BACK FILLING

Backfill

Theactionoffillinganexcavatedtrenchorhole.

Backfilling a trench requires skills and some

knowledge on the specifications and requirements
of your contract. Backfilling can be done in several
ways, and can be used in tasks such as
protectingfoundations, landscaping, or filling in
voids that would weaken underground structures.
Different soil types have differing properties, and
require different construction techniques to ensure
optimum performance. Impact loading of the
pipeline, shafts, structures and appurtenances must
be avoided during the placement of backfill.

Backfilling can be done using the following

techniques :
Backfilling: Compact
This material is thencompacted usingsome
mechanical means such as a compactor on an
excavator or ajumping jack type compactor.
Compact soils to not less than the percentages of
maximum dry density as determined in accordance
withASTMD698, Method A (Standard Proctor).The
thickness of the layer will depend upon the
nature of the backfill, and the compaction
equipment to be used.Water may be added
during the compaction process, to assist with
compaction.

The following steps are recommended

Backfill in layers of 4"-6" (non organic

fill and clean of debris)
Compact with a 1000lb compactor
Water thoroughly
Repeat first three steps

Jumping jack compactor

Backfilling: Water Jetting

Water jettingis a technique that relies on specific

material but no compaction. Backfilling with jet allows the
contractor to leave the trench and come back later forcing
pressurized water into the trench using a long metal device.
Water jetting should be avoided on plastic soils or heavy
clay soils, however, it is recommended in sand or in
highly fissured bedrock. In jetting, youpumpthe water under
pressure and use the force of the jetted water to move the
bedding or backfill material around.
As with any backfilling, material should be placed slowly and in
lifts. Flooding or 'jetting' backfill generally produces poor to very
poor compaction. It is necessary to take preventive measures to
contain water containing sediment, and in particular, prevent it
entering drains and water courses. If the water cannot drain
from the backfill soils, the material will be setup for future
collapse.

Water jet

Backfilling: Flowable Fill

Backfilling can also be done usingflowable fill.Flowable
fill is a cementious material with a lowwater/cement
ratio, delivered to the jobsite by a ready mix truck. The
the truck, just like regular concrete. Backfilling with
flowable material is then placed as backfill directly from
fill should be done carefully, making sure thatthe utility
pipeis covered first with an aggregate material. Allowing
flowable fill to engulf the pipe can create problems
for those needing to hand dig around the pipe in
the future. The other challenge with using flowable fill is
that the material does flow so the contractor must block
or prevent the backfill material to flow continuously to
other trench areas.

Flowable fill

Backfilling: Utilities

Follow these steps when backfilling utility trenches:

Backfill trenches and excavations immediately after the

pipe are laid, unless other protection is directed or
indicated.
Select and deposit backfill materials with special reference
to the future safety of the pipes.
In lower portion of trench, deposit approved backfill and
bedding material in layers of 6" maximum thickness, and
compact with suitable tampers to the density of the
adjacent soil until there is a cover of not less than 12"
using special care not to damage pipe and pipe coatings.
Except for special materials forpavements, backfill the
remainder of the trench with material free from stones
larger than 6" or the layered thickness, whichever is
smaller, in any dimension.

Under roads, streets and other paved area:

a. Mechanically tamp in 6" layers using heavy duty
pneumatic tampers or equal.
b. Tamp each layer to a density equivalent of not
less than 100% of an ASTM D698 Proctor Curve.
c. Provide additional compaction by leaving the
backfilled trenches open to traffic while
maintaining the surface with crushed stone.