NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED

NATIONAL NETWORK OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT SECTION 8

buried debris with at least 0.5 metres of compacted earth. Grade and shape the area. Seed and mulch
disposal areas according to Section 625.
g. Hazardous material. Furnish a copy of all disposal permits. Dispose of material according to T&T Ministry of
Works and Transport’s regulations, Subsection 103.13 and/or by authorities having jurisdiction.
203.06 Acceptance
1. Backfilling and compacting cavities left by structures will be evaluated under Section 209.
2. Concrete will be evaluated under Section 601.

204 Excavation and Embankment

204.01 Description
1. This work consists of excavating material and constructing embankments. This includes furnishing, hauling,
stockpiling, placing, disposing, sloping, shaping, compacting, and finishing earthen and rocky material.
204.02 Definitions
1. Excavation consists of the following:
a. Roadway excavation. All material excavated from within the right-of-way or easement areas, except
subexcavation covered in subparagraph 204.02.1.b. below and structure excavation covered in Sections 208
and 209. Roadway excavation includes all material encountered regardless of its nature or characteristics.
b. Subexcavation. Material excavated from below subgrade elevation in cut sections or from below the original
ground line in embankment sections.
c. Suitable soils excavation. Material excavated from within the right-of-way used in the roadway
embankment.
d. Borrow excavation. Material used for embankment construction that is obtained from outside the roadway
prism. Borrow excavation includes unclassified borrow, select borrow, and select topping.
2. Embankment construction. Embankment construction consists of placing and compacting suitable soils or
borrow excavation. This work includes:
a. Preparing foundations for embankments
b. Constructing roadway embankments
c. Benching for side-hill embankments
d. Constructing dikes, ramps, mounds, and berms
e. Backfilling subexcavated areas, holes, pits, and other depressions
3. Conserved topsoil. Excavated material conserved from the roadway excavation and embankment and a
foundation area that is suitable for growth of grass, cover crops, or native vegetation.
4. Waste. Excess and unsuitable roadway excavation and subexcavation material that cannot be used.
204.03 Material
1. Conform to the following Subsections:
a. Backfill material 704.03
b. Select borrow 704.07
c. Select topping 704.08
d. Topping 704.05

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e. Suitable Soils 704.13

f. Unclassified borrow 704.06
g. Water 725.01
204.04 Construction Requirements
1. Preparation for Roadway Excavation and Embankment Construction. Clear the area of vegetation and
obstructions according to Sections 201 and 203.
204.05 Conserved Topsoil
1. Conserve topsoil from roadway excavation and embankment foundation areas. Stockpile conserved topsoil in
low windrows immediately beyond the rounding limits of cut and embankment slopes or in other approved
locations. Separate topsoil from other excavated material.
2. Place conserved topsoil on completed slopes according to Section 624.
204.06 Roadway Excavation
1. Excavate as follows:
a. General. Do not disturb material and vegetation outside the construction limits.
i. Incorporate only suitable material into embankments. Replace any shortage of suitable material caused
by premature disposal of roadway excavation. Dispose of unsuitable or excess excavation material
according to Subsection 204.14.
ii. At the end of each day's operations, shape to drain and compact the work area to a uniform cross-fall.
Eliminate all ruts and low spots that could hold water.
b. Rock cuts. Blast rock according to Section 205. Excavate rock cuts to 150 mm below subgrade within the
roadbed limits. Backfill to subgrade with topping or with other suitable material. Compact the material
according to Subsection 204.11.
c. Earth cuts. Scarify earth cuts to a minimum 150 mm below subgrade within the roadbed limits. Compact the
scarified material according to Subsection 204.11.
204.07 Subexcavation
1. Excavate material to the limits designated by the Engineer. Take cross-sections according to Section 152. Prevent
unsuitable material from becoming mixed with the backfill/embankment material. Dispose of unsuitable material
according to Subsection 204.14. Backfill subexcavation areas with suitable material. Compact the material
according to Subsection 204.11.
204.08 Borrow Excavation
1. Use only suitable borrow excavation in embankment construction. Over-excavation in borrow areas is prohibited.
2. Obtain borrow source acceptance according to Subsection 105.02 and 103.09.2. Develop and restore borrow
sources according to Subsection 105.03. Furnish the Engineer a sketch for each borrow pit identifying the
property owner, pit number, sampling locations and the established limits. Do not excavate beyond the
established limits. Shape the borrow source to permit accurate measurements when excavation is complete.
204.09 Preparing Foundation for Embankment Construction
1. Prepare foundation for embankment construction as follows:
a. Embankment less than 1 metre above natural ground. Remove topsoil and break up the ground surface to a
minimum depth of 150 mm by ploughing or scarifying. Compact the ground surface according to Subsection
204.11.

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b. Embankments over an existing asphalt, concrete, or gravel road surface. Scarify gravel roads to a minimum
depth of 150 mm. Scarify or pulverise asphalt and concrete roads to 150 mm below the pavement layers.
Reduce all particles to a maximum size of 100 mm and produce a uniform material. Compact the surface
according to Subsection 204.11.
c. Embankment across ground not capable of supporting equipment. Dump successive loads of material
conforming to Subsections 704.01, 704.07, 704.08, or other select embankment material in a uniformly
distributed layer to construct the lower portion of the embankment. Limit the layer thickness to the
minimum depth necessary to support the equipment and loaded transports.
d. Embankment on an existing slope steeper than 1:3 (1 unit vertical to 3 units horizontal). Cut horizontal
benches in the existing slope to a sufficient width to accommodate placement and compaction operations
and equipment. Bench the slope as the embankment is placed and compacted in layers. Begin each bench at
the intersection of the original ground and the vertical cut of the previous bench.
204.10 Embankment Construction
1. Incorporate only suitable roadway excavation material into the embankment conforming to Subsection 704.13.
When the supply of suitable roadway excavation is exhausted, furnish unclassified borrow conforming to
Subsection 704.06 to complete the embankment. Construct embankments as follows:
a. General. At the end of each day's operations, shape to drain and compact the embankment surface to a
uniform cross-fall. Eliminate all ruts and low spots that could hold water.
b. During all stages of construction, route and distribute hauling and levelling equipment over the width and
length of each layer of material.
c. Compact embankment side slopes with a tamping foot roller, by walking with a dozer, or by over-building
the fill and then removing excess material to the final slope line. For slopes 1:1.75 or steeper, compact the
slopes as embankment construction progresses.
d. Where placing embankment on one side of abutments, wing walls, retaining walls, piers, or culvert
headwalls, compact the material using methods that prevent excessive pressure against the structure.
e. Where placing embankment material on both sides of a concrete wall or box structure, conduct operations
so compacted embankment material is at the same elevation on both sides of the structure.
f. Where structural pilings are placed in embankment locations, limit the maximum particle size to 100 mm.
g. Embankment within the roadway prism. Place embankment material in horizontal layers not exceeding 300
mm in compacted thickness. Reduce clay lumps to less than a 100 mm diameter by disking or other suitable
means to provide proper pulverization, to minimize voids, and to achieve uniform moisture content. Do not
mix different soil types. Incorporate oversize rock or rock fragments into the 300-mm layers by reducing
them in size or placing them individually as required by Subsection 204.10.1.i (h). Compact each layer
according to Subsection 204.11 before placing the next layer.
h. Individual rock fragments and stone. Place individual rock fragments and rock greater than 600 mm in
diameter as follows:
i. Reduce rock to less than 1200 mm in the largest dimension.
ii. Distribute rock within the embankment to prevent nesting.
iii. Place layers of embankment material around each rock to a depth not greater than that permitted by
(g) above. Fill all the voids between rocks.
iv. Compact each layer according to Subsection 204.11 before placing the next layer.
i. Material composed predominately of rock or rock fragments too large for 300-mm layers may be placed in
layers up to 600 mm thick. Incorporate oversize rock or rock fragments into the 600-mm layer by reducing

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them in size or placing them individually according to 204.10.1.h. Place sufficient earth and smaller rocks to
fill the voids. Compact each layer according to Subsection 204.11 before placing the next layer.
j. Embankment outside of roadway prism. Where placing embankment outside the staked roadway prism,
place material in horizontal layers not exceeding 600 mm in compacted thickness. Compact each layer
according to Subsection 204.11.
204.11 Compaction
1. For the purpose of compaction, use AASHTO T 27 to determine the amount of material retained on a 4.75-mm
sieve. Compact as follows:
a. More than 80 percent retained on a 4.75-mm sieve. Adjust the moisture content to a level suitable for
compaction. Fill the interstices around rock with earth or other fine material as practical. Use compression-
type rollers at speeds less than 2 metres per second and vibratory rollers at speeds less than 1 metre per
second. Compact each layer of material full width with one of the following and until there is no visible
evidence of further consolidation.
i. Four roller passes of a vibratory roller having a minimum dynamic force of 180 kilonewtons impact
per vibration and a minimum frequency of 16 hertz.
ii. Eight roller passes of a 20-metric ton compression-type roller.
iii. Eight roller passes of a vibratory roller having a minimum dynamic force of 130 kilonewtons impact
per vibration and a minimum frequency of 16 hertz.
b. Increase the compactive effort for layers deeper than 300 mm as follows:
i. For each additional 150 mm or fraction thereof, increase the number of roller passes in Subsection
204.11.1.a.i above by four passes.
ii. For each additional 150 mm or fraction thereof, increase the number of roller passes in Subsections
204.11.1.a.ii and 204.11.1.a.iii above, by eight passes.
c. 50 to 80 percent retained on a 4.75-mm sieve. Use AASHTO T 180, method D to determine the maximum
density and optimum moisture content. When required, use AASHTO T 224 to correct the maximum density
and optimum moisture for coarse particles. Adjust the moisture content of material classified A-1 through
A-5 to a moisture content suitable for compaction.
d. Use AASHTO T 99, method C to determine the maximum density and optimum moisture for material
classified A-6 and A-7. When required, use AASHTO T 224 to correct the maximum density and optimum
moisture for coarse particles. Adjust the moisture content of material classified A-6 and A-7 to within 2
percent of the optimum moisture content.
e. Use compression-type rollers at speeds less than 2 metres per second and vibratory rollers at speeds less
than 1 metre per second. Compact each layer of material full width according to Subsection 204.11.1.a
above.
f. Less than 50 percent retained on a 4.75-mm sieve. Classify the material according to AASHTO M 145. For
material classified A-1 or A-2-4, determine the maximum density according to AASHTO T 180, method D. For
other material classifications, determine the optimum moisture content and maximum density according to
AASHTO T 99, method C. When required, use AASHTO T 224 to correct the maximum density and optimum
moisture for coarse particles.
g. Adjust the moisture content of material classified A-1 through A-5 to a moisture content suitable for
compaction. Adjust the moisture content of material classified A-6 and A-7 to within 2 percent of the
optimum moisture content.

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2. Use compression-type or vibratory rollers. Compact each layer of material full width to at least 95 percent of the
maximum density. Determine the in-place density and moisture content according to AASHTO T 310 or other
approved test procedures. When required, use AASHTO T 224 to correct the maximum density and optimum
moisture for coarse particles.
204.12 Ditches
1. Slope, grade, and shape ditches. Remove all projecting roots, stumps, rock, or similar matter. Maintain all ditches
in an open condition and free from leaves, sticks, and other debris.
2. Form furrow ditches by ploughing or using other acceptable methods to produce a continuous furrow. Place all
excavated material on the downhill side so the bottom of the ditch is approximately 0.5 metres below the crest
of the loose material. Clean the ditch using a hand shovel, ditcher, or other suitable method. Shape to provide
drainage without overflow.
3. Excavate ditches, both upstream and downstream of box and pipe culverts, so that the bottom-of-ditch profile
will guarantee that water will drain away from the downstream end of the ditch.
204.13 Sloping, Shaping, and Finishing
1. Complete slopes, ditches, culverts, riprap, and other underground minor structures before placing aggregate
courses. Slope, shape, and finish as follows:
a. Sloping. Leave all earth slopes with uniform roughened surfaces, except as described in 204.13.1.bbelow,
with no noticeable break as viewed from the road. Except in solid rock, round tops and bottoms of all slopes
including the slopes of drainage ditches. Round material overlaying solid rock to the extent practical. Scale all
rock slopes.
b. If a slide or slipout occurs on a cut or embankment slope, remove, replace and recompact the material, and
restore to the original shape. Bench or key the slope to stabilise the slide.
c. Stepped slopes. Where required by the Contract, construct steps on slopes of 1.3:1 to 1:2. Construct the
steps approximately 0.5 metres high. Blend the steps into natural ground at the end of the cut. If the slope
contains nonrippable rock outcrops, blend steps into the rock. Remove loose material found in transitional
area. Except for removing large rocks that may fall, scaling stepped slopes is not required.
d. Shaping. Shape the subgrade to a smooth surface and to the cross-section required. Shape slopes to
gradually transition into slope adjustments without noticeable breaks. At the ends of cuts and at
intersections of cuts and embankments, adjust slopes in the horizontal and vertical planes to blend into each
other or into the natural ground.
e. Finishing. Remove all material larger than 150 mm from the top 150 mm of the roadbed. Remove unsuitable
material from the roadbed, and replace it with suitable material. Finish roadbeds that are compacted
according to Subsection 204.11.1.a to within ±15 mm of the staked line and grade. Finish roadbeds that are
compacted according to Subsection 204.11.1.b to within ±30 mm of the staked line and grade. Finish ditch
cross-sections to within ±30 mm of the staked line and grade. Maintain proper ditch drainage.
204.14 Disposal of Unsuitable or Excess Material
1. Dispose of unsuitable or excess material legally off the Project in accordance with Subsection 203.05 and using a
method approved by the Engineer.
2. When there is a pay item for waste, shape and compact the waste material in its final location. Do not mix
clearing or other material not subject to payment with the waste material.
204.15 Acceptance
1. See Table 204-1 for sampling and testing requirements.
2. Clearing and removal of obstructions will be evaluated under Sections 201 and 203.

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3. Placing of conserved topsoil will be evaluated under Section 624.

4. Material for Select Borrow, Topping, Select Topping, Suitable Soils and Unclassified Borrow will be evaluated
under Subsections 106.02 and 106.04.

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 Table 204-1 (continued)
Sampling and Testing Requirements

Material or Type of Acceptance Test Methods Sampling Point of Split Reporting

Characteristic Category
Product (Subsection) Specifications Frequency Sampling Sample Time

Unclassified borrow Measured and tested Classification — AASHTO M 145 1 per soil type Processed Yes, when Before using
(704.06) for conformance material before requested in work
(106.04) incorporating
in work
Moisture- — AASHTO T 180, 1 per soil type but “ “ “
Density method D(1) or T 99, not less than
method C(1) 1 per 10,000 m3
California
Bearing Ratio, ASTM D 1883 per soil type but " " "
NATIONAL NETWORK OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT

ASTM D 1883 - not less than

1 per 5,000 m3
Compaction — AASHTO T 310 or 1 per 3000 m2 but In-place — Before
other approved not less than placing next
procedures 1 per layer layer
NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED

Select borrow Measured and tested Classification — AASHTO M 145 1 per soil type but Processed Yes, when 24 hours
(704.07) for conformance not less than 1 for material before requested

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(106.04) each day of incorporating
production in work
Gradation — AASHTO T 27 “ “ “ “
& T 11

Liquid limit — AASHTO T 89 “ “ “ “

Moisture- AASHTO T 180, 1 per soil type but “ “ “

Density — method D(1) not less than
1 per 10,000 m3
California
Bearing Ratio, — ASTM D 1883 1 per soil type but In-place
ASTM D 1883 not less than
1 per 5,000 m3
Compaction — AASHTO T 310 or 1 per 3000 m2 but In-place “ Before
other approved not less than placing next
procedures 1 per layer layer

(1) Minimum of 5 points per proctor.

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 Table 204-1 (continued)
Sampling and Testing Requirements

Material or Type of Acceptance Characteristic Category Test Methods Sampling Point of Split Reporting Time
Product (Subsection) Specifications Frequency Sampling Sample

Suitable Soils Measured and tested Classification — AASHTO M 145 1 per soil type Source of Yes, when Before using
704.13 for conformance (106.04) material requested in work
NATIONAL NETWORK OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT

Moisture- — AASHTO T 180, 1 per soil type but not “ “ “

Density method D(1) or T 99, less than 1 per
method C(1) 10,000 m3

California Bearing ASTM D 1883 1 per soil type but not In-place
NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED

Ratio, ASTM D less than 1 per

1883 5,000 m3

Compaction — AASHTO T 310 or 1 per 3000 m2 but not In-place — Before placing

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other approved less than 1 per layer next layer
procedures

Top of Subgrade California Bearing Ratio, Pavement Design — ASTM D 1883 1 per soil type but not In-place Yes, when Before placing
(204.11) ASTM D 1883 less than 1 per requested next layer
5,000 m3
Compaction
Measured and tested _ AASHTO T 310 or 1 per 2000 m2 " — "
for conformance (106.04) other approved
procedures

(1) Minimum of 5 points per proctor.

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