Detailed Specification of Earth Work in Foundation (CPWD)
S. No. Description Details
1 Scope of Work Excavation, filling, leveling, compaction, and disposal of
surplus earth for foundation construction.
2 Materials - Earth: Free from organic matter, debris, and other harmful
materials.
3 Excavation - The excavation shall be done to the required depth, width,
and alignment as per the drawings.
- Trenches and pits must be shored and timbered to prevent
collapse.
- Excavation must avoid disturbing the adjoining structures.
Depth - Excavation must reach the specified hard strata or depth, as
per design requirements.
4 Dewatering - Any water encountered during excavation must be removed
by suitable methods like pumping.
5 Backfilling - Backfilling shall be done using selected excavated earth or
approved material.
Layering - Earth shall be placed in layers not exceeding 20 cm in loose
thickness.
Compaction - Each layer shall be compacted using mechanical means to
achieve the desired density.
6 Measurement - The volume of excavation shall be measured in cubic meters,
based on dimensions shown in drawings.
7 Disposal of Surplus Earth - Surplus earth must be disposed of at the designated
locations as per instructions or tender documents.
8 Tolerances - Excavation depth: ±50 mm.
Filling Level - Filling level: ±25 mm.
9 Safety Measures - Proper barricades, signage, and safety equipment must be
provided at the excavation site.
10 Inspection and Testing - The excavation and filling work must be inspected and
approved by the Engineer-in-Charge.
11 Precautions - Adequate measures must be taken to prevent soil erosion
and water ingress into the excavated area.
12 Code of Practice - IS 1200 (Part 1): 1992 - Methods of Measurement of
Earthwork.
- CPWD Specifications - 2019.
