Attachment 3 Civil Utilities Specifications.pdf

USDA Wet Lab Utility Upgrades Issue for Bidding and Construction

Edinburg, TX June 06, 2022

CLEARING AND GRUBBING

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SECTION 31 11 00 - CLEARING AND GRUBBING

PART 1 - GENERAL

Subsurface data is available from the MEP Engineer. Contractor is urged to carefully analyze the site conditions. The Geotech report by Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc., on March 02, 2022, is available for review. Contractor to follow SOP for cleaning and Disinfection of machinery impacted by the soils

(attached the SOP at the end of the specifications).

1.1 SCOPE

A. This section pertains to the specifications for clearing and grubbing, topsoil removal and stockpiling, disconnecting, capping or sealing, and abandoning site utilities in place, and disposal of all vegetation, rubbish and excess material, as required for site grading and related staging areas as noted on the drawings and in accordance with these specifications.

1.2 RELATED WORK SPECIFIED ELSEWHERE

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplemental

Conditions and Division 01 Specifications apply to this section.

B. Section 02 41 13 Selective Site Demolition

C. Division 02 Section “Existing Conditions” for demolition of buildings, structures, and site improvements.

D. Section 31 22 13 Site Grading

E. Section 31 23 33 Trenching Backfill and Compaction

F. Section 31 25 00 Erosion and Sedimentation Control

1.3 DEFINITIONS

A. Topsoil: Natural or cultivated surface-soil layer containing organic matter and sand, silt, and clay particles; friable, pervious, and black or a darker shade of brown, gray, or red than underlying subsoil; reasonably free of subsoil, clay lumps, gravel, and other objects more than 2 inches in diameter;

and free of subsoil and weeds, roots, toxic materials, or other non-soil materials.

B. Tree Protection Zone: Area surrounding individual trees or groups of trees to be protected during construction, and defined by the drip line of individual trees or the perimeter drip line of groups of trees, unless otherwise indicated.

C. Subgrade: The uppermost surface of an excavation, including excavation for trenches, or the top surface of a fill or backfill immediately below base course, pavement, or topsoil materials.

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D. Unauthorized excavation consists of removing materials beyond indicated subgrade elevations or dimensions without direction by the Engineer. Unauthorized excavation, as well as remedial work directed by the Engineer shall be at the Contractor's expense.

1.4 MATERIAL OWNERSHIP

A. Except for stripped topsoil or other materials indicated to remain on Owner's property, cleared materials shall become Contractor's property and shall be removed from Project site.

1.5 SUBMITTALS

A. Photographic and/or video graphic documentation, sufficiently detailed, of existing conditions of trees and plantings, adjoining construction, and site improvements must be prepared. Unless otherwise documented, any damage discovered to trees, plantings, and site features denoted to remain, will be considered the responsibility of the contractor to correct. The owner may at his/her discretion request such photographs and/or video tapes be submitted at any time.

B. Record drawings, according to Division 01 Section "Project Record Documents," identifying and accurately locating capped utilities and other subsurface structural, electrical, and mechanical conditions.

1.6 PROJECT CONDITIONS

A. Traffic: Minimize interference with adjoining roads, streets, walks, and other adjacent occupied or used facilities during site-clearing operations.

1. Do not close or obstruct streets, walks, or other adjacent occupied or used facilities without permission from Owner and authorities having jurisdiction.

2. Provide alternate routes around closed or obstructed traffic ways if required by authorities having jurisdiction.

B. Salvageable Improvements: Carefully remove items indicated on drawings to be salvaged and store on Owner's premises where indicated. Contractor to contact Owner/Owner’s representative for coordination.

C. Do not commence site clearing operations until temporary erosion and sedimentation control measures are in place

D. Improvements on Adjoining Property: Authority for performing site clearing indicated on property adjoining Owner's property will be obtained by Owner before award of Contract.

1. Do not proceed with work on adjoining property until directed by Architect.

E. Utility Locator Service: Notify utility locator service for area where Project is located before site clearing.

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F. General site narrative – The site for the proposed buildings is located within the existing

Livestock Arthropod Pest research facility, situated at 221675 North Moorefield Road in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. The project site can be described as an undeveloped tract of land. In general, the subject site appears to be relatively flat, with an estimated vertical relief of less than 3ft. Surface drainage is estimated to be good. The proposed wet lab building is planned to be located north west of the existing livestock arthropod pest research structures.

The site for the proposed Barn is located within the existing Livestock Arthropod Pest research facility, situated at 221675 North Moorefield Road in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. The project site can be described as an undeveloped tract of land. In general, the subject site appears to be relatively flat, with an estimated vertical relief of less than 3ft. Surface drainage is estimated to be good. The proposed Wildlife

Barn is planned to be located south of the existing research structures.

G. Staging Areas - Approval must be obtained from the Owner to use any area for staging that is not specifically identified as such on the plans. The Contractor shall restore all areas used for staging, the extent of said restoration to be defined by the Owner upon granting approval for the use of said area for staging.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 SOIL MATERIALS

A. Satisfactory Soil Materials: Requirements for satisfactory soil materials are specified in

Division 31 Section 31 22 13 "Site Grading."

1. Obtain approved borrow soil materials off-site when satisfactory soil materials are not available on-site.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 PREPARATION

A. Protect and maintain benchmarks and survey control points from disturbance during construction.

B. Protect existing site improvements to remain from damage during construction.

1. Restore damaged improvements to their original condition, as acceptable to Owner.

C. Locate and clearly flag trees and vegetation to remain or to be relocated

D. Control dust and noise, perform work in accordance with requirement of authorities having jurisdiction. No explosives are permitted. No on-site burning is permitted.

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3.2 TEMPORARY EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL

A. Provide temporary erosion and sedimentation control measures per Section 31 25 00 “Erosion and Sedimentation Controls”.

B. Provide measures according to a sediment and erosion control plan, specific to the site, which complies with EPA 832/R-92-005 or requirements of authorities having jurisdiction, whichever is more stringent.

C. Inspect, repair, and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures during construction until permanent vegetation has been established.

D. Remove erosion and sedimentation controls and restore and stabilize areas disturbed during removal

3.3 UTILITIES

A. Locate, identify, disconnect, and seal or cap off utilities indicated to be removed.

1. Arrange with utility companies to shut off indicated utilities. Contractor is responsible for any service charge required for shut-off action. If other outstanding fees or billings are encountered, the Contractor shall notify the Owner for direction.

B. Known utilities are shown on drawings. If utility discovered that is not shown contact Engineer for direction. Do not interrupt unknown utilities serving facilities occupied by Owner or others unless permitted under the following conditions and then only after arranging to provide temporary utility services according to requirements indicated:

1. Notify Owner not less than two days in advance of proposed utility interruptions

2. Do not proceed with utility interruptions without Owner’s written permission.

3.4 CLEARING

A. Construction - That portion of the site required for constructing the work under these specifications shall be cleared of all vegetation, such as trees, brush, grass and weeds and all other objectionable matter to the limits as depicted in the plans. Stumps and roots shall be completely removed.

B. Fill depressions caused by clearing and grubbing operations with satisfactory soil material unless further excavation or earthwork is indicated.

1. Place fill material in horizontal layers not exceeding a loose depth of 8 inches and compact each layer to a density equal to adjacent original ground.

3.5 STRIPPING

A. Topsoil stripping:

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1. Remove sod and grass before stripping topsoil.

2. Strip topsoil to whatever depths are encountered in a manner to prevent intermingling with underlying subsoil or other waste materials. A minimum of 8 inches of soil shall be stripped.

a. Remove subsoil and non-soil materials from topsoil, including trash, debris, weeds, roots, and other waste materials.

3. Stockpile topsoil materials away from edge of excavations without intermixing with subsoil. Grade and shape stockpiles to drain surface water. Cover to prevent windblown dust.

a. Limit height of topsoil stockpiles to 72 inches.

b. Do not stockpile topsoil within tree protection zones.

c. Stockpile surplus topsoil to allow for re-spreading deeper topsoil.

4. Strip man-made fills under structures and pavements to minimum 12” below the ground surface and dispose of all waste materials.

B. At all times during clearing and stripping operations the area shall be kept in a manner to prevent ponding. Refer to Section 31 25 00 "Erosion and Sedimentation Control."

3.6 SITE IMPROVEMENTS

A. Remove existing above- and below-grade improvements as indicated and as necessary to facilitate new construction.

B. Remove slabs, paving, curbs, gutters, and aggregate base as indicated.

1. Unless existing full-depth joints coincide with line of demolition, neatly saw-cut length of existing pavement to remain before removing existing pavement. Saw-cut faces vertically.

2. Paint cut ends of steel reinforcement in concrete to remain to prevent corrosion.

3.7 DISPOSAL

A. Disposal of cleared materials - Subject to approval of the Owner, material from clearing operations shall be disposed of by removal from the worksite.

1. Disposal of Material by Removal

a. Material disposed of by removal from the construction area shall be removed from the areas prior to the completion of the work under these specifications. All materials removed shall become the property of the Contractor.

b. Materials to be disposed of by dumping shall be hauled to an approved dump. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to make any necessary arrangements with private parties and with local officials pertinent to locations and regulations of such dumping. Any fees or charges required to be paid for dumping of materials shall be paid by the Contractor.

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c. In hauling any material from the site, it shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to prevent debris from dropping from vehicles and littering the site or area streets and roads. The Contractor shall promptly remove any debris which falls from vehicles.

d. Separate recyclable materials produced during site clearing from other nonrecyclable materials. Store or stockpile without intermixing with other materials and transport them to recycling facilities

3.8 STOCKPILING

A. All topsoil from the stripping operations shall be stockpiled in the areas so designated on the drawings. Materials shall be deposited and spread in such a manner to ensure proper drainage and prevent severe erosion of the stockpile.

B. Stockpile borrow materials and satisfactory excavated soil materials. Stockpile soil materials without intermixing. Place, grade, and shape stockpiles to drain surface water. Cover to prevent windblown dust.

1. Stockpile soil materials away from edge of excavations. Do not store within drip line of remaining trees.

END OF SECTION

USDA Wet Lab Utility Upgrade Issue for Bidding and Construction

SITE GRADING

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SECTION 31 22 13 - SITE GRADING

1.1 SCOPE OF WORK

A. This Section pertains to the earthwork generally consisting of excavation, filling, backfilling and subgrade preparation as required for construction of site retaining walls/structures, slab on grade walks, pavement surfaces, landscaped areas and the general shaping of the site as shown, described or reasonably inferred on the drawings.

B. Subsurface data is available from the MEP Engineer. Contractor is urged to carefully analyze the site conditions. The Geotech report by Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc., on March 02, 2022, is available for review.

C. This section excludes work necessary for building pad preparations. Work within the building footprint and surrounding 5 feet shall be accomplished under technical specification prepared by

Architect and Structural Engineer. For questions on work inside the building area contact

Architect.

D. Construction Means, Methods, Techniques, Sequences and Procedures:

1. The Contractor is solely responsible for, and has sole control over, construction means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures, and for coordinating all portions of the

Work.

2. Shoring that is required to complete the Work, is considered a method or technique and is the sole responsibility of the Contractor. If a regulatory agency requires a licensed engineer to design, approve or provide drawings for shoring, then it is the sole responsibility of the Contractor to engage the services of a qualified Engineer for shoring design services.

1.2 RELATED WORK SPECIFIED ELSEWHERE

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplemental

Conditions and Division 01 Specifications apply to this section

B. Section 31 11 00 Clearing and Grubbing

C. Section 31 23 33 Trenching, Backfilling and Compaction

D. Section 31 25 00 Erosion and Sedimentation Control

E. Section 32 12 16 Asphalt Concrete Paving

F. Section 32 13 13 Concrete Paving

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G. Contractor shall comply with all current, applicable codes and regulations, including the

Uniform Building Code.

H. Contractor shall comply as applicable with Standard Specifications for Public Works

Construction, Current Edition, including all City and County Amendments (herein after referred to as "Standard Specifications").

I. Geotechnical Data: Subsurface data is available from the MEP Engineer. Contractor is urged to carefully analyze the site conditions. The Geotech report by Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc., on

March 02, 2022, is available for review.

1.3 PERMITS

A. Prior to commencement of work, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining, at the contractors own expense unless otherwise specified in the Contract, Supplementary or General

Conditions, all construction permits necessary to complete the site grading according to the plans and specifications.

1.4 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

A. The following specifications of the latest issue listed below, but referred to thereafter by basic designation only, form a part of this specification to the extent required by the references thereto.

1. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

a. D 698 Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort.

b. D 1556 Density & Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method.

c. D 1557 Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort.

d. D 4253 Maximum Index Density & Unit Weight of Soils using a Vibratory Table.

e. D 4254 Minimum Index Density & Unit Weight of Soils in Calculation of Relative

Density.

f. D 6938 Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and

Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depths)

1.5 PROTECTION OF EXISTING UTILITIES AND ADJACENT WORK

A. Prior to earthwork operations, existing utilities, facilities and permanent objects to remain shall be located and adequately protected. Contractor shall contact the local utility coordinating committee or the utility company involved to locate all public and private utility company lines.

B. If unknown and uncharted utilities are encountered during excavation, promptly notify Owner and the governing utility company when determinable and wait for instructions.

C. For private property utilities found, if it is ascertained by Owner that such utility line has been abandoned, properly cap line at a depth approved by Owner or remove line as directed. All work to cap and remove abandoned public utilities found, must be coordinated through the governing utility company.

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D. If such unknown utilities are encountered and work is continued without contacting the Owner for instructions, and damage is caused to said utilities, Contractor shall repair, at his own expense, such damage to the satisfaction of the Owner and the Utility Company.

E. Refer to Specification section 31 11 00 for other site related items requiring protection.

1.6 DEFINITIONS

A. Excavation consists of the removal of material encountered to subgrade elevations and the reuse or disposal of materials removed.

B. Subgrade: The uppermost surface of an excavation, including excavation for trenches, or the top surface of a fill or backfill immediately below base course, pavement, or topsoil materials.

C. Borrow: Soil material obtained off-site when sufficient approved soil material is not available from excavations.

D. Base Course: The layer placed between the subgrade and surface pavement in a paving system.

E. Unauthorized excavation consists of removing materials beyond indicated subgrade elevations or dimensions without direction by the Engineer. Unauthorized excavation, as well as remedial work directed by the Engineer shall be at the Contractor's expense.

F. Structures: Buildings, footings, foundations, retaining walls, slabs, tanks, curbs, mechanical and electrical appurtenances, or other man-made stationary features constructed above or below ground surface.

G. Unforeseen Excavation: Excavation of material, regardless of its character or nature, below the subgrade elevation required to construct the work as indicated on the drawings or specified herein.

H. Geotechnical Engineer: Person or company contracted by the owner and/or through the architect to provide testing and onsite Geotechnical services during the construction schedule.

1.7 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Pre-Excavation Conference: Conduct conference at Project site to comply with requirements in

Division 01 Section "Project Meetings."

B. Codes and Standards: Perform earthwork complying with requirements of authorities having jurisdiction.

C. Testing and Inspection Service: Contractor will employ a qualified independent geotechnical engineering testing agency to classify proposed on-site and borrow soil materials to verify that soils comply with specified requirements and to perform required field and laboratory testing.

Contractor responsible to coordinate with the testing agency prior to start of work requiring testing so as to minimize unnecessary cost or delays to the project.

D. Testing:

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1. Contractor will retain and pay a qualified Geotechnical engineer to take all field samples and do all laboratory testing necessary to verify compliance of the work to these

Specifications or as required by City or other regulatory agencies. The Geotechnical

Engineer shall submit results of all testing done during the course of the work to the

Owner, Architect, and Contractor.

2. Notify testing lab a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the time testing is required to satisfy requirements of this section.

3. Should testing specified above show work which does not satisfy these Specifications, the Contractor shall pay, through the Owner, for all additional tests required to determine the extent of work that is not satisfactory and for all additional tests necessary to demonstrate compliance with these specifications.

4. All tests shall be performed by the Soil Engineer in accordance with ASTM D 1557, D1556, D2922, D3017, or other test method selected by Geotechnical Engineer.

1.8 PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS

A. The site for the proposed buildings is located within the existing Livestock Arthropod Pest research facility, situated at 221675 North Moorefield Road in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. The project site can be described as an undeveloped tract of land. In general, the subject site appears to be relatively flat, with an estimated vertical relief of less than 3ft. Surface drainage is estimated to be good. The proposed wet lab building is planned to be located northwest of the existing livestock arthropod pest research structures.

The site for the proposed Barn is located within the existing Livestock Arthropod Pest research facility, situated at 221675 North Moorefield Road in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. The project site can be described as an undeveloped tract of land. In general, the subject site appears to be relatively flat, with an estimated vertical relief of less than 3ft. Surface drainage is estimated to be good. The proposed Wildlife Barn is planned to be located south of the existing research structures.

1.9 SUBMITTALS

A. Samples: Submit samples of all materials used for Architect's approval wherever specified or as directed by the Architect.

B. Shoring and Slope Protection Design:

1. Prior to beginning any excavation, submit certification to the Architect that the proposed shoring and slope protection system has been accepted and approved by all governing jurisdictions. Certification shall be signed and sealed by the engineer of record for the shoring design.

2. Provide signed letter from the Geotechnical Engineer stating that the proposed design complies with the recommendations of geotechnical reports.

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PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 SOIL MATERIALS

A. Fill materials and sources must be approved by the Owner. The Contractor is responsible for providing adequate samples and testing results to the Owner for testing and approval.

B. Select fill per 2.2 below, shall be used beneath all site retaining walls and site structures where fill material is required to achieve the grades and elevations on the plans.

C. General fill per 2.3 below, material shall be used for fill in landscaping areas not supporting structures. Topsoil per 2.4 below, shall be spread over landscape areas as needed.

D. Fill material beneath paving can be per 2.2 and 2.3 below. Regardless of the fill material used, subgrade treatment shall be chemically stabilized for the thickness specified and detailed in the drawings.

E. Material excavated onsite may be used as fills, with prior Geotechnical Engineer approval.

1. Site Materials:

a. Onsite fill materials shall be free of organic or deleterious products.

b. The subject site appears to be located within the Goliad formation consisting of clay, sand, sandstone, marl, caliche and limestone deposits of the Tertiary epoch.

According to the Soil survey of Hidalgo County, Texas published by the United

States Department of Agriculture-Soil conservation service, in cooperation with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, the project site appears to be located within the McAllen-Brennan soil association consisting of deep moderately permeable soils that typically have a light brownish gray or dark brown fine sandy loam surface layer, the corresponding soil symbols appear to be 4 and 36, Brennan fine sandy loam and McAllen fine sandy loam, respectively.

c. Moisture content of existing soils may require adjustment for compaction approval.

2.2 SELECT FILL

A. Materials used as select fill for final site grading preferably should be crushed stone or gravel aggregate. Geotech Engineer recommends that materials specified for use as select fill meet the

TxDOT 2014 Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Highways, Streets, and Bridges, Item 247, Flexible Base, Type A through Type E, Grades 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Alternatively, the following soils, as classified according to the USCS, may be considered satisfactory for use as select fill materials at this site: SC, GC, CL and combinations of these soils. For other alternatives refer Geotech report select fill section.

2.3 GENERAL FILL

A. General fill material shall be used for fill in landscaping areas not supporting structures, but may be used beneath pavement where approved by the Engineer. General fill material may be

312213 - 6 any native soil free of debris, trash, rocks over 2 inches in diameter and other objectionable material. General fill shall be placed and compacted in lifts not exceeding 12" in thickness to

95 percent standard density as defined by ASTM D 698. Where called for by the plans or by the landscape specifications, the fill shall be kept sufficiently low to accommodate the proper depth of topsoil and related sod or other vegetation.

2.4 TOPSOIL

A. Topsoil material shall be native earthen material suitable for growth of vegetation such as silty and sandy loams. The site stripings may be used as topsoil unless otherwise dictated by the

Owner. Topsoil shall be spread over landscape areas to a depth of 4 to 6 inches and compacted to 85 percent of standard density ASTM D 698. Stockpiling of Topsoil may not exceed 6 feet in height.

2.5 SPECIAL DRAINAGE MEDIA

A. All Retaining Wall backfill material shall be clean open-graded crushed rock or gravel, maximum 3/4" particle size in accordance with the Standard Specifications and detail in the geotechnical report.

B. Drainage Fabric: Nonwoven geotextile, specifically manufactured as a drainage geotextile;

made from polyolefins, polyesters, or polyamides; and with the following minimum properties determined according to ASTM D 4759 and referenced standard test methods:

1. Grab Tensile Strength: 110 lbf; ASTM D 4632.

2. Tear Strength: 40 lbf; ASTM D 4533.

3. Puncture Resistance: 50 lbf; ASTM D 4833.

4. Water Flow Rate: 150 gpm per sq. ft.; ASTM D 4491.

5. Apparent Opening Size: No. 50; ASTM D 4751.

C. Approved Materials

1. Mirafi 140 filter fabric

2. or acceptable substitution.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 PREPARATION

A. Inspection:

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1. Prior to performing the work of this Section, carefully inspect the installed work of all other trades and verify that all such work is complete to the point where work may properly commence.

2. Verify that work may proceed in complete accordance with the design.

B. Discrepancies:

1. In the event of discrepancy, immediately notify the Engineer.

C. General

1. Use all means necessary to control dust on or near the site resulting from the performance of the Work. Thoroughly moisten all surfaces to prevent dust being a nuisance to the public, adjacent uses, and concurrent work on site. Moisture level during compaction operations shall not exceed that amount as specified by Geotechnical Engineer.

2. Verify existing grades and dimensions before starting any grading operations. If any discrepancy exists, notify Architect immediately.

3. Use all means necessary to protect all existing features, products, or items designated to remain, as well as all work of this Section. In the event of damage, repair or replace immediately to the approval of and at no additional cost to the Owner.

4. Protect and maintain existing benchmarks throughout the course of the work. Reestablish monuments or stakes disturbed or destroyed during the course of the Work at no additional expense to the Owner.

5. Conduct work so as to avoid injury to persons and damage to adjacent property. Provide appropriate shoring, bracing and barriers, including light when necessary.

6. Coordinate operations with, and provide access to, the Geotechnical Engineer or designated representative during demolition and construction for purposes of testing, investigation and inspection.

D. Preparation

1. Protect structures, utilities, sidewalks, pavements, and other facilities from damage caused by settlement, lateral movement, undermining, washout, and other hazards created by earthwork operations.

2. Provide erosion-control measures to prevent erosion or displacement of soils and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties and walkways.

3. Protect subgrade from excessive drying or excessive moisture.

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3.2 EXCAVATION

A. General - Contractor shall complete all excavation required regardless of the variations in hardness, type, or density of materials encountered, to the dimensions and elevations shown on the drawings. When unsatisfactory material is uncovered, that material shall be removed and replaced with select fill, the extent of such excavation to be directed by the Owner.

Unsatisfactory material shall be removed to the stockpile area or from the site as directed by the

Owner. Payment for over excavation directed by Owner shall be paid at unit prices for excavation and structural fill.

1. Unclassified Excavation: Excavation is unclassified and includes excavation to subgrade elevations regardless of the character of surface and subsurface conditions encountered, including rock, soil materials, and obstructions.

a. If excavated materials intended for fill and backfill include unsatisfactory soil materials and rock, replace with satisfactory soil materials.

b. Remedial work due to over-excavation including provision of suitable and stable backfill meeting the degree of compaction required shall be at the Contractor’s expense.

2. Borrow Material: If excavated materials of a suitable nature are not of sufficient quantity to complete the work, contractor may provide borrow material in sufficient quantity to complete the work at Owner’s approval at no additional cost to the Owner.

3. Disposing of Excavated Material: Dispose of excess satisfactory soil material and all unsatisfactory soil material and rock obtained from excavations in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

B. Excavation for Pavement

1. The material exposed after excavation shall be scarified to a depth of six (6) inches and compacted to at least 95 percent of Standard (ASTM D 698) Maximum Density within 3 percent of optimum moisture content of the soil. Where necessary to achieve the required compaction, stabilization methods as outlined in paragraph 3.C.4 of this specification shall be used.

2. Excavation required beneath pavement sections shall comply with elevations and dimensions shown on the plans and detailed sections within a tolerance of plus or minus

0.10 foot. Contractor shall take care not to disturb areas that are designated to be protected or are outside the construction limits. Excavated areas shall be kept free of ground and surface water.

C. Cut Slopes and Ditches

1. Slopes and grades of ditches shall conform to the plans within a tolerance of plus or minus 0.10 foot. No exposed slopes shall be steeper than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical. Where slope protection is specified or called out on the plans, said protection shall be placed as soon as practical, after exposing the slope. Erosion and sedimentation controls shall be implemented in all cut areas as specified in Section 31 25 00, Erosion and Sedimentation Control.

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3.3 FILL AND BACKFILL

A. Placement

1. Fill material shall be placed in loose lifts not exceeding eight (8) inches for areas beneath site structures and pavement, and twelve (12) inches for landscape areas not supporting structures. Fill areas shall be compacted to 95 percent of Standard Maximum Density at the proper moisture of that soil as defined by ASTM D 698.

2. Each lift shall be thoroughly compacted and shall have obtained satisfactory density prior to proceeding with the next lift.

3. The top eight 8 inches of material beneath vehicular pavement shall be stabilized after placement as shown in the details.

4. Fill shall be brought up to the proper elevations as determined from the lines, grades, sections and elevations shown on the plans.

5. Construction methods for embankments shall follow TxDOT Standard Engineering

Design Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Roads and Bridges.

B. Compaction and Finishing

1. Suitable compaction equipment commonly used to meet the requirements for this type of compaction work should be used.

2. The finished surface shall be reasonably smooth, compacted, and free from irregular surface changes. The surface grade shall be consistent with the drainage intent shown on the plans such that no unwanted ponding shall occur.

3. Surface shall not be more than 0.10 feet above or below the established grade, and all ground surfaces shall vary uniformly between indicated grades.

4. Cut material from the site may be used for fill material if approved by Owner. Where cut material is used as fill, each lift of such material shall be properly mixed to obtain a uniform material, with clay being the predominant material when mixed with silt, maintaining a plasticity index less than 20.

a. Lime stabilization shall be used for clay material and shall conform to Section 31

32 13.19 - Lime Stabilization or 31 32 13.26 Lime-Fly Ash or Fly Ash

Stabilization.

b. Cement stabilization shall be used for sandy or silty materials and shall conform to

Section 31 32 13.16 - Cement Stabilization.

3.4 EROSION AND PROTECTION

A. There shall be at all times adequate protection to newly graded areas to prevent soil erosion as provided in Section 31 25 00, Erosion and Sedimentation Control.

B. Soil erosion that occurs prior to acceptance of the work shall be repaired at no expense to the

Owner.

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C. Protecting Graded Areas: Protect newly graded areas from traffic, freezing, and erosion. Keep free of trash and debris.

D. Repair and reestablish grades to specified tolerances where completed or partially completed surfaces become eroded, rutted, settled, or where they lose compaction due to subsequent construction operations or weather conditions.

1. Scarify or remove and replace soil material to depth as directed by Owner’s Testing and

Inspection Service; reshape and re-compact.

E. Where settling occurs before Project correction period elapses, remove finished surfacing, backfill with additional soil material, compact, and reconstruct surfacing.

1. Restore appearance, quality, and condition of finished surfacing to match adjacent work, and eliminate evidence of restoration to the greatest extent possible.

3.5 GRADING

A. Rough Grading

1. Cut and fill shall be left sufficiently high to require cutting by fine grading.

2. Grade to subgrade depths required for controlled internal drainage of site.

3. Grade to subgrade depths required for construction of finished surface materials. Grades shown on the plans are top of surface elevations regardless of surface material (ie pavement, sidewalks, softscape, landscape, mulch, sod, etc.).

B. Fine Grading

1. Fine grading shall conform to elevations required to insure finished elevations as indicated on the drawings for the finished surface materials required by the project for that area.

2. Provide a smooth transition between adjacent existing grades and new grades

C. Slope grades to direct water away from buildings and to prevent ponding at a minimum of 5% grade for the initial 20 feet, as shown on the drawings or as directed by architect. Maximum cross slope for all walkways shall be 2% for disabled access. Finish subgrades to required elevations within the following tolerances:

1. Lawn or Unpaved Areas: Plus or minus 0.1 foot (1.2 inches)

2. Walks: Plus or minus ½ inch

3. Pavements: Plus or minus ½ inch

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3.6 TESTING AND INSPECTION

A. Testing of Materials and Installed Work

1. Materials and installed work require testing to show that the specifications for the materials and work have been met. The Owner may, at the Owner’s expense, take random tests on materials and installed work. The Contractor shall allow free access to material stockpiles and facilities at all times. In fill areas each lift must be tested and approved before proceeding on the next lift. Tests, not specifically indicated to be done at Owner's expense including the retesting of rejected materials and installed work, shall be done at the Contractor's expense.

a. Testing to be provided by Contractor

1) All retesting for areas failing the first test.

2) [LIST OR EXPLAIN TESTING BY CONTRACTOR.]

B. Contractor shall notify Owner 24 hours prior to performing any testing.

C. Maximum density tests per ASTM D 698 shall be taken on all fill materials at a rate of one test for each type of soil to be used and at least one test for every 1000 cubic yards of fill.

D. Field density tests per ASTM D 1556 or ASTM D 2922 shall be taken on all fill material at a rate of one test for every 10,000 square feet and at least one test per lift.

E. All imported fill material shall be approved prior to importing.

3.7 DUST ABATEMENT

A. The Contractor shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations concerning the prevention and control of dust pollution.

B. During the performance of the work required by these specifications or any operations appurtenant thereto, whether on right-of-way provided by the Owner or elsewhere, the

Contractor shall furnish all the labor, equipment, materials, and means required, and shall carry out proper and efficient measures wherever and as often as necessary to reduce the dust nuisance, and to prevent dust which has originated from the contractor’s operations from damaging crops, orchards, cultivated fields, and dwellings, or causing a nuisance to persons.

The Contractor will be held liable for any damage resulting from dust originating from the contractor’s operations under these specifications.

C. Dust Control shall be accomplished by one of the following methods:

1. Whenever ordered by the Owner, the Contractor shall furnish and distribute over the traveled road surfaces, which have not yet been fully restored, an application of Calcium

Chloride. The material used shall be Regular Flake Calcium Chloride having a minimum chemical content of Calcium Chloride of 77%. Unless otherwise specified or ordered by the Owner, rate of application shall be three (3) pounds per square yard of surface covered.

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2. Whenever ordered by the Owner, the Contractor shall apply on traveled road surfaces

"Bituminous Surface Treatment" in accordance with the current Texas Standard

Specifications for Construction of Highways, Streets and Bridges.

D. The cost of sprinkling or of other methods of reducing formation of dust shall be included in the prices bid in the schedule for other items of work.

3.8 STORAGE OF SOIL MATERIALS

A. Stockpile borrow materials and satisfactory excavated soil materials. Stockpile soil materials without intermixing. Place, grade, and shape stockpiles to drain surface water. Cover to prevent windblown dust.

1. Stockpile soil materials away from edge of excavations. Do not store within drip line of remaining trees.

2. Stockpile Topsoil may not exceed 6 feet in height.

3. Stockpiles shall not be located within the floodway. Stockpiles on property within the floodplain shall be at the contractor’s risk and only temporary.

3.9 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL

A. General: Testing shall be the responsibility of the Owner and costs of initial testing shall be paid by Owner. Cost of all subsequent testing necessary due to non-compliance with specifications shall be paid by Contractor.

B. Density Test:

1. Density tests shall be performed by an approved commercial testing laboratory approved per ASTM D 1557.

2. Tests shall be performed in accordance with the referenced Standards.

3. Field and laboratory tests for moisture-density relations shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 1557. The frequency and location of field density tests will be determined by the Geotechnical Engineer.

4. Trenches improperly compacted shall be reopened to the depth directed, then refilled and compacted to the density specified at no additional cost to the Owner.

3.10 DRAINAGE CONTROLS

A. Provide all necessary temporary apparatus, pumps, curbs or ditches as required to divert or convey water from any source away from the Work. Do not allow water from any source to accumulate within or damage earthwork

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TRENCHING BACKFILLING AND COMPACTION

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SECTION 31 23 33 - TRENCHING, BACKFILLING AND COMPACTION

Contractor to follow SOP for cleaning and Disinfection of machinery impacted by the soils (attached the

SOP at the end of the specifications).

1.1 SCOPE

A. This Section specifies the requirements for excavating and backfilling for storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water distribution lines, and all related appurtenances. Excavation and backfill shall be in conformance with the locations, lines, elevations and grades shown on the plans. This section also specifies the requirements for clay plugs that must be installed near building face on all utility trenches including water, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, mechanical, electrical, telecom, data, plumbing and other utility trenches for slab on grade and structural first floor building projects.

B. Subsurface data is available from the MEP Engineer. Contractor is urged to carefully analyze the site conditions. The Geotech report by Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc., on March 02, 2022, is available for review.

1.2 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

A. The following specifications and standards of the latest issue listed below, but referred to thereafter by basic designation only, form a part of this specification to the extent required by the reference thereto.

1. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

a. D 698 – Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort.

b. D 1556 Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method.

c. D 4253 - Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils using a Vibratory

Table.

d. D 4254 - Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils in Calculation of

Relative Density.

e. D2321-89 Standard Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe for Sewers and Other Gravity-Flow Applications

2. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Test Procedures

a. Tex-110-E Particle Size Analysis of Soils

b. Tex-120-E Soil Cement Testing

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1.3 RELATED WORK SPECIFIED ELSEWHERE

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including A-procurement and Contracting

Requirements, Division 00 and Division 01 apply to this section.

B. Section 31 23 33 – Site Grading

C. Section 31 41 33 - Trench Safety

D. Section 33 10 00 – Water Distribution System

E. Section 33 30 00 – Sanitary Sewer

F. Section 33 40 00 - Drainage

1.4 SUBMITTALS

A. Material Test Reports: From a qualified testing agency indicating and interpreting test results for compliance of the following with requirements indicated:

1. Classification according to ASTM D 2487 of each on site and burrow soil material proposed for backfill

B. Pre-excavation Photographs or Videotape: Show existing conditions of adjoining construction and site improvements, including finish surfaces that might be misconstrued as damage caused by earthwork operations. Submit before excavation begins.

1.5 PROJECT CONDITIONS

A. Existing Utilities: Do not interrupt utilities serving facilities occupied by Owner or others unless permitted in writing by Owner and then only after arranging to provide temporary utility services according to requirements indicated

1. Notify Owner not less than five days in advance of proposed utility interruptions.

2. Do not proceed with utility interruptions without Owner’s written permission.

3. Contact utility-locator service for area where Project is located before excavating.

B. Demolish and completely remove from site existing underground utilities indicated to be removed. Coordinate with utility companies to shut off services if lines are active.

C. Utilities have been located from surveys and available existing records. Not all utilities may be shown on the Drawings. Locate all utilities prior to beginning any construction activities.

D. Where utilities require adjustment or relocation to construct the Work, and those utilities are shown on the Drawings, relocation or adjustment is a part of the Work and shall be completed at no additional expense to the Owner.

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E. Where utilities require adjustment or relocation to construct the Work, and those utilities are not shown on the Drawings, notify Architect before proceeding. Relocate or adjust utility as directed. Utility relocation and/or adjustment will be paid for according to the Contract provisions for changes in Work.

F. If utility is damaged by Contractor, notify utility owner and Architect immediately. Repair or replacement of utilities damaged by Contractor, whether utilities are shown on the drawings or not shown on the drawings, shall be Contractor's expense.

1.6 PERMITS

A. Prior to commencement of work, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining, at the contractors own expense, all construction permits necessary to complete the project according to the plans and specifications.

1.7 DEFINITIONS

A. Excavation consists of the removal of material encountered to subgrade elevations and the reuse or disposal of materials removed.

B. Subgrade: The uppermost surface of an excavation, including excavation for trenches, or the top surface of a fill or backfill immediately below base course, pavement, or topsoil materials.

C. Borrow: Soil material obtained off-site when sufficient approved soil material is not available from excavations.

D. Base Course: The layer placed between the subgrade and surface pavement in a paving system.

E. Unauthorized excavation consists of removing materials beyond indicated subgrade elevations or dimensions without direction by the Engineer. Unauthorized excavation, as well as remedial work directed by the Engineer shall be at the Contractor's expense.

F. Structures: Buildings, footings, foundations, retaining walls, slabs, tanks, curbs, mechanical and electrical appurtenances, or other man-made stationary features constructed above or below ground surface.

G. Utilities include underground pipes, conduits, ducts, and cables, as well as underground services within building lines.

H. Unforeseen Excavation: Excavation of material, regardless of its character or nature, below the subgrade elevation required to construct the work as indicated on the drawings or specified herein.

I. Bedding Material: Granular material utilized to bed piped utilities placed in trench excavations.

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1.8 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Pre-Excavation Conference: Conduct conference at Project site to comply with requirements in

Division 01.

B. Codes and Standards: Perform earthwork complying with requirements of authorities having jurisdiction.

C. Testing and Inspection Service: Owner will employ a qualified independent geotechnical engineering testing agency to classify proposed on-site and borrow soil materials to verify that soils comply with specified requirements and to perform required field and laboratory testing.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 EARTH BACKFILL

A. Earth backfill shall be native soils free of debris, trash, rocks over 2 inches in diameter and other objectionable material.

2.2 CEMENT STABILIZED SAND BACKFILL

A. Cement stabilized sand material shall contain clean bank sand meeting TxDOT Test Method

TEX-110-E, water and a minimum of 7% hydraulic cement based on the dry weight of the aggregate meeting TxDOT Test Method Tex-120-E.

B. The sand cement mixture shall produce a minimum unconfined compressive strength of one hundred pounds per square inch (100psi) in forty eight hours, when compacted to ninety fire percent (95%) of Standard Proctor density (ASTM D558), without additional moisture control and when cured in plastic bags at a temperature of 73.4 degrees F at plus or minus 3 degrees F and tested in accordance with ASTM D1633.

2.3 SAND BACKFILL

A. Clean bank sand meeting TxDOT Test Method TEX-110-E.

2.4 WATER

A. Water used for mixing or curing shall be reasonably clean and free of oil, salt, acid, alkali, sugar, vegetable matter or other substances injurious to the finished product.

B. Water sources other than the local municipal domestic water supply must be approved by the

Owner.

C. If onsite reclaimed water sources are used, tanks and appurtenance must be clearly marked with the words “non-potable” water.

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PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 PREPARATION

A. Protect structures, utilities, sidewalks, pavements, and other facilities from damage caused by settlement, lateral movement, undermining, washout, and other hazards created by earthwork operations.

B. Provide erosion-control measures to prevent erosion or displacement of soils and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties and walkways.

3.2 EXCAVATION

A. General:

1. All utility trenches shall be constructed in conformance with OSHA trench safety standards.

2. Sheeting and shoring shall be accomplished to the extent necessary to maintain the sides of the trench in a vertical position throughout the construction period for trenches five (5) feet in depth or deeper. Where approved, trench sides may be laid back in lieu of shoring to meet OSHA safety standards.

3. Utilities shall not be constructed or laid in a trench in the presence of water. All water shall be removed from the trench sufficiently prior to the line placing operation to insure a dry, firm bed on which to place the utility line.

4. Unclassified Excavation: Excavation is unclassified and includes excavation to subgrade elevations regardless of the character of surface and subsurface conditions encountered, including rock, soil materials, and obstructions.

a. If excavated materials intended for fill and backfill include unsatisfactory soil materials and rock, replace with satisfactory soil materials.

b. Remedial work due to over-excavation including provision of suitable and stable backfill meeting the degree of compaction required shall be at the Contractor’s expense.

5. Borrow Material: If excavated materials of a suitable nature are not of sufficient quantity to complete the work, provide borrow material in sufficient quantity to complete the work at no additional cost to the…