Bulk Earthworks Conformance
Bulk earthworks are the foundation of every successful civil or building project. Atlas Engineering and Technology Group (AETG) delivers comprehensive conformance testing to verify that placed fills meet project specifications, Australian Standards and RMS (TfNSW) requirements.
Successful construction projects rely on stable and well-compacted foundations. At Atlas Engineering and Technology Group, we provide comprehensive bulk earthworks conformance testing services across Sydney, ensuring your project’s earthworks meet all specified engineering properties, design requirements, and Australian Standards.
What is Bulk Earthworks Conformance?
Bulk earthworks conformance is the systematic process of verifying that all aspects of earthworks construction—including the selection of fill materials, their placement methods, and the achieved compaction—comply with the project's design specifications and relevant standards, primarily AS 3798 "Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments."
This involves meticulous attention to key parameters such as:
Suitability of borrow or imported fill materials.
Moisture content conditioning of materials before and during compaction.
Thickness of placed and compacted layers.
Achieved dry density ratio or other specified compaction targets.
Uniformity of compaction across the site.
What We Test
- Compaction density (nuclear gauge & sand-cone)
- Moisture content vs Optimum Moisture Content (OMC)
- Level and surface tolerances (survey pickup)
- Grading & particle size distribution
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and soaked CBR
- In-situ shear strength (DCP, shear vane)
- Material quality (plasticity index, sulphate & organic content)
Level 1 and Level 2 Supervision and Testing
Providing geotechnical inspection and testing services in accordance with AS 3798, tailored to the criticality and scale of your earthworks.
On-Site Compaction Control Testing
- Nuclear Densometer (NDM) Testing: Rapid determination of compacted materials' in-situ density and moisture content (AS 1289.5.8.1).
- Sand Replacement Method: For determining in-situ dry density of soils (AS 1289.5.3.1).
- Hilf Rapid Compaction Test: (AS 1289.5.7.1) for rapid assessment of compaction properties.
Proof Rolling and Subgrade Evaluation
Witnessing and assessing the performance of prepared surfaces under loaded vehicle passes to identify any unstable or soft areas.
Detailed Conformance Reporting
Providing clear, concise, and timely reports (NATA accredited where applicable) summarising all test results, site observations, test locations, and a statement of compliance against project specifications.
Earthworks Supervision Levels (AS 3798)
We provide both Level 1 and Level 2 supervision services, depending on your project's specific requirements:
| Feature | Level 1 Supervision | Level 2 Supervision |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection & Testing | Full-time inspection and testing by Atlas Engineering and Technology Group personnel. | Intermittent inspection and testing by Atlas Engineering and Technology Group personnel for verification. |
| Responsibility | Atlas Engineering and Technology Group takes primary responsibility for the inspection and testing process. | The contractor manages their own quality control, with Atlas providing independent verification. |
| Testing Frequency | Higher frequency, typically for every layer or as defined by the Geotechnical Inspection and Testing Authority (GITA). | Lower frequency, focused on auditing the contractor's quality control and key milestones. |
| Typical Application | Critical engineered fills, large-scale earthworks, areas beneath structures, or where specifications demand stringent control. | Less critical areas, smaller volume fills, or where the contractor has a robust internal quality system. |
| Reporting | Detailed daily field reports, ongoing communication, and comprehensive final conformance reports. | Summary reports on audit findings and verification test results. |
Our Process
- Review project specifications, hold points and lots.
- Develop an Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) aligned to AS 3798, AS 1289 and TfNSW R44 / R117.
- Mobilise NATA-accredited field technicians with calibrated equipment.
- Conduct in-situ testing at agreed test frequency (typically 1 test / 500 m³ or 1 test / 2,000 m²).
- Log results in real time, flag non-conformances immediately.
- Issue a Conformance Report containing test data, level survey, compaction graphs and sign-off.
Typical Acceptance Criteria
| Lot Type | Minimum Dry Density Ratio | Moisture Range | Level Tolerance | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural fill (< 3 m deep) | 95 % MMDD | OMC ±2 % | ±10 mm | AS 3798, TfNSW R44 |
| Pavement sub-grade | 98 % MMDD | OMC to +2 % | ±15 mm | TfNSW R53 |
| Select Zone (under slabs) | 100 % MMDD | −2 % to +1 % | ±10 mm | AS 1289.5.8.1 |
Why AETG?
- NATA accreditation for soils & aggregate testing
- Civil, geotechnical and laboratory engineers on-call for rapid advice
- Experience on major Sydney infrastructure