Specification Section 31 00 00.pdf

Tionesta Outflow Left Bank Long-Term Repair

SECTION TABLE OF CONTENTS

DIVISION 31 - EARTHWORK

SECTION 31 00 00

EARTHWORK

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 REFERENCES

1.2 DEFINITIONS

1.2.1 Satisfactory Materials

1.2.2 Unsatisfactory Materials

1.2.3 Degree of Compaction

1.2.4 Topsoil

1.2.5 Hard/Unyielding Materials

1.3 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

1.3.1 Classification of Excavation

1.3.2 Blasting

1.4 SUBMITTALS

PART 2 PRODUCTS (Not Applicable)

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 STRIPPING OF TOPSOIL

3.2 GENERAL EXCAVATION

3.2.1 Drainage

3.2.2 Underground Utilities

3.3 STOCKPILES

3.3.1 Proposed Stockpiles

3.3.2 Existing Asphalt Stockpile

3.4 OFF-SITE DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS MATERIAL

3.5 UTILIZATION OF EXCAVATED MATERIALS

3.6 BACKFILLING AND COMPACTION

3.6.1 General

3.6.2 Vegetated Areas

3.6.3 Pavement Areas

3.6.4 Wall Coarse Aggregate Backfill

3.7 SUBGRADE PREPARATION

3.7.1 General

3.7.2 Pavement Areas

3.7.2.1 General

3.7.2.2 Proof Rolling

3.7.3 Vegetated Areas

3.8 PLACING TOPSOIL

3.9 TESTING

3.9.1 Fill and Backfill Material Gradation

3.9.2 Optimum Moisture and Laboratory Maximum Density

3.9.3 Tolerance Tests for Subgrades

3.10 DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS MATERIAL

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SECTION 31 00 00 Page 2

SECTION 31 00 00

EARTHWORK

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 REFERENCES

The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are referred to within the text by the basic designation only.

ASTM INTERNATIONAL (ASTM)

ASTM C136/C136M (2019) Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

ASTM D698 (2012; E 2014; E 2015) Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/cu. ft.

(600 kN-m/cu. m.))

ASTM D1140 (2017) Standard Test Methods for Determining the Amount of Material Finer than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve in Soils by Washing

ASTM D2487 (2017; E 2020) Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)

ASTM D4718 (2015) Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles

ASTM D6938 (2017a) Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

1.2 DEFINITIONS

1.2.1 Satisfactory Materials

Satisfactory materials consists of any materials classified by ASTM D2487 as GW, GP, GM, GP-GM, GW-GM, GC, GP-GC, GM-GC, SW, SP, SM, SW-SM SC, SW-SC, SP-SM, SP-SC, CL, ML, CL-ML with a maximum particle size less than 6 inches. The liquid limit of such material must not exceed 35 percent when tested in accordance with ASTM D4318. The plasticity index must not be greater than 13 when tested in accordance with ASTM D4318, and not more than 65 percent by weight may be finer than No. 200 sieve when tested in accordance with ASTM D1140. Material meeting these requirements may be utilized as suitable soil backfill where indicated on the contract drawings. Satisfactory material may also consist of aggregates in

SECTION 31 00 00 Page 3 accordance with Section 32 11 23.00 08 AGGREGATE AND AGGREGATE BASE COURSES for use where specified on the contract drawings.

1.2.2 Unsatisfactory Materials

Materials which do not comply with the requirements for satisfactory materials are unsatisfactory. Unsatisfactory materials also include man-made fills; trash; refuse; material classified as satisfactory which contains root and/or other organic matter; saturated soils; and frozen material. Notify the Contracting Officer when encountering any contaminated materials.

1.2.3 Degree of Compaction

Degree of compaction required, is expressed as a percentage of the maximum density obtained by the test procedure presented in ASTM D698 abbreviated as a percent of laboratory maximum density. Since ASTM D698 applies only to soils that have 30 percent or less by weight of their particles retained on the 3/4 inch sieve, applicable corrections for maximum dry density and moisture content shall be made for material having more than 30 percent by weight of their particles retained on the 3/4-inch sieve in accordance with

ASTM D4718.

1.2.4 Topsoil

Material suitable for topsoil obtained from offsite areas or excavations is defined as: natural, friable soil representative of productive, well-drained soils in the area, free of subsoil, stumps, rocks larger than one inch in the maximum dimension, brush, weeds, toxic substances, and other material detrimental to plant growth. Amend topsoil pH range to obtain a pH of 5.5 to 7.

1.2.5 Hard/Unyielding Materials

Hard/Unyielding materials consist of weathered rock, dense consolidated deposits, or conglomerate materials which are not included in the definition of "rock" with stones greater than 12 inches in maximum dimension. These materials usually require the use of heavy excavation equipment, ripper teeth, or jack hammers for removal.

1.3 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Subsurface boring logs are shown on the drawings. The boring logs represent the best subsurface information available; however, variations may exist in the subsurface conditions between boring locations and at locations where boring information is not available.

Groundwater elevations fluctuate with the seasons and weather. Groundwater elevations after the completion of drilling are included on the borings logs. However, the groundwater elevations at these boring locations may not represent the actual static groundwater conditions within the work areas during construction. Contractor can perform a geotechnical exploration to obtain in-situ soil and groundwater conditions at no cost to the Government, if approved.

1.3.1 Classification of Excavation

No consideration will be given to the nature of the excavated materials, and all excavation will be designated as unclassified excavation. All

SECTION 31 00 00 Page 4 excavation will include the satisfactory removal, handling, placement, stockpiling, and/or disposal of all excavated materials.

1.3.2 Blasting

Blasting will not be permitted.

1.4 SUBMITTALS

Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" designation;

submittals not having a "G" designation are for information only. When used, a designation following the "G" designation identifies the office that will review the submittal for the Government. Submit the following in accordance with Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES.

SD-01 Preconstruction Submittals

Excavation, Trenching, and Backfill Work Plan; G, RO

SD-03 Product Data

Utilization of Excavated Materials; G, RO

SD-06 Test Reports

Testing

Within 24 hours of conclusion of physical tests, submit 3 copies of test results, including calibration curves and results of calibration tests.

SD-07 Certificates

Testing

PART 2 PRODUCTS (Not Applicable)

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 STRIPPING OF TOPSOIL

Where indicated or directed, strip topsoil to a depth of 4 inches. Spread topsoil on areas already graded and prepared for topsoil, or transported and deposited in stockpiles convenient to areas that are to receive application of the topsoil later, or at locations indicated or specified.

Keep topsoil separate from other excavated materials, brush, litter, objectionable weeds, roots, stones larger than 2 inches in diameter, and other materials that would interfere with planting and maintenance operations. Stockpile in accordance with the notes and details on Sheet X-501 and remove any surplus of topsoil from excavations and gradings.

3.2 GENERAL EXCAVATION

Perform excavation of every type of material encountered within the limits of the project to the lines, grades, and elevations indicated and as specified. Perform the grading in accordance with the typical sections shown and the tolerances specified in paragraph FINISHING. Transport satisfactory excavated materials and place as fill within the limits of the work, stock pile on site in accordance with the contract drawings, or

SECTION 31 00 00 Page 5 dispose of off site in accordance with Section 01 74 19.00 08 Construction and Demolition Waste Management. Excavate unsatisfactory materials encountered within the limits of the work and temporarily stock pile on site in accordance with the contract drawings prior to disposal or dispose of immediately off site in accordance with Section 01 74 19.00 08 Construction and Demolition Waste Management. Replace excavated unsatisfactory material with satisfactory materials as directed. Include such excavated material and the satisfactory material ordered as replacement in excavation. Dispose surplus satisfactory excavated material not required for fill and/or unsatisfactory excavated material in areas approved for surplus material storage, designated waste areas, and/or dispose of off site. During construction, perform excavation and fill in a manner and sequence that will provide proper drainage at all times.

3.2.1 Drainage

Provide for the collection and disposal of surface and subsurface water encountered during construction. Drain surface of construction site during periods of construction to reduce impacts of precipitation. Grade the construction area to provide positive surface water runoff away from the construction activity and provide drainage features and equipment as required to maintain dry soils. When unsuitable working platforms for equipment operation and unsuitable soil support for subsequent construction features develop, remove unsuitable material and provide new soil material as specified herein. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to assess the soil and groundwater conditions presented by the contract drawings and specifications and to employ necessary measures to permit construction to proceed.

3.2.2 Underground Utilities

The Contractor is responsible for movement of construction machinery and equipment over utilities during construction. For work immediately adjacent to or for excavations exposing a utility or other buried obstruction, excavate by hand or expose the utility by "soft dig" or vacuum excavation methods. Start hand excavation on each side of the indicated utility and continue until the utility is uncovered or until clearance for the new grade/excavation is assured. Support uncovered lines or other existing work affected by the contract excavation until approval for backfill is granted by the Contracting Officer. Report damage to utility lines or subsurface construction immediately to the Contracting Officer.

Any damage to existing utilities (private and/or Government owned) shall be repaired immediately at the expense of the Contractor.

3.3 STOCKPILES

3.3.1 Proposed Stockpiles

Place and grade stockpiles of satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and wasted materials in accordance with the notes and detail on Sheet No. X-501. Keep stockpiles in a neat and well drained condition, giving due consideration to drainage at all times. Clear, grub, and seal by rubber-tired equipment, the ground surface at stockpile locations; separately stockpile excavated satisfactory, unsatisfactory materials, and asphalt. Protect stockpiles of satisfactory materials from contamination which may destroy the quality and fitness of the stockpiled material. If the Contractor fails to protect the stockpiles, and any material becomes unsatisfactory, it will be the responsibility of the Contractor to remove and dispose of such excess unsatisfactory material (off site if deemed necessary by the Contracting

SECTION 31 00 00 Page 6

Officer or designated representative) at the expense of the Contractor.

3.3.2 Existing Asphalt Stockpile

Remove the existing asphalt stockpile shown on the contract drawings and dispose of off site in accordance with Sections 01 74 19.00 08 Construction and Demolition Waste Management. The existing asphalt stockpile has not been tested for disposal. The existing stockpile contains asphalt that was excavated from the same area as the proposed asphalt removal.

3.4 OFF-SITE DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS MATERIAL

The area for surplus materials on site may be limited. Once the available area on site is exhausted, remove surplus material or other excavated material not required or suitable for filling or backfilling, and existing asphalt stockpile, brush, refuse, stumps, roots, and timber from the site and deliver to a licensed/permitted facility in accordance with Section

01 74 19.00 08 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE MANAGEMENT.

3.5 UTILIZATION OF EXCAVATED MATERIALS

Dispose unsatisfactory materials removing from excavations immediately off site or into a stockpile in accordance with the notes and detail on Sheet X-501. Use satisfactory material removed from excavations, insofar as practicable, in the construction of fill and subgrades, and for similar purposes. Do not waste any satisfactory excavated material without specific written authorization. Dispose of satisfactory material, authorized to be wasted, in designated areas approved for surplus material storage or designated waste areas as directed. Clear and grub newly designated waste areas on Government-controlled land before disposal of waste material thereon. Do not dispose excavated material to obstruct the flow of any stream, endanger a partly finished structure, impair the efficiency or appearance of any structure, or be detrimental to the completed work in any way.

3.6 BACKFILLING AND COMPACTION

3.6.1 General

Prepare ground surface on which backfill is to be placed and provide compaction requirements for backfill materials in conformance with the applicable paragraphs herein. Finish compaction by sheepsfoot rollers, pneumatic-tired rollers, steel-wheeled rollers, vibratory compactors, or other approved equipment.

Do not operate heavy compaction equipment within 5 feet of the installed sheet piles. Use vibratory compactors for coarse materials. Backfill that is placed too wet, displaying rutting, deflection, or pumping shall be removed and replaced as directed by the contracting officer or their representative at no cost to the Government.

Replace unstable material removed from the bottom of excavation with satisfactory material (soil fill or PennDOT 2A coarse aggregate) placed in layers not exceeding 8 inches loose thickness.

3.6.2 Vegetated Areas

All fill in areas to be vegetated shall be placed horizontally in 8-inch loose thickness and compacted to 95 percent laboratory maximum dry density

SECTION 31 00 00 Page 7 in accordance with ASTM 698, and within 3 percent of optimum moisture content.

3.6.3 Pavement Areas

All fill placed in areas to receive pavement shall be compacted to at least 98 percent laboratory maximum dry density in accordance with ASTM D698, and within 3 percent of optimum moisture content at the time of compaction.

3.6.4 Wall Coarse Aggregate Backfill

After the sheet piles, weep holes, and wall cap have been installed, place AASHTO NO. 57 coarse aggregate backfill and geotextile in such a manner that the structure and geotextile are not damaged.

3.7 SUBGRADE PREPARATION

3.7.1 General

Excavate to final subgrade elevation no more than 18 hours before materials are to be placed over subgrade. Only use excavation methods that will leave the ground surface in a solid and intact condition. Protect surfaces from erosion and ponding. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer a minimum of 2 calendar days in advance of anticipated subgrade excavation completion to schedule a site visit by the Contracting Officer or designated representative. The subgrade shall be inspected and approved by the Contracting Officer or designated representative prior to any placement of materials over subgrade.

Shape subgrade to line, grade, and cross section, and compact as specified. Include plowing, disking, and any moistening or aerating required to obtain specified compaction for this operation. Remove soft or otherwise unsatisfactory material and replace with satisfactory excavated material or other approved material as directed. Bring up low areas resulting from removal of unsatisfactory material or excavation of rocks to required subgrade with satisfactory materials, and shape the entire subgrade to line, grade, and cross section and compact as specified.

Finish the surface of subgrades to a smooth and compact surface in accordance with the lines, grades, and cross sections or elevations shown.

Provide the degree of finish for graded areas within 0.1 feet of the proposed subgrade elevation. Finish the surface of areas to be turfed from settlement or washing to a smoothness suitable for the application of turfing materials. Repair graded, topsoiled, or backfilled areas prior to acceptance of the work, and re-established grades to the required elevations and slopes.

During construction, keep backfill and excavations shaped and drained.

Maintain ditches and drains along subgrade to drain effectively at all times. Do not disturb the finished subgrade by traffic or other operation. Protect and maintain the finished subgrade in a satisfactory condition until materials are placed over the subgrade. Do not store or stockpile materials on the finished subgrade. Do not lay geotextile or fill or any other materials over the subgrade until the subgrade has been checked and approved, and in no case place materials on a muddy, spongy, or frozen subgrade.

SECTION 31 00 00 Page 8

3.7.2 Pavement Areas

3.7.2.1 General

After excavation and compaction, the surface of the subgrade for areas to receive pavement shall not show deviations greater than 1/2 inch when tested with a 12-foot straight edge applied both parallel and at right angles to the centerline of the area. Do not vary the elevation of the finish subgrade more than 0.05 feet from the established grade and cross section.

3.7.2.2 Proof Rolling

Perform proof rolling after the subgrade is constructed and free of surface water. Proof roll shall consist of at least six passes of a dump truck loaded with 4 cubic yards of soil or using a 15-ton pneumatic-tired roller. Operate the roller or truck in a systematic manner to ensure the number of passes over all areas, and at speeds between 2 to 3 mph. When proof rolling, provide one-half of the passes made with the roller in a direction perpendicular to the other passes, if possible. Notify the Contracting Officer or designated representative a minimum of 3 calendar days prior to proof rolling. Perform proof rolling in the presence of the Contracting Officer or designated representative. Undercut rutting or pumping of material as directed by the Contracting Officer or designated representative and replace with compacted satisfactory material.

3.7.3 Vegetated Areas

After excavation and compaction, proof roll (if possible) as specified in Paragraph Proof Rolling. If proof rolling is not possible, the Contracting Agent or their representative will qualitatively inspect the area. Improve areas as requested prior to finishing with topsoil.

3.8 PLACING TOPSOIL

In areas to receive topsoil, scarify the compacted subgrade soil to a 2-inch depth for bonding of topsoil with subgrade soils. Spread topsoil evenly to a thickness of 4 inches and grade to the elevations shown. Do not spread topsoil when frozen or excessively wet or dry.

3.9 TESTING

Perform testing by a Corps validated commercial testing laboratory or the Contractor's validated testing facility. Submit qualifications of the Corps validated commercial testing laboratory or the Contractor's validated testing facilities. If the Contractor elects to establish testing facilities, do not permit work requiring testing until the Contractor's facilities have been inspected, Corps validated and approved by the Contracting Officer.

a. Determine field moisture content and density of new compacted fill containing 30 percent or less by weight of their particles retained on the 3/4 inch sieve in accordance with ASTM D6938.

b. Check the calibration curves furnished with the moisture gauges along with density calibration checks as described in ASTM D6938; check the calibration of both the density and moisture gauges at the beginning of a job on each different type of material requiring testing and at intervals as directed by the Contracting Officer. When test results

SECTION 31 00 00 Page 9 indicate, as determined by the Contracting Officer, that compaction is not as specified, remove the material, replace and recompact to meet specification requirements.

c. Perform tests on recompacted areas to determine conformance with specification requirements. Appoint a registered professional civil engineer to certify inspections and test results. These certifications shall state that the tests and observations were performed by or under the direct supervision of the engineer and that the results are representative of the materials or conditions being certified by the tests. The following number of tests, if performed at the appropriate time, will be the minimum acceptable for each type operation.

3.9.1 Fill and Backfill Material Gradation

One test per 100 cubic yards stockpiled or in-place source material.

Determine gradation of fill and backfill material in accordance with ASTM C136/C136M or ASTM D1140.

3.9.2 Optimum Moisture and Laboratory Maximum Density

Perform tests for each material type (excluding aggregates in accordance with section 32 11 23.00 08 AGGREGATE AND AGGREGATE BASE COURSES) or source of material including borrow material to determine the optimum moisture and laboratory maximum density values. One representative test per 200 cubic yards of fill and backfill, or when any change in material occurs which may affect the optimum moisture content or laboratory maximum density.

3.9.3 Tolerance Tests for Subgrades

Perform continuous checks on the degree of finish specified in paragraph SUBGRADE PREPARATION during construction of the subgrades.

3.10 DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS MATERIAL

Remove surplus material or other soil material not required or suitable for filling and backfilling and brush, refuse, stumps, roots, and timber and dispose in accordance with Sections 01 74 19.00 08 CONSTRUCTION AND

DEMOLITION WASTE MANAGEMENT.

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SECTION 31 00 00 Page 10