construction and refurbishment of earthen irrigation channel banks

16.14.3 Reporting and RecordsTest reports should include the curing procedures and sample preparationprocedures adopted.The results of the Australian Standard Tests used should be recorded on a log sheet.A typical log sheet used for the Hilf test is shown inFigure 16.4. The Moisture Variation, Optimum Moisture Content, Field MoistureContent, Relative Density, Maximum Dry Density and Field Density should berecorded as applicable.16.14.4 Testing SupervisionThe intensity of geotechnical testing supervision may be identified at threealternative levels of responsibility, as follows from Appendix B of AS3798.Level 1 - A geotechnical testing authority provides a full-time inspection and testingservice on all earthworks (including stripping, proof rolling and associatedoperations) and decides the locations and timing of sampling and testing operations.Level 2 - A geotechnical testing authority carries out sampling and testing asrequired or specified. The geotechnical testing authority is responsible for selectingthe timing and location of sampling and testing operations within each visit made tothe site. The superintendent advises when such visits are required and ensures thatsufficient samples and tests are taken over the project.Level 3 - A geotechnical testing authority carries out testing as, where and whenrequested by the superintendent (or possibly by the constructor), who will beresponsible for the extent of testing and for recording the locations and levels fromwhich samples and tests were requested.16.14.5 Statistical methods of acceptance testingEarth materials are inherently variable. Thus the density and moisture content of achannel bank will vary from any one location to other locations, even ifconsiderable care is taken to attempt to achieve a uniform result.The not any to fail specification commonly applied to channel bank projects isbased on a successful history of producing suitable banks and only indirectlyaccounts for the inherent variability. Statistical methods have been applied toearthworks, in attempt to quantify the variability. In Australia, such schemes havefound their main use in larger road construction projects.In large volume earthworks, the amount of testing for field moisture content anddensity may be considerable. More efficient use of testing may be made byapplying statistical methods to selection of test sites and to the test results.Appendix D of AS3798 provides guidelines which may be used to develop suitablestatistical specifications for channel bank earthworks.Construction and Refurbishment of Earthen Channel Banks August 2002 - Edition 1.0 16-31