Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Specifications
1.1
1.2
1.3
(a)
(b)
1.4
1.4.1
The Engineer when necessary will provide the contractor with the data
necessary for setting out of the centerline. All dimensions and levels
shown on the drawing or mentioned in the documents forming part of
or issued under the contract shall be verified by the contractor on the
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1.4.3
These design drawings like plans and L section and sheets indicating
the typical cross sections proposed to be used for formation of earth
work for the proposed double line are tentative for giving guidance to
the tenderers and also for enabling them to calculate the rates to be
quoted. These details should be studied by the Contractor and
Engineer in the first instance after their detailed field inspection. In
case any changes are required to these details to suit the available site
condition, the same should be proposed by the contractor and got
approved from the Engineer. Both the Contractor and the Engineer
should keep a clear record of such approvals. This work should be
done before start of any work related to earth work in formation for that
particular section.
1.4.4
1.4.5
For the work of proposed line on the present contract, doing the work
of Design of formation, Design of sub grade & sub soil, Design of
thickness of blanket layer, Stability Analysis of side slopes of
embankment etc., are not contemplated. However, some of the salient
details on these points have been given in Annexure A to Section B SPECIFICATIONS FOR EARTHWORK IN FORMATION mainly for
(a)
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(b)
adoption to clear any doubts that may arise in the minds of the
Contractor/Engineer/Employer during the progress of work.
The Engineer should take a decision on getting these works carried out
by the contractor, in case such doubts arise. Necessary help from the
available experts in the field, including RDSO may be obtained by the
contractor at the specific instructions of the Engineer. Such cases of
getting the uncontemplated works done should be very few and for in
between. It should not become a routine matter.
No extra payment will be made to the Contractor for carrying out these
incidental works, including cost of testing, if any, mainly for clarification
of doubts.
2.0
RAILWAY FORMATION
2.1
(ii)
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3 Suitable and cost-effective erosion control system considering soil matrix,
topography and hydrological conditions to protect the side slopes of
bank should be provided. Further elaborations on this measure have
been given subsequently.
2.2.4
It will be necessary to keep borrow pits sufficiently away from the toe of
the embankments to prevent base failures due to lateral escapement of
soil. The minimum distance to be provided between borrow pits and
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2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.2.1
2.3.2.2
2.3.2.3
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b)
c)
d)
e)
In any case, before planning for use of any material for formation
of blanket, Engineers specific approval is to be taken for the use
of that particular material and also for the location from where
such material will be quarried.
2.4
2.5
In Cuttings in soils
b)
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b) General aspects c) Compaction of earth work d) Placement of Back-Fills on Bridge Approaches and Similar Locations
e) Drainage Arrangement in Bank/Cutting
f) Erosion control of slopes on banks & cuttings
g) Other aspects
3.1
Preliminary works
3.1.1
3.1.1.1
3.1.1.2
3.1.2
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3.1.4
3.2
General Aspects
3.2.1
3.2.2
If the soil has less than required moisture content, necessary amount
of water shall be added to it either in borrow pits or after the soil has
been spread loosely on the embankment. Addition of water may be
done through flooding or irrigating the borrow areas or sprinkling the
water on the embankment through a truck mounted water tank
sprinkling system. Use of hose pipe for water need to be avoided.
3.2.3
If the soil is too wet, it shall be allowed to dry till the moisture content
reaches to acceptable level required for the compaction.
3.2.4
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3.2.5
3.2.6
3.3
3.4
3.4
3.4.1
The back fills resting on natural ground may settle in spite of heavy
compaction and may cause differential settlements, vis-a-vis,
abutments, which rest on comparatively much stiffer base. To avoid
such differential settlements, while on one hand it is essential to
compact the back fill in the properly laid layers of soil, on the other
hand, the back fill should be designed carefully to keep;
i)
ii)
3.4.2
3.4.3
Fill material being granular and sandy type soil, therefore need to be
placed in l50 mm or lesser thick layers and compacted with vibratory
plate compactors.
3.4.4
3.5
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3.6
3.6.1
Doob grass
Chloris gyne
Execution of Earthwork
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(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
At the end of the working day, fill material should not be left
uncompacted. Care should be taken during rolling to provide
suitable slope on top of the bank to facilitate quick shedding of
water and avoid ponding on formation.
(g)
(h)
(i)
Once the top surface of the formation has been finished to proper
slope and level, movement of either empty or loaded Road vehicle
for transportation of ballast, sleepers etc. should be avoided, as
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4.0
(j)
(k)
At locations where the water table is high and the fill soil is finegrained, it may be desirable to provide a granular layer of about
30 cm thickness at the base, above subsoil across the full width of
formation. The contractor shall take this factor into account while
designing the formation.
(l)
4.1
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site and the output of the lab so that all quality control checks can be
performed effectively. The field lab should be manned adequately by
trained official and staff capable of carrying out required investigation,
soil testing and quality control at site.
a) Aspects to be looked after by field GE lab are as under:
i) To ensure that the quality of supplied soil and blanket material
conforms to the accepted limits of gradation, classification,
plasticity, etc
ii) To evaluate method of compaction by conducting tests in
connection with field trials.
iii) To exercise moisture and density control as the earthwork
proceeds in layers rolled with suitable equipment.
b) Depending on the requirement, field lab shall be equipped with
minimum equipments as listed in the Annexure-X of RDSO
Guidelines for Earthwork in Railway Projects to facilitate the
following minimum tests.
i) Gradation Analysis-Sieve and Hydrometer
ii) Atterberg's limits -liquid limit & plastic limit
iii) Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), Maximum Dry Density
(MDD) and Relative Density.
iv) Placement moisture content & in-situ Density
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.1.1
Borrow Material
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(b)
Dredged material from the wells obtained during well sinking, if found
suitable and conforming to specifications, may be permitted to be used
in Formation of Embankment by the Engineer, at its sole discretion, on
the request of the contractor to this effect.
4.2.1.2
Blanket Material
The source of blanket material, detailed in para 4.3.4.2 of RDSO
Guidelines for Earthwork in Railway Projects, needs to be identified
based on tests & studies conducted and conformity of the material to
the Specification as laid down in para 4.3.4 of RDSO Guidelines for
Earthwork in Railway Projects. It would be desirable to have a check
on quality of material at source/manufacturing point so that major
deviation in quality of the material being sent to site does not exist. It
would be in the interest of the Contractor to have such tests conducted
on his own to avoid any complication at a later stage. The frequency of
such test could be laid down by the Engineer, if need be. However, the
final acceptance of the blanket material shall be at the site where it is
laid, as follows:
(a) Frequency of Tests at Site: Minimum one test per 500 cum or
part thereof
(b) Method of Test:
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Blanket material should be. tested as per IS: 2720 (Part 4) to plot
particle size distribution curve, so as. to assess its suitability. It
would be necessary to carry out wet analysis to assess actual
percentage of fines. To expedite testing work, dry sieve analysis
may be carried out if variation between results of dry and wet
analysis are not significant and adequate margin exists with
respect to acceptance criteria. However, in such cases also, wet
analysis has to be carried out at frequent interval to verify the
extent of variation. In any situation, acceptance of blanket material
would be based on wet analysis only. The samples for wet analysis
should be prepared as per para 4.3 of IS: 2720 (part 4).
(c) Acceptance Criteria:
The material should generally conform to specification as given at
para 4.3.4 of RDSO Guidelines for Earthwork in Railway Projects.
4.2.2
4.2.2.1
a)
i)
Method of Sampling
Various methods of selection of sample points for check of in-situ
dry density are in vogue. The sampling adopted has to be such
that effectiveness of proper compaction having been done for the
entire area under consideration can be judged. For this, the
Engineer shall lay down the method adopted in detail depending
on site conditions and accordingly records of checks done shall be
properly maintained. However, in absence of such procedure laid
down, following method should be adopted.
Suggested method of sampling:. For each layer, a minimum of
one sample at a predetermined interval (in compliance with the
requirement stated in next para) along the centre line of the
alignment, would be taken in a staggered pattern so as to attain a
minimum frequency of tests as given in the para 4.2.2.1 (b). For
subsequent layer, the stagger should be such that the point of
sampling does not fall vertically on the earlier sampling points of
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b)
i)
At least one density check for every 200 sq.m for blanket layers
and top one metre of sub-grade.
ii)
At least one density check for every 500 sq.m. for other than
blanket and one metre of sub-grade.
Method
measurement
of Procedure
of test
i) Sand
replacement
method
ii)
Core
Cutter As per ISMethod
2720 (Part
29) 1975
Parameters to Remarks
be measured
a) Insitu
Dry May be adopted
Density
for all type of soils
b) Moisture
content
-do-
In some of the
coarse-grained
soils (with little
fines) taking core
cutter samples is
difficult. In such
cases,
sand
replacement
method may be
used for density
measurement.
As issued by As issued
RDSO
RDSO
by May be used in
consultation with
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RDSO
d) Acceptance Criteria :
i) Coarse grained soils which contains fines passing 75 micron IS Sieve,
upto 5 percent should have the Density Index (Relative Density) a
minimum of 70% as obtained in accordance with IS: 2720 ( Part 14)
-1983.
ii) For other soils, field dry density should not be less than maximum
attainable dry density obtained in field compaction trial. However, in
field compaction trial, the maximum attainable dry density should not
be less than 98% of MDD values as obtained by Heavy Compaction
Test (IS: 2720 (part 8) -1983) in the laboratory. In case, there are
difficulties in achieving 98% of the MDD values as obtained by
Laboratory test, in the field trials, the same may be relaxed upto 95% of
MDD with the specific approval of the Engineer recording reasons of
such relaxation.
iii) During widening of bank in case of gauge conversion and rehabilitation
of unstable formation, compaction of earthwork should be. minimum
98% of MDD as obtained by Laboratory test as per Heavy Compaction
Test (IS: 2720 (part 8) -1983) or 70% Relative Density for cohesion less
soil (IS: 2720 ( Part 14) -1983).
4.2.2.2
4.2.2.3
4.2.2.4
4.2.2.5
Formation width: Formation width should not be less than the specified
width.
4.3
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maintained through
considerations.
5.0
out
the
service
life
from
geo-technical
MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
At work site, details of works along with materials being used are to be
properly recorded so that work of satisfactory quality can be achieved
which can also be verified at later stage. Records are also required to
be maintained to develop completion drawings and other details, which
would become permanent records of the section and could be helpful
in future to plan developmental activities and remedial measures if
need be. Some of important records to be maintained by the Contractor
are as follows:
5.1
5.2
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Quality of material and its compaction for back fill behind bridge
approaches etc as per proformas.
vi)
Permanent Records:
The contractor shall prepare completion
drawing of embankments and cuttings indicating details of special
construction features like toe-walls, breast wall, catch and side drains,
cross section of embankment/ cutting, type of soil in subgrade and
depth of blanketing material, geological features etc.
These permanent records shall be handed over to the Engineer at the
time of handing over of the section on completion of the work.
6.0
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7.0
7.1
Earthwork
7.1.1
Measurement
7.1.1.1
(b)
(c)
(d)
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(e)
(f)
(g)
Two photo copies of these drawings should then be taken for the
record of the Engineer and Contractor. The original drawings
should be sent to the Employer for safe custody.
(h)
All the above mentioned works for each Reach should be done
before the commencement of further work connected with
construction of embankment.
7.1.1.2
7.1.1.3
7.1.1.4
The final profiles of the completed work should be plotted on the cross
section sheets containing the initial levels by the Contractor. The
Contractor and the Engineer should sign these sheets which forms the
record of as constructed work.
7.1.1.5
The payment for earth work will be based on the computed quantity
from the cross sections. The payment, however, will be restricted only
to the approved design profiles furnished by the Engineer; or the actual
quantity executed whichever is less.
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7.1.2
Rate :
The contract unit rate for the item of the earth work in embankment
shall be paid in full for carrying out all the above operations specified
for earthwork in formation.
7.1.3
Rate quoted for Earth Work by the bidders shall be deemed to include
the following:
7.1.3.1
7.1.3.2
The rates quoted by the bidder/s shall be deemed to include clearing the
site of all bushes, roots, grass etc. demarcating by furrows the toes/
edges of the slopes of banks/ cutting and cost of setting out by stakes,
bamboos, strings, pegs etc. and benching of slopes. After site clearance
all pockets and depressions in the soil, shall be made good and
compacted.
7.1.3.3
7.1.3.4
7.1.3.5
7.1.3.6
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coming in the way of earthwork) up to 30cm away from the toe of the
proposed bank after obtaining necessary permission from the Forest
Department wherever necessary and also up-rooting the major roots to a
maximum depth of 1.5 m. In case the Contractor fails to obtain such
permission before cutting any trees, then he will indemnify the Employer
against all claims made by the Forest Department. The branches and
trees and roots cut by the contractor shall be handed over to Authorised
Railway Representative.
7.1.3.7
The affected trees and branches which are coming in the way of work,
will be marked by the Engineers representative and only these trees and
branches which have been thus marked and listed will be removed by
the contractor and handed over to Engineer.
7.1.3.8
7.1.3.9
The work shall be carried out as per the longitudinal section plan and
cross section profile to be furnished by the Engineer.
7.1.3.10
7.1.3.11
The rates quoted by the bidder shall be deemed to include the work of
clearing the site after completion of work.
7.1.3.12
Extra earthwork above the required level will have to be scrapped by the
contractor before recording the final levels. No payments will be made for
such extra earthwork or for removing it to the required levels.
7.2
Blanketing Material
(a)
Measurement
Measurement shall be based on the volume computed from
cross section.
(b)
Rate
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The contract unit rate for the item of blanketing material shall be
paid in full for carrying out all the above operations specified for
blanketing above formation.
7.3
On account payments
7.3.1
7.3.2
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1.2
1.2.1
1.2.1.1
Depth of blanket to be provided for axle loads upto 22.5t for different
types of subgrade soils (minimum top one meter thickness) are
detailed blow. In case more than one type of soil exists in top one
meter depth , then soil requiring higher thickness of blanket will govern.
a) Following soils do not need blanket:
Rocky beds except those, which are very susceptible to
weathering e.g. rocks consisting of shales and other soft rocks
which become muddy after coming into contact with water.
Well graded Gravel (GW).
Well graded Sand (SW)
Soils conforming to specifications of blanket material
Note: Soils having grain size curve lying on the right side of the
enveloping curves for blanket material like cobbles and boulders
may/may not need blanket.
b) Following soils shall need minimum 45cm thick Blanket:
Poorly graded Gravel (GP) having Uniformity Coefficient more
than 2.
c)
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1.2.1.2
1.2.1.3
For heavier axle load traffic above 22.5t and upto 25t & above 25t to
30t, additional blanket thickness of 30cm & 45cm respectively, over
and above as given in para 2.3.1.1 of superior quality materials as
indicated in the tender design drawings may be provided.
1.3
1.3.1
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1.4
1.4.1
Slope stability analysis should be carried out to design stable slopes for
the embankment. Usually, slopes of 2:1 of embankment upto height of
6.0 m would be safe for most of the soils. However, this analysis has to
be carried out in detail for any height of embankment in following
situations:
a) When subsoil is soft, compressible & marshy type for any depth.
b) When subgrade soil (fill material) has very low value of cohesion C'
such that C/OH (where H is height of embankment and O is bulk
density of soil) is negligible, i.e in range of 0.01 or so.
c) When highest water table is within 1.5xH (H is the height of
embankment), below ground level, then submerged unit weight of
soil below water level should be taken.
1.4.2
In cutting slope, softening of soil occurs with the passage of time, and
therefore, long term stability is the most critical, and should be taken
into consideration while designing the cuttings.
1.4.3
1.4.4
1.4.5
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Compaction
1.1
Each layer should be compacted to the desired density over its entire width
commencing from the sides, before the next layer is commenced. There
should be minimum overlap of 150mm between each run of the rollers. Care
should be taken during rolling to suitably slope the surface of the bank to
facilitate the shedding; and to minimise absorption of rainwater; special
attention being given to the prevention of ponding.
1.2
The suitability of various rolling equipment for different types of soils should
be as per the sound Engineering practices. Guidelines given in RDSO
instructions for earthwork may be referred as given in Annexure-V (of the
guidelines).
1.3
Extra wide bank by 50 cm on either side shall be rolled and then dressed to
size for avoiding any loose earth at the shoulders.
1.4.
2.0
2.1
2.2.1 The water content at which a soil is compacted has an effect on all the
physical properties of compacted soil, however, physio-chemical properties
remain unchanged. Embankment soil shall attain moisture density equilibrium
during weather cycles and the bank/ cutting should be safe during service
conditions. Therefore, design parameters should be carefully selected to cater
for the most unfavourable conditions.
i.
The quarry shall be approved after testing the soil samples in the
laboratory for determination of soil parameters.
ii.
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2.3
2.4
For compaction controls, IS:2720 (Pt. XXXVIII)-1976 should be used for field
trials.
Compaction of Clays
3.1
3.2.
Sheep-foot rollers are most effective in breaking the clods and filling large
spaces. The layer thickness should be equal to the depth of the feet of roller
plus 50mm. For specifications o sheep-foot rollers IS:4616-1968 may be
referred.
4.0
Sub-Grade Compaction
4.1
After site clearance, all pockets and depressions left in the soil, if any, should
be made good and compacted suitably.
5.0
Method of Compaction
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5.1
5.2
5.3
6.0
Moisture Content
6.1
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