CONSTRUCTION OF MAIN WORKS

OF HO TO WEST SUBSTATION (LOK MA CHAU INLAND NO.2)

PARTICULAR SPECIFICATION – PART E

EXCAVATION AND LATERAL SUPPORT WORKS

1.0 GENERAL
1.1 Scope

This specification gives the technical requirements for all excavation and earthworks
(including filling), herein after referred to as the Work, expect where otherwise modified or
amended within the Contract. All general requirements are given in the accompanying
Particular Specification covering, but not limited to: definitions; Contractor’s responsibilities;
Site conditions; Site safety; construction programme; quality control; materials; testing; Site
transportation and accommodation; temporary work; maintenance and as-built drawings.

1.2 Building Regulations, Authoritative Standards and Codes of Practice

All excavation and earthwork shall comply with the requirements of Hong Kong Building
(Construction) Regulations, General Specification for Civil Engineering Works (2006 Edition),
Practice Note for Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and Registered
Geotechnical Engineers (PNAP) and in particular PNAP APP-15, APP-22, APP-48, APP-49
and APP-57 and the latest version of British Standards (BS) and Codes of Practice (CP),
except where more stringent requirements are specified herein.

1.3 Method Statement

The Contractor shall submit a comprehensive method statement for acceptance prior to
commencing any excavation. The method statement shall include the type of plant and
equipment to be used and the sequence of excavation within the constraints shown on the
drawings and given in this specification.

1.4 Contractor’s Submissions

A minimum fourteen days prior to the commencement of the work, the Contractor shall submit
to the Supervisor, for his acceptance, the following information:

(a) Schedule of construction plant and haulage vehicles;

(b) Proposed sources of supply and uses of imported material;
(c) Method statement for the excavation and filling;
(d) Method statement for stockpiling and disposal methods;
(e) Method statement for controlling the moisture content of fill material;
(f) Method statement for controlling groundwater and surface water and prevention of
water ingress;
(g) Method statement for monitoring ground water levels and adjacent ground and
structures;
(h) Sequence of excavation and/or installation of temporary shoring; and
(i) Dewatering and water stress relief proposal.
(j) Pumping test proposal
(k) Preloading and prestressing proposal
(l) Proposed ELS layout and details, etc.

An excavation and lateral support scheme has been designed by the Project RSE for the
proposed building with associated structures and drainages which require more than 2.5m
deep excavation. Where the Contractor proposes an alternative excavation and lateral
support works design, he must submit with his tender for approval.

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For alternative excavation and lateral support works design, the Contractor shall prepare such
plan and shall submit such plan to the Project Manager for acceptance prior to onward
submission to BD. The Contractor shall be deemed to have allowed for all time and costs
associated with the preparation, submission and BD approval process and any subsequent
amendments deemed necessary to satisfy the Specification or the requirements of the
Buildings Department.

If the Contractor’s proposed alternative design is adopted, the Contractor shall bear all
responsibility for costs incurred and time lost due to any amendment made necessary to the
Contractor’s design to the satisfaction of the Buildings Authority.

1.5 Defective Work

The extent and nature of any measures required as the result of defective work shall be
determined by the Supervisor.

1.6 Contractor’s Responsibility

The work shall be carried out in strict accordance with the requirements of the statutory
regulations of the Building Authority, Specification, Contract drawings and written instructions
issued by the Project Manager.

The Contractor shall be entirely responsible for the safety of the work and for taking all
necessary precautions to prevent settlement or damage to adjacent buildings, roads and
surrounding ground. He shall inspect the adjacent buildings and surrounding area at regular
frequent intervals and shall immediately report to the Project Manager any sign of damage or
distress which may become evident.

The Contractor shall responsible to maintain the constructed Work, adjacent structures,
existing services/utilities and/or slopes/retaining walls. He shall monitor them at the
frequencies as shown in drawings throughout the Contract period.

The Contractor shall provide all necessary temporary shoring and lateral support necessary
for the completion of the Works. The method statement and the temporary work proposal
shall be submitted to the Project Manager for acceptance.

The Contractor shall provide shoring to the adjacent buildings and shall move and reposition
any shores as may be necessary to get the rigs into position for constructing the sheet piles
adjacent to the buildings and geotechnical features.

The Contractor is responsible for the application and to obtain all necessary permits for the
execution of the Work.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the provision and maintenance of suitable access
roads from the public highway to the Site where the structural steelwork is to be erected.

The Contractor shall take full responsibility for possible damage to adjacent properties, roads,
footpaths etc., consequent upon the execution of the Contract work and shall indemnify the
Project Manager through the Contractor against all loss or claim so arising.

The Contractor shall take full responsibility for the design, erection, maintenance and removal
of all temporary work within the Contract period.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the design and erection of a complete temporary
shoring system for the drainage work and manhole construction and all temporary working
platforms necessary for the completion of the Work. The shoring design as well as
subsequent necessary amendments and precautionary monitoring proposal for the Work shall
be carried out by the Contractor. All costs and time incurred in the preparation of the shoring
design shall be borne by the Contractor.

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In case of excavation adjacent to existing building, structure or retaining structure/slope, the

design of shoring system and any necessary amendment shall include due consideration to
secure stability and working condition of the existing building, structure or retaining
structure/slope.

The shoring design and excavation plans shall be submitted together with appropriate
supporting geotechnical documentation taking into consideration of the requirements under
B(A)R 8(1)(bc), with particular emphasis on the sequence of and procedures for work
required to support existing buildings, structures, streets, land and services during demolition,
excavation and sub-surface structural work and a report of an investigation of effects of the
intended construction work on existing buildings, structures, streets, land and services
including demonstration of compliance with B(C)R 23.

The shoring design as well as any necessary amendment shall comply with the Building
(Construction) Regulations and shall be subject to the acceptance by the Project Manager
and relevant statutory authorities (if necessary). The Contractor shall allow sufficient time for
the administrative procedures required by the Project Manager and the Buildings Department
on the approval and consent of his shoring design and excavation plans. No claim of any
kind will be entertained as a result of delay thereof.

The Contractor shall submit the first shoring design and excavation plans to the Project
Manager within 21 days after award of the Contract and all shoring work and excavation
procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the approval plans.

Necessary precautions should be taken to prevent damage to existing drains and services
encountered in and around the excavation. Should any damage occur, notify the Project
Manager, the relevant authorities and utilities companies concerned immediately and make
good at no extra cost.

2.0 MATERIALS

2.1 Definitions

“Top soil” shall mean soil that capable of supporting vegetation.

“Accepted material” shall comprise all that which is acceptable in accordance with the
Contract for use in the Work, and which is capable of being compacted in the manner
specified in Clause 5.7 below to form a stable fill.

“Unsuitable material” shall mean other than accepted material and shall include:

(a) Material from swamps

(b) Peat, logs, stumps and perishable materials
(c) Material susceptible to spontaneous combustion
(d) Soil of liquid limit exceeding 65% and/or plasticity index exceeding 35%
(e) Material having an in-situ moisture content greater than the maximum permitted for
such material in the Contract, unless otherwise permitted by the Supervisor
(f) Organic materials

“Rock” shall mean hard material, whose geological nature is regarded as such, individual
boulders >= 1.0m3 in size, or other masses of hard material which necessitate tools for
removal.

“Type A” rockfill is a well graded and durable material with a maximum particle size of
150mm.

“Type B” rockfill similar, but with max. particle size of 300mm and isolated boulders of
600mm.

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“Special filling material” shall mean “accepted material” but capable also of passing a 75mm
BS sieve. The fraction passing a 75mm BS sieve shall have the following characteristics:

(a) Liquid limit not exceeding 45%

(b) Plasticity index not exceeding 20%
(c) Coefficient of uniformity shall be greater than 50

The percentage passing a 63mm BS sieve shall be less than 45% by weight

“Cohesive soil” includes clay with up to 20% of gravel and having a moisture content not less
than the value of the plastic limit minus 4.

“Well-graded granular and dry cohesive soils” includes clays containing more than 20% of
gravel and/or having a moisture content less than the value of plastic limit minus 4, well-
graded sands and gravels with a uniformity coefficient exceeding 10.

“Uniformly-graded material” includes sands and gravels with a uniformity coefficient of 10 or

less, and all silts. Any soil containing 80% or more of material particle size range 60mm to 2
mm will be regarded as silt for this purpose.

2.2 Materials

Areas of over-excavation shall be filled using accepted granular material or mass concrete as
directed by the Project Manager on Site. The Contractor shall submit full details of the source
and type of material he proposes to use at least 21 days before filling commence. The
Contractor shall submit a representative sample and shall carry out any tests required by the
Supervisor.

3.0 EXCAVATION
3.1 General

Excavation shall be carried out to the dimensions lines, levels, and slopes as indicated on the
drawings. If the Contractor excavates deeper than the depths shown on the drawings or as
instructed by the Project Manager then he shall, at his own expense, fill in such excessive
depths with lean mix concrete to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.

The bottoms of all excavations shall be kept free from mud and water, trimmed clean,
protected from the effects of weather and thoroughly compacted and consolidated in an
accepted manner and means, subject to the requirements as stipulated under Clause 5.7
below.

All soft or defective portions of soil below formation level shall be cut out and filled in with
accepted material well consolidated in layers of accepted thickness.

No excavated accepted material other than surplus to the requirements of the Contract shall
be removed from the Site except on the direction or with the permission of the Project
Manager. Should the Contractor be permitted to remove accepted material from the Site to
suit his operation procedures, then he shall make good at his own expense any consequent
deficit of filling arising therefrom with accepted material.

Where the excavation reveals a combination of accepted and unsuitable materials the
Contractor shall, unless otherwise agreed by the Project Manager, carry out the excavation in
such a manner that the accepted materials are excavated separately for use in the Work
without contamination by the unsuitable materials.

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3.2 Acceptance of Excavation

The Contractor shall report to the Project Manager when secure bottoms have been obtained
to the excavations and are ready to receive the concrete. Any concrete or other work put in
before the excavations have been inspected and accepted by the Project Manager shall, if so
directed, be removed and new work substituted in accordance with the Specification after the
excavations have been accepted, all at the Contractor’s own expense.

3.3 Cuttings Including Slopes

Unless otherwise specified or shown on the drawings, the top edges of cutting shall be neatly
rounded to the dimensions shown on the drawings or as directed by the Project Manager.
Such work shall be deemed to be included in the Contractor’s rate for cutting work.

Unless otherwise specified or shown on the drawings, slopes to cutting shall conform with the
figures given in Table 1 below

Where shown on the drawings, slopes on the cross sections represent the estimated
requirements for the expected types of materials and these slopes shall be subject to re-
determination by the Project Manager according to his assessment of the materials
encountered.

Trenches cut into the toe of a slope can undermine slope stability and shall not be permitted.

Trenches excavated on or above slopes may provide a location where infiltration of water into
the hillside could cause slope instability. Trenches loosely backfilled with soil can permit
almost as much infiltration from the surface as an open trench and will permit lateral flow of
water along the trench through the backfilled material. The Contractor shall not normally
open up such service or other trenches in or above slopes during the rainy season.

Where such trench excavations are permitted by the Project Manager, the Contractor shall:

(a) protect the trench against ingress or egress of water by means of sand bags,
concrete kerbs or compacted earthfill bunds along each side of the trench;
(b) provide pumps at all low points to maintain the trench bottom in a dry state;
(c) supervise the functioning and maintenance of the pumps continuously (24 hours per
day) even when work is not proceeding; and
(d) on completion of the work, the Contractor shall backfill the trench in layers not greater
than 150mm deep compacted to not less than 95% MDD.

Table 1 - Allowable Slopes In Cuttings

Material Angle of Slope

(Horiz to Vert Rise)
Sand, Fill 30o Maximum
Loose Gravel or Clay 30o Maximum
Completed Decomposed Rock Soft Rock 45o Maximum
Rock with Weak Seams 30o Maximum
HD Rock 55o Maximum
Massive Rock 70o Maximum

The above allowable angle of slope should be verified on Site with the Project Manager.

3.4 Excavation of Foundation Pits/Pile Caps And Trenches

Where required by the nature of the materials to be excavated, the Contractor shall provide all
necessary planking, strutting and shoring required to uphold the face of the excavation and
any necessary stagings. The Contractor is responsible for the design, supply, fixing and

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removal of all planking and strutting required to resist all anticipated loadings and to ensure
safety and prevent damage to any adjoining property. The Project Manager may direct that
such supports be left in position.

The Contractor may suitably batter faces of excavations subject to the Project Manager’s prior
acceptance.

The bottoms of all excavations shall be levelled carefully and stepped or benched horizontally
as shown on the drawings. Any pockets of soft material or loose rock in the bottom of pits
and trenches shall be removed and the resulting cavities and any large fissures filled with
lean mix concrete. After the placing of any blinding concrete required by the Contract, no
trimming of the side faces shall be carried out for 24 hours.

The Contractor shall obtain the Project Manager’s acceptance to all foundation excavations
prior to the placing of any blinding layer or fixing of reinforcement. The Contractor shall also
take photographic records of all such excavations and shall provide an as-built level survey of
all such excavations, prepared by an independent registered surveyor.

Trenches and pits shall not be wider than is necessary for the efficient laying and jointing of
pipes or for other work to be carried out.

No greater length of trench shall be opened at any one time than has been accepted by the
Project Manager. All surplus spoil shall be removed immediately on excavation, and stacked
spoil for filling shall be kept tidy at all times.

The Contractor shall make good with accepted material or concrete as directed by the Project
Manager, the following:

(a) Any excavation greater than the net volume required for the Work as described in the
Contract.
(b) Any additional excavation at or below the bottom of foundations to remove material
which the Contractor allows to become unsuitable.

3.5 Trial Holes

The Contractor shall be deemed to have satisfied himself as to conditions affecting execution
of the Work by visiting and inspecting the Site of the proposed Work. He may be permitted to
inspect the trial holes that have been made and any open excavations in connection with
other work should such be in progress, and also to study any available drawings which might
be of assistance. The Contractor must clearly understand that all information is given
expressly without guarantee and he shall obtain his own information regarding the notices of
the excavation, conditions peculiar to the Site, and all other matters affecting the proposed
work, and he shall make provision in his rates to cover for the types of materials to be
excavated.

3.6 Proving of Bearing Stratum

Where strip, pad, raft or similar foundations are used, the bearing stratum shall be proven by
the Contractor and the results of all such proving tests shall be submitted to the Supervisor for
information along with the records mentioned in Clause 3.4 above prior to the construction of
any such foundation. The Contractor shall be deemed to have allowed for all time and costs
associated with such proving and reporting of results.

Where foundations as mentioned in Clause 3.6 above are to be founded on rock, proving
tests shall be carried out at each isolated pad footing or at 10m or other centres and shall
include core drilling to a depth of 5m below the founding stratum and “star-drilling” or other
appropriate method to detect weathered seams, voids and the like, as directed by the Project
Manager.

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Where foundations as mentioned in Clause 3.6 above are to be founded on material other
than rock, proving tests shall be carried out at each isolated pad footing or at l0m or other
centres and shall include plate loading tests or other appropriate method as directed by the
Supervisor.

3.7 Blasting

Blasting shall not be permitted.

3.8 Removal of temporary support

The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all additional temporary support to the
excavation. This shall be carried out to the construction sequence as shown on the accepted
drawings or as agreed by the Project Manager.

4.0 EARTHWORKS
4.1 General

The Contractor shall carry out all earthworks in such a manner as to prevent erosion or slips,
shall limit working faces to safe slopes and height, and shall ensure that all surfaces have at
all times sufficient gradients to enable them to shed water without causing erosion. He shall
also take all other relevant precautions and as noted on the drawings

At the end of each day, all surfaces shall be left with no area that can retain water. If
necessary, the Contractor shall provide and maintain temporary and accepted surface or
subsurface drainage system to ensure minimum delay in work progress due to wet weather.
Alternatively, adequate means, such as covering all surfaces with polythene, shall be
provided and maintained.

The Contractor shall provide and maintain all necessary temporary access roads and shall
divert and reinstate permanent drainage system. All temporary roads shall be provided with
drainage ditches over full length.

4.2 Surplus Earth

The Contractor shall remove, deposit, spread and level surplus excavated materials after
filling where directed within the confines of the Site.

The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to prevent any spillages or soiling of the
public roads during the earth removal operation.

4.3 Existing Services

The Contractor shall notify the Project Manager of any mains, pipes or conduits met with
during the excavation and where any excavation is carried out adjacent to or under any
existing cable, and the like, the Contractor shall prevent damage by subsidence, as the
Project Manager may direct, whether such work is shown on the drawings or not.

In the event that damage is done to the public services due the Contractor’s work or
otherwise, all expenditure for such necessary repairs, etc. shall be borne by the Contractor.
Should these repairs be carried out by the relevant Authorities, the Contractor shall reimburse
the Authorities for the cost of carrying out the repairs, failing which the Client reserves the
right to pay the Authorities directly and deduct same from any monies due or becoming due to
the Contractor.

4.4 Dealing with Water

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The Contractor shall keep the excavations well drained and dry at all times and shall take all
precautions to prevent surface water from entering the excavations. He shall maintain on the
Site, at all tunes, pumps of sufficient capacity to deal with any surface or subterranean water
which may arise from the excavations. The Contractor shall also provide all pumps, hoses
and other equipment necessary for the drainage and dewatering.

The Contractor shall allow for the construction of all necessary temporary earth drains,
300mm half round drains and pipe culverts and the maintenance and temporary diversion or
damming of any existing drains. If required, any drains or watercourse so diverted shall be
reconstructed in original position upon completion of the Work.

The Contractor shall provide a network of temporary drains to adequately drain the Site. The
drainage system should comply with the requirements of the Buildings Department, and any
other appropriate Authorities. The Contractor shall obtain the necessary acceptances and
pay all costs and expenses in this respect.

The drains shall be sufficiently large so that no mud or water will spill onto the roads or
pavements. The Contractor shall also keep the main Authorities drains in the immediate and
surrounding areas free from silting up owing to the effluent from the Site. If the water is
muddy, it will be necessary to place strutted and supported boarding near the exposed
surface. The space in between the boarding and the surface shall be filled in with graded
stone chippings and coarse sand which will act as a filter to prevent the loss of soil.

4.5 Well Point and Deep Well Pumps

The Contractor shall, when using well points or deep well pumps for dewatering the Site,
comply with the following requirements:

(a) The Contractor shall provide full details of the proposed well point or deep-well pump
system to the Project Manager for acceptance.
(b) The Contractor shall conduct preliminary Site trials to determine the final layout of the
system and verify its effectiveness and shall determine the spacing and depth of the
points and the number of stages required based upon these trials.
(c) The manner of installation of the well points shall not to cause weakening or
subsidence of the surrounding area nor any slips in nearby slopes.
(d) The Contractor shall install measuring devices to determine water head and flow rate
for purposes of control. The system shall provide for sufficient valves in leaders and
pipes to maintain control over separate sections of the system.
(e) Where auxiliary sand drains are installed, they shall be considered an integral part of
the system.

The Contract sum shall be deemed to include for the provisions of Clause 4.5 above.

4.6 Planking and Strutting

The Contractor shall be responsible for the design, supply, fixing and removal of all planking
and strutting, shoring, etc. required by the Work or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the
Project Manager.

All such shoring etc. shall be sufficiently strong to resist earth pressure, insure the safety of
the workpeople and the Work and to prevent damage to any adjoining property. Any falls of
earth into the excavations shall be cleared by the Contractor at his own expense. Any
consequential backfilling or reinstatement shall similarly be carried out by the Contractor at
his own cost.

5.0 FILLING
5.1 Filling Generally

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End tipping of fill shall not be permitted except in special circumstances and then only with the
acceptance of the Project Manager. Such acceptance shall not exempt the Contractor from
compacting the end-tipped material to the requirements as specified in Clause 5.7 below.

When the state of the weather is such that in the opinion of the Supervisor, it would adversely
affect the placing of specially compacted fill, all such shall be stopped.

All filling material, whether placed and/or compacted or awaiting placing and/or compaction
which, in the opinion of the Supervisor, does not comply with the Specification, or has been
damaged by weather or in any other way, shall be removed and replaced at the Contractor’s
expense.

The Contractor shall also observe all requirements of Section 4 above.

5.2 Ground Preparation for Roads & Ground Slabs

All unsuitable material evident on the surface shall be removed. The cleared Site shall then
be scarified to a minimum depth of 300mm. Any areas where visual examination reveals the
presence of unsuitable material shall be excavated as necessary to remove such material.
Any soft spots indicating underlying pockets of unsuitable material shall also be excavated.

The Contractor shall undertake thorough compaction of all perimeter and entrance areas
where non-suspended ground slab has been specified. Similarly, all areas for internal roads
construction shall be thoroughly compacted as specified herein.

At all times during ground preparation/earthwork the surface shall be gently sloped to
temporary ditches to enable surface water to run off. Any ponding evident after rain shall
immediately be pumped dry and the area filled and compacted with suitable material.

5.3 Filling of Foundation Pits and Trenches and Removal of Supports

Unless otherwise shown on the drawings, or directed by the Project Manager, all filling for this
purpose shall consist of accepted material, deposited and compacted by accepted plant in
accordance with Clause 5.7 below. Timber sheeting and other excavation supports shall be
carefully removed as the filling proceeds except where such are required by the Contract to
be left in position, but the removal of such supports will not relieve the Contractor of his
responsibilities for the stability of the Work.

5.4 Embankments

Embankment construction (founding on fill) shall include the preparation and compaction to
the degree as specified under Clause 5.7 below, of the areas upon which embankments are
to be placed, the placing and compacting of accepted material within areas from which
unsuitable material has been removed as specified, and the placing and compacting of
embankment material in holes, pits, and other depressions within the foundation area.

Unless otherwise specified, the natural ground over which filling is to be placed shall be
cleared of all loose boulders, grass, topsoil, bushes, trees, roots and other vegetation. If the
Project Manager considers that any underlying material is unstable or unsuitable, he may
direct it to be removed and replaced with accepted material.

The Contractor is to provide all necessary dewatering measures for the completion of the
work.

The construction of any section of fill shall not be commenced until the foundation for that
section has been accepted by the Project Manager.

5.5 Placing Fill

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Fill shall be placed in even horizontal layers over the full width laid in thickness appropriate to
the compaction plant used and compacted to satisfy the requirement as specified in Clause
5.7 below. At all times the embankments shall be maintained with a sufficient camber and a
surface sufficiently even to enable the surface water to drain readily from them.

If the material deposited as fill subsequently reaches a condition such that it cannot be
compacted in accordance with the requirements of the Contract, the Contractor shall at his
own expense either:

(a) Make good by removing the material off the fill either to tip or elsewhere until it is in a
suitable physical condition for re-use, and replacing it with suitable materials; 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.

Rock material shall be broken down to dimensions not exceeding the compacted thickness of
the layer in which it is placed. Rock material shall be well distributed in layers extending the
full width of the fill, and sufficient fine material shall be placed around the larger material as it
is deposited to fill the voids and produced a dense compact fill. Where insufficient fine
material is present to fill the voids, additional fine material shall be obtained from other
sources at Contractor’s expense

5.6 Insitu Ground Compaction

Following ground preparation, the Contractor shall thoroughly compacted the whole using a
vibrating roller of approximately 5000kg dead weight.

Where small deep areas have to be compacted following local excavation of unsuitable
material, the Contractor shall place fill in layers not exceeding 200mm loose, compaction shall
be carried out using accepted vibratory tampers or as specified in Table 2 below.

5.7 Compaction of Fill

All materials shall be compacted in layers as soon as practicable after deposition. The
thickness of each layer shall be compatible with the compaction plant used and shall be
agreed with the Supervisor. Earth moving plant shall not be accepted as compaction
equipment under this Clause. The Supervisor may request the Contractor to carry out a trial
run for the compaction of fill. Testing will be carried out to identify the degree of compaction of
the compacted fill.

Each class of material to be compacted shall be tested, prior to compaction, by accepted

agencies, in accordance with Geospec 3 (Model Specification for Soil Testing) to determine
its maximum dry density and optimum moisture content for compaction.

The moisture content of the in-situ material during compaction shall be maintained as close to
the optimum moisture content as possible. If necessary, this shall be adjusted by wetting or
drying on Site to establish required in-situ field densities of the fill material to be obtained
consistently.

Other than Site formation compaction specified under Clause 5.6 above and small localized
compaction specified under Clause 5.6 above. Table 2 shall be used as a guide for the
Contractor in establishing general compaction arrangements. However, Site trials shall be
carried out to ensure that the density requirement is achieved.

All compaction work should comply with the requirements as stated on the PNAPs.

5.8 Definitions and Requirements (Associated With Table 2)

The depth of compacted layer is the height by which an embankment is raised by each
successive compacted layer.

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For items marked * the rollers shall be towed by track laying tractors. Self propelled rollers
are unsuitable.

Where combinations of different types of categories of plant are used, 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.

However, where the Contractor uses a lighter type of plant to provide some preliminary
compaction only to assist the use of heavier plant, this shall be disregarded in assessing the
above requirements.

Different categories of fill material shall be as defined under Clause 2.1 above.

5.9 Settlement

The Contractor shall be responsible for making good to the satisfaction of the Supervisor all
settlement in filling and backfilling which may occur up to the end of the Maintenance Period.

5.10 Hardcore

Hardcore where noted, shall be well graded hard, dry stone, brick, concrete, block or other
sound hard material to the Supervisor’s acceptance broken to a maximum gauge of 50mm
thick well consolidated in layers not exceeding 150 mm thick. The surface shall be dense and
well watered prior to placing concrete.

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Table 2 - Compaction Requirement

Type of Category Cohesive Soil Well-Graded Granular and Uniformly-Graded Materials

compaction Dry Cohesive Soils
plant Max. Depth Min. No. of Max. Depth of Min. No. of Max. Depth of Min. No. of Passes
of Passes Compacted Passes Compacted
Compacted Layer (mm) Layer (mm)
Layer (mm)
Smooth- Force per 100mm
Wheeled Width:
Roller 2.1 – 2.6kN 125 4 125 10 125 10
2.61 – 5.5kN 125 4 125 8 125 8
>5.2kN 150 4 150 8 Unsuitable Unsuitable
Grid Roller Force per 100mm
Width:
2.6 – 5.2kN 150 10 Unsuitable Unsuitable 150 10
5.3 – 7.8kN 150 8 125 12 Unsuitable Unsuitable
>7.8kN 150 4 150 12 Unsuitable Unsuitable
Pneumatic Wheel Losd:
Tyred Roller 1 – 1.5 ton 125 4 Unsuitable Unsuitable 150 10
1.5 – 2 ton 150 4 Unsuitable Unsuitable Unsuitable Unsuitable
2 – 2.5 ton 175 4 125 12 Unsuitable Unsuitable
2.5 – 4 ton 225 4 125 10 Unsuitable Unsuitable
4 – 6 ton 300 4 125 10 Unsuitable Unsuitable
6 – 8 ton 350 4 159 8 Unsuitable Unsuitable
8 – 12 ton 400 4 175 8 Unsuitable Unsuitable
> 12 ton 450 4 175 6 Unsuitable Unsuitable
Power Mass Kilogram:
Rammer 100 150 8 150 1 Unsuitable Unsuitable
>100 275 8 275 12 Unsuitable Unsuitable

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Table 2 - Compaction Requirement (Cont’d)

Type of Category Cohesive Soil Well-Graded Granular and Uniformly-Graded Materials
compaction Dry Cohesive Soils
plant Max. Depth Min. No. of Max. Depth of Min. No. of Max. Depth of Min. No. of Passes
of Passes Compacted Passes Compacted
Compacted Layer (mm) Layer (mm)
Layer (mm)
Vibratory Force per 100mm
Roller Width:
0.25 – 0.45 kN Unsuitable Unsuitable 75 16 150 16
0.46 – 0.70 kN Unsuitable Unsuitable 75 12 150 12
0.71 – 1.25 kN 100 12 125 12 150 6
l.26 – 1.75 kN 125 8 150 8 200 10
1.76 – 2.30 kN 150 4 150 4 225 12
2.31 – 2.80 kN 175 4 175 4 250 10
2.81 – 3.50 kN 200 4 200 4 275 8
3.51 – 4.20 kN 225 4 225 4 300 8
4.21 – 4.90 kN 250 4 250 4 300 8
Vibratory Static Pressure
Compactor Under Base Plate:
8.6 – 10.3 kN/m Unsuitable Unsuitable Unsuitable Unsuitable 75 4
10.3 – 12.1 kN/m Unsuitable Unsuitable 75 10 100 4
12.1 – 13.8 kN/m Unsuitable Unsuitable 75 6 150 4
13.8 – 17.2 kN/m 100 6 125 6 150 4
17.2 – 20.7 kN/m 150 6 150 5 200 4
>20.7 kN/m 200 6 200 5 250 4
Vibro-Tamper Mass Kilogram:
50 - 65 100 3 100 3 150 3
65-75 125 3 125 3 200 3
>75 200 3 150 3 225 3

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6.0 TESTING
6.1 General

Following the compaction process, in-situ density test, moisture content test, maximum dry
density test and optimum moisture content test shall be carried out in accordance with
Geospec 3 (Model Specification for Soil Testing) or other appropriate tests as specified by the
Supervisor. Each layer shall be tested and accepted by the Supervisor prior to the placing of
the next layer where filling is required for construction of roads or non-suspended ground
slabs. The number and criteria of tests shall be determined in accordance with PNAP APP-
15 Appendix A. Additional in-situ density tests may be required by the Supervisor.

6.1.1 Frequencies of General Compliance Tests on Filling

Volume of fill in Batch(1) (m3) Number of Samples per Batch

0 – 3000 3
> 3000 One for each 1000 m3 or part thereof
Notes:
(1) A batch is any quantity of fill material which is from the same source and has
similar properties.
(2) Shear strength tests may have to be carried out to check design
assumptions.
(3) Particular requirements for reinforced fill structures are given in GEOGUIDE
6 (GEO, 2002).

6.1.2 For the formation of fill slope and backfilling of retaining wall, each layer of fill shall be
compacted, tested and have obtained the required density before subsequent layer can be
laid. Compaction Control Tests which include the determination of in-situ field density and
moisture contents, shall be carried out and the relative degree of compaction can be
calculated. The trial compaction shall be required to demonstrate the compaction method as
proposed by the Contractor. For slope and retaining wall, a batch is any quantity of fill
materials which is from the same source and has similar properties, and which is deposited in
a single layer. The frequencies of Compaction Control Tests are stated in 6.1.3. Additional
number of tests may be required by the Supervisor.

6.1.3 Minimum Frequencies of Compaction Control Test on Filling

Size of Area of Backfill in Batch(1) (m2) Number of Tests per Batch

0 - 100 3
100 - 500 Two for each 100 m2 or part thereof over 100 m2

> 500 One for each 100 m2 or part thereof over 500 m2
Notes:
(1) A batch is any quantity of fill material which is from the same source and has similar
properties, and which is deposited in a single layer.
(2) Particular requirements for reinforced fill structures are given in GEOGUIDE 6 (GEO, 2002).

6.1.4 For other filling works to form a level surface such as backfilling of pile caps, the minimum
Compaction Control Tests are to be carried out at the surface and at depths 1.0m, 2.0m and
3.0m below the surface as a measure of quality control. The minimum frequencies of tests
are 10m centres for filling around non-suspended ground slab and 10m centres along all
roads.

Where there is reason to believe that the placed fill may be loose, the Supervisor will require
the Contractor to carry out additional testing at the Contractor’s own expense.

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All the tests shall be carried out in accordance with GEOSPEC3 and by HOKLAS accredited
laboratories. All sampling and testing shall be undertaken by a laboratory to be accepted by
the Supervisor. The Contractor shall propose the names of at least 3 laboratories for
acceptance and shall allow for all costs to comply with this specification and tests.

For site formation and slope stabilisation works, the existing fill materials found on the existing
slope surface or new cut face shall be checked for the degree of compaction. Both General
Compliance Tests and Compaction Control Tests are to be carried out to determine the
degree of compaction. The procedure for investigation is as follows:

- Trial pits are to be excavated according to the Supervisor instruction and the
maximum depth of the strut-supported trial pit is 3m. In each trial pit, General
Compliance Test and Compaction Control Test shall be carried out in every 0.5m
depth by HOKLAS accredited laboratories.

- Carry out GCO probes near the trial pits to obtain a correlation of the depth of fill
for the materials, and further GCO probes at about 5-10m intervals as agreed by
the Supervisor to check depth and the horizontal extent of the filling area.

6.2 Reports

All tests shall be reported in a format acceptable to the Supervisor and shall be submitted for
his acceptance. Daily records of field tests shall be kept available at the Site for the
Supervisor’s inspection.

All sampling and testing shall be undertaken by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory to be

accepted by the Supervisor and accepted by the Buildings Department. The Contractor shall
propose the names of at least 3 laboratories for acceptance and shall allow for all costs to
comply with this Specification and tests.

Test reports shall be prepared by HOKLAS endorsed laboratory in accordance with PNAP
APP-64.

6.3 Acceptance Criteria

The degree of compaction of all compacted soil should comply with the requirements as
stated in Appendix A of PNAP APP-15.

The Contractor may choose to establish by Site trials the relationship among the in-situ
material for compaction, compaction plant used, thickness of each layer, and compacting
effort in terms of number of passes. If so established and agreed by the Supervisor, the
Contractor shall follow the same compaction. However, the Supervisor may at any time carry
out in-situ field density tests to determine whether the degree of compaction has satisfied the
requirement in Clause 5.7 above.

The agreed compaction arrangement as mentioned in Clause 5.7 above shall be adjusted to
the satisfaction of the Supervisor when the compaction is found inadequate.

7.0 PRECAUTIONS FOR HEAVY RAINFALL

7.1 During Rainy Season

The Contractor shall intercept and conduct from the Site to an indicated safe discharge point,
all surface water flowing into the Site. At each intersection and abrupt change in direction of
surface drainage channels, an accessible catchpit shall be provided. All drainage work shall
be kept clear of debris at all times. All discharge to the existing drainage point should be

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agreed with the relevant departments prior to the commencement of work. The Contractor is
required to obtain necessary permit for all the discharge work.

Where partially completed permanent drainage work discharge within the Site, the Contractor
shall provide a temporary conduit to the accepted discharge point.

The Contractor shall grade all earthworks to ensure run-off and to avoid ponding.

The Contractor shall adopt a method of working in which the minimum of bare soil is exposed
at any time. The Contractor shall provide a channel or bund wall at the head of basement
excavation and an adequate number of sump pits at the base. The sump pits shall be lined
with chunam and contain operational submersible pumps to pump water to accepted
discharge points.

Where slope faces are to be temporarily exposed for more than two weeks temporary hard
surfacing such as chunam shall be provided and temporary drains shall be installed.

7.2 During Heavy Rainfall

When there is a heavy rainfall or adverse weather condition, or as and when determined by
the Supervisor:

(a) Excavations shall not be left open on or adjacent to a slope.

(b) If trenches on or adjacent to slopes are to be excavated, this shall be done with
extreme care and in short sections. The Contractor shall take precautions to prevent
water entering and collecting in the trench. The requirements of Clauses 3.3 and 3.3
above shall also apply.
(c) The Contractor shall seal bare earth slope faces with a suitable hard surfacing or by
sheeting well secured against the wind.
(d) The Contractor shall seal earthworks to the satisfaction of the Supervisor to prevent
infiltration and erosion.
(e) Chunam or shotcrete should be provided on the temporary open cut slope to the
satisfaction of the Supervisor.

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