Top tips: Earthworks

Classification testing

• Carry out sufficient testing of materials to ensure they can be reused over the range of depth of cut or source materials. Check classification again throughout works to confirm design assumptions.

Regulatory regime

• Check the reuse of materials is not a waste activity and if necessary, consider use of CL:AIRE DoWCoP, waste exemptions or Environmental Permitting. 
• Allow sufficient time to complete necessary regulatory checks and approvals as these cannot be done retrospectively.

Design of earthworks and specification

• Consider the statistics for parameter selection – design for the worse credible not the incredible.
• Prepare an earthworks specification relevant for the design. Use either Method Compaction, End Product and/or set Performance Related criteria for control of all earthworks and establish testing frequencies and controls for the construction of the works.

Construction and material handling

• Reduce handling where possible, manage stockpiles so materials do not deteriorate.
• Use the plant appropriate for the works and consider use of compaction trails to demonstrate design requirements can be met.
• Control and manage water on site to avoid material deterioration or failure of materials in the long term. Seasonal and climate change effects should be considered.

Monitoring and verification

• Ensure responsibilities and requirements for testing and surveying are established at the outset, and that appropriately experienced personnel are responsible for checking the data.
• Collate data and review during the project in a timely fashion. Don’t leave till the end and produce overarching validation reports as record of the works.