Earthworks and Compaction Inspections
Earthworks and compaction inspections are critical components of the construction process, ensuring that soil preparation and compaction meet the required standards for supporting structures, roadways, and other infrastructure. Atlas Engineering and Technology Group (AETG) provide these inspections to confirm that earthworks are executed properly and that soil compaction adheres to specified criteria, thereby ensuring the stability, durability, and safety of the built environment.
Why Do Earthworks and Compaction Inspections Matter?
Earthworks inspections are essential for assessing the quality and stability of soil excavation and backfilling operations, ensuring that the site is properly prepared to support construction activities. Adequate compaction is critical for ensuring the long-term stability of foundations, pavements, and other structures constructed on the site.
- Soil Compaction: Ensuring the soil is compacted to the specified density, which is vital for maintaining structural stability and preventing settlement.
- Material Suitability: Evaluating the appropriateness of the soil and fill materials for their intended use, ensuring they meet the required engineering specifications.
- Structural Stability: Adequate compaction is essential for ensuring the long-term integrity of foundations, pavements, and other structures constructed on the site.
- Prevent Settlement: Inadequate compaction can lead to excessive settlement, causing cracks, uneven surfaces, and potential damage to the structure.
What Services AETG Offers
Visual Inspection: A geotechnical engineer or technician will conduct a visual assessment of the site to evaluate grading, compaction, and the overall condition of the earthworks.
Sampling and Testing: Soil samples will be collected and tested either in the field or laboratory to determine key properties such as density, moisture content, and other relevant characteristics.
Compaction Testing: Compaction tests, conducted with a Nuclear Densometer Gauge are conducted to determine the in-situ soil’s Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC).
CBR Testing: California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests are conducted to assess the strength and load-bearing capacity of the subgrade and pavement materials.
Reporting: Comprehensive reports will be prepared, summarising the inspection findings and providing recommendations for any necessary corrective and remediation actions.
Level 1 Inspection: This includes continuous supervision and testing throughout bulk earthworks operations to ensure adherence to project specifications and industry standards.
Level 2 Inspection: This involves targeted testing and monitoring of specific areas or materials, typically applied to projects with higher risk or specialised requirements.
Benefits of AETG Earthworks and compaction inspections
Earthworks and compaction inspections are vital to ensuring that the soil is prepared and compacted to the appropriate Australian Standards (AS3798), providing a stable foundation for any subsequent construction. By following proper inspection procedures, including testing for density, moisture, and proper layering, potential issues like settlement, soil instability, and structural failure can be avoided. These inspections also ensure compliance with safety regulations, protect worker health, and contribute to the overall success of a project by minimising the risk of future defects or failures in the foundation or pavement system.
Successfully Completed Jobs by AETG to Date
✔ Proposed Warehouse Development - Airds Road, Minto NSW
The Level 1 Inspection Report by AETG documents geotechnical observations and compaction testing during bulk earthworks for the Proposed Warehouse Development at Airds Road, Minto NSW. The inspections, carried out in accordance with AS 3798-2007, were conducted over several days as the contractors placed fill material into excavated trenches. Subgrade preparation included proof rolling, which identified soft spots later remediated through stripping and recompaction. Fill was placed in 300 mm thick layers, compacted using a 12-tonne Padfoot compactor, and tested for compliance with density and moisture specifications. Despite weather-related delays, all works met the required standards. AGS confirmed that the backfilling was carried out in general accordance with the project specifications, with full-time geotechnical supervision provided during key activities.
✔ Proposed Upgrade Development - Prince Alfred Parade, Tuggerah NSW
AETG was hired by North Construction and Building to assess the site conditions following the demolition of an underground concrete tank structure. The assessment revealed that the tank was partially demolished, with the base slab completely removed. Water accumulation and wet/soft material were observed at the base, and sandstone bedrock was encountered at approximately 3.0 meters below ground level.
The client plans to backfill the area and use it as a piling platform for a temporary rig, with specific requirements for the fill. AETG recommends removing all water and loose material prior to placing fill in controlled layers with adequate compaction. The onsite stockpiled material is suitable for use as general fill at the bottom of the tank area.
Two options are suggested for preparing the fill placement:
With a combigrid (geo-textile + geo-grid)
Without a combigrid
Both options involve using existing site material, followed by imported fill, placed in maximum layer thicknesses and compacted to meet specified compaction percentages. It is strongly recommended to remove all unsuitable materials, such as demolition debris, organic matter, or foreign materials, and to sieve out particles larger than 75 mm.