Answer To: Copy and Write a particular specification for a cut-to-fill earthworks operation for a large sports...
David answered on Dec 24 2021
BasSpec02-C.doc
SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS
Standard Specification for Urban Infrastructure Works 2-1
Edition 1, Revision 0 / September 2002
CONTENTS
2 EARTHWORKS 2-2
2.01 SCOPE 2-2
2.02 STANDARDS 2-2
2.03 PROTECTION OF THE WORKS 2-3
2.03.1 General 2-3
2.03.2 Protection of Earthworks 2-4
2.03.3 Stockpiles 2-5
2.03.4 Protection of Completed Earthworks 2-5
2.03.5 Reinstatement 2-5
2.04 CLEARING AND GRUBBING 2-5
2.04.1 General 2-5
2.04.2 Care of Trees 2-6
2.04.3 Disposal of Material 2-7
2.04.4 Chipping of Cleared Vegetation 2-7
2.05 EXCAVATION 2-7
2.05.1 General 2-7
2.05.2 Stripping and Stockpiling of Topsoil 2-8
2.05.3 Use of Explosives 2-9
2.05.4 Disposal of Surplus Spoil 2-12
2.05.5 Ripping of Access Tracks 2-13
2.05.6 Unsuitable Material 2-13
2.05.7 Transition from Cut to Fill 2-13
2.06 FILLING 2-14
2.06.1 General 2-14
2.06.2 Materials 2-15
2.06.3 Borrow 2-15
2.06.4 Compaction 2-16
2.06.5 Backfilling at Structures 2-16
2.07 SUBGRADE PREPARATION 2-17
2.07.1 Subgrade Levels 2-17
2.07.2 Cut Subgrade 2-17
2.07.3 Rock Subgrade 2-18
2.07.4 Fill Subgrade 2-18
2.07.5 Clay Subgrade 2-18
2.07.6 Unsuitable Subgrade Materials 2-19
2.07.7 Subgrades Affected by Moisture 2-19
2.08 TRIMMING AND FINISHING OF SURFACES 2-19
2.09 CONFORMANCE CRITERIA 2-19
2.09.1 Compaction Conformance 2-19
2.09.2 Tolerances 2-20
2.09.3 Sampling and Testing 2-21
2.09.4 Frequency of Testing 2-22
2.09.5 Nonconforming Work 2-23
2.10 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT 2-24
2.11 SCHEDULE OF HOLD POINTS 2-26
SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS
Standard Specification for Urban Infrastructure Works 2-2
Edition 1, Revision 0 / September 2002
2 EARTHWORKS
2.01 SCOPE
The works covered by this Section of the Specification comprise the formation by cutting or filling of the
earthworks for roadways, paths, open drains and all incidental works other than underground services.
Requirements are also laid down for the clearing and grubbing of vegetation, removal of existing structures,
stripping and stockpiling of topsoil and for the final trimming and finishing of surfaces for various purposes.
Ancillary works, such as temporary drainage and soil conservation measures are also specified for the protection
of permanent works during construction and the prevention of damage to the site and adjacent areas as a result of
soil erosion.
2.02 STANDARDS
Work carried out and testing performed under this Section of the Specification shall comply with the
requirements of the following Standards to the extent that they are relevant and not overridden by the
Specification.
Australian Standards
AS 1289 Methods of Testing Soils for Engineering Purposes including:
AS 1289.6.1.1 Determination of the California Bearing Ratio of a soil - Standard laboratory method for
a remoulded specimen.
AS 1289.3.3.1 Calculation of the plasticity index of a soil.
AS 1289.5.1.1 Determination of the dry density/moisture content relation of a soil using standard
compactive effort.
AS 1289.5.4.1 Compaction control test - Dry density ratio, moisture variation and moisture ratio.
AS 1289.5.7.1 Compaction Control Test (Rapid Method).
AS 2187 Explosives, Storage, transport and use
AS 2189 Explosives Glossary of Terms
AS 1348 Road & Traffic Engineering -Glossary of Terms
Legislation
Dangerous Goods Act 1975
Dangerous Goods Regulations 1978
Occupational Health and Safety (Certification of Plant Users & Operators) Regulations 2000 (Dated 15 Nov
2000)
Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989
Scaffolding & Lifts Regulations 1950
SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS
Standard Specification for Urban Infrastructure Works 2-3
Edition 1, Revision 0 / September 2002
Other References
AUSTROADS Explosives in Roadworks, User's Guide - 1982.
Terms used to describe the various elements of pavement structure in this Section are in accordance with the
definitions prescribed in AS1348, "Glossary of Terms Used in Road Engineering".
A Testing Authority shall be employed by the Contractor to carry out all testing. The Authority shall hold a
current NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) Registration for the relevant tests, and a copy of
results shall be forwarded to the Superintendent without delay.
2.03 PROTECTION OF THE WORKS
2.03.1 General
The Contractor's responsibility for care of the Works shall include the protection of earthworks.
The Contractor requires an Environment Protection Agreement or an Authorisation with the Environment
Management Authority for all construction or building activities on a site more than 0.3 hectare and must be
obtained prior to commencement of work.
No extensions of time will be granted or allowed relative to any delay with obtaining of the necessary Agreement
and other approvals unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Superintendent that all necessary steps have been
taken on time by the Contractor.
Where the Contract documents include a suggested Sediment and Erosion Control Concept Plan, the Contractor
is still responsible for the adequacy of those arrangements. The Contractor may choose to adopt those concept
arrangements as the basis for applying for approval, or alternatively the Contractor may propose his own
measures as the basis for approval.
Prior to commencement of work the Contractor must provide two copies of the Sediment and Erosion control
measures plan to Environment ACT – Water Unit for approval. Two copies of the endorsed as approved
drawing(s) shall be provided to the Superintendent.
In addition to those erosion and sediment control measures suggested in the Contract documents and the
Sediment and Erosion Control Measures Plan the Contractor shall generally plan and manage the works to
minimise erosion on the site.
It is expected that control measures may include the following
(i) Control over surface run-off by:
• construction of interception drains to divert run-off from undisturbed areas around the works area
• installation of temporary drains
• early stabilisation of floodways
• use of straw bales, silt fences, swales, contour ploughing or rip dozer cleat impressions, spreader
banks.
(ii) Limit movement of vehicles and equipment to:
• a single approved stabilised construction entrance
• prepared parking areas by the construction of temporary fencing.
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Standard Specification for Urban Infrastructure Works 2-4
Edition 1, Revision 0 / September 2002
(iii) Minimise the area exposed by:
• staging of clearing operations
• progressive stabilisation of the works as completed
• provision of temporary grassing
• contour ploughing to disturbed areas.
(iv) Construction of sediment control measures such as:
• sediment retention ponds,
• sediment basins
• sediment traps (various types)
• silt fences
• buffer zones
Refer to "Erosion and Sediment Control During Land Development – Environment ACT " for details.
Where the approved control measures include sediment retention ponds, and notwithstanding the requirements
arising elsewhere in the Contract documents or from Environment ACT and, then:
(a) The ponds shall be kept empty of water for the longest practical duration. During periods of high
in-flow of water and sediment, causing overtopping over the pond spillway, the Contractor shall
regularly test the quality of the waters being released and treat the water with chemicals as and when
necessary in order to achieve a water quality for the released water complying with the above
legislation and licence and to maintain sufficient residual gypsum or an acceptable chemical in
solution to sustain treatment of subsequent inflow. When there is an inflow which is insufficient to
cause overtopping over the pond spillway, then the water is to be treated as necessary and emptied
within three days of the inflow occurring.
(b) The Contractor shall remove and dispose of accumulations of materials from the ponds as often as is
necessary to maintain their interception capacity to at least ninety percent (90%) of the design
volume of the pond.
(c) The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures and a programme and provide all necessary
equipment, materials and labour to carry out water testing; calibration test; dosing with chemicals;
and the controlled release of waters so as to comply with the requirements of the legislation and
licence. The testing procedure shall be developed using a turbidity meter which shall be calibrated
with a series of test results on water samples with a range of Non-Filterable Residue levels. The
Contractor shall arrange laboratory tests for Non-Filterable Residue and obtain advice on dosage
rates ensuring that the pH is within acceptable limits, and then if possible develop a simple field
correlation technique for assessing the suitability of the water for release. Dosing can be carried out
using an acceptable chemical such as gypsum, using a simple slurry mixing and spreading technique
designed to achieve acceptable water quality. Gypsum is preferred because it does not change the
pH and unless there are problems in effectiveness it shall be the chemical used.
Unless specified elsewhere within the Contract, or directed otherwise by the Superintendent, then the sediment
and erosion quality control measures will be provided, operated and managed, maintained or replaced as
necessary for the period of the contract, including the consolidation period and/or the Defects Liability Period as
required to fulfil the requirements of the Pollution Control Act.
2.03.2 Protection of Earthworks
Protect earthworks and in particular road formations from the effects of erosion and deposition. Grade
earthworks and particularly subgrades to drain at all stages without ponding. Where run-off must cross the
SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS
Standard Specification for Urban Infrastructure Works 2-5
Edition 1, Revision 0 / September 2002
formation, ensure that the stream is a broad sheet flow which crosses roughly at right angles to the alignment and
minimises the likelihood of subgrade softening.
When rain is likely or when work is not proposed to continue in a working area on the following day, precautions
shall be taken to minimise ingress of any excess water into earthworks material. Ripped material remaining in
cuttings and material placed on embankments shall be sealed off by adequate compaction to provide a smooth
tight surface.
Should insitu or stockpiled material become over wet as a result of the Contractor not providing adequate
protection of earthworks, the Contractor shall be responsible for replacing and/or drying out the material and for
any consequent delays to the operations.
2.03.3 Stockpiles
Where locations are not nominated in the documents, place stockpiles to minimise effects on site and adjacent
areas. Keep clear of tops of slopes to avoid causing instability.
Locate stockpiles clear of natural drainage lines and provide temporary drainage as necessary.
Stockpile material is to be placed to avoid damage to existing flora etc. Where directed by the Superintendent
stockpiles shall be temporarily grassed.
2.03.4 Protection of Completed Earthworks
In areas where earthworks, including open drains, have been completed and no further treatment is specified
other than topsoiling and grassing or hydroseeding, then the topsoiling and seeding shall be carried out as
specified at the earliest practicable date.
Areas of exposed completed earthworks shall, if directed, be stabilised using temporary grassing, within 28 days
of formation.
2.03.5 Reinstatement
Fill temporary drains and remove structures when no longer required. Filling shall
be placed and compacted as specified later in this Section. Reinstate surfaces (including areas formerly occupied
by stockpiles) as follows:
• within the area of the permanent works finish as specified;
• areas outside the permanent works which were formerly developed in any way shall be reinstated to
their condition at commencement of the Contract;
• undeveloped areas outside the permanent works shall be reinstated as specified for "Dryland
Grassing".
2.04 CLEARING AND GRUBBING
2.04.1 General
Unless otherwise specified, remove all vegetation, logs, stumps, boulders, roots, scrub, debris and dumped
material and items within the limits of clearing. Demolish and dispose of any minor man-made structures (such as
fences and livestock yards), all rubbish and other materials that are unsuitable for use in the Works . Grass and
topsoil shall not be removed as part of this initial clearing.
In advance of clearing and grubbing operations, effective erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be
implemented in accordance with this Specification.
SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS
Standard Specification for Urban Infrastructure Works 2-6
Edition 1, Revision 0 / September 2002
All trees and stumps, on or within the limits of clearing, unable to be felled and removed by the clearing methods
used by the Contractor shall be removed by grubbing. Grub out stumps and roots over 75mm diameter to a
minimum depth of 0.5m below the natural surface or 1.5m below the finished surface level, whichever is the
lower. Backfill grub holes with suitable spoil from excavations compacted in layers to the density of the
surrounding undisturbed soil.
The Contractor shall take all measures to prevent damage to existing underground and overhead utility services.
Every precaution shall be taken to prevent timber from falling on private property and the Contractor shall
dispose of any timber so fallen or produce the written consent of the owner to its remaining there. The cost of
disposal of such fallen timber shall be borne by the Contractor. Prior to entering private property, the Contractor
shall obtain consent from the Superintendent and the property owner.
Damage of any kind, including damage to trees and fencing occurring during clearing operations shall be made
good by the Contractor. The cost of repair of such damage shall be borne by the Contractor.
Limits of clearing are defined as lines one metre outside the intersections of excavation or embankment slopes
with the natural surface or the outside limits of slope rounding together with any other limits detailed. For
services trenches outside the general limits of clearing, limit of clearing is defined as trench width plus one (1)
metre either side of the trench. The Contractor shall ensure that only the absolute minimum necessary for
construction is cleared.
Hold Point 2.1
Process Held: Clearing operations within any given area.
Submission Details: At least seven (7) working days prior to commencement of clearing
the Contractor shall give notice of intention to commence clearing
operations within any given area
Release of Hold Point: The Superintendent will mark or indicate to the Contractor the trees
that are to be retained, prior to authorising the release of the Hold
Point.
2.04.2 Care of Trees
Protect trees marked to be retained by means of fence Type "T" as specified in Clause 8.04. Fences normally
shall be located no closer to the tree than the edge of the canopy unless specified otherwise.
Vehicles and plant shall not be parked under existing tree canopies. Refuelling and storage of chemicals and fuel
shall not be permitted beneath existing tree canopies.
If plant operation close to trees to remain is unavoidable, lash pine offcuts upright around the trunks in lieu of
fencing. Offcuts shall be 1.5m high and spaced at no more than 100mm around trunks. Lower ends shall touch
the ground. Sawn faces shall be outermost and painted white. The Superintendent may direct that levels be
adjusted in the vicinity of trees to minimise the effects of excavation or filling.
Work within three (3) metres of trees to be protected shall be carried out by hand to avoid damage by equipment.
Cut roots neatly in the line of the work before commencing machine excavation. All cut surfaces shall be coated
with a suitable bitumen based paint. Roots that are greater than 30mm diameter measured at a distance of three
(3) metres from the tree trunk shall not be cut without prior approval from the Superintendent.
SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS
Standard Specification for Urban Infrastructure Works 2-7
Edition 1, Revision 0 / September 2002
If any tree is damaged during the course of the work, the Superintendent may direct the Contractor to effect
repairs or remove and replace the tree. Alternatively, the Superintendent may make arrangements for repair or
replacement at the Contractor's expense. Damage to trees shall also include damage to bark and root systems.
The Contractor shall plan all operations to ensure that there is no damage to any trees outside the limits of
clearing specified or directed by the Superintendent. No growing trees shall be destroyed or damaged by the
Contractor other than those specified and those indicated by the Superintendent.
Where branches intrude on the working area, any necessary trimming shall be carried out by a tree surgeon
approved by the Superintendent.
2.04.3 Disposal of Material
Unless otherwise specified, all materials cleared and grubbed in accordance with this Specification shall become
the property of the Contractor and shall be removed from the site and legally disposed of.
Unless otherwise specified elsewhere, disposal of timber and other combustible materials by burning shall not be
permitted. Where permitted, the Contractor shall comply with all Statutory requirements applicable to burning
off, and any such burning off shall be carried out in such a manner that no damage is done to any trees outside
the limits of clearing. Smoke resulting from such burning off shall not cause a traffic hazard or a nuisance to
adjacent landholders.
2.04.4 Chipping of Cleared Vegetation
The Contractor shall recycle in accordance with ACT No-Waste guidelines, or mulch for use on site.
The Contractor may produce a wood-chip mulch derived from crowns of trees and branches of shrubs cleared
under this Specification. The wood-chip mulch produced shall be stockpiled for subsequent use in accordance
with the Section 9 of this Specification or for use at other locations as appropriate
The wood-chip mulch shall be produced from branches having a maximum diameter of 100 millimetres and the
chipped material produced shall not have two orthogonal dimensions exceeding 75mm and 50mm.
2.05 EXCAVATION
2.05.1 General
Excavate to conform to the lines, grades, cross sections and dimensions shown on the drawings. The
Superintendent may order the removal of any soft spots, debris or organic material exposed when excavated
areas have been trimmed to finished formation levels. Remove all rocks and boulders which protrude above
finished surfaces of subgrades.
Except as specified in Clause 2.07.2, excavation below finished formation levels shall be made good as specified
for filling.
Separate the best granular materials from excavations for use in the upper layers or fill subgrades.
Should the Contractor propose to claim payment for adjustment to quantities of excavation due to the inaccuracy
of the surface levels shown on the drawings or in the ground model supplied by the Superintendent, he shall,
prior to any disturbance of the existing surface, notify the Superintendent.. Failure to notify the Superintendent
will mean that the levels shown on the drawings or in the ground model supplied by the Superintendent will be
taken to be correct. If the subsequent check survey reveals the survey shown on the drawings to be correct, then
the Contractor shall bear the cost of the check survey.
SECTION 2 EARTHWORKS
Standard Specification for Urban Infrastructure Works 2-8
Edition 1, Revision 0 / September 2002
Hold Point 2.2
Process Held: Earthworks operations within any given area.
Submission Details: At least seven (7) working days prior to commencement of
earthworks operations in any given area, if the Contractor considers
areas of the ground survey shown on the drawings to be inaccurate,
the Contractor shall give notice of intention to commence earthworks
operations within that area.
Release of Hold Point: The Superintendent will check the survey of the area in question,
prior to authorising the release of the Hold Point.
Rock outcrops worthy of retention as landscape features shall be preserved as directed on site. Provide for the
protection of rock outcrops where detailed to avoid damage, staining and scarring. Rock surfaces shall be left
clean and free of spilled soil or debris. During construction and as directed, rock surfaces shall be covered with
soil to a depth of approximately 300min and washed off at the conclusion of construction work.
The Contractor shall be responsible for any assumptions made by the Contractor in relation to the nature and
types of the materials encountered in excavations and the bulking and compaction characteristics of materials
incorporated in embankments.
The estimated quantity for general earthworks at any cutting includes all types of materials which may be
encountered in the cutting.
Where material from excavations is acceptable for use in embankments, but the Contractor elects to:-
(a) Spoil it, or
(b) Use it for the Contractor's own...