Common use of Tamping Clause in Contracts

Tamping. If the material is to be compacted by tamping, or under appropriate circumstances, rolling, the material shall be deposited and spread in uniform, parallel layers not exceeding 8 inches thick before compaction. Before the next layer is placed, each layer shall be tamped as required so as to obtain a thoroughly compacted mass. Care shall be taken that the material close to the bank, as well as in all other portions of the trench, is thoroughly compacted. When the trench width and the depth to which backfill has been placed are sufficient to make it feasible, and it can be done effectively and without damage to the pipe, backfill may, on approval, be compacted by the use of suitable rollers, tractors, or similar powered equipment instead of by tamping. For compaction by tamping (or rolling), the rate at which backfilling material is deposited in the trench shall not exceed that permitted by the facilities for its spreading, leveling and compacting as furnished by the Contractor. If necessary to ensure proper compaction by tamping (or rolling), the material shall first be wet by sprinkling. However, no compaction by tamping (or rolling) shall be done when the material is too wet either from rain or too great an application of water to be compacted properly; at such times the work shall be suspended until the previously placed and new materials have dried out sufficiently to permit proper compacting, or such other precautions shall be taken as may be necessary to obtain proper compaction.