TryBuildCalcPit Excavation Verification Checklist
🕒 Last updated: July 30, 2026
Essential Checklist+−
Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.
✓18 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Dimensions and Input+-
- Pit dimensions are the excavation dimensions — not the footing or sump dimensions. Add 300–600mm clearance per side for working space and formwork.
- Depth is measured from existing ground level to the bottom of the pit — including PCC and any compacted granular fill layer.
- For tapered or stepped pits, each section was entered separately using the Multiple Different-Sized Pits feature (or calculated and summed manually) — not approximated with one averaged top/bottom pair.
- If the batter/slope auto-calculate helper was used, the ratio or angle entered matches the actual specified batter for the soil type — not left at the default.
- Dimensions were taken from the current revision of structural drawings — drawing revision number was confirmed.
- Number of pits was entered correctly — footing schedule or structural plan was cross-checked for total pit count.
- Truck capacity and cost rate units (m³ vs cft) match what the supplier or contractor actually quoted — mixing units silently changes the truck-load and cost estimate.
✓Soil and Ground Conditions+-
- Soil bearing capacity at the proposed founding depth was confirmed from a soil investigation report — not assumed.
- Founding depth meets the structural engineer's specification — not reduced to save excavation cost.
- Black cotton soil, expansive clay, or filled ground was identified and the structural engineer was informed before setting founding depth.
- Water table depth was confirmed — pits deeper than the water table require dewatering.
- For pit depths exceeding 1.5m in non-cohesive soil, side battering (1:0.5 to 1:1) or shoring was specified.
- Loose or disturbed material at the pit bottom was removed and the formation was inspected before PCC was poured.
✓Volume and Disposal+-
- A bulking factor of 20–30% was applied to the calculated pit volume for spoil haulage estimation.
- Stockpiled spoil is not placed within 1.5m of the pit edge — surcharge causes bank instability.
✓Safety and Inspection+-
- All open pits are barricaded at the end of each working day.
- Pit formation (bottom) was inspected by the engineer before PCC was placed — undisturbed soil only.
- A sudden change in soil colour, consistency, or water seepage at the pit bottom was reported to the structural engineer.
Full QC Checklist+−
Verify pit dimensions, founding conditions, soil, dewatering, and safety.
✓27 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Dimensions and Input+-
- Pit dimensions are the excavation dimensions — not the footing or sump dimensions. Add 300–600mm clearance per side for working space and formwork.
- Depth is measured from existing ground level to the bottom of the pit — including PCC and any compacted granular fill layer.
- For tapered or stepped pits, each section was entered separately using the Multiple Different-Sized Pits feature (or calculated and summed manually) — not approximated with one averaged top/bottom pair.
- If the batter/slope auto-calculate helper was used, the ratio or angle entered matches the actual specified batter for the soil type — not left at the default.
- Dimensions were taken from the current revision of structural drawings — drawing revision number was confirmed.
- Number of pits was entered correctly — footing schedule or structural plan was cross-checked for total pit count.
- Dimensions were entered in consistent units.
- Truck capacity and cost rate units (m³ vs cft) match what the supplier or contractor actually quoted — mixing units silently changes the truck-load and cost estimate.
- Currency selected matches the quotation currency, especially on multi-currency or export/import projects.
- Contingency percentage (if used) reflects how well groundwater, side stability, and access conditions are actually known — not left at a default 0% for genuinely uncertain ground.
✓Soil and Ground Conditions+-
- Soil bearing capacity at the proposed founding depth was confirmed from a soil investigation report — not assumed.
- Founding depth meets the structural engineer's specification — not reduced to save excavation cost.
- Black cotton soil, expansive clay, or filled ground was identified and the structural engineer was informed before setting founding depth.
- Water table depth was confirmed — pits deeper than the water table require dewatering.
- For pit depths exceeding 1.5m in non-cohesive soil, side battering (1:0.5 to 1:1) or shoring was specified.
- Loose or disturbed material at the pit bottom was removed and the formation was inspected before PCC was poured.
✓Volume and Disposal+-
- A bulking factor of 20–30% was applied to the calculated pit volume for spoil haulage estimation.
- Soil retained for backfill was identified and stockpiled — not removed to site boundary or disposed of prematurely.
- Net disposal volume = excavated volume − volume retained for backfill − volume occupied by concrete structure.
- Excavated rock volume was identified separately — rock removal is priced differently from soil excavation.
- Stockpiled spoil is not placed within 1.5m of the pit edge — surcharge causes bank instability.
✓Safety and Inspection+-
- All open pits are barricaded at the end of each working day.
- Pit formation (bottom) was inspected by the engineer before PCC was placed — undisturbed soil only.
- A sudden change in soil colour, consistency, or water seepage at the pit bottom was reported to the structural engineer.
- Nighttime lighting or reflective barriers are in place around open pits in active construction areas.
- Stockpiled spoil and vehicle access routes do not obstruct emergency egress or existing services around the wider top opening.
- Weather forecast was checked before starting or continuing excavation — heavy rain changes side stability and may require a shallower batter or a pause in work.
Inspection Notes+-
Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.
Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.
Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.
Inspection Notes
Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.
Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.
Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.
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FAQ
Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.
No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.