CONTRACT NO:

METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL

PROJECT

REVISION

METHOD STATEMENT
FOR
GENERAL EXCAVATION
& BACKFILL

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 CONTRACT NO:
METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT OVERALL

IMPROVEMENTS
Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
1. PURPOSE
This method statement outline the procedures / guidelines to be adopted and the
controls to be exercise for the site preparation work for the construction of PIPE
LINE WORK for TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT OVERALL IMPROVEMENTS Project to
ensure that material supply and Installation conforms with the project
requirements.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

 Material Supply (backfill materials: sand or marl / sub-base)

 Equipment, Manpower & Supervision.
 Spreading, grading, leveling and compaction.

3. REFERENCES

3.1 Section 02135 Excavation and fill.

3.2 Section 01320 Construction Progress Documentation.
3.3 Section 01450 Quality Control.
3.4 Section 02230 Site Clearing
3.5 Section 02340 Soil Stabilization.
3.6 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
3.7 American Association for State Highway and Transportation Officials(AASHTO)

4. TOOLS REQUIRED

 Excavator
 Pay Loader

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

 JCB
 Six Wheel Truck
 Bob cat
 Shovel
 Total Station
 Meter tape
 Cable detector

5. DEFINITION OF TERMS

 Backfilling: Refilling of spaces from excavation is referred to as backfilling.

 Base course: A layer of specified or selected granular material of planned
thickness constructed on the sub base for the purpose of serving one or more
functions such as distributing load, providing drainage etc.
 Borrow material: Material obtained from sources other than from site
excavation. This is a reference to the source of supply and not to the
characteristics of the material.
 Cohesion: The property of material that tends to make its particles stick
together.
 Cohesion less soil: A soil that when unconfined has little or no strength when
air-dried and that has little or no cohesion when submerged. Sand is cohesion
less soil.
 Cohesive soil: A soil that when unconfined has considerable strength when air-
dried and that has significant cohesion when submerged.
 Compaction: The artificial densification of a soil by means of mechanical
manipulation (e.g. rolling, tamping, vibration, or other means). The percent
compaction is defined as the ratio, in percent, of the as-compacted field dry
density to the laboratory maximum dry density.
 Excess excavation: Excavation outside the lines levels and profiles shown on
the Contract Drawings or as directed or approved by the Royal Commission.
 Embankment: A raised earth structure on which the roadway pavement
structure (granular sub base/base course, asphalt concrete) is placed. When
finally placed and graded it will act as a subgrade.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

 Excavation: (a) The act of taking out material (e.g. soil); (b) The materials taken
out; (c) The cavity remaining after materials have been taken out.
 Field density: The mass of dry solids in kg/m3 of in-place fill, as determined by
standard test procedures referenced in this Specification.
 Fill material: Soil material being placed upon the surface of an existing ground
resulting in a higher construction will be referred to as fill (In road construction
often designated as preparation of embankment).
 Finish grade: The final design elevation of the finished surface.
 Grade: The vertical location of the ground surface.
 Groundwater: That part of the subsurface water which is in the saturated
zone.
 Laboratory density: Laboratory density is the maximum mass of dry solids
possible in kilograms per cubic meter of fill, as represented by a sample and as
determined by standard test procedures referenced in this Specification.
 Optimum moisture content: The water content at which a soil can be
compacted to a maximum dry unit by a given compactive effort. Determined
by the ASTM standard specified to determine the maximum dry density for
relative compaction.
 Plasticity: The property of a soil or rock which allows it to be deformed beyond
the point of recovery without cracking or appreciable volume change.
 Plasticity index: The range of water content over which a soil behaves
plastically. Numerically, it is the difference between the liquid limit and the
plastic limit.
 Plastic limit: (a) The water content corresponding to an arbitrary limit
between the plastic and the semi-solid states of consistency of a soil. (b) The
water content at which a soil will just begin to crumble when rolled into a
thread approximately 3.2 mm in diameter.
 Relative density: The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the difference
between the maximum index void ratio and any given void ratio of cohesion
less, free draining soil; to the difference between its maximum and minimum
index void ratios.
 Relative compaction: The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the dry
density/unit weight of a given soil to its maximum index density/unit weight.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

 Rough grade: Refers to grading the construction site to approximate design

contours.
 Soil classification: The arrangement of soils in classes according to their
physical properties. There are several systems of soil classifications.
 Structural excavation: Consists of materials excavated from foundations.
 Structural fill: Structural fill includes all types of fill material which is placed to
support all structural elements and/or piping, both vertically and horizontally.
The limits of the structural fill shall be as defined on the Contract Drawings.
 Sub base course: The layer or layers of specified or selected granular material
of designated thickness placed on a subgrade to support a granular base
course.
 Subgrade: The undisturbed soil prepared to support a structure or a pavement
system. The subgrade, if not adequate, may be improved by (a) the
incorporation of stabilizers, (b) any course or courses of granular material
placed on the subgrade or by (c) an asphaltic sub base (road base) on the
subgrade. If the subgrade is of adequate quality or is improved by one of the
methods described under (a) (b) (c), it may serve as sub base course.
 Unclassified excavation: Consists of all excavation unless designated
separately.

6. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

i. PROJECT MANAGER: Study proposals, plans, specification and related

documents, analyzing labor, material, equipment and time requirements,
assembling & arranging numerical and descriptive information.
Coordination with general superintendent on administration of site work.

ii. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: Reporting work progress and collaborate with

architects, engineers and other construction specialists. Respond to work
delays, emergencies, and other problems. And also comply with legal
requirements, building and safety codes, and other regulations.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
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REVISION

iii. COMPETENT PERSON: A competent person must conduct visual and manual
soil tests before anyone enters an excavation, and also ensure that workers
in site are free from hazardous conditions.

iv. SAFETY MANAGER: A Safety manager visits construction sites to ensure

implementation of the correct safety policies and procedures. He also
arranges training programs on safety measures in the workplace.

v. SUPERVISOR: Supervise the work according to project requirement. Prepare

schedules for crew on jobsite. Implement the specific health and safety
work plan and ensure safe working conditions.

vi. PROJECT NURSE: Providing health promotion, counseling and education to

the worker in site. Conducting health checkup.

7.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1 All works performed and all materials furnished shall be in conformity with
the lines, grades, cross-sections, dimensions and materials requirements,
including tolerances, shown on the IFC Drawings or indicated in the specifications.

7.2 All materials shall be inspected, sampled, and approved by ROYAL

COMMISSION before incorporation onto works. All documentation related to
inspection, sampling and testing will be provided to PID for review and
acceptance.

7.3 No material, regardless of source, shall be incorporated into work until

representative samples are taken and approved ROYAL COMMISSION.

7.4 All materials to be incorporated shall meet the appropriate standards as

required on drawings, specifications, codes, standards and regulations of Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

7.5 The stability of adjacent structures or facilities, including public safety shall
not be impaired or endangered by work activities.

7.6 All existing underground utilities which may be uncovered or otherwise be

affected by any work/shall be properly protected/by shoring, bracing, support as
required.

7.7 Adequate dewatering equipment to remove and dispose all surface and
ground water entering work/shall be provided at site and maintained properly.

7.8 Field and laboratory testing to determine compliance with the compaction
requirements shall be done as required by ROYAL COMMISSION.

8.0 DETENTION OF BURIED SERVICES

Before starting, survey, coordinates and elevation of the centerline of the
trench, verify the depth and exact location of all existing underground facilities by
manual excavation of trail pits and/ or by cable detector wherever necessary prior
to commencement of the work and shall take all necessary precautions to protect
the existing facilities without any disturbance of the existing pipes/ structures or
underground cables, provide necessary supports where required and all the
procedures shall be shown on the workshop drawings subject to RC approval,
valve chamber, pipe sleeve, etc are to be established as per the latest revision of
IFC drawings. A Competent person shall inspect the work condition for
excavation including the location and detection of all utilities & services. No
employees shall be within the swing radius of the excavator and erect the
warning signs for safety.

9.0 SURVEYING

9.1 Reconnaissance of the site for verification and furnishing adequate field data
and information on shore existing facilities, utilities and boundaries.

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 CONTRACT NO:
METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

9.2 Establish horizontal control and locate existing monuments, benchmarks and
other markers near the proposed work site.
9.3 Ordinary wooden hubs or stakes shall be considered as temporary
benchmarks only. Such benchmarks shall be prominently marked for
identification by lath and flags.
9.4 All traverse and level loops shall have a minimum of two common points.
9.5 All field measurements of angles and distances shall be performed to satisfy
closure and tolerance requirements.
9.6 Marking stations every 50m to identify location and chainage.
9.7 Designated surveyors shall be responsible for checking and maintaining
benchmarks needed to perform the work.
9.8 All difficulties or discrepancies encountered shall be reported to ROYAL
COMMISSION, written resolution shall be obtained, formal submittal of a Request
for Inspection to ROYAL COMMISSION.
9.9 Site grading shall be in conformance with the Specification grading tolerances.

10.0 Clearing/Site Preparation

10.1 The site shall be cleared of all boulders, debris, decomposable material such
as wood, grass, roots, plants, tree stumps, etc. and rough graded to approximate
finish lines, and grades shown on the approved drawings. Area shall be inspected
and approved by ROYAL COMMISSION representative before commencing any
compaction of existing subgrade and/or placement and compaction of controlled
fill.
10.2 All existing miscellaneous fill shall be removed from the area and proof-
rolled where structural support is required. Any soil at stripped level that softens
due to rainfall, groundwater, disturbance, exposure, or any cause shall be
excavated and replaced with controlled fill.
10.3 All areas designated for clearing and grubbing materials listed in 6.1 shall be
cleared/stripped to a minimum depth of 300mm. Excess material shall be
disposed properly on approved ROYAL COMMISSION disposal sites, re-usable
materials shall be stockpiled in approved areas.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
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10.4 Drainage ditches shall be grubbed to a depth of 600mm beneath the finished
sides and bottom.
10.5 Roadway areas shall be grubbed to a depth of 900mm below final rough
grade but not more than 600mm below natural grade.
10.6 Embankment slopes shall be grubbed to a depth of 300mm beneath the
finished slope.
10.7 Care shall be taken to protect existing site improvement and structures,
exact location shall be established by excavating trial pits. Excavation shall be
done manually and carefully, suitable approved shoring shall be provided to
ensure stability of excavation.

11.0 Excavation

11.1 The area to be excavated shall be properly marked and clear before starting
the works.
11.2 The depth of excavation shall be periodically checked by a surveyor to avoid
over excavation. The bank of excavated area shall be sloped 30 degrees and shall
be maintained to avoid a collapse of the bank into the excavated area.
11.3 All excavated material shall be kept a minimum of 1.0 meter from the edge
of excavation or shall be stockpiled to the area designated by the Engineer. And
Excavated material unsuitable for filling shall be hauled away and dumped in spoil
areas as approved by the Royal Commission.
11.4 For all excavation activities, adequate safety barriers, sign boards, advance
warning signs would be used.
11.5 For foundation, as soon as the excavation reaches the required
depth/elevation the surface shall be leveled and shall be compacted to 95 % of
maximum dry density or MDD.
11.6 Before the compaction starts, it shall make sure that the excavated level is
free from standing water or excessive moisture content. Water shall be prevented
from entering or standing in the excavated areas by dewatering system as per
Royal Commission specification.
11.7 Inspection would be conducted during compaction for checking and approval
of the Engineer.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

11.8 The compaction test report shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval
prior to proceed succeeding work.
11.9 Anti-termite treatment would be conducted prior to start blinding works but
make sure the anti-termite material is approved by the Engineer.

12. DEWATERING: Dewatering shall be done where ever necessary as per site
conditions during construction of Valve Chambers/Flow Meter Chambers,
GRP/RTRP Pipe Installation etc.
(Refer to approved Method Statement for Dewatering System)

13.0 Compaction
13.1 Unless otherwise specified, fill area shall be compacted to not less than 97%
of the maximum dry density per (ASTM D1557).
13.2 Moisture content of the material being compacted shall be within ±2 percent
of the optimum moisture content as determined by ASTM 1557.
13.3 Minimum quantities for in-place density and moisture content test for every
lift of compacted fill or backfill will be performed as per ASTM D1557.
13.4 Field density according to ASTM D1556 or D2167 as appropriate for every
500 m2.
13.5 One test for classification of soil according to ASTM D2487 for every 1000 m2
for every completed layer.
13.6 Take 1 field density test for every 200 m of each layer of backfill. One test of
field density according to ASTM D1556 or D2167 as appropriate for every 500 m2
for every completed layer but not less than one test per day for each type of
material placed.
13.7 General Fill – Take at least 2 field density tests, at locations and elevations as
directed, for every 2000 m² of each layer.
13.8 Make at least 1 field density test of subgrade for every 2000 m2 of paved
area or building slab, but in no case less than 3 tests
13.9 Structural Foundations- Take 1 field density test per 100 m2 per lift under
structural foundations.

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 CONTRACT NO:
METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

14.0 Backfilling
14.1 After completion of the compaction under blinding, tie beams and ground
slab. Backfilling shall commence using similar excavated material. Care shall be
taken to remove bolder, vegetation’s and any other deleterious materials.
14.2 Backfill materials shall be sampled and tested as required by ROYAL
COMMISSION.
14.3 But prior to backfilling, the compacted surface shall be accepted by the
Engineer.
14.4 The thickness of the back fill shall not be greater than 300mm.
14.5 The sub-grade once approved, the excavated materials or any material
source approved by the Engineer shall be placed in layers not more than 300 mm
thick followed by compaction test when the surface level is ready.
14.6 In-situ dry density test (compaction test) shall be performed at the rate
indicated in the specification.
14.7 Back filling followed with compaction shall continue till final level is achieved.
14.8 No backfill shall be placed until concrete has developed strength of not less
than 15 MPa in compression as determined by test cylinders.
14.9 At all times while compacting, vibratory rollers shall be operated within the
manufacturer recommended frequency range for the type of material being
compacted and at the optimum operating frequency. Acceptance or rejection of
earthwork shall depend on field density tests results.

Work Flow Chart

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 CONTRACT NO:
METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

15. Quality Control Activities

• The Contractor shall be responsible for the quality of the work and shall
develop and propose programs and methods of construction and testing such
as to achieve the specified quality to the approval of the Royal Commission, in
accordance with SECTION 01450.
• The Contractor shall maintain one copy of the aforementioned document on
project site.
• The Contractor shall perform excavation work in compliance with applicable
requirements of the Ministry of Communication General Specifications, Part 2
except as herein modified.

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 CONTRACT NO:
METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

• The Contractor shall be responsible for the quality of all purchased items and
shall develop and submit a Quality Control Program for review.

16. Safety, Health and Environmental Requirements

Safety Precaution
Accident can happen to anyone on a construction job. Everyone should know how
accidents can be recognized and prevented. Below are brief generalized
precautions to be reminded.
• All works shall comply with safety procedure or instruction as set in out in
project Safety Plan and Municipality rules and regulation.
• Weekly toolbox meeting shall be strictly implemented
• All personnel and labor force shall wear Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPE)
the standard safety measure.
• No work shall be started without STARRT CARD.
• Field Engineer/Foreman shall be responsible to fill STARRT CARD in their
respective work areas.
• Warning signs shall be placed to all necessary hazard zone areas.
• One emergency standby service vehicle with complete first aid accessories
shall be provided in case of accident
• Control dust on and near work and on and near all off-site borrow areas by use
of all means necessary if such dust is caused by the Contractor’s operations
during performance of the work.
• Thoroughly moisten all surfaces as required to prevent dust being a nuisance
or a hazard to the public and concurrent performance of other work on the
site.
• Take necessary precautions to prevent pollution of ground with fuel, oil,
chemicals or other harmful materials.
• Identify and mark trees, plants, shrubs, hedges etc. to be retained, protected
and/or preserved before commencing any excavation.
• Perform excavation by hand within drip-line of trees and plants to be retained.
• Protect root systems from dry-out or damage to the greatest extent possible.
Cover exposed roots with burlap and maintain moist condition.

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 CONTRACT NO:
METHOD STATEMENT FOR GENERAL EXCAVATION & BACKFILL
PROJECT

REVISION

17. Risk Assessment

Appendix - 1

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