Grading Best Practices
Core Work Process: Storm Drain Activity: 15 to 36 RCP less than 6 deep Equipment Needed: Track hoe, Backfill hoe, Loader, Ramax, Pipe laser, Target Theodolite, Box Level, Grade rod, Shovels, Pry bar, Sledge Hammer, Quickie Saw, Chipping Hammer, Generator, Six foot level, Foot tamp, Penetrometer Manpower Needed: Two operators, Three laborers Excavator, Loader/Backfill, Ditchman, Ditchman, Tamper/Grout Material Needed: Pipe, Boxes, Frame and Grate/Hood and Grate/Ring and Cover, Brick Mortar, Water Best Practice Process Description: After gathering tools, material and equipment to complete the task hold a pre task meeting to outline the task as well as review safety concerns and explain the budgeted production for the activity. 1. Have loader operator begin stringing pipe along the length of the proposed excavation while the track hoe operator and crew begin digging the first storm box to begin laying pipe 2. Once excavated either set box and place pipe laser inside or if using a field built box securely place the pipe laser on bricks at proper elevation 3. Set up the theodolite over the offset stake and site the centerline stake for the next box; use this centerline to align pipe laser 4. Begin safely digging and placing spoils at least two feet from the edge of the excavation on the opposite side that the pipe is staged. If sides are 5 feet or greater slope/bench top of excavation to ensure a safe ditch 5. Set box or begin laying pipe while constantly checking grade with the pipe laser and alignment with the theodolite. Also check pipe fall with level as a
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quality control measure. Backfill pipe enough to ensure that it does not move when next stick is laid Have third laborer run the foot tamp and brick up box penetrations while other two laborers are aligning and grading for pipe After pipe is laid and secured, loader operator will begin backfilling with the backfill hoe and roller bucket. At end of the run, set the box and measure length to cut pipe After all pipe is run, begin the process again on the next run
Safety Precautions: 1. Call in locate prior to any excavation and pothole necessary locations 2. Conduct proper and thorough PTP with crew prior to beginning work 3. Classify dirt properly and have engineer classify if any questions are drawn 4. Provide needed access and egress for any ditches 5. Air test any excavations or boxes greater than four feet 6. Have competent person inspect excavation prior to entry and if conditions change 7. Slope sides properly if excavation is over 5 feet deep 8. Minimize equipment travel along ditch lines 9. Properly locate spoils two feet or more from edge of the excavation 10. If trench or manhole boxes are needed ensure top of box is 18 above grade 11. Stand clear of rigged loads and maintain tag lines 12. Watch pinch points and ditch employees Quality Control: 1. Prior to excavation compare elevations and % falls on plans to that on stakes 2. Check the fall of each stick of pipe with a six foot level 3. Intermittently check grade with box level 4. Check alignment of pipe and laser with theodolite after each stick of pipe is laid 5. Foot tamp dirt around all sides of the pipe prior to mass backfill 6. Have testing agency test each lift of backfill after compaction 7. During backfill check to make sure box is plumb with six foot level Possible Pitfalls: 1. Do not string pipe to close to excavation; make sure there is room for layback if needed 2. Rope off area where box level and theodolite are set to make sure they are not bumped 3. Account for thickness of box bottom when setting subgrade 4. Set box and make sure it is aligned properly with back of curb Expected Production Rate: 1. Laying Pipe 4 sticks per hour (~250 in 10 hrs at 80% efficiency) 2. Backfilling Pipe 50 cy per hour (~300 cy a day) 3. Foot tamp and block boxes 4 sticks per hour and 2 penetrations per hour