Excavation, Earthwork and Filling Method Statement

WORK PROCEDURE
SUBJECT: BY:
QA/QC ENGINEER
EXCAVATION, EARTHWORK AND FILLING APPROVED BY:
QEHS MANAGER
ACTION VERIFY

1. SCOPE

This procedure provides a standardised framework for the control of

excavation, earthwork and filling to ensure compliance with conditions
of contract and contract specifications.

2. PROCEDURE

.1 All excavation, earthwork and filling will be carried out in accordance

with the specification detailed in the project contract documentation. Project
In any circumstances where specifications are not provided or they Manager
are in any way incomplete, the matter shall be referred back to
consultant for additional information.

.2 Method Statement

A method statement will be prepared and approved where deemed Project Method
necessary, and may include: Manager Statement

i) Site plan showing the location of spoil heaps for temporary

storage and if appropriate permanent storage area.
ii) Type of plant and equipment to be used.
iii) Means for keeping excavations free of water.
iv) Method of trench supports.
v) Method and sequence of excavation to ensure that no
damage is caused to adjoining structures and property. If there
is potential for damage to adjoining structures and property,
the type of preventative measures should be indicated.
vi) Temporary support arrangement of adjacent structures and
services passing through the site.
vii) Method of compacting fill and testing procedure.
viii) Health and Safety requirements.
ix) Any other special requirements.
.3 Existing Utilities

i) Liaise with all public utility companies e.g. water, electricity, Project Drawing/
telephone sewerage and surface water etc. to ensure that all Manager N.O.C.
the available information on the location of utilities and
underground services through and adjacent to the site of the
excavation is obtained.

ii) Ensure that utilities and underground services are located on

Project Markings
site using markings, which are clearly visible. Ensure those
Engineer
plant operators and operatives involved with the activity are
fully aware of the location of the various utilities and
underground services and their respective depths.

iii) Where deemed necessary, excavate trial holes to establish Project Trial Holes
the precise location and depth of services. Engineer

iv) Plant operators must be aware of overhead cables. Use height

control indicators where necessary.

.4 Site Survey and Grid of Levels

Prior to commencement of any excavation work, a level survey will be Site Survey
carried out to confirm the information included on the contract Engr./
drawings and to provide an accurate record of existing ground levels
Surveyor
for the calculation of quantities.

.5 Disposal of Surplus Excavated Material

Prior to any surplus excavated material being removed from the site,
documentary evidence of “approval to tip” must be obtained Project Approval to
beforehand from the relevant government/municipal departments and Manager Tip
the owner of the land where the material is to be tipped.

.6 Adjoining Structures and Property

Prior to the commencement of excavation work, a detailed

dilapidation survey will be undertaken to record the existing condition
of the adjoining structures and property. Where necessary the survey
may include photographic records.
 This survey should be carried out in co-ordination with and involving Const. Dilapidation
the participation of the Consultant’s representative and the Manager Survey
representative of the owners/occupiers of the adjacent property.

.7 Excavation Work

i) Excavation shall be allowed to progress to the designed Project Survey

formation level less 50mm (unless specified otherwise). The Engineer
remaining 50mm shall be carried out by further careful
excavation to avoid disturbing the formation level.

ii) After reaching the designed formation level, Consultant’s QA/QC Inspection
representative shall be requested in writing to inspect and Project Request
approve the formation prior to the commencement of any Engineer/
subsequent activities.

iii) Great care shall be taken to minimise noise, vibration and dust Site Method
pollution, which can cause nuisance and damage, particularly Safety Statement
if the site is located in a built-up area.
Project Method
iv) Sides of all excavations should be properly supported using Statement
Engineer/
an appropriate method as detailed in the Method Statement.
Site
.8 Filling Safety
Inspection
i) Prior to commencement of filling, the Consultant’s QA/QC Request
representative shall be requested in writing to inspect and
approve the fill starting level.

ii) Filling shall be carried out using approved materials in Project Source
accordance with the specification which can either be selected Engineer Documents
from the material on site or imported from selected and
approved sources.
Project Method
iii) Filling shall be carried out as per approved method and as per Engineer Statement
the contract specification.
 PROJECT: SITE NO.:

CHECK SHEET FOR EXCAVATION AND FILL TO FORMATION Sheet No.

SUBCONTRACTOR MAIN CONTRACTOR

SECTION OF WORK _____________________________ LOCATION _________________

Checked
STAGE ITEM by DATE
EXCAVATION
TO FORMATION 1. Record existing GLs before excavation. SE
2. Check level profiles. SU
3. Check for location of buried utilities e.g.
foundations, drains, cables, duct, telephone lines,
sewerage lines. SE
4. Check temporary support/batters to sides of
excavation. SE/SSO
5. Record soft spots, obstructions, groundwater etc.
and how dealt with. SE
6. Check suitability of formation including test results
(CBRs, PLT etc). SE
7. Check and record final levels.
SU
8. Obtain consultant’s approval for founding level. QA/QC
9. Check approval to tip. PE

APPROVAL TO PROCEED CM
FILL TO
FORMATION 1. Record existing GLs before fill. SU
2. Check existing services located, protected or
raised as specified. SE
3. Check level profiles. SU
4. Check fill material is as specified.
Record source and approval. PE
5. Check fill material laid and compacted to
specification. Record test results. PE
6. Check final levels and record. SU
7. Obtain consultant’s approval. QA/QC

APPROVAL TO PROCEED CM

CM – Construction Manager, QA/QC – Quality Assurance/Quality Control, PE - Project Engineer,

SE - Site Engineer, SU – Surveyor, SSO – Site Safety Officer