C04 - ATTACHMENT 2 - Don Knoblett 160_spec package_5.28.2026 - Copy.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 12FPC126Q0041
About this file
This document comprises construction specifications for a wetland restoration and water management project located in Crawford County, Illinois. The specifications detail technical requirements for multiple bid items including mobilization/demobilization, clearing and grubbing, excavation, earthfill, seeding, and rock riprap installation.
The project scope includes Bid Item #1 (Mobilization and Demobilization) as a lump sum covering contractor forces, equipment, permitting, bonding, and insurance; Bid Item #2 (Seeding) totaling 3.3 acres across ditch blocks and spillway areas, with specified seed varieties (Switchgrass 'Cave-in-Rock', Redtop, and Oats) requiring 80% minimum pure live seed and application at ¼ to ½ inch depth; Bid Item #3 (Excavation, Common) estimated at 8,092 cubic yards with material disposal to designated borrow areas in lifts not exceeding 8 inches; Bid Item #4 (Earthfill—Wetland Ditch Block) estimated at 5,662 cubic yards requiring Class C compaction in 9-inch maximum lifts with sheepsfoot roller at 200 psi minimum contact pressure; Bid Item #5 (Clearing and Grubbing) covering 4.8 acres with grubbing depth minimum 6 inches to remove root wads; and Bid Item #6 (Rock Riprap) of 86 tons requiring IDOT Gradation RR3, Quality Designation "A" conforming to IDOT standard specifications. All payment methods utilize either lump sum or unit pricing with final quantities not requiring measurement unless significant plan changes occur, which the contractor must document to the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR).
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Construction Specification 8—Mobilization and Demobilization
1. Scope The work consists of the mobilization and demobilization of the contractor's forces and equipment necessary for performing the work required under the contract. It does not include mobilization and demobilization for specific items of work for which payment is provided elsewhere in the contract.
Mobilization will not be considered as work in fulfilling the contract requirements for commencement of work.
2. Equipment and material Mobilization shall include all activities and associated costs for transportation of contractor's personnel, equipment, and operating supplies to the site; establishment of offices, buildings, and other necessary general facilities for the contractor's operations at the site; premiums paid for performance and payment bonds including coinsurance and reinsurance agreements as applicable; and other items specified in section 4 of this specification.
Demobilization shall include all activities and costs for transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies not required or included in the contract from the site; including the disassembly, removal, and site cleanup of offices, buildings, and other facilities assembled on the site specifically for this contract.
This work includes mobilization and demobilization required by the contract at the time of award. If additional mobilization and demobilization activities and costs are required during the performance of the contract as a result of changed, deleted, or added items of work for which the contractor is entitled to an adjustment in contract price, compensation for such costs will be included in the price adjustment for the item or items of work changed or added.
3. Payment Payment will be made as the work proceeds, after presentation of paid invoices or documentation of direct costs by the contractor showing specific mobilization and demobilization costs and supporting evidence of the charges of suppliers, subcontractors, and others. When the total of such payments is less than the lump sum contract price, the balance remaining will be included in the final contract payment. Payment of the lump sum contract price for mobilization and demobilization will constitute full compensation for completion of the work.
Payment will not be made under this item for the purchase costs of materials having a residual value, the purchase costs of materials to be incorporated in the project, or the purchase costs of operating supplies.
4. Items of work and construction details
Bid Item – 1 – Mobilization and Demobilization
1. This item shall consist of the mobilization and demobilization of the contractor’s forces and equipment as well as all permitting, bonding and insurance requirements necessary to perform the work required under this contract.
2. Access to the site shall be as shown on the drawings. During all operations, it will be the contractor’s responsibility to keep all public roads open. Access roads shall be restored to original condition or better upon competition of work. Access road grading may be required to allow access to material delivery traffic. Any work shall be at contractor’s expense and approved by COTR prior to implementation.
3. All earthmoving equipment utilized for the work shall meet the requirements of the OSHA, Paragraph
1926.602. In addition, roll-over protection and safety belts shall be installed, maintained, and utilized regardless of the equipment age or struck capacity. This includes earthmoving equipment as mentioned in part 1926, Subpart 0, sections 1926.602 and subpart W, section 1000,101, and 1002, to include skid-steer and self-propelled compactor equipment.
4. Prior to commencement of construction, the contractor is responsible for contacting COTR, at (217)- 345-3901 ext 4020, a minimum of 5 business days before operations on –site begin.
5. All invoices submitted by the contractor shall be subject to approval of the Contracting Officer (CO)
6. The contractor shall perform the work in such a manner as to control erosion and minimize the production of sediments and other pollutants to the water and air during construction operations.
7. The contractor shall be responsible and take precaution to protect existing utilities. Contractor shall provide proper notification to the Illinois 1 call system and provide the COTR with DIG number and other proper documentation.
8. Payment shall be lump sum. Such payment shall constitute full compensation for all labor, equipment, materials, tools, and other items necessary to complete the work.
Knoblett WRE March 2025 6–1
Construction Specification 6—Seeding, Sprigging, and Mulching
1. Scope The work consists of preparing the area for treatment; furnishing and placing seed, sprigs, mulch, fertilizer, inoculant, lime, and other soil amendments; and anchoring mulch in designated areas as specified.
The following BioPreferred® product categories are applicable to this specification:
— mulch and compost materials
— erosion control materials
— fertilizers
— agricultural spray adjuvants
2. Material Seed—All seed shall conform to the current rules and regulations of the state where it is being used and shall be from the latest crop available. It shall meet or exceed the standard for purity and germination listed in section 7.
Seed shall be labeled in accordance with the state laws and the U.S. Department of Agriculture rules and regulations under the Federal Seed Act in effect on the date of invitations for bids. Bag tag figures are evidence of purity and germination. No seed will be accepted with a test date of more than 9 months before the delivery date to the site.
Seed that has become wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged in transit or storage will not be accepted. The percent of noxious weed seed allowable shall be as defined in the current State laws relating to agricultural seeds. Each type of seed shall be delivered in separate sealed containers and fully tagged unless exception is granted in writing by the contracting officer.
Fertilizer—Unless otherwise specified, the fertilizer shall be a commercial grade fertilizer. It shall meet the standard for grade and quality specified by State law. Where fertilizer is furnished from bulk storage, the contractor shall furnish a supplier's certification of analysis and weight. When required by the contract, a representative sample of the fertilizer shall be furnished to the contracting officer for chemical analysis.
Inoculants—The inoculant for treating legume seeds shall be a pure culture of nitrogen-fixing bacteria prepared specifically for the species and shall not be used later than the date indicated on the container or as otherwise specified. A mixing medium, as recommended by the manufacturer, shall be used to bond the inoculant to the seed. Two times the amount of the inoculant recommended by the manufacturer shall be used except four times the amount shall be used when seed is applied using a hydraulic seeder. Seed shall be sown within 24 hours of treatment and shall not remain in the hydraulic seeder longer than 4 hours.
Lime and other soil amendments—Lime shall consist of standard ground agriculture limestone, or approved equivalent. Standard ground agriculture limestone is defined as ground limestone meeting current requirements of the State Department of Agriculture.
Other soil amendments shall meet quality criteria and application requirements specified in section 7.
Straw mulch material—Straw mulch shall consist of wheat, barley, oat or rye straw, hay, grass cut from native grasses, or other plants as specified in section 7. The mulch material shall be air-dry, reasonably light in color, and shall not be musty, moldy, caked, or otherwise of low quality. The use of mulch that contains noxious weeds is not permitted. The contractor shall provide a method satisfactory to the contracting officer for determining weight of mulch furnished.
3. Seeding mixtures and dates of planting The application rate per acre for seed mixtures, sprigs, or sod and date of seeding or planting shall be as shown on the plans or as specified in section 7.
4. Seedbed preparation and treatment Areas to be treated shall be dressed to a smooth, firm surface. On sites where equipment can operate on slopes safely, the seedbed shall be adequately loosened (4 to 6 inches deep) and smoothed. Depending on soil and moisture conditions, disking or cultipacking, or both, may be necessary to properly prepare a seedbed. Where equipment cannot operate safely, the seedbed shall be prepared by hand methods by scarifying to provide a roughened soil surface so that broadcast seed will remain in place.
If seeding is to be accomplished immediately following construction operations, seedbed preparation may not be required except on a compacted, polished, or freshly cut soil surface.
Knoblett 6-2024 6–2
Rocks larger than 6 inches in diameter, trash, weeds, and other debris that will interfere with seeding or maintenance operations shall be removed or disposed of as specified in section 7.
Seedbed preparation shall be discontinued when soil moisture conditions are not suitable for the preparation of a satisfactory seedbed as determined by the contracting officer's technical representative (COTR).
5. Seeding, fertilizing, mulching, and stabilizing All seeding operations shall be performed in such a manner that the seed are applied in the specified quantities uniformly in the designated areas. The method and rate of seed application shall be as specified in section 7. Unless otherwise specified, seeding shall be accomplished within 2 days after final grading is completed and approved.
Fertilizer, lime, and other soil amendments shall be applied as specified in section 7. When specified, the fertilizer and soil amendments shall be thoroughly incorporated into the soil immediately following surface application.
The rate, amount, and kind of mulching shall be as specified in section 7. Mulches shall be applied uniformly to the designated areas.
They shall be applied to areas seeded not later than 2 working days after seeding has been performed. Straw mulch material shall be stabilized within 24 hours of application using a mulch crimper or equivalent anchoring tool. When the mulch crimper or equivalent anchoring tool is used, it shall have straight blades and be the type manufactured expressly for and capable of firmly punching the mulch into the soil. Where the equipment can be safely operated, it shall be operated on the contour. Hand methods shall be used where equipment cannot safely operate to perform the work required.
6. Measurement and payment Method 1—For items of work for which specific unit prices are established in the contract, each area treated is measured as specified in section 7 and the area calculated to the nearest 0.1 acre. Payment for treatment is made at the contract unit price for the designated treatment, which will constitute full compensation for completion of the work.
Method 2—For items of work for which specific lump sum prices are established in the contract, the quantity of work will not be measured for payment. Payment for this item is made at the contract lump sum price for the item and will constitute full compensation for the completion of the work.
Method 3—For items of work for which lump sum prices are established in the contract, payment is made as the work proceeds.
Progress payments will be determined as specified in section 7. Payment of the lump sum contract price will constitute full compensation for completion of the work.
All Methods—The following provisions apply to all methods of measurement and payment. Compensation for any item of work described in the contract, but not listed in the bid schedule is included in the payment for the item of work to which it is made subsidiary. Such items and the item(s) to which they are made subsidiary are identified in section 7.
7. Items of work and construction details
1. Bid Item #2 -Seeding- This item shall consist of furnishing all the labor, materials, equipment, and tools for the preparation of the seedbed, placement of fertilizer, and seeding of the specified areas listed below.
Seeding Areas Description Quantity Unit
Ditch blocks 1.9 AC
Spillway 1.4 AC
Total 3.3 AC
**Seeding area - top and side slopes to a distance 10’ beyond the toe
Knoblett WRE March 2025 6–3
Seed – the seed shall be delivered to the site in tagged and labeled bags showing the percentage of purity and germination. The seed shall originate from the United States or Canada, have been tested with six (6) months prior to the date of seeding and shall conform to the latest seed and weed laws of Illinois. When the percent of pure live seed is less than 100%, the rate of seeding shall be increased to achieve the same net pure live seed required. Seed shall have a minimum of 80% pure live seed.
Rates are specified below
Seeding Summary ***
Variety
PLS
lbs./ac AC Lbs.of PLS
Seeding
Switchgrass ‘Cave-in-Rock’ 8 3.3 26.4
Redtop 12 3.3 39.6
Oats 20 3.3 66.0
*** PLS (Pure Live Seed) -- Quantities purchased from supplier will be greater than this amount due to germination % and seed purity.
PLS = [(%germination+%dormant seed) x %purity]/100
The seeding operation shall be performed immediately after notification of contractor’s officer’s technical representative (COTR) has provided inspection of completed earthfill and preparation of the seed bed is complete.
Seed shall be applied uniformly at a depth of ¼ - ½ inch with a drill or cultipacker type seeder. Broadcast methods are acceptable where the seed will be applied uniformly and covered ¼ - ½ inch deep with a cultipacker/cultimulcher, harrow, or similar tool designed to break clods. level, and firm the seedbed.
Material certifications shall be provided and reviewed by COTR prior to commencement of seeding.
Seeding method shall be as follows. Apply seed uniformly at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch with a drill or cultipacker-type seeder or broadcast and cover with a cultipacker, harrow, or similar tool. – other methods shall be approved by COTR prior to implementation.
Fertilizer, lime, and other soil amendments shall be applied by broadcasting. The fertilizer and soil amendments shall be thoroughly incorporated into the soil to a minimum depth of 3” immediately following surface application.
At any location where the seeding has been displaced by any of the contractor’s equipment or personnel, the seeding shall be repaired or replaced immediately at contractor’s expense, in a manner acceptable by contracting officer
(CO)
Compensation shall be according to Method 2 for each type of seeding– under the Measurement and payment section. Payment is by lump sum for seeding.
Fertilizer/Mulch Rate
Actual N 120lbs/ac 0.20 ton
P2O5 120lbs/ac 0.20 ton
K2O 120lbs/ac 0.20 ton
Lime 2 Ton/ac 6.66 ton
Knoblett WRE Crawford County, IL March 2025 21-1
Construction Specification 21—Excavation
1. Scope
The work shall consist of the excavation required by the drawings and specifications and disposal of the excavated materials.
2. Classification
Excavation is classified as common excavation, rock excavation, or unclassified excavation in accordance with the following definitions.
Common excavation is defined as the excavation of all materials that can be excavated, transported, and unloaded using heavy ripping equipment and wheel tractor-scrapers with pusher tractors or that can be excavated and dumped into place or loaded onto hauling equipment by excavators having a rated capacity of one cubic yard or larger and equipped with attachments (shovel, bucket, backhoe, dragline, or clam shell) appropriate to the material type, character, and nature of the materials.
Rock excavation is defined as the excavation of all hard, compacted, or cemented materials that require blasting or the use of ripping and excavating equipment larger than defined for common excavation. The excavation and removal of isolated boulders or rock fragments larger than 1 cubic yard encountered in materials otherwise conforming to the definition of common excavation shall be classified as rock excavation. The presence of isolated boulders or rock fragments larger than 1 cubic yard is not in itself sufficient cause to change the classification of the surrounding material.
For the purpose of these classifications, the following definitions shall apply:
Heavy ripping equipment is a rear-mounted, heavy duty, single-tooth, ripping attachment mounted on a track type tractor having a power rating of at least 250 flywheel horsepower unless otherwise specified in section 10.
Wheel tractor-scraper is a self-loading (not elevating) and unloading scraper having a struck bowl capacity of at least 12 cubic yards.
Pusher tractor is a track type tractor having a power rating of at least 250 flywheel horsepower equipped with appropriate attachments.
Unclassified excavation is defined as the excavation of all materials encountered, including rock materials, regardless of their nature or the manner in which they are removed.
3. Blasting
The transportation, handling, storage, and use of dynamite and other explosives shall be directed and supervised by a person(s) of proven experience and ability who is authorized and qualified to conduct blasting operations.
Blasting shall be done in a manner as to prevent damage to the work or unnecessary fracturing of the underlying rock materials and shall conform to any special requirements in section 10 of this specification.
When specified in section 10, the contractor shall furnish the engineer, in writing, a blasting plan before blasting operations begin.
4. Use of excavated material
Method 1—To the extent they are needed, all suitable material from the specified excavations shall be used in the construction of required permanent earthfill or rockfill. The suitability of material for specific
March 2025 21-2 purposes is determined by the engineer. The contractor shall not waste or otherwise dispose of suitable excavated material.
Method 2—Suitable material from the specified excavations may be used in the construction of required earthfill or rockfill. The suitability of material for specific purposes is determined by the engineer.
5. Disposal of waste materials
Method 1—All surplus or unsuitable excavated materials are designated as waste and shall be disposed of at the locations shown on the drawings.
Method 2—All surplus or unsuitable excavated materials are designated as waste and shall be disposed of by the contractor at sites of his own choosing away from the site of the work. The disposal shall be in an environmentally acceptable manner that does not violate local rules and regulations.
6. Excavation limits
Excavations shall comply with OSHA Construction Industry Standards (29CFR Part 1926) Subpart P, Excavations, Trenching, and Shoring. All excavations shall be completed and maintained in a safe and stable condition throughout the total construction phase. Structure and trench excavations shall be completed to the specified elevations and to the length and width required to safely install, adjust, and remove any forms, bracing, or supports necessary for the installation of the work. Excavations outside the lines and limits shown on the drawings or specified herein required to meet safety requirements shall be the responsibility of the contractor in constructing and maintaining a safe and stable excavation.
7. Borrow excavation
When the quantities of suitable material obtained from specified excavations are insufficient to construct the specified earthfills and earth backfills, additional material shall be obtained from the designated borrow areas. The extent and depth of borrow pits within the limits of the designated borrow areas shall be as specified in section 10 or as approved by the engineer.
Borrow pits shall be excavated and finally dressed to blend with the existing topography and sloped to prevent ponding and to provide drainage.
8. Overexcavation
Excavation in rock beyond the specified lines and grades shall be corrected by filling the resulting voids with portland cement concrete made of materials and mix proportions approved by the engineer. Concrete that will be exposed to the atmosphere when construction is completed shall meet the requirements of concrete selected for use under Construction Specification 31, Concrete for Major Structures, or 32, Structure Concrete, as appropriate.
Concrete that will be permanently covered shall contain not less than five bags of cement per cubic yard.
The concrete shall be placed and cured as specified by the engineer.
Excavation in earth beyond the specified lines and grades shall be corrected by filling the resulting voids with approved, compacted earthfill. The exception to this is that if the earth is to become the subgrade for riprap, rockfill, sand or gravel bedding, or drainfill, the voids may be filled with material conforming to the specifications for the riprap, rockfill, bedding, or drainfill. Before correcting an overexcavation condition, the contractor shall review the planned corrective action with the engineer and obtain approval of the corrective measures.
March 2025 21-3
9. Measurement and payment
For items of work for which specific unit prices are established in the contract, the volume of each type and class of excavation within the specified pay limits is measured and computed to the nearest cubic yard by the method of average cross-sectional end areas or by methods outlined in section 10 of this specification.
Regardless of quantities excavated, the measurement for payment is made to the specified pay limits except that excavation outside the specified lines and grades directed by the engineer to remove unsuitable material is included. Excavation required because unsuitable conditions result from the contractor's improper construction operations, as determined by the engineer, is not included for measurement and payment.
Method 1—The pay limits shall be as designated on the drawings.
Method 2—The pay limits shall be defined as follows:
a. The upper limit shall be the original ground surface as it existed before the start of construction operations except that where excavation is performed within areas designated for previous excavation or earthfill, the upper limit shall be the modified ground surface resulting from the specified previous excavation or earthfill.
b. The lower and lateral limits shall be the neat lines and grades shown on the drawings.
Method 3—The pay limits shall be defined as follows:
a. The upper limit shall be the original ground surface as it existed before the start of construction operations except that where excavation is performed within areas designated for previous excavation or earthfill, the upper limit shall be the modified ground surface resulting from the specified previous excavation or earthfill.
b. The lower and lateral limits shall be the true surface of the completed excavation as directed by the engineer.
Method 4—The pay limits shall be defined as follows:
a. The upper limit shall be the original ground surface as it existed before the start of construction operations except that where excavation is performed within areas designated for previous excavation or earthfill, the upper limit shall be the modified ground surface resulting from the specified previous excavation or earthfill.
b. The lower limit shall be at the bottom surface of the proposed structure.
c. The lateral limits shall be 18 inches outside of the outside surface of the proposed structure or shall be vertical planes 18 inches outside of and parallel to the footings, whichever gives the larger pay quantity, except as provided in d below.
d. For trapezoidal channel linings or similar structures that are to be supported upon the sides of the excavation without intervening forms, the lateral limits shall be at the underside of the proposed lining or structure.
e. For the purposes of the definitions in b, c, and d, above, any specified bedding or drainfill directly beneath or beside the structure will be considered to be a part of the structure.
All methods—The following provisions apply to all methods of measurement and payment.
Payment for each type and class of excavation is made at the contract unit price for that type and class of excavation. Such payment will constitute full compensation for all labor, materials, equipment, and all other items necessary and incidental to the performance of the work except that extra payment for backfilling overexcavation will be made in accordance with the following provisions.
Payment for backfilling overexcavation, as specified in section 8 of this specification, is made only if the excavation outside specified lines and grades is directed by the engineer to remove unsuitable material and if the unsuitable condition is not a result of the contractor's improper construction operations as determined by the engineer.
Compensation for any item of work described in the contract, but not listed in the bid schedule is included in the payment for the item of work to which it is made subsidiary. Such items and the items to which they
March 2025 21-4 are made subsidiary are identified in section 10 of this specification.
10. Items of work and construction details
Bid Item# 3 – Excavation, Common – 8,092 cy
1 . This i t em sha l l cons i s t o f common excavation.
2. All excavation in this contract is anticipated to meet the definition of common excavation as described in Section 2 Classification of this specification.
Any trash or hazardous material found shall be removed and properly disposed of by the contractor.
3. The disposal of excavated material will be by Method 1 under Item 5 Disposal of Waste Materials. The contractor shall place the excavated surplus material in the locations indicated on the plans.(ditch blocks) The surplus material shall be placed in lifts no greater than 8 inches. Prior to placing the surplus material, the identified location shall be scarified.
The Contractor shall take great care to not over excavate beyond the specified maximum depth in the borrow areas required for construction.
Under Section 9 -Measurement and payment, payment shall be by Method 1 , with the exception that the final quantities shall not be measured unless there is a significant change to the plans. It shall be the contractor's responsibility to prove this quantity difference to the COTR. If there are no changes to the plans, then the estimated volumes shall be used.
March 2025 23-1
Construction Specification 23—Earthfill
1. Scope The work consists of the construction of earth embankments, other earthfills, and earth backfills required by the drawings and specifications.
Earthfill is composed of natural earth materials that can be placed and compacted by construction equipment operated in a conventional manner.
Earth backfill is composed of natural earth material placed and compacted in confined spaces or adjacent to structures (including pipes) by hand tamping, manually directed power tampers or vibrating plates, or their equivalent.
2. Material All fill material shall be obtained from required excavations and designated borrow areas. The selection, blending, routing, and disposition of material in the various fills shall be subject to approval by the engineer.
Fill materials shall contain no frozen soil, sod, brush, roots, or other perishable material. Rock particles larger than the maximum size specified for each type of fill shall be removed prior to compaction of the fill.
The types of material used in the various fills shall be as listed and described in the specifications and drawings.
3. Foundation preparation Foundations for earthfill shall be stripped to remove vegetation and other unsuitable material or shall be excavated as specified.
Except as otherwise specified, earth foundation surfaces shall be graded to remove surface irregularities and shall be scarified parallel to the axis of the fill or otherwise acceptably scored and loosened to a minimum depth of 2 inches. The moisture content of the loosened material shall be controlled as specified for the earthfill, and the surface material of the foundation shall be compacted and bonded with the first layer of earthfill as specified for subsequent layers of earthfill.
Earth abutment surfaces shall be free of loose, uncompacted earth in excess of 2 inches in depth normal to the slope and shall be at such a moisture content that the earthfill can be compacted against them to produce a good bond between the fill and the abutments.
Rock foundation and abutment surfaces shall be cleared of all loose material by hand or other effective means and shall be free of standing water when fill is placed upon them. Occasional rock outcrops in earth foundations for earthfill, except in dams and other structures designed to restrain the movement of water, shall not require special treatment if they do not interfere with compaction of the foundation and initial layers of the fill or the bond between the foundation and the fill.
Foundation and abutment surfaces shall be no steeper than one horizontal to one vertical unless otherwise specified. Test pits or other cavities shall be filled with compacted earthfill conforming to the specifications for the earthfill to be placed upon the foundation.
4. Placement Earthfill shall not be placed until the required excavation and foundation preparation have been completed and the foundation has been inspected and approved by the engineer. Earthfill shall not be placed upon a frozen surface nor shall snow, ice, or frozen material be incorporated in the earthfill matrix.
Earthfill shall be placed in approximately horizontal layers. The thickness of each layer before compaction shall not exceed the maximum thickness specified in section 10 or shown on the drawings. Materials placed by dumping in piles or windrows shall be spread uniformly to not more than the specified thickness before being compacted.
Hand compacted earth backfill shall be placed in layers whose thickness before compaction does not exceed the maximum thickness specified for layers of earth backfill compacted by manually directed power tampers.
Earth backfill shall be placed in a manner that prevents damage to the structures and allows the structures to assume the loads from the earth backfill gradually and uniformly. The height of the earth backfill adjacent to a structure shall be increased at approximately the same rate on all sides of the structure.
March 2025 23-2
Earthfill and earth backfill in dams, levees, and other structures designed to restrain the movement of water shall be placed to meet the following additional requirements:
(a) The distribution of materials throughout each zone shall be essentially uniform, and the earthfill shall be free from lenses, pockets, streaks, or layers of material differing substantially in texture, moisture content, or gradation from the surrounding material. Zone earthfills shall be constructed concurrently unless otherwise specified.
(b) The surface of each layer shall be scarified parallel to the axis of the fill to a depth of not less than 2 inches before the next layer is placed.
(c) The top surface of embankments shall be maintained approximately level during construction with two exceptions: A crown or cross-slope of about 2 percent shall be maintained to ensure effective drainage, or as otherwise specified for drainfill or sectional zones.
(d) Dam embankments shall be constructed in continuous layers from abutment to abutment except where openings to facilitate construction or to allow the passage of streamflow during construction are specifically authorized in the contract.
(e) Embankments built at different levels as described under (c) or (d) above shall be constructed so that the slope of the bonding surfaces between embankment in place and embankment to be placed is not steeper than 3 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The bonding surface of the embankment in place shall be stripped of all material not meeting the requirements of this specification and shall be scarified, moistened, and recompacted when the new earthfill is placed against it. This ensures a good bond with the new earthfill and obtains the specified moisture content and density at the contact of the inplace and new earthfills.
5. Control of moisture content During placement and compaction of earthfill and earth backfill, the moisture content of the material being placed shall be maintained within the specified range.
The application of water to the earthfill material shall be accomplished at the borrow areas insofar as practicable. Water may be applied by sprinkling the material after placement on the earthfill, if necessary. Uniform moisture distribution shall be obtained by disking.
Material that is too wet when deposited on the earthfill shall either be removed or be dried to the specified moisture content prior to compaction.
If the top surface of the preceding layer of compacted earthfill or a foundation or abutment surface in the zone of contact with the earthfill becomes too dry to permit suitable bond, it shall either be removed or scarified and moistened by sprinkling to an acceptable moisture content before placement of the next layer of earthfill.
6. Compaction Earthfill—Earthfill shall be compacted according to the following requirements for the class of compaction specified:
Class A compaction—Each layer of earthfill shall be compacted as necessary to provide the density of the earthfill matrix not less than the minimum density specified in Section 10 or identified on the drawings. The earthfill matrix is defined as the portion of the earthfill material finer than the maximum particle size allowed in the reference compaction test method specified (ASTM D698 or ASTM D1557).
Class B compaction—Each layer of earthfill shall be compacted to a mass density not less than the minimum density specified.
Class C compaction—Each layer of earthfill shall be compacted by the specified number of passes of the type and weight of roller or other equipment specified or by an approved equivalent method. Each pass shall consist of at least one passage of the roller wheel or drum over the entire surface of the layer.
Earth backfill—Earth backfill adjacent to structures shall be compacted to a density equivalent to that of the surrounding inplace earth material or adjacent required earthfill or earth backfill. Compaction shall be accomplished by hand tamping or manually directed power tampers, plate vibrators, walk-behind, miniature, or self-propelled rollers. Unless otherwise specified heavy equipment including backhoe mounted power tampers or vibrating compactors and manually directed vibrating rollers shall not be operated within 3 feet of any structure. Towed or self-propelled vibrating rollers shall not be operated within 5 feet of any structure.
Compaction by means of drop weights operating from a crane or hoist is not permitted.
The passage of heavy equipment will not be allowed:
• Over cast-in-place conduits within 14-days after placement of the concrete
March 2025 23-3
• Over cradled or bedded precast conduits within 7 days after placement of the concrete cradle or bedding
• Over any type of conduit until the backfill has been placed above the top surface of the structure to a height equal to one-half the clear span width of the structure or pipe or 3 feet, whichever is greater, except as may be specified in section 10.
Compacting of earth backfill adjacent to structures shall not be started until the concrete has attained the strength specified in section 10 for this purpose. The strength is determined by compression testing of test cylinders cast by the contractor's quality control personnel for this purpose and cured at the work site in the manner specified in ASTM C 31 for determining when a structure may be put into service.
When the required strength of the concrete is not specified as described above, compaction of earth backfill adjacent to structures shall not be started until the following time intervals have elapsed after placement of the concrete.
Structure Time interval (days)
Vertical or near-vertical walls with earth loading on one side only 14
Walls backfilled on both sides simultaneously 7
Conduits and spillway risers, cast-in-place (with inside forms in place) 7
Conduits and spillway risers, cast-in-place (inside forms removed) 14
Conduits, pre-cast, cradled 2
Conduits, pre-cast, bedded 1
Cantilever outlet bents (backfilled both sides simultaneously) 3
7. Reworking or removal and replacement of defective earthfill Earthfill placed at densities lower than the specified minimum density or at moisture contents outside the specified acceptable range of moisture content or otherwise not conforming to the requirements of the specifications shall be reworked to meet the requirements or removed and replaced by acceptable earthfill. The replacement earthfill and the foundation, abutment, and earthfill surfaces upon which it is placed shall conform to all requirements of this specification for foundation preparation, approval, placement, moisture control, and compaction.
8. Testing During the course of the work, the contractor shall perform quality control tests, as applicable, to identify earthfill and earth backfill materials; determine the reference maximum density and optimum moisture content; and document that the moisture content of material at the time of compaction and the density of earthfill and earth backfill in place conform to the requirements of this specification.
Determining Reference Maximum Density and Optimum Moisture Content—For Class A compaction, the reference maximum density and optimum moisture content shall be determined in accordance with the compaction test and method specified on the drawings or in section 10.
Documenting Specification Conformance—In-place densities of earthfill and earth backfill requiring Class A compaction shall be measured in accordance with ASTM D1556, D2167, D2937, or D6938. Moisture contents of earthfill and earth backfill at the time of compaction shall be measured in accordance with ASTM D2216, D4643, or D6938. Values of moisture content determined by ASTM D2216 are considered the true value of the soil moisture. Values of moisture content determined by ASTM D4643 or D6938 shall be verified by comparison to values obtained by ASTM D2216. Values of in-place density and moisture content determined by these tests shall be compared to the minimum density and moisture content range specified on the drawings or in section 10.
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Correction for Oversize Particles—If the materials to be used for earthfill or earth backfill contain more than 5 percent by dry weight of oversize rock particles (particles larger than those allowed in the specified compaction test and method), corrections for oversize particles shall be made using the appropriate procedures explained in ASTM D4718.
9. Measurement and payment For items of work for which specific unit prices are established in the contract, the volume of each type and compaction class of earthfill and earth backfill within the specified zone boundaries and pay limits is measured and computed to the nearest cubic yard by the method of average cross-sectional end areas. Unless otherwise specified in section 10, no deduction in volume is made for embedded items, such as, but not limited to, conduits, inlet structures, outlet structures, embankment drains, sand diaphragm and outlet, and their appurtenances.
The pay limits shall be as defined below, with the further provision that earthfill required to fill voids resulting from overexcavation of the foundation, outside the specified lines and grades, will be included in the measurement for payment only under the following conditions:
• Where such overexcavation is directed by the engineer to remove unsuitable material, and
• Where the unsuitable condition is not a result of the contractor's improper construction operations as determined by the engineer.
Earthfill beyond the specified lines and grades to backfill excavation required for compliance with OSHA requirements will be considered subsidiary to the earthfill bid item(s).
Method 1—The pay limits shall be as designated on the drawings.
Method 2—The pay limits shall be the measured surface of the foundation when approved for placement of the earthfill and the specified neat lines of the earthfill surface.
Method 3—The pay limits shall be the measured surface of the foundation when approved for placement of the earthfill and the measured surface of the completed earthfill.
Method 4—The pay limits shall be the specified pay limits for excavation and the specified neat lines of the earthfill surface.
Method 5—The pay limits shall be the specified pay limits for excavation and the measured surface of the completed earthfill.
Method 6—Payment for each type and compaction class of earthfill and earth backfill is made at the contract unit price for that type and compaction class of earthfill. Such payment will constitute full compensation for all labor, material, equipment, and all other items necessary and incidental to the performance of the work.
Method 7—Payment for each type and compaction class of earthfill and earth backfill is made at the contract unit price for that type and compaction class of earthfill. Such payment will constitute full compensation for all labor, material, equipment, and all other items necessary and incidental to the performance of the work except furnishing, transporting, and applying water to the foundation and earthfill material. Water applied to the foundation and earthfill material is measured and payment made as specified in Construction Specification 10.
All methods—The following provisions apply to all methods of measurement and payment. Compensation for any item of work described in the contract, but not listed in the bid schedule is included in the payment for the item of work to which it is made subsidiary. Such items and the items to which they are made subsidiary are identified in section 10 of this specification.
10. Items of work and construction details
Bid Item #4 Earthfill – Wetland Ditch Block – Estimate volume = 5,662 cubic yards settled
1. This item shall consist of furnishing and placing earthfill material and earthfill backfill materials as required to construct the structure listed below and as shown on the drawings.
2. Earthfill shall be placed and graded so that the contours form a mowable condition along the base of the ditch block.
3. Earthfill shall be obtained only from the designated borrow areas shown on the drawings unless otherwise approved by the CO. If the contractor encounters unsuitable material for earthfill operations, then the CO should immediately be notified, and a decision will be made regarding the location of obtaining earthfill for berm construction.
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4. Coarse fragments larger than 4-inch diameter shall not be used in the earthfill operations. (6) Class C compaction is required as specified in Section 6.
5. The earthfill shall be placed in 9-inch maximum lifts, and shall be traversed by a sheepsfoot roller, providing a contact pressure of not less than 200 psi, until the pads on the equipment walk out of the placed earthfill or a minimum of two passes.
6. The moisture content of the earthfill shall be such that a ball will not readily separate when made in the hand. Moisture content will be considered too high for earthfill operations when conditions will not allow for efficient equipment and compaction operations.
Under Section 9 -Measurement and payment, payment shall be by Method 6, with the exception that the final quantities shall not be measured unless there is a significant change to the plans. It shall be the contractor's responsibility to prove this quantity difference to the COTR. If there are no changes to the plans, then the estimated volumes shall be used.
(210-VI-NEH, May 2001)
Construction Specification 2—Clearing and Grubbing
1. Scope The work consists of clearing and grubbing and disposal of trees, snags, logs, brush, stumps, shrubs, and rubbish from the designated areas.
2. Protection of existing vegetation Trees and other vegetation designated to remain undisturbed shall be protected from damage throughout the duration of the construction period. Any damages resulting from the contractor's operations or neglect shall be repaired by the contractor.
Earthfill, stockpiling of materials, vehicular parking, and excessive foot or vehicular traffic shall not be allowed within the drip line of vegetation designated to remain in place. Vegetation damaged by any of these or similar actions shall be replaced with viable vegetation of the same species, similar condition, and like size unless otherwise approved by the contracting officer.
Any cuts, skins, scrapes, or bruises to the bark of the vegetation shall be carefully trimmed and local nursery accepted procedures used to seal damaged bark.
Any limbs or branches 0.5 inch or larger in diameter that are broken, severed, or otherwise seriously damaged during construction shall be cut off at the base of the damaged limb or branch flush with the adjacent limb or tree trunk. All roots 1-inch or larger in diameter that are cut, broken, or otherwise severed during construction operations shall have the end smoothly cut perpendicular to the root. Roots exposed during excavation or other operations shall be covered with moist earth or backfilled as soon as possible to prevent the roots from drying out.
3. Marking The limits of the area(s) to be cleared and grubbed will be marked by stakes, flags, tree markings, or other suitable methods. Trees to be left standing and uninjured will be designated by special markings placed on the trunk about 6 feet above the ground surface.
4. Clearing and grubbing All trees not marked for preservation and all snags, logs, brush, stumps, shrubs, rubbish, and similar materials shall be cleared from within the limits of the designated areas. Unless otherwise specified, all stumps, roots, and root clusters that have a diameter of 1 inch or larger shall be grubbed out to a depth of at least 2 feet below subgrade for concrete structures and 1 foot below the ground surface at embankment sites and other designated areas.
5. Disposal All materials cleared and grubbed from the designated areas shall be disposed of at locations shown on the drawings or in a manner specified in section 7. The contractor is responsible for complying with all local rules and regulations and the payment of any and all fees that may result from disposal at locations away from the project site.
6. Measurement and payment Method 1—For items of work for which specific unit prices are established in the contract, the cleared and grubbed area is measured to the nearest 0.1 acre. Payment for clearing and grubbing is made for the total area within the designated limits at the contract unit price. Such payment will constitute full compensation for all labor, equipment, tools, and all other items necessary and incidental to the completion of the work.
Method 2—For items of work for which specific unit prices are established in the contract, the length of the cleared and grubbed area is measured to the nearest full station (100 feet) along the line designated on the drawing or identified in the specifications. Payment for clearing and grubbing is made for the total length within the designated limits at the contract unit price. Such payment will constitute full compensation for all labor, equipment, tools, and all other items necessary and incidental to the completion of the work.
Method 3—For items of work for which specific unit prices are established in the contract, each tree, stump, and snag having a diameter of 4 inches or larger and each log having a diameter of 4 inches or larger and a length of 10 feet are measured before removal. The size of each tree and snag is determined by measuring its trunk at breast height above the natural ground surface. The size of each log is determined by measuring the butt and by measuring its length from butt to tip.
The size of each stump is measured at the top. Diameter is determined by dividing the measured circumference by 3.14.
Payment for clearing and grubbing of each tree, stump, and snag having a diameter of 4 inches or larger and each log having a diameter of 4 inches or larger and a length of 10 feet or larger is made at the contract unit price for its size designation as determined by the following schedule:
Measured diameter Size designation
(in) (in)
4 to 8 6
8 to 12 10
12 to 24 18
24 to 36 30
36 to 60 48
Over 60 60
The sum of such payments shall constitute full compensation for clearing and grubbing (including the clearing and grubbing of smaller trees, stumps, snags, logs, brush, shrubs, and roots), applicable permits and associated fees, and rubbish removal. Such payment shall constitute full compensation for all labor, equipment, tools, and all other items necessary and incidental to the completion of the work.
Method 4—For items of work for which specific lump sum prices are established in the contract, payment for clearing and grubbing is made at the contract lump sum price. Such payment shall constitute full compensation for all labor, equipment, tools, and all other items necessary and incidental to the completion of the work.
All Methods—The following provisions apply to all methods of measurement and payment.
Compensation for any item of work described in the contract, but not listed in the bid schedule will be included in the payment for the item of work to which it is made subsidiary. Such items and the items to which they are made subsidiary are identified in section 7.
7. Items of work and construction details
Bid Item #5 – 4.8 Acres
1. The areas to grub include the location of the spillway, pool and ditch blocks construction.
a. The areas to grub will be flagged along centerline. The construction area footprint will be the limits of grubbing.
Payment shall be lump sum. Such payment shall constitute full compensation for all labor,…
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