Gue & Partners Sdn Bhd

Specification for Ground Improvement by Surcharging

2 December 2003


SPECIFICATION FOR GROUND IMPROVEMENT BY SURCHARGING


1.0 SCOPE OF WORKS

This work comprises the supply of equipment, labour and materials for the execution of Ground
Improvement Works by Surcharging all in accordance with this Specification and details shown in
the Drawings. The Sub-Contractor is responsible for the provision of surcharge material and the
removal and disposal of excess material on completion of the specified surcharge period or when
directed by the Supervisory Engineer.

Surcharging is specified to improve the weak, compressible subsoil by subjecting the ground to
higher pressure to achieve a higher initial rate of settlement and thus reducing long-term total and
differential settlements.

The Scope of Works shall cover the following:
a) Spread, level and compact surcharge material in accordance with this Specification and
details shown in the Drawings.
b) Carry out field instrumentation to monitor and validate the performance of the Works.
c) Removal and disposal of excess material on completion of specified surcharge period or
when directed by the Supervisory Engineer.
d) Spread, level and compact embankment to the lines, levels and grades in accordance to
details shown in the Drawings to complete the permanent works.


1.1 SURCHARGE MATERIALS

Materials for use in Surcharging shall be the suitable material conforming to the general
requirements of the Specification for Earthworks in which the required soil density as shown in the
Drawings can be achieved at site. Where the quantity of such materials is inadequate and
alternative material is proposed by the Sub-Contractor, the Sub-Contractor shall provide the
complete revised designs and details of the affected works which shall be certified by his
Professional Engineer. Revised designs of the works shall comply with the requirements of this
specification and shall be in general conformance with the design concept of the Surcharging,
including additional field trials and testing, to the satisfaction of the Supervisory Engineer.


1.2 SURCHARGE LOAD AND SURCHARGE PERIOD

Surcharge Load means the additional material placed on top of the proposed formation level of
the ground as additional loads (surcharge) to pre-load the ground and reduce long-term total and
differential settlements.

Surcharge Period means the duration in which the surcharge load is applied until the designed
settlement or pore water pressure is achieved at site based on field monitoring results.

The surcharge load shall be applied throughout the surcharge period. The surcharge period
specified in the Drawings is subjected to validation from field monitoring results, which may be
shortened or lengthened at the discretion of the Supervisory Engineer based on interpretation of
field monitoring results.


SUR 1
Gue & Partners Sdn Bhd
Specification for Ground Improvement by Surcharging
2 December 2003

1.3 STABILITY OF EMBANKMENT

The height of the embankment including the surcharge shall at no time exceed the specified
maximum height in the Drawings. The placement of the surcharge materials shall be in uniform
layers with difference in vertical height not exceeding 1m or as specified in the Drawings to
prevent slip failure due to uneven surcharge fill. No excess earth are allowed to stockpile on top
of the embankment which will act as an additional load to the embankment and cause instability
problem.

Where counterweight berm is designed to enhance the stability of the embankment including the
surcharge, the counterweight berm shall be constructed first prior to placement of surcharge
material. The width, height and slope gradient of the counterweight berms shall be constructed in
accordance to details shown in the Drawings. Any remedial works arising from non-compliance of
the requirements of this section which leads to embankment failure shall be borne by the Sub-
Contractor at his own cost and time.


1.4 SURCHARGE MONITORING AND CONTROL

Surcharge monitoring shall be carried out to monitor the stability, settlement and pore water
pressure of the embankment due to Surcharging. The types and numbers of instrument and
frequency of monitoring shall be in accordance to the provision of Section 31.30:
GEOTECHNICAL INSTRUMENTATION AND MONITORING and details shown in the Drawings
and generally consist of the following (but not limited to):

a) Vertical Settlement
i. Settlement gauges on original ground surface or base of excavation
ii. Settlement markers on surface of fill or ground outside the embankment
iii. Extensometers in the subsoil beneath the embankment to measure settlement at
different depths of the subsoil
b) Horizontal Movement
i. Inclinometers in the subsoil at toe of embankment
ii. Displacement markers at the top and toe of embankment
c) Pore Water Pressures
i. Piezometers (vibrating wire type) at several depths and locations in the subsoil
beneath the embankment

The monitoring results shall be submitted to the Supervisory Engineer according to the agreed
frequency and shall form part of the surcharge control measures. Amendments to the
Surcharging design may be carried out from time to time by the Supervisory Engineer based on
interpretations of the monitoring results.


1.5 REMOVAL OF SURCHARGE MATERIALS

Removal of surcharge materials shall only be carried out upon completion of the specified
surcharge period and validated with field monitoring results or when directed by the Supervisory
Engineer. No unauthorised removal of surcharge materials before the completion of the specified
surcharge period is allowed and any remedial works arising from such unauthorised removal of
surcharge shall be borne by the Sub-Contractor at his own cost and time.






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Gue & Partners Sdn Bhd
Specification for Ground Improvement by Surcharging
2 December 2003

1.6 USE OF SURCHARGING IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER GROUND IMPROVEMENT
METHODS

Where Surcharging is used in conjunction with other ground improvement methods, e.g. vertical
drains or soft soil replacement; the Works shall conform to the requirements of this specification
and also to the particular requirements of the associated ground improvement works.









































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Gue & Partners Sdn Bhd
Specification for Ground Improvement by Surcharging
2 December 2003



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description Page

1.0 SCOPE OF WORKS................................................................................................................ SUR1
2.0 SURCHARGE MATERIALS..................................................................................................... SUR1
3.0 SURCHARGE LOAD AND SURCHARGE PERIOD................................................................ SUR1
4.0 STABILITY OF EMBANKMENT............................................................................................... SUR2
5.0 SURCHARGE MONITORING AND CONTROL ...................................................................... SUR2
6.0 REMOVAL OF SURCHARGE MATERIALS............................................................................ SUR2
7.0 USE OF SURCHARGING IN CONJ UNCTION WITH OTHER GROUND IMPROVEMENT
METHODS ............................................................................................................................... SUR3

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