TEST HOLES SECTION 204 117 SECTION 204 — TEST HOLES
204.1Description.
This work consists of excavating to locate underground utilities.
204.2Materials.
Not applicable.
204.3Construction.
A.Determine existing underground utility type, size, depth, and condition.
B.Excavate and backfill holes using equipment approved by the engineer. Take care not to damage
wrappings, coatings, or other protective coverings on existing utilities.
204.4Method of Measurement.
The Department will measure test holes by the cubic yard.
204.5Basis of Payment.
A.The Department will pay for test holes at the contract unit price per cubic yard. Payment will
constitute full compensation for excavating and backfilling test holes.
B.The Department will pay for:
1.Removal of existing pavement in accordance with Section 202.
2.Temporary roadway patch in accordance with Section 401.
ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT 204000 TEST HOLE CY STRUCTURAL EXCAVATION AND BACKFILLING SECTION 207 118 SECTION 207 — STRUCTURAL EXCAVATION AND BACKFILLING
207.1Description.
This work consists of excavation and backfilling for placement of structures and pipes.
207.2Material.
Borrow Section 209 and Section 1001
207.3Construction.
A.Structural and Pipe Excavation.
1.Handle excavated material in accordance with Section 202.3. Dispose of unsuitable material and
other obstructions in accordance with Section 106.8.
2.Remove unsuitable material below the foundation elevation as directed by the engineer, as
extra depth excavation.
a.The type of backfill material below the foundation elevation will be as directed by the
engineer.
3.The engineer will inspect the footing area after excavation is complete. Place concrete or
precast units after the engineer approves the stability of the foundation material.
B.Shoring.
1.Provide shoring in accordance with Section 604.3. 6, Section 604.3. 7, and when required by
OSHA standards.
2.Remove temporary shoring and bracing upon completion of the work, unless otherwise noted in
the contract.
C.Rock Excavation for Structures and Pipe Trenches.
1.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 1/3 cubic yard or greater, as rock excavation. The classification "Rock Excavation" shall n ot apply to soft disintegrated rock, bituminous pavements, gravel, broken stone, or concrete pavements. 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 bef ore backfilling.
2.Excavate material classified as rock as follows:
a.For structures, a width of 24 -inches outside of the neat line and a depth of 12 -inches below
the subgrade.
b.For pipe trenches, a width of 18 -inches from each side of the outside wall of the pipe and a
depth of 12 -inches below the pipe invert.
3.Complete required blasting in accordance with Section 202.3.10.C .
D.Backfilling
1.Backfilling is placing materials as defined in the contract above the bedding material and below
the subgrade of the pavement structure or the ground elevation.
Source: Delaware Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2025 Edition. Pages 127–128 of 779.