EARTH WORK

1.0 INDIAN STANDARDS

Work shall be carried out to Indian Standards and Code of
Practices. In absence International Standards shall be followed.
These shall be latest issue. List given hereunder is not to be
considered as conclusive and is for reference and guidance
only. Any discrepancies / conflict noticed shall be directed to the
EIC for his direction/approval. However as a general rule more
stringent specification shall take precedence.
(1) IS 1200 Method of measurement of building and
civil
(Part I) engineering works - Part I : Earth Work.
(2) IS 2720 Methods of test for soils. (All Parts)
(3) IS 2809 Glossary of terms and symbols relating to soil
mechanics.
(4) IS 3764 Safety code for excavation work.
(5) IS 4081 Safety code for blasting and related drilling
operations
(6) IS 4988 Glossary of terms and classifications of earth
moving machinery (all parts).
2.1 SCOPE
This part of the specification deals with general requirements for
earthwork in excavation in different materials, site grading, filling
in area shown in drawings, filling back around foundations, plinths
and approach ramps, conveyance and disposal of excavated
soil and stacking them properly as shown on the drawings or as
directed by the EIC and all operations covered within the intent
and purpose of the specifications. The excavation in rock by
blasting is not permitted.

2.2 Classification of Earth :

For purpose of earthwork soil shall be classified as under :

 Loose/soft soil : Any soil which generally yields to the application
of picks and shovels, phawras, rakes or any such ordinary
excavating implements or organic soil, gravel, silt sand, turf
loam, clay, peat etc. fall under this category.

Dense/Hard Soil: Any soil which generally requires the close

application of picks, or jumpers or scarifiers to loosen it. Stiff clay,
gravel and cobble stone etc. fall under this category. (Note :
Cobble stone is the rock fragment usually rounded or semi-
rounded having maximum diameter in any one direction
between 80 & 300 mm.)
Mud : Mud is a mixture of ordinary soft soil and water in fluid or
weak solid state.
Soft/Disintegrated rock : (Not requiring blasting). This shall
include the type of rock and boulders which may be quarried or
split with crow-bars. Laterite and hard conglomerate also come
under this category.
Hard Rock: (Requiring blasting) : This shall include the type of
rock or boulder which for quarrying or splitting requires the use of
mechanical plant or blasting.
(Note : Boulder is a rock fragment usually rounded by
weathering, disintegration and explosion or abrasion by water or
ice having a maximum dimension in any direction of more than
600 mm).
Hard Rock : (Requiring blasting but where blasting is prohibited)
under this category shall fall hard rocks which though normally
require blasting for their removal but blasting is prohibited and
excavation has to be done by chiseling, wedging or other
suitable method.
3.0 GENERAL
3.1 The Contractor shall furnish all tools, plant, instruments, qualified
supervisory staff, labour, materials, any temporary works,
consumables and everything necessary, whether or not such
items are specifically stated herein, for completion of the job in
accordance with the specification requirements.
3.2 The Contractor shall carry out the surveys of the site before
excavation and set out properly all lines and establish levels for
various works such as earthwork in excavation for grading,
foundations, plinth filling, road drains, cable trenches, pipelines,
culverts, retaining walls etc. Such surveys shall be carried out
taking accurately cross sections of the area perpendicular to the
grid lines at intervals determined by the EIC depending on the
ground profiles. These will be checked by the EIC or his
representative and thereafter properly recorded.
3.3 The excavation shall be done to correct lines and levels. This shall
include where required, proper shoring to maintain excavation
and also the furnishing, erection and maintaining of substantial
barricades around excavations and warning lamps at night for
safety purposes.
3.4 The rates quoted shall include for dumping of excavated
material in regular heaps, bunds, rip rap with regular slopes as
directed by the EIC within the lead specified and leveling the
same so as to provide natural drainage. Rock/soil excavation
shall be properly stacked as directed by the EIC. As and more
resistant materials, forming the casing on the sides and the top.
Rock shall be stacked separately.
4.0 CLEARING
The area to be excavated/filled shall be cleared of all fences,
trees, plant logs, stumps, bush, vegetation, rubbish, slush etc. and
other objectionable matter. If any roots or stumps of trees are
met during excavation, they shall be removed. The material so
removed shall be disposed off as directed by the EIC.
Where earthfill is intended, the area shall be cleared of all
matter/materials before filling commences. No separate
payment shall be made for such clearing works.
5.0 PRECIOUS OBJECTS, RELICS, OBJECTS OF ANTIQUITIES ETC.
All gold, silver, oil, minerals, archaeological and other findings of
importance or other materials of any description and all precious
stones, coins, treasure troves, relics, antiquities and similar things
which may be found in or upon the site shall be the property of
 the CIDCO and the Contractor shall duly preserve the same to
the satisfaction of the EIC and from time to time deliver the same
to him.
6.0 EXCAVATION FOR STRUCTURES
6.1 Description
Excavation for structures shall consist of removal of materials for
the construction of the foundations of columns, footings, walls
and other similar structures in accordance with the requirements
of this specification and the lines and dimensions shown on the
drawings or as indicated by the EIC. The work shall include all
necessary sheeting, shoring, bracing, draining and pumping; the
removal of all logs, stumps, shrubs and other deleterious matter
and obstruction necessary for placing the foundations, trimming
bottoms of excavation; backfilling, cleaning up the site and
disposal of all surplus materials.
6.2 Setting out :
After the site has been cleared as per clause 4.0 above, the limits
of excavation shall be set out true to lines, curves, slopes, grades
and sections as shown on the drawings or as directed by the EIC.
The Contractor shall provide all labour, survey instruments and
materials such as string, pegs, nails, bamboos, stones, lime,
mortar, concrete, etc. required in connection with the setting out
of works and establishment of bench marks. The Contractor shall
be responsible for the maintenance of bench marks and other
marks and stakes as long as they are required for the work in the
opinion of the EIC.
6.3 Excavation :
a) Excavation shall be taken to the width of the lowest step of
footing or the pile caps and the sides shall be left plumb
where the nature of the soil allow it. Where the nature of
the soil or the depth of excavated trench/pit does not
permit vertical sides, the Contractor at his own expense
shall put up necessary shoring, strutting and planking or
cut slopes to a safe angle or both with due regard to the
 safety of personnel and the works and to the satisfaction
of the EIC.
b) The depth to which the excavation is to be carried out
shall be as shown on the drawings unless the type of
material encountered is such as to require changes, in
which case the depth shall be as ordered by the EIC.
c) If contractor prefers for mass excavation of building, he
may do so with the prior permission of EIC. The payment of
excavation and disposal shall be restricted only to
minimum excavation allowed as per mode of payment.
Excavation shall be fully protected against the slide and
slopes.
d) The material suitable for backfilling shall be stacked
separately.
6.3.1 Excavation in all types of soil except rock:
Shall mean excavation in vegetation soil, turf, loam, clay, mud
black-cotton soil, earth murrum (hard or soft) shingle and
generally any material which requires close application of picks
or scarifies to loosen and not affording much resistance to
digging.
6.3.2 Excavation in rock not requiring blasting:
Shall mean excavation in lime stone, sand stone, laterite, hard
conglomerate or other rock which can be quarried or split with
crow bars or, wedges. This shall include unblasted boulders.
6.3.3 Excavation in rock requiring blasting:
Shall mean excavation in hard rock requiring blasting
encountered at places of excavations.
The Contractor shall obtain license from District/Public authorities
for carrying out blasting work as well for obtaining transporting
and storing explosives as per 'Explosives Rules 1940' or as
amended. He shall purchase the explosives, fuses, detonators
etc. only from a licensed dealer. He shall maintain the account of
explosives etc. purchased and used by him. He shall be
responsible for safe custody and proper accounting of explosive
materials. Contractor will be fully responsible for any breach of
the aforesaid Act.
Blasting shall normally be done with gun powder. Dynamite,
Gelatin or any other high explosives shall only be used in special
cases with written permission of the Architect and District
authorities concerned under ‘Explosive Rules'.
Blasting operations shall be carried out under supervision of a
responsible representative of the Contractor during certain hours,
preferably during lunch break as approved in writing by the
Architect. The representative shall be conversant with the rules of
blasting.
Proper precautions for safety of persons shall be taken. Red flags
shall be prominently displayed around the area to be blasted
and all people on work except those who actually light the fuses
 shall be withdrawn to safe distance of not less than 100 meters
from the blast. Blasting shall not be done within 100 metres of an
existing masonry or any other kind of structure unless special
precautions are taken by heavy blanketing etc. The Contractor
shall be responsible for any damage to the person and/or
property either directly or incidental to such blasting including his
employees.
Where blasting is not practical or is prohibited, excavation shall
be done by wedging or chiseling and it shall be restricted to the
quantity required to enable the necessary foundation to be put
in. The item also covers bailing out subsoil water or rainwater
including pumping at any stage of the work, shoring strutting etc.
6.4 Dewatering and Protection :
Where water is met with in excavation due to stream flow,
seepage, springs, rain or other reasons, the Contractor shall take
adequate measures such as bailing, pumping, construction of
diversion channels, drainage channels, bunds, cofferdams and
other necessary works to keep the foundation trenches/pits dry
when so required and to keep the green concrete / masonry
against damage by erosion or sudden rise of water level. The
method to be adopted in this regard and other details thereof
shall be left to the choice of the Contractor but subject to the
approval of the EIC. Approval of the EIC shall, however, not
relieve the Contractor of his responsibility for the adequacy of
dewatering and protection arrangements and the safety of the
works.
Where cofferdams are required, these shall be carried to
adequate depths and heights, be safely designed and
constructed and be made as watertight as is necessary for
facilitating construction to be carried out inside them. The interior
dimensions of the cofferdams shall be such as to give sufficient
clearance for constructions and inspection and to permit
installation of pumping machinery inside the enclosed area.
Pumping from inside of any foundation enclosure shall be done in
such a manner as to preclude the possibility for the movement of
 water through any freshly placed concrete. No pumping shall be
permitted during the placing of concrete or for any period of at
least 24 hours thereafter, unless it is done from a suitable sump
separated from the concrete work by a water tight wall or similar
means. At the discretion of the Contractor shall take all
precautions in diverting channels and in discharging the drained
water so as not to cause damage to the works or to the adjoining
property.
6.5 Preparation of Foundation :
The bottom of the foundation shall be leveled both longitudinally
and transversally or stepped as directed by the EIC. Before the
footing is laid, the surface shall be slightly watered and rammed.
In the event of the excavation having been made deeper than
that shown on the drawing or as otherwise ordered by the EIC,
the extra depth shall be made up with concrete or masonry of
the foundation grade at the cost of the Contractor. Ordinary
filling shall not be used for the purpose to bring the foundation to
level.
When rock or other hard strata is encountered, it shall be freed of
all loose and soft materials, cleaned and cut to a firm surface
either level, stepped, or serrated as directed by the EIC. All
seams shall be cleaned out and filled with cement mortar or
grout to the satisfaction of the EIC.
6.6 Slips and Blows :
If there are any slips or blows in the excavation, these shall be
removed by the Contractor at his own cost.
6.7 Backfilling :
To the extent available, selected surplus soil from the excavation
shall be used as backfill. Fill materials shall be free from clods,
salts, sulphates, organic or other foreign materials. All clods of
earth shall be broken or removed. Where excavated material is
mostly rock, the boulders shall be broken into pieces not larger
than 250 mm size mixed with properly graded fine materials
 consisting of murrum or earth to fill up the voids and the mixture
used for filling.
If any selected fill material is required to be borrowed, the
Contractor shall make his own arrangement for bringing the
material from outside borrow pits. The material sources shall be
subject to the prior approval of the EIC. The Contractor shall
make necessary access roads to such borrow areas at his own
cost, if such access roads do not exist. The Contractor shall make
necessary payment of royalty charges with the concern Authority
for obtaining quarry permit.
The selected fill material shall be approved quality murrum
having liquid limit not more than 40 and plasticity index not more
than 20 and minimum dry density not less than 1700 kg per cu.m.
Backfilling of the foundation trenches/pits shall be done as soon
as the foundation work has been completed to the satisfaction
of the EIC and measured but not earlier than the full setting of the
concrete or masonry of the foundation. Backfilling shall be
carried out in such a manner as not to cause undue thrust on any
part of the structure. Backfilling shall be done in space around
the foundations after clearing it of all debris and in layers of 250
mm loose thickness, watered and compacted to the satisfaction
of the EIC and upto the original surface.
6.8 Disposal of Surplus Excavated Materials:
All the excavated materials shall be the property of the CIDCO
where the excavated material is directed to be used in the
construction of the works for the general grading, plinth filling or
embankments, the operations shall be arranged in such a
manner that the capacity for cutting, haulage and compaction
are nearly the same.
All hard materials such as hard murrum, rubble etc. not intended
for filling in foundations, plinth or embankments, shall be stacked
neatly for future use as directed by the EIC within the lead
specified. Unsuitable or surplus materials not intended for use in
part of the works or for reuse shall be disposed of as directed by
the EIC.
7.0 MEASUREMENT AND RATES:
The measurement shall be generally conforming to IS:1200, Part-I
unless otherwise specified. Measurement for excavation of
foundations and footing shall be as required for the exact width,
length and depth as shown of figured on the drawings or as
may be directed by the EIC. If taken out to a greater width,
length or depth than shown or required, the extra work
occasioned thereby shall be done at the Contractor's expenses.
The dimensions of the trenches and pits shall be measured
correct to the nearest cm. and cubical contents worked out in
cubic metres, correct to two places of decimal.
Measurements of filling excavated earth or sand in plinth or under
floors: depth of consolidated earth fillings, shall be measured for
the purpose of payments. The dimensions of the fillings shall be
measured correct to the nearest cm. and cubical contents
worked out in cubic metres correct to the two places of decimal.
Rate for earth work shall include the following :
a) Excavation and disposing of all excavated materials as
specified.
b) Setting out works, profiles etc.
c) Site clearance such as cleaning of rank vegetation, shrubs,
brushwood.
d) Forming (or leaving)" dead mean" or "tell tales" and their
removals after measurement
e) Bailing out water in excavation from rains, sub-soil water
etc.
f) Protection and temporarily supporting of existing services,
of pipes, water mains, cables etc. met within the course of
excavation. Care shall be taken not to disturb electric and
communication cables. Removal of such cables, if
necessary, shall be arranged by the EIC.
g) Forming (or leaving) steps in sides of deep trenches and
their removal.
 h) Removing slips or falls in excavation including necessary
shoring & strutting.
i) Fencing and/or other suitable measures for protection
against risk of accidents as approved by the EIC.
j) Excavation for insertion of planking and strutting where
required, and
k) Backfilling the trenches foundations (sides of footings) with
selected excavated materials.
l) Payment of necessary royalty charges for excavation and
contractor’s material brought from outside.
8.0 EARTH FILLING:
General : Filling shall be done with good earth, murrum, stone
chips or disintegrated building debris. it shall be free from salts,
organic matter, black cotton soil or slushed earth and
combustible material. All clods shall be broken.
a) Filling in Plinth :
Filling shall be done in layer not exceeding 20 cm, watered
and consolidated by ramming with iron or wooden
rammers weighing 7 to 8 kg., and having base 20 cm.
Square or 20 cm. diameter. When the filling reaches the
finished level, surface shall be kept flooded with water for
at least 24 hours, allowed to dry and then rammed and
consolidated, after making good any settlement in order
to avoid settlement at a later stage. Special care shall be
taken to pack earth under plinth beams and column
corners.
Finished level of filling shall be kept to a slope intended to
be given to the floor.
 b) Filling for Plot Development
Filling shall be done in layer of 30 cm. when filling reaches
the required level, top layer shall be dressed to proper
section, grade and camber and rolled by 8 to 10 tons.
power roller and adequately watered to aid compaction.
9.0 DRY RUBBLE PACKING:
Ground shall first be leveled up and thoroughly consolidated by
means of heavy log hammer or frog rams. Rubble of specified
thickness shall be laid and set with hand. It shall be consolidated
either by hand roller or wooden log hammer; free use of water
being made during consolidation. All hollows and interstices after
consolidation shall be filled with quarry spalls, stone chips, etc.
and the packing blinded with stone grit and watered and
consolidated by log hammer.
10.0 LEVELLING COURSE:
It shall be M-20 grade either plain cement concrete as stipulated
in the relevant items and placed in position conforming line and
level shown on the drawing and compacted by approved
means and cured adequately.
11.0 ANTI-TERMITE TREATMENT
11.1 Indian Standards
Indian Standards to be followed are
1) IS 4015 (Part-I & II)- Guide for handling cases of pesticide
poisoning.
2) IS 6313 (Part-I) - Code of practice for Anti- termite
measures in buildings constructional
measures
3) IS 6313 (Part - II) - Code of practice for anti-termite
measures in Building (pre
constructional chemical treatment)
4) IS 8944 - Specification for Chloropyrifos
Emulsified concentrates.
5) IS 632 - Specification for Lindane
11.2 Materials
One of the following chemicals in water emulsion shall be used
11.2.1 For mound treatment

Relevant
Concentration
Chemical Indian
By Volume
Standard

a. Cholopyrifos emulsifiable IS : 8944 1.0%

concentrate

b. Lindane IS : 632 1.0%

11.2.2 For soil treatment

Relevant
Concentration
Chemical Indian
By Volume
Standard

a. Cholopyrifos emulsifiable IS : 8944 1.0%

concentrate

b. Lindane IS : 632 1.0%

11.2.3 Providing, pre-constructional Anti termite treatment by treating

the bottom surface and the sides of exaction in soil with the plinth
beam at the rate of 3 litres of emulsion concentrate of one
percent concentration of CHLOROPYRIFOS 20% F.C.ISI approved
conforming (I.S. 8944) i.e. by diluting 5 ltr. of chloropyrifoc 20% EC
with 95 ltr. of water) and spraying by high volume sprayer per
sq.mtr. surface area with 10 years guarantee bond as per I.S.
6313 (Part II 1971).
11.2.4 Providing exhaustive Anti termite treatment to the sides of flooring
by injecting 1% of chloropyrifol emulsion concentrate at the rate
of 50ml per hole of 6 mm dia. Drilled at a distance of 30 cms
centre to centre or more as per requirement and sealing the
same with proper filling with two years guarantee bond as per I.S.
6313 (Part III) of 1981.
11.2.5 Providing exhaustive Anti-termite treatment around the periphery
by excavating trenches of 20 cms. Width and exposing the side
 of columns and plinth beams upto a depth of 300 mm by
injecting one percent of cholordane emulsion concentrate at
the rate of 2.25 litres per running metre or more as per
requirement with two years guarantee bond as per I.S. 6313 (Part
III) of 1971.
11.3.0 WORKMANSHIP
11.3.1 Conditions of formation
Barrier shall be complete and continuous under the whole of the
structure to be protected. All foundation shall be fully surrounded
by and in close contact with the barrier of treated soil. Each part
of the area treated shall receive the prescribed dosage of
chemical.
11.3.2 Time of application
Soil treatment should start when foundation trenches and pits are
ready to take mass concrete in foundations. Laying of mass
concrete should start when the chemical emulsion has been
absorbed by the soil and surface is quite dry. Treatment should
not be carried out when it is raining or when the soil is wet with
rain or sub-soil water. The foregoing applies also in the case of
treatment to the filled earth surface within the plinth area before
laying the sub-grade for the floor.
11.3.3 Disturbance
Once formed, treated soil barriers shall not be disturbed. If, by
chance, treated soil barriers are disturbed, immediate steps shall
be taken to restore the continuity and completeness of the
barriers-system.
11.4.0 Termite mound treatment
If termite mounds are found within the plinth area, these shall be
destroyed by pouring into the mounds at several places, after
breaking open the earthen structure, and making holes with
crow-bars, at the rate of approximately 4 litres of emulsion per
cubic meter of mound.
11.5.0 Soil Treatment
11.5.1 Treatment of column pits foundation, trenches and basement
excavations:
The bottom surface and the sides (upto a height of 300 mm
above concrete foundation level) of the excavations made for
column pits, wall trenches and basements shall be treated with
the chemical at the rate of 5 litres per sqm of surface area. After
the column foundation and retaining walls of the basement
come up, the back fill in immediate contact with the foundation
structure shall be treated at the rate of 15 litres per sqm of the
vertical surface of the sub-structure for each side. If water is used
for ramming the earth fill the chemical treatment shall be carried
out after ramming operation is done by rodding the earth at 150
mm centers close to wall surface and spraying the chemical with
the above dose. As earth is filled in layers the treatment shall be
carried out in similar stages. The chemical emulsion shall be
directed towards the concrete or masonry surfaces of the
columns and walls so that earth in contact with these surfaces is
well treated with the chemicals. In the case of RCC framed
structure with columns and plinth beams and RCC basements,
the treatment shall start at the depth of 500 mm below ground
level except when such ground level is raised or lowered by filling
or cutting after the foundations have been cast. In such cases,
the depth 500mm shall be determined from the new soil level
resulting from filling or cutting mentioned above. From this depth
the back fill around the columns beams and RCC basement wall
shall be treated at the rate of 15 liters per sqm of vertical surface.
The other details of treatment shall be as detailed below:
11.5.2 Treatment for expansion joints
Expansion joints at ground floor level are one of the biggest
hazards for termite infestation. The soil beneath these joints
should receive special attention when the treatment under para
11.2.3 to 11.2.5 is carried out. This treatment should be
supplemented by treating through the expansion joint after the
sub-grade has been laid at the rate of 2 litres per linear meter.
11.6.0 Spraying Equipment
 A pressure pump shall be used to carry out spraying operations to
facilitate uniform spraying and penetration of chemical into the
earth. The chemicals, concentration and dosage for horizontal
and vertical surfaces are based on the IS code of practice for
Anti-termite measures in Buildings. IS 6313 (Part-II).
11.7.0 Safety Precautions
All chemicals specified are poisonous and hazardous to health.
Persons handling or using should be warned and trained to take
precautions as detailed by manufacturer and laid down in IS.
Also persons working should be educated to take 1st aid as per IS
4015 part (I) and part (II).
11.8.0 Free Service Guarantee
The contractor shall note that termite proofing work, is subject to
a free service guarantee from the date of completion of the
treatment. The contractor shall give an undertaking on Rs. 100/-
Stamp Paper in writing to the effect that during the guarantee
period any infestation of subterranean termites will be eradicated
and necessary treatment carried out to prevent re-infestation,
free of cost to the employer. The guarantee shall allow a
minimum period of 10 (ten) years for pre-constructional
treatment.
Contractor must ensure that the work will be done through the
professional Pest Control operator. They should be members of
National Pest Control Association of USA, or Indian Pest Control
Association or any other recognised professional body. They
should furnish a list of Termite Control jobs carried out by them
successfully for Government Department, Statutory bodies or
large private organisations to prove that they are capable of
handling anti termite work.

Signature of Tenderer Additional Chief

Engineer(I&NT)
Date.:
Date.: