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B209 - EMBANKMENTS OVER SWAMPS AND COMPRESSIBLE SOILS - OPSS 209

209.1

GENERAL
Embankments over swamps and compressible soils/soft ground can be designed with
one or a combination of the following alternatives:
1. Excavation Method
2. Floatation Method
3. Displacement Method
Trucking of excavated swamp material is not included in work for the Rental of
Swamp Excavation Equipment items. The trucking cost is paid with equipment rental
items on an hourly basis under CDED B299-1, Rental of Equipment.

209.1.1

Excavation Method
Excavation method means to remove the swamp material mechanically.
The excavation method is the most commonly used because it minimizes the risk of
post construction embankment settlement. Excavation is most often used for
shallower depths of swamp; however it is also used for deep swamps when
appropriate. Backfill to the excavated swamp is usually by the items Rock
Embankment, Select Subgrade Material or Granular B.

209.1.2

Floatation Method
Floatation method means to build the embankment directly on the swamp minimizing
the displacement of the swamp material.
Floatation methods include use of wick drains, lightweight fill materials such as
expanded polystyrene, slag and lightweight cementitious materials, geotexiles, other
materials to aid in floatation and/or preloading or surcharging to promote
consolidation of soils.
Floatation methods are most commonly used where swamp depths exceed 6 metres
and suitable soil conditions exist. The application of wick drains with preloading or
surcharging may offer environmental, cost and embankment performance advantages.

209.1.3

Displacement Method
Displacement method means to build the embankment directly on the swamp such
that the underlying swamp material is displaced away from the embankment fill.

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The displacement method is a higher risk option because some of the compressible
material may not be displaced and hence becomes trapped beneath the
embankment. This may cause post construction settlement. The decision to use this
method must consider the effects of post construction settlements and the impacts to
highway surface due to settlements. In cost estimates, the cost to repair settled areas
in the years after initial construction needs to be considered.
A variation of the displacement method involves partial excavation and then
displacement of remaining material. This combination method is sometimes used in
deeper swamps.
The displacement method is rarely used in modern highway construction.
209.1.4

Use of Surcharges
Surcharges may be used to help minimize post construction settlements. A decision
to use surcharges is made on a site specific basis.
A surcharge may be required by the foundation design.
A surcharge may be used when the swamp excavation depth exceeds 6 metres as it is
difficult to ensure all soft material has been removed and a surcharge helps reduce or
eliminate most post construction settlements that may occur do to soft material that
has been left, despite all efforts to remove it. In this case, the foundation design may
not theoretically require a surcharge but it is done to enhance the long term
performance of the roadway and can be achieved at minimal cost.

209.2

REFERENCES
OPSS 201
OPSS 206
OPSS 1010
Foundation Investigation and Design Report project specific.
Pavement Design Report project specific.
The above reports typically include a description of the behaviour and properties of
the soil in the swamp, provides recommendations for the method of construction,
units of measurement for payment, borehole locations and soil strata drawings.
The determination of which report is appropriate for a specific site is determined
collectively by the Pavements and Foundation Section, Materials Engineering and
Research Office (MERO) and the Geotechnical Section in the region.
These reports are referred to as Design Reports hereafter in this document.

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209.3

EMBANKMENTS OVER SWAMPS AND COMPRESSIBLE SOILS

TENDER ITEMS
Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment, Dragline (variation item)
Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment, Hydraulic Backhoe (variation item)
Geotextile for Swamp Treatment
Select Subgrade Material
Select Subgrade Material (End Area Method)
Select Subgrade Material (Truck Box Method)

209.4

SPECIFICATIONS
OPSS 209 (April 2009); Construction Specification for Embankments Over Swamps
and Compressible Soils

209.5

SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Refer to Chapter "E" of this Manual to review the applicable standard special
provisions.

209.6

STANDARD DRAWINGS
Applicable standard drawings are contained in the OPSD 200 series.
Notes:
1. OPSDs are only valid for where the depth of the swamp, d <= 6 metres.
2. For any swamp excavation exceeding 6 metres in depth, project specific
recommendations and applicable drawings are required. Refer to the Foundation
Investigation and Design Report.

209.7

DESIGN
Recommendations for the design and construction of embankments over swamps and
compressible soils/soft ground are contained in the Design Reports. The Design
Reports typically contain site-specific investigations and recommendations.
The project schedule may allow for a delay in the completion of the full pavement
structure over embankments for a defined period of time (i.e. 2 to 6 months or longer)

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capturing primary consolidation and limiting settlements once the remainder of

pavement structure is placed.
When surcharges are used, the Contract Documents are to specify how the payment
for the placement, removal and use of the surcharge material is to be paid.
Surcharges are usually subsequently used on the project, however staging may
preclude this.
The placement of a granular surcharge is done under the granular item(s) and a NSSP
is needed to state this and that no compaction of the granular is required in the
surcharge location. When the surcharge is granular, the subsequent surcharge
removal and use of the granular elsewhere in the work must be described in a NSSP
and is paid under the appropriate tender item, Granular from Stockpile (see
OPSS 314).
209.7.1

Management of Excavated Swamp Material

The management of excavated swamp material must be determined and specified in
the Contract Documents.
The Design Reports should address how the excavated swamp material may be used
within the work, depending upon its physical characteristics. How the material will
function over the long term should be considered before the material is determined to
be used within the work.
Excavated swamp material that is excess may be disposed of at locations specified in
the contract or the contractor may be required to arrange for the disposal locations.
Disposal of excess excavated swamp material within the Contract Limits can be the
most cost effective option and should be investigated and considered.
Trucking of excavated swamp material is required when it cannot be placed adjacent
to the excavation via side casting. Trucking of excavated swamp material is not part
of the work done under OPSS 209.
The sequence of overall construction operations, including the swamp excavation and
embankment construction, must be such that disposal areas that are specified will be
available and accessible when the associated swamp is excavated.
Where excavated swamp material is suitable, it should be used as much as possible
within the right-of-way, when property is available and when drainage is not
impacted. This can be done by:
widening embankments,
flattening side slopes, including elimination of need for guide rail, however
consideration of stability for an errant vehicle must be made,
placing beside the highway embankment,

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constructing modified cross-sections, and

used for berms and at other locations.

Future settlement or sloughing of excavated swamp material is a key consideration

when flattening slopes and only suitable material is to be used. Settlement or
sloughing is to be avoided in providing a traversable roadside for errant vehicles.
Considerations for use and disposal locations for excavated swamp material:
1. The quantity of material that can be placed at a location needs to be determined.
Factors to consider include material characteristic (maximum stable slope of
excavated material, will the material flow) and area.
2. Disposal sites must be able to accept 110% of the quantity of material that is
stated to go to the site. The extra 10% is not to be shown in the contract
documents.
3. Property designated as a disposal location must be owned by MTO, or MTO must
have a legal agreement in place. MTO ownership is preferred.
4. Where excavated material will be placed beside the excavation or beside the
highway embankment, it is a requirement to have ownership of the land as
highway right-of-way. With the disposal locations made part of the highway
right-of-way and having the disposal part of the required work, the protocols for
management of excess material should apply. In many instances, it will be
necessary to acquire a wider right-of-way as part of the property needs for the
project. This may involve purchasing from a private owner or acquiring crown
land. It is recommended for MTO to own the adjacent crown lands as highway
right-of-way, instead of obtaining permission to place the material on crown lands
adjacent to the right-of-way, as this resolves any uncertainty about who controls
the land.
5. The capability of underlying soils to support a new load and not fail to support the
load.
6. Where any excavated material from any source is being considered for placement
near any swamp or compressible soil areas, the Pavements and Foundations
Section/Geotechnical Section must agree to the location, as the material weight
could cause embankment instability.
7. Access to the disposal locations.
8. Any required haul and temporary roads for access to disposal locations and
construction operation sequencing.
9. Double handling of material.

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10. Dewatering and draining of disposal locations required before they can be used.
11. Retaining embankments needed to contain the material.
12. Impacts on drainage during and post construction.
13. Environmental considerations (i.e. excess material protocols, species at risk, etc.).
When disposal locations require retaining embankments and/or haul and temporary
roads to be built, these are to be designed and quantities paid for under the
appropriate items. They are not to be included in the swamp excavation items.
209.7.2

Backfill and Embankment Material

Backfill and embankment material is to be specified in the Contract Documents.
The Design Reports identify the backfill and embankment material to be used for
each swamp.
Backfilling and embankment construction is in accordance with OPSS 206.
References: CDED B206-1, CDED B206-2.
When Select Subgrade Material is used in backfilling swamp excavation it shall be
according to OPSS 1010 and shall be placed according to OPSS 206.

209.7.3

Settlement and Embedment in the Embankment Underlying Founding Stratum

Settlement and embedment prediction is not an exact science. In general, if the
founding soils are relatively competent, over-consolidated and unyielding, only
negligible settlements or elastic recompression of the native soils will occur during
construction. These cases form the vast majority of the embankments constructed,
and do not require any further estimation for settlement or embedment. However,
where the founding soils are weak or unconsolidated, there will be a need to estimate
settlement and embedment in the founding material.
In cases of weak or unconsolidated founding material, a settlement and embedment
quantity estimate for the founding material must be determined during detail design.
The settlement estimate will reflect the project specific founding material, thickness
and compressibility characteristics.

209.7.4

Excavation Method
Excavation can be administered as either an earth excavation (grading) tender item or
as an hourly rental tender item.

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In wetter deposits, where measurement by volume would be impractical, the swamp

excavation is accomplished using hourly rental dragline or hydraulic backhoe
equipment.
The Design Reports will recommend how the excavation is to be completed. It will
identify swamps for excavation using an Earth Excavation tender item with a volume
(m3) unit-of-measure, and excavation using Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment
item(s) with a time (hour) unit-of-measure.
Different swamps can vary widely in depth, consistency, and groundwater conditions.
However, the following general guidelines can be provided:
1. Where depth is less than or equal to 2m, swamps are usually administered by the
Earth Excavation item, regardless of material consistency, however Design
Reports should confirm.
2. Where depth is greater than 2m, a recommendation on the excavation method and
item(s) to be used will be provided in the Design Reports.
Subsurface investigations conducted in accordance with the ministry engineering
requirements provide a very comprehensive and accurate determination of the
subsurface conditions. The investigation enables a specific expected depth of
excavation to be determined and this gives accurate information for design purposes.
Excavation depth may vary across a swamp.
A founding elevation for the embankment backfill and a practical excavation cut
geometry is normally part of the Design Report. The Design Report will also address
the stability and settlement characteristics of excavated material and its suitability for
subsequent use.
Geotechnical/Foundation specialists are to ensure when specifying firm bottom that
information supports the depths to firm bottom. Typically, firm bottom is the stratum
for which the resistance measured by the Standard Penetration Test exceeds 100
blows per 0.3 m of penetration or the material that will provide resistance to
settlement or instability for the proposed embankment.
209.7.4.1

Swamp Excavation by Equipment Rental

The work performed under the Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment tender
items, includes the excavation of swamp material to the limits specified and its
disposal as specified in the Contract Documents.
When excavated material cannot be side casted, the excavated material must be
trucked to a disposal or re-use location and this must be specified in the Contract
Documents. Payment for trucking of excavated swamp material is not included in
work for the Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment tender items. The trucking cost

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is paid with equipment rental tender items on an hourly basis. Reference: CDED
B299-1 Rental of Equipment. The size and type of trucks to be used is dependant on
the distance to distance to disposal locations. Typical trucks are tandem 18,000 kg
and triaxle 32,000 kg. For longer hauls triaxle trucks are more efficient.
The equipment, including type and size, used to excavate the swamp is to be
determined by the designer. The Estimating Section, Contract Management Office
and Regional Operations Office should be contacted to assist in determining the type
of equipment and rates of excavation. The Regional Geotechnical Section and
Pavements and Foundations Section, MERO, can also provide information and
advice.
For each excavation area, the selection of the appropriate excavation equipment and
size is critical to ensuring the construction operation is efficient and cost effective.
The selection of equipment should also consider equipment availability and the
amount of material to be excavated (i.e. duration of the operation).
As a guideline it has been found that:
- For wet/soft material, a dragline with side casting is the most economical option.
- When trucks are used to haul excavated material, a hydraulic backhoe is the most
cost effective and easiest to use.
Some swamps could require more than one type of equipment to have an efficient
operation.
- For example, a swamp could have depths that vary from a few metres to over 10
m. A backhoe would be used for the shallow depths and a dragline for the deeper
areas.
- For example, a swamp could have stiffer material near the edges and softer
material farther away from the edges. A backhoe would be used for the stiffer
material and a dragline for the softer material.
Table 1 - Backhoe versus Dragline, compares some of the common equipment
characteristics as they relate to the use of a hydraulic backhoe and the dragline in
regards to swamp excavation. These characteristics are to be considered in the
selection process for deciding on the type of equipment and size to be used to
excavate the swamp material.

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Table 1 Backhoe versus Dragline

Features

Hydraulic Backhoe

Dragline

Ownership

Commonly owned

Few contractors own

Removal of Amorphous, Liquid Not conducive to backhoe use

Deposits

Ideal for removal

Removal of stiff deposits

Ideal , Low cycle times *

High cycle times

Side casting ability

Limited Reach **

Long Reach

Excavation Depth

Limited Depth **

Depth is of no concern

Production

Low cycle times *

High cycle times

Truck Loading Ability

Low cycle times but limited to

height **

High cycle times

Restricted work environment

(i.e.) Narrow Widening

Conducive to this type of

equipment

Less efficient in restricted areas

Winter Operations

Yes

Yes

* Cycle time is the time for a complete excavation cycle, as determined by measuring the time from
a bucket being empty to the time the next bucket of excavated material is emptied either by side
casting or into a truck. Cycle time includes the time for trucks to manoeuvre into position for
loading.
** Estimating Office should be consulted to determine achievable excavation depths, casting
distances and loading heights for hydraulic backhoes.

The equipment must be capable of reaching the required depth of excavation

(achievable excavation depth) when the slope of fill material and bucket rotation is
taken into account.
The reach on a long reach hydraulic backhoe is the distance from the bottom of the
tracks to the tip of the bucket teeth when measured vertically with the bucket at the
lowest point of the bucket swing path. Note that this reach measurement is not the
depth that can be excavated due to the slope of the fill material and the bucket
rotation that causes the achievable excavation depth to be reduced. For example, a
sample Long Reach Hydraulic Backhoe with a 14 m reach can only excavate to
approximately 10.5 metres effectively when taking into account the 1.25H:1V slope
of rock fill and the bucket rotation. The achievable excavation depth would be less
for select subgrade material or earth that has a 2H:1V slope according to OPSDs.
Typical equipment configurations for excavating swamps are:

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Typical Crawler Mounted Equipment Configurations for Excavating Swamps

Swamp Depth
m

Equipment
Minimum
Operating
Weight

Minimum
Bucket Size
m3

Side Casting

Truck Loading

less than 2 m

26,500 kg
hydraulic
backhoe

1.5

yes

yes

2 m to less than
8m

26,500 kg
hydraulic
backhoe, 12 m
reach

1.5

yes

yes

8 m to less than
10 m

32,000 kg
hydraulic
backhoe, 14 m
reach

1.0

yes

yes

less than 6 m

40,000 kg
dragline

1.15

yes

yes

any depth

75,000 kg
dragline

2.3

yes

not used for truck loading

any depth

75,000 kg
dragline

1.5

not used for side

casting

yes

Notes:
1. Hydraulic Backhoe Reach means the distance from the bottom of the tracks to the tip of the bucket
teeth when measured vertically with the bucket at the lowest point of the bucket swing path.
2. Reach measurement is not the depth that can be excavated due to the slope of the fill material and
the bucket rotation that causes the achievable excavation depth to be reduced.

Rates of excavation are influenced by the properties, behaviour and depth of the
swamp material, the type and size of equipment, and whether the excavated material
is trucked or managed beside the excavation (side-casted). Typical rates of
excavation for the following types of equipment are:
- 40,000 kg crawler mounted dragline with 1.15 m bucket 40-55 cubic metres /
hour
- 26,500 kg crawler mounted hydraulic backhoe with 1.5 m bucket 85-100 cubic
metres / hour
Contact the Estimating Section, Contract Management Office, to discuss equipment
configurations and excavation rates for the site specific conditions.
The contractor may propose to use larger equipment than that specified and if
approved, during construction, the appropriate price adjustments are completed in
accordance with the Contract Documents. Details of how this is done are in OPSS
209 and associated special provision.

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209.7.4.2

EMBANKMENTS OVER SWAMPS AND COMPRESSIBLE SOILS

Swamp Excavation by Earth Excavation (Grading)

The earth excavation method shall be carried out in accordance with OPSS 206 and
the appropriate tender items. Refer to CDED Section B206-1 and the OPSD 200
series drawings for design information.

209.7.5

Floatation Method
Any surcharges that are used with the floatation method are removed as specified in
the Contract Documents from above the subgrade.
With the floatation method any swamp waves are not to be excavated or otherwise
disturbed.

209.7.5.1

Prefabricated Vertical Drains or Wick Drains

Prefabricated vertical drains or wick drains are commonly used in conjunction with
preloading and surcharging to accelerate time rate consolidation settlements. The
concept of floatation using wick drains is often very cost effective because it
eliminates the requirement for excavation and backfilling of compressible soils. Peats
and organics are routinely sub-excavated but the clayey silts, silty clays and clays are
often left in place providing environmental advantages in addition to the cost
effectiveness. Information on wick drains is available from Pavements and
Foundations Section, MERO.

209.7.5.2

Geotextile for Swamp Treatment

Installation of geotextiles below embankments and over swamp materials separates
fill materials or granulars from the underlying material. This will help to prevent
cross-migration of soil particles and provide a stable road base and reduce differential
settlement.
Geotextile recommendations are in the Design Reports and will include the
following:
1. The strength of the fabric;
- Woven or non-woven;
- Class of fabric;
- Thickness of material.
2. The Filtration Opening Size (FOS);
3. Type of soil to be protected; and
4. Depth and characteristics of underlying soil.

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When geotextile is to be placed, the area where this is to be done is to be close cut
cleared and cleared of objects that may damage the geotextile. The root mat is not to
be damaged.
209.7.6

Displacement Method
With the displacement method there is usually excavation of swamp waves and
displaced material, removal of surcharges and hauling and incorporating of this
material into the work.
The Design Reports will recommend where and how the displacement method is to
be completed. The report will include details of any surcharge requirements.

209.7.7

Other Related Work

Clearing and close cut clearing, where required, is to be completed in accordance
with OPSS 201 and the associated tender items. Reference: CDED B201-1, B201-2.

209.8

COMPUTATION

209.8.1

Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment, Dragline

Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment, Hydraulic Backhoe
These items are not Plan Quantity Payment items.
These items are paid by the hour.
To compute the hours (h) of rental excavation equipment time for each excavation
location and type of equipment:
hours =

estimated volume of swamp excavation (m3)

rate of excavation (m3 /h) of the dragline or the hydraulic backhoe

The rate of excavation (m3/h) for each swamp is very important to estimating accurate
quantities and hence an accurate cost estimate. Refer to Section 209.7.4.1.
To estimate volume of swamp excavation (m3), the volume of swamp excavation in
cubic metres is computed as outlined in CDED Section B206-1-Earth Excavation
(Grading) and also include any excavation of swamp material to ensure stable slopes,
as in many swamps material will slide into the excavation and this must be accounted
for in the volume of material to be removed, in order to have accurate time estimates
for equipment rental.
The volume of swamp to be excavated by rental equipment is not included in the
tender item Earth Excavation (Grading).

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209.8.1.2

EMBANKMENTS OVER SWAMPS AND COMPRESSIBLE SOILS

Trucking Excavated Swamp Material

When trucking of excavated swamp material is required for the material excavated by
Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment items, the trucking hours are required to be
determined for the items under CDED B299-1 Rental of Equipment.
The number of trucks required must be sufficient so that there is always a truck
available to be loaded. Factors to consider in determining the number of truck
required are loading times, and round trip times from the excavation location to the
dumping locations.
To compute the hours (h) for rental of truck for each excavation location and type of
equipment:
hours (h) = number of hours for Rental of Swamp Equipment x number of trucks.

209.8.2

Earth Excavation (Grading)

Earth excavation is in cubic metres and is described in the CDED Section B206-1Earth Excavation (Grading).
The volume of excavation in cubic metres is computed as outlined in Section B206-1.

209.8.3

Geotextile for Swamp Treatment

This item is a Plan Quantity Payment item.
The unit of measure is by area, in place, in square metre, with no allowance for
overlaps.

209.8.4

Select Subgrade Material

These items are not Plan Quantity Payment items.
The items and unit of measurement are:
- Select Subgrade Material, t
- Select Subgrade Material (End Area Method), m3
- Select Subgrade Material (Truck Box Method), m3
The preferred method of measurement is by the tonne. The m3 method may be used
when the quantity is small and there is not a weigh scale on the project.
The volume of material is determined by considering the swamp excavation volume
to be completed and the embankment design.

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209.8.5

EMBANKMENTS OVER SWAMPS AND COMPRESSIBLE SOILS

Embankment Quantities for Fill

Each fill material has its own unique quantity requirements that are dependent upon
the material used.
For the each embankment fill item quantity, determine the quantity of material for
backfill and embankment material by considering the following:
1. Neat lines of the embankment;
2. Embedment of fill material into the foundation material;
3. Settlement during construction in the underlying founding stratum;
4. Settlement during construction of fill material that is not compacted; and
5. Construction loss for material below the water line.
The Design Reports should have information about embedment and settlement during
construction in the underlying founding stratum.
For each swamp, the total quantity for embedment, settlement and construction loss
for material below the water line quantities is to be included in the contract
documents in a special provision or the contract drawings. The table below provides
a guideline for how to display the information.
Item: Fill Material:
Embankment Fill Quantities for Embedment, Settlement, and
Construction Loss for Material Below the Water Line
Station to
Station

Embedment of
fill material
into the
foundation
material, m3

Settlement
during
construction in
the underlying
founding
stratum, m3

Settlement
during
construction of
fill material
that is not
compacted, m3

Total Quantity,
Construction
m3
loss for
material below
the water line,
m3

When completing the table:

1. Construction loss for material below the water line does not apply to all materials. Refer to the
construction specification for the material.
2. Total quantities are to be included in the appropriate fill material item.

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209.9

DOCUMENTATION

209.9.1

Contract Drawings

EMBANKMENTS OVER SWAMPS AND COMPRESSIBLE SOILS

Drawings are to show for each swamp the construction information for location,
depth, cross-section and embankment material.
Modifications to standard drawings and project typical sections are required for the
locations where material excavated from swamps is to be disposed of or used within
the right-of-way.
When surcharges are used the drawings are to indicate:
- surcharge material;
- surcharge location;
- surcharge thickness; and
- cross-section including slopes.
Where excavated materials have disposal sites, the drawings are to show the disposal
site design and generally are to indicate:
- the area boundaries;
- maximum height;
- side slope angles;
- setbacks from sensitive areas;
- estimated capacity should be indicated on the contract drawings for each disposal
site (do not include the 10% extra allowance);
- specify/label the sites for swamp material disposal closest to swamp excavations,
especially for hourly swamp excavation sites;
- retaining embankment requirements;
- drainage and dewatering requirements;
- environmental protection; and
- other information as required.
Drawings may be required for temporary haul roads, berms and other works required
so that the disposal sites may be used.
209.9.1.1

Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment, Dragline

Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment, Hydraulic Backhoe
Each area of swamp excavation is shown on the plan. Start and end chainage,
maximum offset left and right and any other dimensions outlining the horizontal
limits of the boundary are noted. This is labelled with the tender item name, and the
OPSD number (if applicable).
When the depth of excavation exceeds 6 metres, a drawing showing the embankment
construction requirement details is needed as OPSDs do not apply in this situation.

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The limits of excavation must be clearly documented to avoid confusion with

adjacent areas that may be excavated under other tender items. This is important to
avoid double payment for the same work.
In most cases, the elevation of unyielding competent soil (firm bottom) can be
predicted. This elevation should be determined during detail design and given on the
drawings and on the highway design cross-sections.
Each area of swamp excavation is shown on the profile. Start and end chainage are
noted. The profile shows the profile of the swamp excavation, including depth or
bottom elevation, along the centerline. Where the elevations for the left and / or right
limits of the excavation are different from the centreline elevation these should also
be indicated. The locations of any preloading or surcharges are shown.
The profile drawings must indicate if the swamp is to be excavated to a firm bottom
or a specific elevation. Include one of the following notes for each swamp;
- Excavate to Firm Bottom
- Excavate to an Elevation of _______m.
A note is to be added to the profile drawings for each location where a dragline or
hydraulic backhoe operation is to be used, indicating that the swamp material is to be
excavated with equipment rental and the type of backfill required. Include the
following note for each swamp;
- Excavate Swamp by Rented Equipment and Backfill with __ (state the fill
material) __.
209.9.1.2

Geotextile for Swamp Treatment

Each area of geotextile is shown on the plan. Start and end chainage, maximum
offset left and right and any other dimensions outlining the horizontal limits are
noted. This is labelled with the tender item name.

209.9.1.3

Select Subgrade Material

Each area of embankment construction using select subgrade material is shown on the
plan. Start and end chainage, toe-of-slope left and right are noted. This is labelled
with the tender item name and the applicable OPSD number.
Each area of embankment construction using select subgrade material is shown on the
profile. Start and end chainage are noted. The profile shows the embankment,
including bottom and top elevations, along the centerline.

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209.9.2

Quantity Sheets (Q-sheets)

209.9.2.1

Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment, Dragline

Rental of Swamp Excavation Equipment, Hydraulic Backhoe
For each area of swamp excavation show the following information on the
Quantities-Miscellaneous Sheet:
- type of equipment to be used, by selecting the appropriate tender item(s)
- minimum operating weight of equipment and bucket size
- tender quantity (hours) based on use of the specified equipment
- start and end station limits of each area of swamp excavation
- locations for the placement/disposal of swamp material and the quantity, m3, of
material to be placed at the location
- when the contractor is required to truck the excavated material to a location found
by the contractor off the contract, enter the following: Contractor to remove and
manage excavated material off the right-of-way and the quantity, m3, of material
is also to be shown.
Where all of the above information cannot be accommodated on the quantity sheet
some may be put in a NSSP or in a table in the Contract Drawings.

209.9.2.2

Geotextile for Swamp Treatment

Each area of Geotextile for Swamp Treatment installation is documented in one line
of the Miscellaneous Quantities sheet. One column heading is the tender item. The
start and end chainage are provided. The quantity in square metres is provided in the
column.
Where multiple types of geotextile are required on one contract, this should be
documented in the Quantities - Miscellaneous sheet for each area of installation.
Specific requirements for geotextile should be documented for each different type of
geotextile specified on the Quantity sheets.
Requirements include:
- Woven or non-woven;
- Class of fabric;
- Filtration opening size (FOS); and
- Thickness of material.

209.9.2.3

Select Subgrade Material

The unit of measure (tonne, m3 (end area method) or m3 (truck box method)) for
select subgrade material is documented by selecting the appropriate tender item name.
When computed in m3, the quantity of Select Subgrade Material is entered on the
Quantities - Grading sheet in a separate column.

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When computed in tonnes, SSM is entered on the Quantities Hot Mix and Granular
sheet.
209.9.3

Non-Standard Special Provisions (NSSPs)

Write any required project specific requirements in a NSSP. For example;
- embankment construction requirements that influence disposal areas,
- excavation restrictions,
- backfilling requirements,
- surcharge areas and surcharge requirements,
- settlement monitoring,
- time constraints before pavement is placed,
- disposal site requirements,
- restrictions on use of excavated swamp material, and
- environmental considerations.
Where alternative materials are required or allowed in embankment construction (e.
g. expanded polystyrene, wood chips, bark or granular blast furnace slag) this is
documented in an NSSP.

209.9.3.1

Operational Constraint for Construction Sequence

The sequence of excavation and embankment construction must be such that disposal
areas that are specified will be available when the associated swamp is excavated.
A NSSP may be required to establish a mandatory construction sequence to ensure
the specified disposal areas are available when the associated swamp is excavated.

209.9.3.2

Surcharges
The removal of surcharges from above the subgrade or grade, depending upon the
surcharge material, and hauling and incorporating of the surcharge material into the
work is have the details specified in the Contract Documents.
When surcharges are used specify:
- surcharge material;
- surcharge thickness;
- length of time and/or the condition to be met for surcharge removal;
- if surcharge is to remain in place at end of the construction contract;
- how removed surcharge materials are to be used;
- how payment for surcharge material removal and reuse will be handled; and
- any unique requirements related to the surcharge

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209.9.4

EMBANKMENTS OVER SWAMPS AND COMPRESSIBLE SOILS

Documentation Accuracy
All quantities are rounded to whole numbers.

209.9.5

Information to be Provided to Bidders

The following information is to be provided to Bidders:
- Foundation Investigation Report (Note this is not the Foundation Investigation
and Design Report.).
- Soils Data sheets as part of the Contract Drawings.
Soils Data sheets will contain, when applicable:
- title block (date(s) of investigation, name of firm, type of equipment used, and
disclaimers),
- soils borehole logs,
- soils and aggregates laboratory testing data, and
- other information as required for other work.

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