8 02/18 EXCAVATION: Excavation should consider the need for the thrust blocks at all fittings that are directly buried in the ground. The trench bottom must give uniform support along the entire length of any pipelines. Where several pipelines are in a common trench, the trench must be wide enough to maintain the specified distances between adjacent lines, generally a minimum of 6" in pipe sizes up to 6" diameter, and 12" minimum in sizes 8" and larger. The excavation should be in a straight line except where fittings are located. TRENCHING: Trenching shall follow the elevations provided by the Design Engineer on the contract drawings. The trench depth should always allow for a minimum cover height of 24" over the top of the casing. Keep excavations free of water during construction. If the contractor determines it is necessary to remove unsuitable material to a depth greater than specified, refill excavations carried below the depths indicated or directed with specified bedding material and compact in 6" lifts to 95% of maximum density in accordance with ASTM D1557, Method D. Excavate and replace soil disturbed and weakened by the contractors operations or soils permitted to soften from exposure to weather, with bedding material and compact with a plate-type vibratory compactor. TRENCH WIDTHS: The width of the trench at the top of the pipe should be held to the minimum required for efficient and proper installation. The reason for this is to keep the earth load on the pipe as small as possible. The wider the trench at the top of the pipe, the greater the load on the pipe. Note that an increase in trench width above the top of the pipe, by stepping the sides or digging a wider offset trench, does not affect the earth load on the pipe. On the other hand, a trench that is too narrow will make assembly difficult and may reduce the rate and quality of installation. In addition, lack of ample room will limit the capability to properly backfill and tamp around the pipe. Although each job or portion of a job must be considered on an individual basis, as a rule, the following minimum trench widths at the top of the pipe are recommended: Minimum: one foot greater than the outside diameter of the casing. Where two or more pipes are in the same trench, use the distance between outside casing of the outside pipes plus one foot. Maximum: Use above method for minimum plus two feet. DISTRIBUTING PIPE ALONG TRENCH: Pipe lengths may be strung along the line of the trench to minimize additional handling during installation. PLACING PIPE IN THE TRENCH: The VEE-TITE pipe may be hand or mechanically passed into the trench. The latest state and federal safety regulations should be understood and observed. If slings are necessary use only canvas straps, do not use cable or chain slings. A backhoe or boom truck provide an excellent way of lowering the pipe into the trench.