Common use of Backfilling Around Structures Clause in Contracts

Backfilling Around Structures. The Contractor shall not place backfill against or on structures until they have attained sufficient strength to support the loads (including construction loads) to which they will be subjected, without distortion, cracking, or other damage. As soon ass practicable after the structures are structurally adequate and other necessary work has been done, special leakage tests, if required, shall be made. Promptly after the completion of such tests, the backfilling shall be started and then shall proceed until its completion. The best of the excavated materials shall be used in backfilling within two feet of the structures. Unequal soil pressures shall be avoided by depositing the material evenly around the structures. The material shall be placed and compacted to 90 percent unless otherwise indicated or specified. Backfilling Pipe Trenches. As soon as practicable after the pipes have been laid and the joints have acquired a suitable degree of hardness, if applicable, or the structures have been build and are structurally adequate to support the loads, including construction loads to which they will be subjected, the backfilling shall be started and thereafter it shall proceed until its completion. With the exception mentioned below in this paragraph, trenches shall not be backfilled at pipe joints until after that section of the pipeline has successfully passed any specified test required. Should the Contractor wish to minimize the maintenance of lights and barricades and the obstruction of traffic, he may, at his own risk backfill the entire trench, omitting or including backfill at joints as soon as practicable after the joints have acquired a suitable degree of strength. He shall, however, be responsible for removing and later replacing such backfill, at his own expense, should he be ordered to do so in order to locate and repair or replace leaking or defective joints or pipe.