SECTION 2

EARTHWORKS

2.1

CLEARING & GRUBBING

Unless otherwise specified, the areas designated for clearing and grubbing shall be
cleared of all trees, stumps, bushes, roots, rubbish, debris, and other objectionable
matters.
Before removal of any trees or shrubs the Contractor shall obtain written consent
from Dubai Municipality Horticultural Section at least two weeks in advance of the
planned removal. The Engineer's approval of any removal of trees and undergrowth
must be obtained before commencement of work.
Trees and plants designated for preservation shall be protected from injury or
damage which could result from the Contractor's operations including dewatering.
The form of protection for vegetation within the site shall be of a type and standard
approved by the Dubai Municipality Horticultural Section.
The Contractor shall avoid, as far as practicable, injury to shrubbery, vines, plants,
grasses and other vegetation growing outside of the clearing limits. The dragging,
piling and burning of debris, the piling of materials of various kinds and the
performing of other work which may be injurious to vegetation shall, in so far as
practicable, be confined to areas which have no vegetation or which will be disturbed
by excavation.
For the full width to be cleared, all objectionable materials and any other
obstructions shall be grubbed from areas to be excavated, to the satisfaction of the
Engineer.
The topsoil should be scarified to a depth of at least 15 centimetres and investigated
if any unsuitable materials exists. The unsuitable materials, if any, shall be removed
to the depth required by the Engineer's Representative and replaced by approved
suitable material.
Cavities left below subgrade elevation by the removal of stumps or roots shall be
carefully backfilled and the backfill material compacted to the Engineer's
satisfaction.
All tree trunks, stumps, bush, limbs, roots, vegetation, and other debris removed in
clearing and grubbing shall be either burned or removed to approved location outside
the right-of-way or otherwise disposed of so as to leave the roadway and adjacent
areas free from unsightly debris. Burning shall be done at such time and in such
manner as to prevent any damage to areas adjoining the right-of-way.
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2.2

REMOVAL OF STRUCTURES AND OBSTRUCTIONS

2.2.1

General
Removal of structures and obstructions shall consist of the removal, wholly or in
part, and satisfactory disposal of all structures and obstructions within the
right-of-way which have not been designated to remain. Salvaging designated
materials shall be included.
Prior to starting the removal of structures and obstructions, the Contractor shall carry
out a thorough survey of structures, fences, trees, etc., that are to be removed. The
Engineer shall be fully informed of the results of this survey and the amount and
extent of the planned removal and the plan shall then be agreed by the Engineer.
Indications on the Drawings that existing structures, pavements sidewalks, curbs,
gutters and other existing improvements are to become an integral part of the
planned improvements shall be considered to mean that such designated
improvements are to remain even though not specifically noted to remain.
Existing highways, improvements, facilities, adjacent property and services
designated for preservation shall be protected from injury or damage which could
result from the Contractor's operations.
The Contractor shall raze, remove and dispose of all structures and obstructions as
required including, but not limited to, the following: buildings, sheds, walls, slabs,
foundations, inlets, catch basins, culverts, headwalls, trash racks, irrigation
structures, standpipes, manholes, valves, ditch lining, pipelines, tanks, pool lining,
posts, poles, columns, signs, fences, gates, planters, curbs, gutters, sidewalks,
driveways, trees, stumps, shrubs and plants.
Holes, cavities, trenches or depressions left by the removal of structures or
obstructions shall be backfilled with suitable materials and compacted to the grade
required or as directed by the Engineer.

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2.2.2

Removal of Pipes
Where required, the Contractor shall be responsible, prior to removal of pipes, for the
disconnection of all services and clearance from the Dubai Municipality and all
Service Authorities.
All pipes to be removed and either salvaged or relaid shall be carefully removed and
every precaution taken to avoid breaking or damaging the pipe. The pipes shall be
stored when necessary so that there will be no loss or damage before relaying. The
Contractor will be required to replace sections lost from storage or damage by
negligence or by the use of improper methods in their removal.

2.3

STRUCTURAL EXCAVATION

2.3.1

General
Structural excavation shall consist of the excavation and removal of all materials
necessary for the construction of structures, pipelines and cables/ducts, including
foundations and substructures, in accordance with the details shown on the Drawings
and these Specifications and/or as directed.
The Contractor shall notify the Engineer a sufficient time in advance of the
beginning of excavation to allow pre-construction measurements and records to be
made of the undisturbed ground (refer to Clause 2.3.2). The required excavation
shall then be performed in reasonably close conformity to the lines, grades and cross
sections established or shown on the Drawings.
The sides of excavation may be sloped as required by soil conditions to stabilize the
sides for safe working conditions. Such excavation shall be limited to the amount
considered necessary for safety.
The Contractor shall take all necessary steps by means of shoring, timbering, or
otherwise (also refer to Clause 2.3.7) to avoid slips and falls of the sides of the
excavation but if any should occur the Contractor shall remove at his own expense
all such fallen or disturbed material from the excavation and shall replace with
backfilling as described elsewhere.
The Engineer may direct the Contractor to protect his excavation with timbering
where, in his opinion, such timbering is necessary to ensure the safety of the
workmen, adjoining structures and work generally. Any action taken by the Engineer
in this regard will in no way relieve the Contractor of any responsibility or liability
under the Contract.
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Where a firm bearing material is not encountered at the elevation established for
bearing, due to soft, spongy or otherwise unstable soil, all such unsuitable material
shall be removed to the extent directed (see Clause 2.3.15).
No back throwing shall be allowed and all materials must be brought to the surface
and placed clear of the trench side.
The Contractor shall keep the trench excavation free from water at all times.
The Engineer reserves the right to direct the Contractor as to the lengths of trench or
portions of bulk excavations which shall remain open at any one time.
The use of explosives for any purpose whatsoever during the Contract is prohibited.
2.3.2

Pre-Construction and Land Drainage Records

Before an excavation is started:(1) Ground levels shall be agreed at suitable intervals with the Engineer's
Representative.
(2) Surface materials and conditions will be recorded in collaboration with the
Engineer's Representative and where appropriate the owners or occupiers of the
land.
(3) The Contractor shall take photographs to illustrate existing damage or conditions
which may prove contentious at the time of reinstatement.
This information shall be neatly presented in bound volumes and submitted to the
Engineer. To this shall be added details of any existing natural or piped subsoil
drainage or other underground features as work proceeds.
Trial excavations may be ordered by hand or other methods to reveal sub-surface
conditions of any kind. The Contractor shall submit a written report or sketch
drawings of data so obtained and the excavations shall not be backfilled without
approval.

2.3.3

Setting Out

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Before any structural excavation is commenced the Contractor shall define the centre
line or other agreed reference line of the Works and erect the necessary profiles
throughout their full length if so required by the Engineer. The Contractor shall be
responsible for obtaining all verifications from the Dubai Municipality Survey
Section and the Contractor shall bear all associated costs.
2.3.4

Topsoil and Surfacing Materials

Before commencing excavations or filling to an area, topsoil and other surfacing
materials shall be stripped and stored separately from the subsoil (refer to Clause
2.1). Subsequent spreading of topsoil shall be as directed on site.

2.3.5

Land Drains
Where pipelines are to be laid in agricultural land the surface and subsoil drainage
shall be maintained whether natural or artificial. Before commencing work the
Contractor shall ascertain from the owner or occupier of the land the location of any
existing land drains or mole drains.

2.3.6

Hand Excavation
Where instructed or necessary for reasons of limited access or any other reason,
excavation shall be carried out by hand at no additional cost.

2.3.7

Support to Excavations
The sides and/or the bottom of excavations in excess of 1.2 metres shall be
adequately supported.
The Contractor shall provide the necessary support for excavations and shall submit
to the Engineer his proposals for the supporting of excavations by trench sheeting or
other approved means at least seven days prior to the commencement of any
excavation works. His proposals shall take into account the nature of the ground to
be excavated, the level of the water table at the site and the proximity of buildings
and roads.
If in the opinion of the Engineer the support proposed for the excavations by the
Contractor is insufficient then the Engineer will order the provision of stronger
support than that provided by the Contractor and in this event the Contractor shall
adopt the methods so ordered by the Engineer and shall have no claim against the
Employer for any costs incurred in adopting the additional measures.

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Trench supports shall be so arranged to permit withdrawal during the placing of the
pipe bedding and backfilling so as to prevent voids.
The Contractor shall not remove temporary works supporting the excavations until in
the opinion of the Engineer the permanent work is sufficiently advanced to permit
such removal which shall be executed under the personal supervision of a competent
foreman.
All temporary works supporting the excavation shall be removed during backfilling
unless previous approval has been obtained from the Engineer. Where temporary
supports have been used in the excavation any such supports left in because it is
impracticable to remove them shall be left in at the expense of the Contractor.
Should temporary supports need to be left in any excavation carried out in open cut
owing to the Engineer deciding that their permanent installation is necessary for the
stability of an adjacent structure or service the Contractor shall be reimbursed in
accordance with the provisions of the Contract.
Any advice, permission, approval or instruction given by the Engineer relative to
such support or the removal thereof shall not relieve the Contractor from his
responsibilities or liabilities under the Contract.
Timbering steel sheeting strutting and sheet piling for the support of excavations
where provided shall be fixed in accordance with BS 6031.
Battered sides to trenches or other excavations will only be permitted if they can be
constructed within the limits of the site, without damage or interference to existing
services, properties or structures, without undue interference with pedestrians and
traffic and to slopes which are sufficiently flat to ensure stability of the ground.
2.3.8

Dewatering
A high water table is expected and the Contractor must do all necessary measures to
ensure proper dry conditions are maintained at all times during construction. The
Contractor shall provide and maintain ample means and devices (including spare
units kept ready for immediate use in case of breakdowns) with which to intercept
and/or remove promptly and dispose properly of all water entering trenches and other
excavations. Such excavations shall be kept dry until the structures, pipes, and
appurtenances to be built therein have been completed. In addition precautions shall
be taken to prevent floatation of partially built structures, completed structures to be
filled on commissioning of the Works and pipelines awaiting backfilling.
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Dewatering methods proposed in the Contractors method statements may include

temporary drains, intercepting ditches, cut-off drains, sub-drains, sumps, wells,
pumps, well-points or other dewatering equipment and shall include all other things
necessary to keep water out of the excavations or to lower groundwater around
structures liable to floatation.
All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent any adjacent ground from being
adversely affected by loss of fines through any dewatering process.
Method statements shall include proposals for disposal of the water arising from
dewatering systems.
All water pumped or drained from the work shall be disposed of in a suitable manner
without undue interference with other work, damage to pavements, other surfaces, or
property. Suitable temporary pipes, flumes, or channels shall be provided for water
that may flow along or across the site of the work. No such water is to be disposed of
into the existing sewer systems of the town or otherwise without prior written
approval of the Dubai Municipality Drainage and Irrigation Department.
If permission is given to use new or existing pipes or culverts which are not part of
the live sewerage system, they shall be thoroughly cleaned of all silt and any
resulting damage made good after use.
When the Contractor proposes to make use of existing dewatering pipelines, ducts,
etc., he shall satisfy himself as to their condition prior to his use of them. If any of
these items is found to be in an unsatisfactory condition then, before use, the
Contractor shall notify the Engineer who may give instructions for the item to be
replaced or repaired. Time taken to carry out such work will not be considered as
delay to the Contractor's operations.
During use the Contractor shall be responsible for the condition of the pipeline, duct,
etc., and any defect or failure shall be made good at the Contractor's expense. Any
delay to the Contractor's works caused by such defect or failure shall be deemed as
the Contractor's responsibility.
After use by the Contractor such pipeline, duct, etc., shall be handed back to the
Municipality in a condition not less than that at the commencement of use. Any
repairs or replacement required shall be at the Contractor's expense.
It cannot be guaranteed that permission will be given to use existing ducts and
pipelines.
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All temporary works for control of water shall be sited clear of the Works, except
where temporary sub-drains under the Works are approved in which case the pipes
shall be laid with a 75 mm surround of gravel, and the top surface of the surround
shall be covered with tarred felt cloth or other approved material.
Unless otherwise directed all temporary drains and sub-drains shall be finally sealed
with concrete at approved intervals and all temporary ditches, sumps, wells, etc.,
shall be refilled and reinstated as specified elsewhere.
In the exceptional event that lagoons for the storage of groundwater are permitted,
they must be suitably protected with fencing and attended by day and night to
prevent access by the general public and will not be sited adjacent to buildings.
Approved means of preventing the formation of mosquito larvae on the surface of the
lagoons will be employed.
All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent any groundwater from entering
mains to be used for the conveyance of potable water.
A. Temporary Underdrains
Temporary underdrains, if used, shall be laid in trenches, beneath the grade of
the structure. Trenches shall be of suitable dimensions to provide room for the
chosen size of underdrain and its surrounding gravel.
Underdrains, if used, shall be laid at an approved distance below the bottom of
the normal excavation and with open joints wrapped in geotextile, and entirely
surrounded by graded gravel, or crushed stone to prevent the admission of sand
or other soil into the underdrains. The distance between the bottom of the pipe or
structure and the top of the bell of the underdrain pipe shall be at least 8 cm.
unless otherwise permitted. The space between the underdrain and the pipe or
structure shall be filled with screened gravel or crushed stone which shall be
rammed if necessary and left with a surface suitable for laying the pipe or
building the structure.
B. Wellpoint Drainage System
Where the nature of the Works necessitates, the Contractor shall dewater the
excavations by means of an efficient wellpoint drainage system which will drain
the soil and prevent saturated soil from flowing into the excavation. The
wellpoints shall be designed especially for this type of service. The pumping
unit shall be designed for use with the wellpoints, and shall be capable of
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maintaining a high vacuum and of handling large volumes of air and water at the
same time.
If required by the nature of the Works, the installation of the wellpoints, pumps,
surge tanks, settlement tanks, geotextile and other such requirements shall be
done under the supervision of the competent representative of the manufacturer.
The Contractor shall do all special work such as surrounding the wellpoints with
sand or gravel or other work which is necessary for the wellpoint system to
operate for the successful dewatering of the excavations.
Material to be used in the wellpoint system is to be corrosion resistant where
possible.
2.3.9

Formation
Damage to the formation shall be prevented by bottoming-up with hand excavation
immediately before placing concrete or pipelaying. Any damaged formation shall be
excavated and refilled with concrete or selected material as instructed.
The formation of excavations for pipelines shall be dry, even and free of stones and
other protrusions.
No permanent works of any kind shall be constructed on an excavated surface until
the formation has been approved by the Engineers Representative.

2.3.10

Excavation at or Near Roads

A.

Safety
When excavating at or near roads, to protect persons from injury and to avoid
interference with traffic, adequate barricades, construction signs, torches,
guards, flashing lights, etc., as required by the Engineer shall be provided and
maintained during the progress of the construction work (refer to Appendix 1
for Road Diversions and Road Signs). All materials, stockpiles and equipment
shall be placed in such a way that no obstruction or interference to traffic is
made and that these are enclosed by fences or barricades and protected by
lights.
All excavations shall be protected on all sides by an approved temporary
yellow plastic safety fencing, barricades and lights. The yellow plastic safety
fencing shall be manufactured of durable HDP polymer with Ultra Violet
stabilizers. The safety fencing shall be a minimum of 1.0 metre high.
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B.

Description
The Contractor shall make excavations in such a manner and to such minimum
widths as will give adequate room for building the structures or laying and
jointing the piping; shall furnish and place all sheeting, bracing, and supports;
shall carry out all cofferdamming, pumping, and draining, and shall render the
bottom of the excavations firm and dry and acceptable in all respects.
In no case, except with the approval of the Engineer, shall the earth be plowed,
scraped, or dug by machinery so near to the finished subgrade as to result in
the disturbance of material below said subgrade, the last of the material to be
excavated shall be removed by hand immediately before the placing of the
pipe, masonry, or other structure.

C.

Extent of Open Excavation

The extent of open excavation at any one time will be controlled by the
conditions, but shall always be confined to the limits prescribed by the
Engineer.

D.

Separation of Surface Materials

The Contractor shall remove only as much of any existing pavement as is
necessary for the work. The Engineer may require that the pavement be cut
with pneumatic tools, cold planer, milling machine or the like without extra
compensation to the Contractor, when in the opinion of the Engineer it is
necessary to prevent damage to the remaining road surface. Where pavement is
removed in large pieces, it shall be disposed of before proceeding with the
excavation.
From areas within which excavations are to be made, loam and topsoil shall be
carefully removed and separately stored to be used again as directed, or if the
Contractor prefers not to separate surface materials, he shall furnish, as
directed, loam and topsoil at least equal in quantity and quality to that
excavated at no cost to the Works.

E.

Sheeting and Bracing

In addition to the general requirements of Clause 2.3.7 the Contractor shall
furnish, put in place, and maintain such sheeting, bracing, etc., as may be
necessary to support the sides of the excavation and to prevent any movement
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of earth from beneath

the adjacent road surface which could in any way
diminish the width of the excavation to less than that necessary for proper
construction, or could otherwise injure or delay the work, or endanger adjacent
road and structures. If the Engineer is of the opinion that at any point sufficient
proper supports have not been provided, he may order additional supports
placed at the Contractor's expense.
For any excavations in or adjacent to roads all trenches must be supported by
an approved method to ensure no settlement of roads either during
construction, when withdrawing supports or thereafter.
F.

Bridging Trenches
The Contractor shall, at his own expense, provide suitable and safe bridges and
other crossings where required for the accommodation of travel, and to provide
access to private property during construction, and shall remove said structures
thereafter.

G.

Road Signs
All existing road signs, street name plates and the like affected by the Works
are to be carefully taken down and stored. Signs to be re-erected shall be
cleaned, provided with new fixings where necessary and the posts re-painted as
required. Redundant signs shall be transported to the stores or depots of
relevant Authorities. Any sign, street name plate or the like damaged by the
Contractor during his operation shall be repaired or replaced at the Contractor's
cost.

2.3.11

Excavation for Structures

Where concrete is to be placed on an excavated surface other than rock, special care
shall be taken not to disturb the bottom of the excavation. When the nature or
condition of the bearing material upon which concrete is to be placed is determined
to be such that the use of heavy excavating equipment will reduce the stability of the
soil, the final half meter of excavation to grade shall be performed either by means of
light equipment or by hand labour methods.
Should the Contractor excavate to a depth greater than that required for the
construction of the foundations or pile caps, such excavation shall be filled with
Class C concrete at his own expense. Should the material forming the bottom of any
excavation, while acceptable at the time of excavation, become puddled soft or loose
during the progress of the Works, the Contractor shall at his own expense, remove all
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such softened or loosened material and replace with Class C concrete as directed by
the Engineer's Representative.
Where rock, in either ledge or boulder formation or other unyielding material, is
encountered in one portion of structural excavation for2 a box culvert and yielding
material (with bearing capacity less than 1000 kN/m -determined by appropriate
tests) is encountered in an adjacent area of the structural excavation for the same box
culvert, such unyielding material shall be removed for a minimum depth of half
meter below grade and replaced with special backfill.
Where such unyielding material is encountered in excavation other than for box
culverts or where an entire excavation for a box culvert bears on such materials, the
rock or other unyielding material shall be cleared of all loose fragments and cut to a
firm surface as directed.
The placing of concrete shall follow as closely as practicable the structural
excavation.
2.3.12

Excavation for Pipelines

Trenches for pipes shall be excavated to a sufficient depth and width to enable the
pipe and any specified or agreed joint, bedding, hauncing and surrounding to be
accommodated. Trenches shall be of width as specified and as shown on the drawing.
Where rock, in either ledge or boulder formation or other unyielding material is
encountered, such unyielding material shall be removed for a minimum depth of half
meter below grade and replaced with special backfill (see Clause 2.4.3).

2.3.13

Excavation for Cables/Ducts

The Contractor in carrying out excavation for cables/ducts shall, where required,
erect and maintain an approved type of temporary yellow plastic safety fencing (refer
to Clause 2.3.10) around any work and shall provide fenced access ways across the
trenches.
The bottom of the trench shall be accurately graded. Care shall be taken not to
excavate below the depths indicated. Where rock is encountered, the rock shall be
excavated to the required depth. Uneven surfaces of the bottom of trench shall be
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excavated 150 mm deeper. Such depth in rock shall be backfilled with approved fill
material and compacted as specified and/or as directed by the Engineer.
Whenever unsuitable soil is encountered, which in the opinion of the Engineer is to
be removed, it shall be removed to the depth required and the trench backfilled to the
proper grade with approved fill material and compacted.
The width and depth of the trenches for electrical and telephone cables/ducts shall be
as specified in the relative drawings or as ordered by the Engineer. Banks may be
sloped or widened to facilitate placement of cables, but not the extent that will cause
interference with other utilities and structures. No battering of trenches shall be
allowed under existing carriageways, unless otherwise agreed by the Engineer.
2.3.14

Excavated Material
All excavated material will remain the property of the Employer unless designated as
surplus to the Contract requirements in which case it will be removed from site
immediately. The Contractor shall dispose of such surplus material as per Clause
2.3.16.
All excavated material shall be deposited so that it will cause as little damage and
inconvenience as possible.
Excavated material for use as backfill shall be as approved. Different classes of
material shall be handled and deposited separately.
The excavated material, if found unsuitable as backfill, shall be removed from site
and shall be replaced with suitable imported backfill to the approval of the Engineer.

Unsuitable material shall include the following:

-

Peat, organic soil and other similar materials.

Materials from swamps, marshes and bogs.
Materials susceptible to spontaneous combustion.
Stumps, roots and perishable material.
Excessively wet materials.
All materials producing bearing capacity lower than the assumed design value.
Particle size exceeding 63 mm
Clays of liquid limit exceeding 40% and/or plasticity index exceeding 6%.
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All surplus and unsuitable excavated material and rubble shall be transported to the
approved tip.
Where (natural) subsoil drainage depends on the relative positions of pervious or
impervious strata, special care shall be taken to separate those materials and replace
them in their natural positions.
2.3.15

Replacement of Unsuitable Material

Where exceptionally poor ground conditions and unsuitable materials are
encountered at the limits (formation level) shown for structural excavation, the
Contractor shall, at the direction of the Engineer, excavate down to firm ground or
300 mm below formation, whichever is less. The extra excavation shall be backfilled
with either Class C concrete or special backfill in accordance with Clause 2.4.3.

2.3.16

Disposal of Material
The Contractor shall seek approval for all the proposed disposal sites from the Dubai
Municipality before work commences and disposal at such sites shall be at no extra
cost to the Employer.
No excavated material shall be wasted without written permission from the Engineer,
and when such material is to be wasted, it shall be hauled to the approved tip or as
otherwise directed by the Engineer. Excavated materials wasted by the Contractor
without written permission of the Engineer shall be replaced by the Contractor at his
own expense.
The Contractor shall adhere rigidly to the requirements of Dubai Municipality
Circulars on the temporary storage and disposal of excavation material. These
include but are not limited to:-

2.3.17

All material shall be stockpiled at an approved location and surrounded with

approved barricades. The Contractor shall also display his name and contact
telephone number.

Certain separate areas will be designated for the disposal of hard debris such as
building rubble, broken concrete, kerbing, road pavement and the like. The
Contractor shall use only these designated areas and shall keep these disposal
areas neat and tidy at all times.

Cofferdams
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Suitable and practically watertight cofferdams shall be used wherever waterbearing

strata are encountered above the elevation of the bottom of the excavation.
The Contractor shall, on request, submit detailed drawings for approval showing his
proposed method of cofferdam construction and other pertinent features not shown in
detail on the Drawings. No construction shall be started until such Drawings are
approved, however, such approval shall not relieve the Contractor of any
responsibility for the successful completion of the construction.
No timber or bracing which will extend into the concrete shall be left in cofferdams
or cribs.
Any pumping from the interior of any foundation enclosure shall be done in such a
manner as to preclude the possibility of any portion of the concrete material being
carried away. No pumping will be permitted during the placing of concrete or for a
period of at least 12 hours thereafter, unless it is done from a suitable sump separated
from the concrete work by a watertight wall. Pumping to remove water from a sealed
cofferdam shall not begin until the seal has set sufficiently to withstand the
hydrostatic pressure.
Cofferdams or cribs, including all sheeting and bracing, shall be removed by the
Contractor after the completion of the substructure. This removal work shall be
carried out in such a manner as not to disturb or mar the concrete.

2.4

BACKFILLING EXCAVATIONS

2.4.1

General
Backfilling around structures and in pipe trenches shall be carried out as detailed
below except where otherwise designated/directed.
The Contractor shall backfill all excavations in an expeditious manner to minimize
disruption to the general public.

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Backfilling of trenches other than in roads and paved/ tiled areas shall normally be
carried out using selected excavated materials similar to the in-situ materials in
which the trench or structure is being constructed.
Special backfill shall be used for backfilling trenches in roads, paved/tiled areas, and
where designated or directed.
Where the excavation is near an existing structure liable to subsidence, where part of
the Works may later be constructed over or near it or in emergencies the Contractor
may be instructed to backfill with concrete.
2.4.2

Selected Backfill
Material for backfilling may be selected from any part of the site and methods of
selection may include sieving to remove large particles or methods of hand or
machine sorting together with soil classification and soil property testing.
Backfilling with selected material shall be carried out as defined below.
Cohesive Soils
Cohesive soils shall be placed in layers not greater than 150 mm thick (compacted
thickness) and compacted such that throughout each layer placed the dry density is
not less than 95% of the maximum in-situ dry density of the soil prior to excavation
or the air voids content (volume of air divided by total volume of soil) is not greater
than 10% which ever gives the higher state of compaction.
If site trials show that the specified compaction can be achieved with layers greater
than 150 mm compacted thickness approval may be given to backfill in layers of
greater thickness, but not exceeding 250 mm, providing the plant utilised is that used
for the trials.
The placement moisture of the soil shall be within the range 1% above to 1% below
the natural in-situ moisture content of the soil before excavation.
Granular Soils
Granular soils shall be placed in layers not greater than 150 mm thick (compacted
thickness) and compacted such that throughout each layer placed the dry density is
not less than 95% of the maximum dry density as determined by BS 1377 on the
same soil at the same moisture content.

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If site trials show that the specified compaction can be achieved with layers greater
than 150 mm compacted thickness approval may be given to backfill in layers of
greater thickness, but not exceeding 250 mm, providing the plant utilised is that used
for the trials.
Unless otherwise directed the moisture content shall be maintained and if necessary
adjusted by approved means to fall within the range 1.5% of optimum moisture
content.
For free draining granular soils that have no clearly defined optimum moisture
content, compaction shall be carried out to achieve a relative density of not less than
95% of MDD. During compaction the soil shall be made as wet as practicable.
Testing of Backfill
Tests to determine the optimum dry density of the backfill material shall be carried
out as directed, the frequency depending on consistency of material and test results.
Unless directed otherwise on site testing for density and moisture content of in-situ
soils shall be at the minimum rate of:(1) One test per backfill layer for each structure.
(2) One test per backfill layer for every 30 linear metres of pipeline trench backfill
laid in one operation.

Backfill for a Replacement Land Drain

Where a land drain passes through an excavation the backfill shall first be taken up
to form a bed for replacement pipes. The severed drains shall then be exposed at each
side of the trench to allow for connection and laying of a new drain across the
excavation. This new drain shall be of similar pipes of the same diameter as those in
the existing drain. Before any further backfilling is done the Contractor shall notify
the owner or occupier to enable him to inspect the reinstated land drain. The
replacement drain shall be surrounded with pipe bedding to a minimum thickness
150 mm before further backfilling.
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2.4.3

Special Backfill
The material used for special backfill shall be obtained from designated and
approved sources.
Special backfill complying with the properties of Aggregate Roadbase Material
specified in Clause 3/8 of Appendix 4, Part 3 of 3 of the Specifications shall be
placed as fill or backfill in the areas required and in reasonably close conformity to
the lines, grades and dimensions shown on the Drawings. Special care shall be taken
to keep rocks away from structures.
The materials shall be placed in layers of not more than 20 centimetres in depth
before compaction, and each layer shall be compacted by means of mechanical or
pneumatic tamping devices or other suitable equipment to density of at least 95
percent of the maximum dry density as determined in accordance with BS 1377 Part
2.
Water shall be added to the material, by prewetting or by applying uniformly to each
layer, when required for compaction, but only of sufficient quantity to ensure proper
compaction.
The layers of material placed around structures shall be placed on opposite sides to
approximately the same elevation at the same time.
Special care shall be taken in placing and compacting material under haunches of all
pipe to prevent moving or raising the pipe from its bedding.

2.4.4

Material shall not be placed against any concrete abutment, wing wall, retaining
wall, box culvert or similar structure until the concrete has been in place at least 14
days, unless otherwise authorised.
Filter Material
When required, filter material shall be placed in backfilling structures in accordance
with the details shown on the Drawings. Filter material shall conform to the specified
requirements for Fine Aggregate.

2.4.5

Structural and Non-Structural Filling

Structural filling is required within road corridors and/or wherever a structure is to be
supported on the fill and where settlement is required to be minimal. Non-Structural
filling will normally be carried out to embankments and other fill areas.
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SECTION 2
EARTHWORKS

Embankments shall normally be overfilled and subsequently trimmed to the required

profiles.
Structural Filling
Structural filling shall be carried out using approved well graded natural sands and
gravel or special backfill in accordance with Clause 2.4.3.
Non-Structural Filling
The material and the procedure for Non-Structural filling shall be same as outlined in
Clause 2.4.2.
2.4.6

Backfilling of Trenches for Cables/Ducts

After the cables/ducts have been laid, the trench refilling shall commence with
approved fill in compacted layers not exceeding 200 mm thick, each layer being well
compacted by hand with iron rammers weighing not less than 5 kg, until the trench
has been filled to a height of 300 mm above the top of the cable/duct.
The remainder of the trench shall then be refilled in compacted layers not exceeding
200 mm in thickness, each layer being well compacted with power rammers,
vibrating plate compactors or other mechanical means of a type to be approved until
the ground is thoroughly consolidated up to the required level for surface
reinstatement. Each layer shall be compacted to 95% of its maximum dry density.
Should the quantity of the excavated materials be not sufficient, due to unsuitability
or otherwise, for the process of backfill and fill, the Contractor shall obtain the
quantity required of such backfill and fill from approved borrow pits and transport
same to the site of work at his own expense.
Trenches shall not be backfilled until all required tests are performed and until the
Engineer has verified that the cables, etc., have been installed in accordance with the
Specifications and Drawings.
Lumps and clods shall be broken up before use. Materials shall not be dropped from
a height and where directed water shall be added to assist in adequate consolidation.
Where cover to cables/ducts is less than 400 mm, or where ordered by the Engineer,
protection in the form of concrete encasing shall be provided according to an
approved drawing or as ordered by the Engineer.

2.5

PROTECTION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND REINSTATEMENT

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SECTION 2
EARTHWORKS

2.5.1

General
Where new pipes, mains, cables/ducts, etc., are to be laid alongside, over or under
the existing, the Contractor shall take care to interfere as little as possible with the
existing services and connections thereto and any damage shall be repaired by the
Contractor to the approval of the appropriate Authority or by appropriate Authority
at the cost of the Contractor.
The Contractor shall make all arrangements for protecting existing services and for
temporarily diverting them to maintain the services without interruption.
Existing services, pipes, mains, ducts, etc., exposed in trenches for new work shall be
protected in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Authority before
trenches are refilled.
The Contractor shall lay cables, fittings, specials, etc., under hedges, fences, walls,
etc., as necessary.
Where hedges are damaged or destroyed the whole shall be restored and reinstated
with shrubs of the same kind as the hedge, planted in due season in an approved
manner and fenced on each side with post and rail stock proof fences finished on top
with one strand of galvanised barbed wire, or otherwise protected as required by the
owners or occupiers and the Engineer.
Where fences or walls are damaged or destroyed the whole shall be restored and
reinstated with like materials to the satisfaction of the owners or occupiers and the
Engineer.
The Contractor shall ensure that no trees are damaged or permanently removed in
carrying out the Contract except where directed due to the presence of permanent
works.

2.5.2

Reinstatement of Unpaved Land

In general the reinstatement of stripped areas of unpaved land shall restore the
ground to a condition not inferior to that which existed before the site was occupied.
The compacted backfill shall be taken up to a level which allows for settlement. In
arable, grassed and similar areas the surface to be topsoiled shall then be loosened to
a depth of 200 mm and topsoil replaced on it to the specified depth without
compaction using approved topsoil of comparable quality to make up any deficiency.
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SECTION 2
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Areas where grass is to be sown shall be worked to a fine tilth, levelled, graded and
rolled with a light roller. The seed shall be sown evenly at the specified rate of
application in the proper season and in suitable weather conditions, and the areas
again rolled. Restoration and re-seeding of any areas where the new grass is
inadequate shall be carried out as instructed.
As an alternative to seeding the 'dibbing in' at 200 mm centres of 'Bugunda' or
similar tropical grass tufts may be required.
The grass shall be well watered four times a day and the Contractor will be required
to keep the grass cut short until the Defects Liability Certificate has been issued.
2.5.3

Reinstatement within Road Corridors

Trenches and other excavations within road corridors may be opened in four types of
ground:(1) in paved carriageways
(2) in footpaths and other paved areas (other than carriageways)
(3) in grassed verges and planted areas
(4) in unmade ground which does not fall into any of the above three categories.
In addition there are four classes of carriageway construction as follow:(1) Estate roads: single carriageway
(2) Main access: single/dual carriageway
(3) Primary distributors
(4) Main arterials/highways, etc.
All reinstatement works falling into the above categories/classes shall be carried out
either in compliance with the current Local Order and any subsequent revision
thereof issued by Dubai Municipality or in compliance with the details shown on the
Contract Drawings, whichever is the greater in either construction depth or asphalt
thickness.

2.5.4

Reinstatement of Other Surfaced Areas

Surfaced areas not in road corridors shall be reinstated using materials similar to and
not inferior to those existing prior to commencement of the Works.

2.5.5

Excavation and Reinstatement in Developed Reservations

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SECTION 2
EARTHWORKS

The Dubai Municipality Horticulture Section will remove any trees, bushes and
plants from developed reservations that they wish to preserve prior to the
commencement of work by the Contractor. The Contractor must allow in his rates
for the removal and disposal of any remaining trees, bushes and plants necessary for
the execution of the Works and to keep sweet soil separate in accordance with the
current Local Order.
The reinstatement of the developed reservation shall be in accordance with Clause
2.5.3.

2/22