2 Earth Work - D
2 Earth Work - D
EARTH WORK
25
CONTENTS
2.0 Definitions 30
2.3 Protections 31
2.6 Blasting 32
2.10 Filling 37
2.11 Measurements 37
2.12 Rates 39
2.22 Deleted
Burjis: Short pillars of brick/ stone having top surface finished with cement plaster for marking
etc. Formation or Profile: Final shape of the ground after excavation or filling up.
Foul condition: Filthy and unhygienic conditions where physical movements are hampered such as
soil mixed with sewage or night soil.
Lead : All distances shall be measured over the shortest practical route and not necessarily the route
actually taken. Route other than shortest practical route may be considered in cases of unavoidable
circumstances and approved by Engineer-in-charge along with reasons in writing.
Carriage by animal and mechanical transport shall be reckoned in one km. unit. Distances of 0.5 km.
or more shall be taken as 1 km. and distance of less than 0.5 km. shall be ignored. However, when
the total lead is less than 0.5 km., it will not be ignored but paid for separately in successive stages
of 50 metres subject to the condition that the rate worked on this basis does not exceed the rate for
initial lead of 1 km. by mechanical/animal transport.
Lift: The vertical distance for removal with reference to the ground level. The excavation up to 1.5
metres depth below the ground level and depositing the excavated materials upto 1.5 metres above
the ground level are included in the rate of earth work. Lifts inherent in the lead due to ground slope
shall not be paid for.
Safety rules: Safety rules as laid down by the statutory authority and as provided in National Building
Code (NBC) shall be followed.
(a) All kind of soils: Generally any strata, such as sand, gravel, loam, clay, mud, black cotton
moorum, shingle, river or nallah bed boulders, siding of roads, paths etc. and hard core,
macadam surface of any description (water bound, grouted tarmac etc.), lime concrete mud
concrete and their mixtures which for excavation yields to application of picks, showels,
jumper, sacrifiers, ripper and other manual digging implements.
(b) Ordinary rock: Generally any rock which can be excavated by splitting with crow bars or picks and
does not require blasting, wedging or similar means for excavation such as lime stone, sand stone,
hard laterite, hard conglomerate and un-reinforced cement concrete below ground level.
If required light blasting may be resorted to for loosening the materials but this will not in any
way entitle the material to be classified as ‘Hard rock’.
(c) Hard rock: Generally any rock or boulder for the excavation of which blasting is required such
as quartzite, granite, basalt, reinforced cement concrete (reinforcement to be cut through but
not separated from concrete) below ground level and the like.
(d) Hard rock (blasting prohibited): Hard rock requiring blasting as described under (c) but
where the blasting is prohibited for any reason and excavation has to be carried out by
chiseling, wedging, use of rock hammers and cutters or any other agreed method.
2.2.2 Any material obtained from the excavation which in the opinion of the Engineer-in-Charge is
useful shall be stacked separately in regular stacks as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge and shall be
the property of the Government.
2.3 PROTECTIONS
2.3.1 Excavation where directed by the Engineer-in- Charge shall be securely barricaded and provided
with proper caution signs, conspicuously displayed during the day and properly illuminated with red
lights and/or written using fluorescent reflective paint as directed by engineer in charge during the night
to avoid accident.
2.3.2 The Contractor shall take adequate protective measures to see that the excavation operations do
not damage the adjoining structures or dislocate the services. Water supply pipes, sluice valve
chambers, sewerage pipes, manholes, drainage pipes and chambers, communication cables, power
supply cables etc. met within the course of excavation shall be properly supported and adequately
protected, so that these services remain functional. However, if any service is damaged during
excavation shall be restored in reasonable time.
2.3.3 Excavation shall not be carried out below the foundation level of the adjacent buildings until
underpinning, shoring etc. is done as per the directions of the Engineer-in-Charge for which payment
shall be made separately.
2.3.4 Any damages done by the contractor to any existing work shall be made good by him at his own
cost. Existing drains pipes, culverts, over head wires, water supply lines and similar services
encountered during the course of execution shall be protected against damage by the contractor. The
contractor shall not store material or otherwise occupy any part of the site in manner likely to hinder the
operations of such services.
2.4.2 The trees of girth above 30 cm measured at a height of one metre above ground shall be cut only
after permission of the Engineer-in-Charge is obtained in writing. The roots of trees shall also be
removed as specified in 2.4.1. payment for cutting such trees and removing the roots shall be made
separately.
2.4.3 Existing structures and services such as old buildings, culverts, fencing, water supply pipe lines,
sewers, power cables, communication cables, drainage pipes etc. within or adjacent to the area if
required to be diverted/removed, shall be diverted/dismantled as per directions of the Engineer-in-
Charge and payment for such diversion/dismantling works shall be made separately.
2.4.4 In case of archaeological monuments within or adjacent to the area, the contractor shall provide
necessary fencing alround such monuments as per the directions of the Engineer-in -Charge and protect the
same properly during execution of works. Payment for providing fencing shall be made separately.
2.4.5 Lead of 50 m mentioned in the ‘Schedule Of Quantities’ is the average lead for the disposal of
excavated earth within the site of work. The actual lead for the lead for the disposal of earth may be
more or less than the 50 m for which no cost adjustment shall be made in the rates.
2.5.2 The ground levels shall be taken at 5 to 15 metres intervals (as directed by the Engineer-in-
Charge) in uniformly sloping ground and at closer intervals where local mounds, pits or undulations
are met with. The ground levels shall be recorded in field books and plotted on plans. The plans shall
be drawn to a scale of 5 metres to one cm or any other suitable scale decided by the Engineer -in-
Charge. North direction line and position of bench mark shall invariable be shown on the plans.
These plans shall be signed by the contractor and the Engineer-in-Charge or their authorized
representatives before the earth work is started. The labour required for taking levels shall be
supplied by the contractor at his own cost.
2.6 BLASTING
2.6.1 Where hard rock is met with and blasting operations are considered necessary, the contractor
shall obtain the approval of the Engineer-in-Charge in writing for resorting to blasting operation.
Note: In ordinary rock blasting operations shall not be generally adopted. However, the
contractor may resort to blasting with the permission of the Engineer-in-charge, but nothing extra
shall be paid for such blasting operations.
The contractor shall obtain license from the competent authority for undertaking blasting work as
well as for obtaining and storing the explosive as per the Explosive Act, 1884 as amended up to date
and the Explosive Rules, 1983. The contractor shall purchase the explosives fuses, detonators, etc.
only from a licensed dealer. The contractor shall be responsible for the safe transportation, storage
and custody as per explosive rules and proper accounting of the explosive materials. Fuses and
detonators shall be stored separately and away from the explosives. The Engineer-in -Charge or his
authorized representative shall have the right to check the contractor’s store and account of
explosives. The contractor shall provide necessary facilities for this.
The contractor shall be responsible for any damage arising out of accident to workmen, public or
property due to storage, transportation and use of explosive during blasting operation.
2.6.2 Blasting operations shall be carried out under the supervision of a responsible authorized
agent of the contractor (referred subsequently as agent only), during specified hours as approved in
writing by the Engineer-in-Charge. The agent shall be conversant with the rules of blasting. In case
of blasting with dynamite or any other high explosive, the position of all the bore holes to be drilled
shall be marked in circles with white paint. These shall be inspected by the contractor’s agent. Bore
holes shall be of a size that the cartridge can easily pass down. After the drilling operation, the agent
shall inspect the holes to ensure that drilling has been done only at the marked locations and no
extra hole has been drilled. The agent shall then prepare the necessary charge separately for each
bore hole. The bore holes shall be thoroughly cleaned before a cartridge is inserted. Only cylindrical
wooden tamping rods shall be used for tamping. Metal rods or rods having pointed ends shall never
be used for tamping. One cartridge shall be placed in the bore hole and gently pressed but not
If a misfire has been found to be due to defective fuse, detonator or dynamite, the entire
consignment from which the fuse detonator or dynamite was taken shall be got inspected by the
Engineer-in-Charge or his authorized representative before resuming the blasting or returning the
consignment.
2.7.2 During the excavation the natural drainage of the area shall be maintained. Excavation shall be
done from top to bottom. Undermining or undercutting shall not be done.
2.7.3 In firm soils, the sides of the trenches shall be kept vertical upto a depth of 2 metres from the
bottom. For greater depths, the excavation profiles shall be widened by allowing steps of 50 cms on
either side after every 2 metres from the bottom. Alternatively, the excavation can be done so as to
give slope of 1:4 (1 horizontal : 4 vertical). Where the soil is soft, loose or slushy, the width of steps
shall be suitably increased or sides sloped or the soil shored up as directed by the Engineer-in-
Charge. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to take complete instructions in writing from the
Engineer-in-Charge regarding the stepping , sloping or shoring to be done for excavation deeper
than 2 metres.
2.7.4 The excavation shall be done true to levels, slope, shape and pattern indicated by the
Engineer- in-Charge. Only the excavation shown on the drawings with additional allowances for
centering and shuttering or as required by the Engineer-in-Charge shall be measured and recorded
for payment.
2.7.5 In case of excavation for foundation in trenches or over areas, the bed of excavation shall be to
the correct level or slope and consolidated by watering and ramming. If the excavation for foundation
is done to a depth greater than that shown in the drawings or as required by the Engineer-in -
Charge, the excess depth shall be made good by the contractor at his own cost with the concrete of
the mix used for levelling/ bed concrete for foundations. Soft/defective spots at the bed of the
foundations shall be dug out and filled with concrete (to be paid separately) as directed by the
Engineer-in-Charge.
2.7.6 While carrying out the excavation for drain work care shall be taken to cut the side and bottom
to the required shape, slope and gradient. The surface shall then be properly dressed. If the
excavation is done to a depth greater than that shown on the drawing or as required by the
Engineer-in-Charge, the excess depth shall be made good by the contractor at his own cost with
stiff clay puddle at places where the drains are required to be pitched and with ordinary earth,
properly watered and rammed, where the drains are not required to be pitched. In case the drain is
required is to be pitched, the back filling with clay puddle, if required, shall be done simultaneously
as the pitching work proceeds. The brick pitched storm water drains should be avoided as far as
possible in filled-up areas and loose soils.
2.7.7 In all other cases where the excavation is taken deeper by the contractor, it shall be brought to
the required level by the contractor at his own cost by filling in with earth duly watered, consolidated
and rammed.
2.7.9 The excavation shall be done manually or by mechanical means as directed by Engineer-in-
charge considering feasibility, urgency of work, availability of labour /mechanical equipments and other
factors involved. Contractor shall ensure every safety measures for the workers. Neither any deduction
will be made nor any extra payment will be made on this account.
2.8.2 During the excavation, the natural drainage of the area shall be maintained. Excavation shall be
done from top to bottom. Undermining or under cutting shall not be done.
2.8.3 Where hard rock is met with and blasting operations are considered necessary, the contractor
shall obtain the approval of the Engineer-in- Charge in writing for resorting to the blasting operations.
Blasting operations shall be done as specified in para 2.6 and chiseling shall be done to obtain correct
levels, slopes, shape and pattern of excavation as per the drawings or as required by the Engineer-in-
Charge and nothing extra shall be payable for chiseling.
2.8.4 Where blasting operations are prohibited or are not practicable, excavation in hard rock shall be
done by chiseling.
2.8.5 In ordinary rock excavation shall be carried out by crowbars, pick axes or pneumatic drills and
blasting operation shall not be generally adopted. Where blasting operations are not prohibited and it is
practicable to resort to blasting for excavation in ordinary rock, contractor may do so with the
permission of the Engineer-in-Charge in writing but nothing extra shall be paid for this blasting. Blasting
shall be done as specified in para 2.6.
2.8.6 If the excavation for foundations or drains is done to a depth greater than that shown in the
drawings or as required by the Engineer-in-Charge. The excess depth shall be made good by the
contractor at his own cost with the concrete of the mix used for levelling/ bed concrete for foundations.
Soft/ defective spots at the bed of foundations shall be dug out and filled with concrete (to be paid
separately) as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge.
2.8.7 In all other cases where the excavation is taken deeper by the contractor, it shall be brought to
the required level by the contractor at his own cost by filling with earth duly watered, consolidated and
rammed.
2.8.8 In case the excavation is done wider than that shown on the drawings or as required by the
Engineer-in-Charge, filling wherever required on this account shall be done by the contractor at his
own cost.
2.8.9 Only the excavation shown on the drawings or as required by the Engineer-in-Charge shall be
measured and recorded for payment except in case of hard rock, where blasting operations have been
resorted to, excavation shall be measured to the actual levels, provided the Engineer-in-Charge is
satisfied that the contractor has not gone deeper than what was unavoidable.
2.8.10 The excavation shall be done manually or by mechanical means as desired by Engineer-in-
Charge considering feasibility, urgency of work, availability of labour /mechanical equipments and
other factors involved Contractor shall ensure every safety measures for the workers. Neither any
deduction will be made nor any extra payment will be made on this account.
The earth moving equipment consists of excavating and transporting equipment. Excavating
equipments may be further classified as excavators and tractor based equipments.
2.9.1 Excavators
Excavators generally used at site are as follows:
(i) Dipper–shovel : It is used for excavating against a face or bank consisting of open-top bucket or
dipper with a bottom opening door, fixed to an arm or dipper stick which slides and pivots on the jib
of the crane. It is suitable for excavating all clay chalk and friable materials and for handling rock
and stone. However, it is not suitable for surface excavation for which a skimmer is used.
(ii) Backhoe : It is similar to face shovel except that the dipper stick pivots on the end of the jib
and the dipper or bucket works towards the chassis and normally has no bottom door but is
emptied by swinging away from the chassis to invert the bucket. It may be designed to carry
both a front –mounted bucket loading mechanism and a rear mounted backhoe. It is mainly
used to excavate trenches and occasionally used for the excavation of open areas such as
small basements.
In the backhoe mode the bucket lifts, swings and discharges materials while the undercarriage
is stationary. When used in the ‘loader’ mode, the machine loads or excavated through
forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges materials.
(iii) Skimmer : This arrangement is similar to the face shovel except that in this case the bucket
slides on rollers directly along the jib and thus has a more restricted movement. It is used for
surface excavation and levelling in conjunction with transport to haul away the excavated
material.
(iv) Dragline : It is usually fitted with a long slender boom or jib and the bucket, which in
operation faces towards the machine and has no door, is supported by cable only as on a
crane. It works from the side of the excavation at normal ground level and is used for
excavating large open excavations such as basements when the depth is beyond the limit of
the boom of a backhoe. It is commonly used for open cast mining operations.
(v) Clamshell : It consists of two hinged half-buckets or jaws pivoted to a frame which is suspended by
cable from a long jib of an excavation. The grab is used for deep excavations of limited area on all
types of soil except rock. Crane and Grab is a variant of this type of equipment.
(i) Loaders : It is used for loading, light dozing, scraping and grabbing operations, lifting and
transporting the materials (loose earth, rubble, sand, gravel aggregate etc) at various sites
through forward motion of the machine.
(ii) Tractor Shovel : This consists of a tipping bucket at the front attached by strong pivoted
arms or booms to the frame of the machine. It is used for stripping top soil, excavating
against a face, bulldozing and for loading spoil or loose materials. It is similar to crawler
dipper-shovel.
(iii) Trench Digger : It operates on the same principle as a backhoe excavator except that
the bucket is controlled by hydraulic rams instead of cables and pulleys.
CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2019 36
(iv) Scraper : Scrapers provide unique capability to excavate, load, haul and dump materials.
Scrapers are available in various capacities by a number of manufacturers with options such
as self – loading with elevators, twin engines or push-pull capability. They are cost effective
where the haul distance is too long for bulldozers, yet too short for trucks. This distance
typically ranges from 120 m to 1200 m; however, the economics should be evaluated for each
project.
Scraper has an open bowl with a cutting edge positioned between the axles, which cuts,
loads, transports, discharges and spreads through forward motion of the machine. Loading
through forward motion of the machine can be assisted by a powered mechanism (elevator)
fixed to the scraper bowl.
(v) Bulldozer and Angle-dozer : The most common equipment used for clearing and levelling
activities is a bulldozer. The terms bulldozer is used to define a tractor mounted with a dozing
blade.
The bulldozer consists of a rectangular steel blade with renewable cutting edge set at right
angles (capable of only tilting but not angling) to the direction of travel and attached by steel
arms to the side frames of a crawler tractor. It may be used for excavating natural soil or for
moving loose soil or debris, which is pushed forward as the tractor forces it ahead.
(ii) Vibratory Roller : It is a single Drum Vibratory Roller for compaction of embankments, etc. The
smooth drum version is for compaction of granular and mixed soil. The sheepsfoot Roller consists of
a hallow cylindrical steel drum or drums on which projecting feet are mounted. These feet penetrate
into the fill as a roller moves forward and cause compaction. The geometry of the foot may be
sheep, club pyramid, cone or cylinder foot. Such rollers are employed for compaction
(densification) of cohesive and semi-cohesive soils.
2.10 FILLING
2.10.1 The earth used for filling shall be free from all roots, grass, shrubs, rank vegetation,
brushwood, tress, sapling and rubbish.
2. 10.2 Filling with excavated earth shall be done in regular horizontal layers each not exceeding 20
cm in depth. All lumps and clods exceeding 8 cm in any direction shall be broken. Each layer
shall be watered and consolidated with steel rammer or ½ tonne roller. Where specified, every third
and top must layer shall also be consolidated with power roller of minimum 8 tonnes. Wherever
depth of filling exceeds 1.5 metre vibratory power roller shall be used to consolidate the filing
unless otherwise directed by Engineer-in-charge. The top and sides of filling shall be neatly
dressed. The contractor shall make good all subsidence and shrinkage in earth fillings,
embankments, traverses etc. during execution and till the completion of work unless otherwise
specified.
2.11 MEASUREMENTS
2.11.1 The length and breadth of excavation or filling shall be measured with a steel tape correct to
the nearest cm. The depth of cutting or height of filling shall be measured, correct to 5 mm, by
recording levels before the start of the work and after the completion of the work. The cubical
contents shall be worked out to the nearest two places of decimal in cubic metres.
2.11.1.1 In case of open footings up to the depth of 1.5 metres, alround excavation of 30 cm. beyond
the outer dimension of footing shall be measured for payment to make allowances for centering and
37 SUB HEAD 2.0 : EARTH WORK
shuttering. Any additional excavation beyond this limit shall be at the risk and cost of the contractor and
shall not be measured for payment.
2.11.1.2 In case of open footings/Rafts at a depth of more than 1.5 metre, alround excavation of 75 cm
shall be measured for payment to make allowance for centering and shuttering. Additional excavation
beyond this limit shall be at the risk and cost of the contractor and shall not be measured for payment.
2.11.2 In case the ground is fairly uniform and where the site is not required to be levelled, the Engineer-
in- Charge may permit the measurements of depth of cutting or height of filling with steel tape, correct to
the nearest cm. In case of borrow pits, diagonal ridges, cross ridges or dead-men, the position of which
shall be fixed by the Engineer-in-Charge, shall be left by the contractor to permit accurate measurements
being taken with steel tape on the completion of the work Deduction of such ridges and dead men shall
be made from the measurements unless the same are required to be removed later on and the earth so
removed is utilized in the work. In the latter case nothing extra will be paid for their removal as
subsequent operation.
2.11.3 Where ordinary rock and hard rock is mixed. The measurement of the excavation shall be made as
specified in 2.11.1 and 2.11.2 The two kinds of rock shall be stacked separately and measured in stacks.
The net quantity of the two kinds of rocks shall be arrived at by applying deduction of 50% to allow for
voids in stacks. If the sum of net quantity of two kinds of rocks exceeds the total quantity of the
excavated material, then the quantity for each type of rock shall be worked out from the total quantity in
the ratio of net quantities in stack measurements of the two types of rocks. If in the opinion of the
Engineering- in-charge stacking is not feasible, the quantity of ordinary and hard rock shall be worked out
by means of cross-sectional measurements.
2.11.4Where soil, ordinary rock and hard rock are mixed, the measurements for the entire excavation shall
be made as specified in 2.11.1 and 2.11.2 Excavated materials comprising hard rock and ordinary rock
shall be stacked separately, measured, and each reduced by 50% to allow for voids to arrive at the
quantity payable under hard rock and ordinary rock. The difference between the entire excavation and the
sum of the quantities payable under hard rock and ordinary rock shall be paid for as excavation in
ordinary soil or hard soil as the case may be.
2.11.5 Where it is not possible or convenient to measure the depth of cutting by recording levels as
specified in 2.11.1 quantity of excavation shall be worked out from filling. The actual measurements of the
fill shall be calculated by taking levels of the original ground before start of the work after site clearance and
after compaction of the fill as specified and the quantity of earth work so computed shall be reduced
by 10% in case of consolidated fills and by 5% in case the consolidation is done by heavy mechanical
machinery to arrive at the net quantity of excavation for payment. No such deduction shall, however, be
made in case of consolidation by heavy mechanical machinery at optimum moisture content, or when the
consolidated filling is in confined situations such as under floors.
2.11.6.1 Level Books: In case of levelling operations and earthwork, measurements are required to be
recorded in level books in addition to Measurement Books. The Level Books should be numbered,
accounted for and handled like Measurement Books.
2.11.6.2 Preparatory Works: Before starting the earth work, following steps should be taken :
(1) Original ground levels should be recorded in the Level Book in the presence of the contractor or
his authorized representative, and should be signed by him and the Department Officer who
records the levels. All the local mounds and depressions should be indicated clearly in the
drawing and the field Level Book and should be checked by the Assistant Engineer/Executive
Engineer before the levelling work is started.
(2) A suitable baseline should be fixed with permanent masonry pillars at distances not exceeding
150 metres to provide a permanent reference line for facilitating check work. The base line (s)
should be entered in the Level Book with co-ordinates. These baselines should be maintained
till the final payment for the work has been made.
CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2019 38
(3) While recording the levels, it should be ensured that the circuit is closed by taking final levels
of the starting point or any other point, the R.L. of which was previously determined.
(4) Plans showing initial levels, location of bench marks and reduced levels, should be prepared
and signed by both the parties and attached to the agreement before commencement of the
work.
2.11.6.6 Import of Earth: In case of earth to be imported, the area from where the earth is to be
imported, should be pre-determined wherever possible before the start of the work, and wherever
feasible, the average lead should be worked out and stipulated in the tender. After this is determined,
initial levels of the area to be filled should be recorded. The levels should be properly checked during
the progress of work and on completion.
2.12 RATES
2.12.1 Rates for Earthwork shall include the following:
(a) Excavation and depositing excavated material as specified.
(b) Handing of antiquities and useful material as specified on 2.2.
(c) Protection as specified in 2.3.
2.12.2 No deduction shall be made from the rate if in the opinion of the Engineer- in-charge, operations
specified in 2.12.1 (b) to (h) are not required to be carried out on any account whatsoever.
2.13.2 Measurements
The length and breadth shall be measured with a steel tape correct to the nearest cm. and the area
worked out to the nearest two places of decimal in square metres.
2.14.2 Wherever filling is to be done, the earth from excavation shall be directly used for filling and no
payment for double handling of earth shall be admissible. Filling of excavated earth shall be done as
specified in 2.10. In case of hill side cutting, where the excavated materials is thrown down the hill
slopes, payment for filling excavated earth shall not be admissible.
2.17 EXCAVATION IN TRENCHES FOR FOUNDATIONS AND DRAINS (ALL KINDS OF SOIL)
2. 17.1 This shall comprise excavation not exceeding 1.5 m in width or 10 sqm on plan and to any
depth in trenches (excluding trenches for pipes, cables, conduits etc.)
2.18 EXCAVATION IN TRENCHES FOR FOUNDATION AND DRAINS (ORDINARY/ HARD ROCK)
2. 18.1 This shall comprise excavation not exceeding 1.5m in width or 10 sqm. On plan and to any
depth in trenches (excluding trenches for pipes, cables, conduits etc.)
2.19.4 Refilling
Filling in trenches shall be commenced soon after the joints of pipes, cables, conduits etc. have
been tested and passed. The space alround the pipes, cables conduits etc. shall be cleared of all
debris, brick bats etc. Where the trenches are excavated in hard/ soft soil, the filling shall be done
with earth on the side and top of pipes in layers not exceeding 20 cm in depth. Each layer shall be
watered, rammed and consolidated. All clods and lumps of earth exceeding 8 cm in any
direction shall be broken or removed before the excavated earth is used for filling. In case of
excavation trenches in ordinary/ hard rock, the filling upto a depth of 30cm above the crown of pipe,
cable, conduits etc. shall be done with fine material like earth, moorum or pulverized/
decomposed rock according to the
41 SUB HEAD 2.0 : EARTH WORK
availability at site. The remaining filling shall be done with boulders of size not exceeding 15cm mixed
with fine material like decomposed rock, moorum or earth as available to fill up the voids, watered,
rammed and consolidated in layers not exceeding 30cm. Excavated material containing deleterious
material, salt peter earth etc. shall not be used for filling. Ramming shall be done with iron rammers
where feasible and with blunt ends of crow bars where rammers cannot be used. Special care shall
be taken to ensure that no damage is caused to the pipes, Cables, Conduits etc. laid in the trenches.
2.19.5 Measurements
2.19.5.1 Trenches for pipes, cables, conduits etc. shall be measured in running metre correct to the
nearest cm in stages of 1.5 m depth and described separately as under:
(a) Pipes, cables, conduits, etc. not exceeding 80 mm dia.
(b) Pipes, cables, conduits etc. exceeding 80 mm dia but not exceeding 300mm dia.
(c) Pipes, cables, conduits etc. exceeding 300 mm dia.
2.19.5.2 Where two or more categories of each work are involved due to different classification of soil
within the same stage of trench depth or where the soil is soft loose or slushy requiring increase in the
width of trench or sloping sides or shoring, trenches for pipes, cables, conduits, etc. shall be
measured in cubic metres as specified in 2.10. Extra excavation, if any, on account of collar/ socket
of pipes shall neither be measured nor paid for separately.
2.19.6 Rates
The rate shall be as specified in 2.12 and shall also include the cost of refilling and all other
operations described above.
The boards shall generally be placed in position vertically in pairs. One boards on either side of
cutting. These shall be kept apart by horizontal wallings of strong wood at a maximum spacing of 1.2
metres cross strutted with ballies, or as directed by Engineer-in-Charge. The length and diameter of the
ballies strut shall depend upon the width of the trench. Typical sketch of close timbering is given in Fig.
2.2.
Where the soil is very soft and loose, the boards shall be placed horizontally against the sides of
the excavation and supported by vertical ‘wallings’ which shall be strutted to similar timber pieces on
the opposite face of the trench. The lowest boards supporting the sides shall be taken in the ground
for a minimum depth of 75 mm. No portion of the vertical side of the trench shall remain exposed.
The withdrawal of the timber members shall be done very carefully to prevent collapse of the
trench. It shall be started at one end and proceeded systematically to the other end. Concrete or
masonry shall not be damaged while removing the planks. No claim shall be entertained for any
timber which cannot be withdrawn and is lost or buried, unless required by the Engineer-in-Charge to
be left permanently in position.
CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2019 42
2.20.3 Open Planking and Strutting
In case of open planking and strutting, the entire surface of the side of the trench is not required
to be covered. The vertical boards 250 mm wide & 38 mm thick, shall be spaced sufficiency apart
to leave unsupported strips of 50 cm average width. The detailed arrangement, sizes of the timber
and the distance apart shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer-in- Charge. In all other
respect, specifications for close planking and strutting shall apply to open planking and strutting.
Typical sketch of open planking and strutting is given in fig. 2.2.
2.20.4 Measurements
The dimensions shall be measured correct to the nearest cm and the area of the face
supported shall be worked out in square metres correct to two places of decimal.
2.20.5 Rates
Rates shall include use and waste of all necessary timber work as mentioned above including
fixing and subsequent removal.
Capacity and number of pumps, location at which the pumps are to be installed, pumping hours etc.
shall be decided from time to time in consultation with the Engineer-in-Charge.
Pumping shall be done in such a way as not to cause damage to the work or adjoining property
by subsidence etc. Disposal of water shall not cause inconvenience or nuisance in the area or
cause damage to the property and structure nearby.
To prevent slipping of sides, planking and strutting may also be done with the approval of the
Engineer-in-Charge.
2.21.2 Classification
The earth work for various classification of soil shall be categorised as under:
(a) Work in or under water and/or liquid mud: Excavation, where water is met with from any of
the sources specified in 2.21.1 shall fall in this category. Steady water level in the trial pits
before the commencement of bailing or pumping operations shall be the sub-soil water level in
that area.
43 SUB HEAD 2.0 : EARTH WORK
(b) Work in or under foul position: Excavation, where sewage, sewage gases or foul conditions
are met with from any source, shall fall in this category. Decision of the Engineer-in-Charge
whether the work is in foul position or not shall be final.
2.21.3 Measurements
2.21.3.1 The unit, namely, metre depth shall be the depth measured from the level of foul position/ sub-soil
water level and upto the centre of gravity of the cross sectional area of excavation actually done in the
conditions classified in 2.21.2. Metre depth shall be reckoned correct to 0.1 m, 0.05 m or more shall be
taken as 0.1 m and less than 0.05 m ignored. The extra percentage rate is applicable in respect of each
item but the measurements shall be limited only to the quantities of earth work actually executed in the
conditions classified in 2.21.2.
2.21.3.2 In case earth work in or under foul position is also in or under water and/or liquid mud, extra
payment shall be admissible only for the earth work actually executed in or under foul position.
2.21.3.3 Pumping or bailing out water met within excavations from the sources specified in 2.21.1 where
envisaged and specifically ordered in writing by the Engineer-in-Charge shall be measured separately
and paid. Quantity of water shall be recorded in kilolitres correct to two places of decimal. This payment
shall be in addition to the payment under respective items of earthwork and shall be admissible only
when pumping or bailing out water has been specifically ordered by the Engineer-in-Charge in writing.
2.21.3.4 Planking and strutting or any other protection work done with the approval of the Engineer- in-
Charge to keep the trenches dry and/or to save the foundations against damage by corrosion of rise in
water levels shall be measured and paid for separately.
2.21.3.5 Bailing or pumping out water, accumulated in excavation, due to rains is included under
respective items of earthwork and is not to be paid separately.
2.21.4 Rates
The rates for respective items described above shall include cost of all the operations as may be
applicable.
Note: NIT approving authority may make work specific special conditions considering magnitude
of works, soil and water table condition etc.
2.22 DELETED
2.23.2 Filling
The space around the foundations and drains in trenches shall be cleared of all debris, brick bats etc.
The filling shall be done in layers not exceeding 20 cm in depth. Each layer shall be watered, rammed
and consolidated. Ramming shall be done with iron rammers where possible and with blunt end of crow
bars where rammers cannot be used. Special care shall be taken to ensure that no damage is caused to
the pipes, drains, masonry or concrete in the trenches. In case of filling under floor, the finished level of
filling shall be kept to the slope intended to be given to the floor.
2.23.3 Measurements
2.23.3.1 Filling Side of Foundations: The cubical contents of bed concrete levelling course and masonry/
concrete in foundations upto the ground level shall be worked out and the same deducted from the cubical
contents of earthwork in excavation for foundations already measured under the respective item of earth work
to arrive at the quantity for filling sides of foundation. The quantity shall be calculated correct to two places
of decimal.
CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2019 44
2.23.3.2 Filling in Plinth and under Floors: Depth of filling shall be the consolidated depth. The
dimensions of filling shall be on the basis of pre-measurement correct to the nearest cm and cubical
content worked out in cubic metres correct to two places of decimal.
2.23.4 Rates
The rates include cost of all the operations described above.
2.24.2 Filling
Sand filling shall be done in a manner similar to earth filling in plinth specified in 2.23.3.2. except
that consolidation shall be done by flooding with water. The surface of the consolidated sand filling
shall be dressed to the required level or slope and shall not be covered till the Engineer-in-Charge has
inspected and approved the sand filling.
2.24.3 Measurements
The length, breadth and depth of consolidated sand shall be measured with steel tape correct to
the nearest cm and cubical contents worked out in cubic metres correct to two places of decimal.
2.24.4 Rates
The rates include the cost of material and labour involved in all the operations described above.
2.25.2 Measurements
Length and breadth of the dressed ground shall be measured correct to the nearest cm and the
area worked out in square metres correct to two places of decimal.
2.25.3 Rates
The rates shall include cost of labour involved in all the operations described above.
2.26.4 Measurements
The length and breadth shall be measured correct to the nearest cm and area worked out in
square metres correct to two places of decimal.
2.26.5 Rates
The rate includes cost of all the operation described above.
Note: Jungle clearance and clearance of grass are not payable separately for the earth work
specified in 2.13 to 2.19.
All excavation below general ground level arising out of the removal of trees, stumps etc. shall be
filled with suitable material in 20 cm layers and compacted thoroughly so that the surfaces at these
points conform to the surrounding area. The trunks and branches of trees shall be cleared of limbs
and tops and cut into suitable pieces as directed by the Engineer-in-Charge.
2.27.3 Measurements
Cutting of trees above 30 cm in girth (measured at a height of one metre above level) shall be
measured in numbers according to the sizes given below:
(a) Beyond 30 cm girth, upto and including 60cm girth.
(b) Beyond 60 cm girth, upto and including 120 cm girth.
(c) Beyond 120 cm girth, upto and including 240 cm girth.
(d) Above 240 cm girth.
2.27.4 Rate
The rate includes the cost involved in all the operations described above. The contract unit rate for
cutting trees above 30 cm in girth shall include removal of stumps as well.
Termite control in existing as well as new building structures is very important as the damage likely
to be caused by the termites to wooden members of building and other household article like furniture,
clothing, stationery etc. is considerable. Anti-termite treatment can be either during the time of
construction i.e. pre- constructional chemical treatment or after the building has been constructed i.e.
treatment for existing building.
Prevention of the termite from reaching the super-structure of the building and its contents can be
achieved by creating a chemical barrier between the ground, from where the termites come and other
contents of the building which may form food for the termites. This is achieved by treating the soil
beneath the building and around the foundation with a suitable insecticide.
2.28.2 Materials
2.28.2.1 Chemicals: Any one of the following chemicals in water emulsion to achieve the percentage
concentration specified against each chemical shall be used:
(i) Chlorphriphos emulsifiable concentrate of 20%
(ii) Lindane emulsifiable concentrate of 20%
Anti-termite treatment chemical is available in concentrated form in the market and concentration is
indicated on the sealed containers. To achieve the specified percentage of concentration, Chemical
should be diluted with water in required quantity before it is used. Graduated containers shall be used
for dilution of chemical with water in the required proportion to achieve the desired percentage of
concentration. For example, to dilute chemical of 20% concentration. 19 parts of water shall be added
to one part of chemical for achieving 1% concentration.
Engineer -in-Charge shall procure the chemical of required concentration in sealed original
containers directly from the reputed and authorized dealers, chemical shall be kept in the custody of
the Engineer-in-Charge or his authorized representatives and issued for use to meet the day’s
requirements. Empty containers after washing and concentrated chemical left unused at the end of the
day’s work shall be returned to the Engineer-in-Charge or his authorized representative.
2.28.2.3 Rate: The Rate for the concentrated chemical shall include the cost of material, containers
and all the operations involved in transportation and delivery at the place specified.
The containers having emulsifiable concentrates shall be clearly labelled and kept securely closed in
stores so that children or pet cannot get at them. Storage and mixing of concentrates shall not be done near
any fire source or flame. Persons using these chemical shall be warned that absorption though skin is the
most likely source of accidental poisoning. Particular care shall be taken to prevent skin contact with
concentrates and prolonged exposure to dilute emulsion shall also be avoided. After handling the
concentrates or dilute emulsion. Workers shall wash themselves with soap and water and wear clean
clothing, especially before eating. In the event of severe contamination, clothing shall be removed at
once and the skin washed with soap and water. If chemical has splashed into the eyes, they shall be
flushed with plenty of soap and water and immediate medical attention shall be sought.
2.28.4 Anti Termite Treatment : Treatment for Existing Building: Post Construction Treatment
2.28.4.1 Material
(i) Chemicals : Any one of the following chemicals conforming to relevant Indian Standards in water
emulsion may be used for soil treatment in order to protect a building from termite attack.
Chemical with Percent Relevant Indian Concentration by weight
Standards (Active
ingredient)
Chlorpyrifos 20EC IS 8944 1.0
Lindane 20EC IS 632 1.0
These chemicals are available in concentrated form in the market and concentration is
indicated on the sealed containers. To achieve the specified percentage of concentration,
chemicals
CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2019 48
should be diluted with water in required quantity before it is used. Graduated containers shall
be used for dilution of chemicals with water in the required proportion to achieve the desired
percentage of concentration. For example, to dilute chemical of 20% concentration, 19 parts
of water shall be added to one part of chemical for achieving 1% concentration. Oil or
kerosene based solution of chlorpyrifos 20 EC or Lindane 20 EC, 1.0 percent (by weight)
concentration is useful for treatment of wood. Engineer-in-charge shall procure the
chemical of required concentration in sealed original containers directly from the
reputed and authorized representative. Chemical shall be kept in the custody of the
Engineer-in-charge or his authorized representatives and issued for use to meet the day’s
requirements. Empty containers after washing and concentrated chemical left unused at the
end of the day’s work shall be returned to the Engineer-in-charge or his authorized
representative.
(ii) Measurements : Concentrated chemical in sealed containers shall be measured in litres.
Chemicals of different types and concentration shall be measured separately.
(iii) Rate : The rate for the concentrated chemical shall include the cost of material, containers and
all the operations involved in transportation and delivery at the place specified.
(iv) Safety Precautions : Chemical used for antitermite treatment are insecticides with a persistent
action and are highly poisonous. This chemical can have an adverse effect upon health when
absorbed through the skin, inhaled as vapours or spray mists or swallowed.
The containers having emulsifiable concentrates shall be clearly labeled and kept securely closed
in stores so that children or pet cannot get at them. Storage and mixing of concentrates shall not be
done near any fire source or flame. Persons carrying out chemical soil treatments should familiarize
themselves and exercise due care when handling the chemicals whether in concentrated or in diluted
form. After handling the concentrates or dilute emulsion, worker shall wash themselves with soap and
water and wear clean clothing especially before eating and smoking. In the event of severe
contamination, clothing shall be removed at once and the skin washed with soap and water. If chemical
has splashed into the eyes, they shall be flushed with plenty of soap and water and immediate medical
attention shall be sought.
The use of chemical shall be avoided where there is any risk of wells or other water supplies
becoming contaminated.
2.28.4.2 Treatment
(i) Once the termites have an ingress into the building, they keep on multiplying and destroy the
wooden and cellulosic materials, and as such it becomes essential to take measures for
protection against termites. Anti termite measures described below are necessary for the
eradication and control of termites in existing building. To facilitate proper penetrations of
chemical in to the surface to be treated, hand operated pressure pump shall be used. To have
proper check for uniform penetration of chemical, graduated containers shall be used. Proper
check should be kept so that the specified quantity of chemical is used for the required area
during the operation. Chemical treatment for the eradication and control of sub-terranean
termites in existing building shall be done as per IS 6313 (Part III). Treatment shall be got done
only from the approved specialized agencies using the chemical procured directly by the
Engineer-in-Charge from reputed and authorized dealers.
(ii) Treatment along outside of foundations: The soil in contact with the external wall of the
building shall be treated with chemical emulsion at the rate of 7.5 litres per square metre of
vertical surface of the sub-structure to a depth of 300 mm. To facilitate this treatment, a shallow
channel shall be excavated along and close to the wall face. The chemical emulsion shall be
directed towards the wall at 1.75 litres per running metre of the channel. Rodding with 12 mm
diameter mild steel rods at 150 mm apart shall be done in the channel. If necessary, for uniform
dispersal of the chemical to 300 mm depth from the ground level. The balance chemical of 0.5
litre per running metre shall then be used to treat the backfill earth as it is returned to the
channel directing the spray towards the wall surface.
49 SUB HEAD 2.0 : EARTH WORK
If there is a concrete or masonry apron around the building, approximately 12 mm diameter
holes shall be drilled as close as possible to the plinth wall about 300 mm apart, deep enough
to reach the soil below and the chemical emulsion pumped into these holes to soak the soil
below at the rate of 2.25 litres per linear metre.
In soils which do not allow percolation of chemicals to desired depth, the uniform disposal of
the chemical to a depth of 300 mm shall be obtained by suitably modifying the mode of
treatment depending on site condition.
In case of RCC foundations the soil (backfill) in contact with the column sides and plinth beams
along with external perimeter of the building shall be treated with chemical emulsion at the rate of
7.5 litres/sqm. of the vertical surface of the structure. To facilitate this treatment, trenches shall be
excavated equal to the width of the shovel exposing the sides of the column and plinth beams upto
a depth of 300 mm or upto the bottom of the plinth beams, if this level is less than 300 mm. The
chemical emulsion shall be sprayed on the backfill earth as it is returned into the trench directing the
spray against the concrete surface of the beam or column as the case may be.
(iii) Treatment of Soil under Floors : The points where the termites are likely to seek
entry through the floor are the cracks at the following locations:
(a) At the junction of the floor and walls as result of shrinkage of the concrete;
(b) On the floor surface owing to construction defects;
(c) At construction joints in a concrete floor, cracks in sections; and
(d) Expansion joints in the floor.
Chemical treatment shall be provided in the plinth area of ground floor of the structure,
wherever such cracks are noticed by drilling 12 mm holes at the junction of floor and walls
along the cracks on the floor and along the construction and expansion joints at the interval of
300 mm to reach the soil below. Chemical emulsion shall be squirted into these holes using a
hand operated pressure pump to soak the soil below until refusal or upto a maximum of one
litre per hole. The holes shall then be sealed properly with cement mortar 1:2 (1 cement: 2
coarse sand) finished to match the existing floors. The cement mortar applied shall be cured
for at least 10 days as per instruction of Engineer-in-charge.
(iv) Treatment of Voids in Masonry : The movement of termites through the masonry wall may
be arrested by drilling holes in masonry wall at plilnth level and squirting chemical emulsions
into the holes to soak the masonry. The holes shall be drilled at an angle of 45 degree from
both sides of the plinth wall at 300 mm intervals and emulsion squirted through these holes to
soak the masonry using a hand operated pump. This treatment shall also be extended to
internal walls having foundations in the soil. Holes shall also be drilled at wall corners and
where door and window frames are embedded in the masonry or floor at ground.
Emulsion shall be squirted through the holes till refusal or to a maximum of one litre per
hole. Care shall be taken to seal the holes after the treatment.
(v) Treatment at Points of Contact of Wood Work : The wood work which has already been
damaged beyond repairs by termites shall be replaced. The new timber shall be dipped or
liberally brushed at least twice with chemical in oil or kerosene. All existing wood work in the
building which is in contact with the floor or walls and which is infested by termites, shall be
treated by spraying at the points of contacts with the adjoining masonry with the chemical
emulsion by drilling 6 mm holes at a dowonward angle of about 45 degree at junction of wood
work and masonry and squirting chemical emulsion into these holes till refusal or to a
maximum of half a litre per hole. The treated holes shall then be sealed.
Infested wood work in chaukhats, shelves, joints, purlins etc., in contact with the floor or the
walls shall be provided with protective treatment by drilling holes of about 3 mm diameter with
a downward slant to the core of the wood work on the inconspicuous surface of the frame.
These holes should be at least 150 mm centre to centre and should cover in entire
frame work. Chemicals shall be liberally infused in these holes. If the wood is not
protected by paint or
varnish two coats of the chemicals shall be given on all the surfaces and crevices adjoining the
masonry.
CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2019 50
2.28.4.3 Measurements : All dimensions shall be measured correct to a cm. The measurements shall
be made of the surface actually provided with anti termite treatment. Measurements shall be done
separately for treatment of foundations, soils under floors, voids in masonry and wood work as detailed
below:
(i) Treatment along outside of foundations : The measurements shall be made in running metres
taking length along the plinth of the building.
(ii) Treatment of soil under floors : The measurements shall be made in square metres, inside clear
dimensions of rooms, verandah etc. shall be taken.
(iii) Treatment of voids in masonry : The measurements shall be made in running metres along the
plinth of the building.
(iv) Treatment of wood work : The measurements shall be made in running metres for chowkhats,
joints, purlins, beams etc.
2.28.4.4 Rates
The rate shall include the cost of labour and all other inputs (except concentrated chemical)
involved in all the operations described above including drilling, refilling and making good the holes.
2.29
2.29 FILLING WITH
Filling with FLYASH
Flyash and AND
EarthEARTH
2.29.1 Earth
2.29.2 Flyash
Flyash be procured from nearest local power plant. To prevent dust, it should be kept moist
by sprinkling of water.
2.29.3 Filling
The space around the foundation and drains in trenches shall be cleared of all debris, brick
bats etc. Filling with available excavated earth and flyash shall be done in regular horizontal
layers. Each layer shall be watered, rammed and consolidated. Ramming shall be done with iron
rammers where possible and with blunt and of crow bars where rammers can not be used.
Intermediate layer of compacted earth not exceeding 15 cm shall be placed after every four layers
of compacted depth of flyash (each layer should not exceed 15 cm). The sides and top layer of
filling shall be done with earth having minimum compacted thickness of 30 cm. Special care shall
be taken to ensure that no damage is caused to the pipes, drains, masonry or concrete in the
tranches. In case of filling in embankment, consolidation of flyash/earth shall be done with power
roller to achieve soil density of 98%.
2.29.4 Measurement
2.29.4.1 Filling sides of foundations:-The mode of measurements shall be the same, as specified
in para 2.23.3.1.
2.29.4.2 Filling in embankment:-Depth of filling shall be the consolidated depth. The length,
breadth and depth shall be measured with steel tape correct to the nearest cm and cubical contents
worked out in cubic metres correct to two places of decimal.
2.29.5 Rates
The rates include the cost of material and labour involved in all the operations described above