section 101: Clearing and Grubbing and Subsection 120: Excavation . Frozen material shall not be placed on embankments nor shall embankment be placed on material frozen to a depth of over 3 in. If during the construction of an embankment, the top layer becomes frozen to a depth of over 3 in. , the frozen material shall be removed before a succeeding layer is placed on the embankment. This work shall be performed at no additional expense to the Department. Frozen excavated material which will be suitable when dry shall be allowed to thaw and dry and then be placed in the embankment. No compensation will be allowed for the storing and rehandling of these materials. Embankments shall be formed by placing successive layers of material uniformly distributed and compacted over the full width of the cross section. Stumps. rubbish. sod. frozen or other unsuitable materials shall not be incorporated in the embankment. The Contractor shall prosecute bis work so that no damage will occur to drainage pipe lines or masonry or brick structures (See 150.64: Backfilling for Structures and Pipes ).
150.61 : Preparation of Foundation Areas
The foundation areas shall be cleared, grubbed and stripped as required, and all soft, spongy or other material unsuitable for embankment foundation shall be removed. When, in the Engineer’s judgment, there is reasonable doubt as to the suitability of the existing material for embankment foundation, no further work shall be performed in the area in question until the material is tested and approved for use or remedial methods are ordered by the Engineer. Embankment areas 3 ft or less in height from the subgrade to the existing ground shall be rough graded and compacted to not less than 95 percent of the maximum dry density of the material as determined by the AASHTO Standard Method of Test T 99, Method C at optimum moisture content, as determined by the Engineer, without additional compensation before placing any fill. If the material retained on the #4 sieves is 50% or more of the total sample this test shall not apply and the material shall be compacted to the satisfaction of the Engineer. For embankments greater in height than 3 ft below the proposed subgrade to existing ground no additional embankment foundation area preparation will be required, provided the material within the area is suitable for the purpose. Regardless of the height of fill, where embankment is to be placed against existing earth slopes. steeper than 3 to 1, the slope shall be broken up into steps of random width as the fill is placed in order to provide a suitable bond between the existing ground and the new embankment. Both the material cut out and the bottom of the area cut into shall be compacted along with and to the same degree as the material being placed in the embankment without additional compensation for excavation, benching or compa cting. Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges II.31 202 4 Edition Where foundations for bridges, culverts (span 8 ft or more) and major wall structures are to be founded on the embankment, the embankment to the extent shown on the plans shall be constructed of Gravel Borrow for Bridge Foundations and/or Crushed Stone for Bridge Foundations. At the sites of footings for abutments, piers or other structures having pile foundations, the material shall be placed in embankment prior to driving piles and shall be of a quality and grading that will not obstruct driving of the piles. Where foundations for structures are to be supported on newly formed embankments and where flying wingwalls are to be constructed, the embankment shall be placed to an elevation of at least 2 ft above the bottom of the proposed foundation or flying wingwalls and thoroughly and satisfactorily compacted. After the above work is completed the material within the area of the proposed foundation or flying wing-walls will be excavated to the grade of the bottom of the concrete. Excavation of this compacted fill will be paid for under the item of Bridge Excavat ion as stipulated in 140.21: Bridge Excavation .
150.62 : Embankment Construction w ith Materials Other Than Rock
Embankment construction with materials other than rock shall not be placed from December 1 to April 1, except with written permission of and under such special conditions and restrictions as may be imposed b y the Engineer. Embankment 10 ft or more in height from the elevation of the subgrade to the original ground elevation shall be constructed to the elevation of the proposed subgrade and then allowed to settle for 60 days (or such other period as the Engineer shall direct in writing) befo re the pavement structure is constructed thereon. If the condition of the subgrade is suitable, not frozen or muddy and is shaped, compacted and fine graded within the tolerance provided in the Specification, the Contractor may apply and th e Engineer may approve the placing but not the fine grading of the subbase prior to the termination of the 60 day waiting period. Earth embankment shall be placed and compacted in uniform layers not exceeding 12 in. in depth, loose measurement; each layer of material shall be spread on the entire width of the embankment and levelled off by approved equipment. The embankment materials shall be compacted to not less than 95 % of the maximum dry density of the embankment material as determined by AASHTO Standard Method of Test T 99, Method C . If required, a correction for oversized particles shall be in accordance with Annex A of AASHTO T 99. If the material retained on the ¾- in. sieve is 30 % or more of the total sample, this test shall not apply and the material shall be compacted to the target density. The target density shall be established by determining the num ber of passes of a roller required to produce a constant and uniform density, after conducting a series of tests using either AASHTO T 310, In -Place Density and Moisture Content of Soil and Soil -Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) , or AASHTO T 191, Density of Soil In -Place by the Sand -Cone Method . The Contractor shall, without additional compensation, employ whatever measures may be necessary to adjust the natural water content of the suitable embankment material to permit the placement and compaction as hereinbefore specified. Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges II.32 202 4 Edition Each lift of compacted materials shall be visibly crowned to allow drainage of surface and rain waters off the surface of the embankment. No stones larger than 3 in. shall be used to fill where piles are to be driven. Embankment constructed in basement areas of demolished buildings and other areas restricting the use of power rollers, etc., shall be compacted by mechanical tamping with approved power tools. If the natural- in-place moisture of the excavated material makes it impractical to compact the soil, the Contractor shall dry the soil by disking, harrowing, blading, rotary mixing or by other approved means, or compaction of the layer of wet material may be deferred until the layer has dried so that it can be properly compacted. If these above methods do not produce the desired results, or when in the judgment of the Engineer, excess moisture resulting from climatic conditions beyond the control of the Con tractor is considered to have affected adversely the stability of the previously placed and satisfactorily compacted embankment materials, the Engineer may direct the placement of single layers of “Special Borrow” to act as stabilizing drainage layers. Whe n so ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall place a layer of “Special Borrow” having a depth of not more than 12 in. in thickness, loose measure. Such materials shall be placed completely over the entire width between the limits designated by the En gineer and shall be compacted as hereinafter specified before the succeeding layer of suitable embankment materials from the roadway excavation is placed. The work may be ordered suspended if the weather and climactic conditions are such that the embankment and excavation cannot be performed in accordance with the specifications. No additional compensation will be allowed to the Contractor for such suspensio n of work. If the work is ordered suspended due to weather or other climatic conditions not under the control of the Contractor, an extension of time may be granted to the Contractor by the Engineer.
150.63 : Rock in Embankment
Where rock is used in embankments the materials shall be carefully spread so that all large stones shall be well distributed and the interstices of each layer shall be practically filled with smaller stones and suitable material from excavation or borrow to form a solid and dense layer of embankment. No rock in excess of 6 in . in its largest dimension shall be incorporated in the top 2- ft layer of embankment immediately below the subgrade. The maximum size of boulders or ledge fragments used in embankments shall be such that they can be incorporated into layers not exceeding 3 ft in depth. Any stones or fragmented material too large to be placed in 3- ft layers shall be broken down by blasting or other means to appropriate size. Rock in fills shall not be placed adjacent to masonry or brick structures or to any pipe lines. At bridge abutments rock fill shall not be placed within 20 ft of the parapet. 150.64: Backfilling for Structures and Pipes
A.General. All backfilling shall consist of suitable materials uniformly distributed and thoroughly compacted. When suitable backfilling materials cannot be obtained from excavation, the material shall consist of satisfactory borrow. When directed, mechanical tampers shall be used in compacting backfill for trenches, and in hard to reach areas around masonry. Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges II.33 202 4 Edition No backfill whatever shall be placed on or against structures, pipes, or other masonry, until permitted by the Engineer. It shall be formed of successive layers not more than 6 in. in depth, uniformly distributed and each layer thoroughly compacted.
B.Structures. The backfill in back of abu tments and wingwalls of bridges shall consist of gravel. The gravel shall meet the specifications of M1.03.0: Gravel Borrow, Type b . Measurement of “Gravel Borrow” under this work will not include any filling made beyond a vertical plane 1 ft outside the footings except as directed. Whenever backfill is placed in back of or over arches, culverts or rigid frames, the fill shall be first placed midway between the ends of the structure. The remainder of the fill shall then be placed to equal depths on both sides of the structure, working equally both ways from the center of the structure toward the ends. This procedure shall continue up to the bottom of the subbase of the roadway.
C.Pipes. No load greater than 8 tons shall be moved over any pipe until a fully compacted backfill of at least 2 ft has been placed over the top of the pipe. This minimum will be increased to 3 .5 ft for a 40,000 lb single wheel load and to 4 ft for a 60,000 lb single wheel load. The required fully compacted backfill cover shall be placed a minimum of 50 ft on both sides of the pipe crossing. However, compliance with this requirement is not to be construed as relieving the Contractor of any responsibility concerning damage to the pipe. Material used for backfilling to a point 2 ft over the pipe shall contain no stones larger than 3 in. in greatest dimension, except material used to backfill corrugated plastic pipe shall consist of gravel borrow meeting the requirements of M1.03.0: Gravel Borrow , Type d , to a depth of 2 ft over the top of pipe. Backfill below the haunches shall be placed in 6 -in. layers and compacted simultaneously on both sides of the pipe with railroad tampers or approved mechanical rammers which shall not come in contact with the pipe. Backfill above the haunches shall be placed in 6 -in. layers and compacted as directed. Backfill material shall be moist prior to and during compaction. Backfilling for structural plate pipe, pipe -arches and arches shall be placed evenly on both sides of the structure in layers not exceeding 6 in. in depth. Backfilling shall be placed uniformly on both sides of pipe. The fill material shall be thoroughly tamped around the pipe or pipe- arch, between the pipe or pipe -arch and the sides of the trench, or for a minimum distance each side of the pipe or pipe -arch equal to the diameter or span of the structure. In all cases the filling material shall be thoroughly tamped. Puddling or jetting the backfill will not be permitted, except with written approval of the Engineer. 150.65: Backfilling Muck Excavation Areas Backfilling after muck is removed shall consist of rock fragments, boulders up to 2 yd ³ in size, if available, or selected clean granular material not more than 15% of which pass through a #200 sieve as determined by AASHTO T 11. The backfill shall be obtained from suitable excavation on the project, or from Special Borrow under Item 150.1. When rock is used as backfill, granular material Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges II.34 202 4 Edition meeting the specifications described above shall also be provided and used with the rock backfill. The volume of the granular material shall be sufficient to fill all voids and interstices of the rock backfill. Where directed, backfilling shall be placed immediately after the muck has been excavated in order that any remaining soft material may be pushed ahead of the backfill and readily removed. The backfill shall be placed at least 2 ft above the top of the swamp area or at least 2 ft above the level of any water that is present whichever will give the highest elevation of backfill. The surface of the embankment shall be kept free of unsuitable material. No muck or unsuitable material shall be entrapped by any successive deposits of fill.
150.66 : Gravel Borrow for Bridge Foundations
The gravel shall be placed on firm material free from standing water and thoroughly compacted in layers not exceeding 12 in. in depth, loose measurement, in accordance with the provisions of 150.62: Embankment Construction with Materials Other Than Rock to a minimum total depth of 2 ft, except the compacted gravel as tested in the field shall be not less than 95% of the laboratory maximum dry density as determined by AASHTO T 180 Method D. If required, a correction for oversized particles shall be in accordance with Annex A of AASHTO T 180. In areas where it is not practicable to compact the gravel for bridge foundations by rollers or other rolling moving equipment the compaction shall be accomplished by means of mechanical or pneumatic tampers. Compaction of the gravel and any adjoining embankment material shall be done simultaneously so that the respective materials will be confined substantially to the indicated lines.
150.67 : Crushed Stone for Bridge Foundation
Crushed stone shall be furnished and placed where shown on the plans and where directed by the Engineer. In no case shall crushed stone be placed on other than firm material. The crushed stone shall be placed to an elevati on 1 ft above ground water level or lowered water level. The entire mass of crushed stone shall be compacted into place by overlapping coverage by pneumatic tired earth rollers having 4 wheels abreast and loaded, vibratory plate type compactors, vibratory rollers or by other means that shall achieve equivalent c ompaction and are approved by the Engineer. The compaction operation shall be continued until there is no moving stone directly ahead of the wheels of the moving machine. Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges II.35 202 4 Edition 150.68 : Crushed Stone Crushed stone shall meet the Division III Materials specification for the intended application as follows: Noise Barrier ................................................................................................................................. M2.01.2 Pipe bedding .................................................................................................................................. M2.01.4 Revetment foundations ............................................................................................................. M2.01.2 The minimum total depth of crushed stone to be placed under this item of work shall be 6 in. No compaction will be required for depth up to 1 ft. For any depth over 1 ft, the crushed stone shall be placed and compacted in layers not to exceed 6 in. Compaction will be accomplished by means of mechanical or pneumatic tampers. Compaction effects shall continue until the stones are firmly interlocked and the surface is unyielding. COMPENSATION
150.80 : Method of Measurement
All borrow with the exception of sand borrow and crushed stone will be measured in place. When this method of measurement is impracticable and the Engineer, prior to the start of construction, so directs and the Contractor agrees in writing, borrow, with t he exception of sand borrow and crushed stone, will be measured in its original position in the pit after stripping by the cross- section method. When ordinary borrow is paid for as measured in place, it shall be measured from existing or compacted old ground surface to the lines and grades applicable to embankment as shown on the plans or as directed. The volume of ordinary and special borrow when in place measure is necessary, shall be determined as follows:
1.Measure the total volume of embankment in place;
2.Add 12.5 percent of this quantity (for compaction);
3.Deduct the total volume of all suitable materials available for embankments, including rock excavation; except that excavated under 140.60: General;
4.Deduct an additional 25 percent of the volume of rock excavation. When not measured in its original position in the pit by the cross -section method, gravel borrow used in subbase, gravel for base course, gravel for surfacing, gravel for bridge foundations and gravel for backfilling around structures and pipes, will be pa id for as measured in place plus 15%. When not measured in its original position in the pit by cross section method gravel borrow used in slope stabilization and other miscellaneous uses will be paid as measured in place plus 12.5%. If material that is measured in place is taken from a cross sectioned pit, the amount of material to be deducted from the cross -section pit quantity shall be equal to the material measured in place plus any allowable percent added to the in -place measurement. Sand borrow will be measured by the cubic yard by load measurement. The quantity shall be the volume of the load, as measured, divided by 1.15. Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges II.36 202 4 Edition If stone screenings are used the volume shall be obtained from its weight using 2,700 lb as the weight of 1 yd ³ of stone screenings. Crushed stone complete in place will be measured by the ton. The weight slips shall be countersigned on delivery by the Engineer, and no weight slip not so countersigned shall be included for any payment under the Contract. No overhaul allowance will be made for any kind of borrow. 150.81: Basis of Payment Payment for the formation of embankments as specified will be included in the items of excavation or borrow. Excavated material used with the permission of the Engineer for other than the formation of embankments will be paid for as specified in 120.81: Basis of Payment and such payment shall include full compensation for the formation of the required embankments. The contact unit prices for the aforesaid items shall constitute full compensation for the satisfactory performance and completion of the entire work. Borrow will be paid for at the contract unit price per cubic yard, complete in place, which shall include such test pits and borings necessary to procure samples to establish the suitability of the materials and all required stripping operations. Crushed stone will be paid for at the contract unit price per ton, complete in place.
150.82 : Payment Items
150. Ordinary Borrow .......................................................................................................... Cubic Yard 150.1 Special Borrow .............................................................................................................. Cubic Yard 151. Gravel Borrow ............................................................................................................... Cubic Yard
151.01 Gravel Borrow – Type c ............................................................................................. Cubic Yard
151.1 Gravel Borrow for Bridge Foundation ................................................................ Cubic Yard 151.2 Gravel Borrow for Backfilling Structures and Pipes ...................................... Cubic Yard 154. Sand Borrow .................................................................................................................. Cubic Yard 156. Crushed Stone ................................................................................................................ Ton SUBSECTION 170: GRADING DESCRIPTION 170.20: General The shaping, trimming, compacting and finishing of the subgrade, the grading and finishing of all unpaved shoulders and slopes and the preparation of all areas for topsoil, loam, riprap or slope paving as shown on the plans or as directed, shall be constructed in accordance with these specifications and in close conformance with the lines, grades and typical cross sections shown on the plans or established by the Engineer. Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges II.37 202 4 Edition CONSTRUCTION METHODS 170.60: General All soft or spongy material below the subgrade shall be removed to a depth to be determined by the Engineer and backfilled with satisfactory material. All material within a depth of 2 ft below the subgrade in embankment areas shall conform to the requirements of M1.02.0: Special Borrow for Special Borrow Material except that it shall contain no stone larger than 6 in. in its greatest dimension and shall be placed and compacted in layers not exceeding 8 in . in depth, compacted measurement. In cut sections (excluding rock excavation) where existing soil within a depth of 2 ft below the subgrade, after testing, is found to comply with the requirements of M1.02.0: Special Borrow for Special Borrow Material, it shall not be excavated. In cut sections (excluding rock excavation) where the existing soil within a depth of 2 ft below the subgrade, after testing for gradation requirements, is found to have greater than 14% material passing the no. 200 sieve, the material shall be excavated. The replacing material shall conform to the requirements of M1.02.0: Special Borrow for Special Borrow Material, except that it shall contain no stone larger than 6 in. in its greatest dimension and shall be placed in layers not exceeding 8 in . in depth, compacted measurement. In the areas described above where Special Borrow is to be used, the plane of the base upon which the material is to be placed shall be compacted and graded until the surface is smooth, without additional compensation. A tolerance of 1 in. above or below the proposed grade will be allowed, provided that this 1 in . above or below grade is not maintained for a distance longer than 50 ft and that the required crown is maintained. In areas where the contract specifies the use of gravel borrow for subbase and the existing material, after testing, is found to comply with the requirements of M1.03.0: Gravel Borrow , the material shall remain in place if directed by the Engineer. 170.61: Fine Grading and Compacting The subgrade shall be shaped to a true surface conforming to the proposed cross section of the highway and compacted in accordance with the provisions of 150.60: General and 150.62: Embankment Construction with Materials Other Than Rock . All depressions and high spots shall be filled with suitable material or removed, and such areas again compacted until the surface is smooth and satisfactorily compacted. A tolerance of ½ in. above or below the finished subgrade will be allowed provided that this ½ in. above or below grade is not maintained for a distance longer than 50 ft and that the required crown is maintained in the subgrade. Any portion of the subgrade which is not accessible to a roller shall be thoroughly compacted with the mec hanical tampers or by other adequate methods approved as satisfactory by the Engineer. Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges II.38 202 4 Edition COMPENSATION 170 .80 Method of Measurement The grading and compaction of the subgrade will be measured by the square yard. Grading and finishing for the entire project will include all grading work not included under Item 170. Fine Grading and Compacting – Subgrade Area. 170.81: Basis of Payment Payment for the shaping and compacting of the subgrade shall be included in Item 170. Fine Grading and Compacting – Subgrade Area. The removal and disposal of material below subgrade will be paid for at the contract unit price per cubic yard for the approp riate excavation items in Subsection 120: Excavation . Grading and finishing other than subgrade areas or existing gravel areas to remain in place will be included in the price of the other respective items of work involved. In areas where Special Borrow is required as stipulated in 170.60: General, the material shall be paid for as Special Borrow. The provisions of 120.81: Basis of Payment shall apply when the Special Borrow is obtained from excavation. In areas where Gravel Borrow material is required as stipulated in 170.60: General, the material shall be paid for as Gravel Borrow. 170.82: Payment Items 170. Fine Grading and Compacting – Subgrade Areas ............................................ Square Yard SUB
Source: , Edition.