702 Contractor of their intention to begin any work that will disrupt or appreciably alter normal system operation so that ample opportunity may be given to the Engineer to notify the owner to prepare for emergency operation, if n ecessary. The Engineer, upon advice of the owner, will have the sole right of determining at what times and in what order the Contractor shall undertake work involving connections and modifications to the existing system. The Contractor shall dig test pi ts as necessary to determine the size of fittings required for connections to existing lines. All material necessary for tie -ins shall be at the work site prior to any disruption of service. Once a connection is started, work shall be continuous until com pletion. The Contractor shall be responsible for the unloading, storing, hauling, and distribution of all materials and shall replace, at their own expense, all such material that is damaged, destroyed or lost during or after unloading. All pipe, pipe fi ttings, valves and accessories shall be handled in a manner in order to avoid shock and to protect the coating material. Material not needed for immediate construction shall be stored in a safe manner at places provided by the Contractor and approved by th e Engineer. If the Contractor should observe either proposed or existing sewers or water lines in close proximity the Contractor shall notify the Engineer. The Engineer will determine if the observed situation lacks conformity to the State Department of Health's Design Standards for Water Distribution Systems, its magnitude and the course of action. Additional costs necessitated by a modification in the plan of construction will be paid for in accordance with subsection 109.4. 670.4 -WATER PIPE : 670.4.1 -Trench Excavation: Excavation of the trench may be done either by hand or by the use of suitable trenching equipment. The invert profile as shown on the Plans shall be followed except where changes are aut horized in writing by the Engineer to avoid existing structures or to suit topography. The depth of trench shall be increased where necessary to procure a smoothly curved profile or to avoid existing structures. The trench shall be excavated in such a ma nner as to provide uniform and continuous bearing and support for the pipe and shall be excavated to the depth required to give a minimum of forty -two (42) inches cover from finished grade to the top (outside) of the pipe barrel, except under roadways wher e minimum cover shall be thirty ( 30) inches from subgrade to the top of the pipe barrel. The depth of cover may be modified at creek crossings or at other dips in the profile, when approved by the Engineer, providing it does not extend more than 100 feet with a cover of less than forty - two(42) inches. In the event it is required to decrease the cover to less than two ( 2) feet, the pipe line shall be insulated for that distance. Where stones, dry clay, hard pan, shale or cemented gravel are exposed at the bottom of the trench, the trench shall be excavated to at least three ( 3) inches and not more than six (6) inches below the specified grade. Where the bottom of the trench at gr ade is found to be unstable or include ashes, cinders, all types of refuse, vegetable or other organic material, the Contractor shall excavate and remove such unsuitable material to the width and depth ordered by the Engineer. The trench shall be backfill ed to grade with approved material; replacement material shall consist of random material, as directed by the Engineer. Each layer shall not exceed four (4) inches compacted depth and shall be compacted in accordance with 670.4.5. The bedding shall be fin ished by means of hand tools to provide a uniform and continuous bearing and support for the pipe. Where the bottom of trench at grade is found to consist of material which is unstable to such a degree that in the opinion of the Engineer it cannot be rem oved and replaced with material suitable to support the pipe properly, the Contractor shall construct a foundation for 703 the pipe, consisting of concrete, pilings, timber or other materials or as directed by the Engineer. Where excavation is made in rock o r boulders, the rock shall be removed to provide a clearance of at least six (6) inches for pipe twenty -four ( 24) inches in diameter or smaller and at least nine ( 9) inches for pipe larger than twenty -four ( 24) inches in diameter, below and on each side of all pipe, valves and fittings. The trench shall be backfilled to grade with approved material in four ( 4) inches layers loose depth. Each layer shall be thoroughly compacted in accordance with 670.4.5 and the bedding shall be finished by means of hand to ols to provide a uniform and continuous bearing and support for the pipe. The width of the trench shall be ample to permit the pipe to be laid and jointed properly and to permit the backfill to be placed and compacted as specified. Trench widths shall be in accordance with Table 670.4.1. Excessive trench widths will not be permitted. Where necessary for protection of workers or to avoid undermining or otherwise damaging structures or property, the trench shall be properly and sufficiently shored and braced to prevent caving, slipping or cracking of the sides. Where bracing, sheeting or shoring are required or extra width is required for handling of specials, the trench shall be of such extra width to accommodate these items. TABLE 670.4.1 Pipe Diameter (Inches) Trench Width (Inches) Pipe Diameter (Inches) Trench Width (Inches) Pipe Diameter (Inches) Trench Width (Inches) 2 18-26 10 22-34 20 32-44 3 18-26 12 24-36 24 36-48 4 18-28 14 26-38 30 42-54 6 18-30 16 28-40 8 20-32 18 30-42 Blasting for excavation will be performed only after securing the approval of the Engineer and only when proper precautions are taken for the protection of persons or property. The hours of blasting will be fixed by the Engineer. Any damage caused by blasting shall be repaired by the Contractor at their expense. The Contractor's method of procedure relative to blasting shall conform to local and state laws. The Contractor shall exercise reasonable care to avoid damage to trees and hedges; electric, telephone and gas lines and installations; sewer lines; buildings; roads and all appurtenances thereto. Care shall be used to maintain driveways to permit free access to and from the different properties by the owners. All excavated mat erial shall be piled in a manner that will not endanger the work and will not obstruct sidewalks and driveways. Fire hydrants under pressure, valve boxes, service stop boxes, fire and police boxes or other utility controls shall be left unobstructed and ac cessible. Gutters shall be kept clear or other satisfactory provisions made for drainage, and natural watercourses shall not be obstructed. All trenches, material piles, equipment and pipe which may cause a hazard or serve as obstructions to either vehicul ar or pedestrian traffic shall be enclosed by fences or barricade, adequately lighted, to protect persons from injury and to avoid property damage. Where traffic must cross open trenches, the Contractor shall provide suitable bridges, which will be subject to approval by the Engineer. The Contractor shall furnish temporary support, adequate protection and maintenance of all underground and surface structures, drains, sewers and other obstructions encountered in the progress of the work. 670.4.2 -Laying an d Joining: Proper implements, tools and facilities satisfactory to the Engineer shall be provided and used for the safe and convenient prosecution of the work. All pipe, fittings, valves, specials, and fire hydrants shall be carefully lowered into the tre nch piece by piece by means of a derrick, ropes or other suitable tools or equipment in such a manner as to prevent damage to the water main materials and protective coating and linings. Under no circumstances shall water main materials be dropped or dumpe d into the trench. All pipe and fittings shall be carefully examined for defects and no pieces shall be laid which are known to be defective. Any defective or damaged pipe will be rejected. If any defective piece shall be discover after having been laid, it shall be removed and replaced at the Contractor's expense. All pipes and fittings shall be thoroughly cleaned before they are laid and shall be kept clean until accepted in the completed work. Pipe which has been contaminated by mud or soil shall be cl eaned with a swab. The pipe shall be supported its full length by the uniform grade of the trench. Pipe ends shall not be left open, such as at the end of a day's work or during temporary suspension of construction, but shall be securely covered to preve nt the entry of foreign matter or small animals. Kinks or sharp bends giving excessive deflection or which put pipe joints in strain will not be permitted. Table 670.4.2 shows the Maximum permissible for various types of joints or pipe. TABLE 670.4.2 MAXI MUM PERMISSIBLE DEFLECTION PER JOINT A. "Push On" Type Joint Pipe: Pipe Diameter (inches) *Maximum Deflection for 18 -ft Length (inches) 4 thru 12 19 14 thru 24 11 * Permissible deflection per joint for lengths more or less than 18 feet are proportional.
B.Mechanical Joint Pipe: Pipe Diameter (inches) *Maximum Deflection for 18 -ft Length (inches) Pipe Diameter (inches) *Maximum Deflection for 18 -ft Length (inches ) 2 31 12 20 3 31 14 13.5 4 31 16 13.5 6 27 18 11 8 20 20 11 10 20 24 * Permissible deflection per joint for lengths more or less than 18 feet are proportional.
C.Flexible Joint Pipe: The maximum permissible deflection per joint shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations
D.Plastic Pipe: The maximum permissible deflection per joint shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. When cutting short lengths of copper pipe, a pipe cutter shall be used and care shall be taken to make the cut at right angles to the centerline of the pipe. In the case of "push on" pipe, the cut ends shall be tapered with a portable grinder or coarse fil e to match the manufactured taper. Rigid plastic pipe such as acrylonitrile -butadiene -styrene or polyvinyl chloride shall be jointed and laid in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. Plastic pipe may be sawn. Thrust blocking, pads, straps a nd clamp and rod assemblies shall be provided at fittings, valves or specials at the location and in the manner set forth on the Plans. Joints shall be as follows: I. "Push on" Type Joint: "Push on" type joints such as "Bell Tight", "Tite On" or equal joints shall be prepared by removing all dirt or foreign material from the bell end of pipe and inserting the gasket. The spigot end of the pipe shall be prepared by cleaning and applying a thin coat of approved lubricant after which the spig ot end shall be centered in the bell and jacked on by using a special jack and choker sling. The procedure in making up this joint shall be performed in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer. II. Mechanical joint: When "making up" mechanical joints, the spigot end of each pipe shall be centered into the adjoining bell to within 5/8 inch of the total depth of the bell. The pipe shall be properly centered and have uniform space all around for reception of the packing material. The packing mater ial, bolts, nuts and other accessories used in making mechanical or sleeve type joints shall be obtained from the manufacturer of the pipe and joint. The surfaces of the spigot and bell shall be brushed thoroughly with a wire brush just prior to assemblin g. The spigot end shall be brushed with soapy water just prior to slipping the gasket on and entering into the bell. When tightening bolts the gland shall be brought up toward the pipe flange evenly, maintaining approximately the same distance between the gland and the face of the flange at all points around the socket. This shall be done by partially tightening the bottom bolt first, then the top bolt, next two bolts at either side and last, the remaining bolts. This cycle shall be repeated until all bolt s are within the range of the torques listed below: Bolt size, Inches Range of Torque, Pounds 5/8 40 - 60 ¾ 60 - 90 1 70 - 100 1¼ 90 - 120 If the effect of sealing is not obtained at the maximum torques indicated above, the joint must be disassembled and reassembled after thorough cleaning. A calibrated torque wrench shall be furnished by the Contractor and made available to the Engineer. III. Flanged joint: When making up flanged joints, a gasket shall be put in place, the flanges butted together and the bolts tightened in the manner as prescribed for mechanical joints. IV. Flexible joint: Flexible joints shall be "made up" and installed in the manner prescribed by the manufacturer of the joint. 706 V. Coupled joints: Coupled joints shall be constructed in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer. VI. Plastic Pipe joints: Joints in plastic pipe formed of polyvinyl chloride may be cemented, threaded or "push on" type. Joints in pipe formed of flexible polyethylene shall be construc ted utilizing a plastic, nylon or brass insert secured by stainless steel clamp may be butt fussed or any other method recommended by the manufacture. VII. Copper Pipe joints : Copper pipe joints shall be made by use of copper flanged joint couplings or fitting s unless otherwise specified in the Plans or in the Bill of Materials. 670.4.3 -Thrust Blocking: Thrust blocks shall be constructed where called for and to the dimensions shown on the Plans. Concrete used for thrust blocking shall be Class C concrete; however, Class B concrete may be used with no increase in cost. 670.4.4 -Nuts, Bolts, Washer, Rods, Straps and Clamps: Where the use of nuts, bolts, washers, rods, straps and clamps is required due to the peculiarities of the installation, these items sh all be installed and be of the size and dimension shown on the Plans or recommended by the manufacture. 670.4.5 -Backfilling: Backfill material shall consist of suitable random material or controlled low strength material, type A. All material shall be free of particles larger than three (3) inches and free from cinders, ashes, refuse, vegetable or other organic material. Controlled low strength material shall meet the requirements of Section 219. Unless otherwise specified on the plans or by the utility , controlled low strength material can be used as a substitute for random material at the option of the contractor. The backfill material shall be deposited in the trench for its maximum width in layers not exceeding four ( 4) inches after compaction. Quality control testing and acceptance of the backfill material will be according to the applicable sections of 207 and 716 with the following exceptions: The lot size will be one day’s production or 500 linear feet whichever is less for a continuous section of conduit backfilled. The target percentage of dry density will be 95% for the backfill material and each lot shall have 5 density tests performed for quality control. Backfill placed outside embankments and roadbed is to b e compacted to or better than the average total dry density for the existing soil. An average total dry density will be determined from representative density tests conducted for each existing soil. Quality control testing will normally consist of one test per 500 linear feet of conduit installed and lot evaluations are not required. The moisture tolerance is not applicable. Backfilling shall not be done in freezing weather, except by permission of the Engineer, and frozen material shall not be used. No backfilling shall be made where the material already in the trench is frozen. From the bottom of the trench to the centerline of the pipe, the backfill material shall be placed by hand and compacted by approved hand tamps. From the centerline of the pipe to a height of one ( 1) foot above the pipe, the backfill shall be placed by hand and compacted by use of approved mechanical tampers. The Contractor shall use special care in placing this portion of the backfill to avoid damaging or moving the pipe. The r emainder of the backfill in the trench shall be placed by hand or mechanical means and compacted by approved mechanical tampers. All pipe after being bedded and backfilled shall be adequately protected before heavy equipment is permitted to cross during co nstruction of the roadway. The Contractor will be held responsible for any damage to the pipe resulting from movement of 707 equipment over the pipe. Prior to testing, the pipeline shall be backfilled in accordance with the Specifications. The Contractor sha ll maintain the surface of the trench to the original ground surface until accepted by the Engineer. The job site shall be left in a neat and orderly condition to the satisfaction of the Engineer. Excess material not needed for backfill and material unsu itable for backfill shall be removed from the site and disposed of as directed by the Engineer. Additional backfill material as required to make up deficiency or to replace unsuitable excavated material shall be furnished by the Contractor at no additional cost, from approved borrow pits or from excavations on the roadway. 670.4.6 -Testing: Where any section of the main is provided with concrete thrust blocking, the hydrostatic pressure test shall not be made until at least the concrete has reached 2000 p si compressive strength. Each completed section of pipe line relocation shall be plugged at both ends, and connected to the existing main by means of temporary one ( 1) inch corporation stops and one ( 1) inch copper service lines. After the main has been slowly filled with water in preparation for the hydrostatic pressure test, all air shall be expelled from the pipe. If fire hydrants or blowoffs are not available at high places, the Contractor shall make the necessary taps at points of highest elevation a nd insert the necessary corporation stops and copper service line in order that the air may be expelled. The main shall be subjected to the hydrostatic test pressure, indicated on the Plans for a period of time pressure shall be applied to the main by mean s of a hand pump for small lines or by use of a gasoline pump or fire engine for larger lines. During the duration of the test, the lines shall be thoroughly examined for leakage at the joints and elimination of leakage effected where necessary. Make up" water shall be measured with a displacement meter. Any cracked or defective pipes, fittings, valves or fire hydrants discovered in consequence of the pressure test shall be removed and replaced by the Contractor at their own expense. After replacing or co rrecting cracked or defective pipe, fittings or valves discovered in the test or correcting any leakage, the Contractor shall retest the pipe. The allowable leakage for a period of one hour shall be as shown in Equation 670.4.6. In the event the pipe line is tested in sections and temporary thrust blocking is required, a temporary plug or cap shall be installed and blocked with a screw jack firmly braced against the end of the trench or against a heavy timber embedded into the side of the trench. Where pi pe line construction ties into existing lines, and where it is not practicable to make a hydrostatic test testing shall not be required. Any leakage discovered in these sections shall be immediately corrected by the Contractor. Upon completion of the tes ting, the temporary corporation stops and lines shall remain in place until the pipeline is disinfected, after which they shall be removed and the line plugged. Equation 670.4.6 400,7P NDL= Where: L = allowable leakage, in gallons per hour N = number of joints in the length of pipeline tested D = nominal diameter of the pipe, in inches P = average test pressure during the leakage test, in pounds per square inch (gauge) 670.4.7 -Disinfection: The requirements for disinfection during construction and previous to placing the line in service shall be in compliance with the requirements of the Public Utility involved. In the event the Public Utility has no requirements for disinfection; the follow ing requirements shall govern: Each completed section of pipeline constructed shall be sterilized by the addition of one
1.pound of calcium hypochlorite powder containing 70 percent (70%) available chlorine for each 1,600 gallon of water treated. Table 670.4.7 shows the length of pipe that one (1) pound of calcium hypochlorite powder will disinfect. This may be introduced by pumping a liquid solution into the main as it is being filled, or it may be introduced dry by measured amounts placed inside the p ipe at each joint immediately before the joint is made. In the latter case the pipe line must be filled from the low point and at a rate not to exceed 20 gallons per minute. Water treated with calcium hypochlorite shall remain in the pipeline for a period of 24 hours. After the treated water is retained for the required time, the chlorine residual at the pipe extremities and other representative points shall be at least 50 PPM. Following chlorination all treated water shall be thoroughly flushed from the ne wly laid lines until the replacement water throughout its length shall be comparable to the quality of water served from the existing system. TABLE 670.4.7 -DISINFECTION CHART Pipe Diameter (Inches) Pipe Length (Feet) Pipe Diameter (Inches) Pipe Length (Feet) 2 10,000 12 270 3 4,300 14 200 4 2,500 16 150 6 1,100 18 120 8 600 20 100 10 400 24 70 * Length of pipe that one pound of calcium hypochlorite will disinfect. In lieu of the liquid solution or dry application of calcium hypochlorite, a chlorine gas - water mixture may be introduced by means of a solution -feed chlorinating device or a dry gas may be fed directly through proper devices for regulating the rate of flow and providing diffusion of the gas into the water w ithin the pipe treated. Devices for feeding the gas -water mixture or dry gas shall provide means for preventing backflow of water into the chlorine cylinder. The duration of treatment and chlorine residual shall be as previously stated. The Contractor sh all contact the County Health Department prior to public use of the drinking water so they may perform sampling and testing in accordance with Health Department requirements. Disinfection and testing shall be accomplished by the Contractor prior to perfo rming any work in connecting to the existing main. Where connecting into existing mains and it is not practicable to include the connecting pieces, i.e.; pipe, fittings, valves in the normal disinfecting process, the connecting pieces shall be swabbed wi th a chlorine solution containing not less than 1% Hypochlorite solution prior to making the connection. 709 670.5 -GATE VALVES AND VALVE BOXES : Gate valves shall be installed in accordance with 670.4. The valve box shall be set in such manner that no shock or stress is transferred to the valve. The valve box shall be centered and plumbed over the wrench nut of the valve. The valve box cover shall be set flush with the finished surface. 670.6 -CASING PIPE : Construction methods shall be as described under 670.4, where open trench construction is feasible. In the event that boring and jacking methods are specified in the Contract or are otherwise necessary to complete the installation, the applicable provisions of 604.11 shall govern. 670.7 -FIRE HYDRANTS : The work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of 670.4. When relocating hydrants, no work shall be started on removing a hydrant until the pressure on the hydrant has been shut off. Before relocating a hydrant, it shall be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt and foreign matter. All hydrants shall be provide d with a concrete thrust block or anchorage as shown on the Plans and care shall be taken that the concrete does not obstruct any hydrant drain openings. All hydrants shall be set upon 0.5 cubic yard of AASHTO # 3 stone to provide drainage for the hydrant. The stone shall extend above the hydrant drain opening to prevent entrance of soil into the hydrant barrel. The thrust blocking and stone shall be placed as shown on the Plans. 670.8 -METERS, METER BOXES, AND SPECIAL VALVES AND APPURTENANCES : The construction method shall be as set forth in 670.4. When removing and relocating a meter box and lid, the Contractor shall exercise care in order to avoid damaging the box. In the event the box or lid is damaged in performing the work, the Contractor shall furnish replacements in kind. 670.9 -SPECIAL STRUCTURES : Special structures for waterline appurtenances, such as meter pits, special valve pits, etc., shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of 605.
670.10 House Connection :
The work to be performed under this item shall cons ist of furnishing and installing all pipe, taps, couplings and fittings necessary to provide a connection from the relocated line to a point where the existing house connection is reconnected. Construction methods shall be as described in 670.4.
670.11 Method of Measurement :
670.11.1 Water Pipe: Water pipe will be measured by the linear foot in place. The
measurement will be made along the centerline of such pipeline, before backfilling, to or from the following described points: i At the centerline of the connection where work begins or ends and c onnection is made to an existing pipe or special. ii At the centerline of the special casting or connection that is part of the new pipeline. iii At the centerline of a fire hydrant or at the face of a dead plug, dead cap, flange, or spigot at the end of the new pipe line.
Source: West Virginia Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2023 Edition. Pages 722–729 of 1,006.