Standard Specs - Earth

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY
DRIANAGE AND IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 2
SITE CLEARANCE AND EARTHWORKS
DM/DNID Section 2 Site Clearance and Earthworks Rev 00 June
2016
General Specifications for Civil Works
Dubai Municipality
Drainage and Irrigation Department
DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET
Revision No. Date Revision Description
DM/DNID Section 2 Site Clearance and Earthworks Rev 00 June Page i of iv

2016
Dubai Municipality
SECTION 2
SITE CLEARANCE AND EARTHWORKS
CONTENTS
2 SITE CLEARANCE AND EARTHWORKS ........................................................................ 1
2.1 SITE CLEARANCE – DESCRIPTION ................................................................................ 1

2.2 SURVEY BEFORE COMMENCEMENT ............................................................................ 1
2.3 DEMOLITION REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................... 1
2.4 GENERAL SITE CLEARANCE.......................................................................................... 2
2.5 PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY NOT TO BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS ............... 2
2.6 ROAD SIGNS ..................................................................................................................... 2
2.7 DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL ................................................................................................ 3
2.7.1 Disposal of Surplus Material ................................................................................. 3

2.7.2 Disposal of Historical Artifacts .............................................................................. 3
2.8 EARTHWORKS AND SITE PREPARATION ..................................................................... 3
2.8.1 General ................................................................................................................. 3

2.8.2 Earthwork .............................................................................................................. 4
2.8.3 Site Earthwork ...................................................................................................... 4
2.8.4 Levels to be recorded ........................................................................................... 6
2.8.5 Bracing and Shoring ............................................................................................. 6
2.8.6 Inspection by Engineer ......................................................................................... 7
2.8.7 Existing Services .................................................................................................. 7
2.8.8 Control of Water .................................................................................................... 7
2.8.9 Excess Excavation to be Made Good ................................................................. 11
2.8.10 Foundation Preparation ...................................................................................... 11
2.9 CLASSIFICATION OF EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL ................................................. 11
2.9.1 General Classification ......................................................................................... 11

2.9.2 Excavation Materials ........................................................................................... 12
2.9.3 Identification of Common and Rock Excavation ................................................. 12
2.10 EXCAVATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................... 13

2.11 BORROW PIT SITE WITHIN PROJECT WORK AREA .................................................. 15
2.12 DEFINITION, CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL USE OF EARTHWORKS
MATERIALS .............................................................................................................................. 15
2.12.1 Top Soil ............................................................................................................... 15

2.12.2 Suitable Material ................................................................................................. 15
2.12.3 Unsuitable Material ............................................................................................. 16
2.12.4 Material for Improved Subgrade Layer ............................................................... 16
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2.13 MAIN PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR EARTHWORKS CONSTRUCTION ................... 17
2.13.1 General ............................................................................................................... 17

2.13.2 Compacting Equipment ...................................................................................... 18
2.13.3 Hauling and Weighing Equipment ...................................................................... 20
2.14 EMBANKMENT CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................. 21
2.14.1 General ............................................................................................................... 21

2.14.2 Embankment Foundation and the Designated Filling Area ................................ 23
2.14.3 Suitability Testing on Materials ........................................................................... 25
2.15 PLACING AND COMPACTION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................... 25

2.16 MOISTURE CONTROL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 26
2.17 STANDARD EARTH WORKS COMPACTION PROCEDURE ........................................ 26
2.17.1 General ............................................................................................................... 26

2.17.2 Compaction Tests ............................................................................................... 27
2.17.3 Testing ................................................................................................................ 27
2.18 MINIMUM TEST REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................. 27
2.18.1 Embankment and Filling Works .......................................................................... 27

2.18.2 Improved Subgrade ............................................................................................ 28
2.18.3 Rock Fill and Rock Soil Mixtures ........................................................................ 28
2.19 STABILISING CRUSHED MATERIAL............................................................................. 29

2.20 EXCAVATING AND FILLING FOR STRUCTURES ........................................................ 31
2.21 PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND LAND DRAINAGE RECORDS ......................................... 35
2.21.1 Activities prior to excavation starting .................................................................. 35

2.21.2 Setting out ........................................................................................................... 36
2.21.3 Topsoil and Surfacing Materials ......................................................................... 36
2.21.4 Land Drains ........................................................................................................ 36
2.21.5 Hand Excavation ................................................................................................. 36
2.21.6 Support to Excavations ....................................................................................... 36
2.21.7 Dewatering .......................................................................................................... 37
2.21.8 Formation ............................................................................................................ 41
2.21.9 Excavation at or near roads ................................................................................ 41
2.21.10 Surface condition of excavated area .................................................................. 43
2.22 PIPELINE TRENCH AND THE RELATED STRUCTURES EXCAVATION .................... 43
2.22.1 Excavation for Pipelines ..................................................................................... 43

2.22.2 Excavation for Cables/Ducts ............................................................................... 43
2.22.3 Excavated Material for Pipe Trench .................................................................... 44
2.22.4 Replacement of Unsuitable Material ................................................................... 44
2.22.5 Disposal of Material ............................................................................................ 45
2.22.6 Cofferdams ......................................................................................................... 45
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2.22.7 Backfilling Pipe Trench Excavations and the Related Structures ....................... 46
2.22.8 Filter Material ...................................................................................................... 49
2.22.9 Backfilling of Trenches for Cables/Ducts ............................................................ 49
2.22.10 Reference Standards .......................................................................................... 50
2.23 PROTECTION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND REINSTATEMENT ............................... 50
2.23.1 General ............................................................................................................... 50

2.23.2 Reinstatement of Unpaved Land ........................................................................ 51
2.23.3 Reinstatement within Road Corridors ................................................................. 52
2.23.4 Reinstatement of Other Surfaced Areas ............................................................. 52
2.23.5 Excavation and Reinstatement in Developed Reservations ............................... 52
2.24 PROTECTION TO EMBANKMENT SLOPE .................................................................... 52

2.25 CEMENT-STABILISED AGGREGATE CAPPING LAYER ............................................. 53
2.26 BACKFILLING AROUND STRUCTURES ....................................................................... 53
2.26.1 Definition ............................................................................................................. 53

2.26.2 Backfill ................................................................................................................ 53
2.26.3 Backfill Materials ................................................................................................. 53
2.26.4 Control of Water .................................................................................................. 54
2.26.5 Inspection by Engineer ....................................................................................... 54
2.26.6 Backfilling - Placement ....................................................................................... 54
2.26.7 Backfilling - Compaction ..................................................................................... 54
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2 SITE CLEARANCE AND EARTHWORKS

2.1 SITE CLEARANCE – DESCRIPTION
This work shall consist of the removal, wholly or in part, and satisfactory disposal of
all fences, structures, abandoned pipelines, contaminated soil, logs, hedges, shrubs,
brush, grass, weeds, other vegetation, stumps of diameter less than 150 mm
including wet or dried sludge, concrete slabs and any other obstruction which are not
designated or permitted to remain. It shall also include the salvaging of designated
materials and backfilling the resulting trenches, holes and pits.
Clearing shall be performed wherever necessary in preparation of the performance of

works such as excavation, fill or embankment or any other construction where shown
on the plans as specified or directed by the Engineer.
Grubbing shall follow the operation of clearing where ordered by the Engineer or as
shown on the plans and shall consist of removing all stumps, roots and objects of
similar nature. Grubbing shall be carried out in such a manner that roots and stumps
will not grow again or otherwise cause any damage.
2.2 SURVEY BEFORE COMMENCEMENT
Prior to starting the site clearance, 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 demolition and
site clearance shall then be agreed with the Engineer.
2.3 DEMOLITION REQUIREMENTS
a) The Contractor shall in a careful manner, raze, remove and dispose of all
foundation structures, fences and other obstructions or any portions of which are
within the right-of-way, except utilities and those for which other provisions have
been made for removal. All designated salvageable material shall be removed,
without unnecessary damage, in sections or pieces which may be readily
transported, and shall be stored by the Contractor at specified places within the
project limits or at designated storage areas as directed by the Engineer. All such
salvageable material shall be deemed the property of the Employer.
b) Where directed by the Engineer, the Contractor shall excavate in trench and
break out redundant pipe ducts and surrounds. Where pipes are to be removed
and either salvaged or re-laid they 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.
c) Trenches and pits resulting from demolition and site clearance below ground level
shall be properly cleaned out (including pumping) and filled with suitable material
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and compacted in accordance with the relevant Specifications up to sub-grade

level or as otherwise directed by the Engineer.
d) Where required, the Contractor shall be responsible, prior to demolition, for the
disconnection of all services and clearance from the Dubai Municipality and all
other Service Authorities.
2.4 GENERAL SITE CLEARANCE
a) Before commencing any excavation or fill, the area shall be cleared of all trees,
stumps, roots, bushes, vegetation, debris, materials or other obstructions.
b) Before removal of any trees or shrubs the Contractor shall obtain written consent
from Dubai Municipality Horticultural Section at least two weeks in advance of the
planned removal.
c) The Engineer's approval of any removal of trees and undergrowth must be

obtained before commencement of work. Where directed all bushes,
undergrowth, etc. shall be grubbed up and burnt or otherwise disposed of in tips
off site (Sub section 2/7). Holes left by stumps or roots shall, within one week, be
filled with suitable material, and compacted to the Engineer's satisfaction in
accordance with Specification Clause 2/17.
2.5 PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY NOT TO BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS
a) Attention is directed to the Contractor's obligations under law and under this
Contract with regard to damage, particularly with regard to protection of property,
plants and landscape and to responsibility for damage claims.
b) Existing highways, improvements, facilities, adjacent property, services, and trees

and plants designated for preservation shall be protected from injury or damage
which could result from the Contractor's operations.
c) The form of protection for vegetation within the site shall be of a type and
standard approved by the Dubai Municipality Horticultural Section.
2.6 ROAD SIGNS
a) All existing road signs, street name plates and the like affected by the works are
to be carefully taken down and stored.
b) Signs to be re-erected shall be cleaned, provided with new fixings where

necessary and the posts re painted in accordance with the Specifications.
c) Redundant signs shall be transported to the stores or depots of relevant

Authorities.
d) 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.

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2.7 DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL
2.7.1 Disposal of Surplus Material
All materials arising from site clearance which are surplus to or unsuitable (as defined
in Section 2/12) for use in the Works shall become the property of the Contractor and
shall be disposed of by him either off the Site to an approved tip (Al Warqaa, Al
Bayadia / Al Lussaily on Al Ain road etc.) or if directed or otherwise agreed by the
Engineer on the Site in an approved manner.
2.7.2 Disposal of Historical Artifacts
a) Where specified, certain materials arising from the site clearance and excavation
shall remain the property of the Employer.
b) All fossils, antiquities and other objects of interest or value which may be found or
uncovered on the site shall remain or become the property of the Employer and
upon discovery of such an object the Contractor shall forthwith:
c) Use his best endeavours not to disturb or damage the object;
d) Cease work which would endanger the object or prevent or impede its removal;
e) Inform the Engineer of the discovery and precise location of the object;
f) The Engineer will issue instructions on the procedure to be adopted which may
include conditions to permit the examination, excavation or removal of the object
by a third party.
2.8 EARTHWORKS AND SITE PREPARATION
2.8.1 General
a) Principal work in this Section includes general requirements for earth including
site preparation.
b) The entire area within the limits of earthwork as indicated shall be constructed to
the lines, grades, elevations, slopes, and cross sections indicated on the
Drawings with added allowance for the thickness of any pavement, blinding
concrete, lining and riprap if required.
c) Slopes shall present a neat uniform appearance upon completion of the work and
shall be approved by the Engineer.
d) Excavated materials meeting the requirement of fill materials shall be conserved

for subsequent use or placed as earth fill immediately after excavation upon
approval of the Engineer. If not immediately re-used, excavated materials shall
be stockpiled within or adjacent to the project work area approved by the
Engineer.

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e) Suitability of all excavation materials for specific purposes shall be determined by

the Engineer.
f) Contractor shall not waste or otherwise dispose of suitable excavated materials.

All excavation shall be performed under the limitations and requirements set out
in the sections of this specification pertaining to control of water.
2.8.2 Earthwork
a) Earthwork shall include all site preparation to the lines and grades indicated on
the drawings including, but not limited to the following:
(i) Excavation of all materials of whatever nature encountered
(ii) Handling, hauling and compaction of required fill materials
(iii) Disposal of all excess excavated material
(iv) Shoring and protection work
(v) Preparation of subgrade
(vi) Dewatering as necessary
(vii) Protection of adjacent property
(viii) Backfill
(ix) Surface reinstatement
(x) Forming embankment
(xi) Construction temporary cofferdam / bund for construction works.
2.8.3 Site Earthwork
2.8.3.1 Borehole Data
Borehole data is provided in the Volume-5 of tender document.
a) This data is for information only and without any warranty as to the correctness of
the information contained therein.
b) Availability of this data to the Contractor does not relieve him of his:
(i) Obligation to thoroughly investigate for himself the nature of the site and the
sub-soil conditions therein;
(ii) Obligations and responsibilities under the terms and conditions of the
Contract.
2.8.3.2 Contractor’s Responsibilities

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a) The Contractor shall be deemed to have visited the site prior to submitting his
tender and made all necessary inspections and investigations and allowed for the
following in his tender:
(i) Means of access and working space
(ii) Nature of the ground and sub-soils
(iii) Presence of existing foundations or other hidden obstructions
(iv) Level of the water table
(v) Extent of rock
(vi) Support to neighbouring properties and structures
(vii) All factors affecting the work
b) Any information made available to the Contractor, either in these documents or by

any other source, will not relieve the Contractor of his responsibility to decide for
himself the nature and extent of the work nor will it guarantee that similar
conditions will apply on other parts of the site.
c) The Contractor shall be deemed to have contacted the relevant statutory bodies
to establish the existence of any existing, live or redundant services adjacent to or
passing through the works and shall be deemed to have allowed in his tender for
their location, diversion, demolition or removal.
d) Boring logs and related information depict subsurface conditions only at the
specific locations and at the particular time designated on the logs.
(i) Soil conditions at other locations may differ from conditions occurring at the
boring locations.
(ii) Passage of time may result in a change of the sub-surface conditions or

water levels at the boring locations.
(iii) Employer does not guarantee any statements, opinions, or conclusions

contained in the report.
(iv) Contractor shall assume all responsibility for:
 Deductions and conclusions made by him regarding the nature of the

materials to be excavated.
 Difficulties involved
 Dewatering
 Maintaining the required excavations

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 Carrying out the work affected by the subsurface conditions at the site of
the works.
 Carrying out his own investigation to satisfy himself the validity of the
above data.
e) Neither the Employer not the Engineer shall be liable for any loss sustained,
indicated by or deducted from said borings, samples, tests, and / or reports, and
the actual conditions encountered during progress of the work.
2.8.4 Levels to be recorded
a) Bench marks and setting out baselines are to be agreed with Engineer.
b) Before the surface of any part of the site is disturbed or the works thereon are
begun, the Contractor shall take and record levels on 10m grids of such part, in
the manner specified or as agreed with the Engineer.
c) Two (2) working days’ notice is to be given to the Engineer so that the recording
of levels can be performed in the presence of the Engineer.
2.8.5 Bracing and Shoring
a) Excavated surfaces shall be supported as necessary to safeguard:
(i) Work and workmen
(ii) To prevent sliding or settling of the adjacent ground
(iii) To avoid interruptions in existing services
(iv) Damage to existing improvements and utilities infrastructure
b) Width of the excavation shall be increased if necessary to provide for sheeting,

bracing, shoring, and other supporting installations.
c) Contractor shall also obtain the permission of the relevant authorities for the
surface width of the excavation required.
d) Contractor shall furnish, place and subsequently remove such supporting

installations unless ordered otherwise by the Engineer.
e) Contractor shall furnish before commencement of excavation for any structure,

three copies of drawings showing details of the bracing he proposes to use,
together with all relevant calculations, demonstrating the sufficiency of the
proposals.
f) No excavation work shall commence until the Engineer’s consent has been
obtained. Such consent shall in no way relieve the Contractor from any of his
contractual obligations and responsibilities.

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2.8.6 Inspection by Engineer
a) When the specified levels of trench or structure excavation are reached, the
Engineer shall inspect the ground exposed.
b) If he considers that any part of the ground is by its nature unsuitable, he may
direct the Contractor to excavate further and to refill the further excavation with
such materials as he may direct.
c) If the bottom of any trench or structure excavation, while acceptable to the

Engineer at the time of his inspection, may subsequently become unacceptable
due to exposure to weather conditions, equipment traffic, due to flooding or
become puddled, soft or loose during the progress of the works, the Contractor
shall remove such damaged, softened or loosened material and excavated further
by hand.
d) In this case the cost of the extra excavation and of the additional foundation
materials required will be the Contractor’s responsibility if necessitated by his
negligence.
2.8.7 Existing Services
a) The Contractor shall check with the relevant authorities to determine what existing
underground services are present in the site area and locate and effectively seal
off drain ends.
b) When necessary, the Contractor shall divert services still in use and provide all
temporary works necessary to maintain such services in full functional order. He
shall also reinstate such services to the approval of the relevant authorities at the
earliest opportunity in compliance to the regulations and obtain necessary permits
and NOCs.
c) Bench marks and other permanent structures in the site area are protected from
damage or displacement.
2.8.8 Control of Water
2.8.8.1 General
a) The Contractor shall furnish, install and operate all necessary machinery,
appliances, and equipment to keep excavations free from water during
construction and shall remove all water so as not to cause damage to private
property, or to cause a nuisance or menace to the public all as specified herein.
b) Berms shall be provided to prevent surface water from draining into structural
excavations. Earth banks shall be suitably protected from damage by erosion
during construction. The Contractor shall ensure that at all times during
construction:

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(i) No groundwater shall come into contact with any concrete surface or
reinforcement
(ii) Any structure shall be capable of withstanding any hydrostatic pressure to

which it may be subjected during construction and until completed.
2.8.8.2 Drainage Provisions
a) Drainage ditches, diversions, and temporary pipes shall be constructed as

required to maintain drainage of the work areas.
b) Shall be constructed with cross-sectional area and gradient at least equal to that
of the intercepted watercourses, as approved by the Engineer.
2.8.8.3 Dewatering
a) Contractor shall perform dewatering as required so that all work under the
Contract is installed on dry areas and excavations, including without limitation the
construction of all structures and underground piping.
b) Contractor shall ensure that dewatering is carried out only to a depth sufficient for
the required excavation.
2.8.8.4 Qualified Personnel
Contractor shall, where extensive dewatering is required:
a) Be fully qualified to perform the dewatering operations or
b) Shall furnish the services of an experienced, qualified and equipped dewatering

subcontractor to design and operate the dewatering and groundwater recharging
systems required for the work, all subject to the Engineer's approval.
2.8.8.5 Monitoring
a) Where required to do so by the Engineer, the Contractor shall establish a

specified number of groundwater level monitoring stations at each site which will
be observed during the work. These shall be located as directed by the Engineer
and consist of acceptable open tube piezometers.
b) Settlement gages shall be provided to the approval of and as designated by the

Engineer at each site, times and locations to monitor settlement of new and
existing facilities as directed.
2.8.8.6 Submittal
a) Where deemed necessary by the Engineer, shop drawings and data shall be
submitted for record purposes only, but not for review or approval showing the
intended plan for dewatering and recharging operations.
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b) Details of locations and capacities of dewatering wells, well points, pumps,

sumps, collection and discharge lines, standby units, water recharge system,
water disposal methods, monitoring and settlement measuring equipment, data
collection and dissemination shall be included. These shall be submitted not less
than 30 days before start of dewatering operations.
2.8.8.7 Operation
a) Contractor shall furnish, install and operate all necessary pumping, well-point
dewatering appliances and equipment to keep excavations free from water during
construction.
b) The Contractor shall dewater and dispose of water so as not to cause injury to the
public or private property or to cause a nuisance or a menace to the public.
c) Contractor shall at all times have on hand sufficient pumping equipment and
machinery in good working condition for all ordinary emergencies including power
outage.
d) Contractor shall have available at all times competent workmen for the operation
of the pumping equipment.
e) Excavations shall be kept free of water during:
(i) Excavation, construction of chambers, etc.
(ii) Installation of pipelines.
(iii) Placing of structural and trench backfill.
(iv) Placing and setting of concrete.
f) Contractor shall control surface runoff so as to prevent entry or collection of water

in excavations.
g) Static water level shall be drawn down a minimum of 300 mm below the bottom of
the excavation to:
(i) Maintain the undisturbed state of the foundation soils.
(ii) Allow the placement of any fill or backfill to the required density.
h) Dewatering system shall be installed and operated so that the groundwater level
outside the excavation is not reduced to the extent that would damage or
endanger adjacent structures or property.
2.8.8.8 Maintenance of Existing Water Table Level
a) All required operations shall continuously maintain the level of the water table
outside the dewatered areas to prevent damage to structure, pipelines, etc.,
adjacent to the excavations.
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b) A water injection recharging system shall be maintained to replenish the

groundwater supply as required to maintain the water table including pumps,
piping, well points, standby units, other required equipment and a source of water
sufficient to meet the recharge requirements should supply of water from
dewatering operations be interrupted or become inadequate.
2.8.8.9 Protection of Existing Facilities
a) Where any sloped excavation infringes on, or potentially endangers any existing
facilities or structures.
(i) Shoring, sheeting, and bracing shall be provided according to plans and
calculations made by a qualified Engineer.
(ii) A copy of such plans and calculations shall be given to the Engineer for
record purposes.
b) At his expense, the Contractor shall repair and make good:
(i) all damage or resettlement to foundations or other portion of any existing

facilities or structures
(ii) damage to existing works caused by permanent or temporary failure of

excavation protection, operation of the dewatering or recharging systems or
failure to maintain the existing groundwater level outside the dewatered
areas.
2.8.8.10 Disposal of Water
Water not injected back into the ground shall be disposed of lawfully without damage
to new and existing facilities or adjoining properties.
2.8.8.11 Removal
a) Release of groundwater to its static level shall be performed to:
(i) Maintain the undisturbed state of the natural foundation soils.
(ii) Prevent disturbance of compacted fill or backfill.
(iii) Prevent flotation or movement of structures, pipelines and sewers.
b) Equipment shall be removed when no longer required, but monitoring and

settlement measurement systems shall be maintained in operation until removal
is approved by the Engineer.
c) To the extent approved by the Engineer, well points and such items may be
abandoned in place.

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2.8.9 Excess Excavation to be Made Good
The Contractor at his own expense shall remove from the site all materials resulting
from excess excavations below that required for the foundation, lining or bedding and
shall make good the same with Grade 25 concrete or suitable fill materials as
instructed by the Engineer.
2.8.10 Foundation Preparation
2.8.10.1 General
a) Foundations for earth fill shall be stripped to remove all obstructions, vegetation,
debris, or other unsuitable materials.
b) Except as otherwise specified:
(i) Foundation surfaces shall be graded to remove surface irregularities
(ii) Shall be scarified and loosened to a minimum depth of 100 mm.
c) Moisture content shall be controlled as specified for engineered fill. Surface

materials of the foundation shall be compacted and bonded with the first layer of
earth fill as specified for subsequent layers of earth fill.
2.8.10.2 Rock Foundations
a) All rock foundation and abutment surfaces shall be cleared of all loose materials
by hand or other effective means and shall be free of standing water when fill is
placed.
b) Previous rock foundations shall be excavated to 150 mm below finished grade

shown on the drawings and a lining shall be placed as specified herein.
c) Fill placed immediately adjacent to such rock foundations or where not accessible
with large compaction equipment shall be compacted to the specified density by
means of hand tamping or manually directed power tampers or plate vibrators.
2.8.10.3 Benching
a) Where slope of existing soils to receive fill exceeds 1:4 horizontal benches shall
be cut to key the new fill material to the existing soils.
b) At least 600 mm of existing soil normal to the original slope shall be removed and
recompacted as the new fill is brought up in layers.
2.9 CLASSIFICATION OF EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL
2.9.1 General Classification
Excavated material shall be classified as:
a) Road Excavation
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b) Borrow excavation
c) Structural excavation
d) Trench excavation
2.9.2 Excavation Materials
a) Excavations include all materials of whatsoever nature, suitable or unsuitable,

excavated to the required profile within the project work site and excavated within
the limits of the Right of Way for the preparation up to the formation levels of each
structure.
b) All such materials after deduction for material declared unsuitable by the Engineer
shall be considered to be available for use at locations requiring fill.
c) All excavations shall be sub-classified as Common Excavation and Rock

Excavation.
2.9.3 Identification of Common and Rock Excavation
Authority to identify and define the physical characteristics which determine the
classification as "Common Excavation" and "Rock Excavation" in accordance with the
intent of the following provisions shall be vested by the Engineer.
2.9.3.1 Common Excavation
a) Shall consist of the excavation and satisfactory disposal of all soils, rock soil
mixtures of sand stone features and silty sand, certain strata and rock boulders
less than one (1) cubic metre in volume.
b) Strata which are altered and weathered and are in place, but which are not firm
enough, or in the opinion of the Engineer are not rigid enough to have all the
characteristics of rock excavation shall be classified as common excavation.
2.9.3.2 Rock Excavation
a) Shall consist of the excavation and satisfactory disposal of all unaltered and un-
weathered firm and rigid igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary solid rock that in
the opinion of the Engineer is impracticable to remove by heavy mechanical
excavating equipment (e.g. Cat.D8) or by heavy duty hydraulic ripper, or by
approved pneumatic tools.
b) These types of rocks would normally be removed by blasting with explosives, or

by heavy duty hydraulic breakers or by drilling and broaching with wedges and
sledge hammers if removed by hand.
c) Also individual boulders or detached pieces of rock exceeding one cubic meter in
size in trenches or excavations necessitating blasting or breaking as above are
considered as rock.

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d) Cemented granular materials requiring the use of pneumatic tools or rippers will
not be defined as rock.
2.9.3.3 Borrow Excavation
a) If the demand for fill material exceeds the quantity of suitable material obtained
from the project work structures, trench excavations and the roadway excavation
then suitable material shall be imported to the worksite from the approved borrow
pit within project work area.
b) The excavation, haulage and discharge of material in its final place from a borrow
pit shall be classified as Borrow Excavation.
2.10 EXCAVATION REQUIREMENTS
a) All materials removed from the area of structural excavation and borrow pit shall
be reused in the designated backfill area around the structures, trench backfill
and in the formation of the embankment, shoulders and at such other places as
directed, unless it is declared unsuitable and ordered to be sent to tip by the
Engineer. 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.
b) Material suitable for top soil, base material, mineral aggregate or other specified
purpose, encountered in excavation, shall be reserved, if so directed, until it can
be placed in its proper position in the roadway. When specified or designated,
top soil shall be used as cover on embankment slopes to aid the regrowth of
vegetation or other purposes.
c) Excavated materials wasted by the Contractor without written permission of the

Engineer shall be replaced by the Contractor at his own expense.
d) During the construction of the roadway, the prepared formation shall be

maintained in such condition that it will be well drained at all times.
e) Rock, shale and other unsuitable material encountered in cuts shall be excavated
to the lateral limits and depth indicated on the plans or as otherwise directed. Any
over breakage below the depth shown on the plans or as otherwise directed will
not be paid for. Backfill of the over breakage shall be approved suitable material
and shall have the same density requirements as specified by the Contract and
shall be at the expense of the Contractor. If the backfill of the over breakage area
designated by the Engineer is to be a crushed aggregate concrete or other
special aggregate the entire cost of the backfill of the over breakage shall be at
the expense of the Contractor. Un-drained pockets shall not be left in the surface
of the rock, but they shall be treated as directed by the Engineer.
f) All slopes, except in solid rock or other material which, in the judgement of the
Engineer, require a modified slope, shall be trimmed accurately to the slopes

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shown on the cross-section drawings, and care must be exercised that no

material shall be loosened beyond the required slopes. Side ditches if required
shall be excavated in conformity to line, grade, and cross-section as shown on the
Drawings or as directed by the Engineer.
g) In cut areas, excavation shall be for the full construction width down to
'earthworks formation level' as shown in the approved drawing. For a further
depth of 15 cm the existing material shall be scarified, watered as necessary,
mixed and compacted to not less than 95% of maximum dry density as
determined by BS 1377 Part 4 : 1990 (Method 3.5 or 3.6). Field density shall be
determined by BS 1377 Part 9: 1990 (Method 2.1 or 2.2).
h) The 'improved subgrade layer', using specified imported material, shall then be
placed and compacted to not less than 95% maximum dry density as determined
by BS 1377 Part 4: 1990 (Method 3.5 or 3.6) to bring the embankment level up to
'top of improved subgrade level'. Field density shall be determined by BS 1377
Part 9 : 990 : (Method 2.1 or 2.2).
i) For cuttings 1.5 metres or more in depth the technical requirements, of the
Specification for "Excavation for Structures" (Sub-Section 2/20) shall be complied
with.
j) Where excavation to the finished graded section, that is 'earthworks formation

level', results in a formation or slopes of unsuitable soil, the Engineer may require
the Contractor to remove the unsuitable material to a depth directed and backfill
to the finished graded section with approved material compacted in accordance
with specified requirements for embankment construction. The Contractor shall
conduct his operations in such a way that the necessary cross-sectional
measurements can be taken and agreed with the Engineer before the backfill is
placed.
k) When the Contractor is required or directed to excavate unsuitable material in fill

areas, following general clearance of the area (see Specification Sub-Section
2/14.1 "Embankment Foundation"), the depth to which these unsuitable materials
are to be removed will be determined by the Engineer. The Contractor shall so
schedule the work so that authorised cross-sections can be taken before and
after the material has been removed.
l) All slopes, lines and grades shall be true, correct, and accurate and according to
those on the drawings or otherwise directed and approved by the Engineer. The
'earthworks formation level' in cuts shall be accurate to the authorised profile
grade to plus or minus two (2) centimetres and, for 'top of improved subgrade'
level, plus or minus one (1) centimetre. Where discrepancies are found in the
Work the Contractor shall make necessary corrections.
m) The Engineer will check all or any part of the Work, as he deems necessary, to
determine conformance to the lines, grades, elevations and cross-sections.

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2.11 BORROW PIT SITE WITHIN PROJECT WORK AREA
a) The Contractor shall obtain approval from the Employer for the location of the
borrow pit site. The Contractor shall be responsible to determine the quantities
and quality of the available material in the approved borrow site to meet the
requirements of the Contract. When required the borrow area shall be cleared
and grubbed in accordance with the requirements of Section 2/1.
b) The Employer may at any time revoke approval of a borrow site where the
Contractor is obtaining borrow material for the Works. Upon receiving such notice
from the Employer, the Contractor shall immediately cease removing material
from said borrow site. In the event the Employer revokes approval of the borrow
site, the Contractor shall locate a new borrow pit site as specified above.
c) The Contractor shall not claim any additional payment for any costs by reason of
the necessity of changing borrow site locations due either to the shortage of the
supply of borrow material available from the borrow pit site approved by the
Employer, or due to the Employer's decision to revoke approval of the borrow site
where the Contractor is obtaining borrow material for the Works.
d) The Contractor shall leave borrow pits in a condition acceptable to the Employer
and to the Engineer.
e) The Contractor will be solely responsible for ascertaining the location of such
approved borrow areas during the tender preparation stage. Locations, distances
to the work site and haulage from such approved borrow areas shall be taken into
consideration when preparing the unit tender price for Borrow Excavation.
2.12 DEFINITION, CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL USE OF EARTHWORKS

MATERIALS
2.12.1 Top Soil
a) Top soil shall be fertile, friable soil obtained from well drained arable land and
shall be free draining, non-toxic and capable of sustaining healthy plant growth.
b) The organic matter content of the topsoil material shall be 2% max.(BS 1377: Part
3: 1990: Method 3) with the minimum out of tolerances of individual tests by +
0.5% and have pH value between 7.0 and 9.0 (BS 1377: Part 3: 1990: Method 9).
2.12.2 Suitable Material
a) Suitable material shall comprise all well graded sandy soil from coarse to fine
material that is acceptable in accordance with the Contract for use in the Works.
b) Suitable material for earthworks shall be approved soil with a plasticity index not
exceeding 6 when tested according to BS 1377 Part 2 1990 Clause 5.4 (liquid
limit shall not exceed 40% when tested according to BS 1377: Part 2: 1990:

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Clause 4.5) obtained from excavations within the works or from borrow pits
approved by the Engineer.
c) Suitable material It shall not contain excess of 425 micron passing material 50%
when tested in accordance BS1377:P2: 1990 Cl.9.2 and of fines (not more than
20% passing Sieve Size 0.075mm determined by BS 1377: Part 2: 1990 Clause
9.2 "Determination of particle size distribution by wet sieving") and in excess of
2% organic matter content (BS 1377 Part 3:1990).
d) Suitable material for earthworks shall have a soaked CBR value at 95% of
maximum dry density not less than 10% when tested according to BS 1377 Part
4: 1990 (Method 7). The maximum particle size shall not exceed 63 mm.
e) Soluble salt content must be less than 5% by weight of dry soil tested to BS 1377
Part 3: 1990 (Method 7 & 5 for water soluble Chloride & Sulphate respectively).
f) The material shall possess satisfactory binding characteristic to enable it to be

compacted to give a well-knit surface as judged by the Engineer. The maximum
dry density of the soil shall not be lower than 1.75gm/cu.cm.
2.12.3 Unsuitable Material
Unsuitable material shall comprise of:
a) Rock particles exceeding 63 mm in size.
b) Organic matter (BS1377 Part 3 : 1990 method 3) containing greater than 2%

(stumps and other perishable material).
c) Material susceptible to spontaneous combustion.
d) Alluvial clay and silts, gypsum which contain high concentration of water soluble
sulphate greater than 5% and pyritic shale.
e) Soils of liquid limit exceeding 40% (BS 1377 Part 2 1990 Clause 4.5) and or
plasticity index exceeding 6 (BS 1377 Part 2 1990 Clause 5.4).
f) Material containing more than 5% of water soluble salts by weight of dry soil. BS
1377 Part 3: 1990 (Method 7.2 and 5.5 AMD 9028-1996) for water soluble
chloride and sulphate respectively.
g) Materials having CBR value less than 10%.
h) Any other material which the Engineer may deem to be unsuitable for earthworks.
i) Soil groups A-6, A-7 (silt-clay materials more than 35% passing 75 micron sieve)
as specified in ASTMD 3282.
2.12.4 Material for Improved Subgrade Layer
Material for Improved Subgrade Layer shall meet the following requirements:
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a) Not more than 20% by weight passing Sieve Size 0.075mm determined by BS
1377: Part 2: 1990 Clause 9.2 "Determination of particle size distribution by wet
sieving".
b) Soaked CBR value at 95% maximum dry density (soaked) BS 1377 Part 4 : 1990
(Method 3.5 or 3.6) not less than 30% when tested according to BS 1377 Part 4 :
1990 (method 7).
c) A chemical analysis of the proposed material shall be carried out to satisfy the
following requirements:
(i) The material shall be shown to have an acid soluble sulphate content of 2%
or less and a chloride content in the form of acid soluble chloride of 2% or
less by dry weight. The applicable
(ii) Test methods should be in accordance with BS1377 Part 3: 1990 (Method
5) and BS 1377 Part 3 : 1990 (Method 7) respectively.
d) When approved by the Engineer a sulphate content greater than that specified
may be acceptable when the carbonate content is in the region of 30 40% (BS
1377 Part 3: 1990 Method 6.3 AMD 9028-1996).
e) Higher chloride contents may be tolerated provided that the ratio of (carbonate +
sulphate) to chloride contents is maintained at approximately 15:1.
f) The moisture content of the material before compaction shall not vary by more
than +/- 3% of the optimum moisture content when tested in accordance with BS
1377: Part 2 : 1990 Test 3.2.
g) The material for improved subgrade shall be approved soil with a plasticity index
not exceedingly 6 (BS 1377 Part 2 1990 Clause 5.4) and liquid limit shall not
exceed 40% when tested according to (BS 1377: Part 2: 1990 Clause 4.5).
h) The material shall possess satisfactory binding characteristics to enable it to be

compacted to give a smooth well-knit surface as judged by the Engineer.
i) No excavated suitable material shall be removed from the Site without the
Engineer's written permission. Should the Contractor be permitted to remove
suitable material from the site to suit his operational requirements, then he shall
make good any consequent deficit or filling arising there from at his own expense.
2.13 MAIN PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR EARTHWORKS CONSTRUCTION
2.13.1 General
a) The Contractor shall employ only that plant which is suited to the soils to be
handled. He shall not at any time use plant which damages or reduces the
natural strength of the soil either in its in situ state or during handling and placing
or in its final compacted state. Unsuitable or faulty plant shall be removed from
the work site and borrow pits at the order of the Engineer.
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b) The plant and equipment used for earthworks construction shall be maintained in
good working condition for the duration of the works. The Contractor shall apply
adequate quantities of plant and equipment necessary for the proper execution of
the works in an expeditious manner.
c) Main plant and equipment shall meet the requirements specified below:
(i) Equipment shall mean, where mentioned in these Specifications, all

machines, tools, equipment and all necessary parts for its operation and
maintenance. Also, the laboratory tools and instruments and/or equipment
necessary for the proper construction of the road and the proper completion
of all the works.
(ii) The Contractor shall submit, as stipulated in the "Instructions to Tenderer" a

detailed list of plant equipment which he shall undertake to bring to the site
to carry out the work. The list shall include for each piece of equipment, the
type, size, quantity, manufacturer, model, identification number and year of
manufacture.
(iii) The Contractor shall supply all plant and equipment necessary for the
construction of each phase of the work and it must be on the site, inspected
and approved by the Engineer prior to the commencement of the particular
phase of work. Any plant or equipment of portion thereof, which becomes
worn or defective shall be immediately repaired or replaced to the
satisfaction of the Engineer.
2.13.2 Compacting Equipment
The compaction equipment for earthwork may be towed or self-propelled and shall
include a suitable combination of tamping rollers, grid rollers, segmented pad rollers,
vibrating rollers, pneumatic rollers and other compaction equipment that can
satisfactorily and uniformly obtain the required compaction.
2.13.2.1 Tamping or Sheep foot Rollers
a) Tamping or sheep foot rollers shall consist of metal rollers, drums, or shells
surmounted by metal studs with tamping feet projecting not less than sixteen and
one-half (16.5) centimetres from the surface of the roller, drum or shell.
b) Tamping feet shall be spaced not less than fifteen (15) centimetres or more than
thirty (30) centimetres measured diagonally centre to centre and the cross section
area of each tamper foot, measured perpendicularly to the axis of the stud, shall
be not less than twenty-five and eight-tenths (25.8) square centimetres.
c) The weight of tamping rollers shall be such that when fully loaded, the load on
each tamper foot will be determined by dividing the total weight of the roller
(loaded) by the number of tamper feet in one (1) row parallel to the axis of the
roller.

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2.13.2.2 Pull-type Steel Rollers
Pull-type steel rollers shall have not less than one and two-tenths (1.2) metre
effective width of roller and shall be designed and constructed so that the weight per
linear centimetre of roller can be varied from thirty five and seven-tenths (35.7)
kilograms to at least fifty-three and six-tenths (53.6) kilograms.
2.13.2.3 Self-Propelled Steel Rollers
a) The power mechanism shall be capable of propelling the roller smoothly and
without jerking when starting, stopping, or reversing directions free from backlash,
loose link motion, faulty steering mechanism and worn king bolts.
b) The steering mechanism shall have no lost motion, shall operate readily and
permit the roller to be directed on the alignment desired. The faces of all rollers
shall be smooth and free from defects which mark the finished road surface.
Rollers shall be equipped with water tanks and sprinkling devices which shall be
used for wetting the roller to prevent adherence of the placed material.
c) Two-axle tandem steel rollers shall weigh not less than eight (8) tonnes or more
than twelve (12) tonnes and shall have a weight per centimetre width of roll
between 35kg and 70kg.
d) Three axle tandem steel rollers shall weigh not less than eleven (11) tons. Three
axle tandem roller shall be so constructed that the roller, when locked in position
for all treads to be in one plane, are held with a rigidity which will satisfy the
following test under full load: with the weight of the roller supported on the central
roller, the tread of the central roller shall not be more than three (3) millimetres
above the plane tangent to the tread of the end roller. With the weight of the roller
supported on the end rollers, the tread of the central roller shall not be more than
six (6) millimetres below the plane tangent to the treads of the end roller.
2.13.2.4 Trench Rollers
The trench roller shall be of an approved type and shall weigh not less than fifty-three
and six tenths (53.6) kilograms per centimetre of width and shall be equipped with
water and sprinkling device that shall be used for wetting the roller to prevent
adherence of the placed material.
2.13.2.5 Pneumatic Tic-Tyre Rollers
a) The tyres on the front and rear axles shall have wide smooth treads and shall be
staggered to provide complete coverage of the entire area which the roller travels.
The tyres shall be inflated to a pressure that has been approved by the Engineer
and the pressure shall be reasonably uniform in all tyres. The Contractor shall
provide a suitable gauge for determining air pressure in each tyre.

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b) Light self-propelled pneumatic-tyre rollers shall be so constructed so that they

may be loaded to provide a gross weight of at least forty (40) kilograms per
centimetre of width of tyre tread.
c) Heavy self-propelled pneumatic-tyre rollers shall be constructed so that they can

be loaded to provide a gross weight of not less than twenty five (25) tonnes and
they shall have tyre pressures of 6-6.3 kg/cm2.
2.13.2.6 Vibration Compactors
a) Equipment using principle of vibration as a tamping force shall be in good

mechanical condition and shall be capable of transmitting forceful vibrations or
impacts to the various materials placed in construction.
b) The equipment may be the roller or pad type or a combination of roller and pad
type. Vibrating compactors shall be of the type and force approved by the
Engineer.
2.13.3 Hauling and Weighing Equipment
2.13.3.1 Hauling Equipment
a) Hauling equipment for aggregate shall consist of vehicles having dump bodies
suitable for dumping materials in a windrow or in spreader boxes. The bodies
shall be so constructed that their volume measurement can be accurately
determined. They shall be so constructed and maintained to prevent loss of
materials during hauling operations.
b) The equipment shall be provided with dump controls that can be operated from
the driver's seat. The bodies of hauling equipment using public roads shall be
fitted with tarpaulins to prevent the nuisance of spillage.
2.13.3.2 Weighing Equipment
a) Weighing equipment for truck -hauled material shall consist of accurate and
reliable platform scales and they shall be accurate to one per cent throughout the
range of use.
b) The scale shall have a platform of adequate length to weigh the longest truck or
truck-trailer combination which is in use on the Project, in one operation.
c) Scales shall be inspected and sealed or certified by an approved scale company,

as often as the Engineer deems necessary to ensure their accuracy.
d) The seal or certification shall show the date of the inspection. Where no approved
scale company exists or at the option of the Engineer, the Contractor shall check
and adjust the scale in the presence of the Engineer in the method recommended
by the manufacturer and/or approved by the Engineer.

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e) It is the Contractor's responsibility to have sufficient standard test weights for

each scale on the Site.
f) The Engineer, as often as he deems it necessary, shall direct the Contractor to

check and adjust any scale on site to ensure its accuracy.
g) The Contractor, shall when directed by the Engineer, make weight comparisons
with other permanently located scales that meet with the approval of the
Engineer. These weight comparisons shall be for the purpose of providing
information on the performance of the Contractor's scale and will not be used as a
basis for adjusting the scale.
h) The approaches to the scale platform shall be maintained by the Contractor to the
i) The Contractor shall furnish a suitable weather tight building to enclose the
indicating mechanism and shall have adequate lighting for the scale operator's
use.
j) The Contractor shall have on hand not less than ten (10) twenty-five (25) kilogram
weights for testing the scale.
2.13.3.3 Controlled Water Distribution Equipment
a) Equipment for distribution of water shall consist of distributors or tanks equipped

with spray bars, and when required, pumps to operate under pressure.
b) The pumps shall be of sufficient capacity to provide uniform and adequate

distribution. They shall be mounted on pneumatic-tyre trailers pulled by
pneumatic-tyre equipment.
c) The minimum capacity of any tank shall be four (4) cubic metres (m³) where
applicable.
d) The distributor equipment shall be constructed to permit accurate and uniform

distribution of the desired quantities of water per unit of surface area.
e) The control valves shall be constructed to permit full closing and to prevent
leakage.
f) The water control valves shall be constructed to operate from the driver's seat or
provisions made for an additional operator to operate the control valves while the
equipment is travelling at the proper speed for distribution.
2.14 EMBANKMENT CONSTRUCTION
2.14.1 General
a) The work of embankment construction shall consist of cutting and filling the
designated fill areas as shown in the drawing and constructing roadway

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embankment with suitable material, including the preparation of the areas upon
which they are to be placed and the placing and compacting of approved material
within roadway areas where unsuitable material has been removed.
b) All operations for embankment construction shall be performed in accordance

with the Specifications and in conformity with the lines, grades, and thickness and
typical cross-sections shown on the drawings or as estimated by the Engineer.
c) Compaction equipment shall conform to the number and type outlined in the
Contractor's detailed programme of work as approved by the Engineer and
satisfactory performance shall be the basis for such approval.
d) All materials derived from excavation shall be used in the general filling including
trench backfill, backfill around structures for embankment unless otherwise
declared unsuitable by the Engineer. When suitable materials of widely divergent
characteristics are drawn from different sources such materials may, if approved,
shall be mixed to meet filling requirements.
e) Prior to the commencement of embankment the Contractor shall construct trial

compaction lengths as directed by the Engineer. The soils used in the trials shall
be those encountered along the line of the road and project work area as
approved by the Engineer and/or those originating item the approved borrow pit.
The object of the trials is to determine the field compatibility of the material with
the plant and compaction equipment available with the Contractor. The Engineer
may order additional compaction trials when he deems them necessary.
f) During the construction of road /embankments the Contractor shall control and
direct construction traffic uniformly over the full width of the embankment?
Damage to compacted layers by construction traffic shall be made good by the
Contractor at his own expense.
g) The Contractor shall be responsible for the stability of all embankments and shall
replace all sections which, in the opinion of the Engineer, have been damaged or
displaced due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the Contractor, or due to
natural causes, such as storms, and not attributable to the unavoidable
movement of the natural ground upon which the embankment is made.
h) During construction, the roadway shall be kept shaped and drained at all times.
When unsuitable material has been placed in the embankment, its removal shall
be at the expense of the Contractor.
i) Throughout the duration of the Contract all damage to completed earthworks

attributable to rain and rainfall run-off or to any other cause shall be made good
by the Contractor without delay and whenever possible within 24 hours of such
damage occurring.

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2.14.2 Embankment Foundation and the Designated Filling Area
a) All debris, unsuitable material and vegetable matter shall be removed from the
surface upon which the embankment and the filling area is to be placed and the
cleared surface shall be completely broken up by ploughing, scarifying or
stripping to a minimum depth of twenty centimetres (20 cm).
b) The foundation material shall be adjusted to a moisture content within the

moisture range of ±3% of the optimum moisture content and compacted to not
less than ninety five per cent (95%) of the Maximum Dry Density as determined
by BS 1377 Part 4: 1990 (method 3.5 or 3.6).
c) Rock-soil mixtures of sandstone fractures and silty sand deposits obtained from
the excavation shall also be used at the lower part for the construction of the
embankment provided such materials fully comply with the following properties.
Table 2.14-1: Rock soil mixture suitable for embankments

Sr. Properties Standard Specs
1. Size 25% larger than 30 cm –
2. Size 50% larger than 7.5 cm –
3. Bulk Specific Gravity not less than 2.25 –
4. Water Absorption not more than 6% –
5. Testing by plate bearing test –
6. Filling material shall not be A-6, A-7 Type soil AASHTO M-145
d) If the original surface upon which the embankment is to be placed is an old

roadbed, the surface shall be ploughed scarified or broken up, regardless of the
height of the embankment to be placed and compacted to a density as
determined by the Engineer.
e) Where the embankment and the filling is to be placed on appreciably sloping

ground, this surface shall be benched in steps or trenched to key-in the new
construction in accordance with the Engineer's instructions, including if necessary
any under-draining of the affected part of the site.
f) In circumstances where backfill has to be deposited below standing water, the

Contractor shall use only an approved granular material of maximum size not
greater than 37.5 mm and which on analysis by sieving (BS 812: Part 103:
Section 103.1:85 c1.7.2 or 7.3, or BS 1377: Part 2: 1990: 9.2 or 9.3 latest edition)
complies with the requirements of Table below. Such material shall have a "ten
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percent fines" value of not less than 5 tonnes when tested in accordance with
B.S. 812 : 1990 : P111 and may be deposited below water without the associated
use of compaction plant.
Table 2.14-2: Free draining material

BS Sieve Size % by Weight Passing
10 mm Up to 100
5 mm Not more than 85
0.600 mm Not more than 45
0.075 mm Not more than 5
g) In circumstances where filling has to be deposited in a soft area, methods of soft

area treatment which may be directed by the Engineer shall be:
(i) Non-friable boulders of sizes between 150-300 mm shall be end dumped

over the soft area and rolled until the area is stabilised to the satisfaction of
the Engineer. Further stones of 10-70 mm size shall be rolled into the area
until all the areas are levelled and well blinded.
(ii) Crushed rock material shall be free from dirt, organic matter, shale and any
other deleterious material. The acceptance criteria shall be as follows:
Table 2.14-3: Crushed rock material acceptance criteria

Parameter Limit value
1. Grading (BS EN 933-1:2012 and BS 1377

Part 2 method 9.2 or 9.3: 1990)
Sieve (mm) Passing (%)
150 100
200 80-100
37.5 -
25 20-50
19 -
9.5 0-15

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2. Bulk specific gravity (ASTM C127 & C128) Not less than 2.65
3. Absorption (ASTM C127 & C128) Not more than 2%
4. Loss of Abrasion (ASTM C131 or C535) Not less than 30%
5. Loss of magnesium sulphate soundness 10% maximum

(ASTM C88 5 cycles)
h) The following field tests are to be carried out to confirm the load bearing nature of
the soft area prior to start stabilizing work:
(i) Field density test in accordance with BS 1377: P9:C2:1990
(ii) Plate bearing tests shall be carried out in accordance with ASTM
D1194/D1196. Frequency and unit shall be as directed by the Engineer.
(iii) CPT test in accordance with BS 5930: 1999.
2.14.3 Suitability Testing on Materials
a) During excavation, care should be taken to avoid indiscriminate mixing of soils of

widely differing classification and characteristics.
b) Excavated materials obtained from the cutting and borrow pit shall be stockpiled
within the respective areas and shall be used (after suitability test) for filling and
embankment construction.
c) Alternatively sufficient numbers of trial pit excavation from various locations and
depths shall be carried out to test the material to confirm its suitability
requirements specified in Clause 2/12.
d) All such trial excavations or stockpiling shall be carried out without extra charges.
2.15 PLACING AND COMPACTION REQUIREMENTS
a) Only approved materials shall be used in the construction of road embankments.
b) In the formation of the embankment it is strictly forbidden to push the excavated

materials from the side of the road to the embankment by means of bull dozers.
c) The fill material shall be delivered and spread in layers not exceeding 25 cm
compacted thickness. The layers of fill shall be graded, levelled, pulverised and
mixed, with water added as necessary, to ensure homogeneous conditions
through the full depth of the un-compacted layer. For field density testing refer to
specification sub-section 2/18.

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d) The compacted density of the fill shall be equal to or greater than as required
under Clause 2/18 as determined by BS 1377 Part 4: 1990 (Method 3.5 or 3.6).
e) The material to be imported for the "improved sub-grade layer" to be constructed

above "earthworks formation level" up to "top of improved sub-grade" level as
shown on the drawings shall conform to the Specification Sub-Section 2/12.
2.16 MOISTURE CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
a) When the moisture content of the embankment soil does not fall within 3% of the
optimum moisture content, water shall be added and thoroughly mixed into the
soil, by approved methods or the material shall be aerated, whichever is needed
to adjust the soil to the proper moisture content.
b) The amount of water to be added shall be only that amount that will, as
determined by the Engineer by field tests, provide moisture content in the soil
within the required range plus a reasonable amount to compensate for
evaporation and other unavoidable losses.
c) Water added in excess of this amount shall be considered as excess water and
must be removed by aeration or other suitable means as directed by the
Engineer.
d) Satisfactory methods and sufficient equipment shall be used for furnishing and
handling of the water so that there will be no undue loss due to evaporation or
waste. If water is added to cut areas or borrow pits, the surface of the areas or
pits shall be maintained in such a manner that will prevent undue loss of moisture
and segregation.
e) Use of saline water for earthworks will only be permitted if the percentage of
water soluble salts in the compacted fill does not exceed 3% by weight of dry soil
when tested in accordance with BS 1377 Part 3 : 1990 tests 5 & 7.
f) For subgrade material moisture range refers to sub-clause 2/12.
2.17 STANDARD EARTH WORKS COMPACTION PROCEDURE
2.17.1 General
a) A dry density moisture content relationship test in accordance with BS 1377 Part
4: 1990 (method 3.5 or 3.6) will be made for each type of soil to be used in the
construction of the work to determine the Maximum Dry Density, the Optimum
Moisture Content and the Moisture Range required of the soil for satisfactory
compaction.
b) This method will be used to determine the maximum dry density of each type of
soil used in compacted fills, backfills, embankments and to measure the relative
compaction at optimum moisture content of compacted fills, backfills,
embankments and subgrades.

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Dubai Municipality
2.17.2 Compaction Tests
During the course of the work, tests shall be carried out under supervision of the
Engineer to:
a) Identify materials
b) Determine compaction characteristics
c) Determine moisture content
d) Determine density of fill in place
2.17.3 Testing
a) Regular testing shall be performed as detailed in 2/18 of the Specification.
b) Contractor shall adjust his operations so as to permit time to make tests and shall
excavate and fill such holes as may be required for sampling and testing.
c) Compaction tests shall be made prior to removal of dewatering systems.
d) A subsequent layer cannot be placed until the compaction density of the

proceeding layer has been approved by the Engineer.
2.18 MINIMUM TEST REQUIREMENTS
For the Contractor’s general guidance, the following tests will be required prior to use,
and during the construction of filling area, the embankment and of the sub-grade.
2.18.1 Embankment and Filling Works
a) Soil samples for Soil classification according to BS 1377: Part 1 and Part 2: 1990
latest edition, laboratory moisture/density relationship tests and California Bearing
Ratio shall be taken prior to use, from any proposed source of material.
b) Each sample shall represent not more than 5,000 m³ or part of as directed by the
Engineer. Sampling shall be in accordance with ASTM D75: 2003, BS 1377 Part
1: 1990 and BS 5930:1999.
c) For every completed layer of fill at least:
(i) Three field density tests shall be performed for every unit of carriageway.
(One unit being 2250 sq.m) or as directed by the Engineer in accordance
with BS 1337 :P9 : 1990
(ii) Every compacted layer shall not be less than 95% of MDD. One test per
backfill layer for each structure or one test per 500 m2.
d) The Contractor shall carry out any additional compaction tests as ordered by the
Engineer at no additional cost.

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2.18.2 Improved Subgrade
a) Samples for soil classification, laboratory moisture density relationship tests and
CBR tests shall be taken prior to use, from any proposed source of material. Each
sample shall represent not more than 3,000 m³ or as part of as directed by the
Engineer.
b) For every completed layer of subgrade, three field density tests shall be
performed on each unit of carriageway (one unit being 1500 m²) or as directed by
the Engineer.
c) The frequency of field compaction tests on the shoulders shall be three every unit
constructed or as directed by the Engineer (one unit being 1500 m²).
2.18.3 Rock Fill and Rock Soil Mixtures
a) Where embankments to be compacted are formed of material consisting

predominantly of sand stone or rock fragments of such size that the material
cannot be placed in layers of the thickness prescribed without crushing,
pulverising or further breaking down the pieces resulting from normal excavation
methods, the material may be placed in the embankment in layers not exceeding
a thickness twice the average size of the larger rocks, except that no layer shall
exceed 600 mm of loose measurement.
b) Materials shall be carefully placed so that all large stones will be well distributed
and the voids completely filled with smaller earth, sand or gravel to form a solid
embankment.
c) Each layer shall be bladed or levelled with motor grader, bull dozer or similar
equipment capable of shifting and forming the layer into a neat and orderly
condition.
d) No rocks larger than eighty (80) mm in any dimension shall be placed in the top
one hundred and fifty (150) mm of the embankment unless otherwise noted on
the drawings.
e) Conformance to these provisions and compaction in a manner and to a point of

consolidation approved by the Engineer will be considered as fulfilment of the
requirements for the type of compaction shown on the drawings.
f) Normally, compaction tests will not be performed in these areas but the Engineer
reserves the right to test compaction in some other manner if he deems a test
necessary to ensure consolidation. Each layer must be approved by the Engineer
before the next layer is placed.
g) Embankments, which are formed of materials that contain rock but also sufficient
compatible material other than rock or other hard material to make rolling feasible,
shall be placed and compacted in the manner and to the point of consolidation
approved by the Engineer.
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h) Moisture shall be added as directed by the Engineer. Compaction tests will be

made wherever the Engineer determines they are feasible and necessary. Each
layer must be approved by the Engineer before the next layer is placed.
Table 2.18-4: Rock fill material characteristics

Bulk specific gravity (ASTM C127 & C128) Not less than 2.65
Absorption (ASTM C127 & C128) Not more than 2%
Los Angeles Abrasion (ASTM C131 or C535) 30% maximum
Loss of magnesium sulphate soundness 10% maximum

(ASTM C88 5 cycles)
2.19 STABILISING CRUSHED MATERIAL
a) In the event the foundation on which the embankment or the subgrade materials
will be laid is saturated by water and unstable, the Engineer may decide to lay
crushed granular material to stabilise the foundation. Stabilising crushed material
shall not be laid directly on ground soil but it shall always be laid on geotexti1e
fabric covering the area to be stabilised as shown on the drawings or directed by
the Engineer.
b) Such stabilising crushed material when tested in accordance with BS 812:Part

103: Section 103.1: 1985 (Clause 7.2 or 7.3) or BS 1377 Part 2: 1990 method 9.2
or 9.3 latest edition shall have the following grading:
Table 2.19-5: Stabilising crushed material grading

Sieves (mm) % Passing
50 100
25 80-100
12.5 60-85
5 40-70
2 20-50
0.85 5-25

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Sieves (mm) % Passing
0.425 0-10
0.180 0-2
c) The stabilising crushed material shall have the following characteristics:
Table 2.19-6: Stabilising crushed material characteristics

Bulk specific gravity (ASTM C127 & C128) Not less than 2.65
Absorption (ASTM C127 & C128) Not more than 2%
Los Angeles Abrasion (ASTM C131 or C535) 30% maximum
d) The stabilising crushed material will be laid in layers of 15 cm and compacted

until the foundation is fully stabilised such that the total thickness of the stabilising
layer shall not be less than 30 cm. Only after inspection and approval by the
Engineer the Contractor may be allowed to continue the construction of the
embankment with other layers of embankment material and/or subgrade material.
The Engineer may decide, after having taken the levels of the existing water table
in the area, and keeping in consideration the finished road levels, to excavate
portions of the foundation saturated by water, disposing of the excavated
material, and replacing it with stabilising crushed material.
e) Before starting any stabilising of the foundation the Engineer will instruct the
Contractor specifying the areas to be stabilised and the final levels to be reached
with the stabilising crushed material.
f) The surface to receive the geotextile fabric shall be prepared to a relatively

smooth condition free of obtrusions, depressions, and debris. The geotextile
fabric shall not be laid in a stretched condition, but shall be laid loosely with the
long dimension parallel to the centreline of the roadway. In the event that the
width of the proposed area for fabric requires more than one panel width of fabric,
the panels shall be overlapped a minimum 15 per cent of the panel width.
Longitudinal joints in the fabric shall have an overlap of 50 cm. To prevent
slippage of the overlapping fabric, the areas of overlap shall be stabilised as
approved by the Engineer with pins, anchor blocks, or aggregate piles. In the
event construction machinery is used to place the fabric, the working platform for
the machinery shall be the soil and not the previously laid fabric.

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g) Prior to placement of the granular material (stabilising crushed material) the

Contractor shall spread a layer of sand over the geotextile fabric as directed by
the Engineer. The aggregate material shall not be dumped directly on the fabric,
nor shall haul trucks be run on the fabric. The aggregate shall be spread by a
wheeled front-end loader.
h) The blade or bucket shall be kept sufficiently high so that the aggregate is not
being pulled over the fabric, but being dropped at a minimum height to the
i) Fabric damaged or displaced before or during installation or during placement of

overlaying aggregate material shall be replaced or repaired to the satisfaction of
the Engineer at the Contractor's expense.
2.20 EXCAVATING AND FILLING FOR STRUCTURES
a) This work shall consist of all excavation for the construction of buildings, tanks,
structures, minor structures, culverts, headwalls, catch basins, manholes, inlets
and retaining walls and shall include all necessary clearing and grubbing, all
necessary bailing, drainage, pumping, sheeting, strutting and the construction of
coffer dams or cribs, if found necessary, and their subsequent removal; also the
disposal of all material obtained from such excavation and backfilling to the level
of the original ground; it shall include the removal of that portion of existing
structures below the ground which is necessitated by the construction of the new
structure. The line and level of the structural excavation shall be as shown on the
drawings or as may be directed by the Engineer.
b) Prior to commencing any structural excavation work 1.5 metres or more in depth,
the Contractor shall design and submit to the Engineer for review and approval,
within a minimum period of 1 week before the intended commencement date,
detailed working drawings of the structural excavation support member materials,
sizes, spacing and engineering calculations to validate their design, including the
maximum theoretical deflections of the support members. The system shall be
designed in such a manner that no raked struts or any other support members
extend through surfaces exposed in the finished construction, and no shoring or
bracing is placed under permanent structures. Before commencing the
excavation:
(i) The structure shall be pegged out correctly
(ii) Natural ground levels shall be agreed with Engineer.
c) The engineering calculations shall show lateral earth pressure for the full
excavation depths, forces at various stages of support during installation and
removal and concrete placement, the anticipated equipment loads, surcharge
loads of any description, the maximum design loads to be carried by various
members of the support system and strut preload forces.

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d) If the structure support system proposed includes tieback anchors, the

Contractor's submittal drawings shall show the profile of the soil in which each
anchor is to be installed, the design load for the full depth of the excavation, the
maximum design and proof loads, surcharge loads of any description; equipment
loads, forces at various stages, support during installation and removal, and the
criteria proposed for deformations under proof loads. Where a proposed system
of tie back anchors projects beyond the vertical projection of the Contract limit
lines shown on the Drawings on to the adjoining property, the permission of the
owner shall be obtained in writing and such permission submitted to the Engineer
at the time the shop drawings of the support systems are submitted.
e) At locations where the excavation extends below the ground water table, a
dewatering system shall be provided which will effectively reduce the hydrostatic
pressure and lower the ground water levels below excavation levels, as required
for the safe and proper execution of the work and which will result in obtaining a
stable, dry subgrade for the execution of subsequent operations. The Contractor
shall design dewatering methods and settling basins so that no critical amounts of
soil, sand or silt are removed during either the initial operations or the
construction operations. Complete working drawings showing the type of
dewatering and ground water control system proposed shall be submitted to the
Engineer for his review.
f) The Contractor's submittal drawings shall show the arrangement, location and
depths of the proposed dewatering system if required. A complete description of
the equipment and materials to be used and the procedures to be followed shall
be shown, together with the standby equipment, standby power supply and the
proposed location or locations of points of discharge of water. Any required
dewatering system design shall also include the measures taken to prevent
damage due to settlement of pavement, utilities, sewers, buildings and other
structures outside the excavation but within the area affected by the procedures.
g) The designs of the structure excavation support system and the dewatering
systems specified above shall be prepared by and signed by a Structural
Engineer approved by the Engineer specialising in this type of design work.
Approval of the designs and shop drawings shall not relieve the Contractor of the
adequacy and performance of these temporary works.
h) Pre-Construction Inspection-prior to the beginning of construction, the Contractor

and the Engineer shall make a detailed inspection of all adjacent buildings,
pavements, wells and other structures in order to determine its pre-construction
condition and the Contractor shall prepare, for the Engineer's approval, a typed
Inspection Report of the findings.
i) The Report shall include photographs, drawings and sketches with levels and
dimensions illustrating the structures condition, noting in particular any existing
damage or structural inadequacy. Deficiencies and damage shall be suitably
marked on the structure such that it is not permanently defaced.
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j) Three copies of the Report shall be submitted for the approval of the Engineer.
Once approved, five additional copies shall be supplied to the Engineer.
k) The Contractor shall notify the Engineer sufficiently in advance of the beginning of
any excavation so that cross-sectional elevations and measurements may be
taken of the undisturbed ground. The natural ground adjacent to the structure
shall not be disturbed without the permission of the Engineer.
l) Trenches or foundation pits for structures or structure footings shall be excavated

to the lines and grades or elevations shown on the drawings, or as ordered by the
Engineer. They shall be of sufficient size to permit the placing of structures or
structure footings of the full width and length shown. The elevations of the
bottoms of footings, as shown on the Drawing shall be considered as approximate
only and the Engineer may order, in writing, such changes in dimensions of
elevations of footings as may be deemed necessary, to ensure a satisfactory
foundation.
m) Unless otherwise provided for in the Drawings or Contract Documents or directed

by the Engineer structural excavation shall be carried out for a width of at least
500mm beyond the horizontal outside limits of the foundation, footing, box culvert
or structural member to which the excavation relates. Concrete blinding or sub-
foundations are not to be considered as structure for the purpose of defining such
excavation.
n) If during the progress of the work, loose or improperly compacted soil is

encountered below the structural foundation levels, or adjacent thereto, which is
the result of prior removal of utilities or structures, such material shall be
completely removed within the limits as directed by the Engineer, backfilled with
suitable material and it should be not less than 95% of the maximum dry density
as determined by BS 1377 Part 4:1990 (method 3.5 or 3.6). Any previous
excavations encountered which would in the opinion of the Engineer be
detrimental to load distribution of new foundations to the under laying soil, shall
be excavated and backfilled with Class C 25/20 concrete.
o) After each excavation is completed, the Contractor shall notify the Engineer, for
approval of the depth of excavation and the character of the material, prior to
further structural works. Any over excavation shall be backfilled with Class C
25/20 concrete at the Contractors expense.
p) In-situ plate bearing test shall be carried out in all formation level of each major
RCC structure is accordance with BS 5930 : CL 31 or ASTM D1194/D1196 test
methods and should satisfy that the safe bearing capability of the foundation soil.
q) All rock or other hard foundation material shall be cleaned of all loose material
and cut to a firm surface, either level, stepped, or serrated as directed by the
Engineer. All seams or crevices shall be cleaned and grouted. All loose and
disintegrated rock and thin strata shall be removed.

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r) When the footing is to rest on material other than rock, excavation to final grade
shall not be made until just before the footing is to be placed and special care
shall be taken not to disturb the excavation. When the foundation material is soft
or otherwise unsuitable as determined by the Engineer, the Contractor shall
remove the unsuitable material and backfill with approved granular material. This
foundation fill shall be placed and compacted in 150mm layers up to the
foundation elevation and compacted to not less than 95% of the maximum dry
density as determined by BS 1377 Part 4 : 1990 (method 3.5 or 3.6).
s) The placing of concrete shall follow as closely as practicable the structural

excavation.
t) Control of Ground Water- Prior to the commencement of construction at any

particular location, the Contractor shall install and maintain a system of
standpipes and other devices to monitor ground water level in any area which in
the opinion of the Engineer is likely to be affected by the dewatering. The number,
location and depth of all standpipes shall be to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
(i) The Contractor shall check ground water levels at weekly or where
instructed by the Engineer, more frequent intervals and submit within 24
hours written reports to the Engineer in a form to be agreed.
(ii) In the case of uncontrolled flow of water into any excavation, the Engineer
reserves the right to order an immediate cessation of work and to order the
Contractor to take immediate action to control the inflow of water. Such
actions and remedial works shall be to the Engineer's approval.
u) Notification of Damage - The Contractor shall notify the Engineer immediately of

any movement or any damage not noted in the pre-construction report, to any
structure. The Contractor shall immediately cease his construction operations in
the vicinity and shall take immediate action to prevent further movement or
damage. The Contractor shall keep the Engineer fully informed of all such action.
v) Remedial and Preventive Works - Should remedial works be necessary due to

damage caused to the structure or should the Engineer direct the contractor to
carry out any works necessary to prevent damage to the structure due to the
Contractor's construction works, the Contractor will present, without delay,
detailed drawings and specifications, as necessary, showing his proposed
remedial or preventive works for the Engineer's approval.
In either case the Contractor will suspend all construction activities in the vicinity
of the structure until such time as the remedial or preventive works are carried out
to the Engineer's satisfaction at the Contractor's expense.
w) Post Construction Inspection - On completion of, but prior to final acceptance of

the works, the Contractor and the Engineer shall re-examine the structure to
determine any change from the original conditions. The Contractor shall supply to
the Engineer for approval five copies of a report describing measures he
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Dubai Municipality
proposes to take to correct any damage which resulted from the construction of
the works. The approved corrective measures shall be carried out by the
Contractor at his expense, to the Engineer's satisfaction before final acceptance
of the works.
x) Utilisation of Excavated Materials - All excavated material determined as suitable

by the Engineer, shall be utilised as backfill or roadway fill. The surplus material,
shall be disposed of as specified in sub-section 2/7 para 2. Excavated material
shall not be deposited, at any time, so as to endanger the partly finished structure
or cause an obstruction of any kind. All unsuitable material shall be disposed of to
approved tips.
y) Backfill - Excavated areas around structures shall be backfilled with excavated

materials or imported granular material approved by the Engineer. Backfill
materials shall be placed in horizontal layers not exceeding 150mm in depth after
compaction to not less than 95% of the maximum dry density as determined by
BS 1377 Part 4: 1990 (Method 3.5 or 3.6). The field density shall be determined
by BS 1377 1990 Part 9: 1990: 1990 (Method 2.1 or 2.2). Each layer of material
shall be moistened or dried as required to enable thorough compaction as
specified. Backfill shall be placed to the original ground level or as indicated on
the drawings.
z) Backfill or embankment shall not be placed behind the walls of concrete

structures or rigid frame structures until the top slab is placed and cured. Backfill
and embankment behind abutments when held at the top of the superstructure
shall be carried up simultaneously behind opposite abutments. Backfill shall be
carried up equally on either side of box culverts.
For frequency of testing of backfill material refer to sub-section 2/18.
2.21 PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND LAND DRAINAGE RECORDS
2.21.1 Activities prior to excavation starting
a) Before an excavation is started:
(i) Ground levels shall be agreed at suitable intervals with the Engineer's
Representative.
(ii) Surface materials and conditions will be recorded in collaboration with the
Engineer's Representative and where appropriate the owners or occupiers
of the land.
(iii) The Contractor shall take photographs to illustrate existing damage or

conditions which may prove contentious at the time of reinstatement.
b) 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.
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c) 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.
2.21.2 Setting out
a) 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.
b) The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all verifications from the Dubai
Municipality Survey Section and the Contractor shall bear all associated costs.
2.21.3 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.Subsequent
spreading of topsoil shall be as directed on site.
2.21.4 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.
2.21.5 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.
2.21.6 Support to Excavations
a) The sides and/or the bottom of excavations in excess of 1.2 metres shall be
adequately supported.
b) 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.
c) 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.

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

the pipe bedding and backfilling so as to prevent voids.
e) 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.
f) 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.
g) 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.
h) 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.
i) Timbering steel sheeting strutting and sheet piling for the support of excavations
where provided shall be fixed in accordance with BS 6031.
j) 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.
2.21.7 Dewatering
2.21.7.1 General
a) A high water table is expected on this site and the Contractor must take all
necessary measures to ensure proper dry conditions are maintained at all times
during construction.
b) 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.

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c) 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.
d) All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent any adjacent ground from
being adversely affected by loss of fines through any dewatering process.
e) Method statements shall include proposals for disposal of the water arising from
dewatering systems.
f) 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
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.
g) 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.
h) 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.
i) 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.
j) 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.
k) It cannot be guaranteed that permission will be given to use existing ducts and
pipelines.
l) 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.

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m) 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.
n) 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.
o) All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent any groundwater from

entering mains to be used for the conveyance of potable water.
2.21.7.2 Temporary Under drains
a) Temporary under drains, 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 under drain and its surrounding gravel.
b) Under drains, if used, shall be laid at an approved distance below the bottom of
the normal excavation and with open joints wrapped in geotextile, and entirely
surrounded by graded gravel, or crushed stone to prevent the admission of sand
or other soil into the under drains.
c) The distance between the bottom of the pipe or structure and the top of the bell of
the under drain pipe shall be at least 8 cm. unless otherwise permitted. T
d) he space between the under drain 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.
2.21.7.3 Well Point Drainage System
a) Where the nature of the Works necessitates, the Contractor shall dewater the
excavations by means of an efficient well point drainage system which will drain
the soil and prevent saturated soil from flowing into the excavation.
b) The well points shall be designed especially for this type of service. The pumping
unit shall be designed for use with the well points, and shall be capable of
maintaining a high vacuum and of handling large volumes of air and water at the
same time.
c) If required by the nature of the Works, the installation of the well points, pumps,
surge tanks, settlement tanks, geotextile and other such requirements shall be
done under the supervision of the competent representative of the manufacturer.

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d) The Contractor shall do all special work such as surrounding the well points with
sand or gravel or other work which is necessary for the well point system to
operate for the successful dewatering of the excavations.
e) Material to be used in the well point system is to be corrosion resistant where

possible.
2.21.7.4 Submittal and approval of dewatering activities
a) Submit working drawings and data for review and acceptance showing the
intended plan for dewatering operations, where deemed necessary by the
Engineer.
b) Include details of locations and capacities of dewatering wells, well points, pumps,
sumps, collection and discharge lines, standby units, water disposal methods,
monitoring and settlement.
c) Submit these entire not more than 30 days prior to start of dewatering operations.
d) Draw the static water level down to a minimum of 300mm below the bottom of the
excavation so as to maintain the undisturbed state of the foundation soils and to
allow for the placement of any fill or backfill to the required density.
e) Install and operate the dewatering system so that the groundwater level outside
the excavation is not reduced to the extent that would damage or endanger
adjacent roads, structures or property.
f) Establish at several site locations, approved by the Engineer, groundwater level

monitoring stations, e.g. open tube piezometers which can be observed during
the work. Also, provide settlement gauges as directed, accepted and designated
by the Engineer at several locations to monitor the settlement of new and existing
facilities.
g) Perform dewatering so that no flow of water occurs along the pipe zone material.
Use where applicable cut-off walls or other agreed methods to reduce the
potential groundwater flow along pipe trenches. Submit to the Engineer for his
approval details of the proposed method of working and temporary works
installations to achieve this
h) Perform the restoration of groundwater to its original static level so as to maintain

the undisturbed state of the natural foundation soils, prevent disturbance of
compacted fill or backfill and prevent flotation or movement of structures,
pipelines and sewers.
i) Do not remove any dewatering systems without the Engineer’s acceptance.

Maintain monitoring and settlement measurement systems in operation until
removal is accepted by the Engineer. Where necessary, maintain these until final
compaction is completed. Well points and like items may be abandoned to the
extent accepted by the Engineer.
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Dubai Municipality
2.21.8 Formation
a) Damage to the formation shall be prevented by bottoming up with hand

excavation immediately before placing concrete or pipe laying. Any damaged
formation shall be excavated and refilled with concrete or selected material as
instructed.
b) The formation of excavations for pipelines shall be dry, even and free of stones
and other protrusions.
c) No permanent works of any kind shall be constructed on an excavated surface

until the formation has been approved by the Engineer’s Representative.
2.21.9 Excavation at or near roads
2.21.9.1 Safety
a) 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 (in accordance with the requirements
of the Roads & Transport Authority and Dubai Traffic Police).
b) All materials, stockpiles and equipment shall be placed in such a way that no
obstruction or interference to traffic is made and that these are enclosed by
fences or barricades and protected by lights.
c) 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.
2.21.9.2 Description
a) 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 coffer damming, pumping, and draining, and shall render the bottom of the
excavations firm and dry and acceptable in all respects.
b) In no case, except with the approval of the Engineer, shall the earth be ploughed,
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.

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Dubai Municipality
2.21.9.3 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.
2.21.9.4 Separation of Surface Materials
a) 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.
b) 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.
2.21.9.5 Sheeting and Bracing
a) In addition to the general requirements of Clause 2.21.6 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 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.
b) 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.
2.21.9.6 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.
2.21.9.7 Road Signs
a) All existing road signs, street name plates and the like affected by the Works are
to be carefully taken down and stored.

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Dubai Municipality
b) Signs to be re-erected shall be cleaned, provided with new fixings where

necessary and the posts repainted as required.
c) Redundant signs shall be transported to the stores or depots of relevant

Authorities.
d) 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.
2.21.10 Surface condition of excavated area
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) 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.
d) The placing of concrete shall follow as closely as practicable the structural

excavation.
2.22 PIPELINE TRENCH AND THE RELATED STRUCTURES EXCAVATION
2.22.1 Excavation for Pipelines
a) Trenches for pipes shall be excavated to a sufficient depth and width to enable
the pipe and any specified or agreed joint, bedding, haunching and surrounding to
be accommodated. Trenches shall be of width as specified and as shown on the
drawing.
b) 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 metre below grade and replaced with special backfill.
2.22.2 Excavation for Cables/Ducts
a) The Contractor in carrying out excavation for cables/ducts shall, where required,
erect and maintain an approved type of temporary yellow plastic safety fencing
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Dubai Municipality
around any work and shall provide fenced access ways across the trenches, for
public access to DM Health & Safety requirements.
b) 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.
c) 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.
d) 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.
2.22.3 Excavated Material for Pipe Trench
a) 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.
b) All excavated material from the pipe trench shall be deposited so that it will cause
as little damage and inconvenience as possible.
c) Excavated material for use as backfill in trenches shall be as approved. Different

classes of material shall be handled and deposited separately.
d) The excavated material, if found unsuitable as trench backfill, shall be removed

from site and shall be replaced with suitable imported backfill to the approval of
the Engineer.
2.22.4 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 25/20 concrete or special backfill in accordance with clause 3/8
Section of pavement construction under road specifications( refer Appendix).

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Dubai Municipality
2.22.5 Disposal of Material
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) 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:
(i) 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.
(ii) Certain separate areas will be designated for the disposal of hard debris
such as building rubble, broken concrete, kerbing, road pavement and the
like. The Contractor shall use only these designated areas and shall keep
these disposal areas neat and tidy at all times.
2.22.6 Cofferdams
a) Suitable and practically watertight cofferdams shall be used wherever water

bearing strata are encountered above the elevation of the bottom of the
excavation.
b) 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.
c) No timber or bracing which will extend into the concrete shall be left in cofferdams
or cribs.
d) 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.

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Dubai Municipality
e) Cofferdams or cribs, including all sheeting and bracing, shall be removed by the
Contractor after the completion of the substructure. This removal work shall be
carried out in such a manner as not to disturb or mar the concrete.
2.22.7 Backfilling Pipe Trench Excavations and the Related Structures
2.22.7.1 General
a) Backfilling around structures and in pipe trenches shall be carried out as detailed
below except where otherwise designated/directed.
b) The Contractor shall backfill all excavations in an expeditious manner to minimize

disruption to the general public.
c) 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.
d) Special backfill shall be used where designated or directed.
e) 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.
f) The following test shall be carried out :
Table 2.22-7: Backfill tests

Parameter Standard Limit value
Acid soluble chloride BS 1377: P3 1990 M7.3 2% max
Acid soluble sulphate BS 1377: P3 1990 M5.5 2% max
Organic matter contents BS 1377: P3 1990 M3 2%max
Carbonate contents BS 1377: P3 1990 M6.3 30 to 40%

AMD 9028:1996
2.22.7.2 Selected Backfill for back filling trench excavation and the related structures
a) 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.
b) Backfilling with selected material shall be carried out as defined below.
(i) Degree of Compaction Requirements:

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Dubai Municipality
In-situ density shall not be less than 95% of the maximum dry density for
depths less than 1.5 m from original ground level or finished formation level.
In-situ density shall not be less than 90% of the maximum dry density for
depths greater than 1.5 m from original ground level or finished formation
level.
(ii) 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 Insitu dry density is not less than 90% or 95% of the maximum
dry density of the soil as determined by BS 1377:Part 4:Test 3.5, as
required.
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 250 mm, provided the plant
utilised is that used for the trials.
The placement moisture of the soil shall be within the range 2% above to
2% below OMC of the soil.
(iii) Determination of moisture content of Soil – Calcium Carbide (Speedy)

Method:
The moisture content of soil may be determined in the field by the calcium
carbide gas pressure test method (Speedy) in accordance with ASTM
D4944. All calibration and testing shall be carried out by DM-DCL or a
suitably accredited laboratory in accordance with DM Administrative
Decision No. 160 for 2000.
(iv) 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 in situ dry density is not less than 90% or 95% of the maximum
dry density as determined by BS 1377:Part 4:Test 3.5 or 3.6 on the same
soil, as required.
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 250 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 ±1.5% of the optimum
moisture content.

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Dubai Municipality
(v) Testing of Pipe Trench Backfill and the related structures (MH’s , IC’s ,
PSTs etc..)
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. 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.
or
(3) Three field density tests for each 900 m² or less.
(vi) 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.
Immediately after completion of in-situ-density tests, summary sheets, in an

approved format, are to be updated and original test results submitted.
2.22.7.3 Special Backfill
a) The material used for special backfill shall be obtained from designated and
approved sources.
b) Special backfill complying with the properties of Aggregate Road base Material
specified in Clause 3/8 of Section 3 pavement construction of the
Specifications(refer appendix) 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.
c) The materials shall be placed in layers of not more than 20 centimetres 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
per cent of the maximum dry density as determined by BS 1377:Part 4:Test 3.6.

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Dubai Municipality
The field density test shall be carried out in accordance with BS 1377:Part 9:Test
2.2, as required.
d) Water shall be added to the material, by pre-wetting or by applying uniformly to

each layer, when required for compaction, but only of sufficient quantity to ensure
proper compaction.
e) The layers of material placed around structures shall be placed on opposite sides
to approximately the same elevation at the same time.
f) 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.
g) 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.
2.22.8 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.
2.22.9 Backfilling of Trenches for Cables/Ducts
a) 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.
b) The remainder of the trench shall then be refilled in compacted layers not
exceeding 200 mm 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.
c) 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.
d) 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.

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Dubai Municipality
e) 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.
2.22.10 Reference Standards
a) Modified AASHTO T180 - Moisture Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54 kg

Rammer and a 457 mm Drop.
b) ASTM D698 Test Methods for Moisture Density Relations of Soils and Soil
Aggregate Mixtures, Using 2.49 Kg Rammer and 304.8 mm Drop.
c) ASTM D1556 Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Sand Cone
Method.
d) ASTM D1557 Test Methods for Moisture Density Relations of Soils and Soil
Aggregate Mixtures Using 4.54 Kg Rammer and 457 mm Drop.
e) ASTM D2167 - Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the
Rubber Balloon Method.
f) ASTM D2487 - Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes.
g) ASTM D2922 - Test Methods for Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate in Place by
Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth).
h) ASTM D3017 - Test Method for Moisture Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate in
Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth).
i) ASTM D4944
j) BS1377 – Part 1 to Part 9 Methods of Test for Soils for Civil Engineering
Purposes.
k) Dubai Municipality Specification for Backfilling of Trenches and Excavations in

Asphaltic Roads, Tiled/Paved Parking and Roads.
l) BS 6031:1981 - Code of Practice for Earthworks.
2.23 PROTECTION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND REINSTATEMENT
2.23.1 General
a) 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.
b) The Contractor shall make all arrangements for protecting existing services and
for temporarily diverting them to maintain the services without interruption.
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Dubai Municipality
c) 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.
d) The Contractor shall lay cables, fittings, specials, etc., under hedges, fences,
walls, etc., as necessary.
e) 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.
f) 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.
g) 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.
2.23.2 Reinstatement of Unpaved Land
a) 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.
b) The compacted backfill shall be taken up to a level which allows for settlement. In
arable, grassed and similar areas the surface to be top soiled 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.
c) 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.
d) As an alternative to seeding the 'dibbing in' at 200 mm centres of 'Bugunda' or

similar tropical grass tufts may be required.
e) 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.

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Dubai Municipality
2.23.3 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:
(5) Estate roads: single carriageway
(6) Main access: single/dual carriageway
(7) Primary distributors
(8) 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.
2.23.4 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.
2.23.5 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 Dubai

Municipality’s requirements.
2.24 PROTECTION TO EMBANKMENT SLOPE
This work shall be carried out as specified in CL 5/27, Section of ancillary works
under road specifications ( refer Appendix).

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Dubai Municipality
2.25 CEMENT-STABILISED AGGREGATE CAPPING LAYER
This work shall be carried out as specified in CL 5/44, Section of ancillary works
under road specifications ( Refer Appendix).
2.26 BACKFILLING AROUND STRUCTURES
2.26.1 Definition
Principal work in this sub-section includes backfilling around tanks, building

structures, footings or other minor structures.
2.26.2 Backfill
a) All structural backfills shall have uniform moisture content within the range of ±2%
of optimum moisture content (OMC) recorded in the compaction test.
b) Equipment for placing of backfill shall produce the specified compaction, type and
capacities as required and approved by the Engineer.
c) All working areas shall be protected from damage by water.
d) Site drainage shall be maintained at all times
e) Heavy equipment shall not be operated within 1m of any structure
f) Vibration rollers shall not be used within 1.5 m of any structure
g) Vibration rollers weighing in excess of 4 tonnes (gross) shall not be used within
the project work premises.
2.26.3 Backfill Materials
2.26.3.1 Structural Backfill
a) Selected from locally excavated material or imported borrow material shall

conform to the requirements specified.
b) Shall consist of uniform readily compactible material
c) Free from vegetable matter, building rubbish and frozen material, or materials
susceptible to spontaneous combustion.
d) To be free from plastic fines and weakly cemented lumps of sand.
2.26.3.2 Water
Water used for compacting fill or for washing crushed stone shall be clean and free
from oil, grease, organic matter, suspended fine sediment and other deleterious
substances.

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Dubai Municipality
2.26.4 Control of Water
All excavation and construction of structures and backfill shall be carried out in the
dry as described in Section “Earth-works and Site Preparation”.
2.26.5 Inspection by Engineer
As specified in Clause 2/8.6
2.26.6 Backfilling - Placement
a) Earth backfill shall not be placed until the required excavation and foundation
preparation have been completed and the foundation and / or structure to be
backfilled has been inspected and approved by the Engineer.
b) Backfill shall be placed in approximately horizontal layers of thickness that can be

uniformly compacted by the equipment used but of maximum 200 mm loose
thickness.
c) Hand compacted backfill, including backfill compacted by manually directed

power tampers, shall be of maximum 100 mm loose thickness.
d) Backfill adjacent to structures shall be placed in a manner which will prevent

damage to the structures and will allow structures to assume the loads from the
backfill gradually and uniformly.
e) Height of the backfill adjacent to a structure shall be increased at approximately

the same rate on all sides of the structure.
2.26.7 Backfilling - Compaction
Unless otherwise shown on the drawings, backfill shall be compacted using the
minimum 8 passes with a roller to not less than 95% of MDD.

2016

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DUBAI MUNICIPALITY

DRIANAGE AND IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT

SITE CLEARANCE AND EARTHWORKS

DM/DNID Section 2 Site Clearance and Earthworks Rev 00 June

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

Revision No. Date Revision Description

DM/DNID Section 2 Site Clearance and Earthworks Rev 00 June Page i of iv

2.1 SITE CLEARANCE – DESCRIPTION ................................................................................ 1

2.7.1 Disposal of Surplus Material ................................................................................. 3

2.8 EARTHWORKS AND SITE PREPARATION ..................................................................... 3

2.8.1 General ................................................................................................................. 3

2.9 CLASSIFICATION OF EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL ................................................. 11

2.9.1 General Classification ......................................................................................... 11

2.10 EXCAVATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................... 13

2.12.1 Top Soil ............................................................................................................... 15

DM/DNID Section 2 Site Clearance and Earthworks Rev 00 June Page ii of iv

2.13 MAIN PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR EARTHWORKS CONSTRUCTION ................... 17

2.13.1 General ............................................................................................................... 17

2.14 EMBANKMENT CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................. 21

2.14.1 General ............................................................................................................... 21

2.15 PLACING AND COMPACTION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................... 25

2.17.1 General ............................................................................................................... 26

2.18 MINIMUM TEST REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................. 27

2.18.1 Embankment and Filling Works .......................................................................... 27

2.19 STABILISING CRUSHED MATERIAL............................................................................. 29

2.21.1 Activities prior to excavation starting .................................................................. 35

2.22 PIPELINE TRENCH AND THE RELATED STRUCTURES EXCAVATION .................... 43

2.22.1 Excavation for Pipelines ..................................................................................... 43

2.23 PROTECTION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND REINSTATEMENT ............................... 50

2.23.1 General ............................................................................................................... 50

2.24 PROTECTION TO EMBANKMENT SLOPE .................................................................... 52

2.26.1 Definition ............................................................................................................. 53

DM/DNID Section 2 Site Clearance and Earthworks Rev 00 June Page iv of iv

2 SITE CLEARANCE AND EARTHWORKS

Clearing shall be performed wherever necessary in preparation of the performance of

2.2 SURVEY BEFORE COMMENCEMENT

2.3 DEMOLITION REQUIREMENTS

and compacted in accordance with the relevant Specifications up to sub-grade

2.4 GENERAL SITE CLEARANCE

c) The Engineer's approval of any removal of trees and undergrowth must be

2.5 PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY NOT TO BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS

b) Existing highways, improvements, facilities, adjacent property, services, and trees

2.6 ROAD SIGNS

b) Signs to be re-erected shall be cleaned, provided with new fixings where

c) Redundant signs shall be transported to the stores or depots of relevant

DM/DNID Section 2 Site Clearance and Earthworks Rev 00 June Page 2 of 54

2.7 DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL

2.7.1 Disposal of Surplus Material

2.7.2 Disposal of Historical Artifacts

c) Use his best endeavours not to disturb or damage the object;

2.8 EARTHWORKS AND SITE PREPARATION

d) Excavated materials meeting the requirement of fill materials shall be conserved

DM/DNID Section 2 Site Clearance and Earthworks Rev 00 June Page 3 of 54

e) Suitability of all excavation materials for specific purposes shall be determined by

f) Contractor shall not waste or otherwise dispose of suitable excavated materials.

(i) Excavation of all materials of whatever nature encountered

(ii) Handling, hauling and compaction of required fill materials

(iii) Disposal of all excess excavated material

(iv) Shoring and protection work