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Sitework & Earthworkaka: backfilling

Backfill

In Plain English

The soil pushed back into an excavation after a foundation or pipe is installed.

Definition

Soil or other material used to fill an excavation after construction of a foundation, utility, or other underground structure is complete. Proper backfill material selection and compaction are critical to prevent settlement, damage to utilities, and hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls. Unsuitable material (organics, expansive soils) must be removed and replaced with approved fill.

Example

The specification required backfill to be placed in 6-inch lifts and compacted to 95% of standard Proctor density adjacent to the foundation wall.

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