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Rectangular Excavation Verification Checklist

Essential Checklist+

Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.

✓17 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Dimensions and Input+
  • Excavation dimensions were taken from structural drawings — not estimated or measured from an old drawing revision.
  • Length, width, and depth are the excavation dimensions — not the structural element dimensions. Add clearance for formwork and working space.
  • Working space clearance of 300–600mm per side was added to the structural footing size when entering dimensions.
  • Excavation depth was measured from existing ground level (EGL) to the bottom of PCC or lean concrete layer.
  • Dimensions were entered in consistent units — all metres or all feet, not mixed.
  • 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 Earthwork+
  • Soil type was identified from a bore log or trial pit — determines side slope and shoring requirement.
  • For excavations deeper than 1.5m in loose or sandy soil, shoring or battering of sides is mandatory under local excavation safety regulations — check the applicable code before work starts.
  • Side slopes for non-cohesive soil (sand, loose fill) were specified at 1:1 to 1:1.5 — vertical sides are unsafe.
  • A bulking factor of 20–30% was applied to the calculated volume to determine the actual spoil quantity for haulage.
  • Water table depth was confirmed — excavation below water table requires dewatering, which affects cost and method.
  • Existing underground utilities were marked on the drawing before specifying excavation depth.
✓Disposal and Reinstatement+
  • The excavation volume does not include the volume occupied by the concrete structure — that is not void space to fill.
  • Stockpiled spoil is located away from the excavation edge — surcharge load can cause bank collapse.
✓Safety+
  • Excavation deeper than 1.5m has a rescue plan and is never entered by a lone worker.
  • Edge protection (barriers, tape, or hoarding) is in place around open excavations.
  • Electrical supply to any services within 2m of the excavation was isolated before work began.
Full QC Checklist+

Verify excavation dimensions, soil, working space, disposal, and safety.

✓28 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Dimensions and Input+
  • Excavation dimensions were taken from structural drawings — not estimated or measured from an old drawing revision.
  • Length, width, and depth are the excavation dimensions — not the structural element dimensions. Add clearance for formwork and working space.
  • Working space clearance of 300–600mm per side was added to the structural footing size when entering dimensions.
  • Excavation depth was measured from existing ground level (EGL) to the bottom of PCC or lean concrete layer.
  • Dimensions were entered in consistent units — all metres or all feet, not mixed.
  • Multiple excavations of the same size were entered as a quantity multiplier — not manually summed.
  • Differently-sized excavations on the same site were entered as separate sections (Multiple Different-Sized Excavations mode) — not averaged into one approximate size.
  • 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 site conditions are actually known — not left at a default 0% out of habit for uncertain ground.
✓Soil and Earthwork+
  • Soil type was identified from a bore log or trial pit — determines side slope and shoring requirement.
  • For excavations deeper than 1.5m in loose or sandy soil, shoring or battering of sides is mandatory under local excavation safety regulations — check the applicable code before work starts.
  • Side slopes for non-cohesive soil (sand, loose fill) were specified at 1:1 to 1:1.5 — vertical sides are unsafe.
  • A bulking factor of 20–30% was applied to the calculated volume to determine the actual spoil quantity for haulage.
  • Water table depth was confirmed — excavation below water table requires dewatering, which affects cost and method.
  • Existing underground utilities were marked on the drawing before specifying excavation depth.
✓Disposal and Reinstatement+
  • Excavated soil suitable for backfill was identified and stockpiled separately — not mixed with organic or unsuitable material.
  • Off-site disposal quantity was estimated as excavation volume minus the volume retained for backfill.
  • The excavation volume does not include the volume occupied by the concrete structure — that is not void space to fill.
  • Disposal cost includes loading, transport, tipping fees, and environmental levies — confirmed with disposal contractor.
  • Site access for excavation plant (excavator, backhoe loader) and spoil removal trucks was confirmed before work starts.
  • Stockpiled spoil is located away from the excavation edge — surcharge load can cause bank collapse.
✓Safety+
  • Excavation deeper than 1.5m has a rescue plan and is never entered by a lone worker.
  • Edge protection (barriers, tape, or hoarding) is in place around open excavations.
  • Excavation is inspected at the start of each working day and after rain for signs of instability.
  • Electrical supply to any services within 2m of the excavation was isolated before work began.
  • Excavated soil stockpiles and vehicle access routes do not obstruct emergency egress or existing services.
  • Weather forecast was checked before starting or continuing excavation — heavy rain changes soil stability and may require work to stop.
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.

Related Calculators & Guides

Rectangular Excavation CalculatorOpen the related calculator and verify the current project inputs.

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.