SECTION 2 : EARTHWORKS

2.1 GENERAL

The work shall consist of all required excavations and fillings, removal, hauling and
proper utilisation and disposal of materials, the shaping of excavation and compacted fill,
the preparation of surfaces for roadworks and footpath construction, all in accordance
with the Specification and to the lines, levels, grades, dimensions and cross-sections
shown on the tender drawings or as instructed by the Engineer.

The Contractor shall provide adequate plant and spares to ensure that the works are
completed in accordance with the approved Programme of Works and to the approval of
the Engineer.

The Contractor shall ensure that all proposed methods of working and workmanship are
to comply with the Specification.

For the duration of the Works, any formation levels on embankments or in cuttings shall
be the surface levels of the ground obtained after completion of the earthworks. Any
excess depth unnecessarily excavated by the Contractor below the formation level shall
be backfilled with materials, of similar characteristics, acceptable for construction and
compacted. No extra payment shall be made by the Engineer for the abovementioned
excavation or any related works.

2.2 DEFINITION, CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL USE OF EARTHWORK

MATERIALS

The following definitions shall be applied in the Contract and have the meanings hereby
assigned to them except where the context otherwise requires :

a) 'Topsoil' shall mean the top layer of soil that supports the vegetation, and shall
include all kinds of growth, except those not acceptable for turfing.

b) 'Unsuitable Materials' shall include :

(i) any materials from swamps, marshes or bogs,

(ii) peats, logs, stumps and perishable and toxic materials,
(iii) material susceptible to spontaneous combustion,
(iv) clay of Liquid Limit exceeding 80% or having a Plasticity Index exceeding
55%,
(v) material having a moisture content greater than the value permitted for
such materials in the Contract, unless otherwise permitted by the
Engineer.

c) ‘Rock’ is classified as a material which, in the opinion of the Engineer, is not

practicable to excavate without the use of pneumatic tools or drilling and blasting.
Rock shall not include boulders less than 0.10 m3 in volume in trench or pit
excavation, and 0.20m3 in volume in general excavation.

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 Rock in open excavation shall not include material which, in the opinion of the
Engineer, can be loosened with a tractor mounted and drawn ripper of the
following description :

(i) Tractor Unit

Equipment with minimum weight of 17,000 kg and nett horse power rating
of 150 hp or more. The tractor unit is to be in good condition and operated
by skilled and experience personnel in the use of a ripping equipment.

(ii) Ripping Unit

The ripper attached to the tractor shall be the most efficient parallelogram
type recommended by the tractor or ripper manufacturer. The ripper shall
have a single shank, in first class condition, with sharpened cutting point.

Rock in trenches or pits shall not include any material which, in the opinion of the
Engineer, can be excavated at a rate of 4 cubic metres solid or more per hour by
a 50hp backhoe.
d) `Granular materials' shall be sand, naturally produced or from tin tailing, free from
contamination by unsuitable materials. It shall be well graded and lie within the
following gradings limits :

BS Sieve Size Weight Passing (%)

20 mm 100
10 mm 80 - 100
5 mm 45 - 100
600 um 8 - 50
75 um 0 - 10

When tested at its maximum dry density and optimum moisture content, the
material shall provide a C.B.R.(California Bearing Ratio) of, at least, 10%.
e) 'Soft materials' shall mean all suitable materials as per item (b) above.
f) 'Imported soft materials' shall mean all suitable materials as per item (b) above.

Materials are grouped as follows:

a) 'Cohesive soils' include clays with up to 20 percent of gravel or rock, and having
a moisture content not less than the value of the plastic limit (as per BS 1377 :
1990, Test No. 3).
b) 'Well graded granular and dry cohesive soils' include clays containing more than
20 percent of gravel or rock and / or having a moisture content less than the
value of the plastic limit (as per BS1377 : 1990, Test No. 3), well- graded sands
and gravels with a uniformity coefficient exceeding 10.
c) ‘Uniformly graded material' include sands and gravels with a uniformity coefficient
of 10 or less, and all silts. Any soil with 80 percent or more of material in the
particle size range of 0.06 - 0.002 mm will be regarded as silt for this purpose.

The use of topsoil shall be restricted to surface layers in positions not subject to loading
by pavements or structures. No excavated suitable material shall be removed from Site,
except with the written instruction from the Engineer, and failure to oblige on the matter
shall bind the Contractor to replace the excavated material. Where the Contractor is
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 permitted to remove or excavate any soil material from Site, then he shall, at his own
expense, replace and backfill the excavated soil arising therefrom.

Where an excavation reveals a combination of suitable and unsuitable materials, the

Contractor shall carry out the excavation in such a manner that the suitable materials are
excavated separately for use in the Works without contamination by the unsuitable
materials, and the procedure of which is to be agreed with the Engineer.

The Contractor shall programme the Works to ensure that all materials be utilised. Any
excavated and unsuitable materials shall be disposed off Site as per Clause 2.5 .

All topsoil (including turf) shall be removed from the areas of cuttings and
embankments and to an average depth of 150mm. The Contractor shall make his own
arrangements during the Works for the removed topsoil to be stockpiled, to the
Engineer’s approval, for future use in the Works.

The Contractor shall be responsible, for the duration of the Works, in constructing,
maintaining and removing on completion all access and haul roads required in
connection with tips and stockpiles.

2.3 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING

The Contractor shall ensure that all safety procedures as per the Department Of Safety
and Health’s (DOSH) requirements are followed, for all handling, transportation and
storage of explosives, and subsequent blasting operations for the purpose of the Works
including all related matters. Explosives shall not be used in connection with the Works
without the written consent of the Engineer.

2.4 EXCAVATION OF CUTTINGS

Excavation of cuttings shall be carried out as per the tender drawings and shall adhere to
the slopes, levels, depths and widths shown thereon. Hauling of material from cuttings or
the importation of fill material to the embankments or other areas of fill shall proceed
only when sufficient compaction plan is operating at the place of deposition.

Any excess excavation by the Contractor is to be dealt with as per Clause 2.1.

The slope of cuttings shall be cleared of all rock fragments, shrubs and tree roots. In
slopes of cuttings where layers of rock and soft material alternate, on the approval of the
Engineer, the Contractor shall excavate any insecure materials to approved depths and
build up the resulting spaces with masonry using rock similar to the adjoining natural rock
so as to ensure solid faces.

Any damage to cuttings which is caused by the Contractor’s Works or any actions
related to the Works shall be made good by the Contractor at his own expense.

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2.5 DISPOSAL OF EXCAVATED MATERIALS

Where approved by the Engineer, materials deemed unsuitable or not required for the
Works shall be classified as waste, and shall be disposed of in accordance with the
provisions of this Clause. The Contractor shall dispose of waste materials from
excavations by one of the following methods :

a) in disposal areas designated on the tender drawings,

b) by widening embankments,

c) by filling gullies,

d) in disposal areas provided by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer.

The method of disposal used by the Contractor shall be subject to the approval of the
Engineer.

For the area used for disposal of the excavated materials, the Contractor shall perform
and be responsible for all the clearing, cleaning and grubbing, preparatory earthworks
and drainage. Upon completion of the Works, the material placed onto the disposal area
shall be levelled and trimmed to produce stable batters and neat lines.

Adequate drainage system shall be constructed by the Contractor on and around the
disposal area and soil conservation measures shall be undertaken to protect the area
against erosion. The Contractor shall be liable for any damage, deemed by the Engineer,
to be done to adjacent properties or works as a result of the proposed drainage works.

In widening embankments, the waste material shall be placed only upon completion of
the embankment. The material shall be placed into disposal and compacted to the lines
and levels deemed practicable by the Engineer.

In disposing of waste materials in gullies, the Contractor shall take any necessary steps
to avoid erosion of the material by surface run off and running streams.

The cost of hauling and disposing of materials from excavation, preparing the disposal
area, levelling and trimming the material in the disposal area, providing all drainage and
other erosion protection in and around the disposal area shall be deemed to be included
in the tendered Rates and Prices.

2.6 EXCAVATION BELOW EMBANKMENTS OR FORMATION LEVELS IN CUTTINGS

Where any material is below the natural ground level, under embankments or below the
formation level in cuttings, excavation is required and shall be removed to such depth
and over such areas as shown on the tender drawings or as directed by the Engineer,
and disposed of in a manner depending on its nature and condition at the time of
excavation. The resultant excavation shall be backfilled with suitable material, deposited
and compacted as specified for the forming of embankments.

Where backfill has to be deposited below standing water, the Contractor shall use
approved clean gravel or granular material which complies with the requirements of

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 Table 2.1 below. Such materials may be deposited below water without the use of a
compaction plant.

BS Sieve Size Passing Rate (%)

10 mm up to 100
5 mm not more than 85
600 um not more than 45
75 um not more than 5

Table 2.1 - Free Draining Material

Any additional backfilling and/or compaction works required due to over-excavation or

activities related to the abovementioned excavation works by the Contractor, shall be to
the Contractor’s expense.

2.7 EXCAVATION OF FOUNDATION PITS AND TRENCHES

The sides of pits and trenches shall be adequately supported at all times. Alternatively,
except where the Contract requires otherwise, they may be suitably battered. Trenches
and pits shall be kept free of surface water at all times.
The base of any excavation shall be levelled and stepped or benched horizontally as
shown on the tender drawings or as directed by the Engineer. Any pockets of soft
material or loose rock at the bottom of the pits and trenches shall be removed, and the
resulting cavities or fissures filled with a 1:3:6 Grade 15 concrete.

Upon placing of any blinding concrete, as required by the Contract, no trimming of

the side face shall be carried out at any time within 24 hours of the work.
All excavated materials from any excavation not required for refilling shall be disposed off
the Site.
The Contractor shall, at his own expense, make good with any suitable material or with a
1:4:8 Grade 15 concrete, the following :

a) Any excavation greater than the net volume required for the Works as described
in the Contract.
b) Any additional excavation at or below the bottom of foundations to remove
material which the Contractor has allowed to become unsuitable.
Unless otherwise shown on the tender or working drawings or as directed by the
Engineer, any backfilling works for foundation pits and trenches shall consist of a suitable
material, deposited and compacted by approved timber sheeting and other excavation
supports shall be carefully removed as the filling proceeds except where they are
required by the Contract to be left in position. The removal of such supports will not
relieve the Contractor of his responsibilities for the stability or safety of the Works.
Backfilling shall only proceed after works to be covered have been approved by the
Engineer.

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2.8 FORMING OF EMBANKMENTS AND OTHER AREAS OF FILL

Embankments and other areas of fill shall be formed of material defined as 'Suitable
Material' taken to include ‘Imported Soft Material’, ‘Granular Material’ and ‘Rock’.
When permitted by the Engineer, a material wetter than the appropriate limits provided
by the Contract may be incorporated. Prior to placing any embankment upon any area,
all clearing and grubbing operations shall have been completed in accordance with
Section 1 (Site Clearance). Where the height of embankment is a metre or less, all soil,
grass and vegetable matter shall be removed from the ground surface and the top
150mm shall be "processed" as necessary and compacted.
Where embankments are to be constructed on hillsides, slopes or existing road surfaces,
the existing slopes (other than rock) shall be loosened by scarifying or ploughing to a
depth of not less than 100 mm, to ensure a good bond between the embankment and its
foundation. Where this is impractical or as ordered by the Engineer, steps in vertical and
horizontal faces shall be cut in the existing slope (including rock) and the embankment
built up in successive layers. Materials which has been loosened shall be recompacted
along with the first layer of embankment material placed.
Where existing embankments are to be widened or included in new embankment, the
slopes of the existing embankment shall be ploughed to a depth of not less than 100mm
or where ordered by the Engineer, steps in horizontal and vertical faces shall be cut in
existing slopes and the embankment built up in successive layers to the existing level.
Unless otherwise shown on the tender drawings, where existing unpaved roads are to be
covered with less than 300mm of fill, excluding pavement, the top of the old road bed
shall be scarified and recompacted with the next layer of the new embankment. The
total depth of the scarified and added material shall not exceed the permissible depth of
layer.

Embankments in swamps or water shall be constructed as per Clause 2.6. The

Contractor shall, when instructed by the Engineer, excavate or displace the swamp and
backfill the area. Backfill materials shall be similar as for embankment works unless
otherwise directed by the Engineer. All earthwork materials placed in or below
embankments, below formation level in cuttings or elsewhere in the Works shall be
deposited and compacted immediately after excavation, and in layers of thickness
appropriate to the compaction plant used.
Embankments shall be level over the full width and shall be maintained at all times with a
sufficient camber and a surface sufficiently even to enable surface water to sufficiently
drain. During the construction of embankments, the Contractor shall be responsible for
control of any traffic over the area and any damage to the compacted layers by the traffic
shall be made good by the Contractor.
Where a material deposited as fill subsequently reaches a condition such that it cannot
be compacted as per the requirements of the Contract, the Contractor shall either :
a) made good by removing the material off the embankment either to a tip or
elsewhere until is in a suitable physical condition for re-use, and replacing it with
suitable material, or
b) make good the material by mechanical or chemical means to improve its stability,
or
c) cease work on the material until its physical condition is again such that it can be
compacted as described in the Contract.

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 Where the Contractor wishes to continue using the embankment surface for traffic use
before trimming to formation level, he shall maintain the area between the extremities of
the road or highway, including hard-shoulders to a level not less than 150mm above the
formation level.
Any damage to the subgrade as a result of the abovementioned works shall be made
good by the Contractor at his own expense. When it is necessary to complete to
formation level, the movement and use of any construction plant thereon shall be
restricted by the material condition and thickness of the courses it traverses so that
damage is not caused to the subgrade or the pavement courses already constructed.

2.9 COMPACTION OF EMBANKMENTS AND OTHER AREAS OF FILL

All materials used in embankment and as filling elsewhere shall be compacted

immediately after deposition. Compaction shall be done as to the requirements of this
Clause and Table 2.2 by employing approved plants, except where the Engineer directs
or permits a departure from the requirements of Table 2.2.

Any variations from the methods given in Table 2.2, or the use of any plant not included
therein, shall be permitted only when the Contractor demonstrates at Site trials that a
state of compaction is achieved by the alternative method equivalent to that obtained
using the approved methods. The procedure to be adopted for the Site trials shall be
agreed with the Engineer.

Each layer of material shall be compacted uniformly. The compaction shall be carried out
in a longitudinal direction along the embankment and shall generally begin at the outer
edges and progress towards the centre in such a manner that every section receives
equal compactive effort. Hauling equipment shall be operated over the full width of each
layer as far as practicable. Any earth-removal plant shall not be accepted as a
compaction equipment under this Clause.

In reference to Table 2.2, where any compaction works is deemed by the Engineer to be
inadequate, the Contractor shall carry out such further works as the Engineer may
decide, as required to comply with the terms of the Contract. However, where the
Contractor is deemed to comply with the requirements of the Contract, the Engineer shall
issue, if justified, a Variation Order to cover any additional remedial works. The
Contractor shall apply in writing to the Engineer for permission to carry out any
compaction works not less than 24 hours before the actual work.

The Engineer may, when required, carry out comparative Field Density Tests in
accordance with BS1377 : 1990, Test No. 12 on any material considered to be
inadequately compacted. Where material of widely divergent characteristics are used in
embankments and fill areas they shall be spread and compacted in separately defined
areas in such a manner as to comply with the requirements of Table 2.2.

If more than one class of material is being used in such a way that it is not practical to
define the areas in which each class occurs, a compaction plant shall be operated as if
only the material which requires the greater compactive effort is being compacted.

The top 150mm of the subgrade in both areas of cut and fill shall have a dry density
equal to at least 95% of the Maximum Dry Density as determined by BS1377 : 1990,
Test No. 12.

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 D = Maximum Depth of Compacted Layer (mm)
N = Minimum Number of Passes

Type of Well Graded

Compaction Granular Uniformly
Category Cohesive
Plant And Dry Graded
Soil
Cohesive Material
Soils

Mass Per Metre Width D N D N D N

Of Roll :

Smooth- Over 2100kg - 2700kg 125 8 125 10 125 10*

Wheeled Over 2700kg - 5400kg 125 6 125 8 125 8*
Roller Over 5400kg 150 4 150 8 U/S

Grid Roller Over 2700kg - 5400kg 150 10 U/S 150 10

Over 5400kg - 8000kg 150 8 125 12 U/S
Over 8000kg 150 4 150 12 U/S

Tamping Over 8000kg 225 4 150 12 250 4

Roller

Pneumatic- Mass Per Wheel

Tyre Roller
Over 1000kg - 1500kg 125 6 U/S 150 10*
Over 1500kg - 2000kg 150 5 U/S U/S
Over 2000kg - 2500kg 175 4 125 12 U/S
Over 2500kg - 4000kg 225 4 125 10 U/S
Over 4000kg - 6000kg 300 4 125 10 U/S
Over 6000kg - 8000kg 350 4 150 8 U/S
Over 8000kg -12000kg 400 4 150 8 U/S
Over 12000kg 450 4 175 6 U/S

Vibrating Mass Per Metre of A

Roller Vibrating Roll

Over 270kg - 450kg U/S 75 16 150 16

Over 450kg - 700kg U/S 75 12 150 12
Over 700kg - 1300kg 100 12 125 12 150 6
Over 1300kg - 1800kg 125 8 150 8 200 10*
Over 1800kg - 2300kg 150 4 150 4 225 12*
Over 2300kg - 2900kg 175 4 175 4 250 10*
Over 2900kg - 3600kg 200 4 200 4 275 8*
Over 3600kg - 4300kg 225 4 225 4 300 8*
Over 4300kg - 5000kg 250 4 250 4 300 6*
Over 5000kg 275 4 275 4 300 4*

TABLE 2.2 - COMPACTION REQUIREMENTS

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 D = Maximum Depth of Compacted Layer (mm)
N = Minimum Number of Passes

Type of Category Cohesive Well Graded

Compaction Soil Granular Uniformly
Plant And Dry Graded
Cohesive Material
Soils
Mass Per Metre Width
Of Roll : D N D N D N

Vibrating Mass per unit area of

plate base plate :
Vibrator Over 880kg - 1100kg U/S U/S 75 6
Over 1100kg - 1200kg U/S 75 10 100 6
Over1200kg - 1400kg U/S 75 6 150 6
Over 1400kg - 1800kg 100 6 125 6 150 4
Over 1800kg - 2100kg 150 6 150 5 200 4
Over 2100kg 200 6 200 5 250 4

Vibro- Mass:
tamper over 50kg - 65kg 100 3 100 3 150 3
over 65kg - 75kg 125 3 125 3 200 3
over 75kg 200 3 150 3 225 3

Power Mass:
rammer 100kg up to 500kg 150 4 150 6 U/S
over 500kg 275 8 275 12 U/S

Dropping Mass of rammer over

weight 500kg Height of drop :
compactor over 1 m up to 2 m 600 4 600 8 450 8
over 2 m 600 2 600 4 U/S

U/S = Unsuitable

TABLE 2.2 - COMPACTION REQUIREMENTS (CONT'D)

2.10 DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TABLE 2.2

The ‘Depth Of Compacted Layer’ is the height by which the embankment is raised by
each successive compacted layer.
The ‘Number Of Passes’ is the number of times that each point on the surface of the
layer being compacted has been traversed by the item of compaction plant.
The compactive effort of each compactor is a function of the mass of the machine and
the compaction plant in Table 2.2 is listed in terms of their masses. The mass per metre
width of roll is the total mass on the roll divided by the total roll width. Where a
smooth-wheeled roller has more than one axle the machine shall be assessed on the
basis of the axle giving the highest value of mass per metre width.

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 A ‘tamping roller’ is classified as a machine with a ‘feet’ projecting from a roll or rolls. The
projected end area of each ' foot'shall exceed 10mm, and the sum of the areas of the feet
shall exceed 15% of the area of the cylinder swept by the ends of the feet. The
requirements for tamping rollers apply to machines that have two rolls in tandem. If only
one tamping roll traverses each point on the surface of the layer on any one pass of the
machine, the minimum number of passes shall be twice the number given in Table 2.2.

a) For pneumatic-tyred roller, mass per wheel is the total mass of the roller divided
by the number of wheels.
b) In assessing the number of passes of pneumatic-tyred roller, the effective width
shall be the sum of the widths of the individual wheel tracks together with the
sum of the spacing between the wheel tracks provided that each spacing does
not exceed 230mm. Where the spacing exceeds 230mm, the effective width
shall be the sum of the widths of the individual wheel tracks only.
‘Vibrating rollers’ are self-propelled or towed smooth-wheeled roller having means of
applying mechanical vibration to one or more rollers.

a) The requirements for vibrating rollers are based on the use of the lowest gear on
a self-propelled machine with mechanical transmission and a speed of 1.5 - 2.5
km/h for a towed machine, or a self-propelled machine with hydrostatic
transmission. If higher gears or speeds are used on increased number of passes
shall be provided in proportion to to the increase in speed of travel.
b) Where the mechanical vibration is applied to two rolls in tandem, the minimum
number of passes shall be half the number given in Table 2.2 for the appropriate
mass per metre width of one vibrating roll. If one roll differs in mass / metre width
from the other the number of passes shall be calculated as for the roll with the
smallest value. Alternatively, the machine may be treated as having a single
vibrating roll with a mass per metre width equal to that of the roll with the higher
value.

c) Vibrating-type rollers operating without vibration will be classified as

‘smooth-wheeled rollers’.

d) Vibrating rollers shall be operated with their vibratory mechanism operating only
at the frequency of vibration recommended by the manufacturers. All such rollers
shall be equipped or provided with a device automatically indicating the
frequency at which the mechanism is operating.

‘Vibrating-plate compactors’ are machines having a base plate to which is attached a

source of vibration consisting of one or two eccentrically weighted shafts.

a) The mass per unit area of a base plate of a vibrating-plate compactor is

calculated by dividing the total mass of the machine in its working condition by its
area in contact with compacted soil.
b) Vibrating-plate compactors shall be operated at the frequency of vibration
recommended by the manufacturers. They shall normally be operated at
travelling speeds of less than 1 km/h but if higher speeds are necessary the
number of passes shall be increased in proportion to the increase in speed of
travel.
‘Vibro-tampers’ are machines in which an engine-driven reciprocating mechanism acts
on a spring system through which oscillations are set up in a base-plate.

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 ‘Power rammers’ are machines which are actuated by explosions in an internal
combustion cylinder, each explosion being controlled manually by the operator.
In the case of power rammers and dropping-weight compactors, one pass shall be
considered as made when the compacting shoe has made one strike on the area in
question.
For items marked (*), the rollers shall be towed by track-laying tractors. Self-propelled
rollers are unsuitable.
Where there exists a combination of different types of categories of plant, the compaction
requirements shall be :

a) the depth of layer shall be that for the type of plant requiring the least depth of
layer, and
b) the number of passes shall be that for the type of plant requiring the greatest
number of passes.

2.11 BORROWED MATERIALS

Material for use in the works shall be borrowed only when there is insufficient suitable
material available from excavation area. Materials shall be borrowed only when approved
by the Engineer and obtained from areas provided by the Contractor outside the area of
the Works.

Borrowed materials shall compose of natural clayey soil or a blend of soils, which when
properly and uniformly processed and compacted to 95% of the maximum dry density
(obtained by BS1377 : 1990, Test No. 12), shall have a laboratory C.B.R. of not less
than 5% after soaking for four days.

Samples of borrowed material together with the results of the tests specified shall be
supplied to the Engineer prior to bringing of bulk supplies to Site. The Contractor shall be
fully responsible for the location, supply and importation of such materials, the expenses
incurred and any legal consequences as a result thereof.

The ‘borrowed’ areas shall be kept well drained, to prevent erosion, during excavation
and the work to be carried out in a tidy manner. If required by the Engineer, the
Contractor shall arrange for the Engineer to visit the source supply and no materials shall
be used until formally approved by the Engineer.

2.12 EARTHWORKS OVER AND AROUND CULVERTS AND PIPE DRAINS

All earthworks over and around culverts and pipe drains shall be deposited in layers and
compacted by mechanical means or tampers approved by the Engineer. Care shall be
taken to avoid any displacement of the structure during compaction. No form of traffic
shall be permitted to run above the structure until a minimum cover of 45mm of
compacted suitable material has been provided on top. If the conditions require
earthworks at different levels, no material shall be placed until agreed to by the Engineer.
Any earthwork materials around culverts and pipe drains shall be free from large stones
and large lumps of clay and shall be compacted to obtain the specified compaction.

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2.13 EARTHWORKS TO BE KEPT FREE OF SURFACE WATER

The Contractor shall arrange and provide, at his own expense, a good temporary
drainage system adjacent to any excavation works whether for pipe trenches,
foundations or cuttings to prevent any accumulation of surface water or erosion. Pumps
to remove water and adequate means of trapping silt shall be provided on the temporary
systems before discharging the surface water into permanent drainage systems. In
pumping out water from excavations and in any lowering of water tables, the Contractor
shall pay due regard to the stability of all excavations and adjacent structures, and any
damage which may be incurred to the Works or adjacent works or properties as a result
thereof shall be to the Contractor’s expense.

2.14 TRIMMING SUBGRADE IN BOTH AREAS OF CUT AND FILL

The surface of the subgrade shall be trimmed to the required form, super-elevation,
levels, grades and cross-sections shown on the working drawings. The subgrade in both
areas of cut and fill shall be compacted the requirements as per Clause 2.9. Where the
surface of the subgrade in cut or fill is likely to deteriorate between the time of completion
of earthworks and the placing of any subbase or roadbase where no subbase is required,
the Contractor shall be responsible in maintaining the surface of the subgrade to the
required lines, levels, grades and dimensions. Where the surface has deteriorated and is
no longer acceptable as subgrade, the Contractor shall restore the subgrade by ripping,
trimming, scarifying and watering or where necessary by replacing by a suitable material,
and then compacting to meet the requirements of Clause 2.9.

The tolerances in surface levels of the subgrade shall be limited to +/- 25mm.

2.15 TURFING

The Contractor shall provide close turfing to all earthwork slopes unless
otherwise instructed by the Engineer. Open turfing shall only be provided for flat
and open areas of the substation ground.

Topsoil shall be placed on areas to be turfed and slightly rolled or rammed to a

compacted thickness of 50mm. All turfs shall be cut in sizes not smaller than 150mm x
225 mm, and shall consist of healthy dense indigeneous field grass firmly rooted into
50mm of topsoil, free from mimosa, ‘lallang’ or other objectionable plants and be laid on
the day they are cut.

All turfing works shall commence immediately upon completion of the earthworks. Turfs
that are not laid within three (3) days of cutting may at the discretion of the Engineer be
used as topsoil. The Contractor shall inform the Engineer, in advance, the source where
the turfs are obtained for approval before delivery to Site. The surfaces to be turfed shall
be trimmed and wetted. The prepared areas shall be turfed fully to a well-bounded
pattern with no gaps between the turf and slightly beaten.
Turf laid on slopes exceeding 1: 2 shall be secured with a wooden peg of 150mm long
driven into the prepared topsoil bed flush with the top of the turf.
The Contractor shall be responsible until the end of the Maintenance Period for the
establishment of the turf growth and for the replacement of any topsoil eroded from the
prepared areas. In periods of dry weather, the Contractor shall, at his own expense,
provide water to sustain the growth of the turfed areas.

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 The Contractor shall, as and when instructed by the Engineer, during the construction of
the Works or during the Maintenance Period, re-cultivate at his own expense any areas :

a) in which the turf has died,

b) in which, in the opinion of the Engineer, the turf has not established sound growth
within four months of being laid, or
c) which have become eroded of turf or top soil.

During the period of the works and the Maintenance Period, the Contractor shall keep all
turfed areas mown or cut to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

2.16 STONE REVETMENT TO EARTHWORKS SLOPES

Where required, the slopes of earthworks shall be protected with stone revetment. Stone
shall be of good hard durable quality, uniform in texture and free from ironbands, spots,
sand holes, flaws, shakes and other imperfections. Mortar shall be composed of one part
of cement and two parts of sand by dry loose volume and sufficient water to make a
mortar that can be easily handled and trowelled. Retempering of mortar that has been
mixed for periods of 45 minutes or longer shall not be permitted.

2.17 GRANULAR FILL TO STRUCTURES

Granular fill required for compaction against earth retaining structures shall consist of
well-graded crushed or uncrushed gravels, stones, rockfills, crushed concrete, slags,
natural sand or a combination of any of these. Any granular fill shall not contain any
‘unsuitable material’ as defined in Clause 2.2 or have a soluble sulphates content
exceeding 2.5 gm/litre when tested in accordance with BS1377 : 1990, Test No. 10.

The granular fill shall consist of the following gradings :-

Not less than 95 percent of the material shall pass a 125mm BS sieve, and at least 90
percent shall pass the 75mm BS sieve but not more than 10 percent shall pass the
75mm BS sieve. Up to 5 percent of the material may be made be up from isolated
boulders not exceeding 0.015 cubic metres in size provided that the fill can be
compacted as per Clause 2.9.

2.18 WATERCOURSES

Excavation carried out in the diversion, enlargement, deepening or straightening of

watercourses shall include the operations of any necessary trimming of slopes, grading
of beds, disposal of excavated materials and pumping, timbering works and materials
necessary for dealing with the flow of water. Where watercourses have to be diverted,
the original channels shall be cleared of all vegetation and soft deposits and carefully
filled in with suitable materials deposited and compacted as specified under Clauses 2.8
and 2.9.
Existing ditches shall, where specified in the Contract, be cleared by removing any
vegetation and deposits. The sides shall be trimmed throughout and the bottoms
uniformly graded and the ditches kept clean and maintained during the Contract Period.
Materials removed from existing ditches shall be disposed off as per the requirements of
Clause 2.5.

TRANSMISSION TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD PART 2 : TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 2 : EARTHWORKS
Doc. No. TTS-CV-ERWKS Revision No. 1 Date 2 Aug 2011 Page 13 of 13
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