TABLE OF CONTENTS Charles H.Sain
Consulting Engineer
Birmingham, Alabama
G.William Quinby
Consulting Engineer
Golden, Colorado
Earthwork involves movement of a portion of the earth s surface from one location to another and, in its new position, creation of a desired shape and physical condition. Occasionally, the material moved is disposed of as spoil. Because of the wide variety of soils encountered and jobs to be done on them, much equipment and many methods have been developed for the purpose. This section describes and analyzes the equipment and methods.
A common method of classifying excavation is by type of excavated material: topsoil, earth, rock, muck, and unclassified.
Topsoil excavation is removal of the exposed layer of the earth s surface, including vegetation. Since the topsoil, or mantle soil, supports growth of trees and other vegetation, this layer contains more moisture than that underneath. So that the lower layer will lose moisture and become easier to handle, it is advantageous to remove the topsoil as soon as possible. When removed, topsoil usually is stockpiled. Later, it is restored on the site for landscaping or to support growth of vegetation to control erosion.
Earth excavation is removal of the layer of soil immediately under the topsoil and on top of rock. Used to construct embankments and foundations, earth usually is easy to move with scrapers or other types of earthmoving equipment.
Rock excavation is removal of a formation that cannot be excavated without drilling and blasting. Any boulder larger than...
