Innovation in earthwork practices

Abstract

Site Earthworks specifications by various authorities have not seen much changes over the last 50 years. However, knowledge and practice relating to earthworks compaction, quality control testing have developed albeit empirically over the last 30 years in different industries such as civil infrastructure, mining and oil and gas, often driven by the need for improvisation or lack of adequate "conforming materials" as per traditional specifications. This paper presents the author's experience and research in earthworks placement and compaction, development of new tools for quality control of earthworks and how earthworks can be engineered to specific situations focus on High Impact Energy Dynamic Compaction (HIEDYC). Case histories from Malaysia and overseas are presented along with discussion of the benefits to owners. These benefits include fast earthworks procedures with quick validation processes.