J.Stockpile suitable excavated material, meeting the requirements of Section 1001.
1.Stockpile material meeting borrow requirements that the contractor cannot immediately place
in fill areas for later use. Stockpile in accordance with Section 908.3.
2.Manage stockpiled material, including mixing soils, or drying them, to meet the needs of the
project.
3.Keep stockpiles generated from fill areas separate from stockpiles generated from cut areas.
4.Load, haul, place, and compact stockpiled material in fill areas or for the formation of
embankments, shoulders, and slopes.
5.Place or stockpile excess materials generated from other pay items suitable for embankment
purposes. This includes material generated from bituminous pavement removal, incidental removal, and any other construction materials suitable for use as fill material.
6.Separately place or stockpile excess material generated by others, including other contractors or
utility companies and utility contractors performing work within the limits of construction.
K.When stockpiling material outside of the LOC, do so in accordance with the contract and provide
an approved Erosion & Sediment Control plan.
L.Temporary stockpile stabilization material in accordance with Section 908.3.
202.3.4 Obstructions Encountered during Excavation.
A.Remove and dispose of pipes, underdrains, drainage inlets, and conduits encountered within the
limits of the excavation unless otherwise noted in the contract.
B.Remove and dispose of all obstructions not covered under Section 201, Section 207, or Section
that are located below existing ground and within the excavation limits in accordance with Section 211.
C.Backfill voids created by removing obstructions, unless otherwise directed, use Borrow Type F
material meeting the requirements of Section 1001, in accordance with Section 201.3.4.
D.Remove sections of pipes that are partially within the excavation limits under this section.
E.Unless otherwise designated to remain, either remove and dispose of existing pipes or submit
requests to the engineer to abandon pipes in place. If the engineer approves abandoning the pipes in place, fill pipes with flowable fill and plug both ends with Class C concrete.
F.Salvage removed pipe if requested by the engineer. Salvaged pipe will remain the Department’s
property. Store salvaged pipe on or adjacent to the project for transport by the Department. 202.3.5 Preparation of Subgrade.
A.Maintain the subgrade in such condition that it drains. Provide and maintain temporary ditches
from the subgrade to side ditches at intervals necessary to provide subgrade drainage. Provide and maintain all facilities necessary for the complete drainage of the construction area. Provide sediment and erosion control measures for all water drained or pumped from the subgrade in accordance with the contract.
B.Scarify the top 6-inches of subgrade and adjust moisture content to achieve the specified density
and stability. Scarify, dry, reshape, and re-compact material if construction equipment on embankments causes movement, rutting, or displacement of the material, and test for density and moisture requirements. Do not allow vehicles to travel in a single track and form ruts in the subgrade.
C.Prior to placing subsequent lifts of material, proof roll the subgrade in the presence of and as
directed by the engineer in accordance with Section 202.3.6.
D.Compact the subgrade to 95 percent or more of the maximum density.
E.Ensure the finished subgrade surface is uniform and smooth and conforms to prescribed
elevations before constructing the base or surface course. Limit the maximum variation from the subgrade elevation to the prescribed elevation to plus or minus 1/2-inch.
F.In cut sections, shape and compact the subgrade before placing subbase, base, or surfacing
material. Remove boulders, large rocks, muck, vegetation, or other foreign materials from the subgrade unless directed by the engineer. Fill depressions that develop during rolling with suitable material and continue to roll the subgrade until no depressions develop.
G.Before placement of base material in fill sections, complete the subgrade and adjacent shoulder
or slope rounding earthwork to finished grade elevation to form a box to retain the base material. Do not place base material in a section where a box is not complete unless specifically approved by the engineer.
202.3.6 Proof Rolling.
A.Perform proof rolling as directed by the engineer with a fully loaded, 10-wheel dump truck or
other equipment approved by the engineer.
B.The contractor may place a lift of earth or other material after the engineer accepts the proof roll.
C.The Department will not take compaction tests until the lift is deemed stable by the engineer. No
soft, yielding, or spongy areas will be deemed stable.
D.Run the equipment longitudinally until the unrolled area between tire strips is less than 18-inches.
E.Scarify, disc, aerate, or add moisture and recompact the subgrade to the extent necessary to
achieve stability when proof rolling shows the subgrade is unstable. 202.3.7 Undercut Excavation.
A.Preparation
1.When encountering unstable subgrade or foundation conditions, perform all normal
construction preparation procedures to correct the unstable situation before undercutting. Normal construction preparation procedures include:
a.The addition of moisture.
b.Discing to aerate or mix the material.
c.Using properly sized equipment in such a way that the equipment does not cause rutting of
the subgrade or foundations.
d.Cutting channels, ditches, and grading to prevent excessive surface water from entering the
subgrade or foundation materials
2.After performing normal construction preparation procedures, allow sufficient time to elapse to
accurately judge the success of these procedures.
3.The contractor has the option of replacing the subgrade or foundation material as a means of
correcting instability.
4.The engineer will interpret the terms “normal,” “sufficient,” and “reasonable.”
5.If the above procedures do not stabilize the subgrade, the engineer may direct the contractor to
perform undercut excavation.
B.Undercut Excavation.
1.Undercut excavation consists of excavation below the limits provided by the contract for the
purpose of correcting unstable subgrades and embankment foundations.
2.The correction of instability, as directed but not remedied by normal construction procedures
nor by improved environmental conditions, both given reasonable time to establish their effect, shall qualify for measurement as undercut excavation.
3.When the engineer determines that undercutting is required, the engineer will direct the
contractor to remove the material from within defined areas and depths. The engineer may direct additional undercutting below the original defined depth. Dispose of excavated material in accordance with Section 106.8 unless otherwise directed by the engineer.
4.Use equipment that is capable of removing and replacing the material within the limits
established by the engineer. Do not use equipment that will displace the underlying or adjacent material.
5.Upon acceptance of the undercut excavation, unless otherwise directed, use Borrow Type C in
accordance with Section 1001 to backfill and compact the area in accordance with this section. Conduct undercut operations in a manner that allows the engineer time to take necessary measurements before placing backfill. The Department will not allow placement of backfill material in water unless approved by the engineer.
6.Rework areas that remain unstable after backfilling in accordance with this section. When
rework becomes necessary, salvage and reuse as much of the previously placed backfill as possible. Correct unstable subgrade or embankment foundation that exists.
C.Performance Requirements.
Ensure that the correction of an unstable condition results in a firm, unyielding foundation. 202.3.8 Embankment Construction.
A.General.
1.Embankment construction includes preparing areas for embankment placement and placing,
and compacting material that meets the requirements of Section 1001.
2.Use all suitable excavated material to construct embankments prior to importing borrow.
3.Obtain approval from the engineer to use imported borrow instead of material excavated on-
site.
B.Equipment.
1.Provide sufficient equipment to grade, level, and compact after depositing embankment
material. Cease placement of embankment material when the pace of grading and compacting the material cannot keep pace with the excavation or placement of the material.
2.Use approved rollers, compactors, or other suitable compaction equipment. Ensure all
equipment is configured and operated to meet the requirements specified.
C.Preparation of Embankment Areas.
1.When placing embankment on hillsides or against existing embankment with slopes steeper
than 6:1, build benches. Backfill the benched area continuously in loose lifts no deeper than 8 inches. Begin all horizontal cuts at the intersection of the ground line and the vertical side of the previous bench. Step existing slopes to keep the embankment from wedging against structures. Compact excavation from benching only with the new embankment material.
2.Where the height of the embankment at the subgrade level is 5-feet or less, remove all organic
matter from the existing ground surface. Scarify the cleared surface to a minimum depth of 6- inches. Compact the subgrade in accordance with Section 202.3.5. Where the height of the embankment is greater than 5-feet, disc all organic matter thoroughly before constructing embankment.
3.Scarify existing roadways containing granular material within 3-feet of the subgrade 6-inches
deep. Compact the subgrade in accordance with Section 202.3.5.
D.Existing Roadways.
1.Treat existing roadway surfaces lying less than 5-feet below the final grade as follows:
a.For existing compacted unpaved road surfaces lying within 3-feet of the final grade, or within
the pavement structure if the subgrade is more than 3-feet from the final grade, scarify 6- inches deep and recompact unless otherwise required by the contract.
b.For existing bituminous surface treated and paved road surfaces lying within 5-feet of the final
grade or within the pavement structure, if the subgrade is less than or equal to 5-feet from the final grade, remove the underlying surfaces and base materials, scarify to a depth of 6- inches, and compact.
2.Existing roadway surfaces lying more than 5-feet below the final grade may remain in place
except for bituminous material 12-inches and less above the zone of frequent soil saturation.
3.Treat roadway surfaces to remain in place as follows:
a.Break bituminous material into pieces with a maximum surface area of 1 square foot and
compact.
b.Break up and compact PCC into pieces with a maximum surface area of 1 square yard with a
pavement breaker or other approved equipment. The Department may restrict use of certain heavy equipment in heavy residential areas.
E.Placement of Embankment Material.
1.Place material in level lifts of loose material, no greater than 8-inches deep. Deposit and spread
lifts parallel to the centerline and extending the full width of the embankment. If required, disc each lift to ensure uniform distribution of moisture and embankment materials. Compact each lift in accordance with the following before placing the next lift:
a.Moisten or dry and thoroughly mix to the proper moisture content before compaction if the
soil moisture content is not within 2 percent of optimum.
b.Do not use frozen embankment material or place embankment material on frozen ground. Do
not place rocks, broken concrete, and other solid materials in embankment areas designated for placing or driving piles.
c.Do not classify materials as unsuitable for embankment based on moisture content.
2.Place rock, bituminous material, or PCC obtained from the excavation for embankments in lifts
equal to the average dimension of the material being placed. The maximum allowable dimension is 36-inches. Cut and dispose of exposed rebar. Distribute spalls and finer fragments to level and smooth each lift. Place rock, bituminous material, or PCC on the lift being constructed and push into place. Construct rock, bituminous material, or PCC lifts no closer than 24-inches below finished subgrade.
3.Proof roll lifts of soil, aggregate, or soil mixtures in accordance with Section 202.3.6. Correct
instability discovered during the proof roll. After corrective measures, proof roll again to verify lift stability.
4.At the end of each working day of embankment placement, construct edge berms, interceptor
berms, and embankment slopes as needed in the event of rain before work commences the following day. Extend temporary slope drains to connect to edge and interceptor berms.
F.Embankment Adjacent to Structures.
1.Compact embankment in accordance with Section 207.
2.In addition:
a.Do not place embankment materials in areas where piles are to be placed that contain rock,
aggregate, broken concrete, or other material that would be retained on a 2 1/2-inch sieve and
b.Place at least 24-inches of compacted embankment over structures before placing rock,
bituminous material, or PCC obtained from the excavation. 202.3.9 Compaction Procedures.
A.Start compaction or rolling at the edges and progress toward the center of the embankment.
Continue compaction until each lift is thoroughly and uniformly compacted to the full width of the embankment and to 95 percent or more of the maximum density.
1.The Department will consider the ordinary use of trucks, carryalls, scrapers, tractors, or other
construction equipment for compaction as long as the traffic of hauling equipment is evenly distributed over the fill.
2.Build all areas of sharp depressions, trench backfills, and around culverts, bridges, and walls,
inaccessible to the specified methods of compaction, in continuous uniform horizontal lifts of no greater than 8-inches loose measurement. Compact to the specified density before placing the next lift.
3.Compact properly broken rock, bituminous material, or PCC with a minimum of 6-passes of an
approved roller. 202.3.10 Rock Excavation.
A.The Department will consider all material the contractor cannot excavate without blasting or using
rippers, and all boulders and detached stones with a volume of 1/2 cubic yard or greater, as rock excavation. The classification "Rock Excavation" shall not apply to soft disintegrated rock, bituminous pavements, gravel, broken stone, or concrete pavements and structures. These and other materials are classified as normal excavation and are included under Section 202.3.3. Drain pockets left in the surface of the rocks before backfilling. Embank excavated rock in accordance with Section 202.3.8 or dispose in accordance with Section 106.8.
B.Roadway.
1.Excavate material classified as rock to a depth between 6 and 12-inches below subgrade.
2.Place in accordance with Section 202.3.8.E to subgrade.
3.Compact in accordance with Section 202.3.9 to subgrade.
C.Blasting.
1.The Department will call a blasting conference at least 14-days before blasting. Before this
conference, submit blasting methods, a schedule, and the proposed protection for ensuring safety during blasting operations.
2.Assume responsibility for all damage due either directly or indirectly from the blasting
operations. The Department will not allow excessive blasting or "over shooting." Remove and replace with approved backfill material all material outside the limits shown on the contract that is shattered or loosened by blasting.
3.When drilling and blasting, take precautions to preserve the rock in the finished slope in a
natural undamaged condition with surfaces remaining reasonably straight and clean. If the blasting operation does not result in the slope conditions called for in the contract, modify operations until blasting does produce the required slope conditions.
4.Presplit rock when specified. Plan diameter, spacing, and loading of presplitting holes to
produce a neat break ensuring that subsequent blasting and excavation do not affect the backslope face. Drill presplitting holes to the full depth of the ledge.
5.Demonstrate to the engineer with a 100-foot test section that diameter, spacing, and loading
will produce an acceptable backslope. If the engineer finds the backslope acceptable, continue presplitting. Establish test sections until the engineer finds the results satisfactory.
6.Drill blast hole depth to the lesser of plan grade, or lifts of not more than 25-feet.
7.If drilling in benches, the Department will allow an offset not to exceed 18-inches to
accommodate the head of the drill. Extend pre-splitting at least 20-feet ahead of the limits of fragmentation blasting, unless otherwise directed. If the pre-splitting is unsatisfactory, make adjustments in the spacing, diameter, and loading of the pre-split holes using another 100-foot test section.
8.Schedule rock excavation operations within 100-feet of bridges or other large structures for
completion before beginning structure work.
9.As the excavation for each lift progresses, remove all loose and unstable material, breakage, and
slices, even if located beyond the payment lines indicated in the contract.
202.4Method of Measurement.
202.4.1 Excavation and Embankment.
A.The Department will measure the excavation and embankment quantity by the cubic yard of
excavated material.
B.The Department may compute the volume by any of the following methods:
1.The method of average end areas measured by cross-sections taken by the Department at
regular intervals and at breaks in grade.
2.Comparison of electronic surveyed surfaces.
3.Other means as determined by the engineer.
C.The Department will measure all excavation in its original position, except topsoil.
D.The Department will measure topsoil in its original position or in a stockpile after excavation, at
the discretion of the engineer.
E.The contractor may remove and stockpile topsoil from fill areas separately for the Department to
measure by cross-sectioning or the Department may measure topsoil quantity by cross-sectioning the area of removal before and after the contractor strips the topsoil.
F.The Department will not measure excess excavation generated by the contractor from other items
that are stockpiled for use at a later date. The Department will measure excess excavation generated by others by the cubic yard in the stockpile.
G.When the contract indicates Item 202000 as a fixed quantity, the Department will measure and
pay for this work in accordance with Section 109.7. The Department will exclude undercutting from this fixed quantity.
H.The Department will not measure embankments.
I.The Department will not measure material used to fill and plug existing pipes that the engineer
has approved to be abandoned in place.
J.The Department will not measure removal of pipe and underdrain, including removal below and
outside the limits of excavation, regardless of depth. 202.4.2 Undercut Excavation.
A.The Department will measure the quantity of undercut excavation in cubic yards of all excavated
material computed by the average end area method.
B.The Department will not measure replacement of subgrade or foundation material, when chosen
by the contractor instead of following the construction preparation procedures described in Section 202.3.7, as undercut excavation.
C.The Department will measure undercut areas that the contractor re-excavated as directed by the
engineer that were not re-excavated due to the contractor’s methods of operation. 202.4.3 Rock Excavation.
A.The Department will measure the quantity of rock excavation for roadway in cubic yards.
B.The Department will measure the volume of rock excavation to the limits of excavation required
by the contract or as adjusted by the engineer based on exposing the rock to perform cross- sections or topographical surveys before and after excavation.
C.The Department will not measure rock excavated from depths in excess of 12-inches below the
subgrade. The Department will measure material used for backfilling the excavated areas under its appropriate section, within the limits established by the section.
202.5Basis of Payment.
202.5.1 Excavation and Embankment.
A.The Department will pay the quantity of:
1.Excavation not included under other sections in accordance with Section 202.
2.Excavation at the contract unit price per cubic yard. Price and payment will constitute full
compensation for:
a.Removing all pipes within the limits of excavation and all obstructions within the limits of
construction in accordance with Section 202.3.4 that were not paid under other sections;
b.placing and compacting backfill material for voids created by obstruction removal;
c.placing embankment in accordance with Section 202.3.8;
d.excavating, placing and disposing of material in accordance with Section 202.3.3.
e.excavating bituminous concrete pavement;
f.disposing of surplus and unsuitable material;
g.subgrade preparation;
h.cleaning and clearing ditches of obstructions;
i.stockpiling excess topsoil and loading excess topsoil into state vehicles and removing and
disposing as directed by the engineer;
j.placing and compacting material in fill areas after excavating;
k.stockpiling and re-handling of excavated material;
l.proof rolling;
m.correcting unstable lifts of fill, including providing and operating the loaded 10-wheel dump
truck; correcting moisture content; aerating, discing, recompacting, and removing material; and providing and placing replacement material;
n.mixing material;
o.constructing temporary ditches from the cut for the pavement structure and for maintaining
drainage during earthwork operations;
p.using excess excavation from utility company work;
q.constructing and maintaining haul roads and for restoring haul roads;
r.dewatering; and
s.dust control.
B.Material generated and stockpiled by others, in accordance with Section 202.3.3, at the contract
unit price per cubic yard when the contractor excavates from the stockpile for use on the project.
C.Excavating and stockpiling topsoil only once, at the time of its initial excavation. The Department
will pay for re-handling, disposal, transporting, or other related costs in accordance with Section 908.
1.If topsoil is stockpiled for cross sectioning, keep stockpiles separated from piles generated for
cut areas. Failure to properly separate these piles will void payment for topsoil removed in fill areas.
E.The Department will make no separate payment for:
1.The construction of, maintenance of, materials used to construct, removal of, and final
restoration of haul roads except for bridges across wetlands as identified in the contract.
2.The construction of temporary edge berms and interceptor berms to drain the site during
excavation operations.
3.Material used for filling and plugging existing pipes.
4.Removal of pipe and underdrain, including removal below and outside the limits of excavation.
5.Cleaning new or existing pipes, culverts, or drainage structures.
202.5.2 Undercut Excavation.
A.Undercut excavation for correcting unstable subgrade or embankment foundation at the contract
unit price per cubic yard. However, the unit bid price for undercut excavation, as defined here, shall not exceed 150 percent of the unit bid price per cubic yard for the excavation and embankment item. Before award, the Department will subtract from the contract bid price for this item any portion that exceeds the limit set forth in this section. Price and payment will constitute full compensation for:
2.Removal of obstructions designated in the contract in accordance with Section 211.
C.The Department will make no separate payment for the replacement of subgrade or foundation
material when chosen by the contractor instead of following the construction preparation procedures in accordance with Section 202.3.7. 202.5.3 Rock Excavation.
A.The Department will pay the quantity of rock excavation for roadway at the contract unit price per
cubic yard. Price and payment will constitute full compensation for:
1.Drilling, blasting, and presplitting;
2.excavating, removing rock, and placing and compacting backfill materials within the area
between the subgrade and 12-inches below the subgrade;
3.hauling and disposing of surplus material;
4.draining pockets in the surface of the rock; and
5.removing shattered or loosened material and replacing it with approved backfill material.
B.The Department will not pay for rock excavation that is more than 12-inches beyond the plan
subgrade elevation. The Department will not pay for backfill or backfilling areas between the bottom of the proposed subgrade and 12-inches below the proposed subgrade. ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT 202000 EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT CY 202001 ROCK EXCAVATION FOR ROADWAY CY 202003 UNDERCUT EXCAVATION CY 202004 UNDERCUT EXCAVATION, PATCHING CY
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Source: Delaware Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 113–0 of 786. View official source ↗
Scoped to Delaware Standard Specifications for Road & Bridge Construction, Section 202 — EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT. Every answer cites the section it came from, with a verification date — don’t trust a percentage, click the citation.