SETRA - Design and Execution of Earthworks - 1 - 2007+++++++++++++++++

march 2007
Techni cal gui de

Design and execution of earthworks
Section 1: Design and execution of work

The Technical Department for Transport, Roads and Bridges Engineering and Road Safety (Service
dtudes techniques des routes et autoroutes - Stra) is a technical department within the Ministry of
Transport and Infrastructure. Its field of activities consists of road, transportation and engineering
structures.
St ra support s t he publ i c owner
Stra supplies State agencies and local communities (counties, large cities and urban communities)
with information, methodologies and tools suited to the specificities of the networks in order to:
improve project quality;
help with asset management;
define, apply and evaluate public policies;
guarantee the coherence of the road network and state-of-the art techniques;
promote the public interest, in particular within the framework of European standardization;
contribute expertise to complex projects.

St ra, promoti ng st at e- of -t he- art know- how
On an extremely large scale, beyond road and engineering structures, in the field of transport,
intermodality and sustainable development, Stra:
takes into account the needs of project owners and prime contractors, managers and operators;
fosters exchanges of experience;
evaluates technical progress and scientific results;
develops knowledge and good practices through technical guides and software;
contributes to the training and information of the technical community.

St ra, worki ng i n part nershi p
Stra associates all the players in the French road construction community with its activities: operational
services; research organizations; the Scientific and Technical Network (Rseau Scientifique et Technique de
lEquipement RST), in particular the Public Works Regional Engineering Offices (Centres dtudes
techniques de lEquipement CETE), companies and professional organizations; motorway
concessionary operators; other organizations such as the French Rail Network Company (Rseau Ferr de
France RFF) and the French Waterways Network (Voies Navigables de France - VNF); and government
departments such as the Department for Ecology and Sustainable Development, and so on.
Stra regularly exchanges its experience and projects with foreign counterparts, through bilateral co-
operation programs, presentations in conferences and congresses, by hosting foreign delegations, and
through assignments and consultancy work in other countries. It takes part in the European standardization
commissions and many international authorities and working groups. Stra is an organization for technical
approval, as a member of EOTA (European Organization for Technical Approvals).

Techni cal gui de
Design and execution of earthworks
Section 1: Design and execution of work

This document is the translation of "Conception et ralisation
des terrassements Fascicule 1 : tudes et excution des
travaux" published in March 2007 as reference
0702-1.

Design and execution of earthworks Section 1: studies and execution of work Technical guide
Collection Les outils Stra 4 March 2007
This technical guide was drawn up within the framework of activities by the methodology sectorial
committee of the French Road Engineering Committee (Comit franais pour les techniques routires)
(CFTR), by a working group made up of representatives of the Scientific & Technical Network of the
French Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, Tourism and the Sea, and the technical departments of
contractors and producers in the roads sector.
Its contents were subject to a validation inquiry with the various members of the CFTR.

Editing committee:
Claude Aim (DTPTerrassement (Earthworks))
J ean-Claude Auriol (LCPC Nantes)
Louis Robert Borrel (RAZEL)
Sylvain Brouard (SCETAUROUTE)
Grard Chanrion (DDE 34 (District-Level Office for Infrastructure Direction Dpartementale de
lEquipement))
Abel Delfaut (DREIF - LROP (Region-level Offices for Infrastructure, Directions rgionales de
l'Equipiment))
Yves Deniel (DDE 28)
Claude Deschamps (Stra)
Catherine Drouaux (Stra)
Alain Fvre (Cete Normandie-Center - LR, Rouen Bordeaux (Technical Engineering Centers for
Infrastructure, Centres d'Etudes Techniques de l'Equipement))
Pascal Fournier (District Assembly 78)
Daniel Gandille (GUINTOLI)
Thierry Gosselin (SCETAUROUTE)
Yves Guerpillon (SCETAUROUTE)
Herv Havard (LCPC Nantes)
J ean-Pierre J oubert (Stra)
Michel Kergot (DREIF - LREP)
Gilles Lacassy (Cete du Sud-Ouest - LR,)
J ean-Pierre Lejeune (SCETAUROUTE)
Vincent Martin (SCETAUROUTE)
Claude Maury (GTM - Construction)
Thierry Mollier (SCETAUROUTE)
Marcel Mudet (SNCF)
Pierre Olivier (VALERIAN)
Michel Peyron (Cete Mditerrane)
Christophe Poilpr (GTS)
Michel Recourt (Cete Nord-Picardie)
Pierre Rossi (RAZEL)
Henri-Pierre Robert (DDE 76)

Introduction
The objective of this Design and execution of earthworks guide is to assist and advise the construction
manager from the time of preparation of the final design up until the execution of the earthworks.
It consists of 3 separate sections:
this Section 1: design and execution of the works;
Section 2: organization of checks;
Section 3: test procedures.

General earthworks in road operations constitute an important phase of studies, design and construction work
requiring a high level of skills across a wide range of areas, particularly in the geotechnical field, but also in
relation to the environment and sustainable development.
Geotechnical surveys, which are essential for earthworks, must be accurate and complete to avoid technical and
financial uncertainties which could entail additional or unforeseen extra costs of over 20%.
A large number of general and special structures created and published by the CFTR and Stra set out an
accurate view of investigation, classification and treatment of soils and certain specific structures i.e., blasting
earthworks, embankments or fills on compressible soils, the approach in relation to quality and the utilization of
soils for green roadside ancillaries.
The aim of this guide to the design and construction of earthworks is to understand the issues involved in
earthworks in relation to protection of the environment as of the initial alignment studies, complete all existing
technical documentation, and use practical reports to set out the main features of existing information.
It is mainly intended for experienced project design managers or construction managers to:
check that all the points to be examined at each phase of the preliminary studies, the overview / background
summary [APS] and the project studies have been implemented, and that the feasibility of the part of the
structure examined has not been called into question (chapter A);
understand a technology by means of a summary file listing the problems, the influential factors, the points to
be examined and recommendations at the works stage (chapter B);
deepen and develop more detailed expertise with regard to the difficulties involved in designing and building
special structures (chapters C, D and F);
optimize the writing of tender documents [DCE] for earthworks and construction work preparations (all
chapters);
control the quality of a project or constructional measures at the construction work stage on motorway
operations or much smaller operations such as a district road in an area with an extremely sensitive
environment, or in a difficult geotechnical context (chapters A, B and C).

Contents

Stra supports the public owner................................................................................... 2
Stra, promoting state-of-the-art know-how ................................................................ 2
Stra, working in partnership....................................................................................... 2
Introduction.............................................................................................................. 6
Contents..................................................................................................................... 7
Chapter A Studies of earthworks and the environment.................................. 12
A.1 - General ........................................................................................................ 12
A.2 General principles of alignment studies ..................................................... 12
A.2.1 Preliminary studies ........................................................................................ 12
A.2.2 Overview / background summary [APS] ....................................................... 13
A.2.3 Project studies................................................................................................ 13
A.3 Consideration of the environment in earthworks studies ........................... 14
(see table)........................................................................................................... 14
A.3.1 A solution in terms of earthworks .................................................................. 14
A.3.2 A choice of solutions ...................................................................................... 14
A.3.3 Areas for reflection and studies ..................................................................... 14
A.4 Earthworks at all stages of studies.............................................................. 29
A.4.1.1 Minor cuts ( 3 m) ....................................................................................... 29
A.4.1.2 Minor embankments & fills ( 3 m) ............................................................. 38
A.4.3 Large embankments/fills (> 3 m) ................................................................... 47
A.4.4 Large tall embankments/fills.......................................................................... 47
A.5 - Measurements.............................................................................................. 48
A.5.1 - Definition........................................................................................................ 48
A.5.2 Basic factors used for calculation.................................................................. 48
A.5.3 Basic formula for measurement calculations................................................. 48
A.5.4 Approximate methods..................................................................................... 49
A.5.5 Computer methods ......................................................................................... 51
A.5.6 Calculation method used by software ............................................................ 51
A.5.7 Example of calculation of measurements....................................................... 54
A.5.8 Assistance software developed by SCETAUROUTE...................................... 57
B Earthworks technology ................................................................................... 63
B.1 Clearance of land requirements .................................................................. 63
B.1.1 Area concerned .............................................................................................. 63
B.1.2 Technical referential ...................................................................................... 63
B.1.3 Issues involved ............................................................................................... 63
B.1.4 Influential parameters.................................................................................... 63
B.1.5 Execution phasing.......................................................................................... 64
B.1.6 Monitoring to be carried out.......................................................................... 64
B.2 Site roads..................................................................................................... 65
B.2.1 Area concerned .............................................................................................. 65
B.2.3 Issues involved ............................................................................................... 65
B.2.4 - Influential parameters .................................................................................... 65
B.2.6 Monitoring to be carried out.......................................................................... 65
B.3 Weather conditions and earthworks............................................................ 67
B.3.1 Area concerned .............................................................................................. 67
B.3.2 Technical reference documents...................................................................... 67
B.3.3 - Issues involved................................................................................................ 67
B.3.4 Influential parameters.................................................................................... 67
B.3.6 - Monitoring to be carried out .......................................................................... 68
B.4 - Topsoil......................................................................................................... 69
B.4.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................... 69
B.4.5 - Execution phasing........................................................................................... 70
B.5 - Cuts.............................................................................................................. 72
B.5.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................... 72
B.5.2 - Technical reference documents ...................................................................... 72
B.5.5 - Execution phasing for cuts.............................................................................. 73
B.6 - Embankments & Fills.................................................................................. 75
B.6.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................... 75
B.6.2 - Technical referential....................................................................................... 75
B.6.5 - Execution phasing for the embankment .......................................................... 76
B.7 External fillers or borrowings..................................................................... 78
B.7.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................... 78
B.7.5 - Execution phasing for borrowing................................................................... 79
B.8 Final deposits and earth mound barriers..................................................... 80
B.8.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................... 80
B.8.5 - Execution phasing of a deposit and an earth mound barrier ......................... 81
B.9 Embankments & fills on compressible soil ................................................ 82
B.9.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................... 82
B.9.5 - Solutions advocated........................................................................................ 82
B.9.6 - Execution phasing........................................................................................... 84
B.10 Blasting earthworks .................................................................................. 86
B.10.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 86
B.10.2 - Technical referential..................................................................................... 86
B.10.3 - Issues involved.............................................................................................. 86
B.10.4 - Influential parameters .................................................................................. 86
B.10.5 - Execution phasing......................................................................................... 87
B.10.6 - Monitoring to be carried out ........................................................................ 88
B.11 Waste and by-products.............................................................................. 89
B.11.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 89
B.12 Sewerage and drainage ............................................................................. 94
B.12.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 94
B.13 - Capping layer............................................................................................. 97
B.13.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 97
B.13.5 - Execution phasing for a capping layer......................................................... 98
C Special structures and particular points ....................................................... 99
C.1 Embankments & fills next to structures...................................................... 99
C.1.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................... 99
C.1.2 Reference documents ..................................................................................... 99
C.1.3 - Issues involved................................................................................................ 99
C.1.4 - Solutions normally recommended .................................................................. 99
C.1.5 - Implementation............................................................................................. 100
C.1.6 Special systems ............................................................................................ 100
C.2.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 101
C.2.2 Reference documents ................................................................................... 101
C.2.3 - Issues involved.............................................................................................. 101
C.2.4 Recommended solution ................................................................................ 101
C.2.5 Development of a cut/embankment boundary in the project's cross section101
C.3 Compaction of embankment edges........................................................... 103
C.3.1 Area of application ...................................................................................... 103
C.3.2 - Reference documents.................................................................................... 103
C.3.4 Recommended solution advantages/disadvantages .................................. 103
C.3.5 - Mode of execution ........................................................................................ 104
C.3.6 Checks and implementation......................................................................... 104
C.3.7 - Remarks........................................................................................................ 104
C.4 Purging and substitution ........................................................................... 105
C.4.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 105
C.4.3 - Definition of purging.................................................................................... 105
C.4.4 - Definition of a substitution........................................................................... 105
C.4.6 - Recommended solution................................................................................. 107
C.4.7 - Remarks........................................................................................................ 108
C.5 Extra-large embankments/fills.................................................................. 109
C.5.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 109
C.5.4 Studies to be arranged................................................................................. 109
C.5.5 Contents of a design study ........................................................................... 110
C.5.6 Guidelines for construction stipulations and choice of embankment materials111
C.5.7 Monitoring and instrumentation program................................................... 115
C.6 Heterogeneous embankments/fills............................................................ 117
C.6.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 117
C.6.4 Recommended solutions............................................................................... 119
C.6.5 - Observations................................................................................................. 120
C.7 Embankments & fills with extra-dry materials......................................... 122
C.7.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 122
C.7.4 The materials concerned.............................................................................. 122
C.7.5 - Solution envisaged........................................................................................ 122
C.8.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 125
C.8.4 Recommended solutions............................................................................... 125
C.8.5 Construction stipulations............................................................................. 126
C.8.6 - Observations................................................................................................. 126
C.9 Cuts/embankments/fills on a waste dump or a polluted site..................... 127
C.9.1 - Area concerned............................................................................................. 127
C.9.4 Preliminary tests and investigation work .................................................... 127
C.9.5 Recommended solutions - implementation .................................................. 128
C.10 Cuts in aquiferous zones......................................................................... 131
C.10.1 Structure concerned................................................................................... 131
C.10.2 - Reference documents.................................................................................. 131
C.10.3 - Issues involved............................................................................................ 131
C.10.4 Studies to be carried out ............................................................................ 132
C.10.5 Recommended solutions............................................................................. 134
C.10.6 - Observations............................................................................................... 137
C.11 Embankments & fills in aquiferous zones .............................................. 137
C.11.1 Structures concerned ................................................................................. 137
C.11.4 - Studies ........................................................................................................ 138
C.11.5 Recommended solutions............................................................................. 138
C.12 Underground cavities.............................................................................. 140
C.12.1 - Area concerned........................................................................................... 140
C.12.4 Studies to be carried out ............................................................................ 140
C.12.5 - Recommended solutions ............................................................................. 141
D Constructional measures (case studies)....................................................... 143
Case study No. 1................................................................................................. 144
Case study No. 2................................................................................................. 145
Case study No. 3................................................................................................. 146
Case study No. 4................................................................................................. 148
Case study No. 5................................................................................................. 150
E Preparation of work ...................................................................................... 153
E.1 Design and analysis of variants................................................................. 153
E.1.1 General stipulations and stipulations in regulations................................... 153
E.1.2 - Application to earthwork sites ...................................................................... 153
E.1.3 Plausible variants ........................................................................................ 154
E.1.4 Technical analysis of the variants................................................................ 154
E.2 Legal, technical and economic risks in relation to earthworks ................. 156
E.2.1 Risk assessment ............................................................................................ 156
E.2.2 - Legal risks in relation to earthworks............................................................ 156
E.2.3 Technical risks in relation to earthworks .................................................... 157
E.2.4 Economic risks in relation to earthworks .................................................... 158
E.3 Phases prior to construction...................................................................... 160
E.3.1 Concerning the Tender Documents [DCE] during the period of preparation160
E.3.2 Inventory of the tools required for proper site construction........................ 163
E.3.3 Earth movement and choice of materials..................................................... 164
E.4 Work phase ............................................................................................... 168
E.4.1 Procedures to be observed during the work phase ...................................... 168
E.4.2 Ordering of tasks.......................................................................................... 176
F - Pathologies....................................................................................................... 183
F.1 Pathology of earthworks structures........................................................... 183
F.1.1 - Preamble....................................................................................................... 183
F.1.2 Pathology of cuts.......................................................................................... 183
F.1.3 Pathology of embankments and fills ............................................................ 184
Annexes ................................................................................................................. 186
Acronyms used................................................................................................... 186
Bibliography....................................................................................................... 189
Guides, notes and recommendations........................................................................ 189
Regulations......................................................................................................... 190
Other documents................................................................................................. 191

Chapter A Studies of earthworks and the environment
A.1 - General
Before work is carried out, all road authorities and project owners must observe specific study and design
procedures, regardless of whether these concern conceded or non-conceded motorway projects, state highways
or district roads.
Nomenclature and sequence of procedures fluctuate in accordance with the road authorities.
Three major stages are generally implemented, as follows:
1) Preliminary Studies (EP),
2) Overview / background summary (APS),
3) Project studies (P).
A.2 General principles of alignment studies
A. 2. 1 Prel i mi nary st udi es
The aims of these studies are as follows:
to define a study strip of at least 1,000 meters;
to define the general development scheme and the functions to be performed by the planned infrastructure;
to ensure the projects technical, environmental and financial feasibility.
In order to verify technical and environmental feasibility, and to implement dialogue geared towards a more global
and less sectorial approach to planning, it is essential to gather at least a minimum amount of data for the entire study
area in the following fields:
town planning;
assets;
nature areas;
forestry;
agricultural parcels;
geology and hydrogeology;
landscapes with a definition of sequences and positive points to be preserved, assisted or strengthened.
It is not difficult to list data for the first four fields since this information is available free of charge from the
DDE and DRAC, DIREN, DDAF.
However, agricultural parcels, geology and hydrogeology, or even a flora and fauna study in certain cases,
require specific detailed studies assisted by private engineering firms or public entities (such as CETE).
These studies must be started as of the preliminary studies stage in order to take account of the following:
large single tracts of farmland, which may constitute a considerable constraint;
the feasibility of land reallocation and defining passage corridors with the agricultural profession;
major plausible geological difficulties, which are studied by means of bibliographic research and observations
of field observations;
the hydrogeological impact that is liable to call a project into question, particularly in areas where there is low-
density occupation of land.
All this data, which is essential for a solid consultation policy that should be developed as of this stage of
investigation of passage areas, will ultimately produce a quality project in relation to which all citizens will
have made a contribution through decision-making processes.
A. 2. 2 Overvi ew / background summary [ APS]
Overview / background summary [APS] studies will consist of setting several alignments over a strip of 300
meters maximum (this length will be submitted to the public inquiry) inside the passage areas (maximum 1,000
meters) approved by preliminary studies and agreements between elected parties, citizens and associations.
In order define the layout and depth of the bores required for investigation and reutilization of soil, a search
should be made firstly for factors that are liable to call the project into question (compressible zones, karstic
zones, general instability, etc.) and, secondly, for large-mass earthwork balance (study of longitudinal section).
On the basis of the geotechnical report and the geological model attached with the report, modifications to the
longitudinal section will be made in accordance with needs in order to preserve the balance of the terrain and to
avoid generating waste by surplus materials.
At this stage, coordination meetings will be held to present geotechnical constraints and their effects on the
roads alignment (land requirement), longitudinal section and the environment (protection from noise,
management of surpluses or borrowed material in due observation of laws in force, perception of the project and
landscapes).
A. 2. 3 Proj ect st udi es
The objective of project studies is to determine all the geometric and technical characteristics of all structures.
Additional boring will often be required in order to:
take account of the opinions expressed at the public inquiry and consultation meetings in relation to sewerage
and drainage;
proceed with additional investigations in relation to the final alignment which may have been changed on
plans and longitudinal section on request by residents between the overview / background summary [APS] stage
and the project studies stage;
complete geotechnical studies, particularly concerning reusable materials and stability studies.
Investigation of all solutions producing earth balance must be an absolute priority. One must resist the urge to
place the entire project underground. Instead, one must develop a line of argument in relation to safety, user
behavior patterns, user entitlement to landscape and tourism, and attempt to reduce transport distances and keep
project economy in mind.
The most plausible meteorological conditions with allotment of the earthworks contract must be considered at
the level of the geotechnical report, but also in the reutilization percentages study and in the earthmoving
program.

A.3 Consideration of the environment in earthworks studies
(s ee t abl e)
As of the preliminary studies, the issue of the environment must be integrated in all areas covered by the
circular of 1994 as identified by the DIREN in the context of the circular of 18 September 1999 at the time of
presentation of projects at each progressive stage of the studies, and by the evaluation committee when it was
implemented in connection with the environmental monitoring and evaluation guide issued by the Ministry for
the Environment in 2001.
In order to identify as many plausible solutions as possible for environmental problems in terms of earthworks,
proposals have been summarized in tables for each study with regard to the following:
habitat;
agriculture;
forestry;
underground resources;
leisure activities;
fauna;
flora;
water;
soils;
assets;
landscape;
restoration of roads.
A. 3. 1 A sol ut i on i n t erms of eart hworks
carrying out a project based on the natural ground (TN);
carrying out a project by means of cuts (D);
carrying out a project by means of embankments and fills (R).
A. 3. 2 A choi ce of sol ut i ons
the recommended solutions are shown in the column for longitudinal section in blue;
acceptable solutions are shown in yellow;
solutions to be avoided are shown in orange.
N.B.: Certain types of longitudinal section have no incidence on these areas, and in this case no color is shown in the table.
A. 3. 3 Areas f or ref l ect i on and st udi es
Analyses and studies to be performed mainly when solutions to be avoided are chosen due to local constraints or
to the impossibility of carrying out a project elsewhere.
Collection and external constraints
Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
Environment concerned
TN D R
Analyses and studies to be
performed
Additional analyses and
consequences
View, noise,
air

Tendency towards solution
involving a 3-m cut. If this
is impossible, noise
protection and protection of
the landscape must be
envisaged (mineral
structure or earth mound
barrier).
soil quality;
rocky soil (mining):
land requirement:
embankment/fill
restorations.
Local access
Preferably accept road
restorations where there are
no clearance constraints,
excluding junctions at
grade.
pedestrian and cyclist
continuity, including on
junction at grade;
land requirement on
secondary roads.
Habitat
EDF network
Investigation of alignment
with no modification of the
overhead system,
particularly very high
voltage.
Do not forget pipelines,
gas pipelines, etc.
Land
requirement

On the basis of collation of
agricultural data, avoid
large single tracts of
farmland as much as
possible, and examine the
feasibility of land
reallocation.

Redevelopment
Inventory of areas for
potential borrow pits or
deposits.
Agreement with DIREN.
Drained parcel
Inventory during collation
of agricultural data.
Restoration of mechanism
and of the outlet.
Agriculture
Market
gardening

Inventory during collation
of agricultural data of the
nature of market gardening
and method used for water
supplies.
Arrange for studies on air
and maintenance of water
resources.
Forestry Forest assets
exploit information from
DIREN, DDAF and CRPF for
private forests;
arrangement for
compensatory reforestation
surfaces by reducing
parceling.
blocks management plan
to be reviewed;
cut and cover may be a
solution in certain cases
(in the case of major
cuts).
PRELIMIN
ARY
STUDY
Underground
water
resources
Protection and
maintenance of
the resource

exhaustive inventory of
tapping, wells, etc. which can
provide a direct link between
the surface and the resource;
determine the degree of
vulnerability of the study
zones and internal water
routes.
restore the routes of
resurgence and sources
(maintain initial balances);
determine the type of
systemic studies to be
conducted and the extra
costs arising from special
construction devices and
measures (waterproofing,
drainage, etc.).


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
Analyses and studies
to be performed
consequences
Leisure
View, noise,
air

Tendency towards solution
involving a 3-m
embankment/fill. If this is
impossible, noise protection
and protection of the
landscape must be
envisaged (mineral
structure or earth mound
barrier).
soil quality;
rocky soil (mining):
land requirement:
embankment/fill
restorations.
Fauna
Cutting
Isolation

the upper passage for
large fauna is preferable to
the lower passage, although
some function extremely
well (precise identification
of passage areas);
for smaller fauna, a light
embankment/fill in relation
to the thalwegs is
recommended.
Cut project favorable for
PS, presents bared
surfaces of roots from
peak downslopes and
hydromorphy in soils
linked to border effect.
Flora
Protected
specificity

take the DIREN inventory
into account.
limit land requirements.
maintenance of
ecosystems.
Roadbed
water
Roadbed
water outlet

Identification of potential
outlets.
Quantitative and
qualitative inventory of
resources downstream of
water outlet.
Surface
water
Area liable to
flooding

Specific study to preserve
the initial flow system
(large number of hydraulic
structures), flood levels,
and to measure incidence
on flood system.
Carry out systematic
studies.
Materials
bibliographic study and
observation of the site
(preliminary geographic
model);
protection of resources;
borrowing.
estimation of difficulties
(natural hazards, cavities,
apparent instability index,
etc.);
evaluation of
uncertainties.
Underground
(identified)

for undetected
underground items:
bibliographic study, POS,
visit to site;
quality and thickness of
arch;
if the gallery is filled in,
systematic study,
particularly in relation to
water.
Consideration of
vibration problems at the
construction works stage
and service stage, and
problems inherent to
embankment/fill solution
(overload).
PRELIMIN
ARY
STUDY
Soil
Bearing
capacity

On compressible zone
(peat, waste dump,, etc.),
specific study.


Assets
Bibliographic inventory of
protected nature areas,
ZICO, classified sites,
archaeological sites and
Natura 2000
The optimum period for
aerial reconnaissance of
archaeological sites is the
second fortnight in June.

Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
PRELIMIN
ARY
STUDY
Restoration
Secondary
roads
(district
roads, VC)

Execute upper passages
(absence of constraining
clearance), particularly for
agriculture.
Satisfactory landscape
integration of the project,
all cutting. Landscape
treatment in other cases
(including half-cut project
solutions, half-
embankment/fill for
restoration).
View, noise,
air

economic and
environmental studies
between the cut solution
and others;
noise evaluation using a
calculation model, and pre-
sizing of the protection
devices required;
survey of law on air in
relation to traffic studies;
landscaping studies of
earth mound barrier for
project on natural ground
and exchange devices.
earth movement
balance, transport type of
material / soil;
validation of the noise
calculation model by
sporadic measurements
(zero status prior to
construction work);
increased land
requirement and variation
of cubic meters to be
moved.
Site
draw up exhaustive
nuisance inventory;
avoid borrowing in
proximity to built-up areas
or areas which need cross-
town links;
conduct in-depth
consultation with elected
members.
economic study;
reduction and/or
compensatory measures
in relation to nuisances
(impact studies).

An ultra-light
embankment/fill solution is
appropriate with respect to
drainage for junctions at
grade.
legibility and visibility
of this type of junction.
Local access

maintaining the level of
restoration involves an
embankment/fill project
over approximately 5.40 m
(frequently the case in urban
contexts);
an embankment/fill
restoration 3 m in open
country is favorable to
agriculture (no clearance
constraint).
in urban areas problem
of land requirement,
nuisances in relation to
traffic on secondary
networks or exchanges;
visibility problem (road
restored at the same level
as a storey).
APS Habitat
Other
networks

If there is no maintenance
of the network under
filling, make arrangements
for sufficient PI to handle
the networks.
make arrangements
under the
embankment/fill for
emergency sheathing.


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
Rest and
service area

Verification of legibility
and visibility conditions
after landscape studies.
Legibility of traffic
signing.
Habitat
Interchange
Zones consuming excess
material for landscape
development.
on parking area for
heavy goods vehicles;
noise study, particularly
nocturnal noise, with
respect to the
environment, even in
open country.
Agriculture
Land
requirement

Developing a consultation
policy with operators, based
on land reallocation
objectives for the parcels
directly concerned, or
retrocessions of earth to set
the alignment
mandate SAFER to
constitute stocks for land
reallocation for deposits
or borrowings;
execute if the nature of
the soil allows subvertical
slopes (draw up an
economic balance sheet);
structured remodeling of
soils excluding land
reallocation for
highlighting of parcels or
absorption of surpluses
(linear reduction of the
land reallocation).
APS
Forestry
Production
A project in natural ground,
or a light embankment/fill
project will help to leave
hydrogeology unmodified,
limit border effects
(hydromorphy, prevent the
creation of patches of frost
and maintain water table
levels, particularly for
market gardening.
specific constructional
measures specific to each
impact elimination or
reduction must be studied
and approved:
for farming, in view of
the stress a
embankment/fill project
would seem preferable.

Nuisance
Site

approve specific measures
tending to reduce the
propagation of dust from
earth, lime, cement
(embankment/fill, watering,
type of additive, etc.);
other nuisances concern
land reallocation
connection work:
- loss of a water point;
- opening access to isolated
parcels of land cut off by
road;
- dismantling of agricultural
drainage.
consideration must be
given to orders with
drought and the
provisions of the law in
relation to water
(constitute water
reserves);
in the absence of land
reallocation, carry out a
precise evaluation of the
financial incidence of the
work, and provide
compensation by
agreement. Compensation
must also be paid for
harvest losses in the case
of the agricultural land
parceling plan [PPA]
must also be indemnified
(see Chamber of
Agricultures scale of
rates).


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
Forestry
Plant assets

limitation of land
requirements and surfaces
to be reforested;
reduce border effects and
study the effects of
revealing new forest edges.
if accesses are
maintained for
management of forest
assets and fauna, the
longitudinal section will
be cut or filled:
- cut in areas where the
border effect is very weak
and where passageways
are required for larger
fauna;
- filled to reduce wind on
tree tops, in the thalweg
zone for smaller fauna.
Protection
(water)

build a drainage
mechanism to separate
roadway water
from subsurface or surface
runoff water;
waterproofing mechanism
in vulnerable areas.
higher cost of the
separation device;
check capacity of
outlets of the rejection
zone and downstream.
Materials
examine the overall
stability of large cuttings;
examine whether lowering
a water tableis necessary,
and its environmental
consequences;
study linear widening of
land requirement in areas
rich in reusable materials.
Build a large
embankment/fill in the
event of a shortage of
good material for
earthworks or roadway.
Undergrou
nd
resources
Cavity
Identify sectors showing
this type of anomaly.
(specific anomaly
investigation study).
Filling study and
investigation of this
solutions environmental
consequences.
Large fauna
complete census studies
carried out with hunting
federations by gathering
data from residents (to
optimize the routes of
paths);
this provision may be
applied where clearings are
crossed.
Limit clearing, offset
cutting effects on assets,
and close off the entire
sensitive area in linear
fashion.
APS
Small fauna
Restoration of
a regular route

provision to be retained
for crossing small vales and
valleys;
increase the number of
structures with
embankments if there are
rivers or other watercourses
nearby.
Widen the land
requirements to build
high plantations on the
roadway and slopes in
order to clear avifauna
flight levels.


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
Small
fauna
Grazing and
water point

Ensure continuity of
surface runoff from
catchment areas, and create
pools with gentle slopes in
clearings and grazing areas.
Prevent release of water
from the roadway into
this substitution area.
Flora
Protected
species

prevent any occupation of
land (site installations,
material storage,
miscellaneous work, etc.) in
ecologically sensitive areas;
modify horizontal
alignment if possible, in
such a way as to maintain
the ecosystem in specific
areas (air, wind, dust, light,
humidity, etc.);
carry out landscape
development consistent
with specific local features
favoring refuge areas.
Perpetuate established
flora, and favor the
establishment of new
protected species.
Internal water
and surface
runoff

Build structures to collect
surface and subsurface
water and keep them in a
good state of repair, from
the works stage to opening
to traffic ional use;
in addition to the required
hydraulic structures, design
drainage bases across
valleys and areas liable to
flooding.
for top ditches: check
stability of slopes and
accessibility;
for subsurface water:
check non-contamination
of the upper parts of
earthworks (PST),
capping layer and
roadways;
modification of the
piezometric layer (risk of
recession, or
humidification of
rejection zones).
APS
Water
Roadway
runoff

during the construction
works stage, remove
material in suspension
(MES) before discharge
into the natural
surroundings (settling
basin);
during the final stage,
water treatment before
rejection (settling,
filtration, purification) and
implementation of an
accidental pollution
blockage system.
incidence on spawning
areas of migratory fish,
and pollution of water
tables in karstic presence;
in vulnerable areas
(tapping in suboutcrop
water tables, etc.), total
roadway proofing.


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
Landscape
Integration of
the project

determine landscape
sequences and positive
points to be retained;
blend the project into the
landscape, with no
particular emphasis (unless
the project is a structural
feature of the landscape);
landscape treatment of
borrowings or deposits;
consideration of
maintenance in the design;
study solutions involving
viaducts or
embankments/fills in
sensitive areas.
uniform interpretation
of land reallocation with
the landscape architect
(specifications);
basic principles:
- choice of
embankment/fill heights;
- choice of cut depths;
- type of slope gradient;
- treatment of transitions
(natural
ground/cuts/embankments
/fills);
- modeling of slopes in
terms of natural image;
- planting of earthworks
slopes.
accessibility of remote
areas.
environmental and
financial consequences.
Soil Reutilization
carry out geotechnical
level studies;
make a list of
availabilities and needs in
areas of vegetation and
temporary and final deposit
areas;
carry out specific studies
in compressible and/or
unstable areas to investigate
natural deposits on specific
fillings, due to underground
components, cavities, etc.
soil nature
quantification of
materials which are
reusable for roadworks,
for the environment
(landscape) and for
agriculture (soil
restoration);
earth movements and
soil treatment
technicality;
suitability of soil types
and treatment for the
landscaping project.
Air Pollution
Placing the project in
cuttings and providing
hedges at organic crops;
hospitals, retirement homes,
schools, etc., located in
prevailing winds will
reduce atmospheric
pollution.
Constitute an air quality
zero condition prior to
work.
Scheduled site
Based on horizontal
alignment, longitudinal
section and a landscape
sketch, refer to Architectes
des Btiments de France
(ABF) for special
authorization and opinion.
in-depth study in the
event of co-visibility and
crossing of protection
area (500 m strip);
preliminary statement
for licensed sites.
APS
Assets
Archaeology
No geological boring or
excavation at sites rich in
archaeological features.
Prior action by DRAC for
site investigation (cost
and timelines +++).


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
ZNIEFF
Reduce land requirements
and carry out all studies
requested by DIREN within
the context of the circular
of 19 September 1999.
In accordance with the
results of surveys, more
or less specific measures
must be taken.
Assets
Natura 2000
Cut or embankment/fill
solutions may be reversed
in accordance with
objectives to be retained. A
viaduct may sometimes be
the solution for crossing a
valley listed in a Natura
2000 area.
Care must be taken with
land requirements. It is
occasionally necessary to
compensate the disturbed
surface area by acquiring
1/5 or even 1/10
additional area.
Restoration
preferably carry out a
cutting project and
overpasses at natural ground
level, or fillings for
restoration work (unlimited
road gauge for restoration);
in an underpass hypothesis,
examine drainage on the lane
restored;
avoid curves and reverse
curves in overpass
embankments/fills.
create models of
earthworks slopes with
gentle gradients for
integrating road restoration
projects into the landscape;
favorable incidence on
noise reduction (screen
perpendicular to the
project);
legibility and visibility of
restoration.
APS
Restoration
and
interchange
Interchange
improved filling legibility
of interchange (restoration
of state highway, district
road or municipality routes
is on upper level);
landscape study of
treatment of spaces between
ramps;
better interchange
drainage;
no road gauge constraints.
possibility of integrating
independent routes for
pedestrians and cyclists;
space available to
absorb excess.
Noise
Design of noise protection
devices and measures.
Comparative study
(suitability, efficiency,
aesthetics, cost).
Habitat
Site
Retain techniques causing
the least nuisance in terms
of dust, vibrations, noise
and projections.
Check that the techniques
advocated or which are
likely to be used by the
contractor will not entail
any deterioration of the
built-up surroundings.
PROJECT
Agriculture
Land
requirement

Stop borrowing and/or final
deposit areas (acquisition
by road project owner, and
subsequently returned to
area following
redevelopment of the site).
Carry out parcel inquiry
after public inquiry
(official approval - DUP)
and modification of
project in accordance
with the observations in
this inquiry, or after the
Water Act inquiry.


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
Land
requirement

Arrangements for
installation of site on road
land (service or rest area),
or on surface land, on a
parcel which cannot be
used by farmers.
Check access on road for
construction traffic and
operational nature with
respect to plausible order
for the operation.
Agriculture
Alignment
Proceed with sporadic
horizontal setting and
longitudinal section on the
project with respect to the
observations by the public
inquiry and mixed
instructions.
Conduct additional
studies on the project as
modified in terms of soil
identification
(homogeneity) and
drainage.
Forestry
Assets
management

Confirm or notify the new
project characteristics to
the manager of forest areas
to allow him to implement a
cutting plan.
Loss of wood may be
accounted for in purchase
by the project owner. In
this case, engage clearing
procedure.

Undergrou
nd
resources
Water
protection

On the basis of the projects
geometric characteristics,
conduct hydraulic studies to
approve and size structures
to protect surface runoff
water and subsurface water.
this type of study is to
be conducted at the same
time as the study required
for collection and
treatment of water on the
road platform;
these surveys are
necessary to obtain
authorizations or
declarations in relation to
the Water Act;
all these studies, or the
Water Act report, can
modify initial project
drainage and therefore the
land requirements.
Large fauna
Study and sizing of
overpasses for large fauna.
Determine the length of
fences for large fauna that
must be provided together
with this overpass.
Fauna
Small fauna
Examine all solutions above
and below the structure
which make the structure
transparent with respect to
small fauna.
Objective: to reduce the
isolation phenomenon.
PROJECT
Water Protection
engage all hydraulic
studies in accordance with
the Water Act
(authorization or
declaration);
size structures for
collection and treatment.
Water is subject to special
regulations. A single
engineering firm should
be approved for all water
studies (see: underground
resources + water).


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
Landscape
Integration of
the project

the landscaping project,
generally subcontracted to a
particular construction
manager, must be
completed before focus of
the parcel inquiry which
will set the final land
requirements;
the landscaping project
concerns all road work and
the specifications to be
given to the landscape
architect working on land
reallocation;
consideration in the
design of maintenance of
plantations and green
spaces (accessibility of
remote areas, routes, paths,
fences, road facilities, etc.)
request assistance from
the landscape architect
advising the construction
manager in relation to
monitoring of
subcontracting work;
supply the specific
manager with the project,
but also the geological
cross sections defining
nature of soils and the
main outlines of the
earthworks
plan on site monitoring
services for preparations
of tender documents
[DCE] for landscaping.
Soils Reutilization
carry out geotechnical
studies for the DCE;
carry out soil treatment
studies;
carry out structure-
specific geotechnical
studies;
make a list of
availabilities and needs in
areas of vegetation
(temporary and final
deposits).
adjustment of nature of
soils and quantities
available;
production of earth
movement plan;
economic report on
reutilization of soils and
possible examination of
the required exterior filler
material.
PROJECT
Assets Archaeology
implement an excavation
agreement with an
archaeological association
approved by the DRAC;
the agreement must
envisage conditions for
rehabilitation of soils after
excavation (soil reworked,
degraded, moistened).
following excavation
these soils are now
unusable and entail extra
costs, additions to
timelines, or deficit of
good material;
insist on filling
conditions with the
association in accordance
with technical rules, or
arrange for filling to be
carried out by a
competent firm acting as
construction manager.


Longitudinal
section
Level of
study
TN D R
to be performed
consequences
Integration
consideration of
observations from the
public inquiry and mixed
instructions;
consideration of
landscaping models and
pedestrian routes in urban
areas;
setting of network shifts
with concessionary
companies.
Ensure visibility distances
are maintained.
PROJECT
Restoratio
n and
interchang
e
Supply route
draw up an inventory and
agree the type of restoration
accepted by the
construction manager for
the lane concerned;
draw up an agreement
with the construction
manager for rehabilitation
of town center links.
site order with respect
to the authorized speeds,
at the site entry point;
estimation of
rehabilitation work;
neighborhood
discomfort by nuisances
generated by heavy-goods
vehicles in town centers
(dust, noise, lack of
security, loss of clientele
in guest houses and
hotels, etc.).

A.4 Earthworks at all stages of studies
A. 4. 1. 1 Mi nor cut s ( 3 m)
Structure in minor cut area ( 3 m)
Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
call into question the
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
Area of incidence to
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Points to be examined
In compressible
areas
X Capacity. Presence of finely
altered, changeable
or compressible soils
Reutilization of soils X Quality of the preliminary geological
model.
Natural hazard
apparent instability
index
Stability of
embankments and
earthworks slopes
X Quality of the preliminary geological
model topography upstream -
hydrogeology.
Hydrogeology X Suboutcrop or perched water.
Protection of tappings well etc
Stability of slopes X Waterproofed geological layer or
protection
Conservation of
internal flows and
their quality
(protection of
resources)
Supply of protected
areas
X Gradients of earthworks slopes.
Maintenance of ecosystems (biological
corridor).
Leisure habitat X Noise protection
Landscape X Landscape sequence / resident / user
Natural surroundings X Maintenance of ecosystems
Assets landscape
integration
Agricultural land
requirement
X

Preservation of
forestry assets
Land requirement
Flora hydrogeology
X Absence of earth mound barrier,
deposits, etc.
Special structure for
large fauna
Large fauna X Special overpasses for large fauna and
closure upstream and downstream.
Earth movement
principle
Project savings X Examination of large masses.
Water resource X Proofing of the road platform Suboutcrop water
table -
area liable to flooding
Hydraulic structural
damage
X Lowering of water table, instability.
Project drainage Agricultural parcel
drained
X Restoration of agricultural drainage -
rejection.
X Land requirement, restoration - special
structures.
Noise Habitat
Mining, vibration, compacting.
Agriculture -
forestry
X Subvertical earthworks slopes. Minimum land
requirement research
Habitat (urban) X Covering the lane.
Land requirement
on secondary road
X Feasibility in urban areas, access.
Agriculture (gauge) X Structure for agricultural access
PS
Restoration of state
highways, district
roads and VC in PS
Landscape X Land requirement.


Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Closure upstream
and downstream of
overpass.
X Additional land requirement on wooded
spaces.
Isolation of large
fauna (overpass)
Cost X

Capping layer and
roadway
X Quarries or materials in the land
requirement
The economic and environmental aspect
with respect to natural deposits
available excluding land requirements
Material resources
Agriculture X Large single tracts of farmland.
PS
Detected underground
cavity which can be
inspected (man-made
or natural underground
cavity)
Quality of arch (risk
of collapse)
X Stability of arch during the construction
work and service stages.
Research into archives (district,
municipality, geological and
topographic maps).
Analysis of vertical aerial photographs
by National Geographic Institute (IGN)
Survey of the site and oral inquiry.
Alignment earth
balance
X Quality of geotechnical studies -
(positioning, depth and number of bores
- timelines accessibility of parcels,
etc.).
Climatic conditions X % reutilization.
Execution timelines
Identification and
method for
reutilization of soils
(quality of the
geological model)
Quality of materials X Changeable nature of materials.
Treatment.
Mining.
Cavities.
Compressible areas.
Suitability for the landscaping project.
Sloping.
Earthworks X Earth balance.
Shortfall of materials - surplus of
materials.
Drainage blanket shields etc
Measurement
(economic report)
Special structures X Structures (bridge, viaduct, tunnel,
retaining wall, etc.).
Project savings X Trafficability, changeable materials.
Considerable
imbalance
X
Deposits X Drainage landscape consistency.
Earth mound barrier

Borrowing or surplus

X
Landscape integration.

Rest area, service area or outside land
requirement
Width of land requirement (to be
defined in the official approval report
(DUP)
APS
Earth movement
Site pollution X Dust (soil-binder), runoff water, noise /
schedule.

Transport distance X


Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Problem relating to
bearing capacity
(nature of subsoil
and water)
Thickness and
quality of the upper
parts of earthworks
X Substitution.
Embankment/fill.
Widening of land
requirements (in
open country)
X Modification of width and/or slopes in
the project.
Dimension of the agricultural parcel (if
large operations are to be avoided).
Widening of land
requirements (in
i h bit d )
X Stability of environmental structures.
Acoustic survey and type of protection.
I i i i ll
Sl i X ( thi t i t )
Reduction in
l it di l ti
X Hydraulic environment.
Shortage of reusable
materials (even after
treatment of soil)
Borrowing
(excluding land
requirement)
X Administrative procedure for opening
up quarry, landscaping, cross-town
link.
Public inquiry on classified facilities
and public inquiry on project in such a
way as not to call into question the
technical and financial feasibility of
the operation).
Check that the natural deposits
quantity and quality meet the
requirements.
Increase in heavy-
goods vehicles
X Landscape integration.
Noise protection X Compatibility of materials with
plantations.
Stability of earth mound barriers with
t t t
T t t f il X T h i l i t
Exchangers, leisure
areas, private
t
X Landscape consistency of filling in of
grade separations (restoration to
i lt )
Surplus materials
Deposits outside
land requirement
X Conformity with administrative
procedures (public inquiry) for
landscape integration (law on waste).
L d X C i t f i ff t
L d i t X C t / l t t h (AF)
Reception
i t (fl )
X DIREN agreement.
APS
Addition to deposits,
earth mound barrier
Earth balance X Geometry.

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Earth balance X Accuracy of geotechnical study.
Lasting durability during the
construction works stage.
Quality of the upper
parts of earthworks
Substitution X Nature, thickness and quality of
materials.
Long-term durability
of the upper parts of
earthworks
Drainage X The upper parts of earthworks must not
constitute a water trap.
Earth balance X Accuracy of geotechnical study
(additional bores for treatment aptitude
test).
Reutilization (treated or untreated),
borrowing quarry
Capping layer
Resources in
materials
X Technical-economic report (capping
layer [CF]-roadway).
Hydrogeological
context
Drainage X Drainage / constructional measures.
Separate sewerage system.
Site phasing X Technique site preparation
Urban X Stability of surrounding built-up
structures
Agriculture (market
gardening)
X Area of influence, separate sewerage
system.
Border effects (hydromorphy).
Dismantlement of agricultural
drainage
Lowering of water
table and
miscellaneous
hydrogeological
modifications
Forestry X Area of influence.
Construction works
stage
X Water Act, temporary basin, stability
of earthworks slopes and protection of
tappings wells trafficability
In service (separate
sewerage system)
X Water Act, drainage - flow
Runoff in catchment areas (top ditch)
Project drainage &
sewerage
Agricultural parcel
drained
X Restoration of agricultural drainage -
rejection.
Water resource X Downstream hydraulic positioning of
project
Protected tapping area
Construction works
stage
X Proofing, collection and rejection
outside perimeters.
APS
Underground gallery
natural or man-made
cavity
Stability of unit X Specific research study into anomalies
bores and/or microgravimetry,
volume concerned.
Shaft or camera inspection with regard
to quality, thickness and stability of
covering arch.
Behavior when subject to vibrations.
Circulation of subsurface water.
Techniques for embankment/fill, effect
on natural surroundings.
Protection dyke for swallow-hole
areas, waterproofing of ditches and
bottom of basin.

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Drainage of the
platform
X Stability of earthworks slopes, of the
upper parts of earthworks and sizing
of the drainage network.
Upper earthworks
platform
X Determine the technique.
Cut in aquifer
environment (see
singular point)
Maintaining the
balances
X Evaluate the area of influence and
carry out systematic studies in the
disturbed area.
Caution with sloping:
a slope becomes an
obstacle at certain
gradients
Short and long term
stability
X Variable slopes, support,
gullying/drainage substitution, berms,
subsurface water, fine soil, safety.
Balance of earth X Presence of good material off the
platform.
Modulation of land requirements
Landscaping X Geometry (drawing up a more natural
and less artificial image), withdrawal
from risk areas cost
Planting X Earthworks slopes with gentle
gradients (= 3H/1V)
Sloping
Operation -
Maintenance
X Reduction of surfaces to be
maintained and accessibility (in the
absence of plantation)
Safety / Geometry.
Site nuisance X Vibrations and noise protection.
Deterioration on constructions
Geotechnical study X Characterization of rocky area
Blasting rock
excavation
Assets X Subjection to protection of structures.
Sloping X Consistency in interpretation of
landscape for users and residents
(geomorphology).
Landscape
development
Plantations X Compatibility of the nature of soils
with the type of plantations.
Reduction of snowdrifts (hedges).
Forestry X Limitation of the land requirement
Fauna X Specific study of passage points and
grazing areas.
Preferably an overpass for large fauna.
(care to be taken with the hump effect
/ road gauge)
Flora X The location and the quality of the
surroundings to be preserved for
protected species
Land requirement for
wooded areas and
sensitive agricultural
areas
Winemaking X
APS
Restoration of state
highways, district
roads and municipality
routes on overpass.
Urban X Legibility and visibility of junctions.

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
call into question
the nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Urban X Presence of a sensitive environment
(hospital, school, retirement home, car
parks).
S ifi i lt X O i k t d i t
APS
Atmospheric
pollution (dust
from earth, lime,
treatment, air law)
Flora X Maintenance of ecosystems as of the
Dense habitat
(urban)
X Land requirement tendency towards
mineral structures.
Suburbs X Land requirement.
Earth balance X Reduction of soil excess
Fewer materials available a deficit.
Noise protection -
earth mound
barriers
Landscaping X Increased land requirement for non-
classical shapes.
Habitat - Agriculture X Location and layout of the site
installation, processing units and
binder and lime silos.
Earth movement X Work phasing (earth mound barriers to
b t d fi t)
Nuisances
Site road X Land requirement, location and layout
of the site road, interference with
general traffic.
Borrowing outside
land requirement
authorized by
quarry openings
(law of 19/07/76)
All areas, including
utilization of
existing lanes
X Examination of transport routes
(public highway or site road).
Temporary occupation agreement
and/or agreement for rehabilitation
with the route project owners.
Evaluation of costs.
Reduction of land X Stability of earthworks slopes if they
Longitudinal section
(heavy goods
vehicles)
X Increase in heavy goods vehicles in
areas with materials of poorer quality.
Landscape integration of restorations
(taller and longer).
Noise protection in built-up area.
L i t f d i
Excess material
Deposits -
environment
X Growth of land requirement.
Increase in landscape noise protection.
Landscape integration of deposits.
Projects of general interest for
t it i l
PROJECT
Transport distance
in the land
requirement
Earth movement X Movement balance with respect to the
plausible phasings and allotment.
Work schedule constraint
(implementation of structures).

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Agriculture X

Specifications for depositing process
on agricultural parcels.
Validation and evaluation of costs by
district-level offices for agriculture
(DDA) and chamber of agriculture
(CA).
Compatibility of the process with the
procedure for classification of land
reallocation areas.
Quarry,
miscellaneous
excavations
X

Conformity with quarry
redevelopment plan. Authorization by
the Prfet or statement. Evaluation of
costs.
Forestry X

Biological corridors.
Deterioration of
borrowed roads
X

Examination of transport routes.
Roads rehabilitation agreement with
project owners. Evaluation of costs.
Very large deposit
outside land
requirement
Landscape

X

Landscape study of each particular
case with respect to the excess
amounts.
Land requirement, location and layout
of the site road, interference with
general traffic.
Forestry X

Clearing procedures after examination
of cutting plans in forestry operations.

Archaeology

X

Reworking of soils at archaeological
excavations (increased water content,
heterogeneity of soils in place,
d ti i titi il bl t )
Earth balance

X

Stump extraction and archaeology
often involve loss of materials due to
d t i ti f i t i it
PROJECT
Clearance of land
requirements
Networks

X

Investigation beyond the classic
networks (water, electricity, gas, etc.),
including outside the land requirement
(150 m on both sides of the axis) into
the existence of special networks of
pipelines, gas lines and optic fiber,
and examine the problems of safety,
timelines and cost of travel.

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
call into question
the nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Alignment -
Earth balance

X

Quality of detailed geotechnical
studies.
(positioning, depth and quantity of
bores timelines accessibility of
parcels, etc.).
Pertinence of % reutilization of
materials with respect to all
constraints, particularly climatic
constraints, in the geotechnical study.
Study of slope stability.
Implement geotechnical studies at
project level extremely detailed
information for risk areas.
Archaeology

X

Loss of reusable materials due to
contamination of materials and
increase in water content (earth
balance).
Plan of earth
movement

X

Determination of functional phases
(allotment of future contracts).
Management of deposits and
borrowings.
Adaptation of climatic periods to
sensitivity of locations.
Capping layer

X

Characterization of natural deposits in
the geotechnical study.
Specific soil aptitude study.
Formulation study for treated soils.
Test site if the material is mishandled.
Technical-economic sizing (capping
layer/road).
Economic
evaluation

X

Evaluation of overall cost with
integration of the environment.
Reutilization of
soils

Landscape

X

Reutilization of unfit soil excluding
main structure (landscape
embankments/fills, earth mound
barrier, etc.).
Reduction of all slope gradients.
Tendency to round shapes.
Management of reutilization of
plantation areas / soils.
Nuisances

X

Use of explosives.
Wave propagation study, monitoring
of operations.
Acquisition of property, reinforcement
of building.
Material resources X Reutilization on earthworks and / or
on roads.
I t f h d t i l f ilit
PROJECT

Rocky soils

Sloping against
falling rocky blocks
X

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Underground
resources
X Size the subsurface water drainage
network (quality of the geotechnical
study).
In karstic areas, study the water
routing (karst resupply or dewatering).
Study of phasing and compatibility of
drainage with earthworks stages.
Restoration and maintenance of
ecosystems.
Impact report in relation to the Water
Act.
Order and stage of
work
X Non-contamination of soil by arrival
of water.

Earth balance
X Due to variations in water content,
implement a more in-depth moisture
study to measure extreme Ws
simultaneously with geotechnical
studies at project level.
Implement a soil treatment study (%
of soil to be treated cost of
treatment).
Overall stability X Reactivation of large old slides in the
event of inappropriate water losses.
Destabilization of slope (problem
relating to dip and/or fine clay-shale
layers).
Protection of slopes from runoff water.
Water from road
platform
X Width of platform.
Impact report in relation to the Water
Act.
Operation of drainage systems.
Drainage
Construction works
stage
X Earth runoff water pollution in
streams settling of material in
suspension (MES) prior to rejection.
Potential falls in bearing capacity with
regard to poor design of site drainage.
PROJECT
Overpass for large
fauna
Fauna X The longitudinal section of the large
fauna route.
7 - 8 m embankments/fills are better
suited to the natural ground continuity
for large fauna.

A. 4. 1. 2 Mi nor embankment s & fi l l s ( 3 m)
Structure in minor embankment/fill area ( 3 m)
Level of Point which could Area of incidence to Solution

To be
studied
To be
avoided
Noise nuisances -
Landscape
Habitat

X Extra land requirement for equipment
and landscaping.
Protective structure on
embankment/fill (technical-economic
study).
Sloping or support.
Habitat

X

Land requirement on secondary road
and resident access. Stability of
residents property
Restoration of routes
intercepted at
underpasses
Agriculture

X

Road gauge limited to height 4.25 m
(compatibility of agricultural
equipment and mobile machinery with
underpass opening and gauge).
Leisure habitat X Noise protection
Landscape X Sequence: landscape / residents /
users
Natural surroundings X Maintenance of ecosystems
Landscape integration
- Assets

Agricultural land
requirement
X
Conservation of forest
assets
Land requirement
hydrogeology of
flora
X

Absence of earth mound barriers,
deposits, etc.

Special structure for
large fauna
Large fauna X Compatibility of heights/altitudes.
Compliance with natural route.
Earth movement
principle
Project savings X

Examination of large masses.
Suboutcrop water table
area liable to
flooding
Water resource

X

Waterproofing of the platform.
Lowering of water table, instability.
Underground water
resources
X

Inventory of potential settlement
areas.
Modification of
natural flows

Area liable to
flooding

X

Identification of the nature of the
bearing soil and layers in presence.
Examination of the incidence of the
project with regard to flooding.
Karstic area with
plausible underground
Soil X Bibliographical inventory, feasibility
of examination of the quality of the
arch, site survey.
Compressible area Soil X Nature and thickness of soils in place.
Road project feasibility study.
Waste dump X Bibliographical inventory (Town Hall,
DRIRE, DASS) and on-site
investigation.
Road project feasibility study
PS
Polluted area
Evolutional materials X
Urban habitat X

Sizing of protection structures.
APS
Noise nuisance

Habitat in open
country
X

Sizing of earth mound barriers for
protection (significant widening of
land requirement).

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Restoration of routes
intercepted at
underpasses

Habitat

X

Access to resident parcels.
Pedestrian route.
System to remove water from road
(safety).
Drained agricultural
parcels

Agriculture

X

Carry out an agricultural compartment
history collection.
Continuity of the system and outlets
under embankments/fills (subsurface
water = separate sewerage system).
Widening of land
requirement (in
open country)
X

Modification of project slopes and/or
width.
Agricultural compartment history (if
Widening of land
requirement (in
i h bit d )
X

Stability of environmental structures.
Acoustic study and type of protection.
I i i i ll
Development of
service areas, rest
areas and
interchanges
X

Increased surface for areas consuming
ills.
HGV parking isolation at service areas
by landscape earth barriers.
Sloping on mild slopes for all
t t
Excess materials

Earth barrier for
noise protection
X

Accessibility for maintenance of
landscaping spaces.
Sloping X (see this topic below)
Reduction in
longitudinal section
X

The hydraulic environment, road
gauges and gauges on routes operated
b i lt
Deficit of reusable
materials (even after
treatment of soils)
Borrowing
(excluding land
requirement)

X

Administrative procedure for opening
up quarries, landscaping, cross-town
link.
Public inquiry for facilities classified
with IMEC and public inquiry for the
project so as not to call the technical
and economic feasibility of the
operation into question.
Check the quantity and quality of the
deposit match the needs.
Earthworks

X

Earth balance.
Deficit of materials.
Excess of materials.
APS

Measurement
(economic
evaluation)

Special structures X Structures (bridge, viaduct, tunnel,
retaining wall, etc.).

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Agriculture

X

Limit border effects (hydromorphy).
Prevent creation of patches of frost.
Market gardening culture / air
pollution.
Water resources

X

Choice of systems to restore internal
flows (separate sewerage system).
Supply of natural environments and
maintenance of existing balances.
Evaluation of settlement in bearing
soils.
Stability of earthworks slopes and
accessibility for monitoring and
maintenance of toe ditches for water
from road platform or catchment
area.
Check non-contamination of the
upper parts of earthworks (PST).
Silting up of the internal network and
its restoration.
D i f h id
Area liable to
flooding

X

Suppression or reduction of the area
liable to flooding.
Work on the ditch network (land
reallocation) and creation of outlet
(pond).
Maintenance of ecosystems and the
area liable to flooding.
Sizing of the permeability of the
embankment/fill and hydraulic
structures for conservation and non-
aggravation of the area liable to
flooding.
Overall stability study.
Protection of earthworks slopes
( k )
APS
Modification of air
and water flows
Water from road
platform

X

Treatment and balancing reservoir.
Natural outlet.
Percolation basin (cover/water table)
Protection of drinking water supply
[AEP] tapping and others.

Treatment of water
from the road

Drainage (reception
environment)

X

Before any water percolation,
examine and draw up vulnerability
charter for soils / at water tables.

Outside ecologically sensitive areas
or areas which are vulnerable with
respect to underground resources,
favor diffusion of water from the road
platform at a large number of
rejection points.
Concrete structures on vulnerable
zones only.
Cover between the bottom of the
percolation basin and water table
layer.

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Soil

X

Quantify geological anomalies or
underground mine areas.
Geological incidence of the solutions
approved.
Light embankment/fill.
W t X P ll ti f t t bl
Karstic zone and
underground gallery

Drainage

X

Maintenance of natural water
circulation.
Waterproofing of the area with regard to
water from the planned road.
All fauna X Precise inventory of species and
passageways towards grazing areas.
Small fauna (special
structures)

X

Sizing of structures for small fauna
(duct 400, 1000...).
Opening of hydraulic structures (with
ti f t b k t )
(earth balance)

X

Heavy goods vehicle constraint in due
consideration of structural cover for the
project to be implemented on the
t t f ll f
Biological corridor

Avifauna (land
requirement)

X

Widening of the road platform for
plantations at top of embankment/fill
(ecological thalweg area).
APS
Earth movement

Balance, economic
evaluation
Borrowing or
deposit
X

Study of large masses of earth
movement (examine extreme solutions
with regard to weather conditions).
Choice of materials for the capping
layer (materials from the site or
quarries).
Soil

X

Detailed geotechnical investigation.
Specific study of runoff water and gas
in the polluted area.
St d f t bilit d ttl t
Compressible or
polluted area

Filling technique

X

Embankment/fill construction method in
compressible or polluted area.
Filling technique (classic,
heterogeneous, composite).
Incidence on the environment /
occupation of land.
Overall stability

X

Detailed geological investigation of the
site.
Presence of fossil sliding.
The blocks hydraulic conditions.
Potential seismic activity.

Embankment/fill on
transversal slope (>
15% or less in
certain cases)

Construction - Site

X

Embankment/fill construction method.
Stability during the construction stage.
Constructional measures at the
construction works stage (sizing and
fi i l i id )

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Integration into
landscape
X

The earth balance for all types of slope.
If there is an excess of materials,
tendency towards landscaped slopes (a
more natural image).
Stability X

Gentle slope if there is fine soil or
planting. For bleachable soil, slope must
be vertical or extremely flat
APS

Sloping of 3h/2v -
5 h/1v and more

N.B.
with certain
gradients, a slope
becomes an obstacle
Operation -
Maintenance
X

Bush plantation in inaccessible areas.
Restitution to agriculture.
Forestry

X

Clearing procedures after examination of
the cutting plans for forest operations.
Polluted areas X Treat these areas within the context of
waste legislation
Topsoil

X

Pedagogical study of topsoil.
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation.
Choice of areas to be coated with topsoil
(slope in the case of plantations)
PROJECT
Clearance of land
requirements

Archaeology

X

Reworking of soils at archaeological
excavations (increased water content,
heterogeneity of soils in place, bearing
capacity, etc.)
Maintenance of
demolished structures

X

Homogenization of materials in place
with regard to the bearing capacity of the
platform supporting the embankment/fill.
Circulation of water vertically between
the body of the embankment/fill and the
demolished structure.
Adhesion of the embankment/fill on
smooth surfaces (overall stability)
Structures to be
evacuated
X

Recycling of products of demolition and /
or evacuation (with respect to legislation
on waste)
Earth balance

X

Stump extraction and archaeology often
involve loss of materials due to
deterioration of environments in situ
Networks

X

Movement of networks and problems
relating to safety and gauge in the
presence of boundary networks or
networks which have not moved

Drainage, irrigation

X

Temporary restoration, pending work in
relation to land reallocation, drainage
mechanisms and mechanisms for
agricultural irrigation.
Site flooding risks.
Dense habitat
(urban)
X Land requirement and stability of noise
protection walls

Noise nuisance

Suburban and open
country

X

Widening of the platform for protective
earth mound barriers on the embankment
or screens.
Landscape integration.
Earth balance.

Structure in minor embankment area ( 3 m)
Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
call into question
the nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
Noise nuisance

Construction works
stage

X

Transport of materials on urban site,
tourism.
Borrowing outside
land requirement
authorized for
opening of quarries
(law of 19/07/76)
All areas, including
use of existing
routes

X

Examination of transport routes.
Temporary occupation agreement
and/or agreement for rehabilitation with
the project owners for the routes.
Evaluation of costs.
Increase in land
requirements
X

Landscaped embankments/fills (gentler
slopes), restitution to agriculture,
PROJECT
Excess materials

X

Increased longitudinal section
(compatibility with landscape
integration and drainage).

Deposits -
environment

X

Increased land requirement.
Landscape integration of deposits.
Improvement of landscape noise
protection.
Projects of general interest for territorial
groups.
Reduction of embankment/fill slope
gradients.
Earth movement

Balance, economic
evaluation
Borrowing or
deposit
X

Detailed study of the earth movement
plan.
Examination of extreme solutions in
terms of meteorological conditions.
Land requirement
limited
X

Retaining wall or vertical sloping, even
1/1 (difficult or urban site).
Landscaping and
land requirement

X

Landscaping models to create a
landscape.
Landscape embankments/fills
( tit ti t i lt )
Sloping

Geometry

X

Stability of earthworks slopes with
respect to the quality of materials
implemented, abutments, erosion and
road runoff.
Adaptation of accessibility and safety
for maintenance.

Reutilization of
soils

General stability of
the structure and its
support

X

Unstable and/or changeable materials
(sensitivity to moisture changes).
Unstable bearing soils (compressible
area).
The suitability of soils for treatment.
The homogeneity of the body of the
embankment/fill.
The inverted order of the layers
extracted and implemented
(compatibility with their positions in the
body of the embankment/fill).

Solution
Level of
study
Point which could
nature of the
structure, or its
feasibility
be considered
To be
studied
To be
avoided
PROJECT
Quality of the upper
parts of earthworks
(PST)

Bearing capacity

X

Substitution of materials of
insufficient quality.
Drainage of humid areas and tapping
of resurgences.
Air-slaked lime treatment or treatment
with binders of materials in place.

Nature and quality
of reutilizations

X

The quantity of materials available.
The mechanical performances of
materials.
Treatment of materials.
Economic evaluation of the combined
upper parts of earthworks / capping
layer [PST/C]. Form/Road by
homogenous upper parts of earthworks
/ capping layer [PST/CF] sections.
Drinking water
supply [AEP]
tapping
X

Compression of bearing soils and
modifications of internal flows.
Surface runoff

X

Hydromorphy of contiguous areas on
the embankment/fill.
Absence of outlet and creation of
fl d d f
Area liable to
fl di
X Higher flood levels.
Water resource

Construction works
stage

X

Identification of the sampling points.
Management of authorizations for
sampling and rejection.
Compatibility of the device in view of
drought orders.
Order of stages

X

Non-contamination at foot of
embankment/fill by arrival of water.
Stability of the
structure
X

Dissipation of interstitial pressures in
the bearing soil.
Cross section of the
earthwork platform

X

Evacuation of runoff water from the
embankment/fill surface (V or W
profile is a favorable factor in terms of
quality of compaction and safety at the
t ti k t )
Stability of
earthworks slopes
with respect to
gullying
X

Creation of gutter and collection of
water in prefab drainage channels.
Drainage

Reception
environment

X

Temporary settling structures for site
water prior to rejection (care must be
taken with fish reproduction periods).

Karstic area, with
underground
components

Environment
Stability of
structures

X

Precise definition of constructional
measures from the point of view of the
environment and from the point of
view of the construction works stage,
with regard to stability and safety on
the site and during service.

A. 4. 3 Large embankment s/ f i l l s ( > 3 m)
For large embankments/fills (> 3m), at all level of studies an examination must be made of all the points
covered in tables concerning embankments/fills 3m, but there must also be an in-depth examination of the
following points in particular which could call into question the structures feasibility:
1) the existence of a protected area for tapping of Drinking Water Supply (AEP);
2) presence of a water table (depth, thickness and quality of cover, pollution, lowering of the water table, etc.);
3) presence of a karstic zone (detection of anomalies and treatment of cavities);
4) presence of a compressible area (thickness, stability, substitution, economic evaluation);
5) stability of earthworks slopes and natural slopes, and the deformability required with respect to utilization;
6) environmental balance of areas (landscape, subsurface water, avifauna);
7) the need to drain major internal flows and evacuate towards natural outlets;
8) geometry compatible with maintenance (slope with a very slight gradient 1v/3h, unless there is excess
material, in which case the slopes will have an gradient compatible with the stability of the soils in place and
well-drained bench terraces on the slope, quality of slope edges, constructional measures at the construction
works stage and in the presence of rocky materials. Sloping may follow the sites of stone traps. We should not
forget to make arrangements for access to the bench terraces, stone traps, etc.);
9) incidence on structures on overpasses (height of piers).
A. 4. 4 Large t al l embankment s/ f i l l s
For major embankments/fills (>3m) which are also tall (>15m), we will have to examine, at all levels of study,
all the points set out in the tables in reference to embankments/fills 3 m, but also carry out a special in-depth
examination of the following points, which could call into question the structures feasibility:
1) the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of the bearing soil (fine soil, changeable soil, compressible soil);
2) construction of the entire embankment/fill in homogenous material (identification and quantification of
available homogenous materials). A heterogeneous structure shows a risk of accumulation of water;
3) the stability of the structure in general and on particularly unstable slopes or in karstic areas and the
deformability required with respect to utilization;
4) bearing soil stabilization technique;
5) construction of stabilization bench terraces adjoining the main structure;
6) environmental balance of areas (landscape, subsurface water, avifauna);
7) geometry compatible with maintenance (slope with a very slight gradient 1v/3h, unless there is excess
material, and in this case the slopes will have an gradient compatible with the stability of the soils in place and
well-drained bench terraces on the slope, quality of slope edges, constructional measures at the construction
works stage and in the presence of rocky materials. Sloping may follow the sites of stone traps. We should not
forget to make arrangements for access to the bench terraces, temporary stone traps, etc.);
8) incidence on structures on underpasses, with regard to height of embankments/fills.
A.5 - Measurements
A. 5. 1 - Def i ni t i on
When the horizontal axis, longitudinal section and cross sections have been established, we have all the data
required for earth measurements.
The purpose of earth measurement is to evaluate the cube of earthworks between skew surfaces delimiting the
natural terrain and regulated, skew or flat surfaces which define the project.
A. 5. 2 Basi c f act ors used f or cal cul at i on
A lane of traffic is defined by its horizontal alignment, its longitudinal section and its cross sections.
the axis of the route is a space curve, and projection of this curve on a horizontal plane gives the horizontal
alignment where the axis is shown as a succession of curves (circles, clothoid curves) and straight sections;
longitudinal section is the section of the project and the ground along the vertical surface which passes through
the horizontal alignment.
The line of the natural terrain appears on this longitudinal section. The line is shown on a plan of contour lines,
on the ground, or as a spread of points plotted by a surveyor and recorded in computer files. This line is defined
by points and is presented as a broken line. The longitudinal section of the project is a continuous line, generally
constituted by slopes and ramps and parabolas. This line runs alternatively above and below the line
representing the ground, depending on whether the project is embankment/fill or cut. The points of intersection
of the two lines are passage points of the longitudinal section. The longitudinal section gives an idea of the
shape of the cuts and embankments/fills, but the volumes will be well defined for the purposes of a calculation
only if the cross sections are also known. These are transversal sections perpendicular to the axis. As on the
longitudinal section, we find the alignment of the natural terrain and the project cross section. Cross sections are
always perpendicular to the horizontal axis.
A. 5. 3 Basi c f ormul a f or measurement cal cul at i ons
(the two-surface average method)
We calculate surfaces S1 and S2 of cross sections between two successive profiles P1 and P2 from the
longitudinal section. We calculate the arithmetic mean of these two surfaces and apply it to length d between the
two profiles P1 and P2.
V = d/2(S1+S2)
The accuracy obtained is around 1 2%.
A.5.3.1 Classic method for surface calculation
We determine the cut and embankment/fill surfaces by decomposing them into simple basic surfaces (triangles,
trapeziums, rectangles).
A.5.3.2 Simplified method for surface calculation
We separately determine surfaces between the horizontal plane at elevation zero and:
the project line beneath the road foundation;
the natural ground line under the topsoil.
We then subtract the surfaces obtained to determine the desired surface area.
A.5.3.3 Calculation of cut and embankment/fill volumes
The diagram below explains the process for determining the volume in cubic meters from the surface areas
previously obtained for each profile.

Ligne projet sous corps de chausse Project line under main body of road
Ligne T.N. sous terre vgtale Line of natural ground under topsoil
Nota: le profil PT4 (dit fictive) est, dans le cas present,
affect dune surface de remblai aprs compensation dans
le profil
N.B.: Here profile PT
4
(fictitious) has an embankment/fill
surface after compensation in the profile
Vremblais V
embankment/fill

Vdblais V
cut

A. 5. 4 Approxi mat e met hods
We will quote two of the formulae based on this principle: the accuracy obtained using these 2 formulae is
around 10%.
A.5.4.1 - Mr. DIHN MANE TOANS
FORMULA
V = bS + ak S
2
/L
(do not use this formula on mixed profiles).
A.5.4.2 - Mr. ROBINS FORMULA
V = S (b + 2 k ) , with = 0.4 h
M

where:
b represents the width of the platform for
embankment/fill and for cut,
k is defined below in accordance with the
gradient of the slopes,
S is the surface (in m
2
) between the line of
natural terrain and the project line in
longitudinal section,
a is a coefficient between 5/4 (S triangular)
and 7/6 (S laid flat). Generally taken as a =
7/6.
L is the length of the section whose volume
is calculated (same boundaries as surface
S),
h
M
is the greatest height of earthworks in
the section considered.

Principe des mthodes approches Principle of approximate methods

Remblais Embankment
Dblais Cut
Talus Slope

A. 5. 5 Comput er met hods
Almost all measurement calculations are now carried out by computer, and there are many companies offering
adaptable software.
We may quote mainly: (see the table below)
All software has the following properties:
design of the horizontal axis and the longitudinal section from lines, arches, circles, clothoid curves;
parameter and progression tabulation of the horizontal axis;
automatic alignment and calculation of the longitudinal section of natural ground (TN) from the projects
horizontal axis and the grounds digital model;
parameterable automatic layout and design of cross sections across natural ground;
design of the longitudinal section from straight sections and circular and parabolic transitions;
modification of tabulation if necessary;
creation and management of semi-cross sections, types, multi-layer, with variable superelevations, cut bottom
ditches;
calculation of measurements by application of semi-cross sections, types and consideration of stripping
thickness;
parameterable automatic layout and design of cross sections natural ground (TN) and project;
calculation and design of the new numeric model integrating the project in natural ground (TN);
automatic design of the projects main lines;
creation of a large number of files summarizing the results at different project design stages.
A. 5. 6 Cal cul at i on met hod used by sof t ware
The first design stage is modeling of the site generally obtained by triangulation of points and lines. This is an
essential stage, leading to the creation of a digital ground model (MNT), to be used as a basis for calculation of
measurements.
The second stage is the creation of the project lines: as a priority, creation of the horizontal axis and longitudinal
section. This method is common to all software. We thus have two modeling types:
construction of project cross sections from a tabulation (Piste, Autopiste, etc.);
construction of lines deduced from the red line, describing items on the platform, earthworks slopes and road
structures (Macao, Mxroad, etc.).
The third stage is actual calculation of the measurements and publishing of results.
A.5.6.1 The Digital Ground Model
The MNT (digital ground model) is a virtual representation of the natural ground for calculation of the points
elevation (z) for all x/y coordinates. The most common form of MNT is triangulation. There are other models:
skew surfaces from a quadrilateral (BDZ IGN file) and ruled surfaces obtained from interpolation between two lines
(contour lines, existing carriageway verges, etc.).
Spr ead of poi nt s
The spread of points is composed of points and lines. We must select the points and lines belonging to the
natural ground, excluding points which have no altitude (municipal boundaries), but also contour lines which
have often been calculated from the basic spread. We must work with the most accurate spread possible,
excluding points and lines which are unrelated to the description of the ground.
The spread forms the basis for, but under no circumstances constitutes an MNT (Figure 3).
Software Distributor (last known)
Covadis Geomedia - Immeuble La Vigie - 20 quai Malbert BP 50701 29607 Brest Cedex
Macao A Bentley product distributed by Graphland
Mensura Cobra Integra Finance - Rue Louis Blriot BP75 Forum dOrvault 44702 Orvault Cedex
Mx Road (ex Moss) Bentley Systme France Cnit BP 424 92053 Paris-La-Dfense
Piste + Stra - 46 Avenue Aristide Briand BP 100 92225 Bagneux Cedex
Tr i angul at i on
This operation consists of creating triangles by joining up points without crossing the lines.
The main method used is the Delaunay triangulation method, selecting the most equilateral triangles possible. It
should be noted that triangulation from the same spread of points may be different, depending on the programs
used (Figure 4).
Geol ogy
Geological layers are generally defined from the grounds longitudinal section, and this means they are not so
accurate in terms of measurements. Their 3D modeling is barely recognized or not recognized at all by design
tools, and more accurate assessments are often assigned to experts.
A.5.6.2 Project modeling
There are two main product families:
construction of project cross sections based on a tabulation a traditional method, but difficult to use in the
case of junctions;
construction of lines deduced from the red line, describing items on the platform, earthworks slopes and road
structures a more complex method which nevertheless obtains more accurate volume calculations.
By cr os s sect i ons
The planner initially defines a horizontal axis and a project longitudinal section, and then a tabulation based on
equidistance or imposed sections.
He then interpolates the cross sections by calculating points in accordance with the digital ground model
(MNT) (Figure 5).
He may then apply type cross sections (Figure 6).
The Terrain [Ground] line represents the unstripped natural ground.
The Projet [Project] line consists of carriageways and perhaps the central reservation, hard shoulders,
embankments and slopes.
The Assise [Earthworks Base] line represents the earthworks section prior to construction of the road structure.
It is used to construct other lines.
The Forme [Capping Layer] line is the intermediate line between the Earthworks Base and Project lines (this
line may be used to mark out the capping layer or any other part of the road structure).
The Base [Road Base] line is the intermediate line between the Capping Layer and Project lines (this line may
be used to mark out the base layer or any other part of the road structure).
Figure 3 Figure 4
Figure 5 Figure 6

Figure 5
Largeur gauche Left width
Largeur droite Right width
profil en travers cross-section
point terrain calcul calculated point on ground
Axe du fichier projet Axis of project file

Figure 6

LES LIGNES LINES
Terrain naturel Existing natural ground
Dcapage Stripping
Projet Proposed road
Base Road base
Couche de forme Capping layer
Assise des terrassements Base of earthworks

By l i nes
Moss or Macao use line modeling.
A.5.6.3 Calculation of measurements
When the modeling of the project and the ground has been completed, we can calculate the measurements.
Li near and Gul den
The linear method
This is the classic method.
Sections and widths calculated for each project profile are multiplied by the application length to obtain
volumes and surfaces.
The application length is taken at the project axis at the inter-half-distance between each profile.
The Gulden method
This method calculates sections and widths in classical fashion, but the application lengths differ from the
lengths in the linear method.
The center of gravity is calculated for each surface.
The application lengths are calculated for each entity to be estimated (from the center of gravity), and take
account of the radius of curvature.
Where the Gulden method is used, the Application Length has no meaning.
The Gulden method makes for better accuracy in the case of projects with considerable curvature:
alignment with a large number of small radii (mountain roads with hairpin bends, etc.);
roundabout ring, etc. (Figure 7).
A. 5. 7 Exampl e of cal cul at i on of measurement s
(with the assistance of M.X. WINDOWS 2.5)
M.X. determines measurements between two surfaces on the basis of information on sections within a perimeter or
a section boundary. The options proposed may be used to accurately determine measurements for the most
complex forms of earthworks, such as motorway interchanges or quarries, but also the simplest forms such as
standard motorway alignments. The measurements calculated may be stored in a model for subsequent use in earth
movement analyses.
There are two methods for calculation of measurements, using either parallel sections at constant and normal
intervals on an axis, or sections taken at a right angle with respect to a certain line. The choice of the method to be
used depends on the complexity of the problem and the accuracy required. The two methods may be
complementary in the case of motorway designs: the measurements of the interchange area are determined using
the parallel sections, and the measurements for the intermediate motorway, with regular section, are calculated
using normal sections on a main axis or channel.
When two models are requested, thus producing two sets of sections, the measurements are assumed to be positive
when the existing surface (model 1 - cut) is located above the project surface (model 2 - embankment/fill).
Existing surfaces and project surfaces are conventionally named in such a way that an embankment/fill is negative
and a cut is positive (see figure 8).

Figure 7: Measurements, 2 calculation methods Figure 8

Figure 7
Surface remblai Fill surface
Surface dblai Cut surface
LINEAIRE LINEAR
inter-demi-profil inter-half-profile
Longueur dapplication laxe Length of application on axis
Longueur dapplication dblai Length of application of cut

Figure 8 NB :
LGENDES DEJA EN ANGLAIS DANS LE TEXTE FRANCAIS

Where stripping thicknesses are specified, they are applied to sections created from the existing surface.
Measurements are determined between adjacent sections by multiplying the average surface of two successive
polygons by the distance between them. If one or two sections do not exist, they are simply ignored, and the
distance between the adjacent sections will be used to determine the real measurement (see figure 9).
If a stripping thickness is specified, the height of the sections of the first model or of the existing surface will be
reduced as a result.
In the case of calculations of motorway earthworks, this method produces measurements associated with the
abscissas on a reference line.
Error management
When perimeters are incomplete, the sections are closed off as follows:
Section on the project surface (model 2) terminate in vertical lines through the extreme left-hand and extreme
right-hand points, as in the section in the figure below.
Sections on the existing ground (model 1) are spread out laterally (b).
The closure points to the left and right of the section are located at the point of intersection between the two
lines (see figure 10 below).
Figure 9 Figure 10
A. 5. 8 Assi st ance sof t ware devel oped by SCETAUROUTE
A.5.8.1 - Introduction
SCETAUROUTE has developed a series of computer tools for the study, design and monitoring of earthworks in
relation to linear infrastructure projects.
The software programs currently used are CUBATOR 2.4 and MASSTER 1.15 (Module dASSistance aux
TERrassements) along with the geometric design software MACAO 5.4. The digital results may be exported to
MICROSOFT Excel.
The two software applications use geological data, geotechnical data and the geometry of the proposed design
(plan, longitudinal section, cross sections) to produce a detailed study of the earthworks project and optimized
earth movement.
The characteristics and capacities of CUBATOR and MASSTER are defined as follows:
A.5.8.2 - CUBATOR
CUBATOR was developed by Scetauroutes Geotechnical and Materials Department. The function of the tool is
to determine the resources and needs in terms of materials in relation to the projects link section.
The software uses a numeric geological model and a geotechnical study to produce the material resources
available as generated by the geometry of the project. These resources may be expressed in accordance with the
geological characteristics of the soil or by its reusable nature. The volumes extracted by earthworks are set out
in accordance with the modes of extraction.
CUBATOR can also be used to evaluate the needs in terms of project geometry in accordance with the
geotechnical provisions as approved.
A.5.8.3 - MASSTER
MASSTER was developed by Scetauroutes Computer Department. Its function is to use the data provided by
CUBATOR (manual acquisition from the quantity surveys is possible) to draw up the list of resources / needs by
reutilization mode and to finalize studies by producing Lalanne drawings and earth movements. During the
works stage, the software can re-update the study by adding the new data obtained from the complementary
bores in the earthworks contract.
MASSTER provides a more accurate analysis of resources. The materials are defined in accordance with their
geotechnical characteristics: reutilization and presence level, yield coefficients, modes of extraction and
possible treatment, nature of reutilization. Volumes of cuts, volumes and nature of the requirements are obtained
per earthworks unit in relation to the link section, additional structures, restoration of communications or
interchanges. The results obtained are EQVR and geometric volumes, in accordance with the nature of the
materials and the forms or means of their re-use.
MASSTER also helps monitor the work being carried out, providing a comparison of earth movements as planned
in studies and the movements envisaged for actual construction work. It can also provide a daily update of jobs
remaining in relation to earth movement.
A.5.8.4 - Conclusion in relation to CUBATOR and MASSTER
CUBATOR and MASSTER, in conjunction with MACAO, are two complementary assistants to precise studies for
earthworks and optimization of projects. They provide a rapid understanding of the impact of different
geometric and geotechnical options on earth movements.
Both of them are continually improved and upgraded, and a module for presentation of earth movements is
currently being examined.
Summary of CUBATOR 's functions
INPUT

RESULTS

Geol ogi cal data

- Bores
- Geological profiles on
project cross sections
- Nature of the materials
(extraction, thickness,
etc.)
--->

--->

Geometri c data

- Reference alignment:
longitudinal section / cross
section
(Macao file)
- List of earthworks
structures
--->

--->

Modeling

- Parametering of
constructional measures
(upper parts of
earthworks, drain base,
facings, etc.)
- Simple lithology
modeling (nature of
materials, height of
explosion, etc.)
--->
CUBATOR

Summary of CUBATOR 's functions

RESULTS
FORMAT OF OUTPUTS

Spreadsheets

- Volume of resources (by nature of materials, by mode of extraction)
- Volume of constructional measures

Cross secti ons for di spl ay of vol umes cal cul ated

- Stripping of topsoil
- Ordinary embankment
- Cut
- Upper parts of earthworks
- Drainage shield
- Facing
- Earth mound barrier
- Embankment base
- Bench terrace
- Purge
- Lithological layers

Summary of MASSTER 's functions
INPUT

RESULTS

General data

- Currency
- Types of structures
- Transport shop
--->

--->
Eval uati on of resources
Needs

- Evaluation per type of
reutilization
- Lalanne drawings

Geometri c data

- Definition of earthworks
structures
- Measurement by cross
section (source MACAO)
--->

--->
Earth movement
Studi es

- Generating earth
movements in accordance
with different scenarios
and movements imposed
or carried out

Geol ogi cal data

- Nature of the materials
- Characteristics of soils:
- Reutilization coefficient
- Yield coefficient
- Density
- Mode of extraction
- Mode of treatment
- Types of reutilization
--->

Geotechni cal data

- Quantity of resources by
structures
- Quantity of needs /
structures
--->
MASSTER
--->
Earth movement
Work

- Comparison of progress
of earth movement with
reference earth movement
- Simulating the remainder
to be carried out in
accordance with reference
earth movement

Summary of MASSTER 's functions
RESULTS
Spreadsheets

Resources by structures

Str. N Structure Mat N Material Extract Util Treat Cas
Yield
%
Rem.
%
Total
vol.
Geo.
vol.
EQV
R
Vol.
5355 SC 05355 11 Silt
Loose
and scrape
able
0 3 90 4 410 16 15
5355 SC 05355 11 Silt
Loose
and scrape
able
1 3 90 16 410 66 59

Evaluation of resources / needs

Reut. Reutilization Resources Needs Difference % Difference
0 Deposit 1,169,245 2,235,000 -1,065,755 48
1 Embankment 3,571,485 3,524,282 47,203 1
2
Upper part of
earthworks-
subformation 12
747,343 714,067 33,276 4
5
Upper part of
earthworks -
subformation 2
0
9 Capping layer 917,244 0 917,244 100
10 Roadways 139,573 0 139,573 100

Volume by transport shop

- Lalanne drawing

- Earth moving studies

- Earth movement work
B Earthworks technology
B.1 Clearance of land requirements
B. 1. 1 Area concerned
The land requirements concern the surface area of ground relating to construction of the structure and its
ancillaries.
The area concerned includes final or temporary acquisition of land, its clearance, stump extraction,
deforestation, movement of networks, demolition of structures, safeguarding of archaeological sites and
stripping.
B. 1. 2 Techni cal ref erent i al
development of main highways (ARP) [5];
Ministry Circular No. 1 of 4 January 1968.
B. 1. 3 I ssues i nvol ved
clear definition and acquisition of the land requirements;
drawing up the inventory of the various requirements and constraints relating to networks and structures, and
estimation of the required timelines to define the work (archaeology, gas, water, etc.);
crossing with existing infrastructures;
allotment of work to clear land requirements.
B. 1. 4 I nf l uent i al paramet ers
the type of soil occupation (crops, meadows, woods, etc.);
results of consultation (managers of networks, residents, groups, etc.);
procedural uncertainties and timelines;
archaeological and environmental assets;
influence of weather conditions on stripping.

B. 1. 5 Execut i on phasi ng
Execution phasing Points to be examined
Observations
Recommendations
Inventory of all overhead and
underground networks, wells, marl pits,
karsts, old explosive dumps and war
galleries, enclosures, archaeological and
geological sites (palaeontological and
mineralogical), protected biological
sites (fauna, flora, etc.).
Establishment of an extremely accurate
plan of all networks, definition of their
overhead or underground locations.
Draw up a summary document as
clearly as possible, to be given to
contractors at the tendering [DCE]
stage, and explain to the companies the
order of clearance of the land
requirements.
Ensure consistency with PPSPS.
Definition of landmarks and traverse
lines.
C l l ti f l t d l ti

Definition of destination of demolition
products from stripping and
d f t ti
Pay close attention to risk buildings
(e.g. transformers, industrial buildings,
b t f iliti )
List of required site roads and
t di i

DCE Design

Define the work to be carried out with
administrators, and schedule them so
that they are completed before the
launch of earthworks.

Site preparation

Planning of work to clear land
requirements.

Establishing and examining procedures
for execution.
Design and precise layout and setting
out of site access routes.
Preparation for execution

Mark out deforestation areas,
archaeological excavations, areas for
brush cutting, areas of flora and fauna
to be preserved and stripping zones, and
mark out existing networks.
Organize excavations, particularly in
the event of interference with other
sites.
Execution

Setting out of land requirements and
traverse lines.
Preparation of accesses and entrances,
construction of site enclosures and
execution of site clearance work.
Diversion of overhead power lines.
Deforestation.
Post-felling inspection.

B. 1. 6 Moni t ori ng t o be carri ed out
Conservation of pegging and traverse line.
B.2 Site roads
These are roads envisaged in the contract, reserved for site activity, for the following purposes:
access or link-up between certain structures or specific points;
reinforcement of existing routes.
New roads with little traffic Design manual [2];
Use of expanded polystyrene in road construction [20];
Guide to design of roads with little traffic (CTGREF).
B. 2. 3 I ssues i nvol ved
temporary, integrated or final nature;
sizing;
geometric characteristics;
nature of the materials;
site road maintenance.
B. 2. 4 - I nf l uent i al paramet ers
relief;
nature and intensity of traffic;
period and duration of service;
hydric environment;
earth movement;
site road in the land requirement and outside the land requirement;
sizing of the land requirement;
consultation and environment.
B. 2. 6 Moni t ori ng t o be carri ed out
Not applicable
Observations
Recommendations
- setting and sizing of site road Consideration of means of execution.
- property administration
- sizing in accordance with purpose

- allotment Site roads can be covered by a separate contract
DCE design
- environment
- overcoming obstacles

- availability of land requirements Site preparation
- consideration of stresses Particularly certain networks (electric power lines,
etc.).
Preparation for
execution
- inventory
- definition and examination of methods and
means of execution
- pegging

Execution - as per the methods and means approved
- maintenance

- possible rehabilitation
- possible assignation
B.3 Weather conditions and earthworks
For sound operations on earthworks sites in general, weather conditions have considerable consequences on the
techniques to be implemented (reutilization of soils or treatment) in terms of work times and site economy.
The area concerned includes geological and geotechnical surveys, identification of water-sensitive soils,
collection of meteorological data, their use and monitoring.
B. 3. 2 Techni cal ref erence document s
Weather conditions and earthworks - Recommendation [17];
Construction of embankments/fills and capping layers (GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills) [10].
B. 3. 3 - I ssues i nvol ved
The objectives pursued are:
optimization of earth movement and reutilization of soils;
evaluation of the importance and distribution of inclement weather for the timeline assigned to the site;
establishment of the precipitation thresholds which could entail site stoppage;
consideration in studies of climatic uncertainties and their consequences on the cost of work;
The characteristics of the project have direct incidence on the variable sensitivity of the soils to meteorological
phenomena (proportion of sensitive soils, topography, geometry and phasing of the project, period of
execution).
Water-sensitive soils could have repercussions on organization of the site, capacity, trafficability, slipperiness
and possibilities of reutilization to ensure the structures stability.
B. 3. 4 I nf l uent i al paramet ers
climatic areas;
water-sensitive soils: nature, status, proportion of different soils;
period for execution of the construction work;
timelines: site duration, envisaged number of stoppage days;
water: effect of water on sensitive soils;
project characteristics: topography and geometry of the project (longitudinal profiles and cross sections);
hydrogeological conditions (water tables);
proportion of sensitive soils and their reutilization (sensitive = aptitude of soils to change status);
nature of the capping layer;
phasing constraints;
rain erosion (influence on work procedures and quality of structures);
storms creating erosion and destroying the structures built;
fog creating dangerous conditions and site stoppages;
rain, sun, wind and snow, which all affect water content (the wind can prevent hydraulic binder treatment);
frost (frequency and intensity) which accelerates the alteration of changeable materials and can create water
concentrations in frost-susceptible soils.
Observations
Recommendations
Identification, location and
quantification of water-sensitive soils.
On the basis of geological and
geotechnical data.
Collation of meteorological data.
Study of at least 2 earth movement
solutions with favorable and
unfavorable climatic conditions.
From this, deduction of strategic
choices to be imposed on earth
t d t t i th t t
Over 30 years if possible.
In relation to price, this procedure
allows us to work out possible
variations in costs and to adapt the
tolerance margins of the estimate.
DCE design

Writing up administrative documents
(clauses on price variations and possible
prolongation of the schedule).
Attach the information document setting
out all the meteorological information.
Site preparation

Organizing the collection and use of
meteorological data (staff, materials,
contacts, quality assurance plan (PAQ).


Establishing and examining procedures
for execution.
Marking out areas of water-sensitive
soils.
Deduction of stripping modes and the
way in which materials are to be
extracted.
Execution

Monitoring of procedures, collation of
meteorological data, protective
measures to be taken:
- platform finishing;
- temporary drainage;
- development of outlet;
- maintenance of site roads (to avoid
water-sensitive soils).
Slopes, closures.
B. 3. 6 - Moni t ori ng t o be carri ed out
Functioning of drainage.
B.4 - Topsoil
B. 4. 1 - Area concerned
The quality and administration of topsoil must be examined as of the project stage during the geotechnical bore
procedure, by the project owner.
If this is not possible, a preliminary topsoil study must be carried out prior to design of earthworks and
landscaping for tendering [DCE].
On the basis of these studies, the topsoil movement plan and the conclusions in the study report will determine
the quality of landscaping development in terms of geometry and of plantations.
Section 2 of the general technical specifications (CCTG) for General Earthworks [49];
Section 35 of the general technical specifications (CCTG) for Landscape Development [50];
Execution of embankments/fills and capping layers (GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills) [10];
Technical guide to use of soils to construct green roadside ancillaries (Stra) [14];
Earthworks Assistance in drawing up the particular technical specifications (CCTP) Methodological Guide
[19].
estimation of stripping thickness and determination of needs;
storage of topsoil;
identification by specific studies of the three qualities of topsoil;
quantification and allocation of topsoil categories by types of rustic or complex development and by parts of
structure;
topsoil handling conditions;
physical and physical-chemical corrections of topsoil;
topping and thickness of topsoil on slope gradients;
management of spaces and plantations.
needs in terms of topsoil by typology of spaces (link section, interchange, rest or service area, restoration of
communication);
surfaces and nature of flat unprepared soil and on slope on link section;
agronomic analysis;
structural stability of earth;
settlement sensitivity;
moisture condition of earth and handling conditions;
physical-chemical analysis with contents of organic material, pH, carbon/nitrogen ratio, etc.;
chemical analysis (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.);
phytotoxicity test, particularly for agricultural soils;
geometry of slopes, interchanges and restoration of communication;
topsoil movement plan;
special conditions for work, particularly the type of machinery to be used, in accordance with changes in
climate;
the quality of earth extractions and depositing;
fertilizing fillers during execution;
management of landscape spaces (human and material resources, available credit, accessibility of spaces,
safety, etc.).
B. 4. 5 - Execut i on phasi ng
Observations
Recommendations
DCE design
Earthworks
evaluation of needs in relation to
topsoil (TV) by space typologies;
qualitative and quantitative study of
topsoils in place in terms of the 3
categories of earth;
quantity of ordinary topsoil for rustic
development;
average quantity of topsoil for rest
areas, interchanges, plantation ditch;
quantity of upper topsoil for
roundabouts or urban areas;
movement plan for topsoil established
during the project studies stage or in
specific preliminary studies before
drawing up the earthworks tender
documents [DCE];
earth storage and handling conditions;
with the manager, define
implementation of the accesses required
for maintenance of ancillaries, but also
during the plantation stage.

except in the case of lower slopes,
topping is to be banned for gradients
1/1. With 3-D equipment, however,
topsoil may be implemented;
topsoil may be used for low 3/2 slopes
and for certain soil types. However,
hydraulic spread replanting on
unprepared soil is sufficient for 3/2
slopes;
toppings on slopes with gentler
gradients vary from 5 cm to 15 cm,
depending on the type of vegetation;
attach the topsoil movement plan with
the earthworks DCE for information
purposes;
add the specifications relating to
handling conditions to the particular
technical specifications (CCTP) for
earthworks;
make arrangements for access every 1
or 2 km. Width will be at least 3m, and
4 m on curves. Maximum slope will be
50%.

Site preparation

availability of land requirements and
temporary and final deposit locations
(pending the landscaping DCE);
reminder of the conditions for earth
handling and ensuring its lasting quality
(contractors proposal);
make arrangements for additional
topsoil analyses within the context of
the additional geotechnical studies by
the contractor.
in the prices specification, clearly
define the conditions for maintaining
the quality of earth and non-pollution of
earth;
compulsory provisions to be envisaged
on land which is inaccessible before the
project owner for the road takes up
possession.
Execution

observance and monitoring of the
procedures laid down in the topsoil
movement plan and the conditions for
handling;
temporary and final deposit in moist
areas or areas with surface runoff;
post-felling inspection plan for stocks
and deposits of topsoil by categories.
implementation of the various
categories of earth appropriate for each
space typology;
supervision to ensure the earth is not
contaminated;
supervision of slopes, and creation of
ditches if required;
cover and grass over erodable soils
and slopes as soon as possible;
sound definition of services in the
prices specification.

For the landscaping DCE design stage, in order to select the best seeds and vegetation for each type of
unprepared soil and topsoil implemented, a specific study after the earthworks stage or when it is ongoing must
be carried out to characterize the soils in place after work, and to estimate permeability and root development
potential in the soils.
B.5 - Cuts
Extraction and removal of soils and/or rocky materials in accordance with a pre-defined project geometry, for
optimum reutilization.
B. 5. 2 - Techni cal ref erence document s
Regulation NF P 11-300 [45];
Creation of embankments/fills and capping layers technical guide - (GTR Technical Guide to Embankments
& Fills) [10];
Treatment of soils containing lime and/or hydraulic binders - technical guide - (GTS Guide to Treatment of
Soils) [13];
Section 2 General earthworks General Technical Specifications (CCTG) [49];
Guide to drafting the Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP) for earthworks [19];
Road drainage technical guide [21];
Weather conditions and earthworks - Recommendation - [17].
design of the stability of slopes;
observance of geometry (slopes), mainly for rocky materials;
temporary and final drainage arrangements;
conditions for phasing and method of operation;
drainage phasing;
sizes of blocks of material;
sorting of mix and homogenization;
design of the upper parts of earthworks (nature, drainage, etc.);
observance of environmental commitments;
appraisal and possible study of the risk of swelling in bottom section of cuts (decompression and effects of
water);
nature and condition of materials;
land requirements;
water tables and water ingresses;
weather conditions;
environmental problems;
longitudinal section (effects on drainage);
earth movement.
B. 5. 5 - Execut i on phasi ng f or cut s
Observations
Recommendations
definition of stresses for earth
movement;
verification of consistency between
earth movements and phasing
constraints;
definition of final drainage and
sewerage, and possibly the prior or
temporary drainage facility.
on its quality assurance plans
organizational chart (SOPAQ), the
contractor must set out its proposal for
earth moving in due observance of the
stresses and methodologies for
operation of cut works.
constraints relating to homogenization
and preparation of the materials
i d

DCE design

strategy for design and compensation
of site roads;
geometric characteristics and nature of
specific devices and systems to ensure
stability of slopes;
classification of the upper parts of
earthworks and subformation, and
possible improvement of subformation
(see singular points);
environmental constraints (thresholds
in terms of vibration, noise, dust);
maximum objective for sizes of blocks
of materials;
validation sections (mining, water
ingresses);
strategy for compensation, particularly
for transport of 1
st
and 2
nd
category
materials.

Site preparation

additional investigation;
validation and updating of studies;
clearance or disengagement of the
land requirement by the project owner.

verification of materials and validation
of procedures for execution put forward
for the quality assurance plan (PAQ).
Calibration and verification. Preparation for execution

for rocky cuts, definition of the
contents of the validation test.

Validation test to be carried out or
adapted in accordance with the size of
the site. The objective of this test is to
provide indications to the construction
manager on the contractors ability to
reach the level of quality required.


Observations
Recommendations
Execution

nature and condition of materials
before and after production or treatment
stages;
adaptation of earth movement in
accordance with the materials actually
found and with weather conditions;
temporary drainage / sewerage;
geometric conformity of the work
carried out;
verification of conformity and
functioning of final drainage and
sewerage systems;
verification of conformity of
classification of the upper parts of
earthworks-subformation;
possible adaptation of reinforcements
to stability of slopes.

Monitoring of stability and content of slopes (piezometric measurements, possible clinometrical measurements).
B.6 - Embankments & Fills
Construction of general embankments/fills on terrain which is generally flat, using natural materials, height low
to average 15m, on a non-compressible support, including the upper part of the earthworks.
If the soil is compressible, see file Embankment on compressible soil in this chapter, and in the technical
guide Study and construction of embankments/fills on compressible soils [8].
B. 6. 2 - Techni cal ref erent i al
General Technical Specifications (CCTG), Section 2 General earthworks [49];
Creation of embankments/fills and capping layers (GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills) [10];
Treatment of soils containing lime and/or hydraulic binders (GTS Guide to Treatment of Soils) [13];
Road drainage technical guide [21];
Weather conditions and earthworks - Recommendation - [17].
designing a structure with materials and implementation in sufficient densification to ensure that after
construction there is no long term risk of significant deformation (swelling, settling, breaks in slope, etc.);
designing the upper part of the earthworks with deformability characteristics compatible with the short and
long term objectives;
designing a slope gradient (in the case of land requirement issues);
observance of environmental commitments.
land requirement (slope gradient, width of construction limits, wall, etc.);
weather conditions (reutilization of materials, earth movement, trafficability, etc.);
nature and condition of the bearing soil (height of the embankment, etc.);
nature and condition of the materials (earth movement);
height of the embankment (>10 m, 5 - 10 m, <5 m, built low on moist support);
hydrology and hydrogeology of the site;
environment (topsoil, grass sowing).
B. 6. 5 - Execut i on phasi ng f or t he embankment
Observations
Recommendations
Stripping Necessary if height < 3 m embankment.
Stump extraction Due observance of the rules of the art,
otherwise there is a risk of settlement
for low to medium heights (rotting,
t )
Preparation of the support

Compaction of support (if the support is
not deformable)
Necessary if the support is disorganized
(stripping, stump extraction).
Support quality problem (in the sense of
deformability) if height < 1 1.5 m
Treatment in situ, drainage and/or
substitution.
H i ht > 1 5 Thi k l d i ti
Improvement of the
support

The base of the embankment could be
invaded by water ingresses
Drainage materials at the base of the
embankment, foot drainage in
association with treatment for the base
of the embankment.
Earth movement and weather conditions (excluding heterogeneous embankment
see singular points).
Nature and condition of the materials.

Application of GTR Technical Guide to
Embankments & Fills and GTS Guide
t T t t f S il
Nature of the materials, Verification of adaptation to the
di t f th l
Compaction of edges of embankment,
t i l
Definition of the method and quantities
i d
Execution of the main body
of the embankment

Temporary and final drainage/sewerage. Ridges + drainage channels
Water management during the
Protection Topsoil and/or grass sowing.
Water-sensitive coherent materials and
soils or rock materials from altered or
shaley but fragmentable rock
if height 5 m p 2/3
if 5 height 10 m p
if height > 10 m, no general rule the
slope must be defined by a stability
study.
Non-water sensitive granular materials
of alluvial origin or rocky materials
from soft non-shaley rock.
if height 5 m p 1/1
if 5 height 10 m p 2/3
if height > 10 m, no general rule the
slope must be defined by a stability
study.
Embankment slope

Materials from hard unaltered rock. if height 5 m p 1/1
if 5 h 10 m p 1/1
if height > 10 m p 2/3 with berm.
Execution of upper parts of
earthworks

Adaptation of materials to the bearing
capacity objective assigned to the upper
parts of the earthworks.
Check whether the site materials
reserved in the earth movement could
suit natural status or after treatment and
over which thickness. If this is not the
case, a less ambitious objective must be
envisaged or a filler material must be
sought out.
Others

Earth mound barriers.
Deposits added to the embankment.
When these are added to the
embankment, drainage must be arranged
for the interface and collection of
surface water.
B.7 External fillers or borrowings
Cuts or fillers outside the land requirement of the main structure to palliate a quantitative or qualitative shortage
of natural or industrial materials (class F, GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills).
Section 2 of General Technical Specifications
District quarry diagram
Impact studies
Mining Code [51].
Definition of qualitative and quantitative needs
Transport means and routes
Will natural deposits provide the required quantities of materials?
Obtaining the required permits (issues relating to timelines and authorizations)
nature, quality and quantity of materials;
accesses;
homogeneity of the natural deposit;
complexity of the natural deposit;
borrowing distance to the areas to be filled in (conditioning the type of transport device);
possibility of using classified facilities (extraction, washing, screening, storage);
district quarry diagram;
coordination of earth movements;
environmental constraints (dust, etc.);
mining;
vibrations, water;
redevelopment constraints on borrowing;
timelines (in the sense that studies have to be launched well in advance technical/administrative timelines);
morphology of the deposit (floodable sections, rain, etc.);
property administration (temporary occupation, authorization by owner of site, negotiation of mineral rights);
complexity of the deposit;
borrowing distance to the areas for implementation (conditioning the type of transport device).
B. 7. 5 - Execut i on phasi ng f or borrowi ng
Observations
Recommendations
DCE design

quality objectives;
principles for operation of borrowing;
inventory of studies to be
implemented during the site
preparation stage;
specifications in the application for
permission to open a quarry;
specifications and design, if required,
for accesses;
opinion of services;
definition of the operating constraints;
strategies for compensation
(weighbridges, etc.);
specifications for redevelopment with
the timeline.
Ask the contractor to provide a method
for the operation of borrowing on its
quality assurance plans organizational
chart (SOPAQ).

Site preparation (2 - 3
months at start of site, or 2
3 months before execution)

additional investigation;
validation and updating of studies;
observation of the condition of
transport routes.
Attention must be drawn to adaptation
between the objectives and the means of
investigation (e.g.: depth of
investigation);
Set investigation timelines in
accordance with the size of the site.

preparation or improvement of
accesses if required;
validation of the process of production
of materials in such a way that it will be
able to meet the objectives.

Execution of extraction and
production

stages;
ensure permanent observance of
obligations in the order issued by the
Prfet;
final verification of the condition of
transport routes.

Ensure that all environmental commitments and commitments with regard to the owner of the site have been
observed.
B.8 Final deposits and earth mound barriers
use of natural cut materials, surplus materials and/or poor quality materials with geometric characteristics
imposed on:
- landscaping development,
- development for noise protection,
- development of agricultural land.
site waste (see the topic concerned);
in certain cases filler materials may be used for certain earth mound barriers.
General Technical Specifications (CCTG), section 2 General earthworks [49];
General Technical Specifications (CCTG), section 35 Landscaping development [50];
Guide to drafting the Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP) for earthworks [19].
in accordance with earth movement, investigation of areas which could take in surplus and/or poor quality
materials, defining geometry and volumes to guarantee stability and site integration without disturbing the
flows;
in the case of earth mound barriers or imposed landscaping mounds, mostly built using materials of lower
quality than those used for the main structure, ensure that the stability of the embankment built is compatible
with the geometric characteristics imposed.
availability of land and access to it;
geometry;
topography;
environmental constraints (Water Act, noise protection);
flows;
landscaping development and nature of the plantations;
earth movement;
hydrogeology of the deposit sites;
nature, quality and quantity of materials;
final destination of the deposit (redevelopment constraints);
regulations concerning waste dumps.
B. 8. 5 - Execut i on phasi ng of a deposi t and an eart h mound barri er
Observations
Recommendations
DCE design

Estimate the volumes and nature of non-
reusable materials and surpluses, and
define and locate their destination.

Define precisely the deposits and earth
mound barriers with imposed geometry,
particularly in cases where the nature of
the materials imposes specific
constraints (e.g. soft soil for evacuation:
plan with location of deposits to allow
the contractor to provide its price;
specify the volumes of deposits to be
covered by the contractor;
ask the contractor to specify the
method it intends to use in order to
implement deposits on the quality
assurance plans organizational chart
(SOPAQ);
the SOPAQ chart must contain the
specifications for redevelopment of
deposits.
Site preparation

Actual availability of land;
Report on condition of transport routes.


Preparation or improvement of accesses
if required.
Preparation of the possible stripping and
drainage/sewerage area.
Validation of the method of execution
proposed in the quality assurance plan.

Execution

Verification of proper application of the
destinations set out in the DCE.
Verification of the nature and proper
destination of the materials.
Observance of initial commitments for
redevelopment, and final report on
condition of transport routes.

B.9 Embankments & fills on compressible soil
Construction of embankments/fills on soils with a considerably deformability rating, low permeability and low
resistance.
The following are often found in these saturated or quasi-saturated soils, known as compressible soils or soft
soils:
peat;
silt;
soft clays;
clayey or loose silt;
loose sand;
loess and some recent poorly compacted embankments/fills.
Studies and construction of embankments/fills on compressible soils technical guide [8].
feasibility of the embankment in accordance with the characteristics of the soil and the height of the
embankment;
the overall stability of the embankment and surrounding structures;
deformations caused by settlement of the compressible soil;
parasite strains caused by surrounding structures (building, bridges, SNCF railway lines, pylons);
limitation of long term differential settlement;
disturbances in surface water flows (embankment on a low level in a floodable valley), but also in subsurface
water flows;
breakage of bearing soil during work or long term;
embankment construction time;
is an embankment the only solution? (bridge, viaduct).
geotechnical investigation during the choice of passage area or areas in overview / background summary
studies;
progressive investigation of the site and the soils from preliminary studies to the project studies stage;
depth and thickness of the compressible soil;
the height of the embankment;
the width of the platform with respect to the final implementation width (wider land requirement);
embankment construction technique;
amplitude of deformations tolerated after implementation;
the projects environmental constraints;
the projects geometric constraints (ability to modify the longitudinal section after implementation);
independence of road drainage with respect to deformations and settlements;
order of work;
time between the beginning of geotechnical investigation, actual work (construction in stages) and
stabilization of the embankment (absence of any soil deformation?);
availability of materials for temporary overloads or for stabilization bench terraces;
the technical-economic study for solutions (cost of studies + cost of construction + cost of maintenance).
B. 9. 5 - Sol ut i ons advocat ed
The solutions advocated by the guide Study and construction of embankments/fills on compressible soils [8]
are set out in annexes 1 - 15 (page 38 of the guide), namely:
construction in stages;
lateral bench terraces;
temporary overload;
lightened embankments/fills;
geosynthetic reinforcement;
substitution of poor soil;
vertical drains;
atmospheric consolidation;
ballast columns;
crushed ballast studs;
mechanical injection;
jet-fashioned soil-cement mortar columns;
soil columns treated with lime or cement;
embankments/fills on rigid inclusions;
electro-osmosis.
Observations
Recommendations
DCE design
Earthworks

the construction managers schedule
of project studies and additional studies
to the contractors account;
details of the methods of execution;
summary of settlement effects;
precise description of the technical
solution;
definition of the means of execution
(monitoring equipment, supervision of
work, etc.);
the ad hoc sewerage facility;
quality and scope of the contractor
technician in charge of work (a
component of the quality assurance
plans organizational chart [SOPAQ]);
compatibility of timelines with general
planning of the operation;
envisaged duration of the various
stages of earthworks and any
preloading;
quality of the geotechnical
engineering firm approved by the
contractor;
halt points and possible critical points
required for external checking (article
5.5 page 73 of the November 2000
technical guide).
the first three points opposite arise
from evaluation of sizing studies, and
must be integrated in the quality master
plan (ESDQ) drawn up after the DCE
and before the call for tender;
attach the full geotechnical reports
with all the results, and state
justification for the structures;
full precision with regard to all the
technical requirements of the Particular
Technical Specifications (CCTP), and
verification that the prices specification
fits articles in the CCTP with these
requirements and the required quality;
the sewerage facility must be able to
function despite any deformations, and
be accessible for the purposes of
modification and adaptation;
beyond the classic requirements
demanded in the quality assurance
plans organizational chart (SOPAQ),
the chart must consist mainly of the
points opposite.
(there must be a reminder of these items
in the tendering regulations/SOPAQ,
and especially in the judgment criteria if
the construction manager requires this).
Site preparation

inventory, particularly of existing
structures (buildings, networks, etc.);
the topographical reference system:
the condition of the soil before
loading;
instrumentation for the site /
monitoring;
direct restitution by the construction
manager of the content of studies for the
contractor;
precision of procedures for execution
and halt points through the quality
assurance plan;
the means implemented, and timelines;
quality and scope of the person
responsible for the site in the
contractors company.
this zero inventory will help us judge
the extent of any subsequent damages
caused by the site;
this topographical reference must be
located outside the area sensitive to
deformations, or constitute a special
stable structure (pile anchored in the
substratum, laying of settlement
gauges);
reminder of interruption stages for
measurements and switchgear;
the quality report (SDQ) drawn up by
the construction manager at the end of
the preparation period constitutes an
essential factor in relation to approval
of work quality.

Observations
Recommendations
proper application of the quality
procedure in reference to the quality
report [SDQ] and the quality assurance
plan;

a uniform gradient for the
b k t i l
the maximum discrepancy authorized
i i l l
validation of studies and calculations
of sizing with respect to reports on
t
these volumes are calculated from
checks on measurement of settlements;
the volumes of materials implemented;
technical adaptation in view of
measurable evolutions tending to make
the structure unstable;
di i ti f i t titi l

observation of timelines for
consolidation;

the attention of the contractor must be
fully drawn to these timeline issues -
they must be quantified if possible, and
prices must take account of reasonable
i d f ibl
continuity of the drainage base;

the effectiveness of this layer must be
guaranteed, as must the flow of water
upstream, avoiding construction of
t f hi ld
Execution

proper functioning of the temporary
drainage/sewerage systems;
implementation of side ditches and
their slope.
implementation too close to the foot of
the embankment or a bench terrace can
harm the stability of the structure;
Likewise, too faint a slope may be
modified by settlements and create a
water trap.
Monitoring basically concerns settlements and measurement of interstitial pressure levels, and so the settlement
gauges and other instrumentation on site must be kept in a good state of repair. Likewise the leveling indicators
and reference posts will be kept in good condition.
In due consideration of residual settlement, monitoring of the proper functioning of the road platforms drainage
and sewerage system will be implemented.
The attention of the manager of the road network will be drawn to probable activity to recharge the flexible
pavement (no rigid structure and capping layer treated with hydraulic binders) after deformations inherent to
residual settlement or in order to start work on larger projects.
Materials making up the embankments/fills and the upper parts of earthworks may, however, be improved by
lime treatment if required.
B.10 Blasting earthworks
Blasting earthworks are works carried out in the open air with rocky materials, where materials can no longer be
extracted by scraping work.
This technique is used:
to extract cut materials for subsequent use in riprap embankments or, after crushing and screening, on the
capping layer or the roadway itself;
to ensure proper geometry and landscaping for the slopes of rocky cuts.
Blasting earthworks in roadwork sites [11];
Well before the DCE stage, earthworks in blasting rock require specific additional classic investigation studies,
particularly in relation to:
configuration of rocky formations encountered on the project alignment;
tectonics affecting the rock mass (faults, discontinuities, folds, fractures);
the physical and mechanical characteristics of rocks to be quarried (petrographic identification, strength,
abrasiveness, alteration);
hydrogeology (hydraulic load, permeability prior to work).
Following overview / background summary [APS] and project studies investigations, all these factors require
essential in-depth studies without which it is impossible to arrange a realistic study of the method of extraction
or quarrying, properly evaluate the costs of earthworks, draw up a good DCE, protect the environment and the
durability of existing structures located at critical distances, depending on the type of structure.
a basic geotechnical study considering a rocky medium;
a specific additional study in relation to the structure and nature of the rocky mass to be extracted;
the presence of water in the medium;
mode of extraction (quarrying in large or small masses, blasting holes for purging, construction of trenches or
excavations of structures);
reutilization on embankments/fills, capping layer, road or riprap (sizes of blocks of materials);
geometry of rocky slopes (make profiles which are too technical natural land requirement);
stability of remaining block (no rear effect);
sensitivity of structures located in critical areas;
initial inventory of built structures;
thresholds in relation to particular speeds and frequencies;
planned and actual blasting patterns;
test blasting;
problem of projections (work in urban areas in particular);
quality and competence of the contractor and the mining team.
Observations
Recommendations
the full geotechnical report

this report must be attached for
information purposes, to allow the
contractor to choose the blasting
extraction method freely, in accordance
with the nature of the materials
classification of the materials to be
cleared in one or more zones in
accordance with extraction difficulty

granularity of the materials to be
extracted in accordance with their
reutilization

the sizes of blocks of materials must
be adapted to prevent the deposit of
large blocks (waste). Thus there must be
no compensation for block reduction
(this must be included in the price of
blasting cuts)
environmental constraints (vibrations,
noise, projections)
inventory of structures and
establishment of thresholds
provision of information to residents
and mayors
set out in the Particular Technical
Specifications (CCTP) and the BP
prices specification and all ongoing
cases a specific maximum speed of
around 5 mm/s over a frequency range
of 2 6 Hz
arrangements for vibration checking of
structures on each blast, and post-blast
checks to ensure that the thresholds
have not been breached
the Particular Technical Specifications
(CCTP) and the BP prices specification
must envisage the use of anti-projection
facilities (grilles, bales of straw,
geotextiles or metal shields (in urban
areas).
landscape integration of rocky slopes

consideration of safety during the
execution stage, but also during the
operational stage. Land requirements
must be adapted to monitoring,
maintenance and the needs of
integration. Incidence of the rear
ff t t 10 f bl t
DCE design

competence of the contractor or the
subcontractor

the rules for tendering must require
that the contractor or the subcontractor
(fully approved) set out their experience
in the quality assurance plans
organizational chart (SOPAQ). The
subcontracting contract must be
forthcoming, and also the references of
the mining team, mining methods and
measures taken to protect local
residents.


Observations
Recommendations
the quality assurance plan
envisaged blasting pattern
This must include the following:
the geometric characteristics for
boring;
nature, quantities and distribution of
explosives in each hole ;
nature of the devices;
starting sequence;
exhaustive list of constraints.
initial condition of the structures

the contractor must draw up a joint
report with a witness, an official or an
expert, and an inventory of all the
structures located in critical zones
(inventory of existing fissures, separate
claddings, settlements, etc.).
the Special Plan for Protection of
Health and Safety (PPSPS)

proper definition of conditions in
relation to mining operations
Site preparation

observance of regulations with respect
to authorization for use of explosives
and conditioning for use of explosives

the construction manager must obtain
a copy of the official documents, and
add in the employees covered by the
Prfets authorizations

test blasting (validation) for correct
definition of the vibration
characteristics

verification of the exactness of the
conditions of the planned blasting
pattern, showing whether the thresholds
have or have not been obtained;
care must be taken with surface waves
- these can be harmful, even at a
considerable distance from blasting
(atypical vibrations).
the actual blasting pattern

the construction manager will only
authorize blasting if the detailed
blasting pattern has included all the
difi ti d h b b itt d
structural damage to buildings or other
structures

proper identification of the origin of
the phenomena, justifying complaints
(vibrations transmitted through the soil
or the atmosphere);
carefully study all the vibration
checks, and redefine a blasting pattern
if
quality of the rocky landscape slope check absence of parasite fissure
t bilit ft bl ti
granularity of the materials extracted check that Dmax is compatible with
tili ti
Execution

the document for subsequent work on
structures (DIUO) and maintenance of
the rocky slope

Monitoring of the stability of slopes.
B.11 Waste and by-products
This concerns the planning of site waste management in accordance with the law of 13 July 1992 governing
waste disposal, recovery of materials and classified facilities for protection of the environment.
Waste from earthworks is normally inert homogenous waste, unless it is from polluted soil or specific products
such as pipes, posts, metals, bitumen products, tar, vegetation, etc.
It also concerns the use of industrial waste and by-products such as the use of blast furnace slag, black bat,
quarry and mining waste, incinerator ash from domestic refuse (MIOM), demolition material, plastics, used tires,
steel slag, foundry sand, lime slurry, sludge from purification units, etc.
Main legislative and regulatory references
Law No. 75-633 of 15 July 1975 on disposal of waste and recovery of materials.
Law No. 76-663 of 19 July 1976 on classified facilities for protection of the environment.
Law No. 92-646 of 13 July 1992 completing and modifying these two laws.
Law No. 95-101 of 2 February 1995 (the Barnier Law) on increased protection for the environment.
European Directive 75/442/CEE modified by directives 91/156/CEE and 96/350/CE.
Environmental Code, book V, title IV on disposal of waste and recovery of materials.
Environmental Code, book V, title I on classified facilities for protection of the environment and Ministry of
infrastructure, transport and housing, 15 February 2000, in relation to planning for waste from building sites and
public works.
Circular from the Ministry for development of territory and the environment on the implementation of district
plans for disposal of household and assimilated waste, 28 April 1998.
Circular from the Ministry for development of territory and the environment and the Ministry of infrastructure,
transport and housing on management of waste from the state highway network, 18 June 2001.
Decree No. 94-609 of 13 July 1994 on non-household packaging waste.
European Directive 1999/31/CE, council meeting of 26 April 1999, on waste discharging.
Decree No. 97-517 of 15 May 1997 on the classification of hazardous waste.
Decision by the Commission on 16 January 2001 on the European waste list.
CCTG General Technical Specification sections No. 2, No. 25, No. 27 and No. 35.
Methodological references (guides and recommendations, monographs, study reports)
Management of waste from road construction and operation [15];
Repeated heat treatment of bituminous materials [16];
Guide to building site waste. Coll.: Knowledge for action [59];
Site and building waste. Guide to professional building usage [29];
TRIVALOR, PODDEVIN, L. (1998). Environmental Research and Development Program. Challenges
in relation to waste management by motorway concession companies. ASFA;
Site surpluses and by-products, proposals and solutions (FNTP) [63];
Regional guides to reutilization of waste and non-conventional materials (Ile-de-France, Normandie,
Nord, Pas-de-Calais, etc.).
Waste recycling and upgrading have been applicable since 1 July 2002, and only end waste is accepted at
storage facilities as per the law of 13 July 1992.
Waste upgrading ensures savings in natural resources by limiting their extraction, and thus related
environmental issues (upgrading of metal slag waste in the Nord district, coal as hand incinerator ash from
domestic refuse).
For waste to be upgraded, a genuine construction product must be created with precise characteristics and
obvious interest for use.
The obligations of the regulations are as follows:
as of 1 July 2002, compulsory upgrading of waste with the exception of final waste and access to technical
landfill centers (CET) for these final waste products only;
responsibility of the project owner, producers and handlers of waste for implementation of an ecologically
satisfactory solution to dispose of waste;
limitation of waste in terms of transportation and volume.
Activities forbidden by regulations:
burning waste in the open air;
abandoning or burying waste in areas not controlled by the authorities;
placing non-inert waste in class 3 landfill centers
(
1
)
;
leaving special waste on site or placing it in skips not intended for this purpose.
Correctional sanctions for infringements of this law range from 305 to 76225 in fines and/or prison
sentences of between 2 months and 2 years.
The influential parameters are mainly set by laws and regulations.
Waste is the term used for any residual material from a process of production, transformation or utilization, and
also any substance, material, product or, more generally, any item which has been abandoned or whose
producer intends to abandon it.
The following distinctions are made:
1. Inert waste
According to the ADEME environmental and energy agency, inert waste is waste which will not undergo
physical/chemical change over time.
2. End waste
This is waste which cannot be processing in current technical and economic conditions, particularly by
extraction of the upgradeable component, or by reducing its pollutant or hazardous nature.
With respect to roads, classification of waste allows us to determine its destination in accordance with its
potential environmental nuisance or pollution.
The negative effects of waste dumping must therefore be eliminated or reduced to prevent:
pollution of surface water and subsurface water;
greenhouse effect;
chemical and biological hazards in relation to animal and human health for the entire duration of the waste
dump.

1
End waste is to be stored in accordance with its nature at technical landfill centers (CET):
- class 1 for special industrial waste (DIS)
- class 2 for household or similar waste (DMA)
- class 3 for inert general industrial waste (DIB)

There must be full knowledge of by-products and waste prior to use in earthworks. The technical guides provide
general descriptions of waste. Detailed studies at labs and experimental sites may be carried out to define the
requirements for each type of use envisaged.
These requirements relate to mechanical characteristics (mechanical performances, durability, etc.) in
connection with possible pollution and also to the conditions of use.
Disposal of waste (upgrading first, and then storage) must be taken into consideration explicitly in contracts.
The contracts must encourage each agent to work towards upgrading or the most economic solutions overall, in
due observance of legislation and regulations, for disposal of the waste they produce.
For earthwork companies, excess materials may be considered as waste, or inert waste. However, where the
contract stipulates reutilization of all materials on the site land requirement, no waste exists.
On the other hand, excess material taken off the site land requirement may be considered as waste.
The notion of waste emerges as soon as the contractor intends to dispose of it.
Observations
Recommendations
Studies of earth movements.

maintaining a balance between cuts
and embankments/fills;
defining a schedule for
implementation of selective sorting,
upgrading objectives, technical, human
and financial means.
Waste upgrading potential.

proximity of upgrading centers,
sorting centers, recycling units, storage
centers, incineration centers in
accordance with district plans for waste
disposal;
conditions for waste acceptance at
these centers (sorted waste, volumes of
waste, etc.).
Waste disposal procedures.

Study of compatibility of the strategy
chosen with district plans for waste
di l
DCE design

Definition and choice of an appropriate
sorting strategy.

identification of waste (nature,
volume);
procedures for disposal and estimation
of costs;
preferential routing plans.
Environmental stipulations including
waste management and definition of the
financial means provided will be added
to the technical specifications.
These stipulations will allow the
contractor to draw up the organizational
chart for waste disposal management
(SOGED) for inclusion in the tender.
Appointment of a person in charge of
all waste procedures.

Site workers must be made aware of
environmental concerns.
The issues of waste and/or reutilization
(sorting, recycling, traceability and
human and material means) must be
developed through the environmental
protection plan (PAE).
Site preparation

Implementation of measures to prevent
waste production.

The entity creating waste or by-products
used in earthworks must use a technical
listing to set out the characteristics of
his product, and this forms part of the
contract. He must also use a suitable
quality procedure to ensure conformity
of delivery of this technical document
vis--vis the construction manager.

Observations
Recommendations
Site preparation

Geotechnical, environmental and
economic aspects.

In due consideration of the considerable
variability of waste and by-products,
only a quality procedure including all
stages of the creation of such products
can produce quality assurance. This
procedure must form part of the quality
assurance plan (PAE).

The use of waste and by-products in
construction.
Validation sections and conformity
testing must be drawn up if these are
required.
Observance of stipulations in the DCE.

The supplier is responsible for the
conformity of waste or by-products. The
construction manager must ensure
conformity. On site, checks by the
construction manager must include
observance of quality assurance.
For certain types of waste, a direct
logistics flow will be required with no
intermediate storage (e.g.: incinerator
h f d ti f (MIOM)
Recycling of materials.

Recycling of natural minerals,
demolition materials (concrete,
bituminous concrete, etc.) at fixed or
mobile recycling units will have
economic consequences on
t t ti d d i ti
Composting or recovery of energy from
t i i d i t
Checks must be carried out prior to
reutilization of organic matter.
Verification of geotechnical
h t i ti
Execution

Excess materials from cuts (earth and
minerals) will be used in situ and on the
site land requirements for qualitative
development work (landscaping models,
treatment of surplus land).
For the purposes of feedback on the action taken, the following are necessary:
check on waste management by implementation of traceability facilities;
implementation of performance indicators (quantities collected, sorted, refuse recorded at the sorting center,
economic evaluation) to monitor the schedule and make corrections geared towards improvement.
B.12 Sewerage and drainage
1) Above-ground sewerage system
on the platform;
at the foot of the slope or at the top of the cut.
2) Underground sewerage system
drainage trench or screen;
drainage layer.
3) Internal drainage
design of the drainage system, earthworks for the slopes, upper parts of the earthworks and the capping layer;
during the construction work stage.
Environmental Code;
1992 Water Act and decrees applicable [52];
Drain regulations;
Geotextile regulations;
Road sewerage (GTAR) Technical Guide [24];
Road drainage - Technical Guide [21].
Water and earthworks are never a good combination, and are often a synonym of more or less long term
structural damage. The main problem is the design and sizing of structures in order to:
ensure the long-term intrinsic characteristics of sections of the structures: platform, slopes;
maintain or channel water flow through the structure;
in order to maintain customary quality in the long term.
Water has two origins:
meteorological: water falls on earthworks and flows over platforms and slopes to the foot of slopes or
the top of cuts. Longitudinal sewerage systems collect the water and take it to an outlet, but these systems do
not completely eliminate the risk of infiltration which can cause problems in the short and long term. It may be
an idea, therefore, to build a continuous vertical screen in certain areas (river bank drainage).
water table, free or captive water: the objective of the structures is to intercept and reduce any risk of
the water table rising.
These stipulations are all the more necessary for structures next to natural ground: cuts, embankments at grade
level, sections between cuts and embankments/fills.
Implementation of a continuous vertical drainage screen under the top section of the earthworks is particularly
useful in this case.
In the case of slopes, the presence of water may be the cause of modifications to the intrinsic characteristics of
soils, and may cause instability problems. In this case, the structures will have two objectives: to desensitize
materials to the influence of water, and capture and evacuate the water (drainage trenches, weight shield, etc.).
execution of earthworks imposes observance of water management rules in order to:
ensure site trafficability;
improve the moisture condition of the materials to be reused;
treat isolated water ingresses (graduation of permeability between layers);
maintain water flows across the site.
Temporary structures will be required for this during the execution stage.

All these facilities may be located in interfaces with miscellaneous equipment:
the drainage system with water slides, structure piles, gantry feet, civil engineering on the Emergency Calls
Network;
crossing of the Emergency Calls Network.
Moreover, the civil engineering works for the Emergency Calls Network or the construction of platform
sewerage and drainage works (drainage channel, etc.) must not under any circumstances constitute an obstacle
to water flows or act as a parallel drainage system. Certain specific facilities may be required, such as
drainage trenches towards the slope, or transversal drains. In all cases, care must be taken to ensure this does not
constitute a screen to water flow by transversal installation of a less permeable material.
relief;
geotechnical features, nature, condition and thickness of geotechnical layers;
hydrogeology / piezometric characteristics;
meteorological conditions;
execution method and procedure;
sizing and hydraulic capacity of the structures;
constraints in terms of maintenance and operation;
performance of platforms;
erodability of soils;
characteristics of drainage materials;
thickness of the drainage layer;
flow to be removed;
collectors and outlets;
characteristics of outlets from the quantitative viewpoint (evacuation flow) and from the qualitative viewpoint
(sensitivity / vulnerability).

Drainage system during the construction stage
Observations
Recommendations
Identification, location and
quantification:
- water tables;
- slope instability problems.
On the basis of geotechnical and
hydrogeological studies.
For each type of earthwork structure
(cut, embankment, upper parts of
earthworks, etc.).
See the appropriate chapter.
Technical specifications in relation to
supplies (drainage material, geotextiles,
d i )

Weather conditions See the appropriate chapter.
DCE design
Prefectoral order for authorization in
relation to water policing.
Draw up a contract for this.
Site preparation organization of collection of
meteorological data;
nature and origin of materials
(drainage material, geotextiles, drains).

Preparation for execution Validation of materials and of
procedures for execution;
Verification of technical interfaces.

Execution Protective measures and systems to be
provided:
- platform adjustments;
- temporary drainage;
- temporary facilities (ridges, etc.);
- outlet facilities.
Definition of temporary drainage.
Verification of conformity and
functioning of temporary drainage.
Possible adaptation of the
reinforcements for stability of the
slopes.
Permanent observance of the Prefectoral
order for authorization in relation to
water policing.

Administration and handling of exterior
waste (quantitative and qualitative).
ensure that all environmental commitments are met;
ensure administration of waste downstream towards third parties to prevent claims (Rural Code);
ensure proper functioning and cleaning of the network, also during the operational stage.
B.13 - Capping layer
Execution of the capping layer, with the characteristics required for the level of road support platform approved,
with site materials, borrowings or exterior fillers used as-is or adapted for use.
General Technical Specifications (CCTG), section 2 [49];
Design and sizing of road structures [7];
Catalog of type structures for new roadways [1];
Road drainage Technical Guide [21];
Weather conditions and earthworks - Recommendation [17];
Regulations NF P 94-102-1, NF P 94-102-2 [47] [48].
Design and sizing of a transition structure between the earthworks and the road which, for a given upper part of
earthworks or of a subformation, will produce the mechanical, geometric, hydraulic and thermal characteristics
taken as hypotheses in the design of the road.
This structure must simultaneously provide a response to short term objectives in relation to the roads
execution stage (site traffic, for example), and long term objectives in relation to the period of operation.
classification of the upper parts of earthworks or subformation and frost-sensitivity of the constituent
materials;
hydrology and hydrogeology on site (drainage, etc.);
nature and condition of materials envisaged in the technical and economic plan to create the capping layer, in
due consideration of the possibilities of the site, possible borrowings and local resources;
envisaged meteorological conditions, depending on time of construction;
execution phasing of the upper parts of earthworks, the capping layer and the road;
site traffic (supply of road materials). The combination of the upper parts of earthworks with the capping layer
[PST-CDF] must be designed to meet the requirements of site traffic;
reference frost index IR (adaptation to the capping layer);
environmental constraints (dust, subsurface water, etc.).
B. 13. 5 - Execut i on phasi ng f or a cappi ng l ayer
Observations
Recommendations
Site preparation validation of studies;
creation of an actual-scale test site if
required;
administrative procedures (classified
facility).

Preparation for execution verification of materials and of
procedures for execution;
possible execution and definition of
the contents of the validation test.
calibration and verification;

validation test to be carried out or
adapted in accordance with the size of
the site. The objective of this test is to
provide indications to the construction
manager on the contractors ability to
reach the level of quality required.
stages;
verification of the various stages of
treatment;
compaction;
surface protection;
feasibility of execution in accordance
with meteorological conditions;
set out the risks vis--vis statistical
data relating to frost;
reflections on reception criteria and
procedures;

see GTR Technical Guide to
Embankments & Fills section I
chapter 3 and section II Annex 3

see GTS Guide to Treatment of
Soils part C and annexes
Execution
reflections on conditions for
enactment of circulation.
Meteorological statistics.

see sections 2 and 3 of this guide.

C Special structures and particular points
C.1 Embankments & fills next to structures
C. 1. 1 - Area concerned
embankment behind an abutment;
embankment next to a retaining wall;
embankment around a metal or concrete duct (excluding reinforced earth structures).
C. 1. 2 Ref erence document s
Embankment work on trenches and road reworking [12];
Ordinary technical clauses concerning metal ducts [22];
Retaining walls [23];
Conduits Setra Information Note No. 12.
C. 1. 3 - I ssues i nvol ved
The materials used must not cause large amounts of dust around the structure ==> restriction in terms of the
natures of materials which may be used.
The embankment to be constructed is small, and this creates implementation difficulties ==> the materials to be
chosen must be easily compacted or specific techniques must be used (hydraulic filling, or packing in the case
of embankments/fills to run ducts, for example).
Mechanical, chemical, electrochemical and biological corrosion must be considered when materials are next to a
metal or reinforced concrete structure (see guide for metal ducts, for example).
For embankments/fills next to duct arches, the material will be in abutment, and so the modulus must be sufficient
(for example, EV2 > 40 MPa).
C. 1. 4 - Sol ut i ons normal l y recommended
In general, to provide an overall response to the various particularities described above, gravel must not be used.
The DCE thus accepts materials classed B3 or D2 which have little sensitivity to water or none at all, and have
good internal friction (> or =35) and a good pressure meter modulus (E = 20,000 40,000 kPa).
Other materials may also be used depending on site cases: sandy materials classed B1, B2 or D1.
In this case, the characteristics to be taken into consideration for the contents of the structure are lower: = 33
- 35, E = 10,000 20,000 kPa.
Where water may enter the structure through joints, the use of very fine scour-sensitive and erosion-sensitive
sand must be avoided, unless particular stipulations are drawn up for the structure.
Materials sensitive to water, sand or gravel containing shaley fines and fine soil are to be excluded on principle,
unless appropriate preliminary treatment is carried out.
This is the case of fine soils low to average A1 to A2 with plasticity rating that are treated with quicklime In
such cases, impose a minimum proportion of CaO (usually 2%), grinding mixture 0/20 mm minimum or B2, B4
and B5 soils treated with cement or a hydraulic binder for roads (LHR) (usually at least 3%).
However, hydraulic binder or cement solutions often eventually lead to the creation of a rigid block, and so
consideration must be taken of the following precautionary measures:
verification that the embankment support has a low deformity potential;
make arrangements for a rigidity transition zone in relation to the general embankment.
C. 1. 5 - I mpl ement at i on
As a general rule, compaction conditions should be imposed in accordance with the GTR Technical Guide to
Embankments & Fills compaction tables [10] and the trench embankment construction guide (GTT Technical
Guide to Earthworks) [12].
Specific precautions, however, must be taken in the area immediately around the structure.
The construction stipulations in Stra guide for reinforced or cantilever retaining walls will be used, and the
main provisions are set out below:
Vibrating rollers classed below VM3 must be used parallel to the wall at minimum distance d > (0.5 + H/10) in
meters, with H the total height of the wall.
Vibrating rollers classed above or equal to VM3 and heavy tires must be used at a distance which means they do
not exert any influence on the structure within the limits of Coulombs corner (calculations to be carried out by
taking the slide plane angle with horizontal plane = / 4 + / 2), but restricting this minimum distance to 2
meters (see figure 11).
Compaction in the immediate surroundings of the structure will then be carried out by small vibrating roller
units, vibration plates or tamping machines, the use of which will be as per the GTR Technical Guide to
Embankments & Fills or, for certain structures, by hydraulic filling, requiring the use of materials with no
components larger than 50 mm.
C. 1. 6 Speci al syst ems
Where water can percolate into the embankment, and in the case of water tables, it is advisable to use a drainage
system to prevent hydrostatic pressure on the structure and water flows around joints.
In both cases, depending on the type of structure, drainage facilities must be envisaged (see Stra guides for
ducts and for retaining structures) [22] [23].

Figure 11
Zone de compactage interdite aux compacteurs lourds Compaction area not to be used by heavy rollers
C.2 Development of cut/embankment boundaries
cut/embankment passage area on the projects longitudinal section
cut/embankment passage area on the projects cross section
C. 2. 2 Ref erence document s
General Technical Specifications (CCTG) section 2: general earthworks [49];
Regulation NF P 11-301 (12-94) [46];
Organization of quality assurance in earthworks [9];
Catalog of type structures for new roadways [1];
Technical guide to soil treatment [13].
To ensure continuity of the bearing capacity of the earthworks subformation.
To ensure drainage in the facility as executed.
To prevent runoff water in the final infrastructure from stagnating and weakening the facility as executed.
To ensure connection caused by coarse topographical discontinuity (example of an embankment/cut trajectory
on a cliff).
The objective of development of the cut/embankment boundary is to break free of the geological layer beneath
the topsoil, whose bearing capacity is insufficient for the capping layer and pavement courses.
When there is a considerable slope on the natural ground, the trajectory from cut to embankment is covered in a
few meters.
The facility can therefore be provided for over this distance.
When the slope on the natural ground is largely similar to that of the longitudinal section, the capping layer +
pavement courses block rests on terrain which is generally mediocre (underneath a humus layer).
Development of the trajectory from cut to embankment must therefore be executed over dozens of meters
(several sections) to ensure continuity at the bottom of the cut for the bearing capacity of the embankments
subformation.
It is therefore much more difficult to treat this zone since the slope of the natural ground will be similar to that
of the longitudinal section.
C. 2. 4 Recommended sol ut i on
The solution normally adopted, if the material encountered cannot provide a bearing capacity equivalent to that
of the subformation of the embankment and adjacent cut, is to replace it with materials at least equivalent to
those implemented on the embankment.
The thickness of this substitution must produce the bearing capacity of the earthworks subformation set out in
the Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP).
In accordance with the underlying soil encountered, the thickness of this substitution may be:
zero (compaction of the natural ground stripped or treated);
limited to the upper parts of the earthworks;
increased, so that the upper section + purge embankment couple reaches the bearing capacity set out in the
Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP).
C. 2. 5 Devel opment of a cut / embankment boundary i n t he proj ect ' s cross sect i on
The solution in this case is identical to the longitudinal section.
Construction stipulations
Length of development of the cut/embankment boundary:
The choice of length depends on:
the bearing capacity of the geological layer under the topsoil;
the difference in the gradient between the natural ground and the longitudinal section.
Development may thus be carried out over one section or several.
Execution methodologies
Subst i t ut i on of mat eri al s i dent i cal t o t hose on t he upper part s of t he ear t hwor ks on
t he adj acent embankment
This solution is applicable when there are no drainage problems involved with the substitution.
Subst i t ut i on of mat er i al s whi ch ar e not wat er - s ensi t i ve
This solution is necessary when drainage problems are encountered, where gravitational flow requires a specific
study.
Here this substitution will be associated with a special drainage system to take away water ingresses at the
construction and operation stages.
The method used will be implementation of chevron drainage trenches, where the outlet will be the collector at
the foot of the cut slope, and the ditch at the foot of the embankment slope.
The materials used, for example, will be D2 or D3, either from the site or external quarries.
Subst i t ut i on of t r eat ed mat eri al s
When the cuts do not contain materials classified D2 and D3 and the cost of supplies from external quarries is
prohibitive, it is possible to treat the materials in situ or replace them with materials which have been rendered
non-sensitive by treatment with air-slaked lime or hydraulic binders.
There are some useful references in the technical guide treatment of soils [13].
Special drainage may be called for if there is a sporadic risk of water penetrating beneath the subformation.
If water ingresses are generalized, the preferential choice will be granular substitution materials.
Tr eat ment of mat er i al s i n s i t u wi t h no subs t i t ut i on
When the quality of the materials in place augurs good results after treatment with air-slaked lime or hydraulic
binders, substitution is of no use, and we can merely treat the cut/embankment trajectory over one or two layers,
depending on the desired result.
Choos i ng t he t hi cknes s of t he s ubs t i t ut i on
This will be adapted in accordance with the class of the earthworks subformation (AR1 to AR4) set out in the
Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP).
In generally, the thickness of this substitution is set at 1 meter, relying on the quality of the materials to obtain
the required performances.
Tr aj ect or y of a cut / embankment t hr ough or al ong a ver t i cal wal l ( cas e of t he cl i f f )
This is a special case, focusing particularly on the quality of the connection between the embankment and the
cut, and less so on the road bearing soil, if the problem has been solved in the preceding stage.
Here, we will refer to the recommendations in Embankment on a slope, taking due note of the fact that the
width and length of the keyways are essential to attenuation or even elimination of differential settlements
between the two structures.
In the event of any doubts as to the final result or simply due to precaution, in difficult situations reinforcement
should be planned for surface structures (upper part of earthworks, capping layer) by using, for example, layers
of geotextile that provide reinforcement, and a suitable road structure that allows repair or reinforcement
without excessive related requirements or constraints.
C.3 Compaction of embankment edges
C. 3. 1 Area of appl i cat i on
The edges of embankments/fills.
C. 3. 2 - Ref erence document s
Creation of embankments/fills and capping layers (GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills) [10].
A non-compacted slope can be unstable (risk of peeling, etc.), and a classic compacting is not possible, since
compacting units have difficulty negotiating safe access on the edges of embankments/fills.
C. 3. 4 Recommended sol ut i on advant ages/ di sadvant ages
One of the following two methods is generally used to compact the edges of the embankment:
The excess embankment method
Implementation of extra width means the compactor is not obliged to make its approach from the edge of the
embankment (see figure 12).
The extra width of materials added to the embankment is around 1 meter beyond the final gauge, which means
that about 0.60 m of extra material has to be removed subsequently on the slope for a gradient of 3/2.
Use of a reverse gradient (transverse W profile)
(see figure 13)
This method involves the creation of a reverse gradient on the edge of the embankment which is the width of the
leveler blade. The gradient is around 4%.
The reverse gradient is not enough in itself to allow the compactor to compact the ground up to the edge of the
embankment, and so a small extra width of 0.50 m is required. This represents a thickness of 0.30 m of material
to be removed from the slope.
The advantage of this method is that it minimizes runoff erosion on the slope.
The main disadvantage of this method is drainage, which must always be arranged in the case of gentle
longitudinal gradients to prevent any risk of water penetrating the embankment. At the end of the day, the
embankment will be bled to direct water down to temporary drainage channels that are provided as the
earthworks progress.
Figure 12 Figure 13: General embankment profile
Figure 12 Figure 13
Remblai Embankment
Environ 0,60m pour une pente
de 3/2
Approx. 0.60 m for a 3/2
gradient
Demi-profile Half-profile
Pente denviron 4% Gradient around 4% Largeur de lame Width of blade
Sur-largeur de matriaux
enlever du talus
Excess width of materials to
be removed from slope
Environ 0,30m
Environ 0,50m
Approx. 0.30 m
Approx. 0.50 m
Environ 1 m Approx. 1 m Demi-largeur finale de la
plate-forme
Final half-width of platform
Formation of the slope Removal of excess materials
Excess materials are removed when this does not pose any risk of disorganizing the slope (rocky
embankments/fills).
These materials must be removed from the structure either as it is being built or when the embankment has been
completed.
Water-sensitive soils may be reused on the embankment if their moisture condition allows.
A hydraulic shovel is traditionally used to dig up the slope along the surface of the embankment, in sections of
between 3 and 5 meters in height, in accordance with the characteristics of the shovel.
This operation will require experienced employees capable of forming the final profile (with no need for
additional operations).
Care will be taken to leave part of the excess embankment in place at the top of each section, with a 2/3
gradient, when the materials are removed.
The following layers will draw support from this buttress remaining in position, allowing the extra width
imposed for the upper section to be respected.
C. 3. 5 - Mode of execut i on
It will be observed that telescopic shovels, Gradalls or bulldozers can remove excess material for a greater
embankment height (see figure 14).
C. 3. 6 Checks and i mpl ement at i on
Checks on compacting will be carried out using:
the overall e-Q/S method, with some additional isolated measurements (gamma densitometer,
penetrodensitograph) to ensure low density dispersion in the cross section;
direct density measurements (gamma densitometer) or indirect density measurements
(penetrodensitograph) in sufficient numbers to allow reliable references to be established.
A check will also be run for the extra widths, and for the reverse gradient in the second method. A check will be
made to ensure that the compactor has conducted the sweep properly, particularly on the approach to the edges
of the embankment.
C. 3. 7 - Remarks
Particular attention must be paid to the risk of smoothing of slopes by machines equipped with blades. Smooth
surfaces can cause difficulties subsequently in terms of adding topsoil to the slope.
It is preferable for the bulldozer to work in the direction of the line with the highest gradient.
The caterpillar tracks left will create anchorage for the topsoil and a trap for water and fines, and this will
encourage the growth of vegetation.

Figure 14
Matriaux retirer
Materials to be removed
Environ 1,2 l
Approx. 1.2 l
Remblai
Embankment

C.4 Purging and substitution
Execution tasks as preliminary work.
Bearing soil on road embankments/fills within the main structure (definition: structure required for functionality
of the operation, within the construction limits of any road surface).
Materials in place within the final profiles (subformation and slope of cuts) which do not guarantee the quality
required for the main structure as completed.
Development of the cut/embankment trajectory.
Section 2 General earthworks (articles 5.6 and 6.7) [49];
Organization of quality assurance in earthworks [9];
C. 4. 3 - Def i ni t i on of purgi ng
Purging must be understood as the local extraction and evacuation of a maximum volume of 100 m of materials
or products in the subformation and on cut slopes or bearing soil on embankments/fills which do not have the
following:
sufficient quality for reutilization in road embankments/fills and capping layers in the main structure;
the required quality in terms of deformability or bearing capacity, or permeability to ensure stability in the
main structure.
The material extracted from the area purged will be taken for final deposit or, following an agreement with the
construction manager, it will be reused in the surroundings of the main structure (landscaping embankment,
earth mound barrier, etc.).
Regardless of whether the purges are already planned and localized, or unplanned, the contractor will subject the
methods used for purging and filling for approval by the construction manager.
C. 4. 4 - Def i ni t i on of a subst i t ut i on
A substitution must be understood as an operation which involves, per unit volume > 100 m
3
:
location within the substitution area;
dimensional characteristics such as quantity (volume > 100 m
3
);
extraction and removal of materials in place in accordance with purging criteria;
work methodology (extraction, filling, compaction);
the quality of the materials to be implemented instead of the materials to be substituted, judged insufficient for
the level considered;
the required levels of quality set by the contract;
The technique known as substitution must be fully defined in the Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP),
and the construction manager must define a special substitution work price in the prices specification.
This operation mainly concerns the upper parts of earthworks on cut/embankment interfaces.
The main problems are:
quantification of purging during the DCE stage;
evolution of the material in place;
the sizing of the purging for the quality required;
the filling technique involved in the purging process;
settlement method for this service.
Quantification of purging during the DCE stage
Quantification of the purges depends on the following parameters, the risks of which should be appreciated:
the degree of precision of geotechnical and hydrogeological studies;
knowledge of the changeable or unstable nature of the local materials;
the probable meteorological conditions on site, and in sensitive areas in particular;
the earth movement plans to be implemented in accordance with climatic periods and soil types;
the quality of site drainage and sewerage.
Evolution of material in place
The evolution of a material in place is inherent to the following:
intrinsic characteristics of the material and its fragmentable and degradable nature following exposure to
climatic agents;
increases in water content, and thus lower bearing capacity (waterproofing and/or drainage and sewerage
problems);
heavy earthworks machinery moving over types of soil with the humidification conditions and characteristics
described above ("excess compaction in sensitive areas).
After the bores carried out by the contractor for his earth movement plan or the discovery of a sensitive material
after stripping of topsoil, the contractor identifies purging areas. He submits these for approval by the
construction manager, and takes all necessary action to prevent further accidental purging.
When considerable traffic in terms of earthworks machinery purges the contents, particularly in terms of the
subformation of cuts, it is advisable for the construction managers DCE to make arrangements for the last 50
cm before the subformation to be worked over just before implementation of the capping layer.
Sizing of the purge required
The dimensions of unplanned purging depend on the following:
On t he s urf ace:
on the horizontal dimension of the area which is unstable or contains non-reusable materials;
on the extraction and compacting material set out in the Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP) for
purging or, failing this, on the means available on site.
I n t er ms of dept h:
on the thickness of the material to be purged, following examination of the local bores;
for the contractor, on the customary quality of the platform considered during the construction works stage;
for the construction manager, on the quality required after filling has been carried out on the area purged.
Consideration of all these factors, particularly the quality required to fill the area purged, will allow the
construction manager to accept the methods of execution of unplanned purges proposed by the contractor.
For planned purging and substitution which have been accurately identified in the geotechnical study, the
Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP) must set out the location and size of each.
Technique used for filling purged sections
The filling technique will depend on the size of the area purged, especially in terms of depth and accessibility,
which may lead to extra earthworks on reusable materials.
The procedures for filling are those normally employed for low-mass embankments/fills (see technical guide to
trenches - GTT Technical Guide to Earthworks) [12]. The level of performance must be sustainably equivalent
to that of the section of the structure to which the work belongs.
After filling, the purge must not constitute a water trap which will contaminate the bearing soil in the area
purged, or the embankment construction materials used. If this risk exists, a drainage facility must be provided
after purging.
The objective of the filling technique for the area purged must also be not to constitute a hard point with respect
to the rest of the platform, or an excess load on unstable soils, particularly on slopes where there is a risk of
earth slides.
With respect to the filling technique in water (pond purging), the main stipulations advocated for water filling
procedures will be implemented. The filler materials in this case will be preferably D2 or D3.
The filler materials will be natural or treated with lime and/or hydraulic binders, especially in moist or floodable
areas.
Natural materials will be from the site, if the quality of the materials available on site matches the conditions for
reuse in purging set out in the Particular Technical Specifications (CCTP), or from external quarries).
Method of settlement
Purging services are often paid by the project owner (solution recommended by section 2 of the General
Technical Specifications (CCTG).
Purging work is compulsory as part of preliminary tasks, embankment work and the final stages of cuts, when
the natural soil in place, or reworked soil, or deposited products cannot meet the quality conditions required for
the structure to be built.
Purges of site roads in connection with maintenance are the responsibility of the contractor.
When the DCE estimate does not include the price of purges, or a remuneration system for purges, if required,
the contractor must request an additional purge price during the construction works stage.
The price will thus depend on the following:
whether or not there is any possibility of deposit in the land requirements, and transport distances to remove
the purge materials;
means not available on site to be implemented to carry out purging operations;
the urgent nature of activities and incidence on organization of work;
the type of filling material for the purging operations and inherent constraints;
any drainage facilities required.
Remuneration for unplanned purging work must be covered by special examination on a case-by-case basis.
Examples:
in the event of lower bearing capacity due to the absence of a drain trench in the DCE, purges are the
responsibility of the project owner;
in the event of lower bearing capacity due to faulty temporary drainage during the construction works stage,
purges are the responsibility of the contractor.
C. 4. 6 - Recommended sol ut i on
1) Conduct an in-depth examination of the geotechnical and hydrogeological reports and the geological profile.
In embankment zones, identify sensitive sectors of natural ground which are likely to entail purges.
Proceed in the same way by examining the geological level of the final profile of the cuts (make
arrangements for drainage trenches or shields, not purges, on unstable slopes).
Consider the climatic periods for carrying out each construction works stage (work on natural ground,
finishing of the final cut profiles). Improved management of program authorizations (AP) would eliminate a
large number of site problems in relation to inclement weather.
On the basis of the above, work out the total plausible surface to be purged, and identify profiles which
require purging.
Quantify the purge volume on the basis of a hypothesis of maximum depth 1 m.
2) Preferably provide a purge remuneration system in the DCE, and a substitution price.
The remuneration system for planned and unplanned purges will be based on the proposals A, B, C and D
below:
A1) Include, in the site installation price, as the means required on a constant basis for minor tasks (sewerage,
drainage trenches or shields, cut/embankment area, etc.), the purge material and its transportation (state a
maximum distance) at the purge site (to be stated in the prices specification). The advantage of this
stipulation is that it provides a response to the urgency of certain operations;
A2) Remuneration for the purging service will include, for a volume 100 m, cuts, removal and
implementation outside the main structure of the materials extracted (to be specified in the prices
specification when the contractor reuses the site materials for filling work).
B) Extraction, transportation whatever the distances involved, and implementation of site materials as agreed
by the construction manager.
C) A price for supply and implementation of filler materials for purging when site materials are not reusable.
D) The need to use other market prices for geotextiles and drainage systems.
Concerning remuneration for substitution, this price will be fully identified in the BP prices specification, and
will account for all services, including those inherent to filling materials and to drainage constraints.
3) During the stage of preliminary work and work on the main structure, reports are to be drawn up jointly by all
parties concerned on the platform's drainage facility and the condition of the bearing soil on embankments/fills
and the subformation of cuts.
This constitutes zero condition for the quality of the support (additional bores carried out by the contractor
may be put to some use).
4) In relation to purges, the following operations must be carried out:
mark out and isolate the purging area from the rest of the site for safety reasons;
shovel bores to identify, in accordance with the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills, the
nature and thickness of the materials called into question, and to verify whether or not there are any water
ingresses;
before purging operations, purging earthworks must be drained to ensure the long-term durability of
these works in the event of water circulation in the soil;
terracing of the purge area avoiding the excavations site;
implementation of a geotextile on the entire excavation area if there is any risk of contamination of the
filling materials;
preferential filling, with high quality site materials, of the entire purge area (1 layer) if the compatibility
of the compacting material with filling materials is verified;
in the event that implementation over a single layer is incompatible with the compactor, create two
layers, the first of which must not be less than 70 cm. In this case, an access or exit ramp for the compactor
will be created, and compaction energy will be low in accordance with the GTR Technical Guide to
Embankments & Fills.
With respect to the finished purge level, envisage extra thickness of the filling material to improve the
effectiveness of the compactors, and then level off the area to the final profile.
C. 4. 7 - Remarks
In the case of sites containing soil treated with lime or hydraulic binders in the contract, the area to be purged
may be treated in situ, although the technical and financial feasibility of this operation must be examined.
Particular attention must be paid to the thickness to be treated and the methodology of the treatment. If this is
very different from the treatments set out in contract, the service will be more specific, and so a special price
must be set out in the specification.
C.5 Extra-large embankments/fills
Extra-large embankments/fills are understood as maximum height in excess of 15 meters.
Embankments/fills 10 - 15 meters high are considered as ordinary embankments/fills, and in these cases the
stipulations of the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills for embankments/fills over 10 meters are
applicable.
Construction of motorways or railway lines in recent years has led the section in charge of studies to reflect on
the subject, and so a number of research programs are currently ongoing, especially in relation to the laws
governing the behavior of compacted and unsaturated soils.
C. 5. 2 - Reference document s
Creation of embankments/fills and capping layers [10];
Treatment of Soils (GTS Guide to Treatment of Soils) [13];
Study and Creation of Embankments & Fills on Compressible Soils [8];
Recommendations for the Design and Execution of Road Embankments & Fills - AIPCR [18];
Stability of slopes on cuts and embankments/fills Special issue of LPC Public Works Research
Laboratories [62];
Recommendations for the use of geotextiles and geomembranes by the CFG (Comit Franais des
Gotextiles et des Gomembranes)
Organization of quality assurance in earthworks [9].
Extra-large embankments/fills are considered as structures since their building specifications combine the
conditions for implementation of ordinary embankments/fills and stability conditions which can substantially
alter the design of normal construction criteria: the choice, the arrangement and implementation of materials in
the embankment thus become decisive factors.
They must have a structural definition in a project where considerations are essentially geotechnical: the
alignment sections must clearly show the locations of the various materials to be used to build the embankment,
with details of their classification in the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills, or their moisture
condition.
While certain issues are common to both categories, especially issues relation to the bearing soil, other issues
concern this type of structure, or at the very least cannot be ignored.
The difficulties involved in the rectification of structural damage are substantial, in view of the technical and
economic challenges they may involve.
Topographical modification of a site by the construction of an extra-large embankment amplifies the conditions
relating to local balance, usually unfavorably.
The decision to build an extra-large embankment depends on a number of different factors - stability,
environment, hydrology, etc. and this could lead to the choice of building such a structure, a bridge or a
viaduct.
C. 5. 4 St udi es t o be arranged
Methods and means
The substance of the study must focus on the issues of choice of borrowing materials and the conditions of
stability of the structure and its support.
Investigation at the structure, using mechanical bores of the ground which constitutes the embankments
support, must be at a height at least equivalent to that of the embankment, due to the thickness of the ground
that carries the weight of the structure.
Following the axis of the longitudinal section, we can space the bores at intervals of 40 - 100 meters, in accordance
with the characteristics of the site as pre-defined on documents and the difficulties of access around the boring
areas. The mesh can be tightened further if more precision is required.
Cross sections must be established by preferential choice of lower points on the natural ground and areas
suspected of containing anomalies.
This investigation will require sample bores, pressure meter bores, and penetrometric and scissometric bores for
soft soils.
Other types of bore tests may be carried out depending on the context of the study site and the specific nature of
the issue treated, among which destructive bore tests to detect spaces at a certain depth, auger drill tests for soils
outside the water table, and mechanical shovel for low-depth investigation.
Lab tests
In addition to classic geotechnical tests, tests may be carried out to ascertain the mechanical and hydraulic
behavior patterns of soils in the embankment and in the bearing soil.
C. 5. 5 Cont ent s of a desi gn st udy
Studies are generally divided into two stages, as follows:
the stability study - in other words, the stability of the bearing soil, with the embankment considered as an
extra load, or the embankment taken with supposedly uniform mechanical characteristics, in the knowledge that
its definition is not known at this stage;
the overall stability study focusing on the stability of the embankment, with consideration of measures
previously taken to reinforce the bearing soil if the first study demonstrated a need for this.
The first study ought to solve problems relating to:
the speed of consolidation of the bearing soil;
the speed of erection of the embankment (care taken with phasing);
hydrogeological incidence;
the introduction of techniques for improvement or reinforcement if geotechnical conditions make this
necessary.
The second study ought to allow definition of an earth movement to obtain stability and the capacity to:
set out the structure of the embankment and any internal drainage facilities;
state any external features required to secure the stability of the entire structure and its base.
Beyond highly compressible bases and unstable slopes which should be treated separately, the loads caused by
extra-large embankments/fills can, in layers which are normally not very compressible, lead to stresses much
higher than the stresses of preconsolidation p.
By way of example, an embankment of height 32 meters and slope gradient at 1(V) for 2 (H) creates settlements
calculated in the bearing soil of around 0.50 meter in the axis, in a homogenous environment, for a pressure
meter modulus of around 25 MPa defining high-quality soils such as categories B2, B5 or B6 of the GTR
Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills, and for a thickness of compressible soils of 40 meters. It should be
noted that at this depth the stress is still considerable (75% of the vertical stress v applied on the surface).
The calculation software makes use of the following:
the sliding surfaces theory (calculation to break point);
the finite elements method (calculation of stresses and displacements);
the layer consolidation theory (estimation of vertical displacements).
Structures in this type of medium are generally not very sensitive to seismic phenomena. In sensitive areas,
however, the approach drawn up by the French Paraseismic Association (AFPS) will be applied.
The results obtained using the finite elements method in several hypotheses involving relatively simple
structures show that:
the layers stiffened by hydraulic treatment at the base of large embankments/fills may constitute the center of
critical strains due to considerably buckling in the bearing soil, even when its characteristics are quite favorable;
areas which enter the sectors of permanent deformations fastest (plasticity) are: the edges of slopes, locations
with sharp angles (bottom of slopes, initial section of bench terraces) and areas of contact embankment / base
soil.
Utilization of the finite elements method is not necessary in all hypotheses, and is not always possible (if there
is insufficient data).
However, its use may provide valuable information for complicated shapes or structures following the
establishment of parameters for the model after lab tests (if these can be performed) and in situ tests that are
appropriate for the problem posed.
In general, modeling of a structure using this method is recommended whenever knowledge of the fields of
vectors can better justify a given situation.
For ordinary situations with no specific features, the methods normally employed for stability studies are
sufficient to deal with most problems (pressure measurement, oedometric and others, etc.).
Many very different kinds of technology are used to reinforce the stability of a site.
Below we have set out four frequent means applied to the embankment to improve the overall content of the
structure:
partial lightening of the embankment;
earth reinforced with geotextiles, nails, blades, etc., applied to the enhancement areas indicated in the study;
side bench terraces next to the slopes of the actual embankment when the land requirements are sufficient;
treatment of the embankment with hydraulic binders, verifying the validity of the level of the stresses.
The design study must cover the following:
definition of systems for reinforcing the bearing soil if necessary;
definition of the embankment's structure: dividing the cross section into areas of identified materials, showing
any drainage systems;
definition of the geometry of the road embankment (gradients of the slopes, bench terraces, secondary
embankments/fills against the main embankment);
definition of hydraulic structures to collect runoff water and structures to restore the hydrographic network.
C. 5. 6 Gui del i nes f or const ruct i on st i pul at i ons and choi ce of embankment mat eri al s
This technical document does not cover the organizational section of a contract or a site. Specialist documents
are available in the guide Organization of quality assurance in earthworks, quoted in references.
The construction stipulations for preparation of the bearing soil
In the presence of compressible soil, the technique for erecting an embankment in successive stages which is
considered first may require long building periods, and this is often incompatible with the economics of the
project.
What is true for any embankment is all the more true for an extra-large embankment.
There is also the question of using the abovementioned improvement techniques (lightening the embankment,
reinforcement of the structures) and, in parallel fashion, removing and partially or totally substituting the layer,
following a technical-economic examination, by a variety of methods (earthworks, driving back soft soil, etc.)
(see guide: Study and Construction of Embankments & Fills on Compressible Soils) [8].
In most cases, there will be no need to strip the bearing soil as such from a large embankment, the only possible
exception being stump extraction in the case of large items and cleaning of the platform. Stripping operations
often prove counter-productive since they reduce trafficability conditions.
If the study has detected non-negligible spaces in the subsoil, these should be pre-treated using a method
adapted to the problem (filling, mechanical reinforcement of gaps).
In relation to this point, in due consideration of the probable large number of stresses in relation to the anomaly
after loading of the embankment, the operation must often be subjected to a specific stability study (see
Crossing an area of underground cavities) for gradients which are often lower than the gradients of normal
embankments/fills.
Bonding an extra-large embankment to its base may require construction of keyways.
The construction stipulations for the main body of the embankment
Before any zoning diagrams, some answers should be provided for a number of technical points concerning the
behavior of blocks found in the earth.
Any fissuring in an embankment or part of an embankment is detrimental to its contents, and so it is advisable,
before a certain type of material is adopted, for its mechanical performances to be appraised and compared with
the stresses and deformations calculated as the most unfavorable to the layer.
To avoid subsequent inconveniences in relation to road land requirements caused by structural damage on slope
edges (permanent deformations), it is better to envisage an extra safety width as a road shoulder.
It is not the custom to build an internal drainage system inside the main body of the embankment - experience
shows that structures built with extremely heterogeneous soils from the hydraulic viewpoint have created
serious setbacks.
Larger embankments/fills expose non-negligible surfaces to inclement weather and therefore to infiltration
water which reaches the most permeable sections of the embankment and eventually causes instability on the
edge of the slope when it dries or overflows.
On this point, the harmful effects of past applications of the technique known as sandwich layers - alternative
sandy and shaley layers - should be borne in mind in relation to the behavior of the structure over time.
The use of geotextiles and geocomposites chosen by their destination (separation, drainage, etc.) offers the
advantages of the simplicity of the application, and probably also the advantage of costs in comparison to
granular material performing the same function.
We will attempt to limit the drainage facilities to areas of the structure which are deemed to be sensitive and
where there is a long term risk of accumulation of water.
Thus, in relation to the future behavior of the structure, we must obviously seek to build the most homogenous
embankment possible, even if this means modifying the optimum movement of earth.
The base of the embankment in contact with the natural ground is naturally used to recoup infiltration water in
the embankment. This could possibly be envisaged in addition to the drainage network through the embankment,
using large staples if necessary (this is especially true in the case of an embankment built on gradients) and
accelerating consolidation of the layers if they produce interstitial pressure due to the stresses and presence of
the water table at low depth.
Areas of slopes and bench terraces are the most unstable sections of the embankment.
The usefulness of bench terraces and their design for the purposes of maintenance must be closely examined.
They are not always a guarantee of stability, and in the long term entail the risk of local ruptures following
water infiltrations in water-sensitive areas.
From the mechanical point of view, slopes with uniform gradients are very often preferable to profiles with
bench terraces, if we consider that a slope with a maximum gradient of 26 degrees with respect to the horizontal
plane (gradient at 1V/2H) does not pose any major problem to operations by current maintenance units.
Interfaces between the slopes of the embankment and the adjacent confinement depots are to be treated as
heterogeneous embankment sections.
Water ingresses stemming directly from runoff and infiltration through the road infrastructure may be solved by
a device combining a waterproof membrane and a drainage system above it.
This structure is implemented at the top of the structure (upper part of the earthworks, capping layer), and a
replanted central reservation must be protected in this way.
The materials used on the main body of the embankment
Choice of materials relates in particular to the availability of cut materials found on site.
With reference to the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills, a document whose scope of application is
clearly set out in its presentation, the soils which may be used on embankments/fills of over 10 m, in precise
meteorological and site conditions, are listed in the tables found in the guide.
Moreover, the document shows that the reutilization of certain materials, in the case of larger embankments/fills
in particular, is subject to a specific study.
The choice of materials relates strongly to the combined structure of the main body of the embankment and its
base. The design of the structures will be priority-defined in accordance with the resources available on the
alignment or nearby, and the recommendations for use.
In connection with what is now known of the behavior of soils within a block of earth, the choice of materials
may be adapted to reasons which do not solely take account of the recommendations of the GTR Technical
Guide to Embankments & Fills.
A priori, no soil qualified by the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills as usable may be rejected if its
utilization in a certain area of the embankment is technically justified, although it would be normal to focus
initial supply sources in the direction of materials in this document which entail no embankment height
restrictions.
For these structures which involve both problems of implementation and stability, the dual classification by the
GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills and the LPC Public Works Research Laboratory is
recommended for identification of the soils.
We should mention that the behavior of soils in non-saturated media after compaction is currently being
examined in research studies.
The table below shows the categories of soils whose usage does not bring into play the height restrictions set out
in the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills.
Soils in categories B1, B3, C1B1, C1B3, C2B1, C2B3, D1, D2, D3, R21, R41 and R61 are to be preferably
reserved for areas of drainage and mechanical stabilization of the lower section of embankments/fills. The lower
section is understood as a height of around 20% of the total height of the embankment, and minimum width 5
meters for the edges of the embankment.
In certain cases treated soils can also perform mechanical stabilization functions on the edges and at the foot of
slopes.
The normal definitions setting out the quality of materials on an embankment as components of a contract
(particle size distribution, cleanness, hardness, etc.) must be completed with mechanical criteria (shear strength,
settlement, swelling, etc.) and hydraulic criteria (permeability).
Experience shows that moisture exchanges between materials making up the main body of an embankment form
the origin of the main pathologies directly attributed to it.
Categories
Meteorological
situations
Conditions
for use
Fine soils
A1h, A2h, A3h*
A1m, A2m
A1s, A2s
=, -
=, -
=, -
TC SEE
A
H GTR
B2h, B4h, B5h, B6h*
B2m, B4m, B5m, B6m*
B2s, B5s, B6s*
B4s
=, -
=, -
=, -
+, =, -
TC, TR
E, A SEE
H
E, A, H GTR
Granular soils
B1, B3, D2, D3 All situations No conditions
C1A1h, C1A2h, C1A3h*
C1A1m, C1A2m
C1A1s, C1A2s
C1B2h, C1B4h, C1B5h, C1B6h*
C1B2m, C1B4m,
C1B5m, C1B6m*
C1B2s, C1B4s
C1B5s, C1B6s*
=
=, -
=
=, -
+, =, -
=, -
+, =, -
+, =, -
TC
E, A
H
E, TC SEE
E,A
E, A GTR
E, A, H
E, H
C1B1 C1B3 C1D2 C1D3 All situations No conditions
C2A1h, C2A2h, C2A3h
C2A1m, C2A2m, C2A3m
C2A1s, C2A2s, C2A3s
C2B2h, C2B4h, C2B5h, C2B6h
C2B2m, C2B4m, C2B5m, C2B6m
C2B2s C2B4s C2B5s C2B6s
-
+, =, -
+,=, -
-
+, =, -
+ = -
E
E, A
A, H SEE
E
E,A GTR
A H
Soils containing rubble
C2B1, C2B3, C2D2, C2D3 All situations No conditions
R11
R12h
R12m, s, ts
R13h*
R13m, s*
+, =, -
=, -
=, -
=, -
=, -
E
TR SEE
E
E, TR GTR
E
R21 R41 R61 All situations No conditions
Rocky soils
R22, R42, R62
R23*, R43*, R63*
As per change in particle size distribution
See GTR
TC lime treatment,
TR treatment with a suitable reagent
E utilization as-is with drying afterwards if necessary
A sprinkling
H humidification
+ light rain
= no rain or significant evaporation
- evaporation
* use of these soils for embankments/fills over 10 m entails a specific study ( GTR)
Large embankments/fills induce stresses over and above those which may be caused by any compacting
machine. In fact, the overconsolidation stress caused by compacting between 150 kPa and 230 kPa is estimated
in accordance with the nature of the material, and the energy expended to compact it (within certain water-
content limitations).
This means that materials may certainly evolve in particular demanding areas of the embankment, despite good
compacting during implementation.
Granular soils, however, have an ability to adapt which ought to secure them a certain amount of balance as the
embankment is built, in view of their behavior pattern which relates to density and not time, as in the case of
fine shaley soils.
C. 5. 7 Moni t ori ng and i nst rument at i on program
Like any structure, large embankments/fills must have a monitoring and maintenance program.
Point zero must be established quite soon after work has been completed. This constitutes extremely useful
information, which to some extent provides a picture of the finished structure, and is as follows:
drawing up a monitoring/maintenance plan;
implementing sustainable markers as milestones, and carrying out a topographical survey at a large number of
points;
drawing up an as-built file.
Monitoring must be carried out in the first instance on hydraulic facilities: drains, collectors and drainage
channels. Any equipment failures must be quickly followed up with repairs.
A visual overall check of the structure must be
arranged at least every one or two years, preceded by
a topographical survey.
An instrumentation plan is not automatically
applicable to all operations it depends on any
hazards identified during the survey or evaluated
during the construction works stage. This plan
concerns issues relating to subgrade and issues
relating to the embankment proper.
The means and methods are those set out in chapter
IV of the guide Study and construction of
embankments and fills on compressible soils. The
list of equipment and its usage is provided here, with
the advantages and disadvantages of each.
For the monitoring of settlement and water content,
two nuclear logging probes may be used - gamma-
gamma and neutron-neutron.
Evaluation of settlement between any two dates and
levels of the embankment and subgrade is carried out
in accordance with the variation in dry densities.


Partial output of calculations by CESAR (LCPC).
Hm = 32 m (4 x 8m stages)
mechanical characteristics of B2 soils
gradients 2/3

Figure 16
C.6 Heterogeneous embankments/fills
Embankments/fills built with materials of a heterogeneous nature.
Enlarging of existing embankments/fills.
Core or box embankments/fills.
This document takes no account of composite embankments/fills (enhanced, reinforced, lightened, etc.).
Treatment of soils with lime [...] on embankments/fills and capping layers [13].
The design of embankments/fills for roads must, in addition to aspects relating to the quantities of materials
required for construction, take account of certain qualitative requirements concerning the materials to be
implemented, in order to prevent the introduction of heterogeneities which could subsequently compromise the
long-term durability of the structures. These heterogeneities may be horizontal, vertical, or multidirectional.
They appear if materials with extremely contrasted permeabilities or particle size distributions which are not
intercompatible are used on elementary adjacent horizontal layers for instance, fine shaley materials with
sandy or coarse rocky homometric materials.
There is a risk of creating one or more areas of perched water within the most permeable material, especially
when the slopes have largely non-permeable topsoil (fig. 17).
These areas may subsequently create interstitial pressure in the structures shaley layers, or cause the slope
covering to slide. In the case of long embankments/fills with a descending gradient, there may be genuine
upwelling at lower points along the structure.
There is also a risk of slow interpenetration of fine soils into the gaps in the coarser material caused by traffic
loads (fig. 18), thereby causing settlement and general deformation of the structure.
This also occurs from transversal use of materials with extremely different physical and mechanical properties:
in particular, this could occur during the enlargement of existing embankments/fills, with the risk that the
section added may slide (fig. 19).
Fig. 17
Fig. 18 Fig. 19

Fig. 17

Remblai multicouche: problme des nappes perches Multi-layer embankment: problem of perched water tables
Nappe perche Perched water tale
Infiltration depuis la plate-forme et/ou les talus Infiltration from platform and/or taluses
Emergence Emergence
Couche permable Permeable layer
Couche impermable Impermeable layer
Prendre des dispositions favorisant le drainage Take measures with regard to drainage

Fig. 18

Remblai multicouche: interactions entre sols fins et sols
grossiers
Multi-layer embankment: interactions between fine soils and
coarse soils
Mouvement du materiaux fins vers le materiau grossier Movement of thin materials towards coarse materials
Materiau fin Thin material
Materiau grossier Coarse material
Fermer la couche en matriaux grossier au contact des
matriaux fins
Close the layer in coarse materials in contact with fine
materials

Fig. 19

Elargissement de remblai Embankment extensions
Ancien remblai Old embankment
Surface de glissement potentiel Potential sliding surface
Nouveau remblai New embankment
Assurer la stabilit mchanique et le drainage de la surface de
contact
Ensure mechanical stability and drainage on contact surface

Ancien remblai Old embankment
Redan (h > 1m)
Nouveau remblai (si possible en matriaux plus permeable que
lancien remblai
Keyway (h > 1m)
New embankment (if possible, in materials more permeable
than the old embankment)

Matelas drainant ventuelle Possibility of drainage mattress

This is also the case during addition to the final structure of large site roads in fine treated materials or untreated
granular materials for constant use, when the complement to the embankment is built in untreated fine material.
This can cause risks of differential settlements and disparity in the mechanical behavior of the structure, in due
consideration of substantial modulus variation. The presence of granular material at the center of the
embankment surrounded by finer materials with a low permeability rating could also create water traps (fig. 20).
Box embankments/fills with non-binding granular materials or fine untreated low geotechnical quality shaley
materials (at the center of the structure, surrounded by treated materials) and core embankments/fills with fine
shaley materials or coarser shaley-mar materials treated with lime and/or hydraulic binders and bound into
rough clays (fig. 21), represent the kind of embankment where both vertical and horizontal heterogeneities are
most commonly found. In this case certain construction recommendations must be observed (see the next
section on recommended solutions).
C. 6. 4 Recommended sol ut i ons
As far as possible, the use of materials whose geotechnical characteristics, particularly their permeability and/or
mechanical characteristics, show great disparity, should be avoided in construction of a single structure.
Implementation of a drainage system in the cut trajectory prevents water accumulating in permeable layers of the
embankment from the cut.
Water infiltrates the embankment at the upper section of the structure and moves around the permeable layers. It
may be removed laterally if a drainage system has been envisaged at the design stage, and if the material used to
cover the slopes is not impermeable.
Continuity of flow could also be envisaged through the various permeable layers making up the heterogeneous
embankment, with water taken away at the foot of the structure.
Particularly in the case of a box embankment, there should be proper surface impermeabilization to minimize
water infiltrations, and a drainage system at the foot of the structure - a drainage mattress, for instance. In
general, all necessary construction precautions should be taken to prevent water infiltrations to the central
reserve, and to ensure that all drainage facilities are properly proofed (fig. 22).
Fig. 20 Fig. 21
Fig. 20

Reprise dune ancienne piste de chantier susceptible de crer
un pige eau
Reworking of an old site track which could create a water
trap
Risque de tassements diffrentiels Risk of differential settlements
Ancienne piste Old site track
Circulations deaux confines Confined water circulating
Complter hauteur de lancienne piste Top up to the height of the old site track
Remblayer les complments par un matriau aux
proprits hydrauliques et mcaniques proches des pistes
Fill up with a material with hydraulic and mechanical
properties similar to those of the site track
Ancienne piste Old site track
Continuit hydraulique transversale Transversal hydraulic continuity
Fig. 21
Dfinition des dispositions dites en caisson et en noyau Definition of box and core arrangements
Disposition dite en caisson Box arrangement
Matriaux non traits Untreated materials
Matriaux traits Treated materials
Disposition dite en noyau Core arrangement

To enlarge existing embankments/fills, as far as possible we should use materials which are more permeable
than the most permeable materials in the main body of the original embankment. Keyways or any other type of
anchorage system should be provided. Other construction stipulations may also be essential a drainage
mattress, for example (fig. 19).
During juxtaposed implementation of materials with extremely different mechanical characteristics (rough clay
and treated clay, for example), construction simultaneity is of the essence (tipping of materials, compaction) in
order to limit interface de-bonding subsequently.
When the embankment is to include a former track, it could be a good idea to build the layer or layers laterally
to the height of the old track using materials of the same characteristics as the track, in order to minimize
differential settlements in particular (fig. 20), laterally these represent the kind of embankment where both
vertical and horizontal heterogeneities are most commonly found.
When an earth mound barrier, a landscaping or anti-noise buttress or a deposit lie on the main body of the
embankment (providing a heterogeneous unit in fine), drainage should be provided at the interface of the two
structures (fig. 23), since the mound barriers and deposits are usually composed of poorly compacted mediocre
materials which can act just like sponges and project water into the center of the main embankment.
C. 6. 5 - Observat i ons
Composite embankments/fills consisting of natural and industrial materials (metal reinforcement structures or
similar, geotextiles, polystyrene, etc.) or recycled materials (tires, plastic, vegetable fiber, etc.) are subject to
special construction techniques. The specific documents must be consulted, and especially the following:
Study and construction of embankments/fills on compressible soils Technical guide [8];
Design and execution of embankments/fills for roads [18];
Ultra-light embankments/fills on compressible soils Information note [27];
Utilization of expanded polystyrene in road construction [20];
Le Pneusol - Information note CD 47 [26];
Structures in reinforced earth - Recommendations and rules [25];
Support and embankments/fills in Texsol [28].

Fig. 22 Fig. 23

Fig. 22

Matriaux non traits confins Untreated confined materials
Infiltrations sous chausses Infiltrations under roads
Matriaux non traits Untreated materials
Matriaux traits Treated materials
Circulation deau Water circulations
Assurer le drainage la base Provide drainage at base
Couche drainante en base de remblai Draining layer at base of embankment
Gotextile anticontaminant Anti-pollution geotextile

Fig. 23

LE REMBLAI ET LES DEPOTS ANNEXES (merlons, buttes
paysagres ou anti-bruit, depots)
Protection du remblai principal
THE EMBANKMENT AND SECONDARY DEPOSITS
(ground earth barriers, landscape abutments or anti-noise
systems, deposits)Protection of main embankment
Dpt Deposit
Infiltrations Infiltrations
Foss longitudinal (assainissement de la plateforme) Longitudinal ditch (platform drainage)
Remblai principal Main embankment
Assurer le drainage au contact depot-remblai Provide drainage at deposit-embankment contact
Gotextiles anticontaminants Anticontaminant geotextiles
Tapis drainant Drainage blanket
Drain longitudinal Longitudinal drain
C.7 Embankments & fills with extra-dry materials
The use of extra-dry soils (ts) envisaged by the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills involves specific
stipulations, and so this issue concerns all road embankments/fills.
Low water-content compaction of road materials and soils [57].
The construction of embankments/fills with extra-dry materials creates the following problems:
compaction difficulties in the case of water-sensitive materials. This entails a considerable void ratio,
and therefore substantial permeability. Water flows cause substantial losses of cohesion in intergranular contact
lines, and thus settlement in the long term with fissures and structural damage in the embankment;
trafficability problems for certain clean sandy materials (especially if they are homometric).
The GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills limits the utilization of extra-dry materials exclusively to
embankments/fills < 10 meters.
C. 7. 4 The mat eri al s concerned
In accordance with the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills, extra-dry (ts) water-sensitive materials
are: A, B2, B4, B5, B6 + Ci (A and B).
Clean sandy materials with low water content are: D1, D2, B1 and B3.
C. 7. 5 - Sol ut i on envi saged
In relation to water-sensitive materials, the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills envisages the
possibility of using certain extra-dry materials:
in certain cases after mass humidification for materials B2, B4, C1 (B2, B4), C2 (B2, B4).
after a specific humidification study (experimental section), A1, B5, B6, C1A1, C1B5 and C2 (A1, B5).
With the exception of very shaley materials which will require extensive lab studies and testing, the conditions
for implementation must be examined with reference to the following solutions:
Changing the moisture condition
This operation is quite delicate, since we are dealing with shaley materials with low permeability ratings.
Improved fragmentation of the material (using a pulvimixer or tamping roller, for instance) and a number of
humidification processes may help change the moisture condition.
Increasing compaction energy
A test section should define compaction methods (thicknesses of the layers, material implemented, number of
passes, etc.) to reach quality q4 in the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills.
Fragmentation of the material by different types of machinery may also be envisaged for the materials with the
highest shale content(fig. 24).
for these extra-dray materials, particular attention ought to be paid to the fact that the upper section, especially
in the case of less shaley materials, may not be properly compacted, although the capping layer has the proper
density.
Low density of this upper section may be rectified by compacting the upper layer. Likewise, surface sprinkling
during compaction could improve the compacting of this surface layer (fig. 25);
the compaction quality of these materials may be appraised by a double probe test or by using other means to
measure the density of the capping layer;
the technical aspects and costs of the various solutions may be of great importance. Economic calculations will
be decisive as to whether these materials are reused or deposited.
To solve trafficability problems of clean sandy materials with a low water content, we can:
sprinkle the materials, or carry out hydraulic compaction (if there are sufficient quantities of water available);
use particle size distribution correctors in the general bulk or on the surface only.

Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Fig. 24
Energie 2>> Energie 1 Energy 2 >> Energy 1
Teneur en eau Water content
Variation de la densit dche avec la teneur en eau et
lnergie de compactage
Variation in dry density with water content and
compaction energy
Fig. 25
Sommet de la couche compacte Peak of compacted layer
Compactage W
OPN
Compaction at W
OPN
Compactage faible W
n
avec une nergie (et une
paisseur de couche diffrente).
Compaction at low W
n
with energy >> (and a different
layer thickness)
Fond de la couche Bottom of layer
Schma de principe de distribution de la densit sche
en fonction de la profondeur
Diagram showing distribution of dry density
depending on depth
C.8 Embankments/fills on slopes
Embankment and cut/embankment mix on natural ground with a crossfall of > 15%
(1)
;

Enlargement of an existing embankment.
Creation of embankments/fills and capping layers - Section 2 (GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills)
[10].
Construction of an embankment, or a cut/embankment, or an extension on a natural slope with a crossfall, will
require proper knowledge of the geology of the site, of the soils making up the natural ground, and the site
context (presence of fossil slippage, hydraulic conditions in the block, potential seismic activity, etc.).
Preliminary examination and verification of the stability of an earth structure are essential for definition of the
strengthening or reinforcement measures, should these be required. Certain favorable configurations do not
require any particular conditions, although others involve stringent requirements to ensure stability (nailing,
drainage, anchorage, surface protection, support, etc.).
In addition to these specific studies, for which the required methodologies to be used are described in the
technical literature (bibliography, analysis of aerial photos, geophysics, bores, piezometric characteristics,
characterization of soils and interfaces, etc.), construction stipulations for the embankment to be constructed
must be observed to ensure proper adhesion of the structure to its immediate surroundings. The
recommendations below concern this point exclusively.
Extensions to an existing embankment in order to create extra routes or to combat erosion of slopes will also
require proper anchoring of the unit to be built over the existing structure.
Creation of keyways over a sufficient width (at least 4 meters for embankments/fills on a slope, and at least 1
meter for extensions) to anchor the structure to a sufficient depth in the bearing soil or the support embankment,
and allow proper implementation of the embankments/fills.
A crossfall in the keyways towards the interior of the block is advisable to prevent runoffs from one keyway to
another, and improve compaction at the sides of the embankment (a gradient of 10% is often advocated). To
prevent the water from stagnating, the gutter unit must have a sufficient descending gradient (5% or more,
depending on the granularity of the materials), and evacuation on the lower section must be implemented and
maintained for the entire lifespan of the structure (if these conditions cannot be guaranteed, the slope of the
keyways could be oriented towards the exterior of the structure).
To improve adhesion, an anchoring spud can be placed at the foot of the embankment as a buttress.
This may not be necessary in the case of embankment extensions.
C. 8. 5 Const ruct i on st i pul at i ons
(1) Stripping of the topsoil or of the bottom course to produce a healthy bearing soil layer.
(2) To create the anchoring spud, the cuts will be removed and substituted by a quality material to a depth of
one meter. In certain cases, depending on the results of the stability study (this is performed if the bearing soils
show any risk of instability), the spud could have an extended width at the foot of the embankment.
(3) The keyways are built as the embankment progresses, by executing a recess in the natural ground, at a height
at least equal to 1.00 meter (0.50 meter in the case of extensions).
(4) The bottom section of each keyway will be compacted as in the case of the base of the embankment.
(5) The materials extracted from the keyways will be considered cut materials. If they are not reusable, they
must be removed if they are reusable, the utilization conditions advocated in the GTR Technical Guide to
Embankments & Fills for construction of the embankment must be observed.
(6) If water ingresses are observed during construction of the keyways, drainage facilities must be added to
them (figure 26).
Construction stipulations for extensions
Only stipulations (1), (3) and (4) are compulsory. The anchoring spud (2) need only be added in the case of
extensions to embankments/fills on sloping ground, and reutilization of the material extracted from the keyways
(5) may only be envisaged for large extensions (> 3 meters).
It will be observed that, before and during work, it will be necessary to ensure continuity in the functioning of
the drainage systems relating to the existing structure (figure 27).
In certain cases where the natural ground has a considerable descending gradients, this methodology may be
applied in accordance with the nature of the embankments/fills, the bearing soils and their hydrogeological
environment, presence of other structures, etc.
The remarks in section 2 recommend special remuneration for the keyways (by the square meter or linear meter
if the geometry is well defined); in the case of small quantities, however, this task could be remunerated in
terms of cut and embankment prices.
xxx

Fig. 26
(Excess fill)

Fig. 27
(Excess fill)
C.9 Cuts/embankments/fills on a waste dump or a polluted site
Where the work crosses a dumping site, whether or not it is an authorized site, on a cut or an embankment.
Embankment or a cut in a polluted area.
Directive 75/442/CEE, modified by directives 91/156/CEE and 36/350/CEE, in relation to disposal of
waste [34];
Outline law of 15 July 1975, modified by the law of 13 July 1992 governing the limitation of storage of
waste in reserve as of 1 July 2002 to end waste only. Decree No. 97-517 of 15 May 1997 governing the
classification of hazardous waste [30] [31];
Notice in the Official Journal of 11 November 1997 in relation to the new European nomenclature of
waste [53];
Decree No. 98-679 of 30 July 1998 concerning road transportation of waste [42];
Soil improvement by vertical rigid inclusions Application to construction of embankments/fills on
mediocre soils [64].
It is not infrequent for road alignments to encounter dump sites, whether or not they are authorized or
controlled.
Work on these sites, whether they are part of cuts or embankments/fills, requires the implementation of special
earthworks techniques, in view of the extremely heterogeneous and changing nature of the waste on site.
In particular, the construction stipulations adopted must ensure general stability of the structure, sufficient
bearing capacity in the subformation, and proper administration of settlements in the short and long term.
Moreover, depending on the toxicity of the materials encountered, a specific study must be performed on the
treatment of runoff water, recovery of waste dump leachate, treatment of gases, etc., and hence the importance
of the results of chemical analyses which can condition the data on a project:
setting the longitudinal section;
whether or not to maintain all or part of the waste dump?
choice of the isolation and drainage systems, if required (use of geomembrane waterproofing systems [DEG]).
In the absence of geometric constraints, planners will focus their choice in accordance with volumes, and will
prefer an embankment trajectory rather than a cut crossing necessitating unavoidable displacement of a
volume of waste for which the administrative and financial conditions in relation to extraction, transportation
and deposit will always create considerable constraints.
Compulsory points along an alignment and a high level of waste dump pollution will leave planners little room
for maneuver, and they will be forced to define cutting earthworks, or consider a purge followed by substitution,
or both these operations simultaneously, if both conditions are true for the same site.
As of the outset of the studies, or before, it is highly advisable to inform the specialist Prefectoral services in
charge of application of decrees of the existence of the project, and to ask their opinion.
C. 9. 4 Prel i mi nary t est s and i nvest i gat i on work
In due consideration of considerable extra costs arising from work over a waste dump area, precise quantitative
and qualitative information on the site must be forthcoming.
Investigation and delimitation (surface area, volume) of the deposit zone:
investigations using existing documents, plans of quarries, cartography (chronological comparison), air cover,
etc.;
density and implementation of bores as a result;
sample borings using shovels, auger drills, and geophysics equipment;
samples from reworked intact terrain for geotechnical tests and chemical analyses in labs;
establishment of maps and/or serialized sections, depending on the nature of the soils encountered and the
results of lab analyses;
nature and characteristics of subsoil, presence of water (samplings, piezometric reports);
chemical analyses to classify the site by sectors as waste dump class 1, 2 or 3;
leaching of sample waste taken from different depths, analysis of waste dump leachates.
In both cases, research work into:
pH;
conductivity (in m);
chemical oxygen demand (DCO);
heavy metals (iron, nickel, cadmium, zinc, lead, chrome, etc.);
In situ testing of the mechanical behavior of layers:
penetrometer;
pressure meter;
recordings of drilling parameters;
etc.
In addition to issues involved in the re-use of natural and stable treated materials, the section of the study
concerning pollution should lead to a distribution diagram for deposit earth to centers for classes 1, 2 and 3, as
per the chemical values obtained for the samples, in comparison to the values of the permitted thresholds set in
regulations (method for performance of analyses on which the threshold values are based leaching product or
raw product). Analyses of checks must be envisaged during construction work on the site.
C. 9. 5 Recommended sol ut i ons - i mpl ement at i on
In the treatment of waste dumps
Three large categories of solutions may be considered:
Removal of mat er i al s
This solution consists of substituting all waste intercepted by a filler material or material from cuts.
This often carries heavy costs, particularly in view of the constraints in relation to regulations, extraction,
transportation and deposit.
Possible environmental nuisances must also be taken into consideration (smells, psychological impact, etc.).
The volume to be removed must take account of a certain thickness of polluted soils underneath the waste dump
material.
Dynami c compact i on
This method consists of a free fall from around twenty or thirty meters of a pylon with a Newton mass of
hundreds of kilos. The dynamic consolidation technique reduces the materials' void rating by violent energy
compaction.
The first applications of dynamic compaction in the stabilization of industrial waste dump or household
waste deposits embankments/fills were presented in 1979.
The thicknesses generally treated with normal levels of energy are around 8 10 meters.
Repeated experience has shown that this type of treatment is particularly suitable. It is extremely efficient in
terms of the nature of the masses of refuse deposits (heterogeneity, thickness, age and mechanical behavior).
The geotechnical feasibility study must set out the precise nature of the refuse deposits.
The pressure meter test is a good tool for appraisal of mechanical characteristics prior to treatment, and also a
good way of checking the effectiveness of treatment.
The static penetrometer is also used to classify waste dump deposits.
From the environmental point of view, the measurement of vibrations conducted to date shows that compaction
energy is generally rapidly absorbed by the refuse deposit, which is usually quite compressible.
Preliminary vibration measurements will verify this point, particularly in relation to the presence of a water
table or continuous blocks.
Ri gi d i ncl us i ons
The principle consists of creating a network of concrete columns (inclusion), which moves across and
reinforces the compressible layers up to the resistant soil.
Above this, forming a slab, a gravel or cement-treated soil distribution mattress forms for transfer of the loads
induced (embankments/fills, traffic, etc.) towards the inclusions and good soil.
This reinforcement technique is particularly suitable for working over putrescible soils at a considerable height
(> 6 meters).
Specific studies determine the mesh of the network of columns, their diameters, their consistency (reinforced or
non-reinforced concrete), and also the thickness of the distribution mattress.
The inclusions may be created using a number of methods (vibratory driving, vibratory tube hammering, auger
drill driving, etc.).
They may require pre-drilling if hard horizons have to be negotiated to prevent situations where piles cannot
be driven to the required level.
In the treatment of polluted sites
There are four ways of addressing the problem:
Sys t emat i c excavat i on and evacuat i on at an approved t r eat ment cent er
As for the treatment of waste dumps, this solution consists of exhausting purging of polluted earth and removal
to an approved treatment center (technical landfill center class 1, bio-center, incinerator, etc.). It is costly and
difficult to manage in view of the uncertainties across the polluted area.
The main constraints with respect to regulations are as follows:
transport in observance of ADR regulations (European agreement concerning international road transportation
of hazardous goods) in relation to waste transportation;
Prefectoral declaration by the transporter for transportation of waste;
establishment of a prior acceptance certificate (CAP) by the center receiving the polluted earth; the earth must
be compatible with the technical specifications attached with the Prefectoral order authorizing the center to
carry out is activities;
establishment of a monitoring schedule for industrial waste (BSDI) for each consignment.
The main advantage of this method is its rapid implementation, which depends only on the rate of excavation
and the capacity of the center to accept the polluted products and earth.
Excavat i on, sor t i ng and s el ect i ve evacuat i on at appr oved t r eat ment cent er s
The approach of this solution is similar to the previous solution.
Sorting, however, especially if it is carried out painstakingly, can substantially reduce costs by removing
polluted earth to proper processing units. A qualified technician is required on site, as is analytic equipment for
rapid determination of the choice of the processing unit.
This technique requires the organization of secure areas for provision storage and sorting.
The constraints with respect to regulations are as for systematic evacuation, although these do not apply for the
evacuation or reutilization of materials considered as inert waste.
Tr eat ment i n s i t u wi t h no excavat i on
This solution is the best from the environmental and financial viewpoints - it consists of treatment of polluted
earth in situ with no excavation. The pollutants are either removed from the soil or degraded as metabolites
which do not harm the environment.
In situ methods require extremely detailed investigation of the terrain, especially the contours of pollution, so
that no polluted soil is left behind to repollute the depolluted zone.
Attention must also be paid to monitoring of treatment, focusing on the evolution of the concentrations and
metabolites produced.
For example:
air-slaked lime treatment of soils contaminated by heavy metals, hydrocarbons or organic substances;
biological treatment of earth contaminated by aliphatic hydrocarbons;
venting of earth contaminated by volatile halogen components;
treatment by electrodeposition and/or migration of heavy metals;
electrical treatment for organic pollutants (oxidation-reduction);
stripping of chlorine solvents.
This type of treatment requires preliminary in-depth investigation, and the possibility of freezing over the
polluted area during treatment for a period of a few weeks to several months, or 1 3 years for extremely
complex cases of pollution.
Certain kinds of treatment (electrical treatment, for instance) may be implemented and operate in a transparent
and compatible fashion with normal site usage.
Excavat i on, sor t i ng and t r eat ment on t he s i t e
After selective sorting of polluted earth and temporary storage, this solution consists of implementing a
decontamination technique adapted to the pollutant.
In addition to those already mentioned in the in situ treatment section, we may add the following techniques:
heat treatment by a mobile heat desorption or incineration unit;
earth scrubbing unit.
Depending on their scope, these facilities may be subject to regulations for classified facilities.
The advantage of these techniques is that they substantially reduce environmental nuisance and costs by
elimination of transportation and rapid action on the contaminated area.
They do, however, require sufficient land requirements for installation of the storage and treatment areas.
This solution constitutes a good compromise between evacuation and in situ treatment. Caution is, however, of
the essence so as not to cause any environmental damage (noise, smells, etc.) to the surrounding area.
Conf i nement of mat er i al s
This solution leaves the polluted earth in place and provides a barrier which prevents pollutants from migrating.
It implements techniques commonly used in public works:
membrane walls;
extra-thin walls ;
diaphragm walls;
sheet piles;
implementation of membranes;
grout injections.
These techniques require the use of a monitoring system to run a continual check on the efficiency of the
structure over its entire lifespan.
It is a method which does not treat the pollution, but simply provides safety on site. It is used when no other
methods are technically or financially viable.
Instrumentation and monitoring
In the case of waste dumps, since the main problem relates to the risk of settlement, instrumentation must serve
to quantify general movements in the structure, especially:
measurements of soil settlements using gauges associated with topographic surveys;
monitoring of trends in interstitial pressures in the soil via sensors;
checks on lateral deformations in soils using inclinometric tubes.
Use of this instrumentation must observe a precise implementation in accordance with soil stresses validated by
a geotechnician.
Pathology
In the case of waste dumps, the pathologies observed are those normally found in compressible soils.
They are most often linked to secondary settlements which have been poorly managed, of mechanical and/or
chemical origin.
C.10 Cuts in aquiferous zones
C. 10. 1 St ruct ure concerned
Road cut across an aquifer.
Cuts for the construction of a retaining wall, cuts for drainage structures and work in maritime areas are not
covered in this section.
Special Bulletin V, Public Works Research Laboratories, Hydraulics of soils. [55];
Special Bulletin III, Public Works Research Laboratories, Stability of slopes 2 volumes [54];
1 Natural slopes
2 Cuts and embankments/fills
Article No. 10, Water Act No. 92-3 of 3 January 1992 and decree of 29/03/1993 [52].
In the presence of an aquifer identified by a geotechnical study, it is not always possible to deal with the
longitudinal section in such a way as to escape the difficulties and costs of reinforcement work for a number of
reasons, be they technical, such as the trajectory along compulsory points on the alignment, or environmental,
such as an obligatory entrenchment (noise, views, atmospheric pollution in suburban areas).
Water in an aquifer plays a harmful and extensive role in relation to the contents of slopes and road platforms.
Hydraulic studies of soils show that there are three types of water:
bound water retained by capillarity around grains, co-existing with the vapor zone (air);
capillary fringe water - this is water which is suspended and non-mobile, situated between the other two types.
It occupies all gaps within the soil (water-saturated soil), and the height it reaches depends on the nature of the
soil and the atmospheric conditions if the water table is close to the surface;
a water tables free water flows between the interstice of a soil or the cracks in a rock, and its general behavior
pattern is gravitational (influence of gravity).
Of these three types, it is the third which causes most problems for earthwork contractors, when the longitudinal
section intercepts aquifers.
The project designer must draw up construction stipulations on the basis of the geotechnical studies which
ensure both the stability of slopes in the cut and the bearing capacity of the platforms.
The earthwork methods often converge around drainage and lowering of the water table, occasionally around
membrane walls (cuvelage an underground waterproof lining), or mixed solutions when the main concern is
protection of the environment (figures 28 and 29).
Figure 28 Figure 29

Figure 28
Sol Surface of ground
Formation permable Permeable formation
Formation impermable Impermeable formation

a) nappe libre a) Free water table

Pizomtre Piezometer
Terrain non satur Unsaturated ground
Zone sature : frange capillaire Saturated area: capillary fringe
Surface pizomtrique ou surface de la nappe Piezometric surface or water table surface
La nappe The water table
Le mur The wall

Figure 29
Formation permable Permeable formation

b) nappe captive b) Captive water table

Surface pizomtrique Piezometric surface
Le toit The roof
La nappe The water table
Le mur The wall

Dfinition des nappes Definition of water tables

Water in soils where earthworks are to be carried out causes three types of problems:
1) an increase in timelines due to observance of administrative procedures in connection with the Water Act;
2) drainage work during the preparatory stage which may take several months, often due to the slowness in
lowering the water table and special earthwork phasing to reduce the moisture condition of cut material beneath
the water table and to minimize problems concerning the reutilization of soils. Particular attention will be paid
to the drainage of water with a high content of salts;
3/ adaptation of methods of execution to solve problems:
trafficability during the execution stage beneath the water table;
platform bearing capacity and earthworks slope stability in the short and medium term;
reutilization of the soils removed (temporary deposit, treatment, etc.);
choice and sizing of drainage to ensure the long-term bearing capacity of the subformations and stability of the
slopes.
C. 10. 4 St udi es t o be carri ed out
The objective of the studies is to set out the problems posed by water, and to provide information on the water
tables.
A number of simultaneous or successive studies must be conducted:
a geological study including a visit to the site, and on-site preliminary surveys to specify the nature of flows
and locate the aquifer levels;
a hydrogeological study for investigation of the water tables (levels, directions of flow, sources, catchment
areas, expanding areas of moisture, tapping of water tables, protected areas, dewatered soils, etc.);
a geotechnical study to investigate the nature of soils, intrinsic characteristics (C and ), permeability of soils
via in situ large-scale tests in due consideration of anisotropy of soils and rocks (cracking, diaclases) and
smaller-scale lab measurements of samples).
Specific studies such as:
slope stability with the assistance of calculation software for justification and sizing of the stipulations for
construction and reinforcement, if this is required;
sizing of the platforms in accordance with the classes concerned;
hydraulic impact study on the effect of lowering the water table on the environment and on surrounding
structures.
Although they are connected, the means used to bring down a water table sufficiently beneath the level of the
subformation from slopes are occasionally different depending on whether the procedure focuses on the short or
long term: the use of drive point lines or dewatering wells are assigned to short periods on site, while drainage
trenches and blocks to take over this function are devices to be used at the final stages to ensure stability
through gravitational water flow towards an outlet.
The water outlets in the natural surroundings ought to be staked out from the earliest stages of the project.
Large structures, complex hydrogeological contexts and environmental sensitivity are also factors which can
lead to soil hydraulics studies in advance of the actual project, perhaps with the assistance of mathematical
models to evaluate the reciprocal environment/road alignment impacts.
Work on cuts around a water table will necessarily involve work to lower the table (drainage) and/or work to
isolate (impermeabilize) the structures.
For earthworks sufficiently close to a confined body of water, a study must be made of conditions which will
not raise the impermeable section of soil left in place above the aquifer (roof of the aquifer).
If the conditions are not verified, ways of reducing interstitial pressures will have to be envisaged by lowering
the piezometric surface (discharge trenches and shafts).
The most commonly used methods are set out in the tables below:
In the case of cuts in loose materials with low permeability ratings:
Issues involved
Objective
Type of
aquifer
Execution of cut Trafficability Slope stability
Bearing capacity
of subformation
Constructio
n works
stage

Short term
Gravitational

Lowering ditch

Maintaining a slope
on a treated track /
connected with
longitudinal ditches
Drainage trench
before cut
Purge
or
substitution
Constructio
n works
stage

Short term
Capillary rise

Anti-capillary
barrier
Track in granular
material
Slope adapted to
materials
Treatment -
purge
Operational
stage

Long term
Gravitational

Not applicable

Not applicable

Drainage shield
Drainage trench
Reinforcement of
slope (subhorizontal
drains - vertical
nailing)
Drainage trenches
Drainage blanket
- drains
In the case of cuts in materials with medium to high permeability ratings:
Issues involved
Objective
Type of
aquifer
Execution of cut Trafficability Slope stability
Bearing capacity
of subformation
Construction
works stage

Short term
Gravitational

Dewatering wells
Drainage wells
Drive points
Membrane walls
(except rocky media)
Maintaining a
longitudinal slope
Longitudinal ditch in
advance
Drainage wells
Drive points
Dewatering wells
(evacuation of water)
Drainage trench
Possible substitution
by drainage network
Operational
stage

Long term

Not applicable

Not applicable

Reinforcement of
slope with:
Nailing for rocky
block
Drainage shields or
trenches for
incoherent soils
Possibility of
treatment with
hydraulic binders,
subject to sufficient
lowering
In a lowering situation, these solutions must be examined within the context of the Water Act (article 10).
The diagrams and photos below show examples of the possibilities mentioned above.

Figure 30: Trenches or drains on a platform Figure 31: Strengthening an earthworks slope by drainage

Water table flow

1 Drains dispos en chevrons avec collecte des eaux latrales 1 Herringbone drain layout with lateral water collection
2 Drains transversaux avec collecte dans un drain longitudinal
central
2 Cross-wise drains with collection in a central longitudinal
drain
3 Trench drains with collection in a unilateral drain (sporadic
outcrop of water table)
3 Trench drains with collection in a unilateral drain (sporadic
outcrop of water table)

2 Drains transversaux avec collecte dans un drain longitudinal
central
2 Cross-wise drains with collection in a central longitudinal
drain
Principe de stabilisation [] Principle of stabilization of slope intersecting a water table
with drainage trenches (discontinuous drainage wall)


Instability in a cut slope due to the presence of a water table. Side view of instability in the same slope.

The geosynthetic features of geospacers and geodrains can make an effective contribution to the solutions
proposed, either as additional features or to replace granular materials.
The solution of driving piles into a slope, perhaps with a plinth wall and subhorizontal drains (whether bored or
not) is often used to deal with a large mass displaced by a creep phenomenon.
In the case of drainage networks, a monitoring and maintenance strategy must be implemented on the facility by
those in charge of the project this involves measurement of the various flows and possibly a piezometric unit
when there is a risk of damage to the environment.
A sliding slope which has disorganized the slope overall means it has to be rebuilt over the entire damaged land
requirement, with an internal drainage system.

Construction of a drainage trench to lower the water table using
drive points (not visible above on the left).

Capping layer structured as loose stones to prescreen the water table
over the land requirement.
Line of drive points used prior to the cut.

C.11 Embankments & fills in aquiferous zones
C. 11. 1 St ruct ures concerned
Embankment in a area liable to flooding (a).
Embankment of height < 1 m with suboutcrop water table (b).
Embankment of which part of the thickness is built in water (c).
Regulation NF P 11-300 - Classification of materials [45];
Recommendations for the use of geotextiles (French Geotextiles and Geomembrane Committee,
CFGG);
Study and construction of embankments/fills on compressible soils [8].
The main difficulties encountered are as follows:
influence of capillary rise in the main body of the embankment (depending on the nature of the materials and
the size of the structure) (structure type a, b, c);
use of materials on soil with a low bearing capacity (b and possibly a);
use of materials in water (c);
wake wave erosion of earthworks slopes (a, c);
rapid recession instability (a, c).
Hydraulic transparency with regard to flooding is effected by specific stipulations (discharge structure) set out
in a hydraulic study. The design of the embankment will not seek to guarantee this transparency, although it will
contribute to it.
Compressible embankment bearing soils are frequently found in aquiferous (water bearing) zones.
C. 11. 4 - St udi es
On the basis of a geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological study of the site, design studies for the project
will concern the following areas:
compressibility of the soils;
underground hydraulics;
general stability of the embankment;
constitution of the embankments/fills (type of material, implementation).
1) Blockage of capillary rise
The techniques to be implemented depend on the influence of capillary rise on the materials in the structure and
the dimensions of the structure with respect to the risks of:
reduced bearing capacity of the upper part of the earthworks;
general stability of the embankment.
The easiest solution is to build the embankments/fills using materials which are not water-sensitive, up to the
highest water level (PHE) + 0.5 meters after settlement. This solution involves using the finest quality materials.
There are solutions which allow normal cuts to be reused. Treatment of soils (using lime or lime with hydraulic
binders) restricts capillary rise and improves the mechanical characteristics.
This level of soil must be fully compacted, and implemented with extra thickness or a layer of gravely material
laid initially as an anvil.
In situ treatment of the bearing soil may also be considered.
2) Low bearing capacity embankment bearing soil: risk of on the upper section of the earthworks
[PST] or on the subformation level [AR], due to fluctuation in the water table
I n t he case of l ower embankment s / f i l l s
A substitution must be made in such a way that the main body of the embankment has a thickness of at least 1 -
1.5 meter of non-water sensitive materials (possibly with an intermediate geotextile layer).
Embankment i n a area l i abl e t o f l oodi ng
Here it is occasionally necessary to substitute the soil in place.
Removing the topsoil, however, can lead to trafficability problems and difficulties of execution. In the case of
embankments/fills of a height over 2 meters, it is therefore often advisable to preserve it and implement a thick
layer of non-water sensitive materials (possibly with an intermediate geotextile layer).
3) Implementation of materials in water
In this case, only the use of non-water sensitive and non-degradable materials is recommended.
The use of rounded materials will constitute the best method, since this is the best implementation without
compacting, and compaction carried out on the waterless surface will be effective at a greater depth.
In the case of embankments/fills in water to a thickness of 2 meters, compaction on the surface using classic
methods is insufficient. Other techniques must be considered, such as dynamic compaction or vibroflotation.
Another solution consists of associating the layers from the bottom up: riprap, separation geotextile (with
sufficient penetration hardness).
4) Wake wave slope erosion
In flood situations, wake waves can produce erosion in earthworks slopes.
Here the design of embankments/fills must include protection of the slope surface up to the highest water level,
using one of the following solutions:
geotextiles and replanting or geomembrane;
riprap;
treatment of soils with hydraulic binders on the slope facing.
5) Rapid recession instability
In general, the structures concerned are located in sites with slow recession.
In the case of embankments/fills implemented in proximity to torrential water courses (rapid recession), the
immersed section must consist of materials with a high permeability rating - possibly non-water sensitive
gravely materials.
The use of fine treated soils ought to be examined. This solution could envisage an embankment with recharge
on the slope of gravely materials and perhaps riprap, or a low abutment, the thickness of which would be
justified by general stability calculations.
Particular attention will be paid to dissymmetric recessions, although the hydraulic study generally helps
envisage sufficient discharge structures.
C.12 Underground cavities
Sites with known or potential underground cavities, the evolution of which could affect the structure.
The cavities may be natural or man-made.
Plans for Prevention of Natural Risks General guide [60];
Plans for Prevention of Natural Risks Risks of earth movements Methodological Guide [61];
Risk Exposure Plans
Applied geophysics: Code of Good Practices [58];
Guide to Cavities INERIS / DPPR / LCPC (provisional document pending validation).
Natural Risks Liaison Bulletin, Public Works Research Laboratories No. 150 - 151 [56];
Abandoned underground quarries. Risks and prevention. Seminar at Nainville-les-Roches (1993).
International Engineering Geology Association (April 1995)
Detection of underground cavities using geophysical methods Practical Guide [].
Characterization of uncertainties (nature, size, depth, density etc,), of possible knowledge on the subject, and the
risk of occurrence.
Characterization of the effects of uncertainties. The nature and extent of possible structural damage to the site
must be specified.
Estimation of the probability of occurrence of this type of damage.
C. 12. 4 St udi es t o be carri ed out
Type of study Classes Meteorological situations
Preliminary geological analysis ................................. EP** Yes Yes
Oral proximity study ...................................................... EP Yes Yes
Research in archives (old documents, specific surveys,
maps ...) ......................................................................... EP

Yes

Yes
Research of indices
photo-interpretation: aerial ........................................... AP
infrared ....................................... AP
- visit to site ...................................................... EP and AP
- geophysics .................................................................. AP
- monitoring of stripping ............................................... AP

Yes
if adapted
Yes
if adapted
Not always necessary

Yes
if adapted
Yes
if adapted
Yes
Investigation
- specific stripping................................................AP and P
- shovel sampling .................................................AP and P
- destructive boring: (tricone, bit).........................AP and P
- geological bores (auger drill) ...................................... P
- visit to cavities (human, camera).................................... P
- estimation of shapes and volumes .................................. P

/
Yes
Yes
Yes
(Yes)*
(Yes)*

Yes
Yes
Yes
/
(Yes)*
Yes
*if technically possible
**level of studies: EP preliminary study - AP preliminary project study - P project study
In the case of structures on cuts, studies may be accompanied by investigation at the bottom of the cut (better
detection and/or lower costs if the covering of the cavity is smaller), or during work in accordance with the
anomalies encountered (cavities, sand pockets, access shafts, etc.).
C. 12. 5 - Recommended sol ut i ons
Choice of the methodology to protect the structure will depend first and foremost on characterization of
uncertainties, and the outcome of preliminary studies, depending on whether or not it was possible to survey and
characterize the cavity.
In general, man-made cavities are finished unstable voids. Thus it will be necessary to find them and usually
make a choice between filling them in or reinforcing them.
Natural cavities (karstic network) often consist of unfinished voids, and in this case the most common concern
is to prevent their development or limit their effects.
The best solution for a cavity problem will be that which provides the best risk reduction / costs of
investigation and treatment ratio.
For example, on a given site, if the risk involves minor subsidence (diameter less than 2 meters), the best
solution could be implementation of continuous geosynthetic protection with no detailed study of the area
concerned.

Solutions Characteristics
Area of application
and restrictions on use
Checking and monitoring
Reinforcement

Consolidation of existing
pillars.
Addition of pillars.
Rock bolting of the roofs.
Known accessible cavities.

Possible instrumentation.
Maintenance of accesses for
regular monitoring during
the operational stage.
Filling from the
inside

Mechanical filling with
sandy material.

Known accessible cavities.
Geometry adapted.
Characteristics of the
material.
Checking of pressing and/or
compaction.
Filling from the
outside

Solid or liquid injection for
a hydraulic system.
Hydraulic filling with sand.
Known cavities.
Preliminary estimation of
volumes. Geometry adapted.
Creation of air vents on
higher sections.
Characteristics of the
product injected.
Drive back at the air vents.
Caving

Removing the empty space
by collapsing the cavity.
Known deep cavities.
Require consolidation of
collapsed soils.
Verification of the
effectiveness of caving and
non-disturbance of the water
table system (preliminary
analysis and additional
investigation afterwards,
etc.).
Dynamic tamping

Removing the empty space
by collapsing the cavity.
Known or unknown
suboutcrop cavities.

Monitoring of mesh and
results (preliminary analysis
and subsequent testing).
Impermeabilization
of ditches and
retention tanks
Preventing the migration of
surface water to karstic
ducts.
Unknown cavities with a
risk of bringing in fine
materials.
Watertightness of the
systems and subsequent
monitoring.
Continuous
geosynthetic
reinforcement
Preventive solution to guard
against serious accident
(creating a surface
depression in case of
collapse).
Unknown cavities or
subsidence < 4 meters.
Sizing study.
Verification of system
continuity and
implementation and
subsequent monitoring.
Soil reinforcement
using bars,
reinforced concrete
slabs ...
Preventive solution.

Small known cavities (1 - 5
meters).
Sizing study.
Checking of products and
their implementation.
Subsequent monitoring.
Expanding
embankments/fills
Method currently
undergoing study
and experimentation
Implementation of sufficient
thickness to create a self-
supporting vault.
Profile on embankment.
Sizing study.
Choice and compaction of
materials.
Instrumentation and
monitoring.
Deepening cuts

Leveling of earthworks to
beneath the cavities.
Profile on cut.
Known or unknown cavities.
Monitoring of work and
observation of voids
encountered during
earthworks.

D Constructional measures (case studies)
Case study No. 1
Treatment of visibility problems and use of surpluses
Characteristics of
the project
- Open motorway 16 km long with surplus at outline preliminary project/design stage [APS]
of 1,500,000 m
3

(built in 1998).
- Type of soil: altered hard shale class R34 / GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills.
Stage of study Project report drawn up with residents.
Environment
concerned
- Village in hollow in valley residents view of motorway.
- View of Normandy bocage pasture landscape for users.
Problem - Residents 400 m from the motorway and 55 m below did not want to see the motorway, and
less so after the land reallocation.
- In due consideration of the quality of the view of the Normandy bocage landscape on the
horizon observed by users, this view should be kept at a distance.
- Research into reduction of surplus was not the origin of procedures.
Solution used Construction of a light earth mound barrier and therefore an extension to the platform
satisfied the desires of residents as far as possible (the top sections of trucks were still
visible), while maintaining the views in the distance for users. This construction stipulation
used up surplus materials. The absence of any surplus material would have led to
construction of the earth mound barrier in any case.
Diagram

Advantages - Elimination and reduction of visual impact
- Reconstitution of a bocage system at the road edge
- Utilization of surplus material
- No safety rail
- Guttering in water channel
- Easier maintenance
Disadvantages Larger land requirement
Reference Autoroute des Estuaires A 84 - Section Coulvain - Guilberville

Ligne de vue sur la valle Line of vision over the valley
Ligne de vue des riverains Line of vision for local residents

TN Natural ground

Schiste dur au ripper Hard shale cut with ripper
Talus non vgtalis Unplanted slope

Case study No. 2
Excess materials / Landscape
Characteristics of
the project
Free motorway, 20 km with an excess at project stage of 3,000,000 m
3
of silty soils.
Environment
concerned
Motorway in open country on a slightly undulating site in bocage pasture landscape with
isolated farmhouses. The parcel mainly features permanent meadows surrounded by bocage
hedges.
Problem The project was a full cut to satisfy all residents and municipalities, and generated 3,000,000
m
3
in excess material to be removed from the land requirement.
Solution used As a base solution to the tender documents [DCE], transport of materials at a quarry to be
redeveloped was considered costly. The decision was taken to authorize contractor
variants. An impact study report was drawn up in conjunction with the DIREN and attached
with the DCE. This set the game rules; forbidden areas, the landscaping models to be
respected, hedgerows to be retained, water flows, etc. Observation of these rules formed part
of the judgment criteria for tenders, which had to be approved by the DIREN before they
could be accepted.
Therefore the contractor suggested raising a number of agricultural parcels next to the
motorway, which were in hollows or were downhill from the landscaped mound barriers or
from district road restoration embankments/fills.
Diagram

Advantages - Elimination of excess materials on parcels adjacent to the motorway, preferably in
proximity of overpasses for restoration of embankment routes.
- Landscape integration of the motorway, earth mound barriers for noise protection, and
embankment restoration routes for overpasses.
- Better accessibility for areas around the old barriers formerly planned.
- Limitation of land requirements in the absence of plantations.
- Lower cost than transport, and final depositing in accordance with the law on waste.
- The contractor handled all problems with residents.
Disadvantages - Solution dependent on the goodwill of residents, particularly in terms of indemnities, which
were negotiated by the contractor only after it had been awarded the contract.
- Extra stripping and restoration work, entailing longer work timelines.
- Work on restoration of surface flows.
Reference A13, Bayeux Calvados diversion.

TN Natural ground

Rhaussement des parcelles Raising of parcels
A13 A13
Rhaussement des parcelles Raising of parcels

Merlon de protection phonique Earth mound barrier for noise protection

Case study No. 3
Earth movement / Landscape / Hydraulics / Town planning
Characteristics of
the project
- Straight-alignment motorway, 4 km.
- Embankment from a borrow cut of fluvio-glacial material at a distance of 8 km.
Environment
concerned
- Motorway in a suburban setting, in a compressible area liable to flooding.
- The Lavanchon river, partially dammed, creating frequent floods.
- Narrow flat valley flanked by mountainous terrain; grandiose environment (Vercors).
- Compressible soils (15 - 18 m of shale).
Problem - Motorway placed in high embankments/fills in the overview / background summary [APS]
to avoid flooding, and thus:
- Difficulties in relation to serious settlement problems (project at + 4m, approximate
settlement 1 m).
- Many structures for hydraulic transparency and maintenance of the floodable nature of the
area.
- Problem of overpasses set at 10m/Tn (settlement + integration).
- Problems relating to noise screens and difficult project integration.

Diagram: overview / background summary [APS] stage

Solution employed: Motorway set on natural ground. Construction of a counter-canal and recalibration of the
river.

Advantages - Reduction in terms of embankments/fills and transport
- Limitation on overpass ramps
- Easier integration
- Noise protection masked or replaced by earth mound barriers
- Creation of a pedestrian/cyclist route (green flow)
- Economic
- Partial elimination of flooding in inhabited areas
Disadvantages Reworking of the project (new hydraulic studies and negotiation)
Reference A51, Grenoble Col du Fau, Municipalities of Claix, Varces, Allires & Risset

Schma : niveau A.P.S. Diagram: overview / background summary [APS] stage
Ecran Screen
Zone inondable Area liable to flooding
Tassement > 1 m Settlement > 1 m
A 51 A 51
Plaine de Lavanchon Lavanchon Plain
Lavanchon Lavanchon
15 16 m dargile 15 16 m of clay

Solution retenue :. Chosen solution
Ecran Screen
A 51 A 51
Contre-canal Side canal
Lavanchon Lavanchon

Case study No. 4
Earth movement / Borrowing
Characteristics of
the project
Ordinary section 16 km, 7 million m
3
to be dozed, of which 3.5 million m
3
in
embankments/fills, see drainage materials.
Environment
concerned
Suburban section, plains and mountain; grandiose context, Vercors and Grand Brion. Project
altitude 300 - 900 meters.
Problem Necessity of embankment materials (3.5 million m
3
), but no borrowing possible
(environmental constraints, difficult political context, etc.).
Initial solution chosen in the overview / background summary [APS]: Use of external supply; considerable
extra costs, not addressed; transport issues.

Solution chosen: On the basis of additional geotechnical and geological studies, adaptation of the project (red line
and cross section) to find a balance for earth movement and transform a cut into a borrowing.
Definition of a strategy.

Advantages Absence of borrowing (no specific administrative procedure, reduction in transport and
administration of costs of materials.
Disadvantages Variable project geometry to be administered until completion of earthworks.
- Larger land requirement.
Reference A51 Grenoble Col du Fau, Isre district, Municipality of Vif.
Ecran Screen
A 51 A 51
Contre-canal Side canal
Lavanchon Lavanchon

Coupe A - A Cut A-A
A 51 A 51
TPC largi Widened central reservation
P.L. A 51 adapt Adapted longitudinal section of A51

Case study No. 5
Environment Drainage
Characteristics of
the project
Straight-alignment motorway, crossing plains perpendicularly, length 2.5 km with full semi-
interchange; longitudinal section almost horizontal.
Environment
concerned
- Flood plan flanked by high relief to the east and west.
- A large dammed river (Gresse).
- Plain occupied by agriculture and isolated hamlets, some of which are in close proximity to
the project.
- Presence of tappings of Grenoble downstream with probable direct communication via the
water table.
- Direct communication via the water table.
- Project located in the protected area at some distance from tappings: high sensitivity.
Problem
- Difficult if not impossible (on interchange) to guard against pollution of the water table and the Gresse river.
- Barrier-type devices (GBA) were considered in the overview / background summary [APS] with an upper
barrier, height 3.50 m. Strong visual impact.

Initial solution used in the overview / background summary [APS]: Replacement of GBA + barriers with earth
mound barriers on ordinary section + subhorizontal hydraulic racking system for collection and prescreening.

Advantages - Easier project integration (earthworks slope + vegetation)
- Limited plain cut effect
- Reutilization of materials unsuitable for embankments/fills
- Elimination of noise screens
- Limited maintenance in the event of accident
- Greater consideration of fauna
Disadvantages Complex hydraulic system
References A51 Grenoble / Col du Fau, Municipalities of Varces, Allires et Risset, Vif.

Schma : projet A.P.S. Diagram: overview / background summary [APS]
Rivire de la Gresse River Gresse

P.S. Overpass
Passage agricole Agricultural route

Faible pente Slight gradient
Zone sensible / Captages Sensitive tapping zone
P.I. Underpass
Coupe A-A Section A-A
A 51 A 51

T.N. Natural ground
T.N. Natural ground

Schma : solution retenue. Diagram: chosen solution
Rivire de la Gresse River Gresse

P.S. Overpass
Passage agricole Agricultural route
Merlon Earth mound barrier
Faible pente Slight gradient
Zone sensible / Captages Sensitive tapping zone
P.I. Underpass
Coupe A-A Section A-A
A 51 A 51
Casiers hydrauliques Hydraulic strips
T.N. Natural ground
P.L. A51 Adapted longitudinal section of A51

Merlon Earth mound barrier
Pente douce Gentle gradient

T.N. Natural ground

E Preparation of work
E.1 Design and analysis of variants
E. 1. 1 General st i pul at i ons and st i pul at i ons i n regul at i ons
Article 50 of the Procurement Contract Code allows bidders to submit tenders with variants at the same time as
the basic solution, unless there is an express indication to the contrary in the public invitation to tender and in
the rules for tendering.
The rules for tendering should indicate the general limits for the variant solutions.
In their assessment of tenders, the authorities awarding the contract (PA) are obliged to examine responses to
the basic solution before the variant responses. They must then examine the basic offer of the best candidates
with the most interesting variant solutions in order to determine the most advantageous economic bid in
accordance only with the criteria set in the rules for tendering (article 53-V of the Procurement Contract Code).
E. 1. 2 - Appl i cat i on t o eart hwork si t es
Approved principles:
Any variant leading to modification of the projects geometry (the land requirement or the red line) is
excluded on the grounds of the unchangeable points constituted by the heights of structures, restorations
of roadways or hydraulic structures built.
Proposals in relation to materials, products or specific methods of execution to provide the basic solution
for the contract are to be examined within the context of preparations and acceptance of the Quality
Assurance Plan (PAQ), and are therefore not considered as variants.
We may thus set out a priori (as a non-exhaustive list) several earthworks variant families, as follows:
variants for stipulations concerning sewerage or drainage;
variants for consolidation of structure parts;
variants for materials to build the embankments/fills;
variants for road support platforms (upper parts of earthworks and/or capping layer);
variants for timelines for structure (economic timeline, partial timeline / optimization of equipment fleet).
As a general rule, sewerage, drainage, and the choice of solutions for consolidation and reinforcement
(compressible soils, stiffening of slopes, etc.) are the result of studies at project level by the construction
manager designer which have led to designs of structures and are not usually open to variants, particularly when
a procedure in advance has established State commitments (the Water Act in relation to sewerage or drainage).
However, if this variant option is authorized, the DCE should be accompanied by studies in sufficient detail to
ensure the feasibility of variant studies and set out the following in the rules for tendering:
that the studies for design and execution of the variant, and any subsequent modifications, are the
responsibilities of the contractor, and that the corresponding price covers all the normal tasks of a construction
manager in terms of design;
that the variant must not affect the rest of the design of the structure;
that the variant must not involve any prolongation of the overall timelines for the operation;
that if the variant proposed does not meet the above criteria, it will be removed from the bid;
that if, during the period of preparation and during site work, the performances set out in the variant solution
are not confirmed, the contractor must suggest technical readjustments to its solution with no modification of
the initial cost of the variant. A return to the basic solution is not authorized with respect to the initial call for
tenders.
With respect to the materials used to build the embankments/fills, in general a distinction is made between the
following two cases:
Is the earth moving balanced (study carried out when the DCE is drawn up)? No variant (details of earth
moving will be specified and validated in the Quality Assurance Plan PAQ);
Does the DCE envisage filler materials for embankments/fills? Contractors proposals are judged in terms of
their conformity with the rules of the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills rules and their adaptation
to design of the structure (gradients of slopes, rigidity of the upper parts of earthworks, permeability, etc.).
These proposals do not therefore constitute variants.
Special cases are possible, however.
By way of example, the case of an embankment in a area liable to flooding - the DCE envisages construction of
the lower section of the embankment with non-water sensitive materials as part of the basic solution.
Variants in terms of the nature of materials may thus be authorized (for example, soils treated with a view to
preventing capillary rise or wake wave erosion of taluses).
E. 1. 3 Pl ausi bl e vari ant s
Variants authorized and often justified thus relate to the design of the platforms.
They may be classified as three main types:
type 1 variants leading to construction of the same platform. Here there are no consequences in terms of the
road structure;
type 2 variants leading to construction of a class (i) upper platform. Here there are consequences in terms of
the sizing of the road structure. This type of variant is generally permitted only if it involves a single
earthworks-road contract, or a contract with an earthworks section and a roads section;
type 3 variants introducing the consideration of mechanical performances of the capping layer and sizing of
the platform/road unit using a structure calculations model;
In parallel fashion to these variants, a variant may be superimposed on the means of execution: higher-performance
spreading and grading methods, allowing the contractor to meet the requirements of more stringent leveling
tolerances than those specified in the basic solution or identical PF, reduction of the road structure (in the case of
earthworks-road contracts).
Type 1 variants
Their characteristics are generally as follows:
either improvement of the subformation by treatment or substitution and lesser thickness in the capping layer;
or a variant in relation to the nature of the untreated material specified in the basic solution for the capping
layer (a proposal to use industrial by-products, for instance);
or a variant with treated soil to replace the untreated material specified in the basic solution for the capping
layer;
or a variant in relation to the mechanical performances and thickness of the treated soil specified in the basic
solution.
Type 2 variants
These variants may related to the thickness and/or the nature of the untreated material specified for the capping
layer, as per the upgrading rules in the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills [10].
In most cases, this involves using the possibilities available in the Guide to Treatment of Soils (GTS) [13] for
the sizing of treated capping layers:
change in the method of treatment;
change of binder;
change of proportioning;
change of mechanical class;
change in thickness.
Type 3 variants
These variants will be acceptable only in the case of very large sites (such as motorways), where extremely
stringent quality assurance stipulation are implemented, and where correction of the road structure may be
envisaged if it proves impossible to obtain the mechanical performances in the capping layer, for sizing of the
structure.

E. 1. 4 Techni cal anal ysi s of t he vari ant s
When the rules for tendering authorize the variants, the project owner is compelled to include the conditions
which must be met by the variant solutions.
To this end, the person writing up the rules for tendering (RC) may use the indications in the Guide to
Treatment of Soils (GTS) in the case of treated capping layers, or use this for inspiration in the case of variants
involving untreated materials.
The writing criteria are in accordance with:
contract context types (see items furnished in the GTS Guide to Treatment of Soils pages 147 and 148 [13] in
the CCTG General Technical Specifications section 2 [49] and in the guide to drafting the Particular Technical
Specifications (CCTP) for earthworks [19];
specifications to be included in the CCTP and requests to be made for response in the quality assurance plans
organizational chart (SOPAQ) for judgment of the variants (see GTS Guide to Treatment of Soils, article C3
1.4 pages 153 - 155) [13].
E.2 Legal, technical and economic risks in relation to earthworks
E. 2. 1 Ri sk assessment
Risk is normally the unknown factor present within a project designed and carried through to the rules of
construction.
With respect to earthworks, as in other areas, risk may be legal, technical, economic or even political.
E. 2. 2 - Legal ri sks i n rel ati on t o eart hworks
During the study/design stage, the consequences of risk are not necessarily immediate. However, legal disputes
may often arise subsequently during the actual works phase or after commissioning if, during this study/design
phase, procedures have not been implemented, measurements have not been taken, or reports have not been
drawn up.
Risk concerns mainly the following:
Borrowings and deposits of materials
A lack of knowledge of the administrative procedures in force, both in terms of the Mining Code [51] and
impact studies, may lead to a situation in which the builder does not have the required materials or deposit sites
readily available.
To prevent this type of risk, there must be commented distribution of the procedures in force. With regard to this,
the matter of the legal status of surplus materials, particularly in terms of their utilization in other operations,
must be clarified at interministerial level.
There are, in fact, restrictive interpretations of texts by the DRIRE currently emerging in relation to surplus
materials. Are these natural deposits, items in storage or depots?
The law governing waste, however, considers that all surplus materials not reused on the site land requirement
constitute waste, and must be managed as such.
The planner must therefore concern himself at the earliest possible stage with balance in terms of earth
movement in all cases as of the preliminary design [APS]. He will set out needs in terms of borrow materials
and deposit sites.
This matter is to be discussed in the impact study in the public interest inquiry report (the decree of 25 February
1993 and the circular of 27 September 1993 from the Ministry of the Environment state that borrowings and
deposits must be treated as indirect effects of the project).
In the case of smaller projects, borrow and deposit locations may be located as of the acknowledgement of
public interest (DUP), in view of their considerable incidence on the cost of earthworks, and also on the
nuisances caused to local residents by heavy goods vehicles.
Blasting earthworks
During blasting operations there is a risk of damage to the surrounding built structures, and this generally
creates legal cases between the contractor and local residents.
The incidence of these situations may entail a site shutdown, with all its financial and technical consequences.
To prevent this contingency, it is advisable to first identify sensitive areas and then seek to use the services of
companies with wide experience in rock earthworks.
In terms of quality procedures, it is also advisable to request specific qualifications for this type of service.
In any case, an inventory report for the inside and outside of buildings before and after blasting operations is
essential.
Checks on piezometric levels
Here a distinction may be made between the risk of recession in springs and wells and the consequences of
lowering the water table on the natural and agricultural environment and availability of drinking water supply.
In order to avoid any risk of legal cases relating to recession in water supplies for human, agricultural or
industrial use, at the very least a hydrogeologist must draw up joint reports prior to operations on water levels
(establishment of the environmental guide to be supplied, etc.).

For measurement of water level variations in proximity to the site and also at a distance of 70 or even 100
meters, and the incidence of the various phases of work on the surroundings, it is advisable to implement
piezometers on a line perpendicular to the project.
Restoration of usage will often involve direct financing of damages by the project owner through an agreement
with private individuals, if they have not been taken into account in work relating to a land reallocation, for
example.
Falling sections
Neglect of or failure to take sufficient consideration of this risk has technical and financial consequences in
particular.
In the case of a poorly designed project, however, an accident may entail penal consequences for the project
owner and the construction manager, or possibly the engineering firm in charge of design and / or the
contractor.
E. 2. 3 Techni cal ri sks i n rel at i on t o eart hworks
Risk is most often of a technical nature in relation to earthworks.
It often concerns the following non-exhaustive list:
Quality of geotechnical studies
Technical risk in terms of earthworks mainly stems from a lack of knowledge of the geotechnical and
hydrogeological contexts.
The importance of geological and geotechnical investigation can never be overestimated. This must be adapted
to the development of studies in connection with basic design, the size of the project and the geological and
topographical complexity of the site (see the LCPC document Commande et contrle des reconnaissances
gotechniques de tracs (Command and control for geotechnical investigation of alignments) Ref. 59023101).
The project owner is responsible for carrying out all studies in the proper fashion (it should be borne in mind
that the overall costs of studies for an operation are between 2% and 9% of the operation, in accordance with the
size of the operation and the type of services provided as in-house works or subcontracts).
There should never be deadlock for reasons relating to finance or timelines.
The first error is neglecting preliminary studies (preliminary studies [EP] and overview / background summaries
[APS]).
Over the last 25 years, the considerable importance given to environmental constraints, and more specifically
the constraints of the natural surroundings, have meant that designers tend to attach less importance to
geotechnical constraints proper, which are rarely the main factor in terms of choice of variants, and they concern
themselves with these constraints only at an advanced stage of the project.
This means that technical anomalies which could serve to alert designers to carry out in-depth studies in good
time on such singular matters are not identified at a sufficiently early stage.
Similarly, it is advisable to attempt to gather together investigation data for the entire project. If topography
renders land inaccessible, this could in fact signal that the land is unstable.
With no exceptions, inaccessibility of land in terms of either topography or refusals by land owners cannot lead
to deadlock on a certain area of the project.
Falling sections
From the technical point of view, a distinction is made between the risks of falling sections from slopes outside
the land requirements and falls from slopes which form part of the project.
In rocky areas, this must be a concern from the outset of studies.
Beyond repercussions in relation to the choice of alignment, the incidence of this risk may lead to a choice of
building retaining walls rather than earthworks slopes, building stone traps on the edges of the construction,
and/or consideration of building protective structures on slopes.
Limited or insufficient material resources
In addition to the legal risk mentioned above, failure to appreciate earthworks balance generally leads to
underestimation of this item.
There are many causes. If systematic use of programs to calculate earthworks volumes and digital models has
made calculation of geometric volumes easier and reliable, it may frequently be observed that no account is
taken of all items which may affect the conditions for reutilization of soils (bulking, for instance).
Areas of low bearing capacity and compressible areas
In due consideration of the fact that these areas could call the project into question or create considerable
technical constraints, it is advisable for work to be carried out with a geologist to identify such areas as soon as
possible visually in preliminary studies, proceeding with technical identification during the overview /
background summary [APS], and subsequently during the actual project phase.
Building an embankment too rapidly on soil which is compressible and/or has a low bearing capacity can entail
general instability in the bearing soil and the main body of the embankment.
Beyond the safety problems engendered by collapse of bearing soil and an embankment, stabilization work,
treatment of the area and rehabilitation of structures will require substantial additional costs and prolongations
of timelines.
In the specific case of embankments/fills on compressible soils, in addition to stability problems, there are two
other basic problems to be addressed: the deformations caused, in particular, by settlement of the bearing soil
under the embankment (settlements in the short and long term, with creep to be considered in future years, and
over many years in fact), and the strains caused on surrounding structures (either already built or to be built at
some future stage).
For the construction of embankments/fills on compressible soils, the consequences on the handling of the
project relate to four main points, as follows:
problems in connection with the feasibility of the structure: an embankment built on compressible soils could
entail specific construction stipulations such as the use of vertical drains, construction of bench terraces,
construction in stages, implementation of temporary overloads, etc.
phasing of particular tasks, especially in terms of building structures and their foundations in particular;
operating constraints, especially permissible settlement in the long term at platform level;
time: whether in terms of studies, actual work or consolidation of soils and monitoring of this, time will be
much more important than in the construction of a classic embankment.
In cut areas, soils with a low bearing capacity must be purged or treated with hydraulic binders, and must not
constitute a water trap.
Unstable slopes
It is advisable that the preliminary studies identify areas with a risk of unstable slopes (consultation of the PPR
plan for prevention of foreseeable natural risks should not be neglected).
A simple analysis of geological and geomorphological charts and a compulsory visit to the site in order to
examine its topography, position of trees, bushes, fence posts, etc. will reveal areas which are unstable or could
become unstable.
In geotechnical studies during the phase of the overview / background summary [APS] and the actual project
phase, the geologist will draw up an evaluation report of uncertainties within the study.
When stability studies specify the construction stipulations to be enacted, deadlock must never be reached in
relation to such stipulations on the pretext that the slope is stable during the construction work phase.
Underground cavities
Natural or man-made underground cavities may affect the structures (collapse, subsidence, etc.).
It is therefore extremely important that areas which may contain these cavities be identified as early as possible
in the preliminary studies.
The initial procedure will be a visit to the site, a local inquiry and collation of information from specialists such
as BRGM, DRIRE, CETE, DDE, and the Prfecture's civil protection service.
In order to adapt treatment of the cavity, the costs of which are sometimes considerable, the uncertainties should
be characterized (type of cavity, size, diameter, depth, density, quality of the vault, etc.).
E. 2. 4 Economi c ri sks i n rel at i on t o eart hworks
Beyond the economic effects of legal, technical and meteorological risks, insufficiencies, inaccuracies and
inconsistencies in connection with the various sections of a work contract are often the cause of litigation and
shifts in costs.
The following are the main points to be observed:
words in written texts which have no meaning.
For example:
- deep water
- moderate settlement
- protection against runoff water
- construction constraint as the result of
- imperfection
- the contractor will deem it necessary to
text that imposes unrealistic obligations on the construction manager;
make progress subject to decisions by the construction manager (risk of site shutdown, selection of the real
stoppage points);
stipulations in the CCTP Particular Technical Specifications not included in the prices specification;
prices including services which cannot be provided;
inconsistencies between the provisions in the CCTP Particular Technical Specifications and the schedules of
prices;
incomplete work and / or insufficient means with respect to the technical aspects or the quality required;
an absence of precision as to the deposit locations or transportation distances for deposits;
unit prices whose definition is too wide or difficult to estimate;
Example of sensitive prices;
whatever the material
whatever the volume concerned
prices including risk on levels of performance or output;
complex prices which are charged at a flat rate or an inclusive fixed sum;
quantities siphoned between several prices.
E.3 Phases prior to construction
E. 3. 1 Concerni ng t he Tender Document s [ DCE] duri ng t he peri od of preparat i on
Warning
Production of a full DCE and an excellent period of preparation are essential for a successful site.
The first quality procedure consists of an excellent earthworks study by the construction manager on the basis of
serious geotechnical studies, and a sound choice of the start date for earthworks operations.
In relation to geotechnics, the DCE must contain the following, for instance:
a longitudinal section of cuts / embankments/fills with cubes for each cut and embankment;
a geotechnical profile with separation of materials and classification in accordance with the GTR Technical
Guide to Embankments & Fills [10];
a full geotechnical report, the bore file, and photos of samples;
seismic-refraction study for rocky soils;
all studies for embankments/fills > 10 meters on compressible soils, treatment studies and studies on stability
of slopes;
the earth movement project.
Constraints on choice must not be only in relation to budget; even if too often they govern the awarding of
contracts or are dictated by functional or political obligations, they must also take account of the following:
periods favoring rational execution of work (climatic conditions, traffic constraints, etc.);
the load plan for all companies which affects prices;
a sufficient period of preparation for the contractor.
For project management, this preparatory phase (DCE + period of preparation) prior to the start of major
earthworks must include the following:
The pegging plan for the operation
The construction manager implements the axis, setting out planimetry and altimetry at each stake along the
axis. The land requirement boundaries must also be made available to the contractor subsequently (planimetry
only);
A joint report on pegging will be drawn up during preparatory work by the construction manager and the
contractor after the latter has checked the pegging quality.
Initial inventory
an inventory report for the land requirements, including the area containing the site facility (available parcels,
unavailable parcels, parcels with crops);
if there is no approved route specified in the contract, a detailed inventory of routes which could be used by
the contractor will be drawn up by the construction manager. The inventory report may be attached with the
DCE if the routes constitute a major constraint in terms of transportation.
Following acceptance by the project owner of this inventory and the conditions for rehabilitation of borrowed
routes, the inventory report will be submitted to the contractor during the preparatory period. Following
examination of the report, the contractor accepts the construction managers inventory, and the conditions of the
project owner for the road, in due observance of article 34 of the General Administrative Specifications [CCAG]
for works.
If the contractor contests the inventory report, a rectifying report will be drawn up jointly by all parties and,
following agreement by all parties, a route or routes will be approved by the construction manager.
Displacements of networks
examination of maintenance of communication and water flows. A visit will be made to the site to set out the
provisional stipulations which must entered in the DCE;
displacements of networks: on completion of the project report, the construction manager makes a list of
networks with the concessionary companies, and, together with the concessionary companies, defines the
displacements which will be respectively the responsibilities of the concessionary company and of the
construction manager in accordance with jurisprudence in force, i.e.:
if the network to be displaced is located on private property, it will always be to the responsibility of the party
requesting;
however, if the network is located on public property and road works are carried out in the public interest and
constitute a development operation in accordance with the usage of this area, displacements are the
responsibility of the concessionary companies (example: rectification of bends, roundabouts, etc.).
For the concessionary companies, the criterion of the new structure, the objective of which was to
systematically place the cost of displacements on the account of the project owner, no longer exists.
Thus, between the Project phase and preparation of the tender documents [DCE] for Earthworks, the project
owner must finance and arrange displacements of networks located within the land requirement or give the
concessionary company notice to displace his networks. A summary of displaced or undisplaced networks must
be drawn up and attached with the DCE or submitted to the contractor during the preparatory phase of work at
the latest.
For reasons relating to urgency or work order, temporary displacements, often by air, may be carried out.
Administrative authorizations for occupation of land
a copy of the temporary occupation agreements and, if any, road-using permits setting out the conditions for
utilization of land and the nature of rehabilitation;
in terms of real estate, in accordance with the DUP acknowledgement of public interest, the project owner
must undertake to always specify early possession of land in offers to sell. Likewise, when the land reallocation
procedure is engaged and classification of land has been completed, he must request the Prefectoral order for
early possession of land.
Archaeological excavations
section 1 of the law of 27 September 1941 and the decree of 27 May 1994 stipulate that no person may carry
out, on land belonging to them or to others, excavations or bores for the purpose of investigation of monuments
or object which may be of prehistorical, historical, artistic or archaeological interest without obtaining prior
authorization;
therefore any excavations for investigation, reconnaissance or rescue of any archaeological remains, where
necessary, must be undertaken by bodies approved by the DRAC in order to conserve archaeological heritage;
any fortuitous archaeological discoveries must therefore be made known to the mayor of the municipality who
must notify the Prfet without delay in general, excavations will have been carried out by the project owner
following approval of the project report and prior to production of the first DCE for works;
a check must therefore be run to ensure that all facilities, including the location of the main site, or
earthworks, will be in areas that are cleared by archaeological agencies or departments;
the financing agreement for archaeological excavations must envisage filling of excavations and restoration of
topsoil to prevent the trapping of water in holes. This practice will maintain a satisfactory moisture condition in the
soils, and will also prevent excess loss of reusable materials, particularly when work is due to start 1 or even 2 years
afterwards.
This practice has the advantages of preserving the landscape and of saving costs for the entire operation. The
costs of archaeological excavations may be extremely high, particularly when the site has a rich content of
archaeological items, but also in the case of compressible soils. Estimates should be requested as soon as
possible from the DRAC.
Conservation of the environment
Noi s e
noise in connection to site activity creates sporadic nuisances for residents, disturbances in connection with
fauna, and has harmful effects on the health of employees when they do not have protection equipment;
the construction plant and equipment used must, first and foremost, comply with the regulations in force
concerning limitation of noise;
in accordance with article 12 of the law on noise, the project owner is bound to notify the Prfet and mayors
concerned of the noise levels which will be created by the construction work, and the measures taken to reduce the
expected nuisances;
the Particular Administrative Specifications [CCAP] should therefore state that the contractor must provide the
construction manager with all the required items for this declaration as of notification of the site preparation
period;
concerning noise in relation to rock excavation blasting operations, see chapter B10 of this guide.
Fl ow of nat ural wat er
in the absence of specific stipulations in the DCE, modification of surface or subsurface flows during
earthworks often entails pollution which can migrate outside the site;
it should therefore be borne in mind that flows of natural water are governed by the constraints in articles 640
and 645 of the Civil Code, namely:
lower courses are subjugated to those on a higher level to take in water flowing from them naturally without
any human contribution;
the owner of the area above can do nothing to aggravate the constraint of lower courses;
if usage of this water or the direction given to the water aggravates the natural constraint of flow, an indemnity
is owed to the owner of the lower course;
in order to reduce or eliminate any risk of pollution of natural and aquatic media, temporary sewerage systems
on site must be specified in the DCE and renotified to the contractor during the preparatory period;
these measures for collection, storage, treatment and disposal in a natural outlet may be accompanied, where
necessary, by suitable additional treatment: if the discharged rate of material in suspension is 150 g/l,
approved flocculation agents must be used which are compatible with aquatic fauna;
particular attention must likewise be paid to large flows which could lead to a substantial increase in the flows
of neighboring water courses which are incompatible with the equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems, particularly
during spawning periods;
earthworks (cuts, embankments and fills) may modify the natural course of subsurface water and its flow. For
this reason, an inventory and a list of the wells located within the immediate surroundings of the project (100 m
on either side) will be drawn up before any work commences. Piezometers perpendicular to the project may be
used to confirm or annul changes in the water table that supplies the wells (lowering of the water table,
dewatering, etc.). Considerable modifications may lead the project owner to finance a new well.
during a prolonged period of drought, the Prfet occasionally issues a decree forbidding certain uses of water.
At mospheri c pol l ut i on
there are many nuisances created by dust, and over and beyond the safety and health of employees these also
affect residents living in proximity to the site, although, due to the strength of the wind, also those who live at
some distance from the site;
the chapter relating to atmospheric pollution caused by dust from limestone and cement is properly set out in
the technical guide to treatment of soils (chapter 5.3 page 51). This document should be noted in the CCAP
Particular Administrative Specifications, and particularly the paragraph concerned, or to take up the
prescriptions in the Particular Technical Specifications [CCTP];
in order to prevent flying dust, particularly during dry periods, the site, with particular emphasis on tracks used
by machinery, must be sprinkled on a permanent basis;
when a drought decree is issued by the Prfet, earthworks sites are often obliged to shut down. The principles
set out in the decree of 8 January 1965 (modified by the decree of 6 May 1995) authorize the head of the
contractors company to take the initiative of sprinkling the site tracks for employee safety and thus to continue
work (a decree overrules an official order). The use of water, however, to moisten soil whose water content is
too low to make it reusable on part of the structure would not be possible in the event of a drought decree, and
in this case the decree may not be evoked;
on another point, dust falling into water courses or areas of moisture will have an impact on the aquatic
environment or will clog up areas of moisture. The presence of these environments in the immediate
surroundings of the site must be set out in the DCE and renotified to the contractor during the preparatory period
on site;
the use of industrial by-products or waste such as incinerator ash, for example, may create olfactory pollution
in sensitive environments (habitats).
Fauna and f l or a
in relation to fauna and flora, ecosystems and biotopes to be conserved which are located near the site and
which have been fully identified in the preliminary phases of road studies (overview / background summary
[APS], impact study, Water Acts, working design, etc.) may be listed in the Particular Administrative
Specifications [CCAP] and made known to the contractor from the outset of the preparatory phase, to allow the
contractor to avoid causing any deterioration due to dust, noise, leaching caused by non-natural surface flows,
petroleum products, detergents, etc., in these sensitive, often listed environments, where the long-term quality of
ecosystems and biotopes must be guaranteed.

Safety on earthworks sites
In addition to the requirements of legislation and regulations, safety must be present at all times from production
of the DCE, during the preparatory phase, and on a permanent basis during the construction works phase.
Safety is clearly of interest to work stations, but also in relation to the conditions of access to the site (geometric
and structural characteristics of roadways, pollution on roads), on-site traffic (speed, dust, crossing of trafficked
roads), storage and use of hazardous products (quicklime in all cases and especially in proximity to built-up
areas or trafficked roads, explosives, etc.).
In relation to work stations, the decree of 8 January 1965 modified on 6 May 1995 and applicable texts stipulate
the minimum prescriptions applicable to building sites or public works.
In relation to earthworks, the most important points concern the stability of earthworks slopes or walls for
trenches, work by machinery on the edges of old or recent slopes or slopes with excessive gradients, the
reversing warning signal on machinery, and light vehicle traffic.
E. 3. 2 I nvent ory of the t ool s requi red f or proper si t e const ruct i on
The procedures listed below are the responsibility of the project owner and the construction manager.
They must be implemented at the earliest possible stage so that they do not constitute either non-quality
in production of the DCE and during site work, or a hindrance to sound site progress.
1) Master plan quality sketch (ESDQ).
2) Displacement of networks in public and private areas.
3) Taking up advance possession through offers to sell or a Prefectoral order for the land reallocation procedure.
4) Temporary occupation agreements.
5) Opening of quarries on the responsibility of the project owner if the materials are provided by him.
6) Archaeological excavations for the purposes of reconnaissance, investigation and safekeeping.
7) Authorization by the mayors concerned for elevation of soil beyond land requirements.
8) Authorization or declaration in relation to the Water Act.
9) The general safety and health coordination plan.
10) Prior declaration to the Prfet in connection with safety and health.
11) The declaration to the Prfet and mayors concerned in connection with article 12 of the law on noise (law of
31/12/92 + decree of 9/01/95).
12) Site operation. When operations concern a number of contracts and agents, especially in urban areas, it is
preferable for the construction manager to draw up the site operation report in association with the management
and field unit services.
13) Waste management in accordance with the law of 13 July 1992 and the circular of 15 February 2000.
14) The quality master plan (SDQ) in association with the contractor during the period of preparation.
The procedures listed below are the responsibility of the contractor or the agent of the group
1) Opening of quarries if the supply of materials is the responsibility of the contractor.
2) The declaration of intent to commence work (DICT). This must also be addressed to the mayors (decree of
14/10/91 + order of 16/11/94).
3) The quality assurance plan (PAQ).
4) The environmental assurance plan (PAE) for certain types of site.
5) The site facility (decree 6548 of 1965 + 95-608 of 6/05/95 and the law of 19/07/76 + decree of 21/09/77).
6) Classified facilities (even in the case of a mobile crusher) and availability of surfaces.
7) The Special Plan for Protection of Health and Safety (PPSPS).
8) Site operation for simple sites in open country.
9) Authorization by the mayors concerned by elevations of soil outside land requirements.
10) Clearing and deforestation (attention must be paid to ownership of forests see the offer to sell or the sale
document).

11) Building demolition (law of 13/07/92 on waste) Provision of the organizational chart for waste
management (this will also include management of other site waste in accordance with the law).
12) Production of price breakdowns.
13) Subcontracting. The contract binding the subcontractor to the contractor must be submitted to the awarding
authority if the authority so requires.
The contractor must ensure that the project owner accepts the conditions of payment for the subcontractor by
provision of a subcontracting document.
14) Requests for acceptance of materials and products. These must be drawn up during the preparatory phase in
order to give the construction manager time for verification.
15) Work plan and monthly financial accounts schedule. To be provided during the preparatory phase for sound
management of time lines and payment credits.
E. 3. 3 Eart h movement and choi ce of mat eri al s
Project earth movement plans
There are three objectives in connection with earth moving:
connection via transportation lines of the needs established for a given project design to cuts of sufficient
geotechnical characteristics, without neglecting an attempt to retain the best materials for the most salient parts
of the structure or layers;
optimization of transport distances, with minimum total transport moment, while fulfilling the geotechnical
requirements of the embankments/fills;
integration of special constraints such as obstacles which cannot easily be negotiated (roads with heavy traffic,
railway lines, etc.), compatibility with work phasing and coordination with other types of work.
Establishment of earth movements commences with a geometric analysis of each cut (site cuts and any
borrowings), of the various parts of the structure of the embankments/fills (base of the embankments/fills,
ordinary embankments/fills, upper parts of earthworks, capping layer, height of the embankments/fills, etc.), and
with geotechnical analysis to meet the most salient needs possible with the best possible quality materials
available, possibly treated or produced (capping layer, drainage bases, technical embankments/fills, extra-large
embankments/fills, roadways, etc.), and to produce ordinary embankments/fills and structures requiring materials
with lower levels of performance.
Prior to establishment of earth moving plans, a geotechnical study of the project must be forthcoming (a
constituent part of the DCE) with the agreement of the contractor, during the period of site preparation, as
additional geotechnical investigation. This will enhance information as to the nature of the materials and their
moisture condition, and will help with appraisal of the levels of reutilization in relation to the nature of soils.
In the first outline of earth movements, the choice of material is not included, except perhaps in favor of certain
types of extraction machinery for geotechnical or geometric reasons in connection with cuts, and certain ranges
of transportation distances for economic reasons or reasons relating to the characteristics of site roads; this does
not change the total moment.
This initial earth movement allows definition of the material means chosen in accordance with the criteria
described in the section below: choice of earthmoving material.
The work schedule is thus drawn up by integrating earth movement, the estimated output of approved material
resources, foreseeable inclement weather conditions and the various site constraints (phasing, obstacles,
timelines, etc.).
To optimize site execution, it is advisable to refine earth movement, choice of materials and the work schedule
by successive iterations.
Choice of earthmoving material
Ext ract i on machi nery
There are two large families of extraction machinery, as follows:

Blade machinery

Bucket machinery

Bulldozers
Hydraulic shovels
Loaders
Scrapers

The first family (blade machinery) is suitable for layer extraction, for loose or rippable materials, with average-
to-dry water content for scraping machinery.
The second family is more suited to frontal operations and for loose or rocky soils.
Certain special extraction machinery such as draglines or bucket wheels may be used in special cases.
Tr anspor t at i on vehi cl es
The choice of transportation vehicles depends on
three main criteria:
1) the transportation distance between the place of extraction and the spreading location;
2) the nature and condition of the cut materials;
3) the configuration of the transportation track: slope, bearing capacity, rolling resistance, etc.
four large families of machinery:
1) Pushing by tractor/bulldozer. This is limited to a range of 0 100 meters;
2) Scrapers. These are currently used up to 1,500 meters (maximum 2,000 meters);
3) Single-piece or articulated dumpers. Depending on the configuration of the transportation track, they are used
over distances of 0 3,500/5,000 meters, or more, if road vehicles cannot be used (semi-trailers);
4) Semi-trailers. If the materials are not excessively adherent, they are used over distances of more than
3,500/5,000 meters.
Level i ng or s pr eadi ng machi ner y:
The spreading conditions in the GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills [10] are applicable:
scrapers are best suited to spreading in thin layers;
in most situations, spreading is carried out using the blade of the tractor/bulldozer, or the tamper;
leveling is generally carried out using a grader (whether or not power-assisted).
Compact i ng machi ner y:
See GTR92 as to the possibility or impossibility of using each type of compactor in accordance with the
material to be used on embankments/fills. This document also lists the outputs.
Material and outputs
In relation to the geometric and geotechnical characteristics of French sites and the problems encountered
during transfer of machinery between sites, earthworks companies are restricted to utilization of the ordinary
material described below.
The output of the various levels of earthworks depends on many factors, particularly the following:
the geometric characteristics of the structure;
the nature and condition of the materials;
past and present meteorological conditions;
whether or not there is any interference with other levels or other tasks;
site staff and management staff.

Material Characteristics
Average output for certain typical
levels
Scrapers Load capacities 15 - 40 T.
(D10 pushdozer + 631 scrapers)
4,000 6,000 m
3
/d
Single-piece dumpers Load capacities 30 - 50 T.
Articulated dumpers Load capacities 15 - 40 T.
(50 T shovel + 35 T transport
vehicle)
1,700 2,400 m
3
/d

Hydraulic shovels
Major earthworks machinery

Machinery weight 35 85 T

vehicle)
2,500 4,000 m
3
/d
Other earthworks Machinery weight 15 35 T
vehicle)
600 1,200 m
3
/d
Loaders Buckets 1 - 6 m
3

(5 m
3
loader + 35 T transport
vehicle)
2,200 3,500 m
3
/d
Tractor/bulldozers
Power output generally 100 400
cv, and exceptionally 600 cv

Graders
Power output generally 100 250
cv, and exceptionally 300 cv

Choice of machinery
The table below shows the material recommended for use in accordance with geometric, geotechnical, hydraulic
and topographical parameters:
Geometric parameters
(average transportation
distance)
Geotechnical
parameters
Hydraulic
parameters
Topographical
parameters
Parameters
Families
of
machinery
Types of
machinery

300
1,500 m
1,500
3,500 m/
5,000 m
Over
3,500/
5,000 m
Loose
Rippa
ble
Rocky
Water
% - IP
Under
w.
table
Outsid
e w.
table
Steep
ramps
Tracks Roads
Shovel Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes mining Yes Yes Yes
Dragline repetition generally required Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Loader Yes Yes Yes Yes
repetiti
repetition low Yes
Loading
machinery
Scraper Yes Yes Yes low Yes
Scraper Yes Yes Yes low Yes Yes Yes
Single-piece
d
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Articulated
d
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Transport
machinery
Road truck Yes Yes Yes Yes low Yes
Yes
(good
tracks)
Yes
Compaction
machinery
vibrator
tires
tamper
See GTR

E.4 Work phase
E. 4. 1 Procedures t o be observed duri ng t he work phase
The procedures to be observed are specified in the CCAG General Administrative Specifications for Works, the
CCTG General Technical Specifications, regulations and guides, and in the administrative sections of the works
contract.
The works management guide published by Stra as reference A9922 sets out in detail with occasional reference
to jurisprudence all procedures relating to specific site situations during the works phase, namely the following:
phase 0 choice, preparation of contract
and notification .................................................. page 13
phase 1 site preparation .................................... page 25
phase 2 tasks for execution .............................. page 32
phase 2A technical problems
in relation to quality ....................................... page 54
phase 2B finance problems ........................... page 69
phase 2C timeline problems .......................... page 86
phase 2D administrative problems .............. page 100
phase 2E difficulties in relation
to the environment ........................................ page 118
phase 2F safety problems ............................ page 159
phase 3 reception and guarantee
of full completion ......................................... page 166
With respect to timelines, when the bidder is obliged to submit documents which require time, it must be
verified that the timeline in the bid is compatible with the duration of the studies to be carried out.
Likewise, if certain work requires a certain amount of time during the site preparation phase for instance,
drawing up a geotechnical study of a sector that is initially inaccessible (due to refusal by the owner), or a study
of formulation of treatment then the timeline for the period of site preparation must be adapted.
The CCAG General Administrative Specifications for Works and the decree of 2002-232 set a certain number of
timelines which are summarized in the tables below.
E.4.1.1 Contract management - CCAG General Administrative Specifications for Works
as completed by the stipulations of decree 2002-232 - Overall period for payment
Purpose
Art.
CCAG
Main construction
contractor or agent
Art.
CCAG
Construction
Manager
Art.
CCAG
Project Owner
PRM
Choice of
address
2.22

Notifies the
awarding authority
(PA) and project
management 15
days after notification
of contract.
2.22

Failing this,
notifications to the
Town Hall.

2.22

Ditto project
management.

Acceptance of
subcontractors

2.41

Request for
acceptance sent to
PA.

2.42

Reply within 21 days
following request
implicit rejection
failing this.
Communication
subcontracting
contract

2.49.2

15 days after PA
request, default
penalties after 1
month application
art. 49.

2.49.2

No reply > 1 month,
application of article
49, formal notice
period
15 days.
Service orders
replies

2.52
50.11

15 days after
reception of service
order, in the form of
a note to project
management
(50.11).
2.51

50.12

Addressed to the
contractor in 2
copies, 1 of which
must be returned to
project management
after signature with
date of receipt.

Project management
sends note to PA
with its opinion.
49.1

50.12

In the event of a failure
to observe the service
orders, formal notice
with execution time
15 days.

decision notified to the
contractor within 2
months of receipt of
note rejection failing
this.
Possible
guarantee

4.11

20 days after
notification of
contract or additional
clause.

4.12

Absence of constitution
or increase creates
obstacle to issue of
order.
Supply of price
breakdown
10.34

Mini timeline of 20
days following
service for
production request.
10.34

Production requested
by service order, and
timeline set at 20
days.
10.34

Absence creates
obstacle to regulation.
Notification
Reports

Reserves on
report
12.4
12.5

12.4

The contractor may
ask project
management to draw
up a report.

15 days following
date of report to
issue written remarks
to project
management.

12.4

50.12
Project management
sets the date of
notification within a
period of 8 days of
the date of request.
Joint report drawn up
immediately by all
parties concerned.

Transmission to
awarding authority of
the note with its
opinion.

50.12

Decision notified to the
contractor within 2
months of reception by
project management of
reserves rejection
failing this.
Contract management CCAG General Administrative Specifications for Works
Purpose
Art.
CCAG
Main construction
contractor or agent
Art.
CCAG
Construction
Manager
Art.
CCAG
Project Owner
PRM
Monthly
account project

13.11

Draws up
the account project
before the end of
each month.

13.22

3.II of
the
Decree
Accepts or rectifies
the account project,
notifies the
contractor by service
order of the
status of the account,
and forwards to
awarding authority
within 15 days
following reception.
96 of
Procurement
Contract Code

Has a total of 45
days for payment
from the date of
dispatch of the
account project to
project management
(*).

Suspension of
period for issue
of order

13.23

Suspension
terminates when
project management
receives the letter
(with recorded
delivery)
transmitting all parts.

13.23

2.I of
the
Decree
Project management
requests suspension
of the time period
from the awarding
authority.

96 of
Procurement
Contract Code

Awarding authority
notifies the
contractor of its
motivated decision
for suspension.
Awarding authority
has at least 30 days
to proceed with
payment after the
end of suspension
(*).
Final account
project
General
settlement
Issue of balance

General
settlement is
contested
13.32

13.44
Establishes the final
account project
within 45 days
following
notification of the
reception decision or
15 days if the
execution period
3 months
penalties failing this
(20.3).

Claim note addressed
to project
management within
the period of 30 days
following the date of
notification of
general settlement if
execution period
6 months changed
to 45 days if > 6
months.
Acceptance assumed
failing this.
13.34

13.41

13.42

50.12
Project management
accepts or rectifies
the final account
project and notifies
the general
settlement within:
45 days after date of
submission of
project;
or 30 days after
publication of review
index;
period of 45 days
changed to 1 month
if execution time 3
months.

Forwards the claim
note to the awarding
authority with its
opinion.
96 of
Procurement
Contract Code

50.12
Has an overall
period of 45 days
for payment of the
balance from the
date of acceptance
of the general
settlement (*).

Proposes settlement
of litigation in the 2
months following
submission of the
note to project
management
failure to reply
means rejection.
Work not
envisaged

Provisional
prices
14.4

Observations
submitted to project
management within 1
month after reception
of service order
notifying prices
accepted by default,
14.1

Notifies the
contractor by service
note of work not
envisaged.
If not included in
service order,
provisional prices are
14.5

Following
agreement to curtail
final prices.
- Additional clause
- Additional prices
specification.
- Additional list of
but not final

notified by additional
service note within
15 days of the
previous.
overall prices
Purpose
Art.
CCAG
Main construction
contractor or agent
Art.
CCAG
Construction
Manager
Art.
CCAG
Project
Owner
PRM
Increase in the
work tasks due
to a change of
needs or
conditions of
use
15.1
15.2
15.22
Notifies his refusal
to execute in writing
to the awarding
authority with copy
to project
management, within
15 days of receipt of
the service order.
15.22

Notifies the order to
execute the work by
service order.

The sum of the
contract is
exceeded

15.4

Informs project
management within 1
month after the sum
of the contract has
allegedly been
exceeded.

15.4

15.5
Forwards to the
awarding authority

Notifies the
contractor of the
decision of the
awarding authority
10 days prior to the
estimated date on
which the sum of the
contract was
exceeded.
Notifies the
contractor of the
foreseeable
estimation of work
tasks within 15 days
of the previous
service order.
15.4

The awarding
authority takes or
does not take the
decision to
continue.

Commencement
of work

46.6

If notification of
commencement > 6
months after
notification has a
period of 15 days
form the
commencement
service order to
request termination
in writing failing
this, the right to
termination is lost.
19.11

Notifies
commencement of
work by service note
within 6 months of
the date of
notification of the
contract.

49.1

If the contractor has
not requested
termination, formal
notice by the
awarding authority
and possible
application of 49.2.
General
implementation
plan

27.1

Notifies the
contractor at the
latest 8 days after
notification of the
contract or at the
same time as the
service order for
commencement of
work.

Programming
of execution of
Safety and
Health Plan
28.2
28.3
Submits for approval
by project
management < 10
days before the end

of preparatory
period, failing this
period < 1 month
after the date of
notification of the
contract.
Purpose
Art.
CCAG
Main construction
contractor or agent
Art.
CCAG
Construction
Manager
Art.
CCAG
Project
Owner
PRM
Demolition of
constructions

31.91

Request to project
management 8 days
before execution

31.91

No reply within 8
days authorization
assumed.

No usage for
equipment and
materials

37.2

Execution within the
next 30 days
following formal
notice.

37.2

Draws up a service
order requesting
rehabilitation, with no
action requested of
awarding authority a
formal notice.
49.1
37.2

Formal notice issued
with no result > 30
days permits
automatic execution.
Reception
Prior operations

Decision
of reception

Imperfections
and defects

41.1

41.6
Informs project
management and
awarding authority in
writing of the
estimated date of
termination.

Remedy for
imperfections within
the period set by
awarding authority in
its decision, by
default 3 months
before expiry of the
guarantee period.

41.1

41.2
Notifies the
contractor and
proceeds with
operations within 20
days of request or
envisaged
termination.

Advises the awarding
authority as to the
date.
Draws up a report
immediately.

Informs the
contractor of the
proposal to awarding
authority within 5
days.

41.3

41.6

The decision of the
awarding authority
is notified within
the 45 days
following the date
of the report on
operations.
If there is no
decision within this
period, project
management
proposals are
assumed to have
been accepted.

If no execution
within the period,
may be executed at
the expense and risk
of the contractor.
Documents
to be supplied
after reception

40

At the time of the
request:
Notice of functioning
and maintenance 2
months after
reception: DOE
Execution
Conformity
Documents.

E.4.1.2 Contract management settlement for subcontractors
The specific stipulations for subcontractors settlements (13.54 of CCAG General Administrative Specifications
for Works), as completed by decree 2002-232 concerning the overall period for payment, are summarized
below:
Subcontractor
Main construction
contractor or agent
Construction Manager
Project Owner
PRM
Forwards justificatory parts
to the main construction
contractor or agent.

If within 15 days of
reception the contractor has
not made known his
opposition, the parts are
considered as accepted.
If the contractor has not
refused or forwarded to the
construction manager, the
subcontractor forwards
directly to the construction
manager a copy of his
account project
accompanied by a copy of
the recorded delivery of his
dispatch to the contractor.
Accepts or refuses the
justificatory parts within 15
days of their date of
reception.

Accepted
Forwards to the
construction manager the
account project
accompanied by a
certificate of acceptance,
setting out the sum to be
settled to the subcontractor
(art 13.51).

Refused
And notifies the
subcontractor of his
motivated refusal

Directly advises the
subcontractor of the date
of reception of the account
project and the certificate,
and the sum due in his
favor, and forwards the
settlement statement to the
awarding authority within
15 days of reception of the
project.
(3.II of decree 2002.232)

Formally notifies the
contractor by letter with
recorded delivery to prove
he has opposed a refusal
within 15 days.
Informs the subcontractor of
the date of formal notice.
Requests suspension of the
period for issuing the order
from the awarding authority.

Has an overall payment
period of 45 days from the
date of submission of the
account project to project
management (art. 96 of the
Procurement Contract Code).
Sends notice of issue of the
order to the contractor and
the subcontractor.

Notifies the contractor of his
motivated decision for
suspension.
Has an overall payment
period of 45 days as above.
However, if the period
remaining from the date of
suspension is < 30 days, then
this is changed to 30 days
(arts. 2 and 4 of the decree).
The overall payment period includes:
intervention of project management (15 days maximum, art. 3. II of the decree),
intervention of the awarding authority,
processing by the public accountant (15 days maximum, art. 7 of the decree),
processing by finance bodies.
E. 4. 2 Orderi ng of t asks
Preamble
An earthen structure, although occasionally complex (see preceding chapters, particularly the chapter on
special structures), is generally one of the simplest structures to build.
Thus its user quality depends, more so than in other areas, on precision of command, preparation, site
organization and the techniques of the various agents involved.
Again, more so than in other areas, quality control depends on the involvement of all concerned.
The formalism of the procedure, described below and which could perhaps be summarized as write down
what we intend to do, do what we wrote down, write down what we did, check that we did well what we wrote
down, and keep what we wrote is absolutely necessary and must be strictly observed.
Quality is a whole which is not just the production of documents (ESDQ, SOPAQ, PAQ, SDQ, etc.), but covers
all the phases of studies for preparation of the project and execution of the works.
A good geotechnical survey, good adaptation of execution times to the periods to be observed in relation to
regulatory procedures (classified facilities, etc.), thorough study of the project file by the contractor, and
thorough site preparation are all factors that will contribute to superior quality on the ground.
Producing paper is not an end in itself, and is definitely no guarantee of quality.
For example, a quality organization note, the main feature of the contractors Quality Assurance Plan, may often
be set out on three or four typed sheets if they provide a good definition of site organization (organization chart,
the role of each person and particularly subcontractors, the means used, frequency and nature of checks,
sensitive points and stoppage points, management of anomalies, and the first procedures required to start work).
However, this must be a living document which evolves along with the site to make organization of the site
increasingly efficiency.
Quality is above all a state of mind and it is everyones business, at all times.
Without this continuous collective involvement of all those involved, the objective has little chance of being
met.

Nom de la tche Task name
1 PERIODE PREPARATOIRE PREPARATION PERIOD
2 Prsentation du DCE et du dossier
gotechnique par le MOE
Presentation of the DCE and the geotechnical
file by PM
3 Reconnaissances complmentaires Further investigations
4 Projet de mouvement de terres Earth movement project
5 Provenance de la chaux vive Source of quicklime
6 Etudes de traitement des sols pour PST et
CF
Soil treatment studies for subformation and
capping layer
7 Provenance des matriaux pour PST et CF Source of materials for subformation and
capping layer
8 Itinraire de transport et modalit daccs au
chantier
Transport route and site access method
9 Etat des lieux des itinraires agres Condition of approved routes
10 Etablissement du programme dexcution Creation of the execution program
Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug
P reamble
Oper at i ons t o be carr i ed out by t he const r uct i on manager
N Operations
Documents to be
submitted and
materialization
Production time
Period for a response
by the contractor
1
Plans for definition and
longitudinal sections
Plans, longitudinal
sections
On notification of the
period of preparation
2
Data from computer
calculations for
definition of horizontal
axes and longitudinal
section
Listings of current
section and restorations.
3
Execution drawings (1)

List of cross sections and
type cross sections
4 Plans of known networks Plans As above
5
Main precision traverse
line
Situation plan
Posts
Traversing
1 month after notification
of the period of
preparation
6
Plan of land requirements

Plans and listings of
posts
Demarcation
Possible remarks before
the end of the period of
preparation
7
General pegging

Plans, listings of singular
points and pegging

of the period of
preparation
Investigation report at the
end of the period of
preparation
8
Plans of safety equipment
and provisional signing
(1)
Operating report 1 month after notification
of the period of
preparation

9
Provision of terrain,
provision of land
requirements.
Inventory drawn up
jointly by all parties
concerned.
Parcel plan, investigation
report on demarcation
with joint signature
of the period of
preparation
Drawing up the joint
report by all parties
concerned no later than at
the end of the period of
preparation
(1) Insofar as these execution documents, drawn up on the responsibility of the roads manager, are the responsibility of the construction
manager
Operations to be carried out by the construction contractor
The period of preparation must be adapted in accordance with the size of the site and the specific studies to be
carried out before any actual work begins. This period may commence:
on notification of the contract (this solution is not recommended);
with a specific service order (recommended solution, set out in the tables);
with a service order for commencement of work when it is included in the period for execution.
The periods shown are for information purposes, and may be modulated in accordance with the size of the site
and the nature and complexity of the work to be carried out.
N Operations
Documents to be
submitted and
materialization
Production time
Maximum period for a
response by the
contractor
1
Additional geotechnical
investigation
Bores
Report, plans, test results
1 month
1.5 months after
notification of the period
of preparation
7 days
(opinion of external
check)
2
Earth movement project
and topsoil movement
plans
Plans, longitudinal
sections, graph tables
End of the period of
preparation and at least
15 days before the
commencement of
earthworks
15 days
(opinion of construction
manager)
3
General work program Explanatory note
Schedule (1)
10 days before the end of
the period of preparation
10 days
4
Site facilities project Paper + Plans 10 days before the end of
7 days
5
Proposal for origin and
nature of materials for
embankment, upper parts
of earthworks, capping
layer (3)
Papers, documentation,
samples, test results
1 month before the
commencement of
supplies for each of the
parts of the structures
concerned
15 days
check)
6
Studies of treatment of
soils for
embankments/fills, upper
parts of earthworks,
capping layer (3)
Papers, formulation
studies, test results
1 month before
commencement of
treatment for each of the
parts of the structures
concerned
15 days
check)
7
Program for studies and
submission of execution
plans
Program

of the period of
preparation
Opinion of construction
manager
In 15 days
Note on general
organization
of the period of
preparation
15 days
(approval of construction
manager)
Quality Assurance Plan for
Studies

15 days before the date
of the meeting for
commencement of
studies
7 days
manager)
8
Establishment of
framework for Quality
Assurance Plans and the
Environmental Assurance
Plan (PAE) (stoppage
point)
Model of monitoring files,
checking plans, list of
stoppage points and
critiques, procedures for
execution, etc.

15 days
manager)
9
Safety and health
protection

PPSPS
Members of CISSCT
representing the
contractor
40 days after notification
of the period of
preparation
Acceptance by the
coordinator

10
Financial program for
work

Monthly foreseeable
statement of expenses

1.5 months after
notification of the period
of preparation
Not applicable

Pr eambl e
Operations to be carried out during the work stage
N Operations
Documents to be
submitted and
materialization
Production time
response by the
contractor
11
Breakdown of unit prices
(with the exception of
those submitted in the
bid)
Breakdown End of the period of
preparation
Not applicable, unless
there is any inconsistency
with the prices
specification
12
Declaration of intent to
commence work (DICT)
Letters to services
concerned (EDF
electricity supply agency,
PTT postal service,
drinking water supply
agency, etc.)
15 days after notification
of the period of
preparation
Not applicable

13
Operating reports for
traffic work (2) (3)
Reports

2 months before
commencement of work
on the section considered
15 days (4)
(acceptance by the
construction manager
following opinion by the
roads manager)
14
Transport route

Plans
Diagrams
Notes, inventories drawn
up jointly by all parties
concerned

15 days (acceptance by
the construction manager
following opinion by the
project owner of the
routes used)
15
Provision of company
laboratory
Certificate of calibration
of equipment
of the period of
preparation

15 days (acceptance by
the construction
manager)
16
Execution plans (2) 1 month before execution
of the part of the
structure concerned
Approval 15 days after
reception of the
documents
(1) The railway diagram seems to be the most suitable for major earthworks.
(2) If left to the contractor (to be avoided in general). This document must be drawn up on the responsibility of the manager by the construction manager.
(3) Services to begin during the period of preparation, in due consideration of the periods required for their execution, and to be continued after the service order to start
work.
(4) It should be noted that, for major routes, the CRIR requires a reply period of at least 6 weeks.
Pr eambl e
N Operations
Documents to be
submitted and
materialization
Production time
response by the
contractor
1
Acceptance of
subcontractors
2.5 months before
by subcontractors
21 days (acceptance is
issued by the project
owner)
2
Special subcontractor
document
Special subcontractor
document
2 months before
by subcontractors
2 months

3
Subcontractor Quality
Assurance Plan

Report with special
subcontractor document
work progress made, 30
days before their
commencement
15 days for approval by

4
Evolution of Quality
Assurance Plan

New procedures,
updating of procedures

work progress made, 30
days before execution

5
Updating of the program
for execution

Schedule

Partial schedule every 15
days and every month for
the general schedule

6
Specific detailed
programs, partial
programs, site report
graph
Schedules, plans, notes
on specific stipulations

In general, every 15 days


7
Updating of the financial
program

Accounts schedule

Every 3 months

Validation tests
(stoppage point)
including:

- acceptance of site shops Material description files 15 days before
commencement of each
3 days to lift stoppage
point
8
- evaluation of the
procedure for execution
Results of checks and
report
The first day of execution 1 day to lift stoppage
point
Pr eambl e
N Operations
Documents to be
submitted and
materialization
Production time
response by the
contractor
Check on work

Daily monitoring reports,
report on tests, checks
and daily updating of
quality file
Every day

Identification of
materials for
embankments/fills or
deposit, and materials for
upper parts of earthworks
d i l
Results of tests and
reports, adjustment of
thicknesses of layers and
(or) material
Every day

Q/S compaction Tachometer disks - report Every day
Bearing capacities in the
main body of
b k /fill
Results of bearing
capacity tests
See CCTP

Conformity of
subformation (stoppage
point)

Results of measurement
of bearing capacity
Results of geometry
check (topographical
di )
End of earthworks on
section for reception, and
at least 10 days before
commencement of
i l
point
Conformity of capping
layer (stoppage point)
Ditto subformation

End of work on the
section considered
point
9
Conformity of geometry
of cuts (stoppage point)

Cross sections

10 days before
implementation of
capping layer

point
10
Updating of earth
movement plans
Plans, longitudinal
sections

At least every 2 months
11
Implementation of axes
before conformity report
on capping layer
Listing
Pegging of axis
15 days before reception
of capping layer

Pr eambl e
Operations to be carried out on completion of work
N Operations
Documents to be
submitted and
materialization
Production time
response by the
contractor
1
Quality Assurance Plan
completed

All items making up the
Quality Assurance Plan

2 months after report on
pre-reception operations
or after execution of
structures
7 days for verification of
the contents

2
Conformity of drawings
with execution of the
structure

All plans sent to the
contractor by the
construction manager in
the contract file with
updated site work,
movement of earth
carried out, and
execution plans drawn up
by the contractor
Tracings, copies, digital
supports, notes,
reductions
2 months after report on
pre-reception operations
or after execution of
structures
15 days for verification
and any remarks

F - Pathologies
F.1 Pathology of earthworks structures
F. 1. 1 - Preambl e
Here we exclude special earth structures such as walls in reinforced earth, treated capping layers, etc., which
require special techniques and have their own methods of execution, and will focus exclusively on the pathology
of ordinary cuts and embankments/fills.
F. 1. 2 Pat hol ogy of cut s
The equilibrium of a cut slope relates to its geometry (height, slope), the characteristics of the soils and rocks,
and the hydrogeological context. Weather conditions can also create structural damage, especially when weather
conditions are exceptional.
Instabilities in cut slopes most often appear between a few months and several years after work has been
completed.
Slides are often related to the following:
inappropriate slopes, often too steep for the soils;
water in a geological formation uncovered by the cut can lead to extremely unfavorable conditions for
earthworks slope stability. This problem is often revealed on site work, particularly if the site has a wintertime.
Superimposed permeability-heterogenic formations on a slope most often introduce water into slopes and
frequently cause structural damage;
abrupt relief, as in a mountainous area, where earthworks slopes cannot be sufficiently inclined among some
very steep natural slopes, and where unstable cliffs or slopes are occasionally carved out;
erosion of sandy or silty soils with no protection against gullying.
Prevention of this kind of structural damage is the result of appropriate design.
There must be knowledge of the soils and rocks to be used in earthworks for appropriate sizing of the slope and
possible protection of the slopes on the cut and the land requirement to be reserved.
Extra-high slopes merit particular attention, and usually a specific soil mechanics study.
Geotechnical studies must prevent the discovery of these difficulties during site work since they often produce
substantial extra costs, which will be claimed by the contractor experiencing difficulties in the orders for work
to be carried out, and the site or user safety may also be compromised.
As a general rule
it is usually preferable to opt for a light embankment rather than a light cut;
beyond essential research to integrate the project into the landscape, it is advisable to make the gradients of
earthworks slopes more gentle, with or without support at the bottom;
the most common slopes used on cuts are two high-three at base for relatively stable soils, and one high-two at
base for shaley and plastic materials. These slopes, however, can be subvertical in healthy rock with no cracks
(or with cracks which have favorable orientation), and can be one high-three at base in the case of sensitive
clays found in certain regions. The sizing of these slopes must take into consideration the hydrogeological
context, and may occasionally require drainage measures such as shields or trenches;
it is advisable to quickly implement surface protection (topsoil and grass, and occasionally heavier or more
sophisticated items) on the recently graded slope when the soils of which it consists are erodable, in order to
prevent gullying related to rain or frost.
Special systems and devices may be used and designed during site work to deal with structural damage, in order
to:
drain off water that makes the earthworks slope unstable (shields, drainage systems and subhorizontal drains
are the most frequently used);
provide a base abutment where we observe the beginning or the possibility of a slide (support, gabions, shield,
bolts, etc.);
reinforcement of a rocky slope to prevent falling rocks (nets, anchorage, various structures, etc.);
improve the surface stability of soils against the risk of erosion (a number of claddings for the slope, grass
sowing, etc.).
The pathology of cuts is most often due to unstable earthworks slopes. There are, however, other causes of
structural damage, including the following:
interception of a water table by the cut. This should be detected by the geotechnical study, which then suggests
a drainage device for proper site construction and to ensure the roadway will last;
insufficient surface drainage. Systematic questions should be asked on the routes available to water which has
infiltrated the structure (bituminous concrete, even when properly constructed, can improve the runoff
coefficient, but it is not impermeable, and infiltrating water cannot evaporate). Likewise, side ditches must be
deep enough and maintained so that water ingresses do not moisten capping layers and bearing soil by
infiltration into the main body of road;
incorrect transition between cut and embankment.
F. 1. 3 Pat hol ogy of embankment s and f i l l s
This subject was studied in France in a survey initiated by the Regional Public Works Research Laboratories in
1992 and completed in 1998 with an examination of 54 cases.
A study was performed on the same subject by the PIARC World Road Association in 1997-1998, which studied
20 cases in 8 different countries and published the findings in its magazine Routes/Roads N 306 in April 2000:
results of surveys on the pathology of operating embankments and fills by J.C. Auriol, H. Havard, C.
Mieussens and D. Queyroi.
It was found that this type of survey was extremely difficult, and this explains the rather restricted number of
cases studied. There are two main types of structural damage in relation to embankments and fills:
1) the creeping pathology of structures with slight deformations over several years before reaching an actual
service level.
A diagnosis is often only requested from a road-building expert 5 7 years after work has been carried out,
since the pathology mainly consists of cracking in roads. In these conditions, it is generally concluded,
erroneously, that the problem is due to insufficiency in the main body of the road, which is reinforced and will
have to undergo maintenance work again 3 - 4 years later (or less), and so on, over a period of at least twenty
years.
Correlatively, this type of pathology, which is extremely characteristic of a faulty embankment, is only rarely
attributed to faulty construction of the embankment, and will not emerge in an inquiry into embankment pathology
even though it may be substantial.
2) a more obvious and immediate pathology (but also much rarer) involving break-ups and settlement which are
sufficiently serious to require repair work, usually with interruptions in the flow of traffic.
This type of structural damage often emerges not long after work has been completed, and is identified and
reported as embankment pathology.
These observations put into perspective the scope of the inquiries conducted and their representativeness in
terms of statistics. We can, however, state the following on the basis of information collated by the inquiries:
90% of structural damage reported in France stems from design flaws (poorly sized drainage facilities,
unsuitably inclined slope) or flaws in execution (lack of compaction, deficient drainage, implementation in
inappropriate meteorological conditions) which could have been avoided by improvements in competence and
stringency of practices. Flaws in relation to surface sewerage and drainage of the land requirement constitute the
main cause of the pathologies encountered in the above-mentioned inquiries.
In the French inquiry, 33 of the 54 embankments and fills studied (or 2/3 of the pathology cases) manifested
flaws in surface sewerage or drainage as the diagnosed causes of structural damage:
75% of embankments and fills with structural damage were built with shaley material;
the steeper the slope of the embankment, the greater the risk of structural damage. We may point to the low
vulnerability of embankment slopes built to the criterion of one high-two at base;
in approximately 85% of cases, structural damage was manifested by surface cracking.
It is important to observe that structural damage observed on embankments and fills is most often due to several
non-independent causes.


Thus, soil which can evolve mechanically after implementation and which has been used on embankments and
fills with no obvious rigor can cause structural damage in relation to which it can be difficult to identify the
main cause (is this the changeable nature of the material or defective quality of implementation?).
In other words, a single flaw may sometimes have no consequences, but more often it combines with other
weaknesses or flaws to produce structural damage, and there is often no point in searching for the main cause,
since the damage is caused by a combination of weaknesses.
This aspect complicates the diagnosis considerably when it is a matter of assigning responsibilities. The more
difficult the conditions of use of soil appear to be, the more careful and rigorous the projects design and
implementation must therefore be.
In addition to emphasizing the important of surface sewerage and drainage as a trigger or aggravating cause, it
should also be borne in mind that many flaws take long periods of time to emerge.
Thus, a non-compacted embankment which has not been used by transport and construction vehicles will show
its vicissitudes in a matter of weeks or perhaps a few months after completion. However, an embankment which
has not been compacted by compaction machinery and has been used by transport and construction vehicles will
only show its flaws after around 5 7 years.
Likewise, drainage flaws may often be revealed, sometimes violently, after several years of operation, after an
exceptional period of rainfall.
It is most often impossible to carry out rehabilitation work on a poorly constructed embankment without
demolishing it and rebuilding.
The objective of reinforcement solutions is most frequently to slow down and reduce damage and defects, and
rarely to eliminate them. All the evidence points to the care which must be taken when building such structures.
Annexes
Acronyms used
ADR European International Agreement for Road Transportation of Hazardous Goods (Accord europen
relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route)
AE Commitment Document (Acte dEngagement)
AEP Drinking Water Supply (Alimentation en Eau Potable)
AM Ministerial Order (Arrt Ministriel)
AP Prefectoral Order (Arrt Prfectoral)
APA Preliminary Motorway Project under Concession (Avant Projet Autoroutier concd)
APOA Preliminary Design for Structures (Avant Projet Ouvrage dArt)
APOANC Preliminary Design for Extraordinary/Non-Standard Structures (Avant Projet Ouvrage dArt Non
Courant)
APS Overview / background summary (Avant-Projet Sommaire)
APSI Overview / background summary, Route (Avant-Projet Sommaire dItinraire)
APSM Overview / background summary , Modifications (Avant-Projet Sommaire Modificatif)
APTCFH Earthworks Preliminary Design, Capping Layer, Hydraulics (Avant-Projet Terrassement, Couche
de Forme, Hydraulique)
ARi Subformation Class i (Arase de classe i)
AVP Preliminary Project (Avant-Projet)
BPU Unit Prices Specification (Bordereau des Prix Unitaires)
BSDI Specification for Monitoring of Industrial Waste (Bordereau de Suivi des Dchets Industriels)
CAP Prior Acceptance Certificate (Certificat dAcceptation Pralable)
CCAG General Administrative Specifications (Cahier des Clauses Administratives Gnrales)
CCAP Particular Administrative Specifications (Cahier des Clauses Administratives Particulires)
CCTP Particular Technical Specifications (Cahier des Clauses Techniques Particulires)
CDC District Quarries Commission (Commission Dpartementale des Carrires)
CDF Capping Layer (Couche de Forme)
CDH District Hygiene Council (Conseil Dpartemental dHygine)
CE Inquiry Commission (Commission dEnqute)
CETE Technical Engineering Center for Infrastructure (Center dEtudes Techniques de lEquipement)
CFG French Geosynthetics Committee (Comit Franais des Gosynthtiques)
CFTR French Road Engineering Committee (Comit Franais pour les Techniques Routires)
CLE Local Water Commission (Commission Locale de lEau)
CMP Procurement Contract Code (Code des Marchs Publics)
CRPF Regional Forest Property Center (Center Rgional de la Proprit Forestire)
CSP Higher Fishing Council (Conseil Suprieur de la Pche)
DCE Tender Documents (Dossier de Consultation des Entreprises)
DDAF District-Level Department for Agriculture and Forests (Direction Dpartementale de lAgriculture
et de la Fort)
DDASS District-Level Department for Sanitation and Social Affairs (Direction Dpartementale de lAction
Sanitaire et Sociale)
DDE District-Level Office for Infrastructure (Direction Dpartementale de lEquipement)
DE Estimate (Dtail Estimatif)
DG Final Account (Dcompte Gnral)
DIB Ordinary Industrial Waste (Dchet Industriel Banal)
DICT Declaration of Intent to Commence Work (Dclaration dIntention de Commencement des
Travaux)
DIREN Region-level Office for the Environment (DIrection Rgionale de lEnvironnement)
DIS Special Industrial Waste (Dchet Industriel Spcial)
DOE Documents Conforming to Execution (Documents Conformes lExcution)
DPE Water Policing Dossier (Dossier de Police des Eaux)
DPF Public Rivers Sector (Domaine Public Fluvial)
DPM Public Maritime Sector (Domaine Public Maritime)
DRAC Region-level Office for Cultural Affairs (Direction Rgionale des Affaires Culturelles)
DRIRE Region-level Office for Industry, Research and the Environment (Direction Rgionale de
lIndustrie, de la Recherche et de lEnvironnement)
DUP Acknowledgement of Public Interest (Dclaration dUtilit Publique)
DVA Cross-town Roads Dossier (Dossier de Voirie dAgglomration)
DVAAPS Different Development Variants on Overview / background summary (Diffrentes Variantes
dAmnagement lAvant-Projet Sommaire)
EBC Classified Wooded Space (Espace Bois Class)
EDF Electricit De France
EP Preliminary Study (Etude Prliminaire)
EPAPA Preliminary Study for Preliminary Motorway Project (Etude Prliminaire lAvant-Projet
Autoroutier)
EPOA Preliminary Study for Structures (Etude Prliminaire des Ouvrages dArt)
EPOANC Preliminary Study for Extraordinary Structures (Etude Prliminaire des Ouvrages dArt Non
Courants)
FNTP National Public Works Federation (Fdration Nationale des Travaux Publics)
ICPE Classified Facility for Protection of the Environment (Installation Classe pour la Protection de
lEnvironnement)
IOTA Facilities, Structures, Work or Activities (Installations, Ouvrages, Travaux ou Activits)
IMEC Central Level Mixed Instruction (Instruction Mixte lEchelon Central)
LCPC Central Public Works Research Laboratory (Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chausses)
LOTI Law for Orientation on Internal Transport (Loi dOrientation sur les Transports Intrieurs)
LRPC Regional Public Works Research Laboratory (Laboratoire Rgional des Ponts et Chausses)
MEDD Ministry for Ecology and Sustainable Development (Ministre de lEcologie et du Dveloppement
Durable (formerly MATE)
MATE Ministry for Regional Development and the Environment (Ministre de lAmnagement du
Territoire et de lEnvironnement)
MELT Ministry for Infrastructure, Housing and Transport (Ministre de lEquipement du Logement et des
Transports)
MES Material in Suspension (Matires En Suspension)
MISE Water Inter-services Mission (Mission Inter-Services de lEau)
MOe Construction Manager (Matrise duvre)
MOu Project Owner (Matrise dOuvrage)
NOE Environmental Organization Note (Note dOrganisation Environnementale)
OA Structures (Ouvrages dArt)
OH Hydraulic Structure (Ouvrage Hydraulique)
ONF National Forestry Office (Office National des Forts)
OS Service Order (Ordre de Service)
PA Awarding Authority (Pouvoir Adjudicateur)
PAE Environmental Assurance Plan (Plan dAssurance Environnement)
PAQ Quality Assurance Plan (Plan dAssurance Qualit)
PE Water Policing (Police de lEau)
PFi Class i Platform (Plate Forme de classe i)
PGCS General Safety Coordination Plan (Plan Gnral de Coordination Scurit)
PLU Local Planning Scheme (Plan Local dUrbanisme (replacing Land Occupation Plans following the
SRU Urban Renovation and Solidarity Law of December 2000)
PPR Plan for Prevention of Foreseeable Natural Risks (Plan de Prvention des Risques naturels
prvisibles)
PPSPS Special Safety and Health Protection Plan (Plan Particulier pour la Scurit et la Protection de la
Sant)
POS Land Occupation Plan (PLU as of December 2000)
PRO Project (Projet)
PSIC Community Interest Site Proposition (Proposition de Site dIntrt Communautaire - Natura 2000)
PST Upper parts of earthworks (Partie Suprieure des Terrassements)
PV Report (Procs Verbal)
RC Rules for Tendering (Rglement de Consultation)
RC/A Office for Supervision of Motorway Concessionary Companies (Mission de Contrle des socits
concessionnaires dAutoroutes)
RNDE National Water Data Network (Rseau National de Donnes sur lEau)
RPC Special Rules for Tendering (Rglement Particulier de Consultation)
SAGE Water Management and Development Plan (Schma dAmnagement et de Gestion de lEau)
SAPRR Socit des Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhne
SCOT Territorial Coherence Diagram (Schma de COhrence Territoriale)
SDAGE Water Management and Development Master Plan (Schma Directeur dAmnagement et de
Gestion de lEau)
SDVP District-level Fish Plan (Schma Dpartemental de Vocation Piscicole)
SEBTP Socit dEdition du Btiment et des Travaux Publics
Stra Service dtudes Techniques des Routes et Autoroutes
SMO Project Management Syndicate (Syndicat de Matrise dOuvrage)
SN Navigation Service (Service Navigation)
SOGED Organizational Diagram for Waste Management and Disposal (Schma Organisationnel de Gestion
et dElimination des Dchets)
SOPAE Organizational Diagram for Environmental Assurance Plan (Schma dOrganisation du Plan
dAssurance Environnement)
SOPAQ Organizational Diagram for Quality Assurance Plan (Schma dOrganisationnel du Plan
dAssurance Qualit)
SRU Urban Renovation and Solidarity (Solidarit et Rnovation Urbaine)
TN Natural Ground (Terrain Naturel)
TV Topsoil (Terre Vgtale)
USIRF Union des Syndicats de lIndustrie Routire Franaise
W Water Content (Teneur en eau)
ZICO Bird Conservation Area (Zone dImportance pour la Conservation des Oiseaux)
ZPS Special Protection Area (Zone de Protection Spciale)
ZNIEFF Natural Ecology/Fauna/Flora area (Zone Naturelle dIntrt Ecologique, Faunistique ou
Floristique)
ZSC Special Conservation Area (Zone Spciale de Conservation)

Bibliography
Gui des, not es and recommendat i ons
[1] Catalog of type structures for new roads. State highway network - Stra/LCPC, December 1998 - Ref.
D9828
[2] New highways with little traffic. Design manual - Stra/LCPC, July 1981 - Ref. D8112
[3] Detection of underground cavities using geophysical methods Practical Guide - co-publication, LCPC /
PN Criterre, 1977
[4] Maintenance of green roadside ancillaries. Practical Guide - Stra, February 2004 - Ref. 0406
[5] Development of main roads (excluding motorways and two-lane expressways). Technical Guide - Stra,
August 1994 - Ref. B9413
[6] Command and control of geotechnical investigation of alignments. Technical Guide - LCPC, January 2001
[7] Design and sizing of road structures. Technical Guide - Stra, December 1994 - Ref. D9511
[8] Study and construction of embankments/fills on compressible soils. Technical Guide - LCPC/Stra,
November 2000 - Ref. D0034
[9] Organization of quality assurance in earthworks. Technical Guide - LCPC/Stra, January 2000 - Ref.
D9923
[10] Creation of embankments/fills and capping layers (GTR Technical Guide to Embankments & Fills). Fasc.
I and II - Stra/LCPC, September 1992 - Ref. D9233
[11] Blasting earthworks in roadwork sites. Technical Guide - CFTR - Stra, January 2002 - Ref. D0126
[12] Embankment work on trenches and road reworking (GTT Technical Guide to Earthworks) - LCPC/Stra,
May 1994 - Ref. D944
[13] Treatment of soils containing lime and/or hydraulic binders. Application to creation of embankments/fills
and capping layers. Technical Guide - Stra/LCPC, January 2000 - Ref. D9924
[14] Technical guide to use of soils to construct green roadside ancillaries. Preliminary studies. Study report -
Stra, May 2000
[15] Management of waste from road construction and operation. Information note No. 63 Economics,
environment, design - Stra, April 2000 - Ref. B0011
[16] Repeated heat treatment of bituminous materials. Information note No. 98 Ancillary Roadways - Stra,
April 1997 - Ref. D9725
[17] Weather conditions and earthworks. Recommendation for preparation of the project, drawing up the
contract, execution and monitoring of work - Stra/LCPC, June 1986 - Ref. D8629
[18] Recommendations for the Design and Execution of Road Embankments & Fills - AIPCR, 1999
[19] Earthworks Assistance in drawing up CCTP Particular Technical Specifications Methodological Guide
- Stra, October 2006 - Ref. 0646W
[20] Use of expanded polystyrene in road construction - Technical Guide - Stra, September 2006 - Ref. 0622
[21] Road drainage - Technical Guide - Stra, September 2006 - Ref. 0605
[22] Ordinary technical clauses concerning metal ducts - Technical Guide - Stra, November 1982 - Ref.
F8218
[23] Walls Retaining walls - IQOA - Methodological Guide - Stra, March 2005 - Ref. 0507
[24] Road sewerage - Technical Guide - Stra, October 2006 - Ref. 0632
[25] Structures in reinforced earth - Recommendations and rules - LCPC - Stra, July 1991- Ref. F7910
[26] Le Pneusol (support distribution of stresses Information note No. 47 - Stra, January 1989
[27] Ultra-light embankments/fills on compressible soils Information note No. 54 - Stra, February 1990
[28] Support and embankments/fills in Texsol - E. Leflaive and M. Panet, Coll; Innovation routire, Paris 1995
[29] Site and building waste. Guide to professional building usage - Fdration Nationale du Btiment (FNB) -
January 1995
Regulations
[30] Law No. 75-633 of 15 July 1975 concerning elimination of waste and recovery of materials.
[31] Law No. 76-663 of 19 July 1976 concerning classified facilities for protection of the environment.
[32] Law No. 92-646 of 13 July 1992 in completion and modification of the two laws of 1975 and 1976.
[33] Law No. 95-101 of 2 February 1995 (Barnier Law) concerning reinforcement for protection of the
environment.
[34] European Council Directive 75/442/CEE modified by directives 91/156/CEE of 18/03/91 and 96/350/CE on
waste (JOCE L 194 of 25/07/1995)
[35] European Council Directive 1999/31/CE of 26 April 1999 concerning dumping of waste.
[36] Commission Decision 2000/532/CE of 16 January 2001 concerning the European waste list.
[37] Environmental Code, Book V, Section IV: Waste Chapter 1: Elimination of waste and recovery of
materials.
[38] Environmental Code, Book V, Section I concerning classified facilities for protection of the environment
[39] Joint circular Ministry for Regional Development and the Environment / Ministry for Infrastructure,
Housing and Transport of 15 February 2000 on planning for waste from building sites and public works.
[40] Decree No. 94-609 of 13 July 1994 concerning non-household packaging waste.
[41] Decree No. 97-517 of 15 May 1997 concerning the classification of hazardous waste.
[42] Decree No. 98-679 of 30 July 1998 concerning the transportation of waste by road.
[43] Circular No. 2001-39 of 18 June 2001 concerning waste management on the state highway network -
METL/MATE (BO No. 2001-13)
[44] Circular of 28 April 1998, Ministry for Regional Development and the Environment, concerning the
implementation and evolution of district-level plans for elimination of household and assimilated waste (not
published in the Official Journal)
[45] Regulation NF P 11-300 - September 1992 - Execution of earthworks - Classification of materials to be
used in the construction of embankments/fills and capping layers for road infrastructures
[46] Regulation NF P 11-301 - December 1994 - Execution of earthworks - Terminology
[47] NF P 94-102-1 - July 2001 - Soils: investigation and tests Soil treated with hydraulic binder and
possibly lime, for use on capping layer - Part 1: Definition - Composition - Classification
[48] NF P 94-102-2 - July 2001 - Soils: investigation and tests Soil treated with hydraulic binder and
possibly lime, for use on capping layer - Part 2: methodology for lab formulation studies.
[49] Section 2 General earthworks CCTG General Technical Specifications - March 2003 (Special Section,
BO No. 2003-2)
[50] Sections 35 Landscape development. Open-air sports and leisure areas - CCTG General Technical
Specifications - April 1999 (Special Section BO No. 99-6)
[51] Mining Code

Other documents
[52] Article 10 of the Water Act No. 92-3 of 3 January 1992 and Application Decree 29/03/1993 concerning
nomenclature of operations subject to authorization or declaration
[53] Notice of 11 November 1997 concerning nomenclature of waste (Official Journal of 11/11/1997)
[54] Stability of slopes Volume 1: Natural slopes, Volume 2: Cuts and embankments/fills Special Bulletin
III, Public Works Research Laboratories - March 1976
[55] Hydraulics of soils - Special Bulletin V, Public Works Research Laboratories April 1970
[56] Natural Risks Liaison Bulletin, Public Works Research Laboratories No. 150151 July - October 1987
[57] Compaction with low water content in soils and materials for earthworks and roads - ISTED October
1986
[58] Applied geophysics: Code of Good Practices - dition Union Franaise des Gologues, Paris 1992.
[59] Guide to building site waste - Coll.: Knowledge for action - ADEME, 1998.
[60] Plans for Prevention of Foreseeable Natural Risks General Guide - La documentation Franaise, 1997
[61] Plans for Prevention of Natural Risks. Risks of movements in ground. Methodological Guide -
MATE/MELT - La documentation Franaise, 1999
[62] Stability of slopes on cuts and embankments/fills Special issue, LPC - LCPC, December 1976
[63] Site by-products and surpluses, proposals and solutions - FNTP, 1999
[64] Soil improvement by vertical rigid inclusions Application to construction of embankments/fills on
mediocre soils - O. Combarieu Studies and research by the Public Works Research Laboratories, geotechnical
series GT-26 - LCPC, December 1987.

The purpose of the guide to Design and execution of earthworks
is to assist and advise the Construction Manager in the course of the
project up to execution of earthworks.
It consists of 3 independent fascicules:
fascicule 1: studies and execution of work;
fascicule 2: organization of checks;
fascicule 3: test methods.
This fascicule 1 Studies and execution of work is composed of
six chapters.
The first describes the recommended longitudinal section
techniques. The second consists of technical dossiers on earthworks
technology. The third describes earthwork techniques which are not
currently explained by technical guides. The fourth provides
specific examples. The fifth examines the problem of variants. The
sixth provides a summary of pathologies observed.
This document is available and can be downloaded on Stra website:
http://www.setra.equipement.gouv.fr

Cover - Photographers: A. Delfaut (DREIF - LRPC), Y. Aubert (Entreprise GTM Terrassements), Y. Deniel
(DDE 28), C. Drouaux (Stra), G. Lacassy (CETE du Sud-Ouest - LRPC), E. Mazire (Entreprise GTM
Terrassements), P. Pettier (Sctauroute), P. Rossi (Entreprise Razel), N. Travers (DDE 50).

Stra authorization is required for reproduction of this document (all or even part)
2007 Stra - Reference: 0748-1A - ISRN: EQ-SETRA--07-ED44--FR+ENG
Stra belongs
to the scientific and
technical network
of the French Public
Works Ministry (RST)

SETRA - Design and Execution of Earthworks - 1 - 2007+++++++++++++++++

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SETRA - Design and Execution of Earthworks - 1 - 2007+++++++++++++++++

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march 2007

Techni cal gui de

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