203.01 Description
This work is the excavation, placing, compacting and disposal of material encountered within the construction limits necessary to construct the project. This is also referred to as grading.
203.01.1 Excavation
A.Unclassified Excavation. Unclassified excavation is excavating and disposing, when required, of material from the R/W or construction easement areas except borrow excavation and muck excavation.
B.Borrow Excavation. Borrow for embankment construction is Contractor furnished excavation from outside the R/W or construction easement areas.
1.Unclassified Borrow. Use Department approved sources meeting current environmental and cultural resource preservation regulations. Material from a Department-optioned or Department-owned borrow source may be available at no cost. The applicable provisions of Subsections 102.06 and 106.02 apply to unclassified borrow.
2.Special Borrow. Special borrow-excavation and special borrow-neat line is the providing and placing of the specified quality of borrow material from designated sources or from other approved sources. The applicable provisions of Subsections
106.02 and 203.01.1(B)(1)
apply to special borrow-excavation and special borrow- neat line.
C.Unclassified Channel Excavation. Unclassified channel excavation is excavating and disposing of all materials from new watercourses or channels and the widening, deepening, or relocation of existing channels.
D.Street Excavation. Street excavation is excavating and disposal of all material to the street template.
E.Muck Excavation. Muck excavation is removing and disposing of unsuitable material in cut sections or below the natural ground line in embankment sections. Material defined as muck must be deemed unsuitable and is unable to be excavated using the same equipment and methods as for unclassified excavation. Material is considered unsuitable if:
1.It contains soil or organic matter unsuitable for foundation material, regardless of moisture content; or
2.It is too wet to be properly compacted and cannot be dried within a demonstrated reasonable timeframe prior to incorporating into work. Excessive moisture alone is not sufficient cause for determining unsuitable material. Topsoil removed below the natural ground line in embankment sections unsuitable material. Excavated unsuitable material areas will be measured before they are backfilled. Do not place fill over unsuitable or unstable foundation soils without the Project Manager’s approval. Materials placed before approval may be ordered removed and replaced at Contractor expense.
F.Sub-excavation. Sub-excavation is removing unstable material from below the plan subgrade elevation as shown or directed. 203 – EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT 2020 EDITION V5.1 203-2
G.Digout Excavation. Digout excavation is the removal of material at neat lines as shown in the contract or directed by the Project Manager.
203.01.2 Embankment
Place and compact excavation in roadway embankments, dikes, areas where unsuitable material is removed, holes, pits, and other roadway depressions. Prepare embankment foundations prior to placing embankment material.
203.02 Reserved
203.03 Construction Requirements
203.03.1 Excavation
A.General. Do not begin grading operations before the area is cleared of vegetation and obstructions in accordance with Sections 201 and 202. Ensure erosion controls are placed as specified in the contract. Excavate without disturbing material and vegetation outside of the slope limits. Use all suitable material removed from the excavation in embankments, subgrade, shoulders, top soiling, and other designated locations. Excavated material not used as specified or directed is not paid for. Sequence excavation of backfill or road finishing material so it is placed into final position as soon as possible. Stockpile suitable material that is not immediately used. Construct temporary fencing to restrict livestock and vehicular traffic from the work in accordance with Subsection 607.03.5 . Replace temporarily removed fence and repair damaged fence to a condition equal to the existing fence at Contractor expense. Confine livestock when fencing is disturbed. If excavated material from the roadbed is used outside the embankments, furnish and place at Contractor expense, an equal quantity of borrow to replace the material. Do not dispose of excess or unusable material within the R/W limits unless approved by the Project Manager. Compact the top 8 inches (200 mm) of the subgrade in cut sections in accordance with Subsection 203.03.3.
B.Rock Blasting. Perform all blasting in accordance with Section 204.
C.Rock Excavated Below Grade. Excavate all un-yielding materials that require blasting or the use of rippers to at least 6 inches (150 mm) below subgrade within the roadbed limits. Backfill the excavation with specified or approved material. Remove or drain surface rock pockets that trap or pond water. Rock, removed to a maximum depth of 6 inches (150 mm) below subgrade is measured and paid for as unclassified excavation. Rock removed or backfilling due to over excavating in excess of the 6 inches (150 mm) with approved backfill material is at Contractor expense.
D.Removing Excess Moisture. Rework materials from excavation or borrow areas exceeding 2% of optimum moisture to the specified optimum moisture before use in embankments or as backfill. Costs to remove excess moisture from the material are incidental to the embankment. Remove excess moisture in the finished roadbed soil, introduced or caused by construction operations, for re-use in the work at Contractor expense. Excessively wet 2020 EDITION V5.1 EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT – 203 203-3 material, caused by the construction operations that cannot be properly compacted must be removed and replaced with suitable material at Contractor expense.
E.Borrow Material. Excluding special borrow, borrow material may be used only after the roadway excavation has been placed in the embankment. If excess borrow is placed creating a waste of excavation, the waste quantity will be deducted from the measured volume in the borrow area. Notify the Project Manager 5 calendar days before excavating material from the borrow area so that the area may be surveyed. Do not excavate beyond the dimensions and elevations established for the borrow areas. Finish and shape all borrow areas to permit accurate measurements. Reclaim borrow areas meeting Subsection 106.02.5 requirements.
F.Roughen Slopes. Roughen slopes as directed.
G.Digout. In areas of digout, excavate the full road width to a depth as shown in the contract or as directed by the Project Manager. Excavate parallel to the finish grade, daylighting to the left and right slopes. Slope the ends of the digout no steeper than 4H:1V. Dispose of the excavated material to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. Furnish replacement material for digouts in accordance with Subsection 701.12 . Provide stabilization geotextile that meets the requirements of Subsection 716.03 for Stabilization geotextile. Place stabilization geotextile over the bottom and sides of the excavated digout area in conformance with Subsection 622.03. Extend the geotextile up the side walls of the excavation for the full height of the exposed subgrade soils. Place the initial lift of special borrow over the geotextile in accordance with Subsection 622.03.2. Repair any geotextile damaged during construction in accordance with the Manufacturer’s recommendations or as directed by the Project Manager at Contractor expense.
H.Sub Excavation. Unless otherwise shown in the contract or directed by the Project Manager, in areas of sub excavation, excavate the full road width to a depth of 2 feet (600 mm) below the top of the subgrade soils or to a depth where the subgrade soils are firm and stable, whichever is shallower. Excavate parallel to the finish grade, day lighting to the left and right slopes. Slope the ends of the excavation no steeper than a 10H:1V. Dispose of the excavated material to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. Furnish sub-ex replacement material in accordance with Subsection 701.12 . Provide stabilization geotextile that meets the requirements of Subsection 716.03. Place stabilization geotextile over the bottom and sides of the sub excavated area in conformance with Subsection 622.03. Extend the geotextile up the side walls of the excavation for the full height of the exposed subgrade soils. Place the initial lift of special borrow over the geotextile in accordance with Subsection 622.03.2. Repair any geotextile damaged during construction in accordance with Subsection
622.03 2.
203.03.2 Embankment
A.General. Do not place stumps, trees, logs, rubbish, vegetation, muck, frozen material, pockets of rock, volcanic ash, or other deleterious materials in embankments. 203 – EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT 2020 EDITION V5.1 203-4 Sod mixed with surface soil and soil containing excessive humus or other organic materials may be spread over the top of embankment slopes. Compact embankment, backfill, and embankment foundation areas in accordance with Subsection 203.03.3. Leave the surface of completed embankments in a roughened condition. Rework or remove and replace unstable or pumping material prior to placing additional lifts or materials. Reworking or replacing materials within constructed embankment is at Contractor expense.
B.Embankment at Structures. Do not place rocks, broken concrete, or other solid material in areas where piling is to be driven. Do not place embankment against any backwall or abutment until the concrete has cured for 10 calendar days or has reached 70% of the required strength. Furnish a certified laboratory test report showing the field-cured cylinders meet the required strengths. The Project Manager may approve early embankment work at backwalls or abutments with beams or girders in place, or that are cantilevered from a fixed footing or cap if the strength requirement is met. Do not place embankment against un-supported backwalls or U-shaped abutments rigidly connected to the deck until the deck is placed and cured meeting the applicable requirements of Section 552 . The Contractor may submit a method of supporting the structure to permit early placement of embankment against the structure. If approved, all costs of the alternate method are at Contractor expense. Place embankment in 8-inch (200 mm) maximum layers loose thickness and compact adjacent to structures, around columns and similar structural supports, and on both sides of concrete walls, box type structures, and similar structures. Extend embankment material placed above the excavation limits or ground line a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) from the structure or structural support. Restore, repair, or replace structures or structural members moved or distorted by placing and compacting embankment at Contractor expense. Compact embankment inaccessible to rollers by mechanical tampers to the density specified in Subsection 203.03.3 . Before placing and compacting backfill, compact at least the top 8 inches (200 mm) of the existing ground in accordance with Subsection 203.03.3.
C.Preparation of Embankment Foundations. Bench all embankments placed and compacted on hillsides, against existing embankments, built one-half width at a time, or on slopes 6H:1V or steeper when measured at right angles to the roadway centerline. Construct benches in minimum 4-foot (1.2 m) widths. Maintain the horizontal inclination within 5% of horizontal. Backfill and compact each bench in maximum 8-inch (200 mm) layers. Excavate each bench as close to each other as the slope permits. Use approved material excavated from benches in the embankment. In excavation to embankment transitions where the natural ground slope exceeds 6H:1V, construct the excavated benches so the natural ground surface is a minimum 12 inches (305 mm) from the top of the subgrade. 2020 EDITION V5.1 EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT – 203 203-5 Remove frozen earth, snow and ice from the cut or embankment surface and place it outside the slope stakes. Provide the replacement borrow material at no cost to the Department. Clear the full width of the subgrade of sod and vegetative matter. Scarify the top 8 inches (200 mm) of the embankment foundation and compact in accordance with Subsection 203.03.3 If original lightly compacted soils are encountered that exceed 8 inches (200 mm) in depth, remove it to the depth directed. Compact the upper 8 inches (200 mm) of the ground in accordance with Subsection 203.03.3 . Place the removed material in the embankment or use it for topsoil as directed. Material useable as topsoil may be placed alongside the roadway after compaction is completed.
D.Earth Embankment. Place earth roadway embankment in uniform horizontal layers not exceeding 8 inches (200 mm) loose measurement and compact in accordance with Subsection 203.03.3 . Continuously level, work, and maintain moisture to compact to the specified density. Uniformly work the entire surface of each layer. Work each layer of earth embankment that is not rock, gravel or sand using a tandem type construction disk with a maximum disk spacing of 14 inches (355 mm) and a minimum worn disk diameter of 25 inches (635 mm). With the disk, work moisture into the soil, break clods of soil, disorient the soil particles, and penetrate the full depth of the layer being placed. Larger disks may be used if the ratio of disk spacing to disk size is comparable to the above dimensions. Leave the embankment slopes in a roughened condition.
E.Rock Embankment. When the excavated material contains more than 25% rock by volume, 6 inches (150 mm) or larger in its greatest dimension, place the embankment in layers 2 inches (50 mm) thicker than the maximum size rock in the material not to exceed 24 inches (610 mm) loose thickness. Individual rocks and boulders larger than 24 inches (610 mm) in diameter may be placed in the embankment if the rocks do not exceed 48 inches (1.2 m) vertical height after placement, are evenly distributed, and are spaced to allow placing and compacting of the soil in between the rocks. Place and compact the upper 2 feet (610 mm) of the embankment in maximum 8-inch (200 mm) layers loose thickness as specified in Subsection 203.03.2(D) . Dump and work rock from excavations to the stream face when the embankments are adjacent to streams or channels. Prevent the rock from entering the stream. This work is incidental to unclassified excavation.
F.Embankment Over Swampy Areas. On low, swampy ground incapable of supporting haul equipment, construct the lower part of the embankment by dumping successive loads of uniformly distributed material in layers thick enough to support the equipment. Place subsequent layers in accordance with Subsections 203.03.2 (D) or (E) as directed.
G.Disposal of Unsuitable or Excess Material. If disposal of excess or unusable excavation within the R/W limits is approved by the Project Manager, slope and shape all disposal areas to blend into the surrounding terrain and meet the requirements of Subsections 106.02.5 and Section 208 . 203 – EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT 2020 EDITION V5.1 203-6
203.03.3 Moisture and Density Requirements
Compact each layer of material to the in-place density requirements of Table 203-1 for the method of moisture and density control used. The moisture and density control used is either by the Proctor method or the Zero Air Voids method, determined by the Project Manager. If proctors are used for density control, the Contractor may make a written request to compact the soils at lower moisture content. Identify the soil class in the request. The Project Manager may approve the request provided a Department investigation determines the lower moisture content is not detrimental to the soil for the given application. For A-1 material in embankments, MT 218 and MT 230 tests will be used. Compact rock embankments that cannot be tested by Montana Test Methods MT 212 and MT 218 (Proctor Method) or MT 229 (Zero Air Voids Method) with compaction equipment and hauling and spreading equipment. Use grid rollers, pneumatic-tired rollers, vibrating rollers, vibrating compactors, or self-propelled tamping rollers. Do not use sheepsfoot rollers unless approved by the Project Manager. Use water as required. TABLE 203-1 COMPACTION REQUIREMENTS Compaction Control Method Material Compacted Proctor Zero Air Voids Test Methods: MT 210, MT 230, MT 212, MT Test Method: MT 229 Earth embankment including all backfills Minimum 95% of maximum density at optimum moisture ± 2% Less than 10% air-filled voids Top 8 inches (200 mm) of subgrade in cut sections Culvert foundations Top 8 inches (200 mm) of embankment foundations Backfill foundations
203.03.4 Sloping and Finishing
A.Sloping. Finish and shape all cut slopes, ditches, embankments, and structure berms to a uniform, rough textured surface. Scarify smooth slopes. Conduct slope roughening in accordance with the contract and Detailed Drawings. Slope roughening is a part of slope construction and is not measured for payment. Where roadway slopes are not completed to the planned or directed lines and the material from the backslope erodes, sloughs, or slides due to incomplete erosion control measures or the Contractor’s operations, the removal of the material and restoration of the slope is at Contractor expense. Where roadway slopes are completed to the plan or directed lines, all required erosion control devices are in place as specified, and the material from the completed slopes erode, slough, or slide onto the roadbed before acceptance of the work, through no fault of the Contractor, the removing of the slide material, potential slide material, and the drainage excavation is paid for in accordance with Subsection 109.04 . 2020 EDITION V5.1 EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT – 203 203-7 When directed, widen cuts, and flatten slopes to obtain additional excavation for embankments or to increase slope stability. The Project Manager may steepen stable rock slopes. This work is measured and paid for under the grading item unless it requires non-contract construction methods increasing costs that are considered extra work in accordance with Subsection 104.03 .
B.Finishing. Finish the entire roadbed to the final elevations specified.
203.03.5 Maintenance of Constructed Roadway
Maintain the roadway during construction so it is continuously well drained. Keep all drainage ditches and structures open and free from debris until the final inspection is approved. If grading work is suspended, blade smooth and grade the entire roadway area to prevent water from collecting or ponding on the roadway. Maintain the roadway during suspension periods to the specified grade and cross section at Contractor expense. Maintain erosion and siltation control devices meeting the contract requirements.
203.03.6 Topsoil - Salvaging and Placing
Remove enough topsoil from the excavation and embankment foundations to ensure replacement quantities are available to cover all disturbed areas to an average 4 inch (100 mm) loose depth of topsoil as shown in the Detailed Drawings . Unless directed by the Project Manager, place topsoil on all slopes, excluding slopes 2H:1V or steeper. Uniformly spread the remaining topsoil over the rest of the disturbed areas. Finish the disturbed areas in accordance with Subsection 610.03.2 . Stockpile topsoil at acceptable selected locations within the R/W. When construction operations do not permit stockpiling within the R/W, arrange for stockpile sites outside the R/W at no additional cost to the Department. Construct stockpiles so drainage is maintained, and topsoil is easily reclaimed. Provide erosion controls following best management practice. Limit individual stockpile lengths to 500 feet (150 m) maximum. Place a break between stockpiles of at least 40 feet (12 m).
203.03.7 Limitation on Grading Operations
The maximum length allowed to be disturbed at one time within the project limits is 2.0 miles (3,200 m) of clearing and grubbing and 2.0 miles (3,200 m) of borrow, excavation and embankment. The Project Manager may modify the restriction when soil characteristics, Contractor operations or both, indicate that a smaller or larger area is acceptable. For long or complex projects, the Contractor may have several separate grading operations working, where the Project Manager may apply the limit to each individual operation, provided finishing, mulching, and seeding closely follow the rough grading operations at each location. Use the specified pollution controls at each individual location.
203.04 Method of Measurement
203.04.1 Excavation
The quantities of unclassified excavation, unclassified borrow excavation, special borrow- excavation, unclassified channel excavation, street excavation, sub-excavation, digout excavation, and muck excavation are measured for payment in cubic yards (m
3.as surveyed or calculated in accordance with Subsection 109.01. The Department will provide the initial measurement at no charge for the following specific work areas: 203 – EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT 2020 EDITION V5.1 203-8
1.In slide areas determined by the Department not to be the fault of the Contractor.
2.In excavated areas authorized by the Project Manager, outside the staked lines and grades; and
3.In un-staked areas such as borrow areas, muck excavations, sub-excavations, and un- staked excavations authorized by the Project Manager. These areas of excavation and borrow are measured in their original position in accordance with Subsection 109.01. Disposal of excess or unusable excavation is not measured for payment. The quantities of special borrow-neat line for payment are calculated in its final position in accordance with Subsection 109.01 with no allowance for shrink or swell. Either the Department or the Contractor may request re-measurement of specific work areas, or the entire project, if there is disagreement over the accuracy of quantities computed from the staked lines and grades. The party requesting the re-measurement is responsible for all costs associated with the re-measurement. Department staff may perform the re-measurement, in which case, the cost for the Department’s re-measurement is the Contractor’s responsibility. An independent third party acceptable to the DCE, and under the direction of a professional land surveyor registered in Montana, may also be used to perform the re-measurement, at Contractor expense. Excavation is eligible for a second payment under the following conditions:
1.A second handling is required.
2.The excavated material meets all the contract requirements for the second usage.
3.The second payment item quantity is calculated in-place in its final disposition or computed from plan dimensions. Items that require a second field measurement, such as special borrow-excavation, are not eligible for a second payment.
4.The contractor makes up any shortfall in excavation, at no cost to the Department, caused by the second use. The material making up the shortfall is subject to approval by the Project Manager; and
5.The contractor is responsible for the haul, balance lengths, balance points or other foreseen or unforeseen project constraints. No payment will be made for any additional costs. Authorized excavation of rock, shale, muck, or unstable material below grade necessary to provide the designed thickness of backfill is measured for payment. If the designated bottom plane of the excavation falls within a layer of rock, the below-grade excavation to the bottom of the layer, not exceeding 6 inches (150 mm) below grade, is considered authorized and is measured for payment. Rock excavation exceeding 6 inches (150 mm) below grade is not measured for payment. If the nature of the material, the thickness of the layers or strata, and method of operations make it practical to excavate only to the plan depth, any material removed below plan depth is not measured. Measurements are made for unusable materials excavated and removed. Useable material temporarily removed and replaced for Contractor convenience is not measured for payment. Removal and disposal of unusable materials from borrow areas is not measured for payment. Special borrow removed from areas before surveying is not measured for payment. 2020 EDITION V5.1 EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT – 203 203-9 The actual quantities of plan and approved sub-excavation are measured and added to the quantities of unclassified excavation for payment. Unstable material reworked in accordance with Subsection 203.03.1(D) is measured and paid for as unclassified excavation for the second handling. When the contract does not contain a bid item for muck excavation and an area is determined to be muck in accordance with Subsection 203.01.1(E), the muck excavation quantity is measured and paid for in accordance with Subsection 109.04. Measurement and payment for muck excavation at the agreed price includes all excavating and hauling, disposing of all stumps, logs, and other debris encountered in the excavation, all pumping and de-watering required, and finishing of the planned disposal areas. Unclassified excavation allowed for pre-split drill equipment clearance is calculated from the area bounded by the plan slope and lines parallel to plan slope, offset 2 feet (610 mm) for each 50-foot (15.2 m) increment in vertical cut height. The quantity for drill equipment clearance where the cut slope height is less than 50 feet (15.2 m) is not measured for payment. Excavation used as select or stockpiled select material is measured by the cubic yard (m
3.in its original position. Removed and placed stockpile material is measured using the volume in its original excavated position. Channel excavation is measured and paid for as unclassified channel excavation. Street excavation is measured and paid for as unclassified excavation unless the contract has street excavation as a bid item. Disposal of material or other items within the limits of the street excavation are not measured for payment. Geotextile is measured in accordance with Subsection 622.04 . Accepted quantities of geotextile are paid for in accordance with Subsection 622.05.
203.04.2 Embankment in Place
The embankment quantities measured in cubic yards (m3) for payment as Embankment In Place include the following:
1.The actual quantities of roadway embankment measured, above the original ground line in accordance with Subsection 109.01 , with no volume adjustments made for shrinkage, compaction, or subsidence.
2.The topsoil replacement quantity, measured in the topsoil stockpiles.
3.Excavation of unusable material and sub-excavation in the contract or directed by the Project Manager in its original position.
203.04.3 Compaction
Work and materials to compact embankment material and backfill to the specified density is not measured for payment.
203.04.4 Topsoil
Excavation of topsoil material from its original position, loading, hauling, stockpiling, and removal from the stockpile and spreading on the designated areas is measured for payment by the cubic yard (m3) in the stockpile before final placement. Before measurement, shape and smooth each stockpile into the smallest practical area. Haul is not measured for payment. Topsoil removed from cut areas is not deducted from the grading quantities. Measurement is made as if the topsoil had not been removed. 203 – EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT 2020 EDITION V5.1 203-10 Topsoil removed from embankment areas and from borrow areas, excluding Contractor- optioned in accordance with Section 106, is measured under the bid item Topsoil - Salvaging and Placing.
203.05 Basis of Payment
Payment for the completed and accepted quantities is made under the following: Pay Item Pay Unit Digout Excavation Cubic Yard (m3) Embankment in Place Cubic Yard (m3) Muck Excavation Cubic Yard (m3) Special Borrow Cubic Yard (m3) Street Excavation Cubic Yard (m3) Topsoil - Salvaging and Placement Cubic Yard (m3) Unclassified Borrow Excavation Cubic Yard (m3) Unclassified Channel Excavation Cubic Yard (m3) Unclassified Excavation Cubic Yard (m3)
Referenced in this section
Excavation and Embankment in other states
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Source: Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2020 (v5.1) Edition. Pages 151–160 of 611. View official source ↗