SECTION 3

EXCAVATION, BACKFILLING AND RESTORATION

3.1 EXCAVATION

1. The Contractor shall carry out its operation in such a manner as to avoid damage to existing
adjacent or underground structures, or deterioration of the Final Surfaces of excavation.

2. If the Contractor encounters ground in the Final Surface which he considers unsuitable, or if
the Final Surface is damaged or allowed to deteriorate, MWC shall be promptly informed.
The unsuitable ground or damaged surfaces shall be excavated and then filled to formation
level with the material as indicated in the Contract Specific Specification or as approved by
MWC. Any voids which result from over excavation shall be refilled with the material as
indicated in the Contract Specific Specification or as approved by MWC.

3. The Contractor shall carry out its excavation work with all necessary precautions and put in
place adequate support at the side faces of excavation, or employ any appropriate measures
to ensure the safety and stability, and avoid the weakening or damage to the foundations of
existing adjacent structures.

4. The sides of the excavation shall be vertical and shall be adequately supported at all times,
except when described elsewhere in the Bid Documents where battered sides will be
permitted. A detail of the cross-section for battered side excavation shall be submitted to
MWC for acceptance prior to its implementation. Any slippage of faces of excavation which
causes the weakening of foundation or support for existing or proposed pipelines, structures
or roadways shall be stabilized and made good.

5. The Contractor shall be responsible for the disposal of all unsuitable and surplus excavated
material off the Site but no excavated material suitable for re-use in the Work shall be
removed from the Site except on the direction, or with the permission, of MWC. The
Contractor shall remove from the site and dispose of all excess excavated material at its own
expense. The location of the spoil disposal area shall meet all legal requirements for such
sites. MWC may, at its discretion, identify an area within the project site which may be used
for spoil disposal. The Contractor may then use the on-site area for disposal, but it shall trim
and grade the on-site spoil area to meet the requirements of MWC at no extra cost.

6. Excavation for structures shall progress in uniform horizontal layers, with extreme caution
exercised as the face of the excavation approaches the line and grade of the foundation base
shown on the Drawings. MWC shall be notified promptly if rock is encountered or when the
excavation is within 500mm of the final cut surface or foundation elevation. Excavation
equipment shall be of a size and type suitable for carrying out the work as specified. During
final excavation to subgrade level, the Contractor shall take whatever precautions are
necessary to prevent disturbance and remolding of the subgrade. In load bearing soil (i.e.
soil under structures, pipelines and roadways), final excavation to subgrade shall be by hand
or by using lightweight machines with smooth edge buckets.

7. Adverse Weather Condition. MWC reserves the right to suspend or limit earthwork operations
during periods of extended adverse weather conditions, and the Contractor shall have no
basis for claiming such, as a reason for delays or extra payments. It is expressly understood
that the job site is located in an area subject to yearly periods of heavy tropical rainfall. The
Contractor shall schedule its earthwork taking account of this wet season period of the year.

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3.2 CLEARING AND GRUBBING

1. Clearing and grubbing shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
DPWH Standard Specification, Item 100.

3.3 TEST PITS

1. The Contractor shall excavate test pits, which shall be limited in size sufficient enough to fulfill
their purpose, for investigating soil conditions. In addition the Contractor shall excavate in
advance sufficient test pits to determine exact location of, and to avoid damage to, existing
underground structures and utilities so that progress of excavation work will not be delayed.
Test pits shall be conducted when needed or, when ordered by MWC.

3.4 TRENCH EXCAVATION

1. Trenches in rock for pipes up to 100 mm nominal bore shall be excavated to provide a
minimum clearance of 100 mm around the outside of pipe barrels and joints. For pipes with
nominal bores exceeding 100 mm, the minimum clearance shall be increased to 150 mm for
flexible pipeline and to 200 mm for rigid pipeline.

2. Trenches for pipes carrying water under pressure shall, except where otherwise described in
the Contract, be excavated to a sufficient depth to ensure a minimum cover of 750 mm to the
top of the pipes.

3. For trench excavation, maximum trench widths for pipes shall not exceed the maximum
allowable clearance all around the outside diameter of pipes and joints. Excavation shall not
exceed the maximum width herewith specified without the approval of MWC.

4. The width and length of area to be excavated for the installation of valve chambers, special or
any other structures shall not exceed the maximum linear dimensions of such structures by
more than 300 mm on each side. The limit for depths of excavation for structures shall not be
greater than 200mm underneath the bottom of structures for gravel or sand bedding.
Payment lines shall rise vertically from the extremity of installed structures and horizontally
shall be the underside of installed structure.

5. Trenches on major roads shall be fully backfilled at the end of each working day or shall be
covered by steel plate adequately secured and capable of supporting vehicular traffic.

3.5 HEADINGS, TUNNELS AND SHAFTS

1. When excavating headings, tunnels and shafts, the Contractor shall provide sufficient spoil
storage capacity, as much as possible within or near the area, to avoid the need to remove
the excavated material from the compound at peak traffic periods, or where local enactment
prohibits the carting away of spoil during defined time periods.

2. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor, to decide the need for, and to undertake with
the approval by MWC, any ground investigation ahead of the face of any tunnel, heading or
shaft, additional to that described in the Contract.

3. Excavation for headings and tunnels shall be adequately supported at all times. The faces of
all headings and tunnels, other than in solid rock, shall be fully boxed whenever excavation
has been, or will be, stopped for a period exceeding 12 hours.

4. All working shafts shall, unless otherwise permitted, be supplied with speaking tubes or
telephones in communication with the Work below ground. Such tubes or telephones shall
be provided with colored light signaling system.
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 5. The Contractor shall comply with the requirements described in the Contract for Safety in
Tunneling and Standard Practice in Atmospheric Monitoring in the Construction Industry.

6. Where a shield, boring machine or other specialized equipment is used the Contractor shall
follow the procedures recommended by the lining manufacture so as to prevent excessive
loading being transmitted to the lining.

3.6 EXCAVATION IN CARRIAGEWAY/ROADWAYS

1. Before commencing excavation for trenches and manholes in the carriageway, a vertical saw
cut shall be made through the carriageway construction at each side of the excavation, using
a disc saw or similar approved equipment. The use of trench boxes will not be permitted for
excavation in the carriageway. The maximum length of trench open at any one time shall not
exceed 100 meters, and shall be subject to the requirements of the Police and the relevant
local government undertaking, and traffic conditions.

2. Excavation of carriageways shall be whenever possible be located such that the edge of
the opening is at least 1 meter from the edge of the carriageway.

3.7 MISCELLANEOUS

1. The Contractor shall take all practicable measures to reduce the vibration inducing settlement
resulting from any sheet piling operation.

2. Natural material surplus to requirements for backfilling shall only be deposited on site as
approved by MWC.

3. Excavated artificial material shall be disposed of by the Contractor.

4. When stockpiled, excavated material shall be stored in areas remote from watercourses.

3.8 TURF FOR RELAYING

1. Turves to be relaid shall measure approximately 1 m by 300 mm, when cut and shall be of
uniform thickness not less than 40 mm.

2. Turves shall be green when cut; they shall be kept moist and shall be laid within one week
after cutting.

3. The level of topsoil beneath turves shall be such that the final grass surface after compaction
shall be flush with adjoining grass surface.

3.9 TOPSOIL FOR RE-USE

1. Topsoil shall mean the top layer of soil that can support vegetation. It shall include all turf not
required for relaying or not acceptable for turfing.

2. Topsoil shall be removed from the areas prescribed in the Contract and, when required for re-
use, shall be stockpiled separately and kept free from weeds.

3.10 DEALING WITH SURFACE AND GROUND WATER

1. The Contractor shall not allow water to lie in any part of the Work unless required to do so
under the Contract; water arising from or draining into the work shall be drained or pumped to
an approved disposal point. Any drainage sumps required shall, where practicable, be sited
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 outside the area excavated for the Permanent Work, and shall be re-filled with concrete Class
‘B’ to the level of the underside of the adjacent permanent Work.

2. The Contractor may install water ingress retaining structure, or may use sand bagging or any
appropriate measures acceptable and with the approval of MWC to prevent or minimize the
seepage inflows of water into permanent structure working areas.

3. The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions in any de-watering process to prevent
any adjacent ground from being adversely affected by loss of fines, which may cause
settlements and damage to adjacent structures, utilities, roadways and other properties.

4. Any groundwater control system required shall be installed and maintained continuously until
such time backfilling has been completed.

5. The Contractor shall obtain any necessary consent to discharge.

6. The Contractor shall prepare and submit a plan documenting the measures it will take to
control sediment runoff at the site at least forty-two (42) calendar days before commencing
any earthwork at the site. No earthwork will be allowed until Engineer approves the
Contractor’s sedimentation/erosion control program.

3.11 TEMPORARY DRAINS

1. Where temporary drains are required, they shall be laid in a narrow trench or grip formed
below the bottom of the excavation in an approved position. The pipes shall be open-jointed
and shall be surrounded with free-draining granular material.

2. Grouting pipes shall be inserted in the line of the temporary drains at intervals not exceeding
25 m and the drains shall be solidly filled with grout Class G3 or G4 and the grout pipes will
be cut off on completion.

3.12 BACKFILLING

1. Backfilling shall, whenever practicable, be undertaken immediately the specified operations

preceding it have been completed. Backfilling shall not, however, be commenced until the
work to be covered have achieved strength sufficient to withstand all loading imposed
thereon.

2. Backfilling around Permanent Work shall be undertaken in such manner as to avoid uneven
loading or damage.

3. Filling material to excavations not situated in highways or prospective highways shall be of

the same excavated material available on site suitable for backfilling and shall be deposited
in layers not exceeding 250 mm unconsolidated thickness and compacted to form a stable
backfill.

4. Where the excavations have been supported and the supports are to be removed, these,
where practicable, shall be withdrawn progressively as backfilling proceeds in such a manner
as to minimize the danger of collapse, and voids formed behind the support shall be carefully
filled and compacted.

5. All backfilling material shall be inert and non-toxic.

6. The Contractor shall, in accordance with the requirements of appropriate affected bodies,
carry out reinstatement around all structures or apparatus encountered and affected during
the Work. Existing surrounds shall be reinstated over the full width of the excavation.
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 Particular attention shall be given to the replacement or provision of any protective slabs or
identification tapes.

7. Trenches shall be fully backfilled before the end of each working day. No trench greater than
5 m in length shall remain open at the end of the working day. The remaining open trench
shall be securely fenced/barricaded.

8. Backfilling of water retaining structures shall not commence until they have passed their
water tightness test.

9. Over excavation shall be backfilled with material specified in the Contract or approved by
MWC.

3.13 BACKFILLING ABOVE GROUND

1. Embankment and other areas of fill shall be formed of suitable materials capable of normal
compaction to form a stable fill, deposited and compacted as soon as practicable after
excavation, in layers of thickness appropriate to the compaction plant used. Prior to placing
embankment, topsoil shall be stripped and the base surface scarified to 300mm depth. All
grass and roots shall be removed. After scarification, the base shall be compacted by rolling
and fill placed with maximum lifts of 300mm. Compaction of the base and embankment fill
shall not be less than 90% of the maximum density as determined in accordance with ASTM
D698, Method D. Moisture content shall be as uniform as possible and suitable for the
compaction required.

2. The filling shall, where practicable, be built up and compacted evenly, and shall be
maintained at all times with a sufficient camber or cross fall and a surface sufficiently even to
enable surface water to drain readily from it.

3.14 REINSTATEMENT OF MAINTAINABLE HIGHWAYS

Reinstatement of Carriageways, Footways, Footpaths, Cycle Tracks and Verges

1. Reinstatement of streets which are maintainable highways shall be undertaken in accordance

with the relevant provisions of the DPWH Standard Specifications, Part E and Part H.

2. Pavement shall be restored to its original design strength and thickness or better, including
the damage caused by the Contractor outside of the trench width, at his expense.

3. Concrete pavement shall be restored using a five days curing concrete period for major roads
and seven days concrete curing period for other national roads, in both cases attaining the
flexural strength of 3.80 MPa and compressive strength of 24Mpa.

4. Epoxy shall be used in concrete pavement less than five years old as well as on roads
subjected to constant heavy loading to bond the existing and the restored pavement. The
epoxy shall have a specified tensile strength 55 to 62 MPa and compressive strength of 90 to
103 MPa.

Reinstatement of Curbs, Channels, Edging and Quadrants

5. Curbs, channels, edging and quadrants disturbed by the work shall be relaid with existing
units, providing they are not damaged. Where existing units are not suitable for re-use, the
Contractor shall provide replacement units of similar texture, color and type, consistent with
those adjacent and complying with the relevant provisions of the DPWH Standard
Specifications, Part H, as appropriate.

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 6. The relaying of curbs, channels, edging quadrants etc. shall be in accordance with Part H of
the DPWH Specifications. In-situ curbs and channels shall be reinstated to conform to
adjoining curbs and channels.

Reinstatement of Manholes and Surface Boxes

7. The frames of all manholes and surface boxes shall be reinstated by bedding and haunching
in Class ‘A’ mortar unless, in the case of surface boxes, they are to seat in the recess of an
appropriate precast concrete section. Frame tops shall be flush with the adjoining surface on
all sides.

8. Specified requirements for reinstatement are included in the Contract Specific Specification,
which shall be read in conjunction with the DPWH Specifications. Reinstatement shall be
appropriate to the actual existing highway construction. To this end the Contractor shall in
conjunction with MWC record the highway construction encountered during excavation.

9. The Contractor shall carry out the final reinstatement of all public highways affected by the
Contract within six months of completion of any interim reinstatement.

10. The Contractor shall allow the Highway Authority to carry out inspections of trenches,
backfilling operations, interim and final reinstatement.

11. Trench reinstatement shall be carried in stages so that the length of trench not having full
interim reinstatement at any one time shall not exceed 50 meters. Traffic shall not be
permitted to run on trenches not having full reinstatement.

12. Damage to carriageway surface or curb lines caused by the activities of the Contractor or by
subsequent ground movement shall be reinstated to the full depth of the carriageway
construction. Where MWC agrees that the damage is superficial, or where the stated trench
width is within 500mm of the curb face, only the wearing course need to be removed and
replaced.

3.15 REINSTATEMENT OF NON-MAINTAINABLE HIGHWAYS

1. Non-maintainable highways shall, except where otherwise described in the Contract, be

reinstated in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DPWH Specifications, Parts D
and Part E.

3.16 REINSTATEMENT OF UNPAVED LAND

1. On completion of work in unpaved land the Contractor shall break up the surface of all land
affected, to a depth of at least 300 mm before replacing top soil, and shall cultivate and
restore the land as closely as possible to its original condition.

2. Surfaces to be shown with grass seed shall be reduced to a fine tilt and cleared of stones and
extraneous material greater than 50 mm in size. The seed shall be sown at the proper
seasons, evenly distributed and applied at a rate of not less than the quantities given in the
following table:

Nature of area to be Level Surfaces Sloping Surfaces (Slope

seeded (Slope < 1:6) g/sq. >= 1:6) to cuttings and
m. embankment g/sq.m.

Lawns 40 40

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 Surround to tanks and 25 35
Process plants

Playing Fields and 20 20

Gardens

Agricultural Land 15 15

Roadside Verges 6 10

3. Surfaces to be turfed shall be prepared as for seeding. The approved turves shall be placed,
butted, interlocked and tamped and the joints filled with fine sandy oil. On sloping ground
where they may be likely slip, turve shall be laid diagonally. Any subsidence taking place
shall be made good by taking up the turf, filling with good finely sieved topsoil and replacing
the turf in the manner specified above. Any turf that dies shall be replaced with new turf.

4. The Contractor shall re-seed or re-turf reinstated areas as necessary until a good sward is
obtained. The Contractor shall keep reinstated grass areas weed-free and maintained them
at 25-40 mm growth for the duration of the Contract.

3.17 TREES

1. The handling, planting, staking etc. shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
DPWH Standards Specifications, Item 611, and with the governing Laws of the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

3.18 LAND DRAINS

1. The position of all land drains intercepted or disturbed shall be prominently marked at every
point of intersection with the work. The Contractor shall record these positions, depths, pipe
diameters and the types of construction, and a copy of these records shall be given to MWC.
Care shall be taken during the progress of the Work to prevent the disturbance of markers.

2. Prior to the permanent reinstatement of land drainage the Contractor shall clear the ends of
existing drains, where intercepted by excavations, and shall afford facilities to MWC and the
landowner or occupier to inspect them and determine the extent of replacement that may be
necessary.

3. The backfill of intercepting excavations shall be compacted in 200 mm layers, to give a firm
bearing immediately before replacement pipes are laid and shall be brought up to the level of
the underside of the land drains or of any support to be provided.

4. The affected land drains shall be cut back into firm ground until, in each case, a section is
exposed which is unaffected by the Work.

5. Replacement pipes or support beams shall bear on undisturbed ground for at least 500 mm
at each end. The replacement pipes shall be of the same internal diameter as the section of
drain which they replace and shall be properly connected at each end.

6. Records shall be kept of all drainage system reinstatement work carried out, and a copy shall
be given to MWC.

Treatment of Existing land Drains.

7. Where existing land drains are crossed by a pipeline they shall be reinstated as follows:

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 8. A timber batten, having a cross-section not less than 150 mm x 80 mm, impregnated with
approved timber preservative, shall be fixed across the trench in the line of the field drain.
This should be at least 1 meter longer than the drain to be supported and shall be set so that
the field drain can be laid upon it to the correct line and level. Clayware tiles, or pipes similar
to those in the existing drains, shall be laid upon the batten and held in place with timber
fillets on either side of the field drain.

9. Where interceptor land drains are required they shall be connected into existing land drains
or discharged into a watercourse at such a point as agreed by MWC, the owner, tenant or
occupier of the hand.

10. ‘Trenchless’ methods of laying shall not be used.

11. The drains shall be installed using 10 mm single sized granular fill material to the underside
of the topsoil.

12. Existing drains shall be connected to interceptor drains by purpose-made junctions. The
Contractor shall ensure that the intercepted drains are clear at the point of connection.

3.19 BLASTING

1. Explosives shall be transported, stored and handled in accordance with Philippine Bureau of
Mines, Mines Safety Rules and Regulations and in accordance with security measures
established by the Philippine National Police.

2. The names and designations of all personnel who will handle explosives or work in areas
explosives are used shall be provided to the Philippine National Police and these personnel
shall be instructed to abide by security measures imposed by the Philippine National Police.

3. For each blast, the Contractor shall report to MWC the amounts of explosives used for each
day and the time of blast.

4. The Contractor shall keep explosives on the site only in such quantity as may be needed for
the work under way for that day and only during such times as they are being used. Storage
of explosives on site during non-working hours is not permitted. The Contractor shall notify
MWC in advance of its intention to temporarily store and use explosives. Explosives shall be
temporarily stored in a secure manner and separate from all tools. No explosives shall be
stored within five hundred (500) meters of the Site. Caps or detonators shall be safely stored
at a point over 30 meters distance from the explosives. When the need for the explosives
has ended and definitely at the end of each normal workday, all such material remaining on
the work shall be promptly removed from the premises.

5. In addition to observing all Municipal ordinances and Provincial and National laws relating to
the transportation, storage, handling, and use of explosives, the Contractor shall employ an
experienced blaster licensed by the Philippine National Police.

6. Operations involving explosives shall be conducted to avoid injury to persons and property.
Blasting shall be done only with such quantities and strengths of explosives and in such a
manner that will break the rock approximately at the intended lines and grades with the
unexcavated rock left in an unshattered condition.

7. Care shall be taken to avoid excessive cracking of the rock upon or against which any pipe or
structure is to be built, and to prevent damage to existing pipes, or other structures and
property above or below ground. To prevent damage due to flying rock, it shall be well
covered with logs or mats, and sufficient warning given to all persons in the vicinity of the

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 work, before a charge is exploded. The mats shall be of woven wire or rubber ties,
sandbagged, and designed to contain all rock fragments.

8. Before any portion of a structure is placed or any pipe is laid in rock excavation, all blasting
shall be completed within a minimum distance of 15 meters.

9. All loose rock from blasting operations shall be removed, and projections leveled off by
methods other than blasting.

10. The Contractor is expected to declare its intent to blast at the time of its bid. If this has not
been done, then MWC may refuse to allow the Contractor to blast.

3.20 REINSTATEMENT OF WALLS, FENCES AND HEDGES

1. Any section of wall, fence or hedge damaged or removed during construction of the work
shall be replaced by a similar type unless expressly stated in the Contract Specific
Document.

3.21 PILING

1. Piling shall be in accordance with the DPWH Standard Specifications, Item 400.

3.22 CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION OF REDUNDANT ASSETS

1. Demolition of tanks and structures shall be as described in the Bid Documents and all
demolished structures shall be reduced to 0.50 m (1.50 m in highways) below finished ground
level, unless otherwise stated in the Contract Specific Specification or Drawings.

2. Tanks, manholes, basements and other chambers shall have all organic material removed
and drain holes made in the base equivalent to 1 m2 for each 10 m2 of area. They shall then
be filled using non-selected filling materials.

3. Where redundant pipework is to be abandoned or decommissioned, the pipe open ends shall
be plugged with Class ‘A’ concrete to a depth twice the pipe diameter.

4. Redundant items which are to be left on site are listed in the Contract Specific Specification
or Drawings. All other surplus materials shall be removed from site by the Contractor.

3.23 FILLING OPERATIONS

1. Filling operations shall be detailed, and importing of materials onto site shall be carried out in
accordance with the Contract.

3.24 DISPOSAL OPERATIONS

1. The disposal of any materials arising from construction activities, including process waste
from commissioning, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

3.25 FIELD DENSITY TEST

1. Backfill on roads subject to traffic load shall be tested by MWC for the required compaction
using the test procedures specified in ASTM D 1556 and with transportation and other
facilities to be provided by the Contractor. The reference maximum soil density shall be as
determined by using the Standard Proctor Compaction Test, ASTM D 698. Tests for backfill
shall be mandatory while test for pipe zone backfill may be waived for sand or gravel fill.

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 2. Test frequency shall be for every 150 linear meters of backfill and for all layers.

3. The above test requirement shall not be required for alleys and interior roads not subject to
traffic loads but this will not relieve the Contractor for its responsibility in compacting the
backfill satisfactorily.

3.26 SHEETING AND BRACING

1. Prior to installation, the Contractor shall submit Shop Drawings showing the type of sheeting
and bracing to be used and its intended method of placing and maintaining it as required to
support and protect the sides of excavations. Care shall be taken to prevent voids outside
the sheeting, but if voids are formed, they shall be immediately filled and rammed.

2. All sheeting and bracing not left in place shall be carefully removed without endangering the
new installations, the existing utilities, or adjoining property. All voids caused by withdrawal
of sheeting shall be immediately refilled with sand and compacted by ramming with suitable
tools, by watering, or any other method acceptable to MWC.

3. The right of MWC to order sheeting and bracing left in place shall not be construed as
creating any obligation on its part to issue such order, and its failure to exercise its right to do
so shall not relieve the Contractor from liability for damages to persons or otherwise, growing
out of a failure on the part of the Contractor to leave in place sufficient sheeting and bracing
to prevent any caving-in or moving off the ground.

3.27 STRUCTURAL FILL

1. The placement of selected, approved fill material in compacted lifts to support structural
foundations by transmitting the applied load to undisturbed natural soil of suitable bearing
capacity. The zone of influence of a structure is defined as starting at a distance of one (1)
meter outside a footing end, and sloping outward and downward at a 1:1 slope to undisturbed
material.

2. Structural fill shall be furnished where existing materials encountered at bearing elevations
are found to be unsuitable as determined by MWC and the Contractor is directed to replace
them.

3. Structural fill shall be well-graded and non-plastic material. Before any structural fill is placed
over the existing ground surface, the ground shall be cleared and grubbed and the topsoil
shall be stripped. Structural fill particles shall be sound and not more than five percent (5%)
shall pass the No. 200 sieve, nor more than fifty percent (50%) the No. 40 sieve. The
material shall be free from organic matter, clay lumps, or other deleterious materials. The
maximum particle size shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the lift thickness.

4. A sieve analysis of the proposed structural fill material shall be submitted for review and
approval by MWC at least 28 days before the first use of the material. In addition, samples of
structural fill shall be submitted to MWC for sieve analysis for each 2500 m 3 of structural fill
placed, or whenever the source or quality of fill material is varied. MWC may reject structural
fill material at any time. The Contractor will not be responsible for the cost of routine
materials testing, except for the initial tests required above and any retesting requested on
rejected material which shall be paid for by the Contractor.

5. Structural fill layers shall be placed in lifts of 200mm in depth after compaction. Fill material
shall be approved by MWC, and hauled to the fill and tipped directly on the fill lift being
placed. Material shall be spread on each layer by graders or dozers. The Engineer may
select the locations where individual loads are to be dumped.

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 6. Each lift shall be brought to near optimum moisture content prior to compaction. No
compaction of completely dry materials shall be permitted. Each lift shall be compacted to
ninety-five percent (95%) of Modified Proctor optimum density using pneumatic tire rollers or
smooth drum vibratory rollers of capacities approved in advance by MWC. Should any test
reveal inadequate compaction of a structural fill layer, then the entire layer shall receive at
least one additional complete pass of the roller. A complete pass shall include a single
coverage of the entire layer including twenty percent (20%) overlap of drum width. If after a
reasonable amount of recompaction is completed as determined by MWC, and satisfactory
results have not been obtained, then the Contractor shall remove the lift and replace it with
satisfactory material. Care shall be taken to avoid contamination of structural fill with other
materials. The Contractor shall be required to replace any such contaminated structural fill
layers at its own expense.

7. The minimum number of passes per lift is two (2), after which MWC may conduct whatever
test work it deems necessary to determine the degree of compaction obtained. Additional
passes of the roller shall be required until adequate results are obtained. Retesting of
compaction shall be at the Contractor’s own expense.

8. In areas inaccessible to large rollers, hand-held vibratory tampers may be used to obtain
adequate compaction as defined above, but use of hand-held equipment must be approved
in advance by MWC.

9. Structural fill shall be brought up to the required grade in lifts of equal compacted depth.
Each lift shall meet the requirements of this Section of the Standard Engineering
Specification.

3.28 LINES AND GRADES

Requirements

1. All excavation and engineered fills shall be constructed to the lines, grades and dimensions
shown on the Drawings or as directed by MWC.

Modifications

2. MWC may modify lines, grades or dimensions at any time prior to or during construction and
the Contractor shall not be entitled to any adjustment in its Unit Prices or to any extra cost as
a result of such changes other than those cost changes derived from modified quantities.

Construction Surveys

3. The Contractor shall be responsible for properly setting out all the structures and slopes. All
extra work and over-excavation caused by the Contractor’s negligence in setting out shall be
at its expense, and shall be corrected immediately upon the request of MWC.

Over Excavation

4. The Contractor shall use care, and the most appropriate methods of excavation, to avoid
carrying excavation beyond the lines and grades shown on the Drawings, or loosening of
material or the breaking of rock outside of the excavation limits. If for any reason, excavation
or disturbance is carried beyond the lines and grades shown on the Drawings, the Contractor
shall, at its own expense, remove the excess material and take the necessary measure to
restore the required lines and grades with either approved fill material or concrete, as
directed by MWC. Should the Contractor wish to excavate beyond the limits given in the
Drawings, it may only do so after obtaining prior permission from MWC. Such excavation

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 and any backfilling with approved materials shall be at the Contractor’s own expense. This
requirement excludes additional excavation specially ordered by MWC.

3.29 SLOPES, SLIDES AND GEOLOGICAL OVERBREAK

Modification of Design Slopes Where Needed

1. If geological conditions during the performance of the work do not permit excavation of slopes
as shown on the Drawings, MWC will modify the Design slopes. Additional work resulting
from such changes shall be measured and paid for according to the corresponding Unit
Prices. No later claims for additional payment will be considered if the Contractor has
changed the slopes without the approval of MWC.

Slides, Rock Falls or Overbreak Due to Improper Methods

2. If slides, rock falls or overbreak occur resulting ineffective excavated surfaces beyond the
excavation lines shown on the Drawings which, in the opinion of MWC, are due to improper
working method or negligence by the Contractor, the Contractor shall remove the resulting
material and place approved backfill material in the over excavated voids at its own expense.

Slides, Rock Falls or Overbreak Due to Adverse Geological Conditions

3. If slides, rock falls or overbreak occur as a result of geologically adverse conditions not
reasonably foreseeable by the Contractor despite the use of proper and careful excavation
methods, the cost of removing the material and placing approved backfill material shall be
paid for under the Contract at applicable Unit Prices.

3.30 RE-USE OF EXCAVATED MATERIALS

1. Materials excavated from the site may, under certain circumstances, be re-used for backfill
on the project. All materials proposed by the Contractor for re-use shall be approved by
MWC based upon test performed by MWC or independent testing agencies and as specified
herein and as dictated by accepted practice. Initial tests performed for the purpose of
determining the acceptabilities of on-site materials for re-use shall be paid for under the
Contract. Any re-testing required of or requested by the Contractor for any reason
whatsoever shall be paid by the Contractor.

3.31 STOCKPILING OF MATERIALS

1. The Contractor shall prepare and submit a program for stockpiling of both on-site and
imported materials on the site or at other locations. The program shall identify those on-site
areas required for stockpiling materials and MWC will endeavor to make such locations
available to the Contractor at no additional cost, except that the Contractor shall bear the cost
of constructing all necessary temporary facilities such as access roads, drainage ditches, etc.
MWC assumes no liability whatsoever if adequate on-site locations are not available and it
must review and accept the Contractor’s stockpiling program.

3.32 MATERIAL FOR PIPE BEDDING AND TRENCH FILLING

Material to be used for pipe bedding and trench backfill (divided into Classes I, II and III) shall
be free from vegetable and perishable matter and shall be obtained from sources approved by
the Engineer. They shall comply with the following particular requirements:

Class I Trench Fill shall be free-draining, rounded, granular material consisting of natural
gravel or similar material.

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 For pipes up to and including 300mm, the nominal size shall be 10mm; for pipes exceeding
300mm but not exceeding 900mm diameter, the nominal size shall be 14mm; above 900mm
diameter, the nominal size shall be 20mm. The overall grading shall be such that the material
shall have a Compaction Fraction of 0.10 or less.

Class II Trench Fill shall consist of approved granular material obtained from excavations or
borrow pits and shall exclude stones larger than 25mm in size. The material shall be capable
of being compacted to a stable mass and shall achieve a laboratory CBR of 20% after 96
hours soaking, when compacted to 95% of the laboratory maximum dry density tested in
accordance with BS 1377.

Class III Trench Fill shall consist of approved granular material obtained from excavations or
borrow pits, shall be capable of being compacted to a stable mass and shall achieve a
laboratory CBR of 20% after 96 hours soaking when compacted to 95% of the laboratory
maximum dry density.

Where separate bedding material is required for pressure pipes up to and including 300mm
diameter, it shall consist of Class I Trench Fill.

3.33 BEDDING FOR PIPES

Unless directed otherwise by the Engineer, should any trench invert be over-dug, it shall be
made good with the class of material specified for the layer immediately overlaying it.

If any bedding material is damaged by water, sewage, collapse of trench sides or in an other
way, it shall be removed from the trench and replaced with new material before any pipes are
laid or re-laid.

The required bedding and surround for rigid pipes shall conform to one of the following three
categories:

 Class B bedding shall comprise a Class I Trench Fill bed at the base of the pipe with a
Class II Trench Fill surround to the sides and the crown.

 Class G bedding shall comprise a full Class I Trench Fill surround to the pipe. The
minimum thickness of fill material shall be 150mm.

 Class Z bedding shall comprise a full mass concrete bed and surround.

The category of bedding used in the Works shall be as noted on the Drawings or instructed by
the Engineer.

Where Class Z bedding is required, the backfill shall not be commenced until at least twenty-
four hours after the placing of the concrete has been completed. Heavy rammers shall not be
used nor shall traffic loads be imposed until at least seventy-two hours after concreting, or as
directed by the Engineer.

Where Class B or Class G bedding is required, the bedding material shall be hollowed out to
receive the sockets and allow proper jointing and wrapping. The bedding shall be completed to
the required level and compacted such that the pipes are evenly supported over their entire
lengths.

Bedding for pipes shall be constructed by spreading and compacting material over the full
width of the trench.

3.34 BACKFILLING TO PIPES

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 During placing or compaction of backfill, the Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to
prevent movement or flotation of pipes.

The side fill shall be placed and compacted as soon as possible after pipe-laying and testing,
or as soon as it is safe to do so without damaging concrete beddings or surrounds.

Timbering or sheeting shall be withdrawn progressively as filling proceeds where practicable

to ensure that no voids are left in the filling.

Initial backfill shall be placed over the pipe as soon as possible to provide a protective layer of
material, hand-compacted to a level 300mm above the crown of the pipe. Remaining backfill
shall then be placed and thoroughly compacted in layers not exceeding 200mm thick.

Material shall not be dropped from an excessive height. When required water may be added to
assist compaction.

Power operated rammers or other mechanical compaction equipment shall not be used within
300mm of the top of the pipe.

Heavy mechanical equipment shall not be allowed to cross any pipeline until the trench has
been completely backfilled and compacted.

3.35 STANDARDS OF COMPACTION

The standards of compaction of trench fill materials shall be as follows:

 Well-compacted: The material shall be compacted by mechanical means in layers not

exceeding 200mm compacted thickness. The density obtained in each layer shall not be
less than 95% of the maximum dry density determined using Tests 13 and 15 of BS 1377
or as directed by the Engineer. Tests shall be carried out as instructed by the Engineer,
up to a maximum of two tests per layer per 100 metres of trench.

 Hand-compacted: The material shall be thoroughly compacted by hand in layers not

exceeding 100mm compacted thickness, using an iron rammer weighing not less than
4.5kg. The density obtained in each layer shall not be less than 95% of the maximum dry
density determined using Tests 13 and 15 of BS 1377 or as directed by the Engineer.
Tests shall be carried out as instructed by the Engineer, up to a maximum of two tests per
layer per 100 metres of trench.

 Concrete Surround: Concrete provided as a protective surround to pipes shall comply

with the requirements for mass concrete as detailed elsewhere in the Specification.
Where pipes with flexible joints are used, concrete protection shall be interrupted over its
full cross section at each joint by shaped compressible filler consisting of 20mm thick
bitumen impregnated filler unless specified otherwise in the Contract. Such joint filler shall
be provided at each pipe joint as indicated on the drawings unless directed otherwise by
the Engineer.

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