1 SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2/1 CLEARING & GRUBBING ........................................................................................ 2

2/2 REMOVAL OF STRUCTURES AND OBSTRUCTIONS ............................................ 2
2/3 STRUCTURAL EXCAVATION .................................................................................. 3
2/4 BACKFILLING EXCAVATIONS............................................................................... 13
2.5 PROTECTION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND REINSTATEMENT ....................... 17

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2/1 CLEARING & GRUBBING

Unless otherwise specified, the areas designated for clearing and grubbing shall
be cleared of all trees, stumps, bushes, roots, rubbish, debris, and other
objectionable matters.

Before removal of any trees or shrubs the Contractor shall obtain written RTA
Horticultural Section unless otherwise instructed by RTA at least two weeks in
advance of the planned removal. The Engineer's approval of any removal of trees
and undergrowth must be obtained before commence-ment of work.

Trees and plants designated for preservation shall be protected from injury or
damage which could result from the Contractor's operations including dewatering.
The form of protection for vegetation within the site shall be of a type and
standard approved by the Dubai Municipality Horticultural Section.

The Contractor shall avoid, as far as practicable, injury to shrubbery, vines,

plants, grasses and other vegetation growing outside of the clearing limits. The
dragging, piling and burning of debris, the piling of materials of various kinds and
the performing of other work which may be injurious to vegetation shall, in so far
as practicable, be confined to areas which have no vegetation or which will be
disturbed by excavation.

For the full width to be cleared, all objectionable materials and any other
obstructions shall be grubbed from areas to be excavated, to the satisfaction of
the Engineer.

The topsoil should be scarified to a depth of at least 15 centimetres and

investigated if any unsuitable materials exist (as defined in PART 1 “Roadworks”
2/13.3. The unsuitable materials, if any, shall be removed to the depth required by
the Engineer's Representative and replaced by approved suitable material.

Cavities left below subgrade elevation by the removal of stumps or roots shall be
carefully backfilled and the backfill material compacted to the Engineer's
satisfaction.

All tree trunks, stumps, bush, limbs, roots, vegetation, and other debris removed
in clearing and grubbing shall be either burned or removed to approved location
outside the right-of-way or otherwise disposed of so as to leave the roadway and
adjacent areas free from unsightly debris. Burning shall be done at such time and
in such manner as to prevent any damage to areas adjoining the right-of-way.

2/2 REMOVAL OF STRUCTURES AND OBSTRUCTIONS

2/2.1 GENERAL

Removal of structures and obstructions shall consist of the removal, wholly or in

part, and satisfactory disposal of all structures and obstructions within the
right-of-way which have not been designated to remain. Salvaging designated
materials shall be included.

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Prior to starting the removal of structures and obstructions, the Contractor shall
carry out a thorough survey of structures, fences, trees, etc., that are to be
removed. The Engineer shall be fully informed of the results of this survey and
the amount and extent of the planned removal and the plan shall then be agreed
by the Engineer.

Indications on the Drawings that existing structures, pavements sidewalks, curbs,

gutters and other existing improvements are to become an integral part of the
planned improvements shall be considered to mean that such designated
improvements are to remain even though not specifically noted to remain.
Existing highways, improvements, facilities, adjacent property and services
designated for preservation shall be protected from injury or damage which could
result from the Contractor's operations.

The Contractor shall raze, remove and dispose of all structures and obstructions
as required including, but not limited to, the following: buildings, sheds, walls,
slabs, foundations, inlets, catch basins, culverts, headwalls, trash racks, irrigation
structures, standpipes, manholes, valves, ditch lining, pipelines, tanks, pool lining,
posts, poles, columns, signs, fences, gates, planters, curbs, gutters, sidewalks,
driveways, trees, stumps, shrubs and plants.

Holes, cavities, trenches or depressions left by the removal of structures or

obstructions shall be backfilled with suitable materials and compacted to the
grade required or as directed by the Engineer.

2/2.2 REMOVAL OF PIPES

Where required, the Contractor shall be responsible, prior to removal of pipes, for
the disconnection of all services and clearance from the Dubai Municipality and all
Service Authorities.

All pipes to be removed and either salvaged or relaid shall be carefully removed
and every precaution taken to avoid breaking or damaging the pipe. The pipes
shall be stored when necessary so that there will be no loss or damage before
relaying. The Contractor will be required to replace sections lost from storage or
damage by negligence or by the use of improper methods in their removal.

2/3 STRUCTURAL EXCAVATION

2/3.1 GENERAL

Structural excavation shall consist of the excavation and removal of all materials
necessary for the construction of structures, pipelines and cables/ducts, including
foundations and substructures, in accordance with the details shown on the
Drawings and these Specifications and/or as directed.

The Contractor shall notify the Engineer a sufficient time in advance of the
beginning of excavation to allow pre-construction measurements and records to
be made of the undisturbed ground (refer to Clause 2/3.2). The required
excavation shall then be performed in reasonably close conformity to the lines,
grades and cross sections established or shown on the Drawings.

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The sides of excavation may be sloped as required by soil conditions to stabilize

the sides for safe working conditions. Such excavation shall be limited to the
amount considered necessary for safety.
The Contractor shall take all necessary steps by means of shoring, timbering, or
otherwise (also refer to Clause 2/3.7) to avoid slips and falls of the sides of the
excavation but if any should occur the Contractor shall remove at his own
expense all such fallen or disturbed material from the excavation and shall
replace with backfilling as described elsewhere.

The Engineer may direct the Contractor to protect his excavation with timbering
where, in his opinion, such timbering is necessary to ensure the safety of the
workmen, adjoining structures and work generally. Any action taken by the
Engineer in this regard will in no way relieve the Contractor of any responsibility or
liability under the Contract.

Where a firm bearing material is not encountered at the elevation established for
bearing, due to soft, spongy or otherwise unstable soil, all such unsuitable
material shall be removed to the extent directed (see Clause 2/3.15).

No back throwing shall be allowed and all materials must be brought to the
surface and placed clear of the trench side.

The Contractor shall keep the trench excavation free from water at all times.

The Engineer reserves the right to direct the Contractor as to the lengths of
trench or portions of bulk excavations which shall remain open at any one time.

The use of explosives for any purpose whatsoever during the Contract is
prohibited.

2/3.2 PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND LAND DRAINAGE RECORDS

Before an excavation is started:-

(1) Ground levels shall be agreed at suitable intervals with the Engineer's
Representative.

(2) Surface materials and conditions will be recorded in collaboration with the
Engineer's Representative and where appropriate the owners or occupiers of
the land.

(3) The Contractor shall take photographs to illustrate existing damage or

conditions which may prove contentious at the time of reinstatement.

This information shall be neatly presented in bound volumes and submitted to the
Engineer. To this shall be added details of any existing natural or piped subsoil
drainage or other underground features as work proceeds.

Trial excavations may be ordered by hand or other methods to reveal sub-surface

conditions of any kind. The Contractor shall submit a written report or sketch
drawings of data so obtained and the excavations shall not be backfilled without
approval.

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2/3.3 SETTING OUT

Before any structural excavation is commenced the Contractor shall define the
centre line or other agreed reference line of the Works and erect the necessary
profiles throughout their full length if so required by the Engineer. The Contractor
shall be responsible for obtaining all verifications from the Dubai Municipality
Survey Section and the Contractor shall bear all associated costs.

2/3.4 TOPSOIL AND SURFACING MATERIALS

Before commencing excavations or filling to an area, topsoil and other surfacing

materials shall be stripped and stored separately from the subsoil (refer to Clause
2/1). Subsequent spreading of topsoil shall be as directed on site.

2/3.5 LAND DRAINS

Where pipelines are to be laid in agricultural land the surface and subsoil
drainage shall be maintained whether natural or artificial. Before commencing
work the Contractor shall ascertain from the owner or occupier of the land the
location of any existing land drains or mole drains.

2/3.6 HAND EXCAVATION

Where instructed or necessary for reasons of limited access or any other reason,
excavation shall be carried out by hand at no additional cost.

2/3.7 SUPPORT TO EXCAVATIONS

The sides and/or the bottom of excavations in excess of 1.2 metres shall be
adequately supported.

The Contractor shall provide the necessary support for excavations and shall
submit to the Engineer his proposals for the supporting of excavations by trench
sheeting or other approved means at least seven days prior to the
commencement of any excavation works. His proposals shall take into account
the nature of the ground to be excavated, the level of the water table at the site
and the proximity of buildings and roads.

If in the opinion of the Engineer the support proposed for the excavations by the
Contractor is insufficient then the Engineer will order the provision of stronger
support than that provided by the Contractor and in this event the Contractor shall
adopt the methods so ordered by the Engineer and shall have no claim against
the Employer for any costs incurred in adopting the additional measures.

Trench supports shall be so arranged to permit withdrawal during the placing of

the pipe bedding and backfilling so as to prevent voids.

The Contractor shall not remove temporary works supporting the excavations until
in the opinion of the Engineer the permanent work is sufficiently advanced to
permit such removal which shall be executed under the personal supervision of a
competent foreman.

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All temporary works supporting the excavation shall be removed during backfilling
unless previous approval has been obtained from the Engineer. Where
temporary supports have been used in the excavation any such supports left in
because it is impracticable to remove them shall be left in at the expense of the
Contractor.

Should temporary supports need to be left in any excavation carried out in open
cut owing to the Engineer deciding that their permanent installation is necessary
for the stability of an adjacent structure or service the Contractor shall be
reimbursed in accordance with the provisions of the Contract.

Any advice, permission, approval or instruction given by the Engineer relative to

such support or the removal thereof shall not relieve the Contractor from his
responsibilities or liabilities under the Contract.

Timbering steel sheeting strutting and sheet piling for the support of excavations
where provided shall be fixed in accordance with BS 6031:1981, AMD 4251:83

Battered sides to trenches or other excavations will only be permitted if they can
be constructed within the limits of the site, without damage or interference to
existing services, properties or structures, without undue interference with
pedestrians and traffic and to slopes which are sufficiently flat to ensure stability
of the ground.

2/3.8 DEWATERING

A high water table is expected and the Contractor must do all necessary
measures to ensure proper dry conditions are maintained at all times during
construction. The Contractor shall provide and maintain ample means and
devices (including spare units kept ready for immediate use in case of
breakdowns) with which to intercept and/or remove promptly and dispose properly
of all water entering trenches and other excavations. Such excavations shall be
kept dry until the structures, pipes, and appurtenances to be built therein have
been completed. In addition precautions shall be taken to prevent floatation of
partially built structures, completed structures to be filled on commissioning of the
Works and pipelines awaiting backfilling.

Dewatering methods proposed in the Contractor’s method statements may

include temporary drains, intercepting ditches, cut-off drains, sub-drains, sumps,
wells, pumps, well-points or other dewatering equipment and shall include all
other things necessary to keep water out of the excavations or to lower
groundwater around structures liable to floatation.

All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent any adjacent ground from
being adversely affected by loss of fines through any dewatering process.

Method statements shall include proposals for disposal of the water arising from
dewatering systems.

All water pumped or drained from the work shall be disposed of in a suitable
manner without undue interference with other work, damage to pavements, other
surfaces, or property. Suitable temporary pipes, flumes, or channels shall be
provided for water that may flow along or across the site of the work. No such

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water is to be disposed of into the existing sewer systems of the town or

otherwise without prior written approval of the Dubai Municipality Drainage and
Irrigation Department.

If permission is given to use new or existing pipes or culverts which are not part of
the live sewerage system, they shall be thoroughly cleaned of all silt and any
resulting damage made good after use.

When the Contractor proposes to make use of existing dewatering pipelines,

ducts, etc., he shall satisfy himself as to their condition prior to his use of them. If
any of these items is found to be in an unsatisfactory condition then, before use,
the Contractor shall notify the Engineer who may give instructions for the item to
be replaced or repaired. Time taken to carry out such work will not be considered
as delay to the Contractor's operations.

During use the Contractor shall be responsible for the condition of the pipeline,
duct, etc., and any defect or failure shall be made good at the Contractor's
expense. Any delay to the Contractor's works caused by such defect or failure
shall be deemed as the Contractor's responsibility.

After use by the Contractor such pipeline, duct, etc., shall be handed back to the
Municipality in a condition not less than that at the commencement of use. Any
repairs or replacement required shall be at the Contractor's expense.

It cannot be guaranteed that permission will be given to use existing ducts and
pipelines.

All temporary works for control of water shall be sited clear of the Works, except
where temporary sub-drains under the Works are approved in which case the
pipes shall be laid with a 75 mm surround of gravel, and the top surface of the
surround shall be covered with tarred felt cloth or other approved material.

Unless otherwise directed all temporary drains and sub-drains shall be finally
sealed with concrete at approved intervals and all temporary ditches, sumps,
wells, etc., shall be refilled and reinstated as specified elsewhere.

In the exceptional event that lagoons for the storage of groundwater are
permitted, they must be suitably protected with fencing and attended by day and
night to prevent access by the general public and will not be sited adjacent to
buildings. Approved means of preventing the formation of mosquito larvae on the
surface of the lagoons will be employed.

All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent any groundwater from

entering mains to be used for the conveyance of potable water.

A. Temporary Underdrains

Temporary underdrains, if used, shall be laid in trenches, beneath the grade

of the structure. Trenches shall be of suitable dimensions to provide room for
the chosen size of underdrain and its surrounding gravel.

Underdrains, if used, shall be laid at an approved distance below the bottom

of the normal excavation and with open joints wrapped in geotextile, and

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entirely surrounded by graded gravel, or crushed stone to prevent the

admission of sand or other soil into the underdrains. The distance between
the bottom of the pipe or structure and the top of the bell of the underdrain
pipe shall be at least 8 cm. unless otherwise permitted. The space between
the underdrain and the pipe or structure shall be filled with screened gravel or
crushed stone which shall be rammed if necessary and left with a surface
suitable for laying the pipe or building the structure.

B. Wellpoint Drainage System

Where the nature of the Works necessitates, the Contractor shall dewater the
excavations by means of an efficient wellpoint drainage system which will
drain the soil and prevent saturated soil from flowing into the excavation. The
wellpoints shall be designed especially for this type of service. The pumping
unit shall be designed for use with the wellpoints, and shall be capable of
maintaining a high vacuum and of handling large volumes of air and water at
the same time.

If required by the nature of the Works, the installation of the wellpoints,

pumps, surge tanks, settlement tanks, geotextile and other such
requirements shall be done under the supervision of the competent
representative of the manufacturer. The Contractor shall do all special work
such as surrounding the wellpoints with sand or gravel or other work which is
necessary for the wellpoint system to operate for the successful dewatering
of the excavations.

Material to be used in the wellpoint system is to be corrosion resistant where

possible.

2/3.9 FORMATION

Damage to the formation shall be prevented by bottoming-up with hand

excavation immediately before placing concrete or pipelaying. Any damaged
formation shall be excavated and refilled with concrete or selected material as
instructed.

The formation of excavations for pipelines shall be dry, even and free of stones
and other protrusions.

No permanent works of any kind shall be constructed on an excavated surface

until the formation has been approved by the Engineer’s Representative.

2/3.10 EXCAVATION AT OR NEAR ROADS

A. Safety

When excavating at or near roads, to protect persons from injury and to

avoid interference with traffic, adequate barricades, construction signs,
torches, guards, flashing lights, etc., as required by the Engineer shall be
provided and maintained during the progress of the construction work (refer
to Appendix 1 for Road Diversions and Road Signs). All materials,
stockpiles and equipment shall be placed in such a way that no obstruction

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or interference to traffic is made and that these are enclosed by fences or

barricades and protected by lights.

All excavations shall be protected on all sides by an approved temporary

yellow plastic safety fencing, barricades and lights. The yellow plastic
safety fencing shall be manufactured of durable HDP polymer with Ultra
Violet stabilizers. The safety fencing shall be a minimum of 1.0 metre high.

B. Description

The Contractor shall make excavations in such a manner and to such

minimum widths as will give adequate room for building the structures or
laying and jointing the piping; shall furnish and place all sheeting, bracing,
and supports; shall carry out all cofferdamming, pumping, and draining, and
shall render the bottom of the excavations firm and dry and acceptable in all
respects.

In no case, except with the approval of the Engineer, shall the earth be
plowed, scraped, or dug by machinery so near to the finished subgrade as
to result in the disturbance of material below said subgrade, the last of the
material to be excavated shall be removed by hand immediately before the
placing of the pipe, masonry, or other structure.

C. Extent of Open Excavation

The extent of open excavation at any one time will be controlled by the
conditions, but shall always be confined to the limits prescribed by the
Engineer.

D. Separation of Surface Materials

The Contractor shall remove only as much of any existing pavement as is

necessary for the work. The Engineer may require that the pavement be cut
with pneumatic tools, cold planer, milling machine or the like without extra
compensation to the Contractor, when in the opinion of the Engineer it is
necessary to prevent damage to the remaining road surface. Where
pavement is removed in large pieces, it shall be disposed of before
proceeding with the excavation.

From areas within which excavations are to be made, loam and topsoil shall
be carefully removed and separately stored to be used again as directed, or
if the Contractor prefers not to separate surface materials, he shall furnish,
as directed, loam and topsoil at least equal in quantity and quality to that
excavated at no cost to the Works.

E. Sheeting and Bracing

In addition to the general requirements of Clause 2/3.7 the Contractor shall

furnish, put in place, and maintain such sheeting, bracing, etc., as may be
necessary to support the sides of the excavation and to prevent any
movement of earth from beneath the adjacent road surface which could in
any way diminish the width of the excavation to less than that necessary for
proper construction, or could otherwise injure or delay the work, or

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endanger adjacent road and structures. If the Engineer is of the opinion that
at any point sufficient proper supports have not been provided, he may
order additional supports placed at the Contractor's expense.

For any excavations in or adjacent to roads all trenches must be supported

by an approved method to ensure no settlement of roads either during
construction, when withdrawing supports or thereafter.

F. Bridging Trenches

The Contractor shall, at his own expense, provide suitable and safe bridges
and other crossings where required for the accommodation of travel, and to
provide access to private property during construction, and shall remove
said structures thereafter.

G. Road Signs

All existing road signs, street name plates and the like affected by the
Works are to be carefully taken down and stored. Signs to be re-erected
shall be cleaned, provided with new fixings where necessary and the posts
re-painted as required. Redundant signs shall be transported to the stores
or depots of relevant Authorities. Any sign, street name plate or the like
damaged by the Contractor during his operation shall be repaired or
replaced at the Contractor's cost.

2/3.11 EXCAVATION FOR STRUCTURES

Where concrete is to be placed on an excavated surface other than rock, special

care shall be taken not to disturb the bottom of the excavation. When the nature
or condition of the bearing material upon which concrete is to be placed is
determined to be such that the use of heavy excavating equipment will reduce the
stability of the soil, the final half meter of excavation to grade shall be performed
either by means of light equipment or by hand labour methods.

Should the Contractor excavate to a depth greater than that required for the
construction of the foundations or pile caps, such excavation shall be filled with
Class C concrete at his own expense. Should the material forming the bottom of
any excavation, while acceptable at the time of excavation, become puddled soft
or loose during the progress of the Works, the Contractor shall at his own
expense, remove all such softened or loosened material and replace with Class C
concrete as directed by the Engineer's Representative.

Where rock, in either ledge or boulder formation or other unyielding material, is

encountered in one portion of structural excavation for a box culvert and yielding
material (with bearing capacity less than 1000 kN/m² determined by appropriate
tests) is encountered in an adjacent area of the structural excavation for the same
box culvert, such unyielding material shall be removed for a minimum depth of
half meter below grade and replaced with special backfill.

Where such unyielding material is encountered in excavation other than for box
culverts or where an entire excavation for a box culvert bears on such materials,
the rock or other unyielding material shall be cleared of all loose fragments and
cut to a firm surface as directed.

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The placing of concrete shall follow as closely as practicable the structural

excavation.

2/3.12 EXCAVATION FOR PIPELINES

Trenches for pipes shall be excavated to a sufficient depth and width to enable
the pipe and any specified or agreed joint, bedding, hauncing and surrounding to
be accommodated. Trenches shall be of width as specified and as shown on the
drawing.

Where rock, in either ledge or boulder formation or other unyielding material is

encountered, such unyielding material shall be removed for a minimum depth of
half meter below grade and replaced with special backfill (see Clause 2/4.3).

2/3.13 EXCAVATION FOR CABLES/DUCTS

The Contractor in carrying out excavation for cables/ducts shall, where required,
erect and maintain an approved type of temporary yellow plastic safety fencing
(refer to Clause 2/3.10) around any work and shall provide fenced access ways
across the trenches.

The bottom of the trench shall be accurately graded. Care shall be taken not to
excavate below the depths indicated. Where rock is encountered, the rock shall
be excavated to the required depth. Uneven surfaces of the bottom of trench shall
be excavated 150 mm deeper. Such depth in rock shall be backfilled with
approved fill material and compacted as specified and/or as directed by the
Engineer.

Whenever unsuitable soil is encountered, which in the opinion of the Engineer is

to be removed, it shall be removed to the depth required and the trench backfilled
to the proper grade with approved fill material and compacted.

The width and depth of the trenches for electrical and telephone cables/ducts
shall be as specified in the relative drawings or as ordered by the Engineer.
Banks may be sloped or widened to facilitate placement of cables, but not the
extent that will cause interference with other utilities and structures. No battering
of trenches shall be allowed under existing carriageways, unless otherwise
agreed by the Engineer.

2/3.14 EXCAVATED MATERIAL

All excavated material will remain the property of the Employer unless designated
as surplus to the Contract requirements in which case it will be removed from site
immediately. The Contractor shall dispose of such surplus material as per Clause
2/3.16.

All excavated material shall be deposited so that it will cause as little damage and
inconvenience as possible.

Excavated material for use as backfill shall be as approved. Different classes of

material shall be handled and deposited separately.

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The excavated material, if found unsuitable as backfill, shall be removed from site
and shall be replaced with suitable imported backfill to the approval of the
Engineer.

Unsuitable material shall include the following:

- Peat, organic soil and other similar materials.

- Materials from swamps, marshes and bogs.
- Materials susceptible to spontaneous combustion.
- Stumps, roots and perishable material.
- Excessively wet materials.
- All materials producing bearing capacity lower than the assumed design value.
- Clays of liquid limit exceeding 40% and/or plasticity index exceeding 6%.

All surplus and unsuitable excavated material and rubble shall be transported to
the approved tip.

Where (natural) subsoil drainage depends on the relative positions of pervious or

impervious strata, special care shall be taken to separate those materials and
replace them in their natural positions.

2/3.15 REPLACEMENT OF UNSUITABLE MATERIAL

Where exceptionally poor ground conditions and unsuitable materials are

encountered at the limits (formation level) shown for structural excavation, the
Contractor shall, at the direction of the Engineer, excavate down to firm ground or
300 mm below formation, whichever is less. The extra excavation shall be
backfilled with either Class C concrete or special backfill in accordance with
Clause 2/4.3.

2/3.16 DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL

The Contractor shall seek approval for all the proposed disposal sites from the
Dubai Municipality before work commences and disposal at such sites shall be at
no extra cost to the Employer.

No excavated material shall be wasted without written permission from the

Engineer, and when such material is to be wasted, it shall be hauled to the
approved tip or as otherwise directed by the Engineer. Excavated materials
wasted by the Contractor without written permission of the Engineer shall be
replaced by the Contractor at his own expense.

The Contractor shall adhere rigidly to the requirements of Dubai Municipality

Circulars on the temporary storage and disposal of excavation material. These
include but are not limited to :-

- All material shall be stockpiled at an approved location and surrounded with

approved barricades. The Contractor shall also display his name and contact
telephone number.

- Certain separate areas will be designated for the disposal of hard debris such
as building rubble, broken concrete, kerbing, road pavement and the like.

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The Contractor shall use only these designated areas and shall keep these
disposal areas neat and tidy at all times.

2/3.17 COFFERDAMS

Suitable and practically watertight cofferdams shall be used wherever

waterbearing strata are encountered above the elevation of the bottom of the
excavation.

The Contractor shall, on request, submit detailed drawings for approval showing
his proposed method of cofferdam construction and other pertinent features not
shown in detail on the Drawings. No construction shall be started until such
Drawings are approved, however, such approval shall not relieve the Contractor
of any responsibility for the successful completion of the construction.

No timber or bracing which will extend into the concrete shall be left in cofferdams
or cribs.

Any pumping from the interior of any foundation enclosure shall be done in such a
manner as to preclude the possibility of any portion of the concrete material being
carried away. No pumping will be permitted during the placing of concrete or for a
period of at least 12 hours thereafter, unless it is done from a suitable sump
separated from the concrete work by a watertight wall. Pumping to remove water
from a sealed cofferdam shall not begin until the seal has set sufficiently to
withstand the hydrostatic pressure.

When no longer required, all cofferdam material down to the natural bed of the
waterway shall be removed. Cofferdam material outside the waterway to a
minimum of 0.5 m below the surface of the finished ground shall also be
removed.

2/4 BACKFILLING EXCAVATIONS

2/4.1 GENERAL

Backfilling around structures and in pipe trenches shall be carried out as detailed
below except where otherwise designated/directed.

The Contractor shall backfill all excavations in an expeditious manner to minimize

disruption to the general public.

Backfilling of trenches other than in roads and paved/ tiled areas shall normally be
carried out using selected excavated materials similar to the in-situ materials in
which the trench or structure is being constructed.

Special backfill shall be used for backfilling trenches in roads, paved/tiled areas,
and where designated or directed.

Where the excavation is near an existing structure liable to subsidence, where

part of the Works may later be constructed over or near it or in emergencies the
Contractor may be instructed to backfill with concrete.

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2.4.2 SELECTED BACKFILL

Material for backfilling may be selected from any part of the site and methods of
selection may include sieving to remove large particles or methods of hand or
machine sorting together with soil classification and soil property testing.

Backfilling with selected material shall be carried out as defined below.

A. Cohesive Soils

Cohesive soils shall be placed in layers not greater than 150 mm thick
(compacted thickness) and compacted such that throughout each layer placed
the dry density is not less than 95% of the MDD of the soil or the air voids content
(volume of air divided by total volume of soil) is not greater than 10% which ever
gives the higher state of compaction.

If site trials show that the specified compaction can be achieved with layers
greater than 150 mm compacted thickness approval may be given to backfill in
layers of greater thickness, but not exceeding 200 mm, providing the plant utilised
is that used for the trials.

The placement moisture of the soil shall be within the range +/-2% of O.M.C of
the soil before excavation.

B. Granular Soils

Granular soils shall be placed in layers not greater than 150 mm thick (compacted
thickness) and compacted such that throughout each layer placed the dry density
is not less than 95% of the maximum dry density as determined by BS 1377 on
the same soil at the same moisture content.

If site trials show that the specified compaction can be achieved with layers
greater than 150 mm compacted thickness approval may be given to backfill in
layers of greater thickness, but not exceeding 200 mm, providing the plant utilised
is that used for the trials.

Unless otherwise directed the moisture content shall be maintained and if

necessary adjusted by approved means to fall within the range +/-1.5% of
optimum moisture content.

For free draining granular soils that have no clearly defined optimum moisture
content, compaction shall be carried out to achieve a relative density of not less
than 95%. During compaction the soil shall be made as wet as practicable.

C. Testing of Backfill

Tests to determine the optimum dry density of the backfill material shall be carried
out as directed, the frequency depending on consistency of material and test
results.

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Unless directed otherwise on site testing for density and moisture content of
in-situ soils shall be at the minimum rate of: -

(1) One test per backfill layer for each structure.

(2) One test per backfill layer for every 30 linear metres of pipeline trench backfill
laid in one operation.

D. Backfill for a Replacement Land Drain

Where a land drain passes through an excavation the backfill shall first be taken
up to form a bed for replacement pipes. The severed drains shall then be
exposed at each side of the trench to allow for connection and laying of a new
drain across the excavation. This new drain shall be of similar pipes of the same
diameter as those in the existing drain. Before any further backfilling is done the
Contractor shall notify the owner or occupier to enable him to inspect the
reinstated land drain. The replacement drain shall be surrounded with pipe
bedding to a minimum thickness 150 mm before further backfilling.

2.4.3 SPECIAL BACKFILL

The material used for special backfill shall be obtained from designated and
approved sources.

Special backfill complying with the properties of Aggregate Roadbase Material

specified in Clause 3/8 of Appendix 4, Part 3 of 3 of the Specifications shall be
placed as fill or backfill in the areas required and in reasonably close conformity
to the lines, grades and dimensions shown on the Drawings. Special care shall be
taken to keep rocks away from structures.

The materials shall be placed in layers of not more than 20cm in depth before
compaction, and each layer shall be compacted by means of mechanical or
pneumatic tamping devices or other suitable equipment to density of at least 95
percent of the maximum dry density as determined in accordance with the latest
BS 1377: Part 4: 1990 (Method 3.5 or 3.6, AMD 8259: 1995 & AMD 13925: 2002)
and the correction shall be made according to BS 1377.

Water shall be added to the material, by prewetting or by applying uniformly to

each layer, when required for compaction, but only of sufficient quantity to ensure
proper compaction.

The layers of material placed around structures shall be placed on opposite sides
to approximately the same elevation at the same time.

Special care shall be taken in placing and compacting material under haunches of
all pipe to prevent moving or raising the pipe from its bedding.

Material shall not be placed against any concrete abutment, wing wall, retaining
wall, box culvert or similar structure until the concrete has been in place at least
14 days, unless otherwise authorised.

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 16 SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS

2.4.4 FILTER MATERIAL

When required, filter material shall be placed in backfilling structures in

accordance with the details shown on the Drawings. Filter material shall conform
to the specified requirements for Fine Aggregate.

2.4.5 STRUCTURAL AND NON-STRUCTURAL FILLING

Structural filling is required within road corridors and/or wherever a structure is to

be supported on the fill and where settlement is required to be minimal.
Non-Structural filling will normally be carried out to embankments and other fill
areas. Embankments shall normally be overfilled and subsequently trimmed to
the required profiles.

A. Structural Filling

Structural filling shall be carried out using approved well graded natural sands
and gravel or special backfill in accordance with Clause 2/4.3.

B. Non-Structural Filling

The material and the procedure for Non-Structural filling shall be same as
outlined in Clause 2/4.2.

2.4.6 BACKFILLING OF TRENCHES FOR CABLES/DUCTS

After the cables/ducts have been laid, the trench refilling shall commence with
approved fill in compacted layers not exceeding 200 mm thick, each layer being
well compacted by hand with iron rammers weighing not less than 5 kg, until the
trench has been filled to a height of 300 mm above the top of the cable/duct.

The remainder of the trench shall then be refilled in compacted layers not exceed
150mm in thickness, each layer being well compacted with power rammers,
vibrating plate compactors or other mechanical means of a type to be approved
until the ground is thoroughly consolidated up to the required level for surface
reinstatement. Each layer shall be compacted to 95% of its maximum dry density.
Should the quantity of the excavated materials be not sufficient, due to
unsuitability or otherwise, for the process of backfill and fill, the Contractor shall
obtain the quantity required of such backfill and fill from approved borrow pits and
transport same to the site of work at his own expense.

Trenches shall not be backfilled until all required tests are performed and until the
Engineer has verified that the cables, etc., have been installed in accordance with
the Specifications and Drawings.

Lumps and clods shall be broken up before use. Materials shall not be dropped
from a height and where directed water shall be added to assist in adequate
consolidation.

Where cover to cables/ducts is less than 400 mm, or where ordered by the
Engineer, protection in the form of concrete encasing shall be provided according
to an approved drawing or as ordered by the Engineer.

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 17 SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS

2.5 PROTECTION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND REINSTATEMENT

2.5.1 GENERAL

Where new pipes, mains, cables/ducts, etc., are to be laid alongside, over or
under the existing, the Contractor shall take care to interfere as little as possible
with the existing services and connections thereto and any damage shall be
repaired by the Contractor to the approval of the appropriate Authority or by
appropriate Authority at the cost of the Contractor.

The Contractor shall make all arrangements for protecting existing services and
for temporarily diverting them to maintain the services without interruption.

Existing services, pipes, mains, ducts, etc., exposed in trenches for new work
shall be protected in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Authority
before trenches are refilled.

The Contractor shall lay cables, fittings, specials, etc., under hedges, fences,
walls, etc., as necessary.

Where hedges are damaged or destroyed the whole shall be restored and
reinstated with shrubs of the same kind as the hedge, planted in due season in an
approved manner and fenced on each side with post and rail stock proof fences
finished on top with one strand of galvanised barbed wire, or otherwise protected
as required by the owners or occupiers and the Engineer.

Where fences or walls are damaged or destroyed the whole shall be restored and
reinstated with like materials to the satisfaction of the owners or occupiers and
the Engineer.

The Contractor shall ensure that no trees are damaged or permanently removed
in carrying out the Contract except where directed due to the presence of
permanent works.

2.5.2 REINSTATEMENT OF UNPAVED LAND

In general the reinstatement of stripped areas of unpaved land shall restore the
ground to a condition not inferior to that which existed before the site was
occupied.

The compacted backfill shall be taken up to a level which allows for settlement. In
arable, grassed and similar areas the surface to be topsoiled shall then be
loosened to a depth of 200 mm and topsoil replaced on it to the specified depth
without compaction using approved topsoil of comparable quality to make up any
deficiency.

Areas where grass is to be sown shall be worked to a fine tilth, levelled, graded
and rolled with a light roller. The seed shall be sown evenly at the specified rate
of application in the proper season and in suitable weather conditions, and the
areas again rolled. Restoration and re-seeding of any areas where the new grass
is inadequate shall be carried out as instructed.

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 18 SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS

As an alternative to seeding the 'dibbing in' at 200 mm centres of 'Bugunda' or

similar tropical grass tufts may be required.

The grass shall be well watered four times a day and the Contractor will be
required to keep the grass cut short until the Defects Liability Certificate has been
issued.

2.5.3 REINSTATEMENT WITHIN ROAD CORRIDORS

Trenches and other excavations within road corridors may be opened in four
types of ground:-

(1) in paved carriageways

(2) in footpaths and other paved areas (other than carriageways)

(3) in grassed verges and planted areas

(4) in unmade ground which does not fall into any of the above three categories.

In addition there are four classes of carriageway construction as follow:-

(1) Estate roads: single carriageway

(2) Main access: single/dual carriageway

(3) Primary distributors

(4) Main arterials/highways, etc.

All reinstatement works falling into the above categories/classes shall be carried
out either in compliance with the current Local Order and any subsequent revision
thereof issued by Dubai Municipality or in compliance with the details shown on
the Contract Drawings, whichever is the greater in either construction depth or
asphalt thickness.

2.5.4 REINSTATEMENT OF OTHER SURFACED AREAS

Surfaced areas not in road corridors shall be reinstated using materials similar to
and not inferior to those existing prior to commencement of the Works.

2.5.5 EXCAVATION AND REINSTATEMENT IN DEVELOPED RESERVATIONS

The Dubai Municipality Horticulture Section will remove any trees, bushes and
plants from developed reservations that they wish to preserve prior to the
commencement of work by the Contractor. The Contractor must allow in his rates
for the removal and disposal of any remaining trees, bushes and plants necessary
for the execution of the Works and to keep sweet soil separate in accordance
with the current Local Order.

The reinstatement of the developed reservation shall be in accordance with

Clause 2/5.3.

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