ISBN 978-0-626-19230-3

SANS 2001-BS1:2008
Edition 1

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Construction works

Part BS1: Site clearance

SANS 2001-BS1:2008
Edition 1

Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope

Acknowledgement
The SABS Standards Division wishes to acknowledge the input of the South African Institution of Civil
Engineering in the development of this document.

Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS TC 59, Construction
standards, in accordance with procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3
of the WTO/TBT agreement.

This document was published in September 2008. This document supersedes SABS 1200 C:1980 (first
edition).

SANS 2001 consists of a number of parts in various stages of preparation, under the general title
Construction works.

Annex A forms an integral part of this document. Annex B is for information only.

Introduction
The different parts of SANS 2001 each address a specific component of construction works. The prime
purpose in the production of these standards is to create a set of standards that are generally applicable
to construction works, and which can be readily modified to make them applicable to particular works.

The SANS 2001 family of standards provides technical descriptions of the standard of materials and
workmanship that will be used in the works that are executed or in the performance of the works when
completed (or both). These standards do not make reference to the actions of those responsible for
executing the works or the parties to a contract, i.e. to the constraints relating to the manner in which
contract work is to be performed. Neither do they deal with the commercial arrangements of such
contracts. These standards are suitable for use in any “in-house” construction work or in all types of
engineering and construction works contracts, for example, design by employer, design and build,
develop and construct, construction management or management contracts.

Standard requirements pertaining to the manner in which works are constructed can be found in the
SANS 1921 family of standards.
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Construction works

Part BS1:
Site clearance

1 Scope
This part of SANS 2001 covers

a) the removal of vegetation, fences, guard rails and posts, signage, litter and building rubble, boulders,
and surface and subsurface obstructions, and the demolition and removal of structures (including
their basements, if any) not directly associated with or incidental to any construction site;

b) the cleaning out of existing hydraulic structures and the clearing and grubbing of vegetation from the
inlets and outlets of these structures; and

c) clearing to improve sight distances on roadways.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies. Information on currently valid national and international
standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division.

SANS 2001-CC1, Construction works – Part CC1: Concrete works (structural).

SANS 2001-CC2, Construction works – Part CC2: Concrete works (minor works).

SANS 2001-CM1, Construction works – Part CM1: Masonry walling.

SANS 2001-DP1, Construction works – Part DP1: Earthworks for buried pipelines and prefabricated
culverts.

SANS 10403:2003, Formatting and compilation of construction procurement documents.

TMH1-A7, Standard methods of testing road construction materials – Method A7: The determination of
the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of gravel, soil and sand.

TMH1-A10(a), Standard methods of testing road construction materials – Method A10(a): The
determination of the in-place dry density of soil or gravel by the sand replacement method.

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TMH1-A10(b), Standard methods of testing road construction materials – Method A10(b): Tentative
method for determining the in-place density and moisture content of soils and gravels by nuclear
methods.

TMH6-ST6, Special methods for testing roads – Method ST6: Measurement of the in situ strength of
soils by the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP).

3 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in SANS 10403 and the following apply.

3.1
cleared surface
surface of the ground after clearing of surface vegetation has been completed

3.2
designated area
designated site
area or site the position of which, in relation to the work to be carried out, is shown in the drawings or is
specified in the specification data

3.3
dynamic cone penetrometer
dcp
instrument used to measure the in-situ shear resistance of soil, comprising a drop weight of
approximately 10 kg which falls through a height of 460 mm and drives a cone that has a maximum
diameter of 20 mm (and a cone angle of 60° with respect to the horizontal) into the material being used

3.4
finished level
level of the finished earthworks as shown in the drawings or specified in the specification data

3.5
grubbing
operation of digging out the roots of vegetation

3.6
modified AASHTO maximum dry density
highest density obtainable when compaction is carried out on soil at varied moisture contents at the
modified AASHTO compaction effort in accordance with the requirements of TMH1-A7

3.7
original ground level
level of the surface of an area before the commencement of clearing

3.8
pavement
layers of material that support a roadway, and which typically comprise the sub-base, base and
surfacing

3.9
road prism
that portion of the road construction included between the original ground level and the outer boundaries
of the slopes or cuttings

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3.10
roadbed
in-situ material on which the fill or, in the absence of fill, any pavement layers, are to be constructed

3.11
specification data
data, provisions and variations that make this part of SANS 2001 applicable to a particular contract or
works (see annex A)

3.12
suitable
capable of fulfilling or having fulfilled the intended function, or fit for its intended purpose

4 Requirements
4.1 Areas to be cleared and grubbed
4.1.1 The following areas shall be cleared or grubbed (or both):

a) the borrow areas,

b) the designated areas on which excavations are to be carried out and embankments and structures
are to be constructed, and

c) the areas on which material is to be stockpiled.

4.1.2 The general shape, profile, and levels of the areas that are cleared or grubbed shall not be
materially altered during clearing and grubbing operations.

4.1.3 Unless otherwise specified in the specification data (see annex A), the designated areas in
roadworks shall comprise the portions of the road reserve that fall within the limits of the road prism.

4.2 Clearing
4.2.1 Clearing shall consist of any of the activities described in table 1, as specified in the specification
data (see annex A).

4.2.2 The work associated with activities 2 and 3 (see table 1) shall include

a) excavation to expose the obstruction, including the measures required to stabilize the sides of the
excavation, and

b) the breaking out, removal and disposal of the material causing the obstruction.

4.2.3 All incoming and outgoing pipes of abandoned underground structures or obstructions shall
be sealed with

a) grade 15 concrete which complies with the requirements of SANS 2001-CC1 or SANS 2001-CC2,
or

b) 230 mm thick masonry, using masonry units with a minimum compressive strength of 10 MPa, in
accordance with the requirements of SANS 2001-CM1.

4.2.4 The work associated with activity 11 (see table 1) shall include

a) the breaking up of pavements and excavation to expose the sewer, drain or water main, including the
measures required to stabilize the sides of the excavation;

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b) either the reclamation of the pipe or the breaking up and disposal of the pipe together with any
bedding and concrete haunching to such pipe(s) as specified in the specification data;

c) backfilling trenches in accordance with the requirements of SANS 2001-DP1;

d) the disposal of surplus and unusable material; and

e) the sealing of ends of sewers and drains in accordance with the requirements of 4.2.3.

NOTE The moving of a certain amount of soil or gravel might be inherent in, or unavoidable during, the process of
clearing.

Table 1 — Site clearing activities

1 2
Activity Description of activity
number
1 The removal and disposal of all trees and bushes (complete with roots), other vegetation,
rubbish, hedges, fences, and all other material that might interfere with the construction of
other works.
2 The demolition, breaking up and removal of buildings, walls, structures and all superficial
obstructions on the site affected by the works down to original ground level.
3 The demolition, breaking up and removal of underground structures, such as foundations
and chambers of masonry or concrete construction to a depth specified in the specification
data.
4 The demolition, breaking up and removal of underground structures, such as septic tanks
and soak pits.
5 The removal of all litter, building rubble, rocks and boulders that are lying on the surface to
be cleared, or exposed during the clearing operations.
6 The removal and stacking of reusable materials as specified in the specification data.
7 The breaking up and complete removal of all pavement layers and concrete haunching,
which would normally entail the use of mechanical break-out equipment.
8 The breaking up and complete removal of sidewalks, ramps, parapets, paving slabs, blocks,
slate paving, brick paving, and the like.
9 The breaking up and removal of kerbs and channels or haunching (or both).
10 The scarifying, loosening and breaking up of hardened areas by ripping or excavation to a
depth specified in the specification data such that the maximum dimension of any residual
block is not greater than 200 mm.
11 The removal of disused foul water and stormwater sewers, drains and water mains.

4.3 Grubbing

4.3.1 All stumps and roots larger than 75 mm in diameter shall be removed to a depth of at least
600 mm below the finished level, and at least 100 mm below the original ground level. Where a roadbed
or other area has to be compacted, all stumps and roots, including matted roots, shall be removed to a
depth of at least 200 mm below the cleared surface.

4.3.2 Except in borrow areas, cavities resulting from grubbing shall be backfilled with suitable material
and compacted to a density of 90 % of the modified AASHTO maximum dry density or that of the
surrounding ground, whichever is the lesser.

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4.4 Disposal of material

4.4.1 Material obtained from clearing and grubbing and from the demolition of structures shall be
disposed of in borrow pits or other suitable places, as specified in the specification data, and shall be
covered with soil or gravel. Combustible material on site may be disposed of by means of burning,
unless otherwise specified in the specification data.

4.4.2 All tree trunks and branches of girth exceeding 0,5 m shall be stripped of secondary branches,
sawn into transportable lengths and stacked at designated sites, as specified in the specification data.

4.4.3 Fencing wire shall be neatly wound into rolls or coils and all such wire, together with all fence
posts and other reusable material from structures, etc., shall be stacked at sites specified in the
specification data.

4.4.4 Materials other than those referred to in 4.4.3, which, in terms of the specification data, are to be
reused, shall be stacked at sites specified in the specification data.

4.5 Branches overhanging boundaries

The branches of trees that are to be left standing shall be so trimmed as not to encroach upon the space
(of height at least 7 m) vertically above any carriageway, railway formation, or other designated area.

4.6 Conservation of individual trees

Individual trees that, in terms of the scope of work, are identified to be conserved, shall be left standing,
uninjured and protected against damage from all construction activities.

4.7 Conservation of turf, plants, bushes and shrubs

Where required in terms of the scope of work, all turf, plants, bushes and shrubs that are identified to be
conserved, shall be carefully removed, maintained and replaced and replanted on completion of the
works.

4.8 Re-clearing of vegetation

If during the period of construction vegetation should again grow on any portion of the site, borrow
areas, or other areas that have been cleared in accordance with this part of SANS 2001, re-clearing
might be required. Such re-clearing shall include the removal and disposal of grass, shrubs and other
vegetation, as in the first clearing operation.

4.9 Conservation of topsoil

Where topsoil is required to be conserved in terms of the specification data, the topsoil together with any
grass and other suitable vegetation shall be removed and placed in accordance with the provisions of
the scope of work. If not used immediately, such topsoil shall be temporarily stockpiled for later use.

4.10 Conservation of flora

When so required in terms of the specification data, certain designated flora encountered in areas to be
cleared, including borrow areas, shall be conserved. Such designated flora shall be carefully removed,
transplanted in a fenced-off protected area, maintained and replanted on the site or in the borrow areas
(as relevant) in accordance with the scope of work.

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5 Compliance with the requirements

5.1 The required levels of compaction shall be established by means of the sand replacement or
nuclear method in accordance with the requirements of TMH1-A10(a) and TMH1-A10(b), respectively.

5.2 The density of the backfilling may be compared to the density of the surrounding ground by
comparing the number of blows required by a dcp, determined in accordance with TMH6-ST6 to
penetrate each 100 mm of soil, provided that the materials that are compared do not comprise more
than 10 % gravel of size less than 10 mm, and contain no isolated boulders. The backfilling shall require
more blows to penetrate each 100 mm layer.

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Annex A
(normative)

Preparation of specification data associated with this part of

SANS 2001 for inclusion in the scope of work
Specification data form an essential part of this part of SANS 2001; without such data, requirements are
incomplete.

The format for the specification data has been developed to be compatible with the requirements in
table D.1 of SANS 10403:2003. The specification data should be incorporated in the scope of work as
shown in table A.1.

NOTE In the development of a scope of work, it might be necessary to address the items discussed in annex B as
these are not covered in this part of SANS 2001.

Table A.1 — Incorporating this part of SANS 2001 in the scope of work

1 2 3
TOPIC ASPECT COMMENTARY
DESCRIPTION OF THE WORKS
CONSTRUCTION
Works specifications Applicable part(s) The following parts of SANS 2001 and associated specification
of SANS 2001 data are applicable:
1) SANS 2001 …..
2) SANS 2001 …..

The associated specification data are as follows:

Specification data Essential data:

pertaining to
The requirements for .….…. are ….….
SANS 2001-
The requirements for …..…. are ….….
Variations:
1) .........................................................
2) .........................................................
Additional clauses:
1) .........................................................

Applicable national
and international
standards
Particular/generic
specifications

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Develop the specification data based on the contents of table A.2.
Table A.2 — Specification data associated with this part of SANS 2001
1 2
Specification data associated with
this part of SANS 2001
Essential data
The designated area or site in which
work shall be carried out ………….
The level of the finished earthworks
shall be as follows: ……..
The designated areas in roadworks
are …
Activity numbers ……. apply.
The depth associated with activity 3 is
……..m.
The reusable material comprises . …..
The depth for the ripping or excavation
of material is …………m.
The depth of removal of underground
structures shall be ….m.
The following reusable materials shall
be stacked as specified below: …..
The depth of scarifying and breaking
up hardened areas shall be … m.
activity 10)
The pipes shall be reclaimed, or
the pipes shall be disposed of.
Materials from clearing and grubbing
operations and the demolition of
structures shall be disposed of as
follows: ……..
Combustible material shall be
disposed of as follows:………
Tree trunks shall be disposed of as
follows:…………….
Fencing material shall be stacked
at……..
The material which is to be reused shall
be stacked at …………
The following trees shall be
conserved:………..
The following turf, plants, bushes and
shrubs shall be conserved: ………..
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Guidance notes
Clause
Consideration
number
3.2 Describe the site or area in which the work shall be
carried out, if not shown in the drawings. See 4.1.3 for a
default description for roadworks.
3.4 State level of finished earthworks if not shown in the
drawings.
4.1.3 Omit if the default provisions are suitable.
4.2.1 Insert activity numbers.
State the depth for the breaking down of underground
structures where activity 3 is required.
Identify the reusable material if activity 6 is required.
State the ripping or excavation depth where
activity 10 is required.
4.2.2 Insert depth of removal where required.
(table 1 -
activity 3)
4.2.2 Identify reusable materials and establish stacking
(table 1 - requirements, as necessary.
activity 6)
4.2.2 Insert depth where required.
(table 1-
4.2.4(b) State which option applies.
4.4.1 State where material from clearing and grubbing
operations and the demolition of structures shall be
disposed of. State source of soil or gravel to cover
disposal material.
State restrictions on the disposal of combustible
material by means of burning, if any.
4.4.2 Omit if not a requirement, e.g. if trees can be burnt.
4.4.3 State where fencing material, if any, shall be stacked.
4.4.4 State where reusable material, if any, shall be stacked.
4.6 Identify trees that shall be conserved only if not
specified elsewhere in the scope of work (e.g.
SANS 1921-1).
4.7 Identify the turf, plants, bushes and shrubs that shall be
conserved only if not specified elsewhere in the scope
of work (e.g. SANS 1921-1).
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Table A.2 (concluded)

1 2 3
Guidance notes
Specification data associated with
this part of SANS 2001 Clause
Consideration
number
Topsoil together with any grass and 4.9 Omit if not a requirement. State how topsoil shall be
other suitable vegetation shall be handled and conserved, if not specified elsewhere in
removed and placed ……. the scope of work.
The following flora shall be 4.10 Where flora shall be conserved, state what shall be
conserved: ……… conserved and where it shall be replanted.

Such flora shall be replanted in the

following areas:…………
Variations
State variations, if any.
Additional clauses
State additional clauses, if any.

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Annex B
(informative)

Items that might need to be considered when preparing the scope of

work for a particular project

B.1 The following might have to be addressed in the construction and management section of the
scope of work when compiling that section for a particular project (see annex D of SANS 10403:2003):

a) The ownership of the materials obtained from the removal of vegetation and the demolition of
structures.

b) The programming of clearing and grubbing operations so as to avoid re-clearing and to control dust
and erosion.

c) Details of permission obtained from the relevant authorities to clear indigenous forests. Alternatively,
requirements relating to the obtaining of such permission should be stated.

d) Miscellaneous health and safety requirements relating to the removal and disposal of trees and the
demolition of structures.

B.2 It should be noted that SANS 1921-1

a) states that materials excavated, existing or obtained from the removal of vegetation or demolition of
structures shall not become the property of the contractor;

b) requires the contractor to programme his work so as to avoid re-clearing and to minimize dust and
erosion; and

c) makes general provisions for the safe removal of trees and the demolition of structures.

B.3 Provision might have to be made in the contract data for sanctions in the form of financial penalties
relating to the unnecessary removal or damaging of designated trees.

Bibliography
SANS 1921-1, Construction and management requirements for works contracts – Part 1: General
engineering and construction works.

© SABS

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