Erathworks PIARC Parte 1

www.piarc.
org
2021R01EN
EARTHWORKS MANUAL
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF EARTH-STRUCTURES
PART 1 - GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 4.4 “EARTHWORKS AND UNPAVED ROADS”
FRENCH PIARC MIRROR COMMITTEE 8 “EARTHWORKS”
EARTHWORKS MANUAL 2021R01EN
PART 1 – GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
ABOUT PIARC
The World Road Association (PIARC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 1909 to improve international
cooperation and to encourage progress in roads and road transport.
The study, which is the subject of this Manual, was defined in the PIARC Strategic Plan 2012-2015 approved
by the Council of the World Road Association, whose members represent the governments of its member
countries. The members of the Technical Committee responsible for this report were chosen by the governments
of these countries for their particular expertise.
The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations or bodies to which they belong.
This report is available on the website of the World Road Association (PIARC): http://www.piarc.org
Copyright World Road Association. All rights reserved.

World Road Association (PIARC)
Arche Sud 5° niveau
92055 La Défense Cedex, France
ISBN: 978-2-84060-637-6
Cover page: A43 Maurienne Highway © GTM Terrassement
EARTHWORKS MANUAL
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF EARTH-STRUCTURES
PART 1 - GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
PART 1 – GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 3
1.1. PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL ................................................................................ 3
1.2. DEFINITION OF EARTHWORKS ............................................................................ 3
1.3. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 4
2. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................. 5

2.1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICITIES OF EARTHWORKS ....................................................... 5
2.2. ECONOMIC ASPECTS......................................................................................... 5
2.3. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS ............................................................................... 9
2.4. EARTHWORKS STRATEGY ............................................................................... 11
2.5. RISK AND HAZARD MANAGEMENT .................................................................... 12
3. DESIGN / EARTHWORKS PROJECT ........................................................13

3.1. DESIGN OF THE OVERALL INFRASTRUCTURE ..................................................... 13
3.2. FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED.......................................................................... 13
3.3. EARTHWORKS AND EARTH-DESIGN DESIGN ....................................................... 13
3.4. THE EARTHWORKS PROJECT ........................................................................... 15
3.5. EARTHWORKS STUDIES ................................................................................... 15
3.6. DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 16
3.7. THE EARTHWORKS PROJECT ........................................................................... 16
4. GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES......................................................................23
4.1. GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL STUDIES...................................................... 24
4.2. GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES................................................................................. 24
4.3. CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS....................................................................... 25
5. PREPARATION PERIOD BEFORE WORK ................................................28

5.1. IMPORTANCE OF STUDIES AND PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS ...................................... 28
5.2. STUDIES TO BE CARRIED OUT .......................................................................... 28
5.3. IMPLEMENTATION DOCUMENTS TO BE DEVELOPED ............................................ 28
6. EXECUTION ..........................................................................................28
6.1. PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS ............................................................................. 29
6.2. METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION ....................................................................... 29

6.3. THE ADEQUACY OF EARTHWORKS EQUIPMENT .................................................. 29
6.4. REALIZATION TECHNIQUES .............................................................................. 33
7. CONTROLS ON THE EXECUTION OF THE WORK .................................... 35

7.1. GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................. 35
7.2. ORGANISATION OF CONTROLS ......................................................................... 35
7.3. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL ................................................................ 36
7.4. CONTROLS AND MEANS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
LINKED TO THE EXECUTION OF THE EARTHWORKS ...................................................... 38
7.5. CONTROLS CARRIED OUT DURING THE EXECUTION OF EARTHWORKS .................. 41

7.6. TEST METHODS .............................................................................................. 42
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS .................................... 42

9. TERMINOLOGY / GLOSSARY ................................................................ 42
1. INTRODUCTION
Part 1 is a condensed document that explains the content of the Earthworks Manual on all the
elements to be known about the Earthworks process and the construction of earth-structures
These elements are more developed in the Part 2 of the Manual.
The Manual cites the sources of the technical references used as a basis for its development. The
references are those of PIARC member countries.
1.1. PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL

It is a collection of rules of the art, good practices, technical standards... to enlighten and sensitize
readers on Earthworks management, at the various stages of the design of earthworks, the project
and the execution of earthworks.
The Manual is a stand-alone technical document that takes into account economic and environ-
mental aspects as well as concepts on adaptation to climate change.
The Manual brings together the technical knowledge shared in the field of earthworks for 25 years
at PIARC.
1.2. DEFINITION OF EARTHWORKS

The term earthworks is used to describe different concepts.
• Significant economic activity in the field of infrastructure and development
• Set of operations / execution process, which includes:
o extraction, loading, transport
o transformation and improvement
o the implementation, stabilization and compaction of natural materials (soil and
rock), secondary or recycled materials in order to obtain stable and durable cuts
and fills.
The work may be carried out underwater.
• Construction of earth-structures
The construction process of the Earthworks produces earth structures: cuts, fills or embankments,
capping layers, meeting stability, deformation, hydraulic or other specifications.
Technical objectives: stability, absence of damaging settlement, ability to withstand natural stresses
(water, frost, weather conditions, deformation of the foundation,...) and the constraints imposed
by civil engineering structures.
European standard reference "Earthworks" Part 1 / General principles and rules (EN
16907-1 § 4)
Principles of earthworks design and execution

General
Earthworks include to excavate, load, transport (movement of fill material), transform/improve,
place, stabilize and compact natural materials (soils, rocks), industrial by-products or recycled
materials in order to obtain stable and durable cuttings or fills, with prescribed properties. These
works may be executed underwater. Earthworks require planning, design, construction and
maintenance. They depend on the properties of the fill materials, the required properties of the
earth-structure and the environmental conditions.
1.3. REFERENCES
Technical documents "PIARC"
• PIARC" technical reports concerning earthworks, drainage, climatic conditions, etc.
• international seminars with which PIARC is associated
External technical documents

References from different countries around the world complete and enrich the content of the
Manual
• technical guides
• normative systems and standards
• technical specifications
• specialized papers
• research, theses,...
• site feed back, test sites, …
The new reference of European countries should be highlighted. The interest lies in recent joint
work carried out on the entire Earthworks activity.
The reference corresponds to the European standardisation project concerning the "Earthworks"
standard, parts 1 to 6 of which were published in 2018.
(See Appendix 1/1 European Standard "Earthworks")
2. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
The general considerations are technical, economic, environmental and strategic and characterize
the specificity of earthworks.
2.1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICITIES OF EARTHWORKS

The execution of earthworks is primarily subject to geotechnical and climatic hazards. Many
parameters and constraints influence the flow of operations:
• variety and heterogeneity of materials (soils) encountered

• extraction and implementation difficulties: loose soils, rocky soils...
• problems linked to materials reuse (treatment, making up...)
• trafficability (flow of machiness)
• climatic conditions,
• water control: drainage, surface water...
• interfaces with other activities (pavements, civil engineering, etc…)
• …
2.2. ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Below we give some indications on the economic importance of earthworks in the construction of
road infrastructure, as well as some representative figures.
Earthworks activity
The Earthworks activity represents 15 to 20% of the overall Civil Engineering activity.
In the field of infrastructure and development, the economic impact of earthworks is very
significant.
Field of major earthworks
The Earthworks activity includes the construction of earthworks for all types of transport
infrastructure and associated facilities:
• Road and motorway infrastructure

• Railway infrastructure including high-speed lines
• Harbor and airport facilities
• Logistics and multimodal platforms
• Waterways including large canals
• Hydraulic and hydroelectric facilities: embanknt dams, dikes,…
Set of pictures 1
The cost of earthworks has a wide range of variation depending on the nature of the road project.
It depends in particular on the topographical configuration of the project, the nature of the
materials...
In the average configuration, for example, the volume of earthworks / linear of highway and
motorway infrastructures (2X2 lanes) may thus vary from:
• 50,000 m3 to 250,000 m3 /km of materials to be moved
• Up to 300,000 to 400,000 m3 in "mountainous" sites
The Earthworks activity is highly mechanized. On average, the material cost (excluding operator)
represents one third of the total cost of earthworks.
The depreciation portion is high due to the investments to be made. For example, the purchase of
machinery constituting the most commonly used "earthworks teams" for major roadworks varies
from about 150,000 to 1,000,000 Euros per machine.
Breakdown of equipment expenses for one hour of equipment operation
Figure 1: Fuel consumption  Average ratio observed: 1 litre of Domestic Oil Fuel per m3 excavated
Economic impact of the Earthworks

The following graph shows the average impact of earthworks on the overall cost of motorway
projects and High Speed Lane projects.
100%
90%
80%
other works
70%
60% pavements
50% structures
40% drainage
30%
earthworks
20%
10%
0%
motorways hsl railways
Figure 2
The potential for improving project costs, induced by earthworks techniques, is therefore high.
Cost optimization is sought at the design stage of the road infrastructure alignment and then at the
design stage of the earthworks themselves.
This optimization is due in particular to innovative solutions for the use of site materials, the
adequacy of the equipment used and the optimization of the work program.
Adequacy of equipment: Main earthmoving teams / Haulage distances
Figure 3
Cost optimization primarily concerns the earthworks part (particularly backfill). It may also concern
the engineering structures and hydraulic structures part (adjacent embankments, access roads,
etc.), possibly the retaining walls (reinforced earth, reinforced earth, etc.), the tunnel parts (reuse
of excavated material, access, tunnel heads, ..).
Complex / Earthworks upper part / Capping layer / Pavement

Optimization is also sought at the pavement platform level (capping layer) in the overall pavement
structure (pavement structure design).
Figure 4: Structural layers of the pavement
Cost reduction is particularly important when this use replaces external borrowing solutions or even
quarry products.
The lever arm is all the more important as it is applied to the lower layers of the pavement structure,
particularly in the earthworks phase.
2.3. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Introduction
Any development project has an impact on the three pillars of sustainable development:: the
environment, the economy and the society.
Earthworks is the stage where the impact will be greatest and where development proposals to
deal with these impacts can be implemented (avoid, compensate, reduce these impacts,...)
Impact assessment is a complex exercise that requires having:
• means of analysing the existing situation before the development project,
• analysis of the project and the supposed impacts,
• analysis of so-called compensatory solutions.
There is no international consensus on these three points. There may even be divergence in analysis
depending on the scales of issue analysis.
The points of vigilance in terms of sustainable development to be applied to earthworks are:
• the fight against climate change and the protection of the atmosphere,
• the preservation of biodiversity, the protection of environments and resources,
• social cohesion and solidarity between territories and between generations,
• development dynamics trespecting sustainable production and consumption patterns.
For each point, elements of project analysis should be provided.
Impacts to consider
The earthworks project must take into consideration the natural elements to be protected and
preserved:
• habitat, heritage, agriculture, forestry, landscape
• underground resources
• water resources (wellfield)
• fauna, flora, water, soil
• archaeology
as well as the sites crossed presenting environmental risks
• polluted sites
• waste products
• classified facilities (technological risk)
• ...
Contribution to sustainable development

In addition to taking into account the elements mentioned above, the main contribution to
sustainable development is the optimization of the reuse of the site's materials, which reduces the
impact of transport:
• reduction in the impact of inputs and transport outside the site (trucks traffic)
• at the same time preservation of natural resources outside the site.
Other contributions are to be highlighted:
• recovery of industrial by-products: fly ash, blast furnace slag, Municipal incinerator
bottom ash1 (excluding fly ash) (MIBA) [1], sludge, etc.
• specific techniques reducing energy: aeration, …
Further improvements are to be sought:
• reduction of energy consumption (through equipment improvements...)
• reduction of water consumption, especially on site tracks and in the use of materials (use
of sprinkler-undercutters, dust fixing products, etc..).
These examples of Earthworks' contributions to sustainable development are cited in the European
standard "Earthworks - 1/Principles and general rules", which recommends that earthworks be
designed in a spirit of sustainability.
[1] Including the treatment of the household waste
Evolution of the consideration of environmental protection in the world

• Protection de l’environnement / Contexte mondial
Reference PIARC Technical Report 2003 "Limits of use of natural soils, specifications and controls
in earthworks"
There is a more and more increasing request in every country to enhance the protection of
environment and of life setting to the detriment of our traditional, technical constraints (cf.:
conclusions of PIARC Congress 1999 in Kuala-Lumpur and especially the C12 ones in magazine Roads
N°305 - January 2000 – pp. 50 to 53). One among the consequences of this request leads to look
for earthmovings very short and, when possible, in the right of way of the road. So it is more and
more unacceptable from an engineer he classes a doubtful soil of a cut as unsuitable to fill an
embankment, sometimes a subgrade, while it could previously be laid in a definitive depository and
possibly compensated by a borrow pit of attractive soils, sometimes far enough from the work
place.
• Need for adaptation to climate change

In the field of earthworks, this objective is becoming a priority. The technical standards applicable
in the countries concerned must be reviewed.
Recent global reference

2015 Paris Climate Conference
The 2015 Paris Climate Conference was held from 30 November to 12 December 2015 at Le Bourget
in France. It was both the 21st Conference of the Parties (hence the name COP21) to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 11th Conference of the
Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP11). Each year, the
participants of this conference meet to decide on the measures to be implemented in order to limit
global warming.
This international summit brought together 195 countries. An international climate agreement,
applicable to all countries, has been validated by all participating countries, setting a target of
limiting global warming to between 1.5°C and 2°C by 2100.
2.4. EARTHWORKS STRATEGY

The Earthworks strategy is essentially based ontwo approaches:
• Optimization of earthmoving:
o reuse of site materials according to their destination, possibly transformed
(aeration, binder treatment, processing, etc.)
o haulage distances
o traffic conditions (site tracks)
o ……
• Optimization of time through work planning:
o appropriate means (equipment, personnel)
o technical solutions and work execution periods according to the sensitivity of the
materials (water, rain and snow, temperatures, freezing)
o ...
These studies are based primarily on the following data:
• geological and geotechnical data

• data used from the design to the implementation stage
• meteorology / weather conditions
• exploitation of meteorological station data
• estimate of the number of foreseeable days of bad weather (rain, frost)
• objectives: optimization of lead times and material reuse
• adaptation to climate change
First steps to consider:

Taking into account the effects of climate change requires all stakeholders in an earthworks site
(administration, contracting authority, Engineer, or contractor) to take measures to reduce water
consumption while the water content of the materials to be reused decreases. Technologies must
therefore adapt to save this resource.
It is the same forearth-structures already in operation, some of whose constituting materials may
change their water state and thus weaken the structure that was not designed with these new
assumptions. A follow-up of the structure, or even its reinforcement, is then necessary.
2.5. RISK AND HAZARD MANAGEMENT

Our approach in this area is purely technical and economic. The legal aspects of contract
management are not addressed.
Earthworks are subject to hazards that generate risks for the project's objectives, risks that can have
repercussions, if they are not controlled or anticipated, on costs, duration and performance.
These risks are linked both to the influence of meteorology and to the existence of hazards related
to the geological and hydrogeological environment.
Main hazards (generally unpredictable at the project stage) may be encountered:

• periods of rain or freezing "outside" foreseeable statistics that may cause flooding,
torrential rainfall or destructuring of earth-structures
• unpredictable geological or geotechnical phenomena that can cause accidents (landslides,
collapses, etc.)
• unknown cavity areas
• …
These risks may result in major economic excesses. The management of these hazards will have to
be based on an optimized study of the resumption of works: sanitation, drainage, modification of
earthmoving and planning, in order to limit the additional cost.
Other technical risks can have repercussions on costs, duration and performance if they are not
controlled or anticipated. They are generally related to recognition methods, project and work
management.
Technical risks encountered:
• insufficient prior investigation
• incomplete or misdirected geotechnical studies
• inadequate work strategy: resources, technical solutions, planning,...
The periods during which the work is carried out are particularly influential on the risks involved
(e.g. earthworks in water-sensitive soils in winter).
The possibilities to face hazards and risks and control their impact require a constant adaptation of
the project and the Earthworks strategy.
3. DESIGN / EARTHWORKS PROJECT

3.1. DESIGN OF THE OVERALL INFRASTRUCTURE
The design of earthworks is part of the design of the overall infrastructure including:
Earthworks, draiange, roadbed and subgrade layers, pavement surfacing for the common part and
various areas and installations, and also usual engineering structures (underpasses or overpasses),
possibly major structures (viaducts), cut and covers, tunnels....
Earth-structures are in interference with all other works or parts of works, which means that they
must be considered at all stages of the construction of the whole infrastructure: design and
construction.
Layout design
First, the influence of Earthworks in the design of the infrastructure (economic choice) is
preponderant in defining the route and longitudinal profile of the infrastructure, which requires
preliminary studies (Comparison of routes taking into account external constraints).
Reference France:
• Preliminary design (1000 m band)
• Basic design (300 m strip) submitted to public inquiry
The economic and environmental choice may also lead to comparisons of technical solutions for
earthworks (high embankments, high earthworks) with structural solutions: viaducts, cut and
covers, tunnels...
These comparisons will require appropriate specific studie.
3.2. FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED

• Technical and economic aspects:
o ground configuration and topography
o geology and geotechnics (stability of structures, nature of materials)
o hydrology: dewatering and drainage (provisional and final)
o climatic conditions (precipitation, temperatures)
• Environmental aspects (see § 2.3)
• External constraints:
o heritage
o residents
o restoration of communications (roads) and facilities (water, gas, electricity,…)
3.3. EARTHWORKS AND EARTH-DESIGN DESIGN

The next phase consists in designing the earth-structures which can be described as elementary:
excavations, embankments, pavement support structures, etc.
(upper platform of the earthworks, capping layer, possibly pavement base layers of treated natural
materials), which make up the whole linear infrastructure.
A distinction must be made between two phases of design.
In the first phase, the design of earth-structures is determined in terms of stability and deformation.
Geotechnical calculation and structural design define the requirements for the properties and
functions of the completed structure (geometry, rigidity, bearing capacity, permeability, etc.).
This phase requires specific and heavy studies.
The monitoring and instrumentation of the works will be ensured during the execution of the
earthworks, or even during the operation of the structure.
In the second phase, the earthworks design defines the construction process to transform the in
situ material (soil or rock) and/or recycled by-products or materials into compacted and durable
backfill with the required properties or stability.
Example practiced in Europe

The design of earthworks is governed by EN 1997 (Eurocode 7) and other related standards with
regard to stability and deformation terms.
The draft "Earthworks" standards governing the works are all based on the assumption that the
constructed earthwork has been properly designed.
European standard reference "Earthworks" Part 1 / General principles and rules (EN 16907-1
§ 4.4)
Relationship between earthworks and earth-structure design

The design of earthworks relates to the selections of fill material properties and specification of
the requirements for the earthworks construction process to ensure that the completed earth-
structure satisfies the geotechnical design.
For earthworks, “designing” means “defining the process” enabling to transform natural in situ
ground (soil or rock) and/or by-products or recycled materials into a well compacted and durable
fill with the required properties, or a stable cut. This decision process includes the characterization
of natural ground and the choice of suitable equipment and rules to plan extraction, transport,
compaction and control of the materials. The products of this design include: technical
specifications, drawings, risk assessment reports, execution plans, time-tables, work-flow schemes,
etc. These conditions may be met by experience-based prescriptions or by performance-based
design.
3.4. THE EARTHWORKS PROJECT

In general, define a project to obtain structures that meet optimal technical, economic and
environmental conditions.
To consider:
• The optimal use of the materials of the site, based in particular on geotechnical studies
that have made it possible to identify and classify these materials for use according to
their nature and condition (in particular water content)
• The possible use of borrow pits opened along the route to compensate for a shortage of
materials that can be used as backfill
• The constructive provisions of the excavated material and embankments to ensure the
stability and durability of the structures
• The drainage and dewatering project is closely linked to the earthworks project.
• consideration and respect of constraints (environment, interfaces, weather conditions,
etc.)
• The resulting masshaul
• The planning of works dealing with the interfaces with other activities: engineering
structures, pavements, drainage, etc., taking into account weather conditions
The earthworks project and the identification of materials make it possible to define the methods
and techniques to be used to re-use the materials.
3.5. EARTHWORKS STUDIES

There are two types of general studies:
• geometric: ground survey, rights-of-way, structures
• geological and geotechnical: re-use of materials
The studies also concern:
• Geotechnical design (stability of elementary structures, backfill foundations, slopes /

settling, consolidation time)
• Platform design (PST, capping layer)
• Drainage and associated dewatering
Reference / Digital development
In the field of infrastructure, the use of a digital model at the design and monitoring stage is
increasingly being used.
Note the development of BIM in a number of countries: USA, Middle East, Scandinavian countries,
Great Britain,... and more recently in other European countries
The digital model

The digital model is a textured synthesis of the various works, previously modelled in 3D.
BIM (Building Information Modelling)
BIM is a process associated with a digital model based on structured data that allows for
collaborative and unique information management.
3.6. DOCUMENTS
• reports and longitudinal geotechnical profiles
• plans of the structures with longitudinal and cross profiles
• remediation and drainage plans
• masshaul
• implementation schedule
3.7. THE EARTHWORKS PROJECT

We mention below the different parts of the works to be considered in various configurations and
the project issue that generally concerns them.
Stripping
stripping of excavated areas
The objective is to extract separately the upper part of the excavated soil from topsoil, which is
generally unsuitable for re-use as backfill and reserved as a priority for subsequent reconstitution
on the structures.
• Nature and thickness to be defined

• Storage in temporary or permanent storage
• Common use in vegetation (embankments, merlons, restoration of agricultural.... land....)
stripping of backfilled areas

The objective is to extract the topsoil part under backfill to obtain a stable base (homogeneous
layer of suitable materials).
• Storage in temporary or permanent deposit

• Common use generally in revegetation of embankments or other types of vegetation
(embankments, merlons, restoration of agricultural lands....)
Cuts
Nature of the excavated material: soil or rock
The issue is to excavate the "elementary structure" cut by considering the following elements in
particular:
• geometry: height - slopes - platform width
• slope stability
• water incoming, drainage and dewatering
• earthworks platform (bottom of the excavation):
o upper part of earthworks, natural or to be improved (treatment, substitution,...)
o particular constraints: karst or cavity zones, swelling materials …
The objective is an optimal re-use of excavated material to meet the quantity and quality
requirements of the project.
Excavated materials are a natural resource for backfill construction. It is necessary to identify the
constituent materials: nature, condition, behaviour...
The excavation method should be adapted to the type of materials encountered and their optimal
re-use.
Special cuts
These are cuts with particular constraints that will require specific studies:
• high-height cuts (generally > 15 m) / specific stability studies

• excavations in aquifers: groundwater level less than 1 m from the subformation level
• removals / substitutions that may occur in the construction of the upper part of
earthworks at the bottom of the excavation or under the foundation of the embankments
Borrow pits
In the case of a shortage of materials on the site, borrowing areas can be sought.
This is excavated material in appropriate areas within the project right-of-way that is not part of
the infrastructure project and is intended to provide additional material suitable for use as backfill.
The location of the borrow pit will be the subject of a special study: widening of an excavation,
agricultural development, even special permit...
Whenever possible, this solution is an economical and environmental alternative to the use of
external materials. However, for many countries it will be necessary to take into account the
regulations in force.
Mixed areas
So-called low height areas
• definition: height between arase and " stripped natural ground" ≤1 m

• nature: "excavation / backfill" passages, mixed profiles
• objective: to ensure the continuity of the bearing capacity at the level of the subformation
• special drainage provisions
Cut-and-fill limit
• Boundary area in the longitudinal profile direction

• Requires special constructive provisions: steps,…
Mixed cross profile areas
• Infrastructure areas on the hillside or mountainside
• Requires special studies and appropriate constructive arrangements
Backfill
The objective is to build the "elementary structure" backfill by considering:
• geometry: height - slopes - platform width
• nature of the materials constituting the backfill (soils, rocks,...)
• nature and condition of the supporting soil
• stability / slopes
• hydrology and hydrogeology of the site
• upper part of the backfill
Backfill support
The first study necessary for the construction of the backfill concerns the supporting soil, its nature
(soil or rock) and its condition in order to design the stability of the backfill, predict possible
settling,...
These studies will lead to specific constructive measures:
• Common sites: limited stripping or removing the supporting soil

• Sites likely to be met:
o on compressible soils (definition - amplitude and duration of settling):
▪ technical solutions to be determined
▪ reinforcement of existing soils by drainage, substitution, inclusions...
▪ pre-loading of backfill
o polluted sites
o karst or cavity areas
Special embankments
• heterogeneous backfill under conditions
• backfills made with very dry materials
• underground cavities
• "encaged" backfill: core, shoulder, earthworks upper part
Miscellenaous configurations
• backfill bases in floodable or wet areas
• high embankments (> 15 m)
• backfill on transverse and longitudinal slopes
• backfill in aquiferous or floodable areas:
o backfill ≤ 1m with water table at natural ground level (flush)
o backfill in water
• backfill at a landfill or polluted site area
• backfill adjacent to engineering structures and hydraulic structures
• widening of existing embankments
• protective earth mound barrier (attached or not)
Various constitutions
• backfill made with heterogeneous materials (sandwiches)....
• backfill made with very dry materials
• zoned embankments: enbedding and core …
16907-1 § 6.2)
Infrastructure fills
The cross-section of infrastructure fills (for highways, railways, waterways, flood defence, dykes or
dams) may be divided into zones, which might commonly include the following zones (see Figure
1), although the project design might identify particular requirements that require additional
subdivision / zones within the fill:
Figure 5: Zones of infrastructure fill: general case

❖ Base (A): Fill zone in direct contact with the existing ground. This zone may be divided into
layers, e.g. for drainage, working platform, impervious protection layer. It may include
replacement of existing foundation ground to some depth or improvement of existing ground
by binders or installation of geosynthetics.
❖ Core (B): Fill zone located between any base layers and the upper zone (where the embankment
is of sufficient height). The core can be protected from water or isolated to limit pollution of
the environment.
❖ Shoulders (Side zones) (C): lateral zones of fills. These zones can have various functions, e.g.:
enable steeper slopes, protect the core, serve as filters, protect from erosion.
❖ Upper zone (D): zone located between the core and the superstructure (pavement, track). This
zone may comprise different layers such as the “upper part of fill”, the “capping layer”, a
“transition layer” to separate rock fill from the upper granular layers, an impermeable layer, or
another layer with a particular function. It does not include the superstructure layers.
Final deposits
• landscaping
• final deposits
Upper part of earthworks / Subformation

• nature: natural or treated or granular materials
• dimensioning linked to the couple upper part of earthworks / capping layer
• performance to be defined: bearing capacity as a function of clay content and water
content
Capping layer
PIARC Reference Technical Report 2003
This reference from the 2003 Technical Report made it possible to harmonize the existing concepts
of the capping layer for different countries.
For this Manual, we recommend to refer to the more complete concept taken into account in the
design of pavement structures, represented in paragraph 2.2.2 in the Figure 4.
Elements to consider for the capping layer include:
• nature: granular or treated materials (in place or in plant)
• dimensioning: class (/ pavement layers), thickness
• the definition: VBS, hardness / degree of frost susceptibility (LA, MDE), bearing capacity or
deflection
Problematic:
• Frost resistant structure
• Granular capping layer
• Capping layers in treated soils
• Participation in the pavement structure
The European standardization project "Earthworks" underlines the interest of the concept of the
capping layer.
We present below an extract from the European standard "Earthworks" which explains the
definition and role of the capping layer. The capping layer concept is important to make the best
use of the project's material resources and to participate in the mechanical and economic design
of the pavement structure.
16907-1)
Definition of the capping layer (§ 3.1.4)
Specific transition layer, part of the upper zone of the fill, placed below the superstructure. The
capping layer is part of the earth structure.
Capping layers (§ 6.4.2)
The intended functions of a capping layer necessitate the use of an appropriate quality of fill
material. The upper surface of the capping layer is the “platform” or formation.
Capping layers are installed to fulfil two series of functions, when needed:
During the construction works (Short-term functions)
• accurately levelling the platform, in order to facilitate the execution of the superstructure;
• offering sufficient stiffness or bearing capacity, despite weather variations, for a correct
execution of compaction of layers or structures above (« anvil » effect);
• protecting the subgrade of the fill or cut, from weather effects;
• assuring good traffic conditions for the equipment needed for building the superstructure;
• eventually, supporting construction traffic for other purposes.
For some types of capping layers, temporary or permanent traffic restrictions may need to be
stipulated.
After the end of construction (Long term functions):

• homogenizing the deformability of the fill or excavation base, as specified by the design of
the superstructure (definition of characteristic and/or minimum values);
• assuring minimum stiffness, which is constant over time, despite fluctuations in moisture
conditions of underlying water sensitive materials, and can be estimated with sufficient
accuracy for the design of the superstructure;
• improving the bearing capacity of the platform to optimize the combined cost of the
“capping layer/superstructure” system;
• offering a thermal protection to fill materials which are sensitive to freeze and thaw or to
frost heave;
• contributing to the drainage of the completed structure.
Depending on the site conditions (soil type, climate, hydrogeological environment, traffic ...), the
capping layer may take different forms. It can be:
• reduced or non-existent when the materials of the embankment or the cutting have the
required properties;
• limited to a single layer of material having the necessary characteristics;
• made of superimposed layers of different materials having different functions, including for
example a geosynthetic, a coarse material layer, a layer of fine adjustment, a gravel coating,
a binder improved soil. Such a combination of individual layers may be designed to form a
capping layer with adequate properties.
•
Water runoff and drainage
Introduction
Earthworks operations modify the grounds and have an immediate impact on groundwater and
surface water flows.
Cases to be considered:
• Restoration of natural flows
• Water runoff: surface water
• Preliminary works
• Water runoff during the construction phase
• In service water runoff
In countries concerned to preserve water resources and their good ecological status,
specific measures are studied and planned to compensate for the impacts on surface
runoff and prevent possible pollution.
These systems are generally temporary or permanent and correspond to wastewater
treatment facilities. This category includes works to restore surface runoff, works to
manage runoff on excavated surfaces, and works to treat pollution during the
construction phase.
• Drainage: internal water
In addition to the water runoff structures, a distinction must be made between works and
structures dedicated to groundwater management. The presence of groundwater
requires special measures to ensure the stability of the earth structures, optimize the re-
use of materials in excavation, and ensure the long-term mechanical performance of the
structures. These are drainage systems, which may be either temporary or permanent.
Drainage water is generally clear water that can be discharged into the natural
environment.
Objectives
• Different stages: provisory (before and during the work) and final
• Capture water to improve soil characteristics for re-use as backfill and to maintain the
characteristics of the earth structures.
4. GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES
Objectives
Geotechnical studies are carried out, in whole or in part, at the various stages of the project's
evolution:
• preliminary project
• design
• preparation period before the works are carried out
Geotechnical studies are of crucial importance for the success of the project. They must make it
possible to control:
• the re-use of materials
• the stability of the enginering structures
• the design of road structures
• on the other hand, to ensure the stability of the earth-structures
Different stages of studies

• geological and hydrological studies
• geotechnical studies
Documents
• geological maps
• boreholes and geotechnical test logs
• geotechnical reports and studies
• geotechnical long profile
4.1. GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL STUDIES

Existing geological data generally provide indications of the formations encountered at the project
site and a first approach to the nature of the materials to be excavated and the risks that may arise.
The geological approach to the nature of the materials to be excavated is particularly important for
rocks in order to determine extraction methods: high power shovel, ripping, HRB (Hydraulic Rock
Breaker ) equipment, mining, sorting...
The analysis of natural geological and hydrological risks will include the following:
• flood or submersible areas,
• seismic zones,
• slope stability,
• natural or anthropogenic cavities,
• risk materials: swelling/shrinkage, erodibility, liquefaction, collapse, with disruptive
elements (sulphates, organic matter,…)
It is also necessary to take into account the risks related to climatic conditions. This analysis will
most often require specific studies:
• Physico-chemical analyses useful in particular for detecting the content of penalizing
elements
• Laboratory tests: material identification, formulation and processability studies
4.2. GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES

As mentioned above, the main purpose of geotechnical studies is to identify materials in order to
determine their reusability opportunities in the project.
Studies on the re-use of materials

They are based on the results of the following main operations:
• drilling: shovel, auger, core drilling
• laboratory tests: identification, treatment study
• in situ tests: test section (or site test), if justified by technical interest
Material identification
The identification of materials makes it possible to predict which materials are suitable for use
under certain conditions depending on their nature, state and foreseeable behaviour and final
destination in the structure, with reference either to a material classification (see paragraph 4.3) or
to specific tests.
The earthworks project and the identification of materials make it possible to define the methods
and techniques to be applied to use the materials.
Stability studies: cuts, backfills, backfill foundations

Main tests:
• core drilling
• penetrometer
• pressure meter
• laboratory tests: triaxial, oedometer, shear
• geophysical tests
Execution studies
• Taking into account the final data of the project
• Implementation plans and possible calculation notes
4.3. CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS

From the identification it makes it possible to predict the conditions of use of the materials for
different destinations (backfill bodies or capping layers for example), according to their nature,
state and behaviour.
The classification must allow the materials studied to be integrated into a family with similar
behaviours.
See PIARC reference at the end of this paragraph and in general the booklet “2A / Materials” of the
Earthworks Manual which deals with materials.
Classification of natural materials:

Two main groups are considered:
• Soils Group
Soils are generally divided into classes:
o Fine soils
o Sandy and gravelly soils with fine
o Soils containing fines and large elements
o Soils insensitive to water.
• Rock Materials Group
The classification of rock materials is mainly based on geology.
The use of materials requires special approaches:

• Case of materials suitable according to specifications
• Case of materials at the limit of specifications: marginal materials
o Evolutionary, degradable, fragmentable materials
o Materials with special compounds
o Very wet materials
o Very dry materials

o Very clayey materials
o Poorly structured homometric materials (sand, dredging sand, dune sand)
• Special case of lateritic materials
Materials encountered in majority in many countries around the world.
Alternative materials
These include "artificial" or recycled materials that can be used in road technique, mainly near
production or storage sites.
At the same time, this use makes it possible to eliminate waste.
We present a list of these materials inventoried around the world and on which we come back for
more information in the booklet “2A / Materials” of the Manual.
Industrial by-products / thermal and chemical processes
• blast furnace slags
• steel slags
• fly ash
• slag, steel slag
• foundry sands
• phosphogypsum
• titanogypsum
• bottom ash from household waste incineration: Municipal incinerator bottom ash1 -
excluding fly ash- (MIBA)
Mining by-products
• coal shales
• potash mine shales
Demolition products
• concrete and other building demolition materials

• concrete from road demolition
• bituminous pavement demolition materials
Natural materials containing organic materials
Miscellaneous materials out of specification
• mine and quarry wastes

• sewage sludge
• dredging sediments
• paper mill waste
• potash
• …
Residues from various sources
• Tires
• Glasses
• Plastics
• …
Other special materials

Topsoil
Polluted soils
Concerning the classification of materials, the 2003 Technical Report "Limits of use of natural soils,
specifications and controls in earthworks" had identified three types of soil classification.
Reference - Technical Report PIARC 2003 / Types of used classifications

It appears possible to distinguish three types of soils classification:
A: general classification of soils which is not connected directly to specifications of employment,
but rather with privileged fields of application with concerning the classes of soil likely to generate
difficulties, even whose employment is disadvised.
They are generally the classifications of soils derived rather directly from classification USCS or HRB.
In this case, one can quote the example of Germany and Switzerland. With these classifications, it
returns to the engineering and design department charged to draw up the project to define the
soils which will be employable for this project and which condition. So the specification is not
generalizable with all the projects, but has to be thus adapted to each particular project under the
responsibility of the geotechnician engineer.
B: classification of all the soils suitable to be met and connected directly to a grid of the possible re-
employment as fill or capping layer possibly supplied with particular methods of implementation
to make the soils acceptable as fill or capping layer. It is in particular the case of the classifications
of soils used by France and Portugal.
These classifications are specialised for the field of the earthworks and it frequently happens that
in the same country, one has a classification of different reference according to specific problems
(for example in France for the soil mechanics or the management of resources materials).
C: a third type of classification appears to be that developed by England which starts from
categories of employment (for example soils usable as fill, soils usable as fill close to a bridge ...) to
define the characteristics that the soils must have. This type of classification opposites the
reasoning which is not any more "what use can one makes with this soil?", but rather "for a
determined need, what are the characteristics of the acceptable soils". So, this classification
constitutes a specification for the contracts and is integrated besides in the Specification for
Highway Works (SHW) in series 600 (earthwork). As in classifications of the type B, this classification
is obviously dedicated to the projects of earthwork and there is another used in soil mechanics.
5. PREPARATION PERIOD BEFORE WORK

5.1. IMPORTANCE OF STUDIES AND PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS
They are made in addition to those carried out at the design stage to validate and specify the data
of the preliminary project.
• Importance of specific preliminary studies to define the methods and techniques to be

applied to use the materials
• Adapted geotechnical and geological surveys
• Important physico-chemical analyses, particularly to detect the content of penalizing
elements
• Laboratory tests: material identification, formulation and suitability to treatment studies
• In situ tests, test sections, or even test site where the pay back of its cost can be done.
5.2. STUDIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Use of data from Market documents
Additional geotechnical studies
• Surveys and tests
• Reports
o conditions for the re-use of materials
o binder treatment studies
o stability studies
o geotechnical longitudinal profile
5.3. IMPLEMENTATION DOCUMENTS TO BE DEVELOPED

• Masshaul
• Work schedule
• Plans: longitudinal and cross profiles
• Work statements (for each task): technique, methods and means of execution
6. EXECUTION
In this paragraph we present the list of operations, methods and techniques to be considered in
earthworks and the construction of earths-tructures.
Refer to booklet “2D / Earthworks execution and controls” of the Manual for further technical
developments.
6.1. PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

• Location of rights of way
• Clearing and preparation of rights-of-way
• Structure location
• Utilities and road diversion
• Construction site tracks and temporary diversions
• Temporary site drainage works
6.2. METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

Adjustment of the water content (if necessary): watering, humidification, aeration, treatment with
binders, temporary drainage
Compaction:
• energy applied according to

o structure to be built
o layer thickness
o compactor speed
o compactor class
• compaction of backfill edges
Constructive measures:
• cuts slopes: weight masks and/or drains, draining spurs, horizontal drains, tie rods, etc.
• platform in excavated material: draining trenches
• backfill: caging, sandwich
• water-insensitive or draining backfill bases
• compressible backfill bases: depending on the nature and thickness of the compressible
materials and the tolerated settling (amplitude and duration):
o pre-loading and/or vertical drains
o phasing of the backfill rise
o trenches or draining layers
o lightweight embankments
o substitution of materials
o inclusions, columns, studs …
6.3. THE ADEQUACY OF EARTHWORKS EQUIPMENT

The project for the use of materials in earth movement and planning determines the choice of
techniques and equipment and the conditions for carrying out earthworks operations to be
considered, as listed below:
Set of pictures 2
Extraction and loading

Soft soil excavation
• current extraction and loading equipment:
o hydraulic excavators with all-round haulage
o scrapers (with bulldozer-pusher) with short haulage transport
o other equipment: wheel loaders or tracked loaders, draglines, …
• specific problem:
o presence of water, erosion, freezing....
o material bearing capacity
o temporary slope stability
o sorting of materials (clayey-silt, sandy, gravelly, wet, dry...)
o work protection
o ...
Rock excavation
• material:
o extraction: drills and blasting - displacement (bulldozer) – Hydraulic rock breaker
(on hydraulic excavator)
o loading: hydraulic excavators: with all-round haulage
o long distances: dumpers, road trucks,...
o other equipment: tracked loaders, …
o Maximum D (mm) of the raw material
o temporary slope stability
o material sorting (rocky / clayey)
o work protection
o ...
Haulage
• commonly used material:

o soft materials - short distances: scrapers
o all materials - all distances: trucks
o construction site tracks:
▪ provisory or integrated
▪ sizing - "all-weather" trafficability - maintenance
▪ abrasivity
▪ specific treatments
o control of dust emissions generated by the circulation of machine
o watering
o crossing existing roads
o traffic on the Upper Part of Eartworks (UPE) or on the capping layer
Implementation of backfill materials

Preparation of the supporting ground (ordinary foudation)
• equipment: bulldozer - compactor

o flood-prone or wet areas
o foundations with insufficient bearing capacity: substitution or thick first backfill
layer
Levelling
• equipment:
o bulldozer with dumper haulage
o grader or bulldozer with scraper transport
o other equipment
o D maxi (mm) of the material
o control of the layer thickness
Water inflows
• watering:
o equipment: "carptail" or ramp sprinkler
• specific problems:
o control of the spread quantity
o runoff
Humidification
• equipment: "Buried" sprinkler
o imperative use for capping layers or technical backfills
o need mixing for capping layer or technical backfill
Compaction
• equipment:
o vibrating roller with smooth cylinder: all classes of materials
o vibrating compactor "padfoot": clay and silt materials (sandy excluded)
o static compactor "padfoot": silty clay materials (sandy excluded)
o adequacy between the class of the compactor and the nature and use (compaction
energy) of the material
o compaction of slope edges (excess meter, “W” method)
o necessity of the tachograph: speed, distance covered (For example Q / S GTR
method France)
o scanning control: (GPS techniques)
Treatments with binders
• equipment:
o binding agent spreader: servo-control - variable spreading width
o mixers:
▪ ploughs with ploughshares and bulldozers: lime treatment: ordinary backfill
- pre-treatment
▪ pulvi-mixer (horizontal shaft): hydraulic binder treatment for subgrade -
technical backfill – upper part of earthworks and all classes of materials
▪ fixed mixing plant: hydraulic binder treatment for capping layers of sandy
materials
o precision of the spreader (coefficient of variation)
o D maxi (mm) of the material
o mixing depth (homogeneous distribution of the binder)
6.4. REALIZATION TECHNIQUES

Mechanical treatment of materials:
The main treatments concern sorting, tracking, ripping, screening, crushing (in place or in the
plant), …
Treatment by mixing:
This applies in particular to grain size correctors, material additions (correction of water content).
Adding water
• watering
• humidification: need to mix in the case of capping layer treatment
Decrease in water content

• drainage (half platform operation)
• aeration: need to stir (mixing)
• addition of dry material: need to mix
• lime treatment (or other suitable reagent): need to mix
Treatment with binders (lime and/or hydraulic binder)

Refer to booklet “2B / Material treatment” of the Manual for further technical developments
Elements to consider:
• Treatment products
• Materials suitable for treatment
• Quicklime treatment
• Hydraulic binder treatment
• Mixed treatment with lime and hydraulic binder
• Processing equipment (See § 6.3.)
• Specific treatment studies
• Controls
• Environmental protection
• Safety and security
Improvement of geotechnical characteristics
• insensitivity to water:
o lime for silty clay materials
o hydraulic binder for sandy materials
• mechanical characteristics (resistance - cohesion - frost resistance):
o lime and hydraulic binder silty clay materials (possibly lime only)
o hydraulic binder for sandy materials
Methodology
• treatment in the extraction area (transport of treated materials)

• treatment in the area of use (transport of natural materials)
Treatment, elimination of penalizing elements
Special constructive provisions

On backfill
• high embankments
• encagement
• sandwich
• steep slope
• base in floodable or wet areas
• slope compaction (excess method, "W platform")
Bottom of excavation form
• unsuitable materials (very plastic clays...)
• swelling materials
Upper part of earthworks / subformation level
• constitution (granular, treated)
• design (class, thickness, water and frost sensitivity)
Capping layer
• constitution (granular, treated)

• design (class, thickness, water and frost sensitivity)
Meteorology and earthworks

To consider:
• Sensitivity to water
• Trafficability
• Extreme weather conditions
7. CONTROLS ON THE EXECUTION OF THE WORK

7.1. GENERAL INFORMATION
OBJECTIVES: TO CONTROL THE EXECUTION OF THE WORK AND THE

CONFORMITY OF THE STRUCTURES
Type of controls
There are two types of controls:
• By tests
o of convenience that make it possible to adapt and validate the execution process
as well as the proposed materials (*)
o monitoring, which ensure that the validated processes are properly carried out
o information that makes it possible to detect any anomalies
o compliance, which make it possible to verify that the required quality is achieved in
order to grant acceptance of works
• Visuals
In the field of earthworks, visual inspection is an essential complement to test inspection.
To be effective, they must be carried out by qualified personnel
Definition of tests
The tests are defined by:
• The nature of the process (compaction, treatment, etc.)
• The type of structure (or part of a structure) or area of application
• Their frequency for each part of the structure (number, mesh size, etc.).
• The required threshold
Control tests should generally be carried out in accordance with the standards in force in the
country and in the absence of such standards on validated reference sheets or by following specific
operating procedures if required.
7.2. ORGANISATION OF CONTROLS

It is proper to establish a quality assurance program that will include the Quality Control Plan.
This global system is practiced in many countries. The following reference note illustrates the main
advantages.
Reference / Note IFSTTAR (France)

The notion of Quality Assurance is a notion that dates back to the 1970s in France. This concept is
based on the development of a methodology that makes it possible to manage the various phases
of work execution by implementing a control policy that makes all project stakeholders (project
owner, project manager, company) responsible, in order to avoid facing a non-compliant structure
at the end of the work.
The methodology involves identifying the different periods and parts of works that may generate
anomalies, and involves the implementation of controls distributed between the company and the
Engineer. Each control phase is validated by the project manager on behalf of the project owner,
which allows the work to continue while controlling deadlines, costs and performance.
Framework documents exist to specify the vocabulary, the organization of methods and the chain
of responsibility between the different actors.
7.3. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL

The organisation of controls is precisely defined in various "quality" documents to be established
before, during and after earthworks.
The process depends on the type of contract or work contract that defines the applicable clauses
for the organization of controls. In the field of earthworks, the recommended process that is
generally appropriate is as follows.
The Engineer precisely defines the controls.
The Contractor shall draw up the organisational diagram of the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) which
shall indicate, inter alia, the organisation chosen to perform the tests and the apparatus and test
methods envisaged.
Carrying out controls
The test inspections are divided into:
• the so-called "interior" control depending on the company, which includes:
o internal (follow-up)
o external (reception)
• the so-called "exterior" control at the expense of the Contract Manager (or the Engineer)
The following extract from European standards is a proposal for a quality organisation,
representative of what is practised in a majority of countries.
Reference European standard "Earthworks" 5 / Quality control

(EN 16907-5 § 3, 4 and 5)
Definitions (§ 3.1.41 et 42)

For the purposes of this document the following terms and definitions apply.
Quality assurance
All those planned and systematic actions necessary to provide confidence that the earth-structure
will perform satisfactorily in service i.e. that it has been constructed to the specified requirements
Quality control
System used to monitor, assess and adjust construction/execution processes to ensure that the
final product will meet the specified level of quality
Quality Assurance Programme (§4)
Quality Assurance [QA] refers to the overall system for assuring project quality with Quality Control
[QC] being one element of a comprehensive QA programme.
A comprehensive construction QA programme consists of the following core elements:
1/ Quality Conrol
2/ Acceptance: All factors [i.e. sampling, testing and inspection] to evaluate the degree of
compliance with contract requirements
3/ Resolution of non-conformances: A process for resolution of non-conformances should be
unbiased and timely.
Quality Control Plan (§5)
A Quality Control Plan for earthworks shall as a minimum include:
1) Sampling and test procedures, including:
• test locations
• frequency of testing
• test methods and standards to be adopted
• extent of data to be collected and storage requirements thereafter
• methods and criteria for acceptance
2) An organization chart identifying all relevant personnel and key tasks; in particular who is
responsible for quality overall and for individual elements such as testing
3) Procedures for reviewing samples, certificates etc.
4) Visual observations and inspections
5) Document control procedures
6) Procedures for recording non-conformance and what corrective actions are to be undertaken.
Approaches to Compaction Control (§ 7)

General
Two main approaches of specifying compaction exist across Europe, which are Method specification
and End product specification, as described below and in prEN 16907-3 and as summarized in prEN
16907-1.
Method Specification
Method Specifications requires the production and placement of earthworks using specified
materials, specific types of equipment and methods stated in the contract.
End product Specification
End product Specifications require earthworks to be constructed to achieve specified engineering
criteria. In this form of specification the earthworks practitioner responsible for construction has
responsibility and latitude in determining the materials, procedures and equipment used to
produce the product.
7.4. CONTROLS AND MEANS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

LINKED TO THE EXECUTION OF THE EARTHWORKS
Controls of the execution of earthworks are carried out during the various phases of the work: soil
investigation, preparation of rights-of-way, stripping, extraction of materials, implementation of
materials, etc.
The essential controls to ensure the quality of the work - to be applied regardless of the size of the
site - are as follows.
Geotechnical control
The identification of materials is the essential basis for earthworks to enable the optimal use of
materials. It is very important to be able to refer to a classification of materials that gathers
geotechnical data from feedback. It is recommended to associate the hydric state with the
identification to specify the conditions of use of the materials.
This control is carried out:
• before the start of earthworks operations

• during the earthworks
The main tests used are as follows:

• the water content
• the Proctor curve
• immediate bearing capacity IPI and after immersion CBR
• granulometric analysis
• plasticity
• hardness for rocks
o impact strength (LA) and attrition strenght (MDE)
o degradability
o fragmentability
Monitoring of compliance with masshaul
Compaction control
The densification of materials mainly used as backfill is sought to reduce the void index and limit
the risk of settling.
Compaction is carried out at an optimal water content according to the Proctor curve
• SPT is used for backfill and capping layers
• MPT is used in the particular case of very dry materials (in some countries)
It should also be noted that the MPT is used for pavement base courses composed of treated soils
(refer to the "Treatments" section of the Manual).
Proctor test
Figure 6: Example of a Proctor curve

ρd dry density (g/cm3
W water content (%)
Parameters for characterizing water status
Figure 7: Example of Standard Proctor test results (loess A2)

(GTR France reference / water content state thresholds)
The main tests used are:

• the control of the density in place
• control of the level of compaction
Control of bearing capacity and deformability
Controls specific to the treated materials

• Binder control
• Visual inspection of mixing:
• Control of mechanical characteristics on specimens (manufactured in the laboratory or
drilled in place)
Control of te equipment
• Compactors
o static
o vibrating
• Controllographer
• Treatment equipment:
o binder spreader
o mixers
o water spreader
Other types of control

They concern in particular:
• the remediation during the construction phase,

• the geometry of the structures,
• the impact of earthworks on the environment.
Special techniques
For the execution of works using particular techniques (very high backfill, re-use of evolving
materials, reuse of organic soils or industrial by-products, hydraulic backfill, etc.), the control will
be defined with reference to the recommendations specific to these techniques.
Monitoring of the construction of embankments

Particular attention should be paid to the construction of embankments at all sites, in particular
where stability and/or settling are considered to be decisive. The installation of appropriate
instrumentation will then be necessary.
7.5. CONTROLS CARRIED OUT DURING THE EXECUTION OF EARTHWORKS

The main controls are to be carried out in the different parts of the earthworks listed below.
Standard backfill foundations
• Clearing operations – stumps removal - demolitions
• Stripping
• Purge (Material substitution)
• Provisional sanitation and drainage
• Compaction and bearing capacity of the foundation
Extraction - excavated material
• Clearing operations – stumps removal - demolitions

• Stripping
• Provisional drainage
• Extraction of materials
• Slope and structure stability
• Geometry
• Subformation level
• Rock excavation
Backfill
• Materials
• Slope and structure stability
• Compaction
• Geometry
Upper Part of Earthworks (PST) – Subformation level
Capping layer
Treated materials (backfill, PST, capping layer)
7.6. TEST METHODS

The "test methods" for earthworks control are divided into three groups:
• identiﬁcation control of materials;

• implementation control;
• equipment control.
They include the following headings:
• object ;
• field of application ;
• principle of the test;
• expression of results ;
• interpretation ;
• particularities and time for response.
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

Please refer to the Preamble of the Earthworks Manual for references specifically used.
Main specifications, recommendations and regulatory texts issued by a number of countries in
Europe and worldwide.
9. TERMINOLOGY / GLOSSARY
Please refer to the Preamble for references specifically used in the Manual.
Copyright by the World Road Association. All rights reserved.
World Road Association (PIARC)
La Grande Arche, Paroi Sud, 5e étage, F-92055 La Défense cedex

Erathworks PIARC Parte 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Erathworks PIARC Parte 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Erathworks PIARC Parte 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

www.piarc.

PART 1 - GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Copyright World Road Association. All rights reserved.

2. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................. 5

3. DESIGN / EARTHWORKS PROJECT ........................................................13

5. PREPARATION PERIOD BEFORE WORK ................................................28

6.2. METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION ....................................................................... 29

7. CONTROLS ON THE EXECUTION OF THE WORK .................................... 35

7.5. CONTROLS CARRIED OUT DURING THE EXECUTION OF EARTHWORKS .................. 41

8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS .................................... 42

1.1. PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL

1.2. DEFINITION OF EARTHWORKS

Principles of earthworks design and execution

External technical documents

2.1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICITIES OF EARTHWORKS

• variety and heterogeneity of materials (soils) encountered

2.2. ECONOMIC ASPECTS

• Road and motorway infrastructure

Breakdown of equipment expenses for one hour of equipment operation

Economic impact of the Earthworks

Adequacy of equipment: Main earthmoving teams / Haulage distances

Complex / Earthworks upper part / Capping layer / Pavement

Figure 4: Structural layers of the pavement

2.3. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Contribution to sustainable development

Evolution of the consideration of environmental protection in the world

• Need for adaptation to climate change

Recent global reference

2.4. EARTHWORKS STRATEGY

• geological and geotechnical data

First steps to consider:

2.5. RISK AND HAZARD MANAGEMENT

Main hazards (generally unpredictable at the project stage) may be encountered:

3. DESIGN / EARTHWORKS PROJECT

3.2. FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED

3.3. EARTHWORKS AND EARTH-DESIGN DESIGN

Example practiced in Europe

Relationship between earthworks and earth-structure design

3.4. THE EARTHWORKS PROJECT

3.5. EARTHWORKS STUDIES

• Geotechnical design (stability of elementary structures, backfill foundations, slopes /

Reference / Digital development

The digital model

3.7. THE EARTHWORKS PROJECT

• Nature and thickness to be defined

stripping of backfilled areas

• Storage in temporary or permanent deposit

• high-height cuts (generally > 15 m) / specific stability studies

• definition: height between arase and " stripped natural ground" ≤1 m

• Boundary area in the longitudinal profile direction

• Common sites: limited stripping or removing the supporting soil

Figure 5: Zones of infrastructure fill: general case

Upper part of earthworks / Subformation

After the end of construction (Long term functions):

Different stages of studies

4.1. GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL STUDIES

4.2. GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES

Studies on the re-use of materials

Stability studies: cuts, backfills, backfill foundations

4.3. CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS