32 91 19 – LANDSCAPE GRADING

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. 32 91 19 - 1 009280.0426

SECTION 32 91 19 – LANDSCAPE GRADING

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. Section Includes:

1. Final grade topsoil for finish landscaping.

B. Related Sections:

1. Section 31 23 33 – Trenching and Backfilling for Utilities

2. Section 31 23 23.33 – Flowable Fill.

3. Section 32 91 13 – Soil Preparation

4. Section 32 92 19 – Seeding

5. Section 32 92 23 – Sodding

1.2 REFERENCES

A. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Publication 408 Specifications.

B. Pennsylvania Seed Act of 1965, Act 187, as amended.

C. Agricultural Liming Materials Act of 1978, P.L. 15, No. 9 (3 P.S. 132-1), as amended.

D. Pennsylvania Soil Conditioner and Plant Growth Substance Law, Act of December 1, 1977, P.L. 258, No. 86 (3 P.S. 68.2), as amended.

E. Rules for Testing Seeds of the Association of Official Seed Analysts.

1.3 SUBMITTALS

A. Section 01 33 00 – Submittal Procedures: Submittal procedures

B. Samples:

1. When directed, furnish three strips of sod, 4½" feet long by 12" wide, laid on 3" of topsoil and tamped in place. The samples shall be representative of the sod and workmanship to be provided.

2. Advise the Engineer of the location of the field, and area within the field, from which the sod is to be taken for approval.

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. 32 91 19 - 2 009280.0426

C. Certificates:

1. Prior to use or placement of material, submit certifications of material composition of the following for approval:

a. Topsoil analysis.

b. Fertilizer.

c. Lime.

d. Seed mixture(s).

D. If soil tests are performed to justify decreased liming and fertilizer rates, submit certified soil sample analyses, including laboratory's recommended soil supplement formulation.

1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Testing Agency:

1. The Contractor has the option to use soil testing to justify decreasing lime and fertilizer rates. When the Contractor selects soil testing, the soil and soil supplement testing shall be performed by a Soils Testing Laboratory engaged and paid for by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer. Collect soil samples under the direction of the Engineer.

B. Perform Work in accordance with PennDOT and Elizabethtown Area Water Authority standards.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIAL

A. TOPSOIL

1. Having a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0; containing not less than 2% nor more than 10% organic matter as determined by AASHTO T194.

2. Fertile friable loam, sand loam, or clay loam which will hold a ball when squeezed with the hand, but which will crumble shortly after being released.

3. Free of clods, grass, roots, or other debris harmful to plant growth.

4. Free of pests, pest larvae, and matter toxic to plants.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION

A. Section 01 73 00 – Execution Requirements: Verification of existing conditions before starting work.

B. Verify building and trench backfilling have been inspected.

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C. Verify substrate base has been contoured and compacted.

3.2 Temporary Surfacing:

A. In the event the permanent surfacing cannot be placed due to the weather limitations set forth herein, provide a temporary surface in lieu thereof. The temporary surface shall be as specified in the Seeding Schedule on the Contract Drawings, Section 31 25 00 – Erosion and Sedimentation Controls, and this Section.

B. The Contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance and protection of all temporary surfacing until such time as that the permanent pavement or surface can be placed.

Permanent surfacing must be placed no later than thirty days following the placement of temporary surfacing. In the event that environmental conditions do not allow for placement of permanent surfacing within the thirty days specified, permanent surfacing must be placed as soon as conditions allow.

C. Prior to placement of final surfacing, the Contractor, Owner, and Engineer shall inspect all areas to be restored. The Contractor shall be responsible for any replacement of material, regarding, or addition of material deemed necessary by the Engineer in any areas found to be unacceptable for receipt of final surfacing.

D. Contractor shall be responsible for the removal and disposal of the temporary surfacing to the grade required for the placement of the final sub-base, base, and surface at the specified depths.

E. The Contractor shall be responsible for any necessary adjustments to grade for manholes, frame and covers, and other facilities or structures prior to final surfacing.

F. Temporary surfacing shall be placed where directed by the Engineer.

3.3 PREPARATION

A. Protect landscaping and other features remaining as final Work.

B. Protect existing structures, fences, sidewalks, utilities, paving, and curbs.

3.4 SUBSTRATE PREPARATION

A. Eliminate uneven areas and low spots.

B. Remove debris, roots, branches, and stones. Remove contaminated subsoil.

C. Scarify surface to depth of 3 inches where topsoil is scheduled. Scarify in areas where equipment used for hauling and spreading topsoil has compacted subsoil.

3.5 PLACING TOPSOIL

A. Replace topsoil and furnish additional topsoil as necessary to meeting minimum thickness requirements. Spread topsoil over the prepared subgrade to obtain the required depth

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. 32 91 19 - 4 009280.0426 and grade elevation. Final compacted topsoil thickness of all areas with the exception of areas receiving PennDOT Formula D seeding shall be a minimum of 4", areas receiving PennDOT Formula D seeding shall be a minimum of 6”. Fine grade topsoil to eliminate rough or low areas. Maintain profiles and contour of subgrade.

B. Remove roots, weeds, rocks, and foreign material while spreading.

C. Hand rake topsoil and remove all materials unsuitable or harmful to plant growth.

D. Do not place topsoil when the subgrade is frozen, excessively wet, or extremely dry.

E. Do not handle topsoil when frozen or muddy.

F. Remove surplus subsoil and topsoil from site.

3.6 TOLERANCES

A. Section 01 40 00 – Quality Requirements: Tolerances.

3.7 PROTECTION OF INSTALLED WORK

A. Section 01 73 00 – Execution Requirements: Requirements for protecting finished Work.

B. Prohibit construction traffic over topsoil.

END OF SECTION 32 91 19