walls, and around plumbing pipes and electric Conduit
penetrating slab, and around interior column footers.

- Apply 4.6 liters of chemical solution per 0.929 sq.m. as overall treatment under
slab and attached slab areas where fill is soil or unwashed gravel. Apply 5.68
liters of chemical solution to areas where fill is washed gravel or other coarse
absorbent material.

- Apply 15 liters of chemical solution per 3000 mm of trench, for each foot or
depth from grade to footing, along outside edge of building. Dig a trench 52 mm
to 203 mm wide along outside of foundation to a depth of not less than 305 mm.
Punch holes to top of footing at not more than 305 mm o.c. and apply chemical
solution. Mix chemical solution with the soil as it is being placed in trench.

2. Under crawl - space and basement structures, treat soil along exterior and interior
walls of foundations with shallow footings, as specified above for exterior of slab - on
grade structures.

Treat soil under or around crawl - space structures as follows:

- Apply 15 liters of chemical solution per 3000 mm. of trench along inside of
foundation walls, along both sides of interior partitions, and around piers and
plumbing Do not apply an overall treatment in crawl spaces.

- Apply 15 liters of chemical solution per 3000 mm. of trench, for each foot of
depth from grade to footing, along outside foundation walls, including part
beneath entrance platforms, porches, etc.

- Apply 15 liters of chemical solution per 3000 mm along the inside and outside of
foundation walls of porches.

- Apply 4.6 liters per 0.929 sq.m. of soil surface as an overall treatment, only
where attached concrete platform and porches are on fill or ground.

3. At hollow masonry foundations

or grade beams, treat voids at rate of 7.57 liters per 3000 mm poured directly into the
hollow spaces.

The Arab Architects Sec 12/11 Qatar University

New Research Complex
SECTION 12 – EARTHWORKS (CONT'D)

PART 7 - JOB CONDITIONS (CONT’D)

4. At expansion joints, control joints, and areas where slabs will be penetrated at rate of
15 liters per 3000 mm of penetration.

- Allow not less than 12 hours for drying after application, before beginning
concrete placement or other construction activities.

- Post Signs in areas of application warning workers that soil poisoning has been
applied. Remove signs where areas are covered by other construction.

- Re-apply Soil Treatment solution to areas disturbed by subsequent excavation or

other construction activities following application.

End of Section

The Arab Architects Sec 12/12 Qatar University

New Research Complex