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How To Backfill Foundations and Trenches Backfill Is The Key To A Solid and Stable Grading Share Flip Pin Email

The document provides instructions for properly backfilling foundations and trenches. It discusses several techniques for backfilling including compacting backfill in layers, using water jetting to move material but avoiding on heavy soils, and using flowable fill which is poured like concrete but requires blocking flow. The key steps outlined are to backfill in layers, compact each layer thoroughly, and ensure proper drainage of water from the backfilled area.

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80 views4 pages

How To Backfill Foundations and Trenches Backfill Is The Key To A Solid and Stable Grading Share Flip Pin Email

The document provides instructions for properly backfilling foundations and trenches. It discusses several techniques for backfilling including compacting backfill in layers, using water jetting to move material but avoiding on heavy soils, and using flowable fill which is poured like concrete but requires blocking flow. The key steps outlined are to backfill in layers, compact each layer thoroughly, and ensure proper drainage of water from the backfilled area.

Uploaded by

ram_babu_59
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Backfill Foundations and Trenches

Backfill is the key to a solid and stable grading

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By Juan Rodriguez

Updated December 21, 2016

How to Backfill

Backfilling is the process of putting soil back inside a trench or in a foundation when the excavation has
been completed. The backfill process requires skills and knowledge on the specifications, contract
requirements and understanding soil conditions. Backfilling is used in tasks such as
protecting foundations, landscaping, or filling in voids in underground structures. Every soil has unique
characteristics requiring different construction techniques to ensure optimum performance.

Impact loading of the pipeline, shafts, structures, and appurtenances must be avoided during the
placement of backfill. Backfilling can be done using the following techniques.

How to Compact Backfill in Trenches

This material is then compacted using some mechanical means such as a compactor on an excavator or
a "jumping jack"-type compactor. Compact soils to not less than the percentages of maximum dry
density as determined in accordance with ASTM D698, Method A (Standard Proctor). The soil lift will
depend upon the nature of the backfill, and the compaction equipment to be used. Water may be
added during the compaction process, to assist with compaction. The following steps are recommended:

1. Backfill in layers of 4"-6" (non-organic fill and clean of debris)

2. Compact with a 1000lb compactor

3. Water thoroughly

4. Repeat first three steps


How to Backfill Using Water Jetting

Water jetting is a technique that relies on specific material but no compaction.

Backfilling with jet allows the contractor to leave the trench and come back later forcing pressurized
water into the trench using a long metal device. Water jetting should be avoided on plastic soils or
heavy clay soils, however, it is recommended in sand or in highly fissured bedrock. In jetting,
you pump the water under pressure and use the force of the jetted water to move the bedding or
backfill material around.

As with any backfilling, material should be placed slowly and in lifts. Flooding or 'jetting' backfill
generally produces poor to very poor compaction. It is necessary to take preventive measures to contain
water containing sediment, and in particular, prevent it entering drains and water courses, all in
accordance with EPA Guidelines. If the water cannot drain from the backfill soils, the material will be
setup for future collapse.

Flowable Fill Used to Backfill

Backfill can also be done using flowable fill, a cementitious material with a low water/cement ratio,
delivered to the job site by a ready mix truck. The material is then placed as backfill directly from the
truck, just like regular concrete. Backfilling with flowable fill should be done carefully, making sure
that the utility pipe is covered first with an aggregate material. Allowing flowable fill to engulf the pipe
can create problems for those needing to hand dig around the pipe in the future. The other challenge
when using flowable fill is that the material does flow so the contractor must block or prevent the
backfill material to flow continuously to other trench areas.

How to Properly Backfill Utility Trenches

Follow these steps when backfilling utility trenches:

1. Backfill trenches and excavations immediately after the pipe are laid, unless other protection is
directed or indicated.

2. Select and deposit backfill materials with special reference to the future safety of the pipes.

3. In the lower portion of the trench, deposit approved backfill and bedding material in layers of 6"
maximum thickness, and compact with suitable tampers to the density of the adjacent soil until
there is a cover of not less than 12" using special care not to damage pipe and pipe coatings.

4. Except for special materials for pavements, backfill the remainder of the trench with material
free from stones larger than 6" or ½ the layered thickness, whichever is smaller, in any
dimension.

5. Under roads, streets, and other paved areas:

 Mechanically tamp in 6" layers using heavy duty pneumatic tampers or equal.
 Tamp each layer to a density equivalent of not less than 100% of an ASTM D698 Proctor Curve.

 Provide additional compaction by leaving the backfilled trenches open to traffic while
maintaining the surface with crushed stone.

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