Earthwork (Grading, Excavation and Filling, Foundations)

 

Asphaltic Concrete

 

Reinforcing Steel

 

Concrete Batch Plant

 

Concrete

 

Shotcrete

 

Pre-Tensioned Concrete

 

Post-Tensioned Concrete

 

Masonry

 

Structural Steel and
High Strength Bolting

 

Nondestructive Testing

 

Spray-Applied Fireproofing

 

Glu Lam and Truss Joists

 

Shear Walls and Floor Systems Used as Shear Diaphragms

SECTION 1 - EARTHWORK (Special Grading, Excavation and Filling)

OBJECTIVE

Earthwork as presented in this section includes, in general, those soils construction activities normally associated with special grading, excavation and filling. The purpose of earthwork observation and testing is to verify that the work is done in compliance with the approved plans and specifications, and, in particular, the recommendations of the project geotechnical report.

Soil is a highly variable material, very sensitive to moisture fluctuations, and requires close attention to construction quality control in order to achieve the desired result. Many factors contribute to its suitability and effective performance. Identifying and properly controlling these factors can be divided into two general areas of activity. The first involves the observation or monitoring during construction with particular attention that placement and compaction operations are followed as specified in the contract documents and geotechnical report. The second involves tests to document the soil's properties and verify compliance to the quality specified.

Materials engineering laboratories that offer services in this field provide special expertise and equipment to verify the objectives of the design and project specifications. However, this is best accomplished when the Design Geotechnical Consultant provides these construction related services and can in turn achieve continuity and integration of the design-construct process. Without involvement of this Geotechnical Engineer, the constructed earthwork may not meet the performance requirements intended.

OBSERVATION DUTIES

A. Documents

1. Review the approved plans, specifications, and the Geotechnical Engineer’s report.
2. Note and record the equipment being used on site.

B. Sampling of Materials

1. Sample and verify that the following materials are delivered to the Materials Engineering Laboratory for any required testing:
   1. Subgrade materials
   2. Native-fill materials
   3. Imported materials
   4. Additive materials (lime, cement, sand, pozzolan, etc.)

    

C. Testing

1. Perform soils classification and properties tests as required on native and/or imported soils.
2. Perform laboratory moisture-density relationship tests or other structural property tests as required.
3. Where applicable, conduct laboratory testing program to determine soils’ properties resulting from admixtures such as cement or lime.
4. In the field, conduct in-place field density and moisture tests using procedures specified in the contract documents. Frequency of testing should be predetermined to allow for representative coverage of each lift, while interfering as little as possible with the earthwork operation’s schedule.
5. Testing must be timely to avoid having to retest previously covered work. Similarly, test methods should be predetermined so as to take into account the Contractor’s procedures and soil types.
6. Periodic sampling of materials in the field to verify continued compliance with specification requirements is recommended.

 

D. Reports

 

Submit written progress reports describing the tests and observations made and showing the action taken to correct nonconforming work.

 

 

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