BACK FILLING

Backfill The action of filling an excavated trench or hole.

Backfilling a trench requires skills and some knowledge on the specifications and requirements of your contract. Backfilling can be done in several ways, and can be used in tasks such as protecting foundations, landscaping, or filling in voids that would weaken underground structures. Different soil types have differing properties, and require 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 :

Backfilling: Compact 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 thickness of the layer 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 :

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

Compact with a 1000lb compactor Water thoroughly Repeat first three steps

Jumping jack compactor

Backfilling: 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. If the water cannot drain from the backfill soils, the material will be setup for future collapse.

Water jet

Backfilling: Flowable Fill Backfilling can also be done using flowable fill. Flowable fill is a cementious material with a low water/cement ratio, delivered to the jobsite by a ready mix truck. The the truck, just like regular concrete. Backfilling with flowable material is then placed as backfill directly from 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 with 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.

Flowable fill

Backfilling: UtilitiesFollow these steps when backfilling utility trenches:

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

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

In lower portion of 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.

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.

Under roads, streets and other paved area: a. Mechanically tamp in 6" layers using heavy duty

pneumatic tampers or equal. b. Tamp each layer to a density equivalent of not

less than 100% of an ASTM D698 Proctor Curve. c. Provide additional compaction by leaving the

backfilled trenches open to traffic while maintaining the surface with crushed stone.