Attachment F Headstone Raise and Realignment Guidance.pdf

HEADSTONE RAISE AND REALIGNMENT

The Contractor shall meet or exceed the requirements of this Guidance Specification in its proposed technical approach. The successful Offeror’s technical approach will be incorporated into the resulting contract.

Phasing and Work Sequencing: All work is to be accomplished in a sequential manner, with the raise and realign work limited to no more than one (1) row of headstones at any given time in order to minimize overall disruption to the cemetery. Work cannot begin in subsequent burial rows until such time that work has been completed in prior burial rows. The Contractor shall submit a proposed project work schedule sequence for COR review and approval prior to start of project.

1. UPRIGHT HEADSTONE RAISE, LOWER, REALIGN, LEVEL, BACKFILL

1.1. WORK OVERVIEW

1.1.1. Raise, lower, realignment, reset, and backfill services, defined as work consisting of extracting, resetting, aligning, backfilling, and compacting upright headstones that are identified in this contract. The process includes inventorying and assuring accurate placement on each gravesite at the cemetery. The contractor shall provide all supervision, professional advice/guidance, professional land surveys, labor, parts, materials, equipment, and personnel, to provide the services defined herein.

1.1.2. With CO approval, the COR will determine the beginning point and ending points in each gravesite section.

1.1.3. The contractor shall limit headstone raise and realignment activities to one section at a time. Upon satisfactory completion of the headstone raise & realignment in that section and with approval of the CO, the contractor may proceed to the next section scheduled for headstone raise & realignment activities. After satisfactory headstone raise & realignment of a section and with the approval of the CO, turf renovation activities may commence in that section. Headstone raise & realignment activities will not be permitted simultaneously in two or more sections of the cemetery unless the contractor receives prior approval from the CO in writing.

1.1.4. Upright headstone descriptions:

1.1.4.a. Standard upright marble headstones are approximately 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, 4 inches thick, and weigh approximately 230 pounds.

1.1.4.b. Civil War type (older) upright marble headstones are typically around 35 to 39 inches long, 9-1/2 to 12 inches wide, 3 to 4 inches thick, and weigh approximately 130 to 160 pounds.

1.1.4.c. Other headstone types may exist and are not included in the contract scope of work unless otherwise specified.

1.1.5. All in-ground vases, temporary markers, floral, commemorative, or other types of decorations (arrangements) causing interference with the raise and realignment of upright headstone operation shall be carefully, and in an orderly manner, moved from and after completion of the work, moved back to all gravesites by the Contractor. Prior to removal, the contractor shall verify the numbering sequence and location of the headstone and associated decorations or vases. If the vases are in poor condition their replacement back to the gravesites can be waived at the approval of the CO.

1.1.6. Do not remove headstones from the burial section as part of this project.

Headstones are to remain on their respective gravesites at all times.

Headstones must be handled and stored on each gravesite in a dignified manner. The Contractor will coordinate with COR the appropriate method for temporary storage for unique situations and site conditions. Typically, this requires laying each headstone onto 4x4 lumber supports directly on each gravesite. Attachment U will be used to record the names/locations of each specific marker on each specific gravesite before start of any work. The contractor and cemetery will verify the locations of headstones prior to renovation work and after renovation work and shall sign the spreadsheet where indicated. All headstones will be properly placed in their sockets prior to the end of each workday.

1.1.7. Headstones shall be removed from their sockets using wooden and/or metal clamps. If metal clamps are used, the area that contacts the headstone must be protected with a rigid fabric that will prevent damage to and marking of the headstone. Clamps may be attached to a skid steer loader (i.e. Bobcat®) or similar machine to extract the headstone from the socket. When headstones are removed from their sockets, they shall be carefully stored on each associated gravesite. Use care not to scratch or damage headstones in any manner. The headstones shall be laid with front inscription side up while the headstone is lying horizontally on the ground. The headstone shall be protected from direct ground contact while lying horizontally. The protection method shall be as approved by the COR and shall be free of deterioration in weather. An approved method is to support each headstone with two (2) wood 4X4’s. Alternate methods can be approved. Cardboard shall not be used. Wood or other suitable appropriate and attractive material shall be used to keep the headstones from contact with the soil while lying horizontally during the construction period.

Contractor shall be responsible for replacing damaged headstones and restoring all damages caused to turf during performance of this work.

1.1.8. Crushed Rock Base Material Specifications:

1.1.8.a. Crushed Rock shall be composed of limestone, granite, dolomite, or any other hard, sound rock that is produced by blasting and then crushing.

1.1.8.b. Crushed Rock shall be clean, hard, tough, and durable fragments (excluding schist, shale or slate) of uniform quality throughout and free of any detrimental quantities of soft, friable, thin, elongated or laminated pieces, disintegrated material, dirt, organic matter, oil, alkali, or other deleterious substance.

1.1.8.c. Crushed Rock shall consist of hard durable fragments of particles of rock, free of stripping dirt, vegetation, and other foreign substances.

Hardness: Resistant to breaking, crushing or crumbling

1.1.8.d. Shape: Sharp and angular (Do not use rounded pea gravel.)

1.1.8.e. Gravel or Crushed Gravel mixed with filler, sand, crushed rock, or crushed stone is NOT an acceptable substitute.

1.1.8.f. Crushed Rock shall consist of the product obtained by crushing rock or stone so that is meets the following graduation requirements:

Sieve Size % Passing

Particle Size

% of Passing

1/2 inch 100

3/8 inch 70 – 90

No. 4 50 – 72

No. 8 35 – 55

No. 40 14 – 32

No. 200 4.0- 10.0

1.1.8.g. The gradation of crushed rock shall comply with ASTM D-448.

Sampling and sieve analysis shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D-75 and ASTM C- 136.

1.1.9. Compaction of Crushed Rock Base Material:

1.1.9.a. The Crushed Rock Base Material shall be compacted in lifts not exceeding 1-1/2” in thickness. Before compaction, moisten or aerate each layer as necessary to provide optimum moisture content. If the fines are dry at the time of compaction, use a very fine mist type hose and spray the Base Material sparingly. The moisture content of the material during placing operations shall be within ± 2% of the optimum moisture content as determined by ASTM D 1557. Compact each layer to 90% to 95% relative density. Do not perform compaction operations on excessively wet soils.

1.1.9.b. Tamping Tools: Shall be approved by CO prior to use. Tamping tools shall have sufficient impact area and weight to achieve 90% to 95% compaction of the Crushed Rock Base Material. Tamping tools made of wood or containing wood (such as wood handles) are not acceptable.

1.1.9.c. The use of a backhoe to tamp as the sole means of compaction is prohibited.

1.2. UPRIGHT HEADSTONE SETTING.

1.2.1. The headstones shall be removed from their sockets as per paragraph 1.1.5.

and 1.1.6. All headstone sockets shall be dug with a three (3) inch clearance at the front, back, sides and underneath the headstone. Headstone sockets shall be dug to the required depth to meet the height and alignment requirements.

All headstone sockets shall be clean and free of loose dirt and debris prior to adding Crushed Rock Base Material. Moistened Crushed Rock Base Material shall be added and heavily tamped to 90% to 95% compaction in the bottom of the sockets to provide a minimum three (3) inch footing under the base of the headstone prior to the re-installation of the headstones. Moistened Crushed Rock Base Material shall be placed around all four sides of the headstones and compacted per the requirements of paragraph 1.1.8, providing for a minimum fourteen (14) inches depth of Crushed Rock Base Material along the sides of the headstone as measured from the bottom of the headstone.

Typically, there should be three (3) inches of space remaining from the top of the compacted Crushed Rock Base Material to the ground surface to allow tamped topsoil and grass seed to be applied. The actual measurement will vary depending on the how much the headstone was raised or lowered. See Exhibits (A) and (B).

1.2.2. Existing headstone sockets that exceed the correct depth requirements shall be filled with sufficient Moistened Crushed Rock Base Material and compacted per the requirements of paragraph 1.1.8 to achieve the correct final depth. All headstone sockets shall be clean and free of loose dirt and debris prior to adding Crushed Rock Base Material. After filling in the deep sockets in this manner, proceed with requirements in paragraph 1.4 for completing the headstone realignment.

1.2.3. In cases where headstone sockets need to be realigned/shifted, and/or re-dug, apply the following procedures:

1.2.3.a. After removal of the headstone(s), backfill and compact the existing socket prior to digging the new socket. Backfill the existing socket with Moistened Crushed Rock Base Material. Thoroughly tamp to 90% to 95% compaction at each 1-1/2” inch vertical intervals (1-1/2” inch lifts), leaving the last three (3) inches at the top to have tamped topsoil and grass seed applied.

1.2.3.b. Contractor shall dig/excavate the new socket in accordance with the requirements in paragraph 1.2.1.

1.2.3.c. All headstone sockets shall be clean and free of loose dirt and debris prior to adding Crushed Rock Base Material.

1.2.4. The completed raised and realigned headstones shall be anchored firmly in place such that the headstones are rigid with no give or play in any direction regardless of the soil and terrain conditions. All headstones shall be firmly set and anchored in place with no movement from forces subjected by the COR.

1.3. UPRIGHT HEADSTONE RAISE AND REALIGNMENT PROCESS:

1.3.1. Prior to starting work in each burial section, the location of the existing permanent gravesite control markers and the required gravesite row/gravesite spacing layout dimensions shall be verified and certified by a licensed surveyor and coordinated with the COR.

1.3.1.a. The Contractor shall use a licensed surveyor to validate and/or relocate any existing permanent control markers that do not conform to the section layout.

1.3.1.b. The Contractor shall use a licensed surveyor to install temporary control markers where any existing permanent control markers cannot be located or are missing.

1.3.1.c. The Contractor shall use a licensed surveyor to accurately and precisely install temporary control markers at the ends of each gravesite row.

1.3.2. Headstones shall be accurately adjusted and precisely reinstalled on the correct gravesites by utilizing temporary grave plotting maps, existing permanent gravesite control markers, temporary contractor installed gravesite control markers, and temporary contractor installed control markers at the ends of each gravesite row. All measurements, setting of string lines, and the layout of rows/columns shall be taken from existing or temporary gravesite control markers, and NOT from previously set headstones, unless otherwise directed by the CO.

1.3.3. The mean (or average) topsoil level shall be determined for the entire section to be aligned in all directions with assistance from a licensed surveyor and the COR, with approval by the CO. The Contractor shall use the mean (or average) topsoil level to allow all of the headstones in the section to be aligned vertically without having drastic changes in headstone heights (several inches) between the rows and columns of headstones in ALL directions. In irregular terrain where sloping and uneven ground conditions exist, all headstones and markers will be set at the proper height and overall level necessary to provide a smooth, flowing transition between ALL headstones in ALL directions through uneven terrain.

The Contractor shall take the adjoining sections and/or terrain into consideration when determining the mean topsoil levels. IMPORTANT: To meet the requirement of a smooth, flowing transition, the Contractor may be required to set the headstones at a height other than at the required 24-26 inches above grade (or 20 inches for Civil War type headstones) with approval by the COR.

See Exhibit (A) and (B).

1.3.4. Keystone Placement and Installation

1.3.4.a. The headstone realignment process starts by the selection of specific headstones throughout the gravesite section to be designated as “Key” stones (or “Keystones”) for use throughout the remainder of the realignment process. Keystones shall be chosen and utilized throughout the section at a maximum spacing of every 10th headstone or at a more frequent spacing as necessary in areas of sloped or rolling terrain in order to achieve a smooth, flowing transition between the rows and columns. See Exhibits (C) and (D).

1.4. Each of the Keystones shall be permanently set.

1.4.1.a. “at the proper location and at the proper height using a licensed surveyor with the approval of the CO. The Keystones shall be laid out to the correct dimensions to match the required measurements for the section such that the rows and columns are evenly spaced.

The vertical height of the Keystones shall be adjusted to accommodate the mean (average) topsoil levels throughout the entire section in order to achieve a smooth, flowing transition between all the rows and columns. See Exhibit (D).

1.4.1.b. All Keystones shall be vertically plumbed and aligned by leveling the front, back, and sides while raising or lowering the headstone as necessary to achieve a height of 24-26 inches above the mean (average) topsoil level. IMPORTANT: To meet the requirement of a smooth, flowing transition, the Contractor may be required to set the Keystones at a height other than at the required 24-26 inches above grade (or 20 inches for Civil War type headstones) with approval by the CO.

1.4.1.c. The CO will approve of the quantity, location, height, and installation of the Keystones prior to the Contractor continuing with the realignment process.

1.4.2. The next step in the headstone realignment process is the Contractor selects a row and a column of headstones at the center or close to the center of the section to be realigned with approval from the CO. See Exhibit (C).

1.4.3. Install heavy string lines along the back, sides, tops, and transversely of all applicable Keystones. The string lines shall be laid out to the correct dimensions as determined by Keystones such that the rows and columns are evenly spaced. All headstones shall be vertically plumbed and aligned by leveling the front, back, and sides while raising or lowering the headstone as required to achieve a height of 24-26 inches above the mean (average) topsoil level. IMPORTANT: To meet the requirement of a smooth, flowing transition, the Contractor may be required to set the headstone at a height other than at the required 24-26 inches above grade with approval by the CO. These measurements shall be adhered to as closely as possible and may be adjusted to suit unique site conditions with approval by the CO. See Exhibit (C).

1.4.4. At the start of work in each burial section, the first row of reset/realigned headstones in each burial section shall be inspected by COR for appearance, spacing, depth, alignment, plumb, height, accuracy, and smoothness in grade transition. No further setting of headstones shall be done until this first row has been inspected and accepted by the COR. It is the Contractors responsibility to notify the COR 24 hours in advance of when each of these inspections will be needed.

1.4.5. All remaining headstones in all rows, columns, and transverse directions are then aligned. The installation, adjusting, and setting of the remaining headstones shall meet the requirements of section 1.3. See Exhibits (C) and

(D).

1.4.6. A plus/minus (+/-) 1/8-inch maximum tolerance shall be maintained in the vertical, lateral, and transverse directions. The alignment of the headstones should be checked frequently during this process because the tamping of the headstones may move the headstone out of level or off the mark on the line.

1.4.7. The measurements between rows or columns of headstones and between the headstones within each row or column may differ from one gravesite section to the next. This condition shall be discussed with COR where this is found to occur. Some variances may be allowed (following approval by the CO) by the COR in order to keep a uniform appearance of headstones being aligned.

1.4.8. Any upright headstones broken or damaged by the Contractor shall be reported to the COR or the Cemetery Director by close of business each working day in order that the grave can be properly marked. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the headstone replacement. The cost of the replacement headstones will be deducted from Contractor’s invoice(s). All headstone replacements must be coordinated with the COR and approved by the CO. Any existing permanent gravesite control markers, temporary contractor installed control markers, grid or sectional monuments that are disturbed, displaced, or broken shall be replaced and properly reset by a licensed surveyor at the Contractor’s expense. Curbs, roads, walks, turf, trees, utilities, etc. existing above and below the ground that are damaged or disturbed by the Contractor during performance of contract work shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense. The requirements of this paragraph shall be completed by the Contractor within fourteen (14) workdays, unless otherwise agreed to (following CO approval) by the COR.

1.4.9. In areas where smaller than standard size headstones occur (Civil War type), coordinate the measurements, dimensions, and layout of these headstones with COR. Typically, the Civil War type headstones are set at 20 inches above grade and located by aligning the faces of the headstones along the rows and aligning the centerline of the headstones down the columns.

1.4.10. In the event a headstone is obstructed by a tree, roots or other foreign object(s), with approval by the CO and under the direction of the Cemetery Director or COR, the contractor shall modify the headstone socket by removal of the obstruction or modification of the headstone up to cutting the headstone at the contractor’s expense. Pre-approval of the modification with the CO shall be required. Modifications shall be documented on the Attachment U: Daily Headstone/Marker R&R Verification Survey.

1.4.11. The Contractor shall remove all unusable dirt, rocks, roots and other types of objects from the cemetery grounds at the contractor’s expense

GUIDANCE SPECIFICATION

EXHIBITS for ATTACHMENT E

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

EXHIBIT TITLE

A Upright Headstone Installation Details

B Upright Headstone (Civil War Type) Installation Details

C Plan View – Upright Headstone Burial Section Layout and Realignment

D Elevation View – Upright Headstone Burial Section Vertical Alignment

EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT B

EXHIBIT C

EXHIBIT C