111 SECTION 207 EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT
207.1 -DESCRIPTION : This work shall consist of excavation for the roadway and channel changes including the removal and hauling of all material, of whatever character encountered, not being removed under some other item; preparing areas upon which embankments are to be placed, and constructing embankments with excavated material; disposing of unsuitable and surplus material; preparing the subgrade; finishing shoulders, slopes, ditches and drains; constructing b enches and removing slides as may be required by the Plans or as directed by the Engineer; all in accordance with these Specifications and in reasonably close conformity with the lines, grades, thicknesses and cross sections shown on the Plans or established by the Engineer. The compaction of embankments and subgrades will be accepted in accordance with these Specifications and the applicable requirements of 105, 106, and 109.
207.2 -MATERIALS : Materialss hall meet the requirements specified in Sections 715.11 and 716.
207.2.1 -Quality Control Testing: Quality control of the embankment and subgrade material is the responsibility of the Contractor as specified in 106.1. The Contractor shall maintain necessary equipment and qualified personnel to perform all sampling and testing necessary to determine the magnitude of the various properties of the material governed by the Specifications and shall maintain these properties within the limits of the Specifications. The Contractor shall notify the Engineer prior to construction of the test strip data for all compaction testing on the forms as set forth in MP 700.00.24 and maintain records of the necessary equipment used to compact the material in accordance with Subsection 716.3.2.3. Completed test data forms shall be provided to the Engineer at or immediately after the time of testing. The Contractor shall submit a quality control plan detailing the methods by which the quality control program will be conducted. This plan, prepared in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the appropriate portions of MP 307.00.50 and MP 717.04.21, shall be submitted to the Engineer at the preconstruction conference. The work shall not begin until the pla n is reviewed for conformance with the contract documents.
207.22-Sampling and Testing: Frequency of sampling and testing shall be in accordance
with the contractor’s quality control plan. The minimum sampling and testing frequencies for gradation shall be as indicated in Attachment 1 of MP 307.00.50. The material shall be sampled in accordance with MP 700.00.06. The minimum sampling and testing frequency for compaction will be in accordance with MP 717.04.21.
2.1-Compaction: Compaction of embankment and subgrade shall meet the
requirements set forth in Sections 207 and 716.
2.2-Gradation: The material shall be sampled and tested in accordance with
Subsection 207.2.2. Acceptance for gradation shall be based on test resu lts of consecutive random samples from a lot. A sublot is the quantity of material represented by a single
112 gradation test as defined in MP 700.00.06. A lot shall be considered the quantity of material represented by an average test value, not to exceed f ive sublots. In the case where only one sample is needed for the total plan quantity, this sublot shall be considered the lot. The average shall start on the second sample result. The average is continued for the third through fifth sample result, avera ging all previous sample results. Thereafter, only the last consecutive five sample results will be averaged (i.e., second test value through sixth test value, third test value through seventh test value, and so forth) as defined in MP 300.00.51. When th e average test values of a lot and the test value of the last sublot, or when the last three consecutive individual test values of a lot fall outside the limits specified in 716.1 and 716.1.1.2, the lot of material represented will be considered nonconforming to the extent that the last of its sublots is nonconforming. When this occurs, the last sublot shall have its price adjusted in accordance with 207.2.2.3.
2.3-Degree of Nonconformance: When a sublot of material is to have its price
adjusted, the percentage point difference between the nonconforming test value and the specification limit shall be determined for each sieve size determined to be nonconforming, and this value shall be multiplied by its appropriate multiplication factor a s set forth in Table 207.2.2 .3 to determine the degree of nonconformance of that sieve.
TABLE 207.2. 2.3 Nonconforming Sieve Size Multiplication Factor 3 in. (75 mm) 1.0 No. 200 (75 µm) 1.0
The total measure of nonconformance of an individual sublot is the sum of all nonconformance of an individual sieve sizes of that sublot. When the total degree of nonconformance has been established and it is 12.0 or less, the material will be paid for at an adjusted contract price as specified i n Table 207.16.1. When the degree of nonconformance is greater than 12.0, the nonconforming sublot shall be resolved on an individual basis, requiring a special investigation by the Engineer to determine the appropriate course of action to be followed. P ending resolution of the matter, additional lifts of select material for backfill shall not be placed over the nonconforming material
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
207.3 -ROADWAY EXCAVATION : 207.3.1 -Slopes: Slope lines shall conform to the lines and grades shown on the Plans or established by the Engineer within the following tolerances: For all slopes back of the ditch line a construction tolerance of plus or minus one ( 1) foot., measured in a horizontal plane, will be permitted. No change will be permitted in the width, grade or dimensions of the roadway ditch due to the tolerance. The slope may be varied only by permission of the Engineer. Slopes shall be trimmed neatly to present a uniform surface, f ree from hollows or protrusions and loose or overhanging rocks. Slopes shall not be undercut. The tops of all slopes, except where the material is of solid rock, shall be rounded as shown on the Plans. The Contractor shall take precautions by benching or other methods, as directed by the Engineer, to prevent slides and slipouts.
113 In all roadway cuts, including areas where ledges of rock or hard shale, boulders, coal or other solid formations are encountered at or near subgrade elevation, the excavation shall be carried to a minimum depth of six (6) inches below the surface of the subgrade for the full cross section width of the roadway between the ditches. The surface of all areas excavated below subgrade elevation shall be graded in such a manner that undrained pockets are eliminated before placing subgrade material. Excavation to the six (6) inches limit will be paid for at the contract unit price bid for "Unclassified Excavation". Excavation made below this six (6) inches limit will not be paid for .
207.3.2 -Use of Explosives: The provisions of 107.11 will be enforced. The Contractor shall not employ any method of blasting which will result in breakage beyond the slope line, or which is dangerous to the public or destructive to property. Excessive blasting or "over - shooting" will not be tolerated. Any material outside the authorized cross section which becomes shattered or loosened by blasting shall be removed without compensation if so ordered by the Engineer.
207.3.3 -Rock Excavation : 207.3.3.1-Presplitting Technique: When explosives are used in excavation, the presplit technique shall be used except for fill bench construction and where slopes flatter than 1 to 1 are designed. This involves a single row of holes drilled along the neat excavation line and the blasting charge fired before any adjoining main excavation area is blasted. Depending on the type of rock, the drill holes for the presplitting shall be on centers from two ( 2) to five ( 5) feet as determined by field demonstration. The holes to be loaded for presplitting shall be string loaded as recommended by the manufacturer of the explosives. The presplitting may be accomplished during the primary blast by delaying the primary holes so the presplitting holes will fire ahead of t hem. The end result is intended to yield a minimum of breakage outside the neat line of the plan cross sections. The Contractor shall make available upon request a record of the spacing and the amount and type of explosives used in the presplit operation .
207.3.4 -Archeological and Historical Findings: Should the Contractor's excavation operations encounter remains of prehistoric people's dwelling sites or artifacts of historical or archeological significance, the operation in that locality shall be te mporarily discontinued. The Engineer will contact appropriate authorities to determine the disposition thereof. When directed by the Engineer, the Contractor shall excavate the site in such manner as to preserve the artifacts encountered and shall remove them for delivery to the custody of the proper State authorities. Such excavation will be considered and paid for as defined by Subsection 104.3.
207.4 -BENCHES : Benches to be constructed either above or below the profile grade shall conform to the dimensions shown on the Plans or as directed by the Engineer. Necessary drainage shall be placed as directed before backfilling. The Contractor shall arrange benching operations to allow sufficient time for th e Engineer to complete all cross sections before placing embankment material.
207.5 -DITCHES : Ditches, drains, channels, and stream changes, including inlet and outlet ditches for culverts, shall be construc ted where shown on the Plans or as directed by the Engineer. Diversion ditches, where specified, shall be cut beyond the rounded edges of slopes. Ditch slopes shall be
114 rounded and trimmed neatly to line, and flow lines shall be trimmed of irregularities in the grade which might cause surface water pockets.
207.6 -DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL : 207.6.1 -Suitable Material: All suitable material excavated as above provided shall be used for forming embankments for the roadways, connecting roads, ramps and approaches; for constructing subgrade and shoulders; around structures and buildings; or for any other purpose necessary for the completion of the project as shown on the Plans or directed by the Engineer . Random material, hard shale and rock, as defined in Section 716, are suitable for use in embankments . Within soil groups, preference shall be given to the more granular soils which have greater dry weights, greater percentages of coarse and fine aggre gate, and lower liquid limits. Where the quantity of suitable material for certain work is limited, such material shall be reserved for the purpose as directed by the Engineer. Should the Contractor fail to reserve such available material when so directed, replacement shall be made by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Division.
207.6.2 -Unsuitable Material: Materials which cannot be satisfactorily placed and compacted to a stable and durable condition may be designated as unsuitable by the E ngineer. Sod, trash, organic substances, and muck are considered unfit for use in embankments. Soil to be excavated, or being excavated, that contains excessive moisture shall also be considered unsuitable for use in embankments. However, the Contracto r may at their option dry the material and use it in the construction of embankments. Aeration, or other drying method, shall be at the expense of the Contractor. If the Contractor elects to waste rather than dry, suitable replacement material, if needed to complete embankments or otherwise fulfill the intent of the Plans, shall be furnished and placed by the Contractor at their expense. Any material borrowed to obtain necessary replacement material shall be accomplished in accordance with the provisions of 211.
207.6.3 -Waste: The Contractor shall locate and furnish all sites for disposal of any waste and surplus material. The Contractor will have the option to waste within the WVDOH right - of-way limits (R/W) or on private property located outside th e right -of-way limits. If the Contractor chooses to waste within the R/W, and the proposed waste site becomes a structural component of the roadway template, it shall be treated as a roadway embankment in accordance with Section 207.7. The following proc edure is to be followed before any waste will be allowed:
207.6.3.1 -Waste within WVDOH Right -Of-Way Limits: The Contractor shall submit copies of a site plan for any waste to be placed within the R/W as per Section 105.2.1.2 and each page/sheet of all submittals shall be signed by a professional Engineer Registered in the State of West Virginia. The approving Engineer’s signature block shall be as per section 105.2.1.2 for shop drawing submittals. The plan for the site shall include, but not be limited to:
structures, etc;
115 4. An e rosion and sediment control plan utilizing the best management practices consistent with all phases of operation of the waste site;
Engineers permit, the Contractor shall provide the necessary revised permit drawings to show the proposed changes to the DOH in order to modify the existing 404 permit and to obtain a 401 Water Quality Certification if necessary. A minimum of 2 months may be required to get approval.
Material within the waste site, the criteria as set forth in subsection 207.6.5 - Construction/Demolition Waste Material must be followed and a copy o f the notification sent to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
If the Contractor has unsuitable waste material and they choose to waste within the R/W, the waste site shall not be a structural component of the roadway and must follo w the guidelines as outlined above. The waste site shall have equipment compaction. The following will not be allowed for waste sites within the R/W:
Upon receipt of the Contractor’s complete waste site submission, the Engineer shall follow the guidelines as set forth in the latest edition of the WVDEP Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practices Manual for review and acceptance by the Division. The Contractor may be required to revise the site plan prior to acceptance by the Division. The Contractor’s waste site plan must be approved as per section 105.2.1.2 and the West Virgi nia Department of Environmental Protection before any waste material can be placed in the site. The DOH will bear the cost of all features associated with the waste site except for necessary revisions to drainage structures (ie. lengthening of culverts, e tc.). Upon completion of work, all waste sites shall be neatly trimmed and drained and all debris and spoil disposed of in accordance with the approved plan. No material shall be wasted at places other than those approved, except as provided, nor shall an y material be wasted above established grades of any road unless authorized by the Engineer in writing. Slopes shall be trimmed neatly to present a uniform surface, free from hollows or protrusions and loose or overhanging rocks. The Contractor shall take precautions by benching or other methods to prevent slides and slip outs. Waste areas shall be graded by the Contractor then fertilized, seeded and mulched in accordance with the applicable Specifications and will be paid for in accordance with the pay i tems within the contract. For waste sites not to exceed 300 c ubic yards and within the R/W, the Contractor shall prepare a plan to include erosion and sedimentation control features to be approved by the District Environmental Coordinator. No plan will be approved if it is within a floodplain. For these waste sites, the Con tractor shall comply with existing laws and/or regulations and save the State harmless from any claims for damages which may result from the waste. The Contractor shall minimize pollution or sedimentation of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water while conducting all wasting operations.
116 207.6.3.2 -Waste outside of WVDOH Right -Of-Way Limits: For waste sites outside the R/W, the Contractor and/or property owner shall bear all costs and responsibilities associated with erosion and sediment control, stability, permitting, mitigation, etc. Appropriate Traffic Control items within the Project Limits will be paid accordingly. The Contractor and/or property owner shall comply with existing laws and/or regulations and save the State harmless fr om any claims for damages which may result from the waste. The Contractor shall minimize pollution or sedimentation of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water while conducting all wasting operations.
207.6.4 -Conduit: Conduit designate d to be re -laid shall be removed with care and stored where it can be protected from damage until reused. The Contractor shall replace sections lost from storage, damaged by negligence, or used in an improper manner.
207.6.5 -Construction/Demolition Waste Material: The Code of State Rules for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Title 33 Series 1 Section 2.38 defines "Construction/Demolition Waste" as waste building materials, packaging, and grubbin g waste, resulting from construction, remodeling, repair and demolition operations on houses, commercial and industrial buildings, including, but not limited to, wood, plaster, bricks, blocks and concrete, and other masonry materials, but does not include asbestos -containing materials, household furnishings, burnt debris, material containing lead -based paint, pressure -treated wood, contaminated solid waste, yard waste or waste tires, and other items listed in subdivision 5.4.a of the Title 33, Series 1, in the Code of State Rules. The Code of State Rules for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Title 33 Series 1 Section 3.16.e.2.C. provides a One-Half Acre Exemption for Division of Highways Projects. The Division of Highways or its con tractors working on highway construction that dispose of construction/demolition waste material, which, for the purpose of this paragraph, includes Category I Nonfriable Roofing, are exempt from the permitting requirements of the rule, provided that the di sposal area does not exceed one -half acre, does not fill natural wetlands, adheres to best management practices for construction, maintains cover over the material, and the parties are obligated by contract to comply with all disposal provisions specifie d by the West Virginia Division of Highways Standard Specifications, Roads and Bridges, including SupplementalS pecifications published by the Division of Highways. This exemption does not apply to multiple one -half acre sites on the same parcel of land, o r to disposal of material not generated by the highway project. Eligibility for this exemp - tion requires the Division of Highways or its contractors provide the Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection with seven (7) days’ no tice prior to disposal and a copy of the landowner agreement. Eligibility also requires proper management of the site by the Division of Highways. Hazardous Waste disposal shall be conducted in accordance with State and Federal Laws and Regulations. Ha zardous Waste shall be taken to an EPA approved Hazardous Waste Disposal facility. The legitimate beneficial reuse of clean asphalt pavement , Portland cement concrete and other clean masonry substances for the purpose of fill, riprap, road surfacing or r oad base material is exempt from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection permitting requirements of the rule, provided that any such fill will not be placed in natural wetlands, adheres to the best management practices for construction and maintains cover over the material when used as a structural component of a fill, and provided further that asphalt pavement may not be used for riprap material.
117 For the purpose of the above paragraph, “clean” will be defined as uncontaminated asphalt pavement , Portland cement concrete, or masonry material that does not have protruding metal prior to its reuse. In cases where Portland cement concrete is used as riprap and that concrete contains metal, the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Envi ronmental Protection will decide on a case -by-case basis whether this reuse is eligible for an exemption under this rule. Concrete, stone, brick, and other masonry materials which have been broken into pieces not exceeding two ( 2) feet in any dimension m ay be permitted in embankments but not within two ( 2) feet of the subgrade 1 ½ f oot of the top of the side slopes. Material such as wood, steel, and broken concrete matted together by steel reinforcement will not be permitted in any portion of the embankme nt. All voids shall be completely filled with suitable material and compacted to the density specified in 207. Portland cement concrete and asphalt pavement removed from a project may be used as fill in a waste site provided the placement is in accordanc e with Section 207.7.3.2.3 -Rock. All Portland cement concrete and asphalt pavement in the waste site shall be covered with a minimum of two ( 2) feet of soil. The fill area of Portland cement concrete and asphalt pavement shall not be within 300 feet of a wetland, a perennial stream, or within the 100 -year floodplain. The Contractor shall take all precautions for the stability of slopes in any waste site containing Construction/Demolition waste by benching or other methods to prevent slides and slip outs . It may be necessary to compact the Construction/Demolition waste to ensure stabil ity. Construction/Demolition waste materials shall not be burned. Construction/Demolition waste materials which do not qualify for the Exemptions in the Code of State Rules for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Title 33 Series 1 must be recycled or disposed of in a DEP approved landfill. The Contractor shall not allow any temporary disposal sites on the right -of-way to remain after construction is completed and must dispose of all Construction/Demolition waste in accordance with this section.
207.7 -FORMING AND COMPACTING EMBANKMENT : Slope lines for all embankments shall c onform to the lines shown on the Plans or established by the Engineer, except that a construction tolerance of plus or minus one ( 1) foot, measured in a horizontal plane, will be permitted, except further that the roadbed width due to the tolerance shall n ot be less than plan width. The slopes may be varied only by permission of the Engineer. Slopes shall be trimmed to present a neat and uniform surface, free from hollows or protrusions. The tops of all slopes shall be rounded as shown on the Plans.
207.7.1 -Preparation: When fills are five ( 5) feet. or less in depth, the top soil and sod shall be stripped to the depth specified by the Engineer, and the top eight ( 8) inches of the embankment foundation shall be scarified and compacted to the density re quirements specified. If the required density is unobtainable due to excessive moisture, organic substances, or other causes, the Contractor may be required, as directed by the Engineer, to remove and waste the in -place material to a depth prescribed by the Engineer before starting embankment; or to place an initial layer of rock, hard shale, or granular material, thickness to be prescribed by the Engineer; or both. When embankments of less than three ( 3) feet in depth are to be placed upon old concret e pavements or pavements with concrete base, the pavements or base shall be removed and
118 disposed of unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. When embankments of three ( 3) feet or more in depth are to be placed on old concrete pavements, the pavements shall be broken up in pieces not to exceed one square foot and may be left under the new embankments, unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. When embankments are to be placed upon other than rigid types of pavement, the pavements, shall firs t be scarified to their full depth and recompacted. All existing slopes, other than rock, against which embankments are to be placed shall be plowed or deeply scarified so as to allow blending of the in -place material with the embankment material. When specified in the Contract or directed by the Engineer, the slopes shall be benches before the embankment is placed. Prior to the commencement of excavation and embankment, when called for in the Contract, top soil shall be salvaged and st ockpiled at the locations designated by the Engineer. Construction and payment procedures shall be in accordance with 651.
207.7.2 -Materials for Formation and Compaction of Embankments: Embankment materials, test methods and the Contractor's quality c ontrol requirements shall conform to be applicable provisions of 716.
207.7.3 -Placing Embankment: 207.7.3 .1-General: No embankment shall by placed on frozen material. During the process of excavation and embankment construction, the roadway shall be maintained in such a condition that it will be well drained at all times. Depositing and compacting embankment in layers shall be started at the lowest point of the fill below grade, at the bottom of ravines, and at the foot of slopes on side hills. Unco nsolidated soil or random material, unless removed under other provisions of the Specifications, shall be removed as directed by the Engineer, replaced and compacted as specified before placing embankment thereon. The layers shall be constructed approxima tely parallel with finished grade. Each layer, before starting the next, shall be leveled and smoothed by means of power driven graders, dozers or other suitable equipment with adequate weight, capacity and power to do the work. Layers shall be extended across the entire fill at the level of deposition unless otherwise authorized by the Engineer. Each layer, before starting the next, shall be compacted. Materials to be used in any area of an embankment shall be free from stumps and spongy or frozen soil . The amount of organic material shall be no greater than that specified in the applicable provisions of 716. Soil having organic material greater than that specified in Section 716 shall be disposed of as directed in Subsection 207.6.3. Embankments at bridge abutments shall be free of rock in the area where piles are to be driven, unless otherwise specified. Where rock is required for the entire embankment at bridge abutments, the piles will require predrilling. Predrilling may be required for other e mbankments where the depth, density of material, or negative skin friction require it. When embankment is being formed around structures, the material shall be deposited on both sides of the structure in approximately level layers and in accordance with Subsection 212.10. The plan and sequence of operations shall make use of all the rock obtained from the excavation or borrow in accordance with the following provisions. Rock occurring in the excavation shall be placed to form the base for embankments, to form select embankment layers, to form drainage systems, to form the outer edges of embankments under construction or to widen previously constructed embankments. In all rock slopes, the large rocks shall be placed at the outer face and the smaller rocks and spalls
119 near the center. The rock shall not be dumped in place but shall be distributed and placed the full width of the lift being formed by blading or dozing in a manner to assure proper placement in the final position in the embankment. The larger rock shall be well distributed and the voids, pockets, and bridging reduced to insure minimum deformation and still permit drainage where required. When there is insufficient material, other than rock, encountered in the excavation to permit the other ma terial being properly compacted in layers, the other material will be reserved to be placed as directed by the Engineer. Material that is too wet to be properly compacted shall not be used to fill the voids of previously placed rock. Random material that meets moisture requirements may be blended with rock and shall be placed in the embankment in lift thickness as prescribed. To the extent that it is available and needed, sufficient suitable material shall be reserved from the unclassified excavation for use in filling voids in the top of the rock fill. Where rock is placed on an embankment of other material, the top of the other material shall be sloped from the center to the sides at a rate of approximately four percent (4%) .
207.7.3 .2-Lift Thickness : The Contractor shall record material type and the lift thickness for all types of embankment. When embankments are to be constructed across low swampy grounds which will not support the weight of trucks or hauling equipment, the lower part of the fill may be constructed by dumping successive vehicle loads of rock, hard shale or granular material in a uniformly distributed layer. The thickness of a layer shall not be greater than that necessary to support the vehicle placing subsequent layers, after whi ch the remainder of the embankment shall be constructed in layers and compacted as specified. In places inaccessible to a roller, such as adjacent to culverts, retaining walls and other structures, the fill material shall be placed in four ( 4) inches compacted layers, uniformly compacted with approved tampers.
207.7.3 .2.1-Random Material (Soil, G ranular Material and Soft Shale): Random material as defined in Section 716 shall be placed in embankments in successive layers not to exceed six (6) inches in thickness after compaction.
207.7.3 .2.2-Hard Shale: This material is defined in the applicable provisions of 716. When suitable random material is to be mixed with hard shale, this mixture shall be placed in the embankment in lift thicknesses prescribed. Mixtures which contain 66 percent (66%) or more of suitable random material shall be placed in lifts not to exceed six (6) inches in thickness after compaction. Mixtures which contain 35 to 65 percent (35-65%) (by visual inspection) of suitable random material shall be placed in lifts not to exceed twelve ( 12) inches before compaction. Mixtures which contain from zero to 35 percent (0-35%) (by visual inspection of suitable random material shall be placed in lifts not to exceed twenty - four ( 24) inches. The lift thickness shall be as thin as the excavated mater ial will permit.
207.7.3 .2.3-Rock: This material, as defined in Section 716, shall be placed in the embankment in layers of thickness as prescribed. Mixtures which contain 66 percent (66%) or more (by visual inspection) of suitable random material shal l be placed in lifts not to exceed six ( 6) inches after compaction. Mixtures which contain 35 to 65 percent (35-65%) (by visual inspection) of suitable random material shall be placed in lifts not to exceed twelve ( 12) inches before compaction. Mixtures which contain zero to 35 percent (0-35%) (by visual inspection) of suitable
120 random material shall be placed in lifts not to exceed thirty -six ( 36) inches. The lift thickness shall be as thin as the excavated material will permit. Rock lifts that are desi gnated as Select Embankment shall contain no more than 15 percent (15%) of other suitable embankment material (by visual inspection). The dominant rock size shall be six (6) inches, and greater. During excavation and handling, the Contractor shall avoid contaminating the Select Embankment with other embankment materials. Rock for Select Embankment shall be reserved from the excavation up to the plan quantity required. If Select Embankment from the excavation is wasted prior to meeting the plan quantities, the Contractor shall be responsible, and bear the expense, for replacing the material wasted up to the plan quantity. Rock lifts in embankment shall be placed in approximately level layers of uniform thickness. The size of the rock lifts shall not exc eed thirty -six (36) inches. The rock shall not be greater in any dimension than thirty - six (36) inches. When rock is used as a lining for drainage channels, it shall be placed to the thickness called for on the plans or cross sections. The dimensions o f the rock may be as large as the thickness of the blanket will permit.
207.7.4 -Compaction of Embankments: Embankment material consisting of random material and hard shale as described in Section 716, which does not contain sufficient moisture to be co mpacted to the requirements specified, shall receive applications of water necessary for compaction. Water shall be applied with suitable sprinkling devices and shall be thoroughly incorporated into the material which is to be compacted. Embankment and subgrade materials which contain excess moisture shall be dried, prior to or during compaction, as necessary to obtain satisfactory compaction. Layers of soil shall be moistened or dried to the tolerance specified in Subsection 716.3.1 at the time compactive effort is applied. Water shall be added to or excess moisture removed from soils by the use of plows, discs, or other methods. Each layer of embankment shall be uniformly compacted to the applicable requirements specified in Section 716. Hard shal e shall be broken down in placing by manipulating with tractors, bulldozers, power graders, rollers, or other approved devices until voids between particles are substantially filled. This material shall be compacted and shall be at a moisture content that will provide proper compaction. Rock shall be placed as required under Subsection 207.7.3 and compacted, using the equipment specified in Subsection 207.7.5, to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
207.7.5 -Compaction Equipment: Sufficient leveling and compacting equipment shall be provided to do the work of leveling and compacting without delay after the material has been deposited. When the equipment is inadequate for the rate of depositing, the rate of excavation and placemen t of fill shall be reduced to a rate not to exceed the capacity of the leveling and compacting equipment, with particular attention to the loss of moisture during the delay. When two or more fills are being constructed and are so isolated from one another that one roller cannot compact the fills satisfactorily, additional rollers shall be provided as ordered by the Engineer. Vibratory compactors, grid, paddle -foot, or vibratory rollers, or other compacting equipment approved by the Engineer, shall be use d for fills constructed of materials which are predominately rock or hard shale.
121 Approved pneumatic or power driven backfill tampers shall be used in areas inaccessible to rollers. Three -wheel rollers shall weigh not less than 10 tons. They shall be o f sturdy construction and especially designed for heavy work. They shall be in good mechanical condition and have sufficient power to travel over rough surfaces and steep grades. Pneumatic tired rollers shall operate on two axles in such manner that the rear group of tires will not follow in the tracks of the forward group. They shall be mounted on a rigid frame and have a loading platform or body suitable for ballast loading. Th e pneumatic tired rollers, under working conditions, shall have a minimum rolling width of sixty ( 60) inches and shall give a minimum compression of 325 lb. per inch of width of tire tread. Single axle pneumatic rollers of an approved type may be used, p roviding the requirements as to width and compression per inch of width of tire tread are met. Tamping rollers shall consist of metal rollers, drums, or shells surmounted by metal studs with self -cleaning tamping feet. The cross sectional area and spaci ng of tamping feet and the weight of the roller shall be such that the compaction or density for the particular material shall be obtained as specified. Each tamping roller shall consist of at least two sections not rigidly joined. Grid rollers shall co nsist of drums at least five ( 5) feet in diameter whose cylindrical faces present the appearance of an open woven bar mesh. Each drum shall be at least 2 -1/2 foot long and they shall be independently mounted close together on the same axle. The complete roller, when operating without ballast, shall weigh not less than six tons or 200 lb. per in ch of length of roller drum. Arrangements shall be provided for adding ballast, as directed by the Engineer, to such an extent that the total weight of the unit c an be increased to at least 15 tons and 500 lb. per inch of length of roller drum. Grid rollers shall make at least three complete coverages of each layer or until the required density is obtained. The use of trucks, carryalls, scrapers, tractors, tract or wagons, or other haulage equipment shall not be considered in lieu of compacting equipment prescribed, but the traffic of such hauling equipment shall be distributed over the fill in such a manner as to make use of the compaction afforded as an addition to compaction by rolling or vibrating.
207.8 -FINISHING EARTH ROADS : When no pavement or surfacing is included in the Contract, the roadway shall be finished as a graded earth road. The roadw ay, shoulders, and superelevated curves shall be constructed simultaneously to the required cross section and grade. Unsatisfactory or unsuitable material shall be removed and replaced as specified in Subsection 207.9. The entire surface shall be brought to a smooth condition by repeated use of an approved power grader and continuously maintained in a condition suitable for traffic until final completion and acceptance of the work. When grading work is being done simultaneously on more than one section o f a Contract, an approved grader shall be furnished on each section if so required by the Engineer.
207.9 -SUBGRADE : The subgrade shall be constructed in accordance with these Specifications, in substantial conformity with lines, grades, and cross sections shown on the Plans or established by the Engineer. The subgrade shall be six ( 6) inches compacted thickness for all embankment and excavation sections and shall be constructed out of suitable material free of particles larger than three ( 3) inches and consisting of granular material, conforming to the requirements of Subsection