TryBuildCalcRectangular Excavation Verification Checklist
🕒 Last updated: June 22, 2026
Essential Checklist+−
Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.
✓16 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.
✓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 per IS 3764.
- 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.
✓22 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.
✓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 per IS 3764.
- 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 (JCB, poclain) 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.
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.