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IJDC 624 (083.75) SABS 1200 DB-1989

SOUTH AFRICAN BTJREAI' Or.' STANDARDS

STPNDARDI ZED SPEC1F I CAT J ON

for

~ 1 x 7 ENGINEERTMG
1~ CONSTRUCTION

DT! : EARTHWORKS ( P I P E TRENCHES)

P.pproved by t h e O b t a i n a b l e from t h e
COUNCIL O F THE SA BUREAU O F STANDARDS
SOUTH AFRICAN P r i v a t e Bag X 1 9 1
BUREAU O F STANDARDS Pretoria
on 2 7 February 1989 0001 R e p u b l i c of South A f r i c a

T e l e g r a m s : C o m p a r a t o r , Pretoria
Telex : 3 2 1 3 0 8 S A
T e l e f a x : 449608

P u b l i s h e d and p r i n t e d i n t h e R e p u b l i c of South A f r i c a by t h e
South A f r i c a n B u r e a u of Standards

ISBN 0-626-08248-X Gr 9
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3 SABS 1200 DB-1989

Earthworks (pipe trenches)

CONTENTS
Clduse Page Number

1 . SCOPE ......................................................................... 5
2 . INTERPRETATIONS ............................................................... 5
2.1 Supporting Specifications ..................................................... 5
2.2 Application ................................................................... 5
2.3 Definitions ................................................................... 5
3 . MATERIALS ..................................................................... 5
3.1 Classes of Excavation ......................................................... 5
3.2 Classification of Excavation in Headings ...................................... 5
3.3 Selected Granular Material .................................................... 5
3.4 Selected Fill Material ........................................................ 5
3.5 Backfill Material ............................................................. 5
3.6 Materials for Reinstatement of Roads and Paved Areas .......................... 6
3.6.1 Subbase and base .............................................................. 6
3.6.2 Gravel ........................................................................ 6
3.6.3 Bituminous construction ....................................................... 6
3.6.4 Asphalt carpet ................................................................ 6
Selection ..................................................................... 6
4
3.7
. PLANT .........................................................................
Excavation Equipment ..........................................................
6
6
4.1
4.2 Control of Water .............................................................. 6
4.3 Compaction Equipment .......................................................... 6
5 . CONSTRUCTION
Precautions
..................................................................
...................................................................
6
6
5.1
5.1.1 General ....................................................................... 6
5.1.2 Stormwater, seepage, and dewatering of excavations ............................ 6
5.1.3 Accommodation of traffic and access to properties ............................. 6
5.1.4 Existing services that intersect or adjoin trenches ........................... 7
5.2 Minimum Base Widths ........................................................... 7
5.3 Site Clearance
Excavation
................................................................
....................................................................
7
7
5.4
5.5 Trench Bottom ................................................................. 7
5.6 Backfilling
General
...................................................................
.......................................................................7
7
5.6.1
5.6.2 Material for backfilling ...................................................... 7
5.6.3 Disposal of soft excavation material .......................................... 7
5.6.4 Disposal of intermediate and hard rock material
Deficiency of backfill material
...............................
...............................................
8
8
5.6.5
Completion of backfilling ..................................................... 8
5.6.6
5.6.7 Trenches in road reserves and paved areas
Transport for earthworks for trenches
.....................................
.........................................
8
8
5.6.0
5.7 Compaction .................................................................... 8
5.7.1 Areas not subject to traffic loads
Areas subject to traffic loads
............................................ 8
................................................8
5.7.2
5.8 Construction in Headingu ...................................................... 8
Reinstatement of Surfaces ..................................................... 8
5.9
5.9.1 Width to be reinstated ........................................................ 8
5.9.2 Private property and commonage
Gravel roads
................................................
.................................................................. 8
8
5.9.3
5.9.4 Bitumen roads: subbase and base ............................................... 8
5.9.5 Bitumen roads: surfacing ......................................................
Maintenance of reinstated surfaces ............................................ 9
9
5.9.6
Damage to Road Surfaces ....................................................... 9
6 .
5.10

6.1
TOLERANCES ....................................................................
Alignment and Grade ........................................................... 9
9

6.2 Moisture Content and Densities ................................................ 9

7 . TESTING .......................................................................
....................................................... 99
8 . HEASUREHENT AND PAYMENT
8.1 Basic Principles .............................................................. 9
8.2 Computation of Quantities ..................................................... 10
8.3 Scheduled Items ............................................................... 10

DRAWINGS

Drawing DB-1 .Typical Backfill above Bedding ................................................ 13

Drawing DB-2 - Excavation Measurement ........................................................ 14
Drawing DB-3 - Bulk and Trench Excavation Measurement ........................................ 15
Drawing DB-4 - Trench Volumetric Measurement ................................................. 16
Drawing DB-5 - Classes of Excavation : Measurement and Payment ............................... 17

APPENDIX A . APPLICABLE STANDARDS .......................................................... 18

Second Revision February 1989

This specification supersedes
SABS 1200 DB-1982
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5 SABS 1200 DB-1989
Earthworks ( p i p e t r e n c h e s )

SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

STANDARDIZED SPECIFICATION
for
C I V I L ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

DB : EARTHWORXS (PIPE TRENCHES)

1. SCOPE
1.1 T h i s s p c i f i c a t i o n c o v e r s e a r t h w o r k s f o r t r e n c h e s f o r a l l types and s i z e s o f p i p e s . It covers
e x c a v a t i o n , t h e p r e p a r a t i o n o f a t r e n c h bottom, b a c k f i l l i n g and t h e r e i n s t a t e m e n t o f s u r f a c e s .
NOTE: The s t a n d a r d s r e f e r r e d t o i n t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n a r e l i s t e d i n Appendix A.

2. INTERPRETATIONS
2.1 SUPPORTING SPECIFICATIONS
2.1.1 Where t h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n is r e q u i r e d f o r a p r o j e c t , t h e f o l l o w i n g s p e c i f i c a t i o n s s h a l l , j n t e r a l i a , form
p a r t o f t h e c o n t r a c t document:
a ) Project specification;
b ) SARS 1200 A or SABS 1200 AA, a s a p p l i c a b l e ;
c) S b B S 1200 c;
d ) SABS 1200 D or SABS 1200 DA, a s a p p l i c a b l e .
2.1.2 I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n s r e f e r r e d t o i n 2.1.1, t h e f o l l o w i n g s p e c i f i c a t i o n s may b e r e q u i r e d f o r
the project:
a ) SABS 1200 GA;
bl SABS 1200 LB.
NOTE: Items 2.1.1 ( b ) - ( d ) and 2.1.2(a) and (b) may or may n o t be bound i n t h e document.

2.2 APPLICATICN. T h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n c o n t a i n s clauses t h a t are g e n e r a l l y a p p l i c a b l e t o e a r t h w o r k s for pipe

trenches. I n t e r p r e t a t i o n s of and v a r i a t i o n s t o t h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n a r e s e t o u t i n P o r t i o n 2 of t h e
p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n (see 2.1.11.

2.3 DEFINITIONS. For t h e p u r p o s e s o f t h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n t h e d e f i n i t i o n s and a b b r e v i a t i o n s g i v e n i n t h e

a p p l i c a b l e o f t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n s l i s t e d i n 2.1 and t h e f o l l o w i n g d e f i n i t i o n s s h a l l apply:
B a c k f i l l (Main f i l l ) . The approved f i l l i n g m a t e r i a l p l a c e d i n a p i p e t r e n c h a f t e r t h e p i p e h a s been l a i d ,
bedded and surrounded by t h e b l a n k e t t h a t h a s been canpacted a t t h e s i d e s and o v e r t h e t o p o f t h e pipe
( s e e Drawing DB-1).
Beddinq
a ) The m a t e r i a l o f t h e bedding c r a d l e and b l a n k e t , up t o t h e u n d e r s i d e o f t h e b a c k f i l l .
b) The operation o f p l a c i n g and compacting bedding i n t h e manner s p e c i f i e d .
Blanket. The bedding zone i n which material i s p l a c e d and compacted on o r from t h e t o p o f t h e c r a d l e up
t h e s i d e s and o v e r t h e t o p o f t h e p i p e , d u c t or c a b l e i n such a manner t h a t t h e barrel o f t h e p i p e , d u c t
o r c a b l e i s s u p p o r t e d c o n t i n u o u s l y and f i r m l y on t h e s i d e s and p r o t e c t e d o v e r t h e t o p by a dense cushion
of m a t e r i a l .
Cradle. The bedding zone i n which m a t e r i a l i s p l a c e d f i r m l y and w i t h o u t v o i d s under and u p t h e s i d e s of
a p i p e , d u c t or c a b l e i n s u c h a manner t h a t f o r a l l p r a c t i c a l purposes t h e p i p e , d u c t or c a b l e cannot
move o r d e f l e c t .
Main f i l l . (See b a c k f i l l )

3. MATERIALS
3.1 CLASSES OF EXCAVATION. Except t h a t m a t e r i a l will n o t b e c l a s s i f i e d as b o u l d e r e x c a v a t i o n ( C l a s s A or
C l a s s B), t h e e x c a v a t i o n o f material will, f o r purposes of measurement and payment, be c l a s s i f i e d a s
s p e c i f i e d i n Subclause 3.1 o f SABS 1200 D or Subclause 3.1 o f SABS 1200 DA, a s a p p l i c a b l e .

3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF EXCAVATION I N HEADINGS, Subject t o p r i o r approval, t h e Contractor M y , f o r short

l e n g t h s , s u b s t i t u t e t u n n e l l i n g f o r open c u t t i n g , provided t h a t he a c c e p t s t h a t t h e Engineer will c l a s s i f y
i n terms o f 3.1 o n l y t h o s e m a t e r i a l s t h a t a r e a c t u a l l y e x c a v a t e d I n t h e c o u r s e of t u n n e l l i n g . (See a l s o
8.3.2(a) .)

3.3 SELECTED GRANULAR MATERIAL. The r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r s e l e c t e d g r a n u l a r m a t e r i a l g i v e n i n SABS 1200 LB, i f

r e l e v a n t , s h a l l apply.

3.4 SELECTED FILL MATERIAL. The r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r s e l e c t e d f i l l material g i v e n i n SABS 1200 LB, i f r e l e v a n t ,

s h a l l apply.

3.5 BACKFILL MATERIAL

a ) Except a s s p e c i f i e d i n ( b ) below, m a t e r i a l excavated from t r e n c h e s may be used a s b a c k f i l l i n a l l
a r e a s , provided o n l y t h a t it c o n t a i n s l i t t l e or no o r g a n i c m a t e r i a l , t h a t it e x c l u d e s s t o n e o f average
dimension exceeding 150 mm, and t h a t it can be p l a c e d w i t h o u t s i g n i f i c a n t v o i d s and so compacted as t o
avoid s i g n i f i c a n t s e t t l e m e n t . M a t e r i a l c o n t a i n i n g more t h a n 10 % o f r o c k o r h a r d fragments t h a t are
r e t a i n e d on a s i e v e of nominal a p e r t u r e s i z e 50 mm, and m a t e r i a l c o n t a i n i n g l a r g e c l a y lumps t h a t do n o t
break u p under t h e a c t i o n of t h e compaction equipment b e i n g used, w i l l be regarded as u n s u i t a b l e f o r u8e
i n backfilling.
b) I n a r e a s s u b j e c t t o l o a d s from road t r a f f i c and i n o t h e r a r e a s s p e c i f i e d i n t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n ,
b a c k f i l l s h a l l have a P I n o t exceeding 12 and a minimum CBR of 15 % a t s p e c i f i e d d e n s i t y if t h e b a c k f i l l
is t o b e p l a c e d i n t h e upper 150 mm o f t h e subgrade, and a minimum CBR o f 7 % i f the b a c k f i l l is to be
p l a c e d lower i n t h e subgrade.
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SABS 1200 DB-1989 6

Earthworks (pipe trenches)

3.6 UATERIALS POR REINSTATEMENT OY ROADS AND PAVED AREAS

3.6.1 Subbase and Base, Where trenches cross o r run along surfaced roads and paved areas of which the surfaces
are scheduled to be reinstated, the Contractor shall obtain prhor approval of subbase and base materials
that may be required to supplement such materials lost during ercavation.
3.6.2 Gravel. Where trenches cross or run along gravel roads of which the surfaces are scheduled to be
reinstated, the Contractor shall, for the purpose of reinstatement, separately store the top 300 mm o f
material excavated.
3.6.3 Bituminous Construction. Materials for bituminous construction shall comply with the applicable
requirements of the appropriate of the following specifications:
Primer .........................................
Cutback bitumens or emulsions
SABS 748 or SABS 749
.....................
SABS 308 or SABS 309
Coarse aggregate (stone chips) ....................
SAEG 1083
3.6.4
a) 6,7 mm coarse aggregate (stone chips)
RC 250 cutback bitumen
..........
Asphalt Carpet. An asphalt carpet shall consist of either of the follouinq mixes:
100 parts by mass, plus
.........................7 parts by mass of emulsion
or
b) 6,7 mm coarse aggregate (stone chips) ..........
100 parts by mass, plus
premix Grade 60 bitumen emulsion ...............
8 parts by mass of emulsion

3.7 SELECTION. The Contractor, in addition to complying with 5.4, shall not wastefully dispose of excavated
material that complies with 3.3 and 3.4.
The Contractor is not required to use selective methods of excavating but may, if he so wishes, screen,
wash or otherwise treat excavated material in order to produce material suitable for the bedding. He
shall take positive steps t o avoid burying or contaminating materials which otherwise would be suitable
for use as
a) selected fill for the blanket or selected granular mateiial for the cradle, unless other materials
have been specified, or
b) topsoil, or
c) road materials for re-use in terms o f 5.9.
when otherwise suitable material from a trench is contaminated, the Contractor shall, to make up any
shortfall, obtain (at his own expense if the contamination is due to his methods of working) suitable
material from other excavations on the Site, or by opening up borrow pits, or by importing from commer-
cial o r other sources.
Subject to the requirements of 3.5, hard rock and boulder13 from excavations that conform to the
classification given in Subclauses 3.1.2(c)-(e) (inclusive) of SABS 1200 D or Subclauses 3.1.2(c)-(e)
(inclusive) of SAES 1200 DA, as applicable, shall be incorporated in the backfill. The Engineer m y
direct that the material be suitably mixed with other backfill material.

4. PLANT
4.1 EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT. The Contractor may use trenching plant that will excavate to a width such that the
side allowance does not exceed the appropriate value specified in 5.2 by more than 50 X , except that
where, in terms of the project specification or of the drawings, the base width of a trench for a
pipeline or a portion of a pipeline is not to exceed the minimum base width or a stated value, the
Contractor shall use trenching plant that will produce the required trench width or he shall accept
responsibility for all costs incurred in strengthening the relevant pipeline.

4.2 CONTROL OF WATER. The Contractor shall use appropriate techniques or provide plant such as pumps, well
points and sheeting or close timbering for keeping the trenches sufficiently free from water to enable
him to lay pipes true to line and level and to bed them soundly, all as specified in this specification
(see 5.1.2).

4.3 COMPACTION EQUIPMENT. The Contractor may use mechanical compaction equipment but he shall select such
equipment and operate it in such a manner that the pipeline, duct or cable is not stressed or damaged.
Machine compaction shall not be used directly above the pipe until sufficient backfill has been placed to
ensure that machine compaction loads transmitted to the top O F the pipe are no greater than would be
imposed by nonnal road traffic over a pipeline with cover of depth 600 mm.

5. CONSTRUCTION
5.1 PRECAUTIONS
5.1.1 General. The requirements of Subclause 5.1 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause 5.1 of SABS 1200 DA, as
__
applicable, - - - in addition to the requirements of 5.1.2 below.
shall apply
5.1.2 Stormwater, Seepage and Dewatering o f Excavations
5.1.2.1 Throughout the Works. In dealing with water as required in terms of Subclause 5.5 of SABS 1200 A or
Subclause 5.3 of SABS 1200 AA, as applicable, and Subclause 5.1.3 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause 5.1.4 of
SABS 1200 DA, as applicable, the Contractor shall, subject only to such particular items as are scheduled
for designated hazards in terms of 5.1.2.2, properly and adequately protect the Works from flooding and
damage by stormwater, flow from springs, and seepage.
5.1.2.2 Special water hazards. The Engineer may schedule particular items for dealing with a special water hazard
at a designated point or in a designated part ot the Works and as required in terms of the project
specification (see 8.3.2 and 8.3.4(b)).
5.1.2.3 Sloping ground. In the case of a trench on sloping ground, the Contractor shall take approved measures
(such a s the construction of cross-embankments) to minimize erosion in the trench and adjacent ground
from which vegetation has been removed.
5.1.3 Accoemodation of Traffic and Access to Properties. Where the work affects the operation or safety of
public traffic,
a) in addition to complying with the relevant requirements of Subclause 5.1.6 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause
5.1.8 of SABS 1200 DA, as applicable, the Contractor shall
1) constmct or put in order such bypaes(e6) as may be required to deviate traffic from portions of the
road that are to be affected by the construction; or
2) where half-width construction is ordered or approved (as in the case of most direct crossings of
roads), so arrange his work that the traffic will at all times have free one-lane access to at least half
the width of the roadway;
3) wherever possible, where half-width construction is used, ensure that the whole road is open at night
and, at the end of each day's work, is left in a good and safe trafficable condition, complete with the
traffic signs and the protection facilities specified in Subclause 5.1.6 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause
5.1.8 of SABS 1200 DA, as applicable;
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7 SABS 1200 DB-1989
Earthworks ( p i p e t r e n c h e s )

4) ensure t h a t t h e u s a b l e width o f road i s ,

i) f o r two-way t r a f f i c , a t l e a s t 6 m, and
ii) f o r s i n g l e - l a n e t r a f f i c , a t least 4 m f o r each lane; and
b) t h e C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l p r o v i d e and allow reasonable access t o persons occupying p r o p e r t i e s t h a t f a l l
w i t h i n or a d j o i n t h e a r e a o v e r which he i s working. I f , f o r any r e a s o n , such a c c e s s h a s t o be c l o s e d f o r
any p e r i o d ( s ) d u r i n g t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n p e r i o d , t h e persons a f f e c t e d s h a l l be given reasonable n o t i c e , i n
w r i t i n a< .. o f each such n e r i o d of closina.
5.1.4 E x i s t i n g S e r v i c e s t h a t Intersect or Adjoin Trenches. The requirements o f Subclause 5.1.2 of SABS 1200 D
or Subclause 5.1.3 o f SABS 1200 DA, as a p p l i c a b l e , s h a l l apply.

5.2 MINIMUM BASE WIDTHS. Unless o t h e r w i s e s p e c i f i e d (see 4.1) i n t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n or on t h e

drawings or elsewhere i n t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n s , t h e base width of a t r e n c h (see Drawing DB-4) s h a l l be n o t
less than t h e e x t e r i i a l diameter o f t h e p i p e b a r r e l p l u s t w i c e t h e s i d e allowance determined from t h e
following table :

E x t e r n a l d i a m e t e r of p i p e b a r r e l , oun S i d e allowance on each s i d e , mm

I

-
Over Up t o and i n c l u d i n g
- 125 300 (See (b) b e l o w )
125 700 300
700 1 000 400
1 000 2 000 500
2 000 - 600

a) Where t w o o r more p i p e s are t o b e placed i n one t r e n c h , t h e b a s e width of t h e t r e n c h s h a l l be n o t less

t h a n t h e sum of t h e e x t e r n a l d i a m e t e r s of t h e p i p e b a r r e l s p l u s t h e s i d e allowance f o r each o u t e r p i p e
p l u s , between each p a i r of a d j a c e n t p i p e s , t h e average of t h e s i d e allowance f o r each pipe.
bl The minimum base width f o r p i p e s of e x t e r n a l diameter n o t exceeding 125 mm and l a i d a t a d e p t h not
exceeding 1 , 5 m may be less than 6 0 0 mm for f l e x i b l e continuous p i p i n g t h a t , i n terms o f t h e drawings,
p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n or schedule, r e q u i r e s no bedding o r j o i n t i n g i n t h e trench.

5.3 SITE CLEARANCE. The C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l c l e a r (as s p e c i f i e d i n SABS 1200 C) an area of s u f f i c i e n t width

along t h e r o u t e of t h e p i p e l i n e t o e n s u r e t h a t h i s selection o p e r a t i o n s are n o t hampered (see 3.7).
Where t r e n c h e s are i n s e r v i t u d e s o r wayleaves of s p e c i f i e d width, t h e C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l ensure t h a t
c l e a r i n g and damage t o p l a n t growth i s r e s t r i c t e d t o t h e s e r v i t u d e or wayleave a r e a .

5.4 EXCAVATION. Pipe t r e n c h e s s h a l l be excavated i n l e n g t h s approved by t h e Engineer, t o widths t h a t , i n

each c a s e , provide a t l e a s t t h e a p p r o p r i a t e s i d e allowance ( w i t h i n t r e n c h s u p p o r t s and wales, i f any)
given i n 5.2, and such t h a t h a l f o f t h e b a s e width i s on e i t h e r s i d e of t h e d e s i g n a t e d c e n t r e - l i n e o f t h e
pipe. The s i d e s o f each t r e n c h from t h e b o t t o m up s h a l l be a s n e a r l y v e r t i c a l a s p o s s i b l e f o r a t least
t h e h e i g h t of t h e bedding. (See a l s o t h e requirements r e l a t i n g t o t h e s t o c k p i l i n g of excavated material
given i n 3.7 and t h o s e r e l a t i n g t o excavated m a t e r i a l given i n Subclause 5.1.4.3 of SABS 1200 D or i n
Subclause 5.1.6 of SABS 1200 DA, a s a p p l i c a b l e . )

5.5 T W C H BOTTOM.M a t e r i a l t h a t t h e Engineer c o n s i d e r s t o be u n s u i t a b l e as t h e b o t t o m of t h e t r e n c h s h a l l be

excavated t o t h e depths and disposed of i n t h e manner d i r e c t e d . The r e s u l t i n g space s h a l l be r e f i l l e d ,
a s o r d e r e d , w i t h approved m a t e r i a l and compacted a s d i r e c t e d .
Should bedding of t h e p i p e l i n e i n accordance with SABS 1200 LB form p a r t o f t h e contract, the depth of
t h e t r e n c h s h a l l be such t h a t t h e s p e c i f i e d d e p t h of t h e c r a d l e can be placed under t h e p i p e l i n e , and t h e
trimming and g r a d i n g of t h e b o t t o m of t h e t r e n c h s h a l l be such t h a t t h e b a r r e l of each l e n g t h o f p i p e can
be uniformly supported o v e r i t s f u l l l e n g t h , f r e e a t t h e j o i n t s , and a t t h e correct g r a d e s and l e v e l s .
Except where t h e t r e n c h excavation i s i n rock, hard o b j e c t s and b o u l d e r s t h a t may a d v e r s e l y a f f e c t t h e
u n i f o r m i t y of t h e foundation s h a l l be removed t o a depth of 100 nun b e l o w t h e s p e c i f i e d t r e n c h b o t t o m .
Where t h e b o t t o m of t h e t r e n c h h a s been loosened d u r i n g e x c a v a t i o n , i t s h a l l be compacted a t OHC to 90 %
o f modified AASHTO maximum d e n s i t y p r i o r t o bedding and p i p e l a y i n g .
The bottom of t r e n c h e s s h a l l be s u f f i c i e n t l y s t r a i g h t (or t r u e t o alignment i n t h e case o f curved
p i p e l i n e s ) t o e n a b l e t h e p i p e s t o be l a i d without r e d u c t i o n of t h e s i d e allowances given i n 5.2 and i n
conformity with t h e a p p l i c a b l e t o l e r a n c e s s p e c i f i e d i n any s t a n d a r d i z e d s p e c i f i c a t i o n c o v e r i n g pipework
t h a t forms p a r t o f t h e c o n t r a c t .

5.6 BACKFILLING
5.6.1 General. B a c k f i l l i n g of p i p e t r e n c h e s s h a l l commence a f t e r t h e p i p e h a s been l a i d and f i r m l y bedded i n
t h e s p e c i f i e d c r a d l e and t h e b l a n k e t h a s been placed and a d e q u a t e l y compacted a t OMC around, under t h e
overhang and o v e r t h e t o p o f t h e p i p e t o t h e h e i g h t of b l a n k e t cover s p e c i f i e d elsewhere i n the c o n t r a c t
(see Drawing DB-1).
B a c k f i l l i n g s h a l l be c a r r i e d o u t i n accordance with 5.6.2 o v e r t h e f u l l e x t e n t of t h e actual t r e n c h
e x c a v a t i o n and t o o r i g i n a l ground l e v e l , e x c e p t where o t h e r w i s e d i r e c t e d . Unless p r i o r approval h a s been
o b t a i n e d , no f i l l i n g s h a l l b e placed i n water. (See a l s o 5.1.2.)
5.6.2 M a t e r i a l for B a c k f i l l i n q . Unless t h e C o n t r a c t o r i s a u t h o r i z e d by t h e Engineer to use o t h e r m a t e r i a l
(see 5.6.5), m a t e r i a l f o r b a c k f i l l i n g above t h e bedding ( c r a d l e and b l a n k e t ) s h a l l be o b t a i n e d from
t r e n c h excavations.
Hard and r o c k m a t e r i a l s h a l l be i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t h e b a c k f i l l above t h e bedding o n l y t o t h e e x t e n t
approved. Depending on t h e q u a l i t y o f t h e m a t e r i a l , t h e Engineer may d i r e c t t h a t it be s u i t a b l y mixed
with o t h e r b a c k f i l l material.
I n a r e a s s u b j e c t t o road t r a f f i c l o a d s and where t h e a v a i l a b l e b a c k f i l l h a s a P I h i g h e r t h a n 1 2 , t h e
C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l o b t a i n s p e c i f i c i n s t r u c t i o n s f r o m t h e Engineer b e f o r e proceeding with t h e p l a c i n g of t h e
backf ill,
5.6.3 Disposal o f S o f t Excavation Material. Excavation m a t e r i a l f r o m t h e t r e n c h , which is u n s u i t a b l e or h a s
become s u r p l u s because o f bulking, displacement by t h e p i p e and i m p o r t a t i o n , s h a l l be d i s p o s e d of along
t h e t r e n c h s e r v i t u d e w i t h i n t h e f r e e h a u l d i s t a n c e from t h e source of such excavation m a t e r i a l , u n l e s s
o t h e r w i s e r e q u i r e d i n terms of t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n .
This eStandard is exclusively for use on one standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet constitutes a violation
of SABS copyright rules. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
S A S 1200 DB-1989 8
Earthworks ( p i p trenches)

5.6.4 Disposal of Intermediate and Hard Rock Uaterial. Where the quantity o f intermediate or hard rock
material exceeds that which the Engineer a l l w s t o be incorporated in the backfill. the surplus shall be
disposed of as specified in 5.6.3 or removed to designated sites.
5.6.5 Deficiency of Backfill Uaterial. Any deficiency of backfill material from trench excavations because of
the removal of excessive quantities of organic material or clay (see 3.51, unsuitable parts of the trench
bottom (see 5.5), or excessive quantities of intermediate or hard rock material (see 5.6.4), shall be
made up from suitable surplus material from other excavations on the Site vithin the freehaul distance.
If, in the opinion of the Engineer, insufficient or no suitable material is available for this purpose
from such excavations, and the shortage of such material has not been caused by the methods used by the
Contractor, the Engineer shall authorize the Contractor to import sufficient suitable material. The
Contractor shall so arrange his work that the importation of backfill material is kept to a minimum in
respect of both quantity and overhaul.
5.6.6 Completion of Rackfillinq. The Contractor shall complete backfilling o f trenches expeditiously and in
reasonable lengths.
5.6.7 Trenches in Road Reserves and Paved Areas. Where trenches ace in road reserves or paved areas, the
Contractor shall clean the road surface or paved area (as applicable) adjacent to the trench.
5.6.8 Transport for Farthwrko for Trenches. Unless otherwise specified for earthworks for trenches, the
requirements of Subclause 5.2.5 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause 5.2.6 of SABS 1200 DA, as applicable, shall
apply.

5.7 M13PACTION
5.7.1 Areas not Subject to Traffic Loads. Except as specified in 5.7.2, each trench shall be backfilled in
layers of thickness (after compaction) not exceeding 300 um~ and the material shall be compacted to the
s a w density as that of undisturbed surrounding ground or to 90 % of modified AASHTO maximum density,
whichever is the higher.
5.7.2 Areas Subject to Traffic Loads. In areas subject to road trhffic loads and in such other areas as are
specified in the project specification, trenches shall be backfilled in layers of thickness (after
caapaction) not exceeding 150 m and the material shall be compacted t o 93 % o f modified AASHTO maximum
density in the case o f cohesive soil o r 98 % in the case of non-cohesive soil.

5.8 MNSTRUCTION IN HEADINGS. Where the Contractor elects to accept the condition specified in 3.2 and t o
excavate in headings for the construction of a portion of the pipeline, the width o f the excavations, the
materials used for bedding and backfilling, and the standard of compaction and quality of workmanship
shall comply with the relevant requirements of the specification, regardless of the method of laeasureuent
specified in 8.2.1.

5.9 REINSTATenB3T OF SURPACES

5.9.1 Width t o be Reinstated
5.9.1.1 In all cases, the reinstatement of surfaces over the full extent of the top of the actual excavation
shall conply with the applicable o f the raquirenrents given in 5.9.2-5.9.5 (inclusive).
5.9.1.2 Except a s allowed in t e r m of 5.9.1.3, where a pipe trench crosses a surfaced road or paved area or runs
along the edge of such a road or area, the total actual excavation, regardless of the base width as
determined in terms of 5.2, that encroaches on such road or #area shall be backfilled and reinstated as
specified in the applicable o f 5.9.2-5.9.5 (inclusive).
5.9.1.3 In the case of gravel roads or bitumen-surfaced roads, the reinstatement specified in 5.9.3, 5.9.4 and
5.9.5 shall, unless otherwise ordered, be confined to that portion o f the road reserve that had or will
have a gravel o r bitumen surface on it.
5.9.2 Private Property and Commonage. The top 300 ma layer of each trench that will not be subject to road
traffic loads shall be of such topsoil as i s available (see 3.7(b)) in addition to soft material from
excavations. The finished surface of backfilling that is left proud of the surrounding ground to allow
for initial settlement shall be not a r e than 150 mm above thri surrounding ground. Any settlewnt below
original ground level that occurs during the execution of the contract or the period of maintananca
shall, as soon a s is practicable, be made good by the Contractor with material o f the same quality a s
that adjacent t o the trench, except as otherwise required in terms of the project specification.
5.9.3 Gravel Roads, Immediately after carpletion of the backfilling to the top of the subgrade level of a
trench that crosses or runs along a gravel road, the Contractor shall reinstate the road surface by
filling the remainder of the trench with a well-graded and well-compacted approved hard-wearing gravel
surface of thickness at least 150 61 and of quality equal to that of the existing road surface. The
gravel layer M Y be finished with a slight camber in order to allow for initial settlement but,
particularly where the new gravel surface is transverse to the flow o f traffic, shall not be left so far
proud of the adjacent road surface as to cause excessive jolting of any vehicle proceeding at normal
speed.
I f at any time the Engineer is satisfied that subsidence of a backfilled surface in any road having a
permanent gravel surface is such that the backfilled surface requires no more maintenance than the
remainder of the road surface and can be maintained without extra cost in the course o f ordinary
maintenance of the road, he will relieve the Contractor of any further responsibility for maintenance of
such backfilled surface.
5.9.4 Bitumen Roads: Subbass and Base. In the case of a bitumen-surfaced road, the Contractor shall, as soon
as practicable after completion of backfilling to eubgrade level, reinstate the subbase and base, using
material of quality at least equal to that of the material used in the construction of the road. The
depth of each course in the reinstated portion shall be at least equal to the thickness of the existing
subbase or base, as applicable, or at least 100 m, whichever is greater, and each course shall be
compacted t o a density at least equal t o that o f the adjacent (existing materials, except that where there
is no existing subbase, the thickness of base that is placed directly on subgrade shall be at least
150 W. The base shall be finished slightly above the road surface to allow for initial settlement, but
shall not be left so far proud of the adjacent road surface afi to cause excessive jolting of any vehicle
proceeding at normal speed. The Contractor shall maintain the gravel surface to a standard suitable for
normal traffic until the bitumen surfacing has been reinstated.
If the surface of a road with a stabilized base has been disturbed, the base shall be replaced with
crusher run base compacted with sufficient moisture to give a density of at least 98 % of modified W H T O
maximum density.
This eStandard is exclusively for use on one standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet constitutes a violation
of SABS copyright rules. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
9 SNiS 1200 DB-1989
Earthworks ( p i p e t r e n c h e s )

Except where immediate r e i n s t a t e m e n t o f t h e bitumen s u r f a c e i s r e q u i r e d i n terms o f the p r o j e c t

s p e c i f i c a t i o n or o r d e r e d , t h e C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l r e i n s t a t e t h e bitumen s u r f a c e a f t e r s u f f i c i e n t t i m e h a s
e l a p s e d t o show u p i n a d e q u a t e l y compacted a r e a s and a f t e r s u c h a r e a s have b e e n made good.
5.9.5 Bitumen Roads: S u r f a c i n g
5.9.5.1 General. The s u r f a c e of a bitumen r o a d s h a l l b e r e i n s t a t e d w i t h a s p h a l t of t h e t h i c k n e s s s t a t e d i n t h e
s c h e d u l e o f q u a n t i t i e s or i n t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n .
The b a s e m a t e r i a l s h a l l b e g r a d e d t o a l e v e l s u f f i c i e n t l y below t h e f i n a l r o a d s u r f a c e t o a l l o w t h e
bitumen s u r f a c i n g t o be accommodated, a n d t h e e d g e s o f the e x i s t i n g bitumen wearing c o u r s e shall be c u t
b a c k v e r t i c a l l y t o a s t r a i g h t l i n e . B e f o r e t h e b i t u m i n o u s c o n s t r u c t i o n i s commenced, a l l loose materials
and d u s t s h a l l h a v e been removed w i t h brooms and t h e s u r f a c e s h a l l h a v e b e e n approved.
5.9.5.2 Asphalt carpet. A p r i m e c o a t c o n s i s t i n g o f a n approved p r i m e r s h a l l be s p r a y e d a t t h e rate and
t e m p e r a t u r e o r d e r e d by t h e Engineer. A compacted a s p h a l t c a r p e t o f t h e t h i c k n e s s s t a t e d in t h e p r o j e c t
s p e c i f i c a t i o n s h a l l t h e n be l a i d , e i t h e r o f t h e mixes s p e c i f i e d i n 3.6.4 b e i n g used. The m a t e r i a l s s h a l l
b e t h o r o u g h l y mixed i n a m e c h a n i c a l l y o p e r a t e d mixer o f approved t y p e f o r a t l e a s t 1,s min b e f o r e b e i n g
s p r e a d e v e n l y o v e r t h e s u r f a c e t o o b t a i n t h e s t a t e d compacted t h i c k n e s s and t h e n compacted w i t h a 5-10 t
roller t o a s u r f a c e m a t c h i n g t h e e x i s t i n g s u r f a c e i n l i n e and l e v e l .
5.9.6 Maintenance o f R e i n s t a t e d S u r f a c e s . U n l e s s t h e C o n t r a c t o r h a s , i n terms of 5.9.3, b e e n r e l i e v e d o f t h e
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r m a i n t e n a n c e , h e shall m a i n t a i n t h e r e i n s t a t e d s u r f a c e s o f r o a d s and make good any
damage due t o a n y s u b s i d e n c e , p o t h o l e or o t h e r unevenness i m e d i a t e l y it o c c u r s d u r i n g t h e p e r i o d o f t h e
contract.
N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g t h e f a c t t h a t t h e E n g i n e e r h a s r e l i e v e d t h e C o n t r a c t o r of r e s p o n s i b i l i t y for t h e
maintenance o f g r a v e l r o a d s or t h a t t h e C o n t r a c t o r h a s r e s u r f a c e d bitumen r o a d s , t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r
m a i n t a i n i n g s u c h r o a d s u r f a c e s s h a l l rest w i t h t h e C o n t r a c t o r i f s u b s i d e n c e s h o u l d t a k e p l a c e or t h e
s u r f a c e s b e d i s t u r b e d a s a r e s u l t o f a n y w o r k t h e C o n t r a c t o r h a s t o c a r r y o u t d u r i n g t h e maintenance
p e r i o d . The C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l make good t h e s u r f a c e a t h i s own cost, a s d i r e c t e d .
During t h e execution o f t h e c o n t r a c t , t h e C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l c a r r y o u t r e g u l a r i n s p e c t i o n s o f a l l
b a c k f i l l e d e x c a v a t i o n s in o r d e r t o l o c a t e any s u b s i d e n c e . H e s h a l l w i t h o u t d e l a y p r o p e r l y make good such
s u b s i d e n c e s , and s h a l l n o t w a i t f o r c o m p l a i n t s h e f o r e t a k i n g a c t i o n .
A d d i t i o n a l i n s p e c t i o n s s h a l l be c a r r i e d o u t immediately a f t e r r a i n f a l l s .
During t h e p e r i o d o f m a i n t e n a n c e , t h e C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l c o n t i n u e t o a r r a n g e such i n s p e c t i o n s and t o
e x e c u t e r e m e d i a l work, u n l e s s he h a s o b t a i n e d t h e E n g i n e e r ' s w r i t t e n agreement t h a t t h e E n g i n e e r w i l l
a r r a n g e for t h e i n s p e c t i o n s and r e m e d i a l work t o b e done on b e h a l f of t h e C o n t r a c t o r and a t t h e
C o n t r a c t o r ' s expense.

5.10 DAMAGE TO ROAD SURFACES. Where, d u r i n g t h e e x e c u t i o n o f t h e Works, a n y r o a d or paved s u r f a c e a d j a c e n t to

a t r e n c h h a s been damaged i n any way whatsoever by t h e C o n t r a c t o r ' s equipment, h e s h a l l , a t his own
expense and as soon a s i s p r a c t i c a b l e , r e p a i r and restore s u c h s u r f a c e to a c o n d i t i o n a t least e q u i v a l e n t
t o t h a t p r e v i o u s l y e x i s t i n g , and t o t h e s a t i s f a c t i o n o f t h e Engineer.

6. TOLERANCES
6.1 ALIGNMENT AND GRADE. The d e v i a t i o n from t h e s p e c i f i e d l e v e l of t h e i n v e r t and t h e s p e c i f i e d dimensions
o f a t r e n c h and (for a h e i g h t e q u a l t o a t least. t h e d i a m e t e r of t h e p i p e or d u c t , a s a p p l i c a b l e ) of t h e
lower p a r t of t h e s i d e s o f t h e t r e n c h s h a l l b e such t h a t t h e p i p e nay b e l a i d and bedded i n t h e t r e n c h
within t h e tolerances specified f o r t h e pipeline.

6.2 MOISTURE CONTENT AND DENSITIES. The r e q u i r e m e n t s for m o i s t u r e c o n t e n t and d e n s i t y g i v e n i n S u b c l a u s e 6.2

o f SABS 1200 D or S u b c l a u s e 6 . 2 ( c ) o f SABS 1200 DA, a s a p p l i c a b l e , s h a l l a p p l y .

7. TESTING
7.1 The E n g i n e e r may o r d e r d e n s i t y tests t o b e c a r r i e d o u t to d e t e r m i n e t h e compaction of t h e b a c k f i l l i n g .
I f t h e r e s u l t s o f s u c h d e n s i t y tests (which s h a l l n o t b e t a k e n on t h e b e d d i n g m a t e r i a l d i r e c t l y above t h e
p i p e ) show t h a t t h e m a t e r i a l h a s been compacted t o a d e n s i t y e q u a l t o or i n e x c e s s o f t h e a p p l i c a b l e
s p e c i f i e d v a l u e (see 5.71, t h e compaction w i l l b e a c c e p t e d and t h e Employer s h a l l b e a r t h e cost o f t h e
tests. I f t h e d e n s i t y i s found t o b e below t h e s p e c i f i e d v a l u e , t h e E n g i n e e r may o r d e r the recompaction
o f t h e b a c k f i l l a t t h e C o n t r a c t o r ' s e x p e n s e , and t h e cost o f t h e t e s t i n g s h a l l be borne by t h e
Contractor.

8. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

8.1 BASIC PRINCIPLES
8.1.1 The b a s i c p r i n c i p l e of measurement of a n d payment f o r e a r t h w o r k s f o r a p i p e t r e n c h i s t h a t the rates
t e n d e r e d f o r e x c a v a t i o n s h a l l c o v e r t h e cost of e x c a v a t i o n and t h e r e - u s e o f t h e e x c a v a t e d m a t e r i a l f o r
b a c k f i l l i n g and t h e d i s p o s a l of any s u r p l u s m a t e r i a l a l o n g t h e r o u t e o f t h e p i p e l i n e w i t h i n f r e e h a u l
d i s t a n c e o f t h e source.
8.1.2 a ) Trench e x c a v a t i o n s for l o n g p i p e l i n e s , d r a i n s , c a b l e s , etc., w i l l be measured by l e n g t h a n d t h o s e f o r
s h o r t r u n s o f p i p e s , c a b l e s , d u c t s , e t c . ( s u c h a s i n t e r c o n n e c t i n g p i p e s , etc., i n a t r e a t m e n t w o r k s or
i n d u s t r i a l c o m p l e x ) , w i l l n o r m a l l y be measured v o l u m e t r i c a l l y b u t may be measured by l e n g t h .
b ) S e p a r a t e items w i l l be s c h e d u l e d f o r l e n g t h s of t r e n c h o f d e p t h n o t e x c e e d i n g 1 m , f o r l e n g t h s of
t r e n c h o f d e p t h e x c e e d i n g 1 m b u t n o t e x c e e d i n g 2 m, and so on, i n g r a d u a t i o n s of 1 m (see Drawing DB-2).
c ) U n l e s s o t h e r w i s e o r d e r e d or s t a t e d i n t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n , d e p t h w i l l b e measured from t h e
s u r f a c e o f t h e ground a l o n g t h e c e n t r e - l i n e of t h e t r e n c h t o t h e b o t t o m of t h e s p e c i f i e d b e d d i n g l a y e r
( i f a n y ) (see Drawings DB-2, DB-3 and DB-4). The g r o u n d s u r f a c e w i l l b e t h a t e x i s t i n g a f t e r a n y b u l k
e a r t h w o r k s have been c a r r i e d o u t , i.e. t h e e x c a v a t e d s u r f a c e or embankment s u r f a c e (see Drawing DB-3),
u n l e s s a d i f f e r e n t s e q u e n c e o f e x e c u t i o n h a s been o r d e r e d .
8.1.3 S e p a r a t e a d d i t i o n a l payment w i l l be made f o r f i l l i n g e x c e s s e x c a v a t i o n s , d i s p o s i n g of s u r p l u s m a t e r i a l ,
or any o t h e r c o n t i n g e n t work, o n l y where t h e work i s s p e c i f i c a l l y p r e s c r i b e d and s c h e d u l e d .
8.1.4 E x c e p t t h a t volumes w i l l h e computed a s s p e c i f i e d i n 8.2.3 and u n l e s s o t h e r w i s e s p e c i f i e d , t h e
r e q u i r e m e n t s o f S u b c l a u s e 8.3.6 O f SABS 1200 D or S u b c l a u s e 8.3.3 of SABS 1200 DA, a s a p p l i c a b l e , shall
a p p l y t o o v e r h a u l and t o f r e e h a u l .
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SABS 1200 DD-1989 10
Earthwrks (pipe trenches)

8.2 COMPUTATION OP QUANTITIES

8.2.1 Excavations will be measured as if taken out with vertical eides, regardless of whether they have been
taken out with sloping sides (see Drawing DB-4).
8.2.2 The length used for computation will be the total through-length of the pipeline, duct, etc., from end t o
end or from face of Structure to face of structure, and no decluction will be made for valves, manholes,
catchpits, valve boxes and the like.
8.2.3 Wherever volumetric measurement is required, the volume will be computed from the depth determined in
accordance with 8.1.2(c) and the minimum base width determined in accordance with 5.2.
8.2.4 Where shoring is specified or ordered, the length of shoring measured for payment will be the length of
the centre-line o f the trench. (See also 8.3.4b1.1

8.3 SCHEDULED ITEnS

8.3.1 site Clearance and (if Specified) Removal of Topsoil
a) Clear vegetation and trees of girth up to 1 m .............................................
The length measured for item (a) will only be the length o:E the pipeline route that is
Unit: I or

ordered to be cleared.
b) Clear trees of girth over 1,0 m and designated obstacles .................................. Unit: No.
The rates for items (a) and (b) shall cover the cost of clearing the route of the pipeline
of all vegetation, trees and designated obstacles as specified in 5.3 and in SABS 1200 C .
2
c) R e w v e topsoil (depth stated)

8.3.2
3

................................................................... 3
3

c) Excavate and dispose of unsuitable material from trench b o t z m (provisional) .............. Unit: mJ
The volume will be computed from the trench width determined in accordance with 8.2.3 and
the additional depth ordered.
The rate shall cover the cost of the excavation of the additional depth in any material, the
disposal of the unsuitable material as specified for soft: excavation in 5.6.3 within
freehaul distance and the backfilling of the additional depth with suitable material from
the side of the trench.
8.3.3

b) by importation from-designated borrow pits ............................................... Unit:

c) by importation from c-rcial or off-site sources selected by the Contractor ............ Unit:
Items (b) and (c) above will not be measured for payment unless importation has been ordered
mJ3
m

in writing. The volume w i l l be computed from the trench width determined in accordance with
8.2.3 and the depth from the top of the backfill to the top of the bedding as shown on
Drawing DB-1 or the actual depth of backfill used to make up ,the deficiency or the depth of
additional excavation ordered in terms of B.3.2(c), as applicable.
The rate for material from other necessary excavations on site shall cover the cost of
selection of suitable material, the moving of the material to points alongside the trench
spaced to suit the Contractor's method of working, and the disposal of the material that is
replaced, all within freehaul distance.
The rate for material from designated borrow pits shall cover the cost of royalties, if
applicable, excavation and selection of suitable material, ,the moving of the material to
points alongside the trench spaced t o suit the Contractor's methods of working, and the
disposal of the material that becomes surplus as a result of the importation, all withfn
freehaul distance.
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11 SABS 1200 DB-1989
Earthwrks ( p i p trenches)

The rate for material from commercial or off-site sources selected by the Contractor shall
cover the cost of the acquisition of the material (including royalties, if applicable), the
moving of the material to points alongside the trench spaced to suit the Contractor's
methods of working, and the disposal of the material that becomes surplus as a result of the
importation, all within freehaul distance (see Subclause 5.2.5.1 of SABS 1200 D or
Subclause 5.2.6.1 of SABS 1200 DA, as applicable).
8.3.3.2 Opening up and closing down of designated borrow pit ........................................ Unit: Sum
This item will only be scheduled when a new borrow pit has to be established or when access
to an existing borrow pit has to be established.
With the exception of the cost of the removal and spreading back of the topsoil (if
scheduled), the sum shall cover the cost of opening up and of restoring the Site as
specified in Subclause 5.2.2.2 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause 5.2.2(f) of SABS 1200 DA, as
applicable.
8.3.3.3 Compaction in road reserves .................................................................
The volume will be measured as specified in 8.2.2, 8.2.3 and 8.3.3.1.
Unit: m
3

The rate shall cover the coat of the additional compactive effort required, as specified in
5.7.2, and of the additional selection of material as specified in 5.6.2, to comply with the
requirements for areas subject to road traffic loads, etc.
8.3.3.4 Overhaul
a) Liudted overhaul (provisional)
b) Long overhaul (provisional)
...........................................................
.............................................................. Unitr
Unit:
3
p3
m .km
Except that the volume will be computed as specified in 8.2.2, 8.2.3 and 8.3.3.1, the
requirements of Subclause 8.3.6 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause 8.3.3 of SABS 1200 DA, as
relevant, shall apply to overhaul.
8.3.4 Particular Items. Items (a) and (b) below will be scheduled only where required in terms of
the project specification.
a) Shore trench opposite structure or service ...............................................
The length measured for payment will be that of the centre-line of the trench regardless of
Unit: m

whether supports are placed on one or on both sides of the trench. The rate shall cover the
cost, for both sides of the trench if necessary, of the supply, placing, maintenance and
removal of timbering and other support measures together with any cost that results from the
inconvenience of working in the supported trench and the cost of any risks inherent in the
operation.
b) Temporary works: Control water inflow from ......
to ......
1 ) Provide equipment........................................................................
2) Operate and maintain .....................................................................
Unit:
Unit:
SUR
Days
3) Remove equipment .........................................................................
The sums for the provision and removal of equipment shall cover the cost of providing the
Unit: Supl

necessary plant or materials or both, fully erected and operative on the Site, and of
removing such goods and restoring the Site to its original condition on completion of that
part of the project for which the temporary works were erected.
The' rate for operation and maintenance shall cover the cost of operating and maintaining the
pumps, well points, sheeting, close timbering and other equipment, as applicable, for 24 h a
day, 7 d a week throughout the period during which, in the opinion of the Engineer, the
facilities are required.
8.3.5 Existing Services-that Intersect or Adjoin a Pipe Trench (See Subclauses 5.1.2 and 8.3.8 of
SABS 1200 D or Subclauses 5.1.3 and 8.3.5 of SABS 1200 DA, as applicable.)
a) Services that intersect a trench (angles between centre-lines in plan of 45-90°).
Except where water pipes are to be recovered, existing water pipes, sewers, stormwater
....... Unit: No.

pipes, concrete-lined channels and drains, box culverts, electric cables, ducts, kerbs,
channels, erf connections and various sizes of pipes and services that intersect a trench of
specified width and require various degrees of care, whether or not their presence is known
before they are uncovered, will be measured separately. The unit refers to one service, but
services that are so grouped that they can be contained within a horizontal dimension of
200 rn measured at right angles to the axis of the services will be measured as one unit.
b) Services that adjoin a trench (parallel to or at an angle between centre-lines
in plan of less than 45O) ................................................................... Unit:
In a case where a trench of specified width
1) runs parallel to or at an angle ( i n plan) of less than 45O to an existing service, and
2) is such that the nearer side of the bottom of the trench lies at least partly between a
vertical plane and a plane that lies at an angle of 45O below the horizontal, both planes
passing through the axis of the service,
the length of service within the minimum base width of the trench, determined in accordance
with 5.2, will be mesured for payment under this item and the remaining length, the side of
the trench which, in the opinion of the Engineer, is rendered liable to collapse because of
the existence of such service, will be measured for shoring (see 8.3.4(a)).
The rate for an item scheduled in terms of (a) and (b) above shall cover the additional cost
of
i) care in excavation necessitated by the presence of such service in or across the
trench;
ii) protecting and maintaining such service in operation by m a n s of temporary supports or
shoring, as necessary;
iii) delays and disruption of the progress of the work due to the existence of the service1
and
iv) repairs necessitated by damage caused by the Contractor.
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SABS 1200 DB-1989 12
Earthworks (pipe trenches)

8.3.6 Finishinq
8.3.6.1 Reinstate road surfaces complete with a l l courses
a ) Gravel on shoulders
b) Asphalt of thickness
......................................................................
...... ...........................................
m i n parking area
Unit:
Unit:
m-2
2

c ) Asphalt of thickness
d) Etceteras
...... ................................................
mm i n roadway
................................................................................ Unit:
Unit:
m
1
1
2
2

The area w i l l be c a p u t e d frcm t h e length of finished road or paved surface, a s applicable,

and the trench width determined i n accordance with 5.2. Payment f o r f i n i s h i n g w i l l be
additional t o t h a t f o r excavation covered by 8.3.2.
The r a t e s h a l l cover t h e c o s t of tenporary accommodation of t r a f f i c (including t h e s i g n s and
bypasses), excavation (including t h e equipment t h a t is required t o break up, remove and, i f
necessary, stockpile t h e o r i g i n a l surface P a t e r i a l ) , and subsequently of reinstatement a s
specified i n 5.9, and s h a l l include the c o s t of delays and t h e c o s t of any r i s k of having t o
r e p a i r damage, a s specified i n 5.10.
8.3.7 Accommodation of T r a f f i c . Provided that the crossings have been shown c l e a r l y on tender
drawings, temporary road t r a f f i c signs required i n terms of 5.1.3 f o r controlling t r a f f i c
while trenches a r e being constructed across roads w i l l not: be scheduled i n terms of
Subclause 8.3.12 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause 8.3.9 of SABS 1200 DA, as applicable. me c o s t
of such signs s h a l l be covered by t h e r a t e s for excavation (including compliance with 5.11,
as specified i n 8.3.2.
Separate items i n terms of Subclause 8.3.12 of SABS 1200 D or Subclause 8.3.8 of
SABS 1200 DA, as applicable, and, i f necessary, for t h e construction and maintenance of one
o r more bypasses and associated f a c i l i t i e s as required i n terms o f the p r o j e c t
specification, may be scheduled where t h e relative location of a trench t h a t is t o be
constructed approximately p a r a l l e l t o and alongside or along a road is not specifiad a t t h e
tender stage, and such trench i s l i k e l y t o n e c e s s i t a t e t h e provision and maintenance of one
o r more bypasses and associated f a c i l i t i e s i n terms of 5.1.3.
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13 SABS 1200 DB-1989

Earthworks ( p i p e t r e n c h e s )

7 BACK FILL

t BEDDING
(SEE SABS 1200 LB
FOR DETAILS)

Drawing DB-l - Typical Backfill above Bedding

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Q
ar
I
Iu
I I , O TO 2,0177 DEEP 4

c
m
%
0
0
<
0
-.
4
EXCAVATION NOTE
0 LENGTH NOT EXCEEDING A MAXIMUM OF I , O m IN a) EXCAVATION FOR PIPE TRENCHES IS MEASURED IN LINEAR MEASUREMENT
3
DEPTH = L 4 m (OR CUBIC MEASUREMENT WHERE LENGTHS ARE SHORT AND WHERE THERE
ARE MANY SPECIALS OR IN OTHER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES (SEE (d) BELOW)
LENGTH EXCEEDING I ,Om BUT NOT 2,Om I N
AND THROUGH MANHOLES AND CATCHPITS.
DEPTH = L 1 + i 3 + L 5 m
bl ADDITIONAL EXCAVATION FOR MANHOLES/ CATCHPITS I S INCLUDED IN THE
LENGTH EXCEEDING 2 , O m BUT NOT 3,Om IN
DEPTH = L 2 m MEASUREMENT OF AND PAYMENT FOR MANHOLES/CATCHPITS.

C) INTERMEDIATE EXCAVATION AND ROCK EXCAVATION ARE

DEPTH IS MEASURED FROM GROUND SURFACE ON
CENTRE LtNE TO BOTTOM OF TRENCH AS SPECtFtED MEASURED I N CUBIC METRES BASED ON THE SPECIFIED MAXIMUM TRENCH
OR ORDERED I N TERMS OF THE APPLICABLE WIDTH AND PAID FOR AS EXTRA OVER THE RATE PER LINEAR ( OR CUBIC)
DRAWING. METRE OF EXCAVATION f SEE(a )ABOVE ).

d) EXCAVATION FOR TRENCHES MAY BE MEASURED BY VOLUME FOR SHORT

LENGTHS OF TRENCHES ( E.G. AS PART OF TREATMENT WORKS OR A
I N ACCORDANCE WITH CIVIL ENGINEERING QUANTITIES PUMP STATION IN WHICH CASE THE WIDTH MEASURED I S T H A T STATED
IN THE SPECIFICATION.
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15 SABS 1200 DB-1989

Earthworks ( p i p e t r e n c h e s )

r
ORIGINAL SURFACE AND COMMENCING SURFACE
FOR SABS 1200 D OR SABS 1200 D A , AS APPLICABLE

EXCAVATION MEASURED
SEE SABS 1200 D

MAXIMUM DEPTH
SABS 1200 D OR
SABS 1200 D A ,
AS APPLICABLE
EXCAVATED OR EMBANKMENT
SURFACE FOR SABS 1200 D OR
SABS 1200 DA, AS APPLICABLE,
COMMENCING SURFACE FOR
SUBCLAUSE 8.3.2

MAXIMUM DEPTH SUB-

SUBCLAUSE CLAUSE
8.3.2 8.3.2

I
L TRENCH BOTTOM
SEE SUBCLAUSE 8.3.2

EMBANKMENT MEASURED
-SEE SABS 1200 D OR
SABS 1200 D A , AS APPLICABLE

Drawing D B - 3 - Bulk and Trench Excavation Measurement

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SABS 1200 D B - 1 9 8 3 16
Earthworks ( p i p e t r e n c h e s )

TRENCH SUPPORTS, IF ANY

W AND d ARE THE DIMENSIONS TO BE
USED FOR MEASUREMENT OF VOLUMETRIC
QUANTITIES

LEVEL REQUIRED TO OBTAIN SPECIFIED

SlDC ALLOWANCES
MINIMUM BEDDING THICKNESS
(Sn SuBaAuSEs
BASE WIDTH
5 2 AND 8.2.3)
W BASE WIDTH OF THE TRENCH W
fSueCLAUSE 8.2.3)

Drawing DB - 4 -Trench Volumetric Measurement

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17 SABS 1200 DB-1989

E a r t h w o r k s ( p i p e trenches)

N ALL MATERIALS : SUBCLAUSE 8 . 3 . 2 ( a )

INTERMEDIATE : SUBCLAUSE 8 . 3 . 2 ( b )

HARD ROCK : SUBCLAUSE 8 . 3 . 2 ( b )

Drawing DB - 5 - Classes of Excavation: : Measurement

and Payment
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SABS 1200 W-1989 18

Earthworks ( p i p e trenches)

APPENDIX A. APPLICABLE STANDARDS

Reference is made to t h e a p p l i c a b l e i s s u e s (see Subclause 2.2 of SAFS 1200 A or SAW 1200 AA, a s a p p l i c a b l e ) of the
following standards:

SABS 308 Cutback bitumen

SABS 309 Anionic bitumen road emulsions
SABS 748 Road t a r h i n d e r s prepared from coke oven crude8
SABS 749 Road tar b i n d e r 8 prepared frw L u r g i - g a s i f i c a t i o n crude6
SABS 1083 Aggregates from n a t u r a l sources
SABS 1200 A C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : General
SABS 1200 M C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n I General (small works)
SABS 1200 C C i v i l engineering construction x S i t s clearance
SABS 1200 D C i v i l e n g i n e e r i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n x Earthworks
SABS 1200 DA C i v i l e n g i n e e r i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n x Earthvorka (small works)
SABS 1200 GA C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n I Concrete ( s m a l l works)
SABS 1200 I,B C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : Bedding ( p i p e s )

ISBN 0-626-08248-X sSb4 P'.